ACREAGE EARNING AGREEMENT BETWEEN TETON ENERGY CORPORATION AND NOBLE ENERGY, INC. DATED EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 2005
BETWEEN
TETON
ENERGY CORPORATION
AND
NOBLE
ENERGY, INC.
DATED
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 2005
This
Acreage Earning Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated effective December 31, 2005
(the “Effective Time”), is by and between Teton Energy Corporation, 000
00xx
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxx 0000, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000 (“Teton”) and Noble Energy, Inc., 0000
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, 00000 (“Noble”). Teton and Noble may be
referred to individually as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties.” The
transaction contemplated by this Agreement may be referred to as the
“Transaction.”
Recitals
A. Teton
owns certain interests in oil and gas leases covering acreage located in
Keith,
Perkins, Chase and Dundy Counties, Nebraska and Sedgwick County, Colorado,
all
as more particularly described in Exhibits A-1 and A-2 below (collectively,
the
“Leases”).
B. Teton
desires that Noble become a co-owner of an undivided 75% working interest
(“WI”)
and 60.75% net revenue interest (“NRI”) in the Leases listed on Exhibit A-1 (the
“81% NRI Leases”) and an undivided 75% WI and the NRI as set forth on Exhibit
A-2, proportionately reduced to the 75% WI assigned, for the Leases listed
on
Exhibit A-2 (with the Leases set forth on Exhibit A-2 being the “Low NRI
Leases”) and the rights associated therewith (collectively, the “Assets” as
defined in Section 1.1) by paying the Cash Consideration (as defined in Article
2) and drilling the “Earning Xxxxx” as that term is defined in Section
9.1(a).
X. Xxxxx
is
one of the most active operators in the Niobrara Play in Yuma County, Colorado
and has drilled and currently operates over 350 oil and gas xxxxx producing
from
the Niobrara Formation.
X. Xxxxx
wishes to undertake a similar Niobrara Formation exploration and development
program on the Leases.
X. Xxxxx
has
the financial wherewithal, technical expertise and personnel to pursue an
exploration and development program on the Leases and desires to earn an
undivided interest in the Leases as set forth herein by drilling the Earning
Xxxxx, all pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
F. To
accomplish the foregoing, the Parties wish to enter into this Agreement.
Agreement
In
consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, $100 and other good
and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, Noble and Teton agree as follows:
1
ARTICLE
1
Definition of the Assets
1.1 Definition
of the Assets.
The term
“Assets” refers to an undivided 75% WI and 60.75% NRI in the oil and gas Leases
listed on Exhibit A-1, and an undivided 75% WI and the NRI as set forth on
Exhibit A-2, proportionately reduced to the 75% WI assigned, for the Leases
listed on Exhibit A-2, of Teton’s right, title and interest in and to the
following:
A. The
leasehold estates created by the oil and gas leases specifically described
in
Exhibits A-1 and A-2 (collectively, the “Leases”), and the oil, gas and all
other hydrocarbons (“Hydrocarbons”) attributable to the Leases and the lands
covered thereby (the “Lands”);
B. The
permits, rights-of-way and easements used in connection with the production,
gathering, treatment, processing, storing, sale or disposal of Hydrocarbons
or
water produced from the Leases and Lands described in Subsection 1.1A.;
C. Other
agreements, if any, relating to the properties and interests described in
Subsections 1.1A and B and to the production of Hydrocarbons, if any,
attributable to said Leases and Lands;
D. All
existing and effective contracts, agreements and instruments, if any, insofar
as
they relate to the Leases and Lands described in Subsections 1.1A through
C;
E. All
proprietary seismic data and licensed seismic data covering the Leases and
Land,
if any, subject to applicable third-party licensing restrictions or other
restrictions on disclosure or transfer; and
F. The
files, records and geologic data relating to the items described in
Subsections 1.1A through E maintained by Teton, but only to the extent not
subject to unaffiliated third party contractual restrictions on disclosure
or
transfer (the “Records”).
The
term
“Undivided Interest in the Leases” means the interest Teton will assign to Noble
in the 81% NRI Leases and the Low NRI Leases.
ARTICLE
2
Cash Consideration
2.1 Cash
Consideration. At Closing, Noble agrees to pay Teton $3,000,000.00 (the
“Cash Consideration”) by wire transfer of immediately available funds, as
adjusted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, less the Deposit.
2.2 The
Deposit. Contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Noble shall
pay to Teton, in cash, an amount equal to $300,000.00 (the “Deposit” which
equals 10% of the “Cash Consideration”) by wire transfer of immediately
available funds. The Deposit shall be retained by Teton and credited to the
Cash
Consideration at Closing or, if this Agreement is terminated on or before
Closing, shall be distributed or retained pursuant to Article 7.
2
ARTICLE
3
Due Diligence
3.1 The
Records. After execution of this Agreement, Teton will make available to
Noble copies of all Records in the possession of Teton related to the Assets,
including, without limitation, copies
of the
leases and contracts affecting the Assets. Teton
has not
intentionally withheld from Noble, or intentionally misrepresented, in the
Records or otherwise, any material information that is necessary or material
to
Noble’s evaluation of the Transaction. To the extent that the Records contain
any interpretations of matters of fact, information, data, printouts,
extrapolations, projections, documentation, maps, graphs, charts, tables,
geological data, geophysical data and engineering data, Noble agrees to rely
on
such data, information and interpretations at its own risk.
3.2 Access
to the Assets. In addition, Teton agrees to xxxxx Xxxxx physical access to
the Assets to allow Noble to conduct, at Noble’s sole risk and expense, on-site
inspections and environmental assessments of the Lands comprising the Assets.
In
connection with Teton granting such access to
Noble,
Noble represents that it is adequately insured and waives, releases and agrees
to hold harmless, indemnify and defend Teton, and its respective directors,
officers, shareholders, employees, agents and representatives, from and against
all liabilities, obligations, claims and losses, including, without limitation,
claims for injury to, or death of, persons or for physical damage to property,
arising directly or indirectly from the access afforded to Noble hereunder
or
the physical activities of Noble on the Assets, except for claims or damages
resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Teton.
ARTICLE
4
Representations of Teton
Teton
represents to Noble as follows:
4.1 Existence.
Teton is a corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of
the State of Delaware and is duly qualified to own properties and carry on
business in the States of Nebraska and Colorado and to hold record title
to the
Leases.
4.2 Due
Authorization and Execution. This Agreement has been duly authorized,
executed and delivered on behalf of Teton and all documents and instruments
required hereunder to be executed and delivered by Teton shall have been
duly
authorized, executed and delivered. This Agreement does, and such documents
and
instruments will, constitute valid, legal and binding obligations of Teton
in
accordance with their terms subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and similar laws, as well as to principles of
equity
(regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding
in
equity or at law).
4.3 Power
and Authority. Teton has all requisite power and authority to carry on its
business as presently conducted, to enter into this Agreement on the terms
described in this Agreement and to perform its other obligations under this
Agreement. The consummation of the Transaction will not violate, nor be in
conflict with, any provisions of (i) Teton’s governing documents, (ii) any other
agreement or instrument to which Teton is a party or is bound, or (iii) any
judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Teton.
3
4.4 Brokers’
Fees. Teton has not incurred any liability, contingent or otherwise, for
brokers’ or finders’ fees relating to this Transaction for which Noble shall
have any responsibility whatsoever.
4.5 Litigation.
There is no action, suit, proceeding, claim or investigation by any person,
entity, administrative agency or governmental body pending or, to Teton’s
knowledge, threatened against it before any governmental authority that impedes
or is likely to impede Teton’s ability to consummate this Transaction.
4.6 Title
Matters.
Teton
warrants title to the Leases from and against all persons claiming by, through
and under Teton, but not otherwise. Teton represents that to the best of
its
knowledge, the Leases are valid and in full force and effect. Teton has not
received a written notice of (a) a material default under the Leases that
remains uncured, or (b) a material violation of a law, rule or regulation
applicable to the Leases that remains uncured. To allege a breach of this
representation, Noble must show that title to 5% of the Leases has actually
failed based on the opinion of title counsel, and accordingly, that Teton
does
not own an interest in that Lease. All Leases shall be valued at $30 per
net
mineral acre. The “5% of the Leases” set forth above is a threshold number, and
not a deductible. Accordingly, 5% of the Leases equals 9,193 net mineral
acres x
$30/net mineral acres = $275,790.00. For example, if title to Leases worth
$270,000.00 fails, then there will be no adjustment to the Cash Consideration,
and if title to Leases worth $285,000.00 fails, the Cash Consideration would
be
reduced by $285,000.00, subject to the provisions of Section 7.1(c).
A. Teton
represents that it has at least the NRI set forth on Exhibit A-2 for each
of the
Low NRI Leases.
4.7 Compliance
with Laws. Teton has not received a written notice of a material violation
of any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, permit, rule or order of any
federal, state, tribal or local government or any other governmental department
or agency, or any judgment, decree or order of any court, applicable to the
Assets or operations on the Assets, which remains uncured.
4.8 Contracts
and Agreements. None of the Hydrocarbons are subject to a sales contract and
no person has any call upon, option to purchase or similar rights with respect
to the production from the Assets. Except for the Purchase and Sale Agreement
(Shallow Niobrara Gas Project) dated January 5, 2005 by and between ATEC
Energy
Ventures, LLC et al. as Sellers and Teton as Buyer (the “ATEC PSA,” a copy of
which is attached as Exhibit F), the Assets are not subject to any area of
mutual interest agreements or any farm-out or farm-in agreement under which
any
party thereto is entitled to receive assignments not yet made, or could earn
additional assignments. None of the Assets is subject to (or has related
to it)
any tax partnership. Noble acknowledges the terms of the ATEC PSA and agrees
to
comply with those terms to the extent that they continue to affect the Assets,
including without limitation, Article 5 - Area of Mutual Interest, Article
6 -
Mineral Interests and Article 10 - Rentals and Obligations.
4
ARTICLE
5
Representations of Xxxxx
Xxxxx
represents to Teton as follows:
5.1 Existence.
Noble is a corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of
the State of Delaware and at Closing, will be duly qualified to own properties
and carry on business in the State of Nebraska and Colorado and to hold record
title to the Leases prior to receiving an assignment of an interest in the
Leases.
5.2 Due
Authorization and Execution. This Agreement has been duly authorized,
executed and delivered on behalf of Noble and all documents and instruments
required hereunder to be executed and delivered by Noble shall have been
duly
authorized, executed and delivered. This Agreement does, and such documents
and
instruments will, constitute valid, legal and binding obligations of Noble
in
accordance with their terms subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and similar laws, as well as to principles of
equity
(regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding
in
equity or at law).
5.3 Power
and Authority. Noble has all requisite power and authority to carry on its
business as presently conducted, to enter into this Agreement on the terms
described in this Agreement and to perform its other obligations under this
Agreement. The consummation of the Transaction will not violate, nor be in
conflict with, any provisions of (i) Noble’s governing documents, (ii) any other
agreement or instrument to which Noble is a party or is bound, or (iii) any
judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Noble.
5.4 Brokers’
Fees. Noble has not incurred any liability, contingent or otherwise, for
brokers’ or finders’ fees relating to this Transaction for which Teton shall
have any responsibility whatsoever.
5.5 Litigation.
There is no action, suit, proceeding, claim or investigation by any person,
entity, administrative agency or governmental body pending or, to Noble’s
knowledge, threatened against it before any governmental authority that impedes
or is likely to impede Noble’s ability to consummate this Transaction.
5.6 Securities
Laws. Noble is familiar with the Assets and it is a knowledgeable,
experienced and sophisticated investor in the oil and gas business. Noble
understands and accepts the risks and absence of liquidity inherent in ownership
of the Assets. Noble acknowledges that the Assets are or may be deemed to
be
“securities” under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and certain
applicable state securities or Blue Sky laws and that resales thereof may
therefore be subject to the registration requirements of such acts. The Assets
are being acquired solely for Noble’s own account for the purpose of investment
and not with a view to resale, distribution or granting a participation therein
in violation of any securities laws.
5.7 Independent
Investigation. Noble is experienced and knowledgeable in the oil and gas
business and is aware of its risks. In entering into this Agreement, Noble
acknowledges and affirms that it has relied and will rely solely on the terms
of
this Agreement and upon its independent analysis, evaluation and investigation
of, and judgment with respect to, the business, economic, legal, tax or other
consequences of this Transaction including its own estimate and appraisal
of the
extent and value of the petroleum, natural gas and other reserves of the
Assets,
the value of the Assets and future operation, maintenance and development
costs
associated with the Assets. Noble owns and operates other oil and gas properties
similar in nature and kind to the Assets and is aware of the geologic factors
and risks associated with operating oil and gas xxxxx in the area of the
Assets.
Noble assumes the risk of drilling the Earning Xxxxx in a timely manner and
the
potential variation of the cost of drilling the Earning Xxxxx.
5
5.8 Due
Diligence. Noble acknowledges that Teton is making the Records available to
it and the opportunity to examine, to the extent it deems necessary in its
sole
discretion, all real property, personal property and equipment associated
with
the Assets. Except for the representations of Teton contained in this Agreement,
Noble acknowledges and agrees that Teton 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
furnished or to be furnished to Noble or its representatives by or on behalf
of
Teton, including without limitation any estimate with respect to the value
of
the Assets, estimates or any projections as to reserves and/or events that
could
or could not occur, future operating expenses and future cash flow.
5.9 Financial
Resources. Noble has the financial resources available to pay the Cash
Consideration and to drill all of the Earning Xxxxx in accordance with the
terms
of this Agreement.
ARTICLE
6
Conditions Precedent to Closing
6.1 Breaches
of Representations. If one Party believes the other Party has breached a
representation set forth in this Agreement, the Party alleging the breach,
shall
give the other Party notice of the breach on or before five days prior to
Closing, together with a detailed description of the breach and supporting
documentation. The Parties’ remedies for breaches of representation are set
forth in Section 4.6
for that
Section and generally in Sections 6.2
and
6.3
and
ARTICLE
7.
6.2 Teton’s
Conditions Precedent.
The
obligations of Teton at Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver
at or
prior to the Closing of the following conditions precedent:
A. All
representations of Noble contained in this Agreement are true in all material
respects (considering this Transaction as a whole) at and as of the Closing
in
accordance with their terms as if such representations were remade at and
as of
the Closing;
X. Xxxxx
has
performed and satisfied all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement
to be performed and satisfied by Noble at or prior to the Closing in all
material respects; and
C. No
order
has been entered by any court or governmental agency having jurisdiction
over
the Parties or the subject matter of this Agreement that restrains or prohibits
this Transaction and that remains in effect at the time of Closing.
6
6.3 Noble’s
Conditions Precedent.
The
obligations of Noble at Closing are subject to the satisfaction or waiver
at or
prior to the Closing of the following conditions precedent:
A. All
representations of Teton contained in this Agreement are true in all material
respects at and as of the Closing in accordance with their terms as if such
representations were remade at and as of the Closing;
B. Teton
has
performed and satisfied all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement
to be performed and satisfied by Teton at or prior to the Closing in all
material respects; and
C. No
order
has been entered by any court or governmental agency having jurisdiction
over
the Parties or the subject matter of this Agreement that restrains or prohibits
this Transaction and that remains in effect at the time of Closing.
ARTICLE
7 Termination
7.1 Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated in accordance with the following
provisions:
A. by
Teton
if Teton’s conditions set forth in Section 6.2 are not satisfied through no
fault of Teton, or are not waived by Teton, as of the Closing Date;
B. by
Noble
if Noble’s conditions set forth in Section 6.3 are not satisfied through no
fault of Noble, or are not waived by Noble, as of the Closing Date;
and
C. by
either
Party if the aggregate of adjustments to the Cash Consideration for breaches
of
representations exceeds $300,000.
7.2 Liabilities
Upon Termination.
X. Xxxxx’x
Breach. If Closing does not occur because Noble wrongfully fails to tender
performance at Closing or otherwise breaches this Agreement prior to Closing,
and Teton is ready and otherwise able to close, Teton shall retain the Deposit
as liquidated damages. The remedy set forth herein shall be Teton’s sole and
exclusive remedy for Noble’s wrongful failure to close hereunder and Teton
expressly waives any and all other remedies, legal and equitable, that it
otherwise may have had for Noble’s wrongful failure to Close.
B. Teton’s
Breach. If Closing does not occur because Teton wrongfully fails to tender
performance at Closing or otherwise breaches this Agreement prior to Closing,
and Noble is ready and otherwise able to close, Teton shall promptly return
the
Deposit to Noble immediately after the determination that the Closing will
not
occur and pay
Noble
$300,000.00 as liquidated damages for Teton’s wrongful failure to close. The
remedy set forth herein shall be Noble’s sole and exclusive remedy for Teton’s
wrongful failure to close hereunder and Noble expressly waives any and all
other
remedies, legal and equitable, that it otherwise may have had for Teton’s
wrongful failure to close.
7
ARTICLE
8
Closing
8.1 Closing.
The “Closing” of this Transaction shall be held on Friday, January 27, 2006 at
the offices of Teton in Denver, Colorado, at 10:30 a.m. 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:
X. Xxxxx
shall pay Teton $2,700,000.00 (the Cash Consideration, less the Deposit),
as
further adjusted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, by wire transfer
in
immediately available funds to the bank account designated by Teton.
X. Xxxxx
shall provide Teton evidence that it has the insurance set forth in the
applicable JOA (as defined in Section 14.1), and the necessary bonding and
other
documents in place to operate the Assets and drill the Earning Xxxxx.
X. Xxxxx
and
Teton each shall execute the JOA.
ARTICLE
9
The Earning Xxxxx
9.1 Drill
to Earn. After Closing, the Parties agree as follows:
A. The
Earning Xxxxx. Until March 1, 2007, Noble shall have the right to acquire an
Undivided Interest in the Leases by drilling a total of 20 xxxxx on the Lands
to
the Target Depth (collectively, the “Earning Xxxxx”); such Earning Xxxxx to be
drilled under the following time table: 10 xxxxx drilled on or before December
31, 2006, and 10 xxxxx drilled on or before March 1, 2007. The Earning Xxxxx
shall be drilled on locations on the Lands selected by Noble within the
following acreage blocks: 10 xxxxx within the boundaries of the Grant Complex,
and 10 xxxxx within the boundaries of the Chundy Complex, as both complexes
are
outlined on Exhibit B.
B. Target
Depth. The term “Target Depth” shall mean the depth in an oil and gas well
as shown on the daily drilling reports indicating that the well has been
drilled
through the base of the Niobrara formation. The term “base of the Niobrara
Formation” means drilling through a depth of 200 feet below the top of the
Niobrara Formation as found in the Xxxxxxxxx 0-00 Xxxx, XX/XX of Section
26,
T10N, R39W, Xxxxxxx County, Nebraska. The day the well will be deemed to
have
been drilled shall be the date it reaches Target Depth, as show by the daily
drilling reports.
C. Location
of Each Earning Well. The Parties agree that Noble may select the physical
location of the Earning Xxxxx within the Chundy Complex and the Grant Complex.
8
9.2 Substitute
Well. If Noble has commenced any well in accordance with this Agreement and
thereafter encounters mechanical difficulties or impenetrable substances
rendering further drilling of the well impractical (the “Compromised Well”),
Noble will immediately plug and abandon the Compromised Well and commence
the
drilling of the Substitute Well within 30 days of the plugging and abandonment
of the Compromised Well. In that event, the time frame within which Noble
must
drill the Earning Xxxxx shall be extended by the time spent drilling the
Compromised Well plus 30 days. “Commencement of Drilling” shall be the date
Noble commences actual drilling operations on the well in question using
a
drilling rig capable to drill to Target Depth. If Noble does not commence
drilling on the Substitute Well within the 30 days, the provisions of this
Section shall not apply, and the time frame for drilling the Earning Xxxxx
shall
not be extended.
ARTICLE
10
Well Costs for the Earning Xxxxx
10.1 Definition
of Well Costs for the Earning Xxxxx. The term “Well Costs” for one of the
Earning Xxxxx means all of the actual costs of drilling, completing and
connecting the Well to the “Production Infrastructure” as defined in Section
18.17, including without limitation, title examination, permitting the well,
establishing the well location, surveying, drilling, evaluating, logging,
testing, completing and equipping a well, and installing all necessary flow
lines to connect the well to the Production Infrastructure.
10.2 Apportionment
of Well Costs for the Earning Xxxxx. The Parties agree that Noble shall bear
100% of the Well Costs for the Earning Xxxxx.
10.3 Apportionment
of Well Costs for the Subsequent Xxxxx. The Parties agree to bear all of the
costs associated with the drilling and completion of xxxxx drilled after
the
Earning Xxxxx (the “Subsequent Xxxxx”) in accordance with their WI percentages
in each well and the terms of this Agreement and the applicable JOA.
10.4 Apportionment
of Costs for Acquisition of Additional Seismic Data. The Parties agree to
bear all of the third party costs associated with acquisition of additional
seismic data, and the reprocessing thereof, as follows (“Additional Seismic
Costs”): If Noble chooses to acquire additional seismic data covering the Lands
in connection with drilling of the Earning Wells, Noble agrees to pay 100%
of
the Additional Seismic Costs. After Noble has drilled all of the Earning
Xxxxx,
(i) Teton agrees to reimburse Noble for an undivided 25% of such Additional
Seismic Costs, such payment to be made within 30 days of Teton’s receipt of a
detailed invoice for such costs and (ii) the Parties agree to bear the costs
of
the acquisition of additional seismic data after Noble has drilled the Earning
Xxxxx in accordance with their WI percentages as set forth in the applicable
JOA. If Noble does not drill all of the Earning Xxxxx, at Teton’s sole option,
Teton may acquire all of the additional seismic data, together with any
reprocessing and related information, from Noble by paying Noble 100% of
the
Additional Seismic Costs.
9
ARTICLE
11
Proceeds of Production from the Earning Xxxxx
11.1 Noble
Earning an Interest in the Assets. Prior to drilling all of the Earning
Xxxxx, as each of the Earning Xxxxx is drilled and Noble pays 100% of Well
Costs
as set forth in Article 10, Noble shall own no interest in the Leases of
record,
but shall have the contractual right to receive the proceeds of production
from
Earning Xxxxx drilled equal to Noble’s after earning interest in each of the
Earning Xxxxx - i.e., 60.75% NRI for the 81% NRI Leases and the NRI listed
on
Exhibit A-2 for the Low NRI Leases, proportionally reduced to the 75% WI
assigned.
11.2 Proportionate
Reduction. The Parties acknowledge that Teton may not own 100% of the WI in
the Lands covered by the Leases, and that other third parties may own an
interest in the Lands. Accordingly, if and to the extent that Teton owns
less
than 100% of the WI in a particular interest comprising the Assets, Teton’s
interest, and the interest earned by Noble, shall be reduced proportionately.
The Parties acknowledge and agree that Noble will earn an undivided interest
in
the Assets owned by Teton, not an undivided interest in 100% of the WI under
the
Lands.
ARTICLE
12
Failure to Drill all of the Earning Xxxxx
12.1 Failure
to Drill. In its sole discretion, Noble may elect to drill or not drill the
Earning Xxxxx. If Xxxxx has not drilled 10 of the Earning Xxxxx by December
31,
2006, or if Noble has not drilled an additional 10 xxxxx by March 1, 2007
(for a
total of 20 xxxxx), (i) Noble’s right to drill additional oil and gas xxxxx on
the Assets shall terminate, (ii) Noble’s interest in the Assets shall be
confined to the wellbores of the Earning Xxxxx already drilled on the Assets,
together with a leasehold interest necessary to produce only the wellbore
of the
drilled Earning Well, but without the right to drill additional xxxxx on
the
portion of the Lease so assigned, (iii) Noble’s ownership interest in the
Production Infrastructure, as set forth in Section 18.17, shall be confined
to
that portion of the Production Infrastructure already constructed as of the
date
it is determined that Noble has not drilled the Earning Xxxxx, and Xxxxx
shall
assign operation of the Production Infrastructure to Teton, (iv) the contract
area under the JOA will be revised to include only the wellbores of the Earning
Xxxxx, (v) Noble shall provide Teton copies of any and all information and
data
that Noble has generated in connection with the drilling of the Earning Xxxxx,
and (vi) Noble shall have no further rights with respect to any information
and
data related in any way to the Assets. In addition, for each Earning Well
not
drilled on the Assets, Noble agrees to pay Teton $150,000.00 per well, such
payment to be made to Teton by wire transfer of immediately available funds
on
or before January 15, 2007 if Noble fails to drill 10 xxxxx by December 31,
2006, or by March 15, 2007 if Noble has drilled 10 xxxxx by December 31,
2006
but has not drilled an additional 10 xxxxx by March 1, 2007.
ARTICLE
13
Assignment After Drilling all of the Earning Xxxxx
13.1 Assignment.
Teton’s assignment of the Assets to Noble shall be made within 15 business days
after Noble drills all of the Earning Xxxxx at a time and place mutually
agreed
to by the Parties (the “Assignment Meeting”). A condition precedent to Teton’s
obligations to make the “Assignment” is that Noble shall have drilled all of the
Earning Xxxxx pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the Assignment
Meeting, the following events shall occur, each being a condition precedent
to
the others and each being deemed to have occurred simultaneously with the
others:
10
A. Teton
shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to Noble, an Assignment, Xxxx of Sale
and
Conveyance in the form attached as Exhibit D (the “Assignment”) in sufficient
counterparts for recording in each county where the Assets are located,
conveying the Undivided Interest in the Leases and Assets as of the Effective
Time, (i) with a special warranty of real property title by, through and
under
Teton but not otherwise, and (ii) with all personal property and fixtures
conveyed “AS IS, WHERE IS,” with no warranties whatsoever, express, implied or
statutory, and (iii) free and clear of all liens and encumbrances created
by,
through or under Teton.
B. Teton
shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to Noble, an assignment on the required
governmental forms necessary to convey the Assets to Noble consistent with
the
terms of the Assignment.
C. Teton
and
Noble shall take such other actions and deliver such other documents as are
contemplated by this Agreement.
ARTICLE
14
Joint Operating Agreement
14.1 Joint
Operating Agreement.
The
Parties agree to conduct all operations on the Lands pursuant to the terms
of
the AAPL
1989
Model Form Operating Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit C (the “JOA”)
and
the
terms of this Agreement. The JOA will name Noble as the Operator. Except
for the
apportionment of Well Costs for the Earning Xxxxx as set forth above, the
Parties agree to apportion all of the costs incurred in the development of
the
Lands in accordance with the WI ownership percentages as set forth in the
JOA.
However, if the JOA conflicts with this Agreement, then, this Agreement shall
control to the extent of the conflict. The Parties agree to have three XXXx
governing the operation of the Leases, all in form and substance similar
to the
JOA attached as Exhibit C, except the “Contract Areas” shall differ as follows:
one JOA will cover the Grant Complex Area, one JOA will cover the Chundy
Complex
Area, and one JOA will cover the East Big Springs Complex, as those complexes
are described on Exhibit B. If the Parties develop Leases outside those three
complexes, the Parties agree to execute additional XXXx in form and substance
similar to Exhibit C to govern the operation of those Leases. All references
to
JOA herein shall be deemed to be to the applicable JOA covering the contract
area in question.
ARTICLE
15
Area of Mutual Interest
15.1 Area
of Mutual Interest. Effective on the date of the Assignment, the Parties
agree to create an Area of Mutual Interest (“AMI”) comprising all of the lands
as set forth on Exhibit E. The AMI shall remain in force and effect as to
all
lands included within the AMI, including any renewal or extension of any
Lease,
for a period of five years. As used herein a renewal or extension of any
Lease
means any renewal Lease, extension or new Lease covering all or any portion
of,
or any interest in, the area covered by an expiring Lease taken before, or
taken
or contracted for within one year after, the expiration of the predecessor
Lease. Thereafter, the Parties agree that the term of the AMI may be extended
by
the mutual agreement of the Parties. If Noble does not drill the Earning
Xxxxx,
the AMI will be of no force and effect, and Noble agrees not to acquire any
interest within the AMI, or compete with Teton within the AMI until after
December 31, 2008.
11
15.2 Lands
within the AMI. During the term of the AMI, if any Party (“Acquiring Party”)
acquires, renews or extends any oil and gas lease or any interest therein,
any
royalties, overriding royalties, minerals, leased mineral interest or any
farmout or other contract with respect thereto which affects lands lying
within
the AMI (“Oil and Gas Interest”), the Acquiring Party shall, in writing, advise
the non-acquiring Party (“Offeree”) of such acquisition. The Parties acknowledge
that the acquisition of any royalties, overriding royalties and minerals
within
the boundaries of the AMI will be subject to the terms of the ATEC PSA, and
the
Parties agree to comply in all respects with the terms of the ATEC PSA. The
notice shall include a copy of all instruments of acquisition including,
without
limitation, copies of the leases, assignments, subleases, title reports and
run
sheets, farmouts or other contracts affecting the Oil and Gas Interest. The
Acquiring Party shall also enclose an itemized statement of the actual costs
of
the acquisition, which will be equal to 110% of the actual cash amount paid
by
the Acquiring Party to the lessor, assignor of farmor (collectively “Acquisition
Costs”). For the avoidance of doubt, the 110% has been purposefully selected by
the Parties with the understanding that the additional 10% will be deemed
full
compensation and reimbursement for all costs, fees and expenses associated
with
securing such leases or rights, and that no additional charges will be imposed
and expenses incurred by the Acquiring Party in acquiring such Oil and Gas
Interest (collectively “Acquisition Costs”). Other than the Teton ORRI as
defined below, the Acquiring Party shall not place any additional burdens
on the
Oil and Gas Interests.
15.3 Interest
to be Acquired. The Offeree shall have the right to acquire based on the
following percentages:
Noble
-
75% WI/60.75%NRI, subject to Section 15.4
Teton
-
25% WI plus the Teton ORRI
The
acquisition percentages set forth above assume that Noble has drilled the
Earning Xxxxx and that Teton has executed the Assignment to Noble. The Parties
acknowledge that the Oil and Gas Interests so acquired may be burdened so
that
Noble may not be able to acquire a 60.75% NRI in such Lease.
15.4 Teton
Overriding Royalty Interest. All interests, except Mineral Interests as
defined in Section 15.8, acquired within the AMI shall be subject to a
reservation of an overriding royalty in favor of Teton equal to the difference
between existing leasehold burdens and 19% (the “Teton ORRI). It is the intent
of the Parties that Noble receive a 75% WI and 60.75% NRI (an equivalent
81% net
revenue interest); however, if and to the extent that the Oil and Gas Interest
so acquired is subject to leasehold burdens exceeding 19%, the NRI assigned
to
Noble will be reduced accordingly and Teton will not reserve the Teton ORRI.
15.5 Mechanics.
The Offeree shall have a period of 30 days after receipt of the notice within
which to furnish the Acquiring Party written notice of its election to acquire
its proportionate interest in the offered Oil and Gas Interest. However,
if a
well in search of oil or gas is being drilled by a third party within three
miles of the offered Oil and Gas Interest, the Offeree shall have 10 days
after
hand delivery and personal receipt of the notice within which to elect to
acquire its proportionate interest in the offered Oil and Gas Interest. In
addition thereto, the Acquiring Party shall also (i) furnish the Offeree
with
the approximate location of the well then being drilled and the name of the
Operator or drilling contractor drilling the well, and (ii) specifically
advise
the Offeree that the Offeree shall have 10 days within which to elect to
acquire
an interest in the offered Oil and Gas Interest.
12
15.6 Election.
If the Acquiring Party has not received actual written notice of election
of the
Offeree to acquire its proportionate interest within the 30-day or 10 business
day period, as the case may be, such failure shall constitute an election
by
such Offeree not to acquire its interest in the Oil and Gas Interest. The
Offeree accepting the offered Oil and Gas Interest shall be entitled to
participate in its undivided percentage of the Oil and Gas Interest so offered.
Promptly after the time for the election expires, the Acquiring Party shall
invoice the Offeree electing to acquire an interest for its proportionate
share
of the Acquisition Costs. The Offeree shall promptly reimburse the Acquiring
Party for its share of the Acquisition Costs as reflected by the invoice.
Upon
receipt of such reimbursement, the Acquiring Party shall execute and deliver
an
appropriate assignment to the Offeree containing a reservation of the Teton
ORRI
or be made subject to the Teton ORRI. If the Acquiring Party is Noble, they
shall, at the same time, also execute an Assignment of Overriding Royalty
Interest to Teton of an overriding royalty interest equal to the Teton ORRI.
If
the Acquiring Party does not receive the amount due from the Offeree within
30
days after receipt by the Offeree of the invoice for its costs, the Acquiring
Party may, at its election, give written notice to such delinquent Party
that
the failure of the Acquiring Party to receive the amount due within 30 days
after receipt of such written notice by the delinquent Offeree shall constitute
a withdrawal by the delinquent Offeree of its former election to acquire
the
interest, and the Offeree shall no longer have the right to acquire an interest
in the offered Oil and Gas Interest.
15.7 Assignment.
Any assignment made by the Acquiring Party shall reserve the Teton ORRI or
be
made subject to the Teton ORRI, and be made free and clear of any burdens
placed
thereon by the Acquiring Party (except the Teton ORRI), and with special
warranty of title as to matters arising by, through or under the Acquiring
Party, but not otherwise. The assignment shall be made and accepted subject
to,
and each assignee shall expressly assume, its portion of all of the obligations
of the Acquiring Party. If the Acquiring Party is Noble, they shall assign
to
Teton their proportionate share of the Teton ORRI.
15.8 Royalty,
Overriding Royalty and Mineral Interests. The Parties acknowledge that the
acquisition of any royalties, overriding royalties and minerals (“Mineral
Interest”) within the boundaries of the AMI will be subject to the terms of the
ATEC PSA, and the Parties agree to comply in all respects with the terms
of the
ATEC PSA. If either Party does acquire a Mineral Interest in the AMI, it
will
offer half of the interest so acquired pursuant to Paragraph 6 of the ATEC
PSA,
with the remaining half to be handled in accordance with the notice, mechanics,
election and assignment requirements as spelled out in this Article 15;
accordingly, Noble will be offered 75% and Teton will be offered 25% of this
remaining one-half interest (or entire interest if ATEC declines) in exchange
for each Party’s payment of their proportionate share of the Acquisition Costs.
13
15.9 Interests
Inside and Outside the AMI.
If
the
Oil and Gas Interest covers lands both inside and outside the AMI, the Acquiring
Party must offer the entire Oil and Gas Interest both inside and outside
the
AMI. If the Acquiring Party acquires an Oil and Gas Interest pursuant to
two oil
and gas leases covering a contiguous mineral interest, part of which lies
within
the boundaries of the AMI, with one lease being inside the AMI and one lease
being outside the AMI, the Acquiring Party shall offer both the oil and gas
lease inside the AMI and outside the AMI as part of the Oil and Gas Interest.
If
each Party acquires its proportionate interest in the offered Oil and Gas
Interest, the lands lying outside the AMI will become subject to the JOA
and the
terms of this Agreement, but the AMI shall not thereby be enlarged. If less
than
all Parties acquire their proportionate interest in the Oil and Gas Interest,
the Oil and Gas Interest so acquired shall not be subject to the terms of
this
Agreement.
15.10 Separate
Interests Offered. If two or more separate Oil and Gas Interests are
included in the same notice, the Offeree shall have the separate right of
election as to each separate Oil and Gas Interest.
15.11 Merger/Consolidation.
The provisions of this AMI shall not apply to (i) acquisitions as a result
of
merger, consolidation, reorganization, (ii) an acquisition from a parent,
subsidiary, or affiliated corporation existing as of the Effective Time,
and
(iii) sales or acquisitions between partners in a partnership or venturers
in a
joint venture.
15.12 Acquisitions
Before Noble Drills the Earning Xxxxx. In connection with the drilling of
the Earning Wells, Noble agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts
to
acquire any unleased interest within the applicable drilling and spacing
unit
for an Earning Well. Such acquired Oil and Gas Interest shall be acquired
by the
Parties in proportion to their after earning WI in the Leases and Lands -
75% WI
Noble - 25% WI Teton. If Noble does not drill all of the Earning Xxxxx and
the
Assignment is not made, and if Teton so requests, Noble agrees to assign
all of
its interest in the Oil and Gas Interest and any Mineral Interest so acquired
to
Teton and Teton agrees to pay Noble 110% of the Acquisition Costs of such
interest. If Teton elects not to acquire such interests, Noble shall keep
such
interest for its own account. With respect to other Oil and Gas Interests
and
Mineral Interests outside the drilling and spacing unit of the Earning Xxxxx,
if
Xxxxx makes an AMI acquisition prior to Noble earning its interest by drilling
the Earning Wells, Noble shall offer the entire interest to Teton under the
provisions of this Article, with Teton having the right to acquire the entire
interest at 110% of Noble’s actual cost. If Teton elects to acquire such Oil and
Gas Interest and Mineral Interest, the interest so acquired shall become
part of
the Assets. If Teton makes an AMI acquisition prior to Noble earning its
interest by drilling the Earning Xxxxx, Teton will acquire the interest for
its
own account and, after Noble earns its interest by drilling the Earning Xxxxx,
Teton shall offer such acquired Oil and Gas Interest to Noble on the same
terms
and conditions as set forth in this Agreement.
ARTICLE
16
Liabilities and Obligations
16.1 Apportionment
of Liabilities and Obligations. Teton and Noble agree to apportion all
liabilities and obligations associated with the ownership and operation of
the
Assets after the Effective Time as follows: All liabilities and obligations
associated with the Assets will be apportioned between the Parties in
proportion to their respective cost bearing interests in the Assets prior
to all
of the Earning Xxxxx being drilled (as set forth in Article 10 above), and
after
that time, in proportion to their respective WIs in the Assets at the time
the
liability and/or obligation was incurred, subject to the terms of this Agreement
and the JOA. The liabilities and obligations so assumed by Teton shall be
referred to as the “Teton Liabilities,” and the liabilities and obligations so
assumed by Noble shall be referred to as the “Noble Liabilities.”
14
A. The
Parties agree to apportion liabilities for environmental matters associated
with
pre-Effective Time oil and gas activities on the Lands (“Environmental Matters”)
as follows: Teton agrees to indemnify Noble for any Losses related to an
Environmental Matters if Noble gives Teton written notice on or before December
29, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. MST of a violation of an environmental law at a particular
site, together supporting documentation, describing the violation in detail
(the
“Environmental Notice”). A condition precedent to Teton’s indemnification
obligation in this subsection A. is timely receipt of the Environmental Notice.
If Teton disputes whether the Environmental Matter described in the
Environmental Notice is a violation of an environmental law, the Parties
agree
to submit such dispute to binding arbitration to be conducted by the Judicial
Arbiter Group (“JAG”) in Denver using the AAA commercial arbitration rules. If
the Environmental Notice is timely received and not contested, the Environmental
Matter described in the Environmental Notice, and only the Environmental
Matters
described in the Environmental Notice, shall be deemed to be part of the
Teton
Liabilities. The Parties agree that Teton’s indemnification of Noble for such
Environmental Matters shall not (i) obligate Teton to remediate or clean
up the
site giving rise to the violation of environmental law, (ii) create any rights
in third parties; and shall not be construed as an admission of liability
by
either Party. The Parties agree that Teton will only indemnify Noble for
the
specific sites identified in the Environmental Notices; and, except for the
sites identified in the Environmental Notices, Teton will not indemnify Noble
for any pre-Effective Time environmental liability related to oil and gas
activities on the Lands.
16.2 Indemnification/Release.
“Losses” shall mean 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 to
or
reasonably incident to matters indemnified against; excluding however, any
special, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages, diminution of value
of an
Asset, loss of profits incurred by a Party hereto or Loss incurred as a result
of the indemnified Party indemnifying a third party. After the Closing, the
Parties shall indemnify each other as follows:
A. Teton’s
Indemnification of Noble. Teton
assumes all risk, liability, obligation and Losses in connection with, and
shall
defend, indemnify, and save and hold harmless Noble, its officers, directors,
employees and agents, from and against all Losses which arise from or in
connection with the Teton Liabilities.
X. Xxxxx’x
Indemnification of Teton. Noble
assumes all risk, liability, obligation and Losses in connection with, and
shall
defend, indemnify, and save and hold harmless Teton, its respective officers,
directors, employees and agents, from and against all Losses which arise
from or
in connection with the Noble Liabilities.
15
C. No
Insurance/Subrogation. The
indemnifications provided in this Agreement shall not be construed as a form
of
insurance. Teton and Noble each hereby waive for themselves, their respective
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, Teton and Noble shall obtain waiver of such subrogation
from their respective insurers
D. Release.
Noble
shall be deemed to have released Teton at Closing from any Losses for which
Noble has agreed to indemnify Teton hereunder, and Teton shall be deemed
to have
released Noble at the Closing from any Losses for which Teton has agreed
to
indemnify Noble hereunder.
ARTICLE
17 Rentals
17.1 Rentals.
Teton
agrees to retain the obligation to pay all of the leasehold rental obligations
related to the Leases through March 31, 2007. If Noble drills the Earning
Xxxxx
and receives the Assignment, Noble, as the operator under the JOA, and Noble
agrees to assume the obligation to pay all leasehold rental obligations pursuant
to the terms of the Leases. Contemporaneously with the execution of the
Assignment, Noble agrees to reimburse Teton for its proportionate share (75%
WI)
of the rentals paid by Teton for the period of time from the Effective Time
forward. Teton shall use its good faith efforts to make all leasehold rental
payments attributable to the Leases from the Effective Time through the
anticipated date of execution of the Assignment, but Teton shall incur no
liability whatsoever for any mispayment of the leasehold rental obligations.
ARTICLE
18
Miscellaneous
18.1 Assignment.
Prior to drilling all of the Earning Wells, Noble may not assign its interest
in
this Agreement, without the express written consent of Teton, which may be
withheld for any reason or no reason. After drilling the Earning Wells, Noble
may assign or transfer its interest in and to this Agreement, but any such
assignment
or
transfer shall nevertheless be void unless it is made expressly subject to
this
Agreement. At any time, Teton may assign its interest in this Agreement,
but any
such assignment or transfer shall nevertheless be void unless it is made
expressly subject to this Agreement. The terms of this Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of each Party’s respective successors and
assigns.
18.2 Relationship
of the Parties.
With
respect to this Agreement, each Party shall not be considered the agent,
partner, employee or fiduciary of any other Party, nor shall this Agreement
be
construed as creating a mining partnership or other partnership or association.
Each Party shall be responsible only for its obligations as provided in this
Agreement and shall be liable only for its proportionate share of the costs
of
performing its obligations under this Agreement. All of the obligations and
liabilities under this Agreement shall be several and not joint or collective.
Unless the Parties so elect under the terms of the JOA, the Parties elect
not to
be treated as a partnership under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or under
any
Income Tax Laws of the State of Nebraska or Colorado, and specifically elect
to
be excluded from all such provisions hereof.
16
18.3 Compliance
with Laws. This Agreement and all operations hereunder shall be subject to
all valid and applicable Federal and State laws, and all valid and applicable
orders, laws, rules and regulations of any Federal or State authority having
jurisdiction, but nothing contained herein shall be construed as a waiver
of any
right to question or contest any such law, order, rule or regulation in any
forum having jurisdiction within the premises.
18.4 Notices.
All notices, reports or information to be furnished or given hereunder shall
be
deemed given when received by facsimile, overnight courier, personal delivery
or
U.S. mail at the following addresses unless notified by the Parties in writing
to the contrary:
Teton
Energy Corporation
0000
00xx
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attn:
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
(000)
000-0000
Fax
(000)
000-0000
Noble
Energy, Inc.
0000
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx, 00000
Attn:
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx
(000)
000-0000
Fax:
(000) 000-0000
18.5 Headings.
The heading of the paragraphs and/or sections of this Agreement are for
convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction
of
the terms and provisions hereof.
18.6 Mutuality.
The Parties acknowledge and declare that this Agreement is the result of
extensive negotiations between themselves. Accordingly, if there is any
ambiguity in this Agreement, there shall be no presumption that this instrument
was prepared solely by either Party.
18.7 Entire
Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding among the
Parties, their respective partners, members, trustees, shareholders, officers,
directors and employees with respect to the subject matter hereof, superseding
all negotiations, prior discussions and prior agreements and understandings
relating to such subject matter.
18.8 Counterparts/Facsimile
Signatures. This Agreement may be executed by the Parties 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 are considered binding.
18.9 Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be governed, construed and enforced in accordance
with the laws of the State of Colorado. The exclusive venue for the resolution
of any dispute hereunder shall be the state and federal courts located in
Denver, Colorado.
17
18.10 Exhibits.
The Exhibits referred to in this Agreement are hereby incorporated in this
Agreement by reference and constitute a part of this Agreement.
18.11 Expenses.
All fees, costs and expenses incurred by a Party in negotiating this Agreement
or in consummating the Transaction shall be paid by the Party incurring the
same, including, without limitation, engineering, land, title, legal and
accounting fees, costs and expenses.
18.12 Confidentiality.
The Parties agree to keep the terms of this Agreement confidential, except
as
disclosure may be required by applicable law, rules and regulations of
governmental agencies or stock exchanges. If a Party (“Disclosing Party”) is
required by any court or legislative or administrative body (by oral questions,
interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil
investigative demand or similar process) to disclose any Confidential
Information or Notes, the Disclosing Party shall provide the other Party
(the
“Other Party”) with prompt notice of each such requirement in order to afford
Other Party an opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order and/or
waive
the Disclosing Parties’ obligation to comply with the provisions of this
Agreement. Further, if in the absence of a protective order or the receipt
of
waiver hereunder, Disclosing Party is, in the opinion of its counsel, compelled
to disclose Confidential Information or Notes (under penalty of contempt
or
other censure), Disclosing Party may disclose only the request Confidential
Information and Notes in response to such process without liability hereunder,
provided, however, that Disclosing Party shall take all practicable measures
to
assure that, to the extent possible, confidential treatment will be accorded
to
any such Confidential Information or Notes disclosed.
18.13 Further
Assurances. The Parties agree to execute, acknowledge and deliver any
additional instruments, agreements or other documents and to do any other
acts
and things which may by necessary to more fully and effectively accomplish
the
intent of the Parties as set forth in this Agreement.
18.14 No
Third-Party Beneficiaries.
This
Agreement is intended to benefit only the Parties hereto and their respective
permitted successors and assigns.
18.15 Force
Majeure. If any Party is rendered unable, in whole or in part, by Force
Majeure to carry out its obligations under this Agreement, other than the
obligation to make money payments, that Party shall give to all other Parties
prompt written notice of the Force Majeure with reasonably full particulars
concerning it; thereupon, the obligations of the Party giving the notice,
insofar as it is affected by the Force Majeure, shall be suspended during,
but
no longer than, the continuance of the Force Majeure. The affected Party
shall
use all reasonable diligence to remove the Force Majeure situation as quickly
as
practicable. The requirement that any Force Majeure shall be remedied with
all
reasonable dispatch shall not require the settlement of strikes, lockouts,
or
other labor difficulty by the Party involved, contrary to its wishes; the
manner
in which such difficulties are handled shall be entirely within the discretion
of the Party concerned. The term “Force Majeure,” shall mean an act of God,
strike, lockout, or other industrial disturbance, act of public enemy, war,
blockade, public riot, lightning, fire, storm, flood, explosion, governmental
action or inaction, governmental delay or restraint, unavoidable administrative
delay, and any other cause, other than financial, whether of the kind
specifically enumerated above or otherwise, which is not reasonably within
the
control of the Party claiming suspension. Failure to obtain a permit to be
used
in connection with drilling the Earning Xxxxx in a timely manner, unavailability
of drilling rigs, equipment or materials used in connection with drilling
the
Earning Xxxxx shall not be considered events of Force Majeure.
18
18.16 Survival/Time
of the Essence. The representations set forth in Sections 4.6, 4.7 and 4.8
shall not survive Closing, and a claim for a breach of those representations
must be made by Noble on or before Closing. The remaining representations
set
forth in Article 4 and Article 5 shall survive the Closing without limitation
as
to time. Time shall be considered of the essence when interpreting this
Agreement.
18.17 Gathering
System/Gas Marketing. After Closing, and pursuant to the terms of the JOA,
the Parties agree to (i) jointly construct the gathering system and all other
infrastructure necessary to gather the Hydrocarbons produced from the Assets
and
transport it to market, and dispose of any produced waters (collectively,
the
“Production Infrastructure”) and (ii) to bear the costs of such Production
Infrastructure 75% Noble - - 25% Teton. The Parties agree to market all of
the
Hydrocarbons pursuant to the terms of the JOA, unless the Parties enter into
a
mutually acceptable retail or interstate gas marketing agreement.
18.18 Right
of First Offer. If a Party to this Agreement wishes to sell or otherwise
divest all or part of its interest in the Lands (“Selling Party”), the Selling
Party shall give notice to the other Party (the “Offer Party”), of the terms and
conditions under which it is willing to divest such interests. The Offer
Party
shall have a period of 10 business days after receipt of the notice to purchase
the offered interest for the consideration and under the terms and conditions
stated in the notice from the Selling Party. If the Offer Party elects to
purchase the offered interest that Party shall purchase all of such interests.
If the Offer Party elects not to acquire such offered interest, or fails
to
elect, then the Selling Party shall be free to divest such interests on terms
equal to or greater than those offered to the Offer Party. If the Selling
Party
does not divest such interest within 90 days of offering same to the Offer
Party
or decreases the terms or materially changes the terms and conditions of
the
trade, the Selling Party shall give notice to the Offer Party of the changes
and
the Offer Party again shall have a period of 10 business days to evaluate
those
terms and conditions and notify the Selling Party of its decision to acquire
or
not acquire such interest.
18.19 Press
Releases. The Parties acknowledge that Teton will be making a press release
after the execution of this Agreement. Teton agrees to provide Noble a draft
of
such press release on or before two business days prior to its scheduled
release
date for Noble’s consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.
Thereafter, until the Earning Xxxxx have been drilled, either Party may make
a
press release at any time regarding the Transaction, provided however, that
the
Party making the press release shall provide the other Party a draft of such
press release two business days prior to the scheduled release of the press
release for that Party’s consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.
The Parties agree to grant consent to the other Party’s press release if the
substance of the press release is the same as the substance of any related
filing made with the SEC. After the Earning Xxxxx have been drilled, either
Party may make a press release regarding the development of the Leases and
Lands
without the consent of the other Party. The Party making the press release
agrees to provide the other Party with a copy of the final press release
contemporaneously with its release to the public.
19
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed on the dates set forth
in
the acknowledgments below.
Teton
Energy Corporation
By:
___________________________________
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxx, Chief Financial Officer
Noble
Energy, Inc.
By:
____________________________________
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, President and
Chief
Executive Officer
20
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
STATE OF COLORADO | ) |
CITY AND | ) ss. |
COUNTY OF DENVER | ) |
The
foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 28th day of December
2005
by Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, as Chief Financial Officer of Teton Energy Corporation,
a
Delaware Corporation, on behalf of said corporation.
Witness
my hand and official seal.
My
commission expires: ______________
Notary Public |
STATE OF TEXAS | ) |
CITY AND | ) ss. |
COUNTY OF XXXXXX | ) |
The
foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this __ day of December 2005
by
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble Energy,
Inc., a Delaware Corporation, on behalf of said corporation.
Witness
my hand and official seal.
My
commission expires: ______________
Notary Public |
21