24,530,000 SHARES SANDRIDGE ENERGY, INC. COMMON STOCK UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
24,530,000 SHARES
XXXXXXXXX ENERGY, INC.
COMMON
STOCK
November 5, 2007
Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co.
Banc of America Securities LLC
As Representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule 1 attached hereto,
c/x Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co.
Banc of America Securities LLC
As Representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule 1 attached hereto,
c/x Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
XxxxXxxxx Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to sell 24,530,000
shares (the “Firm Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common
Stock”). In addition, the Company proposes to grant to the underwriters (the “Underwriters”) named
in Schedule 1 attached to this agreement (this “Agreement”) an option to purchase up to an
aggregate of 3,679,500 additional shares of the Common Stock on the terms set forth in Section 2
(the “Option Shares”). The Firm Shares and the Option Shares, if purchased, are hereinafter
collectively called the “Shares.” This is to confirm the agreement concerning the purchase of the
Shares from the Company by the Underwriters.
1. Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Company. The Company represents,
warrants and agrees that:
(a) Preparation, Filing, and Effectiveness of the Registration Statement. A
registration statement on Form S-1 relating to the Shares has (i) been prepared by the
Company in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), and the rules and regulations (the “Rules and Regulations”) of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) thereunder; (ii) been filed with the
Commission under the Securities Act; and (iii) become effective under the Securities Act.
Copies of such registration statement and any amendment thereto have been delivered by the
Company to you as the representatives (the “Representatives”) of the Underwriters. As used
in this Agreement:
(i) “Applicable Time” means 4:15 p.m. (New York City time) on the date of this
Agreement;
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(ii) “Effective Date” means the date and time as of which such registration
statement, or the most recent post-effective amendment thereto, was declared
effective by the Commission;
(iii) “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus” means each “free writing prospectus” (as
defined in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations) prepared by or on behalf of the
Company or used or referred to by the Company in connection with the offering of the
Shares;
(iv) “Preliminary Prospectus” means any preliminary prospectus relating to the
Shares included in such registration statement or filed with the Commission pursuant
to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations;
(v) “Pricing Disclosure Package” means, as of the Applicable Time, the most
recent Preliminary Prospectus, together with the information set forth in
Schedule 3 hereto and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus filed or used by
the Company on or before the Applicable Time, other than a road show that is an
Issuer Free Writing Prospectus but is not required to be filed under Rule 433 of the
Rules and Regulations
(vi) “Prospectus” means the final prospectus relating to the Shares, as filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations; and
(vii) “Registration Statement” means the registration statement on Form S-1
(File No. 333-144004), as amended as of the Effective Date, including any
Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus and all exhibits to such registration
statement.
Any reference to the “most recent Preliminary Prospectus” shall be deemed to refer to the
latest Preliminary Prospectus included in the Registration Statement or filed pursuant to
Rule 424(b) prior to or on the date hereof. The Commission has not issued any order
preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and no proceeding or examination
for such purpose has been instituted or threatened by the Commission.
(b) Company Not Ineligible Issuer. The Company was not at the time of initial filing
of the Registration Statement and at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or
another offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) of
the Rules and Regulations) of the Shares, is not on the date hereof and will not be on the
applicable Delivery Date an “ineligible issuer” (as defined in Rule 405).
(c) Compliance with Registration Requirements. The Registration Statement conformed
and will conform in all material respects on the Effective Date and on the applicable
Delivery Date, and any amendment to the Registration Statement filed after the date hereof
will conform in all material respects when filed, to the requirements of the Securities Act
and the Rules and Regulations. The most recent Preliminary Prospectus
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conformed, and the Prospectus will conform, in all material respects when filed with
the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) and on the applicable Delivery Date to the
requirements of the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations.
(d) The
Registration Statement. The Registration Statement did not, as of the
Effective Date, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading; provided that no representation or warranty is made as to information contained
in or omitted from the Registration Statement in reliance upon and in conformity with
written information furnished to the Company through the Representatives by or on behalf of
any Underwriter specifically for inclusion therein, which information is specified in
Section 8(e).
(e) The Prospectus. The Prospectus will not, as of its date and on the applicable
Delivery Date, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that no
representation or warranty is made as to information contained in or omitted from the
Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company through the Representatives by or on behalf of any Underwriter specifically for
inclusion therein, which information is specified in Section 8(e).
(f) The Pricing Disclosure Package. As of the Applicable Time, the Pricing Disclosure
Package did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading. The preceding sentence does not apply to
statements or omissions from the Pricing Disclosure Package based upon and in conformity
with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Underwriters
specifically for the inclusion therein, which information is specified in Section 8(e).
(g) Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. Each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (including,
without limitation, any road show that is a free writing prospectus under Rule 433), when
considered together with the Pricing Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time, did not
contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
Each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus conformed or will conform in all material respects
to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations on the date of first
use, and the Company has complied with all prospectus delivery and any filing requirements
applicable to such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus pursuant to the Rules and Regulations.
The Company has not made any offer relating to the Shares that would constitute an Issuer
Free Writing Prospectus without the prior written consent of the Representatives. The
Company has retained in accordance with the Rules and Regulations all Issuer Free Writing
Prospectuses that were not required to be filed pursuant to the Rules and Regulations. The
Company has taken all actions necessary so
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that any “road show” (as defined in Rule 433 of the Rules and Regulations) in connection
with the offering of the Shares will not be required to be filed pursuant to the Rules and
Regulations.
(h) No Integration. None of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has, directly or
through any agent, sold, offered for sale, solicited offers to buy or otherwise negotiated
in respect of, any “security” (as defined in the Securities Act) that is or will be
integrated with the sale of the Shares in a manner that would require registration of such
offer or sale of such securities under the Securities Act.
(i) Exclusive Agreement. The Company has not paid or agreed to pay to any person any
compensation for soliciting another person to purchase any securities of the Company (except
as contemplated in this Agreement).
(j) Statements in Prospectus. The statements in the Prospectus under the headings
“Description of Capital Stock” and “Certain U.S. Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders”
insofar as such statements summarize legal matters, agreements, documents or proceedings
discussed therein, are accurate and fair summaries of such legal matters, agreements,
documents or proceedings.
(k) Materials Furnished to Underwriters. The Company has delivered to the
Representatives the most recent Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus, as amended or
supplemented, in such quantities and at such places as the Representatives have reasonably
requested for each of the Underwriters.
(l) Authorization of the Underwriting Agreement. This Agreement has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
(m) Authorization of the Shares. The Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters from
the Company have been duly authorized for issuance and sale pursuant to this Agreement and,
when issued and delivered by the Company to the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement on
the Initial Delivery Date or any Subsequent Delivery Date, will be validly issued, fully
paid and non-assessable, and the issuance of the Shares will not be subject to any
preemptive or similar rights.
(n) No Material Adverse Change. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Pricing
Disclosure Package, subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in
the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus: (i) there has been no material adverse
change, or any development that could reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse
change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business, properties,
operations or prospects (other than as a result of developments affecting the oil and gas
industry generally), whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of
business, of the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one entity (a “Material Adverse
Change”); (ii) the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one entity, have not incurred
any material liability or obligation, indirect, direct or contingent, nor entered into any
material transaction or agreement; and (iii) there has been no cash dividend or distribution
of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company
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or, except for dividends paid to the Company or other subsidiaries, any of its
subsidiaries on any class of capital stock or repurchase or redemption by the Company or any
of its subsidiaries of any class of capital stock.
(o) Independent Accountants. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, who have expressed their
opinion with respect to the financial statements (which term as used in this Agreement
includes the related notes thereto) and supporting schedules included in the Pricing
Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, are independent registered public accountants with
respect to the Company as required by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the
applicable published rules and regulations thereunder.
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP, who have expressed their opinion with respect to the financial
statements and supporting schedules included in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the
Prospectus, are independent registered public accountants with respect to NEG Oil & Gas LLC
as required by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the applicable published rules
and regulations thereunder.
(p) Preparation of the Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements of
the Company included in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus present fairly the
consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of and
at the dates indicated and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods
specified. Such financial statements comply as to form with the applicable accounting
requirements of Regulation S-X and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, except
as may be expressly stated in the related notes thereto. The financial data set forth in
the most recent Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus under the caption “Selected
Consolidated Historical Financial Data” and the “Actual” column under the caption
“Capitalization” fairly present the information set forth therein on a basis consistent with
that of the audited financial statements contained in the most recent Preliminary Prospectus
and the Prospectus. The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements of the
Company and its subsidiaries and the related notes thereto and the other pro forma financial
data included in the most recent Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus have been
prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines with respect to pro forma
financial statements and have been properly presented on the basis described therein, and
the assumptions used in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the adjustments used
therein are appropriate to give effect to the transactions and circumstances referred to
therein.
(q) Incorporation and Good Standing of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Each of the
Company and its significant subsidiaries, as defined by Rule 405 under the Securities Act
(the “Significant Subsidiaries”), has been duly incorporated or otherwise formed and is
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation or formation, as the case may be, and has power and authority (corporate or
otherwise) to own or lease, as the case may be, and operate its properties and to conduct
its business as described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and, in the
case of the Company, to enter into and perform its obligations under this
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Agreement. Each of the Company and each Significant Subsidiary is duly qualified to
transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification
is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of
business, except for such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify or to be in good
standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a material adverse effect on
the condition, financial or otherwise, or on the earnings, business, properties or
operations, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, of
the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one entity (a “Material Adverse Effect”).
All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock, or similar equity interest, of
each subsidiary have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and
nonassessable and are owned by the Company, directly or through subsidiaries, free and clear
of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or claim, except that (1) the
Senior Credit Facility, dated November 21, 2006, by and among XxxxXxxxx Energy, Inc. (as
successor by merger to Riata Energy, Inc.) and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative
Agent and Banc of America Securities LLC as Lead Arranger and Book Running Manager, as
amended, and (2) Credit Agreement, dated March 22, 2007 by and among XxxxXxxxx Energy,
Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Banc of America Securities LLC
as Lead Arranger, as amended, are secured by a negative pledge on any of the Company’s
non-mortgage properties.
(r) Capitalization and Other Capital Stock Matters. The authorized, issued and
outstanding capital stock of the Company is as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package
and the Prospectus under the caption “Capitalization” (other than for subsequent issuances,
if any, pursuant to employee benefit plans described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and
the Prospectus or upon exercise of outstanding options described in the Pricing Disclosure
Package and the Prospectus, as the case may be). The Common Stock conforms in all material
respects to the description thereof contained in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the
Prospectus. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock have been duly
authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in
compliance with federal and state securities laws. None of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock were issued in violation of any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other
similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities of the Company except for preemptive
rights claims that may have existed that are now barred by statute. There are no authorized
or outstanding options, warrants, preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other rights
to purchase, or equity or debt securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable
for, any capital stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries other than those described
in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The description of the Company’s
stock option, stock bonus and other stock plans or arrangements, and the options or other
rights granted thereunder, set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus
accurately presents and summarizes such plans, arrangements, options and rights.
(s) Non-Contravention of Existing Instruments; No Further Authorizations or Approvals
Required. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is (i) in violation of its
charter or by laws (or other applicable organizational document), (ii) is (or, with the
giving of notice or lapse of time, would be) in default (“Default”) under any indenture,
mortgage, loan or credit agreement, note, contract, franchise, lease or other instrument to
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which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them
may be bound (including, without limitation, the (1) the Senior Credit Facility, dated
November 21, 2006, by and among XxxxXxxxx Energy, Inc. (as successor by merger to Riata
Energy, Inc.) and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Banc of America
Securities LLC as Lead Arranger and Book Running Manager, as amended, and (2) Credit
Agreement, dated March 22, 2007 by and among XxxxXxxxx Energy, Inc. and Bank of America,
N.A., as Administrative Agent and Banc of America Securities LLC as Lead Arranger, as
amended) or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is subject (each, an “Existing Instrument”), or (iii) is in violation of any
statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any court, regulatory body,
administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction
over the Company or such subsidiary or any of its properties, as applicable, except with
respect to clause (ii) and (iii), for such Defaults or violations as would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
The Company’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement (i) have been duly
authorized by all necessary action (corporate or otherwise) and will not result in any
violation of the charter or by laws (or other applicable organizational document) of the
Company or any subsidiary, (ii) will not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or Default
under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any
property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, or require the
consent of any other party to, any Existing Instrument and (iii) will not result in any
violation of any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree applicable to the
Company or any of its subsidiaries of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency,
governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Company or
any of its subsidiaries or any of its or their properties.
No consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or registration or filing with,
any court or other governmental or regulatory authority or agency is required for the
Company’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, except for such as have
been obtained or made by the Company and are in full force and effect under the Securities
Act, applicable state securities or blue sky laws and from the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or any successor organization (“NASD”).
(t) No Stamp or Transfer Taxes. There are no stamp or other issuance or transfer taxes
or duties or other similar fees or charges required to be paid in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or the issuance or sale by the Company of the
Shares.
(u) No Material Actions or Proceedings. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Pricing
Disclosure Package, there are no legal or governmental actions, suits or proceedings pending
or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened (i) against or affecting the Company or any of
its subsidiaries, (ii) which has as the subject thereof any officer or director of, or
property owned or leased by, the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (iii) relating to
environmental or discrimination matters, where in any such case (A) there is a reasonable
possibility that such action, suit or proceeding might be determined adversely to the
Company or such subsidiary and (B) any such action, suit or proceeding, if so
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determined adversely, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or
adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(v) Labor Matters. No labor problem or dispute with the employees of the Company or
any of its subsidiaries exists or is threatened or imminent that would reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(w) Intellectual Property Rights. The Company and its subsidiaries own, possess,
license or have other rights to use, on reasonable terms, all patents, patent applications,
trade and service marks, trade and service xxxx registrations, trade names, copyrights,
licenses, inventions, trade secrets, technology, know-how and other intellectual property
(collectively, the “Intellectual Property”) necessary for the conduct of the Company’s
business as now conducted or as proposed in the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus
to be conducted except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package, (a) no
party has been granted an exclusive license to use any portion of such Intellectual Property
owned by the Company; (b) to the Company’s knowledge there is no material infringement by
third parties of any such Intellectual Property owned by or exclusively licensed to the
Company; (c) there is no pending or threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others
challenging the Company’s rights in or to any material Intellectual Property, and the
Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim; (d)
there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or
claim by others challenging the validity or scope of any material Intellectual Property, and
the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim;
and (e) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit,
proceeding or claim by others that the Company’s business as now conducted infringes or
otherwise violates any material patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret or other
proprietary rights of others, and the Company is unaware of any other fact which would form
a reasonable basis for any such claim.
(x) All Necessary Permits, etc. The Company and each Significant Subsidiary possess
such valid and current licenses, certificates, authorizations or permits issued by the
appropriate state, federal or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to conduct
their respective businesses except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and neither the Company nor any Significant
Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification
of, or non-compliance with, any such certificate, authorization or permit which, singly or
in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(y) Title to Properties. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has (i) generally
satisfactory title to its oil and gas properties, title investigations having been carried
out by the Company or its subsidiaries in accordance with the practice in the oil and gas
industry in the areas in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate, (ii) good and
marketable title to all other real property owned by it (including pipeline easement
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rights) to the extent necessary to carry on its business, and (iii) good and marketable
title to all personal property owned by it, in each case free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances and defects except such as are described in the Prospectus or such as do not
materially affect the value of the properties of the Company and its subsidiaries,
considered as one enterprise, and do not interfere in any material respect with the use made
and proposed to be made of such properties, by the Company and its subsidiaries, considered
as one enterprise; and all of the easements, leases and subleases material to the business
of the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise, and under which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries holds or uses properties described in the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus, are in full force and effect, and neither the Company
nor any of its subsidiaries has any notice of any material claim of any sort that has been
asserted by anyone adverse to the rights of the Company or its subsidiaries under any of the
easements, leases or subleases mentioned above, or affecting or questioning the rights of
the Company or any subsidiary thereof to the continued possession or use of the easement or
leased or subleased premises;
(z) Condition of Properties. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, the plants,
buildings, structures and equipment owned by the Company are in good operating condition and
repair and have been reasonably maintained consistent with standards generally followed in
the industry (giving due account to the age and length of use of same, ordinary wear and
tear excepted), are adequate and suitable for their present uses and, in the case of plants,
buildings and other structures, are structurally sound.
(aa) Tax Law Compliance. The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have filed all
necessary federal, state, local and foreign income and franchise tax returns in a timely
manner and have paid all taxes required to be paid by any of them and, if due and payable,
any related or similar assessment, fine or penalty levied against any of them, except for
any taxes, assessments, fines or penalties as may be being contested in good faith and by
appropriate proceedings or where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has made appropriate provisions in the
financial statements included in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus in
respect of all federal, state and foreign income and franchise taxes for all current or
prior periods as to which the tax liability of the Company or any of its consolidated
subsidiaries has not been finally determined except to the extent it would not have a
Material Adverse Effect.
(bb) Company Not an “Investment Company”. The Company is not, and, after receipt of
payment for the Shares and application of the proceeds as described under “Use of Proceeds”
in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will not be, required to register as an
“investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act and will conduct its
business in a manner so that it will not become subject to the Investment Company Act.
(cc) Insurance. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries are insured by recognized,
and to the knowledge of the Company, financially sound and reputable institutions with
policies in such amounts and with such deductibles and covering such
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risks as are generally deemed adequate and customary for their businesses including,
but not limited to, policies covering real and personal property owned or leased by the
Company and its subsidiaries against theft, damage, destruction, acts of terrorism or
vandalism and earthquakes. All policies of insurance and fidelity or surety bonds insuring
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or their respective businesses, assets, employees,
officers and directors are in full force and effect; the Company and its subsidiaries are in
compliance, in all material respects, with the terms of such policies and instruments; and
there are no material claims by the Company or any of its subsidiaries under any such policy
or instrument as to which any insurance company is denying liability or defending under a
reservation of rights clause; and neither the Company nor any such subsidiary has, in the
past three years, been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for. The Company
has no reason to believe that it or any subsidiary will not be able (i) to renew its
existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (ii) to obtain comparable
coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its
business as now conducted and at a cost that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(dd) No Restriction on Distributions. No subsidiary of the Company is currently
prohibited, directly or indirectly, from paying any dividends to the Company, from making
any other distribution on such subsidiary’s capital stock, from repaying to the Company any
loans or advances to such subsidiary from the Company or from transferring any of such
subsidiary’s property or assets to the Company or any other subsidiary of the Company,
except as described in or contemplated by the Pricing Disclosure Package.
(ee) No Price Stabilization or Manipulation. The Company has not taken and will not
take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that might be reasonably expected to
cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company
to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares. The Company acknowledges that the
Underwriters may engage in stabilization transactions as described in the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus.
(ff) Related Party Transactions. There are no business relationships or related-party
transactions involving the Company or any subsidiary or any other person required to be
described in the most recent Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus which have not been
described as required.
(gg) Compliance with Environmental Laws. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Pricing
Disclosure Package (i) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of
any federal, state, local or foreign law, regulation, order, permit or other requirement
relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including, without
limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or
wildlife, including without limitation, laws and regulations relating to emissions,
discharges, releases or threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes,
toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum and petroleum products (collectively,
“Materials of Environmental Concern”), or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or
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handling of Materials of Environmental Concern (collectively, “Environmental Laws”),
which violation includes, but is not limited to, noncompliance with any permits or other
governmental authorizations required for the operation of the business of the Company or its
subsidiaries under applicable Environmental Laws, or noncompliance with the terms and
conditions thereof, nor has the Company or any of its subsidiaries received any written
communication, whether from a governmental authority, citizens group, employee or otherwise,
that alleges that the Company or any of its subsidiaries is in violation of any
Environmental Law, except, in each case, as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) there is no claim, action or cause of action filed with
a court or governmental authority, no investigation with respect to which the Company has
received written notice, and no written notice by any person or entity alleging potential
liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental responses costs, natural
resources damages, property damages, personal injuries, attorneys’ fees or penalties arising
out of, based on or resulting from the presence, or release into the environment, of any
Material of Environmental Concern at any location owned, leased or operated by the Company
or any of its subsidiaries, now or in the past (collectively, “Environmental Claims”),
pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claim the Company
or any of its subsidiaries has retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of
law, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect;
(iii) to the Company’s knowledge, there are no past, present or anticipated future actions,
activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents, including, without limitation,
the release, emission, discharge, presence or disposal of any Material of Environmental
Concern, that reasonably could result in a violation of any Environmental Law, require
expenditures to be incurred pursuant to Environmental Law, except as would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; and (iv) neither the Company nor any of
its subsidiaries is subject to any pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened
proceeding under Environmental Law to which a governmental authority is a party and which is
reasonably likely to result in monetary sanctions of $100,000 or more.
(hh) Independent Petroleum Engineers. XxXxxxxx and XxxXxxxxxxx, whose reports as of
December 31, 2005 and 2006 and June 30, 2007, are referenced in the most recent Preliminary
Prospectus and Prospectus, was, as of the date of such reports, and is, as of the date
hereof, an independent petroleum engineer with respect to the Company (with respect to the
reports as of December 31, 2005) and PetroSource Energy Company, L.P. (with respect to the
report as of December 31, 2006 and June 30, 2007). Netherland, Xxxxxx & Associates Inc.,
whose reports as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 and June 30, 2007, are referenced in the most
recent Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus, was, as of the date of such reports, and is,
as of the date hereof, an independent petroleum engineer with respect to NEG Oil & Gas LLC
(with respect to the reports as of December 31, 2005) and the Company (excluding PetroSource
Energy Company, L.P.) (with respect to the report as of December 31, 2006 and June 30,
2007). Xxxxxx & Associates, Inc., whose report as of December 31, 2005, is referenced in the
most recent Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus, was, as of the date of such report, and
is, as of the date hereof, an independent petroleum engineer with respect to the Company.
The information underlying the estimates of reserves of the Company and its subsidiaries,
which was
11
supplied by the Company to XxXxxxxx and MacNaughton, Netherland, Xxxxxx & Associates
Inc. and Xxxxxx & Associates, Inc. for purposes of reviewing the reserve reports and
estimates of the Company and preparing the letters (the “Reserve Report Letters”) of
XxXxxxxx and MacNaughton, Netherland, Xxxxxx & Associates Inc. and Xxxxxx & Associates,
Inc., including, without limitation, production, costs of operation and development, current
prices for production, agreements relating to current and future operations and sales of
production, was true and correct in all material respects on the dates such estimates were
made and such information was supplied and was prepared in accordance with customary
industry practices; other than normal production of the reserves and intervening market
commodity price fluctuations described in the most recent Preliminary Prospectus and
Prospectus, the Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would result in a
material adverse change in its total proved reserves, or the present value of future net
cash flows therefrom, as described in the most recent Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus
and as reflected in the Reserve Report Letter; estimates of such reserves and present values
as described in the most recent Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus and reflected in the
Reserve Report Letter comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of
Regulation S-X and Industry Guide 2 under the Act.
(ii) Brokers. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Pricing Disclosure Package or the
Prospectus, there is no broker, finder or other party that is entitled to receive from the
Company any brokerage or finder’s fee or other fee or commission as a result of any
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(jj) No Outstanding Loans or Other Indebtedness. There are no outstanding loans,
advances (except normal advances for business expenses in the ordinary course of business)
or guarantees or indebtedness by the Company to or for the benefit of any of the officers or
directors of the Company or any of the members of any of their families, except as disclosed
in the Pricing Disclosure Package.
(kk) Subsidiaries. The subsidiaries listed on Schedule 4 attached hereto are the only
Significant Subsidiaries of the Company.
(ll) Lending Relationship. Except as disclosed in the Pricing Disclosure Package, to
the best of its knowledge, the Company (i) does not have any material lending or other
relationship with any bank or lending affiliate of any Underwriter and (ii) does not intend
to use any of the proceeds from the sale of the Shares hereunder to repay any outstanding
debt owed to any affiliate of any Underwriter.
(mm) Directed Share Program. The Company has not offered, or caused the RBC Capital
Markets Corporation, Xxxxxxx Lynch, Pierce, Xxxxxx & Xxxxx Incorporated and Capital West
Securities, Inc. (the “Directed Share Program Managers”) to offer, any Shares to any person
pursuant to the Directed Share Program with the intent to unlawfully influence (i) a
customer or supplier of the Company to alter the customer’s or supplier’s level or type of
business with the Company or (ii) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish
favorable information about the Company or its products.
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(nn) New York Stock Exchange Listing. The Shares have been approved for listing,
subject to official notice of issuance and evidence of satisfactory distribution, on the New
York Stock Exchange.
(oo) Internal Controls. The Company maintains effective internal control over
financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act and a system of
internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that
(A) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific
authorization, (B) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the
Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States and to maintain accountability for its assets, (C) access to the
Company’s assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific
authorization and (D) the recorded accountability for the Company’s assets is compared with
existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any
differences.
Any certificate signed by an officer of the Company and delivered to the
Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters in connection with this offering shall be
deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter as to the
matters set forth therein.
2. Purchase of the Shares by the Underwriters. On the basis of the representations and
warranties contained in, and subject to the terms and conditions of, this Agreement, the Company
agrees to sell 24,530,000 shares of the Firm Shares to the several Underwriters, and each of the
Underwriters, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase the number of shares of the Firm Shares
set forth opposite that Underwriter’s name in Schedule 1 hereto. The respective purchase
obligations of the Underwriters with respect to the Firm Shares shall be rounded among the
Underwriters to avoid fractional shares, as the Representatives may determine.
In addition, the Company grants to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to
3,679,500 additional shares of Option Shares. Such option is exercisable in the event that the
Underwriters sell more shares of Common Stock than the number of Firm Shares in the offering and as
set forth in Section 4 hereof. Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the
number of shares of Option Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as
the Representatives may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total number of shares of
Option Shares to be sold on such Delivery Date as the number of shares of Firm Shares set forth in
Schedule 1 hereto opposite the name of such Underwriter (or such number increased pursuant
to Section 9 hereof) bears to the total number of shares of Firm Shares.
The price of both the Firm Shares and any Option Shares purchased by the Underwriters shall be
$24.44 per share.
The Company shall not be obligated to deliver any of the Firm Shares or Option Shares to be
delivered on the applicable Delivery Date, except upon payment for all such Shares to be purchased
on such Delivery Date as provided herein.
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3. Offering of Shares by the Underwriters. Upon authorization by the Representatives of the
release of the Firm Shares, the several Underwriters propose to offer the Firm Shares for sale upon
the terms and conditions to be set forth in the Prospectus.
It is understood that approximately 1,435,000 shares of the Firm Shares (the “Directed
Shares”) will initially be reserved by the several Underwriters for offer and sale upon the terms
and conditions to be set forth in the Prospectus and in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “NASD”) to employees of the Company
and its subsidiaries and persons having business relationships with the Company and its
subsidiaries who have heretofore delivered to the Directed Share Program Managers offers or
indications of interest to purchase shares of Firm Shares in form satisfactory to the Directed
Share Program Managers (such program, the “Directed Share Program”) and that any allocation of such
Firm Shares among such persons will be made in accordance with timely directions received by the
Directed Share Program Managers from the Company; provided that under no circumstances will any
Underwriter be liable to the Company or to any such person for any action taken or omitted in good
faith in connection with such Directed Share Program. It is further understood that any Directed
Shares not affirmatively reconfirmed for purchase by any participant in the Directed Share Program
by 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on the date hereof or otherwise are not purchased by such
persons will be offered by the Underwriters to the public upon the terms and conditions set forth
in the Prospectus.
The Company agrees to pay all fees and disbursements incurred by the Underwriters in
connection with the Directed Share Program and any stamp duties or other taxes incurred by the
Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program.
4. Delivery of and Payment for the Shares. Delivery of and payment for the Firm Shares shall
be made at 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on the third full business day following the date of
this Agreement or at such other date or place as shall be determined by agreement between the
Representatives and the Company. This date and time are sometimes referred to as the “Initial
Delivery Date.” Delivery of the Firm Shares shall be made to the Representatives for the account
of each Underwriter against payment by the several Underwriters through the Representatives and of
the respective aggregate purchase prices of the Firm Shares being sold by the Company to or upon
the order of the Company of the purchase price by wire transfer in immediately available funds to
the accounts specified by the Company. Time shall be of the essence, and delivery at the time and
place specified pursuant to this Agreement is a further condition of the obligation of each
Underwriter hereunder. The Company shall deliver the Firm Shares through the facilities of DTC
unless the Representatives shall otherwise instruct.
The option granted in Section 2 will expire 30 days after the date of this Agreement and may
be exercised in whole or in part at any one time by written notice being given to the Company by
the Representatives; provided that if such date falls on a day that is not a business day, the
option granted in Section 2 will expire on the next succeeding business day. Such notice shall set
forth the aggregate number of shares of Option Shares as to which the option is being exercised,
the names in which the shares of Option Shares are to be registered, the denominations in which the
shares of Option Shares are to be issued and the date and time, as determined by the
Representatives, when the shares of Option Shares are to be delivered; provided, however, that this
date and time shall not be earlier than the Initial Delivery Date nor
14
earlier than the second business day after the date on which the option shall have been
exercised nor later than the fifth business day after the date on which the option shall have been
exercised (unless such date is postponed pursuant to Section 9 hereof). Each date and time the
shares of Option Shares are delivered is sometimes referred to as a “Subsequent Delivery Date” and
the Initial Delivery Date and any Subsequent Delivery Date are sometimes each referred to as a
“Delivery Date.”
Delivery of the Option Shares by the Company and payment for the Option Shares by the several
Underwriters through the Representatives shall be made at 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on the
date specified in the corresponding notice described in the preceding paragraph or at such other
date or place as shall be determined by agreement between the Representatives and the Company. On
the Option Shares Delivery Date, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered the Option
Shares to the Representatives for the account of each Underwriter against payment by the several
Underwriters through the Representatives and of the respective aggregate purchase prices of the
Option Shares being sold by the Company to or upon the order of the Company of the purchase price
by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Company. Time
shall be of the essence, and delivery at the time and place specified pursuant to this Agreement is
a further condition of the obligation of each Underwriter hereunder. The Company shall deliver the
Option Shares through the facilities of DTC unless the Representatives shall otherwise instruct.
5. Further Agreements of the Company and the Underwriters. (a) The Company agrees:
(i) Securities Act Compliance. To prepare the Prospectus in a form approved by the
Representatives and to file such Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act
not later than the Commission’s close of business on the second business day following the
execution and delivery of this Agreement; to make no further amendment or any supplement to
the Registration Statement or the Prospectus prior to the last Delivery Date except as
provided herein; to advise the Representatives, promptly after it receives notice thereof,
of the time when any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
has been filed and to furnish the Representatives with copies thereof; to advise the
Representatives, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the issuance by the
Commission of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of the
Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, of the suspension of the qualification of
the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or threatening of any
proceeding or examination for any such purpose or of any request by the Commission for the
amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any Issuer Free
Writing Prospectus or for additional information; and, in the event of the issuance of any
stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of the Prospectus or any Issuer
Free Writing Prospectus or suspending any such qualification, to use promptly its best
efforts to obtain its withdrawal;
(ii) Copies of Amendments and Supplements to the Registration Statement. To furnish
promptly to each of the Representatives and to counsel for the Underwriters a copy of the
executed Registration Statement as originally filed with the Commission, and
15
each amendment thereto filed with the Commission, including all consents and exhibits
filed therewith;
(iii) Delivery of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. To deliver promptly
to the Representatives such number of the following documents as the Representatives shall
reasonably request: (A) conformed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed
with the Commission and each amendment thereto (in each case excluding exhibits other than
this Agreement and the computation of per share earnings), (B) each Preliminary Prospectus,
the Prospectus and any amended or supplemented Prospectus and (C) each Issuer Free Writing
Prospectus and, if the delivery of a prospectus is required at any time after the date
hereof in connection with the offering or sale of the Shares or any other securities
relating thereto and if at such time any events shall have occurred as a result of which the
Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein,
in the light of the circumstances under which they were made when such Prospectus is
delivered, not misleading, or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary to amend or
supplement the Prospectus in order to comply with the Securities Act, to notify the
Representatives and, upon their request, to file such document and to prepare and furnish
without charge to each Underwriter and to any dealer in securities as many copies as the
Representatives may from time to time reasonably request of an amended or supplemented
Prospectus that will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance;
(iv) Amendments and Supplements to the Registration Statement. To file promptly with
the Commission any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
that may, in the judgment of the Company or the Representatives, be required by the
Securities Act or requested by the Commission;
(v) Representatives Review of Proposed Amendments and Supplements. Prior to filing
with the Commission any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus to furnish a copy thereof to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters
and obtain the consent of the Representatives to the filing which consent shall be provided
promptly and shall not be unreasonably withheld;
(vi) Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses. Not to make any offer relating to the Shares
that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus without the prior written consent of
the Representatives;
(vii) Copies of Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. To retain in accordance with the
Rules and Regulations all Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses not required to be filed pursuant
to the Rules and Regulations; and if at any time after the date hereof any events shall have
occurred as a result of which any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as then amended or
supplemented, would conflict with the information in the Registration Statement, the most
recent Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or would include an untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or,
if for any other reason it shall be necessary to amend or
16
supplement any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, to notify the Representatives and, upon
their request, to file such document and to prepare and furnish without charge to each
Underwriter as many copies as the Representatives may from time to time reasonably request
of an amended or supplemented Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that will correct such
conflict, statement or omission or effect such compliance;
(viii) Earnings Statement. As soon as practicable after the Effective Date (it being
understood that the Company shall have until at least 410 days or, if the fourth quarter
following the fiscal quarter that includes the Effective Date is the last fiscal quarter of
the Company’s fiscal year, 455 days after the end of the Company’s current fiscal quarter),
to make generally available to the Company’s security holders and to deliver to the
Representatives an earnings statement of the Company and its subsidiaries (which need not be
audited) complying with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations
(including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158);
(ix) Blue Sky Compliance. Promptly from time to time to take such action as the
Representatives may reasonably request to qualify the Shares for offering and sale under the
securities laws of Canada and such other jurisdictions as the Representatives may request
and to comply with such laws so as to permit the continuance of sales and dealings therein
in such jurisdictions for as long as may be necessary to complete the distribution of the
Shares; provided that in connection therewith the Company shall not be required to (i)
qualify as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction in which it would not otherwise be
required to so qualify, (ii) file a general consent to service of process in any such
jurisdiction or (iii) subject itself to taxation in any jurisdiction in which it would not
otherwise be subject;
(x) Agreement Not to Offer or Sell Additional Shares. For a period commencing on the
date hereof and ending on the 180th day after the date of the Prospectus (the “Lock-Up
Period”), not to, directly or indirectly, (1) offer for sale, sell, pledge or otherwise
dispose of (or enter into any transaction or device that is designed to, or could be
expected to, result in the disposition by any person at any time in the future of) any
shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock
(other than the Shares, the 4,170,000 shares of Common Stock offered directly to an entity
controlled by Xxx X. Xxxx and shares issued pursuant to employee benefit plans, qualified
stock option plans or other employee compensation plans existing on the date hereof or
pursuant to currently outstanding options, warrants or rights not issued under one of those
plans), or sell or grant options, rights or warrants with respect to any shares of Common
Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock (other than the grant
of options pursuant to option plans existing on the date hereof), (2) enter into any swap or
other derivatives transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the
economic benefits or risks of ownership of such shares of Common Stock, whether any such
transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Common
Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, (3) file or cause to be filed a
registration statement, including any amendments, with respect to the registration of any
Common Stock or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable into Common Stock or any
other securities of the Company (other than (i) any registration statement on Form S-8) and
(ii) the shelf
17
registration statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-145386) or any amendment thereto) or
(4) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing, in each case without the
prior written consent of the Representatives, on behalf of the Underwriters, and to cause
each officer, director and stockholder of the Company set forth on Schedule 2 hereto
to furnish to the Representatives, prior to the Initial Delivery Date, a letter or letters,
substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (the “Lock-Up Agreements”);
notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the
Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the
Company occurs or (2) prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces
that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of
the Lock-Up Period, then the restrictions imposed in this paragraph shall continue to apply
until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release
or the announcement of the material news or the occurrence of the material event, unless the
Representatives, on behalf of the Underwriters, waive such extension in writing;
(xi) Use of Proceeds. To apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares being sold
by the Company as set forth in the Prospectus;
(xii) Directed Share Program. In connection with the Directed Share Program, to ensure
that the Directed Shares will be restricted from sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or
hypothecation to the same extent as sales and dispositions of Common Stock by the Company
are restricted pursuant to Section 5(a)(x). At the request of the Directed Share Program
Managers, the Company will direct the transfer agent to place stop transfer restrictions
upon such securities for such period of time as is consistent with Section 5(a)(x); and
(xiii) to comply with all applicable securities and other applicable laws, rules and
regulations in each foreign jurisdiction in which the Directed Shares are offered in
connection with the Directed Share Program.
(b) Permitted Issuer Information. Each Underwriter severally agrees that such Underwriter
shall not include any “issuer information” (as defined in Rule 433) in any “free writing
prospectus” (as defined in Rule 405) used or referred to by such Underwriter without the prior
consent of the Company (any such issuer information with respect to whose use the Company has given
its consent, “Permitted Issuer Information”); provided that (i) no such consent shall be required
with respect to any such issuer information contained in any document filed by the Company with the
Commission prior to the use of such free writing prospectus and (ii) “issuer information,” as used
in this Section 5(b), shall not be deemed to include information prepared by or on behalf of such
Underwriter on the basis of or derived from issuer information.
6. Expenses. The Company agrees, whether or not the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, to pay all costs, expenses, fees and
taxes incident to and in connection with (a) the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the
Shares and any stamp duties or other taxes payable in that connection, and the preparation and
printing of certificates for the Shares; (b) the preparation, printing and filing under the
Securities Act of the Registration Statement (including any exhibits thereto), any
18
Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and any amendment
or supplement thereto; (c) the distribution of the Registration Statement (including any exhibits
thereto), any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and any
amendment or supplement thereto, all as provided in this Agreement; (d) the production and
distribution of this Agreement, any supplemental agreement among Underwriters, and any other
related documents in connection with the offering, purchase, sale and delivery of the Shares; (e)
the delivery and distribution of the Custody Agreements and the Powers of Attorney and the fees and
expenses of the Custodian (and any other attorney-in-fact); (f) any required review by the NASD of
the terms of sale of the Shares (including related fees and expenses of counsel to the Underwriters
in an amount that, taken together with any fees and expenses of counsel to the Underwriters
pursuant to clause (h), is not greater than $30,000; (g) the listing of the Shares on the New York
Stock Exchange and/or any other exchange; (h) the qualification of the Shares under the securities
laws of the several jurisdictions as provided in Section 5(a)(ix) and the preparation, printing and
distribution of a Blue Sky Memorandum (including related fees and expenses of counsel to the
Underwriters in an amount that, taken together with any fees and expenses of counsel to the
Underwriters pursuant to clause (f), is not greater than the amount specified in clause (f)); (i)
the preparation, printing and distribution of one or more versions of the Preliminary Prospectus
and the Prospectus for distribution in Canada (often in the form of a Canadian “wrapper” (including
related fees and expenses of Canadian counsel to the Underwriters); (j) any Independent Underwriter
(as defined in Section 8(g)); (k) the offer and sale of shares of the Shares by the Directed Share
Program Managers in connection with the Directed Share Program, including the fees and
disbursements of counsel to the Directed Share Program Managers related thereto, the costs and
expenses of preparation, printing and distribution of the Directed Share Program material and all
stamp duties or other taxes incurred by the Directed Share Program Managers in connection with the
Directed Share Program; (l) the investor presentations on any “road show” undertaken in connection
with the marketing of the Shares, including, without limitation, expenses associated with any
electronic roadshow, travel and lodging expenses of the representatives and officers of the Company
and one half (1/2) of the cost of any aircraft chartered in connection with the road show; and (m)
all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company under
this Agreement; provided that, except as provided in this Section 6 and in Section 11, the
Underwriters shall pay their own costs and expenses, including the costs and expenses of their
counsel, any transfer taxes on the Shares which they may sell and the expenses of advertising any
offering of the Shares made by the Underwriters; provided further that the Underwriters shall pay
one half (1/2) of the cost of any aircraft chartered in connection with the road show.
7. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligations of the several Underwriters to
purchase and pay for the Shares as provided herein on the Initial Delivery Date and, with respect
to the Option Shares, any Subsequent Delivery Date, shall be subject to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties on the part of the Company set forth in Section 1 hereof as of the
date hereof and as of the Initial Delivery Date as though then made and, with respect to the Option
Shares, as of the related Subsequent Delivery Date as though then made, to the accuracy of the
statements of the Company made in any certificates pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the timely
performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder, and to each of the
following additional conditions:
19
(a) Accountants’ Comfort Letter. On the date hereof, the Representatives shall have
received from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants for the Company,
and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP, independent accountants for NEG Oil & Gas LLC, a letter dated the
date hereof addressed to the Underwriters, the form of which is attached as Exhibit C-1 and
Exhibit C-2, respectively.
(b) No Material Adverse Change. For the period from and after the date of this
Agreement and prior to the Initial Delivery Date and, with respect to the Option Shares, any
Subsequent Delivery Date:
(i) in the judgment of the Representatives there shall not have occurred any
Material Adverse Change; and
(ii) there shall not have been any change or decrease specified in the letter
or letters referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section 7 which is, in the sole
judgment of the Representatives, so material and adverse as to make it impractical
or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the Shares as
contemplated by the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and
(c) Opinion of Counsel for the Company. On each of the Initial Delivery Date and any
Subsequent Delivery Date, the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion of
(i) Xxxxxx & Xxxxxx LLP, counsel for the Company, dated as of such Delivery Date, the form
of which is attached as Exhibit B-1 and (ii) V. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Senior Vice President—Legal
and General Counsel of the Company, dated as of such Delivery Date, the form of which is
attached as Exhibit B-2.
(d) Opinion of Counsel for the Underwriters. On each of the Initial Delivery Date and
any Subsequent Delivery Date, the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion
of Xxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxx, counsel for the Underwriters, dated as of such Delivery Date, in
form and substance satisfactory to, and addressed to, the Representatives, with respect to
the issuance and sale of the Shares, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus
(together with any supplement thereto) and other related matters as the Representatives may
reasonably require, and the Company shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as
they request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.
(e) Officers’ Certificate. On each of the Initial Delivery Date and any Subsequent
Delivery Date, the Representatives shall have received a written certificate executed by the
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President of the Company and the Chief
Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, dated as of such Delivery
Date, to the effect that the signers of such certificate have reviewed the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, any amendments or supplements thereto, the
Disclosure Package and this Agreement, to the effect set forth in subsection (b)(ii) of this
Section 7, and further to the effect that:
(i) For the period from and after the date of this Agreement and prior to such
Delivery Date, there has not occurred any Material Adverse Change.
20
(ii) the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company set forth in
Section 1 of this Agreement are true and correct on and as of the Delivery Date with
the same force and effect as though expressly made on and as of such Delivery Date;
and
(iii) the Company has complied with all the agreements hereunder and satisfied
all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to
such Delivery Date.
(f) Bring-down Comfort Letter. On each of the Initial Delivery Date and any Subsequent
Delivery Date, the Representatives shall have received from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent public accountants for the Company, and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP, independent
accountants for NEG Oil & Gas LLC, letters dated such date, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Representatives, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in
the letter furnished by them pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 7, except that the
reference to November 1, 2007 shall be to November 6, 2007 and the specified date referred
to therein for the carrying out of procedures shall be no more than three business days
prior to the Initial Delivery Date or any Subsequent Delivery Date, as the case may be.
(g) Lock-Up Agreement from Certain Securityholders of the Company. On or prior to the
date hereof, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives an agreement in the
form of Exhibit A-1 hereto from each of the executive officers and directors of the Company,
in the form of Exhibit A-2 with respect to Xx. Xxx X. Xxxx and in the form of Exhibit A-3
with respect to Xx. X. Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, 3rd, and such agreement shall be in full force and
effect on each of the Initial Delivery Date and any Subsequent Delivery Date.
(h) Engineers’ Comfort Letters. On the date hereof, the Representatives shall have
received from XxXxxxxx and MacNaughton, Netherland, Xxxxxx & Associates Inc. and Xxxxxx &
Associates, Inc., independent petroleum engineers, a letter dated the date hereof addressed
to the Underwriters, the form of which is attached as Exhibits X-0, X-0 and D-3,
respectively.
(i) Ratings Downgrade. Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement (i)
no downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded the Company’s debt securities or
preferred stock by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” (as that term
is defined by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) of the Rules and Regulations),
and (ii) no such organization shall have publicly announced that it has under surveillance
or review, with possible negative implications, its rating of any of the Company’s debt
securities or preferred stock.
(j) Additional Documents. On or before each of the Initial Delivery Date and any
Subsequent Delivery Date, the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters shall have
received such information, documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for the
purposes of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Shares as contemplated
herein, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations
21
and warranties, or the satisfaction of any of the conditions or agreements, herein
contained.
If any condition specified in this Section 7 is not satisfied when and as required to be
satisfied, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representatives by notice to the Company at any
time on or prior to the Initial Delivery Date and, with respect to the Option Shares, at any time
prior to the applicable Subsequent Delivery Date, which termination shall be without liability on
the part of any party to any other party, except that Section 6, Section 8 and Section 11 shall at
all times be effective and shall survive such termination.
8. Indemnification and Contribution.
(a) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its directors,
officers and employees and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the
meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, from and against any loss, claim, damage or
liability, joint or several, or any action in respect thereof (including, but not limited
to, any loss, claim, damage, liability or action relating to purchases and sales of Shares),
to which that Underwriter, director, officer, employee or controlling person may become
subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact contained in (A) any Preliminary Prospectus, the
Registration Statement, the Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto, (B) any
Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (C) any
Permitted Issuer Information used or referred to in any “free writing prospectus” (as
defined in Rule 405) used or referred to by any Underwriter, (D) any “road show” (as defined
in Rule 433) not constituting an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (a “Non-Prospectus Road
Show”) or (E) any Blue Sky application or other document prepared or executed by the Company
(or based upon any written information furnished by the Company for use therein)
specifically for the purpose of qualifying any or all of the Shares under the securities
laws of any state or other jurisdiction (any such application, document or information being
hereinafter called a “Blue Sky Application”) or (ii) the omission or alleged omission to
state in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any Issuer
Free Writing Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any Permitted Issuer
Information, any Non-Prospectus Road Show or any Blue Sky Application, any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
and shall reimburse each Underwriter and each such director, officer, employee or
controlling person promptly upon demand for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred
by that Underwriter, director, officer, employee or controlling person in connection with
investigating or defending or preparing to defend against any such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the Company shall
not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or
action arises out of, or is based upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission made in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement,
the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or in any such amendment or supplement
thereto or in any Permitted Issuer Information, any Non-Prospectus Road Show or any Blue Sky
Application, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
22
concerning such Underwriter furnished to the Company through the Representatives by or
on behalf of any Underwriter specifically for inclusion therein, which information consists
solely of the information specified in Section 8(e). The foregoing indemnity agreement is
in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have to any Underwriter or to
any director, officer, employee or controlling person of that Underwriter.
(b) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Company, its directors, officers and employees, and each person, if any, who controls the
Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, from and against any loss,
claim, damage or liability, joint or several, or any action in respect thereof, to which the
Company or any such director, officer, employee or controlling person may become subject,
under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or
action arises out of, or is based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
of a material fact contained in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the
Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or
in any Non-Prospectus Road Show or Blue Sky Application, or (ii) the omission or alleged
omission to state in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus,
any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any
Non-Prospectus Road Show or Blue Sky Application, any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but in each case only to
the extent that the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information concerning
such Underwriter furnished to the Company through the Representatives by or on behalf of
that Underwriter specifically for inclusion therein, which information is limited to the
information set forth in Section 8(e). The foregoing indemnity agreement is in addition to
any liability that any Underwriter may otherwise have to the Company or any such director,
officer, employee or controlling person.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 8 of notice of
any claim or the commencement of any action, the indemnified party shall, if a claim in
respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section 8, notify
the indemnifying party in writing of the claim or the commencement of that action; provided,
however, that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any
liability which it may have under this Section 8. If any such claim or action shall be
brought against an indemnified party, and it shall notify the indemnifying party thereof,
the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it
wishes, jointly with any other similarly notified indemnifying party, to assume the defense
thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. After notice from
the indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the defense of
such claim or action, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to the indemnified party
under this Section 8 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the
indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of
investigation; provided, however, that the indemnified party shall have the right to employ
counsel to represent jointly the indemnified party and those other indemnified parties and
their respective directors, officers, employees and
23
controlling persons who may be subject to liability arising out of any claim in respect
of which indemnity may be sought under this Section 8 if (i) the indemnified party and the
indemnifying party shall have so mutually agreed; (ii) the indemnifying party has failed
within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party;
(iii) the indemnified party and its directors, officers, employees and controlling persons
shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to them that are
different from or in addition to those available to the indemnifying party; or (iv) the
named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the
indemnified parties or their respective directors, officers, employees or controlling
persons, on the one hand, and the indemnifying party, on the other hand, and representation
of both sets of parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or
potential differing interests between them, and in any such event the fees and expenses of
such separate counsel shall be paid by the indemnifying party. No indemnifying party shall
(x) without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or
consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim,
action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought
hereunder (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties to such
claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional
release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such claim, action, suit
or proceeding and does not include any findings of fact or admissions of fault or
culpability or a failure to act as to the indemnified party, or (y) be liable for any
settlement of any such action effected without its written consent (which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld), but if settled with the consent of the indemnifying party or if
there be a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such action, the indemnifying party
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any indemnified party from and against any loss or
liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.
(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 shall for any reason be
unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section 8(a),
8(b), 8(f) or 10(g) in respect of any loss, claim, damage or liability, or any action in
respect thereof, referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall, in lieu of
indemnifying such indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid or payable by such
indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect
thereof, (i) in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits
received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, from the
offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not
permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the
relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the
Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to the statements
or omissions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect
thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits
received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect
to such offering shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from
the offering of the Shares purchased under this Agreement (before deducting expenses)
received by the Company, as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus, on
the one hand, and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the
Underwriters with respect to the shares of the Shares purchased under this Agreement, as
24
set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus, on the other hand. The
relative fault shall be determined by reference to whether the untrue or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
relates to information supplied by the Company or the Underwriters, the intent of the
parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or
prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would
not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 8(d) were to be
determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for
such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the
equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified
party as a result of the loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof,
referred to above in this Section 8(d) shall be deemed to include, for purposes of this
Section 8(d), any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in
connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Section 8(d), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount
in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares underwritten
by it exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise paid or become
liable to pay by reason of any untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section
11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters’ obligations to contribute as
provided in this Section 8(d) are several in proportion to their respective underwriting
obligations and not joint.
(e) The Underwriters severally confirm and the Company acknowledges and agrees that the
statements regarding the concession and reallowance figures, the paragraphs relating to
stabilization and the sentence relating to discretionary sales by the Underwriters appearing
under the caption “Underwriting” in, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus and the
Prospectus are correct and constitute the only information concerning such Underwriters
furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of the Underwriters specifically for
inclusion in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any
Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any
Non-Prospectus Road Show.
(f) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriters (including their
directors, officers and employees) and each person, if any, who controls each Underwriter
within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act (“Underwriter Entities”), from and
against any loss, claim, damage or liability or any action in respect thereof to which any
of the Underwriter Entities may become subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise,
insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or action (i) arises out of, or is based
upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any
material prepared by or with the approval of the Company for distribution to Directed Share
Participants in connection with the Directed Share Program or any omission or alleged
omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, (ii) arises out of, or is based upon, the failure of
the Directed Share Participant to pay for and accept delivery of Directed Shares that the
Directed Share Participant agreed to purchase or (iii)
25
is otherwise related to the Directed Share Program; provided that the Company shall not
be liable under this clause (iii) for any loss, claim, damage, liability or action that is
determined in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from
the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Underwriter Entities. The Company shall
reimburse the Underwriter Entities promptly upon demand for any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to
defend against any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are
incurred.
(g) Without limitation of and in addition to its obligations under the other paragraphs
of this Section 8, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
(in the capacity described in this paragraph, the “Independent Underwriter”), its directors,
officers and employees and each person who controls Independent Underwriter within the
meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act from and against any and all loss, claim, damage
or liability, joint or several, or any action in respect thereof (including, but not limited
to, any loss, claim, damage, liability or action relating to purchases and sales of Stock)
to which the Independent Underwriter, director, officer, employee or controlling person may
become subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, the Independent Underwriter’s acting as
a “qualified independent underwriter” (within the meaning of NASD Conduct Rule 2720) in
connection with the offering contemplated by this Agreement, and agrees to reimburse each
such indemnified party promptly upon demand for any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend any
such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Company shall not
be liable in any such case to the extent that it is determined in a final judgment by a
court of competent jurisdiction that such loss, claim, damage, liability or action resulted
directly from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Independent Underwriter.
The relative benefits received by the Independent Underwriter with respect to the offering
contemplated by this Agreement shall, for purposes of Section 8(d), be deemed to be equal to
the compensation received by the Independent Underwriter for acting in such capacity. In
addition, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8(d), the Independent Underwriter shall
not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the compensation received by the
Independent Underwriter for acting in such capacity.
9. Defaulting Underwriters. If, on any Delivery Date, any Underwriter defaults in the
performance of its obligations under this Agreement, the remaining non-defaulting Underwriters
shall be obligated to purchase the Shares that the defaulting Underwriter agreed but failed to
purchase on such Delivery Date in the respective proportions which the number of shares of the Firm
Shares set forth opposite the name of each remaining non-defaulting Underwriter in Schedule
1 hereto bears to the total number of shares of the Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of
all the remaining non-defaulting Underwriters in Schedule 1 hereto; provided, however, that
the remaining non-defaulting Underwriters shall not be obligated to purchase any of the Shares on
such Delivery Date if the total number of shares of the Shares that the defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase on such date exceeds 9.09% of the total number of shares
of the Shares to be purchased on such Delivery Date, and any remaining non-defaulting Underwriter
shall not be obligated to purchase more
26
than 110% of the number of shares of the Shares that it agreed to purchase on such Delivery
Date pursuant to the terms of Section 2. If the foregoing maximums are exceeded, the remaining
non-defaulting Underwriters, or those other underwriters satisfactory to the Representatives who so
agree, shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to purchase, in such proportion as may be
agreed upon among them, all the Shares to be purchased on such Delivery Date. If the remaining
Underwriters or other underwriters satisfactory to the Representatives do not elect to purchase the
shares that the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase on such
Delivery Date, this Agreement (or, with respect to any Option Shares Delivery Date, the obligation
of the Underwriters to purchase, and of the Company to sell, the Option Shares) shall terminate
without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company, except that the
Company will continue to be liable for the payment of expenses to the extent set forth in Sections
6 and 11. As used in this Agreement, the term “Underwriter” includes, for all purposes of this
Agreement unless the context requires otherwise, any party not listed in Schedule 1 hereto
that, pursuant to this Section 9, purchases Shares that a defaulting Underwriter agreed but failed
to purchase. As used in this Agreement, the term “Underwriter” includes, for all purposes of this
Agreement unless context otherwise requires, any person not listed in Schedule 1 hereto
that, pursuant to this Section 9, purchases shares that a defaulting Underwriter agreed but failed
to purchase.
Nothing contained herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter of any liability it may have
to the Company for damages caused by its default. If other Underwriters are obligated or agree to
purchase the Shares of a defaulting or withdrawing Underwriter, either the Representatives or the
Company may postpone the Delivery Date for up to seven full business days in order to effect any
changes that in the opinion of counsel for the Company or counsel for the Underwriters may be
necessary in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or in any other document or arrangement.
10. Termination. On or after the Applicable Time, this Agreement may be terminated by the
Representative by notice given to the Company if at any time (i) trading in securities generally on
either the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended or materially limited, or minimum or
maximum prices shall have been generally established on any of such stock exchanges by the
Commission or the NASD; (ii) a general banking moratorium shall have been declared by any federal
or New York authority or a material disruption in commercial banking or securities settlement or
clearance services in the United States has occurred; or (iii) there shall have occurred any
outbreak or escalation of national or international hostilities or any crisis or calamity, or any
change in the United States or international financial markets, or any substantial change or
development involving a prospective substantial change in United States’ or international
political, financial or economic conditions, as in the judgment of the Representative is material
and adverse and makes it impracticable or inadvisable to market the Shares in the manner and on the
terms described in the Disclosure Package or the Final Prospectus or to enforce contracts for the
sale of securities.
11. Reimbursement of Underwriters’ Expenses. If the Company shall fail to tender the Shares
for delivery to the Underwriters for any reason or (b) the Underwriters shall decline to purchase
the Shares for any reason permitted under this Agreement (other than Section 10), the Company will
reimburse the Underwriters for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including fees and
disbursements of counsel) incurred by the Underwriters in connection with
27
this Agreement and the proposed purchase of the Shares, and upon demand the Company shall pay
the full amount thereof to the Representatives. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
Section 9 by reason of the default of one or more Underwriters, the Company shall not be obligated
to reimburse any defaulting Underwriter on account of those expenses.
12. Research Analyst Independence. The Company acknowledges that the Underwriters’ research
analysts and research departments are required to be independent from their respective investment
banking divisions and are subject to certain regulations and internal policies, and that such
Underwriters’ research analysts may hold views and make statements or investment recommendations
and/or publish research reports with respect to the Company and/or the offering that differ from
the views of their respective investment banking divisions. The Company hereby waives and
releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that the Company may have against the
Underwriters with respect to any conflict of interest that may arise from the fact that the views
expressed by their independent research analysts and research departments may be different from or
inconsistent with the views or advice communicated to the Company by such Underwriters’ investment
banking divisions. The Company acknowledges that each of the Underwriters is a full service
securities firm and as such from time to time, subject to applicable securities laws, may effect
transactions for its own account or the account of its customers and hold long or short positions
in debt or equity securities of the companies that may be the subject of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
13. No Fiduciary Duty. The Company acknowledges and agrees that in connection with this
offering, sale of the Shares or any other services the Underwriters may be deemed to be providing
hereunder, notwithstanding any preexisting relationship, advisory or otherwise, between the parties
or any oral representations or assurances previously or subsequently made by the Underwriters: (i)
no fiduciary or agency relationship between the Company and any other person, on the one hand, and
the Underwriters, on the other, exists; (ii) the Underwriters are not acting as advisors, expert or
otherwise, to the Company, including, without limitation, with respect to the determination of the
public offering price of the Shares, and such relationship between the Company, on the one hand,
and the Underwriters, on the other, is entirely and solely commercial, based on arms-length
negotiations; (iii) any duties and obligations that the Underwriters may have to the Company shall
be limited to those duties and obligations specifically stated herein; and (iv) the Underwriters
and their respective affiliates may have interests that differ from those of the Company. The
Company hereby waives any claims that the Company may have against the Underwriters with respect to
any breach of fiduciary duty in connection with this offering.
14. Notices, etc. All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in
writing, and:
28
If to the Underwriters:
Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: Syndicate Department
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: Syndicate Department
Xxxxxxx, Sachs & Co.
00 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: Registration Department
00 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: Registration Department
Banc of America Securities LLC
0 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: Syndicate Department
0 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: Syndicate Department
with a copy to:
Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
Office of the General Counsel
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: Director of Litigation
(in the case of any notice pursuant to Section 8(c))
Office of the General Counsel
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: Director of Litigation
(in the case of any notice pursuant to Section 8(c))
Xxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxx
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Xx.
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Xx.
If to the Company:
XxxxXxxxx Energy, Inc.
0000 XX Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx
Facsimile:
Attention: General Counsel
0000 XX Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx
Facsimile:
Attention: General Counsel
29
with a copy to:
Xxxxxx & Xxxxxx L.L.P.
First City Tower
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: T. Xxxx Xxxxx
First City Tower
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Facsimile: 000-000-0000
Attention: T. Xxxx Xxxxx
Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall take effect at the time of receipt
thereof. The Company shall be entitled to act and rely upon any request, consent, notice or
agreement given or made on behalf of the Underwriters by Xxxxxx Brothers Inc. on behalf of the
Representatives.
15. Persons Entitled to Benefit of Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the Underwriters, the Company and their respective successors. This Agreement
and the terms and provisions hereof are for the sole benefit of only those persons, except that (A)
the representations, warranties, indemnities and agreements of the Company contained in this
Agreement shall also be deemed to be for the benefit of the directors, officers and employees of
the Underwriters and each person or persons, if any, who control any Underwriter within the meaning
of Section 15 of the Securities Act and (B) the indemnity agreement of the Underwriters contained
in Section 8(b) of this Agreement shall be deemed to be for the benefit of the directors of the
Company, the officers of the Company who have signed the Registration Statement and any person
controlling the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act. Nothing in this
Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, other than the persons referred to
in this Section 15, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this
Agreement or any provision contained herein.
16. Survival. The respective indemnities, representations, warranties and agreements of the
Company and the Underwriters contained in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of them,
respectively, pursuant to this Agreement, shall survive the delivery of and payment for the Shares
and shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of
any of them or any person controlling any of them.
17. Definition of the Terms “Business Day” and “Subsidiary”. For purposes of this Agreement,
(a) “business day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday that is not a day on
which banking institutions in New York are generally authorized or obligated by law or executive
order to close and (b) “subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405.
18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York.
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and, if executed
in more than one counterpart, the executed counterparts shall each be deemed to be an original but
all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
30
20. Headings. The headings herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not
intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning or interpretation of, this Agreement.
31
If the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement among the Company and the Underwriters,
please indicate your acceptance in the space provided for that purpose below.
Very truly yours, XxxxXxxxx Energy, Inc. |
||||
By: | /s/ Xxx X. Xxxx | |||
Name: | Xxx X. Xxxx | |||
Title: | Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President |
32
Accepted:
Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co.
Banc of America Securities LLC
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co.
Banc of America Securities LLC
For themselves and as Representatives
of the several Underwriters named
in Schedule 1 hereto
of the several Underwriters named
in Schedule 1 hereto
By Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
By:/s/ Xxxxxxxx
Xxxx
Name: Xxxxxxxx Xxxx
Title: Vice President
Name: Xxxxxxxx Xxxx
Title: Vice President
By Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co.
By:/s/ Xxxxxxx, Sachs & Co.
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co.
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co.
By Banc of America Securities llc
By:/s/ Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx
Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Title: Managing Director
Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Title: Managing Director
33
SCHEDULE 1
Number of Firm | ||||
Underwriter | Shares | |||
Xxxxxx Brothers Inc. |
6,132,500 | |||
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co. |
6,132,500 | |||
Banc of America Securities LLC |
2,453,000 | |||
Bear, Xxxxxxx & Co. Inc. |
1,471,800 | |||
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC |
1,471,800 | |||
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. |
1,471,800 | |||
X.X. Xxxxxx Securities Inc. |
1,471,800 | |||
UBS Securities LLC |
1,471,800 | |||
Xxxxxx Xxxx Incorporated |
490,600 | |||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx & Associates, Inc. |
490,600 | |||
RBC Capital Markets Corporation |
490,600 | |||
Xxxxxxx & Company International |
490,600 | |||
Tudor, Xxxxxxxxx & Co. Securities, Inc. |
490,600 | |||
Total |
24,530,000 | |||
SCHEDULE 2
PERSONS DELIVERING LOCK-UP AGREEMENTS
Directors
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxx Xxxxxx
Xxx X. Xxxxxx, Xx.
D. Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Officers
Xxx X. Xxxx
Xxxx X. Xxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
V. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Stockholders
N. Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx 3rd
SCHEDULE 3
• Price of Shares to public: $26.00
• Number of Shares: 28,700,000 (24,530,000 of which are offered to the public)
SCHEDULE 4
Lariat Services, Inc.
XxxxXxxxx Exploration and Production, LLC
XxxxXxxxx Onshore, LLC
XxxxXxxxx Offshore, LLC
EXHIBIT A
LOCK-UP LETTER AGREEMENT
Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co.
Banc of america securities LLC
As Representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule 1,
c/x Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co.
Banc of america securities LLC
As Representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule 1,
c/x Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned understands that you and certain other firms (the “Underwriters”) propose to
enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) providing for the purchase by
the Underwriters of shares (the “Shares”) of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common
Stock”), of XxxxXxxxx Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and that the
Underwriters propose to reoffer the Shares to the public (the “Offering”).
In consideration of the execution of the Underwriting Agreement by the Underwriters, and for
other good and valuable consideration, the undersigned hereby irrevocably agrees that, without the
prior written consent of Xxxxxx Brothers Inc, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co., and Banc of America Securities
LLC, on behalf of the Underwriters, the undersigned will not, directly or indirectly, (1) offer for
sale, sell, pledge, or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction or device that is
designed to, or could be expected to, result in the disposition by any person at any time in the
future of) any shares of Common Stock (including, without limitation, shares of Common Stock that
may be deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and shares of Common Stock that may be issued
upon exercise of any options or warrants) or securities convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for Common Stock, (2) enter into any swap or other derivatives transaction that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic benefits or risks of ownership of
shares of Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be
settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, (3) make any demand
for or exercise any right or cause to be filed a registration statement, including any amendments
thereto, with respect to the registration of any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible
into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or any other securities of the Company or (4)
publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing, for a period commencing on the date of
the Prospectus relating to the Offering and ending on the 180th day after the date of the
Prospectus relating to the Offering (such 180-day period, the “Lock-Up Period”).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the
Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company
occurs or (2) prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that it will
release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period,
then the restrictions imposed by this Lock-Up Letter Agreement shall continue to apply until the
expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the
announcement of the material news or the occurrence of the material event, unless waive such
extension in writing. The undersigned hereby further agrees that, prior to engaging in any
transaction or taking any other action that is subject to the terms of this Lock-Up Letter
Agreement during the period from the date of this Lock-Up Letter Agreement to and including the
34th day following the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, it will give notice thereof to
the Company and will not consummate such transaction or take any such action unless it has received
written confirmation from the Company that the Lock-Up Period (as such may have been extended
pursuant to this paragraph) has expired.
In furtherance of the foregoing, the Company and its transfer agent are hereby authorized to
decline to make any transfer of securities if such transfer would constitute a violation or breach
of this Lock-Up Letter Agreement.
It is understood that, if the Company notifies the Underwriters that it does not intend to
proceed with the Offering, if the Underwriting Agreement does not become effective, if the Offering
shall not have commenced by February 1, 2008, or if the Underwriting Agreement (other than the
provisions thereof which survive termination) shall terminate or be terminated prior to payment for
and delivery of the Shares, the undersigned will be released from its obligations under this
Lock-Up Letter Agreement.
The undersigned understands that the Company and the Underwriters will proceed with the
Offering in reliance on this Lock-Up Letter Agreement.
Whether or not the Offering actually occurs depends on a number of factors, including market
conditions. Any Offering will only be made pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, the terms of
which are subject to negotiation between the Company and the Underwriters.
[Signature page follows]
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and
authority to enter into this Lock-Up Letter Agreement and that, upon request, the undersigned will
execute any additional documents necessary in connection with the enforcement hereof. Any
obligations of the undersigned shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives,
successors and assigns of the undersigned.
Very truly yours,
By:
Name:
Name:
EXHIBIT A-1
LOCK-UP LETTER AGREEMENT
Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co.
Banc of america securities LLC
As Representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule 1,
c/x Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co.
Banc of america securities LLC
As Representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule 1,
c/x Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned understands that you and certain other firms (the “Underwriters”) propose to
enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) providing for the purchase by
the Underwriters of shares (the “Shares”) of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common
Stock”), of XxxxXxxxx Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and that the
Underwriters propose to reoffer the Shares to the public (the “Offering”).
In consideration of the execution of the Underwriting Agreement by the Underwriters, and for
other good and valuable consideration, the undersigned hereby irrevocably agrees that, without the
prior written consent of Xxxxxx Brothers Inc, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co., and Banc of America Securities
LLC, on behalf of the Underwriters, the undersigned will not, directly or indirectly, (1) offer for
sale, sell, pledge, or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction or device that is
designed to, or could be expected to, result in the disposition by any person at any time in the
future of) any shares of Common Stock (including, without limitation, shares of Common Stock that
may be deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and shares of Common Stock that may be issued
upon exercise of any options or warrants) or securities convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for Common Stock, (2) enter into any swap or other derivatives transaction that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic benefits or risks of ownership of
shares of Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be
settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, (3) make any demand
for or exercise any right or cause to be filed a registration statement, including any amendments
thereto, with respect to the registration of any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible
into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or any other securities of the Company or (4)
publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing, for a period commencing on the date of
the Prospectus relating to the Offering and ending on the 180th day after the date of the
Prospectus relating to the Offering (such 180-day period, the “Lock-Up Period”); provided, however,
that the undersigned shall be permitted to effect any transfer pursuant to the loan agreement
between Xxx X. Xxxx and Bank of America, N.A., dated [ ], as amended from time to
time.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the
Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company
occurs or (2) prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that it will
release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period,
then the restrictions imposed by this Lock-Up Letter Agreement shall continue to apply until the
expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the
announcement of the material news or the occurrence of the material event, unless waive such
extension in writing. The undersigned hereby further agrees that, prior to engaging in any
transaction or taking any other action that is subject to the terms of this Lock-Up Letter
Agreement during the period from the date of this Lock-Up Letter Agreement to and including the
34th day following the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, it will give notice thereof to
the Company and will not consummate such transaction or take any such action unless it has received
written confirmation from the Company that the Lock-Up Period (as such may have been extended
pursuant to this paragraph) has expired.
In furtherance of the foregoing, the Company and its transfer agent are hereby authorized to
decline to make any transfer of securities if such transfer would constitute a violation or breach
of this Lock-Up Letter Agreement.
It is understood that, if the Company notifies the Underwriters that it does not intend to
proceed with the Offering, if the Underwriting Agreement does not become effective, if the Offering
shall not have commenced by February 1, 2008, or if the Underwriting Agreement (other than the
provisions thereof which survive termination) shall terminate or be terminated prior to payment for
and delivery of the Shares, the undersigned will be released from its obligations under this
Lock-Up Letter Agreement.
The undersigned understands that the Company and the Underwriters will proceed with the
Offering in reliance on this Lock-Up Letter Agreement.
Whether or not the Offering actually occurs depends on a number of factors, including market
conditions. Any Offering will only be made pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, the terms of
which are subject to negotiation between the Company and the Underwriters.
[Signature page follows]
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and
authority to enter into this Lock-Up Letter Agreement and that, upon request, the undersigned will
execute any additional documents necessary in connection with the enforcement hereof. Any
obligations of the undersigned shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives,
successors and assigns of the undersigned.
Very truly yours,
By:
Name:
Name:
EXHIBIT A-2
LOCK-UP LETTER AGREEMENT
Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
Xxxxxxx, Sachs & Co.
Banc of america securities LLC
As Representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule 1,
c/x Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Xxxxxxx, Sachs & Co.
Banc of america securities LLC
As Representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule 1,
c/x Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned understands that you and certain other firms (the “Underwriters”) propose to
enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) providing for the purchase by
the Underwriters of shares (the “Shares”) of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common
Stock”), of XxxxXxxxx Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and that the
Underwriters propose to reoffer the Shares to the public (the “Offering”).
In consideration of the execution of the Underwriting Agreement by the Underwriters, and for
other good and valuable consideration, the undersigned hereby irrevocably agrees that, without the
prior written consent of Xxxxxx Brothers Inc, Xxxxxxx, Sachs & Co., and Banc of America Securities
LLC, on behalf of the Underwriters, the undersigned will not, directly or indirectly, (1) offer for
sale, sell, pledge, or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction or device that is
designed to, or could be expected to, result in the disposition by any person at any time in the
future of) any shares of Common Stock (including, without limitation, shares of Common Stock that
may be deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and shares of Common Stock that may be issued
upon exercise of any options or warrants) or securities convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for Common Stock, (2) enter into any swap or other derivatives transaction that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic benefits or risks of ownership of
shares of Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be
settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, (3) make any demand
for or exercise any right or cause to be filed a registration statement, including any amendments
thereto, with respect to the registration of any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible
into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or any other securities of the Company or (4)
publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing, for a period commencing on the date of
the Prospectus relating to the Offering and ending on the 180th day after the date of the
Prospectus relating to the Offering (such 180-day period, the “Lock-Up Period”); provided, however,
that the undersigned shall be permitted to pledge any shares of Common Stock as collateral for a
personal loan so long as the
lender agrees to be bound by the terms set forth in this Lock-Up Letter Agreement with respect
to any shares of Common Stock that are transferred to such lender as a result of foreclosure.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the
Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company
occurs or (2) prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that it will
release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period,
then the restrictions imposed by this Lock-Up Letter Agreement shall continue to apply until the
expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the
announcement of the material news or the occurrence of the material event, unless waive such
extension in writing. The undersigned hereby further agrees that, prior to engaging in any
transaction or taking any other action that is subject to the terms of this Lock-Up Letter
Agreement during the period from the date of this Lock-Up Letter Agreement to and including the
34th day following the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, it will give notice thereof to
the Company and will not consummate such transaction or take any such action unless it has received
written confirmation from the Company that the Lock-Up Period (as such may have been extended
pursuant to this paragraph) has expired.
In furtherance of the foregoing, the Company and its transfer agent are hereby authorized to
decline to make any transfer of securities if such transfer would constitute a violation or breach
of this Lock-Up Letter Agreement.
It is understood that, if the Company notifies the Underwriters that it does not intend to
proceed with the Offering, if the Underwriting Agreement does not become effective, if the Offering
shall not have commenced by February 1, 2008, or if the Underwriting Agreement (other than the
provisions thereof which survive termination) shall terminate or be terminated prior to payment for
and delivery of the Shares, the undersigned will be released from its obligations under this
Lock-Up Letter Agreement.
The undersigned understands that the Company and the Underwriters will proceed with the
Offering in reliance on this Lock-Up Letter Agreement.
Whether or not the Offering actually occurs depends on a number of factors, including market
conditions. Any Offering will only be made pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, the terms of
which are subject to negotiation between the Company and the Underwriters.
[Signature page follows]
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and
authority to enter into this Lock-Up Letter Agreement and that, upon request, the undersigned will
execute any additional documents necessary in connection with the enforcement hereof. Any
obligations of the undersigned shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives,
successors and assigns of the undersigned.
Very truly yours,
By:
Name:
Title:
Name:
Title:
,
2007
EXHIBIT B-1
FORM OF OPINION OF ISSUER’S COUNSEL
Opinion of Xxxxxx & Xxxxxx LLP., counsel for the Company to be delivered pursuant to
Section 7(c) of the Underwriting Agreement.
References to the Final Prospectus in this Exhibit B-1 include any supplements thereto
at the Initial Delivery Date.
(i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in
good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
(ii) The Company’s authorized capitalization is as set forth in the Final Prospectus.
The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company conform in all material
respects to the descriptions thereof set forth in the Final Prospectus. All of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully
paid and nonassessable.
(iii) The Underwriting Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
the Company.
(iv) The Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters from the Company pursuant to the
Underwriting Agreement have been duly authorized for issuance and sale pursuant to the
Underwriting Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company to the Underwriters
pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement on the Initial Delivery Date or any Subsequent
Delivery Date, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and the issuance of
such Shares will not be subject to any preemptive or similar rights.
(vi) No stockholder of the Company or any other person has any preemptive right, right
of first refusal or other similar right to subscribe for or purchase securities of the
Company arising by operation of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or
the Delaware General Corporations Laws, other than preemptive rights that are barred by the
statute of limitations.
(vii) The execution and delivery of the Underwriting Agreement and the Shares by the
Company and the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder (other than
performance by the Company of its obligations under the indemnification and contribution
sections of the Underwriting Agreement, as to which no opinion need be rendered) (i) will
not result in any violation of the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws (or
other applicable organizational document) of the Company or any subsidiary; (ii) will not
constitute a breach of, or Default under, (A) the Senior Credit Facility, dated November 21,
2006, by and among XxxxXxxxx Energy, Inc. (as successor by merger to Riata Energy, Inc.) and
Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Banc of America Securities LLC as Lead
Arranger and Book Running
Manager, as amended or (B) Credit Agreement, dated March 22, 2007 by and among
XxxxXxxxx Energy, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Banc of
America Securities LLC as Lead Arranger, as amended; or (iii) to the best knowledge of such
counsel, will not result in any violation of any statute, law, rule, judgment, regulation,
order or decree applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any court,
regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority
having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of its or their
properties; except in the case of clause (ii) and (iii), such breaches, defaults and
violations that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided
however, we express no opinion in this paragraph (vii) with respect to federal or state
securities laws or blue sky laws, rules or regulations or any state or federal anti-fraud
statute, rule or regulation.
(viii) The Company is not, and after receipt of payment for the Shares and the
application of the proceeds as contemplated under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in the Final
Prospectus will not be, an “investment company” within the meaning of Investment Company
Act.
(ix) The statements in the Final Prospectus under the headings “Description of Capital
Stock” and “Certain U.S. Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders,” insofar as such statements
summarize legal matters, legal agreements or legal conclusions discussed therein, fairly
present in all material respects such legal matters, legal agreements or legal conclusions.
(x) The Registration Statement was declared effective under the Securities Act as of
the date and time specified in such opinion, and the Prospectus was filed with the
Commission pursuant to the subparagraph of Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations
specified in such opinion on the date specified therein. To such counsel’s knowledge, no
stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no
proceeding or examination for such purpose has been instituted or threatened by the
Commission.
(xi) (A) The Registration Statement, on the Effective Date and on the applicable
Delivery Date, and (B) the Prospectus, when filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule
424(b) and on the applicable Delivery Date, were, on their face, appropriately responsive,
in all material respects, to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Rules and
Regulations, except that in each case such counsel need express no opinion with respect to
the financial statements or other financial data contained in or omitted from the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus.
In addition, such counsel shall state that they have participated in conferences with officers
and other representatives of the Company, representatives of the independent public or certified
public accountants for the Company and with representatives of the Underwriters at which the
contents of the Final Prospectus, and any supplements or amendments thereto, and related matters
were discussed. Although such counsel has made certain additional inquiries and investigations in
connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus and Final
Prospectus, it is not passing on and does not assume any responsibility for
the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the Final Prospectus
(other than as specified in paragraphs (ii) and (ix) above). On the basis of the foregoing, no
information has come to their attention which would lead them to believe:
(a) the Registration Statement, as of the Effective Date, contained any untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading;
(b) the Prospectus, as of its date and as of such Delivery Date, contained or contains
any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; or
(c) the most recent Preliminary Prospectus, together with the information included on
Schedule 3 of the Underwriting Agreement and together with any Issuer Free Writing
Prospectus, and, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading,
except that in each case such counsel need express no opinion with respect to the financial
statements and schedules and other financial data derived therefrom and the oil and gas reserve
data contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus.
In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters involving the application
of laws of any jurisdiction other than the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or the
federal law of the United States, to the extent they deem proper and specified in such opinion,
upon the opinion (which shall be dated the Initial Delivery Date or any Subsequent Delivery Date,
as the case may be, shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Underwriters, shall
expressly state that the Underwriters may rely on such opinion as if it were addressed to them and
shall be furnished to the Representative) of other counsel of good standing whom they believe to be
reliable and who are satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters; and (B) as to matters of fact,
to the extent they deem proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the Company and public
officials.
EXHIBIT B-2
FORM OF OPINION OF COMPANY’S COUNSEL
Opinion of V. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Senior Vice President –Legal and General Counsel for the Company
to be delivered pursuant to Section 7(c) of the Underwriting Agreement.
References to the Final Prospectus in this Exhibit B-2 include any supplements thereto
at the Initial Delivery Date.
(i) The Company has corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its
properties and to conduct its business as described in the Final Prospectus and to enter
into and perform its obligations under the Underwriting Agreement.
(ii) The Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and
is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by
reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except for such
jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing would not, singly or
in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
(iii) Each significant subsidiary of the Company (as defined in Rule 405 under the
Securities Act) has been duly incorporated or otherwise formed and is validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation, as
the case may be, has power and authority (corporate or otherwise) to own or lease, as the
case may be, and to operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the
Final Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or
leasing of property or the conduct of business, except for such jurisdictions where the
failure to so qualify or to be in good standing would not, singly or in the aggregate, have
a Material Adverse Effect.
(iv) All of the issued and outstanding capital stock, or similar equity interest, of
each such significant subsidiary of the Company has been duly authorized and validly issued,
is fully paid and non-assessable and is owned by the Company, directly or through
subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance
or, to the best knowledge of such counsel, any pending or threatened claim.
(v) The Company and each subsidiary possess such valid and current certificates,
authorizations or permits issued by the appropriate state, federal or foreign regulatory
agencies or bodies necessary to conduct their respective businesses, and, to such counsel’s
knowledge, neither the Company nor any subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings
relating to the revocation or modification of, or non-compliance with, any such certificate,
authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable
decision, ruling or finding, could have a Material Adverse Effect.
(vi) The Company and its subsidiaries own or possess sufficient Intellectual Property
Rights reasonably necessary to conduct their business as now conducted; and the expected
expiration of any of such Intellectual Property Rights would not, singly or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. To such counsel’s knowledge, neither the Company
nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of infringement or conflict with, and to
the best of such counsel’s knowledge, there is no infringement of or conflict with, asserted
Intellectual Property Rights of others, which infringement or conflict, if the subject of an
unfavorable decision, would, singly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
The Company is not a party to or bound by any options, licenses or agreements with respect
to the Intellectual Property Rights of any other person or entity that are required to be
set forth in the Final Prospectus and are not described in all material respects. To such
counsel’s knowledge, none of the technology employed by the Company has been obtained or is
being used by the Company in violation of any contractual obligation binding on the Company
or any of its officers, directors or employees or otherwise in violation of the rights of
any persons.
(vi) After due inquiry, such counsel does not know of any legal or governmental
actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the best of such counsel’s knowledge,
threatened (i) against or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) which has
as the subject thereof any officer or director of, or property owned or leased by, the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or (iii) relating to environmental or discrimination
matters, where in any such case (A) there is a reasonable possibility that such action, suit
or proceeding might be determined adversely to the Company or such subsidiary and (B) any
such action, suit or proceeding, if so determined adversely, would reasonably be expected
to, singly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect or adversely affect the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. After due inquiry, such
counsel does not know of any existing or, to the best of such counsel’s knowledge,
threatened or pending, material labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries, or with the employees of any principal supplier of the Company.
(vii) No consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or registration or filing
with, any court or other governmental authority or agency is required for the Company’s
execution, delivery and performance of the Underwriting Agreement and consummation of the
transactions contemplated thereby and by the Final Prospectus, except as required under the
Securities Act, applicable state securities or blue sky laws and from the NASD.
(viii) To the best knowledge of such counsel, neither the Company nor any subsidiary
(A) is in violation of (i) its charter, by-laws or other organizational document, as the
case may be, or (ii) any statute, law, rule, judgment, regulation, order or decree
applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any court, regulatory body,
administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction
over the Company or any of its or their properties or (B) is in Default in the performance
or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any material
Existing Instrument.
In addition, such counsel shall state that they have participated in conferences with officers
and other representatives of the Company, representatives of the independent public or certified
public accountants for the Company and with representatives of the Underwriters at which the
contents of the Final Prospectus, and any supplements or amendments thereto, and related matters
were discussed. Although such counsel has made certain additional inquiries and investigations in
connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus and Final
Prospectus, it is not passing on and does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the Final Prospectus (other than as
specified in paragraphs (i)-(viii) above). On the basis of the foregoing, no information has come
to their attention which would lead them to believe:
(a) the Registration Statement, as of the Effective Date, contained any untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading;
(b) the Prospectus, as of its date and as of such Delivery Date, contained or contains
any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; or
(c) the most recent Preliminary Prospectus, together with the information included on
Schedule 3 of the Underwriting Agreement and together with the Issuer Free Writing
Prospectuses set forth on a schedule to such opinion acceptable to counsel to the
Underwriters, as of the Applicable Time, and, contained any untrue statement of a material
fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading,
except that in each case such counsel need express no opinion with respect to the financial
statements and schedules and other financial data derived therefrom and the oil and gas reserve
data contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus.
In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters involving the application
of laws of any jurisdiction other than the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or the
federal law of the United States, to the extent they deem proper and specified in such opinion,
upon the opinion (which shall be dated the Initial Delivery Date or any Subsequent Delivery Date,
as the case may be, shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Underwriters, shall
expressly state that the Underwriters may rely on such opinion as if it were addressed to them and
shall be furnished to the Representative) of other counsel of good standing whom they believe to be
reliable and who are satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters; and (B) as to matters of fact,
to the extent they deem proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the Company and public
officials.
Exhibit C-1
Exhibit C-2
Exhibit D-1
Exhibit D-2
Exhibit D-3