FUNDING AGREEMENT by and between DOMAIN DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS I, LP, and CAPCO OPERATING CORPORATION, Dated September 15th, 2005
Exhibit
10.17
by
and between
DOMAIN
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS I, LP,
and
CAPCO
OPERATING CORPORATION,
Dated
September
15th, 2005
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
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1.
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DEFINITIONS
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1
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2.
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TERM
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5
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3.
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PARTICIPATION
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5
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4.
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PAYMENTS
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6
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5.
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DISPOSAL;
SALE OF CONTRACT AREA.
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8
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6.
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REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
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12
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7.
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COVENANTS.
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15
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8.
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TERMINATION
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17
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9.
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CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
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19
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10.
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NOTICES
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20
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11.
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MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS
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21
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12.
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SEVERABILITY;
SAVINGS CLAUSE
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22
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13.
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TITLE
WARRANTY
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22
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14.
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FORCE
MAJEURE
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23
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15.
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RELATIONSHIP
OF THE PARTIES
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23
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16.
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WAIVER
OF JURY TRIAL, PUNITIVE DAMAGES, ETC.
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23
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17.
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GOVERNMENT
APPROVALS
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24
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18.
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PUBLIC
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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24
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19.
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MODIFICATION
OF EXHIBITS
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24
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20.
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EXPENSES
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24
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21.
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NO
LIABILITY; INDEMNITY
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25
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22.
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COUNTERPARTS
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26
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23.
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JOINT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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26
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EXHIBITS
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Exhibit
A
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Contract
Area
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Exhibit
A-1
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Schedule
of Leases
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Exhibit
B
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Computations
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Exhibit
C
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Financial
Accounting Procedures
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Exhibit
D
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Form
of Assignment of Net Profits Interest
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Exhibit
E
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Form
of Mortgage
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i
This
Funding
Agreement
(this
“Agreement”) is entered into this 1st day of October, 2005, among Domain
Development Partners I, LP, a Texas limited partnership (“Domain”), and Capco
Operating Corporation (“COC”), a Texas based Operating Company of Capco Energy,
Inc. Domain and COC may be referred to individually as a “Party” and
collectively as the “Parties”.
WHEREAS,
COC
owns
and
operates certain oil and gas leases, minerals and other interests in the Brazos
Blocks 440/478/479, Brazos (Matagorda) County, Texas, as more particularly
described in Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Contract Area”); and
WHEREAS,
the
Parties desire to work together for the purpose of exploiting and developing
the
hydrocarbon potential from currently owned and operated oil and gas interests
of
COC in the Contract Area;
WHEREAS,
COC
has
requested
that
Domain provide funding for the re-development of the Contract Area;
and
WHEREAS,
Domain
is
willing to provide such funding on the terms and conditions set forth
herein;
NOW,
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the mutual promises, conditions and agreements herein
contained, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree
as
follows:
DEFINITIONS
For
purposes of this Agreement, including the Exhibits, except as otherwise
expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires, the terms defined
in this Article have the meanings assigned to them herein and the capitalized
terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement by inclusion in quotation marks and/or
parentheses have the meanings so ascribed to them.
“AFE”
means an Authority for Expenditure prepared by or on behalf of COC for the
purpose of estimating the well costs to be incurred in connection with a
proposal to workover, plugback, complete or re-complete, drill, deepen, rework
or sidetrack a ReWork Well.
“Affiliate”
means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly
controlling or controlled by or under common control with such Person. For
purposes of this definition, the term “control”, including, with correlative
meanings, the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” and “under common control
with”, as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly,
of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management of such Person,
whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. With
respect to a corporation, partnership or limited liability company “control” is
conclusively established ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting
stock in such corporation or of the voting interest as a partner in such
partnership or as a member of such limited liability company.
“Agreement”
means this Funding Agreement between the Parties, including the Exhibits
attached hereto or referred to herein.
“Business
Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday recognized
by the United States of America or a day on which banks in Houston, Texas are
authorized or required by law to be closed.
“Cash
Method of Accounting” means a method of accounting in which (i) the Gross
Proceeds for a Month shall be the net amount recognized and recorded by COC
during such Month in COC’s ledgers for sales of Hydrocarbon Production from the
Subject Properties included in a Tranche and (ii) the Production Costs for
a
Month shall be the amount paid or charged to the Subject Properties included
in
a Tranche by COC and recorded during such Month in the COC’s ledgers for
operating the Subject Properties, all such proceeds and costs being determined
in accordance with Exhibit B attached hereto. Accordingly, by way of example
only, sales of January production of Hydrocarbon Production will normally be
used to determine Gross Proceeds for the Month of March if the proceeds of
such
sales are received in March. No Gross Proceeds nor Production Costs for a
Subject Property shall be recognized for Production Month Proceeds accrued
prior
to the Effective Date for such Subject Property.
“Contract
Area” means the geographic area encompassing portions in Brazos
Blocks 440/478/479, Brazos (Matagorda) County, Texas,
as
further described in Exhibit A attached hereto, as may be amended from time
to
time by mutual agreement of COC and Domain.
“Contribution”
is defined in Article 3.3.
“Domain’s
Capital Contribution” means the aggregate Contributions provided by Domain
pursuant to this Agreement for 100% of Domains investment in each Tranche of
xxxxx in the Contract Area.
“Effective
Date” means the effective date of this Agreement, being October 1st,
2005.
“Exhibits”
means the exhibits to this Agreement, as such exhibits may be amended from
time
to time by a writing approved, dated and executed by all Parties.
“GAAP”
means generally accepted accounting principles and practices which are
recognized as such by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or any generally
recognized successor).
“Gross
Proceeds” means for a Month, as to the Subject Properties included in any
Tranche, the amount when received, on the Cash Method of Accounting, by COC,
without duplication, from the sale of Hydrocarbon Production produced from
the
Subject Properties included in such Tranche for such Month, subject to the
provisions of Exhibit B attached hereto.
2
“Hydrocarbon
Production” means, as to the Subject Properties included in any Tranche for any
Month, the total number of barrels of crude oil, condensate and other liquid
hydrocarbons and cubic feet of natural gas and other gaseous hydrocarbons
production from such Subject Properties as measured in MMBtus under standard
temperature and pressure conditions during such Month.
“MMBtus”
means one million British Thermal Units.
“Month”
means the period beginning at noon hour Central time on the first day of any
calendar month and ending at the same time on the first day of the next
succeeding calendar month.
“Net
Profit” is defined as to each Tranche, and on a Tranche by Tranche basis, for
each Month as the Gross Proceeds of COC from the Subject Properties included
in
a Tranche in such Month less (a) royalties, production, severance and ad
valorem taxes, and operating expenses, attributable to such Tranche, and
(b) Production Costs paid with respect to the Subject Properties included
in such Tranche during such Month, all as calculated in accordance with Exhibit
B attached hereto and other provisions of this Agreement.
“Net
Profits Account” is defined in Article 4.8.
“Net
Profits Interest” is defined in Article 4.1.
“Net
Revenue Interest” means the percentage of hydrocarbon production from the
Subject Properties that is remaining after the hydrocarbon production necessary
to satisfy all royalty, overriding royalty, production payments and other
burdens on production has been deducted.
“NPI
Payment” means each payment made to Domain pursuant to Article 4.3 in
consideration for Domain’s Capital Contribution.
“Operating
Account” means the account established by the Operator of Record, COC for the
purpose of this Project.
“Payout”
means, with respect to each Tranche, that respective point in time at which
the
total of the NPI Payments received by Domain with respect to such Tranche is
equal to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of Domain’s Capital Contribution in
such Tranche.
“Person” means,
and shall be interpreted broadly to include, without limitation, any individual,
corporation, association, company, limited liability company, trust, estate,
partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, unincorporated organization,
other business entity, any government or any department or agency thereof,
or
any other legal entity.
3
“Production
Costs” means the direct costs incurred by COC and the overhead allowed by Domain
in the operations of the Subject Properties calculated in accordance with
Exhibit B hereto.
“Project”
means the well re-activation project in the Contract Area contemplated by this
Agreement.
“Prudent
Standards” means the standards of reasonable and prudent business judgment and
sound oil and gas field practices, in compliance with applicable federal, state
and local laws, rules and regulations.
“Representative(s)” means
the
directors, officers, supervisors, employees, partners, lenders, consultants,
attorneys and legal counsel, financial advisors, accountants, marketing
representatives and other agents of the Parties.
“Re-Work
Well” means
a
well on which activity (re-completion or re-entry operations, facilities
upgrades and sidetracking or deepening) is conducted within the limits of any
productive reservoir in a discovered field to allow production of any reserves.
“Spud
Date” means
the
date upon which Re-Work activities are initiated on a specified well in a
Tranche.
“Subject
Properties” means
all
right, title, interest or claim (of every kind and character, whether legal
or
equitable and whether vested or contingent) of COC in and to the oil and gas
leases covering land in the Contract Areas.
“Third
Party” means
a
Person not a Party to this Agreement.
“Total
NPI Payment” means, with respect to any Tranche, the total of the payments
Domain is entitled to receive for such Tranche pursuant to Article
0.
“Total
Well Costs” means, with respect to any Tranche, the (a) actual costs and
expenses attributable to the entire Working Interest in the Subject Properties
with respect to such Tranche, for, re-completion, drilling or workover,
completion for production, construction of and connecting into new or reworked
gathering systems, access and connection into third party high pressure or
intermediate pressure pipelines, workovers, sidetracking, or deepening that
are
directly or indirectly related to the Project.
“Tranche”
means each group of five potential ReWork Xxxxx to be drilled, deepened or
recompleted on the Subject Properties that are designated by Domain for funding
pursuant to Article 0. In the event that five hundred thousand dollars
($500,000) or more is spent on any single Trance, the Tranche may be redefined
by Domain to be less than five (5) xxxxx.
“Working
Interest” means that portion of the working interest ownership in a given well
attributable to the ownership of COC of the Subject Property on which the well
is located (including farm-in interests and other related interests and
including any interests allocated to them in accordance with any pooling or
unitization agreement or order of applicable governmental agency).
4
TERM
This
Agreement shall remain in force and effect for a period of three (3) years
beginning on the Effective Date of this Agreement (“Primary Term”) and shall
continue from year to year thereafter (each a “Renewal” or “Renewal Term”)
unless sooner terminated in accordance with Article 8. Upon termination of
this Agreement pursuant to this Article 0, Article 8, or as elsewhere herein
provided Domain shall retain its Net Profits Interests in xxxxx located in
the
Subject Properties, and Domain shall be entitled to, and shall continue to,
receive NPI Payments as provided under Article 4. The confidentiality provisions
of Article 9 shall continue for eighteen (18) months after the date of any
termination of this Agreement.
5
PARTICIPATION
Funding.
Within
thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Domain shall elect the first Tranche
of
5 xxxxx that will be covered by this agreement and shall fund the project.
Domain shall have the right, but not the obligation, to designate up to three
Tranche’s during the term of this Agreement. The Tranche xxxxx may be modified
by Domain depending on the results and interpretations found during the
operations, provided that any replacement xxxxx are located in the Contract
Area. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Domain agrees to fund Domain’s
Capital Contribution with respect to each Tranche designated by Domain hereunder
and to receive in consideration for such funding, the NPI Payments.
Domain’s
Capital Contributions.
Domain
and COC shall set a schedule of working capital for use on the first 5 well
Tranche, setting forth budgetary AFE’s for all the work required including but
not limited to such key concerns as equipment and personnel mobilization and
fees, supervision and well service expenditures. Domain’s expenditures on the
facilities and the surface production infrastructure shall be limited to the
amounts allocated in the program AFE’s. COC will be responsible in all respects
for the land, legal and regulatory preparedness and production accounting for
the Contract Area. COC shall be responsible for all costs not covered in the
program AFE’s. Payments for the programmed AFE costs in the Contract Area shall
be made by COC from a Project Operating Account established for this Agreement.
Payments made from that account shall be subject to Domain’s approvals.
Contribution.
The
parties agree to contribute to the Project as outlined below;
COC
shall
make available personnel and resources including but not limited to those below
available at no cost to Domain or the programs;
· |
Engineer,
Xxxxx Xxxxxx on an as needed basis
|
· |
Field
Superintendent, Xxxx Xxxxxx on an as needed
basis
|
· |
Office
staff in Houston for normal Operator related functions on an as needed
basis
|
· |
The
platforms, the xxxxx, the Wolverine Jackup, Royal Alliance supply
vessel
and related offshore miscellaneous
equipment
|
Domains
costs that will be included in the programs and that will be paid for through
funding include but are not limited to;
· |
All
project direct personnel such as crews, supervisors and field specialists
and consultants (including allocations for COC field
personnel)
|
· |
All
project related third party
services
|
6
· |
Equipment
insurance, fueling and maintenance
costs
|
· |
Programmed
upgrades to facilities included in program
AFE’s
|
7
PAYMENTS
Net
Profits Interest.
In
consideration for Domain’s Capital Contribution, COC agrees to assign to Domain
a secured net profits interest (the “Net Profits Interest”) in the Subject
Properties included in any Tranche equal to (i) seventy-five percent (75%)
of the Net Profits in proportion to COC’s interests from the date of first sale
of Hydrocarbon Production from the first well completed or recompleted in such
Tranche until Payout of the Tranche, and (ii) twenty-five percent (25%) of
the Net Profits from such Subject Properties after Payout until the date on
which the aggregate NPI Payments received by Domain with respect to such Tranche
is equal to two hundred percent (200%) of Domain’s Capital Contribution in such
Tranche, and (iii) zero at all times after the date on which the Total NPI
Payments received by Domain with respect to such Tranche is equal to two hundred
percent (200%) of Domain’s Capital Contribution in such Tranche.
The Net
Profits Interest is limited to the incremental production obtained through
the
efforts of this Project and excludes any production volumes or costs associated
with the Subject Properties that existed prior to the Effective Date of this
Agreement.
Stock.
Domain
shall have the right (such right to survive termination) at its sole discretion
and for a period of two (2) years from the effective date of the Funding
Agreement to acquire up to five million (5,000,000) shares of COC stock at
17.5
cents ($0.175) per share.
Payment.
Distribution
of NPI Payments.
Domain
shall be entitled to receive NPI Payments beginning on the date of first sale
of
Hydrocarbon Production from the Subject Properties attributable to a Tranche
and
ending on the date on which the Total NPI Payments received by Domain with
respect to such Tranche is equal to two hundred percent (200%) of Domain’s
Capital Contribution in such Tranche.
Time
for Payment.
NPI
Payments attributable to a given Month’s Hydrocarbon Production shall be due and
payable by COC to Domain not later than the first to occur of (i) sixty (60)
days following the last day of the Month of production or (ii) thirty days
(30)
following receipt by COC of proceeds from applicable purchasers.
Assignment
of Net Profits Interest.
COC
shall execute and file an Assignment of Net Profits Interest substantially
in
the form attached as Exhibit D on all the xxxxx included in the Subject
Properties within 60 days of Domain’s funding of the first Tranche. COC shall
warrant its title interest in the Subject Properties in the form shown in the
Assignment of Net Profits Interest attached hereto.
Mortgage.
As
security for the payment and performance of all of COC’s obligations to Domain
hereunder and within thirty (30) days of the first funding for a Tranche, COC
shall execute and acknowledge one or more Mortgages, Assignments of Production
and Security Agreements in the form of Exhibit E attached hereto and made a
part
hereof for all purposes (the “Mortgage”), covering the Subject Properties
included in such Tranche. Domain shall file the Mortgage in all appropriate
records to properly perfect the lien and security interests created thereunder.
In addition, COC shall, from time to time, execute all such further and
additional instruments as Domain may reasonably request in order to properly
perfect the lien and security interests created under each Mortgage. COC hereby
authorizes Domain to file one or more financing statements naming COC as debtor
and covering the Subject Properties described in Schedule A to each
Mortgage.
8
Prices
for Calculation of Gross Proceeds and NPI Payments.
The
actual amounts received by COC for the sale of oil, gas and other associated
hydrocarbons from the Subject Properties as set out in bona
fide contracts
between COC and a Third Party purchaser shall be used to determine Gross
Proceeds and in the calculation of the NPI Payments.
Interest
on Past Due Payments.
Any
amount owed to Domain hereunder and not paid by COC when due shall bear, and
COC, will pay, interest at a rate of 1.5% per month.
Net
Profits Account.
An
account (the “Net Profits Account”) shall be maintained by COC for the Subject
Properties. The Net Profits Account shall be credited with the aggregate of
any
Net Profit received by COC. On or before the date of each payment as set forth
in Article 4.3.2 hereof, COC shall furnish to Domain a detailed statement
clearly reflecting the credits and debits against and the balance of the Net
Profits Account as of the close of business on the last day of the preceding
Month. For each Month that the Net Profits Account contains funds, payment
to
Domain of NPI Payments shall be accomplished by wire transfer to Domain’s
banking account, pursuant to the instructions set forth in Exhibit C. Following
any such payment, the balance of the Net Profits Account shall be reduced by
the
amount of such payment.
DISPOSAL;
SALE OF CONTRACT AREA.
Domain’s
Right of First Refusal and Preferential Rights.
In
the
event COC elects to dispose, by sale, transfer, assignment, conveyance or
otherwise (including any change of control), all or any part of its interests
in
the Contract Area (the “Offered Interests”) during the term of this Agreement,
or at any time during which Domain is entitled to receive NPI Payments, to
any
Person, COC shall send a written notice (an “Offer”) to Domain offering to sell
the Offered Interests to Domain and setting forth COC’s asking price. Domain
shall have the right for a period of thirty (30) days following its receipt
of
an Offer, but not the obligation, to purchase the Offered Interests at COC’s
asking price set forth in the Offer. In the event Domain elects to not exercise
its option to purchase the Offered Interests, COC may then market the Offered
Interests to Third Parties.
9
If
COC
receives an offer for the Offered Interests at a selling price less than that
set forth in the Offer, COC must promptly provide written notice of such offer
to Domain, which notice must also (i) include the name and address of the
prospective transferee (who must be ready, willing and able to purchase), the
purchase price, and all other terms of the desired transaction (collectively
the
“Desired Terms”), (ii) include a copy of any proposed or executed written
agreement the sets forth the Desired
Terms, including all exhibits, schedules and related agreements, and
(iii) be accompanied by a written purchase and sale (“Sales Offer”) signed
by COC that provides for sale of all of the Offered Interest, or if a change
of
control, the Offered Interest that will be affected by the change of control.
The Sales Offer shall provide for the sale of the Offered Interests to Domain
on
the same terms as the Desired Terms, provided that the Sales Offer shall not
include any terms or conditions that were primarily included for the purpose
of
defeating or avoiding this preferential purchase right. Domain shall then have
the right, for a period of thirty (30) calendar days (“Exercise Period”)
after the notice and Sales Offer is delivered, to purchase the Offered Interests
on the Desired Terms, except for any terms or condition that were primarily
included for the purpose of defeating or avoiding the preferential purchase
right contained herein. Domain shall be deemed to have exercised its
preferential purchase right on the date that it executes and returns the Sales
Offer, on the same terms as the Desired Terms (except for any terms or condition
that were primarily included for the purpose of defeating or avoiding the
preferential purchase right contained herein). If Domain does not exercise
its
preferential purchase right, then COC may enter into a binding agreement or
proceed to close on any such agreement already executed to transfer such Offered
Interest or cause a change of control with any party, on terms and conditions
no
less favorable to COC than the Desired Terms, during a period (“Third Party Sale
Period”) ending thirty (30) days after the Exercise Period. If however, no such
binding agreement is entered into during the Third Party Sale Period, then
no
sale or change of control may thereafter be entered into by COC without first
again complying with this section.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, COC may not sell, transfer, assign, convey or otherwise dispose
of all or any part of its interests in the Contract Area or the Subject
Properties to a Third Party during the term of this Agreement or at any time
during which Domain is entitled to receive NPI Payments unless (i) COC
retains all obligations and liabilities it has assumed under this Agreement
including, but not limited to, the obligation to pay to Domain the NPI Payments,
(ii) the transferee agrees to take the interest in the Contract Area
subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Net Profits Interest, and
(iii) such disposal has no effect on the Net Revenue from which the Net
Profits are derived.
10
Right
of First Refusal and Preferential Rights of COC.
In
the
event Domain elects to dispose, by sale, transfer, assignment, conveyance or
otherwise (including any change of control), all or any part of its interests
in
the Contract Area (“Domain’s Interests”) during the term of this Agreement,
Domain shall send a written notice (a “Domain Offer”) to COC offering to sell
Domain’s Interests to COC and setting forth Domain’s asking price. COC shall
have the right for a period of thirty (30) days following its receipt of a
Domain Offer, but not the obligation, to purchase Domain’s Interests at Domain’s
asking price set forth in the Domain Offer. In the event COC elects to not
exercise its option to purchase Domain’s Interests, Domain may then market
Domain’s Interests to Third Parties.
If
Domain
receives an offer for Domain’s Interests at a selling price less than that set
forth in the Domain Offer, Domain must promptly provide written notice of such
offer to COC, which notice must also (i) include the name and address of
the prospective transferee (who must be ready, willing and able to purchase),
the purchase price, and all other terms of the desired transaction (collectively
the “Domain Terms”), (ii) include a copy of any proposed or executed
written agreement the sets forth the Domain
Terms, including all exhibits, schedules and related agreements, and
(iii) be accompanied by a written purchase and sale (“Sales Agreement”)
signed by Domain that provides for sale of all of Domain’s Interests, or if a
change of control, Domain’s Interests that will be affected by the change of
control. The Sales Agreement shall provide for the sale of Domain’s Interests to
COC on the same terms as the Domain Terms, provided that the Sales Agreement
shall not include any terms or conditions that were primarily included for
the
purpose of defeating or avoiding this preferential purchase right. COC shall
then have the right, for a period of thirty (30) calendar days
(“Determination Period”) after the notice and Sales Agreement is delivered, to
purchase Domain’s Interests on the Domain Terms, except for any terms or
condition that were primarily included for the purpose of defeating or avoiding
the preferential purchase right contained herein. COC shall be deemed to have
exercised its preferential purchase right on the date that it executes and
returns the Sales Agreement, on the same terms as the Domain Terms (except
for
any terms or condition that were primarily included for the purpose of defeating
or avoiding the preferential purchase right contained herein). If COC does
not
exercise its preferential purchase right, then Domain may enter into a binding
agreement or proceed to close on any such agreement already executed to transfer
Domain’s Interests or cause a change of control with any party, on terms and
conditions no less favorable to Domain than the Domain Terms, during a period
(“Sale Period”) ending thirty (30) days after the Determination Period. If
however, no such binding agreement is entered into during the Sale Period,
then
no sale or change of control may thereafter be entered into by Domain without
first again complying with this section.
11
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Domain may not sell, transfer, assign, convey or otherwise
dispose of all or any part of its interests in the Contract Area or the Subject
Properties to a Third Party during the term of this Agreement or at any time
during which Domain is obligated to fund Domain’s Capital Contribution unless
(i) Domain retains all obligations and liabilities it has assumed under
this Agreement including, but not limited to, the obligation to fund
Contributions, (ii) the transferee agrees to take the interest in the
Contract Area subject to the terms of this Agreement and to be jointly and
severally liable with Domain for Domain’s obligations under this Agreement,
whether accruing before or after the date of the assignment, and (iii) such
transferee is financially and operationally capable of discharging the
obligations it assumes under this Agreement.
Change
of Control.
For
purposes of Articles 5.1 and 5.2, in the case of a change of control or package
sale that includes all or part of COC’s or Domain’s interest in an Offered
Interest or Domain’s Interest, as applicable, or if the proposed transaction is
structured as a non-simultaneous, like-kind exchange under Section 1031 of
the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), the interest that is subject
to Article 5.1 or 5.2, as applicable, shall be separately valued and the
applicable notice shall state the value attributed to such interest by the
prospective transferee and attributed to each of the other properties included
in the desired transaction. A “change of control” shall mean, for purposes of
this section, any one of the following circumstances: any person shall have
become the beneficial owner of or shall have acquired, directly or indirectly,
securities or ownership interest of COC or Domain, representing 50% or more
(in
addition to his current holdings) of the combined voting power of COC’s or
Domain’s, as applicable, then outstanding voting securities or interests.
However, there shall be no right of first refusal preferential right to purchase
in those cases where a party desires to mortgage its interests, or to transfer
title to its interests to its mortgagee in lieu of or pursuant to foreclosure
of
a mortgage of its interests
12
Sale
of Contract Area.
In
the
event the Parties desire to jointly market their interests in the Contract
Area,
the Parties shall engage an Engineering Consultant mutually agreeable to Domain
and COC to determine the value of the Subject Properties in the Contract Area
(“Property Value”) and the value of all future NPI Payments which Domain would
be entitled to receive attributable to Tranches completed in the Contract Area
at the time of the valuation (“Domain’s Value”). Said valuation shall be
conducted in accordance with generally accepted engineering principles utilizing
the discounted cash flow method using a ten percent (10%) discount rate. The
valuation shall determine the value of existing producing xxxxx, proved
non-producing zones or recompletion and workover objectives, proved undeveloped
locations and other probable and possible drilling locations and potential
reserves within the Contract Area. In determining Domain’s Value, the
Engineering Consultant shall utilize the time to reach Payout from the most
recently completed or partially completed Tranche. The valuation shall
separately set out the value attributable to Domain and COC expressed in dollars
and as a percentage of the total appraised value. The cost of such valuation
shall be borne equally by the COC and Domain. For purposes of making the
valuation, the sales price set out in bona fide contracts between COC and a
Third Party purchaser shall be used by the Engineering Consultant to calculate
the Property Value.
As
used herein, the term “Engineering Consultant” means any of (i) Xxxxx Xxxxx
Petroleum Consultants, (ii) Netherland, Xxxxxx and Associates,
(iii) Degoyler and XxXxxxxxxx, (iv) Xxxxxx-Xxxxxxxxx, or
(v) Xxxxxxx Associates, Inc.
If
the
Parties receive an offer from a Third Party with a purchase price and other
terms acceptable to the Parties, no later than ninety (90) days following the
determination of the Domain Values, within thirty (30) Business Days of receipt
of such offer, Domain shall send notice to COC of Domain’s election to either
(i) require that the buyer, assignee or transferee shall agree to acquire
the interests subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Net Profits
Interest, or (ii) receive a lump sum payment (a “Disposal Payment”) from
COC in lieu of its entitlement to receive any further NPI Payments under this
Agreement. Disposal Payments shall be equal to the Domain Value.
In
the
event the Parties consummate a sale of the Contract Area and Domain has elected
to receive a Disposal Payment, Domain shall terminate its Net Profits Interest
and Mortgage, upon receipt by Domain of the Disposal Payment. The Disposal
Payment shall be made by the purchaser directly to Domain by wire transfer
in
immediately available funds on the same date that COC receives funds
attributable to the sale.
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
Domain
represents to COC, as of the Effective Date, that:
13
Organization
and Existence.
Domain
is a limited partnership duly organized and legally existing under the laws
of
Texas.
Power
and Authority.
Domain
has full partnership power and authority to execute, deliver, and perform this
Agreement and each other agreement, instrument, or document executed or to
be
executed by Domain in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby
to
which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby
and
thereby. The execution, delivery, and performance by Domain of this Agreement
and each other agreement, instrument, or document executed or to be executed
by
Domain in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby to which it
is a
party, and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary partnership action of
Domain.
Valid
and Binding Agreement.
This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Domain and constitutes, and
each other agreement, instrument, or document executed or to be executed by
Domain in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby to which it
is a
party has been, or when executed will be, duly executed and delivered by Domain
and constitutes, or when executed and delivered will constitute, a valid and
legally binding obligation of Domain, enforceable against it in accordance
with
their respective terms, except that such enforceability may be limited by
(a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and
similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and (b) equitable
principles which may limit the availability of certain equitable remedies (such
as specific performance) in certain instances.
Non-Contravention.
The
execution, delivery, and performance by Domain of this Agreement and each other
agreement, instrument, or document executed or to be executed by Domain in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby to which it is a party
and
the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby
do
not and will not (a) conflict with or result in a violation of any
provision of the partnership agreement or other governing instruments of Domain,
(b) conflict with or result in a violation of any provision of, or
constitute (with or without the giving of notice or the passage of time or
both)
a default under, or give rise (with or without the giving of notice or the
passage of time or both) to any right of termination, cancellation, or
acceleration under, any bond, debenture, note, mortgage, indenture, lease,
contract, agreement, or other instrument or obligation to which Domain is a
party or by which Domain or any of its properties may be bound, (c) result
in the creation or imposition of any lien or other encumbrance upon the
properties of Domain, or (d) violate any applicable law, rule or regulation
binding upon Domain.
14
Approvals.
No
consent, approval, order, or authorization of, or declaration, filing, or
registration with, any court or governmental agency or of any third party is
required to be obtained or made by Domain in connection with the execution,
delivery, or performance by Domain of this Agreement and each other agreement,
instrument, or document executed or to be executed by Domain in connection
with
the transactions contemplated hereby to which it is a party or the consummation
by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
Pending
Litigation.
There
are no pending suits, actions, or other proceedings in which Domain is a party
which affect the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation
of
the transactions contemplated hereby.
COC
represents to Domain, as of the Effective Date, that:
Organization
and Existence.
COC is
duly organized, legally existing and in good standing under the laws of
jurisdiction of organization and is qualified to do business in the state of
Texas.
Power
and Authority.
COC has
full corporate power and authority to execute, deliver, and perform this
Agreement and each other agreement, instrument, or document executed or to
be
executed by COC in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby to
which
it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby. The execution, delivery, and performance by COC of this Agreement
and
each other agreement, instrument, or document executed or to be executed by
COC
in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby to which it is a party,
and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby,
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of COC.
Valid
and Binding Agreement.
This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by COC and constitutes, and
each
other agreement, instrument, or document executed or to be executed by COC
in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby to which it is a party
has
been, or when executed will be, duly executed and delivered by COC and
constitutes, or when executed and delivered will constitute, a valid and legally
binding obligation of COC, enforceable against it in accordance with their
respective terms, except that such enforceability may be limited by
(a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and
similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and (b) equitable
principles which may limit the availability of certain equitable remedies (such
as specific performance) in certain instances.
15
Non-Contravention.
The
execution, delivery, and performance by COC of this Agreement and each other
agreement, instrument, or document executed or to be executed by COC in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby to which it is a party
and
the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby
do
not and will not (a) conflict with or result in a violation of any
provision of the governing instruments of COC, (b) conflict with or result
in a violation of any provision of, or constitute (with or without the giving
of
notice or the passage of time or both) a default under, or give rise (with
or
without the giving of notice or the passage of time or both) to any right of
termination, cancellation, or acceleration under, any bond, debenture, note,
mortgage, indenture, lease, contract, agreement, or other instrument or
obligation to which COC is a party or by which COC or any of its properties
may
be bound, (c) result in the creation or imposition of any lien or other
encumbrance upon the properties of COC, or (d) violate any applicable law,
rule or regulation binding upon COC.
Approvals.
No
consent, approval, order, or authorization of, or declaration, filing, or
registration with, any court or governmental agency or of any third party is
required to be obtained or made by COC in connection with the execution,
delivery, or performance by COC of this Agreement and each other agreement,
instrument, or document executed or to be executed by COC in connection with
the
transactions contemplated hereby to which it is a party or the consummation
by
it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
Pending
Litigation.
There
are no pending suits, actions, or other proceedings in which COC is a party
which affect the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation
of
the transactions contemplated hereby.
COVENANTS.
Books,
Financial Statements and Reports.
COC
will at all times maintain full and accurate books of account and records.
COC
will maintain a standard system of accounting, will maintain its Fiscal Year,
and will furnish the following statements and reports to Domain at COC’s
expense:
As
soon
as available, and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each
Fiscal Year, complete consolidated financial statements of COC together with
all
notes thereto, prepared in reasonable detail in accordance with GAAP, together
with an unqualified opinion, based on an audit using generally accepted auditing
standards, [by
a “Big Four” public accounting firm or]
another
independent certified public accounting firm selected by COC and acceptable
to
Domain, stating that such consolidated financial statements have been so
prepared. These financial statements shall contain a consolidated balance sheet
as of the end of such Fiscal Year and consolidated statements of earnings,
of
cash flows, and of changes in owners’ equity for such Fiscal Year, each setting
forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal
Year.
16
By
March
1 of each year, an Engineering Report prepared by *[Xxxxx Xxxxx
Company/Netherland, Xxxxxx & Associates/X.X. Xxxx and Associates/XxXxxxxx
& XxxXxxxxxxx/Xxxxxxxxxx Petroleum Consultants, Inc.], or other independent
petroleum engineers chosen by COC and acceptable to Domain, concerning the
Subject Properties oil and gas properties and interests owned by any COC which
are located in the Contract Lands and which have attributable to them proved
oil
or gas reserves. This report shall be satisfactory to Domain, shall take into
account any “over-produced” status under gas balancing
arrangements.
As
soon
as available, and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of
each
calendar month, a report describing by lease or unit the gross volume of
Hydrocarbon Production and sales attributable to Hydrocarbon Production during
such month from the Subject Properties and describing the related severance
taxes, other taxes, leasehold operating expenses attributable thereto and
incurred during such month.
As
soon
as available, and in any event within ten (10) days after the end of each
calendar month, a report on Subject Properties setting forth the capital
expenditures and Domain Capital Contributions made during such calendar
month.
On
the
dates set forth in Exhibit C hereto, the financial reporting described
therein.
Other
Information and Inspections.
COC
will furnish to Domain any information which Domain may from time to time
request concerning any of the Subject Properties or any matter in connection
with COC’s businesses, properties, prospects, financial condition and
operations, including all evidence which Domain from time to time reasonably
requests in writing as to the accuracy and validity of or compliance with all
representations, warranties and covenants made by any COC in this Agreement,
and
the satisfaction of all conditions contained herein, and all other matters
pertaining thereto. COC will permit representatives appointed by Domain
(including independent accountants, auditors, agents, attorneys, appraisers
and
any other Persons) to visit and inspect during normal business hours any of
the
Subject Properties in the Contract Area, including its books of account, other
books and records, and any facilities or other business assets, and to make
extra copies therefrom and photocopies and photographs thereof, and to write
down and record any information such representatives obtain, and COC shall
permit Domain or its representatives to investigate and verify the accuracy
of
the information furnished to Domain in connection herewith and to discuss all
such matters with its officers, employees and representatives. COC shall permit
Domain or its representatives to audit the books and records of COC in
accordance with the terms of Exhibit C hereto.
Delay
Rentals, Minimum Royalties, and Shut-in Gas Payments.
COC
shall use reasonable commercial efforts to pay, or cause to be paid, in a proper
and timely manner any delay rentals, minimum royalties, and shut-in gas
payments, if any, which may be necessary to maintain in force and effect the
Subject Properties, except any portion thereof which the Parties have determined
to abandon pursuant hereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein,
COC
shall not be liable to Domain for any failure to pay, or the incorrect payment
of, any delay rentals, minimum royalty, shut-in gas payments, or any other
contractual obligation of COC to royalty or working interest owners unless
resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of COC.
17
Insurance.
COC
shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, during the life of the Net Profits
Interest, insurance coverage in such amounts, with provisions for such
deductible amounts, and for such purposes as are consistent with Prudent
Standards and the requirements of any joint operating agreement related to
Subject Properties.
Payment
of Trade Liabilities.
COC
shall (i) timely file all required tax returns; (ii) timely pay all
taxes, assessments and other governmental charges or levies imposed upon it
or
upon its income, profits or property; and (iii) within ninety (90) days
after the sum becomes due pay all liabilities owed by it to Third Party vendors,
suppliers and other Persons providing goods and services used by it in the
ordinary course of its business. COC may, however, delay paying or discharging
any of the foregoing so long as it is in good faith contesting the validity
thereof by appropriate proceedings and has set aside on its books adequate
reserves therefore. Without the consent of Domain, COC shall not undertake
any
single project with respect to the Subject Properties reasonably estimated
to
require expenditure in excess of Twenty Thousand Dollars
($20,000.00).
Prudent
Operator Standard.
COC
will conduct and carry on or cause to be conducted and carried on the
development, maintenance and operation of the Subject Properties in accordance
with Prudent Operating Standards.
Plugging
and Abandonment Costs.
Except
as otherwise herein provided and except as such charges may be provided for
in
Exhibit B, Domain shall not have any liability of any nature for the plugging
or
abandonment of any xxxxx or the reclamation of facilities associated with the
proper plugging and abandonment of any well for which Domain provides capital
pursuant to this Agreement.
TERMINATION
Notwithstanding
the provisions of Article 2, this Agreement may be terminated as
follows:
Insolvency.
If
COC
becomes insolvent, makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors,
applies for or consents to the appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidation
of all or substantially all of its assets, has an involuntary petition in
bankruptcy filed against it which is not dismissed within forty-five (45) days
or fails to pay its debts and obligations as they become due, Domain may,
without prejudice to any of its other rights, immediately terminate this
Agreement effective upon delivery of written notice of same to
COC.
18
If
Domain
becomes insolvent, makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors,
applies for or consents to the appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidation
of all or substantially all of its assets, has an involuntary petition in
bankruptcy filed against it which is not dismissed within forty-five (45) days
or fails to pay its debts and obligations as they become due, COC may, without
prejudice to any of its other rights, immediately terminate this Agreement
effective upon delivery of written notice of same to Domain.
Breach.
If
COC
fails to pay any obligation under this Agreement within ten (10) Business Days
after the same becomes due and payable, or if COC fails to duly observe, perform
or comply with any other covenant, agreement, condition or provision of this
Agreement and such failure remains unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days
after notice of such failure is given by Domain to COC, Domain may, without
prejudice to any of its other rights, immediately terminate this Agreement
effective upon delivery of written notice of same to COC.
If
Domain
fails to pay any obligation under this Agreement within ten (10) Business Days
after the same becomes due and payable, or if Domain fails to duly observe,
perform or comply with any other covenant, agreement, condition or provision
of
this Agreement and such failure remains unremedied for a period of thirty (30)
days after notice of such failure is given by COC to Domain, COC may, without
prejudice to any of its other rights, immediately terminate this Agreement
effective upon delivery of written notice of same to Domain.
Mutual
Agreement.
This
Agreement may be terminated by mutual agreement of the Parties.
Domain
Unilateral Termination.
This
Agreement may be terminated unilaterally by Domain upon thirty (30) days advance
written notice to COC. Upon such termination, Domain shall retain the Net
Profits Interest and continue to be entitled to receive NPI Payments with
respect to any xxxxx included in any Tranche’s as of the date of termination,
and Payout shall be determined based on Domain’s Capital Contribution as of the
date of termination.
Effect
of Termination.
Any
termination shall not relieve any Party of its obligations arising from or
incident to obligations under this Agreement prior to the time such termination
becomes effective. Domain shall be entitled to receive NPI Payments, until
the
Total NPI Payments for all Tranche’s have been made. Alternatively, the Parties
may agree upon a lump sum payment to be made by COC to Domain in lieu of
Domain’s right to receive further NPI Payments under this Agreement. Such lump
sum shall be calculated as the amount equal to the present value of Domain’s
expected future NPI Payments on all Tranche’s using a ten percent (10%) discount
rate. Upon a termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Article 8, Domain
shall, at COC’s cost, execute and deliver partial releases of the Mortgage
pursuant to which Domain will release its lien on the Subject Properties, except
for any xxxxx on which Domain has a Net Profits Interest. Upon the termination
of this Agreement, the Parties shall be released from their obligations
hereunder, provided that all indemnification obligations of the Parties shall
survive such termination.
19
CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Confidential
Information.
“Confidential Information” means information unavailable from public sources
that any of the Parties consider confidential and proprietary information or
data including, but not limited to, the substance or contents of this Agreement,
seismic records and tapes, interpreted well logs or maps or engineering data,
financial information relating to the Contract Area and certain non-proprietary
seismic data licensed from Third Parties which impose various restrictions
and
limitations on the owner of such license to use, disclose and/or display such
data relating to certain portions of the Contract Area.
Domain
Nondisclosure.
Domain
agrees that any Confidential Information obtained by it from COC under the
terms
of this Agreement will be held in strict confidence and will not be disclosed
by
Domain to any Third Party without authorization from COC, as long as such
information is not in the public domain or except as required by law or legal
process. Domain agrees not to reproduce any Confidential Information of COC
or
to disclose such Confidential Information to any Third Party, in any manner
whatsoever, without the express prior written consent of COC. Domain agrees
to
limit access to such Confidential Information only to those of its
Representatives who have a need to review such Confidential Information for
the
purposes stated herein.
COC
Nondisclosure.
COC
agrees that any Confidential Information obtained by it from Domain under the
terms of this Agreement will be held in strict confidence and will not be
disclosed by such party to any Third Party without authorization from Domain
as
long as such information is not in the public domain or except as required
by
law or legal process. COC agrees not to reproduce Domain’s Confidential
Information or to disclose such Confidential Information to any Third Party,
in
any manner whatsoever, without the express prior written consent of Domain.
COC
agrees to limit access to such Confidential Information only to those of its
Representatives who have a need to review such Confidential Information for
the
purposes stated herein. Domain hereby acknowledges that COC will, from time
to
time, be subject to joint interest billing (“JIB”) audits by working interest
owners. Nothing contained in this Article 9 shall prevent COC from complying
with the requests for information in such JIB audits to the extent such requests
do not call for the disclosure of information which Domain considers to be
confidential (except the substance or contents of this Agreement and documents
related or generated pursuant to the payment provisions of this Agreement),
proprietary or a trade secret.
Proceedings
to Compel Disclosure.
In the
event a Party hereto, or its Representatives, is required by any court or
legislative or administrative body to disclose any Confidential Information
belonging to another Party, the Party required to make such disclosure shall
provide the other Party with prompt notice of such requirement in order to
afford the other Party the opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order.
However, if the Party seeking to prevent the disclosure is unable to obtain
or
does not seek such protective order and the Party, or its Representatives,
that
is required to make such disclosure are, in the opinion of counsel, compelled
to
disclose Confidential Information under pain of liability for contempt or other
censure penalty, disclosure of the Confidential Information may be made without
liability.
20
Injunctive
Relief.
In the
event of breach or threatened breach by one Party or its employees of the
provisions of this Article 9, the disclosing Party shall be entitled to an
injunction or judicial order equivalent thereto restraining the first Party
or
its employees from using or disclosing, in whole or in part, such Confidential
Information. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting any Party from
pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach or threatened
breach, including recovery of damages from the other Party.
Term
of Confidentiality.
The
confidentiality obligations of each Party under this Article shall continue
in full force and effect for a period of eighteen (18) months after the
termination of this Agreement.
Non-Confidentiality
for Tax Purposes.
Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, each Party
to
this Agreement (and each employee, representative, or other agent of such Party)
may disclose to any persons as required or allowed by applicable law, rule
or
regulation the tax treatment and tax structure of the transaction contemplated
by this Agreement (the “Transaction”) and all materials of any kind (including
opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to such Party relating to
such
tax treatment and tax structure. Nothing in this Agreement, or any other
agreement between the Parties hereto, whether express or implied, shall be
construed as limiting in any way the ability of any Party to consult with any
tax advisor independent from all other entities involved in the Transaction
regarding the treatment, tax structure or tax consequences of the Transaction.
NOTICES
Any
notice, transmittal of documents, correspondence or other communication between
the Parties shall be in writing, addressed to the Party to whom sent and
transmitted prepaid either by air courier or by telecopy or other facsimile
transmission with signed written original to follow by air courier. All such
notices in compliance with this provision shall be deemed received by such
Party
on the next Business Day after transmission by telecopy or other facsimile
transmission and on the third Business Day after transmission by air courier.
For purposes of this Agreement, the addresses of the Parties are as follows
until changed by written notice from the Party desiring to change its address
to
the other Party:
21
DOMAIN:
Domain
Development Partners I, LP
10000
memorial Dr.
Xxxxx
000
Xxxxxxx,
Xx, 00000
Telephone:
|
000-000-0000
|
Facsimile:
|
000-000-0000
|
Attention:
|
Domain
Energy Partners, LP
|
COC:
COC
Energy Inc.
[Address]
|
|
Telephone:
|
|
Facsimile:
|
|
Attention:
|
MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS
Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the
State of Texas.
Dispute
Resolution.
Any
dispute or controversy between the Parties arising out of or related to this
Agreement shall be finally settled by binding arbitration between the Parties
pursuant to the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration
Association (“AAA”). The arbitration shall be conducted in Houston, Texas before
a single arbitrator to be selected jointly by the Parties. In the event the
Parties are unable to agree upon an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the
date on which the notice of arbitration is served, the arbitrator shall be
selected by AAA. The arbitration award may be enforced by application to any
court of competent jurisdiction.
Amendment;
No Waiver.
No
modification of this Agreement shall be of any force or effect unless in writing
and signed by an authorized signatory of all Parties. Failure to enforce any
or
all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement in a particular instance
or
instances shall not constitute a waiver thereof or preclude subsequent
enforcement thereof.
Assignment.
COC may
not assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior
written consent of Domain. Domain shall have the right to assign its rights
and
obligations under this Agreement to an Affiliate, without prior consent of
COC.
Domain will not transfer or assign its rights and obligations under this
Agreement, except its right to receive payments hereunder, to a non-Affiliate
without first obtaining the written consent of COC, which consent shall not
be
unreasonably withheld or delayed.
Rules
of Construction.
All
references in this Agreement to articles, sections, subsections and other
subdivisions refer to corresponding articles, sections, subsections and other
subdivisions of this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles
appearing at the beginning of any of such subdivisions are for convenience
only
and shall not constitute part of such subdivisions and shall be disregarded
in
construing the language contained in such subdivisions. The words “this
Agreement”, “this instrument”, “herein”, “hereof”, “hereunder”‘ and words of
similar import refer to this agreement as a whole and not to any particular
subdivision unless expressly so limited. Unless the context otherwise requires:
“including” and its grammatical variations mean “including without limitation”;
“or” is not exclusive; words in the singular form shall be construed to include
the plural and vice versa; words in any gender include all other genders;
references herein to any instrument or agreement refer to such instrument or
agreement as it may be from time to time amended or supplemented; and references
herein to any Person include such Person’s successors and assigns. All
references in this Agreement to exhibits and schedules refer to exhibits and
schedules to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise, and all such
exhibits and schedules are hereby incorporated herein by reference and made
a
part hereof for all purposes.
22
SEVERABILITY;
SAVINGS CLAUSE
Any
provision or term of this Agreement which is or may be void or unenforceable
shall, to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability, be deemed severable
and shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement. The Parties agree
that the exculpatory, indemnification and hold harmless provisions applicable
to
this Agreement shall be modified or altered only insofar as required by a
jurisdiction purporting to limit such provisions, it being the intention of
the
Parties to enforce to the fullest extent all terms and conditions herein agreed
to.
TITLE
WARRANTY
COC
represents and warrants to Domain that it is the owner of the leasehold and/or
fee mineral interests comprising the Subject Properties which it has represented
or will represent to Domain it owns, that it will defend its title to such
interests, that said interests are and that COC will take appropriate steps
to
maintain such interests in good standing and free and clear of all liens,
charges, encumbrances and claims whatsoever, except liens in favor of Domain,
and to the best knowledge of COC there is no claim, action or administrative
proceeding pending which may jeopardize title to its interests. COC shall
provide such documentation to Domain as Domain may reasonably require to satisfy
itself that COC own such interests.
Any
costs, expenses, losses or liabilities (including, but not limited to, attorneys
fees’, court costs and litigation expenses) suffered by Domain as a result of
COC’s failure to have good and defensible title to the Subject Properties free
and clear of all burdens, encumbrances, liens (except liens in favor of Domain)
and title defect including any claim that Domain must deliver or pay over to
any
Person any part of the Hydrocarbon Production or any proceeds thereof at any
time previously received or thereafter to be received by Domain shall constitute
a Contribution for any Tranche then open, or if no Tranche is then open, COC
shall promptly reimburse and indemnify Domain for all such costs, expenses,
losses or liabilities.
23
FORCE
MAJEURE
If,
as a
result of an event of Force Majeure, any Party is rendered unable, wholly or
in
part, to carry out its obligations under this Agreement, other than the
obligation to pay any amounts due or to furnish security, then the obligations
of the Party giving such notice, so far as and to the extent that the
obligations are affected by such event of Force Majeure, shall be suspended
during the continuance of any inability so caused, but for no longer period.
The
Party claiming Force Majeure shall notify the other Party of the Force Majeure
situation within a reasonable time after the occurrence of the cause relied
on
and shall keep the other Party timely informed of all significant developments.
Such notice shall give reasonably full particulars of said event of Force
Majeure, and also estimate the period of time which said Party will probably
require to remedy the Force Majeure. The affected Party shall use all reasonable
diligence to remove or overcome the Force Majeure situation as quickly as
possible in an economic manner, but shall not be obligated to settle any labor
dispute except on terms acceptable to it and all such disputes shall be handled
within the sole discretion of the affected Party.
For
the
purposes of this Agreement, “Force Majeure” shall mean an
act of
God, strike, lockout, or other industrial disturbance, act of the public enemy,
war, blockade, public riot, lightning, fire, storm, flood, earthquake,
explosion, governmental restraint, and any other cause, whether of the kind
specifically enumerated above or otherwise, which is not reasonably within
the
control of the Party concerned.
RELATIONSHIP
OF THE PARTIES
This
Agreement is not intended to create, nor shall it be construed as creating,
any
joint venture, association, partnership, trust or fiduciary relationship nor
shall it give rise to the imposition of a fiduciary obligation or liability
with
regard to any one or more of the Parties. In this Agreement, the Parties agree
that where decisions are to be taken hereunder by unanimous agreement, agreement
thereto shall not be unreasonably withheld.
WAIVER
OF JURY TRIAL, PUNITIVE DAMAGES, ETC.
EACH
OF DOMAIN AND COC HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, AND IRREVOCABLY
(A) WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE
TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY AT ANY TIME ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR ASSOCIATED HEREWITH; (B)
WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE
TO
CLAIM OR RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LITIGATION ANY “SPECIAL DAMAGES”, AS DEFINED BELOW,
(C) CERTIFIES THAT NO PARTY HERETO NOR ANY REPRESENTATIVE OR COUNSEL FOR ANY
PARTY HERETO HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, OR IMPLIED THAT SUCH
PARTY
WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVERS,
AND D) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT,
THE
OTHER DOCUMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH AND THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS
AND
CERTIFICATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, “SPECIAL
DAMAGES” INCLUDES ALL SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES
(REGARDLESS OF HOW NAMED), BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY PAYMENTS OR FUNDS WHICH
ANY
PARTY HERETO HAS EXPRESSLY PROMISED TO PAY OR DELIVER TO ANY OTHER PARTY
HERETO.
24
GOVERNMENT
APPROVALS
From
and
after the execution hereof, each of the Parties hereto, without further
consideration, shall use their best efforts to execute, deliver, submit, gain
approvals of, and record, or cause to be executed, delivered, submitted, and
recorded, good and sufficient permits, designations of operator forms, other
regulatory documents and instruments, as applicable, and take such other action
as may be reasonably required to carry out the purposes of this Agreement and
to
give effect to the covenants, stipulations and obligations of the Parties
hereto.
PUBLIC
ANNOUNCEMENTS
No
Party
will issue, or permit any agent or Affiliate of it to issue, any press releases
or otherwise make, or cause any agent or Affiliate of it to make, any public
statements with respect to the content of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated herein other than internal releases and statements to their
respective partners, owners and Representatives upon commitment by such
partners, owners and Representatives to maintain the confidentiality of such
matters, without the prior written approval of the other Parties, which approval
may be unreasonably withheld.
MODIFICATION
OF EXHIBITS
It
is
understood that there may be a number of additional Exhibits and or amendments
that may be necessary to fully address the financial and operational details
of
the various activities under this Agreement. The Parties agree to cooperate
to
obtain the execution of any documents necessary to carry out the intents of
this
Article.
25
EXPENSES
Expenses
incurred by Domain in this Article 20 shall be included by Domain as costs
attributable to the program including but not limited to: (i) all transfer,
stamp, mortgage, documentary or other similar taxes, assessments or charges
levied by any governmental or revenue authority in respect of this Agreement
or
any other document or transaction referred to herein or therein, (ii) all
reasonable costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of Domain (including
attorneys’ fees, consultants’ fees and engineering fees, travel costs and
miscellaneous expenses) in connection with (1) the negotiation,
preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement, and any and all consents,
waivers or other documents or instruments relating thereto, (2) the filing,
recording re-filing and re-recording of any documents or instruments or further
assurances required to be filed or recorded or re-filed or re-recorded by the
terms of this Agreement, and (iii) all reasonable costs and expenses
incurred by or on behalf of Domain (including without limitation attorney’s
fees, consultants’ fees and accounting fees) in connection with the preservation
of any rights, or the defense of Domain’s exercise of its rights
thereunder.
NO
LIABILITY; INDEMNITY
EXCEPT
TO
THE EXTENT OF DOMAIN’S OBLIGATIONS UNDER ARTICLE 3, AND ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN COMPUTING NET PROFITS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT,
DOMAIN SHALL NEVER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PART OF THE COSTS, EXPENSES OR
LIABILITIES INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXPLORING, DEVELOPING, OPERATING,
OWNING, MAINTAINING, REWORKING OR RECOMPLETING OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTIES, TITLE
DISPUTES RELATED TO THE SUBJECT PROPERTIES (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S
FEES, COSTS AND EXPENSES), THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTIES,
OR
THE HANDLING, TREATING OR TRANSPORTING OF HYDROCARBONS PRODUCED FROM THE SUBJECT
PROPERTIES (INCLUDING ANY COSTS, EXPENSES, LOSSES OR LIABILITIES RELATED TO
VIOLATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW OR OTHERWISE RELATED TO DAMAGE TO OR
REMEDIATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, WHETHER THE SAME ARISE OUT OF THE ACTIONS OF
COC, OR THIRD PARTIES OR ARISE OTHERWISE).
COC
AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD DOMAIN HARMLESS FROM AND AGAINST ALL COSTS,
EXPENSES, LOSSES AND LIABILITIES INCURRED BY DOMAIN IN CONNECTION WITH ANYTHING
SET OUT IN THE PARAGRAPH ABOVE OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE NET PROFITS INTEREST,
THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS AND EVENTS (INCLUDING THE ENFORCEMENT OR
DEFENSE THEREOF OR HEREOF) AT ANY TIME ASSOCIATED WITH OR CONTEMPLATED IN
ANYTHING SET OUT IN THE PARAGRAPH ABOVE. THE INDEMNITY SET OUT IN THIS ARTICLE
21 SHALL ALSO COVER ALL REASONABLE COSTS AND EXPENSES OF DOMAIN, INCLUDING
REASONABLE LEGAL FEES AND EXPENSES, WHICH ARE INCURRED INCIDENT TO THE MATTERS
INDEMNIFIED AGAINST. AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE 21, “DOMAIN” MEANS DOMAIN AND ITS
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, ITS AFFILIATES, AND ALL OF THE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,
AGENTS, BENEFICIARIES, TRUSTEES, ATTORNEYS AND EMPLOYEES OF DOMAIN AND ITS
AFFILIATES.
26
THE
INDEMNITY SET OUT IN THIS ARTICLE 0 SHALL APPLY WHETHER OR NOT ARISING OUT
OF
THE SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE, FAULT OR STRICT LIABILITY OF DOMAIN
AND SHALL APPLY, WITHOUT LIMITATION, TO ANY LIABILITY IMPOSED UPON DOMAIN AS
A
RESULT OF ANY THEORY OF STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER DOCTRINE OF
LAW,
PROVIDED
THAT THE INDEMNITY SET OUT IN THIS ARTICLE 0 SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY COSTS,
EXPENSES, LOSSES OR LIABILITIES INCURRED BY DOMAIN TO THE EXTENT PROXIMATELY
CAUSED SOLELY BY THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF DOMAIN. THE
INDEMNITY SET OUT IN THIS ARTICLE 0 SHALL SURVIVE THE TERMINATION OF THE NET
PROFITS INTEREST AND OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATED
HERETO.
COUNTERPARTS
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall
be
deemed an original, and all of which taken together shall constitute one
agreement.
JOINT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
THIS
WRITTEN AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER DOCUMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH
REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED
BY
EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE
PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE
PARTIES.
27
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
this
Agreement is executed as of the date first above written, but is effective
as of
the Effective Date.
DOMAIN DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS I, LP | ||
By: ___________________________________________________ , | ||
Its
General Partner, Domain Energy Partners, LP
|
|
|
By: ___________________________________________________ | ||
Name:
Title:
|
|
|
COC OPERATING COMPANY | ||
|
|
|
By: ___________________________________________________ | ||
Name:
Title:
|
||
28
Exhibit
A
The
Contract Area
29
EXHIBIT
A-1
30
31
32
Exhibit
B
Computations
Adjustments
to Gross Proceeds
(a) If
any
gas is processed before the sale thereof, the amount of the Gross Proceeds
for
such gas shall be the Gross Proceeds for the sale of COC's proportionate share
of the residue gas and liquid hydrocarbons attributable to the processed gas
as
determined by the processing agreement, if any, covering such gas or, if there
is no gas processing agreement in place, COC's proportionate share of the
wellhead volume multiplied by the Btu content.
(b) There
shall be excluded any amount for Hydrocarbon Production attributable to
non-consent operations conducted with respect to any Subject Property as to
which COC shall be a non-consenting party and which is dedicated to the
recoupment or reimbursement of costs and expenses of the consenting party or
parties by the terms of the relevant operating agreement, unit agreement,
contract for development or other agreement providing for such non-consent
operations. Similar amounts received from non-consenting third parties shall
be
included in Gross Proceeds.
(c) If
a
controversy or possible controversy exists (whether by reason of any statute,
order, decree, rule, regulation, contract or otherwise) between COC and any
purchaser or any other third party as to the correct sales price or sales volume
or COC proportionate share thereof of any Hydrocarbon Production produced from
a
Subject Property or as to the correct ownership of a Subject Property, then,
amounts withheld by the purchaser or any such third party shall not be
considered to be received by COC or part of the Gross Proceeds until actually
collected by COC or the production there from.
(d) Gross
Proceeds shall not include the value of any Hydrocarbon Production unavoidably
lost or used in operations on any Subject Property and plant operations
(including gas injection, compression, treating, transporting, secondary
recovery, pressure maintenance, repressuring, recycling operations, plant fuel
or shrinkage).
(e) There
shall be excluded from Gross Proceeds any royalties, overriding royalties,
production payments, and other burdens on the Hydrocarbon Production produced
from the Subject Properties of record on or before _________________; provided
however, if COC acquires an additional interest in a Subject Property after
such
date, then all royalties, production payments, and other burdens on such
interest shall also be excluded from Gross Proceeds.
(f) Subject
to (b) above, there shall be excluded from Gross Proceeds any revenues received
by COC that are attributable to the net revenue interests of other working
interest owners on the Hydrocarbon Production produced from any Subject
Property.
(g) There
shall be excluded from Gross Proceeds any amounts received by COC from a
purchaser of Hydrocarbon Production as advance payments and payments pursuant
to
take-or-pay and similar provisions of sales contracts until such Hydrocarbon
Production is actually produced and delivered to such purchaser.
(h) During
any month when COC is, for any Subject Property, an Overproduced Party or an
Underproduced Party under any gas balancing arrangement, there shall be included
in Gross Proceeds amounts received by COC from a purchaser of Hydrocarbon
Production or an Overproduced Party as and when paid to COC and when COC is
required to make settlement in cash for any net overproduction, such payment
shall be deducted from the Gross Proceeds, if any.
33
(i) To
the
extent allocable to the Subject Properties, refunds of revenues previously
included as Gross Proceeds for such Subject Property required to be made by
COC
(including any interest thereon or penalties) as a result of the bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar condition of a purchaser of production or other party,
an
order of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, tax, or other governmental
unit or any other legal reason shall be deducted from Gross
Proceeds.
(j) If
COC is
an Overproduced Party on such Subject Property under any gas balancing
arrangement and COC is required to make settlement in cash for any net
overproduction, such payment shall be deducted from the Gross Proceeds for
such
Subject Property.
(k) To
the
extent allocable to a Subject Property, any amounts paid by COC as a prudent
owner or operator, whether as refund, interest or penalty, to a purchaser
because the amount initially received by COC as sales price attributable to
Hydrocarbon Production Produced after the Effective Date for such Subject
Property was more or allegedly more than permitted by the terms of any
applicable contract, statute, regulation, order, decree or other obligation
shall be deducted from Gross Proceeds.
(m) Insurance
proceeds received by COC relating to any Subject Property if the proceeds
therefore relate to costs which shall have been included in Production Costs
shall be included in Gross Proceeds.
Calculation
of Production Costs
Definitions:
"First
Level Supervisors" means those employees whose primary function in Operations
is
the direct supervision of other employees and/or contract labor directly
employed on the Subject Properties in a field operating capacity.
"Material"
means personal property, equipment or supplies acquired or held for use on
the
Subject Properties.
"Operations"
means all operations necessary for the development, operation, protection and
maintenance of the Subject Properties.
"Operator"
means COC.
"Personal
Expenses" means travel and other reasonable reimbursable expenses of Operator's
employees.
"Technical
Employees" means those employees having special and specific engineering,
geological or other professional skills and whose primary function in Operations
is the handling of specific operating conditions and problems for the benefit
of
the Subject Properties.
(a) Direct
Charges:
The sum
of:
Ecological
and Environmental.
Costs
incurred for the benefit of the Subject Properties as a result of governmental
or regulatory requirements to satisfy environmental considerations applicable
to
the Operations. Such costs may include surveys of an ecological or
archaeological nature and pollution control procedures as required by applicable
laws and regulations.
Rentals
and Royalties.
Lease
rentals and royalties paid by Operator for the Operations.
Labor
1. |
Salaries
and wages of Operator's field employees directly employed on the
Subject
Properties in the conduct of
Operations.
|
2. |
Salaries
of First Level Supervisors in the
field.
|
Expenditures
or contributions made pursuant to assessments imposed by governmental authority
which are applicable to Operator's costs for the personnel set out above and
which are chargeable to the parties to the applicable joint operating agreement
related to the Subject Properties ("JOA").
Personal
Expenses of those employees set out above whose salaries and wages are
chargeable to the parties to the applicable JOA.
Employee
Benefits.
Operator's current costs or established plans for employees' group life
insurance and hospitalization, for the employees set out above, applicable
to
Operator's labor cost chargeable to the parties to the applicable JOA, shall
be
Operator's actual cost.
Material.
Material
purchased or furnished by Operator for use on the Subject Properties. Only
such
Material shall be purchased for or transferred to the Subject Properties as
may
be required for immediate use and is reasonably practical and consistent with
efficient and economical operations. The accumulation of surplus stocks shall
be
avoided.
Transportation.
Transportation
of employees and Material necessary for the Operations but subject to the
following limitations:
A. |
If
Material is moved to the Subject Properties from the Operator's warehouse
or other properties, no charge shall be made for a distance greater
than
the distance from the nearest reliable supply store where like material
is
normally available or railway receiving point nearest the Subject
Properties unless agreed to by the
Parties.
|
B. |
If
surplus Material is moved to Operator's warehouse or other storage
point,
no charge shall be made for a distance greater than the distance
to the
nearest reliable supply store where like material is normally available,
or railway receiving point nearest the Subject Properties unless
agreed to
by the Parties. No charge shall be made for moving Material to other
properties belonging to Operator, unless agreed to by the
Parties.
|
C. |
The
option to equalize or charge actual trucking cost is available when
the
actual charge is $400
or
less excluding accessorial charges. The $400
will be adjusted to the amount most recently recommended by the Council
of
Petroleum Accountants Societies.
|
Services.
The
cost of contract services, equipment and utilities provided by outside sources,
except excluded services. The cost of professional consultant services and
contract services of technical personnel directly engaged on for the benefit
of
the Subject Properties if such charges are excluded from the overhead rates.
Equipment
and Facilities Furnished By Operator.
A. |
Operator
shall charge for the use of Operator-owned equipment and facilities
at
rates commensurate with costs of ownership and operation. Such rates
shall
include costs of maintenance, repairs, other operating expense, insurance,
taxes, depreciation, and interest on gross investment less accumulated
depreciation not to exceed twelve & one-half percent (12.5%) per
annum. Such rates shall not exceed average commercial rates currently
prevailing in the immediate area of the Joint Property. In no event
shall
the rates charged for Operator-owned equipment or facilities exceed
the
then-current fair market value of such equipment or
facilities.
|
In
lieu
of charges above Operator may elect to use average commercial rates prevailing
in the immediate area of the Subject Properties. For automotive equipment,
Operator may elect to use rates published by the Petroleum Motor Transport
Association.
other
allocated and direct costs to the Subject Properties including but not
limited:
1. |
contract
and professional services;
|
2. |
materials,
supplies, fuel, water, and treating
chemicals;
|
3. |
salt
water disposal;
|
4. |
all
costs associated with processing, treating, compressing, marketing
and
transporting oil and natural gas produced from the Subject
Properties.
|
5. |
well
and lease repairs and maintenance including workovers and pulling
expense;
|
6. |
transportation
including boats, aircraft, and other vehicles;
|
7. |
safety
and environmental costs including spill
cleanup;
|
8. |
the
costs of secondary recovery, pressure maintenance, repressuring,
recycling, and other operations used to enhance
production;
|
9. |
insurance
including xxxxxxx'x compensation, general liability, and the costs
of
certificates of responsibility, performance bonds or letters of credit;
|
10. |
other
miscellaneous costs of operating, producing, and maintaining the
well
furnished by Operator or on behalf of Operator;
and
|
11. |
costs
incurred for claims, demands or litigation relating to property damage,
including environmental damages, spills, clean-up and remediation,
personal injury or death, or claims, demands or litigation brought
by
third parties, including governmental or regulatory
authorities.
|
Damages
and Losses to the Subject Properties.
All
costs or expenses necessary for the repair or replacement of the Subject
Properties made necessary because of damages or losses incurred by fire, flood,
storm, theft, accident, or other cause, except those resulting from Operator's
gross negligence or willful misconduct. Operator shall furnish the Parties
written notice of damages or losses incurred as soon as practicable after a
report thereof has been received by Operator.
Legal
Expense.
Expense
of handling, investigating and settling litigation or claims, discharging of
liens, payment of judgments and amounts paid for settlement of claims incurred
in or resulting from Operations under the JOA or necessary to protect or recover
the Subject Properties.
Taxes.
All
taxes of every kind and nature assessed or levied upon or in connection with
the
Subject Properties, the Operations, or the production therefrom, and which
taxes
have been paid by the Operator..
Insurance.
Net
premiums paid for insurance required to be carried for the Operations for the
protection of the Subject Properties. In the event Operations are conducted
in a
state in which Operator may act as self-insurer for worker's compensation and/or
employers liability under the respective state's laws, Operator may, at its
election, include the risk under its self-insurance program and in that event,
Operator shall include a charge at Operator's cost not to exceed manual
rates.
Communications.
Cost of
acquiring, leasing, installing, operating, repairing and maintaining
communication systems, including radio and microwave facilities directly serving
the Subject Properties. In the event communication facilities/systems serving
the Subject Properties are Operator owned, charges shall be made as provided
in
Paragraph viii.
Other
Expenditures.
Any
other expenditure not covered or dealt with in the foregoing provisions and
which is of direct benefit to the Subject Properties and is incurred by the
Operator in the necessary and proper conduct of the Operations.
(b) |
Overhead
|
(i) |
Overhead
- Drilling and Producing Operations.
As compensation for administrative, supervision, office services
and
warehousing costs, Operator shall charge drilling and producing operations
on a Fixed Rate Basis, as set out in Paragraph (b)(iii)(A) below.
|
Unless
otherwise agreed to by the Parties, such charge shall be in lieu of costs and
expenses of all offices and salaries or wages plus applicable burdens and
expenses of all personnel, except those directly chargeable under Paragraph
(a)(iii)A above. The cost and expense of services from outside sources in
connection with matters of taxation, traffic, accounting or matters before
or
involving governmental agencies shall be considered as included in the overhead
rates provided for in the Fixed Rate unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties
in writing..
(ii) |
The
salaries, wages and Personal Expenses of Technical Employees and/or
the
cost of professional consultant services and contract services of
technical personnel directly employed on the Subject Properties shall
not
be covered by the overhead rates.
|
(iii) |
The
salaries, wages and Personal Expenses of Technical Employees or other
Operator personnel and/or costs of professional consultant services
and
contract services of technical personnel either temporarily or permanently
assigned to and directly employed in the operation or for the benefit
of
the Subject Properties shall not be covered by the overhead
rates.
|
A. |
Overhead
- Fixed Rate Basis
|
1. |
Operator
shall charge the following rates per well per
month:
|
Drilling
Well Rate $ [to be determined by JOA]
(Prorated
for less than a full month)
Producing
Well Rate $
[to be
determined by JOA]
2. |
Application
of Overhead - Fixed Rate Basis shall be as
follows:
|
i. |
Drilling
Well Rate
|
(a) |
Charges
for drilling xxxxx shall begin on the date the well is spudded and
terminate upon completion of the well except that no charge shall
be made
during suspension of drilling or completion operations for fifteen
(15) or
more consecutive calendar days.
|
(b) |
Charges
for xxxxx undergoing any type of workover or recompletion for a period
of
five (5) consecutive work days or more shall be made at the drilling
well
rate. Such charges shall be applied for the period from date workover
operations, with rig or other units used in workover, commence through
date of rig or other unit release, except that no charge shall be
made
during suspension of operations for fifteen (15) or more consecutive
calendar days.
|
ii. |
Producing
Well Rates
|
(a) |
An
active well either produced or injected into for any portion of the
month
shall be considered as a one-well charge for the entire
month.
|
(b) |
Each
active completion in a multi-completed well in which production is
not
commingled down hole shall be considered as a one-well charge providing
each completion is considered a separate well by the governing regulatory
authority.
|
(c) |
An
inactive gas well shut in because of overproduction or failure of
purchaser to take the production shall be considered as a one-well
charge
providing the gas well is directly connected to a permanent sales
outlet.
|
(d) |
A
one-well charge shall be made for the month in which plugging and
abandonment operations are completed on any well. This one-well charge
shall be made whether or not the well has produced except when drilling
well rate applies.
|
(e) |
All
other inactive xxxxx (including but not limited to inactive xxxxx
covered
by unit allowable, lease allowable, transferred allowable, etc.)
shall not
qualify for an overhead charge.
|
3. |
The
well rates shall be adjusted as of the first day of April each year
following the effective date of the agreement to which this Exhibit
is
attached. The adjustment shall be computed by multiplying the rate
currently in use by the percentage increase or decrease in the average
weekly earnings of Crude Petroleum and Gas Production Workers for
the last
calendar year compared to the calendar year preceding as shown by
the
index of average weekly earnings of Crude Petroleum and Gas Production
Workers as published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau
of
Labor Statistics. The adjusted rates shall be the rates currently
in use,
plus or minus the computed
adjustment.
|
(a) |
Where
production costs incurred for the benefit of a Subject Property also
benefit other xxxxx or properties, COC will allocate charges on an
equitable and consistent basis.
|
(b) |
Production
Costs for the Subject Properties shall not include:
|
(i) |
amounts
related to a Subject Properties which are applicable to operations
prior
to the Effective Date for such Subject
Property;
|
(ii) |
general
and administrative costs that are not covered by the provisions of
this
Exhibit "B";
|
(iii) |
depreciation,
depletion, or amortization; and
|
(iv) |
The
value of any equipment removed from a Subject
Property.
|
(c) Any
increased costs or liabilities that are borne by COC as a result of its being
a
consenting party in non-consent operations on a Subject Property shall be deemed
to be allocable to or applicable to such Subject Property.
EXHIBIT
C
Financial
Accounting Procedure
The
purpose of this Accounting Procedure is to establish equitable methods for
determining financial information applicable to the Parties under the Agreement
and to ensure the necessary and appropriate exchange of data by and between
the
Parties.
1. |
Accounting
Reporting
|
For
so
long as Domain may be entitled to receive any NPI Payment hereunder, COC shall
provide to such Provider, on or before the last day of each Month, the
information contained within the monthly joint interest billing report (“JIB”)
generated by COC and provided to each working interest owner for the Contract
Area (or the equivalent information contained in any successor document) for
the
immediately preceding Month including, but not limited to, Hydrocarbon
Production, total revenues attributable to such Hydrocarbon Production, royalty
and overriding royalty payments and severance taxes. COC shall also provide
to
Domain total well completion and construction costs on an ongoing basis, as
appropriate.
2. |
Accounting
Adjustments
|
In
the
event that the data provided by the Parties pursuant to Article 1 above requires
any adjustment to accurately reflect the Party’s
respective costs incurred for the Subject Properties, such Party shall promptly
notify the other of such adjustment and provide revised information. The Parties
shall make every reasonable effort to minimize the adjustments made to data
previously provided to each other and to ensure the accuracy of such data within
three (3) months of initially reporting such data.
3. |
Domain
Payments
|
NPI
Payments earned by Domain under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid in
accordance with the provisions of Article 4 and shall be paid to Domain in
accordance with the following wire instructions:
Domain
4 |
Audit
Rights
|
Domain
shall have the continuing right and option to audit the books and records of
COC
covering the Contract Area after reasonable request therefore for two (2) years
following the end of any Month during which Domain reasonably believes it would
be entitled to receive a NPI Payment from COC. Domain shall be responsible
for
the full cost of the audit. The initial audit, should Domain elect to conduct
such an audit, shall be conducted no sooner than one (1) year after the
Effective Date of this Agreement.
40
EXHIBIT
D
Form
of Assignment of Net Profits Interest
EXHIBIT
E
MORTGAGE,
ASSIGNMENT OF
PRODUCTION
AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
Date:
Grantor:
(List
Owners) (the “Owners”), acting through their duly authorized agent for such
purpose, COC.
Grantor's
Mailing Address (including county):
Grantee:
Domain
Development Partners I, LP
Grantee's
Mailing Address (including county):
00000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxx
000
Xxxxxxx,
Xx 00000
Secured
Obligations:
COC’s
obligation to make NPI and Finance Payments to Grantee under that certain
Funding Agreement dated [_______________________] (as from time to time amended,
modified or restated, the “Agreement”),
by
and between COC and Grantee and becoming due prior to abandonment of the
Property.
Property:
All
of
Grantor's right, title and interest, now owned or hereafter acquired, in and
to
the following:
1. |
the
_________ [describe well] (the "Well")
and the wellbore of the Well;
|
2. |
the
lands
described (which term shall include any lands the description of
which is
incorporated therein by reference to another document) on Exhibit
A
attached hereto and hereby made a part hereof, and all lands now
or
hereafter unitized or pooled with any lands described in Exhibit
A
(collectively, the "Lands"),
but
insofar and only insofar as
the Lands are necessary to reasonably operate, maintain and produce,
receive, sell or otherwise dispose of all oil, gas or other hydrocarbons
produced through the wellbore of the
Well;
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41
3. |
the
oil and gas leases, oil, gas and mineral leases, fee interests, mineral
interests, working interests, overriding royalty interests, royalty
interests and other interests described in Exhibit
A
or
covering or relating to any of the Lands or any of the same as they
may be
enlarged by the discharge of any payments out of production or by
the
removal of any charges or encumbrances to which any of the same are
subject (collectively, the “Interests”)
but insofar and only insofar as
the Interests are necessary to reasonably operate, maintain and produce,
receive, sell or otherwise dispose of all oil, gas or other hydrocarbons
produced through the wellbore of the
Well;
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4. |
all
operating, unitization and pooling agreements and orders now or hereafter
existing and the properties covered and the units created thereby
(including all units formed under acts of any governmental agency)
which
are described on Exhibit
A
or
cover or relate to any of properties, rights and interests described
in
clauses 1, 2 or 3 above;
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5. |
all
oil, gas, casinghead gas and other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons
(collectively, "Hydrocarbons")
which are in, under, upon, produced or to be produced from the
Lands;
|
6. |
all
contracts for the sale, purchase, transportation, exchange or processing
of Hydrocarbons produced from the Lands or the
Interests;
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7. |
all
subleases, farmout agreements, assignments of interest, assignments
of
operating rights, contracts, operating agreements, rights-of-way,
franchises, privileges, permits, licenses, easements, tenements,
hereditaments, appurtenances and benefits now existing or in the
future
obtained and incident and appurtenant to any of the
foregoing;
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8. |
all
lease records, well records and production records which relate to
any of
the foregoing;
|
9. |
all
of the personal property (surface and subsurface) now or hereafter
located
on or under any of the Lands; and
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10. |
all
proceeds and products from any of the foregoing, including, but not
limited to, accounts, contract rights and general
intangibles.
|
Prior
Liens (including recording information):
[Insert,
if any]
Other
Exceptions to Conveyance and Warranty:
[Insert,
if any]
For
value
received and to secure payment and performance of the Secured Obligations,
Grantor does hereby MORTGAGE the Property to Grantee and grants to Grantee
a
POWER OF SALE (pursuant to this Mortgage and applicable law). Grantor agrees
to
defend title to the Property against the claims and demands of all persons
claiming the same or any part thereof, through or under the Grantor, but not
otherwise. If Grantor pays and performs all of the Secured Obligations and
its
obligations hereunder, this Mortgage, Assignment of Production and Security
Agreement (this “Mortgage”)
shall
have no further effect, and Grantee shall promptly release it at Grantees’ sole
expense.
Grantor's
Obligations:
Grantor
agrees to:
1. keep
the
Property in good repair and condition;
2. pay
all
taxes and assessments on the Property when due;
3. preserve
the lien's priority as it is established in this Mortgage;
4. observe
and comply with all of the terms and provisions of all oil, gas and mineral
leases and other agreements relating to the Property;
5. develop
and operate the Property in accordance with sound field practices, applicable
operating agreements and all applicable legal requirements; and
6. if
this
is not a first lien, pay all prior lien notes and abide by all prior lien
instruments.
Grantee's
Rights:
1. |
If
Grantor fails to perform any of Grantor's obligations, Grantee may
perform
those obligations and be reimbursed by Grantor on demand at the place
where the Secured Obligations are payable for any sums so paid, including
attorney's fees, plus interest on those sums from the dates of payment
at
the rate stated in the Contract for unpaid, past due amounts. The
sum to
be reimbursed shall be secured by this
Mortgage.
|
2. |
If
Grantor defaults on the Secured Obligations or fails to perform any
of
Grantor's obligations or if default occurs on a prior lien note or
other
instrument, and the default continues after Grantee gives Grantor
thirty
(30) days written notice of the default and a thirty (30) day opportunity
to cure, as may be required by law or by written agreement, then
Grantee
may:
|
a.
|
declare the unpaid principal balance and earned interest on the Secured Obligations immediately due; |
b. |
foreclose
this lien on the Property, or any part thereof, in any manner permitted
by
applicable law;
|
c. |
exercise
its rights of enforcement with respect to the personal property under
the
Uniform Commercial Code or any other statute in force in any state
to the
extent the same is applicable law;
and
|
d. |
purchase
the Property at any foreclosure sale by offering the highest bid
and then
have the bid credited against the Secured
Obligations.
|
Cumulative
of the foregoing and the other provisions of this Mortgage:
A
POWER OF SALE HAS BEEN GRANTED IN THIS MORTGAGE. A POWER OF SALE MAY ALLOW
GRANTEE TO TAKE THE PROPERTY AND SELL IT WITHOUT GOING TO COURT IF A FORECLOSURE
ACTION UPON DEFAULT BY GRANTEE UNDER THIS MORTGAGE.
Assignment
of Production:
Independent
but cumulative of any and all other rights and remedies created by this
Mortgage, Grantor assigns to Grantee:
1. |
all
Hydrocarbons and other minerals, and the proceeds therefrom, produced
and
to be produced from the Property from and after 7:00 a.m., local
time, on
the first day of the first calendar month to begin after the date
of this
Mortgage;
|
2. |
all
accounts and general intangibles and all proceeds payable to or to
become
payable to Grantor or to which Grantor is or becomes entitled under
all
gas sales contracts, all oil, distillate or condensate sales contracts,
all gas transportation contracts and all gas processing contracts,
present
and future, relating to, or now or hereafter to become a part of,
the
Property; and
|
3. |
all
amounts payable to or to become payable to Grantor from any part
of the
Property or under any contract, present or future, relating to any
gas
pipeline system or processing plant or unit now or hereafter constituting
part of the Property.
|
Grantor
authorizes and directs all parties purchasing or receiving Hydrocarbons from
the
Property or having in their possession any such production or the proceeds
therefrom to pay and deliver the same to Grantee. Grantor authorizes Grantee
to
demand, receive and hold all of the foregoing and to execute and deliver, in
the
name of Grantor or of Grantee, any release, receipt, division order, payment
order, transfer order, relinquishment or other instrument that may be necessary
or advisable to collect and receive such production or the proceeds therefrom.
No party making payment shall have any responsibility to see to the application
of any funds paid to Grantee, but any such party shall be fully protected in
making such payment to Grantee under this assignment. Should Grantee bring
suit
against any third party for collection of any amounts included within this
assignment (and Grantee shall have the right to bring any such suit), it may
xxx
in the name of Grantor or of Grantee. Grantee is absolved from all liability
for
failure to enforce collection of the proceeds of production and from all other
responsibility in connection with this assignment, except the responsibility
to
account to Grantor for funds actually received.
Security
Agreement:
In
addition to creating a mortgage lien on all the real and other property
described above, Grantor also grants to Grantee a security interest in all
Property other than the realty pursuant to the Texas Uniform Commercial Code.
In
the event of a foreclosure sale under this Mortgage, Grantor agrees that all
the
Property may be sold as a whole at Grantee's option and that the Property need
not be present at the place of sale.
Grantee’s
Interest:
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, Grantee agrees that in the event
of
any foreclosure or other exercise of remedies provided herein (a) Grantee is
entitled to receive an amount equal to (i) seventy
five percent (75%) of Grantor’s Net Profits until Payout and (ii) twenty five
percent (25%) of Grantor’s Net Profits after Payout and up to two hundred
percent (200%) (collectively “Grantee’s Interest”) and (b) Grantee will promptly
reconvey to Grantor all Property other than the Grantee’s Interest that was
subject to such sale or other exercise of remedies. As use in this section,
the
terms “Net Profits”, “Provider’s Percentage” and “Payout” shall have the meaning
assigned to them in the Contract.
General
Provisions:
1. |
Recitals
in any deed conveying the Property after a foreclosure sale will
be
presumed to be true.
|
2. |
Proceeding
under this Mortgage, filing suit for foreclosure, or pursuing any
other
remedy will not constitute an election of
remedies.
|
3. |
This
lien shall remain superior to liens later created even if the time
of
payment of all or part of the Secured Obligations is extended or
part of
the Property is released.
|
4. |
If
any portion of the Secured Obligations cannot be lawfully secured
by this
Mortgage, payments shall be applied first to discharge that
portion.
|
5. |
Grantor
assigns to Grantee all sums payable to or received by Grantor from
condemnation of all or part of the Property, from private sale in
lieu of
condemnation, and from damages caused by public works or construction
on
or near the Property. After deducting any expenses incurred, including
attorney's fees, Grantee may release any remaining sums to Grantor
or
apply such sums to reduce the Secured Obligations. Grantee shall
not be
liable for failure to collect or to exercise diligence in collecting
any
such sums.
|
6. |
Interest
on the debt secured by this Mortgage shall not exceed the maximum
amount
of nonusurious interest that may be contracted for, taken, reserved,
charged, or received under law; any interest in excess of that maximum
amount shall be credited on the principal of the debt or, if that
has been
paid, refunded. On any acceleration or required or permitted prepayment,
any such excess shall be canceled automatically as of the acceleration
or
prepayment or, if already paid, credited on the principal of the
debt or,
if the principal of the debt has been paid, refunded. This provision
overrides other provisions in this and all other instruments concerning
the debt.
|
8. |
When
the context requires, singular nouns and pronouns include the
plural.
|
9. |
The
term “Secured
Obligations” includes
all sums secured by this Mortgage.
|
10. |
This
Mortgage shall bind, inure to the benefit of, and be exercised by
successors in interest of all
parties.
|
11. |
This
Mortgage covers goods which are or are to become fixtures on the
real
property described therein, and this Mortgage shall be effective
as a
financing statement filed as a fixture filing with respect to all
fixtures
included within the Property.
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Grantor: | ||
[list Owners] | ||
|
|
|
By: | ||
COC |
By:
Name:
Title:
|
|
THE STATE OF TEXAS §
§
This
instrument was acknowledged before me on ____________________ ____, 20___,
by
___________________________, __________________________________ of COC, a ______
corporation, on behalf of said corporation.
NOTARY
STAMP BELOW:
Notary Public in and for the State of Texas |
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My commission expires:
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