PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT BETWEEN PETROHUNTER HEAVY OIL LTD. AND PEARL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION LTD. EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2007
EXHIBIT
10.1
PURCHASE
AND SALE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
PETROHUNTER
HEAVY OIL LTD. AND PEARL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
LTD.
EFFECTIVE
OCTOBER 1, 2007
Between
PETROHUNTER
HEAVY OIL LTD.
and
PEARL
EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION LTD.
EFFECTIVE
OCTOBER 1, 2007
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE
I DEFINITIONS
|
1
|
ARTICLE
II PURCHASE AND SALE
|
6
|
2.1 Purchase
and Sale
|
6
|
2.2 Assets
|
6
|
2.3 Effective
Time
|
8
|
ARTICLE
III PURCHASE PRICE
|
8
|
3.1 Total
Purchase Price
|
8
|
3.2 Adjustments
to Initial Purchase Price
|
10
|
ARTICLE
IV BUYER’S INSPECTION
|
11
|
4.1 Access
to Records
|
11
|
4.2 Disclaimer
|
11
|
4.3 Access
to the Assets
|
11
|
ARTICLE
TITLE MATTERS
|
12
|
5.1 Definitions
|
12
|
5.2 Unit
Holdback
|
14
|
5.3 Interest
Additions
|
15
|
5.4 Dispute
Resolution
|
16
|
5.5 Condemnation
and Eminent Domain
|
16
|
5.6 Preferential
Rights and Consents
|
16
|
5.7 Exclusive
Remedies
|
17
|
ARTICLE
VI ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
|
17
|
6.1 As-Is
Where-Is Purchase
|
17
|
6.2 Initial
Purchase Price Adjustments for Environmental Defects
|
17
|
6.3 Exclusive
Remedies
|
20
|
ARTICLE
VII SELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS
|
20
|
7.1 Corporate
Representations
|
20
|
7.2 Seller’s
Representations with Respect to the Assets
|
21
|
ARTICLE
VII BUYER’S REPRESENTATIONS
|
27
|
8.1 Organization
and Standing
|
27
|
8.2 Power
|
27
|
8.3 Authorization
and Enforceability
|
27
|
8.4 Liability
for Brokers’ Fees
|
27
|
8.5 Litigation
|
27
|
8.6 No
Bankruptcy
|
27
|
8.7 Financial
Resources
|
27
|
8.8 Buyer’s
Evaluation
|
27
|
8.9 Canadian
Securities Matters
|
28
|
ARTICLE
IX COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
|
29
|
9.1 Covenants
and Agreements of Seller
|
29
|
9.2 Covenants
and Agreements of Buyer
|
31
|
9.3 Covenants
and Agreements of the Parties
|
33
|
i
ARTICLE
X TAX MATTERS
|
33
|
10.1 Apportionment
of Tax Liability
|
33
|
10.2 Sales
Taxes
|
34
|
10.3 Survival
|
34
|
ARTICLE
XI CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING
|
34
|
11.1 Seller’s
Conditions Precedent
|
34
|
11.2 Buyer’s
Conditions Precedent
|
36
|
ARTICLE
XII RIGHT OF TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
|
38
|
12.1 Termination
|
38
|
12.2 Liabilities
Upon Termination
|
39
|
ARTICLE
XIII CLOSING
|
39
|
13.1 Date
of Closing
|
39
|
13.2 Time
and Place of Closing
|
39
|
13.3 Closing
Obligations
|
39
|
ARTICLE
XIV POST-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS
|
40
|
14.1 Post-Closing
Adjustments
|
40
|
14.2 Records
|
40
|
14.3 Proceeds
and Invoices For Property Expenses Received After the Final Settlement
Date
|
41
|
14.4 Further
Assurances
|
41
|
14.5 Survival
|
41
|
ARTICLE
XV ASSUMPTION AND RETENTION OF OBLIGATIONS AND
INDEMNIFICATION
|
41
|
15.1 Buyer’s
Assumption of Liabilities and Obligations
|
41
|
15.2 Seller’s
Retention of Liabilities and Obligations
|
41
|
15.3 Indemnification
|
42
|
15.4 Procedure
|
42
|
15.5 No
Insurance; Subrogation
|
43
|
15.6 Reservation
as to Non-Parties
|
44
|
ARTICLE
XVI MISCELLANEOUS
|
44
|
16.1 Expenses
|
44
|
16.2 Notices
|
44
|
16.3 Amendments
|
45
|
16.4 Assignment
|
45
|
16.5 Announcements
|
45
|
16.6 Confidentiality
Agreement
|
45
|
16.7 Confidentiality
|
45
|
16.8 Counterparts
|
45
|
16.9 Governing
Law
|
45
|
16.10 Entire
Agreement
|
46
|
16.11 Binding
Effect
|
46
|
16.12 Survival
|
46
|
16.13 No
Third-Party Beneficiaries
|
46
|
ii
EXHIBIT LIST
EXHIBIT
A Leases
EXHIBIT
B Xxxxx
EXHIBIT
C Facilities
EXHIBIT
D Material
Agreements
EXHIBIT
E Preferential
Purchase Rights and Required Consents
EXHIBIT
F Form
of Assignment, Xxxx of Sale and Conveyance
EXHIBIT
F-1 Form
of Assignment of Oil and Gas Leases
EXHIBIT
G Capital
Projects
iii
THIS
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into this 2nd day
of November, 2007, but effective October 1, 2007 (the “Effective Date”), by and
between PetroHunter Heavy Oil Ltd. (“Seller”), and Pearl Exploration and
Production Ltd. (“Buyer”). Seller and Buyer may be referred to
individually as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties.”
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
1.1. “Aggregate
Adjustment” means the aggregate of the Environmental Defect Adjustment and
the Interest Addition Adjustment.
1.2. “Aggregate
Defect Threshold” has the meaning set forth 5.1(c).
1.3. “Agreement”
means this Purchase and Sale Agreement.
1.4. “Allocated
Value” means $1,500 per net acre, with respect to the Fiddler Creek Property
only.
1.5. “Applicable
Securities Laws” means, in reference to a jurisdiction, the securities
legislation of such jurisdiction, and the regulations, rules, orders made and
forms prescribed thereunder together with all applicable policy statements,
instruments, blanket orders and rulings issued by the applicable Securities
Commission thereunder.
1.6. "Assets"
has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
1.7. ”Assignee”
shall mean Pearl Montana Exploration and Production Ltd., a Nevada corporation
or such other wholly-owned subsidiary of the Buyer to whom the Buyer may
determine to assign this Agreement.
1.8. “Assumed
Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.
1.9. “Authorization”
means, with respect to any Person, any order, permit, approval, consent,
acknowledgement, waiver, license or similar authorization of any Governmental
Authority having jurisdiction over the Person.
1.10. “business
day” means a date on which banks are open for the transaction of business in
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx xxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx.
1.11. “Buyer”
means Pearl Exploration and Production Ltd., a company existing under the
federal laws of Canada.
1.12. "Capital
Projects" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).
1.13. “CBCA”
means the Canada Business Corporations Act.
1.14. “Claim”
has the meaning set forth in Section 15.4(d).
1.15. "Claim
Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 15.4(c).
1.16. "Closing"
has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1.
1.17. "Closing
Amount" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).
1.18. "Closing
Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1.
1.19. “Common
Shares” means the common shares in the capital of the Buyer.
1.20. "Defensible
Title" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a).
1.21. “Dollar”
or “$” means, unless otherwise indicated, lawful money of the United States
of America.
1.22. “ECA”
means Energy Corporation of America.
1.23. “ECA
Agreement” means that certain Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement between ECA,
Westech Energy Corporation, and MAB, dated August 1, 2006, subsequently assigned
to Seller pursuant to that certain agreement between MAB and Seller, dated
September 15, 2006.
1.24. “ECA
Expiry Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b).
1.25. “ECA
Holdback Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(c).
1.26. “ECA
Leases” means the Leases with respect to those Lands subject to the ECA
Agreement.
1.27. “Effective
Date” has the meaning first captioned above.
1.28. "Effective
Time" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.
1.29. “Encumbrance”
means any mortgage, charge, easement, encroachment, lien, adverse claim,
assignment by way of security, security interest, servitude, pledge,
hypothecation, conditional sale agreement, security agreement, net profit
interest, area of mutual interest agreement, title retention agreement,
financing statement, royalty, imperfection of title, title exemption, title
defect, right of possession or other encumbrance.
1.30. “Environmental
Consultant” means a third party environmental consultant selected by Buyer
and approved by Seller, which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
1.31. “Environmental
Defect” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(a).
1.32. "Environmental
Defect Adjustment" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(g).
1.33. “Environmental
Defect Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(b).
1.34. “Environmental
Defect Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(e).
1.35. “Environmental
Defect Notice Date” has the meaning set forth in Section
6.2(b).
1.36. "Environmental
Defects Threshold" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(a).
2
1.37. “Environmental
Holdback Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section
6.2(d)(1).
1.38. “Environmental
Law” means any Law in effect on or before the Effective Date relating to the
control of any pollutant or protection of the air, water, land, or environment
or the release or disposal of hazardous materials, hazardous substances or
waste
materials.
1.39. “Escrow
Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
1.40. “Exchange”
means the TSX Venture Exchange.
1.41. "Facilities"
has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).
1.42. ”Fiddler
Creek Area” means Townships 5 and 6 South, Ranges 15 through 18 East
(inclusive), in the State of Montana.
1.43. “Fiddler
Creek Property” means those Leases identified in Exhibit A as being a part
of the Fiddler Creek Property.
1.44. "Final
Initial Purchase Price" has the meaning set forth in Section
14.1(a).
1.45. "Final
Settlement Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 14.1(a).
1.46. “Final
Settlement Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section
14.1(a).
1.47. “Governmental
Authority” means any federal, provincial, state, municipal, county or
regional governmental or quasi-governmental authority, domestic or foreign,
and
includes any ministry, department, court, tribunal, arbitral body, commission,
bureau, board administrative or other agency or regulatory body or
instrumentality thereof, any quasi-governmental body or private body exercising
regulatory, expropriation or taxing authority under or for the
account, if any, of the foregoing and any stock exchange or self-regulatory
authority.
1.48. “Holdback
Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
1.49. “Hydrocarbons”
has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).
1.50. "Indemnified
Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 15.4(c).
1.51. "Indemnifying
Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 15.4(c).
1.52. “Individual
Defect Threshold” has the meaning set forth 5.1(c).
1.53. "Initial
Purchase Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a).
1.54. "Interest
Addition" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.
1.55. “Interest
Addition Adjustment” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.
1.56. "Interest
Addition Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.
1.57. “Knowledge”
means to the best knowledge of a Person, after making due inquiry and, with
respect to a Person which is not an individual, means to the best knowledge
of
each of
3
the
directors and senior officers (including without limitation, Vice President
of
Land and General Counsel) of such Person, after making due inquiry.
1.58. "Lands"
has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).
1.59. “Laws”
means, collectively, all applicable legislation, regulations, instruments,
rules, by-laws, statutes, codes, laws, ordnances, orders, judgments, decrees,
injunctions, directives, rules, consents, permits, guidelines, approvals and
policies and other regulatory instruments of any Governmental
Authority.
1.60. "Leases"
has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).
1.61. "Losses"
means any actual losses, costs, expenses (including court costs, reasonable
fees
and expenses of attorneys, technical experts and expert witnesses and the cost
of investigation), liabilities, damages, demands, suits, claims, and sanctions
of every kind and character (including civil fines) arising from, related
directly or indirectly or reasonably incident to matters indemnified against;
excluding however any special, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages,
loss of profits incurred by a Party hereto (other than such losses which an
Indemnified Party is obligated to pay to a third party in connection with an
indemnified claim).
1.62. “MAB”
means MAB Resources LLC.
1.63. “Material
Adverse Effect” when used in connection with an entity means any change
(including a decision to implement such a change made by the board of directors
or by senior management who believe that confirmation of the decision by the
board of directors is probable), event, violation, inaccuracy, circumstance
or
effect that is materially adverse to the business, assets (including intangible
assets), liabilities, capitalization, ownership, financial condition or results
of operations of such entity on a consolidated basis or would materially
interfere with the ability of such entity to perform its obligations under
this
Agreement and any ancillary agreement contemplated herein.
1.64. "Material
Agreements" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(d).
1.65. “Material
Change” has the meaning given to such term in the Securities
Act.
1.66. “Misrepresentation”
means a misrepresentation as defined in the Securities Act.
1.67. “NI
45-106” means National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus and Registration
Exemptions.
1.68. "NRI"
means with respect to any Lease, an interest (expressed as a percentage or
decimal fraction) in and to all Hydrocarbons produced and saved from or
attributable to the Lands covered by such Lease, after giving effect to all
royalties, overriding royalties and other burdens upon, measured by, or payable
out of production therefrom.
1.69. “Offering
Jurisdictions” means, collectively, the Province of Alberta and the United
States of America.
1.70. “Offered
Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b).
1.71. “Performance
Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(c).
4
1.72. "Permitted
Encumbrances" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
1.73. “Person”
means a natural person, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability
partnership, corporation, limited liability corporation, unlimited liability
company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture
or other entity or Governmental Authority, and pronouns that have a similarly
extended meaning.
1.74. "Preliminary
Settlement Statement" has the meaning set forth in Section
3.2(a).
1.75. "Property
Expenses" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(b).
1.76. "Records"
has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(e).
1.77. “Regulation
D” means Regulation D as promulgated under the 1933 Act.
1.78. “Regulations
S” means Regulation S as promulgated under the 0000 Xxx.
1.79.
“Remediation” means actions taken to correct an Environmental Defect in
order to conform in all material respects with Environmental Laws and as
recommended in writing by an Environmental Consultant.
1.80.
“Remediation Costs” means the costs or estimates thereof, to remediate a
particular Environmental Defect, as estimated in writing by an Environmental
Consultant.
1.81. “Reporting
Jurisdictions” means collectively the provinces of British Columbia and
Alberta.
1.82. "Required
Consents" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6.
1.83. “Retained
Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.2.
1.84. “Retained
Litigation Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in
Section 15.2.
1.85. “Securities
Act” means the Securities Act (Alberta) as amended.
1.86. “Securities
Commissions” means collectively, the applicable securities commission or
regulatory authority in each of the Offering Jurisdictions.
1.87. “Seller”
means PetroHunter Heavy Oil Ltd., a corporation existing under the laws of
the
State of Nevada.
1.88. "Taxes"
has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.
1.89. “Title
Defect Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(b).
1.90. ”Title
Defect Notice Date” has the meaning set forth in Section
5.2(b).
1.91. "Title
Defect" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(c).
1.92. "Title
Defect Value" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(d).
1.93. “Total
Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
5
1.94. “Transfer
Agent” means Computershare Investor Services Inc., in its capacity as
transfer agent and registrar of the Buyer at its principal offices in Calgary,
Alberta.
1.95. “Unit
Agreement” means the Unit Agreement of the Development and Operation of the
Fiddler Creek Unit Area, County of Stillwater, Montana, in the form approved
by
the Bureau of Land Management in its letter to Seller, dated October 29, 2007,
together with the Unit Operating Agreement related thereto to be entered into
by
Seller.
1.96. “Unit
Well” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(a)(3).
1.97. "Xxxxx"
has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).
1.98. "WI"
means with respect to any Lease, a working interest (expressed as a percentage
or decimal fraction) in and to such Lease and all rights and obligations of
every kind and character appurtenant thereto, or arising therefrom, without
regard to any royalties, overriding royalties or other encumbrances or charges
against production therefrom, insofar as such interest is burdened with the
obligations to bear and pay costs and expenses attributable to the maintenance,
development and operation of the Lands covered by such Lease.
1.99. “1933
Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933 as
amended.
ARTICLE
II
PURCHASE
AND SALE
2.1 Purchase
and Sale. In
consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and warranties contained herein,
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, the Seller agrees to sell the Assets to Buyer and
Buyer
agrees to purchase the Assets from the Seller, pursuant to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.
2.2 Assets.
As
used
herein, the term “Assets” refers to all of Seller’s right, title and interest in
and to the following:
(a) (i)
The oil, gas and mineral leases, other fee interests, royalty interests,
overriding royalty interests, and other leasehold interests specifically
described in Exhibit A (the “Leases”), (ii) the oil, gas and all other
hydrocarbons and minerals (including but not limited to coalbed methane) and
other products and byproducts (collectively referred to herein as
“Hydrocarbons”) attributable to the Leases and the lands covered thereby (the
“Lands”) including any Hydrocarbons extracted from the Lands from and after the
Effective Time, (iii) the Lands, and (iv) to the extent transferable, all
contract rights and interests associated with the Leases and Hydrocarbons,
thereon.
(b) The
oil and gas xxxxx located on the Leases or Lands or on lands pooled or unitized
therewith, including any xxxxx in progress that have been spudded, if any,
specifically including, without limitation, the xxxxx described in Exhibit
B
(collectively, the “Xxxxx”), and the gathering lines, pipelines, tanks,
separation equipment, processing plants, and property associated therewith,
including those specifically described in Exhibit C (collectively, the
“Facilities”), together with all injection and disposal xxxxx on the Lands or on
lands pooled or unitized
therewith, and all real property, personal property, equipment, fixtures,
improvements, permits, rights-of-way, easements, licenses and site leases used
or held for use in connection with the production, separation, gathering,
treatment, processing, storing, transporting, sale or
6
disposal
of Hydrocarbons or water produced from the properties and interests described
in
this Section 2.2 including, without limitation, all equipment installed,
or in
the process of being installed, on the Xxxxx and Facilities as of the Effective
Time.
(c) The
unitization, pooling and communitization agreements, declarations and orders,
and the units created thereby and all other such agreements relating to the
properties and interests described in this Section 2.2 and to the production
of
Hydrocarbons, if any, attributable to said properties and
interests.
(d) Subject
to Section 11.2(k), all existing and effective sales, purchase, exchange,
gathering, transportation and processing contracts, operating agreements,
balancing agreements, farmout agreements, service agreements, exploration
agreements, surface leases, permits and licenses, surface use agreements, other
surface rights, subsurface use agreements, and other contracts, agreements
and
instruments, insofar as they relate to the properties and interests described
in
this Section 2.2, including without limitation, the material agreements
described in Exhibit D (the “Material Agreements”).
(e) All
the files, records and data maintained by Seller and relating to the interests
described in this Section 2.2 (including without limitation, all engineering
files, lease files, land files, well files, drilling reports, files relating
to
the Material Agreements, division order files, abstracts and title opinions
and
copies of applicable accounting records and copies of all land, geological,
geophysical data, maps and interpretations), but only to the extent not subject
to unaffiliated third party contractual restrictions on disclosure or transfer
and only to the extent related to the Assets or the mapping/evaluation of the
Assets (the “Records”). To the extent the Buyer must obtain
permission and/or pay a licensing fee to a third party to have access to the
data, the Buyer and the Seller will cooperate to obtain the same, at the Buyer’s
sole expense.
2.3 Transfer
of ECA Assets
(a) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Buyer will not be required to
acquire any of the ECA Leases or any of the Xxxxx located on lands covered
by
the ECA Leases or any other Assets related exclusively thereto
(collectively, the ECA Leases, such Xxxxx and such other Assets
are referred to as the "ECA Assets") until such time at or after
Closing as ECA has agreed to an amendment to the ECA Agreement in form and
content satisfactory to Buyer. If at Closing no such amendment has been
entered into then the ECA Assets shall not be transferred to Buyer at Closing
and, pending transfer of the ECA Assets, the Total Purchase Price will be
reduced by the amount of US$6,583,030, with the total number of Offered Shares
being reduced by 960,025 shares (the "ECA Shares"), and the Performance Payment
being reduced by US$2,742,929.09 (to
US$9,757,070.91). In the event the ECA Assets
are not transferred to Buyer at Closing, any adjustments to the Initial Purchase
Price that would otherwise be required by Section 3.2 shall not be made at
Closing but shall instead be applied at the time at which the ECA Assets are
actually transferred, and the number of ECA Shares issuable at such time shall
be adjusted accordingly, with each ECA Share being deemed to have a value of
US$4.00.
(b) From
the date hereof until the date six months from the date of this Agreement (the
“ECA Expiry Date”), Buyer shall provide Seller with regular and timely updates
as to the status of its negotiations with ECA. Upon Buyer and ECA entering
into an agreement with
respect to the ECA Leases or upon the ECA Agreement otherwise being amended,
in
either case in form and content satisfactory to Buyer, Buyer shall so advise
Seller in writing and
7
Buyer
and
Seller will proceed expeditiously to transfer the ECA Assets from Seller
to
Buyer and each of the parties shall take all such actions as are necessary
to
effect such transfer.
(c) Concurrently
with the transfer referred to in Section 2.3(b), the amount of the Performance
Payment shall be re-adjusted to $12,500,000 and Buyer will issue share
certificates registered in Seller's name representing the ECA Shares, of which
an aggregate of 551,001 ECA Shares (plus or minus the amount of any
adjustment pursuant to Section 2.3(a)) shall be delivered to Seller and the
remaining 409,024 ECA Shares (the "ECA Holdback Shares") will be delivered
to
the Escrow Agent. The ECA Holdback Shares will be held in escrow by the
Escrow Agent and may be released from escrow under the same terms as
provided in Section 5.2, mutatis mutandis, provided that for purposes of this
Section 2.3(b): (1) the term "Holdback Shares" shall be deemed to refer to
the
ECA Holdback Shares; (2) the term "Lands" shall refer to the lands
covered by the ECA Leases; (3) the Closing shall be deemed to have occurred
on the date on which the ECA Assets were transferred to Buyer hereunder; and
(4)
the term "Aggregate Defect Threshold" shall be deemed to mean
US$200,000.
(d) In
the event that Seller no longer holds an interest to the ECA Assets prior to
the
ECA Expiry Date and Buyer instead enters into a binding agreement to acquire
the
ECA Leases from ECA prior to the ECA Expiry Date, then Section 2.3(c) will
apply
regardless of the fact that Buyer did not acquire the ECA Assets directly from
the Seller, Buyer shall issue the ECA Shares and the Performance Payment shall
be re-adjusted in exchange for which Seller shall concurrently transfer to
Buyer
any remaining ECA Assets to which it holds title. For greater
certainty, in the event that Buyer does not enter into a binding agreement
to
acquire the ECA Leases from ECA prior to the ECA Expiry Date, Section 2.3(c)
shall not apply, the ECA Shares will not be issued and the Performance Payment
shall not be re-adjusted.
2.4 Effective
Time. The
purchase and sale of the Assets shall be effective at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time
on the Effective Date (the “Effective Time”).
ARTICLE
III
PURCHASE
PRICE
3.1 Total
Purchase Price. Subject
to adjustment as set forth herein and subject to the Performance Payment
becoming due and payable, the total purchase price for the Assets shall be
thirty million dollars (US$30,000,000) comprised of the Initial Purchase Price,
the Offered Shares, and the Performance Payment, as set forth below (the “Total
Purchase Price”):
(a) Initial
Purchase Price. A cash payment in the amount of seven million
five hundred thousand dollars (US$7,500,000) (subject to adjustments pursuant
to
Section 3.2), payable upon the Closing (the “Initial Purchase
Price”).
(b) Offered
Shares. A payment in kind consisting of 2,500,000 Common
Shares which the parties hereto agree have a deemed value equal to US$4.00
per
share and ten million dollars (US$10,000,000) in the aggregate (the “Offered
Shares”). Seller acknowledges
that these shares will be subject to a four month hold period under Applicable
Securities Laws in Canada during which the Seller shall not sell or dispose
of
the shares except in accordance with Applicable Securities
Laws. Seller further acknowledges that a certain number of Offered
Shares might become subject to Sections 2.3, 5.2 and/or 6.2, thereby resulting
in a reduction in the number of Offered Shares which become due and payable
to
Seller at Closing or a reduction in the number of Offered Shares which become
due after Closing, in which event the term “Offered Shares” will be amended
accordingly.
8
(c) Performance
Payment.
(1) A
cash payment in the amount of $9,757,070.91 (or twelve million five hundred
thousand dollars (US$12,500,000) in the event that Buyer enters into a binding
agreement to acquire the ECA Leases prior to the ECA Expiry Date), payable
within fifteen (15) days after the earlier to occur of: (i) production from
the
Assets reaching 5,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day; or (ii) Buyer receiving
a completed reserve report indicating that proven reserves on the Lands equal
or
exceed fifty million barrels of oil equivalent, as certified by a third party
reserve engineer selected by the Buyer at its sole discretion and subject to
the
provisions of Section 3.1(c)(2) and (3), below (with said payment referred
to
herein as the “Performance Payment”). The Buyer shall provide Seller
with a copy of any and all completed reserve reports (in final form only)
prepared by any third party reserve engineer pertaining to the Lands, within
ten
(10) days after Buyer’s receipt thereof.
(2) For
purposes of this Section 3.1(c), the Buyer shall proceed with the evaluation
and
development of the Assets in such manner and at such times which it sees fit,
in
its sole direction, provided that any evaluation or development which Buyer
elects to proceed with shall be conducted in accordance with industry
standards. For greater certainty, the Parties agree that there are no
implied covenants on the Buyer to develop the Assets or to produce Hydrocarbons
therefrom. Until the Performance Payment is paid in full or the
obligations of Buyer under this Section 3.1(c) have expired, Buyer shall provide
to Seller (A) a written statement of average daily production from the Assets
commencing 90 days after the Closing, and quarterly thereafter, and (B) a third
party reserve engineer report pertaining to the Lands prepared by a third party
reserve engineer selected by Buyer at its sole discretion, to be provided to
Seller annually concurrently with filing of such report by Buyer with the
Alberta Securities Commission. Seller shall have the right to review
Buyer’s books and records pertaining to the Assets, in Buyer’s offices during
normal business hours and, in the event that Seller’s engineers believe in good
faith that the threshold set out above has been met or exceeded, to require
Buyer obtain a third party reserve engineer report (in addition to the annual
report referred to in subparagraph (B) above) prepared by a third party reserve
engineer selected by Buyer at its sole discretion in either case, once annually
up to the time the Performance Payment is made in full or the obligations of
Buyer under this Section 3.1(c)(2) have expired. The third party
reserve engineer shall be a person or entity generally regarded by other oil
and
gas industry reserve engineers as reputable and competent. The
determination of the third party reserve engineer appointed pursuant to Sections
3.1(c)(1) and 3.1(c)(2) shall be final and determinative of the quantum of
the
proven reserves as of the date of such determination, and shall be based on
all
actual objective data available to Buyer at the time of such
determination. In the event that the performance targets have not
been achieved within three (3) years after the Effective Date of this Agreement,
the Performance Payment obligations of Buyer hereunder shall expire and the
Total Purchase Price shall be reduced accordingly.
(3) Buyer’s
obligation to make the Performance Payment shall survive the Closing and shall
constitute a covenant enforceable against Buyer irrespective of any subsequent
disposition by Buyer of any of the Assets. That is, the daily
production and proven reserves attributable to all the Assets, as described
in
Exhibit A, shall be calculated on a cumulative basis for the purpose of
determining whether the Performance Payment is due, regardless of the ownership
of the Assets at the time that one or both of the thresholds are
met. For greater certainty, the obligations in this Section 3.1(c)(3)
do not burden or otherwise run with the Assets or any of the Lands comprising
a
part of the Assets and, after Closing, Buyer may sell, transfer, assign or
9
otherwise
dispose of the Assets or any part of them to any other party free and clear
of
such obligations, provided that Buyer may not sell, transfer, assign or
otherwise dispose of any Assets unless Buyer obtains a covenant from the
transferee thereof to provide Buyer with the information and reports referred
to
in Section 3.1(c)(2) and Buyer agrees to continue to provide such information
and reports to Seller in accordance with Section 3.1(c)(2) notwithstanding
such
sale, transfer, assignment or disposal. If Buyer assigns all or any
rights and obligations under this Agreement pursuant to Section 16.4 before
Closing, or if Buyer sells, transfers, assigns or otherwise disposes of all
or
any portion of the Assets to an affiliate or subsidiary of Buyer at any time
after Closing, then both Buyer and such transferee shall be bound by the
obligations contained in this Section 3.1(c)(3).
3.2 Adjustments
to Initial Purchase Price. All
adjustments to the Initial Purchase Price shall be made according to the factors
described in this Section 3.2, in accordance with United States generally
accepted accounting principles as consistently applied in the oil and gas
industry, and without duplication.
(a) Preliminary
Settlement Statement. The Initial Purchase Price shall be
adjusted at Closing pursuant to a preliminary settlement statement (the
“Preliminary Settlement Statement”) prepared by Seller and submitted to Buyer
prior to or at Closing for Buyer’s comment and review. Prior to
Closing, the Seller shall provide Buyer wire transfer instructions for payment
of the Initial Purchase Price, and the Parties shall agree upon the Preliminary
Settlement Statement. The Preliminary Settlement Statement shall set
forth the amount to be paid at Closing, including all adjustments to the Initial
Purchase Price and associated calculations, adjusted as provided in this
Agreement using reasonable estimates if actual numbers are not available (the
“Closing Amount”).
(b) Property
Expenses. The term “Property Expenses” shall mean all
capital expenses, operating expenses, joint interest xxxxxxxx, lease operating
expenses, lease rental and maintenance costs, royalties, Taxes (as defined
and
apportioned as of the Effective Time pursuant to Article X), drilling expenses
(including all expenses related to drilling the Unit Well), completion expenses,
workover expenses, geological, geophysical and any other exploration,
development or maintenance expenditures chargeable under applicable operating
agreements or other agreements consistent with the standards established by
the
Council of Petroleum Accountant Societies of North America that are attributable
to the Assets prior to the Effective Time or after the Effective Time, as
applicable, but shall not include any of Seller’s general and administrative
expenses to the extent not chargeable under applicable operating
agreements.
(c) Upward
Adjustments. The Initial Purchase Price shall be adjusted
upward by:
(1) An
amount equal to all direct and actual expenses attributable to the Assets,
including, without limitation, the Property Expenses, paid by or on behalf
of
Seller that are attributable to the period after the Effective
Time;
(2) To
the extent not covered in the preceding paragraph, an amount equal to all
prepaid expenses attributable to the Assets during the period of time occurring
after the Effective Time that were paid by or on behalf of Seller, including
without limitation, prepaid rental charges and utility charges, but excluding
paid up lease rentals;
(3) In
the event that the Interest Addition Adjustment exceeds the Environmental Defect
Adjustment, an amount equal to the Aggregate Adjustment, but only to the extent
the Aggregate Adjustment amount exceeds five percent of the Total Purchase
Price
prior to adjustment pursuant to Section 3.2;
10
(4) Any
other amount as may be agreed to in writing by Buyer and Seller;
and
(d) Downward
Adjustments. The Initial Purchase Price shall be adjusted
downward by:
(1) The
amount of all direct and actual expenses attributable to the Assets, including,
without limitation, the Property Expenses, that are attributable to the period
prior to the Effective Time;
(2) In
the event the Environmental Defect Adjustment exceeds the Interest Addition
Adjustment, an amount equal to the Aggregate Adjustment, but only to the extent
the Aggregate Adjustment amount exceeds five percent of the Total Purchase
Price
prior to adjustment pursuant to Section 3.2;
(3) An
amount equal to the value of Assets excluded from the Closing pursuant to
Section 5.6; and
(4) Any
other amount as may be agreed to in writing by Buyer and Seller.
ARTICLE
IV
BUYER’S
INSPECTION
4.1 Access
to Records. From
and
after the date hereof until Closing and subject to Sections 9.3(a) and (b),
Seller and its agents and representatives will make the Records, and any other
information relating directly to the Seller’s ownership and operation of the
Assets in Seller’s possession, available to Buyer and its agents and
representatives for inspection and review during normal business hours to permit
Buyer to perform its due diligence review. Buyer may inspect and copy
the Records, at its sole expense, and such additional information only to the
extent such inspection does not violate any contractual commitment of Seller
to
a third party.
4.2 Disclaimer. Except
for the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, Seller
makes
no warranty or representation of any kind as to the Records and the Assets,
or
any information provided by Seller to the Buyer prior to the Effective Date,
or
any information contained therein. Buyer agrees that any conclusions
drawn from the Records and from any information provided by Seller to Buyer
prior to the Effective Date shall be the result of its own independent review
and judgment.
4.3 Access
to the Assets. To the extent that Seller is legally able, Seller
agrees to grant Buyer and its agents and representatives access to the Assets
during reasonable business hours, so Buyer may conduct, at its sole risk and
expense, on-site inspections and environmental assessments of the
Assets. If Buyer or its agents prepares an environmental assessment
of any Asset, Buyer agrees to keep such assessment confidential for a period
of
three years following the Effective Date in the event the Parties are not able
to effect a Closing of this Agreement. In connection with any on-site
inspections, Buyer (i) agrees not to interfere with the normal operation of
the
Assets, and (ii) agrees to comply with all requirements of the operators of
the
Assets. Buyer waives, releases and agrees to indemnify Seller, and
its directors, officers, shareholders, members, employees, agents and
representatives against all liabilities and obligations, including without
limitation, personal injury, death and/or property damage, arising from Buyer’s
activities on the Assets except to the extent such liabilities or
11
damages
are caused by Seller’s negligence or willful misconduct. The
provisions of this Section shall survive Closing and termination of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE
V
TITLE
MATTERS
5.1 Definitions.
(a) Defensible
Title. “Defensible Title” means such recorded title to the Assets
that, subject to and except for Permitted Encumbrances: (i) entitles Seller
to
receive and retain, without suspension, reduction or termination, not less
than
the NRI in the Assets as set forth on Exhibits A and B through the economic
life
of such Assets (assuming termination of those interests required to be
terminated in accordance with Sections 11.2(k) and (l)); (ii) obligates the
Seller to bear costs and expenses relating to the maintenance, development,
operation and the production of Hydrocarbons from the Assets as described on
Exhibits A and B through the economic life of such Asset in an amount not
greater than WI set forth in Exhibits A and B for each Asset through the
economic life of such Asset (assuming termination of those interests required
to
be terminated in accordance with Sections 11.2(k) and (l)); (iii) is free and
clear of Title Defects; and (iv) is not subject to any Required Consent which
has not been obtained with respect to transfer to Buyer pursuant to this
Agreement or to any right of first refusal or other preferential right which
has
not been waived by the holder thereof with respect to transfer to Buyer pursuant
to this Agreement.
(b) Permitted
Encumbrances. “Permitted Encumbrances” means:
(1) lessors’
royalties, overriding royalties, net profits interests, production payments,
reversionary interests and similar burdens (payable or in suspense) as set forth
in Exhibits A and B (other than such as are required to be terminated in
accordance with Section 11.2(k) and (l));
(2) liens
for Taxes, or similar assessments not yet due and delinquent or, if delinquent,
that are being contested in good faith in the normal course of business and
if
so required by statute, for which a bond has been posted;
(3) all
required notices, consents, actions, or filings with any governmental agency
related to conveyance of the applicable Asset, if the same are customarily
obtained after Closing;
(4) rights
of reassignment to third parties upon the surrender or expiration of any
Lease;
(5) easements
(including but not limited to conservation easements and set-asides),
rights-of-way, servitudes, permits, surface leases, permits and licenses,
surface use agreements and other surface rights on or over the Assets or any
restrictions on access thereto that do not materially interfere with the
operation or value of the affected Asset;
(6) the
terms and conditions of the Material Agreements that do not operate to reduce
the NRI below that set forth in Exhibits A and B or increase the WI to greater
than the WI set forth in Exhibits A and B (in each case, assuming termination
of
those interests required to be terminated in accordance with Section 11.2(k)
and
(l)); and
12
(7) materialmen’s,
mechanics’, operators’ or other similar liens arising in the ordinary course of
business incidental to operation of the Assets (i) if such liens and charges
have not been filed pursuant to law and the time for filing such liens and
charges has expired, or (ii) if their validity is being contested in good faith
by appropriate action.
(c) Title
Defect. “Title Defect” means any Encumbrance, claim upon, defect
in or objection to property title to an individual Lease within the Fiddler
Creek Property only. Buyer shall not have the right or ability to
claim the existence of any Title Defects other than with respect to the Fiddler
Creek Property. The “Individual Defect Threshold” shall be
US$30,000 for each Lease individually, and the “Aggregate
Defect Threshold” shall be US$1,000,000 for Title Defects applicable to Leases
in the aggregate. For greater certainty, for example, if there are
Title Defects totaling US$25,000 applicable to Lease #1 and Title Defects
totaling US$75,000 applicable to Lease #2, only Lease #2 will be included in
the
total value of Title Defects. Further, if the total amount of Title
Defects (for those Leases which meet the Individual Defect Threshold does not
reach or exceed the US$1,000,000 Aggregate Defect Threshold, there shall not
be
any adjustment to the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 5.2(b). If
the Title Defect Value of an asserted Title Defect does not reduce the value
of
the specific Lease by an amount greater than the Individual Defect Threshold
or,
together with the Title Defect Value of other Title Defects with respect to
all
Leases, by an amount greater than the Aggregate Defect Threshold, the Buyer
will
be deemed to have Defensible Title for such Lease, notwithstanding such Title
Defect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall not be
considered Title Defects with respect to a specific Lease:
(1) defects
based solely on lack of information in the Seller’s files, provided that
recorded evidence in lieu of any such lacking information otherwise
exists;
(2) nominal
defects in the early chain of title, such as failure to recite marital status
or
omissions of successors of heirship or estate proceedings, unless Buyer provides
affirmative evidence that such failure or omission has resulted in another
party’s actual and superior claim of title to the relevant Asset;
(3) defects
related to mineral ownership other than oil and natural gas, condensate, and
associated gas (including coalbed methane);
(4) defects
arising out of lack of corporate or other entity authorization unless Buyer
provides affirmative evidence that the action was not authorized and results
in
another party’s actual and superior claim of title to the Asset;
and
(5) defects
that are defensible by possession under applicable statutes of limitation for
adverse possession or for prescription.
(d) Title
Defect Value. “Title Defect Value” means the amount by which the
value of a specific Asset affected by an asserted Title Defect is reduced by
such asserted Title Defect (and assuming the value of each Lease shall be
US$1500 multiplied by the number of net acres of such Lease). In
determining the Title Defect Value, the Parties intend to include only that
portion of the Lease affected by the Title Defect. The Parties shall
determine the Title Defect Value as follows:
(1) If
the Title Defect is an indebtedness secured by an Encumbrance on an Asset that
may be discharged in full by the satisfaction of such indebtedness, the Title
Defect Value shall be the total amount to discharge such indebtedness (together
with all
13
applicable
filing or regulatory fees relating to such discharge) so that such Encumbrance
no longer burdens the Asset.
(2) If
the Title Defect is an actual reduction in NRI with no change in WI, the Title
Defect Value shall be the value for the particular Lease, multiplied by a
fraction, the number of which is the actual NRI and the denominator of which
is
the NRI as set forth on Exhibits A and B.
(3) If
the Title Defect is an actual increase in WI with no proportionate increase
in
the NRI as set forth on Exhibits A and B, the Buyer will submit to Seller a
proposed Title Defect Value calculated as the difference between the value
for
such Lease and the value for such Lease recalculated as the net present value
of
the affected Lease determined by using the same economic model made by Buyer
to
determine the value of the Lease, but using instead the actual WI of the
Seller. If Buyer and Seller agree on such amount, then such amount
shall be the Title Defect Value for such Title Defect. If Buyer and
Seller are unable to agree on such amount, the Title Defect Value shall be
determined in accordance with Section 5.4, using a mutually agreed reservoir
engineer (instead of a title attorney) to make a final determination of the
Title Defect Value for such Title Defect.
(4) If
the Title Defect is not of a type described in subsections (1), (2) or (3),
then
the Title Defect Value shall be determined by the Parties in good faith, taking
into account all relevant factors, including without limitation, the value
of
the affected Lease, whether the Title Defect represents only a possibility
of
title failure and the probability that such failure will occur; and the legal
effect of the Title Defect. If Buyer and Seller are unable to agree
on such amount, the Title Defect Value shall be determined in accordance with
Section 5.4, using a mutually agreed reservoir engineer (instead of a title
attorney) to make a final determination of the Title Defect Value for such
Title
Defect.
5.2 Unit
Holdback.
(a) Unit
Holdback. Subject to Section 2.3, with respect to any and all
Lands for which Buyer has not confirmed that Seller has Defensible Title within
the Fiddler Creek Property only (the “Non-Confirmed Leases”), at Closing Buyer
shall deliver to a mutually agreed-upon escrow agent (the “Escrow Agent”)
certificates representing 592,822 Offered Shares (the “Holdback Shares”) and
said Holdback Shares shall remain in the Escrow Agent’s possession and control
pursuant to this Section 5.2. Seller shall use its best efforts to
provide Buyer with evidence as to Defensible Title to the Non-Confirmed Leases
and to cure any applicable Title Defect post-Closing. Subject to
Section 2.3, there shall not be any adjustment to the Initial Purchase Price
or
to the Total Purchase Price, or any other recourse by Buyer, for any alleged
title defect on Leases or other Assets other than the Non-Confirmed
Leases.
(b) Title
Defects Notice. Buyer
shall as soon as
reasonably possible after Closing, but no later than 30 days after Closing
(the
“Title Defect Notice Date”), give Seller written notice of asserted Title
Defects (the “Title Defect Notice”) with respect to the Non-Confirmed
Leases. In order to be validly submitted, the Title Defect Notice
must: (i) be in writing and received on or before the Title Defect Notice Date;
(ii) identify the Asset affected by such asserted Title Defect; (iii) describe
each asserted Title Defect and the basis for such assertion in reasonably
specific detail; (iv) state the Allocated Value of the affected Asset; and
(v)
state Buyer’s good faith estimate and calculation of the asserted Title Defect
Value. Upon the written request of the Seller, the Buyer shall
provide supporting documentation (to the extent such supporting documentation
is
available) to Seller within three business days, for each asserted
14
Title
Defect which shall include, but
not be limited to, (w) Buyer’s computation of the estimated Title Defect Value
and, if applicable, any curative action necessary to cure the Title Defect,
(x)
if the basis is derived from any document, a copy of such document (or pertinent
part thereof) or (y) if the basis is derived from any gap in the Seller’s chain
of title, the recorded documents preceding and following the gap, or (z)
if the
basis is not as described in clauses (x) and (y) above, then reasonable,
written
documentation. The Buyer irrevocably waives all Title Defects that
are not submitted in a timely manner or are not validly submitted. On
the Title Defect Notice Date or on the earlier submission of the Title Defect
Notice to Seller, Buyer and Seller shall direct the Escrow Agent to release
all
Holdback Shares from escrow other than a number of Holdback Shares (the
“Retained Holdback Shares”) with a value (deemed to be US$4.00 per share) equal
to the aggregate Title Defect Value set out in the Title Defect Notice, and
the
Retained Holdback Shares will continue to be held in escrow by the Escrow
Agent
pending resolution of the process outlined in this Section
5.2.
(c) Purchase
Price Adjustments for Title
Defects. Seller will provide
a
written response to Buyer’s Title Defect Notice no later than five business days
after receipt thereof, which shall include identification of any Title Defects
Seller disputes. The Final Purchase Price shall be subject to
adjustment by an amount equal to the aggregate of all Title Defect Values,
but
only to the extent each Title Defect exceeds the Individual Defect Threshold
and
the aggregate exceeds the Aggregate Defect Threshold (with such amount being
the
“Title Defect Adjustment”), unless: (i) Seller successfully contests the Title
Defect, in which case the provisions of Section 5.4 shall apply, or (ii) Seller
cures the Title Defect no later than ninety calendar days after Closing, or
(iii) Buyer agrees in writing to waive the relevant Title Defect, or (iv) Seller
elects on or before the date ninety calendar days after Closing to indemnify
Buyer against any Loss attributable to the relevant Title
Defect.
(d) Actions
to be taken after Closing. If Seller cannot cure the applicable
Title Defect within ninety days from the Closing Date (or such longer period
as
may be agreed to by the Parties), and if Buyer does not waive the Title Defect,
then Seller may substitute and assign to Buyer new Leases (obtained by Seller
after Closing within the Fiddler Creek Property) acceptable to Buyer in its
sole
discretion for all or a portion of the number of net acres which are the subject
of the applicable Title Defect. To the extent Seller does not cure
the Title Defect and Buyer does not accept said substitute Leases (if any),
for
any reason, then the Total Purchase Price will be reduced by the amount of
the
Title Defect Value applicable to such Lease, and the Parties shall instruct
the
Escrow Agent to return the applicable number of Retained Holdback Shares to
Buyer. To the extent that Seller cures the applicable Title Defect or
provides evidence satisfactory to Buyer as to Defensible Title or to the extent
Buyer accepts substitute Leases within the ninety calendar day time period
(or
such longer period as may be agreed to by the Parties), or if Buyer waives
the
Title Defect, Buyer and Seller shall instruct the Escrow Agent to deliver to
Seller the applicable number of Retained Holdback Shares. In the
event that the total value of outstanding Title Defects does not exceed the
Aggregate Defect Threshold at any time within ninety days of the Closing Date
then Seller shall be deemed to have Defensible Title to all such Leases and
Buyer and Seller shall instruct the Escrow Agent to deliver to Seller the
remaining Holdback Shares.
5.3 Interest
Additions. Promptly on discovery by Seller,
before or up to 90 days after Closing, Seller shall in good faith
notify Buyer in writing (“Interest Addition Notice”) of any lease or interest to
which Seller has Defensible Title that is located within the Fiddler Creek
Area, but is not set forth on Exhibit A, including any NRI increases without
a
proportionate change in WI, or WI decreases without a proportionate change
in
NRI (an “Interest Addition”). If on or before the last business day before
Closing, Buyer has actual knowledge of an Interest Addition, Buyer
15
shall
promptly notify Seller of same. Upon receipt of an Interest Addition
Notice or discovery by Buyer of an Interest Addition, Buyer may, in its sole
discretion, provide notice to Seller that Buyer wishes to acquire the Interest
Addition, in which case the Interest Addition shall be deemed to be a part
of
the Assets hereunder for all purposes. If any Interest Additions
become a part of the Assets prior to Closing, the Initial Purchase Price
shall
be subject to adjustment at Closing pursuant to Section 3.2 by an amount
equal to the aggregate out of pocket costs incurred by the Seller in
acquiring all such Interest Additions (with such amount being the “Interest
Addition Adjustment”). The Parties in good faith taking into account
all relevant factors shall determine the amount of Interest
Addition Adjustment. If the Parties cannot agree on the amount of
the Interest Addition Adjustment, such amount shall be determined in
the same manner as provided in Section 5.4, mutatis mutandis, for resolving
Title Defect disputes. If any Interest Additions become a part of the
Assets after Closing, Seller shall transfer such Interest Additions to
Buyer promptly after receipt of Buyer's notice of acceptance of such and
Buyer
shall concurrently pay to Seller an amount equal to the aggregate out of
pocket costs incurred by the Seller in acquiring such Interest
Additions.
5.4 Dispute
Resolution. If the Parties cannot agree upon whether Buyer
has Defensible Title to or the Title Defect Value of a particular Asset
comprising a part of the Fiddler Creek Property, the matter shall be submitted
to a mutually agreed attorney experienced in oil and gas title matters in the
applicable jurisdiction. The fees and expenses of such attorney shall
be borne, in full, by the losing party. The attorney so selected
shall make a final written determination as to whether the
Seller holds less than Defensible Title (taking into consideration
the Individual or Aggregate Defect Threshold, as applicable), or the Title
Defect Value, as the case may be. The Parties agree to be bound by
the final determination made by the title attorney pursuant to this Section
5.4.
5.5 Condemnation
and Eminent Domain. If a portion of the Assets is taken or threatened to be
taken by process of condemnation or under the right of eminent domain, shall
be
deemed to be a Title Defect and accordingly such Assets will be deemed to be
Holdback Assets, and shall be treated accordingly.
5.6 Preferential
Rights and Consents. To Seller’s knowledge, the preferential
purchase rights and the Assets subject to such rights are listed on Exhibit
E. Seller shall use its best efforts to obtain all Required Consents
and all other consents and to give notices required in connection with
preferential purchase rights with respect to the Assets prior to
Closing. Prior to Closing, if Buyer discovers other Assets affected
by Required Consents, other consents or preferential purchase rights with
respect to the Assets, Buyer shall notify Seller immediately and Seller shall
use its best efforts to obtain such consents and/or to give the notices required
in connection with the preferential rights prior to Closing. The term “Required
Consent” means a consent that if not obtained by Closing would invalidate the
conveyance of the Assets or any of them or subject Buyer to material damages;
provided, however, that consents and approvals that are customarily obtained
post Closing (such as federal and state approvals of assignments), and other
consents that do not specifically invalidate the conveyance (or subject Buyer
to
material damages) if not obtained are not Required Consents.
(a) Consents. If
a Required Consent has not been obtained as of the Closing, then (i) the portion
of the Assets for which such Required Consent has not been obtained shall not
be
conveyed at the Closing, (ii) the Initial Purchase Price shall be adjusted
pursuant to Section 3.2 by an amount equal to the Allocated Value for the
affected Asset, and (iii) Seller shall use its reasonable efforts to obtain
such
consent as promptly as possible following Closing. If such Required
Consent has been obtained as of the Final Settlement Date,
16
Seller
shall convey the affected Asset to Buyer effective as of the Effective Time
and
Buyer shall pay Seller the Allocated Value of the affected Asset, reduced
or
increased by any applicable adjustments under Section 3.2. If such
Required Consent has not been obtained as of the Final Settlement
Date, then
that
portion of the Assets affected by such Required Consent shall no longer be
subject to this Agreement. Buyer shall reasonably cooperate with
Seller in obtaining any Required Consent.
(b) Preferential
Purchase Rights.
(1) If
any preferential right to purchase any portion of the Assets is exercised prior
to the Closing Date, or if the time frame for the exercise of such preferential
purchase right has not expired and Seller has not received notice of an intent
not to exercise or waiver of the preferential purchase right, then that portion
of the Assets affected by such preferential purchase right shall be excluded
from the Assets at Closing and the Initial Purchase Price shall be adjusted
downward by an amount equal to the Allocated Value of such affected
Assets.
(2) If
a third party exercises its preferential right to purchase, but does not
consummate the transaction prior to Closing, Seller shall retain the affected
Assets at Closing and the Initial Purchase Price shall be adjusted downward
by
an amount equal to US$1,500 per acre of such affected Assets. In the
event such third party subsequently fails to consummate the transaction within
the time frame specified in the preferential purchase right (provided that
the
reason therefor is not Seller’s default), Seller agrees to convey the affected
Asset to Buyer as soon as possible after the expiration of the time for
consummation of the transaction by such third party, such conveyance to be
effective as of the Effective Time, and Buyer agrees to pay Seller the Allocated
Value of such affected Asset, reduced or increased by any applicable adjustments
under Section 3.2.
5.7 Exclusive
Remedies. The rights and remedies granted each Party in this
Article V constitute the exclusive remedies for Title Defects, Interest
Additions, Preferential Rights and Required Consents relating to or affecting
the Assets.
ARTICLE
VI
ENVIRONMENTAL
MATTERS
6.1 As-Is
Where-Is Purchase. Except as set forth in this Article VI and
Article XV, Buyer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Seller as set forth
in Article XV from all claims, costs, expenses, liabilities, and obligations
attributable to and relating to environmental conditions in, on or under the
Assets attributable to the period of time before and after the Effective Time,
including but not limited to the obligation to plug, abandon and reclaim all
well sites and Xxxxx.
6.2 Initial
Purchase Price Adjustments for Environmental Defects.
(a) Environmental
Defects. “Environmental Defect” means a condition in, on or
under a specific Asset (including, without limitation, air, land, soil, surface
and subsurface strata, surface water and ground water) which forms a part of
the
Fiddler Creek Property that causes or would cause such Asset to be in violation
of, or that would impose a remedial obligation under, an Environmental Law,
and
the Remediation Costs for such asserted Environmental Defect would exceed
US$100,000 (the “Environmental Defects Threshold”). If an
asserted Environmental Defect does not exceed the Environmental Defects
Threshold, the
17
Buyer
shall be deemed to have accepted and acquired such Asset (including Assets
for
which an Environmental Defect Notice was given) in an “AS-IS WHERE-IS condition,
subject to Section 15.3.
(b) Environmental
Defects Notice. The Buyer shall give Seller written notice
of Environmental Defects (the “Environmental Defect Notice”) as soon as
reasonably possible but in no event later than three business days prior to
the
Closing Date (the “Environmental Defect Notice Date”). In order to be validly
submitted, an Environmental Defect Notice must: (i) be in writing and received
on or before the Environmental Defect Notice Date, (ii) identify the specific
Asset affected by such asserted Environmental Defect, (iii) describe in
reasonably specific detail the condition in, on or under such Asset that causes
the Environmental Defect and the Environmental Laws that form the basis for
such
defect, (iv) state the Buyer’s estimate and calculation of Remediation Costs;
and (v) include sufficient supporting documentation for a particular asserted
Environmental Defect (to the extent such supporting documentation is reasonably
available). For purposes of this Section, sufficient supporting
documentation of an asserted Environmental Defect and Remediation Costs shall
include relevant portions of reports prepared by, or the basis of tests
performed by, an Environmental Consultant. If Buyer fails to timely
deliver an Environmental Defect Notice substantially meeting the requirements
of
this Section 6.2(b) with respect to a specific Asset affected by an asserted
Environmental Defect, the Buyer shall be deemed to have accepted the
Environmental Defect with respect to that particular Asset, to have waived
its
right to claim an Environmental Defect with respect to that particular Asset,
and to have accepted and acquired such Asset in an AS-IS WHERE-IS
condition.
(c) Seller’s
Elections. If Buyer timely delivers a valid Environmental Defect Notices to
Seller with a Environmental Defect Value exceeding the Environmental Defect
Threshold, the Seller may elect, in its sole discretion, one or more of the
following options: (i) remediate the asserted Environmental Defect either before
Closing or within ninety days after Closing; or (ii) contest the existence
of
the asserted Environmental Defect and the related Remediation Cost; or (iii)
pay
Buyer’s estimate of the Remediation Cost with respect to the asserted
Environmental Defect and reduce the Initial Purchase Price pursuant to Section
3.3 by the amount of such estimate.
(d) Post-Closing
Cure.
(1) Actions
to be taken at Closing. If Seller elects to cure the applicable
Environmental Defect post-Closing, then Buyer shall at Closing withhold and
deliver to a mutually agreed upon escrow agent that number of Offered Shares
(the “Environmental Holdback Shares”) with a value (determined in accordance
with Section 3.1(b)) equal to the Canadian Dollar Equivalent of the Allocated
Value for each acre of such Lands subject to such Environmental Defect and
Seller shall not assign the affected Assets to Buyer at
Closing. There shall not be any adjustment to the Initial Purchase
Price or to the Total Purchase Price, or any other recourse by Buyer, for any
alleged Environmental Defect on Leases or other Assets other than the Leases
included within the Fiddler Creek Property.
(2) Actions
to be taken after Closing. If Seller elects to cure the
applicable Environmental Defect post-Closing, but does not cure the applicable
Environmental Defect within ninety days from the Closing Date (or such longer
period as may be agreed to by the Parties), then Buyer may elect one of the
following: (i) Buyer may waive the applicable Environmental Defect, and the
Parties shall instruct the escrow agent to deliver to Seller that number of
Environmental Holdback Shares with a value (determined in accordance with
Section 3.1(b)) equal to the Allocated Value of the affected Asset and Seller
shall assign such Asset to Buyer, or (ii) if Buyer does not waive the
Environmental Defect, then the Parties shall instruct the escrow agent to
deliver to Seller that number of Environmental Holdback Shares with a value
(determined in accordance with Section
18
3.1(b))
equal to the difference between the Allocated Value of the affected Asset
and
the Environmental Defect Value and Seller shall assign such Asset to
Buyer. If Seller cures the applicable Environmental Defect within the
ninety calendar day time period (or such longer period as may be agreed to
by
the Parties), the Parties shall instruct the escrow agent to deliver to Seller
that number of Environmental Holdback Shares with a value (determined in
accordance with Section 3.1(b)) equal to the Allocated Value of the affected
Asset and Seller shall assign such Asset to Buyer.
(e) Environmental
Defect Value. “Environmental Defect Value” means the amount of
Remediation Costs required to bring the Asset subject to the Environmental
Defect into material compliance with Environmental Laws.
(f) Contested
Environmental Defects. Seller shall provide a written response to Buyer’s
Environmental Defect Notice no later than two business days prior to Closing,
which shall identify all asserted Environmental Defects or Environmental Defect
Values that the Seller disputes and the election under Section 6.2(c) that
Seller has made in respect of all asserted Environmental Defects. The
Seller’s written notice of contest shall state with reasonable specificity the
basis of the Seller’s contest of the asserted Environmental Defect or
Environmental Defect Value. Within one business day of the Seller
providing written notice of contest, representatives of Buyer and Seller
knowledgeable in environmental matters shall meet and either agree to reject
the
asserted Environmental Defect, or agree upon the validity of the asserted
Environmental Defect, and with respect to Contested Environmental Defect Values
either agree to the Environmental Defect Value or not agree. If the
Parties cannot reach agreement upon the acceptance or rejection of a particular
asserted Environmental Defect or an Environmental Defect Value prior to Closing:
(i) the Initial Purchase Price will be adjusted pursuant to Section 3.2 by
an
amount equal to the Allocated Value attributable to the specific Asset affected
by the asserted Environmental Defect, (ii) the specific Asset shall be withdrawn
from the Assets being purchased by the Buyer, and (iii) the Parties shall
continue in good faith their efforts to resolve any such disputed Environmental
Defects or Environmental Defect Value no later than thirty calendar days
following the Closing. Upon the final resolution of all disputed
Environmental Defects or Environmental Defect Values pursuant to the procedures
set forth in this Section 6.2(f): (i) the Seller shall convey to the Buyer
all
Assets that were previously withheld at the Closing pursuant to this Section
6.2(f), (ii) the Buyer shall pay the Seller the Allocated Value for such Assets
previously withheld at the Closing pursuant to this Section 6.2(f) subject
to
any applicable adjustment under Section 3.2; and (iii) the Parties shall
recalculate the Environmental Defect Adjustment and effect a final settlement
of
disputed Environmental Defects pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section
14.1(a).
(g) Environmental
Defect Adjustment. The number of Offered Shares shall be subject
to adjustment at Closing pursuant to Section 3.2 by an amount equal to the
aggregate Environmental Defect Value of all Environmental Defects undisputed
by
the Seller (with such amount being the “Environmental Defect
Adjustment”). The Initial Purchase Price shall not be reduced at
Closing as a result of any Environmental Defect. The number of
Offered Shares shall not be reduced at Closing with respect to an asserted
Environmental Defect in the event: (i) Seller successfully contests the asserted
Environmental Defect prior to Closing, or (ii) Seller cures the asserted
Environmental Defect prior to Closing, or (iii) Buyer agrees to waive the
asserted Environmental Defect prior to Closing, or (iv) Seller elects on or
before Closing to cure such asserted Environmental Defect no later than ninety
calendar days following the
19
Closing,
or (v) Seller elects on or before Closing to indemnify the Buyer against
any
Loss attributable to the asserted Environmental Defect.
6.3 Exclusive
Remedies. The rights and remedies granted each Party in this
Article VI, constitute the exclusive rights and remedies with regard to
environmental matters relating to or affecting the Assets.
ARTICLE
VII
SELLER’S
REPRESENTATIONS
7.1 Corporate
Representations. The Seller represents and warrants to Buyer as
follows, and acknowledges that Buyer is relying upon such representations and
warranties:
(a) Incorporation/Qualification. Seller
is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the
laws of the State of Nevada and is duly registered as a foreign corporation
and
qualified to conduct business in states where it owns and operates the
Assets.
(b) Power
and Authority. Seller has all requisite power and authority to
own the Assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted and to
execute and deliver this Agreement (and any agreement executed by Seller
pursuant hereto) and perform its respective obligations under this Agreement
(and any agreement executed by Seller pursuant thereto), including, but not
limited to, having all requisite corporate power and authority to sell, assign,
transfer and convey the Assets to Buyer in accordance with the
Agreement.
(c) No
Lien, No Violation. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement (and any agreement executed by Seller pursuant thereto) does
not,
and the fulfillment of and compliance with the terms and conditions hereof,
will
not, (i) create an Encumbrance on the Assets or trigger an outstanding security
interest in the Assets that will remain in existence after Closing, (ii)
violate, or be in conflict with, result in a default under, give rise to any
right of termination, cancellation or acceleration under, any material provision
of the Seller’s governing documents or any agreement, license, registration or
instrument to which the Seller is, or the Assets are, bound, or (iii) to the
Seller’s knowledge, violate or be in conflict with any Law applicable to the
Seller or any of the Assets, or (iv) require any consents, approvals,
notifications or authorizations of any governmental authorities or regulatory
body exercising jurisdiction over the Assets or the Seller, except such as
are
customarily obtained in due course after the Closing and except for any such
matters that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Authorization
and Enforceability. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement (and that of any agreement executed by Seller pursuant hereto)
is
duly and validly authorized, and this Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject, however, to the effects
of
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws for the
protection of creditors, as well as to general principles of equity, regardless
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at
law.
(e) Liability
for Brokers’ Fees. Seller has not incurred any obligation or
liability, contingent or otherwise, for brokers’ or finders’ fees relating to
the Assets or this Agreement for which Buyer shall have any responsibility
whatsoever.
20
(f) No
Bankruptcy. There are no bankruptcy proceedings pending, being
contemplated by or, to Seller’s knowledge, threatened against Seller or in
regard to the Assets.
(g) Litigation. The
Seller has not received any claim or demand notice that has not been resolved
with respect to the Assets or title thereto. There are no actions,
suits, claims, investigations, written governmental inquiries or proceedings
pending or, to Seller’s knowledge, threatened against the Seller or any of the
Assets, in any court or by or before any federal, state, municipal or other
governmental agency and to Seller’s knowledge there exists no particular
circumstance which will give rise to such claim, proceeding, action,
governmental investigation, or lawsuit.
7.2 Seller’s
Representations with Respect to the Assets. The Seller represents
and warrants to Buyer regarding the Assets as follows, and acknowledges that
Buyer is relying upon such representations and warranties:
(a) Capital
Projects. Exhibit G is a list and description of all Xxxxx or
other capital projects in progress and associated costs or estimates thereof
to
the extent Seller has received an AFE therefor or is otherwise committed thereto
and such costs or estimates exceed US$100,000 per Well or project net to the
Seller’s interest (the “Capital Projects”).
(b) Insurance. Seller
has maintained and shall maintain through the Closing Date, customary insurance
policy coverages and amounts of coverage with respect to the Assets and the
operation of the Assets and, with respect to any Assets not transferred at
Closing pursuant to Sections 2.3, 5.2, 5.6 or 6.2, the Seller shall maintain
such insurance coverage until the earlier of the transfer of such Assets to
Buyer in accordance with this Agreement or the expiry of the applicable cure
period.
(c) No
Liens. The Seller is the owner of the Assets (except those assets
which are leased) with good and marketable title thereto free of any Encumbrance
other than Permitted Encumbrances, and except for Permitted Encumbrances, the
Assets will be conveyed to Buyer at the Closing free and clear of all
Encumbrances.
(d) No
Other Agreements to Sell. No Person, other than the Buyer under
this Agreement, has any agreement or option or any right capable of becoming
an
agreement or option for the purchase from the Seller of any of the
Assets.
(e) Judgments. There
are no unsatisfied judgments issued by a court of competent jurisdiction or
other governmental agency outstanding against Seller or in regard to the
Assets.
(f) Accuracy
of Information. Complete and correct copies (including
amendments) of all Material Agreements, all Authorizations relating to the
Assets and all other documents referred to in this Agreement or any Exhibit
have been delivered or made available by Seller to Buyer or its agents.
All records, data or information relating to the Assets are in the full
possession or control of the Seller. To the best of Seller's knowledge
there are no material inaccuracies or misrepresentations in any of such records,
data or information.
(g) Authorizations. Except
to the extent which is not material: (i) all Authorizations required in respect
of the Assets have been issued or obtained and are in full force and effect,
and
(ii) there is no breach or violation thereof.
21
(h) Taxes. During
Seller’s period of ownership and with respect to Taxes for all taxable periods
during Seller’s period of ownership through the taxable period in which this
Agreement is executed, all such Taxes have been paid when due, unless contested
in good faith by appropriate proceeding. All Taxes of Seller and
obligations relating thereto that could result in an Encumbrance or other claim
against any of the Assets have been properly paid, unless contested in good
faith by appropriate proceeding, and if contested they will remain the
obligation of the Seller.
(i) Royalties. During
Seller’s period of ownership, all lease rentals, royalties, overriding royalties
and similar payments based on ownership of property or production from the
Assets for Seller’s period of ownership through the Effective Time have been
paid when due. Seller has not received any notice and is not aware
that any such payments for the period prior to Seller’s period of ownership are
due.
(j) Production
Sale Agreements. As at the date hereof there are no contracts for
the sale of Hydrocarbons from the Lands to which the Seller or any Person acting
on its behalf is a party or is bound applicable to the production of
Hydrocarbons from the Lands nor have the Lands been dedicated by the Seller
to
any other production sale contract or similar arrangement.
(k) Rights
of Way and Surface Agreement. Seller has all rights of access to
the Lands and may enter into and upon the Lands as necessary to explore for
and
extract Hydrocarbons from the Lands. Seller shall convey to Buyer any
and all rights of way in its possession, surface leases, permits and licenses,
surface use agreements and other surface rights relating to the
Assets.
(l) Compliance
with Laws. The Assets operated by Seller are, and Seller’s operation of such
Assets has been and currently is, in substantial compliance with all applicable
Laws. To Seller’s knowledge, the Assets not operated by Seller are,
and the operation of such Assets has been and currently is, in substantial
compliance with all applicable Laws.
(m) Material
Contracts. Exhibit D lists all material contracts and agreements (excluding
Leases) that are material to the ownership or operation of the Assets as of
the
Effective Time or to which any Assets will be bound as of the Closing, including
contracts and agreements with Affiliates of Seller, tax partnership agreements,
contracts or agreements for the sale or purchase or other disposition of
Hydrocarbons that are not terminable with less than thirty day notice without
penalty, contract or agreement to sell, lease otherwise dispose of any interest
in the Assets as of the Effective Time, unit or pooling agreements, or contracts
and agreements that would require the owner of the Assets to pay amounts in
excess of $100,000 annually, contract or agreements for gathering, transmission,
processing or marketing of Hydrocarbons, contracts or agreements containing
take
or pay, advance payment, prepayment or similar provision obligating Seller
to
sell, deliver, process or transport any Hydrocarbons without then receiving
full
payment therefor. Seller is not in default or breach under any such
contracts and agreements and to Seller’s knowledge the other parties to such
contracts or agreements are not in default or breach thereunder and to the
best
knowledge of the Seller there are no facts which, after notice or lapse of
time
or both, would constitute such a default. To the best knowledge of
the Seller, it is entitled to all rights and benefits under each of such
agreements, contracts and commitments. To the Seller’s knowledge, no
such contract or agreement is subject to a claim that it is terminated or
subject to termination.
22
(n) Investment
Company. Seller is not an investment company or a company
controlled by an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, or subject to the provisions of said act.
(o) Xxxxx
and Equipment. Exhibit B lists all of the Xxxxx on the Lands,
whether producing, non-producing, injection or disposal xxxxx, or xxxxx that
are
shut in, temporarily or permanently abandoned. Seller owns, or has
title to a valid lease of, all tangible assets included in the Assets to be
conveyed to Buyer, free and clear of all Encumbrances, other than Permitted
Encumbrances, and such assets include all assets necessary to operate the Leases
and Xxxxx in the manner in which they were operated as of the Effective
Time. None of the Xxxxx is subject to a production penalty arising
under a contract as a result of an election by Buyer not to participate in
a
drilling operation or other operations.
(p) Eminent
Domain. To Seller’s knowledge, there is no actual or threatened
taking (whether permanent, temporary, whole or partial) of any part of the
Assets by reason of condemnation or eminent domain.
(q) Leases. Except
as set forth on Exhibit A, with respect to Leases:
(1) the
Leases have been maintained by Seller according to their terms, in compliance
with all material agreements to which the Leases are subject;
(2) each
of the Leases is valid and subsisting and neither Seller nor, to the knowledge
of Seller, any other party to any Lease is in breach or default with respect
to
any of its material obligations thereunder and Seller is entitled to all
benefits and rights thereunder;
(3) while
owned by Seller, there has not occurred any event, fact or circumstance which
with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute such
a
breach or default on behalf of Seller or, to the knowledge of Seller, with
respect to any other parties;
(4) there
are no provisions in the Leases or under any contract or law applicable to
the
Leases that increase the royalty share of the lessor thereunder;
(5) there
are no Leases that are subject to a fixed term of duration, and (b) there are
no
unfulfilled drilling obligations affecting the Leases, other than (i)
obligations implied in law and (ii) provisions requiring optional drilling
as a
condition of maintaining or earning all or a portion of the Lease;
and
(6) the
completion of the transactions contemplated hereby will not afford any of the
parties to any of the Leases or any other person the right to terminate any
Lease.
Seller
does not own any leases or other oil, gas or mineral interest in the Fiddler
Creek Area other than the Assets.
(r) Consents
and Preferential Rights. To the Seller’s knowledge, none of the
Assets, or any portion thereof, is subject to any third-party consents to
assignment, preferential rights to purchase or restrictions on assignment which
may be applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except
for
governmental consents and approvals of
23
assignments
that are customarily obtained after Closing, preferential rights, consents
and
restrictions contained in easements, rights-of-way or equipment leases, and
Preferential Rights and Required Consents as are set forth on Exhibit
E.
(s) Environmental
Matters. Seller:
(1) has
not received any orders or directives under the Laws from a governmental
authority relating to environmental matters requiring any work, repairs,
constructions or capital expenditures with respect to the Assets, which order
or
directive remains outstanding on the Closing Date,
(2) has
not received any demand or notice from a governmental authority or third party
(other than Buyer) relating to the breach of any environmental, health or safety
law applicable to the Assets, including without limitation, any Laws relating
to
the use, storage, treatment, shipping or disposition of environmental
contaminants, which demand or notice has not been complied with in all material
respects, and
(3) has
made available to Buyer all environmental information within its possession
and
has not knowingly withheld any such information from Buyer relevant to
environmental matters that relate to or affect the Assets.
(t) Registration
under 1933 Act. The Seller understands and agrees that the
Offered Shares have not been and will not be registered under the 1933 Act,
or
applicable state securities laws, and the Offered Shares are being
offered and sold on behalf of the Buyer to the Seller in reliance upon Rule
506
of Regulation D and/or section 4(2) under the 1933 Act.
(u) Independent
Evaluation. The Seller has such knowledge and experience in
financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits, and
risks of the investment in the Offered Shares and it is able to bear the
economic risk of loss of the investment. The Seller has had the
opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Buyer regarding
the
investment, and has received all the information regarding the Buyer that it
has
requested.
(v) Not
for Resale. The Seller is acquiring the Offered Shares as
principal for its own account and not for the account or benefit of any other
person, for investment purposes only and not with a view to resale or
distribution and, in particular, it has no intention to distribute, either
directly or indirectly, any of the Offered Shares in the United States or
elsewhere; provided, however, that the Seller may sell or otherwise dispose
of
any of the Offered Shares pursuant to registration thereof under the 1933 Act
and any applicable state securities laws or under an applicable exemption from
such registration requirements, provided that in connection with the resale
or
distribution of the Offered Shares pursuant to an exemption from such
registration requirements, the Buyer and the Transfer Agent, may require an
opinion of legal counsel of recognized standing in form and substance
satisfactory to the Buyer to such effect.
(w) Accredited
Investor.
(1) The
Seller is an "accredited investor" as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation
D (an
“Accredited Investor”), by virtue of being either (i) a corporation or
partnership, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Offered
Shares, with total assets in excess of US $5,000,000; or (ii) an entity in
which
all of the equity owners are Accredited Investors.
24
(2) Seller
is an accredited investor as defined in NI 45-106, by virtue of being a
corporation, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Offered
Shares, with total net assets in excess of CAD $5,000,000.
(x) Non-Solicitation.
The Seller has not acquired the Offered Shares as a result of any form of
general solicitation or general advertising, including advertisements, articles,
notices or other communications published in any newspaper, magazine or similar
media or broadcast over radio, or television, or any seminar or meeting whose
attendees have been invited by general solicitation or general
advertising.
(y) Re-Sale
Restrictions. The Seller agrees that if it decides to offer, sell
or otherwise transfer the Offered Shares, it will not offer, sell or otherwise
transfer any of such securities directly or indirectly, unless:
(1) the
transfer is made outside the United States in a transaction meeting the
requirements of Rule 904 ofRegulation S under the 1933 Act and in compliance
with applicable local laws and regulations;
(2) the
transfer is made in compliance with the exemption from the registration
requirements under the 1933 Act provided by Rule 144 thereunder, if available,
and in accordance with applicable state securities laws;
(3) the
securities are transferred in a transaction that does not require registration
under the 1933 Act or any applicable state laws and regulations governing the
offer and sale of securities; and
(4) the
Seller has prior to such sale furnished to the Buyer an opinion of counsel
or
other evidence of exemption, in either case reasonably satisfactory to the
Buyer;
(z) US
Legend Requirements. The Seller understands that upon the
issuance thereof, and until such time as the same is no longer required under
the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act or applicable U.S. state laws and
regulations, the certificates representing the Offered Shares will bear a legend
in substantially the following form:
"THE
SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER
THE
UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "1933
ACT"). THESE SECURITIES MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR
OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY (A) TO THE COMPANY, (B) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
IN
COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE 1933 ACT, (C) IN COMPLIANCE
WITH THE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE 1933 ACT
PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER, IF AVAILABLE, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE
STATE SECURITIES LAWS, OR (D) IN A TRANSACTION THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE
REGISTRATION UNDER THE 1933 ACT OR ANY APPLICABLE STATE LAWS, AND THE HOLDER
HAS, PRIOR TO SUCH SALE, FURNISHED TO THE COMPANY AN OPINION OF COUNSEL OR
OTHER
EVIDENCE OF EXEMPTION, IN EITHER CASE REASONABLY
25
SATISFACTORY
TO THE COMPANY. DELIVERY OF THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT CONSTITUTE "GOOD
DELIVERY" IN SETTLEMENT OF TRANSACTIONS ON STOCK EXCHANGES IN
CANADA."
provided,
that if Offered Shares are being sold under clause (B) above, in an “offshore
transaction” at a time when Buyer is a "foreign issuer" as defined in Rule 902
under Regulation S, the legend set forth above may be removed by providing
a
declaration and other documentation, evidencing the availability of the
exemption, in the form as Buyer may from time to time prescribe to the Transfer
Agent, to the effect that the sale of the securities is being made in compliance
with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the 1933 Act;
provided
further, that if any of the Offered Shares are being sold under clause (C)
pursuant to Rule 144 of the 1933 Act, the legend may be removed by delivery
to
the Transfer Agent of an opinion satisfactory to Buyer to the effect that the
legend is no longer required under applicable requirements of the 1933 Act
or
state securities laws.
(aa) Notification
of Transfer: Seller understands that Buyer may instruct its
Transfer Agent not to record any transfer of the Offered Shares, without first
being notified by the Buyer that it is satisfied that such transfer is exempt
from or not subject to the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and
applicable state securities laws.
(bb) No
US Filing Obligation: Seller understands and acknowledges that the Buyer has
no obligation or present intention of filing with the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission or with any state securities administrator any
registration statement in respect of resales of the Offered Shares in the United
States.
(cc) Blue
Sky Jurisdiction: The office of the Seller at which the Seller
received and accepted the offer to purchase the Offered Shares is the address
of
the Seller listed in the notices clause of this Agreement.
(dd) Certain
Royalty Interests. (A) MAB has agreed to terminate and reassign
to Seller any and all overriding royalty interests that it may have in the
Fiddler Creek Property, including any future right to receive any such
overriding royalty interests in any leases covering lands located in the Fiddler
Creek Area pursuant to: (i) the Finder’s Fee Agreement, dated October 26, 2005,
between American Oil & Gas, Inc. (“AOGI”) and MAB; (ii) the Lease
Acquisition Agreement dated January 13, 2006 between MAB and Savannah
Exploration, Inc. (“Savannah”); (iii) the Prospect Assignment Agreement dated
January 13, 2006 between MAB and Savannah; and (iv) the Acquisition and
Consulting Agreement dated January 1, 2007 between MAB and Seller (collectively,
the “American/Savannah Agreements”); (B) AOGI has agreed to waive any future
right to receive any additional overriding royalty interests in any leases
covering lands within the Fiddler Creek Area, as well as the termination of
the
production payment discussed in the October 26, 2005 Finder’s Fee Agreement; and
(C) Savannah has agreed to reassign a portion of its overriding royalty
interests within the Fiddler Creek Area as reflected in the attached Exhibit
“A”, has further agreed to a reduction of the overriding royalty interests in
any future leases covering lands within the Fiddler Creek Area, and has also
agreed to the termination of the production payment discussed in the October
26,
2005 Finder’s Fee Agreement.
26
ARTICLE
VIII
BUYER’S
REPRESENTATIONS
The
Buyer
represents and warrants to Seller as follows, and acknowledges that Seller
is
relying upon such representations and warranties:
8.1 Organization
and Standing. The
Buyer
is duly incorporated and organized and is validly subsisting under the federal
laws of Canada, is current and up-to-date with all material filings required
to
be made by it under the CBCA and has all requisite corporate capacity, power
and
authority to carry on its business as now conducted. As of the
Closing, the Buyer or an affiliate thereof will be duly qualified to operate
its
business and own the Assets in the states where the Assets are
located.
8.2 Power.
Buyer
has
all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as presently
conducted and to execute and deliver this Agreement and perform its obligations
under this Agreement.
8.3 Authorization
and Enforceability. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Buyer, and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the
Buyer, enforceable against the Buyer, in accordance with the terms thereof,
except that (i) the enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the rights
of
creditors generally, (ii) equitable remedies, including, without limitation,
specific performance and injunction, may be granted only in the discretion
of a
court of competent jurisdiction, and (iii) rights of indemnity, contribution
and
the waiver of contribution provided for herein, and any provisions exculpating
a
party from a liability or duty otherwise owed by it, may be limited under
applicable law. The Buyer is not in violation of its constituting
documents or in default in the performance or observance of any material
obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, option,
indenture, trust deed, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease, or other agreement
or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or its property may be
bound
that impedes or is likely to impede its ability (i) to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) to assume the liabilities
to
be assumed by it under this Agreement.
8.4 Liability
for Brokers’ Fees. Buyer has not incurred any obligation or
liability, contingent or otherwise, for brokers’ or finders’ fees relating to
the Assets or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which Seller
shall have any responsibility whatsoever.
8.5 Litigation. There
is no action, suit, proceeding, claim or investigation by any person, entity,
administrative agency or governmental body pending or, to Buyer’s knowledge,
threatened against it before any governmental authority that impedes or is
likely to impede its ability (i) to consummate the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement or (ii) to assume the liabilities to be assumed by it under
this
Agreement.
8.6 No
Bankruptcy. There are no bankruptcy proceedings pending, being
contemplated by or, to Buyer’s knowledge, threatened against Buyer.
8.7 Financial
Resources. Buyer has the financial resources available to
close the transactions contemplated by the Agreement without any financing
contingency.
8.8 Buyer’s
Evaluation.
27
(a) Records
and Assets. Buyer is experienced and knowledgeable in the oil and
gas business and is aware of its risks. Effective upon the Closing,
the Buyer acknowledges that it has been afforded the opportunity to examine
the
Records and the Assets and all information provided by Seller to Buyer prior
to
and after the Effective Date. Except for the representations and
warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement and in the Assignments, Xxxx
of
Sale and Conveyance and the Assignment of Oil and Gas Leases delivered at
Closing, Buyer acknowledges and agrees that Seller has not made any
representations or warranties, express or implied, written or oral, as to the
accuracy or completeness of the Records or any other information relating to
the
Assets provided to Buyer or its representatives, by or on behalf of Seller,
prior to and after the Effective Date, including without limitation any estimate
of the value of the Assets or reserves or any projections as to future
events.
(b) Independent
Evaluation. In entering into this Agreement, except for Seller’s
representations, warranties and covenants set forth in this Agreement, Buyer
acknowledges and affirms that it has relied upon and will rely solely on the
terms of this Agreement and upon its own independent analysis, evaluation and
investigation of, and judgment with respect to, the business, economic, legal,
tax or other consequences of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
including without limitation, its estimate and appraisal of the extent and
value
of the Assets, and the petroleum, natural gas and other reserves associated
with
the Assets. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, Seller
and its affiliates, agents, representatives, advisors, contractors, directors
or
employees shall not have any liability to Buyer or its affiliates, agents,
representatives, advisors, contractors, directors or employees resulting from
any use, authorized or unauthorized, of the Records or other information
relating to the Assets provided by or on behalf of Seller.
8.9 Canadian
Securities Matters.
(a) The
Buyer is, and will be on the Closing Date, a reporting issuer and is not listed
as in default of any requirements under Applicable Securities Law in the
Provinces of British Columbia and Alberta (the “Reporting Jurisdictions”), and
is in compliance in all material respects with the by-laws, rules and
regulations of the Exchange; any Material Change relating to the Buyer that
has
occurred within the twelve months preceding the date hereof has been generally
disclosed and such disclosure of a Material Change has not been made to any
securities commission or similar regulatory authority on a confidential basis
which has not subsequently been generally disclosed.
(b) No
steps or proceedings have been taken by any Person, voluntary or otherwise
requiring or authorizing dissolution or winding up of Buyer.
(c) All
press releases, Material Change reports, financial statements, annual
information forms and other documents filed by or on behalf of the Buyer, as
required by Applicable Securities Laws in the Reporting Jurisdictions or the
rules and policies of the Exchange, within the twelve months preceding the
date
hereof did not contain any Misrepresentations as at the respective dates of
such
filings.
(d) All
consents, approvals, permits, authorizations or filings as may be required
under
any statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Buyer including, without
limitation, Applicable Securities Laws in the Offering Jurisdictions and all
necessary corporate action of the part of the Buyer for: (i) the execution
and
delivery of the Agreement; (ii) the issue, sale and delivery of the Offered
Shares; and (iii) the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby, have
been obtained or taken, as applicable provided that, following
28
Closing
the Buyer will be required to obtain final acceptance from the Exchange of
the
transactions provided for in this Agreement.
(e) As
of the Closing, all corporate action will have been taken by the Buyer to allot
and authorize the issuance of the Offered Shares, which upon issuance, will
be
validly authorized and issued as fully paid and non-assessable securities of
the
Buyer.
(f) The
execution and delivery of the Agreement, the issue, sale and delivery of the
Offered Shares and the performance of all other transactions contemplated
herein:
(1) do
not require any filing, notice, consent, approval, Authorization or order of
any
court or governmental agency or body, except that which may be required under
Applicable Securities Laws or by the Exchange;
(2) do
not and will not result in the violation of any Laws applicable to the Buyer;
and
(3) will
not result in the breach of, or be in conflict with, or constitute a default
under, or create a state of facts which, after notice or lapse of time, or
both,
would constitute a default, violation of, or conflict with or allow any other
Person to exercise any rights under, any term or provision of the constituting
documents, by-laws or resolutions of the Buyer or any material mortgage, note,
indenture, contract or agreement (written or oral), instrument, lease or other
document to which the Buyer is a party, or any judgment, decree or order or
any
term or provision thereof which is binding on the Buyer, except where such
breach, conflict or default would not have a Material Adverse
Effect.
(g) No
order ceasing or suspending trading in securities of the Buyer or prohibiting
the sale of securities by the Buyer has been issued and the Buyer has not been
served with or otherwise received notice of or become aware of any proceedings
for this purpose having been instituted, or being pending, contemplated or
threatened.
ARTICLE
IX
COVENANTS
AND AGREEMENTS
9.1 Covenants
and Agreements of Seller. Seller covenants and agrees with
Buyer as follows:
(a) Operations
Prior to Closing.
(1) Except
as consented to in writing by Buyer or provided for in this Agreement, from
the
date of execution hereof to the Closing and with respect to any Assets not
transferred at Closing pursuant to Section 2.3, until such Assets are
transferred: (A) Seller will use its reasonable efforts to operate and maintain
the Assets in a good and workmanlike manner consistent with past practices
and
in accordance with applicable Laws; (B) Seller will pay or cause to be paid
its
proportionate shares of all costs and expenses incurred in connection with
such
operations or necessary to maintain title to such Assets in good standing;
(C)
Seller will comply with all material covenants and conditions contained in
the
Material Agreements; (D) except as set forth on Exhibit G (Capital Projects),
Seller will notify Buyer of ongoing activities and major capital expenditures
in
excess of US$10,000 per activity conducted on the Assets
and shall consult with Buyer regarding all such matters and operations involving
29
such
expenditures; and (E) Seller will maintain customary insurance policy coverages
and amounts of coverage with respect to the Assets and the operation of the
Assets.
(2) Between
the Effective Date and the Closing, Seller will use all reasonable efforts
to
finalize and execute the Unit Agreement and have the Unit Agreement filed with
and approved by the Bureau of Land Management and all other regulatory bodies
necessary for the Unit Agreement to become effective and shall thereafter comply
with the terms thereof.
(3) Between
the Effective Date and the Closing, the Seller will use its best efforts to
obtain all necessary Authorizations to permit it to drill the Beartooth Federal
43-33 well (the “Unit Well”) and will commence drilling of the Unit Well on or
before October 31, 2007 and thereafter continually and diligently drill as
required by the Unit Agreement. For purposes of adjustment of the
Initial Purchase Price pursuant to Section 3.2(c)(3), the Seller’s expenditures
with respect to the Unit Well shall be deemed to have been incurred by the
Seller on behalf of the Buyer.
(b) Restriction
on Operations. Subject to Section 9.1(a), and except for the
Capital Projects set forth on Exhibit G, unless Seller obtains the prior written
consent of Buyer to act otherwise, Seller will not (i) approve any operations
on
the Assets anticipated to cost the owner of the Assets more than US$10,000
per
activity, (ii) convey, dispose of or grant an Encumbrance over all or any part
of the Assets (other than replacement of worn out or obsolete equipment in
the
ordinary course of business or sale of oil, gas, and other liquid products
produced from the Assets in the regular course of business) or enter into any
new farmout, farmin or other similar contract affecting the Assets, (iii) enter
into any new contracts or amendments of existing contracts; or (iv) resign
as
operator or issue any notice of its intention to resign as operator of any
of
the Leases.
(c) Corporate
Status. Seller shall maintain its corporate status from the date
hereof until the Final Settlement Date to assure that it will not be under
any
material corporate, legal or contractual restriction that would prohibit or
delay the timely consummation of the Transaction.
(d) Notices
of Claims. Seller shall promptly notify Buyer, if, between the
date of execution of this Agreement and the Closing Date and with respect to
any
Assets not transferred at Closing pursuant to Section 2.3, until such Assets
are
transferred, Seller receives written notice of any claim, suit, action or other
proceeding or written notice of any material default under any Material
Agreement.
(e) Compliance
with Laws. During the period from the date of execution of this
Agreement to the Closing Date, and with respect to any Assets not transferred
at
Closing pursuant to Section 2.3, until such Assets are transferred Seller shall
use good faith efforts to comply in all material respects with all applicable
Laws relating to the Assets.
(f) Transfer
of Field Operations. Seller shall effect a transfer of all field
operations to Buyer within sixty (60) days after Closing, and shall perform
such
other tasks as are necessary to complete the transfer of the Assets to Buyer
following the Closing, including the filing of notices of change of operator
with appropriate third parties and governmental agencies, giving notices of
change of operator where required by agreement or otherwise, and the preparation
and delivery of any required letters in lieu where required by agreement or
otherwise.
30
(g) Consents. Commencing
forthwith after the date hereof Seller shall use reasonable commercial efforts
to obtain at or prior to the Closing Date such Authorizations which may be
required in connection with the completion of the transactions herein
contemplated.
(h) Discharge
of Permitted Encumbrances. To the extent that any of the
Permitted Encumbrances relate to liabilities which will not be assumed by Buyer
pursuant hereto, Seller covenants that it will duly make payment of all amounts
due thereunder (except to the extent that Seller may dispute its liability
therefor) and use reasonable commercial efforts to ensure that such Permitted
Encumbrances are discharged as and when all such amounts have been duly
paid.
(i) Other
Matters. Seller hereby covenants to Buyer that it
shall:
(1) duly,
punctually and faithfully perform all of the obligations to be performed by
it
under the Agreement;
(2) promptly
inform Buyer and its counsel of the full particulars of:
(A) any
Material Change (actual, anticipated, contemplated, proposed or threatened)
in
the assets, liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise), business,
affairs, operations, obligations, prospects, capital, condition (financial
or
otherwise) of the Seller or its ownership; and
(B) the
discovery by Seller of any Misrepresentation in any information regarding Seller
provided to Buyer or its counsel by Seller;
which
occurs on or prior to the Closing, provided that if there may be any reasonable
doubt as to whether a Material Change, change, occurrence or event of the nature
referred to in this Section has occurred, the Seller shall promptly inform
Buyer
and its counsel of the full particulars of the occurrence giving rise to the
uncertainty and shall consult with Buyer as to whether the occurrence is of
such
nature.
(j) Regulatory
Communications. On or prior to the Closing, the Seller shall
promptly inform the Buyer of the full particulars of the receipt by Seller
of
any communication from any regulatory authority relating to the transactions
which are the subject of this Agreement.
9.2 Covenants
and Agreements of Buyer. Buyer covenants and agrees with Seller
that:
(a) Corporate
Status. Buyer shall maintain its status from the date hereof
until the Final Settlement Date to assure that it will not be under any material
corporate, legal or contractual restriction that would prohibit or delay the
timely consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
(b) Replacement
Bonds and Instruments. Buyer shall use reasonable efforts to file
within 30 days after Closing appropriate surety instruments and bonds as
required by applicable governmental agencies for Buyer to own and operate the
Assets.
31
(c) Transfer
of Operations. Following the Closing, the Buyer shall promptly
file at its sole expense all notices and documents, and perform all other tasks
customarily required by a buyer in order to effect a transfer of operations
of
those Assets transferred at Closing, and shall take all actions
necessary to assume operations from Seller within sixty (60) days after
Closing.
(d) Securities
Matters. The Buyer hereby covenants to Seller that it
shall:
(1) fulfill
all legal requirements to be complied with by the Buyer to permit the issuance,
offering and sale of the Offered Shares, including, without limitation,
compliance with Applicable Securities Laws of the Offering Jurisdictions to
enable the Offered Shares to be issued to Seller, without the necessity of
filing a prospectus, registration statement or an offering memorandum under
Applicable Securities Laws of the Offering Jurisdictions;
(2) use
its best efforts to obtain the necessary regulatory consents from the Exchange
and if required, the Securities Commissions to effect the transaction on the
terms set forth herein and on such terms as are mutually acceptable to Seller
and the Buyer;
(3) list
and post for trading on the Exchange, the Offered Shares, subject to the resale
restricted period of four months from the Closing Date pursuant to National
Instrument 45-102 – Resale of Securities (“NI 45-102”) and the policies of the
Exchange;
(4) within
the time periods required under Applicable Securities Laws of the Offering
Jurisdictions, file such documents as may be required under Applicable
Securities Laws of the Offering Jurisdictions relating to the issuance of the
Offered Shares which, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall
include the filing with the Alberta Securities Commission of a Form 45-106F1
as
prescribed by NI 45-106;
(5) have
taken on or prior to the Closing, all necessary steps to ensure the Offered
Shares have been duly allotted and authorized for issue to the
Seller;
(6) duly,
punctually and faithfully perform all of the obligations to be performed by
it
under the Agreement;
(7) promptly
inform Seller and its counsel of the full particulars of:
(A) any
Material Change in the assets, liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or
otherwise), business, affairs, operations, obligations, prospects, capital,
condition (financial or otherwise) of the Buyer; and
(B) the
discovery by the Buyer of any Misrepresentation in any information regarding
the
Buyer provided to Seller or its counsel by the Buyer;
which
occurs on or prior to the Closing, provided that if there may be any reasonable
doubt as to whether a Material Change, change, occurrence or event of the nature
referred to in this Section has occurred, the Buyer shall promptly inform Seller
and its counsel of the full particulars of the occurrence giving rise to the
uncertainty and shall consult with Seller as to whether the occurrence is of
such nature; and
32
(8) on
or prior to the Closing, the Buyer shall promptly inform the Seller of the
full
particulars of the receipt by the Buyer of any communication from any regulatory
authority relating to the transactions which are the subject of this
Agreement;
(e) For
a period of six months from the date of this Agreement, Buyer agrees to use
its
reasonable best efforts to negotiate and conclude an agreement with ECA, on
terms satisfactory to the Buyer, in the event that Seller still holds title
to
the ECA Leases, to amend the terms of the ECA Leases or, thereafter, for the
acquisition of all of the ECA Leases from ECA.
9.3 Covenants
and Agreements of the Parties.
(a) Confidentiality. Except
as permitted herein, for a period of two years following the Closing, the Seller
shall maintain copied or retained Records as confidential, except disclosures
as
may be required by court order, applicable laws, rules and regulations or
governmental agencies or stock exchanges. The Seller shall inform the
Buyer of such disclosures. Unless prohibited by applicable law, the
Seller shall provide the Buyer with advanced notice of any such
disclosure.
(b) Cure
Period for Breach. If a Party believes the other Party has
breached the terms of this Agreement, the Party who believes the breach has
occurred shall give prompt written notice to the breaching Party of the nature
of the breach, and the breaching Party shall have five business days after
the
effectiveness of such written notice to cure the alleged
breach. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 9.3(b) shall not
apply to breach of the Parties’ obligations at Closing and shall not operate to
delay Closing.
ARTICLE
X
TAX
MATTERS
10.1 Apportionment
of Tax Liability. “Taxes”
shall mean all ad valorem, property, production, excise, net proceeds, severance
and all other taxes and similar obligations assessed against the Assets or
based
upon or measured by the ownership of the Assets or the production of
Hydrocarbons or the receipt of proceeds there from, other than income taxes
applicable on a gain for the sale of mineral rights or otherwise. All
Taxes based on or attributable to the ownership of, or based on production
of
Hydrocarbons shall be deemed attributable to the period for which such Taxes
are
assessed. With respect to the Assets, all Taxes shall be prorated
between Buyer and Seller as of the Effective Time for all taxable periods that
include the Effective Time. Accordingly, for the purpose of
apportioning the liability for Taxes and the resulting Initial Purchase Price
adjustment pursuant to Section 3.2 at Closing or pursuant to Section 14.1 in
the
Final Settlement Statement, (i) Buyer shall be responsible for all Taxes related
to the Assets that are attributable to the period of time after the Effective
Time and (ii) Seller shall be responsible for all Taxes related to the Assets
that are attributable to the period of Seller’s ownership prior to the Effective
Time.
For
the
tax period in which the Effective Time occurs, Seller shall provide Buyer with
copies of any tax reports or returns filed and received by Seller after Closing
and provide Buyer with appropriate information which is necessary for Buyer
to
file any required tax reports and returns related to the
Assets. Buyer agrees to file all tax returns and reports applicable
to the Assets that are required to be filed after the Closing, and pay all
required Taxes payable with respect to the Assets subject to the provisions
of
Section 10.1.
33
10.2 Sales
Taxes. Buyer
shall be liable for and shall indemnify Seller for, any sales and use taxes,
conveyance, transfer and recording fees and real estate transfer stamps or
taxes
that may be imposed on any transfer of the Assets pursuant to this Agreement,
if
applicable but not for income taxes applicable on a gain for the sale of mineral
rights or otherwise. Seller shall file all returns and reports and
remit on behalf of the Buyer any sales or similar transaction Taxes that are
required to be paid as a result of the transfer of the Assets to Buyer, provided
Seller shall provide Buyer 30 days prior written notice before making any such
filing. Seller shall provide written notice and supporting detail to
the Buyer with regard to such Taxes paid or to be paid on the Buyer’s behalf,
and the Buyer shall reimburse the Seller for such Taxes no later than ten
calendar days of the receipt of such written notice, unless Buyer contests
in
good faith that such Taxes are due and payable.
10.3 Survival. The
obligations set forth in this Article X shall survive Closing in accordance
with
Section 16.12.
ARTICLE
XI
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT TO CLOSING
11.1 Seller’s
Conditions Precedent. The obligations of the Seller at the
Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver at or prior to the Closing
of
the following conditions precedent:
(a) All
representations and warranties of the Buyer contained in this Agreement are
true
and correct in all material respects (considering the transactions contemplated
by the Agreement as a whole) at and as of the Closing in accordance with their
terms as if such representations and warranties were made at and as of the
Closing (except to the extent such representations or warranties are as of
a
specific time in which case as of such other time), and Buyer has performed
and
satisfied all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be
performed and satisfied by Buyer at or prior to the Closing in all material
respects.
(b) Seller
shall have received at or prior to the Closing a favorable legal opinion from
counsel to the Buyer, addressed to Seller, in form and substance acceptable
to
counsel to Seller, acting reasonably, to the effect that:
(1) the
Buyer is a corporation incorporated under the CBCA, and has all requisite
corporate capacity and power to carry on business and the Assignee is a
corporation incorporated under the Nevada Corporations Act, and has all
requisite corporate capacity and power to carry on business and is qualified
to
do business in each jurisdiction where it is required to do so;
(2) the
execution and delivery of the Agreement and the assignment of the Agreement
to
the Assignee pursuant to section 16.4 hereof and the performance by the Buyer
and the Assignee, of the transactions contemplated therein (including the
issuance and sale of the Offered Shares), do not result in a breach of and
do
not conflict with or constitute a default under the articles of incorporation
of
the Buyer or Assignee, the by-laws of the Buyer or Assignee, or any resolution
of the Buyer’s or Assignee directors (or any committee thereof) or
shareholders;
(3) the
Buyer has all requisite capacity and power to execute and deliver the Agreement
and to perform all its obligations thereunder. All necessary corporate
34
action
has been taken by the Buyer to authorize the execution and delivery of the
Agreement and the performance by the Buyer of its obligations thereunder.
The
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Buyer and
constitutes valid and legally binding obligations of the Buyer and, when
assigned, the Assignee enforceable against it and, upon assignment, the Assignee
in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited
by
bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, moratorium or similar
laws
affecting the rights of creditors generally and except as limited by the
application of equitable principles when equitable remedies are sought, and
the
qualification that the enforceability of rights of indemnity and contribution
may be limited by applicable law;
(4) all
necessary corporate action has been taken by the Buyer to authorize and validly
issue the Offered Shares;
(5) the
issuance by the Buyer of the Offered Shares at the Closing will be exempt from
the prospectus requirements of Applicable Securities Laws of the Offering
Jurisdictions, and no documents are required to be filed, proceedings taken
or
approvals, permits, consents or authorizations of regulatory authorities
obtained by the Buyer under Applicable Securities Laws of the Offering
Jurisdictions in connection therewith except that the Buyer is required to
file,
within ten days after the date of distribution, a report with the Alberta
Securities Commission on Form 45-106F1, together with the fees prescribed by
the
Applicable Securities Laws of Alberta;
(6) the
first trade of the Offered Shares, by the respective holders thereof will be
exempt from the prospectus requirements of Applicable Securities Laws of the
Reporting Jurisdictions provided that:
(A) the
Buyer is and has been a reporting issuer for at least four months immediately
preceding the first trade in any jurisdiction of Canada;
(B) at
least four months have elapsed from the Closing Date;
(C) any
ownership statement issued with respect to or any certificates representing
the
Offering Shares, issued on or within four months after the Closing Date were
issued with a legend stating the prescribed restricted period in accordance
with
Section 2.5 of NI 45-102;
(D) such
trade is not a control distribution as defined in NI 45-102;
(E) no
unusual effort is made to prepare the market or to create a demand for the
securities that are the subject of the trade;
(F) no
extraordinary commission or consideration is paid to a Person or company in
respect of such trade; and
(G) if
the selling security holder is an insider or officer of the Buyer, the selling
security holder has no reasonable grounds to believe that the Buyer is in
default of any securities legislation.
(7) at
the Closing, the Offered Shares will be validly issued as fully paid and
non-assessable Common Shares in the capital of the Buyer; and
35
(8) such
other matters as Seller may reasonably request in connection with the
transaction;
and
in
giving the opinions contemplated above, counsel to the Buyer shall be entitled,
as to matters of fact, to rely upon certificates of fact from the Buyer, signed
by the President or other officer of the Buyer in position to have knowledge
of
such facts and their accuracy, certificates of such public officials and other
Persons as are necessary or desirable, and certificates of the Transfer Agent
as
to the number of Common Shares issued and outstanding;
(c) Seller
shall have received a certificate of the Buyer dated as of the Closing Date,
signed by the President, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer
of
the Buyer, or by such other officers as may be acceptable to Seller, certifying,
to the best of the knowledge, information and belief of such officers after
due
inquiry, on behalf of the Buyer and not in their personal capacities, as to
certain matters reasonably requested by Seller with respect to the Buyer
including certification that:
(1) no
order halting, ceasing or suspending trading in securities of the Buyer or
prohibiting the transaction or the issuance or distribution of any securities
of
the Buyer has been issued and no proceedings for such purpose are pending or,
to
the knowledge of the Buyer, threatened; and
(2) all
of the representations and warranties of the Buyer contained in the Agreement,
are true and correct and all covenants, terms and conditions relating to the
Buyer contained herein, and required to be performed and complied with by the
Buyer on or as or the Closing have been performed and complied with by the
Buyer;
(d) as
of the Closing, all covenants, agreements and obligations of the Buyer required
to be performed or complied with on or before the Closing shall have been so
performed or complied with and all conditions required to be complied with
by
the Buyer shall have been complied with;
(e) the
Buyer shall, as of the Closing, be a reporting issuer not in default under
Applicable Securities Laws of the Reporting Jurisdictions; and
(f) the
Buyer shall have provided Seller with all agreements and related documents
evidencing the assignment of Buyer’s contractual rights under this Agreement to
the Assignee.
11.2 Buyer’s
Conditions Precedent. The obligations of Buyer at the Closing are
subject to the satisfaction or waiver at or prior to the Closing of the
following conditions precedent:
(a) Subject
to Section 11.2(h), all representations and warranties of Seller contained
in
this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects (considering the
transactions contemplated by the Agreement as a whole) at and as of the Closing
in accordance with their terms as if such representations and warranties were
made at and as of the Closing (except to the extent such representations or
warranties are as of a specific time in which case as of such other time),
and
Seller has performed and satisfied all covenants and agreements required by
this
Agreement to be performed and satisfied by Seller at or prior to the Closing
in
all material respects.
36
(b) The
board of directors of the Buyer shall have approved the terms and conditions
of
this Agreement.
(c) The
Buyer shall have completed its technical and financial due diligence, including
Buyer’s receipt of a third party reserve report by the Buyer’s
auditor.
(d) The
Buyer shall have received conditional approval of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement from the Exchange on or prior to the Closing
Date.
(e) Buyer
shall have received at or prior to the Closing Date a favorable legal opinion
from counsel to the Seller, addressed to Buyer, in form and substance acceptable
to counsel to Buyer, acting reasonably, to the effect that:
(1) the
Seller is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada,
and
has all requisite corporate capacity and power to carry on
business;
(2) the
execution and delivery of the Agreement and the performance by the Seller,
of
the transactions contemplated therein, do not result in a breach of and do
not
conflict with or constitute a default under the articles of incorporation of
the
Seller, the by-laws of the Seller, or any resolution of the Seller’s directors
(or any committee thereof) or shareholders;
(3) the
Seller has all requisite capacity and power to execute and deliver the Agreement
and to perform all its obligations thereunder. All necessary corporate action
has been taken by the Seller to authorize the execution and delivery of the
Agreement and the performance by the Seller of its obligations thereunder.
The
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Seller and
constitutes valid and legally binding obligations of the Seller enforceable
against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement thereof may
be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, moratorium
or
similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and except as limited
by the application of equitable principles when equitable remedies are sought,
and the qualification that the enforceability of rights of indemnity and
contribution may be limited by applicable law;
(4) such
other matters as Buyer may reasonably request in connection with the
transaction;
and
in
giving the opinions contemplated above, counsel to the Seller shall be entitled,
as to matters of fact, to rely upon certificates of fact from the Seller, signed
by the President or other officer of the Seller in position to have knowledge
of
such facts and their accuracy, certificates of such public officials and other
Persons as are necessary or desirable, and certificates of the Transfer Agent
as
to the number of Common Shares issued and outstanding;
(f) Buyer
shall have received an opinion or opinions from Seller’s Montana counsel with
respect to title to the Lands and Leases located in Montana, in form and content
satisfactory to Buyer and its counsel;
(g) Buyer
shall have received a certificate of the Seller dated as of the Closing Date,
signed by the President, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer
of
the Seller, or by such other officers as may be acceptable to Buyer, certifying,
to the best of the knowledge, information and beliefs of such officers after
due
inquiry, on behalf of the Seller and not in their personal capacities, as to
certain matters reasonably requested by Buyer with respect to the Seller
including certification that:
37
(1) no
order prohibiting the transaction has been issued and no proceedings for such
purpose are pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller, threatened;
and
(2) all
of the representations and warranties of the Seller contained in the Agreement,
are true and correct and all covenants, terms and conditions relating to the
Seller contained herein, and required to be performed and complied with by
the
Seller on or as or the Closing have been performed and complied with by the
Seller;
(h) Seller
shall have provided Buyer with evidence satisfactory to Buyer in its sole
discretion that Seller has Defensible Title to not less than 75% of the
aggregate area of the Lands which constitute the Fiddler Creek
Property;
(i) Seller
shall have received approval from all regulatory bodies necessary for the Unit
Agreement to become effective and the Unit Agreement shall be in full force
and
effect unamended as of Closing;
(j) Seller
shall have obtained all necessary Authorizations to permit it to drill the
Unit
Well and Seller shall, prior to October 31, 2007, have spudded and commenced
the
drilling of and thereafter diligently pursued the drilling of the Unit Well
required to fulfill the initial well commitment under the Unit Agreement and
shall have completed all such actions as are necessary to maintain the Leases
in
full force and effect and good standing;
(k) each
of the American/Savannah Agreements referenced in Section 7.2(dd) among MAB,
Savannah and AOGI shall have been terminated with respect to the Fiddler Creek
Area, and be of no further force and effect and any and all claims by Savannah
and MAB thereunder or otherwise with respect to the Assets shall have been
waived and Buyer shall have entered into an agreement with Savannah to be
effective as of and subject to Closing pursuant to which Buyer has granted
an
overriding royalty interest to Savannah as to any future leases covering lands
within the Fiddler Creek Area; and
(l) as
of the Closing, all covenants, agreements and obligations of the Seller required
to be performed or complied with on or before the Closing shall have been so
performed or complied with and all conditions required to be complied with
by
the Seller shall have been complied with.
ARTICLE
XII
RIGHT
OF TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
12.1 Termination. This
Agreement may be terminated in accordance with the following
provisions:
(a) by
Seller if the conditions set forth in Section 11.1 are not satisfied through
no
fault of Seller, and are not waived by Seller, as of November 30,
2007;
(b) by
Buyer if the conditions set forth in Section 11.2 are not satisfied through
no
fault of Buyer, and are not waived by Buyer, as of November 30,
2007;
(c) by
Seller if, through no fault of Seller, the Closing does not occur on or before
November 30, 2007; and
38
(d) by
Buyer if, through no fault of Buyer, the Closing does not occur on or before
November 30, 2007.
12.2 Liabilities
Upon Termination.
(a) Buyer’s
Breach. If Closing does not occur because Buyer wrongfully fails
to tender performance at Closing, and Seller is ready to close and is not in
breach of this Agreement, Seller shall have all remedies available to it at
law
and equity, including specific performance, and shall have the right to pursue
all such remedies.
(b) Seller’s
Breach. If Closing does not occur because Seller wrongfully fails
to tender performance at Closing, and Buyer is ready to close and is not in
breach of this Agreement, Buyer shall have all remedies available to it at
law
and equity, including specific performance, and shall have the right to pursue
all such remedies.
(c) Termination
Pursuant to Section 12.1. If Buyer or Seller terminates this
Agreement pursuant to Section 12.1 in the absence of a breach by the other
Party, neither Buyer nor Seller shall have any liability to the other Party
for
termination of this Agreement.
(d) Limitation
on Damages. Buyer and Seller expressly waive any and all rights
to consequential, special, incidental, punitive, or exemplary damages and loss
of profits resulting from a breach of this Agreement.
ARTICLE
XIII
CLOSING
13.1 Date
of Closing. Unless mutually agreed by the Seller and the Buyer,
the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (“Closing”) shall
be held on November 5, 2007 provided that if all of the conditions set forth
in
Article XI have not been satisfied or waived on or before such date then Closing
shall be held on the date two business days following the satisfaction or waiver
of the last of the conditions set forth in Article XI to be satisfied or waived
other than conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at
Closing. The date the Closing actually occurs is called the “Closing
Date.”
13.2 Time
and Place of Closing. The Closing shall be held at the offices of Seller in
Denver, Colorado beginning at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time, or at such other time
and
place as Buyer and Seller may agree in writing.
13.3 Closing
Obligations. At Closing, the following events shall occur, each
being a condition precedent to the others and each being deemed to have occurred
simultaneously with the others:
(a) Seller
shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to Buyer, one or more Assignment, Xxxx
of
Sale and Conveyances in the form attached as Exhibit F, and one or more
Assignment of Oil and Gas Leases in the form attached as Exhibit F-1, whichever
is applicable, for all Assets to be conveyed to Buyer at the Closing pursuant
to
this Agreement, and any applicable governmental assignment forms, conveying
such
Assets to Buyer as of the Effective Time.
(b) Seller
and Buyer shall agree upon the Preliminary Settlement Statement under Section
3.2(a).
39
(c) Buyer
shall deliver the Closing Amount to the account at the Bank designated by Seller
under Section 3.2(a), by wire transfer in immediately available funds, or by
such other method as agreed to by the Parties.
(d) Buyer
shall provide Seller with certificates representing the Offered Shares (other
than the Holdback Shares and Environmental Holdback Shares) duly registered
in
the name of the Seller.
(e) Buyer
shall provide Seller documents evidencing that Buyer, or its assignee pursuant
to Section 16.4 is qualified to own the Assets.
(f) Seller
shall deliver an executed statement as described in Treasury Regulation Section
1.1445-2(b)(2) certifying that Seller is not a foreign person within the meaning
of the Internal Revenue Code.
(g) Seller
and Buyer shall take such other actions and deliver such other documents as
are
contemplated by this Agreement.
ARTICLE
XIV
POST-CLOSING
OBLIGATIONS
14.1 Post-Closing
Adjustments.
(a) Final
Settlement Statement. No later than thirty (30) calendar days
after Closing, Seller will prepare and deliver to Buyer, in accordance with
customary industry accounting practices, the final settlement statement (the
“Final Settlement Statement”) setting forth (i) each adjustment or payment that
was not finally determined as of the Closing, (ii) the calculation of such
adjustment and, (iii) the final Initial Purchase Price (the “Final
Initial Purchase Price”). No later than ten calendar days after
receipt of Seller’s proposed Final Settlement Statement, Buyer shall deliver to
Seller a written report containing any changes that Buyer proposes to make
to
the Final Settlement Statement. Buyer’s failure to deliver to Seller
a written report detailing proposed changes to the Final Settlement Statement
by
that date shall be deemed an acceptance by Buyer of the Final Settlement
Statement as submitted by Seller. The Parties shall agree with
respect to the changes proposed by Buyer, if any, no later than twenty calendar
days after the Buyer’s receipt of Seller’s proposed Final Settlement
Statement. The date upon which such agreement is reached or upon
which the Final Purchase Price is established shall be herein called the “Final
Settlement Date.” If the Final Initial Purchase Price is more than the Closing
Amount, Buyer shall pay Seller the amount of such difference. If the
Final Initial Purchase Price is less than the Closing Amount, Seller shall
pay
to Buyer the amount of such difference. Any payment by a Party shall
be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds within five calendar
days of the Final Settlement Date. Any adjustments requiring
additional payment by either Buyer or Seller shall also be made in the same
manner.
14.2 Records. Seller
agrees to make the Records available for pick up by Buyer as soon as is
reasonably practical following the Closing but in no event more than ten
business days after the Closing. Seller shall have the right to
review the Records during standard business hours upon reasonable notice for
so
long as Buyer retains the Records. If and to the extent certain
portions of the Records are subject to unaffiliated third party contractual
restrictions on disclosure or transfer, Seller agrees to use reasonable efforts
to obtain the waiver
40
of
such
contractual restrictions; provided, however, that Seller shall not be required
to expend any money in connection with obtaining such
waivers.
14.3 Proceeds
and Invoices For Property Expenses Received After the Final Settlement
Date. Proceeds attributable to the Assets received by
a Party, or invoices for Property Expenses, or invoices paid by one Party for
or
on behalf of the other Party which were not already included as an Initial
Purchase Price adjustment, shall be settled as follows:
(a) Property
Expenses. Invoices for Property Expenses received by Buyer which
relate to operations on the Assets prior to the Effective Time shall be
forwarded to Seller by Buyer , or if already paid by Buyer, invoiced by Buyer
to
Seller and Seller agrees to pay all such invoices as they become
due. Invoices for Property Expenses received by Seller which relate
to operations on the Assets after the Effective Time shall be immediately
forwarded to Buyer by Seller, or if already paid by Seller, invoiced by Seller
to Buyer.
(b) Duration. The
provisions of this Section 14.3 shall apply until the first anniversary of
the
Closing, after which time, Buyer agrees to release Seller from all obligations
and liabilities for Property Expenses related to the Assets attributable to
the
period of time both before and after the Effective Time.
14.4
Further Assurances. From time to time after Closing, Seller and
Buyer shall each execute, acknowledge and deliver to the other such further
instruments and take such other action as mat be reasonably requested in order
to accomplish more effectively the purposes of the transactions contemplated
by
the Agreement.
14.5 Survival. The
obligations of the Parties set forth in this Article XIV shall survive the
Closing in accordance with Section 16.12.
ARTICLE
XV
ASSUMPTION
AND RETENTION OF OBLIGATIONS AND INDEMNIFICATION
15.1 Buyer’s
Assumption of Liabilities and Obligations. Upon Closing and subject to the
provisions of Sections 2.3, 6.3, 14.3 and 15.3, and except for Retained
Liabilities, Buyer agrees to assume and pay, perform, fulfill and discharge
all
claims, costs, expenses, liabilities and obligations accruing or relating to
(a)
the Assets, (b) the Material Agreements, and (c) the ownership, development,
exploration, operation or maintenance of the Assets or the production,
transportation and marketing of Hydrocarbons from the Assets relating to periods
after the Effective Time, including, without limitation, the payment of Property
Expenses, the payment of Taxes, royalties and overriding royalties, and
irrespective of whether the following obligations arose prior to or after the
Effective Time: the obligation to plug and abandon all xxxxx located on the
Lands and reclaim all Well sites located on the Lands; and (d) any other
obligation or liability assumed by the Buyer pursuant to the provisions of
this
Agreement (collectively, the liabilities referred to in this Section 15.1 are
referred to as the “Assumed Liabilities”).
15.2 Seller’s
Retention of Liabilities and Obligations. Notwithstanding Section
15.1 upon Closing and subject to the provisions of Sections 2.3, 6.3, 14.3
and
15.3, Seller retains (a) all liabilities for Taxes relating to the Assets which
accrued prior to the Effective Time and which remain unpaid at Closing; (b)
all
liabilities for any damages, penalties, fines or other claims whatsoever arising
from any legal proceeding relating to the operations of the Assets prior to
the
Effective Time (the “Retained Litigation Liabilities”); and (c) all claims,
costs, expenses, liabilities and obligations accruing or relating to any other
obligation or liability assumed by the Seller
41
pursuant
to the provisions of this Agreement (collectively, the liabilities referred
to
in this Section 15.2, are referred to as the “Retained
Liabilities”).
15.3 Indemnification. After
the Closing, Buyer and Seller shall indemnify each other as
follows:
(a) Seller’s
Indemnification of Buyer. The Seller shall defend, indemnify,
save and hold harmless Buyer, its officers, directors, employees and agents,
from and against all Losses which arise from or in connection with: (i) the
Retained Liabilities; (ii) any matter for which Seller has agreed to indemnify
Buyer under this Agreement; and (iii) any breach of representations, warranties,
covenants, or agreements by Seller under this Agreement. The
Seller’s indemnification of the Buyer herein expressly excludes any Losses,
matters or claims arising under Articles V and VI of this Agreement; except
to
the extent such Losses are covered by clause (ii) or (iii) of the preceding
sentence.
(b) Buyer’s
Indemnification of Seller. Buyer shall defend, indemnify, save
and hold harmless Seller, its officers, directors, employees and agents, from
and against all Losses which arise from or in connection with (i) the Assumed
Liabilities, (ii) any matter for which Buyer has agreed to indemnify Seller
under this Agreement, (iii) any breach of representations, warranties,
covenants, or agreements by Buyer under this Agreement; and (iv) all claims,
costs, expenses, liabilities and obligations accruing or relating to the
ownership, development, exploration, operation or maintenance of the Assets
or
the production, transportation and marketing of Hydrocarbons from the Assets
relating to periods before and after the Effective
Time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer provides no
indemnification with respect to any matter listed in Section 15.3(a)(i), (ii)
or
(iii).
(c) Release. Buyer
shall be deemed to have released the Seller at the Closing from any Losses
for
which Buyer has agreed to indemnify Seller hereunder, and the Seller shall
be
deemed to have released Buyer at the Closing from any Losses for which Seller
has agreed to indemnify Buyer hereunder.
(d) Survival. The
obligations set forth in this Section 15.3 shall survive Closing in accordance
with Section 16.12.
15.4 Procedure. The
indemnifications contained in Section 15.3 shall be implemented as
follows:
(a) Coverage. Such
indemnity shall extend to all Losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified
Party.
(b) Time. As
a condition precedent to each Party’s obligation to indemnify the other Party,
the Party seeking indemnification must deliver a written Claim Notice to the
indemnifying Party on or before the third anniversary of the Closing Date,
provided, however that there shall be no time limitation with respect to: (i)
the Retained Litigation Liabilities, (ii) Taxes; and (iii) any provision in
this
Agreement whereby a Party has agreed to indemnify the other Party and such
provision, either expressly or by its context, would require a Claim Notice
to
be delivered at a date later than the time limitation set forth in this
Section.
(c) Claim
Notice. The Party seeking indemnification under the terms of this
Agreement (“Indemnified Party”) shall submit a written claim notice (the “Claim
Notice”) to the other Party (“Indemnifying Party”) which, to be effective, must
state: (i) the amount of each
42
payment
claimed by an Indemnified Party to be owing, (ii) the basis for such claim,
with
supporting documentation, and (iii) a list identifying, to the extent reasonably
possible, each separate item of Loss for which payment is so
claimed. The amount claimed shall be paid by the Indemnifying Party
to the extent required herein within thirty calendar days after receipt of
the
Claim Notice, or after the amount of such payment has been finally established,
whichever last occurs.
(d) Information. Within
thirty calendar days after the Indemnified Party receives notice of a claim
or
legal action that may result in a Loss for which indemnification may be sought
under this Agreement (a “Claim”), the Indemnified Party shall give a Claim
Notice to the Indemnifying Party provided that the failure to deliver a Claim
Notice within such time period shall not affect the Indemnified Party’s right to
indemnification hereunder unless the Indemnifying Party can show that the
defense of the Claim which is the subject of such Claim Notice was materially
prejudiced by the Indemnified Party’s failure to provide timely
notice. If the Indemnifying Party or its counsel so requests, the
Indemnified Party shall furnish the Indemnifying Party with copies of all
pleadings and other information with respect to such Claim. At the
election of the Indemnifying Party made within sixty calendar days after receipt
of such notice, the Indemnified Party shall permit the Indemnifying Party to
assume control of such Claim (to the extent only that such Claim, legal action
or other matter relates to a Loss for which the Indemnifying Party is liable),
including the determination of all appropriate actions, the negotiation of
settlements on behalf of the Indemnified Party and the conduct of litigation
through attorneys of the Indemnifying Party’s choice. No settlement
of a Claim can result in any liability or cost to the Indemnified Party for
which it is entitled to be indemnified hereunder without its
consent. If the Indemnifying Party elects to assume control, (i) any
expense incurred by the Indemnified Party thereafter for investigation or
defense of the matter shall be borne by the Indemnified
Party provided that in the event that (A) the Indemnifying Party does
not diligently pursue defense of the Claim or (B) a conflict of interest exists
between the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party with respect to such
Claim or one or more defenses are available to the Indemnified Party which
are
not available to the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party shall pay the
costs and expenses of counsel to the Indemnified Party, and (ii) the Indemnified
Party shall give all reasonable information and assistance, other than
pecuniary, that the Indemnifying Party shall deem necessary to the proper
defense of such Claim, legal action, or other matter. In the absence
of such an election, the Indemnified Party will use its best efforts to defend,
at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, any claim, legal action or other matter to
which such other Party’s indemnification under this Section 15.4 applies until
the Indemnifying Party assumes such defense, and, if the Indemnifying Party
fails to assume such defense within the time period provided above, settle
the
same in the Indemnified Party’s reasonable discretion at the Indemnifying
Party’s expense. If such a Claim requires immediate action, the
Parties agree to cooperate in good faith to take appropriate action so as not
to
jeopardize defense of such Claim or either Party’s position with respect to such
Claim.
15.5 No
Insurance; Subrogation. The indemnifications provided in this
Agreement shall not be construed as a form of insurance. Buyer and
Seller hereby waive for themselves, their successors or assigns, including,
without limitation, any insurers, any rights to subrogation for Losses for
which
each of them is respectively liable or against which each respectively
indemnifies the other, and, if required by applicable policies, Buyer and Seller
shall obtain waiver of such subrogation from their respective
insurers.
43
15.6 Reservation
as to Non-Parties. Nothing herein is intended to limit or
otherwise waive any recourse Buyer or Seller may have against any non-party
for
any obligations or liabilities that may be incurred with respect to the
Assets.
ARTICLE
XVI
MISCELLANEOUS
16.1 Expenses. Except
as otherwise specifically provided, all fees, costs and expenses incurred by
Buyer or Seller in negotiating this Agreement or in consummating the
transactions consummated by this Agreement shall be paid by the Party incurring
the same, including without limitation, engineering, land, title, legal and
accounting fees, costs and expenses.
16.2 Notices. All
notices and communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall
be
in writing and addressed as set forth below. Any communication or
delivery hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly made and the receiving
Party charged with notice (i) if personally delivered, when received, (ii)
if
sent by telecopy or facsimile transmission, on the first business day on or
after which such facsimile is successfully transmitted and received, (iii)
if
mailed, five business days after mailing, certified mail, return receipt
requested, or (iv) if sent by overnight courier, the first business day on
or
after such notice is sent by overnight courier. All notices shall be
addressed as follows:
If
to
Seller:
PetroHunter
Energy Corporation
0000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx
X. Xxxxx, Vice President and General Counsel
Telephone
000-000-0000
Facsimile
000-000-0000
If
to
Buyer:
Pearl
Exploration and Production Ltd.
2500
Petro-Canada East Tower
000
- 0xx
Xxxxxx X.X.
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx X0X 0X0
Attention: Xxxxx
Xxxx, President and Chief Executive Officer
Telephone
000-000-0000
Facsimile
000-000-0000
With
a
copy to:
XxXxxxxxxx
O’Xxxxxx Xxxxx LLP
0000-000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx X0X 0X0
Attention: Xxxxx
Xxxxx
Telephone
000-000-0000
Facsimile
000-000-0000
44
Any
Party
may, by written notice so delivered to the other Party, change the address
or
individual to which delivery shall thereafter be made.
16.3 Amendments. This
Agreement may not be amended nor any rights hereunder waived except by an
instrument in writing signed by the Party to be charged with such amendment
or
waiver and delivered by such Party to the Party claiming the benefit of such
amendment or waiver.
16.4 Assignment. Prior
to Closing, a Party shall not assign all or any portion of its rights or
delegate all or any portion of its duties hereunder provided that Buyer may
transfer all or any part of its rights hereunder to a wholly owned direct or
indirect subsidiary so long as it continues to remain liable for the performance
of its obligations hereunder. No such assignment or obligation shall
increase the burden on Seller or impose any duty on Seller to communicate with
or report to any transferee, Seller may continue to look to Buyer for all
purposes under this Agreement.
16.5 Announcements. Seller
and Buyer shall consult with each other with regard to all press releases and
other announcements issued after the date of execution of this Agreement
concerning this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereunder and, except
as may be required by applicable laws or the applicable rules and regulations
of
any governmental agency, financing entity or stock exchange, Buyer or Seller
shall not issue any such press release or other publicity without the prior
written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
16.6 Confidentiality
Agreement. The Confidentiality Agreement dated June 8,
2007 between the Parties controls all matters regarding confidentiality of
data
and information, whether written or oral, obtained from Seller in the Parties’
course of dealing prior to the Closing. In the event a Closing does
not occur the Parties agree that the Confidentiality Agreement shall continue
to
be in full force and effect pursuant to the terms and conditions therein.
16.7 Confidentiality. Except
as permitted herein, for a period of two years following the Closing, the
Parties shall maintain the terms and conditions of this Agreement as
confidential, except disclosures that as may be required by court order,
applicable laws, rules and regulations of governmental agencies or stock
exchanges. Each Party shall inform the other of such
disclosures. Unless prohibited by applicable law, the disclosing
Party shall provide the other Party with advanced notice of any such
disclosure.
16.8 Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed by Buyer and Seller in any number of counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original instrument, but all of which together
shall constitute but one and the same instrument. Facsimile
signatures shall be considered binding.
16.9 Governing
Law. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder,
and any arbitration or dispute resolution conducted pursuant hereto shall be
construed in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Colorado
without reference to the conflict of laws principles thereof. The
Parties agree that venue for any dispute pursuant to this Agreement, or the
transactions contemplated thereunder, shall be in state or federal court in
Denver, Colorado, and the Parties agree to be subject to the jurisdiction of
such venue and court.
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16.10 Entire
Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding
among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, superseding all
negotiations, prior discussions and prior agreements and understandings relating
to such subject matter.
16.11 Binding
Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to
the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective permitted successors
and
assigns.
16.12 Survival. The
representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement shall survive: (i)
the Closing; and (ii) the delivery and acceptance of the Assignment, Xxxx of
Sale and Conveyance, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
for
a period of three years following Closing. The other provisions of
this Agreement shall survive the Closing if they are expressly stated to survive
the Closing or are required by their context to survive the
Closing.
16.13 No
Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is intended to benefit
only the Parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and
assigns.
[Signature
Page Follows]
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The
Parties have executed this Purchase and Sale Agreement, effective as of the
Effective Date.
SELLER
PETROHUNTER
HEAVY OIL LTD.
By: /s/
Xxxxx X.
Xxxxx
Title:
President
BUYER
PEARL
EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION LTD.
By: /s/
Xxxxx
Xxxx
Xxxxx Xxxx, President and
CEO
Purchase
and Sale Agreement Execution Page