EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT among TIDELANDS OIL & GAS CORPORATION, FRONTERA PIPELINE, LLC, and GRAND CHENIERE PIPELINE LLC and TERRANOVA ENERGIA, S. DE R.L. DE C.V. (as joinder party) Dated as of September 28, 2007
Exhibit 10.1
among
TIDELANDS
OIL & GAS CORPORATION,
FRONTERA
PIPELINE, LLC,
and
GRAND
CHENIERE PIPELINE LLC
and
XXXXXXXXX
ENERGIA, S. DE X.X. DE C.V. (as joinder party)
Dated
as
of September 28, 2007
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
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5
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1.1
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Certain
Definitions
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5
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1.2
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Interpretation
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10
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10
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2.1
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Purchase
and Sale of Equity Interests
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10
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2.2
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Consideration
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10
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2.3
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Use
of Purchase Price Proceeds
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10
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2.4
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Closing
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10
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2.5
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Purchase
Price Adjustments
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10
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2.6
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Assignment
of Project Documents
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10
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2.7
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Cheniere
Deliveries
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11
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2.8
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Deliveries
of TOG and the Company
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11
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13
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3.1
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Due
Organization and Power of TOG
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13
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3.2
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Authorization
and Validity of Agreement
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13
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3.3
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Non-Contravention.
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13
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3.4
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Governmental
Approvals; Consents and Actions
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13
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3.5
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Litigation
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13
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3.6
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LLC
Interests
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13
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3.7
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Finders;
Brokers
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13
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3.8
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Bankruptcy
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13
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14
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4.1
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Due
Organization and Power of the Acquired Companies
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14
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4.2
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Authorization
and Validity of Agreement
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14
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4.3
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Non-Contravention
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14
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4.4
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Governmental
Approvals
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14
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4.5
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Capitalization
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14
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4.6
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Financial
Statements
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14
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4.7
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Absence
of Undisclosed Liabilities, Absence of Changes
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15
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4.8
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Litigation
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15
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4.9
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Labor
Relations
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15
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4.10
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Books
of Accounts
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15
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4.11
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Bank
Accounts
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15
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4.12
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Corporate
Records
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15
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4.13
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Insurance
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15
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4.14
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Ethical
Practices
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16
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4.15
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No
Other Representations or Warranties
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16
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4.16
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Compliance
with Laws
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16
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4.17
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Taxes
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16
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4.18
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Environmental
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17
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4.19
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Material
Contracts
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18
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4.20
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Real
Property
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18
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4.21
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Subsidiaries
and Investments
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18
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4.22
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Related
Party Transactions
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18
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19
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5.1
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Due
Organization and Power of Cheniere
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19
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5.2
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Authorization
and Validity of Agreement
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19
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5.3
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Non-Contravention
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19
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5.4
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Governmental
Approvals; Consents and Action
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19
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5.5
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Litigation
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19
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5.6
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Independent
Decision
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19
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5.7
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Purchase
for Investment
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19
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5.8
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Financial
Capacity; No Financing Condition
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19
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5.9
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Finders;
Brokers
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20
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5.10
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No
Other Representations or Warranties
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20
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20
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6.1
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Transfer
of the Mexican Project Entities
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20
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6.2
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Operation
of the Business
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20
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6.3
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Pre-Mexican
Project Closing Date Investigation
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22
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6.4
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Confidentiality.
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22
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6.5
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Efforts;
Cooperation; No Inconsistent Action
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23
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6.6
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Public
Disclosures
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23
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6.7
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Exclusivity
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23
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6.8
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Tax
Treatment of Transaction.
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23
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23
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7.1
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Survival
of Representations and Warranties
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23
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7.2
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Indemnification
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24
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7.3
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Indemnification
Procedures
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25
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26
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8.1
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Notices
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27
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8.2
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Expenses
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27
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8.3
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Assignability
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27
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8.4
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Amendment;
Waiver
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27
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8.5
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No
Third Party Beneficiaries
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27
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8.6
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Governing
Law
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27
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8.7
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Consent
to Jurisdiction
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27
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8.8
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Entire
Agreement
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27
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8.9
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Severability
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27
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8.10
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Counterparts
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27
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8.11
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Further
Assurances
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28
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8.12
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Schedules,
Annexes and Exhibits
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28
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8.13
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Specific
Performance; Limitation on Damages
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28
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8.14
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Waiver
of Jury Trial
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28
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8.15
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Time
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28
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8.16
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Attorneys
Fees
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28
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EXHIBITS
AND SCHEDULES
Exhibit
A
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Form
Consulting Agreement
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Exhibit
B
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Form
Operating Agreement
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Schedule
1.1(a)
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Excluded
Assets
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Schedule
1.1(b)
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Knowledge
Parties
|
Schedule
1.1(c)
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Reorganization
|
Schedule
2.3
|
Use
of Purchase Price Proceeds
|
Schedule
2.8(f)
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TOG’s
Governmental Approval
|
Schedule
3.3
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TOG’s
Non-Contravention; Permits and Third-Party Approvals
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Schedule
3.4
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TOG’s
Governmental Approvals; Consents and Actions
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Schedule
3.5
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TOG’s
Litigation
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Schedule
3.6
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Permitted
LLC Interests Liens
|
Schedule
4.3
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Company’s
Non-Contravention; Permits and Third Party Approvals
|
Schedule
4.4
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Company’s
Actions and Orders
|
Schedule
4.5
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Company
Interests
|
Schedule
4.6
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Company’s
Financial Statements
|
Schedule
4.7(a)
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Certain
Liabilities
|
Schedule
4.7(b)
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Company’s
Non-Ordinary Course of Business
|
Schedule
4.8
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TOG’s
and the Company’s Litigation
|
Schedule
4.9
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Labor
Relations
|
Schedule
4.11
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Company’s
Bank Accounts
|
Schedule
4.13
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Company’s
Insurance
|
Schedule
4.16
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Company’s
Compliance with Laws; Permits
|
Schedule
4.17(a)
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Tax
Returns
|
Schedule
4.17(h)
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Partnership
Treatment
|
Schedule
4.18
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Company’s
Environmental
|
Schedule
4.19(a)
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Company’s
Material Contracts
|
Schedule
4.19(b)
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Affected
Material Contracts
|
Schedule
4.20(a)
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Company’s
Real Property Leases
|
Schedule
5.3
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Cheniere’s
Non-Contravention; Permits and Third Party Consents
|
Schedule
5.5
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Cheniere’s
Litigation
|
Schedule
6.2
|
Operation
of the Business
|
Schedule
6.2(k)
|
Capital
Expenditure
|
This
Equity Purchase Agreement, dated
as of September 28, 2007 (hereinafter this “Agreement”), is made by and
among Tidelands Oil & Gas Corporation, a Nevada corporation (“TOG”),
Frontera Pipeline, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the
“Company”) and Grand Cheniere Pipeline LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (“Cheniere”), and the joinder of Xxxxxxxxx Energia. S. de X.X. de
C.V., a Mexican sociedad de responsabilidad limitada for purposes of
Sections 2.8(k) and 6.5 (“Xxxxxxxxx”). TOG, the Company,
Cheniere, and Xxxxxxxxx are sometimes referred to herein as a “Party” and
collectively as the “Parties”.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS,
TOG owns one-hundred percent (100%) of all of the issued and outstanding limited
liability company interests in the Company;
WHEREAS,
the Company, thorough the Subsidiaries (as defined below), is engaged in the
development and construction of an integrated pipeline project traversing the
United States of America and Mexico border and the construction of a related
storage facility in Mexico, such project as more specifically set forth on
Exhibit B of the Operating Agreement (the “Project”);
and
WHEREAS,
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Cheniere desires to
purchase from TOG, and TOG desires to sell to Cheniere, eighty percent (80%)
of
the total issued and outstanding equity interests in the Company (the “LLC
Interests”).
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
and agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration,
the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, intending to
be
legally bound, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Certain
Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms will
have the respective meanings set forth below:
“Acquired
Companies” means the Company and the Subsidiaries.
“Acquired
Company Interests” shall have the meaning specified in Section
4.5.
“Acquisition
Transaction” means any offer or proposal for, or any indication of interest
in, the direct or indirect purchase, lease or other acquisition or assumption
of
the LLC Interests or any membership interest in the Acquired Companies, or
a
sale of all or substantially all of the stock in TOG, a sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of TOG or the Acquired Companies, or the sale
of
any of the Company Permits.
“Action”
means claim, action, litigation, suit, arbitration, proceeding, mediation,
investigation or other legal or administrative proceeding.
“Adjusted
Purchase Price” shall have the meaning specified in Section
2.5.
“Affiliate”
of a Person shall mean any other Person that directly or indirectly, through
one
or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control
with, such Person.
“Agreement”
shall have the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.
“Business
Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day banks in
Houston, Texas are authorized or required to be closed.
5
“Cheniere”
shall have the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.
“Cheniere
Indemnified Parties” shall have the meaning specified in Section
7.2(a).
“Cheniere
Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any change or event that would
materially and adversely impair or impact Cheniere’s ability to perform its
obligations hereunder.
“Closing”
shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.4.
“Code”
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor
law.
“Company
Permits” shall have the meaning specified in Section
4.16
“Control,”
and its derivative expressions, shall mean the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
and
policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
contract or otherwise.
“Confidentiality
Agreement” shall mean that certain confidentiality agreement entered into by
and between TOG and Cheniere Pipeline Company, dated as of June 15,
2007.
“Consulting
Agreement” shall mean a consulting agreement between the Company and TOG for
the services of Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xxxxx X. Xxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx in
form
and substance as attached hereto as Exhibit A.
“Contract”
shall mean any contract, agreement, indenture, note, bond, mortgage, loan,
instrument, lease, license, commitment or other arrangement, understanding,
undertaking, commitment or obligation, whether written or oral.
“Corporate
Records” means, with respect to each of the Acquired Companies, (i) the
original corporate company books signed by its corporate officers and directors,
including the members’ meeting minutes book, members registry book (Libro de
Registro de Socios), capital variation registry book (Registro de
Variaciones de Capital) and the board of managers’ meeting minutes book;
(ii) minutes of members’ meetings duly signed by the applicable members,
corporate officers and managers, with all the corresponding documents, including
duly executed proxies and published calls; (iii) the public deeds (if
applicable); and (iv) all documents and correspondence filed or received by
Xxxxxxxxx with or from (A) the Public Registry of Commerce (Registro Público
de Comercio) of its corporate domicile and (B) the Foreign Investment
Registry (Registro Nacional de Inversiones Extranjeras).
“CRE”
shall mean the Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission (Comision Reguladora de
Energia).
“Environmental
Laws” shall mean all Laws relating to the protection of the environment,
natural resources or human health and safety, including but not limited to
(i)
the conservation, protection, contamination or remediation of natural resources,
the air, water, groundwater, land, subsoil or the environment in general, (ii)
any Release, including investigation and clean-up of such Release or threatened
Release and (iii) the handling, storage, treatment, disposal, recycling or
transportation of any Hazardous Materials, and such Laws including the
Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection Act of Mexico (Ley General
del Equilibrio Ecológico y la Protección al Ambiente) and the National
Waters Act of Mexico (Ley de Aguas Nacionales), as such laws have been
amended or supplemented, the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto and the
corresponding environmental laws and regulations of the other states and
municipalities of Mexico and the United States.
“Exchange
Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Excluded
Assets” shall mean the assets described in Schedule
1.1(a), and all assets or properties transferred, assigned
or
sold by a Subsidiary pursuant to the Reorganization, as well as all other assets
or properties previously owned by the Subsidiaries prior to the Closing but
not
owned by the Subsidiaries on the Mexican Project Closing Date.
“Excluded
Liabilities” shall mean all liabilities that are not specifically related to
the Project owned by the Acquired Companies at Closing, including, specifically,
all liabilities (contingent or not, known or unknown) related to or arising
from
Excluded Assets or relating to the Project and arising prior to the
Closing.
6
“Financial
Statements” shall have the meaning specified in Section
4.6.
“GAAP”
shall mean United States or Mexico generally accepted accounting principles
as
of the date hereof applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved,
as
applicable depending on the jurisdiction of each of the Acquired Companies
and
under Law.
“Governmental
Entity” shall mean any federal, state, or local government within the United
States of America or Mexico or any court of competent jurisdiction, regulatory
or administrative agency or commission or other governmental entity or
instrumentality, whether federal, state, or local, within the United States
of
America or Mexico, including any arbitrator or arbitral panel with respect
to
any matter subject to binding arbitration.
“Hazardous
Materials” shall mean any waste, pollutant, contaminant, hazardous
substance, toxic, ignitable, reactive or corrosive substance, hazardous waste,
special waste, chemical substance, industrial substance, by-product, petroleum
or petroleum-derived substance or waste, whether in solid, liquid or gaseous
form, or any constituent of any such substance, the generation, use, handling,
treatment, remediation, storage, transportation, disposal, discharge, Release,
existence or emission of which by the Acquired Companies are in any way governed
by or subject to any applicable Environmental Law, including any and all
hazardous substances, wastes and materials defined or regulated under any
Environmental Law and any waste, material or substance which is
(i) designated as “hazardous material” and/or “hazardous waste” pursuant to
the Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection Act of Mexico (Ley
General del Equilibrio Ecológico y la Protección al Ambiente),
(ii) listed or characterized as hazardous under Mexican Official Norms
NOM-052-ECOL-1993 and NOM-053-ECOL-1993 or (iii) any other hazardous waste,
hazardous material, toxic substance, pollutant, hazardous substance, radioactive
substance or waste, medical waste, petroleum or petroleum-derived substance
or
waste, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl, or any hazardous or toxic constituent
thereof, and in general any substance or material that is of a corrosive,
reactive, explosive, toxic, flammable or biologically infectious
nature.
“KIINERA”
means Kiinera, S.A. de C.V., a company organized under the laws of Mexico,
which
main line of business is the performance of consulting services on the Mexican
energy sector and is Controlled by Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx.
“Knowledge”
shall mean the actual and current knowledge (which shall include such knowledge
that a reasonably prudent person would have under similar circumstances) of
(a)
as to TOG, any of the Persons listed in Section (a) of Schedule
1.1(b) hereto and (b) as to Cheniere, any of the Persons
listed in Section (b) of Schedule 1.1(b)
hereto.
“Law”
shall mean any federal, state, local, municipal or foreign statute, law,
ordinance, rule or regulation, Xxxxx Oficial Mexicana, or other legal
requirement or any published decision, opinion or interpretation thereof by
any
Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction.
“Liabilities”
shall mean any debt, loss, damage, adverse claim, fines, penalties, liability,
tax or obligation, including all costs and expenses relating thereto including
all fees, disbursements and expenses of legal counsel, experts, engineers and
consultants and costs of investigation.
“Lien”
shall mean, with respect to any asset, (i) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien,
pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge, security interest or other adverse
claim in, on or of such asset, (ii) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under
any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement
(or
any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of
the
foregoing) relating to such asset and (iii) in the case of securities, any
purchase option, right of first refusal, right of first offer, call or similar
right of a third party with respect to such securities.
“LLC
Interests” shall have the meaning specified in the Recitals
hereto.
“Loss”
and “Losses” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.2(a).
“Material
Adverse Effect” shall mean, with respect to TOG, the Acquired Companies or
the Project, a material adverse effect on the assets, properties, financial
condition or results of operations of the Acquired Companies, excluding any
effect related to or resulting from (i) any event affecting the United States,
Mexican or global economy or capital or financial markets generally, (ii) any
change in conditions in the United States or Mexican natural gas storage and
transportation business generally, including any changes in market value or
prices for capital assets, commodities, goods or services within such business,
and (iii) any change in Law or GAAP, or in the authoritative interpretations
thereof or in regulatory guidance related thereto, or any revocation or
cancellation of the Permits, or the commencement of an administrative proceeding
to that effect.
“Material
Contracts” shall have the meaning specified in Section
4.19(a).
7
“Mexico”
shall mean the United Mexican States (Estados Unidos
Mexicanos).
“Mexican
Project Entities” shall mean the equity interests and all assets and permits
of Marea Associates L.P., Marea GP LLC and Xxxxxxxxx Energia S.R.L.
de C.V.
“Mexican
Project Closing Date” shall have the meaning specified in Section
6.2.
“Most
Recent Balance Sheet” shall have the meaning specified in Section
4.6.
“Operating
Agreement” shall mean the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company
in form and substance as attached hereto as Exhibit B.
“Order”
shall mean any judgment, decision, decree, order, settlement, injunction, writ,
stipulation, determination or award, in each case to the extent binding and
finally determined, made or given under the authority of any Governmental
Entity.
“Ordinary
Course of Business” shall mean the ordinary and usual course of day-to-day
operations of the business of the Acquired Companies, consistent with past
practices and taken as a whole, and in accordance with applicable
Law.
“Parties”
shall have the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.
“Party”
shall have the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.
“Permit”
shall mean any license, franchise, registration, permit, Order, approval,
consent, waiver, variance, exemption or any other authorization of or from
any
Governmental Entity.
“Permitted
Exceptions” shall mean (i) all defects, exceptions, restrictions, easements,
rights of way and encumbrances disclosed in policies of title insurance which
have been delivered to Cheniere; (ii) statutory liens for current Taxes,
assessments or other governmental charges not yet delinquent or the amount
or
validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings,
provided an appropriate reserve has been established therefor; (iii)
mechanics’, carriers’, workers’, and repairers’ Liens arising or incurred in the
Ordinary Course of Business that are not material to the business, operations
and financial condition of the Acquired Companies’ property so encumbered and
that are not resulting from a breach, default or violation by an Acquired
Company of any Contract or Law; and (iv) zoning, entitlement and other land
use and environmental regulations by any Governmental Entity, provided
that such regulations have not been violated.
“Permitted
LLC Interest Liens” shall mean (i) Liens set forth in Schedule
3.6; (ii) Liens for taxes, assessments and other charges of
a
Governmental Entity not yet due and payable; and (iii) restrictions on transfer
arising under the Operating Agreement or by operation of Law.
“Person”
shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company,
association, trust, incorporated organization, or other entity or group (as
defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act).
“Phase
I” shall have the meaning set forth in the Operating Agreement.
“Phase
I FID Milestone Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in the Operating
Agreement.
“Phase
I Royalty” shall have the meaning set forth in the Operating
Agreement.
“Phase
II” shall have the meaning set forth in the Operating
Agreement.
“Phase
II FID Milestone Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in the Operating
Agreement.
“Phase
II Royalty” shall have the meaning set forth in the Operating
Agreement.
8
“Phase
III FID Milestone Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in the Operating
Agreement.
“Phase
III Royalty” shall have the meaning set forth in the Operating
Agreement.
“Project”
shall have the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Project
Documentation” shall have the meaning specified in Section
2.6.
“Purchase
Price” shall have the meaning specified in Section
2.2.
“Real
Property Interests” shall have the meaning specified in Section
4.20.
“Related
Person” shall have the meaning specified in Section
4.22.
“Release”
shall mean the release, spill, discharge, emission, leaking, pumping, injection,
deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching or migrating into the indoor
or outdoor environment of any contaminant through or in the air, soil, subsoil,
water, underground water or real property.
“Reorganization”
shall mean the establishment and formation of certain corporate
entities and the divesture or transfer of certain assets or interests
to or from the Subsidiaries (all corporate entities, transfers, divestitures
and
procedures as more specifically described in Schedule
1.1(c).
“Securities
Act” shall have the meaning specified in Section
5.7.
“Subsidiaries”
shall mean Sonora Pipeline L.L.C., Marea Associates L.P., Marea GP LLC and
Xxxxxxxxx Energia S.R.L. de C.V.
“Survival
Period” shall have the meaning specified in Section
7.1.
“Taxes”
shall mean any and all taxes, charges, duties, fees, levies, tariffs, imposts
and other charges of any kind (together with any and all interest, penalties
or
additions associated therewith) imposed by any Governmental Entity, including:
taxes or other charges on or with respect to income (Impuesto Sobre la
Renta), assets (Impuesto al Activo), franchises, capital stock,
real property (including Impuesto Predial and Contribuciones por
Mejoras), personal property, tangible, employment, payroll, windfall or
social security contributions (contribuciones al Instituto Mexicano del
Seguro Social), social contribution, unemployment compensation, retirement
fund quotas (contribuciones al Sistema de Ahorro para el Retiro),
disability, transfer, sales, use, excise, gross receipts, Mexican Housing Fund
Institute contributions (contribuciones al Infonavit) and value added
tax (Impuesto al Valor Agregado); taxes imposed or levied on the use
and exploitation of public domain natural resources or for public services
(Pagos de Derechos); taxes or other charges in the nature of excise,
withholding, ad valorem, stamp, transfer or gains taxes; license, registration
and documentation fees; customs duties, tariffs and similar charges; and all
other taxes of any kind for which the Acquired Companies may have any liability
imposed by any Governmental Entity, whether disputed or not, and any charges,
interest or penalties imposed by any Governmental Entity in connection
therewith
“Tax
Return” shall mean any return, report or statement required to be filed with
respect to any Tax (including any elections, declarations, schedules or
attachments thereto, and any amendment thereof) including any information
return, claim for refund, amended return or declaration of estimated Tax, and
including, where permitted or required, combined, consolidated or unitary
returns for any group of entities that includes the Acquired
Companies.
“Xxxxxxxxx”
shall have the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.
“Third-Party
Approvals” shall mean any approval, consent, waiver, variance, exemption or
any other authorization of or from any Person that is not a Governmental Entity
or an Affiliate of the Person seeking such Third-Party Approval.
9
“Third
Party Claim” shall have the meaning specified in Section
7.3(b).
“TOG”
shall have the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.
“TOG
Indemnified Parties” shall have the meaning specified in Section
7.2(c).
“US-Mexico
Tax Treaty” shall mean the Convention Between the Government of the United
States of America and the Government of the United Mexican States for the
Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevent of Fiscal Evasion with
respect to Taxes on Income.
1.2 Interpretation. When
reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, such reference shall be to
a
Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The headings
contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall
not
affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) words in the singular
will be deemed to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender
shall be deemed to include the other gender as the context requires, (b) the
terms “hereof”, “herein”, “herewith” and “hereunder” and words of similar import
shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as
a
whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, (c) the words
“include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the
words “without limitation” and (d) captions to articles, sections and
subsections of, and schedules and exhibits to, this Agreement are included
for
convenience and reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement
or affect the meaning or construction of any provision hereof. This
Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring
construction or interpretation against the Party drafting or causing any
instrument to be drafted.
PURCHASE
AND SALE OF LLC INTERESTS, CONSIDERATION AND CLOSING
2.1 Purchase
and Sale of Equity Interests. In accordance with the terms and
subject to this Agreement, Cheniere agrees to purchase the LLC Interests and
TOG
agrees to sell to Cheniere the LLC Interests free and clear of any Liens other
than Permitted LLC Interest Liens.
2.2 Consideration In
consideration for the purchase and sale of the LLC Interests and subject to
the
Purchase Price allocations set forth in Section 2.3, at Closing,
Cheniere shall pay to TOG the sum of US$1,000,000 (the “Purchase Price”)
and TOG shall transfer to Cheniere the LLC Interests. Subject to
Section 2.3, the Purchase Price shall be payable by wire transfer
of immediately available funds to an account(s) provided in writing by TOG
to
Cheniere.
2.3 Use
of
Purchase Price Proceeds. The Purchase Price actually payable to TOG under
Section 2.2 shall be reduced by a sum equal to the total
liabilities (including contingent liabilities) as reflected in the Financial
Statements of the Acquired Companies. The proceeds of such reduction
shall be allocated by Cheniere, on behalf of TOG, to reduce all liabilities
of
the Acquired Companies or to establish appropriate reserves for contingent
liabilities in the account(s) of the Acquired Companies, so that as soon as
practicable after the Closing, Cheniere, on behalf of TOG, shall pay, cancel
or
reserve (as applicable) those liabilities set forth in the Financial Statements
of the Acquired Companies and as more specifically set forth on Schedule
2.3.
2.4 Closing. The
closing of the purchase and sale of the LLC Interests contemplated by this
Agreement (the “Closing”) shall take place at the offices of King &
Spalding LLP, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx
00000.
2.5 Purchase
Price Adjustments. The Phase I FID Milestone Payment, the Phase II FID
Milestone Payment and the Phase III FID Milestone Payment by Cheniere to TOG
pursuant to the Operating Agreement shall be treated as adjustments to the
Purchase Price paid under this Agreement pursuant to Section 2.2
(the Purchase Price and each of such payments and collectively all of such
payments the “Adjusted Purchase Price”).
2.6 Assignment
of Project Documents. At the Closing, for no additional
consideration, TOG hereby assigns to the Company all title, right and interest
in all technical, mechanical, geological, economic and financial information,
including works in progress, associated with or related to the Project that
as
of the date hereof are owned by TOG and its Affiliates (other than the
Subsidiaries) (the “Project Documentation”). To the extent any
of the Project Documentation was created in Mexico or is subject to the Laws
of
Mexico, the terms of Article 30 of the Mexican Ley Federal del Derecho de
Autor shall apply and the assignment of such rights (except for those moral
rights (derechos xxxxxxx) not assignable thereunder) shall be valid
from the Closing and for a period of fifteen (15) years thereafter, which term
shall automatically renew (for indefinite consecutive terms of fifteen (15)
years each) unless terminated by the Company through written notice to TOG
at
any time prior to or after the extension of any term thereof.
10
2.7 Cheniere
Deliveries. At the Closing, Cheniere shall deliver to
TOG:
(a) a
certificate confirming the good standing of Cheniere from the Secretary of
State
of the State of Delaware, dated within ten (10) Business Days of the
Closing;
(b) a
copy of
the certificate of formation of Cheniere, as amended, certified as of a date
not
earlier than ten (10) Business Days prior to the Closing;
(c) a
duly
executed resolution of the managers of Cheniere approving
the transactions contemplated in this Agreement;
(d) a
receipt
acknowledging receipt of the LLC Interests being transferred by the
TOG;
(e) a
certificate confirming the delivery of wire instructions for the delivery
of
one-hundred percent (100%) of the Purchase Price to TOG’s account as provided in
Section 2.2 or to the creditors in the respective
amounts listed on Schedule 2.3;
(f) a
signed
counterpart to the Consulting Agreement;
(g) a
signed
counterpart to the Operating Agreement; and
(h) other
agreements, documents and instruments as are reasonably required to be delivered
by Cheniere at or prior to the Closing pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise
reasonably required in connection herewith, including all such other instruments
as TOG, the Company or their respective counsel may reasonably request in
connection with the purchase and sale of the LLC Interests contemplated
hereby.
2.8 Deliveries
of TOG and the Company. At the Closing, the Company and TOG (as
applicable) shall deliver to Cheniere:
(a) a
certificate confirming the good standing of TOG from the Secretary of State
of
the State of Nevada, dated within ten (10) Business Days of the
Closing;
(b) a
copy of
the bylaws of TOG, as amended, certified as of a date not earlier than ten
(10)
Business Days prior to the Closing;
(c) a
certificate confirming the good standing of the Company from the Secretary
of
State of the State of Delaware, dated within ten (10) Business Days of the
Closing;
(d) a
duly
executed resolution of the directors of TOG approving the transfer of the
LLC
Interests and the Mexican Project Entities;
(e) a
duly
executed certificate of the LLC Interests in a form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Cheniere, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted
LLC
Interest Liens;
(f)
a
receipt
acknowledging receipt of one-hundred percent (100%) of the Purchase Price
at
Closing pursuant to Section 2.2;
(g) a
signed
counterpart to the Operating Agreement;
11
(h)
a
signed
counterpart to the Consulting Agreement;
(i)
a
written
release executed by Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx and KIINERA acknowledging: (i) the
non-existence of a current or past employee/employer relationship with the
Acquired Companies and (ii) payment in full of all consulting fees performed
on
behalf of the Acquired Companies, and releasing the Acquired Companies and
Cheniere from any Liabilities whatsoever in connection with such
services;
(j)
unanimous
written resolutions approving the transfers of interests in the Mexican Project
Entities, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Cheniere, as required to undertake the Reorganization upon
the written approval of the CRE allowing for Cheniere’s indirect participation
in the Project;
(k) an
irrevocable power of attorney of Xxxxxxxxx, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Cheniere, pursuant to which Xxxxxxxxx grants to Cheniere
and its
designees a broad power of attorney to perform all obligations of Xxxxxxxxx
under Section 6.5(a) of this Agreement. As required under the
applicable provisions of the Mexican Codigo Civil Federal, the granting
and delivery of this irrevocable power of attorney to Cheniere and its designees
will be a condition precedent for the validity of this Agreement;
(l)
the
books
and records of the Acquired Companies, including updated Corporate
Records;
(m)
an
affidavit of non-foreign status that complies with Section 1445 of the Code
and
Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-2(b)(2);
(n)
originals
of all Permits (including all applications filed by any of the Acquired
Companies with any Governmental Entity, whether or not such filings resulted
in
the issuance or denial of a permit) and Project Documentation;
(o)
certificates
of account status issued by the Comptroller of the State of Texas for all
Acquired Companies (other than any Acquired Company that is a limited
partnership) doing business in Texas;
(p)
copy
of
IRS Form 8832 executed on behalf of Xxxxxxxxx electing to treat that entity
as a
disregareded entity for U. S. tax purposes under Treasury Regulations Section
301.7701-3 of the Code, as amended; and
(q)
such
other agreements, documents and instruments as are reasonably required to
be
delivered by TOG or the Acquired Companies at or prior to the Closing pursuant
to this Agreement or otherwise reasonably required in connection herewith,
including all such other instruments as Cheniere or its counsel may reasonably
request in connection with the purchase and sale of the LLC Interests
contemplated hereby.
.
12
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO TOG
TOG
represents and warrants to Cheniere as follows:
3.1 Due
Organization and Power of TOG. TOG is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of Nevada and has the requisite
company power and authority to conduct its business as it is now being
conducted, and to own, lease and operate its assets and
properties. TOG is duly authorized, qualified or licensed to do
business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction wherein the failure
to be
so qualified would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect.
3.2 Authorization
and Validity of Agreement. The Execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have
been
duly authorized by all requisite company action by TOG, and TOG has full company
power, authority and legal capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and
to
perform its obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by TOG. This Agreement constitutes, or upon
execution and delivery will constitute, the valid, legal and binding obligation
of TOG enforceable against TOG in accordance with its terms except as
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and subject to general
principles of equity.
3.3 Non-Contravention. The
execution and delivery by TOG of this Agreement does not, and the consummation
by TOG of the transactions contemplated hereby and the performance of its
obligations hereunder will not (a) violate or conflict with any provision of
the
certificate of incorporation or bylaws of TOG or (b) assuming that all Permits
and Third-Party Approvals set forth in Schedule 3.3 hereto, have been
obtained or made: (i) violate any Law or Order to which TOG is subject; or
(ii)
constitute a breach or violation of, or default under, or trigger any “change of
control” rights or remedies under, or give rise to any Lien (other than
Permitted Exceptions), acceleration of remedies, any buy-out right or any rights
of first offer or refusal or termination under, any indenture, mortgage, lease,
note, or other contract or other instrument to which TOG is a party or by which
TOG’s assets are bound.
3.4 Governmental
Approvals; Consents and Actions. Except as set forth in
Schedule 3.4 hereto, no Permit or approval from any Governmental Entity
or Third-Party Approval is required on the part of TOG in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby, except for such Permits, governmental approvals,
or Third-Party Approvals of which the failure to obtain would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.5 Litigation. Except
as set forth in Schedule 3.5, TOG has received no notice of (a)
Orders against TOG or any of its Affiliates or (b) pending or threatened Actions
relating to the Acquired Companies which would have a Material Adverse
Effect.
3.6 LLC
Interests.
(a) The
LLC
Interests being sold by TOG to Cheniere have been validly issued and are
fully
paid and nonassessable. TOG has the full company power, right and
authority to issue and convey such LLC Interests to Cheniere and the LLC
Interests are not being transferred in violation of any purchase or call
option,
right of first refusal, subscription right, preemptive right or any similar
rights.
(b) Except
for Permitted LLC Interest Liens, there are no outstanding options, warrants
or
other rights of any kind including any restrictions on transfers, relating
to
the sale, issuance or voting of such LLC Interests or any securities convertible
into or evidencing the right to purchase such LLC Interests.
(c) Upon
Closing, Cheniere shall have good and indefeasible title to such LLC Interests,
free and clear of any Liens, restrictions on transfer and voting or preemptive
rights, other than Permitted LLC Interest Liens.
3.7 Finders;
Brokers. There are, and after Closing there will be, no Claims
(or any basis for any Claims) upon Cheniere or the Company for brokerage
commissions, finder's fees or like payments in connection with this Agreement
or
the transactions contemplated hereby resulting from any action taken by TOG
or
by any other Person on TOG’s behalf.
3.8 Bankruptcy. TOG
and its Affiliates are not subject to any pending bankruptcy proceeding, TOG
and
its Affiliates are not contemplating a bankruptcy proceeding, and to TOG’s
Knowledge, no bankruptcy proceeding is contemplated by any third party, in
which
TOG, its Affiliates (or any guarantor of TOG or its Affiliates) would be
declared insolvent or subject to the protection of any bankruptcy, receivership
or reorganization laws or procedures.
13
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE ACQUIRED COMPANIES
TOG
represents and warrants to Cheniere as follows:
4.1 Due
Organization and Power of the Acquired Companies. Each of the
Acquired Companies is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of jurisdiction of its formation and has the requisite power
and
authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted, and to own,
lease and operate its assets and properties. Each of the Acquired
Companies is duly authorized, qualified or licensed to do business and is in
good standing in every jurisdiction wherein the failure to be so qualified
would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect.
4.2 Authorization
and Validity of Agreement. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have
been
duly authorized by all requisite limited liability company action by the
Company, and the Company has full limited liability company power, authority
and
legal capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by the Company. This Agreement constitutes, or upon
execution and delivery will constitute, the valid, legal binding obligation
of
the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms except
as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar
Laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and subject to general
principles of equity.
4.3 Non-Contravention. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, and the consummation
by
the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and the performance of
its
obligations hereunder will not (a) violate or conflict with any provision of
the
certificate of formation or limited liability company agreement of the Company
or (b) assuming that all Permits and Third-Party Approvals set forth in
Schedule 4.3 hereto have been obtained or made: (i) violate any
Law or Order to which the Acquired Companies are subject; or (ii) constitute
a
breach or violation of, or default under, or trigger any “change-in-control”
rights or remedies under, or give rise to any Lien (other than Permitted
Exceptions), acceleration of remedies, any buy-out right or any rights of first
offer or refusal or of termination under, any Contract to which any Acquired
Company is a party or by which the assets of an Acquired Company are
bound.
4.4 Governmental
Approvals. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.4 hereto, no
Action or Order is pending or to the Knowledge of TOG and the Company threatened
against the Acquired Companies. Except as set forth in Schedule
4.4 hereto, no Permit from any Governmental Entity or Third-Party
Approval is required on the part of the Acquired Companies in connection with
the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.
4.5 Capitalization. As
of the date hereof, the outstanding membership interests or the partnership
interests, as applicable, of the Acquired Companies are set forth in Schedule
4.5 (“Acquired Company Interests”). All of the
issued and outstanding Acquired Company Interests were duly authorized for
issuance and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and were not
issued in violation of any purchase or call option, right of first refusal,
subscription right, preemptive right or any similar rights. All of
the outstanding Acquired Company Interests are owned of record by the holders
and in the respective amounts as are set forth on Schedule
4.5(a). There has not been any declaration, setting
aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution in respect of any
Acquired Company Interests or any repurchase, redemption or other acquisition
by
any Acquired Company of any Acquired Company Interests or other securities
of,
or other ownership interest in, the Acquired Companies. After giving
effect to Reorganization and the obligations of TOG pursuant to Section
6.1, all of the outstanding Acquired Company Interests will be
owned
of record by the holders and in the respective amounts as are set forth on
Schedule 4.5(b).
4.6 Financial
Statements. Schedule 4.6contains a copy of the (i)
consolidated audited balance sheet of TOG (including the financial condition
of
the Acquired Companies) as of December 31, 2006, and related statement of income
for the year then ending (the “Most Recent Balance Sheet”),
(ii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of TOG as of June 30, 2007, and
(iii) the unaudited financial statements of Xxxxxxxxx as of December 31, 2006
and as of June 30, 2007 (collectively, the “Financial
Statements”). Except as set forth on
Schedule 4.6, each of the Financial Statements is complete
and correct in all material respects, has been prepared in accordance with
GAAP
(U.S. or Mexico, as applicable depending on the jurisdiction of each of the
Acquired Companies) consistently applied without modification of the accounting
principles used in preparation thereof throughout the periods presented, and
in
accordance with, the books and records of the Acquired Companies (including
the
Corporate Records); provided, however, that the unaudited financial statements
lack footnotes and other presentation items required by GAAP. Each
Financial Statement presents fairly in all material respects the consolidated
financial position, results of the operations and cash flows of the respective
Acquired Company as of the dates and for the respective periods
indicated. Schedule 2.3 contains all of the outstanding debts and
contingent liabilities of the Acquired Companies. As of the Closing Date, after
giving effect to Section 2.3, the Company and Sonora Pipeline L.L.C. will be
debt free. As of the Mexican Project Closing Date, after giving effect to
Section 2.3, the Mexican Project Entities will be debt free.
14
4.7 Absence
of Undisclosed Liabilities; Absence of Changes.
(a) The
Acquired Companies have no Liabilities that would be required to be reflected
on
the Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP, other than those: (i) set
forth in the Most Recent Balance Sheet; (ii) incurred in the Ordinary Course
of
Business since the date of the Most Recent Balance Sheet; and (iii) specified
in
Schedule 4.7(a).
(b) Except
as
expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth on
Schedule 4.7(b), since the date of the Most Recent Balance
Sheet (i) the Acquired Companies have conducted their business only in the
Ordinary Course of Business and (ii) there has not been any event, change,
occurrence or circumstance that, individually or in the aggregate with any
such
events, changes, occurrences or circumstances, has had or could reasonably
be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect.
4.8 Litigation. Except
as set forth in Schedule 4.8, there is no Action pending or
threatened against the Acquired Companies (or pending or threatened, against
any
of the officers, managers or employees of the Acquired Companies with respect
to
their business activities on behalf of the Acquired Companies), or to which
an
Acquired Company is otherwise a party before any Government Entity; nor is
there
any reasonable basis for any such Action. Except as set forth on
Schedule 4.8, each Acquired Company is not subject to any Order,
and each Acquired Company is not in breach or violation of any
Order. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.8, each
Acquired Company is not engaged in any legal action to recover monies due it
or
for damages sustained by it. There are no Actions pending or
threatened against any Acquired Company or to which the Acquired Companies
are
otherwise a party relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby.
4.9 Labor
Relations. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.9, none of the
Acquired Companies (i) has or had any employees, or (ii) is a substitute
employer or otherwise liable for any labor liability. No written notice, claim
or warning has been received from any Governmental Entity to the effect that
any
Acquired Company has improperly classified an individual as an independent
contractor. No employee or independent contractor of the Acquired
Companies or one of its Affiliates has commenced or threatened to commence
a
labor claim (including any claim for wages, salary or other benefits) against
any of the Acquired Companies.
4.10 Books
of Accounts. TOG has made available to Cheniere all books and records and
accounts of the Acquired Companies for the three (3) full calendar years
preceding the Closing. Such books, records and accounts of the Acquired
Companies are true, correct and complete and fairly reflect, in reasonable
detail, in all material respects the transactions and the assets and liabilities
of the Acquired Companies and are in compliance in all material respects with
applicable Law; and during such period, none of the Acquired Companies have
engaged in any material transaction, maintained any bank account or used funds,
except for transactions, bank accounts and funds which have been and are
reflected in the normally maintained books and records of the Acquired
Companies.
4.11 Bank
Accounts. Schedule 4.11 sets forth an accurate and complete
list showing the name and address of each bank in which each Acquired Company
has an account or safe deposit box, the number of any such account or box,
the
purpose of any such account or box and the names of all individuals authorized
to draw thereon or that have access thereto
4.12 Corporate
Records. TOG has made available for review by Cheniere true, correct and
complete Corporate Records. The Corporate Records, all of which have
been made available to Cheniere, are true, and correct in all material respects
and have been maintained in accordance with sound business practices and the
requirements of applicable Laws. All necessary corporate approvals,
if any, for entering into this Agreement, consummating the transactions
hereunder, and for the Reorganization, are or will be duly set forth in the
Corporate Records. The Corporate Records, reflect (and
post-Reorganization will reflect) in all material respects the current corporate
standing of each Acquired Company.
4.13 Insurance.
Schedule 4.13 contains a true, correct and complete list of all
insurance policies carried by or for the benefit of the Acquired Companies
during the last three (3) full calendar years and the amount of all claims
outstanding or paid with respect to such insurance
policies.
15
4.14 Ethical
Practices. Neither TOG nor the Acquired Companies or any of their respective
representatives have, in violation of Laws, offered or given or, to TOG’s or the
Company’s Knowledge, has any Person offered or given on behalf of the
Acquired Companies in violation of Laws, anything of value to: (i) any official
of a Governmental Entity, any political party or official thereof, or any
candidate for political office; (ii) any customer or member of the government;
or (iii) any other Person, in any such case while knowing or having reason
to
know that all or a portion of such money or thing of value may be offered,
given
or promised, directly or indirectly, to any customer, member of the government
or candidate for political office for the purpose of the following: (x)
influencing any action or decision of such Person, in his or its official
capacity, including a decision to fail to perform his or its official function;
(y) inducing such Person to use his or its influence with any government or
instrumentality thereof to affect or influence any act or decision of such
government or instrumentality in order to assist the Acquired Companies in
obtaining or retaining business for, or with, or directing business to, any
Person; or (z) where such payment would constitute a bribe, kickback or illegal
or improper payment in order to assist the Acquired Companies in obtaining
or
retaining business for, or with, or directing business to, any
Person.
4.15 No
Other Representations or Warranties. Cheniere, the Company and
TOG covenant and agree that:
(a) EXCEPT
FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN ARTICLE III AND THIS
ARTICLE
IV, NEITHER OF TOG OR THE COMPANY MAKE ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY,
WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, ON BEHALF OF TOG OR THE
COMPANY, INCLUDING AS TO THE PROBABLE SUCCESS OR PROFITABILITY OF THE OWNERSHIP,
USE OR OPERATION OF THE ACQUIRED COMPANIES OR THE PROJECT, BY CHENIERE AFTER
THE
CLOSING, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WITH RESPECT TO MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY SUCH OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED.
(b) IN
NO
EVENT SHALL THE STIPULATIONS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (A) ABOVE, BE CONSTRUED
TO
NEGATE ANY COMMON LAW TORT CLAIMS FOR FRAUD OR INTENTIONAL
MISREPRESENTATION.
4.16 Compliance
with Laws. Schedule 4.16 contains a list of all material
Permits which are required for the operation of the Project (“Company
Permits”) other than those the failure of which to possess does not create a
Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on
Schedule 4.16, the Acquired Companies currently have all
Permits which are required for the commencement of Phase I and Phase II of
the
Project other than those the failure of which to possess is
immaterial. Each Acquired Company is not in default or violation, and
no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would
constitute a default or violation, in any material respect of any term,
condition or provision of any Permit, and to the Knowledge of TOG, there are
no
facts or circumstances which could form the basis for any such default or
violation. Except as set forth in Schedules 3.4 and
4.4, none of the Permits will be impaired or in any way
affected by the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
4.17 Taxes.
(a) (i)
All
Tax Returns required to be filed by or on behalf of the Acquired Companies
have
been duly and timely filed with the appropriate Governmental Entity in all
jurisdictions in which such Tax Returns are required to be filed (after giving
effect to any valid extensions of time in which to make such filings), and
all
such Tax Returns are true, complete and correct in all material respects;
and
(ii) all Taxes payable by or on behalf of the Acquired Companies have been
fully
and timely paid or are being contested in good faith as set forth in Schedule
4.17(a). With respect to any period for which Tax Returns
have not yet been filed or for which Taxes are not yet due or owing, the
Acquired Companies have made due and sufficient accruals for such Taxes in
their
books and records.
(b) The
Acquired Companies have complied in all material respects with all applicable
Laws relating to the payment and withholding of Taxes and have duly and timely
withheld and paid over to the appropriate Governmental Entity all amounts
required to be so withheld and paid under all applicable Laws.
(c) All
deficiencies asserted or assessments made as a result of any examinations
by any
Governmental Entity of the Tax Returns of, or including, the Acquired Companies
have been fully paid or satisfied, and there are no other audits or
investigations by any Governmental Entity in progress, nor has any Acquired
Company or TOG received any written notice from any Governmental Entity that
it
intends to conduct such an audit or investigation.
(d) No
Acquired Company has (i) requested any extension of time within which to
file
any Tax Return, which Tax Return has since not been filed, or (ii) granted
any
extension for the assessment or collection of Taxes, which Taxes have not
since
been paid.
(e) No
Acquired Company is a party to any tax sharing, allocation, indemnity or
similar
agreement or arrangement (whether or not written) pursuant to which it will
have
any obligation to make any payments after the Closing.
16
(f) There
are
no Liens as a result of any unpaid Taxes upon any of the assets of the Acquired
Companies, other than Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable or taxes being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
(g) The
Acquired Companies have disclosed on their Tax Returns all positions taken
therein that could give rise to a substantial understatement of federal income
tax within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code.
(h) Except
as
set forth on Schedule 4.17(h), each Acquired Company is, and has been,
since its inception, an entity disregarded as separate from its owner within
the
meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-2(c)(2)(i) for U.S. Tax
purposes and (ii) no Person has ever made any election to have any Acquired
Company treated other than as an entity disregarded as separate from its
owner
within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-2(c)(2)(i) for
U.S.
Tax purposes or has taken a position inconsistent with such
treatment.
(i) There
have been no sales or exchanges (within the meaning of Section 708(b) of
the
Code) of any interest in any Acquired Company in the twelve-month period
preceding the Closing.
(j) Marea
Associates L.P. is a US Tax resident covered by the protections afforded
under
the US-Mexico Tax Treaty.
(k) Rio
Bravo
LLC is a disregarded entity for US Tax purposes and any prior Tax filing
for
Marea Associates L.P. was erroneously filed.
(l) The
representations and warranties set forth in this Section 4.17 are the
exclusive representations and warranties with respect to Taxes. Other
provisions of this Article IV shall be interpreted to apply only to matters
other than Taxes.
4.18 Environmental. Except
as set forth in Schedule 4.18, (a) each Acquired Company is and
has been in material compliance with all Environmental Laws, which compliance
includes obtaining, maintaining and complying with all Permits required by
Environmental Laws for the current operations of the Acquired Companies, and
no
facts, circumstances or conditions currently exist with respect to TOG, the
Acquired Companies or any of their current or past assets or operations
(including the Project) that would reasonably be expected to prevent TOG and
the
Acquired Companies from maintaining such compliance; (b) no Action is pending
or, to the Knowledge of TOG, threatened against TOG, the Acquired Companies
or
any of their current and past assets or operations (including the Project)
alleging non-compliance with or liability under Environmental Laws; (c) no
Orders have been issued to TOG or the Acquired Companies under Environmental
Laws, which are outstanding; (d) there has been no release of Hazardous
Materials by TOG or the Acquired Companies or relating to the current and past
assets or operations of the Acquired Companies or TOG that would reasonably
be
expected to result in any Acquired Company incurring Liability under
Environmental Laws; and (e) no conditions currently exist with respect to TOG,
the Acquired Companies or any of their current and past assets or operations
(including the Project) that would reasonably be expected to result in TOG
or
any Acquired Company incurring Liabilities under Environmental
Laws.
17
4.19 Material
Contracts.
(a) Schedule
4.19(a) sets forth each Contract to which an Acquired Company is a
party or by which any of it or its respective assets or properties are bound
(collectively, the “Material Contracts”).
(b) Each
of
the Material Contracts is in full force and effect and is the legal, valid
and
binding obligation of the applicable Acquired Company, and to the Knowledge
of
the Company and TOG, enforceable against the counter parties to such contracts
each of them in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of
equity and, upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, shall, except as otherwise stated in Schedule 4.19(b),
continue in full force and effect without penalty. The Acquired
Companies are not in default under any Material Contract, nor is any other
party
to any Material Contract in breach of or default thereunder, and no event
has
occurred that with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both would
constitute a breach or default on the Acquired Companies or any other party
thereunder. No party to any of the Material Contracts has exercised
any termination rights with respect thereto, and no party has given notice
of
any significant dispute with respect to any Material Contract. TOG
has delivered to Cheniere true, correct and complete copies of all of the
Material Contracts, together with all amendments, modifications or supplements
thereto.
4.20 Real
Property.
(a) Schedule
4.20(a) sets forth a complete list of all real property and
interests in real property owned or leased by the Acquired Companies
(individually, a “Real Property Interest” and collectively, the “Real
Property Interests”) as owner, lessee or lessor, including a description of
each such Real Property Interest (including the name of the third party lessor
or lessee and the date of the lease or sublease and all amendments
thereto). The Real Property Interests constitute all interests in
real property currently used, occupied or currently held for use in connection
with the business of the Acquired Companies and that are necessary for the
continued operation of the Project. None of the improvements erected
by an Acquired Company and located on the Real Property Interests constitutes
a
legal non-conforming use or otherwise require any special dispensation, variance
or special permit under any Laws. TOG has delivered to Cheniere true,
correct and complete copies of the Real Property Interests, together with
all
amendments, modifications or supplements, if any,
thereto.
(b) There
does not exist any actual or, threatened or contemplated condemnation or
eminent
domain proceedings that affect any Acquired Company Property or any part
thereof, and neither the Company nor TOG has received any notice, oral or
written, of the intention of any Governmental Entity or other Person to take
or
use all or any part thereof.
(c) The
Company does not own, hold, is not obligated under or a party to, any option,
right of first refusal or other contractual right to purchase, acquire, sell,
assign or dispose of any real estate or any portion thereof or interest
therein
4.21 Subsidiaries
and Investments. Other than as set forth in Schedule
4.5, the Company has no subsidiaries or investments
in any
other Person.
4.22 Related
Party Transactions. No employee, officer, manager or member of an Acquired
Company, any member of his or her immediate family or any of their respective
Affiliates (“Related Persons”) (i) owes any amount to an Acquired Company
nor does an Acquired Company owe any amount to, or has an Acquired
Company committed to make any loan or extend or guarantee credit to or for
the
benefit of, any Related Person, (ii) is involved in any business arrangement
or
other relationship with the Company (whether written or oral), (iii) owns any
property or right, tangible or intangible, that is used by the Company, (iv)
has
any claim or cause of action against an Acquired Company or (v) owns any direct
or indirect interest of any kind in, or controls or is a director, officer,
employee or partner of, or consultant to, or lender to or borrower from or
has
the right to participate in the profits of, any Person that is a supplier,
customer, landlord, tenant, creditor or debtor of any Acquired
Company.
18
REPRESENTATIONS
OF BUYER
Cheniere
represents and warrants that, as of the date of this Agreement:
5.1 Due
Organization and Power of Cheniere. Cheniere is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
organization and has the requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease
and operate properties and to carry on its business. Cheniere is duly
authorized, qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing in
every jurisdiction wherein it conducts its business where the failure to be
so
qualified would have, individually or in the aggregate, a Cheniere Material
Adverse Effect.
5.2 Authorization
and Validity of Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all requisite corporate or analogous action by Cheniere, and
Cheniere has full corporate or analogous, authority and legal capacity to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations
hereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Cheniere. This Agreement constitutes, or upon execution and delivery
will constitute, the valid, legal and binding obligation of Cheniere enforceable
against Cheniere in accordance with its terms except as enforceability may
be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of
equity.
5.3 Non-Contravention. The
execution and delivery by Cheniere of this Agreement does not, and the
consummation by Cheniere of the transactions contemplated hereby and the
performance of its obligations hereunder will not (a) violate or conflict with
any provision of the bylaws or analogous governance documents or (b) assuming
that all Permits, approvals by Governmental Entities, and Third-Party Approvals
set forth in Schedule 5.3 hereto have been obtained or made: (i)
violate any Law or Order to which Cheniere is subject; or (ii) constitute a
breach or violation of, or default under, or trigger any “change of control”
rights or remedies under, or give rise to any Lien (other than Permitted
Exceptions), acceleration of remedies, any buy-out right or any rights of first
offer or refusal or of termination under, any Contract to which Cheniere is
a
party or by which Cheniere’s assets are bound.
5.4 Governmental
Approvals; Consents and Action. No Action or Order is pending or
threatened against Cheniere which would have, individually or in the aggregate,
a Cheniere Material Adverse Effect. No Permit or Approval from any
Governmental Entity or Third-Party Approval is required on the part of Cheniere
in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except for
such Permits the failure of which to obtain or make would not, individually
or
in the aggregate, have a Cheniere Material Adverse Effect or which have been
obtained.
5.5 Litigation. Except
as set forth in Schedule 5.5, there are no (a) Orders against or
affecting Cheniere or its Affiliates or (b) Actions pending against or affecting
Cheniere or its Affiliates (i) challenging or seeking to restrain, delay or
prohibit any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (ii)
preventing Cheniere from performing in all material respects its obligations
under this Agreement.
5.6 Independent
Decision. Cheniere (a) has knowledge and experience in financial
and business matters, (b) has the capability of evaluating the merits and risks
of investing in the business of the Acquired Companies, (c) can bear the
economic risk of an investment in the LLC Interests and (d) is not in a
disparate bargaining position with TOG. Cheniere acknowledges that
none of TOG, the Company nor any other Person have made any representation
or
warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any
information regarding the Project or the Company that has been furnished or
made
available to Cheniere and its representatives, except as expressly set forth
in
this Agreement or the schedules hereto.
5.7 Purchase
for Investment. Cheniere is aware that the LLC Interests are not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”), or under any state or foreign securities Laws. Cheniere is
not an underwriter, as such term is defined under the Securities Act, and is
purchasing the LLC Interests solely for investment, with no intention to
distribute any of the LLC Interests to any Person, and Cheniere will not sell
or
otherwise dispose of the LLC Interests except in compliance with the
registration requirements or exemption provisions under the Securities Act
and
the rules promulgated thereunder, and any other applicable securities
Laws.
5.8 Financial
Capacity; No Financing Condition. Cheniere has available to it as
of the date hereof (or has commitments therefor) and will at Closing have funds
sufficient to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. Cheniere understands that its obligations to effect the
transactions contemplated thereby are not subject to the availability to
Cheniere or any other Person of financing.
19
5.9 Finders;
Brokers. There are, and after Closing there will be, no claims
(or any basis for any claims) upon TOG or the Company for brokerage commissions,
finder's fees or like payments in connection with this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby resulting from any action taken by Cheniere
or
by any other Person on Cheniere’s behalf.
5.10 No
Other Representations or Warranties. EXCEPT FOR THE
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE V, NEITHER CHENIERE
NOR
ANY OTHER PERSON MAKES ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS
OR
IMPLIED, ON BEHALF OF CHENIERE.
AGREEMENTS
OF THE COMPANY, TOG AND CHENIERE
6.1 Transfer
of the Mexican Project Entities. Immediately after the approval
of the CRE authorizing the transfer of the Mexican Project Entities to the
Company, TOG shall, as applicable, effect and shall cause its respective
Affiliates to effect the transfer of the Mexican Project Entities to the
Company. For purposes of the Operating Agreement, TOG shall be
treated as though it contributed the Mexican Project Entities to the Company
as
of the Closing.
6.2 Operation
of the Business. Until the transfer of the Mexican Project
Entities to the Company (the “Mexican Project Closing Date”), TOG will,
and will cause its Affiliates to, conduct the development of the Project and
operate and maintain the assets of the Mexican Project Entities in the ordinary
course consistent with past practices, keep the books and records of the Mexican
Project Entities, including the Corporate Records, in accordance with recent
past practices, and pay all of the Mexican Project Entities’ trade payables and
other obligations on a timely basis. Until the Mexican Project
Closing Date, TOG shall, and shall cause it Affiliates to, use their reasonable
efforts to maintain current relationships with customers, lessees, suppliers,
Governmental Entities and others having business dealings with the Mexican
Project Entities. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement
or in Schedule 6.2, from the date hereof until the Mexican Project
Closing Date, TOG will not, and will cause its Affiliates not to, without the
prior written approval of Cheniere, take any of the following actions with
respect to any Mexican Project Entity:
(a) amend
its
certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement, estatutos
sociales or similar governing document, or issue or agree to issue any
additional membership interests (or other equity interests) of any class
or
series, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable
for
membership interests (or other equity interests), or issue any options, warrants
or other rights to acquire any membership interests (or other equity
interests);
(b) sell,
transfer or otherwise dispose of or encumber any assets other than in the
Ordinary Course of Business;
(c) conduct
the business of the Mexican Project Entities other than in the Ordinary Course
of Business;
(d) fail
to
maintain all of the assets and properties of, or used by, the Mexican Project
Entities in their current condition, ordinary wear and tear
excepted;
(e) (i)
fail
to maintain the books, accounts and records of the Mexican Project Entities
(including the Corporate Records) in the Ordinary Course of
Business or (ii) fail to comply with all contractual and other
obligations of the Mexican Project Entities;
(f)
fail
to
comply in all material respects with all applicable Laws;
(g) cancel
any material debts or waive any material claims or rights pertaining to the
Mexican Project Entities;
20
(h) incur,
assume or guarantee any material indebtedness for borrowed money, or issue
any
notes, bonds, debentures or other similar securities, or grant any option,
warrant or right to purchase any of the same, or issue any security convertible
or exchangeable or exercisable for debt securities of the Mexican Project
Entities;
(i)
make
or
change any material Tax elections (except any election to treat Xxxxxxxxx
as an
entity disregarded as separate from its owner within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation Section 301.7701-2(c)(2)(i) or as required by Law), adopt or change
any accounting method with respect to Taxes except as may be required as
a
result of a change in Law, file any amendment to a Tax return, enter into
any
closing agreement with respect to Taxes, settle any material claim or assessment
with respect to Taxes, consent to any extension or waiver of the limitation
period applicable to any claim or assessment in respect to Taxes, or settle
or
compromise any material Tax liability;
(j)
except
as
may be required as a result of a change in Law or GAAP, change any of the
accounting principles or practices used by the Mexican Project
Entities;
(k) make
any capital expenditure or make any commitment to make any capital expenditure
other than (i) pursuant to existing commitments or business plans described
in
Schedule 6.2(k), or (ii) to repair, maintain or replace any
assets, properties or facilities in the Ordinary Course of Business, provided
in
both cases it has obtained first Cheniere’s written consent;
(l)
declare
or pay any dividend with respect to the securities of the Mexican Project
Entities or make any distribution or payment to any member of the Mexican
Project Entities;
(m) adopt
a
plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, recapitalization or
other
restructuring;
(n) pledge
or
mortgage the assets of the Mexican Project Entities or otherwise cause or
permit
a Lien (other than a Permitted Exception) to exist against the assets of
the
Mexican Project Entities;
(o) effect
any split, combination or reclassification of the securities of the Mexican
Project Entities or any like change in the capitalization of the Mexican
Project
Entities, or amend the terms of any outstanding securities of the Mexican
Project Entities;
(p) redeem,
repurchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any securities of
the
Mexican Project Entities;
(q) acquire
(by purchase, merger or otherwise) any equity interest in or substantially
all
of the assets of, or otherwise make any investment in any other Person, or
enter
into any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement;
(r) knowingly
allow any material Permits held by the Mexican Project Entities to terminate
or
lapse or fail to comply with any material term of a Permit held by the Mexican
Project Entities;
(s) enter
into any agreement or amend, modify or terminate any contract or Permit to
which
any Mexican Project Entity is a party or by which any of its assets are bound,
except in the Ordinary Course of Business consistent with past
practices;
(t) repay
any
indebtedness outstanding;
(u) pay
for
any trade payables or other obligations incurred in the Ordinary Course of
Business, including servicing existing debt);
(v) increase
the salary or other compensation of any manager, officer or employee, consultant
or independent contractor of the Mexican Project Entities;
(w) grant
any
unusual or extraordinary bonus, benefit or other direct or indirect compensation
to any manager, officer, employee, consultant or independent
contractor;
21
(x) increase
the coverage or benefits available under any (or create any new) severance
pay,
termination pay, vacation pay, company awards, salary continuation for
disability, sick leave, deferred compensation, bonus or other incentive
compensation, insurance, pension or other employee benefit plan or arrangement
made to, for, or with any of the managers, officers, employees, agents or
representatives of the Mexican Project Entities or otherwise modify or amend
or
terminate any such plan or arrangement;
(y) enter
into any employment, deferred compensation, severance, special pay, consulting,
non-competition or similar agreement or arrangement with any managers or
officers of the Mexican Project Entities (or amend any such agreement to
which
the Mexican Project Entities is party); or
(z) agree,
whether in writing or otherwise, to do any of the
foregoing;
provided,
however, that nothing in this Section 6.2 shall preclude TOG,
its Affiliates or the Mexican Project Entities from obtaining the consent of
any
third party required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. Prior to the Mexican Project Closing Date, TOG and its
Affiliates shall make their representatives, consultants, independent
contractors and employees who are actively engaged in the operation of the
Mexican Project Entities available to Cheniere (and its representatives) on
a
reasonable basis as appropriate to confer and discuss with respect to (i) the
operation of the assets of the Mexican Project Entities and the Project, (ii)
the legal, operational and other actions required or reasonably necessary for
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii)
the status of TOG, its Affiliates and the Mexican Project Entities compliance
with this Section 6.2.
6.3 Pre-Mexican
Project Closing Date Investigation. During the period commencing on the date
hereof and ending on the Mexican Project Closing Date, TOG, Affiliates and
the
Mexican Project Entities shall provide, upon reasonable request and notice,
Cheniere and its authorized agents or representatives reasonable access during
normal business hours to the properties, books, accounts and Corporate Records
of the Mexican Project Entities for the purpose of reviewing information and
documentation relative to the properties, books, accounts and Corporate Records
of the Project. Cheniere agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless, release and defend TOG, its Affiliates and the Mexican Project
Entities from and against any and all losses arising, in whole or in part,
from
any claims for personal injuries, property damages or reasonable attorney’s fees
(provided that such fees are incurred in connection with the enforcement of
the
indemnity provided for in this sentence) resulting from Cheniere's or its
representatives' inspection of the properties, books and records of the Mexican
Project Entities as set forth in this paragraph, which indemnification
obligation shall not survive the Mexican Project Closing Date, unless a claim
therefor has been made prior to the Mexican Project Closing Date.
6.4 Confidentiality. The
Parties agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any
agreements to be delivered hereunder, shall not be disclosed to any other Person
without the prior written consent of the other Party, except to the extent
required by applicable Law, but only to the extent so required. The
Parties shall be entitled to disclose the existence and occurrence of the
transactions and relationships described by this Agreement and other agreements
delivered hereunder, provided, however, that in connection with any
press releases, the Party issuing such press release shall allow the other
Party
reasonable time to comment in advance of such issuance.
6.5 Efforts;
Cooperation; No Inconsistent Action.
(a) Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement,
each of the Parties will use its best efforts to take or cause to be taken,
all
action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or
advisable under applicable Laws to consummate the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement, including using its reasonable efforts to ensure satisfaction
of
Section 6.1 hereunder and complete the
Reorganization. Each of Cheniere, the Company, TOG,
Xxxxxxxxx and their respective Affiliates shall timely and promptly make
all
filings which may be required by any of them in connection with the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby. Each Party shall furnish to
the other Party such necessary information and assistance as such other Party
may reasonably request in connection with the preparation of any necessary
filings or submissions by it to any Governmental Entity. Each Party
shall provide the other Party the opportunity to make copies of all
correspondence, filings or communications (or memoranda setting forth the
substance thereof) between such Party and its representatives, and any
Governmental Entity and members of their respective staffs with respect to
this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. With the
exception of payment of the required filing fees and the Parties’ costs and
expenses necessary to prosecute such filings, neither TOG, the Company, nor
Cheniere shall be required to make any material monetary expenditures, commence
or participate in any material litigation, or offer or grant any material
accommodation (financial or otherwise) to any third Person in connection
therewith; provided, that TOG shall be responsible for expenses
incurred by the Mexican Project Entities prior to the Mexican Project Closing
Date. For purposes of this Section 6.5, TOG shall have
caused Rio Bravo L.L.C., Marea Associates L.P. and Xxxxxxxxx to xxxxx those
irrevocable powers of attorney to Cheniere in accordance with Sections
2.8(j) and 2.8(k). Except as provided
in this Section 6.5(a), nothing contemplated in this Section
6.5 shall be construed by a Party as a grant
of authority or consent
by the other Party to submit correspondence, filings or communications on
behalf
of such Party with any Governmental Entity.
22
(b)
From
time
to time after the Closing, without further consideration, TOG and its Affiliates
will, at their own expense, execute and deliver such documents to Cheniere
as
Cheniere may reasonably request in order to more effectively consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. From time to time after
the Closing, without further consideration, Cheniere will, at its own expense,
execute and deliver such documents as TOG and its Affiliates may reasonably
request in order to more effectively consummate the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement.
(c) TOG
and
Cheniere shall notify and keep the other advised as to any litigation or
administrative proceeding pending and known to such Party, or to their
Knowledge, threatened, which challenges the transactions contemplated
hereby. TOG and Cheniere shall act in good faith and shall not take
any action inconsistent with its obligations under this Agreement or which
would
materially hinder or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement, or the prompt receipt of required consents or approvals under
applicable Laws.
(d) After
the
Closing and after the Mexican Project Closing Date and continuing for a
commercially reasonable period of time thereafter, each Party shall have
reasonable access to the employees of the other Party and its Affiliates,
for
purposes of consultation or otherwise, to the extent that such access may
reasonably be required in connection with matters relating to or affected
by the
operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries prior to the
Closing. The Parties agree to cooperate in connection with any audit,
investigation, hearing or inquiry by any Governmental Entity, litigation
or
regulatory or other proceeding which may arise following the Closing and
which
relates to the ownership of the Company, the Subsidiaries or operation of
the
Project, prior to the Closing. Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Agreement to the contrary, each of Cheniere, TOG and the Company shall
bear
its own expenses including fees of attorneys or other representatives, in
connection with any such matter described in this Section 6.5 in
which TOG, the Company and Cheniere are subjects or Parties or in which they
have a material interest.
6.6 Public
Disclosures. No Party to this Agreement or its representatives or
Affiliates will issue any press release or make any public disclosure concerning
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the prior written
consent of the other Parties. Notwithstanding the above, nothing in
this Section 6.6 will preclude any Party or its representatives or Affiliates
from making any disclosures in connection with the procurement of capital
financing for the Project, as may be required by Law, or as may be necessary
and
proper in conjunction with the filing of any Tax Return or other document
required to be filed with any Governmental Entity; provided that any
Party required to make such disclosure shall allow the other Parties reasonable
time to review and comment thereon in advance of such disclosure.
6.7 Exclusivity. Each
of the Parties agree that, from the date hereof to the Mexican Project Closing
Date, it shall not, and shall not authorize or permit any of its Affiliates
or
any of its Affiliates’ managers, officers, employees, agents or representatives
to, directly or indirectly, solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage, take any
action to facilitate, furnish or disclose nonpublic information in furtherance
of any inquiries or the making of any offer or proposal regarding any
Acquisition Transaction, or participate in any discussions or negotiations
with,
or provide any information to, any Person (other than as contemplated in this
Agreement) concerning any Acquisition Transaction or enter into any definitive
agreement, arrangement or understanding for any Acquisition Transaction or
requiring it to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
6.8 Tax
Treatment of Transaction. The Company, TOG and Cheniere hereby agree that
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and, to the extent reflected
therein, the Operating Agreement, shall be treated for U.S. federal income
tax
purposes as (i) a purchase of an eighty percent (80%) interest by Cheniere
in
the assets of the Subsidiaries followed by (ii) a contribution by TOG of a
twenty percent (20%) interest in the assets of the Subsidiaries to the Company
and (iii) a contribution by Cheniere of an eighty percent (80%) interest in
the
assets of the Subsidiaries to the Company.
INDEMNIFICATION
7.1 Survival
of Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties of the parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing
until thirty (30) days following the expiration of the applicable statute of
limitations with respect to the particular matter that is the subject matter
thereof (in each case, the “Survival Period”).
23
7.2 Indemnification.
(a) Subject
to this Section 7.2 hereof, TOG hereby agrees, to indemnify and
hold Cheniere, the Company, and their respective managers, officers, employees,
Affiliates, members, stockholders, agents, attorneys, representatives,
successors and assigns (collectively, the “Cheniere Indemnified Parties”)
harmless from and against, and pay to the applicable Cheniere Indemnified
Parties the amount of any and all losses, Liabilities, claims, interest,
obligations, deficiencies, demands, judgments, damages, interest, fines,
penalties, claims, suits, actions, causes of action, assessments, awards,
costs
and expenses (including costs of investigation and defense and attorneys’ and
other professionals’ fees), whether or not involving a third party claim
(individually, a “Loss” and, collectively, “Losses”) based upon,
attributable to or resulting from:
(i) the
failure of any of the representations or warranties made by TOG in this
Agreement to be true and correct in all respects at and as of the date
hereof;
(ii) the
Reorganization (including costs, expenses, and Taxes arising in connection
or
associated with the Reorganization), or Taxes related to the transfer of
the LLC
Interests to Cheniere;
(iii) any
liability for Taxes with respect to any Tax year or portion thereof ending
on or
before the Closing (or any Tax year beginning before and ending after the
Closing to the extent allocable to the portion of such period beginning before
and ending on the Closing); provided that to the extent Cheniere causes the
Acquired Companies to take a Tax position following the Closing (other than
the
supplemental Tax Returns of Xxxxxxxxx amending the deductions for unpaid
inter-company debt for the years ending 2005 and 2006) that results in an
increase in Taxes owed for the period prior to the Closing, TOG shall not
be
liable for the amount of any such increase and Cheniere shall indemnify TOG
for
any such increase paid by TOG;
(iii) the
Excluded Assets and Excluded Liabilities; and
(iv) the
breach of any covenant or other agreement on the part of TOG, the Company
or
Xxxxxxxxx under this Agreement, provided, however, that this
indemnity shall not cover the Company and Xxxxxxxxx after such entities are
under the Control of Cheniere.
(b) Without
limiting any other remedies available under this Agreement and applicable
Law, a
Cheniere Indemnified Party shall have the right to set off any Losses incurred
by such Cheniere Indemnified Party from any Third Party Claim against the
Phase
I FID Milestone Payment, the Phase II FID Milestone Payment, the Phase III
FID
Milestone Payment, the Phase I Royalty, Phase II Royalty, and the Phase III
Royalty. The Company shall have the right to set off any Losses
incurred by the Company against the Phase I FID Milestone Payment, the Phase
II
FID Milestone Payment, the Phase III FID Milestone Payment, the Phase I Royalty,
Phase II Royalty, and the Phase III Royalty. For avoidance of doubt,
any indemnifiable Losses suffered solely by Cheniere, shall not be subject
to
the set off rights as provided for in this Section 7.2(b).
(c) Subject
to Sections 7.2, Cheniere hereby agrees to indemnify and hold TOG
its managers, officers, employees and Affiliates and their respective members,
agents, attorneys, representatives, successors and permitted assigns
(collectively, the “TOG Indemnified Parties”) harmless from and against,
and pay to the applicable TOG Indemnified Parties the amount of any and all
Losses:
(i) based
upon, attributable to or resulting from the failure of any of the
representations or warranties made by Cheniere in this Agreement to be true
and
correct in all respects at the date hereof; and
(ii) based
upon, attributable to or resulting from the breach of any covenant or other
agreement on the part of Cheniere under this Agreement.
24
7.3 Indemnification
Procedures.
(a) A
claim
for indemnification for any matter not involving a third party claim may
be
asserted by notice to the party from whom indemnification is sought;
provided, however, that failure to so notify the indemnifying
party shall not preclude the indemnified party from any indemnification which
it
may claim in accordance with this Article VII, except to the extent that
the indemnifying party can demonstrate actual loss and prejudice as a result
of
such failure.
(b) In
the
event that any Action shall be instituted or that any claim or demand shall
be
asserted by any third party in respect of which indemnification may be sought
under Section 7.2 (a “Third Party Claim”), the indemnified
party shall promptly cause written notice of the assertion of any Third Party
Claim of which it has knowledge which is covered by this Article VII to
be forwarded to the indemnifying party. The failure of the
indemnified party to give reasonably prompt notice of any Third Party Claim
shall not release, waive or otherwise affect the indemnifying party’s
obligations with respect thereto except to the extent that the indemnifying
party can demonstrate actual loss and prejudice as a result of such
failure. Subject to the provisions of this Section 7.3,
the indemnifying party shall have the right, at its sole expense, to be
represented by counsel of its choice, which must be reasonably satisfactory
to
the indemnified party, and to defend against, negotiate, settle or otherwise
deal with any Third Party Claim which relates to any Losses indemnified against
hereunder; provided that the indemnifying party shall have acknowledged in
writing to the indemnified party its unqualified obligation to indemnify
the
indemnified party as provided hereunder. If the indemnifying party
elects to defend against, negotiate, settle or otherwise deal with any Third
Party Claim which relates to any Losses indemnified by it hereunder, it shall
within five (5) days of the indemnified party’s written notice of the assertion
of such Third Party Claim (or sooner, if the nature of the Third Party Claim
so
requires) notify the indemnified party of its intent to do so;
provided, that the indemnifying party must conduct the defense of the
Third Party Claim actively and diligently thereafter in order to preserve
its
rights in this regard. If the indemnifying party elects not to defend
against, negotiate, settle or otherwise deal with any Third Party Claim which
relates to any Losses indemnified against hereunder, fails to notify the
indemnified party of its election as herein provided or contests its obligation
to indemnify the indemnified party for such Losses under this Agreement,
the
indemnified party may defend against, negotiate, settle or otherwise deal
with
such Third Party Claim. If the indemnified party defends any Third
Party Claim, then the indemnifying party shall reimburse the indemnified
party
for the expenses of defending such Third Party Claim upon submission of periodic
bills. If the indemnifying party shall assume the defense of any
Third Party Claim, the indemnified party may participate, at his or its own
expense, in the defense of such Third Party Claim; provided,
however, that such indemnified party shall be entitled to participate
in any such defense with separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying
party if (i) so requested by the indemnifying party to participate or (ii)
in
the reasonable opinion of counsel to the indemnified party, a conflict or
potential conflict exists between the indemnified party and the indemnifying
party that would make such separate representation advisable; and
provided, further, that the indemnifying party shall not be
required to pay for more than one such counsel for all indemnified parties
in
connection with any Third Party Claim. The parties hereto agree to
provide reasonable access to the other to such documents and information
as may
be reasonably requested in connection with the defense, negotiation or
settlement of any such Third Party Claim. Notwithstanding anything in
this Section 7.3 to the contrary, neither the indemnifying party
nor the indemnified party shall, without the written consent of the other
party,
settle or compromise any Third Party Claim or permit a default or consent
to
entry of any judgment unless the claimant or claimants and such party provide
to
such other party an unqualified release from all liability in respect of
the
Third Party Claim. If the indemnifying party makes any payment on any
Third Party Claim, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated, to the extent
of
such payment, to all rights and remedies of the indemnified party to any
insurance benefits or other claims of the indemnified party with respect
to such
Third Party Claim.
(c) After
any
final decision, judgment or award shall have been rendered by a Governmental
Entity of competent jurisdiction and the expiration of the time in which
to
appeal therefrom, or a settlement shall have been consummated, or the
indemnified party and the indemnifying party shall have reached an agreement,
in
each case with respect to an indemnifiable claim hereunder, the indemnified
party shall forward to the indemnifying party notice of any sums due and
owing
by the indemnifying party pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such
matter.
25
MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 Notices. All
communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed
to
be given when delivered in person or by private courier with receipt, when
faxed
and received, or five (5) days after being deposited in the United States mail,
first-class, registered or certified, return receipt requested, with postage
paid and addressed as follows:
If
to
Cheniere:
Cheniere
Energy, Inc
000
Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxx 00000
Attention: Chief
Financial
Officer
Facsimile:
713-325-6000
with
a
copy (which shall not itself constitute notice) to:
King
& Spalding LLP
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
0000
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxx 00000
Attention:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Esquire
Facsimile: 713-751-3290
If
to
TOG:
Tidelands
Oil & Gas Corporation.
0000
X
Xxxxxxx Xxxx 0
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Attention:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
Facsimile:
[*]
with
a
copy (which shall not itself constitute notice) to:
Xxxxxxxxxxx
& Price, LLP
000
Xxxxxxx Xx., Xxxxx 000
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Attention:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esquire
Facsimile:
210.258.2716
or
to
such other address as any such Party shall designate by written notice to the
other Parties hereto.
26
8.2 Expenses. Each
Party shall each pay their respective expenses (such as legal, investment banker
and accounting fees) incurred in connection with the origination, negotiation,
execution and performance of this Agreement.
8.3 Assignability. This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding on the Parties and their
respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement shall not
be assigned by any Party without the express prior written consent of the other
Party, in its sole discretion, and any attempted assignment without such consent
shall be null and void; provided that Cheniere may assign this
Agreement to an Affiliate of Cheniere without the consent of TOG and the Company
as long as Cheniere remains obligated for all of the obligations of Cheniere
hereunder. In no event shall any assignment or transfer hereunder
serve to release or discharge the assigning Party from any of its duties and
obligations hereunder, unless expressly released, in writing, by the
non-assigning Party.
8.4 Amendment;
Waiver. This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified only by a written instrument executed by each of the
Parties. No waiver by a Party of any of the provisions hereof shall
be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and executed by the Party
so
waiving. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, no action
taken pursuant to this Agreement, including without limitation any investigation
by or on behalf of any Party, shall be deemed to constitute a waiver by the
Party taking such action of compliance with any representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements contained herein, and in any documents delivered or
to
be delivered pursuant to this Agreement and in connection with the Closing
hereunder. The waiver by either Party hereto of a breach of any
provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of
any
subsequent breach.
8.5 No
Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended, nor
shall it be deemed, construed or interpreted, to confer upon any Person not
a
party hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.
8.6 Governing
Law. This Agreement and the rights and duties of the Parties
hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws
of
the State of Texas without regard to its conflict of laws rules, other than
matters dealing with the ownership of real property or interests therein, which
shall be governed by the laws of the state where such property is
located.
8.7 Consent
to Jurisdiction. Each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive
jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District
of
Texas located in Xxxxxx County in the City of Houston, or if such court does
not
have jurisdiction, the District Courts of the State of Texas, Xxxxxx County,
Texas, for the purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out
of
this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby. Each Party
hereto further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document
by U.S. registered mail to such Party’s respective address set forth in
Section 8.1 shall be effective service of process for any action,
suit or proceeding in Texas with respect to any matters to which it has
submitted to jurisdiction as set forth above in the immediately preceding
sentence. Each Party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives
any objection to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising
out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in (a) the United
States District Court for the Southern District of Texas or (b) the District
Courts of the State of Texas, Xxxxxx County, and hereby further irrevocably
and
unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that
any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought
in an inconvenient forum.
8.8 Entire
Agreement. This Agreement and the schedules and exhibits hereto
set forth the entire understanding of the Parties hereto with respect to the
subject matter hereof.
8.9 Severability. If
any provision of this Agreement shall be declared by any court of competent
jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, all other provisions of
this
Agreement shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and
effect.
8.10 Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall
be
deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one
and
the same instrument.
8.11 Further
Assurances. Upon request from time to time, the Parties shall
execute and/or cause to be executed and delivered such other documents and
instruments and shall do such other acts as may be reasonably necessary or
desirable, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to carry
out
the intent of this Agreement.
27
8.12 Schedules,
Annexes and Exhibits. All exhibits, annexes and schedules hereto
are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this
Agreement.
8.13 Specific
Performance; Limitation on Damages. The Parties agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event of any provision of this Agreement
was not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the Parties
shall
be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any
other remedy at law or in equity. In no event, however, shall either
Party or its Affiliates be liable for special, indirect, incidental,
consequential or punitive damages arising from or relating to any claims or
Actions relating to any breach by a Party of this Agreement.
8.14 Waiver
of Jury Trial. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY
JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT
OR
ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING,
AND WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE. THE PARTIES
AGREE THAT EITHER OF THEM MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS PARAGRAPH WITH ANY COURT
AS
WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE KNOWING, VOLUNTARY AND BARGAINED-FOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY TO WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY AND THAT ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING
WHATSOEVER BETWEEN THEM RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY SHALL INSTEAD BE TRIED IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION
BY A JUDGE SITTING WITHOUT A JURY.
8.15 Time. Time
is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement in all
respects.
8.16 Attorneys
Fees. If any action is brought by either Party under this
Agreement prior to the Closing by reason of any claim or cause of action against
the other arising out of or in connection with any breach or other
nonperformance of the provisions of this Agreement, then the Party that is
successful upon any final determination of any such claim or cause of action
shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, as are fixed by
a court of competent jurisdiction.
[SIGNATURE
PAGE FOLLOWS]
28
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed as of the date first above written.
CHENIERE
GRAND
CHENIERE PIPELINE LLC
By:
Name:
Title:
TOG
TIDELANDS
OIL & GAS CORPORATION
By:
Name:
Title:
THE
COMPANY
FRONTERA
PIPELINE, LLC
By:
Name:
Title:
Solely
for Purpose of Sections 2.8(k) and 6.5 of
this Agreement
XXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX
ENERGIA, S. DE X.X. DE C.V.
By:
Name:
Title:
29
Schedule
1.1(c)
Reorganization
On
August
24, 2007, Sonora Pipeline, L.L.C. and Rio Bravo Energy, LLC executed a quitclaim
conveyance in which they conveyed all ownership and rights in
pipelines and other facilities located in Dimmit and Xxxxxx Counties, TX
to Reef
International, L.L.C.
See
attachment.
Exhibits
and Schedules for Equity Purchase Agreement
Dated
September __, 2007
Capitalized
terms used but not defined in these Exhibits and Schedules shall have the
meanings set forth in the Equity Purchase Agreement
Schedule
2.3
Use
of
Purchase Proceeds
Sonora
|
|
BNC
Engineering, LLC
|
$15,189.85
|
000
Xxxxx Xxxx Xx.
|
|
Xxxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
|
|
Tax
ID 00-0000000
|
|
Project
Consulting Services, Inc.
|
$4,700.83
|
0000
X Xxxxxxxxx Xxx. X., Xxxxx 000
|
|
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000-0000
|
|
Tax
ID 00-0000000
|
|
Ross,
Marsh, & Xxxxxx
|
$89,721.38
|
0000
X Xxxxxx, X.X.
|
|
Xxxxx
000
|
|
Xxxxxxxxxx,
X.X. 00000
|
|
Tax
ID 00-0000000
|
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx & Associates, Inc.
|
$14,231.25
|
0
Xxxxxx Xxxx
|
|
Xxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
|
|
Tax
ID 00-0000000
|
|
Xxxxxxxxxxx
& Price LLP
|
$5,527.63
|
000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
|
|
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
|
|
Tax
ID 00-0000000
|
|
Sonora
Total
|
$129,370.94
|
Xxxxxxxxx
|
|
Hanhausen,
Domenech y Asociados
|
$3,185.50
|
Xxxxx
Xxxxx 00-000, Xxx. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx
|
|
Xxxxxx
DF 11560
|
|
Asociacion
Mexicana de Gas Natural
|
$1,400.00
|
Xx.
Xxxxxxxxxx 000, Xxxx 0X, Xxx. Xxx Xxxxx xx los Xxxx
|
|
Mexico
DF 03800
|
|
Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxx
|
$5,700.00
|
Tepic
90-402, Col. Xxxx Xxx
|
|
Xxxxxx
XX 00000
|
|
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, S.C.
|
$905.63
|
Blvd.
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xx. 00, Xxxx 00, Xxx. Xxxxx xx Xxxxxxxxxxx
|
|
Xxxxxx
DF 11000
|
|
Kiinera
SA de CV
|
$52,785.00
|
Xxxxx
Xxxxx 00-000, Xxx. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx
|
|
Xxxxxx
DF 11560
|
|
Xxxxxxxxxxx
& Forastieri, S.C.
|
$8,357.57
|
Prolongación
Xxxxx xx xx Xxxxxxx 000, Xxxx. 201-A
|
|
Col.
Santa Fe
|
|
Mexico
DF 01210
|
|
Secretaria
de Hacienda y Crédito Publico
|
$58,095.87
|
Xxxxxxxxx
Total
|
$130,429.57
|
Schedule
3.4
TOG’s
Governmental Approvals; Consents and Actions
After
Closing, the Company will have to file a new Form P-5 (Organization Report)
with
the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for Sonora Pipeline, LLC. The
contact person at the RRC is Xx. Xxxxx Xxxx, (000) 000-0000, xxxxx.xxxx@xxx.xxxxx.xx.xx
.
CRE
Approval of Xxxxxxxxx’x proposed ownership changes
Xxxxxxxxx
has filed the request for CRE to approve the ownership changes. The
request letter explains that TOG will transfer 80% of its interest in Xxxxxxxxx
to Cheniere by forming a new company to which TOG will transfer all its
interests in Xxxxxxxxx. TOG and Cheniere will jointly own the new
company 20%-80%, respectively.
The
CRE
response is expected by the middle of October, 2007.
The
contact person at the CRE is the Director General of Natural Gas, Xx. Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx, (00-00) 0000-0000, xxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
Schedule
4.16
Company’s
Compliance with Laws; Permits
Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx
Pipeline. Xxxxxxxxx was awarded a CRE transportation permit
G/186/TRA2006 on May 23, 2006, which expires 24 months after such issuance
date
(May 22, 2008). Xxxxxxxxx may request a permit extension beyond the expiration
date or file for a permit amendment extending the expiration
date. Xxxxxxxxx plans to file for an extension of the pipeline permit
in March 2008. The extension will cover from the point known as
Station 19 to the reception station in Monterrey, known as the GIMSA Terminal
Station (190 Kms). The CRE will likely take between six to nine
months to process the amendment application.
Xxxxxxxxx
Underground Natural Gas Storage. Xxxxxxxxx submitted a permit
application on August 7, 2005. To date, Mexico has no underground
natural gas storage facilities and this was the first permit application
for a
facility based on the use of a depleted reservoir.
Since
Mexico had no policy on the use of depleted reservoirs for storage purposes
and
current legislation is not clear on the ownership of depleted reservoirs,
Xxxxxxxxx has been advised that the CRE, in collaboration with the Secretary
of
Energy and Pemex Exploration and Production (PEP), are working towards a
Mexican
national policy for the use of depleted reservoirs, differing from exploration
and production, and that Xxxxxxxxx will be advised as soon as a policy is
officially in place.
SCHEDULE
OF REQUIREMENTS RELATIVE TO THE
PIPELINE
PROJECT BASED ON
THE
CRE
RESOLUTION RES/104/2006 AND CRE PERMIT G/183/TRA/2006
BOTH
ISSUED ON MAY 23, 2006
I If
the construction of the pipeline as permitted goes ahead, within 60 days
before
construction begins, or at least 24 months from the permit issuing date (May
23,
2006):
a.
|
File
for CRE approval the corresponding Maximum Revenue and the corresponding
transmission tariff.
|
II If
the pipeline project changes, by May 22, 2008:
b.
|
File
with CRE an application to amend the permit G/183/TRA/2006, or
file an a
letter requesting an extension to such permit for another 12
months.
|
III Prior
to commencement of pipeline construction:
a.
|
Conduct
an Open Season.
|
IV Within
10 days after commencing construction:
|
a.
|
File
with CRE a written notice of the date that construction commencement,
with
the risk analysis reports and the necessary insurance to cover
those
risks.
|
V Within
30 days after construction completed and service commenced:
|
a.
|
File
a written notice of such completion and commencement
date.
|
VI
|
At
the end of 5 years of actual operation, file either a cost and
revenue
study under the published CRE guidelines for the 5-year tariff
evaluation.
|
List
of permits, authorizations and licenses to build and operate a pipeline in
MX
Authorization,
License or Permit
|
Government
office
|
Description
|
Permiso
de transporte de gas natural para acceso abierto.
|
CRE
|
Permiso
requerido para el transporte de gas natural para acceso abierto.
Art. 32
RGN.
|
Permiso
de Uso de Suelo.
|
Municipio
afectado
|
Autorización
para que determinados predios o zonas puedan destinarse a fines
particulares.
Art.
9 LAH.
|
Licencia
de Construcción.
|
Municipio
afectado
|
Autorización
para la ejecución de obras. Art. 9 LAH.
|
Caminos
de acceso.
|
SCT
o JFC Gobierno del Estado
|
Autorización
para la construcción de los caminos de acceso en terrenos o caminos de
jurisdicción estatal.
|
Revisión
y aprobación del sistema eléctrico.
|
SE
|
Solicitud
por escrito acompañada de planos del proyecto. Memoria descriptiva y
memoria de cálculo.
|
Autorización
para Uso de Explosivos.
|
SEDENA
|
Permiso
requerido para el uso de explosivos en caso de ser necesario en
la
construcción del gasoducto. Art. 37 de LFAFE.
|
Adquisición
o posesión de terrenos por expropiación.
|
SENER
SAGARPA
|
Procedimiento
para la obtención de terrenos que no haya sido posible adquirir a través
de negociaciones con sus propietarios.
|
Xxxxxxx
xx Xxxxxxxxx xx Xxx Xxxxxxx.
|
Xxxxxxxxx
afectado
|
Planos
de trazo y perfil.
|
Permiso
de Ocupación de Zonas Adyacentes. Permiso de Cruzamiento.
|
Gobierno
del Estado
|
Presentación
de planos de trazo y perfil (donde se localice la carretera) y
planos de
cruzamiento de la carretera.
|
Permiso
de construcción de accesos, cruzamientos e instalaciones en el derecho de
vía de caminos y carreteras federales.
|
SCT
En
la capital del Estado, o en México, D.F.
|
Permiso
requerido para el tendido de ductos a 2.5 m. dentro del derecho
de vía.
Art. 8 LCPAF, Art. 2 RADVCF
|
Permiso
para el Uso de Frecuencia de Radio y Comunicación Vía
Satélite.
|
SCT
|
Permiso
para instalar, operar o explotar estaciones terrestres transmisoras
en
comunicación vía satélite. Se requiere de concesión para
utilizar bandas de frecuencia del espectro.
|
Permiso
de Cruzamiento de Vías de Ferrocarril. Permiso de Ocupación de Zonas
Adyacentes.
|
SCT
En
las oficinas de Ferronales.
|
Permiso
requerido para construir accesos, cruzamientos e instalaciones
en el
derecho de vía de las vías férreas. Se requerirán planos de
trazo y perfil y memorias, entre otros. Art. 15, LRSF.
|
Permiso
de Ocupación Marginal y Permiso de Cruzamiento.
|
CNA.
Gerencias
Estatales.
|
Para
el uso o aprovechamiento de bienes nacionales a cargo de la CNA
se
requiere de concesión por parte de la misma. Se requerirán diferentes
planos. Art. 118 LAN. 174 RLAN.
|
Autorización
de la Manifestación de Impacto Ambiental que se presente
(Autorización de la MIA)
|
SEMARNAT
Dirección
General de Impacto Ambiental
|
Autorización
para llevar a cabo actividades u obras que pudiesen tener un impacto
adverso en el medio ambiente. Art. 28 LGEEPA.
|
Estudio
de riesgo.
|
SEMARNAT
Dirección
General de Impacto Ambiental
|
Estudio
tendiente a reducir las probabilidades de accidente que afecten
a
poblaciones cercanas y a las instalaciones mismas.
|
Licencia
de Funcionamiento
|
SEMARNAT
Delegaciones
Estatales.
|
Si
se califica como fuente fija de emisiones a la atmósfera, se necesita
autorización para que la fuente pueda emitir olores, gases o partículas
sólidas o líquidas a la atmósfera. Art. 18 RLGEEPAA
|
Cédula
de operación
|
SEMARNAT
|
Obligación
de la fuente fija de remitir a la SEMARNAT en febrero de cada año, la
cédula de operación de la instalación. Art. 19 y 21
RLGEEPAA
|
Inventario
de emisiones a la atmósfera
|
SEMARNAT.
Delegaciones
Estatales.
|
Obligación
de remitir a SEMARNAT un inventario de las emisiones contaminantes
a la
atmósfera, en los formatos correspondientes. Art. 17
RLGEEPAA
|
Permiso
de combustión a cielo abierto en prácticas de contra
incendio
|
SEMARNAT.
Delegaciones
Estatales.
|
Es
el permiso otorgado para la realización de adiestramiento para el combate
de incendios con combustión a cielo abierto. Art. 27 del
RLGEEPAA
|
Autorización
para cambio de uso de terreno forestal
|
SEMARNAT
|
Autorización
para el cambio de destino de terrenos forestales. Art. 5 LF, 19-22
RLF
|
Título
de Concesión o Asignación de Aguas Nacionales
|
CNA
Gerencias Estatales
|
Concesión
de la CNA necesaria para hacer uso o explotación de aguas nacionales para
la construcción y/u operación de Gasoducto.
|
Título
de Concesión o Asignación para aguas del subsuelo en zonas reglamentadas o
de veda
|
CNA
Gerencias Estatales
|
Remitir
a la autoridad el volumen anual de agua usada o aprovechada como
promedio
en los dos años inmediatamente anteriores al decreto
respectivo.
|
Registro
Público de Derechos de Aguas
|
CNA
Gerencias Estatales
|
Obtener
el certificado de las inscripciones y documentos referentes a los
títulos
de concesión, asignación y permisos.
|
Registro
de Descarga de Aguas Residuales
|
CNA
Gerencias Estatales
|
Inscripción
del permiso requerido para la descarga de aguas residuales en cuerpos
receptoras propiedad de la Nación.
|
Permiso
de Descarga de Aguas Residuales
|
CNA
Gerencias Estatales
|
Permiso
que autoriza a realizar descargas de aguas residuales en cuerpos
receptoras de jurisdicción federal.
|
Pago
de Derechos por Descargas de Aguas Residuales
|
CNA
Gerencias Estatales
|
Pago
de derechos por la descarga de aguas residuales a cuerpos receptoras
propiedad de la Nación, conforme al volumen de descarga y cumplimiento de
los parámetros de D.Q.O., y S.S.T. o de condiciones particulares de
descarga o de la xxxxx oficial aplicable.
|
Registro
como empresa generadora de residuos peligrosos
|
SEMARNAT Delegaciones
Estatales.
|
Si
se generan de xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx residuos peligrosos, se debe registrar
como
empresa generadora de residuos peligrosos. Si sólo se generan de manera
esporádica, debe registrarse como generador eventual de residuos
peligrosos.
|
Reporte
semestral de residuos peligrosos enviados para su reciclaje, tratamiento,
incineración o confinamiento
|
SEMARNAT Delegaciones
Estatales.
|
Reporte
semestral ante la autoridad sobre la generación de residuos y
sus movimientos.
|
Aviso
de Contingencias
|
CRE
|
Notificación
de cualquier hecho que derivado de las actividades del transportista
ponga
en peligro la salud y seguridad públicas. Art. 70 RGN
|
Informe
de Siniestros
|
CRE
|
Informe
detallado de causas y medidas tomadas en una contingencia. Art.
70 RGN
|
Programa
de Mantenimiento del Sistema
|
CRE
|
Anualmente,
se debe presentar el programa ante la CRE en los términos de las Normas
Oficiales Mexicanas aplicables. Art. 70 del RGN.
|
Bitácora
para la supervisión, operación y mantenimiento de obras e
instalaciones
|
CRE
|
Libro
que debe llevar el transportista y debe siempre estar a disposición de la
CRE.
|
ABREVIACIONES
CNA
|
Comisión
Nacional del Agua
|
CRE
|
Comisión
Reguladora de Energía
|
Ferronales
|
Ferrocarriles
Nacionales de México
|
JFC
|
Junta
Federal de Caminos
|
LAH
|
Ley
de Asentamientos Humanos
|
XXX
|
Xxx
de Aguas Nacionales
|
LCPAF
|
Ley
de Caminos Xxxxxxx y Autotransporte Federal
|
XX
|
Xxx
Forestal
|
LFAFE
|
Ley
Federal xx Xxxxx de Fuego y Explosivos
|
LGEEPA
|
Ley
General de Equilibrio Ecológico y Protección al
Ambiente
|
LRSF
|
Ley
Reglamentaria del Servicio Ferroviario
|
MIA
|
Manifestación
de Impacto Ambiental
|
RADVCF
|
Reglamento
para el Aprovechamiento del Derecho de Vía de las Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx x
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
XXX
|
Reglamento
de Gas Natural
|
RPLAN
|
Reglamento
de xx Xxx de Aguas Nacionales
|
RLF
|
Reglamento
de la LF
|
RLGEEPAA
|
Reglamento
de la LGEEPA en Materia de Prevención y Control de la Contaminación de la
Atmósfera
|
SAGARPA
|
Secretaría
de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y
Alimentos
|
SCT
|
Secretaría
de Comunicaciones y Transportes
|
SENER
|
Secretaría
de Energía
|
SE
|
Secretaría
de Economía
|
SEDENA
|
Secretaría
de la Defensa Nacional
|
SEMARNAT
|
Secretaría
del Medio Ambiente y Recursos
Naturales
|
Sonora
Sonora
Pipeline L.L.C. needs to file for a permit from the U.S. Corps of Engineers
to
bore under the Rio Grande River. This permit will expire after six
months, therefore, Sonora Pipeline L.L.C., or the applicable entity, needs
to
apply for this permit not more than six months prior to
construction. Sonora Pipeline L.L.C. must also apply for a permit
with the U.S. Boundary and Water Commission for permission to drill under
xxxxx
in the pipeline ROW. This permit also expires after six months,
therefore, Sonora Pipeline L.L.C., or the applicable entity, needs to apply
for
this permit not more than six months prior to construction.
Additionally:
SCHEDULE
OF REQUIREMENTS
RELATIVE
TO
FERC
AUTHORIZATIONS
I By
August 9, 2007:
a.
|
File
Application for Rehearing relative to authorizations, if
necessary (Section 19 of the Natural Gas Act). This
was not necessary.
|
b.
|
File
acceptance of Section 7 certificate; an automatic extension is
provided if
rehearing requested. (Ordering Paragraph (E) (2) referencing § 157.20(1)
of FERC’s Regs.) Filed
acceptance of Presidential Permit with FERC on August 8, 2007.
See
attachment.
|
c.
|
File
acceptance of Presidential Permit, OR file for an extension if
rehearing is requested. [Ordering Paragraph (H)]. Filed
with FERC on August 8, 2007. See
attachment.
|
II Within
60 days of certificate acceptance and before construction begins
|
a.
|
File
an Initial Implementation Plan relative to the
environment. [Appendix B, ¶ 7], OR get an
extension of time. Filed
for and received the attached
extension
|
III Prior
to commencement of pipeline construction:
|
b.
|
Conduct
an Open Season. [Ordering Paragraph
(E)(5)].
|
IV Within
10 days after commencing construction:
|
a.
|
File
a written notice under oath of the date that construction
commenced. [Ordering Paragraph (E)(2) referencing §157.20(c) of
FERC’s regs.].
|
V By
July 10, 2008:
a.
|
Complete
pipeline construction and make facilities available for service,
OR
have requested and obtained an extension of this requirement. [Ordering
Paragraph (E)(1)].
|
VI
|
Not
less than 30 days, nor more than 60 days prior to the commencement
of
interstate service:
|
|
a.
|
File
revised pro forma tariff sheets [Ordering Paragraphs (E)(3) &
(4)], together with a redline version [Text ¶ 31],
that:
|
1.
|
Use
billing determinants of 1Dth/d. [Text ¶
23].
|
2.
|
Reflect
a 14% XXX. [Text ¶ 26].
|
3.
|
Incorporate
an interruptible revenue crediting mechanism. [Text ¶
28].
|
4.
|
Obligates
Sonora to advise a shipper within 10 days of Sonora’s determination that
the shipper is not creditworthy and provide the shipper recourse
to
challenge the findings. [Text ¶
34].
|
5.
|
Incorporate
matrix identifying language in Tariff that complies with NAESB
creditworthiness standards. [Text ¶
35].
|
6.
|
Complies
with Order 587-S and NAESB requirements in effect at the time of
filing. [Text ¶ 36].
|
7.
|
Includes
cross-reference matrix for all NAESB requirements. [Text ¶
37]
|
8.
|
Awards
reservation credits in force majeure situations. [Text
¶ 39].
|
9.
|
Incorporates
the tariff changes listed in Appendix A to the certificate
order.
|
VII
|
Within
10 days after construction completed and service
commenced:
|
|
a.
|
File
a written notice under oath of such completion and commencement
date. [Ordering Paragraph (E)(2) referencing §
157.20(c)(2)].
|
VIII Within
6 months after construction completed:
|
a.
|
File
a statement detailing the actual cost information required
by §
157.20(c)(3) of FERC’s Regs. Ordering Paragraph (E) referencing
§ 157.20(c)(3) of FERC’s
Regs.].
|
IX
|
Within
3 years of the in-service date, file either a cost and revenue
study or a
Section 4 rate change filing. [Text ¶
30].
|
FEDERAL
ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20426
OFFICE OF ENERGY PROJECTS | In Reply Refer To: |
|
OEP/DG2E/Gas
Branch 1
|
|
Sonora
Pipeline, LLC
|
|
Xxxxxx
Hub Export/Import Project
|
|
Docket
Nos. CP07-74-000, et al
|
|
August
27, 2007
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, III
Ross,
Marsh, and Xxxxxx
0000
X
Xxxxxx, XX, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Re: Extension
of Time to File Initial Implementation Plan
Dear
Xx.
Xxxxxx:
I
approve Sonora Pipeline, LLC’s
(Sonora) request filed on August 17, 2007, for an extension of time for filing
its initial Implementation Plan required by condition 7 of the Commission’s
November 10, 2007 Order Issuing Certificate (Order), to a date sixty days
prior
to commencement of construction. Sonora requests the extension due to
a delay in its planned construction dates.
I
remind
you that Sonora must comply with all applicable terms and conditions of the
Order in the above-referenced docket.
Sincerely,
Signed
MJB 8/27/07
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxx, Chief
Gas
Branch 1, Division of Gas - Environment and Engineering
cc: Public
File, Docket Nos. CP07-74-000, et al.
All
Parties
Xxxxx
X.
Xxxxx
Sonora
Pipeline, LLC
0000
Xxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxx. 0
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX
00000