PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT among JM COX RESOURCES, L.P., ALPINE OIL COMPANY, and KELLY COX as Sellers and QEP ENERGY COMPANY as Buyer
among
XX XXX RESOURCES, L.P., ALPINE OIL COMPANY, and XXXXX XXX
as Sellers
and
QEP ENERGY COMPANY
as Buyer
July 26, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION | 1 | ||
1.1 | Defined Terms | 1 | |
1.2 | References and Rules of Construction | 21 | |
ARTICLE II PURCHASE AND SALE | 21 | ||
2.1 | Purchase and Sale | 21 | |
2.2 | Excluded Assets | 21 | |
2.3 | Revenues and Expenses | 21 | |
2.4 | Allocation, Payment and Distribution of Adjusted Purchase Price | 22 | |
ARTICLE III PURCHASE PRICE | 23 | ||
3.1 | Purchase Price | 23 | |
3.2 | Deposit | 23 | |
3.3 | Adjustments to Purchase Price | 23 | |
3.4 | Preliminary Settlement Statement | 25 | |
3.5 | Final Settlement Statement | 26 | |
3.6 | Disputes | 27 | |
3.7 | Allocation of Purchase Price/Allocated Values | 28 | |
3.8 | Allocation of Consideration for Tax Purposes | 28 | |
ARTICLE IV BUYER'S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING | 29 | ||
4.1 | Individual Seller Conditions | 29 | |
4.2 | Aggregate Seller Conditions | 29 | |
ARTICLE V SELLER'S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING | 30 | ||
5.1 | Representations | 30 | |
5.2 | Performance | 30 | |
5.3 | No Legal Proceedings | 30 | |
5.4 | Title Defects, Hard Consents, Preferential Rights to Purchase, Environmental Defects, and Casualty Losses | 30 | |
5.5 | Replacement Bonds | 30 | |
5.6 | Officer's Certificates | 30 | |
5.7 | Closing Deliverables | 31 | |
ARTICLE VI CLOSING | 31 | ||
6.1 | Date of Closing | 31 | |
6.2 | Place of Closing | 31 | |
6.3 | Closing Obligations | 31 | |
6.4 | Records | 32 | |
ARTICLE VII TERMINATION; DEFAULT AND REMEDIES | 32 | ||
7.1 | Right of Termination | 32 | |
7.2 | Effect of Termination | 33 | |
7.3 | Return of Documentation and Confidentiality | 34 |
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ARTICLE VIII ASSUMPTION; INDEMNIFICATION; SURVIVAL | 34 | ||
8.1 | Assumption by Buyer and Retention by Sellers | 34 | |
8.2 | Indemnities of each Seller | 35 | |
8.3 | Indemnities of Buyer | 36 | |
8.4 | Limitation on Liability | 37 | |
8.5 | Express Negligence | 37 | |
8.6 | Exclusive Remedy | 37 | |
8.7 | Indemnification Procedures | 38 | |
8.8 | Survival | 39 | |
8.9 | Waiver of Right to Rescission | 40 | |
8.10 | Insurance | 40 | |
8.11 | Waiver of Consequential Damages | 40 | |
8.12 | Indemnity Escrow | 41 | |
ARTICLE IX REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER | 42 | ||
9.1 | Organization, Existence and Qualification | 42 | |
9.2 | Authority, Approval and Enforceability | 42 | |
9.3 | No Conflicts | 42 | |
9.4 | Consents | 42 | |
9.5 | Bankruptcy | 43 | |
9.6 | Foreign Person | 43 | |
9.7 | Litigation | 43 | |
9.8 | Material Contracts | 43 | |
9.9 | No Material Violation of Laws | 44 | |
9.10 | Preferential Purchase Rights | 44 | |
9.11 | Burdens | 45 | |
9.12 | Imbalances/Payout Status | 45 | |
9.13 | Current Commitments | 45 | |
9.14 | Environmental | 45 | |
9.15 | Taxes | 45 | |
9.16 | Brokers' Fees | 46 | |
9.17 | Suspense Funds | 46 | |
9.18 | Advance Payments | 46 | |
9.19 | Properties | 46 | |
9.20 | Non-Consent Operations | 47 | |
9.21 | Permits | 47 | |
9.22 | Guarantees | 47 | |
9.23 | Xxxxx and Equipment | 47 | |
9.24 | Operator | 48 | |
9.25 | Condemnation | 48 | |
ARTICLE X REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER | 48 | ||
10.1 | Organization, Existence and Qualification | 48 | |
10.2 | Authority, Approval and Enforceability | 48 | |
10.3 | No Conflicts | 48 | |
10.4 | Consents | 49 |
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10.5 | Bankruptcy | 49 | |
10.6 | Litigation | 49 | |
10.7 | Financing | 49 | |
10.8 | Regulatory | 49 | |
10.9 | Independent Evaluation | 49 | |
10.10 | Brokers' Fees | 50 | |
10.11 | Accredited Investor | 50 | |
ARTICLE XI CERTAIN AGREEMENTS | 50 | ||
11.1 | Conduct of Business | 50 | |
11.2 | Operation of Assets After the Closing | 53 | |
11.3 | Employee Matters | 53 | |
11.4 | Governmental Bonds | 54 | |
11.5 | Exclusivity | 54 | |
11.6 | Revenues | 54 | |
11.7 | Financial Information | 55 | |
11.8 | Non-Competition | 56 | |
11.9 | Pending Transaction | 56 | |
ARTICLE XII ACCESS; DISCLAIMERS | 58 | ||
12.1 | Access | 58 | |
12.2 | Confidentiality | 60 | |
12.3 | Disclaimers | 60 | |
ARTICLE XIII TITLE MATTERS; CASUALTY; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS | 62 | ||
13.1 | Sellers' Title | 62 | |
13.2 | Notice of Title Defects; Defect Adjustments | 62 | |
13.3 | Casualty Loss | 69 | |
13.4 | Consents to Assign and Preferential Purchase Rights | 69 | |
ARTICLE XIV ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS | 71 | ||
14.1 | Notice of Environmental Defects | 71 | |
14.2 | NORM, Wastes and Other Substances | 74 | |
ARTICLE XV MISCELLANEOUS | 75 | ||
15.1 | Exhibits and Schedules | 75 | |
15.2 | Expenses and Taxes | 76 | |
15.3 | Assignment | 77 | |
15.4 | Interpretation | 77 | |
15.5 | Publicity | 77 | |
15.6 | Notices | 78 | |
15.7 | Seller's Representative | 80 | |
15.8 | Further Cooperation | 82 | |
15.9 | Filings, Notices and Certain Governmental Approvals | 83 | |
15.10 | Entire Agreement; Conflicts | 83 | |
15.11 | Parties in Interest | 83 |
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15.12 | Amendment | 84 | |
15.13 | Waiver; Rights Cumulative | 84 | |
15.14 | Conflict of Law Jurisdiction, Venue; Jury Waiver | 84 | |
15.15 | Severability | 85 | |
15.16 | Like-Kind Exchange | 85 | |
15.17 | Counterparts | 86 | |
15.18 | Waiver of Preferential Purchase Rights and Consents | 86 |
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LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES
EXHIBITS: | ||
Exhibit A | ¯ | Leases |
Exhibit A-1 | ¯ | Xxxxx (WI/NRI) and Allocated Values |
Exhibit A-2 | ¯ | Tracts (WI/NRI/Net Acres) and Allocated Values |
Exhibit A-3 | ¯ | Rights-of-Way |
Exhibit A-4 | ¯ | Pending Transaction Assets |
Exhibit A-5 | ¯ | Traded-Out Assets |
Exhibit B | ¯ | Contract Area |
Exhibit C | ¯ | Form of Assignment |
Exhibit D | ¯ | Form of Closing Certificate |
Exhibit E | ¯ | Target Formations |
Exhibit F | ¯ | Form of Transition Services Agreement |
SCHEDULES: | ||
Schedule 1.1 | ¯ | Seller Knowledge Persons |
Schedule 9.4 | ¯ | Consents |
Schedule 9.7 | ¯ | Litigation |
Schedule 9.8(a) | ¯ | Material Contracts |
Schedule 9.8(b) | ¯ | Material Contract Matters |
Schedule 9.9 | ¯ | Violation of Laws |
Schedule 9.10 | ¯ | Preferential Purchase Rights |
Schedule 9.11 | ¯ | Burdens |
Schedule 9.12(a) | ¯ | Imbalances |
Schedule 9.12(b) | ¯ | Payout Status |
Schedule 9.13 | ¯ | Current Commitments |
Schedule 9.14 | ¯ | Environmental |
Schedule 9.15 | ¯ | Asset Taxes |
Schedule 9.18 | ¯ | Advance Payments |
Schedule 9.19 | ¯ | Properties |
Schedule 9.20 | ¯ | Non-Consent Operations |
Schedule 9.21 | ¯ | Permits |
Schedule 9.22 | ¯ | Guarantees |
Schedule 9.23 | ¯ | Xxxxx & Equipment |
Schedule 11.1 | ¯ | Conduct of Business |
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This PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is executed as of July 26, 2017 (the “Execution Date”), by and among XX Xxx Resources, L.P., a Texas limited partnership (“XX Xxx”), Alpine Oil Company, a Texas corporation (“Alpine”), and Xxxxx Xxx (“Xxx”, and collectively with XX Xxx and Alpine, each individually, a “Seller” and collectively, the “Sellers” as the context requires), and QEP Energy Company, a Texas corporation (“Buyer”). Sellers and Buyer are referred to herein, individually as a “Party”, and collectively, as the “Parties”.
RECITALS
Each Seller desires to sell and assign to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase and acquire from each Seller, the entirety of such Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the Assets (as hereinafter defined) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the benefits to be derived by each Party hereunder, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Sellers and Buyer agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION
1.1 Defined Terms. Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.1, unless the context otherwise requires.
“Accounting Arbitrator” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.
“Adjusted Purchase Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.
“Advisor” shall have the meaning given in the definition of “Excluded Assets”.
“AFE” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.13.
“Affiliate” shall mean any Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, another Person. The term “control” and its derivatives with respect to any Person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph herein and includes the Exhibits and Schedules attached hereto.
“Allocable Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
“Allocated Value” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
“Allocation Schedule” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
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“Alpine” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
“Applicable Contracts” shall mean, as the context requires, as to (a) each Seller, or (b) all Sellers, collectively, all Contracts (i) to which any such Seller is a party (or is a successor or assign of a party), (ii) that pertain to any of the Assets and (iii) that will be binding on Buyer or any of the Assets after the Closing, but exclusive, in each case, of any master service agreements or similar Contracts or Debt Contracts.
“Assets” shall mean, with respect to each Seller, the entirety of such Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the following, in each case, less and except the Excluded Assets applicable to each such Seller:
(a)all of the oil, gas and/or mineral leases covering lands within the Contract Area, whether producing or non-producing, together with all leasehold interests, carried interests, reversionary interests, and other interests of a similar nature that are created thereby or attributable thereto, and the operating rights, Working Interests, Net Revenue Interests, and other rights to Hydrocarbons resulting therefrom, including all of the oil, gas and/or mineral leases described in Exhibit A (the “Leases”), together with any and all other rights, titles and interests of such Seller in and to the lands covered or burdened thereby (the “Lands”), and all other interests of such Seller of any kind or character in and to the Leases;
(b)all xxxxx (including all oil and gas xxxxx, water xxxxx, disposal xxxxx and injection xxxxx) located on any of the Leases or on any other lease or lands with which any Lease has been unitized, whether such xxxxx are producing, shut-in or abandoned (including the xxxxx set forth in Exhibit A-1, the “Xxxxx”);
(c)all rights and interests in, under or derived from all unitization or pooling agreements in effect with respect to any of the Leases, Lands or Xxxxx and the units created thereby (the “Units”);
(d)all Applicable Contracts applicable to such Seller, insofar as covering or relating to such Seller’s Assets;
(e)all Rights-of-Way applicable to such Seller, insofar as covering or relating to such Seller’s Assets, including the Rights-of-Way owned by any such Seller and set forth in Exhibit A-3;
(f)all equipment, machinery, fixtures and other personal and mixed property, operational and nonoperational, known or unknown, located on any of the Leases, Xxxxx, Units or other Assets, that are used or held for use in connection with the ownership, operation, production or development of such Leases, Xxxxx, Units or other Assets, including pipelines, gathering systems, well equipment, casing, tubing, pumps, gauges, valves, motors, fixtures, machinery, compression equipment, flow lines, water lines, heaters, processing, treating and separation facilities, automation systems including meters and related telemetry on such Xxxxx, power lines, telephone and communication lines, structures, materials and other items used in the ownership, operation or development of such Leases, Xxxxx, Units or other Assets (“Personal Property”);
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(g)all Hydrocarbons attributable to any such Seller’s Leases, Xxxxx and/or Units to the extent such Hydrocarbons were produced from and after the Effective Time;
(h)all Imbalances relating to any such Seller’s Assets;
(i)to the extent assignable or transferable by any such Seller, all Permits held by such Seller that are used or held in connection with the ownership or operation of such Seller’s other Assets;
(j)(i) a copy of all proprietary geophysical, seismic and related technical data of any such Seller or its respective Affiliates that primarily relate to the Leases, Xxxxx, Units or other Assets, and (ii) all non-proprietary geophysical, seismic and related technical data (in each case) that (A) are held by any such Seller or its respective Affiliates, (B) are transferable without payment of a fee or other penalty to any Third Party under any Contract (unless Buyer has separately agreed in writing to pay such fee or other penalty), and (C) primarily relate to the Leases, Xxxxx, Units or other Assets;
(k)complete and legible copies of all files, records and data (including electronic copies where available) that (i) primarily relate to the ownership, operation or development of any such Seller’s Assets described above, and (ii) that are in such Seller’s or its respective Affiliates’ possession, including: (A) land and title records (including abstracts of title, title opinions and title curative documents); (B) Applicable Contract files; (C) correspondence with a Third Party; (D) operations, environmental, health and safety, pipeline safety, production, accounting and Tax records (other than those relating to Income Taxes or that relate to such Seller’s businesses generally); and (E) facility and well records; provided, however, that those items referenced above in this sub-section (k) that are: (1) subject to a valid legal privilege or disclosure restrictions in favor of Third Parties (other than title opinions relating directly to the Assets); (2) not transferable without payment of additional consideration (and Buyer has not agreed in writing to pay such additional consideration); (3) internal correspondence or correspondence with such Seller’s Affiliates, including, without limitation, all emails on such Seller’s servers and networks; or (4) employee files, shall in each case, be excluded (the foregoing items, taking into account the exclusions listed above, collectively, the “Records”); and
(l)without limitation of the foregoing, all other rights, titles and interests of such Seller in and to the lands described on Exhibit B (the “Contract Area”), save and except the Excluded Assets of such Seller.
“Asset Taxes” shall mean ad valorem, property, sales, use, excise, severance, production or similar Taxes (including any interest, fine, penalty or additions to Tax imposed by a Governmental Authority in connection with such Taxes) based upon the operation or ownership of the Assets or the production of Hydrocarbons or receipt of proceeds therefrom but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, (a) Income Taxes and (b) Transfer Taxes.
“Assigned Rights” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.16.
“Assignment” shall mean an Assignment and Xxxx of Sale from Sellers to Buyer pertaining to the Assets and substantially in the form of Exhibit C.
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“Assumed Environmental Liabilities” shall mean all Liabilities and obligations (a) brought or assessed by any Persons relating to Environmental Conditions with respect to the Assets and (b) to properly plug and abandon any Xxxxx and to restore the surface estate of applicable lands burdened by the Leases or pooled therewith, whether arising before, on or after the Effective Time, but excluding with respect to both (a) and (b), the Retained Obligations.
“Assumed Obligations” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.
“Burdens” shall mean royalties, non-participating royalty interests, overriding royalties, production payments, carried interests, net profits interests, reversionary interests, back-in interests and all other burdens upon, measured by or payable out of production.
“Business Day” shall mean a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks in Texas are generally open for business.
“Buyer” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
“Buyer Indemnified Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
“Buyer’s Auditor” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.7.
“Buyer’s Representatives” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.1(a).
“Casualty Loss” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.3.
“Claim” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.7(b).
“Claim Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.7(b).
“Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.
“Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.
“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Confidentiality Agreement” shall mean that certain Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2017, between XX Xxx and Buyer.
“Contract” shall mean any written: contract; agreement; agreement regarding indebtedness; indenture; debenture; note, bond or loan; collective bargaining agreement; mortgage; license agreement; farmin and/or farmout agreement; participation, exploration or development agreement; crude oil, condensate or natural gas purchase and sale, gathering, processing, transportation or marketing agreement; operating agreement; balancing agreement; unitization agreement; facilities or equipment lease; production handling agreement; or other similar contract, but in each case specifically excluding, however, any Lease, Right-of-Way, Permit or other instrument creating or evidencing an interest in any Asset or any real property related to or used or held for use in connection with the operation of any Asset.
“Contract Area” shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Assets”.
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“Controlled Group Liabilities” shall mean any and all liabilities of any Seller or any of its ERISA Affiliates (a) under Title IV of ERISA, (b) under Sections 206(g), 302 or 303 of ERISA, (c) under Sections 412, 430, 431, 436 or 4971 of the Code, (d) as a result of the failure to comply with the continuation of coverage requirements of Section 601 et seq. of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code, and (e) under corresponding or similar provisions of any foreign Laws.
“Cooperating Seller” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.7.
“Cox” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
“Cure Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(c).
“Customary Post-Closing Consents” shall mean the consents and approvals from Governmental Authorities for the assignment of the Assets to Buyer that are customarily obtained after such assignment of properties similar to the Assets.
“Debt Contract” shall mean any indenture, debenture, deed of trust, mortgage, bond, loan, credit or sale-leaseback or similar agreement entered into by any Seller or its Affiliates creating indebtedness on the part of such Seller or its Affiliates for borrowed money or the deferred purchase price of property acquired by any Seller or its Affiliates.
“Defensible Title” shall mean, with respect to each Seller, such title of such Seller to the Leases, the Lands and the Xxxxx in which it owns an interest that, as of the Effective Time and as of the Closing Date, exclusive of the Excluded Assets, but subject to the Permitted Encumbrances:
(a)entitles such Seller to receive, during the entirety of the productive life of each Tract in which it owns an interest (as set forth in Exhibit A-2), not less than the Net Revenue Interest for (i) each Target Formation in each Tract as set forth in Exhibit A-2, and (ii) each Well (limited to any presently producing formations) as set forth in Exhibit A-1, except (A) for decreases in connection with those operations in which such Seller or its successors or assigns may, from and after Closing, be a non-consenting co-owner, (B) for decreases resulting from the establishment or amendment, from and after the Execution Date, of actual pools or units to the extent such establishment or amendment is permitted under Section 11.1, (C) for decreases required to allow other Working Interest owners to make up past underproduction or pipelines to make up past under deliveries, in each case, only to the extent listed on Schedule 9.12(a), (D) for decreases occurring after the Execution Date as a result of the operation of continuous development and partial termination provisions in such Seller’s Leases, but only to the extent such decreases do not result from any breach by any Seller of the terms of this Agreement or of the applicable Lease, and (E) as otherwise expressly set forth in Exhibits A‑1 or A-2, as applicable;
(b)obligates such Seller to bear, during the entirety of the productive life of each Tract in which it owns an interest (as set forth in Exhibit A-2), not more than the Working Interest for (i) each Target Formation in each Tract as set forth in Exhibit A-2, and (ii) each Well (limited to any presently producing formations) as set forth in Exhibit A‑1, except (A) for increases resulting from contribution requirements with respect to defaulting co-owners under applicable operating agreements, (B) for increases to the extent that they are accompanied by a proportionate increase
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in such Seller’s Net Revenue Interest in the relevant Target Formation for any such Tract or in any such Well, (C) for increases resulting from the establishment or amendment, from and after the Execution Date, of actual pools or units to the extent such establishment or amendment is permitted under Section 11.1, and (D) as otherwise expressly set forth in Exhibits A-1 or A-2, as applicable;
(c)entitles such Seller to a number of Net Acres in each Target Formation for each Tract in which such Seller owns an interest (as set forth in Exhibit A-2) that is not less than the “Seller Net Acres” set forth in Exhibit A-2 with respect to each Target Formation for each such Tract, in each case, throughout the duration of the productive life of each such Tract in which such Seller owns an interest (as set forth in Exhibit A-2, as applicable) to the extent included in the applicable Target Formation;
(d)entitles such Seller’s ownership of any applicable Net Acres in each applicable Target Formation set forth on Exhibit A-2 for any Tract identified on Exhibit A-2 to cover not less than the percentage of vertical interval in such applicable Target Formation as listed on Exhibit A-2; and
(e)is free and clear of Encumbrances.
“Deposit” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.
“Dispute Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
“Effective Time” shall mean 7:00 a.m. (Prevailing Central Time) on the first day of the month preceding the month in which Closing occurs; provided that, with respect to any Pending Transaction Asset acquired by Buyer pursuant to Section 11.9, the “Effective Time” shall mean 7:00 a.m. (Prevailing Central Time) on the later of (a) the first day of the calendar month preceding the month in which the closing of such acquisition by Buyer pursuant to Section 11.9 occurs and (b) the effective time of the transaction pursuant to which Sellers acquired such Pending Transaction Asset from the Pending Transaction Counterparty.
“Employee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(a).
“Employee Benefit Plan” shall mean (a) each “employee benefit plan,” as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA and (b) each personnel policy, equity option plan, equity appreciation rights plan, restricted equity plan, phantom equity plan, equity based compensation arrangement, bonus plan or arrangement, incentive award plan or arrangement, vacation policy, severance pay plan, policy or agreement, deferred compensation agreement or arrangement, executive compensation or supplemental income arrangement, consulting agreement, employment agreement, retention agreement, change of control agreement and each other employee benefit plan, agreement, arrangement, program, practice or understanding that is not described in clause (a) above.
“Encumbrance” shall mean any lien, mortgage, security interest, pledge, charge, or similar encumbrance.
“Environmental Arbitrator” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14.1(f).
“Environmental Claim Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14.1(a).
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“Environmental Condition” shall mean (a) a condition with respect to the air, soil, subsurface, surface waters, ground waters and/or sediments that causes Sellers or any Affiliate of Sellers not to be in material compliance with any Environmental Law or could reasonably be expected to result in any material Liability thereunder or (b) the existence, with respect to the Assets or the operation thereof, of any condition, environmental pollution, contamination or degradation where Remediation is presently required (or if known or confirmed, would be presently required) under Environmental Laws.
“Environmental Defect” shall mean any Environmental Condition with respect to an Asset that is not set forth on Schedule 9.14.
“Environmental Defect Deductible” shall mean 1.5% of the unadjusted Purchase Price.
“Environmental Defect Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14.1(a).
“Environmental Defect Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14.1(a).
“Environmental Laws” shall mean all applicable Laws in effect as of the Effective Time relating to the environment (including natural resources), health and safety, Hazardous Materials, industrial hygiene, the environmental conditions on, under, or about any of the Assets, including soil, groundwater, and indoor and ambient air conditions or the reporting or remediation of environmental contamination and includes, without limitation, any Law the purpose of which is to conserve or protect the environment, health and safety, wildlife or natural resources. The term “Environmental Laws” does not include good or desirable operating practices or standards that may be voluntarily employed or adopted by other oil and gas well operators or recommended, but not required, by a Governmental Authority.
“ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“ERISA Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any entity, trade or business that is a member of a group described in Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b)(l) of ERISA that includes such Person, or that is a member of the same “controlled group” as such Person pursuant to Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA.
“Escrow Agent” shall mean Xxxxx Fargo Bank, N.A.
“Escrow Agreement” shall mean the escrow agreement by and among Escrow Agent, Buyer, and Seller’s Representative, entered into as of the Execution Date.
“Escrow Termination Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.12.
“Exchanging Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.16.
“Excluded Assets” shall mean, with respect to each Seller, the following listed items, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Assets attributable to such Seller shall not
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include, and there is excepted, reserved and excluded from the sale contemplated by this Agreement, the following listed items:
(a)all royalty interests of any type, including without limitation, all non-participating royalty interests and overriding royalty interests of such Seller in, to, or under the Leases, the Xxxxx, the Lands and/or the lands included within the Contract Area (such Seller’s “Retained Burdens”);
(b)all trade credits and all accounts, accounts receivable, checks, funds, promissory notes, instruments and general intangibles (as those terms are defined in the Texas Uniform Commercial Code) attributable to the Assets with respect to any period of time prior to the Effective Time, in each case, except to the extent relating to any Assumed Obligation;
(c)all claims of such Seller for, and rights of such Seller to, refunds of or loss carryovers with respect to (i) any Asset Taxes paid by such Seller that are attributable to any taxable period, or portion thereof, ending on or before the Effective Time, (ii) any of such Seller’s Taxes with respect to the Excluded Assets, or (iii) amounts (other than Taxes) paid by such Seller in connection with such Seller’s Assets to the extent attributable to the period prior to the Effective Time, including refunds of amounts paid under any Hydrocarbon gathering or transportation agreement;
(d)all proceeds, income, royalties or revenues attributable to (i) such Seller’s Assets for any period prior to the Effective Time or (ii) any of such Seller’s other Excluded Assets;
(e)all Hydrocarbons produced from or attributable to such Seller’s Assets with respect to all periods prior to the Effective Time, together with all proceeds from the sale of those Hydrocarbons, in each case, except to the extent the Purchase Price is adjusted therefor pursuant to Section 3.3(a)(i);
(f)all of such Seller’s proprietary or licensed computer software, technology, patents, trade secrets, copyrights, names, trademarks, logos and other intellectual property;
(g)all documents and instruments of such Seller (other than title opinions) (i) that are subject to a valid attorney-client, work product or other privilege; (ii) prepared by or for counsel of such Seller; or (iii) received from any financial, commercial or legal advisor of such Seller (with respect to any Seller, each, an “Advisor”);
(h)all (i) agreements and correspondence between such Seller or any of such Seller’s Affiliates and any Advisor relating to the transactions contemplated in this Agreement; (ii) lists of prospective purchasers for those transactions compiled by such Seller or any of such Seller’s Affiliates or any Advisor; (iii) bids submitted by other prospective purchasers of such Seller’s Assets; (iv) analyses by such Seller or any of such Seller’s Affiliates or any Advisor of any bids submitted by any prospective purchaser; (v) correspondence between such Seller or any of such Seller’s Affiliates or any Advisor, or any of their respective representatives, and any prospective purchaser other than Buyer; and (vi) correspondence between such Seller or any of such Seller’s Affiliates or any Advisor or any of their respective representatives with respect to any of the bids, the prospective purchasers, the engagement or activities of any Advisor, or the transactions contemplated in this Agreement;
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(i)all data and other information that may not be disclosed or assigned to Buyer by such Seller as a result of confidentiality or similar arrangements in favor of Third Parties under Contracts with Third Parties, even if such data or other information is inadvertently disclosed or provided to Buyer (in which case Buyer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly return such data or information to Seller’s Representative);
(j)all audit rights arising under any of such Seller’s Applicable Contracts or otherwise with respect to any period prior to the Effective Time or to any of such Seller’s Excluded Assets, except to the extent that such audit rights relate to any Assumed Obligation;
(k)all corporate, partnership and limited liability company financial and Income Tax books, accounts, records and documents of such Seller or any of such Seller’s Affiliates that relate primarily to such Person’s business generally;
(l)all claims and causes of action of such Seller (i) arising from acts, omissions or events related to, or damage to or destruction of, the Assets, occurring prior to the Effective Time; (ii) arising under or with respect to any of the Applicable Contracts that are attributable to periods of time prior to the Effective Time (including claims for adjustments or refunds); or (iii) with respect to any of the Excluded Assets, in each case, except to the extent relating to any Assumed Obligation;
(m)all rights and interests of such Seller (i) under any policy or agreement of insurance or indemnity; (ii) under any bond; or (iii) to any insurance or condemnation proceeds or awards arising, in each case, from acts, omissions or events related to, or damage to or destruction of, the Assets occurring prior to the Effective Time;
(n)all amounts due or payable to such Seller as adjustments to insurance premiums related to such Seller’s Assets with respect to any period prior to the Effective Time;
(o)all Hedge Contracts held by such Seller and relating to such Seller’s Assets and all amounts resulting from derivative contracts or similar agreements used to manage oil, natural gas, products or other commodity prices whether deemed a hedge, non-hedge or ineffective hedge transaction;
(p)all security or other deposits made or attributable to such Seller’s (i) Assets for any period prior to the Effective Time; or (ii) Excluded Assets, in each case, except to the extent relating to any Assumed Obligation;
(q)all funds held in suspense accounts by any Third Party related to such Seller’s Assets for any period prior to the Effective Time;
(r)(i) all of such Seller’s vehicles, vessels, trailers, software, employees, computers and associated peripherals and (ii) except for well equipment and other equipment located on or used in connection with the Xxxxx, all radio, telephone and other communication equipment;
(s)all rights of such Seller under this Agreement or under any instruments executed and delivered by such Seller (or on such Seller’s behalf by the Seller’s Representative) in connection with Closing;
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(t)any records properly retained by such Seller pursuant to the exclusions set forth in sub-section (k) in the definition of “Assets”, including all of such Seller’s internal correspondence and correspondence with such Seller’s Affiliates, including, without limitation, all emails on such Seller’s servers and networks;
(u)such Seller’s area-wide bonds, operator’s well bonds, permits and licenses or other permits, licenses or authorizations used in the conduct of such Seller’s business generally;
(v)all items that would have constituted “Assets” as defined in Section 1.1 but for, and to the extent of, their being (i) used or held by such Seller solely in connection with such Seller’s Excluded Assets, or (ii) permanently excluded from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.1(c), Section 13.2(d)(ii), Section 13.4 or Section 14.1(c)(iii);
(w)any Pending Transaction Assets that are permanently excluded from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.9(e)(x); and
(x)any Traded-Out Assets, unless Buyer purchases such Traded-Out Assets pursuant to Section 11.9(e)(y).
“Execution Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
“Filings” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.7.
“Final Adjustment Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b).
“Final Payment Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b)(i).
“Final Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
“Final Settlement Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
“Fundamental Representations” shall mean the representations and warranties of Sellers set forth in Section 9.1, Section 9.2, Section 9.3, Section 9.5, Section 9.15 and Section 9.16.
“GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, consistently applied.
“Governmental Authority” shall mean any federal, state, local, municipal, tribal or other government; any governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, body or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory or taxing authority or power, and any court or governmental tribunal, including any tribal authority having or asserting jurisdiction.
“Guarantees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.22.
“Hard Consent” shall mean a consent by a Third Party that if not obtained prior to the assignment of an Asset, would (a) automatically void or nullify the assignment with respect to such Asset, (b) automatically terminate an applicable Seller’s interest in the Asset subject to such
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consent, (c) give the Third Party holding such consent the right to terminate the Lease, Applicable Contract, Right-of-Way, Permit or other Asset subject to consent under the express terms thereof, or (d) require the payment of any liquidated amounts as a result of such failure.
“Hazardous Substances” shall mean any pollutants, contaminants, toxics or hazardous or extremely hazardous substances, materials, wastes, constituents, compounds or chemicals that are regulated by, or may form the basis of any Liability under, any Environmental Laws, including NORM and other substances referenced in Section 14.2.
“Hedge Contract” shall mean any swap, forward, future or derivatives transaction or option or other similar hedge contract.
“Hire Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(b).
“Hydrocarbons” shall mean oil and gas and other hydrocarbons produced or processed in association therewith.
“Imbalances” shall mean, as the context requires, a Well Imbalance and/or a Pipeline Imbalance.
“Income Taxes” shall mean any income, capital gains, franchise, and similar Taxes.
“Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.7(a).
“Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.7(a).
“Indemnity Deductible” shall mean, with respect to each Seller, an amount equal to 1.5% of the aggregate Allocated Value of all Assets conveyed by such Seller to Buyer hereunder.
“Indemnity Escrow” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.
“Individual Environmental Defect Threshold” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14.1(e).
“Individual Title Threshold” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(i).
“Invasive Activities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.1(c).
“XX Xxx” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
“Knowledge” shall mean (a) with respect to a Seller that is an individual, the actual, present knowledge of such Seller, and (b) with respect to a Seller that is an entity, the actual, present knowledge of the Persons set forth on Schedule 1.1 that such Persons have or would have obtained after making reasonable inquiry of the employees of such Seller (and, if applicable, its Affiliates) having management responsibility for the fact or matter in question.
“Lands” shall, as the context requires, have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Assets” as it applies to (a) each Seller, or (b) the collective right, title and interest of all Sellers.
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“Law” shall mean any applicable statute, law (including common law), rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code, ruling, writ, injunction, decree or other official act of or by any Governmental Authority.
“Leases” shall, as the context requires, have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Assets” as it applies to (a) each Seller, or (b) the collective right, title and interest of all Sellers.
“Liabilities” shall mean any and all claims, causes of action, payments, charges, judgments, assessments, liabilities, losses, damages, penalties, fines and costs and expenses, including any attorneys’ fees, legal or other expenses incurred in connection therewith and including liabilities, costs, losses and damages for personal injury or death or property damage or environmental damage or remediation.
“Like-Kind Exchange” shall mean a simultaneous or deferred (forward or reverse) exchange allowed pursuant to Section 1031 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder or any applicable state or local tax Laws.
“Lower Spraberry Shale Formation” shall mean the stratigraphic equivalent of the geologic formation identified as “Lower Spraberry Shale Formation” by the measurements listed in Exhibit E, recognizing that the actual depth will vary across the Contract Area.
“Material Contract” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.8(a).
“Middle Spraberry Shale Formation” shall mean the stratigraphic equivalent of the geologic formation identifed as “Middle Spraberry Shale Formation” by the measurements listed in Exhibit E, recognizing that the actual depth will vary across the Contract Area.
“Net Acre” shall mean, as computed separately with respect to each Seller’s interest in each Target Formation for each Tract, (a) the number of gross acres in the lands covered by such Tract insofar as they relate to such Target Formation, multiplied by (b) the interest in the Hydrocarbons covered by the Leases comprising such Tract insofar as they relate to such Target Formation, multiplied by (c) such Seller’s undivided Working Interest in such Tract insofar as it relates to such Target Formation.
“Net Revenue Interest” shall mean, with respect to each applicable Target Formation for each Tract or with respect to each Well (limited to any presently producing formations), the decimal interest in and to all Hydrocarbons produced, saved and sold from or allocated to such applicable Target Formation for such Tract or such Well (limited to any presently producing formations), after giving effect to all applicable Burdens.
“NORM” shall mean naturally occurring radioactive material.
“Operated Assets” shall mean all Assets operated by any Seller or any Affiliate of any Seller.
“Operating Expenses” shall mean the following types of direct expenses to the extent attributable to the Assets and incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices: operating expenses (including Asset Taxes, as allocated pursuant to Section 15.2(b) and all insurance premiums or any other costs of insurance attributable to Sellers’ and/or their Affiliates’
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insurance and to coverage periods from and after the Effective Time but excluding in all cases, all costs and expenses of bonds, letters of credit or other surety instruments) and capital expenditures incurred in the ownership and operation of the Assets in the ordinary course of business and, where applicable, in accordance with the relevant operating or unit agreement, if any, and overhead costs charged to the Assets under the relevant operating agreement or unit agreement, if any, but excluding Liabilities attributable to (a) obligations to plug xxxxx and dismantle or decommission facilities, (b) the Remediation of any Environmental Condition under applicable Environmental Laws, (c) obligations to pay Working Interest, Burden or other interest owners revenues or proceeds attributable to sales of Hydrocarbons relating to the Assets, including those held in suspense, (d) personal injury or death, property damage or violation of any Law, and (e) obligations with respect to Imbalances.
“Outside Date” shall mean noon (Prevailing Central Time) on November 23, 2017.
“Party” and “Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
“Pending Transaction” shall mean the potential acreage swap between Sellers and the Pending Transaction Counterparty which includes a sale by the Pending Transaction Counterparty of the assets set forth in Exhibit A-4 in Xxxxxx County, Texas in exchange for a sale by Sellers of the assets set forth in Exhibit A-5 in Xxxxxx County, Texas.
“Pending Transaction Access Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.9(a).
“Pending Transaction Assets” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.9(a).
“Pending Transaction Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.9(a).
“Pending Transaction Counterparty” shall mean Sellers’ counterparty in the Pending Transaction.
“Pending Transaction Documentation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.9(a).
“Permit” shall mean any permits, licenses, authorizations, registrations, consents or approvals granted or issued by any Governmental Authority.
“Permitted Encumbrances” shall mean:
(a)the terms and conditions of all Leases and all Burdens; provided that the net cumulative effect of such Leases and Burdens does not operate to (i) reduce the aggregate Net Revenue Interest of any Seller in any Target Formation for any Tract or in any Well to an amount less than the Net Revenue Interest set forth in Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-1, as applicable, with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such Well, (ii) obligate any Seller to bear a Working Interest with respect to the Target Formation in any Tract or with respect to any Well in any amount greater than the Working Interest set forth in Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-1, as applicable, with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such Well (unless as a result of such same terms and conditions the Net Revenue Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such
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Well is greater than the Net Revenue Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such Well as set forth in Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-1, as applicable, in the same proportion as any increase in such Working Interest), (iii) reduce the aggregate number of Net Acres of any Seller in any Tract to an amount less than the “Seller Net Acres” set forth in Exhibit A-2, as applicable, with respect to such Target Formation and such Tract, (iv) reduce any Seller’s leasehold interest as to any applicable Target Formation for any Tract, except to the extent of any depth restriction or depth severance specifically described on Exhibit A-2, as applicable, or (v) materially impair the ownership, operation, development, production or use of any of the Assets as currently or reasonably anticipated to be owned, operated, developed, produced, or used;
(b)the terms and conditions of the Rights-of-Way included in the Assets, to the extent, individually or in the aggregate, such rights would not reasonably be expected to materially impair the ownership, operation, development, production or use of any of the Assets as currently owned, operated, developed, produced, or used;
(c)consents to assignment (but excluding Hard Consents);
(d)liens for Taxes not yet due or delinquent;
(e)Customary Post-Closing Consents and any required notices to, or filings with, Governmental Authorities in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(f)to the extent not yet triggered, conventional rights of reassignment upon final intention to abandon or release any of the Assets;
(g)easements, conditions, covenants, restrictions, servitudes, permits, rights-of-way, surface leases and other rights in the Assets for the purpose of operations, facilities, pipelines, transmission lines, transportation lines, distribution lines and other like purposes, or for the joint or common use of rights-of-way, facilities and equipment, to the extent, individually or in the aggregate, such rights would not reasonably be expected to materially impair the ownership, operation, development, production or use of any of the Assets as currently or reasonably anticipated to be owned, operated, developed, produced, or used;
(h)vendor’s, carrier’s, warehousemen’s, repairmen’s, mechanics’, workmen’s, materialmen’s, construction or other like liens arising by operation of Law in the ordinary course of business or incident to the construction or improvement of any property in respect of obligations which are not yet due or delinquent;
(i)liens created under Applicable Contracts that are operating agreements or by operation of Law in respect of obligations that are not yet due or delinquent, to the extent, individually or in the aggregate, such rights would not reasonably be expected to materially impair the ownership, operation, development, production or use of any of the Assets as currently owned, operated, developed, produced, or used;
(j)any Encumbrance affecting the Assets that is discharged to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction at or prior to Closing;
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(k)the terms and conditions of any Material Contracts listed on Schedule 9.8(a); provided that such Material Contracts do not (i) materially impair the use, ownership, development, production or operation of the Assets as currently or as reasonably anticipated to be used, owned, developed, produced or operated, (ii) reduce the aggregate Net Revenue Interest of any Seller in any Target Formation for any Tract or in any Well to an amount less than the Net Revenue Interest set forth in Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-1, as applicable, with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such Well, (iii) obligate any Seller to bear a Working Interest with respect to the Target Formation in any Tract or with respect to any Well in any amount greater than the Working Interest set forth in Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-1, as applicable, with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such Well (unless the Net Revenue Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such Well is greater than the Net Revenue Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such Well as set forth in Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-1, as applicable, in the same proportion as any increase in such Working Interest), (iv) reduce the aggregate number of Net Acres of any Seller in any Tract to an amount less than the “Seller Net Acres” set forth in Exhibit A-2, with respect to such Target Formation and such Tract, or (v) reduce any Seller’s leasehold interest as to any applicable Target Formation for any Tract, except to the extent of any depth restriction or depth severance specifically described on Exhibit A-2, as applicable;
(l)all other Encumbrances, defects and irregularities of title affecting any of the Assets that do not (i) materially impair the use, ownership, development, production or operation of the Assets as currently or as reasonably anticipated to be used, owned, developed, produced or operated, (ii) reduce the aggregate Net Revenue Interest of any Seller in any Target Formation for any Tract or in any Well to an amount less than the Net Revenue Interest set forth in Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-1, as applicable, with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such Well, (iii) obligate any Seller to bear a Working Interest with respect to the Target Formation in any Tract or with respect to any Well in any amount greater than the Working Interest set forth in Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-1, as applicable, with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such Well (unless the Net Revenue Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such Well is greater than the Net Revenue Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or such Well as set forth in Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-1, as applicable, in the same proportion as any increase in such Working Interest), (iv) reduce the aggregate number of Net Acres of any Seller in any Tract to an amount less than the “Seller Net Acres” set forth in Exhibit A-2 with respect to such Target Formation and such Tract, or (v) reduce any Seller’s leasehold interest as to any applicable Target Formation for any Tract, except to the extent of any depth restriction or depth severance specifically described on Exhibit A-2, as applicable; and
(m)all other Encumbrances where a claim, or cause of action, for same would be barred or resolved by the applicable statute of limitations.
“Person” shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority or any other entity.
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“Personal Property” shall, as the context requires, have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Assets” as it applies to (a) each Seller, or (b) the collective right, title and interest of all Sellers.
“Pipeline Imbalance” shall mean any marketing imbalance between the quantity of Hydrocarbons attributable to (a) any Seller’s Assets that are required to be delivered by such Seller under any Applicable Contract or applicable Law, in each case, relating to the purchase and sale, gathering, transportation, storage, processing or marketing of Hydrocarbons, and (b) such Seller’s Assets that are actually delivered by such Seller pursuant to the relevant Applicable Contract or applicable Law, together with any appurtenant rights and obligations concerning production balancing at the delivery point into the relevant sale, gathering, transportation, storage or processing facility.
“Post-Closing Tax Return” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.2(c).
“Pre-Closing Tax Return” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.2(c).
“Preferential Purchase Right” shall mean each preferential purchase right, right of first refusal or similar right pertaining to any Seller’s interest in any Asset that is triggered by the transactions contemplated hereby.
“Preliminary Settlement Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.
“Prevailing Central Time” shall mean central standard time or central daylight time in effect where the Assets are located.
“Proceeding” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.7.
“Purchase Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a).
“Records” shall, as the context requires, have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Assets” as it applies to (a) each Seller, or (b) the collective right, title and interest of all Sellers.
“Records Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.7.
“Remediation” shall mean, with respect to an Environmental Condition, the minimum commercially reasonable response required or allowed under Environmental Laws that addresses and resolves (for current and future use in the same manner as being currently used) the identified Environmental Condition in a safe and prudent manner.
“Remediation Amount” shall mean, with respect to an Environmental Condition, the cost net to Sellers’ interest of the Remediation of such Environmental Condition; provided, however, that “Remediation Amount” shall not include (a) expenses for matters that are ordinary costs of doing business regardless of the presence of an Environmental Condition (e.g., those costs that would ordinarily be incurred in the day-to-day operations of the Assets), or (b) overhead costs of Buyer and/or its Affiliates, or (c) costs and expenses that would not have been required under Environmental Laws as they exist on the Execution Date to remediate or otherwise cure such Environmental Defect in the most cost effective manner reasonably available and consistent with common industry practices.
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“Retained Burdens” shall, as the context requires, have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Excluded Assets” as it applies to (a) each Seller, or (b) the collective right, title and interest of all Sellers.
“Retained Employee-Related Liabilities” shall mean all Liabilities that are attributable to, associated with or related to, or that arise out of or in connection with (a) any Employee Benefit Plan or any other employee benefit or compensation plan, program or arrangement sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any Seller or any of its ERISA Affiliates or to which any Seller or any of its ERISA Affiliates was obligated to contribute at any time on or prior to the Closing, including all Controlled Group Liabilities; (b) the employment or engagement of any individual who does not become a Transferred Employee, including all Liabilities arising at any time with respect to any act or omission or other practice arising from or relating to an employment or independent contractor relationship or the termination thereof and (c) the employment or engagement of a Transferred Employee to the extent existing or arising on or prior to such Transferred Employee’s Hire Date.
“Retained Obligations” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
“Rights-of-Way” shall mean, as the context requires, (a) a single Seller’s, or (b) all of Sellers’, collectively, permits, licenses, servitudes, easements, surface use agreements, fee surface, surface leases and rights-of-way used or held for use in connection with the ownership or operation of the Assets, other than Permits.
“Scheduled Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.
“Securities Act” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.7.
“Seller” and “Sellers” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
“Seller Indemnified Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.3.
“Seller Taxes” shall mean (a) all Income Taxes imposed by any applicable laws on any Seller, any of its direct or indirect owners or Affiliates, or any combined, unitary, or consolidated group of which any of the foregoing is or was a member, (b) Asset Taxes allocable to the Sellers pursuant to Section 15.2(b) (taking into account, and without duplication of, (i) such Asset Taxes effectively borne by the Sellers as a result of the adjustments to the Purchase Price made pursuant to Section 3.3, Section 3.4 or Section 3.5, as applicable, and (ii) any payments made from one Party to the other in respect of Asset Taxes pursuant to Section 15.2(b)), (c) any Taxes imposed on or with respect to the ownership or operation of the Excluded Assets or that are attributable to any asset or business of Sellers that is not part of the Assets and (d) any and all Taxes (other than the Taxes described in clauses (a), (b) or (c) of this definition) imposed on or with respect to the ownership or operation of the Assets for any Tax period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Effective Time.
“Seller’s Representative” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.7(b).
“Straddle Period” shall mean any Tax period beginning before and ending after the Effective Time.
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“Subject Marketing Agreements” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.9(a).
“Suspense Funds” shall mean, as the context requires, as to (a) each Seller, or (b) all Sellers, collectively, all amounts held in suspense by any such Seller that are attributable to such Seller’s Assets.
“Target Formations” shall mean, collectively, the Middle Spraberry Shale Formation, the Lower Spraberry Shale Formation, the Wolfcamp A Formation, and the Wolfcamp B Formation, and each, individually, a “Target Formation”.
“Tax” or “Taxes” shall mean (a) all taxes, assessments, duties, levies, imposts or other similar charges imposed by a Governmental Authority, including all income, franchise, profits, capital gains, capital stock, transfer, gross receipts, sales, use, transfer, service, occupation, ad valorem, property, excise, severance, production, windfall profit, premium, stamp, license, payroll, employment, social security, unemployment, disability, environmental (including taxes under Code Section 59A), alternative minimum, add-on, value-added, withholding (including backup withholding) or other similar charges of any kind whatsoever (whether payable directly or by withholding and whether or not requiring the filing of a Tax Return), and all estimated taxes, deficiency assessments, additions to tax, additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority, penalties and interest, and (b) any liability in respect of any item described in clause (a) above that arises by reason of a contract, assumption, transferee or successor liability, operation of Law (including by reason of being a member of a consolidated, combined or unitary group) or otherwise.
“Tax Returns” shall mean any report, return, election, document, estimated Tax filing, declaration or other filing provided to any Taxing Authority, including any schedules and amendments thereto.
“Taxing Authority” shall mean, with respect to any Tax, the Governmental Authority that imposes such Tax, and the Governmental Authority (if any) charged with the collection of such Tax, including any Governmental Authority that imposes, or is charged with collecting, social security or similar charges or premiums.
“Third Party” shall mean any Person other than a Party to this Agreement or an Affiliate of a Party to this Agreement.
“Title Arbitrator” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(k).
“Title Benefit” shall mean any right, circumstance or condition existing as of the Effective Time or immediately prior to Closing that operates to increase the aggregate Net Revenue Interest of any Seller in any Target Formation in any Tract or in any Well above that shown for such Target Formation for such Tract or for such Well in Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-1, as applicable, to the extent the same does not cause a greater than proportionate increase in such Seller’s Working Interest in such Target Formation in such Tract or in such Well above that shown in Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-1, as applicable.
“Title Benefit Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(e).
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“Title Benefit Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(b).
“Title Benefit Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(b).
“Title Claim Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(a).
“Title Deductible” shall mean, with respect to each Seller, an amount equal to 1.5% of the aggregate Allocated Value of all Assets to be conveyed by such Seller to Buyer hereunder.
“Title Defect” shall mean any Encumbrance or other matter, or series of related Encumbrances or other matters, in each case, that causes any Seller not to have Defensible Title with respect to such Seller’s Assets; provided that the following shall not be considered Title Defects:
(a)any absence or lack of, or any limitations or restrictions upon, the legal right, authority or ability, if any, of such Seller to drill a well across the boundary, or closer than permitted by applicable spacing regulations to the boundary, of any Tract;
(b)defects based solely on lack of information in such Seller’s files unless such information is not available to Buyer from a source other than Seller;
(c)an Encumbrance created under a deed of trust, mortgage or similar instruments by the grantor under a Right-of-Way that would customarily be accepted by a reasonably prudent oil and gas operator or reasonably prudent pipeline owner in taking or purchasing such Rights-of-Way;
(d)defects or irregularities arising out of a lack of evidence of, or other defects with respect to, authorization, execution, delivery or acknowledgment of documents, or a variation in name, unless such matter should reasonably be expected to result in (or Buyer presents evidence of) another Person’s superior claim of title to the relevant Asset;
(e)defects or irregularities that have been cured or remedied by the applicable statutes of limitation and statutes for prescription;
(f)defects or irregularities in the chain of title consisting of the failure to recite marital status in documents or omissions of heirship proceedings, unless such matter should reasonably be expected to result in (or Buyer presents evidence of) another Person’s superior claim of title to the relevant Asset;
(g)lack of a survey, unless a survey is required by Law; or
(h)failure of the records of any Governmental Authority to reflect such Seller as the owner of an interest in a Lease; provided that (i) the instruments evidencing an assignment of such interest in such Lease to such Seller is recorded in the real property records of the applicable county, and (ii) such failure would not be a violation of any applicable Law.
“Title Defect Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(g).
“Title Defect Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(a).
“Title Defect Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(a).
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“Tract” shall mean each area of land designated as such on Exhibit A-2.
“Traded-Out Asset Access Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.9(e)(i).
“Traded-Out Assets” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.9(a).
“Transaction Documents” shall mean this Agreement and all documents executed and delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement.
“Transfer Taxes” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.2(b).
“Transferred Employee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(b).
“Transition Services Agreement” shall mean a Transition Services Agreement, by and between Buyer and XX Xxx, substantially in the form of Exhibit F.
“Treasury Regulations” shall mean the regulations promulgated by the United States Department of the Treasury pursuant to and in respect of provisions of the Code. All references herein to sections of the Treasury Regulations shall include any corresponding provision or provisions of succeeding, similar, substitute, proposed or final Treasury Regulations.
“Units” shall, as the context requires, have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Assets” as it applies to (a) each Seller, or (b) the collective right, title and interest of all Sellers.
“Xxxxx” shall, as the context requires, have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Assets” as it applies to (a) each Seller, or (b) the collective right, title and interest of all Sellers.
“Well Imbalance” shall mean any imbalance at the wellhead between the (a) amount of Hydrocarbons produced from a Well and allocable to the interest of a Seller therein and (b) the shares of production from the relevant Well to which such Seller is entitled, together with any appurtenant rights and obligations concerning future in kind and/or cash balancing at the wellhead.
“Willful Breach” means, with respect to any Party, such Party knowingly and intentionally breaches in any material respect (by refusing to perform or taking an action prohibited) any material covenant applicable to such Party.
“Wolfcamp A Formation” shall mean the stratigraphic equivalent of the geologic formation identified as “Wolfcamp A Formation” by the measurements listed in Exhibit E, recognizing that the actual depth will vary across the Contract Area.
“Wolfcamp B Formation” shall mean the stratigraphic equivalent of the geologic formation identified as “Wolfcamp B Formation” by the measurements listed in Exhibit E, recognizing that the actual depth will vary across the Contract Area.
“Working Interest” shall mean, with respect to any applicable Target Formation for any Tract or with respect to any Well (limited to any presently producing formations), the decimal interest in and to such applicable Target Formation for such Tract or such Well (limited to any presently producing formations) that is burdened with the obligation to bear and pay costs and expenses of maintenance, development and operations on or in connection with such applicable
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Target Formation for such Tract or such Well (limited to any presently producing formations), but without regard to the effect of any Burdens.
1.2References and Rules of Construction. The captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. All references in this Agreement to Exhibits, Schedules, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding Exhibits, Schedules, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of or to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement, and shall be disregarded in construing the language hereof. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and “hereof,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section, subsection or other subdivision unless expressly so limited. The words “this Article,” “this Section” and “this subsection,” and words of similar import, refer only to the Article, Section or subsection hereof in which such words occur. Wherever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limiting the foregoing in any respect.” Unless expressly provided to the contrary, the word “or” is not exclusive. All references to “$” or “dollars” shall be deemed references to United States dollars. Each accounting term not defined herein will have the meaning given to it under GAAP as interpreted as of the Execution Date. Pronouns in masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms and titles (including terms defined herein) in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The words “shall” and “will” are used interchangeably throughout this Agreement and shall accordingly be given the same meaning, regardless of which word is used.
ARTICLE II
PURCHASE AND SALE
2.1Purchase and Sale. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Seller agrees to sell and assign to Buyer, and Buyer agrees to purchase and acquire from each Seller, the entirety of such Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the Assets (save and except, for the avoidance of doubt, all of such Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the Excluded Assets).
2.2 Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding Section 2.1, each Seller reserves and retains all of such Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the Excluded Assets.
2.3Revenues and Expenses. Each Seller shall be entitled to all of the rights of ownership attributable to such Seller’s interest in the Assets (including the right to all production, proceeds of production and other proceeds) and shall remain responsible for such Seller’s Operating Expenses, in each case, attributable to the period of time prior to the Effective Time. Subject to the occurrence of the Closing, Buyer shall be entitled to all of the rights of ownership attributable to the Assets (including the right to all production, proceeds of production and other proceeds), and shall be responsible for all Operating Expenses, in each case, from and after the Effective Time. Subject to
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Section 15.2(b), all Operating Expenses that are: (a) incurred with respect to operations conducted or production prior to the Effective Time shall be paid by or allocated to Sellers, and (b) incurred with respect to operations conducted or production from and after the Effective Time shall be paid by or allocated to Buyer. After Closing, Buyer and the Seller’s Representative, on behalf of the applicable Sellers, shall be entitled to participate in all joint interest audits and other audits of Operating Expenses for which any applicable Party is entirely or in part responsible under the terms of this Section 2.3.
2.4Allocation, Payment and Distribution of Adjusted Purchase Price.
a.Each Seller shall be entitled to receive its pro rata portion of the Adjusted Purchase Price based on (x) the Allocated Value of such Seller’s interest in the Assets as set forth in Exhibits A-1 or A-2, as applicable, (y) such Seller’s relative interests in the Assets and (z) the extent to which Title Defects, Title Benefits, Environmental Defects or other matters (in respect of which adjustments are required to be made to the Purchase Price) affect such Seller’s interests in the Assets. All such determinations shall be made in good faith by Seller’s Representative in its sole but reasonable discretion in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including Section 15.7.
b.Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, all payments payable hereunder to any Seller shall be paid to the Seller’s Representative.
c.The Seller’s Representative shall represent all Sellers for all purposes of this Agreement and shall act as payment agent for all Sellers for purposes of this Agreement. The Seller’s Representative shall be solely responsible for allocating and distributing to each Seller such Seller’s pro rata portion of the Adjusted Purchase Price net of all costs to be borne by such Seller pursuant to this Agreement (as provided in this Agreement). Any payments made by or on behalf of Buyer to the Seller’s Representative shall, for all purposes herein, satisfy Buyer’s obligations to pay such portion of the Adjusted Purchase Price to Sellers or remit such amounts to Sellers, as applicable.
Subject to the provisions of Section 15.7 (including Section 15.7(h)), promptly after its receipt of payment of the Adjusted Purchase Price hereunder (including the amount thereof (as determined pursuant to this Agreement) payable at Closing and any subsequent adjustments thereto), Seller’s Representative shall remit to each Seller such Seller’s pro rata portion thereof (pursuant to wire transfer instructions designated in advance by such Seller to Seller’s Representative in writing). Buyer shall have no (i) duty to determine or confirm the correctness of any such allocation or to confirm that Seller’s Representative properly remits any amounts payable hereunder to the applicable Sellers pursuant to this Agreement, or (ii) Liability whatsoever with respect to the same; it being understood that Seller’s Representative shall be solely responsible for such determinations and allocations among, and distributions to, such Sellers in accordance with this Agreement and that all such determinations, allocations and distributions shall be made in good faith by Seller’s Representative in its sole but reasonable discretion in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE III
PURCHASE PRICE
3.1Purchase Price.
(a)The Parties agree that the aggregate purchase price for the entirety of the Assets shall be Seven Hundred Thirty-Two Million, One Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty Dollars ($732,112,660) (the “Purchase Price”).
(b)The Purchase Price shall be further adjusted in accordance with this Agreement and the Adjusted Purchase Price resulting therefrom shall be payable by Buyer to Seller’s Representative on behalf of Sellers at Closing by wire transfer in same day funds to the bank accounts designated by Seller’s Representative in the Preliminary Settlement Statement.
3.2Deposit. Buyer shall deposit an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the Purchase Price by wire transfer in same day funds with Escrow Agent on the Execution Date (such amount deposited with the Escrow Agent, together with any interest and earnings thereon, the “Deposit”). In the event the Closing occurs, the Deposit shall be credited against the Adjusted Purchase Price to be paid by Buyer at Closing, and the Deposit shall be retained in the escrow account established with Escrow Agent to satisfy amounts that may be owed by Sellers to Buyer after Closing with respect to the indemnities of Sellers under this Agreement as provided in Section 8.12. Such amount retained in the escrow account following the Closing, together with any interest and earnings thereon, shall be referred to as the “Indemnity Escrow”.
3.3 Adjustments to Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be adjusted as follows, and the resulting amount shall be herein called the “Adjusted Purchase Price”:
(a)The Purchase Price shall be collectively adjusted upward by the aggregate of the following amounts as they relate to each Seller (without duplication):
(i)an amount equal to the value of all (A) Hydrocarbons attributable to such Seller’s interest in the Assets that are in pipelines or in tanks above the pipeline sales connection, in each case, as of the Effective Time, plus (B) the unsold inventory of salable gas products attributable to such Seller’s interest in the Assets as of the Effective Time, in each case such value to be based upon the contract price in effect for such Seller as of the Effective Time (or if no such contract is in effect, the market value in the area as of the Effective Time), less amounts payable by such Seller as royalties, overriding royalties and other burdens upon, measured by or payable out of such production;
(ii)an amount equal to all Operating Expenses (other than overhead costs which are covered in Section 3.3(a)(v) below and Asset Taxes) paid by such Seller or its respective Affiliates that are attributable to such Seller’s ownership or operation of the Assets from and after
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the Effective Time up to Closing, including to the extent actually paid by such Seller prior to the Closing (A) royalties or other burdens upon, measured by or payable out of proceeds of production, (B) rentals and other lease maintenance payments, and (C) costs of Lease renewals and/or extensions of the Leases;
(iii)the amount of all Asset Taxes prorated to Buyer in accordance with Section 15.2(b) but paid or otherwise economically borne by such Seller (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Asset Taxes that were withheld or deducted from the gross amount paid or payable to such Seller in connection with a transaction to which Section 3.3(b)(i) applies, and therefore were taken into account in determining the “proceeds received” by such Seller for purposes of applying Section 3.3(b)(i) with respect to such transaction);
(iv)to the extent that such Seller’s interest in any of the Xxxxx is underproduced with respect to any Hydrocarbons as of the Effective Time, in each case, as set forth on Schedule 9.12(a), the sum of: (A) with respect to gaseous Hydrocarbons, an amount equal to the product of (1) the underproduced volumes set forth on Schedule 9.12(a), multiplied by (2) $3.00/MMBtu; and (B) with respect to liquid Hydrocarbons, an amount equal to the product of (1) the underproduced volumes set forth on Schedule 9.12(a), multiplied by (2) $50.00/Bbl;
(v)an amount equal to all amounts attributable to overhead, and charged to such Seller’s interest pursuant to an applicable joint operating agreement or other operating arrangement covering such Seller’s interest in the Xxxxx, in each case, only to the extent relating to the period of time between and including the Effective Time and the Closing Date, with such amount prorated to the extent of any partial months;
(vi)an amount equal to all payout balances existing as of the Effective Time for “non-consent” interests for which such Seller is entitled to receive revenue from the production of a Well allocable to such non-consent interest until all recoverable costs are recouped from such Well, a schedule of such balances as of March 1, 2017 is set forth on Schedule 9.12(b); and
(vii)any other amount provided for elsewhere in this Agreement or otherwise agreed upon by Seller’s Representative and Buyer with respect to such Seller.
(b)The Purchase Price shall be collectively adjusted downward by the aggregate of the following amounts as they relate to each Seller (without duplication):
(i)an amount equal to all gross proceeds received by such Seller or its respective Affiliates that are attributable to such Seller’s ownership or operation of the Assets from and after the Effective Time up to Closing, including the sale of Hydrocarbons produced from such Seller’s interest in the Assets or allocable thereto, net of any sales, excise or similar Taxes in connection therewith not reimbursed to such Seller or its respective Affiliates, as applicable, by a Third Party;
(ii)subject to Section 14.1(e), if Buyer makes the election under (A) Section 14.1(c)(i) with respect to any uncured Environmental Defect, the Remediation Amount with respect to such Environmental Defect, or (B) Section 14.1(c)(iii) with respect to any uncured
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Environmental Defect, the Allocated Value attributable to the assets excluded from the transactions contemplated hereby with respect to such Environmental Defect;
(iii)subject to Section 13.2(i), if Buyer makes the election under (A) Section 13.2(d)(i) with respect to any uncured Title Defect, the Title Defect Amount with respect to such Title Defect, or (B) Section 13.2(d)(ii) with respect to any uncured Title Defect, the Allocated Value attributable to the assets excluded from the transactions contemplated hereby with respect to such Title Defect;
(iv)the Allocated Value of any Assets excluded from the Closing or the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to Section 12.1(c), Section 13.2(c), Section 13.2(k), Section 13.4, Section 14.1(b) or Section 14.1(f);
(v)the amount of any adjustments pursuant to Section 13.3;
(vi)the amount of all Asset Taxes prorated to such Seller in accordance with Section 15.2(b) but paid or economically borne by Buyer;
(vii)to the extent that such Seller’s interest in any of the Xxxxx is overproduced with respect to any Hydrocarbons as of the Effective Time, in each case, as set forth on Schedule 9.12(a), the sum of: (A) with respect to gaseous Hydrocarbons, an amount equal to the product of (1) the overproduced volumes set forth on Schedule 9.12(a), multiplied by (2) $3.00/MMBtu; and (B) with respect to liquid Hydrocarbons, an amount equal to the product of (1) the overproduced volumes set forth on such Seller’s Schedule 9.12(a), multiplied by (2) $50.00/Bbl;
(viii)the amount of any adjustments pursuant to Section 11.9; and
(ix)any other amount provided for elsewhere in this Agreement or otherwise agreed upon by Seller’s Representative and Buyer.
For purposes of allocation and distribution of the Adjusted Purchase Price among Sellers, adjustments to the Purchase Price shall be applied against or credited to, as the case may be, the affected individual Seller’s interests as determined by Seller’s Representative in its sole but reasonable good faith discretion in accordance with this Agreement. Except as specifically provided in Section 3.7, Buyer shall have no obligation to allocate the Purchase Price (including any adjustments thereto) among the Sellers.
3.4 Preliminary Settlement Statement. Not less than five Business Days prior to the Closing, Seller’s Representative shall prepare and submit to Buyer for review a draft settlement statement (the “Preliminary Settlement Statement”) that shall set forth the Adjusted Purchase Price, reflecting each adjustment made in accordance with this Agreement as of the date of preparation of such Preliminary Settlement Statement and the itemized calculation and reasonable supporting documentation of the adjustments used to determine such amount, together with the designation of Seller’s Representative’s accounts for the wire transfers of funds and other applicable information set forth in Section 2.4. The Preliminary Settlement Statement shall also set forth the Seller’s Representative’s good faith allocation of the portion of the Adjusted Purchase Price payable at the Closing among Sellers, and shall provide wiring instructions for the Seller’s Representative. Within three Business Days of receipt of the Preliminary Settlement Statement, Buyer will deliver to Seller’s
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Representative a written report containing all changes (including the explanations therefor) that Buyer proposes to be made to the Preliminary Settlement Statement, which report, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not challenge or address any allocation of the Adjusted Purchase Price among the Sellers that was proposed by the Seller’s Representative. The Preliminary Settlement Statement, as agreed upon by the Parties, will be used to set the Adjusted Purchase Price at Closing; provided that if Buyer and Seller’s Representative do not agree upon an adjustment set forth in the Preliminary Settlement Statement, then the amount of such adjustment used to adjust the Adjusted Purchase Price at Closing shall be the amount proposed by Seller’s Representative in the Preliminary Settlement Statement originally delivered by the Seller’s Representative to Buyer pursuant to this Section 3.4.
3.5 Final Settlement Statement.
(a)On or before 120 days after the Closing, a final settlement statement (the “Final Settlement Statement”) will be prepared by Seller’s Representative based on actual income and expenses during the period from and after the Effective Time until Closing and which takes into account all final adjustments made to the Purchase Price and shows the resulting final Adjusted Purchase Price. Buyer shall cooperate with Seller’s Representative and use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly furnish to Seller’s Representative all information in Buyer’s possession relevant to preparation of the Final Settlement Statement upon written request. The Final Settlement Statement shall set forth the actual proration of amounts as may be required by this Agreement. The Final Settlement Statement shall also set forth the Seller’s Representative’s allocation of the Final Adjusted Amount among Sellers, and, if needed, shall provide wiring instructions for the Seller’s Representative. As soon as practicable, and in any event within 45 days after receipt of the Final Settlement Statement, Buyer shall return to Seller’s Representative a written report containing any proposed changes to the Final Settlement Statement and an explanation of any such changes and the reasons therefor (the “Dispute Notice”), which Dispute Notice, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not challenge or address any allocation of the Adjusted Purchase Price among the Sellers that was proposed by the Seller’s Representative. Buyer’s failure to deliver to Seller’s Representative a Dispute Notice detailing proposed changes to the Final Settlement Statement by such date shall be deemed to be an acceptance by Buyer of the Final Settlement Statement delivered by Seller’s Representative and any changes to the Final Settlement Statement as initially prepared by Seller’s Representative that are proposed or requested by Buyer and not included in the Dispute Notice shall be deemed waived, and Seller’s Representative’s determinations with respect to all such adjustments in the Final Settlement Statement that are not addressed in the Dispute Notice shall prevail. Upon delivery of a Dispute Notice, Buyer and the Seller’s Representative will promptly meet to discuss the contents thereof and attempt to come to agreement upon the disputed items contained therein (other than any allocation of the Adjusted Purchase Price among the Sellers, which allocation shall be the sole purview of the Seller’s Representative). If the final Adjusted Purchase Price set forth in the Final Settlement Statement is mutually agreed upon by Seller’s Representative and Buyer or deemed agreed pursuant to the foregoing (or determined by the Accounting Arbitrator pursuant to Section 3.6), the Final Settlement Statement (except, for the avoidance of doubt, as it relates to any adjustments for Asset Taxes), such final Adjusted Purchase Price as agreed by the Seller’s Representative and the Buyer (or as determined by the Accounting Arbitrator) and such allocation among Sellers (as agreed by the Seller’s Representative) (collectively, the “Final Price”), shall be final and binding on the Parties.
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(b)Any difference in the Adjusted Purchase Price as paid at Closing pursuant to the Preliminary Settlement Statement and the Final Price (such amount, the “Final Adjustment Amount”) shall be paid as follows:
(i)If the Final Adjustment Amount is owed by Buyer to Sellers, then, on or before the date that is 10 days following agreement or deemed agreement (or determination by the Accounting Arbitrator, as applicable) (such date, the “Final Payment Date”), the Buyer shall pay the applicable amount to the Seller’s Representative, in accordance with the applicable allocation agreed to (or determined) as part of the Final Price. For the avoidance of doubt, all amounts owing to Sellers from Buyer pursuant to this Section 3.5 shall be payable to the Seller’s Representative as payment agent for the Sellers, to the accounts provided in writing by such Seller’s Representative in the Final Settlement Statement, which shall in turn be distributed by the Seller’s Representative to the Sellers as provided in Section 2.4.
(ii)If the Final Adjustment Amount is owed by Sellers to Buyer, then, on or before the Final Payment Date, the Seller’s Representative (for any such Seller that is required to pay Buyer pursuant to this Section 3.5(b)(ii)) shall pay Buyer the Final Adjustment Amount.
(iii)In addition, on or before the Final Payment Date, each Seller shall transfer to Buyer all Suspense Funds held by such Seller.
(iv)All amounts paid or transferred pursuant to this Section 3.5 shall be delivered in United States currency by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account or accounts specified in writing by Buyer or the Seller’s Representative, as applicable.
3.6 Disputes. If Seller’s Representative and Buyer are unable to resolve any matters addressed in the Dispute Notice within 25 Business Days after the delivery of such Dispute Notice, then any of Buyer or Seller’s Representative shall have the right to invoke the dispute resolution provisions of this Section 3.6 with respect to such disputed matters by delivering written notice to the Seller’s Representative or Buyer, as applicable. Within 10 Business Days after any such Person has invoked the provisions of this Section 3.6, Buyer, on the one hand, and Seller’s Representative, on the other hand, shall summarize its position with regard to such dispute in a written document of 20 pages or less and submit such summaries to the Houston, Texas office of Deloitte LLP or if Deloitte LLP refuses to serve, KPMG LLP, and if KPMG LLP refuses to serve, such other Person as Buyer and the Seller’s Representative may mutually select (the “Accounting Arbitrator”), together with the Dispute Notice, the Final Settlement Statement and any other documentation such Party may desire to submit. Within 20 Business Days after receiving such Persons’ respective submissions, the Accounting Arbitrator shall render a decision choosing either the Seller’s Representative’s position or Buyer’s position with respect to each matter addressed in any Dispute Notice, based on the materials described above. Any decision rendered by the Accounting Arbitrator pursuant hereto shall be final, conclusive and binding on Sellers and Buyer and will be enforceable against any of the Parties in any court of competent jurisdiction. The costs of such Accounting Arbitrators shall be borne one-half by Buyer and one-half by the Seller’s Representative. In the event that both Deloitte LLP and KPMG LLP decline to serve as the Accounting Arbitrator and Buyer and Seller’s Representative are unable to mutually agree on the replacement Accounting Arbitrator, then the Accounting Arbitrator shall be selected by the appointing authority of the Dallas, Texas office of the American Arbitration Association.
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3.7 Allocation of Purchase Price / Allocated Values. Buyer and each Seller agree that the unadjusted Purchase Price shall be allocated among each Seller and each Seller’s interest in the Assets as set forth in Exhibits A-1 or A-2, as applicable. The “Allocated Value” for (a) any Seller’s interest in any Asset equals the portion of the unadjusted Purchase Price allocated to such Seller’s interest in Exhibits A-1 or A‑2, as applicable, and (b) all Sellers’ interests in any Asset equals the aggregate portions of the unadjusted Purchase Price allocated to such Asset in Exhibits A-1 or A-2, as applicable. The Parties also agree that such Allocated Values shall be used in calculating adjustments to the Purchase Price as provided herein. Buyer and Sellers also agree (i) that the Allocated Values, as so adjusted, shall be used by Sellers and Buyer as the basis for reporting asset values and other items for purposes of this Section 3.7, and (ii) that neither they nor their Affiliates will take positions inconsistent with such Allocated Values in notices to Governmental Authorities, in notices to Preferential Purchase Right holders or in other documents or notices relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
3.8 Allocation of Consideration for Tax Purposes. Sellers and Buyer agree that the Purchase Price, as adjusted, and other amounts treated for U.S. federal income Tax purposes as consideration for a sale transaction (to the extent known at such time) (collectively, the “Allocable Amount”) shall be allocated among the various Assets in accordance with Section 1060 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and, to the fullest extent allowed by applicable Laws, in a manner consistent with the Allocated Values. The initial draft of such allocations shall be prepared by Buyer and shall be provided to the Seller’s Representative no later than 60 days after Closing for the Seller’s Representative’s review and approval, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld (as adjusted, the “Allocation Schedule”). The Allocation Schedule shall be updated to reflect any adjustments to the Allocable Amount. The allocation of the Allocable Amount shall be reflected on a completed Internal Revenue Service Form 8594 (Asset Acquisition Statement under Section 1060), which Form will be timely filed separately by Sellers and Buyer with the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to the requirements of Section 1060(b) of the Code. Sellers and Buyer agree not to take any position inconsistent with the allocations set forth in the Allocation Schedule unless required by applicable Law or with the consent of the other Parties; provided, however, that neither Party shall be unreasonably impeded in its ability and discretion to negotiate, compromise and/or settle any Tax audit, claim or similar proceedings in connection with such allocation. The Parties further agree that the allocations set forth on the Allocation Schedule will represent reasonable estimates of the fair market values of the Assets described therein.
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ARTICLE IV
BUYER'S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
4.1 Individual Seller Conditions. The obligations of Buyer to consummate the transactions provided for herein with respect to each Seller are subject, at the option of Buyer, to the fulfillment by each Seller, or waiver by Buyer, on or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:
(a)Representations. Each of the representations and warranties of such Seller set forth in Article IX (i) that are qualified by the term “material” or contain terms such as “material adverse change,” “material adverse effect” or other terms or Dollar amounts of similar import or effect (whether or not capitalized) shall be true and correct as of the Execution Date and the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made on and as of those dates, and (ii) that are not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Execution Date and the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made on and as of those dates.
(b)Performance. Such Seller shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all obligations, agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement as to which performance or compliance by such Seller is required prior to or at the Closing Date.
(c)Closing Certificates. Each Seller shall have executed and delivered a closing certificate to Buyer that (i) is dated as of the Closing Date, (ii) is substantially in the form of Exhibit D attached hereto, and (iii) certifies that the conditions set forth in Section 4.1(a) and Section 4.1(b) have been fulfilled with respect to such Seller.
(d)Closing Deliverables. Each Seller shall be ready, willing and able to deliver to Buyer at the Closing the documents and items required to be delivered by such Seller under Section 6.3.
4.2 Aggregate Seller Conditions. The obligations of Buyer to consummate the transactions provided for herein with respect to all Sellers, in the aggregate, are subject, to the fulfillment by each Seller, or, at the option of Buyer, waiver by Buyer, on or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:
(a)Title Defects, Hard Consents, Preferential Rights to Purchase, Environmental Defects and Casualty Losses. With respect to all Sellers, the sum of (i) all Title Defect Amounts for Title Defects for which Buyer has elected the remedy under Section 13.2(d)(i), plus (ii) all Title Defect Amounts that have been applied to reduce the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 13.2(k), plus (iii) all Remediation Amounts for Environmental Defects for which Buyer has elected the remedy under Section 14.1(c)(i), plus (iv) the Allocated Values of all assets excluded from the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to Section 12.1(c), Section 13.2(c), Section 13.2(d)(ii), Section 14.1(b), Section 14.1(c)(iii), Section 14.1(f) or Section 13.4, plus (v) the amount of any Purchase Price adjustment that Buyer would be entitled to pursuant to Section 13.3, minus (vi) the sum of all Title Benefit Amounts that, individually, exceed the Individual Title Threshold,
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shall, in the aggregate of the items described in subparts (i) through (vi) above, be less than 15% of the unadjusted Purchase Price.
(b)No Legal Proceedings. No material suit, action or other proceeding by any Third Party shall be pending before any Governmental Authority (i) seeking to restrain, prohibit, enjoin or declare illegal the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) seeking substantial damages in connection with, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
ARTICLE V
SELLER'S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
The obligations of Sellers to consummate the transactions provided for herein are subject to the fulfillment by Buyer or, at the option of Seller’s Representative, waiver by Seller’s Representative, on or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:
5.1 Representations. Each of the representations and warranties of Buyer set forth in Article X shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Execution Date and the Closing Date as though made on and as of those dates.
5.2 Performance. Buyer shall have materially performed or complied with all obligations, agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement as to which performance or compliance by Buyer is required prior to or at the Closing Date.
5.3 No Legal Proceedings. No material suit, action or other proceeding by any Third Party shall be pending before any Governmental Authority (a) seeking to restrain, prohibit or declare illegal the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (b) seeking substantial damages in connection with, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.4 Title Defects, Hard Consents, Preferential Rights to Purchase, Environmental Defects, and Casualty Losses. The sum of (a) all Title Defect Amounts for Title Defects for which Buyer has elected the remedy under Section 13.2(d)(i), plus (b) all Title Defect Amounts that have been applied to reduce the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 13.2(k), plus (c) all Remediation Amounts for Environmental Defects for which Buyer has elected the remedy under Section 14.1(c)(i), plus (d) the Allocated Values of all assets excluded from the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to Section 12.1(c), Section 13.2(c), Section 13.2(d)(ii), Section 14.1(b), Section 14.1(c)(iii), Section 14.1(f) or Section 13.4, plus (e) the amount of any Purchase Price adjustment that Buyer would be entitled to pursuant to Section 13.3, minus (f) the sum of all Title Benefit Amounts that, individually, exceed the Individual Title Threshold, shall, in the aggregate of the items described in subparts (a) through (f) above, be less than 15% of the unadjusted Purchase Price.
5.5 Replacement Bonds. Buyer shall have obtained, in the name of Buyer, replacements for Sellers’ and/or their Affiliates’ bonds, letters of credit and guarantees.
5.6 Officer’s Certificates. Buyer shall have executed and delivered an officer’s certificate to Seller’s Representative that (a) is dated as of the Closing Date, (b) is substantially in
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the form of Exhibit D attached hereto, and (c) certifies that the conditions set forth in Section 5.1 and Section 5.2 have been fulfilled with respect to Buyer.
5.7 Closing Deliverables. Buyer shall be ready, willing and able to deliver to Sellers at the Closing the documents and items required to be delivered by Buyer under Section 6.3.
ARTICLE VI
CLOSING
6.1 Date of Closing. Subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the sale by Sellers and the purchase by Buyer of the Assets pursuant to this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall occur on or before 9:00 a.m. (Prevailing Central Time) on October 24, 2017 (the “Scheduled Closing Date”). The Scheduled Closing Date may be changed to such other date and time as Buyer and Seller’s Representative may agree upon in writing; provided that if the conditions to Closing in Article IV and Article V have not yet been satisfied or waived by the Scheduled Closing Date, then the Closing shall occur five Business Days after such conditions have been satisfied or waived. The date Closing actually occurs shall be the “Closing Date”.
6.2 Place of Closing. The Closing shall be held at the offices of Xxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxx LLP, located at 000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 00000, or at such other place and in such other manner as Buyer and Seller’s Representative may agree.
6.3 Closing Obligations. At the Closing, the following documents shall be delivered and the following events shall occur, the execution of each document and the occurrence of each event being a condition precedent to the others and each being deemed to have occurred simultaneously with the others:
(a)Each Seller and Buyer shall execute, acknowledge and deliver the Assignment in sufficient counterparts to facilitate recording in the applicable counties where such Assets are located.
(b)If applicable, each Seller and Buyer shall execute and deliver assignments, on appropriate forms, of state and other Leases of Governmental Authorities included in such Seller’s Assets in sufficient counterparts to facilitate filing with the applicable Governmental Authorities.
(c)Seller’s Representative and Buyer shall execute and acknowledge the Preliminary Settlement Statement.
(d)Each Seller shall, as applicable, deliver executed letters in lieu of transfer orders, as prepared by Seller’s Representative and in form reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, directing all purchasers of production to make payment to Buyer of proceeds attributable to production from the Assets from and after the Effective Time, for delivery by Buyer to the purchasers of production.
(e)Buyer shall deliver to Seller’s Representative, to the accounts and in the amounts as designated in the Preliminary Settlement Statement, by direct bank or wire transfer in
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same day funds, an aggregate amount equal to (i) the Adjusted Purchase Price (as calculated by the Preliminary Settlement Statement) less (ii) the Deposit.
(f)Buyer and XX Xxx shall execute and deliver the Transition Services Agreement.
(g)With respect to Xxxxx of which any Seller or its Affiliate is the designated operator, such Seller or its Affiliate shall execute and deliver to Buyer: (i) a validly executed blanket transfer of P-4s designating Buyer as operator of the Xxxxx with the Texas Railroad Commission, and (ii) any other forms or documents required to reflect such Seller’s or its Affiliate’s resignation as operator under any applicable operating agreements.
(h)Seller’s Representative shall, or shall cause each Seller to, deliver executed releases and termination statements reasonably acceptable to Buyer with respect to any and all Encumbrances on the Assets incurred by any Seller or its Affiliates in connection with any Debt Contract affecting any Asset.
(i)Sellers and Buyer shall execute and deliver any other agreements, instruments and documents which are required by other terms of this Agreement to be executed and/or delivered at the Closing.
6.4 Records. In addition to the obligations set forth under Section 6.3 above, but notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no later than 10 Business Days following the Closing Date, each Seller shall make available to Buyer, at the offices of XX Xxx, located at 000 X. Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000, or at such other place as Buyer and Seller’s Representative may agree, the Records for pickup during normal business hours.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION; DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
7.1 Right of Termination. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:
(a)by the mutual written agreement of the Buyer and Seller’s Representative;
(b)by delivery of written notice from Seller’s Representative to Buyer if any portion of the Deposit is not deposited with the Escrow Agent as provided in Section 3.2;
(c)by delivery of written notice from Buyer to Seller’s Representative if any of the conditions set forth in Section 4.1 have not been satisfied (or waived by Buyer) by the Outside Date;
(d)by delivery of written notice from Seller’s Representative to Buyer if any of the conditions set forth in Article V (other than Section 5.3 or Section 5.4) have not been satisfied (or waived by Seller’s Representative) by the Outside Date;
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(e)by delivery of written notice from Seller’s Representative to Buyer, or from Buyer to Seller’s Representative, as applicable, if any of the conditions set forth in Section 5.3 or Section 4.2(b) have not been satisfied (or waived by Seller’s Representative or Buyer, as applicable) by the Outside Date; or
(f)by delivery of written notice from Seller’s Representative to Buyer, or from Buyer to Seller’s Representative, as applicable, if any of the conditions set forth in Section 5.4 or Section 4.2(a) have not been satisfied (or waived by Seller’s Representative or Buyer, as applicable) by the Outside Date;
provided, however, that neither Buyer nor Seller’s Representative on behalf of a Seller shall have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(c) or Section 7.1(d) if Buyer or such Seller are at such time in material breach of any provision of this Agreement.
7.2 Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to any provision of Section 7.1, then, except as provided in this Article VII and except for the provisions of Section 1.1, Section 1.2, Section 7.1, this Section 7.2, Section 7.3, Section 8.11, Section 9.16, Section 10.10, Section 12.1(d), Section 12.2, Section 12.3 and Article XV (other than Sections 15.2(b), 15.2(c), 15.8 and 15.9), this Agreement shall forthwith become void and of no further force or effect and the Parties shall have no liability or obligation hereunder.
(a)If Seller’s Representative has the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(d) because of (i) the Willful Breach by Buyer of this Agreement, or (ii) the failure of Buyer to close the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in the instance where, as of the Outside Date, (A) all of the conditions in Article IV (excluding conditions that, by their terms, cannot be satisfied until the Closing) have been satisfied (or waived by Buyer), (B) Sellers are ready, willing and able to perform their obligations under Section 6.3, and (C) Buyer nevertheless elects not to close the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, then, in either such event, Sellers’ sole and exclusive remedy shall be (1) to obtain specific performance as against Buyer; or (2) to (x) terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(d) and (y) receive the Deposit from Escrow Agent as liquidated damages, and not as a penalty, for such termination, free and clear of any claims thereon by Buyer, and, upon such termination, Seller’s Representative and Buyer shall instruct Escrow Agent to transfer the Deposit to the Seller’s Representative within five Business Days of the date this Agreement is terminated. The Parties agree that, the receipt of the Deposit shall be deemed to be liquidated damages and that such amount is reasonable considering all of the circumstances existing as of the Execution Date and constitute the Parties’ good faith estimate of the actual damages reasonably expected to result from such termination of this Agreement by Sellers and which remedy shall be the sole and exclusive remedy available to Sellers.
(b)If Buyer has the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(c) or Section 7.1(f) because of (i) the Willful Breach by any Seller of this Agreement, or (ii) the failure of any Seller to close the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in the instance where, as of the Outside Date, (A) all of the conditions in Article V (excluding conditions that, by their terms, cannot be satisfied until the Closing) have been satisfied (or waived by Seller’s Representative), (B) Buyer is ready, willing and able to perform its obligations under Section 6.3, and (C) such Seller nevertheless fails to close the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, then, in either such event of clauses (i) or (ii) above, Buyer shall have the right of specific performance as against such
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Seller. In the event that (1) such Seller shall be legally unable to provide specific performance, or (2) Buyer shall be unable to obtain such specific performance, after using its commercially reasonable efforts to do so, then in either such case Buyer may (x) terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(c) or Section 7.1(f), and (y) be entitled to recover Buyer’s actual damages from such Seller that are attributable to such Seller’s Willful Breach of this Agreement or failure to close the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Upon such termination, Buyer shall also be entitled to receive a return of the Deposit from Escrow Agent, free and clear of any claims thereon by Sellers, and Seller’s Representative and Buyer shall instruct Escrow Agent to return the Deposit to Buyer within five Business Days of the date this Agreement is terminated.
(c)If this Agreement is terminated for any reason other than as set forth in Section 7.2(a) or Section 7.2(b), then the Parties shall have no liability or obligation hereunder as a result of such termination, and Seller’s Representative and Buyer shall, within five Business Days of the date this Agreement is terminated, instruct Escrow Agent to return the Deposit to Buyer.
(d)Subject to the foregoing, upon the termination of this Agreement no Party shall have any other liability or obligation hereunder.
7.3 Return of Documentation and Confidentiality. Upon termination of this Agreement, Buyer shall return to Seller’s Representative all title, engineering, geological and geophysical data, environmental assessments and/or reports, maps, documents and other information furnished by or on behalf of any Seller to Buyer or any of its Affiliates or representatives (without retaining any copy thereof) and an officer of Buyer shall certify same to Seller’s Representative in writing.
ARTICLE VIII
ASSUMPTION; INDEMNIFICATION; SURVIVAL
8.1 Assumption by Buyer and Retention by Sellers. Without limiting Buyer’s rights to indemnity under this Article VIII, from and after the Closing, Buyer assumes and hereby agrees to fulfill, perform, pay and discharge (or cause to be fulfilled, performed, paid and discharged) all obligations and Liabilities, known or unknown, with respect to the Assets (other than the Retained Obligations), whether arising before, on or after the Effective Time, including, without limitation: (a) the Assumed Environmental Liabilities; (b) the obligation to furnish makeup gas and/or settle Imbalances according to the terms of applicable gas sales, processing, gathering or transportation Applicable Contracts included in the Assets; and (c) all obligations and Liabilities to (i) pay Working Interests, royalties, overriding royalties and other interest owners revenues or proceeds attributable to sales of Hydrocarbons, to the extent attributable to the Assets, other than those held in suspense for which Suspense Funds are transferred to Buyer pursuant to Section 3.5(b)(iii), and (ii) perform all obligations applicable to or imposed on the lessee, owner, or operator under the Leases and the Applicable Contracts, or as required by Laws (all of said obligations and Liabilities herein being referred to as the “Assumed Obligations”). Sellers shall retain and agree to fulfill, perform, pay
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and discharge (or cause to be fulfilled, performed, paid and discharged), and hereby release the Buyer Indemnified Parties with respect to, the Retained Obligations.
8.2 Indemnities of each Seller. Effective as of the Closing, subject to the limitations set forth herein (including those set forth in Sections 8.4, 8.6, 8.7 and 8.8), each Seller shall, severally and not jointly, be responsible for, shall pay on a current basis and hereby agrees to defend, indemnify, hold harmless and forever release Buyer and its Affiliates, and all of its and their respective partners, members, directors, officers, managers, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, “Buyer Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all Liabilities, arising from, based upon, related to or associated with:
(a)any breach by such Seller of any of its representations or warranties contained in Article IX or in the certificate delivered to Buyer by such Seller pursuant to Section 4.1(c);
(b)any breach by such Seller of any of its covenants or agreements under this Agreement or in the certificate delivered to Buyer by such Seller pursuant to Section 4.1(c);
(c)such Seller’s share of any the Liabilities described in Section 15.7;
(d)such Seller’s share of any Liabilities resulting from any personal injury or death relating to the Assets and occurring prior to Closing, it being recognized and agreed that, as between Sellers, nothing herein shall expand or limit exculpations of the operations Liability of any Seller serving as the operator of Assets under applicable operating agreements;
(e)such Seller’s share of any Liabilities resulting from Claims for property damage relating to the Assets and occurring prior to Closing, it being recognized and agreed that, as between Sellers, nothing herein shall expand or limit exculpations of the operations Liability of any Seller serving as the operator of Assets under applicable operating agreements;
(f)such Seller’s share of any Liabilities arising out of offsite disposal of Hazardous Substances generated on the Assets, or used on the Assets, in each case occurring prior to the Closing;
(g)any and all Seller Taxes of such Seller;
(h)such Seller’s failure to pay (or cause to be paid) all Burdens due by such Seller with respect to its interest in the Assets and attributable to periods prior to the Effective Time in accordance with applicable Law and the terms of the applicable Leases;
(i)any Contracts between such Seller and any Affiliate of such Seller that are attributable to periods of time prior to the Closing;
(j)the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Seller or any of its Affiliates in connection with its operations, prior to Closing, of the Assets in its capacity as operator thereof, in each case, to the extent the same are related to a Claim;
(k)any Proceeding set forth on Schedule 9.7;
(l)such Seller’s Excluded Assets;
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(m)such Seller’s failure to perform all obligations applicable to or imposed on such Seller under the Leases and the Applicable Contracts, or as required by Laws, in each case, (i) with respect to periods of time prior to the Effective Time, and (ii) excluding any Assumed Environmental Liabilities;
(n)such Seller’s failure to properly account for (or caused to be accounted for) any Imbalances or any Suspense Funds, in each case, attributable to periods of time prior to the Effective Time;
(o)all Retained Employee-Related Liabilities; and
(p)any claim against, or Liability of, such Seller (i) for any breach by such Seller of any of its representations or warranties contained in the Pending Transaction Documentation, (ii) for any breach by such Seller of any of its covenants or agreements under the Pending Transaction Documentation or (iii) arising out of or related to the corresponding Traded-Out Assets and the production therefrom arising before the effective time of the Pending Transaction, except to the extent such claim or Liability arises from the ownership or operation of the Pending Transaction Assets by Buyer following the closing of the acquisition by Buyer of such Pending Transaction Assets, if applicable, pursuant to Section 11.9.
The obligations described in subsections (d) through (p) of this Section 8.2 may be referred to herein collectively as such Seller’s “Retained Obligations.” For purposes of Section 8.2(c) through 8.2(f), a Seller’s “share” of any specified Liability shall be equal to (1) the aggregate amount of such specified Liability, multiplied by (2) a fraction, the (x) numerator of which shall be the portion of the Adjusted Purchase Price payable to such Seller pursuant to this Agreement (as determined by the Seller’s Representative in its sole discretion) and (y) denominator of which shall be the aggregate Adjusted Purchase Price.
8.3 Indemnities of Buyer. Effective as of the Closing, subject to the limitations set forth herein (including those set forth in Sections 8.4, 8.6, 8.7 and 8.8), Buyer and its successors and assigns shall assume, be responsible for, shall pay on a current basis and defend, indemnify, hold harmless and forever release Sellers and their respective Affiliates, and all of their respective partners, members, directors, officers, managers, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, “Seller Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all Liabilities arising from, based upon, related to or associated with:
(a)any breach by Buyer of any of its representations or warranties contained in Article X or in the certificate delivered to Seller’s Representative by Buyer pursuant to Section 5.6;
(b)any breach by Buyer of any of its covenants or agreements under this Agreement or in the certificate delivered to Seller’s Representative by Buyer pursuant to Section 5.6; and
(c)the Assumed Obligations.
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8.4 Limitation on Liability.
(a)No Seller shall have any liability for any indemnification under Section 8.2(a) (other than liabilities with respect to the breach by such Seller of any of its Fundamental Representations) (i) for any individual Liability unless the amount of such Liability exceeds $50,000 and (ii) until and unless the aggregate amount of all Liabilities for which Claim Notices are delivered by Buyer with respect to such Seller exceeds the Indemnity Deductible applicable to such Seller, and then only to the extent such Liabilities exceed such Indemnity Deductible.
(b)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no Seller shall be required to indemnify the Buyer Indemnified Parties under Section 8.2(a) (other than liabilities with respect to the breach by such Seller of any of its Fundamental Representations) for aggregate Liabilities in excess of 10% of the aggregated Allocated Value of all Assets sold by such Seller hereunder. Without prejudice to the other limitations contained herein, under no circumstances shall a Seller’s maximum indemnification obligations hereunder ever exceed an amount equal to the portion of the Adjusted Purchase Price actually received by such Seller.
(c)For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything seemingly to the contrary herein, the Liabilities of Sellers in connection with this Agreement are several and not joint in all respects.
8.5 Express Negligence. THE DEFENSE, INDEMNIFICATION, HOLD HARMLESS, RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF THE ASSUMED OBLIGATIONS PROVISIONS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE APPLICABLE WHETHER OR NOT THE LIABILITIES, LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES AND DAMAGES IN QUESTION AROSE OR RESULTED SOLELY OR IN PART FROM THE SOLE, ACTIVE, PASSIVE, CONCURRENT OR COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER FAULT OR VIOLATION OF LAW OF OR BY ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, BUYER SHALL HAVE NO OBLIGATION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT TO INDEMNIFY OR HOLD HARMLESS ANY SELLER INDEMNIFIED PERSON FOR ANY DAMAGES THAT ARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO, ARISE FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH, ARE BASED UPON, OR EXIST BY REASON OF THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF ANY SELLER INDEMNIFIED PERSON. BUYER AND SELLER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS STATEMENT COMPLIES WITH THE EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE RULE AND IS CONSPICUOUS.
8.6 Exclusive Remedy. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, from and after the Closing, Section 8.2, Section 8.3, Section 12.1(d), Section 13.1(b), Section 13.2(d), Section 13.2(e), Section 13.2(k), Section 14.1(c), Section 14.1(f), Section 15.7(e), Section 15.7(g) and each Seller’s special warranty of title in the Assignment contain the Parties’ sole and exclusive remedy against each other with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and the sale of the Assets, including breaches of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in the Assignment, after Closing, if an applicable Seller or Seller’s Representative demonstrates that Buyer received, pursuant to the Assignment (i) an aggregate Net
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Revenue Interest equal to the aggregate Net Revenue Interests of all Sellers for each Well or each applicable Target Formation in each Tract as set forth in Exhibits A-1 and A-2, (ii) an aggregate Working Interest equal to the aggregate Working Interests of all Sellers for each Well and each Target Formation in each Tract as set forth in Exhibits A-1 and A-2, and (iii) an aggregate number of Net Acres equal to the aggregate number of Net Acres of all Sellers in each Target Formation in each Tract as set forth in Exhibit A-2, then Buyer shall not have any remedy under the special warranty of title in the Assignment with respect to any claim related to a Net Revenue Interest, Working Interest or Net Acre deficiency.
8.7 Indemnification Procedures. All claims for indemnification under Section 8.2, Section 8.3, and Section 12.1(d) shall be asserted and resolved as follows:
(a)For purposes of this Article VIII, and Section 12.1(d), the term “Indemnifying Party” when used in connection with particular Liabilities shall mean the Party or Parties having an obligation to indemnify another Party or Parties with respect to such Liabilities pursuant to this Article VIII, or Section 12.1(d), and the term “Indemnified Party” when used in connection with particular Liabilities shall mean the Party or Parties having the right to be indemnified with respect to such Liabilities by another Party or Parties pursuant to Article VIII or Section 12.1(d).
(b)To make claim for indemnification under Section 8.2, Section 8.3, or Section 12.1(d), an Indemnified Party shall notify the Indemnifying Party of its claim under this Section 8.7, including the specific details of and specific basis under this Agreement for its claim (the “Claim Notice”). In the event that the claim for indemnification is based upon a claim by a Third Party against the Indemnified Party (a “Claim”), the Indemnified Party shall provide its Claim Notice promptly after the Indemnified Party has actual knowledge of the Claim and shall enclose a copy of all papers (if any) served with respect to the Claim; provided that the failure of any Indemnified Party to give notice of a Claim as provided in this Section 8.7 shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under Section 8.2, Section 8.3 and Section 12.1(d) (as applicable) except to the extent (and then only to the extent) such failure prejudices the Indemnifying Party’s ability to defend against the Claim. In the event that the claim for indemnification is based upon an inaccuracy or breach of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement, the Claim Notice shall specify the representation, warranty, covenant or agreement that was inaccurate or breached.
(c)In the case of a claim for indemnification based upon a Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall have 30 days from its receipt of the Claim Notice to notify the Indemnified Party whether it admits or denies its liability to defend the Indemnified Party against such Claim at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnified Party is authorized, prior to and during such 30 day period, to file any motion, answer or other pleading that it shall deem necessary or appropriate to protect its interests or those of the Indemnifying Party and that is not prejudicial to the Indemnifying Party.
(d)If the Indemnifying Party admits its liability to defend the Claim, it shall have the right and obligation to diligently defend, at its sole cost and expense, the Claim. The Indemnifying Party shall have full control of such defense and proceedings, including any compromise or settlement of the Claim. If requested by the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate in contesting any Claim which the Indemnifying Party elects to contest.
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The Indemnified Party may participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement of any Claim controlled by the Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Section 8.7(d). Without the written consent of the Indemnified Party, an Indemnifying Party shall not (i) settle any Claim or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any Claim which does not include an unconditional written release of the Indemnified Party from all liability in respect of such Claim or (ii) settle any Claim or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect any Claim in any manner that may materially and adversely affect the Indemnified Party (other than as a result of money damages covered by the indemnity).
(e)If the Indemnifying Party does not admit its liability to defend the Claim, fails to timely respond, or admits its liability but fails diligently to prosecute or settle the Claim, then the Indemnified Party shall have the right to defend against the Claim at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, with counsel of the Indemnified Party’s choosing, subject to the right of the Indemnifying Party to admit its liability to defend the Claim and assume the defense of the Claim at any time prior to its settlement or final determination. If the Indemnifying Party has not yet admitted its liability for a Claim defense, the Indemnified Party shall notify the Indemnifying Party of any proposed settlement and the Indemnifying Party shall have the option, on or before the 10th day following receipt of that notice (i) to admit in writing its liability for the Claim defense, and (ii) if liability is so admitted, to reject, in its reasonable judgment, the proposed settlement.
(f)In the case of a claim for indemnification not based upon a Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall have 30 days from its receipt of the Claim Notice to (i) cure the Liabilities complained of, (ii) admit its liability for such Liability or (iii) dispute the claim for such Liabilities. If the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party within such 30 day period that it has cured the Liabilities or that it disputes the claim for such Liabilities, then the Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to be disputing the claim for such Liabilities.
8.8 Survival.
(a)The representations and warranties of the Parties set forth in this Agreement (other than the Fundamental Representations) shall, in each case, survive the Closing for a period of 12 months after the Closing Date. The Fundamental Representations shall survive the Closing indefinitely. The covenants and agreements of the Parties set forth in this Agreement that, by their terms, are to be performed prior to the Closing shall survive the Closing for a period of one year after the Closing Date. The obligation of each Seller to indemnify the Buyer Indemnified Parties for such Seller’s Retained Obligations shall (A) with respect to such Seller’s Retained Obligations set forth in Section 8.2(h), survive the Closing for a period of 18 months after the Closing Date, (B) with respect to such Seller’s Retained Obligations set forth in Sections 8.2(d), (e), (j), (m), (n) and (o), survive the Closing for a period of two years after the Closing Date, (C) with respect to such Seller’s Retained Obligations set forth in Section 8.2(f), survive the Closing until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations with respect to such environmental offsite disposal matters, (D) with respect to such Seller’s Retained Obligations set forth in Section 8.2(g), survive the Closing until 60 days after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations with respect to such Seller Taxes, and (E) with respect to such Seller’s Retained Obligations set forth in Section 8.2(i), (k), (l) and (p), survive the Closing without time limit.
(b)Subject to Section 8.8(a) and except as set forth in Section 8.8(c), the remainder of this Agreement shall survive the Closing without time limit. Representations,
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warranties, covenants and agreements shall be of no further force and effect after the date of their expiration; provided that there shall be no termination of any bona fide claim asserted pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement prior to its expiration date.
(c)The indemnities in Section 8.2(a), Section 8.2(b), Section 8.3(a) and Section 8.3(b) shall terminate as of the termination date of each respective representation, warranty, covenant or agreement that is subject to indemnification, except, in each case, as to matters for which a specific written claim for indemnity has been delivered to the Indemnifying Party on or before such termination date.
8.9 Waiver of Right to Rescission. Sellers and Buyer acknowledge that, following the Closing, the payment of money, as limited by the terms of this Agreement, shall be adequate compensation for breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein or for any other claim arising in connection with or with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As the payment of money shall be adequate compensation, following the Closing, Buyer and Sellers waive any right to rescind this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
8.10 Insurance. The amount of any Liabilities for which any of the Buyer Indemnified Parties or Seller Indemnified Parties is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement or in connection with or with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be reduced by any corresponding insurance proceeds actually received by any such indemnified Party under any insurance arrangements.
8.11 Waiver of Consequential Damages. NONE OF THE BUYER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES NOR SELLER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER FROM SELLERS OR BUYER, OR THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES, ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, REMOTE OR SPECULATIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS (OTHER THAN LOST PROFITS THAT CONSTITUTE DIRECT DAMAGES AS A MATTER OF LAW) OF ANY KIND ARISING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT ANY SUCH PARTY SUFFERS SUCH DAMAGES (INCLUDING COSTS OF DEFENSE AND REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH DEFENDING OF SUCH DAMAGES) TO A THIRD PARTY, WHICH DAMAGES (INCLUDING COSTS OF DEFENSE AND REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH DEFENDING AGAINST SUCH DAMAGES) SHALL NOT BE EXCLUDED BY THIS PROVISION AS TO RECOVERY HEREUNDER. SUBJECT TO THE PRECEDING SENTENCE, BUYER, ON BEHALF OF EACH OF THE BUYER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES, AND SELLERS, ON BEHALF OF EACH OF THE SELLER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES, WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO RECOVER ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, REMOTE OR SPECULATIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS (OTHER THAN LOST PROFITS THAT CONSTITUTE DIRECT DAMAGES AS A MATTER OF LAW) OF ANY KIND, ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH OR WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
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8.12 Indemnity Escrow. In order to provide security for Sellers’ indemnification obligations under this Agreement, the Indemnity Escrow shall be held by Escrow Agent, and disbursed by Escrow Agent after the Closing in accordance with this Section 8.12 and the Escrow Agreement. With respect to each claim for indemnification asserted in good faith by Buyer against Sellers pursuant to Section 8.2 or special warranty claim pursuant to the Assignment during the period from and after the Closing Date up to the date that is two years following the Closing Date (the “Escrow Termination Date”), upon final resolution or determination of such an indemnity or warranty claim by the applicable Parties or in accordance with Section 8.7, as applicable, Buyer and Seller’s Representative shall jointly instruct Escrow Agent to disburse to Buyer the amount set forth in such joint instruction, which will be that portion of the Indemnity Escrow being held in the Indemnity Escrow account as would satisfy such finally resolved or determined indemnity or warranty claim. On the date that is six months following the Closing Date, Buyer and Seller’s Representative shall jointly instruct the Escrow Agent to disburse to Seller’s Representative an amount equal to the positive difference, if any, between (a) Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000), and (b) an amount equal to the sum of (i) all amounts disbursed to Buyer as of such date, and (ii) any amounts necessary to satisfy any unresolved Claim Notices made in good faith as of such time in the proportions requested by Seller’s Representative within three Business Days of its receipt of such joint instruction. On the date that is 12 months following the Closing Date, Buyer and Seller’s Representative shall jointly instruct the Escrow Agent to disburse to Seller’s Representative an amount equal to the positive difference, if any, between (A) Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000), and (B) an amount equal to the sum of (i) all amounts disbursed to Buyer as of such date, and (ii) any amounts necessary to satisfy any unresolved Claim Notices made in good faith as of such time in the proportions requested by Seller’s Representative within three Business Days of its receipt of such joint instruction. On the Escrow Termination Date, Seller’s Representative shall, subject to the remainder of this sentence, be entitled to receive the Indemnity Escrow balance as of such time and such amount shall be automatically distributed to Seller’s Representative in the proportions requested by Seller’s Representative pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement (and Buyer and Seller’s Representative shall jointly instruct Escrow Agent to take any necessary actions in order to accomplish the foregoing); provided, however, that Sellers shall not be entitled to a distribution of, and Escrow Agent shall retain, any amounts necessary to satisfy any unresolved Claim Notices that have been timely delivered by Buyer in good faith in accordance with Section 8.7 (which amounts shall remain in the Indemnity Escrow until such Claim Notices are finally resolved). If there are remaining amounts due by any Seller to Buyer pursuant to its indemnity obligations under Section 8.2 after the Indemnity Escrow balance is exhausted, then such amounts shall be promptly paid to Buyer by such Seller as they are agreed by the applicable Parties or finally determined in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If there are any funds remaining in the Indemnity Escrow account after the resolution of all previously outstanding Claim Notices, then Seller’s Representative and Buyer shall promptly jointly instruct Escrow Agent to release the remaining account balance to Seller’s Representative in the proportions requested by Seller’s Representative within three Business Days of its receipt of such joint instruction.
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ARTICLE IX
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Each Seller, severally and not jointly, as to such Seller, represents and warrants to Buyer the following:
9.1 Organization, Existence and Qualification. If such Seller is not a natural person, such Seller is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws governing its organization. If such Seller is a natural person, such Seller has all requisite and legal capacity to enter into this Agreement and perform his or her obligations hereunder. Such Seller has all requisite power and authority to own its interest in the Assets (including its interests in the Assets) and to carry on its business as now conducted. If such Seller is not a natural person, such Seller is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which it carries on business or in which its Assets are located as such qualification is required by Law.
9.2 Authority, Approval and Enforceability. Such Seller has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the transactions contemplated herein and therein. If such Seller is not a natural person, the execution, delivery and performance by such Seller of this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all necessary actions of such Seller. This Agreement is, and the Transaction Documents to which such Seller is a party when executed and delivered by such Seller will be, the valid and binding obligation of such Seller and enforceable against such Seller in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws, as well as to principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law).
9.3 No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by such Seller of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not (a) conflict with or result in a breach of any provisions of the governing documents of such Seller, if applicable, (b) result in a default or the creation of any Encumbrance or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license or other material agreement to which such Seller is a party or by which such Seller or such Seller’s Assets may be bound or (c) violate any Law applicable to such Seller or any of its interest in the Assets.
9.4 Consents. Except (a) as set forth in Schedule 9.4, (b) for Customary Post-Closing Consents, (c) under Contracts that are terminable upon 30 days or less notice without payment of any fee, and (d) for the Preferential Purchase Rights set forth in Schedule 9.10, there are no requirements for consents from any Governmental Authority or other Third Parties to any assignment that such Seller is required to obtain in connection with the transfer of its interest in the Assets by such Seller to Buyer or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by such Seller.
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9.5 Bankruptcy. There are no bankruptcy or receivership proceedings pending, being contemplated by or, to such Seller’s Knowledge, threatened in writing against such Seller or any of its Affiliates.
9.6 Foreign Person. Such Seller is not a “foreign person” within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Code.
9.7 Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 9.7, as of the Execution Date, there is no suit, action, claim, demand, filing, charge, litigation, pending settlement, order or proceeding (each a “Proceeding”) by any Person by or before any Governmental Authority, and no arbitration proceedings, (in each case) pending, or threatened in writing, against such Seller or its Affiliates, or to which such Seller or its Affiliates is a party, with respect to such Seller’s interest in the Assets or that would affect the ability of such Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or perform its obligations hereunder.
9.8 Material Contracts.
(a)Schedule 9.8(a) sets forth all of such Seller’s Applicable Contracts of the type described below (collectively, the “Material Contracts”):
(i)any Applicable Contract that can reasonably be expected to result in aggregate payments of more than $50,000 by all Sellers during the current or any subsequent fiscal year;
(ii)any Applicable Contract that can reasonably be expected to result in aggregate revenues of more than $50,000 by all Sellers during the current or any subsequent fiscal year;
(iii)any Applicable Contract that is a Hydrocarbon purchase and sale, exchange, supply, transportation, gathering, processing, marketing or similar Applicable Contract related to such Seller’s interest in the Assets and that is not terminable without penalty upon 30 days or less notice;
(iv)any Applicable Contract that is a purchase and sale agreement (other than with respect to production of Hydrocarbons in the ordinary course), farmout agreement, participation agreement, exploration agreement, development agreement, joint operating agreement, partnership agreement (other than tax partnerships) unit, pooling or communitization agreements, joint venture agreement or similar Applicable Contract related to such Seller’s interest in the Assets;
(v)any Applicable Contract that is a drilling contract;
(vi)any Applicable Contract of such Seller to sell, lease, farmout, exchange, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of such Seller’s interest in the Assets from and after the Effective Time, but excluding rights or reassignment upon intent to abandon an Asset;
(vii)any Applicable Contract that provides for an irrevocable power of attorney related to such Seller that will be in effect after the Closing Date;
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(viii)any Applicable Contract that provides for calls on production of Hydrocarbons from such Seller’s interest in the Assets or options to purchase Hydrocarbons produced from such Seller’s interest in the Assets;
(ix)any Applicable Contract that purports to contain a dedication covering any portion of such Seller’s interest in the Assets;
(x)any Applicable Contract between such Seller and any other Seller or an Affiliate of any Seller that will not be terminated prior to Closing;
(xi)any Applicable Contract that relates to such Seller’s interest in the Assets and (A) contains or constitutes an existing area of mutual interest agreement or an agreement to enter into an area of mutual interest agreement in the future, or (B) includes non-competition restrictions or other similar restrictions on doing business; and
(xii)any Applicable Contract that constitutes an amendment, supplement or modification in respect of any of the foregoing.
(b)Except as set forth in Schedule 9.8(b), there exists no default under any Applicable Contract by such Seller or by any other Person that is a party to any such Seller’s Material Contract. As of the Execution Date, such Seller (or the Seller’s Representative) has made available to Buyer (i) true and complete copies of all of such Seller’s Applicable Contracts (including all amendments, supplements and modifications in respect thereof) or (ii) accurate summaries of the commercial terms of such Seller’s Applicable Contracts.
(c)There are no Hedge Contracts binding on such Seller’s interest in the Assets pursuant to which any production of Hydrocarbons from such Seller’s interest in the Assets is dedicated or committed from and after the Effective Time.
9.9 No Material Violation of Laws. Except as set forth in Schedule 9.9, (a) for Assets operated by such Seller or its Affiliates, such Seller and its applicable Affiliate(s) have complied in all material respects with, and the ownership, operation, development, maintenance and use of the Assets operated by such Seller or its Affiliates, as applicable, have been in compliance in all material respects with, in each case, all applicable Laws, (b) for Assets not operated by such Seller or its Affiliates, to the Knowledge of such Seller the applicable operator has complied in all material respects with, and the ownership, operation, development, maintenance and use of such Assets have been in compliance in all material respects with, in each case, all applicable Laws, and (c) for all Assets in which such Seller owns an interest, neither such Seller nor its Affiliates have received any written notice of a material violation of or material default by it or its Affiliates with respect to any Law or any decision, ruling, order or award of any Governmental Authority, in each case, that is applicable to such Seller’s interest in the Assets. This Section 9.9 does not include any matters with respect to Environmental Laws, Environmental Conditions or any other environmental matter, such matters being addressed exclusively in Section 9.14.
9.10 Preferential Purchase Rights. Except as set forth in Schedule 9.10, there are no Preferential Purchase Rights that are applicable to the transfer of such Seller’s interest in the Assets to Buyer.
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9.11 Burdens. Except as set forth in Schedule 9.11, if (a) such Seller or any of its Affiliates is the operator of such Assets, such Seller or its applicable Affiliates have paid or caused to be paid in accordance with applicable Law and the terms of the applicable Leases, in all material respects, all Burdens due by such Seller with respect to its interest in the Assets, and (b) neither such Seller nor any of its Affiliates is the operator of such Assets, then, to the Knowledge of such Seller, the applicable operator has paid or caused to be paid in accordance with applicable Law and the terms of the applicable Leases, in all material respects, all Burdens due with respect to such Seller’s interest in such Assets.
9.12 Imbalances/Payout Status. Except as set forth in Schedule 9.12(a), to such Seller’s Knowledge there are no Imbalances associated with such Seller’s interest in the Assets as of the Effective Time. To such Seller’s Knowledge, Schedule 9.12(b) sets forth the status of any “payout” balance, as of the date set forth on such schedule, for those Xxxxx in which such Seller owns an interest that are subject to a reversion or other adjustment at some level of cost recovery or payout (or passage of time or other event other than termination of a Lease by its terms).
9.13 Current Commitments. Schedule 9.13 sets forth, as of the Execution Date, to Seller’s Knowledge all outstanding authorities for expenditures or written commitments (“AFEs”) that (a) relate to such Seller’s interest in the Assets and to drilling, reworking or conducting other operations with respect to, in each case, a Well or other Asset in which such Seller owns an interest, (b) are in excess of $100,000, net to such Seller’s interest in the Assets, and (c) for which all of the activities anticipated in such AFEs have not been completed by the Execution Date.
9.14 Environmental. Except as set forth in Schedule 9.14:
(a)Such Seller has not entered into any agreements, consents, orders, decrees, judgments, license or permit conditions, or other directives of any Governmental Authorities based on any prior violations of Environmental Laws, or any material Liability thereunder, that relate to the future use of any of such Seller’s interest in the Assets and that require any Remediation. Except for the Hazardous Substances generated in the ordinary course of such Seller’s business and which could not be reasonably expected to result in a material violation of Environmental Law, such Seller has not disposed of (and in the case of Assets not operated by such Seller or any of its Affiliates but which such Seller owns an interest, to such Seller’s Knowledge, the operator has not disposed of) any Hazardous Substances generated on the Assets, or used on the Assets, at sites off of the Assets.
(b)Such Seller has not received written notice from any Governmental Authority (i) of any release or disposal of any Hazardous Substance concerning any land, facility, asset or property included in the Assets that would reasonably be expected to prevent compliance by such Seller with any Environmental Law or the terms of any license or permit issued pursuant thereto or (ii) that alleges any material violation of or non-compliance with or claim under any Environmental Law.
9.15 Taxes. Except as disclosed in Schedule 9.15:
(a)all Asset Taxes of such Seller that have become due and payable have been properly paid by such Seller;
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(b)all Tax Returns for Asset Taxes that are required to be filed by such Seller in connection with its ownership or operation of the Assets have been duly and timely filed by such Seller, and all such Tax Returns for such Asset Taxes are correct and complete in all material respects;
(c)there are no Encumbrances for Taxes on such Seller’s interest in the Assets, other than Permitted Encumbrances;
(d)such Seller has not received any written notice of any pending claim (which remains outstanding) from any applicable Taxing Authority for assessment of Asset Taxes relating to such Seller and, to such Seller’s Knowledge, no such claim has been made or threatened except as it relates to pending severance tax refund claims made by such Seller described in Schedule 9.15;
(e)no audit, administrative, judicial or other proceeding with respect to Asset Taxes of such Seller has been commenced or is presently pending except as it relates to pending severance tax refund claims made by such Seller described in Schedule 9.15; and
(f)none of such Seller’s interest in the Assets is subject to any tax partnership agreement, or is otherwise treated, or required to be treated, as held in an arrangement requiring a partnership income Tax Return to be filed under Subchapter K of Chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Code or any similar state statute.
9.16 Brokers’ Fees. Such Seller has not incurred any liability, contingent or otherwise, for brokers’ or finders’ fees relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer shall have any responsibility.
9.17 Suspense Funds. As of the Execution Date, all Suspense Funds are held by such Seller in accordance with applicable Law and the terms of any applicable Lease or Applicable Contract and do not exceed $150,000 in the aggregate.
9.18 Advance Payments. Except for the throughput deficiencies attributable to or arising out of any Applicable Contract included in Schedule 9.18 and any Imbalances, (a) with respect to any of the Assets operated by such Seller, such Seller is not obligated by virtue of any take or pay payment, advance payment or other similar payment (other than royalties, overriding royalties, free gas arrangements and similar arrangements, in each case, established by the terms of the Leases) or under any gathering, transmission or any other similar contract or agreement, or (b) with respect to any of the Assets not operated by such Seller, to such Seller’s Knowledge, such Seller is not obligated to gather, deliver, process or transport Hydrocarbons, or deliver proceeds from the sale thereof, attributable to such Seller’s interest in the Assets at some future time without receiving full payment therefor at or after the time of delivery.
9.19 Properties.
(a)To such Seller’s Knowledge, no default exists in the performance of any obligation of such Seller under the Leases in which such Seller owns an interest that would entitle the lessor thereunder to cancel or terminate any such Leases, and, except as set forth in Schedule 9.19, no party to any Lease in which such Seller owns an interest or any successor to the interest of such party has filed or threatened in writing to file any action to terminate, cancel, rescind or procure
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judicial reformation of any such Lease. Such Seller has not received any written demand asserting such Seller is required to drill any offset well affecting the Assets.
(b)Except as set forth in Schedule 9.19, to such Seller’s Knowledge, all shut-in royalty payments and all delay rental payments due under the terms of the Leases in which Seller owns an interest have been fully and timely paid.
(c)Such Seller has not received any written demand asserting that any of the Leases have terminated because of the failure to be held by production in paying quantities by the Xxxxx since the end of the applicable primary terms of the Leases. Except as set forth in Schedule 9.19, to such Seller’s Knowledge, for each Lease set forth on the Exhibit A in which Seller owns an interest, there has been no lapse in production of Hydrocarbons that would give rise to a claim that such Lease has terminated.
9.20 Non-Consent Operations. Except as disclosed in Schedule 9.20, no operations are being conducted or have been conducted on the Assets in which such Seller owns an interest with respect to which such Seller has elected to be a non-consenting party under the applicable operating agreement and with respect to which all of such Seller’s rights have not yet reverted to it.
9.21 Permits. Except as set forth in Schedule 9.21, with respect to Assets currently operated by such Seller or its Affiliates, (a) such Seller or its applicable Affiliate has acquired all Permits from appropriate Governmental Authorities to conduct operations on such Assets in material compliance with all applicable Laws, (b) all such Permits are in full force and effect and no Proceeding is pending, nor to such Seller’s Knowledge, threatened, to suspend, revoke or terminate any such Permit or declare any such Permit invalid, and (c) such Seller and its applicable Affiliates, if applicable, are in compliance in all material respects with all such Permits.
9.22 Guarantees. Schedule 9.22 accurately sets forth a true and complete list of (a) all bonds, letters of credit, guarantees and other forms of credit support currently maintained, posted or otherwise provided by such Seller or its Affiliates that relate to such Seller’s interest in the Assets or the Assumed Obligations (collectively, the “Guarantees”) and (b) all pending claims and the claims history against such Guarantees.
9.23 Xxxxx and Equipment. To such Seller’s Knowledge and except as set forth in Schedule 9.23:
(a)all Xxxxx in which such Seller owns an interest have been drilled and completed within the limits permitted by all applicable Leases, Contracts, or pooling or unit agreements and such Xxxxx in which such Seller owns an interest are not on expired leases;
(b)no Well in which such Seller owns an interest is subject to penalties on allowables on or after the Effective Time because of any overproduction or any other violation of Laws;
(c)there are no Xxxxx in which such Seller owns an interest located on the Assets (i) that such Seller is currently obligated by any Laws or Contract to currently plug, dismantle or abandon, (ii) that such Seller has plugged, dismantled or abandoned in a manner that does not comply in all material respects with applicable Law or (iii) with respect to which such Seller has
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received notice from any Governmental Authority that such Well must be plugged, dismantled or abandoned; and
(d)all easements, rights-of-way, licenses and authorizations from Governmental Authorities necessary to access, construct, operate, maintain, and repair the Personal Property in the ordinary course of business as currently conducted have been obtained.
9.24 Operator. Such Seller has not received any written notice of any vote (or other action) being taken to remove any Seller as the operator of any of the Assets. All of the Xxxxx, and all of the Leases that are committed to a joint operating agreement listed on Schedule 9.8(a), are operated by such Seller or an Affiliate thereof.
9.25 Condemnation. There is no actual, or to Seller’s Knowledge, threatened taking (whether permanent, temporary, whole or partial) of such Seller’s interest in any of the Assets, or any part of such Seller’s interest in the Assets, by reason of condemnation or eminent domain or the threat of condemnation or eminent domain.
ARTICLE X
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
Buyer represents and warrants to Sellers the following:
10.1 Organization, Existence and Qualification. Buyer is a Texas corporation duly formed and validly existing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, and Buyer has all requisite power and authority to own and operate its property and to carry on its business as now conducted. Buyer is duly licensed or qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions in which it carries on business or owns assets and such qualification is required by Law. Buyer is duly licensed or qualified to do business in Texas.
10.2 Authority, Approval and Enforceability. Buyer has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the transactions contemplated herein and therein. The execution, delivery and performance by Buyer of this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all necessary corporate action on the part of Buyer. This Agreement is, and the Transaction Documents to which Buyer is a party when executed and delivered by Buyer will be, the valid and binding obligation of Buyer and enforceable against Buyer in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws, as well as to principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law).
10.3 No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by Buyer of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not (a) conflict with or result in a breach of any provisions of the organizational or other governing documents of Buyer, (b) result in a default or the creation of any Encumbrance or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation
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or acceleration under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license or other agreement to which Buyer is a party or by which Buyer or any of its property may be bound or (c) violate any Law applicable to Buyer or any of its property.
10.4 Consents. There are no consents or other restrictions on assignment, including requirements for consents from Third Parties to any assignment (in each case) that Buyer is required to obtain in connection with the transfer of the Assets from Sellers to Buyer or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Buyer.
10.5 Bankruptcy. There are no bankruptcy, reorganization or receivership proceedings pending, being contemplated by or, to Buyer’s knowledge, threatened in writing against Buyer.
10.6 Litigation. There is no suit, action or litigation by any Person by or before any Governmental Authority, and no arbitration proceedings, (in each case) pending, or threatened in writing, against Buyer, that would affect the ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or perform its obligations hereunder.
10.7 Financing. As of Closing, Buyer will have sufficient cash in immediately available funds and available lines of credit with which to pay the Purchase Price, consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Transaction Documents.
10.8 Regulatory. As of the Closing Date, Buyer or its designee operator shall be qualified to own and assume operatorship of oil, gas and mineral leases in all jurisdictions where the Assets are located, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not cause Buyer or such designee to be disqualified as such an owner or operator. To the extent required by any applicable Laws, Buyer or its designee operator shall, as of the Closing Date, (a) hold all lease bonds and any other surety or similar bonds as may be required by, and in accordance with, all applicable Laws governing the ownership and operation of the Assets and (b) have filed any and all required reports necessary for such ownership and operation with all Governmental Authorities having jurisdiction over such ownership and operation.
10.9 Independent Evaluation. Buyer is sophisticated in the evaluation, purchase, ownership and operation of oil and gas properties and related facilities. In making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Buyer has relied on its own independent investigation and evaluation of the Assets and the advice of its own legal, Tax, economic, environmental, engineering, geological and geophysical advisors and not on any comments, statements, projections or other material made or given by any representative, consultant or advisor of Sellers. Buyer acknowledges and affirms that on or prior to Closing, Buyer will have completed its independent investigation, verification, analysis, and evaluation of the Assets and made all such reviews and inspections of the Assets as it has deemed necessary or appropriate to consummate the transaction contemplated hereunder; provided, however, no such investigation, verification, analysis or evaluation (or absence thereof) shall reduce, modify, release or waive any of Sellers’ obligations or Liabilities hereunder or under any of the other Transaction Documents.
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10.10 Brokers’ Fees. Buyer has incurred no liability, contingent or otherwise, for brokers’ or finders’ fees relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which Sellers or Sellers’ Affiliates shall have any responsibility.
10.11 Accredited Investor. Buyer is an “accredited investor,” as such term is defined in Regulation D of the Securities Act, and will acquire the Assets for its own account and not with a view to a sale or distribution thereof in violation of the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, any applicable state blue sky Laws or any other applicable securities Laws.
ARTICLE XI
CERTAIN AGREEMENTS
11.1 Conduct of Business.
(a)Except (1) as set forth in Schedule 11.1, (2) for the operations covered by the AFEs described in Schedule 9.13, (3) with respect to Section 11.1(a)(i) only, as required in the event of an emergency to protect life, property or the environment, and (4) as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as expressly consented to in writing by Buyer (which consent shall not be unreasonably delayed, withheld or conditioned), each Seller shall, from and after the Execution Date until the Closing:
(i)subject to (A) such Seller’s right to comply with the terms of the Leases, Applicable Contracts, applicable Laws and requirements of Governmental Authorities and (B) interruptions resulting from force majeure, mechanical breakdown and planned maintenance, in each case, operate or, in the case of those Assets not operated by such Seller or its Affiliates, use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be operated, the Assets in the usual, regular and ordinary manner consistent with past practice;
(ii)maintain, or cause to be maintained, the books of account and Records of such Seller relating to the Assets in the usual, regular and ordinary manner and in accordance with the usual accounting practices of such Seller;
(iii)pay, when due, all Taxes, Burdens, Operating Expenses and any other assessments with respect to such Seller’s interest in the Assets that become due and payable prior to Closing;
(iv)(A) if such Seller has a contractual right to renew or extend the term of any Lease, maintain in full force and effect such Lease and timely and properly pay Lease Burdens and all Lease renewals and extensions in accordance with the terms of such Lease, and (B) with respect to any other applicable Lease, timely and properly pay Lease Burdens, use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain in full force and effect such Lease, and if there is the potential to renew or extend any such Lease, use commercially reasonable efforts to timely and properly pay any applicable Lease renewals and extensions;
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(v)comply in all material respects with all Laws that are applicable to the Assets in which such Seller owns an interest;
(vi)maintain insurance coverage on the Assets in which such Seller owns an interest presently furnished by nonaffiliated Third Parties in the amounts and of the types presently in force;
(vii)notify Buyer if any Lease in which such Seller owns an interest terminates promptly upon learning of such termination;
(viii)provide Buyer lease operating expense statements with respect to the Assets in which such Seller is the operator by the 10th day of each month applicable to operations during the preceding month;
(ix)maintain all material Permits, approvals, bonds and guarantees affecting the Assets in which such Seller owns an interest, and make all filings that Seller is required to make under applicable Law with respect to the Assets in which such Seller owns an interest;
(x)give written notice to Buyer as soon as is practicable of any written notice received or given by such Seller with respect to any alleged breach by such Seller or any Third Party of any Lease or Material Contract or violation of law or Proceeding or similar claim; and
(xi)take any and all actions necessary to ensure that the Assets in which such Seller owns an interest are free and clear of all Encumbrances as of the Closing except for Permitted Encumbrances.
(b)Except (1) as set forth in Schedule 11.1, (2) for the operations covered by the AFEs described in Schedule 9.13, (3) as required in the event of an emergency to protect life, property or the environment, and (4) as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as expressly consented to in writing by Buyer (which consent shall not be unreasonably delayed, withheld or conditioned), each Seller shall not, from and after the Execution Date until the Closing:
(i)(A) enter into an Applicable Contract that, if entered into on or prior to the Execution Date, would have been required to be listed on Schedule 9.8(a), or (B) terminate (unless the term thereof expires pursuant to the provisions existing therein) or materially amend the terms of any Material Contract;
(ii)enter into, terminate (unless the term thereof expires pursuant to the provisions existing therein), materially amend or surrender any rights under any Lease or Right-of-Way, provided that such Seller shall be permitted to amend any Lease to increase its pooling authority;
(iii)subject to Section 11.1(e), approve, propose or commit to any individual AFE or similar request which would reasonably be estimated to require expenditures in excess of $100,000 across all Sellers;
(iv)transfer, sell, mortgage, encumber, pledge or dispose of any of such Seller’s interest in the Assets other than the (A) sale and/or disposal of Hydrocarbons in the ordinary
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course of business and consistent with past practices and (B) sales of equipment that is no longer necessary in the operation of the Assets in which such Seller owns an interest or for which replacement equipment has been obtained;
(v)incur costs to secure or acquire Lease renewals or extensions and/or necessary Rights-of-Way that would exceed $100,000 in the aggregate across all Sellers;
(vi)resign as the operator of any of the Assets;
(vii)waive, compromise or settle any material right or claim if such waiver, compromise or settlement would adversely affect the future use, ownership or operation of any of the Assets in which such Seller owns an interest in any material respect;
(viii)incur Liabilities with respect to the Assets in which such Seller owns an interest for which Buyer would be responsible after Closing, other than transactions in the normal, usual and customary manner, of a nature and in an amount (not to exceed $50,000 net to such Seller’s interest) consistent with past practices employed by such Seller with respect to the Assets;
(ix)make a non-consent election;
(x)enter into or amend any contract or agreement with its Affiliates affecting such Seller’s interest in any of the Assets;
(xi)make any change to a division order, revenue deck or expense deck relating to such Seller’s interest in any of the Assets that causes the Net Revenue Interest or Working Interest of such Seller in any such Assets to differ from as set forth on Exhibit A-1 or Exhibit A-2, as applicable;
(xii)abandon any Lease or Well capable of production in commercial quantities; or
(xiii)commit to do any of the foregoing.
(c)Without expanding any obligations which Sellers may have to Buyer, it is expressly agreed that Sellers shall never have any monetary liability to Buyer with respect to any breach or failure of Section 11.1(a)(i) or Section 11.1(a)(ii) greater than that which such Seller might have as the operator to a non-operator under the applicable operating agreement (or, in the absence of such an agreement, under the AAPL 610 (1989 Revision) form Operating Agreement), IT BEING RECOGNIZED THAT, UNDER SUCH AGREEMENTS AND SUCH FORM, THE OPERATOR (SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS OPERATOR) IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS OWN NEGLIGENCE, AND HAS NO RESPONSIBILITY OTHER THAN FOR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.
(d)Buyer acknowledges Sellers own undivided interests in certain of the properties comprising the Assets that it is not the operator thereof, and Buyer agrees that the acts or omissions of the other Working Interest owners (including the operators) who are not Sellers or any Affiliates of Sellers shall not constitute a breach of the provisions of this Section 11.1, nor shall any action required by a vote of Working Interest owners constitute such a breach so long as such Seller has voted its interests in a manner that complies with the provisions of this Section 11.1.
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(e)With respect to any AFE or similar request received by Sellers that is estimated to cost in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate across all the Sellers, each applicable Seller shall forward such AFE to Buyer as soon as is reasonably practicable and thereafter the Parties shall consult with each other regarding whether or not such Seller should elect to participate in such operation. Buyer agrees that it will (i) timely respond to any written request for consent pursuant to this Section 11.1(e) and Section 11.1(b)(iii), and (ii) consent to any written request for approval of any AFE or similar request that Buyer reasonably considers to be economically appropriate or is necessary to continue any Asset in force and effect beyond Closing and to which operator has consented. In the event the Parties are unable to agree within 10 days (unless a shorter time, not to be less than 48 hours, is reasonably required by the circumstances and the applicable joint operating agreement and such shorter time is specified in such Seller’s request for consent) of Buyer’s receipt of any consent request as to whether or not such Seller should elect to participate in such operation, Buyer’s decision shall control.
11.2 Operation of Assets After the Closing.
(a)Except as provided for in the Transition Services Agreement, it is expressly understood and agreed that Sellers shall not be obligated to continue operating any of the operated Assets following the Closing and Buyer assumes full responsibility for operating (or causing the operation of) all such Assets following the Closing. Seller does not warrant or guarantee that Buyer will become the operator of the operated Assets or any portion of the Assets, as such matter will be controlled by the applicable joint operating agreement(s).
(b)Each Seller, as applicable, shall (and shall cause its Affiliates to) use its reasonable efforts to support Buyer’s succession of any Seller currently serving as operator of the Operated Assets, including (i) seeking the written undertakings of the other co-owners of such Assets to Buyer’s succession as operator to such Seller with respect to such Operated Assets, (ii) confirming that such owners will vote for Buyer to succeed such Seller as operator of such Operated Assets under operating agreements applicable thereto, and (iii) taking any other action reasonably requested by Buyer with respect to the transfer of operatorship with respect to such Operated Assets. Buyer will file all appropriate forms and declarations or bonds with federal and state agencies relative to its assumption of operatorship promptly following Closing. For all Operated Assets, all applicable Sellers will execute and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer will promptly file all documents necessary for such applicable Sellers to resign as operator of such Assets and for Buyer or an Affiliate thereof to succeed such Seller as operator of such Assets, including appropriate change or transfer of operator forms to file with the applicable Governmental Authority.
(c)From and after Closing, if any Seller holding an applicable Retained Burden has a right of consent to the formation of any drilling, spacing or pooled unit (or the formation of any other pooled unit incorporating the Lands) or the drilling of any allocation well, in each case, with respect to the Assets, such Seller agrees and acknowledges that it shall not unreasonably delay, withhold or condition such consent.
11.3 Employee Matters.
(a)From the Closing Date through a date that is 60 days after the Closing Date, Sellers shall (upon reasonable notice and with the right to have a representative present) permit
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Buyer and its Affiliates, and their respective authorized representatives, to consult with employees of any Seller, or its Affiliates, who devote a majority of their time to the Assets concerning matters related to the Assets (“Employees”). Each Seller shall use reasonable efforts to make the Employees available to Buyer, its Affiliates and their respective representatives, at such Seller’s place of business, for such consultation which shall be for a reasonable period of time and shall not unduly interfere with such Employees’ obligations or Seller’s business operations.
(b)Sellers have provided Buyer, or within ten days following the Execution Date, Sellers shall provide to Buyer, a list of the Employees and to whom Buyer or its Affiliate may make offers of employment, which offers shall be for employment effective as of the Closing Date and on terms and conditions established by Buyer or its Affiliate in its sole discretion. Each such offer shall be made on or before 15 days prior to the Closing Date. No later than the date that is 5 days prior to the Closing Date, Buyer shall notify Seller’s Representative as to each Employee who has accepted employment with Buyer or its Affiliate and each Employee who has rejected Buyer’s or its Affiliate’s offer of employment. Each Employee who accepts an offer contemplated by this Section 11.3(b) and assumes employment with Buyer or its Affiliate on or after the Closing is referred to as a “Transferred Employee.” The date on which a Transferred Employee assumes employment with Buyer or its Affiliate is referred to as his or her “Hire Date.”
(c)The provisions of this Section 11.3 are solely for the benefit of the Parties hereto and nothing in this Section 11.3, express or implied, shall confer upon any Employee, or legal representative or beneficiary thereof, any rights or remedies, including any right to employment or continued employment for any specified period, or compensation or benefits of any nature or kind whatsoever under this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 11.3, express or implied, shall be (i) deemed an amendment of any Employee Benefit Plan providing benefits to any Employee, or (ii) construed to prevent Buyer or its Affiliates from terminating or modifying to any extent or in any respect any employee benefit plan that Buyer or its Affiliates may establish or maintain.
11.4 Governmental Bonds. Buyer acknowledges that none of the bonds, letters of credit and guarantees, if any, posted by Sellers or their Affiliates with Governmental Authorities and relating to the Assets are transferable to Buyer.
11.5 Exclusivity. Until the earlier of (a) the Closing or (b) the valid termination of this Agreement, Sellers shall not, and shall cause their Affiliates, agents and representatives not to, solicit offers, inquiries or proposals from or negotiate or participate in discussions with, or disclose information to, any Third Party in connection with the possible sale of or other disposition of all or any material portion of the Assets (other than replacement of equipment or sale of Hydrocarbons in the regular course of business), or any other transaction involving a change in the ownership of, or debt or equity financing of, the Assets.
11.6 Revenues.
(a)In the event either (i) Buyer receives revenues attributable to any of the Assets for any periods prior to the Effective Time or (ii) any Seller receives revenues attributable to any of the Assets for any periods after the Effective Time which revenues, in either case, are not accounted for in the Preliminary Settlement Statement or the Final Settlement Statement, the receiving Party will hold such revenues for the exclusive benefit of the Party entitled thereto pursuant to this
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Agreement and, if not taken into account for purposes of the Final Settlement Statement, shall promptly deliver such funds to the appropriate Party within thirty (30) days after receipt.
(b)In the event either (i) Buyer pays monies for Operating Expenses attributable to any of the Assets for any periods prior to the Effective Time, or (ii) any Seller pays monies for Operating Expenses attributable to any of the Assets for any periods after the Effective Time which payment, in either case, is not accounted for in the Preliminary Settlement Statement or the Final Settlement Statement, then (A) such paying Party shall deliver the owing Party (or the Seller’s Representative, if Buyer is the paying Party) an invoice and proof of payment with respect to such Operating Expenses, and (B) within 30 days after receipt of the applicable invoice and proof of payment are received by Buyer or the Seller’s Representative, as applicable, the owing Party (or the Seller’s Representative, if a Seller is the owing Party) shall reimburse the Party that paid such Operating Expenses.
(c)In the event that any Party (i) receives an invoice of an expense or obligation which is owed by the other Party, then if such Party receiving the invoice is (A) a Seller, such Seller shall promptly forward such invoice to Buyer, and (B) Buyer, Buyer shall promptly forward such invoice to the Seller’s Representative, and (ii) receives an invoice or other evidence of an obligation that is partially an obligation of both Buyer, on the one hand, and any Seller, on the other hand, then Buyer and the Seller’s Representative shall consult with each other, and following such consultation each owing Party shall promptly pay its portion of such obligation to the obligee.
11.7 Financial Information. From and after the date of this Agreement until December 31, 2022 (the “Records Period”), each Seller who is, or whose Affiliate is, the operator of any of the Assets shall, and shall cause their Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, agents and representatives to, provide reasonable cooperation to Buyer, its Affiliates and their agents and representatives in connection with Buyer’s or its Affiliates’ filings, if any, that are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, under securities laws applicable to Buyer and its Affiliates (collectively, the “Filings”, and such afore described Sellers, each a “Cooperating Seller”). During the Records Period, each Cooperating Seller agrees to make available to Buyer and its Affiliates and their agents and representatives any and all books, records, information and documents to the extent that such are attributable to the Assets in such Cooperating Seller’s or its Affiliates’ possession or control and reasonable access to such Cooperating Seller’s and its Affiliates’ personnel, in each case as reasonably required by Buyer, its Affiliates and their agents and representatives in order to prepare, if required, in connection with the Filings, financial statements meeting the requirements of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), along with any documentation attributable to the Assets required to complete any audit associated with such financial statements, which records and information shall include, for the avoidance of doubt, lease operating statements for the 24 month period prior to the Execution Date. During the Records Period, each Cooperating Seller shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, provide reasonable cooperation to the independent auditors chosen by Buyer (“Buyer’s Auditor”) in connection with any audit by Buyer’s Auditor of any financial statements of such Cooperating Seller or its Affiliates with respect to the Assets that Buyer or any of its Affiliates requires to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to any Filings. During the Records Period, each Cooperating Seller and its Affiliates shall retain all books, records, information and documents relating to the Assets for the three fiscal years prior to
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January 1, 2017 and the period from January 1, 2017 through the Closing Date. Buyer will reimburse each Cooperating Seller and its Affiliates, within 10 Business Days after demand in writing therefor, for any and all reasonable out of pocket costs incurred by such Cooperating Seller and its Affiliates in complying with the provision of this Section 11.7. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 11.7, Buyer, its Affiliates and their agents and representatives shall act reasonably and shall not unduly interfere with any employees of any Seller or any Seller’s business operations during the Records Period when performing any actions pursuant to this Section 11.7.
11.8 Non-Competition. Except with respect to any Excluded Assets, each Seller agrees that, commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the date that is 18 months after the Closing Date, without the prior written consent of Buyer, such Seller shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not to, acquire any “top lease” covering any lands covered by any Lease.
11.9 Pending Transaction.
(a)Pursuant to the Pending Transaction, Sellers anticipate acquiring the assets set forth on Exhibit A-4 (the “Pending Transaction Assets”) in exchange for the assets set forth on Exhibit A-5 (the “Traded-Out Assets”). Seller’s Representative shall notify Buyer within two Business Days after each of (i) the execution of any definitive agreement (such definitive agreement, together with all exhibits and schedules thereto and the transaction documents in connection therewith, the “Pending Transaction Documentation”) with respect to the Pending Transaction and (ii) any closing with respect to the Pending Transaction (a “Pending Transaction Closing”). Each such written notice shall specify any changes to the Pending Transaction Assets and shall include all exhibits, schedules and other documentation, and in the case of a Pending Transaction Closing, shall include a description of the Pending Transaction Assets acquired by Sellers at such Pending Transaction Closing (together with detailed information of each applicable Lease, Unit, Well, Right-of-Way or Personal Property, the Net Revenue Interest and Working Interest information for each applicable Well and each Target Formation for each applicable Tract, and the Net Acres information for each Target Formation for each applicable Tract), provided, however, that in no event shall any Seller be obligated by this Section 11.9 to disclose any marketing agreements that are subject to any confidentiality or similar agreements or obligations in favor of the Pending Transaction Counterparty or other Third Party (any such marketing agreements, the “Subject Marketing Agreements”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Buyer’s prior written consent shall be required for any change in the Pending Transaction Assets (other than as a result of defects validly asserted against the Pending Transaction Counterparty by Sellers) or the Traded-Out Assets. The Allocated Values for the Pending Transaction Assets are set forth on Exhibit A-1 and Exhibit A-2, as applicable. Pursuant to Section 12.1 and promptly after each Pending Transaction Closing, if any, Sellers shall afford to Buyer and Buyer’s Representatives reasonable access to the applicable Pending Transaction Assets and all related records and information in order for Buyer to conduct its investigations and due diligence in accordance with this Agreement, and the date such access is provided to such records and information as well as to the Subject Marketing Agreements with respect to any Pending Transaction Assets subject to a Pending Transaction Closing shall be referred to as the “Pending Transaction Access Date” for such Pending Transaction Assets.
(b)If a Pending Transaction Access Date occurs no later than 30 days prior to the Title Claim Date, the applicable Pending Transaction Assets shall be considered “Assets” for
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all purposes hereunder and shall be transferred to Buyer at Closing, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(c)If a Pending Transaction Closing occurs on or prior to the Closing Date but the Pending Transaction Access Date occurs later than 30 days prior to the Title Claim Date, at Buyer’s election, either (i) the applicable Pending Transaction Assets shall be considered “Assets” for all purposes hereunder and shall be transferred to Buyer at Closing, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or (ii) the applicable Pending Transaction Assets will not be conveyed by Sellers to Buyer on the Closing Date and the Purchase Price payable at Closing will be reduced by the aggregate Allocated Values of such Pending Transaction Assets.
(d)If a Pending Transaction Closing occurs after the Closing Date or if Buyer makes the election in Section 11.9(c)(ii), then the applicable Pending Transaction Assets will not be conveyed by Sellers to Buyer on the Closing Date and the Purchase Price payable at Closing will be reduced by the aggregate Allocated Values of such Pending Transaction Assets. In addition, the following provisions shall apply to such Pending Transaction Assets:
(i)The provisions of Article VIII, Section 13.2, Section 13.3, Section 13.4, Section 14.1 and Section 14.2 shall apply to each Pending Transaction Asset; provided that notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, (A) the Closing or the Closing Date for such Pending Transaction Asset shall be the date set forth in Section 11.9(d)(ii), (B) the Title Claim Date and the Environmental Claim Date for such Pending Transaction Asset shall be the date that is 30 days after the Pending Transaction Access Date for such Pending Transaction Asset, and (C) the application of the Title Deductible shall take into account the aggregate applicable Title Defect Amounts with respect to all other Assets pursuant to Section 13.2(i), and the Environmental Defect Deductible shall take into account the aggregate applicable Remediation Amounts with respect to all other Assets pursuant to Section 14.1(e).
(ii)Subject to Buyer’s and Sellers’ rights and obligations under Article VIII, Section 13.2, Section 13.3, Section 13.4, Section 14.1 and Section 14.2, Buyer shall acquire such Pending Transaction Assets on the date that is 40 days following the Pending Transaction Access Date for such Pending Transaction Assets. On such date of Buyer’s acquisition, (A) Buyer shall purchase such Pending Transaction Assets and pay to Sellers the amount equal to the Allocated Values of such Pending Transaction Assets, as adjusted pursuant to Section 13.2, Section 13.3, Section 13.4 and Section 14.1, and (B) Sellers shall assign to Buyer such Pending Transaction Assets pursuant to an instrument in substantially the same form as the Assignment.
(e)Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if a Pending Transaction Closing has not occurred prior the date that is 45 days following Closing, or if the Pending Transaction Documentation is not reasonably acceptable to Buyer (which decision Buyer shall irrevocably make within 5 Business Days of being furnished a final draft of the proposed Pending Transaction Documentation), then (x) at either Buyer’s or Seller’s Representative’s option, such Pending Transaction Assets shall be permanently excluded from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in which case the Purchase Price shall be reduced by the aggregate Allocated Values of such Pending Transaction Assets and Sellers shall pay such amount to Buyer within 10 days after such election by Buyer or Seller’s Representative, as applicable, and (y) at either Buyer’s or Seller’s Representative’s option, and to the extent Sellers may lawfully do so without incurring
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any liability in contract or tort arising out of the Pending Transaction, Buyer shall acquire the Traded-Out Assets for the price set forth on Exhibit A-5. If the option in Section 11.9(e)(y) is exercised, the following provisions shall apply to such Traded-Out Assets:
(i)Pursuant to Section 12.1 and promptly after the option in Section 11.9(e)(y) is exercised, Sellers shall afford to Buyer and Buyer’s Representatives reasonable access to the applicable Traded-Out Assets and all related records and information in order for Buyer to conduct its investigations and due diligence in accordance with this Agreement, and the date such access is provided with respect to a Traded-Out Asset shall be referred to as the “Traded-Out Asset Access Date” for such Traded-Out Asset.
(ii)The provisions of Article VIII, Section 13.2, Section 13.3, Section 13.4, Section 14.1 and Section 14.2, shall apply to each Traded-Out Asset; provided that notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, (A) the Closing or the Closing Date for such Traded-Out Asset shall be the date set forth in Section 11.9(e)(iii), (B) the Title Claim Date and the Environmental Claim Date for such Traded-Out Asset shall be the date that is 30 days after the Traded-Out Asset Access Date for such Traded-Out Asset, and (C) the application of the Title Deductible shall take into account the aggregate applicable Title Defect Amounts with respect to all other Assets pursuant to Section 13.2(i), and the Environmental Defect Deductible shall take into account the aggregate applicable Remediation Amounts with respect to all other Assets pursuant to Section 14.1(e).
(iii)Subject to Buyer’s and Sellers’ rights and obligations under Article VIII, Section 13.2, Section 13.3, Section 13.4, Section 14.1 and Section 14.2, Buyer shall acquire such Traded-Out Assets on the date that is 40 days following the Traded-Out Asset Access Date for such Traded-Out Assets. On such date of Buyer’s acquisition, (A) Buyer shall purchase such Traded-Out Assets and pay to Sellers the amount equal to the Allocated Values of such Traded-Out Assets set forth on Exhibit A-5, as adjusted pursuant to Section 13.2, Section 13.3, Section 13.4 and Section 14.1, and (B) Sellers shall assign to Buyer such Traded-Out Assets pursuant to an instrument in substantially the same form as the Assignment.
ARTICLE XII
ACCESS; DISCLAIMERS
12.1 Access.
(a)From and after the Execution Date and up to and including the Closing Date (or earlier termination of this Agreement), but subject to the other provisions of this Section 12.1 and obtaining any required consents of Third Parties, including Third Party operators of the Assets (which consents Sellers shall use commercially reasonable efforts (which shall not require the payment of money) to obtain), (i) each Seller shall afford to Buyer and its officers, employees, agents, accountants, attorneys, investment bankers and other authorized representatives (“Buyer’s Representatives”) reasonable access, during normal business hours, to (x) such Seller’s employees (following prior notice to Seller’s Representative), (y) such Seller’s Assets, and (z) all Records in such Seller’s or its Affiliates’ possession, and (ii) each Seller shall permit Buyer’s Representatives
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to contact any purchaser of production from such Seller’s interest in the Assets that is directly remitting Burdens and Working Interest amounts on behalf of such Seller. All investigations and due diligence conducted by Buyer or any Buyer’s Representative shall be conducted at Buyer’s sole cost, risk and expense and any conclusions made from any examination done by Buyer or any Buyer’s Representative shall result from Buyer’s own independent review and judgment.
(b)Buyer shall be entitled to conduct a Phase I environmental assessment with respect to the Assets. Seller’s Representative or its designees shall have the right to accompany Buyer and Buyer’s Representatives whenever they are on site on the Assets and also to collect split test samples if any are collected. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Buyer shall not have access to, and shall not be permitted to conduct, any environmental due diligence (including any Phase I environmental assessments) with respect to any Assets where Sellers do not have the authority to grant access for such due diligence (provided, however, Sellers shall use their commercially reasonable efforts (which shall not require the payment of money) to obtain permission from any Third Party to allow Buyer and Buyer’s Representatives such access).
(c)Neither Buyer nor any Buyer’s Representative shall be entitled to conduct any sampling, boring, drilling or other invasive investigation activities (collectively, “Invasive Activities”) on or with respect to any of the Assets. If as a result of any Phase I environmental assessment findings, Buyer’s Representative recommends to Buyer to conduct any Invasive Activities, Buyer shall notify the Seller’s Representative of the affected Asset of such recommendation in writing. If Seller’s Representative does not consent to any such Invasive Activities proposed by Buyer with respect to a particular Asset or is unable to grant access to Buyer or its designee to conduct the recommended Invasive Activities requested by Buyer with respect to any Asset, Buyer shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to exclude such Asset affected thereby, and the Purchase Price shall be reduced at Closing by the Allocated Value of such Asset so excluded.
(d)Buyer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to coordinate its environmental property assessments and physical inspections of the Assets with Seller’s Representative and all Third Party operators to minimize any inconvenience to or interruption of the conduct of business by Sellers or such Third Party operators. Buyer shall abide by Seller’s Representative’s, and any Third Party operator’s, safety rules, regulations and operating policies of which Buyer has been made aware in writing while conducting its due diligence evaluation of the Assets, including any environmental or other inspection or assessment of the Assets. Except for those Liabilities that result from discovery of conditions or defects that already existed or with respect to the Assets prior to or at the time of such investigations, Buyer hereby agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless each of the operators of the Assets and the Seller Indemnified Parties from and against any and all Liabilities arising out of, resulting from or relating to any field visit, environmental property assessment, or other due diligence activity conducted by Buyer or any Buyer’s Representative with respect to the Assets, EVEN IF SUCH LIABILITIES ARISE OUT OF OR RESULT FROM, SOLELY OR IN PART, THE SOLE, ACTIVE, PASSIVE, CONCURRENT OR COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER FAULT OR VIOLATION OF LAW OF OR BY A MEMBER OF THE SELLER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES, EXCEPTING ONLY IN THE CASE OF THIS SECTION 12.1(d) (i) LIABILITIES ACTUALLY RESULTING ON THE ACCOUNT OF THE GROSS
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NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF A MEMBER OF THE SELLER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES AND (ii) LIABILITIES THAT WERE EXISTING PRIOR TO SUCH INSPECTIONS.
12.2 Confidentiality. Buyer acknowledges that, pursuant to its right of access to the Records and the Assets, Buyer will become privy to confidential and other information of Sellers and that such confidential information shall be held confidential by Buyer and Buyer’s Representatives in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement. If the Closing should occur, the foregoing confidentiality restriction on Buyer, including the Confidentiality Agreement, shall terminate (except as to (a) such portion of the Assets that are not conveyed to Buyer pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, (b) the Excluded Assets and (c) information related to assets other than the Assets).
12.3 Disclaimers.
(a)EXCEPT (i) AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN ARTICLE IX OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE DELIVERED BY A SELLER AT CLOSING PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.1(c) OR (ii) WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIAL WARRANTY CONTAINED IN EACH ASSIGNMENT, (A) NO SELLER MAKES REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, STATUTORY OR IMPLIED; (B) EACH SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, STATEMENT OR INFORMATION MADE OR COMMUNICATED (ORALLY OR IN WRITING) TO BUYER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONSULTANTS OR REPRESENTATIVES (INCLUDING, ANY OPINION, INFORMATION, PROJECTION OR ADVICE THAT MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO BUYER BY ANY OFFICER, DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEE, AGENT, CONSULTANT, REPRESENTATIVE OR ADVISOR OF ANY SELLER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES) AND (C) EACH SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY WITH REGARD TO ANY LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS UPON, THE LEGAL RIGHT, AUTHORITY OR ABILITY, IF ANY, OF SELLERS (OR BUYER) TO POOL, UNITIZE OR OTHERWISE COMBINE THE LANDS, LEASES, AND TRACTS.
(b)EXCEPT (i) AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN ARTICLE IX OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE DELIVERED BY A SELLER AT CLOSING PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.1(c) OR (ii) WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIAL WARRANTY CONTAINED IN EACH ASSIGNMENT, EACH SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS, STATUTORY OR IMPLIED, AS TO (A) TITLE TO ANY OF THE ASSETS, (B) THE CONTENTS, CHARACTER OR NATURE OF ANY REPORT OF ANY PETROLEUM ENGINEERING CONSULTANT OR ANY ENGINEERING, GEOLOGICAL OR SEISMIC DATA OR INTERPRETATION, RELATING TO THE ASSETS, (C) THE QUANTITY, QUALITY OR RECOVERABILITY OF HYDROCARBONS IN OR FROM THE ASSETS, (D) ANY ESTIMATES OF THE VALUE OF THE ASSETS OR FUTURE REVENUES GENERATED BY THE ASSETS, (E) THE PRODUCTION OF HYDROCARBONS FROM THE ASSETS, (F) THE MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, CONDITION, QUALITY, SUITABILITY, DESIGN OR MARKETABILITY OF THE ASSETS, (G) THE CONTENT, CHARACTER OR NATURE OF ANY INFORMATION MEMORANDUM, REPORTS, BROCHURES, CHARTS
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OR STATEMENTS PREPARED BY ANY SELLER OR ANY OTHER PERSON (INCLUDING THIRD PARTIES) WITH RESPECT TO THE ASSETS, (H) ANY OTHER MATERIALS OR INFORMATION THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO BUYER OR ITS AFFILIATES OR ITS OR THEIR EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONSULTANTS, REPRESENTATIVES OR ADVISORS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY DISCUSSION OR PRESENTATION RELATING THERETO AND (I) ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESS WARRANTY OF FREEDOM FROM PATENT OR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT.
(c)EXCEPT (i) AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN ARTICLE IX OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE DELIVERED BY A SELLER AT CLOSING PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.1(c) OR (ii) WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIAL WARRANTY CONTAINED IN EACH ASSIGNMENT, EACH SELLER FURTHER DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS, STATUTORY OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FREEDOM FROM LATENT VICES OR DEFECTS, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR CONFORMITY TO MODELS OR SAMPLES OF MATERIALS OF ANY OF THE ASSETS, RIGHTS OF A PURCHASER UNDER APPROPRIATE STATUTES TO CLAIM DIMINUTION OF CONSIDERATION OR RETURN OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, IT BEING EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED BY THE PARTIES THAT BUYER SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE OBTAINING THE PERSONAL PROPERTY IN ITS PRESENT STATUS, CONDITION AND STATE OF REPAIR, “AS IS” AND “WHERE IS” WITH ALL FAULTS OR DEFECTS (KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, LATENT, DISCOVERABLE OR UNDISCOVERABLE), AND THAT BUYER HAS MADE OR CAUSED TO BE MADE SUCH INSPECTIONS OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY AS BUYER DEEMS APPROPRIATE.
(d)EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN SECTION 9.14 OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE DELIVERED BY A SELLER AT CLOSING PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.1(c), BUT WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO SELLERS’ INDEMNITY OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTION 8.2 AND THE RIGHT OF BUYER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES TO BE INDEMNIFIED PURSUANT TO SECTION 8.2, NO SELLER HAS AND NO SELLER WILL MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY REGARDING ANY MATTER OR CIRCUMSTANCE RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, THE RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES INTO THE ENVIRONMENT OR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH, SAFETY, NATURAL RESOURCES OR THE ENVIRONMENT, OR ANY OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF THE ASSETS, AND NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS SUCH A REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, AND SUBJECT TO BUYER’S LIMITED RIGHTS AS EXPRESSLY SPECIFIED IN THIS AGREEMENT FOR A BREACH OF ANY SELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS SET FORTH IN SECTION 9.14 OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE DELIVERED BY A SELLER AT CLOSING PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.1(c), BUT WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO SELLERS’ INDEMNITY OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTION 8.2 AND THE RIGHT OF BUYER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES TO BE INDEMNIFIED PURSUANT TO SECTION 8.2, BUYER SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE OBTAINING THE ASSETS “AS IS” AND “WHERE IS” WITH ALL FAULTS FOR PURPOSES OF THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION AND THAT BUYER WILL MAKE OR CAUSE TO BE MADE SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS OF THE ASSETS AS BUYER DEEMS APPROPRIATE.
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(e)SELLERS AND BUYER AGREE THAT, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW TO BE EFFECTIVE, THE DISCLAIMERS OF CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 12.3 ARE “CONSPICUOUS” DISCLAIMERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY APPLICABLE LAW.
ARTICLE XIII
TITLE MATTERS; CASUALTY; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
13.1 Sellers’ Title.
(a)General Disclaimer of Title Warranties and Representations. Without limiting Buyer’s remedies for Title Defects set forth in this Article XIII, except as set forth in Section 13.1(b), no Seller makes any warranty or representation, express, implied, statutory or otherwise, with respect to title to any of the Assets and Tracts and, Buyer acknowledges and agrees that Buyer’s sole remedy for any defect of title, including any Title Defect, with respect to any of the Assets (i) before Closing, shall be as set forth in Section 13.2, and (ii) after Closing, shall be pursuant to (A) the special warranty of title to the Xxxxx, Leases, Tracts, Rights-of-Way and Personal Property contained in the Assignment, and (B) Buyer’s rights under Section 8.2(b) with respect to a breach of Section 11.1(b)(iv) or Section 13.4. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in the Assignment, after Closing, if an applicable Seller or Seller’s Representative demonstrates that Buyer received, pursuant to the Assignments (1) an aggregate Net Revenue Interest equal to the aggregate Net Revenue Interests of all Sellers for each Well and each Target Formation in each Tract as set forth in Exhibits A-1 and A-2, (2) an aggregate Working Interest equal to the aggregate Working Interests of all Sellers for each Well and each Target Formation in each Tract as set forth in Exhibits A-1 and A-2, and (3) an aggregate number of Net Acres equal to the aggregate number of Net Acres of all Sellers in each Target Formation in each Tract as set forth in Exhibit A-2, then in no event shall Buyer have any remedy under clause (ii)(A) with respect to any claim related to a Net Revenue Interest, Working Interest or Net Acre deficiency.
(b)Special Warranty of Defensible Title. The Assignment delivered at Closing will contain a special warranty of Defensible Title as to such Seller’s interest in the Xxxxx, Leases, Tracts, Rights-of-Way and Personal Property by the applicable Seller, subject, however, to the Permitted Encumbrances. For the avoidance of doubt, any claim by Buyer under each Seller’s special warranty of Defensible Title in the Assignment shall not be subject to the Individual Title Threshold or the Title Deductible but shall not exceed the Allocated Value of the affected Asset and any claims for such breach must be asserted within the applicable statute of limitations. Any such claims not asserted within the applicable statute of limitations shall be deemed to be Assumed Obligations.
13.2 Notice of Title Defects; Defect Adjustments.
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(a)Title Defect Notices. Buyer must deliver (which delivery may be by email), on or before 5:00 p.m. (Prevailing Central Time) on September 25, 2017 (the “Title Claim Date”), claim notices to Seller’s Representative meeting the requirements of this Section 13.2(a) (collectively the “Title Defect Notices” and individually a “Title Defect Notice”) setting forth any matters which, in Buyer’s reasonable opinion, constitute Title Defects and which Buyer intends to assert as a Title Defect pursuant to this Section 13.2. For all purposes of this Agreement and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary (except for the remedies expressly discussed in Section 13.1), Buyer shall be deemed to have waived, and no Seller shall have any liability for, any Title Defect that Buyer fails to assert as a Title Defect by a Title Defect Notice received by Seller’s Representative on or before the Title Claim Date. To be effective, each Title Defect Notice shall be in writing and shall include (i) a description of the alleged Title Defect and a description of the Asset and/or associated Tract, or any portion thereof, affected by such Title Defect (each a “Title Defect Property”), (ii) the Allocated Value of each Title Defect Property, (iii) supporting documents (which may be furnished via access to a web link or ftp site), to the extent in Buyer’s, its Affiliate’s, or its Third Party contractor’s possession, reasonably necessary for Seller’s Representative to verify the existence of such Title Defect, (iv) the amount by which Buyer reasonably believes the Allocated Value of each Title Defect Property is reduced by such Title Defect and the computations upon which Buyer’s belief is based, and (v) if applicable, each Seller whose interest is affected by such Title Defect; provided, however, that an alleged failure to comply with subsections (i) through (v) above shall not cause any such Title Defect Notice to be invalid or any Title Defect to be waived if the defect notice is reasonably sufficient to provide notice to Seller’s Representative of the existence and nature of the alleged Title Defect.
(b)Title Benefit Notices. If Buyer discovers any Title Benefit, it shall promptly deliver notice to Seller’s Representative prior to the Title Claim Date. Seller’s Representative shall have the right, but not the obligation, to deliver to Buyer on or before a time that is at least 24 hours prior to the Title Claim Date with respect to each Title Benefit a notice (a “Title Benefit Notice”) including (i) a description of the alleged Title Benefit and a description of the Lease and the associated Tract set forth on Exhibit A-2, or the Well set forth on Exhibit A-1, or portion thereof, affected by such Title Benefit (each a “Title Benefit Property”), (ii) the Allocated Value of each such Title Benefit Property, (iii) supporting documents, to the extent in Sellers’, its Affiliate’s, or its Third Party contractor’s possession, reasonably necessary for Buyer to verify the existence of such Title Benefit, (iv) the amount by which Seller’s Representative reasonably believes the Allocated Value of such Title Benefit Property is increased by the Title Benefit and the computations upon which Seller’s Representative’s belief is based, and (v) if applicable, each Seller whose interest is affected by such Title Benefit.
(c)Sellers’ Right to Cure. Subject to the terms of Section 13.2(d), the Sellers shall have the right, but not the obligation, to attempt, at the sole cost of such Sellers, to cure at any time prior to the end of the 75 days following Closing (the “Cure Period”) any Title Defects of which the Sellers have been advised by Buyer or Seller’s Representative. Should any such Seller wish to attempt to cure any such Title Defect following Closing during the Cure Period, Seller’s Representative must deliver written notice to Buyer of such election on or before the date that is five Business Days prior to Closing. At Closing, the Purchase Price will be reduced by the Allocated Value of each Title Defect Property for which Seller’s Representative has provided such notice to Buyer. Such Title Defect Properties will not be conveyed by any such Seller to Buyer on the Closing
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Date. Should such Sellers cure the applicable Title Defects to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction during the Cure Period, then, within 10 Business Days after such Title Defects are cured to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction, such Title Defect Properties will be purchased by Buyer and sold by such Seller(s) for a price equal to the Allocated Value of such Title Defect Properties that was removed from the Purchase Price at Closing (as such Allocated Value may be adjusted as provided in this Agreement), with the conveyance of the applicable Title Defect Properties being made pursuant to an Assignment. Should the Parties dispute whether such Title Defect was, in fact, cured during the Cure Period, the provisions of Section 13.2(k) shall govern and control such dispute.
(d)Remedies for Title Defects. Subject to Seller’s Representative’s right to dispute the existence of a Title Defect and/or the Title Defect Amount asserted with respect thereto prior to the Closing Date and subject to the rights of the Parties pursuant to Section 7.1(f), in the event that any Title Defect timely asserted by Buyer in accordance with Section 13.2(a) is not waived in writing by Buyer or cured on or before Closing, then, subject to the Individual Title Threshold and the Title Deductible:
(i)Buyer may reduce the Purchase Price by the Title Defect Amount (as determined pursuant to Section 13.2(g) or Section 13.2(k)); or
(ii)solely in instances in which the Title Defect Amount equals 100% of the Allocated Value of the applicable Title Defect Property, Buyer or the Seller’s Representative may cause the applicable Sellers to retain their respective interests in the entirety of such Title Defect Property and all associated Assets, in which event the Purchase Price shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Allocated Value of such Title Defect Property, and such Title Defect Property and associated Assets will constitute “Excluded Assets” for all purposes of this Agreement;
(iii)in the event either remedy set forth above is implemented, then the Sellers acknowledge and agree that, only for purposes of allocation and distribution by the Seller’s Representative of the Purchase Price (as adjusted pursuant to this Agreement) among the Sellers, any reduction of the Purchase Price shall be applied in the following manner: (A) first (1) if only one Seller’s interest resulted in the Title Defect, against the individual Seller’s interest in the Title Defect Property, or (2) if more than one Seller’s interest resulted in the Title Defect, against such Sellers’ interests in the Title Defect Property on a pro rata basis based on each such Seller’s respective Allocated Value in the Title Defect Property; (B) second, to the extent the reduction of the Purchase Price (as adjusted pursuant to this Agreement) is not satisfied by the preceding clause (A) above, against such Seller’s (or Sellers’, as applicable) interest(s) in all other Assets or Tracts, including any Title Benefits that are applicable to such Seller(s) in any other Assets or Tracts; and (C) third, to the extent the reduction of the Purchase Price (as adjusted pursuant to this Agreement) is not satisfied by the preceding clauses (A) and (B) above, against the other Sellers’ interests in the Title Defect Property, on a pro rata basis based on each such Seller’s respective Allocated Value in the Title Defect Property.
(e)Remedies for Title Benefits. With respect to each Title Benefit Property affected by Title Benefits reported under Section 13.2(b), as Sellers’ sole and exclusive remedies for any Title Benefits, the amount (the “Title Benefit Amount”) equal to the increase in the Allocated Value for such Asset caused by such Title Benefits, as determined pursuant to Section 13.2(h) or Section 13.2(k), shall, if and only if such Title Benefit Amount is greater than the Individual
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Title Threshold, be applied as to offset the aggregate Title Defect Amounts attributable to Title Defects pursuant to Section 13.2(i).
(f)Exclusive Remedy. Except for Buyer’s rights (i) under the special warranty of title to the Xxxxx, Leases, Tracts, Rights-of-Way and Personal Property contained in the Assignment, (ii) to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(f), and (iii) under Section 8.2(b) with respect to a breach of Section 11.1(b)(iv) or Section 13.4, the provisions set forth in Section 13.2(d) and Section 13.2(k) shall be the sole and exclusive right and remedy of Buyer with respect to any Seller’s failure to have Defensible Title with respect to any Asset.
(g)Title Defect Amount. The amount by which the Allocated Value of the affected Title Defect Property is reduced as a result of the existence of a Title Defect shall be the “Title Defect Amount” and shall be determined in accordance with the following terms and conditions:
(i)if Buyer and Seller’s Representative agree on the Title Defect Amount, then that amount shall be the Title Defect Amount;
(ii)if the Title Defect is an Encumbrance that is undisputed and liquidated in amount, then the Title Defect Amount shall be the amount necessary to be paid to remove the Title Defect from the Title Defect Property;
(iii)if (A) the Title Defect represents a discrepancy between (1) any Seller’s Net Revenue Interest with respect to any Target Formation for any Tract or with respect to any Well and (2) such Seller’s Net Revenue Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or with respect to such Well as set forth in Exhibits A-2 or A-1, as applicable, and (B) such Seller’s Working Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or with respect to such Well is less than such Seller’s Working Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or with respect to such Well as set forth in Exhibits A-2 or A-1, as applicable, in the same proportion to such Net Revenue Interest decrease, then the Title Defect Amount shall be the product of (x) the Allocated Value of such Title Defect Property, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the (I) numerator of which is the Net Revenue Interest decrease with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or with respect to such Well, and (II) denominator of which is the Net Revenue Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or with respect to such Well as set forth in Exhibits A-2 or A-1, as applicable;
(iv)if (A) the Title Defect for any Tract is the actual failure of a Seller to own the represented Net Acres with respect to any Target Formation for such Tract as shown under the column titled “Seller Net Acres” on Exhibit A-2 throughout the duration of the productive life of such Tract, and (B) such Title Defect does not have an adverse impact on the Allocated Value of the remainder of such Tract, then the Title Defect Amount will be the product of (x) the Allocated Value of such Title Defect Property, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the (I) numerator of which is the positive difference between the (a) Net Acres with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract as shown under the column titled “Seller Net Acres” on Exhibit A-2, and (b) actual Net Acres held by such Seller with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract, and (II) denominator of which is the Net Acres with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract as shown under the column titled “Seller Net Acres” on Exhibit A-2; provided that, if a Seller’s ownership of any applicable Net Acres in any applicable Target Formation set forth on Exhibit A-2 for any Tract identified on
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Exhibit A-2 covers less than the full vertical interval in such applicable Target Formation under such Tract, then the Title Defect Amount shall be the product of (1) the Allocated Value of such Net Acres for such applicable Target Formation multiplied by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the thickness (in feet) of the vertical interval of such applicable Target Formation under such Tract not covered by such Seller’s ownership of such Net Acres and the denominator of which is the thickness (in feet) of the full vertical interval of such applicable Target Formation under such Tract for such Net Acres;
(v)if the Title Defect represents an obligation, Encumbrance upon or other defect in title to the Title Defect Property of a type not described above, then the Title Defect Amount shall be determined by taking into account the Allocated Value of the Title Defect Property, the portion of the Title Defect Property affected by the Title Defect, the legal effect of the Title Defect, the reasonably anticipated economic effect of the Title Defect over the life of the Title Defect Property, the values placed upon the Title Defect by Buyer and Seller’s Representative, and such other reasonable factors as are customarily utilized in the oil and gas industry to make a proper evaluation;
(vi)the Title Defect Amount with respect to a Title Defect Property shall be determined without duplication of any costs or losses included in another Title Defect Amount hereunder;
(vii)if a Title Defect does not affect a Title Defect Property throughout the entire remaining productive life of such Title Defect Property, such fact shall be taken into account in determining the Title Defect Amount;
(viii)for purposes of Section 13.2(i) only, all Title Defects with respect to any Well or Tract that are attributable to (A) the interests of more than one Seller hereunder, or (B) more than one Target Formation shall, in each case, all be aggregated together for purposes of determining the Title Defect Amount with respect to the applicable Title Defect Property;
(ix)notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if a Title Defect results in a Seller not having Defensible Title to a Lease as well as any corresponding Tract, the Purchase Price shall be reduced only one time with respect to either the Lease or the Tract and in no event shall Buyer be entitled to claim a Title Defect Amount with respect to both a Lease and a Tract for such Title Defect; and
(x)notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article XIII, the aggregate Title Defect Amounts attributable to the effects of all Title Defects upon any single Title Defect Property shall not exceed the Allocated Value of such Title Defect Property and no Title Defect Amount shall be asserted by Buyer with respect to any Well or Tract except as to (A) presently producing formations in any Well, or (B) the Target Formations in any Tract.
(h)Title Benefit Amount. The Title Benefit Amount resulting from a Title Benefit shall be determined in accordance with the following methodology, terms and conditions:
(i)if Buyer and Seller’s Representative agree on the Title Benefit Amount, then that amount shall be the Title Benefit Amount;
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(ii)if (A) the Title Benefit represents a discrepancy between (1) any Seller’s Net Revenue Interest with respect to any Target Formation for any Tract or with respect to any Well and (2) such Seller’s Net Revenue Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or with respect to such Well as set forth in Exhibits A-2 or A-1, as applicable, and (B) such Seller’s Working Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or with respect to such Well is greater than such Seller’s Working Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or with respect to such Well as set forth in Exhibits A-2 or A-1, as applicable, in the same proportion to such Net Revenue Interest increase, then the Title Benefit Amount shall be the product of (1) the Allocated Value of such Title Benefit Property, multiplied by (2) a fraction, the (x) numerator of which is the Net Revenue Interest increase with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or Well, and (y) denominator of which is the Net Revenue Interest with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract or Well as set forth in Exhibits A-2 or A-1, as applicable;
(iii)if the Title Benefit represents an increase in the Net Acres with respect to any Target Formation for any Tract owned by a Seller compared to the represented Net Acres with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract as shown under the column titled “Seller Net Acres” on Exhibit A-2 throughout the duration of the productive life of such Tract, then the Title Benefit Amount will be the product of (x) the Allocated Value of such Title Defect Property, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the (A) numerator of which is the positive difference between the (I) actual Net Acres held by such Seller with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract, and (II) Net Acres with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract as shown under the column titled “Seller Net Acres” on Exhibit A-2, and (B) denominator of which is the Net Acres with respect to such Target Formation for such Tract as shown under the column titled “Seller Net Acres” on Exhibit A-2;
(iv)for purposes of Section 13.2(i) only, all Title Benefits with respect to any Well or Tract that are attributable to (A) the interests of more than one Seller hereunder, or (B) more than one Target Formation shall, in each case, all be aggregated together for purposes of determining the Title Benefit Amount with respect to the applicable Title Benefit Property; and
(v)if the Title Benefit is of a type not described above, then the Title Benefit Amounts shall be determined by taking into account the Allocated Value of the Title Benefit Property, the portion of the Title Benefit Property affected by such Title Benefit, the legal effect of the Title Benefit, the potential economic effect of the Title Benefit over the life of the Title Benefit Property, the values placed upon the Title Benefit by Buyer and Seller’s Representative and such other reasonable factors as are necessary to make a proper evaluation.
(i)Title Thresholds and Deductible. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, (i) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies provided by any Seller for any individual Title Defect or any individual Title Benefit for which the Title Defect Amount or the Title Benefit Amount, as applicable, does not exceed $50,000 (such amount “Individual Title Threshold”); and (ii) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies provided by any Seller for any Title Defect that exceeds the Individual Title Threshold unless (A) the difference of (1) the total Title Defect Amounts of all such Title Defects that exceed the Individual Title Threshold (excluding any Title Defects cured by the applicable Seller to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction prior to Closing), minus (2) the Title Benefit
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Amounts of all Title Benefits that exceed the Individual Title Threshold, exceeds (B) the Title Deductible, whereupon Buyer shall be entitled to adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies only with respect to the Title Defect Amounts in excess of the aggregate Title Deductible.
(j)Exceptions to Individual Title Threshold and Title Deductible. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Individual Title Threshold and Title Deductible shall not apply to: (i) any Title Defect that results from (whether in whole or in part) the existence of any Retained Burden; and (ii) any Title Defects and Title Benefits that (A) affect the same Title Defect Property (whether one or more Sellers are affected by such Title Defects and/or Title Benefits), but only to the extent such Title Defects and Title Benefits affect the same Title Defect Property, and (B) the applicable Seller or Seller’s Representative demonstrates will not collectively cause Buyer to receive (1) an aggregate Net Revenue Interest less than the aggregate Net Revenue Interests of all Sellers for each Target Formation in the applicable Title Defect Property as set forth in Exhibits A-1 or A-2, as applicable, (2) an aggregate Working Interest greater than the aggregate Working Interests of all Sellers for each Target Formation in the applicable Title Defect Property as set forth in Exhibits A-1 or A-2, as applicable, and (3) an aggregate number of Net Acres less than the aggregate number of Net Acres of all Sellers in each Target Formation in the applicable Title Defect Property as set forth in Exhibit A-2.
(k)Title Dispute Resolution. Seller’s Representative and Buyer shall attempt to agree on (i) all Title Defects, Title Benefits, Title Defect Amounts and Title Benefit Amounts prior to Closing and (ii) the efficacy of any attempted cure of a Title Defect promptly upon the expiration of the Cure Period. If Seller’s Representative and Buyer are unable to so agree, the Title Defects, Title Benefits, Title Defect Amounts, Title Benefit Amounts or cure in dispute shall be exclusively and finally resolved pursuant to this Section 13.2(k). There shall be a single arbitrator, who shall be a title attorney licensed in the State of Texas with at least 10 years’ experience in oil and gas titles involving properties in the regional area in which the Title Defect Properties are located, as selected by mutual agreement of Buyer and Seller’s Representative within 15 days after the end of the Cure Period (the “Title Arbitrator”). In the event the Parties are unable to mutually agree upon the Title Arbitrator within such time period, then Seller’s Representative on the one hand and Buyer on the other hand shall each nominate a candidate to be the Title Arbitrator, and such candidates so nominated by the Parties shall together determine the Title Arbitrator. Seller’s Representative and the Buyer shall each present to the Title Arbitrator, with a simultaneous copy to the other party, a single written statement of its position on the defect or benefit in question, together with a copy of this Agreement and any supporting material that such Party desires to furnish, not later than the 10th Business Day after appointment of the Title Arbitrator. In making the determination, the Title Arbitrator, unless the Title Arbitrator requests additional information from either party, shall make a determination of the matter submitted based solely on the single written submission of Seller’s Representative and Buyer and shall be bound by the terms of this Agreement. Provided, however, the Title Arbitrator may consider available legal and industry matters as in the Title Arbitrator’s opinion are necessary or appropriate to make a proper determination. The Title Arbitrator’s determination shall be made within 20 Business Days after submission of the matters in dispute and shall be final and binding upon all Parties, without right of appeal. The Title Arbitrator, however, may not award the Buyer a greater Title Defect Amount than the Title Defect Amount claimed by Buyer in its applicable Title Defect Notice or Sellers a greater Title Benefit Amount than the Title Benefit Amount claimed by Seller’s Representative in its
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applicable Title Benefit Notice. The Title Arbitrator shall act as an expert for the limited purpose of determining the specific disputed Title Defect, Title Benefit, Title Defect Amounts, Title Benefit Amounts and/or cure efforts submitted by either party and may not award damages, interest or penalties to either party with respect to any matter. The applicable Sellers and Buyer shall bear their own legal fees and other costs of presenting its case. The Seller’s Representative, on the one hand, and Buyer, on the other hand, shall each bear one-half of the costs and expenses of the Title Arbitrator. To the extent that the award of the Title Arbitrator with respect to any Title Defect Amount or Title Benefit Amount is not taken into account as an adjustment to the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 3.4 or Section 3.5, then within 10 days after the Title Arbitrator delivers written notice to Buyer and Seller’s Representative of his award with respect to a Title Defect Amount or a Title Benefit Amount (and subject to Section 13.2(k)), (A) Buyer shall pay to Seller’s Representative the amount, if any, so awarded by the Title Arbitrator to Sellers, and (B) such Sellers (severally and not jointly) shall pay to Buyer the amount, if any, so awarded by the Title Arbitrator to Buyer. For the avoidance of doubt, no amounts owing under this Section 13.2(k) by such Sellers to Buyer shall be paid from the Indemnity Escrow. Nothing herein shall operate to cause the Closing to be delayed on account of any arbitration hereunder and to the extent any adjustments are not agreed upon by the Parties as of the Closing, the Purchase Price shall be adjusted therefor as of the Closing by an amount that is equal to the average of (1) the Title Defect Amount claimed in good faith by the Seller’s Representative and (2) the Title Defect Amount claimed in good faith by Buyer, and subsequent adjustments thereto, if any, will be made pursuant to Section 3.5 or this Section 13.2(k).
13.3 Casualty Loss. If, after the Execution Date but prior to the Closing Date, any portion of the Assets is destroyed by fire or other casualty or is taken in condemnation or under right of eminent domain (each, a “Casualty Loss”), then (a) subject to the Parties’ rights pursuant to Section 7.1(f), Buyer shall nevertheless be required to close, (b) each Seller, at the Closing, shall (i) pay to Buyer all sums actually paid to such Seller by Third Parties by reason of such Casualty Loss insofar as with respect to such Assets and (ii) assign, transfer and set over to Buyer or subrogate Buyer to all of such Sellers’ right, title and interest (if any) in insurance claims, rights to compensation under condemnation or eminent domain, unpaid awards and other rights against Third Parties (excluding any Liabilities, other than insurance claims, of or against any such Seller’s Seller Indemnified Parties) arising out of such Casualty Loss insofar as with respect to the Assets, and (c) the Purchase Price shall be adjusted downward to the extent, if any, that such sums and such rights are not sufficient to cover the entire amount of such Casualty Loss; provided, however, that each Seller shall reserve and retain (and Buyer shall assign to each Seller) all rights, title, interests and claims against Third Parties for the recovery of such Seller’s costs and expenses incurred prior to the Closing in pursuing or asserting any such insurance claims or other rights against Third Parties with respect to any such Casualty Loss.
13.4 Consents to Assign and Preferential Purchase Rights.
(a)Seller’s Representative shall (i) within 10 days after the Execution Date, send to each holder of a (A) right to consent to assignment pertaining to the Assets and the transactions contemplated hereby, a notice seeking such holder’s consent to the transactions contemplated hereby, and (B) Preferential Purchase Right, a notice in accordance with the agreement giving rise to such right informing such holder of the transactions contemplated hereby, and (ii) prior to sending, give
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Buyer a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such notices and incorporate Buyer’s reasonable comments thereto.
(b)If any Seller (or Seller’s Representative on its behalf) fails to obtain a Hard Consent applicable to any of its Asset(s) prior to the Closing or any consent request is rejected in writing by the holder thereof, then, in each such case, the affected Asset(s) shall be excluded from the Assets to be acquired by Buyer at Closing hereunder and the Purchase Price shall be reduced by the Allocated Value of the Asset(s) so excluded (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall affect only the impacted Seller(s)). In the event that any such consent (with respect to any applicable Asset(s) excluded pursuant to this Section 13.4(b)) that was not obtained prior to Closing is obtained within 180 days following Closing, then, Buyer shall purchase from such affected Seller(s), within 10 days after such consent is obtained, such Asset(s) so excluded under the terms of this Agreement for the amount by which the Purchase Price was reduced at Closing due to the exclusion of such Asset(s) (as such amount is appropriately adjusted in accordance to Section 3.3 with respect to such Asset(s)), and such Seller shall assign to Buyer such Asset(s) pursuant to an assignment in the form of the Assignment and shall be entitled to receipt of such payment.
(c)If any Seller (or Seller’s Representative on its behalf) fails to obtain a consent prior to the Closing and (i) such consent is not a Hard Consent and (ii) such consent was not rejected in writing by the holder thereof, then the Asset(s) subject to such un-obtained consent shall be acquired by Buyer at Closing as part of the Assets.
(d)If any Preferential Purchase Right is exercised prior to the Closing Date, or if the time frame for the exercise of such Preferential Purchase Right has not expired as of the Closing Date and the applicable Seller (or Seller’s Representative on its behalf) has not received a written waiver of the Preferential Purchase Right, then that portion of the Assets affected by such Preferential Purchase Right shall be excluded from the Assets at Closing and the Purchase Price shall be adjusted downward by an amount equal to the Allocated Value of such affected Assets (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall only impact the affected Seller(s)).
(e)If a Third Party exercises its Preferential Purchase Right, but does not consummate the applicable transaction within the time frame specified in the Preferential Purchase Right (provided that the reason therefor is not such Seller’s default), such Seller agrees to convey its interest in the affected Asset to Buyer as soon as possible after the expiration of the time for consummation of the applicable transaction by the holder of the Preferential Purchase Right (provided that the same occurs within 180 days following Closing), such conveyance to be effective as of the Effective Time, and Buyer agrees to pay the Seller’s Representative on behalf of such Seller(s) the Allocated Value of the affected Asset (as adjusted in accordance with Section 3.3 to reflect such conveyance being made as of the Effective Time).
(f)If a Preferential Purchase Right is not discovered prior to Closing, and the affected Asset is conveyed to Buyer at Closing, and the Preferential Purchase Right is exercised after Closing, Buyer agrees to convey such affected Asset to the Third Party exercising such right on the same terms and conditions under which such Seller(s) conveyed such Asset to Buyer (with the purchase price being the Allocated Value for the affected Asset as adjusted pursuant to Section 3.3 and such other adjustments as may be permitted to reflect any other post-Closing expenditures Buyer has made with respect to such Asset) and Buyer shall retain all amounts paid by the party
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exercising such Preferential Purchase Right. In the event of such exercise, Buyer shall prepare, execute and deliver a form of conveyance of such Asset to such exercising party, such conveyance to be in form and substance as provided in this Agreement.
ARTICLE XIV
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
14.1 Notice of Environmental Defects.
(a)Environmental Defect Notices. If Buyer discovers any Environmental Condition which, in its reasonable opinion, Buyer determines constitutes an Environmental Defect, Buyer shall notify Seller’s Representative on or before 5:00 p.m. (Prevailing Central Time) on September 25, 2017 (the “Environmental Claim Date”) of such Environmental Defect (an “Environmental Defect Notice”). An Environmental Defect Notice shall be in writing and shall include (i) a description of the Environmental Condition constituting the asserted Environmental Defect(s), (ii) the Asset(s) (or portions thereof) affected by the asserted Environmental Defect (each, an “Environmental Defect Property”), (iii) documentation, including any physical measurements or, to the extent permitted by Seller’s Representative under Section 12.1, lab analyses or photographs, sufficient for Seller’s Representative to verify the existence of the asserted Environmental Defect(s), in each case, to the extent in Buyer’s, its Affiliate’s, or its Third Party contractor’s possession, (iv) the Allocated Value of each Environmental Defect Property, (v) the Remediation Amount (itemized in reasonable detail) that Buyer asserts is attributable to such Environmental Defect and the computations and information upon which Buyer’s belief is based; provided, however, that an alleged failure to comply with subsections (i) through (v) above shall not cause any such Environmental Defect Notice to be invalid or any Environmental Defect to be waived if the defect notice is reasonably sufficient to provide notice to Seller’s Representative of the existence and general nature of the alleged Environmental Defect. Buyer’s calculation of the Remediation Amount included in the Environmental Defect Notice must describe in reasonable detail the Remediation proposed for the Environmental Condition that gives rise to the asserted Environmental Defect and identify assumptions used by the Buyer in calculating the Remediation Amount. For all purposes of this Agreement but subject to Buyer’s remedy for a breach of Sellers’ representation contained in Section 9.14, Buyer shall be deemed to have waived, and Sellers shall have no liability for, any Environmental Defect which Buyer fails to assert as an Environmental Defect by an Environmental Defect Notice received by Seller’s Representative on or before the Environmental Claim Date. Sellers shall have the right, but not the obligation, to cure any asserted Environmental Defect to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction on or before Closing.
(b)Sellers’ Right to Cure. Subject to the terms of Section 14.1(c), the Sellers shall have the right, but not the obligation, to attempt, at the sole cost of such Sellers, to cure at any time prior to the end of the Cure Period any Environmental Defects of which the Sellers or Seller’s Representative have been advised by Buyer in a timely Environmental Defect Notice. Should any such Seller wish to attempt to cure any such Environmental Defect following Closing during the Cure Period, Seller’s Representative must deliver written notice to Buyer of such election on or before the date that is five Business Days prior to Closing. At Closing, the Purchase Price will be
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reduced by the Allocated Value of each Environmental Defect Property for which Seller’s Representative has provided such notice to Buyer. Such Environmental Defect Properties will not be conveyed by any such Seller to Buyer on the Closing Date. Should such Sellers cure the applicable Environmental Defects to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction during the Cure Period, then, within 10 Business Days after such Environmental Defects are cured to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction, such Environmental Defect Properties will be purchased by Buyer and sold by such Seller(s) for a price equal to the Allocated Value of such Environmental Defect Properties that were removed from the Purchase Price at Closing (as such Allocated Value may be adjusted as provided in this Agreement), with the conveyance of the applicable Environmental Defect Properties being made pursuant to an Assignment. Should the Parties dispute whether such Environmental Defect was, in fact, cured during the Cure Period, the provisions of Section 14.1(f) shall govern and control such dispute.
(c)Remedies for Environmental Defects. Subject to the Seller’s Representative’s right to dispute the existence of an Environmental Defect and/or the Remediation Amount asserted with respect thereto prior to the Closing Date, and subject to the rights of the Parties pursuant to Section 7.1(f), in the event that any Environmental Defect timely asserted by Buyer in accordance with Section 14.1(a) is not waived in writing by Buyer or cured on or before Closing, then, subject to the Individual Environmental Defect Threshold and the Environmental Defect Deductible, Buyer shall, at its sole option, elect to:
(i)reduce the Purchase Price by the Remediation Amount, which reduction, for purposes of allocation and distribution of the Purchase Price among Sellers, shall be applied against the affected individual Seller’s interest if less than all Sellers are affected by such Environmental Defect;
(ii)cause the applicable Sellers to assume responsibility for the Remediation of such Environmental Defect and complete the Remediation with respect to the affected Assets to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction before the end of the Cure Period; or
(iii)solely in instances in which the Remediation Amount exceeds 50% of the Allocated Value of the Environmental Defect Property, cause the applicable Sellers to retain their respective interests in the entirety of such Environmental Defect Property and all associated Assets, in which event the Purchase Price shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Allocated Value of such Environmental Defect Property, which reduction, for purposes of allocation and distribution of the Purchase Price among Sellers, shall be applied against the affected individual Seller’s interest if less than all Sellers are affected by such Environmental Defect, and such Environmental Defect Property and associated Assets will constitute “Excluded Assets” for all purposes of this Agreement.
If Buyer elects the option set forth in clause (i) above, Buyer shall be deemed to have assumed responsibility for all of the costs and expenses attributable to the Remediation of the Environmental Condition attributable to such Environmental Defect and such responsibility of Buyer shall be deemed to constitute part of the Assumed Obligations hereunder. If Buyer elects the option set forth in clause (ii) above, the affected Sellers shall use reasonable efforts to implement such Remediation in a manner which is consistent with the requirements of Environmental Laws in a timely fashion for the type of Remediation that Seller’s Representative and Buyer agree that Sellers will undertake and Buyer, effective as of the Closing, grants to Seller’s Representative, access to the to conduct
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such Remediation. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in those instances in which Buyer’s request to conduct invasive investigations of certain Assets made under Section 12.1(c) is denied by Seller’s Representative and Buyer elects to withdraw the affected Assets from the purchase and sale under this Agreement and such Assets as a consequence are deemed Excluded Assets pursuant to Section 12.1(c), the Purchase Price shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of the Allocated Values of such Assets (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall only impact the affected Seller(s)) pursuant to Section 3.3(b)(iv) and such Sellers shall have no option to pursue any other remedy with respect to same.
(d)Exclusive Remedy. Except as provided in Section 8.2(a) for a breach of such Seller’s representations and warranties set forth in Section 9.14 and Buyer’s rights to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(f), the provisions set forth in Section 14.1(c) and Section 14.1(f) shall be the exclusive right and remedy of Buyer with respect to any Environmental Defect with respect to any Asset.
(e)Environmental Thresholds and Deductible. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, (i) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies provided by any Sellers for any individual Environmental Defect for which the Remediation Amount does not exceed $75,000 (such amount “Individual Environmental Defect Threshold”); and (ii) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies provided by any Seller for any Environmental Defect for which the Remediation Amount exceeds the Individual Environmental Defect Threshold unless (A) the total Remediation Amounts of all such Environmental Defects that exceed the Individual Environmental Defect Threshold (excluding any Environmental Defects cured by Sellers to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction prior to Closing) exceeds (B) the Environmental Defect Deductible, whereupon Buyer shall be entitled to adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies only with respect to such Environmental Defects in excess of the Environmental Defect Deductible (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall only impact the affected Seller(s)).
(f)Environmental Dispute Resolution. Seller’s Representative and Buyer shall attempt to agree on (i) all Environmental Defects and Remediation Amounts prior to Closing, and (ii) the efficacy of any attempted cure of an Environmental Defect promptly upon the expiration of the Cure Period. If Seller’s Representative and Buyer are unable to so agree, the Environmental Defects, Remediation Amounts and/or cure in dispute shall be exclusively and finally resolved by arbitration pursuant to this Section 14.1(f). There shall be a single arbitrator, who shall be an environmental attorney with at least 15 years’ experience in environmental matters involving oil and gas producing properties in the regional area in which the affected Assets are located, as selected by mutual agreement of Buyer and Seller’s Representative within 15 days after the Closing Date (the “Environmental Arbitrator”). In the event the Parties are unable to mutually agree upon the Environmental Arbitrator within such time period, then Seller’s Representative on the one hand and Buyer on the other hand shall each nominate a candidate to be the Environmental Arbitrator, and such candidates so nominated by the parties shall together determine the Environmental Arbitrator. Seller’s Representative and the Buyer shall each present to the Environmental Arbitrator, with a simultaneous copy to the other party, a single written statement of its position on the defect in question, together with a copy of this Agreement and any supporting material that such party desires to furnish, not later than the 10th Business Day after appointment of the Environmental Arbitrator.
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In making the determination, the Environmental Arbitrator, unless the Environmental Arbitrator requests additional information from either party, shall make a determination of the matter submitted based solely on the single written submission of Seller’s Representative and Buyer and shall be bound by the terms of this Agreement. Provided, however, the Environmental Arbitrator may consider available legal and industry matters as in the Environmental Arbitrator’s opinion are necessary or appropriate to make a proper determination. The Environmental Arbitrator’s determination shall be made within 20 days after submission of the matters in dispute and shall be final and binding upon both Parties, without right of appeal. The Environmental Arbitrator, however, may not award Buyer any greater Remediation Amount than the Remediation Amount claimed by Buyer in its applicable Environmental Defect Notice. The Environmental Arbitrator shall act as an expert for the limited purpose of determining the specific disputed Environmental Defects and/or Remediation Amounts submitted by either party and may not award damages, interest or penalties to either party with respect to any matter. Sellers and Buyer shall each bear its own legal fees and other costs of presenting its case. The Seller’s Representative, on the one hand, and Buyer, on the other hand, shall each bear one-half of the costs and expenses of the Environmental Arbitrator. Nothing herein shall operate to cause the Closing to be delayed on account of any arbitration hereunder and to the extent any adjustments are not agreed upon by the Parties as of the Closing, then the applicable Environmental Defect Property and all associated Assets shall be excluded from the Assets to be conveyed to Buyer at Closing, in which event the Purchase Price shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Allocated Value of such excluded Environmental Defect Property and associated Assets. Within 10 days after the Environmental Arbitrator delivers written notice to Buyer and Seller’s Representative of his award with respect to a Remediation Amount (and subject to Section 14.1(c) and Section 14.1(e)), should the Remediation Amount of such Environmental Defect Property (A) not exceed the Allocated Value threshold set forth in Section 14.1(c)(iii), then such Asset(s) so excluded under the terms of this Section 14.1(f) shall be assigned to Buyer by the applicable Sellers pursuant to an assignment in the form of the Assignment for the amount by which the Purchase Price was reduced at Closing due to the exclusion of such Asset(s) (as such amount is appropriately adjusted in accordance to Section 3.3 with respect to such Asset(s) and in accordance with Section 14.1(c) as a result of the Environmental Arbitrator’s decision), or (B) meet or exceed the Allocated Value threshold set forth in Section 14.1(c)(iii), the Buyer shall have the option to receive an assignment of such Assets in the manner described in subpart (A) above or choose to exclude such Assets permanently pursuant to its rights under Section 14.1(c)(iii).
14.2 NORM, Wastes and Other Substances. Buyer acknowledges that the Assets have been used for exploration, development, production, gathering and transportation of oil and gas and there may be petroleum, produced water, wastes or other substances or materials located in, on or under the Assets or associated with the Assets. Equipment and sites included in the Assets may contain asbestos, NORM or other Hazardous Substances. NORM may affix or attach itself to the inside of xxxxx, pipelines, materials and equipment as scale, or in other forms. The xxxxx, materials and equipment located on the Assets or included in the Assets may contain NORM and other wastes or Hazardous Substances. NORM containing material and/or other wastes or Hazardous Substances may have come in contact with various environmental media, including, water, soils or sediment. Special procedures may be required for the assessment, remediation, removal, transportation or disposal of environmental media, wastes, asbestos, NORM and other Hazardous Substances from the Assets. For the avoidance of doubt (a) NORM shall not, by itself, constitute the basis of a breach
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of Sellers’ representations and warranties set forth in Section 9.14, and (b) to the extent an Environmental Condition is based on NORM that is presently in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws, it shall not constitute the basis of an Environmental Defect.
ARTICLE XV
MISCELLANEOUS
15.1 Exhibits and Schedules.
(a)All of the Exhibits and Schedules referred to in this Agreement (including those Exhibits and Schedules that are specific to an individual Seller) constitute a part of this Agreement (it being understood that, with respect to those Schedules that are that are specific to an individual Seller, such Schedules shall constitute a part of this Agreement only as to such Seller). Sellers and Buyer and their respective counsel have received a complete set of Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement prior to and as of the execution of this Agreement.
(b)Unless the context requires otherwise or unless otherwise indicated in the Schedules, capitalized terms used but not defined in the Schedules have their respective meanings set forth in this Agreement. Disclosure of any fact or item by a Seller in any of the Schedules shall be deemed to have been disclosed with respect to every other Section of Article IX that contains a reference to a Schedule, but only to the extent it is readily apparent on the face of such Schedule that such disclosure is applicable with respect to such other Section. The headings in the Schedules are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the disclosures contained therein. References in the Schedules to any Contract shall be deemed to refer to any and all amendments, restatements, supplements, other modifications, exhibits and schedules thereto.
(c)No information contained in the Schedules shall be deemed to be an admission by any Seller to any other Party or Third Party of any matter whatsoever (including any violation of Law or breach of Contract). In disclosing the information in the Schedules, each Seller expressly does not waive any attorney-client privilege associated with any such information or any protection afforded by the “work product doctrine” with respect to any of the matters disclosed or discussed therein. Neither the specification of any item or matter in any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement nor the inclusion of any specific item in the Schedules is intended to imply that such item or matter, or other items or matters, are or are not in the ordinary course of business, and no Party shall use the fact of the setting forth or the inclusion of any such item or matter in any dispute or controversy between the Parties as to whether any obligation, item or matter not described in this Agreement or included in the Schedules is or is not in the ordinary course of business for purposes of this Agreement. No disclosure of any matter contained in the Schedules will create an implication that such matter meets any standard of materiality (it being further understood and agreed that (i) matters reflected in the Schedules are not necessarily limited to matters required by this Agreement to be reflected in such Schedules, which additional matters are included for informational purposes only and do not necessarily include other matters of a similar nature, and (ii) the inclusion of any item in any Schedule will not be construed as implying that any
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such item is “material” for any purpose). Nothing in any Schedule is intended or shall be construed to broaden the scope of any representation or warranty made by such Seller in this Agreement.
15.2 Expenses and Taxes.
(a)All fees, costs and expenses incurred by Sellers or Buyer in negotiating this Agreement or in consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the Person incurring the same, including, legal and accounting fees, costs and expenses.
(b)All required documentary, filing and recording fees and expenses in connection with the filing and recording of the assignments (including the Assignment), conveyances or other instruments required to convey title to the Assets to Buyer shall be borne by Buyer. Each Seller shall remain responsible for, and shall bear and pay, all Income Taxes incurred by or imposed on such Seller, its direct or indirect owners or Affiliates, or any combined, unitary, or consolidated group of which any of the foregoing is or was a member, and no such Taxes shall be taken into account as adjustments to the Purchase Price under Section 3.3. Buyer shall assume responsibility for, and shall bear and pay, all state sales, use, transfer and similar Taxes incurred or imposed with respect to the transactions described in this Agreement (the “Transfer Taxes”). Each Seller shall remain responsible for, and shall bear and pay, all Asset Taxes attributable for such Seller for (i) any period ending on or before the Effective Time, and (ii) the portion of any Straddle Period ending at the Effective Time. All Asset Taxes arising after the Effective Time (including all Straddle Period Asset Taxes not apportioned to Sellers) shall be allocated to and borne by Buyer. Upon determination of the actual amount of Asset Taxes, to the extent not taken into account under Section 3.3, payments will be made to cause the appropriate Party to bear the Asset Taxes allocable to such Person under this Section 15.2(b). For purposes of allocation among the Parties of Asset Taxes that are payable with respect to Straddle Periods, (A) Asset Taxes that are attributable to the severance or production of Hydrocarbons shall be allocated to the period in which the severance or production giving rise to such Asset Taxes occurred, (B) Asset Taxes that are based upon or related to income or receipts or imposed on a transactional basis (other than such Asset Taxes described in clause (A) or (C)), shall be allocated to the period in which the transaction giving rise to such Asset Taxes occurred, and (C) Asset Taxes that are ad valorem, property or other Asset Taxes imposed on a periodic basis pertaining to a Straddle Period shall be allocated between the portion of such Straddle Period ending at the Effective Time and the portion of such Straddle Period beginning immediately following the Effective Time by prorating each such Asset Tax based on the number of days in the applicable Straddle Period that occur on or before the day on which the Effective Time occurs, on the one hand, and the number of days in such Straddle Period that occur after the day on which the Effective Time occurs, on the other hand.
(c)Sellers shall timely file any Tax Return with respect to Asset Taxes due on or before the Closing Date or that otherwise relates solely to periods before the Closing Date (a “Pre-Closing Tax Return”) and shall pay any Asset Taxes shown due and owing on such Pre-Closing Tax Return. From and after the Closing Date, Buyer shall timely file any Tax Returns with respect to Asset Taxes required to be filed after the Closing Date, including for any Straddle Period (a “Post-Closing Tax Return”), and, subject to Buyer’s indemnification rights under Article VIII, shall be responsible for the payment to the applicable Taxing Authorities of all Asset Taxes that become due and payable after the Closing Date. Buyer shall file any Post-Closing Tax Return in a
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manner consistent with past practice except as otherwise required by Law. The Parties agree that (i) this Section 15.2(c) is intended to solely address the timing and manner in which certain Tax Returns relating to Asset Taxes are filed and the Asset Taxes shown thereon are paid to the applicable Taxing Authority, and (ii) nothing in this Section 15.2(c) shall be interpreted as altering the manner in which Asset Taxes are allocated to and economically borne by the Parties.
(d)Any payments made to any Party pursuant to Article VIII shall constitute an adjustment of the Purchase Price for Tax purposes and shall be treated as such by Buyer and Sellers on their Tax Returns to the extent permitted by applicable Law.
(e)The Parties shall cooperate fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested in connection with the filing of any Tax Returns, the qualification for any exemption or reduction in Tax that may be available, any audit, litigation or other proceeding with respect to these matters for the Assets. Such cooperation shall include the retention of records and information which are reasonably relevant to any such audit, litigation or other proceeding and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder. Buyer agrees to allow access (upon request) to the Assets by Seller’s Representative and their auditors and State or Federal representatives relevant to any such audit, litigation or other proceeding.
15.3 Assignment. Except in the case of assignment by Buyer to an Affiliate or as otherwise provided in Section 15.16, this Agreement may not be assigned by Buyer or Sellers without the prior written consent of (a) if Buyer is the Party desiring to make such assignment, the Seller’s Representative, and (b) if a Seller is the Party desiring to make such assignment, Buyer. In the event Buyer or the Seller’s Representative, as applicable, consent to any such assignment requiring consent, unless otherwise agreed by such Persons, such assignment shall not relieve the assigning Party of any obligations and responsibilities hereunder.
15.4 Interpretation. Buyer, Sellers, their respective counsel and Buyer’s Representatives participated in the review and/or preparation of this Agreement (including the Exhibits and Schedules). In the event of any ambiguity in this Agreement, all Parties acknowledge and agree that no presumption shall arise based on the identity of the draftsman or preparer of this Agreement (including the Exhibits and Schedules). Certain of the Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement are prepared in good faith by Buyer and/or Buyer’s Representatives based on information provided by Seller’s Representative or its representatives or designees. Without limiting the foregoing and notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Parties agree and acknowledge that Buyer’s rights, claims and remedies under this Agreement shall in no way be limited or prejudiced by Buyer’s and Buyer’s Representatives’ role in or knowledge acquired as a result of or in connection with preparing such Exhibits and Schedules and drafting this Agreement.
15.5 Publicity.
(a)No Party shall make or issue any press release or other public announcements concerning the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the prior consent of (i) if Buyer is the Party desiring to make any such release or announcement, the Seller’s Representative, and (ii) if a Seller is the Party desiring to make any such release or announcement, Buyer, in each case, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. In no event may any Party make or
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issue any press release or other public announcements concerning the transactions contemplated by this Agreement until the Deposit has been deposited with the Escrow Agent pursuant to Section 3.2. If a Party desires to make a public announcement, it shall first give Buyer or the Seller’s Representative, as applicable, 48 hours written notification of its desire to make such a public announcement. The written notification shall include (A) a request for consent to make the announcement, and (B) a written draft of the text of such public announcement. Buyer, on the one hand, and the Sellers and Seller’s Representative, on the other hand, shall each use their reasonable efforts to consult with the other Parties regarding the contents of any such release or announcement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 15.5(a), in no event shall any Seller be identified by name in any press release or public announcement made pursuant to this Section 15.5(a).
(b)Nothing in this Section 15.5 shall prohibit any Party from issuing or making a public announcement or statement if such Party deems it, in its sole but reasonable and good faith discretion (i) necessary to do so in order to comply with any applicable Law or the rules of any stock exchange having jurisdiction of a Party or a Party’s Affiliates, or (ii) desirable with respect to the investment community at large; provided, however, that (A) no disparaging remarks shall be made regarding any Seller and (B) to the extent practical, prior written notification shall be given to the other Parties prior to any such announcement or statement.
15.6 Notices. All notices and communications required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be sufficient in all respects if given in writing and addressed as indicated below, and any communication or delivery hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly delivered upon the earliest of: (a) actual receipt by the Party or Seller’s Representative to be notified; (b) if sent by U.S. certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, the date shown as received on the return notice; (c) if by email, upon receipt, provided that if such email is received after 5:00 pm local time of such recipient, such email will be deemed to have been received on the following Business Day; and provided, further, however, that any notice delivered hereunder via email or other electronic transmission shall, in order to be effective, be followed by delivery of the same notice via one of the other methods authorized pursuant to this Section 15.6; or (d) if by Federal Express overnight delivery (or other reputable overnight delivery service), the date shown on the notice of delivery. Addresses for all such notices and communication shall be as follows:
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If to any Seller or Seller’s Representative by Federal Express overnight delivery:
XX Xxx Resources, L.P.
Alpine Oil Company
Xxxxx Xxx
000 X. Xxxx Xxxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Attention: Xx. Xxxxxx Xxxxx
If to any Seller or Seller’s Representative by any other approved method in this Section 15.6:
XX Xxx Resources, L.P.
Alpine Oil Company
Xxxxx Xxx
X.X. Xxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Attention: Xx. Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Email: xxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx
In each case, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Xxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxx LLP
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Email: xxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
If to Buyer:
QEP Energy Company
0000 00xx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxx Xxxxxxxx
Email: xxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx
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With copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:
QEP Energy Company
0000 00xx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Email: xxxxx.xxxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx
QEP Energy Company
0000 00xx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxx Xxxxx
Email: xxxx.xxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx
Seller’s Representative or Buyer may change the address to which such communications are to be addressed by giving written notice to (1) in the case of Buyer, the Seller’s Representative, and (2) in the case of any Seller or Seller’s Representative, Buyer, in each case, in the manner provided in this Section 15.6. If a date specified herein for giving any notice or taking any action is not a Business Day (or if the period during which any notice is required to be given or any action taken expires on a date which is not a Business Day), then the date for giving such notice or taking such action (and the expiration date of such period during which notice is required to be given or action taken) shall be the next day which is a Business Day.
15.7 Seller’s Representative.
(a)Each Seller exclusively and irrevocably appoints XX Xxx as its representative with full authority and power without limitation to execute all instruments (other than any Assignment or any certificate required pursuant to Section 4.1(c)), to perform all covenants and obligations, to grant such waivers and consents on behalf of such Seller under this Agreement, to exercise all rights on such Seller’s behalf in connection with the performance of this Agreement and to amend this Agreement except to the extent such amendment would decrease the Purchase Price or adversely and disproportionately affect such Seller without such Seller’s consent, in each case, as Seller’s Representative in its sole discretion shall deem advisable, both prior to and after Closing.
(b)XX Xxx in its capacity as representative appointed under Section 15.7(a) is “Seller’s Representative.”
(c)Without in any way limiting the authority and power set forth in Sections 15.7(a), each Seller irrevocably appoints the Seller’s Representative the agent and attorney-in-fact of such Seller for the purposes of acting in the name and stead of such Seller in: (i) giving and receiving all notices permitted or required by this Agreement and acting on behalf of such Sellers for all
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purposes under this Agreement; (ii) dealing with Buyer in connection with any and all adjustments to the Purchase Price under this Agreement (including negotiating and settling any dispute regarding any such adjustments on behalf of such Sellers); (iii) acting on such Seller’s behalf under any covenant, agreement or provision of this Agreement; (iv) agreeing with Buyer as to any amendments to this Agreement or waivers of any terms of this Agreement which Seller’s Representative may reasonably deem necessary or advisable, including the extension of time in which to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the waiver of any closing conditions; (v) employing legal counsel; (vi) paying any legal and any other fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (vii) granting any consent or approval on behalf of such Seller under this Agreement; (viii) determining whether the conditions to Closing in Article V have been satisfied and supervising the Closing, including waiving any such condition if Seller’s Representative, in its sole discretion, determine that such waiver is appropriate; (ix) taking any action that may be necessary or desirable, as determined by Seller’s Representative in its sole discretion, in connection with the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article VII; (x) serving as payment agent for Sellers and otherwise making the determinations referenced by Section 2.4 in accordance with Section 2.4, including directing the timing, making and manner of payment of the Purchase Price (as adjusted pursuant to this Agreement) hereunder equitably among the Sellers in accordance with this Agreement as contemplated by Section 2.4; (xi) dealing with Buyer in connection with the determination, dispute, negotiation and settlement of any Title Defects or Environmental Defects; and (xii) making, executing, acknowledging, and delivering all such contracts, orders, receipts, notices, requests, instructions, certificates, letters, and other writings, and in general doing all things and taking all actions which Seller’s Representative, in its sole discretion, may consider necessary or proper in connection with or to carry out the terms of this Agreement, as fully as if such Sellers were personally present and acting. This power of attorney and all authority conferred hereby is granted and conferred subject to the interests of the other parties to this Agreement, and in consideration of those interests and for the purpose of completing the transactions contemplated hereby, this power of attorney and all authority conferred hereby shall be irrevocable and shall not be terminated by the Sellers or by operation of Law, whether by the incapacity of any of the Sellers or by the occurrence of any other event. As the representative of the Sellers, Seller’s Representative shall act as the agent for all such Persons, shall have authority to bind each such Person in accordance with this Agreement, and Buyer shall be fully protected in relying conclusively without any investigation upon any notices, instruction, dealings, and actions of Seller’s Representative within the scope of this Section 15.7 and the power of attorney contained herein.
(d)Each Seller exclusively and irrevocably appoints the Seller’s Representative, acting jointly, with full authority and power to execute the Escrow Agreement, to perform all covenants and obligations under the Escrow Agreement, to execute joint written instructions to the Escrow Agent under the Escrow Agreement, to grant waivers and consents under the Escrow Agreement, to exercise all rights in connection with the performance of the Escrow Agreement and to amend the Escrow Agreement, in each case, as the Seller’s Representative in its sole discretion shall deem advisable, during the term of the Escrow Agreement. Each Seller agrees that Buyer and Escrow Agent shall be entitled to rely on this granting of power of attorney in all respects.
(e)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Seller’s Representative shall not owe any fiduciary duties to the Sellers and shall not have any Liability of any kind
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whatsoever to the Sellers arising hereunder or in any way related to any of the transactions contemplated hereby, including for any action taken, or omission made, by Seller’s Representative while acting in good faith in the absence of bad faith or willful misconduct and each Seller hereby irrevocably and unconditionally forever releases Seller’s Representative from any and all Liability of any kind whatsoever arising hereunder or in any way related to any of the transactions contemplated hereby, including for any action taken, or omission made, by the Seller’s Representative while acting in good faith, except (and only to the extent) of bad faith or willful misconduct by Seller’s Representative. The Seller’s Representative may, in all matters arising in connection with this Agreement, rely on the advice of counsel and the Seller’s Representative shall not be liable to the Sellers for anything done, omitted, or suffered in good faith based on such advice in the absence of bad faith or willful misconduct by the Seller’s Representative. The Seller’s Representative undertakes to perform such duties herein and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Agreement and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Seller’s Representative.
(f)Buyer, the Escrow Agent and all other Persons shall have the right to rely upon all actions taken or omitted to be taken by Seller’s Representative pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Sellers do hereby agree that Buyer Indemnified Parties shall have no Liability to any Seller or Seller’s Representative as a result of any action or inaction by Seller’s Representative in the performance of this Agreement or any action or inaction of any Buyer Indemnified Party at the request or instruction of Seller’s Representative related to this Agreement, and Sellers do hereby agree to defend, indemnify, hold harmless and forever release Buyer Indemnified Parties from any such Liability, including for the avoidance of doubt, any distribution of any portion of the Adjusted Purchase Price paid to the Seller’s Representative.
(g)The authorizations of the Seller’s Representative under this Section 15.7 shall be effective until its rights and obligations under this Agreement terminate by virtue of the termination of all obligations of each Seller under this Agreement.
(h)Without in any way limiting the authority and power granted to the Seller’s Representative hereunder, the Seller’s Representative is expressly authorized to withhold (and otherwise make provision for) any amounts that they determine in their sole discretion as being sufficient to (i) satisfy any anticipated or potential downward adjustments to the Purchase Price, it being understood that any amounts so withheld for such purpose that are remaining after the Final Payment Date will be distributed to the Sellers in accordance with Section 2.4 promptly after the Final Payment Date, and (ii) to satisfy any anticipated or potential liabilities or other obligations potentially arising hereunder affecting any Sellers in the group of Sellers which it represents hereunder, if and to the extent that Seller’s Representative determines in its sole discretion acting reasonably and in good faith that such is in the collective best interest of Sellers, it being understood that any such remaining amounts so withheld will be distributed to the Sellers in accordance with Section 2.4 promptly after Seller’s Representative determines in its sole discretion acting reasonably and in good faith that such distribution is in the collective best interest of Sellers.
15.8 Further Cooperation. After the Closing, Sellers and Buyer shall execute and deliver, or shall cause to be executed and delivered, from time to time such further instruments of conveyance and transfer, and shall take such other actions as Seller’s Representative or Buyer may reasonably
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request, to convey and deliver the Assets to Buyer, to perfect Buyer’s title thereto and to accomplish the orderly transfer of the Assets to Buyer in the manner contemplated by this Agreement.
15.9 Filings, Notices and Certain Governmental Approvals. Promptly after the Closing, Buyer shall (a) record all assignments of state Leases executed at the Closing in the records of the applicable Governmental Authority, and (b) actively pursue all Customary Post-Closing Consents, that, in each case, shall not have been obtained prior to the Closing. Buyer obligates itself to use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such consents, including the posting of any and all bonds or other security that may be required in excess of its existing lease, pipeline or area-wide bond.
15.10 Entire Agreement; Conflicts.
(a)THIS AGREEMENT, THE EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES HERETO, THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS AND THE CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT COLLECTIVELY CONSTITUTE THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT AMONG SELLERS AND BUYER PERTAINING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND SUPERSEDE ALL PRIOR AGREEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS, NEGOTIATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, OF SELLERS AND BUYER PERTAINING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF.
(b)The Parties expressly acknowledge and agree that, in the event that the Closing occurs, except as and to the extent provided in Section 12.2, the Confidentiality Agreement shall be terminated automatically effective as of the Closing Date.
(c)IN THE EVENT OF A CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF ANY EXHIBIT HERETO, THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL GOVERN AND CONTROL; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE INCLUSION IN ANY OF THE EXHIBITS HERETO OF TERMS AND PROVISIONS NOT ADDRESSED IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT BE DEEMED A CONFLICT, AND ALL SUCH ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS SHALL BE GIVEN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 15.10.
15.11 Parties in Interest. The terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer on any Person other than the Sellers and Buyer and their respective successors and permitted assigns, or the Parties’ respective related Indemnified Parties hereunder, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement; provided that only Buyer and its respective successors and permitted assigns or Seller’s Representative (on behalf of the Sellers and their respective successors and permitted assigns) will have the right to enforce the provisions of this Agreement on its own behalf or on behalf of any of its related Indemnified Parties (but shall not be obligated to do so). The rights and liabilities of Sellers in connection with this Agreement are, for the avoidance of doubt, several and not joint in all respects.
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15.12 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by Buyer and, subject to the limitations on such authority set forth in Section 15.7, Seller’s Representative on behalf of Sellers.
15.13 Waiver; Rights Cumulative. Any of the terms, covenants, representations, warranties or conditions hereof may be waived only by a written instrument executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving compliance. No course of dealing on the part of Sellers or Buyer, or their respective officers, employees, agents or representatives or any failure by Sellers or Buyer to exercise any of its rights under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof or affect in any way the right of such Person at a later time to enforce the performance of such provision. No waiver by Sellers or Buyer of any condition or any breach of any term, covenant, representation or warranty contained in this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a waiver of any other condition or of any breach of any other term, covenant, representation or warranty. The rights of Sellers and Buyer under this Agreement shall be cumulative, and the exercise or partial exercise of any such right shall not preclude the exercise of any other right.
15.14 Conflict of Law Jurisdiction, Venue; Jury Waiver.
(a)THIS AGREEMENT AND THE LEGAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.
(b)THE PARTIES AND SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LOCATED IN TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS (OR, IF REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL JURISDICTION ARE NOT MET, STATE COURTS LOCATED IN TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS) AND APPROPRIATE APPELLATE COURTS THEREFROM FOR THE RESOLUTION OF ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY, OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN RELATION TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES AND SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL ACTIONS, SUITS AND PROCEEDINGS IN RESPECT OF SUCH DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH COURTS. EACH OF THE PARTIES AND SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAWS, (i) ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN ANY OF THE AFORESAID COURTS, (ii) ANY CLAIM IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE THAT ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM, AND (iii) THE RIGHT TO OBJECT, IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING, THAT ANY SUCH COURT DOES NOT HAVE ANY JURISDICTION OVER SUCH PERSON. EACH OF THE PARTIES AND SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF ANY PAPERS, NOTICES OR PROCESS AT THE ADDRESS SET OUT IN SECTION 15.6 IN
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CONNECTION WITH ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING AND AGREES THAT NOTHING HEREIN WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE OTHER PARTIES TO SERVE ANY SUCH PAPERS, NOTICES OR PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. EACH OF THE PARTIES AND SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVE AGREES THAT A JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
(c)EACH OF THE PARTIES AND SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVE WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
15.15 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any adverse manner to any of Sellers or Buyer. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, Buyer and the Seller’s Representative shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.
15.16 Like-Kind Exchange. Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement, each Party shall have the right to structure the transactions contemplated under the terms of this Agreement as a Like-Kind Exchange. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, in connection with effectuating a Like-Kind Exchange, each Party shall have the right, at or prior to the Closing Date or any subsequent closing, to assign all or a portion of its rights under this Agreement (the “Assigned Rights”) to a “qualified intermediary” (as that term is defined in Section 1.1031(k)-1(g)(4) of the Treasury Regulations) or to an “Exchange Accommodation Titleholder” (as that term is defined in U.S. Revenue Procedure 2000-37). In the event a Party (in its capacity as an exchanging party, referred to in this Section 15.16 as an “Exchanging Party”) assigns the Assigned Rights to a “qualified intermediary” pursuant to this Section 15.16, then such Exchanging Party agrees to notify the other Party in writing of such assignment reasonably in advance of the Closing Date. In addition, should a Party choose to effectuate a Like-Kind Exchange, the Parties agree to use reasonable best efforts to cooperate with one another in the completion of such an exchange, including (i) the execution of all documents reasonably necessary to effectuate such a Like-Kind Exchange and (ii) having the “qualified intermediary” fund an amount equal to the Deposit at Closing to the escrow account and having the original funds deposited by Buyer on the Execution Date as the Deposit (including any interest and earnings thereon) in the escrow account distributed to Buyer; provided, however, that (a) the Closing Date shall not be delayed or affected by reason of the Like-Kind Exchange, (b) the Exchanging Party shall effect its Exchange through an assignment of the Assigned Rights to a “qualified intermediary” or to an “Exchange Accommodation Titleholder,” but such assignment shall not release such Exchanging Party from any of its liabilities or obligations under this Agreement and (c) the non-Exchanging Party shall incur no additional unreimbursed costs,
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expenses, fees or liabilities as a result of or in connection with the exchange requested by the Exchanging Party. Sellers and Buyer each hereby acknowledge and agree that any assignment of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 15.16 shall not release a Party from, or modify, any of its respective liabilities and obligations (including indemnity obligations to each other) under this Agreement. Neither Sellers nor Buyer, by its consent to a Like-Kind Exchange, shall be responsible in any way for the Exchanging Party’s compliance with such Like-Kind Exchange.
15.17 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by any Party may be evidenced by facsimile or other electronic transmission (including scanned documents delivered by email), which shall be binding upon all Parties.
15.18 Waiver of Preferential Purchase Rights and Consents. Each Seller hereby irrevocably (a) waives any Preferential Purchase Rights it may have that are applicable to the Assets, the transactions contemplated hereunder, and (b) grants any applicable consents to assignment pertaining to the Assets or the transactions contemplated hereunder.
[Signature pages follow.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Seller and Buyer have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
BUYER: | |
QEP ENERGY COMPANY | |
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx |
Name: | Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx |
Title: | Vice President of Business Development |
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SELLERS: | |
XX XXX RESOURCES, L.P. | |
By XX Xxx Resources Genpar, L.L.C., its general partner | |
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxx |
Name: | Xxxxx Xxx |
Title: | General Manager |
ALPINE OIL COMPANY | |
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxx |
Name: | Xxxxx Xxx |
Title: | President |
XXXXX XXX | |
/s/ Xxxxx Xxx | |
Xxxxx Xxx |
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