PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WYOMING MINERAL EXPLORATION, LLC AS SELLER AND RANCHER ENERGY CORP. AS BUYER
BETWEEN
WYOMING
MINERAL EXPLORATION, LLC
AS
SELLER
AND
AS
BUYER
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Article
I
Assets
|
5
|
|
Section
1.01
|
Agreement
to Sell and Purchase
|
5
|
Section
1.02
|
Assets
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5
|
Section
1.03
|
Excluded
Assets
|
6
|
Article
II
Purchase
Price
|
7
|
|
Section
2.01
|
Purchase
Price
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7
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Section
2.02
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Deposit
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7
|
Section
2.03
|
Allocated
Values
|
7
|
Section
2.04
|
Effective
Time
|
7
|
Article
III Title
Matters
|
8
|
|
Section
3.01
|
Title
Examination Period
|
8
|
Section
3.02
|
Defensible
Title and Permitted Encumbrances
|
8
|
Section
3.03
|
Title
Defect
|
10
|
Section
3.04
|
Notice
of Title Defects.
|
11
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Section
3.05
|
Remedies
for Title Defects.
|
13
|
Section
3.06
|
Special
Warranty of Title
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13
|
Section
3.07
|
Consents
to Assignment
|
14
|
Section
3.08
|
Remedies
for Title Benefits.
|
14
|
Article
IV Environmental
Matters
|
15
|
|
Section
4.01
|
Environmental
Review.
|
15
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Section
4.02
|
Environmental
Definitions.
|
16
|
Section
4.03
|
Notice
of Environmental Defects.
|
17
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Section
4.04
|
Remedies
for Environmental Defects.
|
17
|
Article
V Representations
and Warranties of Seller
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18
|
|
Section
5.01
|
Seller’s
Existence
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18
|
Section
5.02
|
Legal
Power
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19
|
Section
5.03
|
Execution
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19
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Section
5.04
|
Brokers
|
19
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Section
5.05
|
Bankruptcy
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19
|
Section
5.06
|
Suits
|
19
|
Section
5.07
|
Royalties
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19
|
Section
5.08
|
Taxes
|
19
|
Section
5.09
|
Contracts
|
20
|
Section
5.10
|
Liens
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20
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Section
5.11
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Information
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20
|
-1-
Article
VI Representations
and Warranties of Buyer
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20
|
|
Section
6.01
|
Buyer’s
Existence
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20
|
Section
6.02
|
Legal
Power
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20
|
Section
6.03
|
Execution
|
20
|
Section
6.04
|
Brokers
|
20
|
Section
6.05
|
Bankruptcy
|
21
|
Section
6.06
|
Suits
|
21
|
Section
6.07
|
Qualifications
|
21
|
Section
6.08
|
Investment
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21
|
Section
6.09
|
Funds
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21
|
Section
6.10
|
Information
|
22
|
Article
VII Seller’s
Conditions to Close
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21
|
|
Section
7.01
|
Representations
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22
|
Section
7.02
|
Performance
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22
|
Section
7.03
|
Pending
Matters
|
22
|
Section
7.04
|
Purchase
Price
|
22
|
Section
7.05
|
Execution
and Delivery of the Closing Documents
|
22
|
Section
7.06
|
Consents
and Preferential Rights to Purchase
|
22
|
Article
VIII Buyer’s
Conditions to Close
|
22
|
|
Section
8.01
|
Availability
& Cost of Injected Water
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22
|
Section
8.02
|
Hydrocarbon
Leases
|
23
|
Section
8.03
|
Representations
|
22
|
Section
8.04
|
Performance
|
23
|
Section
8.05
|
Pending
Matters
|
23
|
Section
8.06
|
Execution
and Delivery of the Closing Documents
|
23
|
Section
8.07
|
Consents
and Preferential Rights to Purchase
|
23
|
Article
IX Tax
Matters
|
23
|
|
Section
9.01
|
Transfer
Taxes
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23
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Section
9.02
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Ad
Valorem and Similar Taxes
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23
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Article
X The
Closing
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23
|
|
Section
10.01
|
Time
and Place of the Closing
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23
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Section
10.02
|
Adjustments
to Purchase Price at the Closing.
|
24
|
Section
10.03
|
Closing
Statement
|
24
|
Section
10.04
|
Actions
of Seller at the Closing.
|
24
|
Section
10.05
|
Actions
of Buyer at the Closing.
|
25
|
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Article
XI Termination
|
25
|
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Section
11.01
|
Right
of Termination
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25
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Section
11.02
|
Effect
of Termination
|
26
|
Section
11.03
|
Termination
Damages.
|
26
|
Section
11.04
|
Attorneys’
Fees, Etc
|
27
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-2-
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Article
XII Post
Closing Obligations
|
27
|
|
Section
12.01
|
Allocation
of Expense and Revenues.
|
27
|
Section
12.02
|
Final
Accounting Statement.
|
28
|
Section
12.03
|
Further
Cooperation
|
29
|
|
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Article
XIII Operation
of the Assets
|
29
|
|
Section
13.01
|
Operations
after Execution Date
|
29
|
Section
13.02
|
Limitations
on the Operational Obligations and Liabilities of Seller
|
32
|
Section
13.03
|
Operation
of the Assets After the Closing
|
32
|
Section
13.04
|
Risk
of Loss; Casualty Loss.
|
33
|
Section
13.05
|
Operatorship
|
34
|
Section
13.06
|
Transition
Period
|
34
|
Article
XIV Obligations
and Indemnification
|
35
|
|
Section
14.01
|
Retained
Obligations
|
35
|
Section
14.02
|
Assumed
Obligations
|
35
|
Section
14.03
|
Buyer’s
Indemnification
|
35
|
Section
14.04
|
Seller’s
Indemnification - Third Party Non-Environmental Claims
|
36
|
Section
14.05
|
Seller’s
Indemnification - Third Party Environmental Claims
|
36
|
Section
14.06
|
Notices
and Defense of Indemnified Matters
|
36
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|
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Article
XV Limitations
on Representations and Warranties
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37
|
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Section
15.01
|
Disclaimers
of Representations and Warranties
|
37
|
Section
15.02
|
Independent
Investigation
|
38
|
Section
15.03
|
Survival
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38
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Article
XVI Dispute
Resolution
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38
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Section
16.01
|
General
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38
|
Section
16.02
|
Senior
Management
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39
|
Section
16.03
|
Dispute
by Independent Expert.
|
39
|
Section
16.04
|
Limitation
on Arbitration
|
40
|
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Article
XVII Miscellaneous
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40
|
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Section
17.01
|
Names
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40
|
Section
17.02
|
Expenses
|
40
|
Section
17.03
|
Document
Retention
|
40
|
Section
17.04
|
Entire
Agreement
|
40
|
Section
17.05
|
Waiver
|
40
|
Section
17.06
|
Publicity
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41
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Section
17.07
|
Construction
|
41
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Section
17.08
|
No
Third Party Beneficiaries
|
41
|
Section
17.09
|
Assignment
|
41
|
Section
17.10
|
Governing
Law
|
41
|
Section
17.11
|
Notices
|
41
|
Section
17.12
|
Severability
|
42
|
Section
17.13
|
Time
of the Essence
|
42
|
Section
17.14
|
Counterpart
Execution
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42
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-3-
EXHIBITS
AND SCHEDULES
Exhibit
A
- Subject Interests (Listing of Leases)
Exhibit
B
- Xxxxx and Interests
Exhibit
C
- Allocated Values
Exhibit
D
- Assignment and Xxxx of Sale
Schedule
1.03 - Non-Transferable Geological and Geophysical Data
Schedule
3.07 - Values Allocated to Assets
Schedule
5.02(b) - Preferential Purchase Rights & Consents
Schedule
5.06 - Pending or Threatened Litigation
Schedule
13.04(c) - Insurance Policies
-4-
This
Purchase and Sale Agreement (this “Agreement”)
is
made and entered into this 10th
day of
August 2006, by and between Wyoming Mineral Exploration, LLC, a Wyoming limited
liability company (the “Seller”),
and
Rancher Energy Corp., a Nevada corporation (the “Buyer”).
Buyer
and Seller are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties”,
and
are sometimes referred to individually as a “Party.”
W
I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS,
Seller is willing to sell to Buyer, and Buyer is willing to purchase from
Seller, the Assets (as defined in Section 1.02), all upon the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits derived and to be derived
from this Agreement by each Party, Seller and Buyer hereby agree as
follows:
Article
I
Assets
Section
1.01 Agreement
to Sell and Purchase.
Subject
to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Buyer
agrees to purchase the Assets from Seller, and Seller agrees to sell the Assets
to Buyer.
Section
1.02 Assets.
Subject
to Section 1.03, the term “Assets” shall mean all of Seller’s right, title and
interest in and to:
(a)
|
the
leasehold estates in and to the oil, gas and mineral leases described
or
referred to in Exhibit A (the “Leases”)
and any overriding royalty interests in and to the lands covered
by the
Leases, assignments and other documents of title described or referred
to
in Exhibit A, all as more specifically described in Exhibit A
(collectively, the “Subject
Interests,”
or singularly, a “Subject
Interest”);
|
(b)
|
all
rights incident to the Subject Interests, including, without limitation,
(i) all rights with respect to the use and occupation of the surface
of
and the subsurface depths under the Subject Interests; (ii) all rights
with respect to any pooled, communitized or unitized acreage by virtue
of
any Subject Interest being a part thereof, including all Hydrocarbon
(as
defined in Subsection (d) of this Section 1.02) production after
the
Effective Time (as defined in Section 2.04) attributable to the Subject
Interests or any such pool or unit allocated to any such Subject
Interest;
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(c)
|
to
the extent assignable or transferable, all easements, rights-of-way,
surface leases, servitudes, permits, licenses, franchises and other
estates or similar rights and privileges directly related to or used
solely in connection with the Subject Interests (the “Easements”),
including, without limitation, the Easements described or referred
to in
Exhibit A;
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-5-
(d)
|
to
the extent assignable or transferable, all personal property, equipment,
fixtures, inventory and improvements located on or used in connection
with
the Subject Interests and the Easements or with the production, treatment,
sale, or disposal of oil, gas or other hydrocarbons (collectively,
“Hydrocarbons”),
byproducts or waste produced therefrom or attributable thereto, including,
without limitation, all xxxxx located on the lands covered by the
Subject
Interests or on lands with which the Subject Interests may have been
pooled, communitized or unitized (whether producing, shut in or abandoned,
and whether for production, injection or disposal), including, without
limitation, the xxxxx described in Exhibit B, wellhead equipment,
pumps, pumping units, flowlines, gathering systems, piping, tanks,
buildings, treatment facilities, injection facilities, disposal
facilities, compression facilities, and other materials, supplies,
equipment, facilities and machinery (collectively, “Personal Property”);
|
(e)
|
to
the extent assignable or transferable, all contracts, agreements
and other
arrangements that directly relate to the Subject Interests, the Leases
or
the Easements, including, without limitation, production sales contracts,
farmout agreements, operating agreements, service agreements and
similar
arrangements (collectively,
the“Contracts”);
|
(f)
|
to
the extent assignable or transferable, all books, records, files,
muniments of title, reports and similar documents and materials,
including, without limitation, lease records, well records, and division
order records, well files, title records (including abstracts of
title,
title opinions and memoranda, and title curative documents related
to the
Assets), contracts and contract files, correspondence, that relate
to the
foregoing interests in the possession of, and maintained by, Seller
(collectively, the “Records”);
and
|
(g)
|
all
geological and geophysical data relating to the Subject Interests,
other
than such data that is interpretive in nature or which cannot be
transferred without the consent of or payment to any Third Party
as
disclosed on Exhibit A. For purposes of this Agreement, “Third
Party”
means any person or entity, governmental or otherwise, other than
Seller
or Buyer, and their respective affiliates; the term includes, but
is not
limited to, working interest owners, royalty owners, lease operators,
landowners, service contractors and governmental
agencies.
|
Section
1.03 Excluded
Assets.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Assets shall not include, and there is
excepted, reserved and excluded from the sale contemplated hereby (collectively,
the “Excluded Assets”): (a) all credits and refunds and all accounts,
instruments and general intangibles (as such terms are defined in the Wyoming
Uniform Commercial Code) attributable to the Assets with respect to any period
of time prior to the Closing Date; (b) all claims of Seller for refunds of
or
loss carry forwards with respect to (i) ad valorem, severance, production or
any
other taxes attributable to any period prior to the Closing Date, (ii) income
or
franchise taxes, or (iii) any taxes attributable to the other Excluded Assets,
and such other
-6-
refunds,
and rights thereto, for amounts paid in connection with the Assets and
attributable to the period prior to the Closing Date, including refunds of
amounts paid under any gas gathering or transportation agreement; (c) all
proceeds, income or revenues (and any security or other deposits made)
attributable to (i) the Assets for any period prior to the Closing Date, or
(ii)
any other Excluded Assets; (d) all of Seller’s proprietary computer software,
technology, patents, trade secrets, copyrights, names, trademarks, logos and
other intellectual property; (e) all of Seller’s rights and interests in
geological and geophysical data that is interpretive in nature or which cannot
be transferred without the consent of or payment to any Third Party as disclosed
on Exhibit A; (f) all documents and instruments of Seller that may be protected
by an attorney-client privilege; (g) data and other information that cannot
be
disclosed or assigned to Buyer as a result of confidentiality or similar
arrangements under agreements with persons unaffiliated with Seller; (h) all
audit rights arising under any of the Contracts or otherwise with respect to
any
period prior to the Closing Date or to any of the other Excluded Assets; (i)
all
corporate, partnership, income tax records of Seller; (j) in addition to the
foregoing, those items, such as vehicles and
certain equipment, supplies and office equipment, or any other items
described on Schedule 1.03.
Article
II
Purchase
Price
Section
2.01 Purchase
Price.
The
total consideration for the purchase, sale and conveyance of the Assets to
Buyer
is Buyer’s payment to Seller of the sum of $25,000,000 (the “Purchase Price”),
as adjusted in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. The
adjusted
Purchase
Price shall be paid to Seller (or its designee) at Closing (as defined in
Section 10.01) by means of a completed federal funds transfer to an account
designated in writing by Seller.
Section
2.02 Deposit.
On or
before August 16, 2006, Buyer shall deliver to Seller a performance guarantee
deposit in the amount of ten percent
(10%) of
the Purchase Price (the “Deposit”). The Deposit shall be paid by Buyer to Seller
by means of a completed federal funds transfer to an interest bearing account
of
Seller, Account No. 836 898 478, at First Interstate Bank, Casper, ABA
Routing Number 092 901 683. The Deposit shall bear interest from
the
date the Deposit is received by Seller’s Bank until the Closing Date (as defined
in Section 10.01), or such other date as otherwise provided in this Agreement.
Section
2.03 Allocated
Values.
The
Purchase Price is allocated among the Assets as set forth in Exhibit C attached
hereto (the “Allocated Values”). Seller and Buyer agree that the Allocated
Values shall be used to compute any adjustments to the Purchase Price pursuant
to the provisions of Article III and Article IV.
Section
2.04 Effective
Time.
If the
transactions contemplated hereby are consummated in accordance with the terms
and provisions hereof, the ownership of the Assets shall be transferred from
Seller to Buyer on the Closing Date, and shall be deemed effective as of 7:00
a.m. local time where the Assets are located on November 30, 2006 (the
“Effective Time”).
-7-
Article
III
Title
Matters
Section
3.01 Title
Examination Period.
Following the date this Agreement is
executed and delivered by Seller and Buyer (the “Execution Date”) until October
30, 2006 at 5:00 p.m Mountain Time (the “Title Examination Period”), Seller
shall permit Buyer and/or its representatives to examine, at all reasonable
times and upon reasonable notice, in Seller’s offices, all abstracts of title,
title opinions, title files, ownership maps, lease files, contract files,
assignments, division orders, operating and accounting records and agreements
pertaining to the Assets insofar as same may now be in existence and in the
possession of Seller, subject to such restrictions on disclosure as may exist
under confidentiality agreements or other agreements binding on Seller or such
data. “Business Days” means all calendar days excluding Saturdays, Sundays and
U.S. legal holidays.
Section
3.02 Defensible
Title and Permitted Encumbrances.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the term “Defensible Title” means, with respect to a
given Asset, such ownership by Seller in such Asset that, subject to and except
for the Permitted Encumbrances (as defined in Subsection (c) of this Section
3.02):
(a)
|
entitles
Seller to receive not less than the percentage set forth in Exhibit
A as
Seller’s “Net
Revenue Interest”
of all Hydrocarbons produced, saved and marketed from each leasehold
property as set forth in Exhibit A; and
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(b)
|
is
free and clear of all liens and encumbrances in
title.
|
(c)
|
The
term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall mean any of the following matters to
the extent the same are valid and subsisting and affect the
Assets:
|
(i)
|
the
Leases, and Contracts;
|
(ii)
|
any
(A) undetermined or inchoate liens or charges constituting or securing
the
payment of expenses that were incurred incidental to the maintenance,
development, production or operation of the Assets or for the purpose
of
developing, producing or processing Hydrocarbons therefrom or therein,
and
(B) materialman’s, mechanics’, repairman’s, employees’, contractors’,
operators’ liens or other similar liens or charges for liquidated amounts
arising in the ordinary course of business (1) that Seller has agreed
to
assume or pay pursuant to the terms hereof, or (2) for which Seller
is
responsible for paying or releasing at the
Closing;
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(iii)
|
any
liens for taxes and assessments not yet delinquent or, if delinquent,
that
are being contested in good faith in the ordinary course of business
and
for which any Seller has agreed to pay pursuant to the terms hereof
or
which have been prorated pursuant to the terms
hereof;
|
-8-
(iv)
|
the
terms, conditions, restrictions, exceptions, reservations, limitations
and
other matters contained in (including any liens or security interests
created by law or reserved in oil and gas leases for royalty, bonus
or
rental, or created to secure compliance with the terms of) the agreements,
instruments and documents that create or reserve to Seller its interest
in
the Assets;
|
(v)
|
any
obligations or duties affecting the Assets to any municipality or
public
authority with respect to any franchise, grant, license or permit
and all
applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental
Authority (as defined in Section
4.02(b));
|
(vi)
|
any
(A) easements, rights-of-way, servitudes, permits, surface leases
and
other rights in respect of surface operations, pipelines, grazing,
hunting, lodging, canals, ditches, reservoirs or the like, and (B)
easements for streets, alleys, highways, pipelines, telephone lines,
power
lines, railways and other similar rights-of-way on, over or in respect
of
property owned or leased by Seller or over which Seller owns
rights-of-way, easements, permits or licenses, to the extent that
same do
not materially interfere with the oil and gas operations to be conducted
on the Assets;
|
(vii)
|
all
lessors’ royalties, overriding royalties, net profits interests, carried
interests, production payments, reversionary interests and other
burdens
on or deductions from the proceeds of production created or in existence
as of the Effective Time, whether recorded or filed, provided that
such
matters do not operate to reduce the Net Revenue Interests of Seller
below
those set forth in Exhibit A, decrease the Working Interests of Seller
below those set forth in Exhibit A, or increase the Working Interests
of
Seller above those set forth in Exhibit A without a corresponding
increase
in the Net Revenue Interests;
|
(viii)
|
preferential
rights to purchase or similar agreements with respect to which (A)
waivers
or consents are obtained from the appropriate parties for the transaction
contemplated hereby, or (B) required notices have been given for
the
transaction contemplated hereby to the holders of such rights and
the
appropriate period for asserting such rights has expired without
an
exercise of such rights;
|
(ix)
|
required
Third Party consents to assignments or similar agreements with respect
to
which (A) waivers or consents are obtained from the appropriate parties
for the transaction contemplated hereby, or (B) required notices
have been
given for the transaction contemplated hereby to the holders of such
rights and the appropriate period for asserting such rights has expired
without an exercise of such rights;
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-9-
(x)
|
all
rights to consent by, required notices to, filings with, or other
actions
by Governmental Authorities in connection with the sale or conveyance
of
oil and gas leases or interests therein that are customarily obtained
subsequent to such sale or
conveyance;
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(xi)
|
production
sales contracts; division orders; contracts for sale, purchase, exchange,
refining or processing of Hydrocarbons; unitization and pooling
designations, declarations, orders and agreements; operating agreements;
agreements of development; area of mutual interest agreements; gas
balancing or deferred production agreements; processing agreements;
plant
agreements; pipeline, gathering and transportation agreements; injection,
repressuring and recycling agreements; carbon dioxide purchase or
sale
agreements; salt water or other disposal agreements; seismic or
geophysical permits or agreements; and any and all other agreements
that
have terms that are ordinary and customary to the oil, gas, sulphur
and
other mineral exploration, development, processing or extraction
business
or in the business of processing of gas and gas condensate production
for
the extraction of products therefrom, to the extent the same do not
reduce
the Net Revenue Interests of Seller below those set forth in
Exhibit A, decrease the Working Interests of Seller below those set
forth in Exhibit A, or increase the Working Interests of Seller above
those set forth in Exhibit A without a corresponding increase in the
Net Revenue Interest;
|
(xii)
|
rights
reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or
regulate
any of the Assets and the applicable laws, rules, and regulations
of such
Governmental Authorities; and
|
(xiii)
|
all
defects and irregularities affecting the Assets which individually
or in
the aggregate (A) do not operate to (1) reduce the Net Revenue Interest
of
Seller, (2) increase the proportionate share of costs and expenses
of
leasehold operations attributable to or to be borne by the Working
Interests of Seller, (3) decrease the Working Interests of Seller
below
those set forth in Exhibit A, or (4) otherwise interfere materially
with
the operation, value or use of the Assets, or (5) that would not
be
considered material when applying general industry standards; or
(B)
operate to increase the proportionate share of costs and expenses
of
leasehold operations attributable to or to be borne by the Working
Interest of Seller, so long as there is a proportionate increase
in
Seller’s Net Revenue Interest.
|
-10-
Section
3.03 Title
Defect.
The term
“Title Defect,” as used in this Agreement, shall mean: (a) any encumbrance,
encroachment, or defect in or objection to Seller’s ownership of any Asset
(expressly excluding Permitted Encumbrances) that causes Seller not to have
Defensible Title to such Asset; or (b) any default by Seller under a lease,
farmout agreement or other contract or agreement that would (i) have a material
adverse affect on the operation, value or use of such Asset, (ii) prevent Seller
from receiving the proceeds of production attributable to Seller’s interest
therein or (iii) result in cancellation of Seller’s interest
therein.
The term
“Title Defect,” as used in this Agreement, shall not include: (a) Defects based
solely on Buyer’s assertion that Seller’s files lack information, but
information not within Seller’s files may, as provided herein, be relied upon by
Buyer to evaluate and constitute the basis for an alleged Title Defect; (b)
Defects in the early chain of title consisting of the failure to recite marital
status in a document or omissions of successors of heirship or estate
proceedings, unless Buyer provides a reasonable basis for the assertion that
such failure or omission has resulted in a third party’s actual and superior
claim of title to the affected Asset; (c) Defects arising out of lack of survey;
(d) Defects arising out of lack of corporate or other entity authorization
unless Buyer provides a reasonable basis for the assertion that the action
was
not authorized and that such lack of authorization results in a third party’s
actual and superior claim of title to the affected Asset; (e) Defects that
are
defensible by possession under applicable statutes of limitations for adverse
possession or for prescription; (f) title requirements customarily considered
as
advisory or which are customarily waived as a matter of prudent business
judgment.
Section
3.04 Notice
of Title Defects.
(a)
|
If
Buyer discovers any Title Defect affecting any Asset, Buyer shall
notify
Seller as promptly as possible, but no later than the expiration
of the
Title Examination Period of such alleged Title Defect. To be effective,
such notice must (i) be in writing, (ii) be received by Seller prior
to
the expiration of the Title Examination Period, (iii) describe the
Title
Defect in sufficient, specific detail (including any alleged variance
in
the Net Revenue Interest), (iv) identify the specific Asset or Assets
affected by such Title Defect. Any matters that may otherwise constitute
Title Defects, but of which Seller has not been specifically notified
by
Buyer in accordance with the foregoing, shall be deemed to have been
waived by Buyer for all purposes and shall constitute Permitted
Encumbrances and Assumed Obligations hereunder.
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(b)
|
Upon
the receipt of such effective notice from Buyer, Seller and Buyer
shall
attempt to mutually agree on a resolution including, but not limited
to
(i) attempt to cure such Title Defect at any time prior to the Closing,
(ii) exclude the affected Asset from the sale and reduce the Purchase
Price by the mutually agreed allocated value of such affected Asset,
or
(iii) not take any action with respect to the alleged Title Defect
and
Seller shall indemnify Buyer pursuant to Section 14.04 against all
costs
which Buyer may incur in connection with same. As soon as possible
after
providing notice of any Title Defect, Buyer agrees to provide to
Seller
copies of all data, title opinions and other documents and information
in
Buyer’s possession or control that are not privileged and that bear upon
or relate to the alleged Title Defect and Buyer’s determination of the
Title Defect Value, and include the value of such Title Defect as
reasonably determined by Buyer in good
faith.
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-11-
(c)
|
The
value attributable to each Title Defect (the “Title Defect Value”) that is
asserted by Buyer in the Title Defect notices shall be determined
based
upon the criteria set forth below:
|
(i)
|
If
the Title Defect is a lien upon any Asset, the Title Defect Value
is the
amount necessary to be paid to remove the lien from the affected
Asset.
|
(ii)
|
If
the Title Defect asserted is that the Net Revenue Interest attributable
to
any Subject Interest or the Working Interest is less than that stated
in
Exhibit A or the Working Interest attributable to any well or unit
is
greater than that stated in Exhibit A, then the Title Defect Value
shall
be the absolute value of the number determined by the following
formula:
|
Title
Defect Value = A x (1-[B/C])
A
=
Allocated Value for the affected Asset
B
=
Correct Net Revenue Interest for the affected Asset
C
= Net
Revenue Interest for the affected Asset as set forth on Exhibit A
(iii)
|
If
the Title Defect represents an obligation, encumbrance, burden or
charge
upon the affected Asset (including any increase in Working Interest
for
which there is not a proportionate increase in Net Revenue Interest)
for
which the economic detriment to Buyer is unliquidated, the amount
of the
Title Defect Value shall be determined by taking into account the
Allocated Value of the affected Asset, the portion of the Asset affected
by the Title Defect, the legal effect of the Title Defect, the potential
discounted economic effect of the Title Defect over the life of the
affected Asset, and the Title Defect Values placed upon the Title
Defect
by Buyer and Seller.
|
(iv)
|
If
a Title Defect is not in effect or does not adversely affect an Asset
throughout the entire productive life of such Asset, such fact shall
be
taken into account in determining the Title Defect
Value.
|
(v)
|
The
Title Defect Value of a Title Defect shall be determined without
duplication of any costs or losses included in another Title Defect
Value
hereunder.
|
-12-
(vi)
|
Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall a Title Defect
Value
exceed the Allocated Value of the xxxxx, units or other Assets affected
thereby.
|
(vii)
|
Such
other factors as are reasonably necessary to make a proper
evaluation.
|
Section
3.05 Remedies
for Title Defects.
(a)
|
With
respect to each Title Defect that is not cured on or before the Closing,
except as otherwise provided in this Section 3.05, the Purchase Price
shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Title Defect Value agreed
upon
in writing by Buyer and Seller.
|
(b)
|
If
any Title Defect is in the nature of an unobtained consent to assignment
or other restriction on assignability, the provisions of Section
3.08
shall apply.
|
(c)
|
If
on or before Closing the Parties have not agreed upon the validity
of any
asserted Title Defect or have not agreed on the Title Defect Value
attributable thereto, either Party shall have the right to elect
to have
the validity of such Title Defect and/or such Title Defect Value
determined by an Independent Expert pursuant to Section 16.03. If
the
validity of any asserted Title Defect, or the Title Defect Value
attributable thereto, is not determined before Closing, the Purchase
Price
paid at Closing shall not be reduced by virtue of such disputed Title
Defect or Title Defect Value, and upon the final resolution of such
dispute the Title Defect Value, if any, found to be attributable
to such
Title Defect shall, subject to this Section, be promptly refunded
by
Seller to Buyer.
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(d)
|
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) if the value of a
given
individual Title Defect (or individual Title Benefit (as defined
in
Section 3.08(a))) does not exceed $25,000, then no adjustment to
the
Purchase Price shall be made for such Title Defect (or Title Benefit),
(ii) if the aggregate adjustment to the Purchase Price determined
in
accordance with this Agreement for Title Defects (exceeding $25,000)
does
not exceed two per cent (2%) of the Purchase Price prior to any
adjustments thereto, then no adjustment of the Purchase Price shall
be
made therefor, and (iii) if the aggregate adjustment to the Purchase
Price
determined in accordance with this Agreement for Title Defects (exceeding
$25,000) does exceed two per cent (2%) of the Purchase Price prior
to any
adjustments thereto, then the Purchase Price shall only be adjusted
by the
amount of such excess.
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-13-
Section
3.06 Special
Warranty of Title.
Seller
hereby agrees to warrant and defend title to the Assets solely unto Buyer
against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any
part thereof, by, through or under Seller, but not otherwise; subject, however,
to the Permitted Encumbrances and the other matters set forth herein. In no
event shall the foregoing warranty extend to or be enforceable by any party
other than Buyer, specifically excluding Buyer’s successors and assigns in all
or part of the Assets.
Section
3.07 Consents
to Assignment.
Seller
shall use all reasonable efforts to obtain all necessary consents from third
parties, if any, to assign the Assets prior to Closing (other than governmental
approvals that are customarily obtained after Closing) and Buyer shall assist
Seller with such efforts. To the extent such consents are not obtained prior
to
Closing and would render the assignment of some or all of the Assets void or
voidable or give rise to a claim for damages as a result of the failure to
obtain such consent, then such failure shall constitute a Title Defect as to
that portion of the Assets affected thereby. In all other cases, such unobtained
consents shall not constitute Title Defects.
Section
3.08 Remedies
for Title Benefits.
(a)
|
If
either Party discovers any Title Benefit during the Title Examination
Period affecting the Assets, it shall promptly notify the other Party
in
writing thereof on or before the expiration of the Title Examination
Period. Subject to Section 3.05, Seller shall be entitled to an upward
adjustment to the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 10.02(a)(i)
with
respect to all Title Benefits, in an amount mutually agreed upon
by the
Parties. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Title
Benefit”
shall mean Seller’s interest in any Subject Interest that is greater than
or in addition to that set forth in Exhibit A (including, without
limitation, a Net Revenue Interest that is greater than that set
forth in
Exhibit A) or Seller’s Working Interest in any Subject Interest that is
less than the Working Interest set forth in Exhibit A (without a
corresponding decrease in the Net Revenue Interest). Any matters
that may
otherwise constitute Title Benefits, but of which Buyer has not been
specifically notified by Seller in accordance with the foregoing,
shall be
deemed to have been waived by Seller for all purposes. The Title
Benefit
Value shall be the absolute value of the number determined by the
following formula:
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Title
Benefit Value = A x (B/C)
A
=
Allocated Value for the affected Asset
B
=
Correct Net Revenue Interest for the affected Asset
C
= Net
Revenue Interest for the affected Asset as set forth on Exhibit A
(b)
|
If
with respect to a Title Benefit the Parties are not deemed to have
agreed
on the amount of the upward Purchase Price adjustment or have not
otherwise agreed on such amount prior to the Closing Date, Seller
or Buyer
shall have the right to elect to have such Purchase Price adjustment
determined by an Independent Expert pursuant to Section 16.03. If
the
amount of such adjustment is not determined pursuant to this Agreement
by
the Closing, the undisputed portion of the Purchase Price with respect
to
the Asset affected by such Title Benefit shall be paid by Buyer at
the
Closing and, subject to Section 3.05, upon determination of the amount
of
such adjustment, any unpaid portion thereof shall be paid by Buyer
to
Seller.
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-14-
Article
IV
Environmental
Matters
Section
4.01 Environmental
Review.
(a)
|
Buyer
shall have the right to conduct or cause a consultant (“Buyer’s
Environmental Consultant”)
to conduct an environmental review of the Assets following the Execution
Date until September 15, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time (the
“Environmental Examination Period”) (“Buyer’s
Environmental Review”).
The cost and expense of Buyer’s Environmental Review, if any, shall be
borne solely by Buyer. Buyer shall (and shall cause Buyer’s Environmental
Consultant to): (i) consult with Seller before conducting any work
comprising Buyer’s Environmental Review, (ii) perform all such work in a
safe and workmanlike manner and so as to not unreasonably interfere
with
Seller’s operations, and (iii) comply with all applicable laws, rules, and
regulations. Buyer shall be solely responsible for obtaining any
Third
Party consents that are required in order to perform any work comprising
Buyer’s Environmental Review, and Buyer shall consult with Seller prior
to
requesting each such Third Party consent. Seller shall have the right
to
have a representative or representatives accompany Buyer and Buyer’s
Environmental Consultant at all times during Buyer’s Environmental Review.
With respect to any samples taken in connection with Buyer’s Environmental
Review, upon the request of Seller, Buyer shall take split samples,
providing one of each such sample, properly labeled and identified,
to
Seller. Buyer hereby agrees to release, defend, indemnify and hold
harmless Seller from and against all claims, losses, damages, costs,
expenses, causes of action and judgments of any kind or character
arising
out of or relating to Buyer’s Environmental Review, but said
indemnification shall exclude any claims of Seller for loss of market
value of the Assets.
|
(b)
|
Unless
otherwise required by applicable law, Buyer shall (and shall cause
Buyer’s
Environmental Consultant to) treat confidentially any matters revealed
by
Buyer’s Environmental Review and any reports or data generated from such
review (the “Environmental
Information”),
and Buyer shall not (and shall cause Buyer’s Environmental Consultant to
not) disclose any Environmental Information to any Governmental Authority
or other Third Party without the prior written consent of Seller.
Unless
otherwise required by law, Buyer may use the Environmental Information
only in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
and may not, directly or indirectly use the Environmental Information
in
any manner contrary to Seller’s interests. If Buyer, Buyer’s Environmental
Consultant, or any Third Party to whom Buyer has provided any
Environmental Information become legally compelled to disclose any
of the
Environmental Information, Buyer shall provide Seller with prompt
notice
sufficiently prior to any such disclosure so as to allow Seller to
file
any protective order, or seek any other remedy, as it deems appropriate
under the circumstances. If this Agreement is terminated prior to
the
Closing, Buyer shall deliver the Environmental Information to Seller,
which Environmental Information shall become the sole property of
Seller.
Buyer shall provide copies of the Environmental Information to Seller
without charge.
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-15-
Section
4.02 Environmental
Definitions.
(a)
|
Environmental
Defects.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Environmental
Defect”
shall mean, with respect to any given Asset, an individual environmental
condition that constitutes a material violation of Environmental
Laws in
effect as of the date of this Agreement in the jurisdiction in which
such
Asset is located. Environmental Defect shall not be deemed to include
an
environmental condition disclosed in writing to Buyer prior to the
execution of this Agreement.
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(b)
|
Governmental
Authority.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Governmental
Authority”
shall mean, as to any given Asset, the United States and the state,
county, parish, city and political subdivisions in which such Asset
is
located and that exercises jurisdiction over such Asset, and any
agency,
department, board or other instrumentality thereof that exercises
jurisdiction over such Asset.
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(c)
|
Environmental
Laws.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Environmental
Laws”
shall mean all laws, statutes, ordinances, court decisions, rules
and
regulations of any Governmental Authority pertaining to the environment
as
may be interpreted by applicable court decisions or administrative
orders.
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(d)
|
Environmental
Defect Value.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Environmental
Defect Value”
shall mean, with respect to any Environmental Defect, the value,
as of the
Closing Date, of the estimated costs and expenses to correct such
Environmental Defect in the most cost-effective manner reasonably
available, consistent with Environmental Laws, taking into account
that
non-permanent remedies (such as mechanisms to contain or stabilize
hazardous materials, including monitoring site conditions, natural
attenuation, risk-based corrective action, institutional controls
or other
appropriate restrictions on the use of property, caps, dikes,
encapsulation, leachate collection systems, etc.) may be the most
cost-effective manner reasonably available.
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-16-
Section
4.03 Notice
of Environmental Defects.
(a)
|
If
Buyer discovers any Environmental Defect that materially affects
the
Assets, Buyer shall notify Seller prior to the expiration of the
Environmental Examination Period of such alleged Environmental Defect.
To
be effective, such notice must: (i) be in writing; (ii) be received
by
Seller prior to the expiration of the Environmental Examination Period;
(iii) describe the Environmental Defect in sufficient, specific detail,
including, without limitation, (A) the written conclusion of Buyer’s
Environmental Consultants that an Environmental Defect exists, which
conclusion shall be reasonably substantiated by the factual data
gathered
in Buyer’s Environmental Review, and (B) a separate specific citation of
the provisions of Environmental Laws alleged to be violated and the
related facts that substantiate such violation; (iv) identify the
specific
Assets that are materially affected by such Environmental Defect;
(v)
identify the procedures recommended to correct the Environmental
Defect,
together with any related recommendations from Buyer’s Environmental
Consultant; and (vi) state Buyer’s estimate of the Environmental Defect
Value, including the basis for such estimate, for which Buyer would
agree
to adjust the Purchase Price in order to accept such Environmental
Defect
if Seller elected Section 4.04(b) as the remedy therefor.
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(b)
|
Upon
the receipt of such effective notice from Buyer, Seller and Buyer
shall
attempt to mutually agree on a resolution including, but not limited
to,
(i) attempt to cure such Environmental Defect at any time prior to
the
Closing; (ii) exclude the affected Asset from the sale and reduce
the
Purchase Price by the allocated value of such affected Asset; or
(iii) not
take any remedial action with respect to the alleged Environmental
Defect
and Seller agrees to indemnify Buyer pursuant to Section 14.05 against
all
costs which Buyer may incur in connection with
same.
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(c)
|
Any
matters that may otherwise constitute Environmental Defects, but
of which
Seller has not been specifically notified by Buyer in accordance
with the
foregoing, together with any environmental matter that does not constitute
an Environmental Defect, shall be deemed to have been waived by Buyer
for
all purposes and constitute an Assumed Obligation (as defined in
Section
14.02).
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Section
4.04 Remedies
for Environmental Defects.
(a)
|
If
any Environmental Defect described in a notice delivered in accordance
with Section 4.03 is not cured on or before the Closing, then the
Purchase
Price shall be reduced by the Environmental Defect Value of such
Environmental Defect as agreed by the
Parties.
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-17-
(b)
|
If
Buyer and Seller have not agreed as to the validity of any asserted
Environmental Defect, or if the Parties have not agreed on the
Environmental Defect Value therefor, then on or before five (5) Business
Days prior to the Closing Date either Party shall have the right
to elect
to have validity of the asserted Environmental Defect, and/or the
Environmental Defect Value for such Environmental Defect, determined
by an
Independent Expert pursuant to Section 16.03. If the validity of
any such
asserted Environmental Defect or the amount of any such Environmental
Defect Value is not determined by the Closing, the Asset affected
by such
disputed Environmental Defect shall be excluded from the Closing
and the
Purchase Price paid at Closing shall be reduced by the value allocated
to
that Asset. Upon resolution of such dispute, the Environmental Defect
Value, if any, found to be attributable to such Environmental Defect
shall, subject to this Section 4.04, be paid by Seller to Buyer and
the
Asset conveyed to the Buyer, if that is part of the mutually agreed
settlement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party shall have
unilateral right to exclude an Asset from the sale if the Environmental
Defect Value exceeds the Allocated Value of the Asset(s) affected
thereby.
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(c)
|
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) if the Environmental
Defect Value for a given individual Environmental Defect does not
exceed
$25,000, then no adjustment to the Purchase Price shall be made for
such
Environmental Defect; (ii) if the aggregate adjustment to the Purchase
Price determined in accordance with this Agreement for Environmental
Defects (exceeding $25,000) does not exceed two per cent (2%) of
the
Purchase Price prior to any adjustments thereto, then no adjustment
of the
Purchase Price shall be made therefore; and (iii) if the aggregate
adjustment to the Purchase Price determined in accordance with this
Agreement for Environmental Defects (exceeding $25,000) does exceed
two
per cent (2%) of the Purchase Price prior to any adjustments thereto,
then
the Purchase Price shall only be adjusted by the amount of such
excess.
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Article
V
Representations
and Warranties of Seller
Each
respective Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that:
Section
5.01 Seller’s
Existence.
Wyoming
Mineral Exploration, LLC is a limited liability company duly organized and
validly existing under the laws of the State of Wyoming and is qualified to
conduct business in the State of Wyoming. Seller has full legal power, right
and
authority to carry on its business as such is now being conducted and as
contemplated to be conducted. Seller’s headquarters and principal offices are
all located in the State of Wyoming.
-18-
Section
5.02 Legal
Power.
Seller
has the legal power and right to enter into and perform this Agreement and
the
transactions contemplated hereby. The consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement will not violate, nor be in conflict
with:
(a)
|
any
provision of Seller’s articles of organization, operating agreement or
other governing documents;
|
(b)
|
except
for any preferential purchase rights and consents to assignment disclosed
on Schedule 5.02 to this Agreement, any material agreement or instrument
to which Seller is a party or by which Seller is bound;
or
|
(c)
|
any
judgment, order, ruling or decree applicable to Seller as a party
in
interest or any law, rule or regulation applicable to
Seller.
|
Section
5.03 Execution.
The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby are duly and validly authorized by all requisite partnership
action on the part of Seller. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and
binding obligation of Seller enforceable in accordance with its
terms.
Section
5.04 Brokers.
Tristone Capital LP has acted for or on behalf of Seller or any affiliate of
Seller in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. No broker or finder is entitled to any brokerage or finder’s
fee, or to any commission, based in any way on agreements, arrangements or
understandings made by or on behalf of Seller or any affiliate of Seller for
which Buyer has or will have any liabilities or obligations (contingent or
otherwise).
Section
5.05 Bankruptcy.
There
are no bankruptcy, reorganization or arrangement proceedings pending, being
contemplated by or to the knowledge of Seller threatened against
Seller.
Section
5.06 Suits.
There
is no suit, action, claim, investigation or inquiry by any person or entity
or
by any administrative agency or Governmental Authority and no legal,
administrative or arbitration proceeding pending or, to Seller’s knowledge,
threatened against Seller or any affiliate of Seller or the Assets that has
materially affected or will materially affect Seller’s ability to consummate the
transactions contemplated herein or materially affect the title to or value
of
the Assets except as shown on Schedule 5.06.
Section
5.07 Royalties.
To
Seller’s knowledge, all rentals, royalties and other payments due under the
Subject Interests described in Exhibit A have been paid in all material
respects, except those amounts in suspense as described in Exhibit
A.
Section
5.08 Taxes.
To
Seller’s knowledge, all ad valorem, property, production, severance, excise and
similar taxes and assessments based on or measured by the ownership of the
Assets or the production of Hydrocarbons or the receipt of proceeds therefrom
that have become due and payable have been paid in all material
respects.
-19-
Section
5.09 Contracts.
To
Seller’s knowledge, (a) all material Contracts are in full force and effect, and
(b) Seller is not in default with respect to any of its material obligations
thereunder.
Section
5.10 Liens.
Except
for Permitted Encumbrances, the Assets will be conveyed free and clear of all
liens, mortgages and encumbrances.
Section
5.11 Information.
At no
cost to Seller (except for costs which are required to be otherwise borne by
the
Seller under this Agreement) and upon request of Buyer, Seller will provide
Buyer reasonable assistance to Buyer in Buyer’s evaluation of production and
title matters related to the Assets conveyed hereunder. At no cost to Seller
and
upon request of Buyer, Seller will reasonably cooperate with Buyer so that
Buyer
may gather information concerning the operations of the South Glenrock “B” Unit
and the East Big Muddy Unit for the period of xxxx Xxxxxx has been the operator,
to the extent and for the purposes of Buyer meeting its SEC requirements.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 5.11, Seller
shall be under no obligation to provide information or documentation that is
subject to any legal privilege, such as the attorney-client privilege or
work-product doctrine.
Article
VI
Representations
and Warranties of Buyer
Buyer
represents and warrants to Seller that:
Section
6.01 Buyer’s
Existence.
Rancher
Energy Corp. is a corporation, duly organized and validly existing under the
laws of the State of Nevada and is qualified to conduct business in the State
of
Wyoming. Buyer has full legal power, right and authority to carry on its
business as such is now being conducted and as contemplated to be conducted.
Buyer’s headquarters and principal offices are all located in the State of
Colorado.
Section
6.02 Legal
Power.
Buyer
has the legal power and right to enter into and perform this Agreement and
the
transactions contemplated hereby. The consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement will not violate, nor be in conflict
with:
(a)
|
any
provision of Buyer’s charter, bylaws,
or
other governing documents;
|
(b)
|
any
material agreement or instrument to which Buyer is a party or by
which
Buyer is bound; or
|
(c)
|
any
judgment, order, ruling or decree applicable to Buyer as a party
in
interest or any law, rule or regulation applicable to
Buyer.
|
Section
6.03 Execution.
The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby are duly and validly authorized by all requisite corporate
action on the part of Buyer. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and
binding obligation of Buyer enforceable in accordance with its
terms.
Section
6.04 Brokers.
No
broker or finder has acted for or on behalf of Buyer or any affiliate of Buyer
in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. No broker or finder is entitled to any brokerage or finder’s fee, or
to any commission, based in any way on agreements, arrangements or
understandings made by or on behalf of Buyer or any affiliate of Buyer for
which
Seller has or will have any liabilities or obligations (contingent or
otherwise).
-20-
Section
6.05 Bankruptcy.
There
are no bankruptcy, reorganization or arrangement proceedings pending, being
contemplated by or to the knowledge of Buyer threatened against Buyer or any
affiliate of Buyer.
Section
6.06 Suits.
There
is no suit, action, claim, investigation or inquiry by any person or entity
or
by any administrative agency or Governmental Authority and no legal,
administrative or arbitration proceeding pending or, to Buyer’s knowledge,
threatened against Buyer or any affiliate of Buyer that has materially affected
or will materially affect Buyer’s ability to consummate the transactions
contemplated herein.
Section
6.07 Qualifications.
Buyer
is now, and after the Closing shall continue to be, qualified with all
applicable Governmental Authorities to own and operate the Assets and has,
and
shall maintain, all necessary bonds to own and operate the Assets.
Section
6.08 Investment.
Prior
to entering into this Agreement, Buyer was advised by and has relied solely
on
its own legal, tax and other professional counsel concerning this Agreement,
the
Assets and the value thereof. Buyer is acquiring the Assets for its own account
and not for distribution or resale in any manner that would violate any state
or
federal securities law, rule, regulation or order. Buyer understands and
acknowledges that if any of the Assets were held to be securities, they would
be
restricted securities and could not be transferred without registration under
applicable state and federal securities laws or the availability of an exemption
from such registration.
Section
6.09 Funds.
Buyer
has arranged or will arrange to have available by the dates set forth herein
sufficient funds to enable Buyer to pay in full the Deposit and Purchase Price
as herein provided and otherwise to perform its obligations under this
Agreement.
Section
6.10 Information.
At no
cost to Buyer (except for costs which are required to be otherwise borne by
the
Buyer under this Agreement) and upon request of Seller, Buyer will provide
Seller with copies of all data, title opinions and other documents and
information in Buyer’s possession or control bearing upon or relating to (a)
alleged Title Defects, (b) Environmental Defects, and (c) Buyer’s conditions set
forth in Sections 8.01 and 8.02, provided said information is not subject to any
legal privilege, such as the attorney-client privilege or work-product doctrine.
Article
VII
Seller’s
Conditions to Close
The
obligations of Seller to consummate the transaction provided for herein are
subject, at the option of Seller, to the fulfillment on or prior to the Closing
Date of each of the following conditions:
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Section
7.01 Representations.
The
representations and warranties of Buyer herein contained shall be true and
correct in all material respects on the Closing Date as though made on and
as of
such date.
Section
7.02 Performance.
Buyer
shall have performed all material obligations, covenants and agreements
contained in this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or prior
to the Closing.
Section
7.03 Pending
Matters.
No
suit, action or other proceeding shall be pending or threatened that seeks
to
restrain, enjoin or otherwise prohibit the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
Section
7.04 Purchase
Price.
Buyer
shall have delivered to Seller the Deposit and the Purchase Price, as the same
may be adjusted hereunder, in accordance with the provisions of Article
II.
Section
7.05 Execution
and Delivery of the Closing Documents.
Buyer
shall have executed, acknowledged and delivered, as appropriate, to Seller
all
closing documents described in Section 10.05.
Section
7.06 Consents
and Preferential Rights to Purchase.
Subject
to Section 3.07 and 3.08, all appropriate consents have been obtained and
preferential rights to purchase have been either exercised by the preferential
right holder or the time period for election to purchase has
elapsed.
Article
VIII
Buyer’s
Conditions to Close
The
obligations of Buyer to consummate the transaction provided for herein are
subject, at the option of Buyer, to the fulfillment on or prior to the Closing
Date of each of the following conditions:
Section
8.01 Availability
& Cost of Injected Water.
Buyer
shall have been satisfied that it will be able to obtain an adequate,
predictable, and commercially reasonable supply of water for the Assets.
If
Buyer
has not specifically notified Seller of the failure of the condition set forth
in this Section 8.01 on or before September 30, 2006, the condition set forth
in
this Section 8.01 shall
be
deemed to have been satisfied and any objections waived by Buyer for all
purposes.
Section
8.02 Hydrocarbon
Leases.
Buyer
shall have been satisfied that the Leases that are to be part of the Assets
cover at least a substantial part of the most likely hydrocarbon-producing
horizons of the Assets. If Buyer has not specifically notified Seller of the
failure of the condition set forth in this Section 8.02 on or before September
30, 2006, the condition set forth in this Section 8.02 shall
be
deemed satisfied and any objections waived by Buyer for all
purposes.
Section
8.03
Representations.
The
representations and warranties of Seller herein contained shall be true and
correct in all material respects on the Closing Date as though made on and
as of
such date.
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Section
8.04 Performance.
Seller
shall have performed all material obligations, covenants and agreements
contained in this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or prior
to the Closing.
Section
8.05 Pending
Matters.
No
suit, action or other proceeding shall be pending or threatened that seeks
to
restrain, enjoin, or otherwise prohibit the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
Section
8.06 Execution
and Delivery of the Closing Documents.
Seller
shall have executed, acknowledged and delivered, as appropriate, to Buyer all
closing documents described in Section 10.04.
Section
8.07 Consents
and Preferential Rights to Purchase.
Subject
to Section 3.07 and 3.08, all appropriate consents have been obtained and
preferential rights to purchase have been either exercised by the preferential
right holder or the time period for election to purchase has
elapsed.
Article
IX
Tax
Matters
Section
9.01 Transfer
Taxes.
All
sales, use or other taxes (other than taxes on gross income, net income or
gross
receipts) and duties, levies, recording fees or other governmental charges
incurred by or imposed with respect to the property transfers undertaken
pursuant to this Agreement shall be the responsibility of, and shall be paid
by,
Buyer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the State of Wyoming determines that State
sales tax is due as a result of the transfer of equipment under this Agreement
for the reason that said transfer is not part of a “bulk sale” as set forth
under Wyo. Stat. 39-15-101(a)(vii)(M), then Seller shall bear liability for
paying the same.
Section
9.02 Ad
Valorem and Similar Taxes.
Ad
valorem, property, severance and similar taxes and assessments based upon or
measured by the value of the assets shall be divided or prorated between Seller
and Buyer as of the Closing Date. Seller shall retain responsibility for
such taxes attributable to the period of time prior to the Closing Date and
Buyer shall assume responsibility for the period of time from and after the
Closing Date. For clarification purposes, the 2006 ad valorem tax
xxxx that is based on 2005 revenue proceeds will be for the account of
Seller. The 2007 ad valorem tax xxxx that is based on 2006 revenue
proceeds will be for the account of the Buyer, prorated to the Effective Date
between the parties.
Article
X
The
Closing
Section
10.01 Time
and Place of the Closing.
If the
conditions referred to in Articles VII and VIII of this Agreement have been
satisfied or waived in writing or as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
and
subject to any extensions pursuant to Sections 3.04, 4.03 or 10.02,
the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall take place at
the offices of Seller, whose address is set forth in Section 17.11 of this
Agreement, Casper, Wyoming, or at such place designated by the parties, on
November 30, 2006 (the “Closing Date”).
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Section
10.02 Adjustments
to Purchase Price at the Closing.
(a)
|
At
the Closing, the Purchase Price shall be increased by the following
amounts:
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(i)
|
all
upward Purchase Price adjustments for Title Benefits determined in
accordance with Article III;
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(ii)
|
any
other amount provided for in this Agreement or agreed upon in writing
by
Buyer and Seller; and
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(iii)
|
an
estimate of any and all transfer, sales, gross receipts, compensating
use
or similar taxes, or assessments resulting from the
transaction.
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(b)
|
At
the Closing, the Purchase Price shall be decreased by the following
amounts:
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(i)
|
the
Allocated Value of any Subject Interest sold prior to the Closing
to the
holder of a preferential right pursuant to Section
3.07;
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(ii)
|
all
downward Purchase Price Adjustment for Title Defects and Environmental
Defects determined in accordance with Article III and Article IV;
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(iii)
|
any
other amount provided for in this Agreement or agreed upon by Buyer
and
Seller; and
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(iv)
|
the
Deposit and any accrued interest on the
Deposit.
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(c)
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The
adjustments described in Sections 10.02(a) and (b) are hereinafter
referred to as the “Purchase
Price Adjustments.”
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Section
10.03 Closing
Statement.
Not
later than three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall
prepare and deliver to Buyer a statement of the estimated Purchase Price
Adjustments taking into account the foregoing principles (the “Statement”).
At
the Closing, Buyer shall pay the Purchase Price, as adjusted by the estimated
Purchase Price Adjustments reflected on the Statement.
Section
10.04 Actions
of Seller at the Closing.
At
the
Closing, Seller shall:
-24-
(a)
|
execute,
acknowledge and deliver to Buyer the Assignment (as defined in Exhibit
D
of this Agreement) and such other instruments (in form and substance
mutually agreed upon by Buyer and Seller) as may be reasonably necessary
to convey the Assets to Buyer;
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(b)
|
execute,
acknowledge and deliver to Buyer letters in lieu of transfer or division
orders directing all purchasers of production from the Subject Interests
to make payment of proceeds attributable to such production to Buyer
from
and after the Closing Date as reasonably requested by Buyer prior
to the
Closing Date;
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(c)
|
deliver
to Buyer possession of the Assets;
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(d)
|
execute
and deliver to Buyer an affidavit attesting to its non-foreign status;
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(e)
|
deliver
to Buyer appropriate change of operator forms on those Assets operated
by
Seller; and
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(f)
|
execute,
acknowledge and deliver any other agreements provided for herein
or
necessary or desirable to effectuate the transactions contemplated
hereby.
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Section
10.05 Actions
of Buyer at the Closing.
At
the
Closing, Buyer shall:
(a)
|
deliver
to Seller the Purchase Price (as adjusted pursuant to the provisions
hereof and net of the Deposit) by wire transfer to an account designated
in writing by Seller;
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(b)
|
take
possession of the Assets; and
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(c)
|
execute,
acknowledge and deliver the Assignment and any other agreements provided
for herein or necessary or desirable to effectuate the transactions
contemplated hereby.
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Article
XI
Termination
Section
11.01 Right
of Termination.
This
Agreement may be terminated at any time at or prior to the Closing:
(a)
|
by
mutual written consent of the
Parties;
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(b)
|
by
Seller on the Closing Date if the conditions set forth in Article
VII have
not been satisfied in all material respects by Buyer or waived by
Seller
in writing by the Closing Date;
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(c)
|
subject
to the objection deadline stated in Section 8.01 and Section 8.02,
by
Buyer on the Closing Date if the conditions set forth in Article
VIII have
not been satisfied in all material respects by Seller or waived by
Buyer
in writing by the Closing Date;
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(d)
|
by
Seller if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before November
30,
2006,
unless the parties have otherwise mutually agreed to extend the Closing
Date;
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(e)
|
by
either Party if any Governmental Authority shall have issued an order,
judgment or decree or taken any other action challenging, restraining,
enjoining, prohibiting or invalidating the consummation of any of
the
transactions contemplated herein;
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(f)
|
by
either Party if (i) the aggregate amount of the Purchase Price Adjustments
agreed by the Parties or otherwise finally determined pursuant to
this
Agreement with respect to all uncured Title Defects (net of the aggregate
amount of the Purchase Price Adjustments for all Title Benefits agreed
by
the Parties) plus (ii) the aggregate amount of the Environmental
Defect
Values agreed by the Parties or otherwise finally determined pursuant
to
this Agreement with respect to all Environmental Defects, exceeds
fifteen
percent (15%) percent of the Purchase Price;
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(g)
|
by
Seller if Buyer shall not have paid the Deposit amount on or before
the
due date as provided herein; or
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(h)
|
as
otherwise provided herein;
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provided,
however, that no Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant
to clause (b), (c), or (d) above if such Party is at such time in material
breach of any provision of this Agreement.
Section
11.02 Effect
of Termination.
In the
event that the Closing does not occur as a result of any Party exercising its
right to terminate pursuant to Section 11.01, then except as set forth in
Section 11.03, this Agreement shall be null and void and no Party shall
have any further rights or obligations under this Agreement, except as stated
herein, and except that nothing herein shall relieve any Party from any
liability for any breach hereof or any liability that has accrued prior to
the
date of such termination.
Section
11.03 Termination
Damages.
(a)
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If
all conditions precedent to the obligations of Buyer set forth in
Article
VIII have been met and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
are
not consummated on or before the Closing Date because of the failure
of
Buyer to perform any of its material obligations hereunder or the
breach
of any representation herein by Buyer, then in such event, Seller
shall
have the option to terminate this Agreement, in which case Seller
shall
retain (i) the Deposit and any accrued interest, (ii) intellectual
property, data, reports of Buyer and Buyer’s agents and contractors
related to the Big Muddy field, except to the extent said reports
and data
are not subject to the attorney-client or work-product privileges,
and
(iii) improvements, tools, equipment, and fixtures related to the
Big
Muddy field, all of (i) through (iii) to be deemed liquidated damages
on
account of Buyer’s failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement
or Buyer’s breach of any representation under this Agreement, which remedy
shall be the sole and exclusive remedy available to Seller for Buyer’s
failure to perform or breach. Buyer shall also be responsible for
paying
the costs and expenses stated in Section 13.01(b)(ii)-(vii). Buyer
and
Seller acknowledge and agree that (i) Seller’s actual damages upon the
event of such a termination are difficult to ascertain with any certainty,
(ii) that the Deposit is a reasonable estimate of such actual damages
and
(iii) such liquidated damages do not constitute a
penalty.
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-26-
(b)
|
If
this Agreement is terminated under paragraphs (c), (f), or (g) of
Section
11.01 or by the mutual written agreement of Buyer and Seller, then
Seller
shall return the Deposit with accrued interest to Buyer in immediately
available funds within three (3) Business Days after the event giving
rise
to such payment to Buyer. Buyer and Seller shall thereupon have the
rights
and obligations set forth elsewhere herein.
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Section
11.04 Attorneys’
Fees, Etc.
If
either Party to this Agreement resorts to legal proceedings to enforce this
Agreement, the prevailing Party in such proceedings shall be entitled to recover
all costs incurred by such Party, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, in
addition to any other relief to which such Party may be entitled.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in no event shall
either Party be entitled to receive any punitive, indirect or consequential
damages unless same are a part of a Third Party claim for which a Party is
seeking indemnification hereunder, REGARDLESS
OF WHETHER CAUSED OR CONTRIBUTED TO BY THE SOLE, JOINT, COMPARATIVE OR
CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY OF THE OTHER
PARTY.
Article
XII
Post
Closing Obligations
Section
12.01 Allocation
of Expense and Revenues.
(a)
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Provided
that the Closing occurs, appropriate adjustments shall be made between
Buyer and Seller so that (i) Seller will receive all proceeds from
sales
of Hydrocarbons that are produced and saved from and after the Execution
Date and any other revenues arising out of the ownership or operation
of
the Assets from and after the Execution Date, net of all applicable
production, severance, and similar taxes, and net of all costs and
expenses that are incurred in the ownership or operation of the Assets
from and after the Execution Date, including, without limitation,
all
drilling costs, all capital expenditures, all overhead charges under
applicable operating or other agreements (regardless of whether Seller
or
an affiliate of Seller serves as operator prior to the Closing) through
the Closing Date, and (ii) Buyer will receive all proceeds from sales
of
Hydrocarbons that are produced and saved after the Closing
Date and
any other revenues arising out of the ownership or operation of the
Assets
after the Closing Date, net of all applicable production, severance,
and
similar taxes, and net of all costs and expenses that are incurred
in the
ownership or operation of the Assets after the Closing
Date.
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-27-
(b)
|
In
addition to the foregoing, the Seller will be paid (i) the amount
as of
the Closing Date of all prepaid ad valorem, property or similar taxes
and
assessments based upon or measured by ownership of the Assets and
any
prepaid costs, including rentals and insurance premiums, insofar
as such
prepaid costs relate to periods of time prior to the Closing Date,
and
(ii) the value of all merchantable Hydrocarbons produced prior to
the
Closing Date but in storage above the inlet connection or upstream
of the
applicable sales meter on the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
to the extent that the ad valorem tax liabilities of the parties
under
this Agreement as set forth in Section 9.02 cannot be finally determined
by the Closing Date, the parties each agree to reconcile the ad valorem
liability and pay or reimburse (as may be necessary) the other party
as
soon as said liability can be
determined.
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(c)
|
In
addition to the foregoing, the Buyer will be paid (i) an amount equal
to
all unpaid ad valorem, property, production, severance and similar
taxes
and assessments based upon or measured by the ownership of the Assets
that
are attributable to periods of time prior to the Closing Date, which
amounts shall, to the extent not actually assessed, be computed based
on
such taxes and assessments for the preceding tax year (such amount
to be
prorated for the period of Seller’s and Buyer’s ownership before and after
the Closing Date), and (ii) an amount equal to all cash in, or
attributable to, suspense accounts relative to the Assets for which
Buyer
has assumed responsibility under Section 14.02.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, to the extent that the ad valorem tax liabilities
of the
parties under this Agreement as set forth in Section 9.02 cannot
be
finally determined by the Closing Date, the parties each agree to
reconcile the ad valorem liability and pay or reimburse (as may be
necessary) the other party as soon as said liability can be
determined.
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(d)
|
All
amounts due under this Section 12.01 will be settled in accordance
with
final Accounting Statement under Section
12.03.
|
Section
12.02 Final
Accounting Statement.
(a)
|
On
or before sixty (60) days after the Closing Date, Seller shall prepare
and
deliver to Buyer a post-closing statement setting forth a detailed
calculation of all post-Closing adjustments applicable to the period
for
time between the Effective Time and Closing (“Accounting Statement”).
Buyer agrees that, if necessary, the sixty (60) day time period may
be
extended for an additional thirty (30) day period. The Accounting
Statement shall include any adjustment or payment which was not finally
determined as of the Closing Date and the allocation of revenues
and
expenses as determined in accordance with Section 12.01. To the extent
reasonably required by Seller, Buyer shall assist in the preparation
of
the Accounting Statement. Seller shall provide Buyer such data and
information as Buyer may reasonably request supporting the amounts
reflected on the Accounting Statement in order to permit Buyer to
perform
or cause to be performed an audit. The Accounting Statement shall
become
final and binding upon the parties on the thirtieth (30th) day following
receipt thereof by Buyer (the “Final Settlement Date”) unless Buyer gives
written notice of its disagreement (a “Notice of Disagreement”) to Seller
prior to such date. Any Notice of Disagreement shall specify in detail
the
dollar amount, nature and basis of any disagreement so asserted.
If a
Notice of Disagreement is received by Seller in a timely manner,
then the
Parties shall resolve the Dispute (as defined in Section 16.01) evidenced
by the Notice of Disagreement in accordance with Article
XVI.
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-28-
(b)
|
Within
fifteen (15) Business Days after the Final Settlement Date, Seller
shall
pay to Buyer or Buyer shall pay to Seller in immediately available
funds
the net amount due. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Final
Statement”
shall mean (i) the revised Statement becoming final pursuant to this
Section, or (ii) upon resolution of any Dispute regarding a Notice
of
Disagreement, the revised Statement reflecting such resolutions,
which the
Parties shall issue, or cause the Independent Expert or arbitrators
to
issue, as applicable, following such resolution.
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Section
12.03 Further
Cooperation.
Seller
shall make the Records available to be picked up by Buyer at the offices of
Seller during normal business hours within fifteen (15) Business Days after
the
Closing to the extent the Records are in the possession of Seller and are not
subject to contractual restrictions on transferability. Seller shall
have the right to retain copies of any of the Records and the rights granted
under Section 17.03. After
the
Closing Date, each Party, at the request of the other and without additional
consideration, 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 action as the other Party may reasonably request
to
convey and deliver the Assets to Buyer and to accomplish the orderly transfer
of
the Assets to Buyer in the manner contemplated by this Agreement. After the
Closing, the Parties will cooperate to have all proceeds received attributable
to the Assets be paid to the proper Party hereunder and to have all expenditures
to be made with respect to the Assets be made by the proper Party
hereunder.
Article
XIII
Operation
of the Assets
Section
13.01 Operations
after Execution Date.
-29-
(a) Seller
agrees, from and after the Execution Date until Closing, except as expressly
contemplated by this Agreement, as expressly consented to in writing by Buyer,
or in situations wherein emergency action is taken in the face of risk to life,
property or the environment, to:
(i)
operate the Properties in the usual, regular and ordinary manner consistent
with
past practice, except as stated in Section 13.01(b) or with Buyer’s prior
written consent;
(ii)
maintain the books of account and records relating to the Properties in the
usual, regular and ordinary manner, in accordance with the usual accounting
practices of each such Person;
(iii)
not
enter into a material contract, or materially amend or change the terms of
any
such contract that would involve individual commitments of more than $25,000
without Buyer’s prior written consent;
(iv)
not
plug or abandon any well located on the Properties without Buyer’s prior written
consent;
(v)
not
transfer, sell, mortgage, pledge or dispose of any portion of the Properties
in
excess of $25,000 other than the sale and/or disposal of hydrocarbons in the
ordinary course of business and sales of equipment that is no longer necessary
in the operation of the Properties or for which replacement equipment has been
obtainedwithout Buyer’s prior written consent;
(vi)
preserve in full force and effect all oil and gas leases, operating agreements,
easements, rights-of-way, permits, licenses and agreements that relate to the
Properties;
(vii)
submit to Buyer for prior written approval, all requests for operating or
capital expenditures relating to the Properties that involve individual
commitments of more than $25,000;
(viii)
work in good faith to implement Rancher’s field development program; and
(ix)
obtain Buyer's written approval prior to voting under any operating, joint
venture, partnership or similar agreement.
(b) In
order
to reimburse the Seller for administrative overhead expenses incurred in order
to operate the properties in accordance with Section 13.01, and to provide
for
the undertaking of improvements and payment of costs and expenses for certain
capital and operating expenses from the Execution Date to the Closing Date,
Buyer agrees:
-30-
(i)
subject to subparagraph (ii), to permit Seller to continue to extract and sell
Hydrocarbons from the properties comprising the Leases and Subject Interests
and
retain any revenues generated thereby as Seller’s sole property;
(ii) to
pay
to, or reimburse within thirty (30) days, Seller such costs as are reasonably
incurred by Seller from the Execution Date through Closing to develop and
maintain the lands within the Big Muddy prospect, including but not limited
to
plugging,
injection well work, work-overs and re-completions, purchase of equipment for
H20 flooding, repairing pumping units and lines to increase
production,
unitization fees and costs, and the labor, materials and equipment supplied
by
Seller’s contractors associated therewith, except as hereinafter provided.
Revenues directly generated from plugging, injection well work, work-overs
and
re-completions, purchase of equipment for H20 flooding, and repairing pumping
units and lines to increase production will first be applied to pay for costs
incurred as a result of said enumerated work, and second to pay for Buyer’s
obligations under this Section. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer shall
not
be liable for, and Seller shall pay, field operational expenses that are usual,
customary and historical, including but not limited to, electrical and propane
costs, legal and accounting fees, and contract pumping for operation of the
Big
Muddy field. Seller shall provide in a timely manner all information reasonably
requested by Buyer to evaluate the costs incurred by Seller for which
reimbursement is sought. After execution of this Agreement by Buyer, Seller
will
obtain Buyer’s consent prior to incurring any cost reasonably expected to exceed
$25,000.00, and said consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.;
(iii)
prior to the Closing Date, to contract for and commence to undertake a 3-D
Seismic Survey of the Big Muddy field and corresponding
interpretation;
(iv)
prior to the Closing Date, to contract for and commence to undertake an
engineering study of the Xxxxxxx reservoir at the Big Muddy field;
(v)
subject to the Seller’s consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably
conditioned, delayed or withheld) and subject to the recommendations of Buyer’s
engineering firm, prior to the Closing Date, to contract for and commence to
undertake the Xxxxxxx development program at the Big Muddy field, including
drilling and/or reworking 5 xxxxx and providing necessary infrastructure.
Revenues directly generated from drilling and/or reworking the Xxxxxxx xxxxx
and
providing the necessary infrastructure will first be applied to pay for costs
incurred as a result of said enumerated work, and second to pay for Buyer’s
obligations under this Section.;
(vi)
prior to the Closing Date, to contract for and commence to undertake an
engineering study of the Wall Creek reservoir at the Big Muddy field, including
a proposed development program and estimate using a CO2 continuous flood
program, plus operating costs and capital expenditures;
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(vii)
subsequent to receiving engineering, title, and environmental reports, to
institute efforts to unitize the Xxxxxxx, Wall Creek, and Dakota formations
within the Big Muddy field;
(viii)
to
provide in a timely manner all information reasonably requested by Seller to
evaluate any proposed improvement or task required of Buyer under this Section;
and
(ix)
in
the event Closing does not occur due to no fault of Seller, that Buyer shall
forfeit all right, title and interest in and to the improvements and Buyer’s
required undertakings related to the Big Muddy field, and Seller will be
entitled to ownership and delivery of all documents, data and reports related
to
the Big Muddy field, whether generated by Buyer or third-parties on behalf
of
Buyer.
Section
13.02 Limitations
on the Operational Obligations and Liabilities of Seller
(a)
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From
and after the date of execution of this Agreement and until the Closing,
and subject to the provisions of applicable operating and other
agreements, and further subject to the provisions of this Article
XIII,
Seller shall use its reasonable efforts to operate the Assets and
use its
reasonable efforts to cause any other operators to operate and administer
the Assets in a manner consistent with its past practices, and shall
carry
on its business with respect to the Assets in substantially the same
manner as before execution of this Agreement.
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Buyer
acknowledges that Seller owns undivided interests in some or all of the Assets,
and Buyer agrees that the acts or omissions of the other working interest owners
shall not constitute a violation of the provisions of this Article XIII, nor
shall any action required by a vote of working interest owners constitute such
a
violation so long as Seller has voted its interests in a manner that complies
with the provisions of this Article XIII.
(b)
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Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Article XIII, Seller shall have
no
liability to Buyer for, and Buyer hereby agrees to release, defend,
indemnify and hold harmless Seller from, the incorrect payment of
delay
rentals, royalties, shut-in royalties or similar payments or for
any
failure to pay any such payments through mistake or oversight (INCLUDING
THOSE RESULTING FROM SELLER’S SOLE, JOINT, COMPARATIVE OR CONCURRENT
NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY)
provided that such payments relate to production months after the
Closing
Date. In no event shall Buyer’s remedy for any Seller’s breach of its
obligations under this Article XIII exceed the Allocated Value of
the
Subject Interest affected by such
breach.
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Section
13.03 Operation
of the Assets After the Closing.
It is
expressly understood and agreed that Seller shall not be obligated to continue
operating any of the Assets following the Closing and Buyer hereby assumes
full
responsibility for operating (or causing the operation of)
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all
Assets following the Closing. Seller shall make its personnel available to
Buyer
prior to the Closing as may be reasonably necessary to assist in the transition
if Buyer becomes the operator. Without implying any obligation on Seller’s part
to continue operating any Assets after the Closing, if Seller elects to continue
to operate any Assets following the Closing at the request of Buyer or any
Third
Party working interest owner, due to constraints of applicable joint operating
agreement(s), failure of a successor operator to take over operations or other
reasonable cause, such continued operation by Seller shall be for the account
of
Buyer, at the sole risk, cost and expense of Buyer. Seller, as a part of the
Assumed Obligations, is hereby released and indemnified by Buyer from all
claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, causes of action and judgments of
any
kind or character (INCLUDING
THOSE RESULTING FROM SELLER’S SOLE, JOINT, COMPARATIVE OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE
OR STRICT LIABILITY)
with
respect to (a) such continued operations by Seller, (b) Buyer’s assumption of
operations from Seller, and (c) compliance with the terms of any applicable
joint operating agreement related to the election of a successor operator.
Buyer
shall conduct or cause to be conducted all operations on the Assets after
Closing in a good and workmanlike manner and in compliance with all applicable
laws, rules, regulations and agreements. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, within five (5) Business Days after Closing, Seller
will resign as operator of any xxxxx within the Assets that Seller currently
operates.
Section
13.04 Risk
of Loss; Casualty
Loss.
(a)
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Subject
to the provisions of clauses (b) and (c) of this Section, after the
Execution Date Buyer shall assume all risk of loss with respect to,
and
any change in the condition of, the depreciation of personal property,
and
the depletion of Hydrocarbons even if caused by the watering-out
of any
well, the collapse of casing, or sand infiltration of
xxxxx.
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(b)
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Subject
to the provisions of clauses (a), (b) and (c) of this Section, Seller
shall assume all risk of loss with respect to, and any change in
the
condition of, casualty to tools, lines, tanks, and equipment prior
to
Closing. If after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing
any
part of the Assets shall be damaged or destroyed by fire or other
casualty, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect
notwithstanding any such damage or destruction, and the Parties shall
proceed with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
notwithstanding such damage or destruction, subject to the following.
If a
claim is submitted to Seller’s insurer, and Seller shall retain sole
discretion whether it submit any claim, then any proceeds from insurance
shall be applied to the repair or replacement of the damaged or destroyed
Asset(s) and the Purchase Price shall not be reduced. If no claim
is
submitted or if a claim is submitted and coverage is denied, the
Purchase
Price shall be reduced by an amount agreed upon in writing by Buyer
and
Seller. If on or before Closing the Parties have not agreed upon
the value
on a damaged or destroyed Asset for which no claim is submitted or
for
which there is no coverage, either Party shall have the right to
elect to
have the value determined by an Independent Expert pursuant to Section
16.03. If the value is not determined before Closing, the Purchase
Price
paid at Closing shall not be reduced by virtue of such disputed value,
and
upon the final resolution of such dispute the value, if any, shall,
subject to this Section, be promptly refunded by Seller to Buyer.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) if
the
value of an individual Asset damaged or destroyed by fire or other
casualty does not exceed $25,000, then no adjustment to the Purchase
Price
shall be made.
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(c)
|
If
after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing any part
of the
Assets shall be taken in condemnation or under the right of eminent
domain
or if proceedings for such purposes shall be pending or threatened,
this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any
such
destruction, taking or proceeding, or the threat thereof and the
Parties
shall proceed with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
notwithstanding such taking without reduction of the Purchase Price,
but
subject to the following. In the event of any taking described in
this
subsection, at the Closing, Seller shall pay to Buyer all sums paid
to
Seller by third parties by reason of the taking of such Assets (up
to the
Allocated Value thereof), including any sums paid pursuant to any
policy
or agreement of insurance or indemnity, and shall assign, transfer
and set
over unto Buyer all of the rights, title and interest of Seller in
and to
any claims, causes of action, unpaid proceeds or other payments from
third
parties arising out of such taking (up to the Allocated Value
thereof).
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(d)
|
Other
than policies that are listed on Schedule 13.04, Seller shall not
be
obligated to carry or maintain, and shall have no obligation or liability
to Buyer for its failure to carry or maintain, any insurance coverage
with
respect to any of the Assets.
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Section
13.05 Operatorship.
Within
fifteen (15) Business Days after Closing, Seller will send out notifications
of
its resignation as operator for all xxxxx Seller currently operates and is
selling to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement. Except as specifically stated
in
this Section 13.05, Seller makes no representation and/or warranty to Buyer
as
to the transferability or assignability of operatorship of such xxxxx. Buyer
acknowledges that the rights and obligations associated with such xxxxx are
governed by applicable agreements and that operatorship will be determined
by
the terms of those agreements.
As of
the Closing Date, all xxxxx Seller is operating will be assigned or transferred
to the Buyer at Closing. There are, as of the Execution Date, no xxxxx that
are
operated by Seller that cannot be transferred to Buyer at Closing.
Section
13.06 Transition
Period.
The
parties may enter a Transition Services Agreement containing mutually agreeable
terms under which, following Closing, Seller would continue the physical
operations of the Subject Interests.
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Article
XIV
Obligations
and Indemnification
Section
14.01 Retained
Obligations.
Provided that the Closing occurs, for a period of one (1) year from Closing,
and
not thereafter, Seller shall retain (a) all obligations and liabilities of
Seller for the payment or improper payment of royalties, rentals and other
similar payments under the Leases relating to the Subject Interests accruing
prior to the Closing Date; (b) subject to Buyer’s obligations set forth in
Section 13.01(b), all obligations of Seller under the Contracts for (i) overhead
charges related to periods prior to the Closing Date, (ii) costs and expenses
incurred Seller prior to the Closing Date for goods and services provided prior
to the Closing Date, and (iii) other payment obligations of Seller that accrue
and become due prior to the Closing Date; (c) all liability of Seller to third
parties for personal injury or death to the extent occurring prior to the
Closing Date as a result of the Seller’s operation of the Assets; (d) ad
valorem, property, severance and similar taxes attributable to the period of
time prior to the Closing Date retained by Seller under Section 9.02; and (e)
except as disclosed in Schedule 5.06, all litigation existing as of the Closing
Date, to the extent it relates to Seller’s activities and to the extent it
relates to the period of time prior to the Closing Date (collectively, the
“Retained Obligations”).
Section
14.02 Assumed
Obligations.
Provided that the Closing occurs, Buyer hereby assumes all duties, obligations
and liabilities of every kind and character with respect to the Assets or the
ownership or operation thereof (other than the Retained Obligations), whether
attributable to periods before or after the Closing Date, including, without
limitation, those arising out of (a) the terms of the Easements, Contracts,
Leases, Personal Property or Subject Interests comprising part of the Assets,
(b) suspense accounts, (c) ad valorem, property, severance and other similar
taxes or assessments based upon or measured by the ownership of the Assets
or
the production therefrom, (d) the condition of the Subject Interests, regardless
of whether such condition arose before or after the Closing Date, (e)
obligations to properly plug and abandon or re-plug or re-abandon or remove
xxxxx, flowlines, gathering lines or other facilities, equipment or other
personal property or fixtures comprising part of the Assets, (f) obligations
to
restore the surface of the Subject Interests and obligations to remediate or
bring the Subject Interests into compliance with applicable Environmental Laws
(including conducting any remediation activities that may be required on or
otherwise in connection with activities on the Subject Interests), regardless
of
whether such obligations or conditions or events giving rise to such
obligations, arose, occurred or accrued before or after the Closing Date, and
(g) any other duty, obligation, event, condition or liability assumed by
Buyer under the terms of this Agreement (collectively, the “Assumed
Obligations”).
Section
14.03 Buyer’s
Indemnification.
Provided that the Closing occurs, Buyer shall release, defend, indemnify and
hold harmless Seller, its partners, and their respective officers, directors,
employees, agents, partners, representatives, members, shareholders, affiliates,
subsidiaries, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Seller Indemnitees”)
from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, causes of
action, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, those involving
theories of negligence or strict liability and including court costs and
attorneys’ fees) (collectively, the “Losses”) as a result of, arising out of, or
related to the Assumed Obligations.
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Section
14.04 Seller’s
Indemnification - Third Party Non-Environmental Claims.
Provided that the Closing occurs, Seller shall release, defend, indemnify and
hold harmless Buyer, its partners, and their respective officers, directors,
employees, agents, representatives, members, shareholders, affiliates and
subsidiaries (collectively, the “Buyer Indemnitees”) from and against any and
all Third Party non-environmental claims relating to Seller’s ownership or
operation of the Assets prior to the Closing Date as a result of, arising out
of, or related to the Retained Obligations. Provided, however, notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, Seller’s indemnification obligation
under this Section 14.04 shall only apply if (a) Buyer has provided Seller
with
written notice claiming indemnification within thirty (30) days prior to the
expiration of Seller’s one (1) year indemnification period stated in Section
14.01, and (b) Buyer shall bear sole responsibility for the aggregate costs
associated with all Third Party non-environmental claims relating to time
periods prior to the Closing Date up to a deductible percentage of two percent
(2%) of the Purchase Price. By the prior sentence, it is the intent that the
Seller only be obligated to the extent of the excess of the claims above the
deductible percentage of two percent (2%).
Section
14.05 Seller’s
Indemnification - Third Party Environmental Claims.
Provided that the Closing occurs, Seller shall release, defend, indemnify and
hold harmless Buyer, its partners, and their respective officers, directors,
employees, agents, representatives, members, shareholders, affiliates and
subsidiaries (collectively, the Buyer Indemnitees) from and against any and
all
Third Party environmental claims relating to Seller’s ownership or operation of
the Assets prior to the Closing Date
as a
result of, arising out of, or related to the Retained Obligations.
Provided, however, not withstanding anything to the contrary contained herein,
Seller’s indemnification obligation under this Section 14.05 shall only apply if
(i) Buyer has provided Seller with written notice claiming indemnification
within thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of Seller’s one (1) year
indemnification period stated in Section 14.01, and (ii) Buyer shall bear sole
responsibility for the aggregate costs associated with all Third Party
environmental claims relating to time periods prior to the Closing Date up
to a
threshold percentage of two percent (2%) of the Purchase Price. By the prior
sentence, it is the intent that the Seller only be obligated to the extent
of
the excess of the claims above the deductible percentage of two percent
(2%).
Section
14.06 Notices
and Defense of Indemnified Matters.
(a)
Each
Party shall promptly notify the other Party in writing of any matter of which
it
becomes aware and for which it is entitled to indemnification from the other
Party under this Agreement. Upon receipt by a Seller Indemnitee or a Buyer
Indemnitee (each, an “Indemnified Person”) of notice of a claim, action or
proceeding against such Indemnified Person in respect of which indemnity may
be
sought here-under, such Indem-nified Person shall promptly notify Seller or
Buyer, as the case may be, with respect thereto. In addition, an Indemni-fied
Person shall immediately notify Seller or Buyer, as the case may be, after
any
action is commenced (by way of service with a summons or other legal process
giving information as to the nature and basis of the claim) against such
Indemnified Person.
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(b)
Seller or Buyer, as the case may be, shall be entitled to assume the de-fense
of
any litigation or proceeding in respect of which indemni-ty may be sought
hereunder, including the employ-ment of counsel reason-ably satisfactory to
the
other party and the payment of the fees and expenses of such counsel, in which
event, except as provided below, Seller or Buyer shall not be liable for the
fees and expenses of any other counsel retained by any Indemnified Person in
connection with such litigation or proceeding. In any such litiga-tion or
proceed-ing the defense of which Seller or Buyer shall have so assumed, any
Indemnified Person shall have the right to partici-xxxx in such litigation
or
proceeding and to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such
counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemni-fied Person unless (i) Seller
or
Buyer, as the case may be, and such Indemnified Person shall have mutually
agreed in writing to the retention of such counsel, or (ii) the named parties
to
any such litigation or proceeding (including any implead-ed par-ties) include
Seller or Buyer, as the case may be, and such Indemnified Person and
representa-tion of both parties by the same counsel would, in the opinion of
counsel to such Indemni-fied Person, be inappropri-ate due to actual or
potential differing inter-ests between Seller or Buyer, as the case may be,
and
such Indemni-fied Person.
(c)
Seller or Buyer, as the case may be, shall not be liable for any settle-ment
of
any litigation or proceeding ef-fected without its written consent, but if
settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the claimant
against the Indemnified Person, Seller or Buyer, as the case may be, agrees
to
indem-ni-fy the Indemni-fied Person from and against any loss or liabili-ty
by
reason of such settle-ment or judgment. Seller or Buyer, as the case may be,
will not settle any claim, action or proceeding in respect of which indemnity
may be sought hereunder, whether or not any Indemnified Person is an actual
or
potential party to such claim, action or proceeding, without the Indemnified
Person’s written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or
conditioned. The provisions contained in this Section 14.06 shall remain
opera-tive and in full force and effect regardless of the expiration or any
termination of the Agreement.
Article
XV
Limitations
on Representations and Warranties
Section
15.01 Disclaimers
of Representations and Warranties.
The
express representations and warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement
are
exclusive and are in lieu of all other representations and warranties, express,
implied or statutory. EXCEPT
FOR THE EXPRESS REPRESENTATIONS OF SELLER IN THIS AGREEMENT,
BUYER
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SELLER HAS NOT MADE, AND SELLER HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS
AND
NEGATES, AND BUYER HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES, ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY,
EXPRESS, IMPLIED, AT COMMON LAW, BY STATUTE OR OTHERWISE RELATING TO (a)
PRODUCTION RATES, RECOMPLETION OPPORTUNITIES, DECLINE RATES, GAS BALANCING
INFORMATION OR THE QUALITY, QUANTITY OR VOLUME OF THE RESERVES OF HYDROCARBONS,
IF ANY, ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ASSETS, (b) THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS OR
MATERIALITY OF ANY INFORMATION, DATA OR OTHER MATERIALS (WRITTEN OR ORAL) NOW,
HERETOFORE OR HEREAFTER FURNISHED TO BUYER BY OR ON BEHALF OF SELLER, AND (c)
THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF THE ASSETS. EXCEPT
FOR THE EXPRESS REPRESENTATIONS OF SELLER IN THIS AGREEMENT,
SELLER
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND NEGATES, AND BUYER HEREBY WAIVES, AS TO PERSONAL
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, INVENTORY, MACHINERY AND FIXTURES CONSTITUTING A PART
OF
THE ASSETS (i) ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESS WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, (ii) ANY
IMPLIED OR EXPRESS
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WARRANTY
OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, (iii) ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESS WARRANTY
OF
CONFORMITY TO MODELS OR SAMPLES OF MATERIALS, (iv) ANY RIGHTS OF PURCHASERS
UNDER APPROPRIATE STATUTES TO CLAIM DIMINUTION OF CONSIDERATION OR RETURN OF
THE
PURCHASE PRICE, (v) ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESS WARRANTY OF FREEDOM FROM DEFECTS,
WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, (vi) ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES EXISTING UNDER
APPLICABLE LAW, AND (vii) ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESS WARRANTY REGARDING
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, THE RELEASE OF MATERIALS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT, OR PROTECTION
OF THE ENVIRONMENT OR HEALTH, IT BEING THE EXPRESS INTENTION OF BUYER AND SELLER
THAT THE PERSONAL PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, INVENTORY, MACHINERY AND FIXTURES
INCLUDED IN THE ASSETS SHALL BE CONVEYED TO BUYER, AND BUYER SHALL ACCEPT SAME,
AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH ALL FAULTS AND IN THEIR PRESENT CONDITION AND STATE OF
REPAIR AND BUYER REPRESENTS TO SELLER THAT BUYER WILL MAKE OR CAUSE TO BE MADE
SUCH INSPECTIONS WITH RESPECT TO SUCH PERSONAL PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, INVENTORY,
MACHINERY AND FIXTURES AS BUYER DEEMS APPROPRIATE. SELLER AND BUYER AGREE THAT,
TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW TO BE EFFECTIVE, THE DISCLAIMERS OF
CERTAIN WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION ARE “CONSPICUOUS” DISCLAIMERS FOR
THE PURPOSES OF ANY APPLICABLE LAW, RULE OR ORDER.
Section
15.02 Independent
Investigation.
Buyer
represents and acknowledges that it is knowledgeable of the oil and gas business
and of the usual and customary practices of producers such as Seller and that
it
has had (or will have prior to the Closing) access to the Assets, the officers
and employees of Seller, and the books, records and files of Seller relating
to
the Assets, and in making the decision to enter into this Agreement and
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Buyer has relied solely on
the
basis of its own independent due diligence investigation of the Assets and
upon
the representations and warranties made in Article V, and not on any other
representations or warranties of Seller or any other person or
entity.
Section
15.03 Survival.
The
representations, warranties, covenants and obligations of Buyer under this
Agreement, except for the indemnification obligations set forth in Article
XIV,
shall indefinitely survive the Closing for a period of six (6) months from
the
Closing. The representations, warranties, covenants and obligations of Seller
under this Agreement, except for the indemnification obligations set forth
in
Article XIV, shall survive the Closing for a period of six (6) months from
the
Closing.
Article
XVI
Dispute
Resolution
Section
16.01 General.
Any and
all claims, Disputes, controversies or other matters in question arising out
of
or relating to title issues, environmental issues, or calculation of the
Statement or revisions thereto (all of which are referred to herein as
“Disputes” which term shall not include any other disputes claims, disputes,
controversies or other matters in question arising under this Agreement) shall
be resolved in the manner prescribed by this Article XVI.
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Section
16.02 Senior
Management.
If a
Dispute occurs that the senior representatives of the Parties responsible for
the transaction contemplated by this Agreement have been unable to settle or
agree upon within a period of fifteen (15) days after such Dispute arose, Seller
shall nominate and commit one of its senior officers, and Buyer shall nominate
and commit one of its senior officers, to meet at a mutually agreed time and
place not later than thirty (30) days after the Dispute has arisen to attempt
to
resolve same. If such senior management have been unable to resolve such Dispute
within a period of fifteen (15) days after such meeting, or if such meeting
has
not occurred within forty-five (45) days following such Dispute arising, then
either Party shall have the right, by written notice to the other, to resolve
the Dispute through the relevant Independent Expert pursuant
to Section 16.03.
Section
16.03 Dispute
by Independent Expert.
(a)
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Each
Party shall have the right to submit Disputes regarding title issues,
environmental issues, damaged Assets under Section 13.04(b), or
calculation of the Statement or revisions thereto, to an independent
expert appointed in accordance with this Section 16.03 (each, an
“Independent
Expert”),
who shall serve as the sole arbitrator, subject to the following.
The
Independent Expert shall be appointed by mutual agreement of the
Parties
from among candidates with experience and expertise in the area that
is
the subject of such Dispute, and failing such agreement, Buyer and
Seller
shall each appoint an Independent Expert with experience and expertise
in
the area that is the subject of such Dispute and the two Independent
Experts will select a third Independent Expert. Disputes to be resolved
by
Independent Expert(s) shall be resolved in accordance with mutually
agreed
procedures and rules and failing such agreement, in accordance with
the
rules and procedures of the Wyoming Arbitration Act and the Rules
of the
American Arbitration Association to the extent such Rules do not
conflict
with such Wyoming Arbitration Act or the provisions of this Agreement
The
Independent Expert(s) shall be instructed by the Parties to resolve
such
Dispute as soon as reasonably practicable in light of the circumstances.
The decision and award of the Independent Expert(s) shall be binding
upon
the Parties as an award under the Federal Arbitration Act and final
and
nonappealable to the maximum extent permitted by law, and judgment
thereon
may be entered in a court of competent jurisdiction and enforced
by any
Party as a final judgment of such
court.
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(b)
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The
charges and expenses of the Independent Expert(s) shall be shared
equally
by Seller and Buyer.
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(c)
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Any
arbitration hearing held pursuant to Section 16.03 shall be held
in
Casper, Wyoming.
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Section
16.04 Limitation
on Arbitration.
ALL
OTHER DISAGREEMENTS, DIFFERENCES, OR DISPUTES ARISING BETWEEN SELLER AND BUYER
UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT (AND NOT COVERED BY SECTION 16.03) SHALL
NOT
BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION AND SHALL BE DETERMINED BY A WYOMING COURT OF
COMPETENT JURISDICTION, UNLESS THE PARTIES OTHERWISE MUTUALLY AGREE.
Article
XVII
Miscellaneous
Section
17.01 Names.
As soon
as reasonably possible after the Closing, but in no event later than 45 days
after the Closing, Buyer shall remove the names of Seller and its affiliates,
and all variations thereof, from all of the Assets and make the requisite
filings with, and provide the requisite notices to, the appropriate federal,
state or local agencies to place the title or other indicia of ownership,
including operation of the Assets, in a name other than the name of the Seller
or any of its affiliates, or any variations thereof.
Section
17.02 Expenses.
Except
as specifically provided in this Agreement, each Party shall be solely
responsible for all expenses, including due diligence expenses, incurred by
it
in connection with this transaction, and neither Party shall be entitled to
any
reimbursement for such expenses from the other Party.
Section
17.03 Document
Retention.
As used
in this Section 17.03, the term “Documents” shall mean all files, documents,
books, records and other data delivered to Buyer by Seller pursuant to the
provisions of this Agreement (other than those that Seller has retained either
the original or a copy of), including, but not limited to: financial and tax
accounting records; land, title and division of interest files; contracts;
engineering and well files; and books and records related to the operation
of
the Assets prior to the Closing Date. Buyer shall retain and preserve the
Documents for a period of no less than four (4) years following the Closing
Date
(or for such longer period as may be required by law or governmental
regulation), and shall allow Seller or its representatives to inspect the
Documents at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice during regular business
hours during such time period. Seller shall have the right during such period
to
make copies of the Documents at its expense.
Section
17.04 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement, the documents to be executed hereunder, and the exhibits attached
hereto constitute the entire agreement between the Parties pertaining to the
subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements, understandings,
negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the Parties pertaining
to the subject matter hereof. No supplement, amendment, alteration, modification
or waiver of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by
the
Parties and specifically referencing this Agreement.
Section
17.05 Waiver.
No
waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall
constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar),
nor
shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly
provided.
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Section
17.06 Publicity.
Prior
to Closing, neither Seller nor Buyer will issue any public announcement or
press
release concerning this transaction without the written consent of the other
Party (except as required by law and in such case with prior written agreement
between the Parties on the wording of the announcement or press
release).
Section
17.07 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. The Parties acknowledge that they have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and as such the Parties agree that
if
an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises hereunder, this
Agreement shall not be construed more strictly against one Party than another
on
the grounds of authorship.
Section
17.08 No
Third Party Beneficiaries.
Except
as provided in Sections 14.04
and
14.05, nothing in this Agreement shall provide any benefit to any Third Party
or
entitle any
Third
Party to any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind, it being
the
intent of the Parties that this Agreement shall otherwise not be construed
as a
Third Party beneficiary contract.
Section
17.09 Assignment.
Neither
Party may assign or delegate any of its rights or duties hereunder without
the
prior written consent of the other Party and any assignment made without such
consent shall be void. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement
shall
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their
respective permitted successors, assigns and legal representatives.
Section
17.10 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement, other documents delivered pursuant hereto and the legal relations
between the Parties shall be governed and construed in accordance with the
laws
of the State of Wyoming, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of
laws that would result in the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
The Parties agree to venue in Converse County, Wyoming.
Section
17.11 Notices.
(a)
Method.
All
notices and other communications provided for or permitted under this Agreement
shall be made in writing by (i) hand-delivery, (ii) first class mail, (iii)
telecopier, or (iv) air courier guaranteeing rapid delivery (FedEx, DHL, TNT,
etc.) to the addresses of Seller and Buyer set forth below.
Seller:
|
Wyoming
Mineral Exploration, LLC
000
X. Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0X
Xxxxxx,
XX
00000
Fax:
000-000-0000
|
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Buyer:
|
1050-17th
Street, Suite 1700
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx 00000
Fax:
000-000-0000
|
(b)
Effectiveness.
All
such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i)
at
the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered, (ii) five (5) Business
Days
after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed, (iii) when
receipt acknowledged, if telecopied, and (iv) when receipt acknowledged, if
sent
by air courier guaranteeing rapid delivery (FedEx, DHL, TNT, etc.). Either
Party
may, by written notice so delivered to the other Party, change its address
for
notice purposes hereunder.
Section
17.12 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
and the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as
to
effect their original intent as closely as possible in an acceptable manner
to
the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent
possible.
Section
17.13 Time
of the Essence.
Time
shall be of the essence with respect to all time periods and notice periods
set
forth in this Agreement.
Section
17.14 Counterpart
Execution.
This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each counterpart
hereof shall be effective as to each party that executes the same whether or
not
all of such parties execute the same counterpart. If counterparts of this
Agreement are executed, the signature pages from various counterparts may be
combined into one composite instrument for all purposes. All counterparts
together shall constitute only one Agreement, but each counterpart shall be
considered an original.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, Seller and Buyer have executed and delivered this Agreement
as
of the date first set forth above.
SELLER:
WYOMING
MINERAL EXPLORATION, LLC
By:________________________________
Name:______________________________
Title:_______________________________
|
BUYER:
By:
/s/ Xxxx
Works
Name:
Xxxx
Works
Title:
President and
CEO
|
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