UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  
Washington, D.C. 20549  
FORM 10-Q  
 
 
 
x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
 
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED June 30, 2008
OR
 
 
 
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
 
 
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________ TO  __________
 
Commission file number 000-52594
 
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC.  
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Nevada
 
98-0479924
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. employer
identification number)
 
300, 611 10 th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
 
T2R 0B2
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
(403) 265-3221
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x NO o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Accelerated Filer x      
Non-Accelerated Filer o    
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES o NO x  
 
On August 1, 2008, the total number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock and outstanding exchangeable shares of Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc., which are exchangeable into the registrant’s common stock, was 114,813,401. Of this total, there were 103,829,275 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding and 10,984,126 shares of common stock issuable upon the exchange of exchangeable shares. In addition, the registrant had outstanding one share of special voting stock, through which the holders of exchangeable shares may exercise their voting rights with respect to Gran Tierra Energy Inc. The special voting stock generally votes together with the common stock on all matters on which the holders of the registrant’s common stock are entitled to vote. The trustee holder of the share of special voting stock has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of then outstanding exchangeable shares.
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3
 
 
 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
18
 
 
 
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
30
 
 
 
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
31
 
 
 
ITEM 4T.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
32
 
 
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
32
 
 
 
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
32
 
 
 
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
43
 
 
 
ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
43
 
 
 
ITEM 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF THE SECURITY HOLDERS
43
 
 
 
ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
44
 
 
 
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
44
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
44
 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
45
 
2


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
 
ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Accumulated Deficit (Unaudited)
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                   
REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME
                 
Oil and natural gas sales
 
$
33,042
 
$
3,611
 
$
53,791
 
$
7,935
 
Interest
   
102
   
139
   
172
   
332
 
     
33,144
   
3,750
   
53,963
   
8,267
 
EXPENSES
                         
Operating
   
3,726
   
1,925
   
6,253
   
4,106
 
Depletion, depreciation and accretion
   
5,400
   
2,377
   
8,464
   
4,701
 
General and administrative
   
4,641
   
2,680
   
8,774
   
4,619
 
Liquidated damages (Note 5)
   
-
   
3,235
   
-
   
7,367
 
Derivative financial instruments (Note 10)
   
6,278
   
20
   
7,462
   
677
 
Foreign exchange gain
   
(397
)
 
(239
)
 
(383
)
 
(7
)
     
19,648
   
9,998
   
30,570
   
21,463
 
                           
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
   
13,496
   
(6,248
)
 
23,393
   
(13,196
)
                           
INCOME TAX (EXPENSES) RECOVERIES (Note 7)
   
(4,970
)
 
1,176
   
(10,191
)
 
1,474
 
                           
NET INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
   
8,526
   
(5,072
)
 
13,202
   
(11,722
)
                           
ACCUMULATED DEFICIT, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
(11,835
)
 
(14,694
)
 
(16,511
)
 
(8,044
)
                           
ACCUMULATED DEFICIT, END OF PERIOD
 
$
(3,309
)
$
(19,766
)
$
(3,309
)
$
(19,766
)
                           
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC
 
$
0.08
 
$
(0.05
)
$
0.13
 
$
(0.12
)
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED
 
$
0.07
 
$
(0.05
)
$
0.11
 
$
(0.12
)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC
   
105,123,188
   
95,205,518
   
101,054,083
   
95,329,950
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING – DILUTED (Note 5)
   
123,979,074
   
95,205,518
   
119,136,907
   
95,329,950
 
 
(See notes to the consolidated financial statements)  
 

Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

   
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
   
 
 
ASSETS
         
Current Assets
         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
35,303
 
$
18,189
 
Accounts receivable
   
39,157
   
10,695
 
Inventory
   
628
   
787
 
Taxes receivable
   
1,272
   
1,177
 
Prepaids
   
486
   
442
 
Deferred tax asset (Note 7)
   
1,148
   
220
 
Total Current Assets
   
77,994
   
31,510
 
Oil and Gas Properties (using the full cost method of accounting)
         
Proved
   
50,116
   
44,292
 
Unproved
   
21,655
   
18,910
 
Total Oil and Gas Properties
   
71,771
   
63,202
 
Other Assets
   
1,593
   
716
 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 4)
   
73,364
   
63,918
 
Long Term Assets
         
Deferred tax asset (Note 7)
   
684
   
1,839
 
Taxes receivable
   
560
   
525
 
Goodwill
   
15,005
   
15,005
 
Total Long Term Assets
   
16,249
   
17,369
 
Total Assets
 
$
167,607
 
$
112,797
 
 
         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
         
Current Liabilities
         
Accounts payable (Note 8)
 
$
13,307
 
$
11,327
 
Accrued liabilities (Note 8)
   
13,825
   
6,139
 
Derivative financial instruments (Note 10)
   
5,540
   
1,594
 
Current taxes payable
   
12,843
   
3,284
 
Deferred tax liability (Note 7)
   
810
   
1,108
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
46,325
   
23,452
 
Long term liabilities
   
115
   
132
 
Deferred tax liability (Note 7)
   
8,510
   
9,235
 
Deferred remittance tax (Note 7)
   
1,262
   
1,332
 
Derivative financial instruments (Note 10)
   
2,879
   
1,055
 
Asset retirement obligation (Note 6)
   
938
   
799
 
Total Long Term Liabilities
   
13,704
   
12,553
 
Shareholders’ Equity
         
Common shares (Note 5)
   
218
   
95
 
(99,582,314 and 80,389,676 common shares and 11,192,859 and 14,787,303 exchangeable shares, par value $0.001 per share, issued and outstanding as at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)
         
Additional paid-in capital
   
99,807
   
72,458
 
Warrants
   
10,862
   
20,750
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(3,309
)
 
(16,511
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
   
107,578
   
76,792
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
$
167,607
 
$
112,797
 

(See notes to the consolidated financial statements)
 
4

 
Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

   
Six Month Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
 
                2007                
 
   
 
     
   
  
 
(restated – see Note 2)
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
         
Net income (loss)
 
$
13,202
 
$
(11,722
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
         
Depletion, depreciation and accretion
   
8,464
   
4,701
 
Deferred taxes
   
(866
)
 
1,446
 
Stock based compensation
   
847
   
386
 
Liquidated damages
   
-
   
7,367
 
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments
   
5,770
   
677
 
Net changes in non-cash working capital:
         
Accounts receivable
   
(28,462
)
 
(171
)
Inventory
   
159
   
228
 
Prepaids and other current assets
   
(44
)
 
342
 
Liquidated damages
   
-
   
(1,528
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
3,888
   
(1,433
)
Taxes receivable and payable
   
9,464
   
(3,982
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
12,422
   
(3,689
)
 
         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
         
Restricted cash
   
-
   
1,010
 
Oil and gas property expenditures
   
(11,712
)
 
(10,998
)
Long term assets and liabilities
   
(52
)
 
(581
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(11,764
)
 
(10,569
)
 
         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
         
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
16,456
   
-
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
16,456
   
-
 
 
         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
17,114
   
(14,258
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
18,189
   
24,101
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
35,303
 
$
9,843
 
 
         
Non-cash investing activities:
         
Non-cash working capital related to capital additions
 
$
14,037
 
$
6,400
 
 
(See notes to the consolidated financial statements)
 
5


Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
   
June 30, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
           
SHARE CAPITAL
         
Balance beginning of period
 
$
95
 
$
95
 
Issue of common shares
   
123
   
1
 
Cancelled common shares
   
-
   
(1
)
Balance end of period
   
218
   
95
 
 
         
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL
         
Balance beginning of period
   
72,458
   
71,311
 
Cancelled common shares
   
-
   
(1,086
)
Issue of common shares
   
16,275
   
719
 
Exercise of warrants
   
9,888
   
513
 
Exercise of stock options
   
58
   
-
 
Stock based compensation expense
   
1,128
   
1,001
 
Balance end of period
   
99,807
   
72,458
 
 
         
WARRANTS
         
Balance beginning of period
   
20,750
   
12,832
 
Cancelled warrants
   
-
   
(233
)
Issue of warrants
   
-
   
8,625
 
Exercise of warrants
   
(9,888
)
 
(474
)
Balance end of period
   
10,862
   
20,750
 
 
         
ACCUMULATED DEFICIT
         
Balance beginning of period
   
(16,511
)
 
(8,044
)
Net income (loss)
   
13,202
   
(8,467
)
Balance end of period
   
(3,309
)
 
(16,511
)
 
         
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
107,578
 
$
76,792
 

(See notes to the consolidated financial statements)
 
6


Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1.   Description of Business
 
Gran Tierra Energy Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company” or “Gran Tierra Energy”) is a publicly traded oil and gas company engaged in acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties and the production of oil and natural gas. The Company’s principal business activities are in Argentina, Colombia and Peru.

2.   Significant Accounting Policies 

These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the interim consolidated financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (all of which are normal and recurring) that have been made are necessary to fairly state the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the results of its operations for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, and its cash flows for the six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

The note disclosure requirements of annual consolidated financial statements provide additional disclosures to that required for interim consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, these interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2007 included in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on May 12, 2008. The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in note 2 of the consolidated financial statements which are included in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.
  
Inventory

Crude oil inventories at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Supplies at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under US GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB FSP 157-2 which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. These nonfinancial items include assets and liabilities such as reporting units measured at fair value in a goodwill impairment test, asset retirement obligations and nonfinancial assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities. The partial adoption of SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 10 for information and related disclosures.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. SFAS 159 permits an entity to elect fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for many financial assets and liabilities. Entities electing the fair value option would be required to recognize changes in fair value in earnings. Entities electing the fair value option are required to distinguish on the face of the statement of financial position, the fair value of assets and liabilities for which the fair value option has been elected and similar assets and liabilities measured using another measurement attribute. SFAS 159 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year 2008 and was adopted January 1, 2008. The adjustment to reflect the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount would be accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the date of initial adoption. The adoption of SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141 (R), “Business Combinations”, and SFAS 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements”. SFAS 141 (R) requires an acquirer to measure the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at their fair values on the acquisition date, with goodwill being the excess value over the net identifiable assets acquired. SFAS 160 clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. The calculation of earnings per share will continue to be based on income amounts attributable to the parent. SFAS 141 (R) and SFAS 160 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is prohibited and the provisions are applied prospectively. The Company has not yet determined the effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, if any, upon adoption of SFAS 141 (R) or SFAS No. 160.

7

 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. SFAS 161 requires companies with derivative instruments to disclose information that should enable financial statement users to understand how and why a company uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect a company's financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that SFAS 161 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts – An interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60”. SFAS 163 requires that an insurance enterprise recognize a claim liability prior to an event of default when there is evidence that credit deterioration has occurred in an insured financial obligation. It also clarifies how SFAS 60 applies to financial guarantee insurance contracts, including the recognition and measurement to be used to account for premium revenue and claim liabilities, and requires expanded disclosures about financial guarantee insurance contracts. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, except for some disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities. SFAS 163 requires that disclosures about the risk-management activities of the insurance enterprise be effective for the first period beginning after issuance. Except for those disclosures, earlier application is not permitted. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. It is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Restatement of Prior Year Financial Statements
 
Subsequent to the release of financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 the Company determined that $3.7 million of changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, initially attributed to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities should have been attributed to oil and gas property expenditures and net cash used in investing activities (see Note 8). Accordingly, line items in the statements of cash flows for the six month period ended June 30, 2007 have been restated.

Net changes in non-cash working capital related to accounts payable and accrued liabilities attributable to operating activities for the six month period ended June 30, 2007 have been restated to a decrease of $1.4 million from an increase of $3.5 million, and net cash provided by (used in) operating activities has been restated to a use of $3.7 million from $1.3 million cash flow provided by operating activities. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the change in non-cash working capital related to capital additions has been restated to a decrease of $1.6 million from a decrease of $6.6 million, cash used for oil and gas property expenditures (including the change in non-cash working capital related to capital additions) has been restated to $11.0 million from $16.0 million and net cash used in investing activities has been restated to $10.6 million from $15.5 million.

The preceding restatement has no effect on the net increase or decrease in cash or cash equivalents for any period.

3.   Segment and Geographic Reporting 

The Company’s reportable operating segments are Argentina and Colombia. The Company is primarily engaged in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Peru is not a reportable segment because the level of activity on these land holdings is insignificant at this time and is included as part of the Corporate segment. The accounting policies of the reportable operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based on profit or loss from oil and natural gas operations before income taxes.

8


  The following tables present information on the Company’s reportable geographic segments:

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
 
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)  
   
Corporate
 
 
Colombia
 
 
Argentina
 
 
Total
 
Oil and natural gas sales  
 
$
-
 
$
30,793
 
$
2,249
 
$
33,042
 
Interest income  
   
18
   
79
   
5
   
102
 
Depreciation, depletion and accretion  
   
31
   
4,813
   
556
   
5,400
 
Segment income (loss) before income tax  
   
(9,113
)
 
22,575
   
34
   
13,496
 
Segment capital expenditures  
 
$
1,504
 
$
5,000
 
$
2,114
 
$
8,618
 
                           
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2007  
 
   
Corporate  
 
 
Colombia
 
 
Argentina
 
 
Total
 
Oil and natural gas sales  
 
$
-
 
$
1,965
 
$
1,646
 
$
3,611
 
Interest income  
   
64
   
43
   
32
   
139
 
Depreciation, depletion and accretion  
   
27
   
1,720
   
630
   
2,377
 
Segment loss before income tax  
   
(5,089
)
 
(826
)
 
(333
)
 
(6,248
)
Segment capital expenditures  
 
$
88
 
$
4,398
 
$
(255
)
$
4,231
 
                           
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008  
 
   
Corporate  
 
 
Colombia
 
 
Argentina
 
 
Total
 
Oil and natural gas sales  
 
$
-
 
$
50,158
 
$
3,633
 
$
53,791
 
Interest income  
   
21
   
141
   
10
   
172
 
Depreciation, depletion and accretion  
   
61
   
7,280
   
1,123
   
8,464
 
Segment income (loss) before income tax  
   
(12,810
)
 
36,842
   
(639
)
 
23,393
 
Segment capital expenditures  
 
$
2,093
 
$
13,149
 
$
2,530
 
$
17,772
 
                           
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007  
 
   
Corporate  
 
 
Colombia
 
 
Argentina
 
 
Total
 
Oil and natural gas sales  
 
$
-
 
$
4,153
 
$
3,782
 
$
7,935
 
Interest income  
   
163
   
137
   
32
   
332
 
Depreciation, depletion and accretion  
   
52
   
3,544
   
1,105
   
4,701
 
Segment loss before income tax  
   
(11,064
)
 
(1,256
)
 
(876
)
 
(13,196
)
Segment capital expenditures  
 
$
527
 
$
8,225
 
$
620
 
$
9,372
 
                           
 
 
As at June 30, 2008  
 
   
Corporate  
 
 
Colombia
 
 
Argentina
 
 
Total
 
Property, plant and equipment  
 
$
3,062
 
$
49,631
 
$
20,671
 
$
73,364
 
Goodwill  
   
-
   
15,005
   
-
   
15,005
 
Other assets  
   
25,881
   
43,906
   
9,451
   
79,238
 
Total
 
$
28,943
 
$
108,542
 
$
30,122
 
$
167,607
 
 
9

 
 
 
As at December 31, 2007  
 
   
Corporate  
 
 
Colombia
 
 
Argentina
 
 
Total
 
Property, plant and equipment  
 
$
1,031
 
$
43,639
 
$
19,248
 
$
63,918
 
Goodwill  
   
-
   
15,005
   
-
   
15,005
 
Other assets  
   
11,303
   
15,949
   
6,622
   
33,874
 
Total
 
$
12,334
 
$
74,593
 
$
25,870
 
$
112,797
 

The Company’s revenues are derived principally from uncollateralized sales to customers in the oil and natural gas industry. The concentration of credit risk in a single industry affects the Company’s overall exposure to credit risk because customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic and other conditions. In 2008, the Company has one significant customer for its Colombian crude oil, Ecoptrol S.A., a Colombian government agency. In Argentina, the Company has one significant customer, Refineria del Norte S.A.

4.   Property, Plant and Equipment 

   
As at June 30, 2008
 
As at December 31, 2007
 
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
     
Accumulated
 
Net Book
     
Accumulated
 
Net Book
 
   
 
Cost
 
DD&A
 
Value
 
Cost
 
DD&A
 
Value
 
Oil and natural gas properties
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
Proved
 
$
71,908
 
$
(21,792
)
$
50,116
 
$
57,832
 
$
(13,540
)
$
44,292
 
Unproved
   
21,655
   
-
   
21,655
   
18,910
   
-
   
18,910
 
     
93,563
   
(21,792
)
 
71,771
   
76,742
   
(13,540
)
 
63,202
 
Furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements
   
1,533
   
(615
)
 
918
   
815
   
(560
)
 
255
 
Computer equipment
   
993
   
(423
)
 
570
   
719
   
(299
)
 
420
 
Automobiles
   
150
   
(45
)
 
105
   
72
   
(31
)
 
41
 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
 
$
96,239
 
$
(22,875
)
$
73,364
 
$
78,348
 
$
(14,430
)
$
63,918
 

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company had capitalized in the Colombian full cost center $0.7 million (December 31, 2007 - $1.7 million) of general and administrative expenses including $0.2 million (December 31, 2007 - $0.1 million) of stock-based compensation expense. Also included is $0.3 million (December 31, 2007 - $0.2 million) of general and administrative expenses in the Argentina full cost center which includes $0.1 million (December 31, 2007 - $0.1 million) of stock-based compensation.

The unproven oil and natural gas properties at June 30, 2008 consist of exploration lands held in Colombia, Argentina and Peru. The Company had $13.9 million (December 31, 2007 - $15.1 million) in unproved assets in Colombia, $5.2 million (December 31, 2007 - $3.1 million) of unproved assets in Argentina and $2.6 million (December 31, 2007 - $0.7 million) of unproved assets in Peru. These properties are being held for their exploration potential and are not being depleted pending determination of the existence of proved reserves. Gran Tierra Energy will continue to assess and allocate the unproven properties over the next several years as proved reserves are established and as exploration dictates whether or not future areas will be developed.

10


5.   Share Capital 

The Company’s authorized share capital consists of 325,000,001 shares of capital stock, of which 300 million are designated as common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 25 million are designated as preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 1 share is designated as special voting stock, par value $0.001 per share. Outstanding share capital at June 30, 2008, consists of 99,582,314 common voting shares of the Company and 11,192,859 exchangeable shares of Goldstrike Exchange Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra Energy. Each exchangeable share is exchangeable only into one common voting share of the Company. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a stockholder vote and are entitled to share in all dividends that the board of directors, in its discretion, declares from legally available funds. The holders of common stock have no pre-emptive rights, no conversion rights, and there are no redemption provisions applicable to the common stock. Holders of exchangeable shares have the same rights as holders of common voting shares.

Warrants

As at June 30, 2008, the Company had two remaining issues of warrants outstanding: 9,362,734 warrants outstanding to purchase 4,681,367 common shares at an exercise price of $1.25 per share expiring between August 2010 and January 2011; and 27,475,000 warrants outstanding to purchase 13,737,500 common shares at an exercise price of $1.05 per share expiring June 2012. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, 15,409,031 common shares were issued upon the exercise of 30,997,339 warrants (six months ended June 30, 2007 – nil).

Registration Rights Payments

The shares and warrants have registration rights associated with their issuance pursuant to which the Company agreed to register for resale the shares and warrants. In the event that the registration statements were not declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by specified dates, the Company was required to pay liquidated damages to the purchasers of the shares and warrants.

In June 2006, the Company sold an aggregate of 50 million units of its securities at a price of $1.50 per unit in a private offering for gross proceeds of $75 million, pursuant to three separate Securities Purchase Agreements, dated June 20, 2006, and one Securities Purchase Agreement, dated June 30, 2006 (collectively, the “2006 Offering”). Each unit comprised one share of Gran Tierra Energy’s common stock and one warrant to purchase one-half of a share of Gran Tierra Energy’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.75 exercisable for a period of five years, resulting in the issuance of 50 million shares of Gran Tierra Energy’s common stock. In connection with the issuance of these securities, Gran Tierra Energy entered into four separate Registration Rights Agreements with the investors pursuant to which Gran Tierra Energy agreed to register for resale the shares and warrants (and shares issuable pursuant to the warrants) issued to the investors in the offering by November 17, 2006. The second registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on May 14, 2007 at which time the Company had accrued $8.6 million in liquidated damages. On June 27, 2007, under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreements, the Company obtained a sufficient number of consents from the signatories to the agreements waiving Gran Tierra Energy’s obligation to pay in cash the accrued liquidated damages. The Company agreed to amend the terms of the warrants issued in the 2006 Offering by reducing the exercise price of the warrants to $1.05 and extending the life of the warrants by one year, in lieu of a cash payment for liquidated damages. The $8.6 million of liquidated damages had been recorded as an expense in the consolidated statement of operations in the amounts of $7.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007, and $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2006 and had been reflected on the consolidated balance sheet as an increase to the warrant value included in shareholders’ equity and a settlement of the liability for liquidated damages.

Stock Options

As of June 30, 2008, the Company has a 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, formed through the approval by shareholders of the amendment and restatement of the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, under which the Company’s board of directors is authorized to issue options or other rights to acquire up to 9,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.

The Company had granted options to purchase common shares to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants. Each option permits the holder to purchase one common share at the stated exercise price. The options vest over three years and have a term of ten years, or the grantees end of service to the Company, whichever occurs first. At the time of grant, the exercise price equals the market price. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, 189,164 common shares were issued upon the exercise of 189,164 stock options (six months ended June 30, 2007 – nil). The following options are outstanding as of June 30, 2008:

11


 
 
Number of
 
Weighted Average
 
 
 
Outstanding
 
Exercise Price
 
 
 
Options
 
$/Option
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2007
   
5,724,168
 
$
1.52
 
Granted in 2008
   
300,000
   
4.92
 
Exercised in 2008
   
(189,164
)
 
(0.87
)
Forfeited in 2008
   
(205,003
)
 
(1.71
)
Outstanding, June 30, 2008
   
5,630,001
 
$
1.71
 

The weighted average grant date fair value for options granted in 2008 was $2.85.

The table below summarizes stock options outstanding at June 30, 2008:
 
 
 
Number of
 
Weighted Average
 
Weighted
 
 
 
Outstanding
 
Exercise Price
 
Average
 
Range of exercise prices ($/option)
 
Options
 
$/Option
 
Expiry Years
 
0.80
   
1,137,502
 
$
0.80
   
7.4
 
1.19 to 1.29
   
1,779,999
   
1.26
   
8.5
 
1.72
   
385,000
   
1.72
   
9.4
 
2.14
   
2,027,500
   
2.14
   
9.5
 
3.5 to 7.75
   
300,000
   
4.92
   
9.8
 
Total
   
5,630,001
 
$
1.71
   
8.74
 
 
The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at June 30, 2008 is $35.2 million based on the Company’s closing stock price of $7.97 for that date. At June 30, 2008, there was $2.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options which is expected to be recognized over the next three years.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the stock-based compensation expense was $1.1 million (six months ended June 30, 2007 - $0.4 million) of which $0.7 million (six months ended June 30, 2007 - $0.4 million) had been recorded in general and administrative expense and $0.1 million had been recorded in operating expense in the consolidated statement of operations (six months ended June 30, 2007 – nil). For the six months ended June 30, 2008, $0.3 million was capitalized as part of exploration and development costs (six months ended June 30, 2007 – nil).

The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on assumptions noted in the following table. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises, expected term and employee departure behavior used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatilities used in the fair value estimate are based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual term of the stock options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six  Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Dividend yield ($  per share)
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Volatility (%)
   
89
   
101
   
75 to 92
   
101 to 104
 
Risk-free interest rate (%)
   
2.1
   
4.6
   
2.1
   
4.6 to 4.8
 
Expected term (years)
   
3
   
3
   
3
   
3
 
Forfeiture percentage (% per year)
   
10
   
10
   
10
   
10
 

12


Weighted average shares outstanding
 
   
Three
Months  Ended
June 30,
 
Six
Months  Ended
June 30,
 
   
2008
 
2008
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    105,123,188     101,054,083  
Shares issuable pursuant to warrants
    15,210,626     14,628,945  
Shares issuable pursuant to stock options
    4,005,942     3,729,618  
Shares to be purchased from proceeds of stock options and warrants
    (360,682 )   (275,739 )
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding
    123,979,074     119,136,907  

Income (loss) per share

For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008, options to purchase 100,000 common shares were excluded from the diluted income per share calculation as the instruments were anti-dilutive. For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007, options to purchase 3,450,000 common shares and 68,864,978 warrants to purchase 34,432,489 common shares were excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation as the instruments were anti-dilutive.

6.   Asset Retirement Obligation

Changes in the carrying amounts of the asset retirement obligation associated with the Company’s oil and gas properties are as follows:

   
Six Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
June 30, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
799
 
$
595
 
Liability incurred
   
106
   
154
 
Foreign exchange
   
14
   
19
 
Accretion
   
19
   
31
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
938
 
$
799
 

7.   Income Taxes
 
The Company had accumulated losses of approximately $25.1 million as at June 30, 2008 that can be carried forward and applied against future taxable income. A valuation allowance of $6.5 million had been taken for the potential income tax benefit associated with the losses incurred by the Company, due to uncertainty of utilization of the tax losses.

The income tax (expenses) recoveries reported differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory rate to income (loss) before income taxes for the following reasons:

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
2008
 
2007
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
23,393
 
$
(13,196
)
 
   
29.5
%  
 
34
%
Income tax benefit expected
   
(6,901
)
 
4,487
 
Benefit of tax losses not recognized
   
(19
)
 
(2,627
)
Impact of tax rate changes on deferred tax balances
   
-
   
-
 
Impact of foreign taxes
   
(565
)
 
-
 
Enhanced tax depreciation incentive
   
1,240
   
-
 
Stock-based compensation
   
(159
)
 
(386
)
U.S. Partnership income pick-up
   
(12,894
)
 
-
 
Utilization of foreign tax credits
   
10,073
   
-
 
Non-deductible items
   
(77
)
 
-
 
Previously unrecognized tax assets
   
(889
)
 
-
 
Total income tax (expense) recovery
 
$
(10,191
)
$
1,474
 

13


Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:

(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
June 30, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
Deferred Tax Assets
 
   
 
     
 
Tax benefit of loss carry forwards
 
$
3,284
 
$
4,935
 
Book value in excess of tax basis
   
421
   
75
 
Foreign tax credits and other accruals
   
973
   
733
 
Capital losses
   
3,676
   
1,063
 
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance
   
8,354
   
6,806
 
Valuation allowance
   
(6,522
)  
 
(4,747
)
   
$
1,832
 
$
2,059
 
Deferred Tax Assets
             
Current
 
$
1,148
 
$
220
 
Long-term
   
684
   
1,839
 
   
$
1,832
 
$
2,059
 
               
Deferred Tax Liabilities
             
Book value in excess of tax basis
             
Current
 
$
(810
)
$
(1,108
)
Long-term
   
(8,510
)
 
(9,235
)
   
$
(9,320
)
$
(10,343
)
               
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
$
(7,488
)
$
(8,284
)

The Company calculated a deferred remittance tax in Colombia based on 7% of profits which are not reinvested in the business on the presumption that such profits would be transferred to the foreign owners up to December 31, 2006. As of January 1, 2007, the Colombian government rescinded this law; therefore, no further remittance tax liabilities will be accrued. The historical balance which was included on the Company’s financial statements as of June 30, 2008 is $1.3 million (December 31, 2007 – $1.3 million).

The Company had accrued no amounts as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, for the potential payment of interest and penalties. For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, the Company had not recognized any amounts in respect of potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions. The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various state jurisdictions and other Canadian and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is subject to income tax examinations for the calendar tax years ended 2005 through 2007 in all jurisdictions and also for the calendar tax year ending 2004 for the U.S. federal jurisdiction

As at June 30, 2008, the Company had deferred tax assets relating to net operating loss carry forwards of $14.6 million (December 31, 2007 - $15.8 million) and had capital losses of $10.5 million (December 31, 2007 - $3.0 million) before valuation allowances. Of these losses, $14.6 million (December 31, 2007 - $9.4 million) are losses generated by the foreign subsidiaries of the Company. Of the total losses, $10.5 million (December 31, 2007 - $4.0 million) will begin to expire by 2011 and $14.6 million of net operating losses (December 31, 2007 - $11.9 million) will begin to expire thereafter.

14


8.   Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

The balances in accrued liabilities and accounts payable are comprised of the following:

   
As at June 30, 2008
 
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Corporate
 
Colombia
 
Argentina
 
Total
 
Capital
 
$
1,003
 
$
11,516
 
$
1,518
 
$
14,037
 
Payroll
    252    
661
   
23
   
936
 
Audit, legal and consultants
    1,109    
-
   
56
   
1,165
 
General and administrative
    1,461    
277
   
195
   
1,933
 
Operating
    -    
8,190
   
871
   
9,061
 
Total
 
$
3,825
 
$
20,644
 
$
2,663
 
$
27,132
 

   
As at December 31, 2007
 
   
(restated - see Note 2)
 
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Corporate
 
Colombia
 
Argentina
 
Total
 
Capital
 
$
51
 
$
7,985
 
$
223
 
$
8,259
 
Payroll
    476    
513
   
212
   
1,201
 
Audit, legal and consultants
    1,385    
196
   
105
   
1,686
 
General and administrative
    319    
299
   
73
   
691
 
Operating
    -    
4,898
   
731
   
5,629
 
Total
 
$
2,231
 
$
13,891
 
$
1,344
 
$
17,466
 

9. Commitments and Contingencies  

Leases  

Gran Tierra Energy holds four categories of operating leases: office, compressor, vehicle and housing. Future lease payments at June 30, 2008 are as follows:

Year  (Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
Cost
 
2008, Remainder
 
$
440
 
2009
   
655
 
2010
   
576
 
2011
   
276
 
2012
   
281
 
2013
   
23
 
Total lease payments  
 
$
2,251
 

The Company had contracted with a third party to provide catering services for its field operations in Colombia. The contract ends January 14, 2009. The remaining contractual commitment is $0.1 million to be incurred evenly over the remaining duration of the contract.

The Company had contracted with a third party to provide a helicopter for field transportation for its Colombia field operations. The contract ends September 30, 2008. The minimum obligation under the contract is for 30 flight hours per month at a rate of $880 per hour. The remaining obligation is $0.1 million.

15


Guarantees  

Corporate indemnities have been provided by the Company to directors and officers for various items including, but not limited to, all costs to settle suits or actions due to their association with the Company and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, subject to certain restrictions. The Company had purchased directors’ and officers’ liability insurance to mitigate the cost of any potential future suits or actions. The maximum amount of any potential future payment cannot be reasonably estimated.

The Company may provide indemnifications in the normal course of business that are often standard contractual terms to counterparties in certain transactions such as purchase and sale agreements. The terms of these indemnifications will vary based upon the contract, the nature of which prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amounts that may be required to be paid. Management believes the resolution of these matters would not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s liquidity, consolidated financial position or results of operations.
  
Contingencies
 
Ecopetrol and Gran Tierra Colombia, the contracting parties of the Guayuyaco Association Contract, are engaged in a dispute regarding the interpretation of the procedure for allocation of oil produced and sold during the long term test of the Guayuyaco-1 and Guayuyaco-2 wells. There is a material difference in the interpretation of the procedure established in the Clause 3.5 of Attachment-B of the Guayuyaco Association Contract. Ecopetrol interprets the contract to provide that the extended test production up to a value equal to 30% of the direct exploration costs of the wells is for Ecopetrol’s account only and serves as reimbursement of its 30% back-in to the Guayuyaco discovery. Gran Tierra Colombia’s contention is that this amount is merely the recovery of 30% of the direct exploration costs of the wells and not exclusively for benefit of Ecopetrol. There has been no agreement between the parties, and Ecopetrol has filed a lawsuit in the Contravention Administrative Court in the District of Cauca regarding this matter. Gran Tierra Colombia filed a response on April 29, 2008 in which it refuted all of Ecopetrol’s claims and requested a change of venue to the courts in Bogota.  At this time no amount has been accrued in the financial statements as the Company does not consider it probable that a loss will be incurred. Ecopetrol is claiming damages of approximately $5.8 million, which possible loss is shared 50% with Gran Tierra Colombia’s partner Solana Petroleum Exploration (Colombia) S.A., with the remaining 50% the responsibility of Gran Tierra Colombia. To the Company’s knowledge, there are no other legal proceedings against Gran Tierra Energy.
 
10. Financial Instruments, Fair Value Measurements and Credit Risk  

The Company’s financial instruments recognized in the balance sheet consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and derivative financial instruments. The estimated fair values of the financial instruments have been determined based on the Company’s assessment of available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies; however, these estimates may not necessarily be indicative of the amounts that could be realized or settled in a market transaction. The fair values of financial instruments approximate their book amounts due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Most of the Company’s accounts receivable relate to oil and natural gas sales and are exposed to typical industry credit risks. The Company manages this credit risk by entering into sales contracts with only credit worthy entities and reviewing its exposure to individual entities on a regular basis. The book value of the accounts receivable reflects management’s assessment of the associated credit risks.

The Company recognizes the fair value of its derivative instruments as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet.  None of the Company's derivative instruments currently qualify as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges, and accordingly, changes in fair value of the derivative instruments are recognized as income or expense in the consolidated statement of operations and accumulated deficit with a corresponding adjustment to the fair value of derivative instruments recorded on the balance sheet. Under the terms of the Credit Facility with Standard Bank (Note 11), the Company was required to enter into a derivative instrument for the purpose of obtaining protection against fluctuations in the price of oil in respect of at least 50% of the June 30, 2006 Independent Reserve Evaluation Report projected aggregate net share of Colombian production after royalties for the three-year term of the Facility. In accordance with the terms of the Facility, the Company entered into a costless collar derivative instrument for crude oil based on West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) price, with a floor of $48.00 and a ceiling of $80.00, for a three-year period ending February 2010, for 400 barrels per day from March 2007 to December 2007, 300 barrels per day from January 2008 to December 2008, and 200 barrels per day from January 2009 to February 2010.

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Financial Derivative Loss
                    
Realized financial derivative loss
 
$
1,201
 
$
-
 
$
1,692
 
$
-
 
Unrealized financial derivative loss
    5,077    
20
   
5,770
   
677
 
Total financial derivative loss
 
$
6,278
 
$
20
 
$
7,462
 
$
677
 

16


Certain of Gran Tierra Energy’s assets and liabilities are reported at fair value in the accompanying balance sheets. The following tables provide fair value measurement information for such assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable (including taxes payable and accrued expenses) included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximated fair value at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007. These assets and liabilities are not presented in the following tables.

 
 
As at June 30, 2008
 
 
         
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
 
         
Quoted
 
Significant
     
 
         
Prices in
 
Other
 
Significant
 
 
         
Active
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
 
 
 
Carrying
 
Total Fair
 
Markets
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
 
 
Amount
 
Value
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Financial Assets (Liabilities)  
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
Crude oil collars
 
$
(8,419
)
$
(8,419
)
$
 
$
(8,419
)
$
 

 
 
As at December 31, 2007
 
 
         
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
 
         
Quoted
 
Significant
     
 
         
Prices in
 
Other
 
Significant
 
 
         
Active
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
 
 
 
Carrying
 
Total Fair
 
Markets
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
 
 
Amount
 
Value
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Financial Assets (Liabilities)  
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
Crude oil collars
 
$
(2,649
)
$
(2,649
)
$
 
$
(2,649
)
$
 
 
SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. As presented in the table above, this hierarchy consists of three broad levels. Level 1 inputs on the hierarchy consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and have the highest priority. Level 2 and 3 inputs have lower priorities. The Company uses appropriate valuation techniques based on the available inputs to measure the fair values of assets and liabilities. When available, Gran Tierra Energy measures fair value using Level 1 inputs because they generally provide the most reliable evidence of fair value.
 
The Company uses Level 2 method to measure the fair value of its crude oil collars. The fair values of the crude oil are estimated using internal discounted cash flow calculations based upon forward commodity price curves, quotes obtained from brokers for contracts with similar terms or quotes obtained from counterparties to the agreements. The Company does not have any other assets or liabilities whose fair value is measured using Level 1 or 3 methods.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the assets and liabilities in the table above.
 
Level 1 Fair Value Measurements
The Company does not have any assets or liabilities whose fair value is measured using this method.

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements   
Crude oil collars  — The fair values of the crude oil are estimated using internal discounted cash flow calculations based upon forward commodity price curves, quotes obtained from brokers for contracts with similar terms or quotes obtained from counterparties to the agreements.

17


Level 3 Fair Value Measurements 
The Company does not have any financial assets or financial liabilities whose fair value is measured using this method.

11. Credit Facility  

On February 28, 2007, the Company entered into a Credit Facility with Standard Bank Plc. The Facility has a three-year term which may be extended by agreement between the parties. The borrowing base is the present value of the Company’s petroleum reserves up to maximum of $50 million. The initial borrowing base is $7 million based on the mid-year 2006 Independent Reserves Evaluation report and the borrowing base will be re-determined semi-annually based on reserve evaluation reports. Based on Standard Bank Plc’s mid-year 2007 Independent Reserve Audit, the Company has received preliminary approval to increase its borrowing base to $20 million. The Facility includes a letter of credit sub-limit of up to $5 million. Amounts drawn down under the Facility bear interest at the Eurodollar rate plus 4%. A stand-by fee of 1% per annum is charged on the un-drawn amount of the borrowing base and is included in general and administrative expense. The Facility is secured primarily on the Company’s Colombian assets. The Company was required to enter into a derivative instrument for the purpose of obtaining protection against fluctuations in the price of oil in respect of at least 50% of the June 30, 2006 Independent Reserve Evaluation Report projected aggregate net share of Colombian production after royalties for the three-year term of the Facility. Under the terms of the Facility, the Company is required to maintain compliance with specified financial and operating covenants. As at June 30, 2008, the Company had not drawn-down on this facility.

12. Subsequent Event

On July 29, 2008, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement providing for the business combination of Gran Tierra Energy and Solana Resources Limited (“Solana”).  Under the terms of the Agreement, each Solana shareholder will receive either (i) 0.9527918 of a common share of Gran Tierra Energy or; (ii) 0.9527918 of a common share of a Canadian subsidiary of Gran Tierra Energy (an “Exchangeable Share”) for each common share of Solana held, which represents a premium of approximately 14.1 % to the 20 day weighted average trading price to July 28, 2008 of the Solana shares on the TSX Venture Exchange and Gran Tierra Energy’s July 28, 2008, closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange of CAD $5.73.  The shares of the Canadian subsidiary of Gran Tierra Energy: (i) will have the same voting rights, dividend entitlements and other attributes as Gran Tierra Energy common stock; (ii) will be exchangeable, at each shareholder’s option, on a one-for-one basis, into Gran Tierra Energy common stock; and (iii) subject to compliance with the listing requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, will be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Exchangeable Shares will automatically be exchanged for Gran Tierra Energy common stock five years from closing, and in certain other events.

The transaction will be completed pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Alberta).  Upon completion of the transaction, Solana will become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra Energy.  On a diluted basis, upon the closing of the plan of arrangement, Solana securityholders will own approximately 49% of the combined company and Gran Tierra Energy securityholders will own approximately 51% of the combined company.

The proposed transaction is subject to regulatory, stock exchange, court and shareholder approvals.  Gran Tierra Energy and Solana expect to hold shareholder meetings in October 2008.  A joint proxy statement and management information circular is expected to be mailed to shareholders of the companies in September 2008.  The parties have agreed to pay each other a termination fee of $21 million in certain circumstances and an expense reimbursement fee of $1.5 million in certain other circumstances.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information  

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including without limitation, statements in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations regarding our financial position, estimated quantities and net present values of reserves, business strategy, plans and objectives of our management for future operations, covenant compliance and those statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believe”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “projects”, “target”, “goal”, “plans”, “objective”, “should”, or similar expressions or variations on such expressions are forward-looking statements. We can give no assurances that the assumptions upon which the forward-looking statements are based will prove to be correct nor can we assure adequate funding will be available to execute our planned future capital program. Because forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those set out in Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.   Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligations or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

18


Overview

We are an independent international energy company involved in oil and natural gas exploration, development and production. We plan to continually increase our oil and natural gas reserves through a balanced strategy of exploration drilling, development and acquisitions in South America. Initial countries of interest are Argentina, Colombia and Peru.

We took our current form on November 10, 2005 when the former Gran Tierra Energy Inc., a privately-held Alberta corporation, which we refer to as Gran Tierra Canada, was acquired by an indirect subsidiary of Goldstrike Inc, a Nevada corporation. Goldstrike adopted the assets, management, business operations, business plan and name of Gran Tierra Canada. For accounting purposes, the predecessor company in the transaction was the former Gran Tierra Canada, and the financial information of the former Goldstrike was eliminated at consolidation. This transaction is accounted for as a reverse takeover of Goldstrike Inc. by Gran Tierra Canada.

Prior to September 1, 2005, we had no oil and gas interests or properties. In September 2005 and during 2006 we acquired oil and gas interests and properties in Argentina, Colombia and Peru. We funded acquisitions of our properties in Colombia and Argentina through a series of private placements of our securities that occurred between September 2005 and February 2006 and an additional private placement that occurred in June 2006.

Financial and Operational Highlights

   
Three Months Ended June 30 ,
 
%
 
 Six Months Ended June 30 ,
 
%
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
  2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
                            
Production - Barrels of Oil Equivalent per Day (“boe”)
   
3,399
   
1,021
   
233
   
3,121
   
1,140
   
174
 
                                       
Barrels of Oil Equivalent Prices Realized
 
$
106.80
 
$
38.85
   
175
 
$
94.69
 
$
38.24
   
148
 
                                       
Revenue and Interest (Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
$
33,144
 
$
3,750
   
784
 
$
53,963
 
$
8,267
   
553
 
                                       
Net Income (Loss) (Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
$
8,526
 
$
(5,072
)
 
-
 
$
13,202
 
$
(11,722
)
 
-
 
                                       
Net Income (Loss) Per Share, Basic
 
$
0.08
 
$
(0.05
)
 
-
 
$
0.13
 
$
(0.12
)
 
-
 
                                       
Capital Expenditures (Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
$
8,618
 
$
4,231
   
104
 
$
17,772
 
$
9,372
   
90
 

Financial Highlights for Three Months Ended June 30, 2008

·
Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2008 amounted to $8.5 million compared to a net loss of $5.1 million recorded for the same period last year. A 233% increase in production of crude oil and natural gas, net of royalties, coupled with a 175% improvement in the net realized price of crude oil contributed to the increase in net income. On a basic income per share basis, we recorded $0.08 for the current quarter compared to a net loss of $0.05 per share for the same quarter last year.
·
Increased production levels as well as improved crude oil prices resulted in a 784% increase in revenues and interest with the majority of the increase coming from our Colombian operations.
·
Capital expenditures for the current quarter amounted to $8.6 million, an increase of 104% compared to the same period last year. The increase resulted from higher activity levels in all business units.

19


Financial Highlights for Six Months Ended June 30, 2008

·
Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2008 amounted to $13.2 million ($0.13 income per share), a substantial turnaround from a loss of $11.7 million ($0.12 loss per share) recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2007. A 174% increase in oil and natural gas production as well as a 148% improvement in the realized prices of crude oil were the contributing factors.
·
Revenues for the first six months of 2008 reached $54.0 million, a 553% increase from the same period last year.
·
Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2008, were $17.8 million, a 90% increase from the same period last year. All business units recorded higher levels of capital expenditures due to increased activity.

Subsequent Event – Business Combination

On July 29, 2008, we announced that we had entered into a definitive agreement providing for the business combination of Gran Tierra Energy and Solana Resources Limited (“Solana”).  Under the terms of the Agreement, each Solana shareholder will receive either (i) 0.9527918 of a common share of Gran Tierra Energy or; (ii) 0.9527918 of a common share of a Canadian subsidiary of Gran Tierra Energy (an “Exchangeable Share”) for each common share of Solana held, which represents a premium of approximately 14.1 % to the 20 day weighted average trading price to July 28, 2008 of the Solana shares on the TSX Venture Exchange and Gran Tierra Energy’s July 28, 2008, closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange of CAD $5.73.  The shares of the Canadian subsidiary of Gran Tierra Energy: (i) will have the same voting rights, dividend entitlements and other attributes as Gran Tierra Energy common stock; (ii) will be exchangeable, at each shareholder’s option, on a one-for-one basis, into Gran Tierra Energy common stock; and (iii) subject to compliance with the listing requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, will be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Exchangeable Shares will automatically be exchanged for Gran Tierra Energy common stock five years from closing, and in certain other events.

The transaction will be completed pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Alberta).  Upon completion of the transaction, Solana will become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra Energy.  On a diluted basis, upon the closing of the plan of arrangement, Solana securityholders will own approximately 49% of the combined company and Gran Tierra Energy securityholders will own approximately 51% of the combined company.

The proposed transaction is subject to regulatory, stock exchange, court and shareholder approvals.  Gran Tierra Energy and Solana expect to hold shareholder meetings in October 2008.  A joint proxy statement and management information circular is expected to be mailed to shareholders of the companies in September 2008.  The parties have agreed to pay each other a termination fee of $21 million in certain circumstances and an expense reimbursement fee of $1.5 million in certain other circumstances.

New Reserves Report

As a result of the completion of an independent reserve audit by our reserve auditors relating to our development drilling program in the Costayaco field for the first half of 2008, we have increased our proved reserves in the Costayaco field to 6.67 million barrels of crude oil. This contrasts to our December 31, 2007 proved reserves of 3.27 million barrels of oil.

Restatement of Prior Year Financial Statements

Subsequent to the release of financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 we determined that $3.7 million of changes in our accounts payable and accrued liabilities, initially attributed to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities should have been attributed to oil and gas property expenditures and net cash used in investing activities (see notes 2 and 8 to our Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1). Accordingly, line items in the statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2007 have been restated.

Net changes in non-cash working capital related to accounts payable and accrued liabilities attributable to operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007 have been restated to a decrease of $1.4 million from an increase of $3.5 million, and net cash provided by (used in) operating activities had been restated to a use of $3.7 million from $1.3 million cash flow provided by operating activities. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the change in non-cash working capital related to capital additions had been restated to a decrease of $1.6 million from a decrease of $6.6 million, cash used for oil and gas property expenditures (including the change in non-cash working capital related to capital additions) had been restated to $11.0 million from $16.0 million and net cash used in investing activities had been restated to $10.6 million from $15.5 million.

The preceding restatement had no effect on the net increase or decrease in cash or cash equivalents for any period.

20


Consolidated   Results of Operations

   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
%
 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
%
 
Consolidated Results of Operations
 
2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
  2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
                          
Revenue
 
$
33,042
 
$
3,611
   
815
 
$
53,791
 
$
7,935
   
578
 
Interest
   
102
   
139
   
(27
)
 
172
   
332
   
(48
)
 
   
33,144
   
3,750
   
784
   
53,963
   
8,267
   
553
 
 
                                     
Operating Expenses
   
3,726
   
1,925
   
94
   
6,253
   
4,106
   
52
 
Depletion, Depreciation and Accretion
   
5,400
   
2,377
   
127
   
8,464
   
4,701
   
80
 
General and Administrative Expenses
   
4,641
   
2,680
   
73
   
8,774
   
4,619
   
90
 
Other Expenses
   
5,881
   
3,016
   
95
   
7,079
   
8,037
   
(12
)
 
   
19,648
   
9,998
   
97
   
30,570
   
21,463
   
42
 
 
                                     
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes
   
13,496
   
(6,248
)
 
-
   
23,393
   
(13,196
)
 
-
 
 
                                     
Income Tax (Expenses) Recoveries
   
(4,970
)
 
1,176
   
-
   
(10,191
)
 
1,474
   
-
 
 
                                     
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
8,526
 
$
(5,072
)
 
-
 
$
13,202
 
$
(11,722
)
 
-
 
                                       
Production, Net of Royalties
                                     
                                       
Oil and NGL ("bbl") (1)
   
309,369
   
92,905
   
233
   
568,091
   
206,363
   
175
 
Natural Gas ("mcf")
   
-
   
1,060
   
(100
)
 
-
   
22,660
   
(100
)
Total Production ("boe") (1) (2)
   
309,369
   
92,958
   
233
   
568,091
   
207,496
   
174
 
 
                                     
Average Prices
                                     
                                       
Oil and NGL (per “bbl")
 
$
106.80
 
$
39.00
   
174
 
$
94.69
 
$
38.28
   
147
 
Natural Gas (per “mcf")
   
-
 
$
2.09
   
-
   
-
 
$
2.09
   
-
 
 
                                     
Consolidated Results of Operations (per “boe")
                                     
                                       
Revenue
 
$
106.80
 
$
38.85
   
175
 
$
94.69
 
$
38.24
   
148
 
Interest
   
0.33
   
1.50
   
(78
)
 
0.30
   
1.60
   
(81
)
 
   
107.13
   
40.35
   
166
   
94.99
   
39.84
   
138
 
 
                                     
Operating Expenses
   
12.04
   
20.71
   
(42
)
 
11.01
   
19.79
   
(44
)
Depletion, Depreciation and Accretion
   
17.45
   
25.57
   
(32
)
 
14.90
   
22.66
   
(34
)
General and Administrative Expenses
   
15.00
   
28.83
   
(48
)
 
15.44
   
22.26
   
(31
)
Other Expenses
   
19.01
   
32.44
   
(41
)
 
12.46
   
38.74
   
(68
)
 
   
63.50
   
107.55
   
(41
)
 
53.81
   
103.45
   
(48
)
 
                                     
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes
   
43.63
   
(67.20
)
 
-
   
41.18
   
(63.61
)
 
-
 
 
                                     
Income Tax (Expenses) Recoveries
   
(16.06
)
 
12.65
   
-
   
(17.94
)
 
7.11
   
-
 
 
                                     
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
27.57
 
$
(54.55
)
 
-
 
$
23.24
 
$
(56.50
)
 
-
 

(1) Gas volumes are converted to boe at the rate of 20 thousand cubic feet ("mcf") of gas per barrel of oil based upon the approximate relative values of natural gas and oil. Natural gas liquid (“NGL”) volumes are converted to boe on a one-to-one basis with oil.
(2) Production represents production volumes adjusted for inventory changes.
 
21

 
Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008, was $33.0 million compared to $3.6 million recorded in the same period last year. Production of crude oil and NGL’s increased by 233% to 309,369 barrels, or 3,399 barrels per day. The increase in production coupled with a 174% increase in net realized crude oil prices to $106.80 per barrel resulted in the substantially higher revenue levels. A similar improvement in results was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2008 with revenue increasing 578% to $53.8 million, production of crude oil increasing 175% to 568,091 barrels, or 3,121 per day, and average net realized prices for crude oil showing an improvement of 147% to $94.69 per barrel.

The majority of the increase in production and the net realized prices came from the Colombian operations. The increase in production is due primarily to the inclusion of production from two new discovery wells in the Costayaco and Juanambu fields in Colombia which commenced production in the third quarter of 2007. Natural gas production in 2008 is used for operating power generation with any excess production sold in the market.

Operating expenses for the current quarter amounted to $3.7 million, a 94% increase from the same quarter last year. The operating expenses for the first half of 2008 increased to $6.3 million from $4.1 million in the same period last year. The expanded operations and high production levels from the new fields in Colombia resulted in higher operating expenses. However, on a per boe basis, for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, the operating expenses declined by 42% to $12.04 compared to $20.71 recorded in the same quarter last year. A similar decline was also recorded for the first half of this year versus last year ($11.01 per boe compared to 19.79 per boe, a 44% decline). The new fields in Colombia with high production wells and low operating costs along with delays in planned workovers in both Colombia and Argentina have resulted in lower per boe operating costs in the respective periods.

Depletion, depreciation and accretion (“DD&A”) for the current quarter as well as the first half of this year increased to $5.4 million and $8.5 million, respectively, compared to $2.4 million and $4.7 million in the same periods last year, respectively. Increased production as well as higher depletable cost base accounted for the increases. On a boe basis, the DD&A in the second quarter was $17.45 per boe and $14.90 per boe for the six months ended June 30, 2008. These represent over 30% reductions from the same prior year periods due to the significant increase in proved reserves in Colombia.

General and administrative expenses (“G&A”) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, increased by 73% and 90% compared to the same periods last year. The increases were due to corporate stewardship costs including Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, securities exchange listing fees, securities registration related costs and increased stock-based compensation resulting from increased option grants. On a boe basis, the G&A stayed fairly consistent throughout the first six months of 2008 at about $15 per boe. This represents a significant decline from the G&A per boe recorded in the second quarter of last year of $28.83 and $22.26 in the first six months of 2007, 48% and 31% declines, respectively.

Other expenses comprise mainly a loss from derivative financial instruments recorded in 2008 and liquidated damages incurred in 2007. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, derivative losses were $6.3 million and $7.5 million, respectively, compared to $20,000 and $0.7 million for the three and six month ended June 30, 2007, respectively. Liquidated damages recorded in the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 were $3.2 million and $7.4 million, respectively, and no liquidation damages were recorded in 2008. Derivative losses relate to the costless collar hedging contract for crude oil based on West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) price which we entered into in accordance with the terms of a credit facility. The liquidated damages relate to damages payable to our stockholders with respect to delays in certain share registration rights agreements becoming effective.

Income tax expense during the three months ended June 30, 2008 amounted to $5.0 million compared to a recovery of $1.2 million recorded in the same period last year. A tax expense of $10.2 million was recorded for the first half of 2008 compared to a recovery of $1.5 million recorded for the same period in 2007. The Colombian operations have generated net income before taxes of $22.6 million and $36.8 million for the three month and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, which resulted in local income tax expenses of $5.0 million and $10.4 million for the periods indicated. In Colombia, we have used Colombian income tax investment incentives, which permit additional tax deductions associated with capital investment in producing oil and natural gas properties, to decrease our current income tax otherwise payable.

Segmented Results of Operations

Our operations are carried out in Colombia and Argentina and we are headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Corporate Segment also includes the results of our start up activities in Peru. In 2008, Colombia has generated our net income and 93% of our revenues. The contribution from Colombia has been partially offset by derivative losses which are recorded as part of the Corporate Segment.

22


Segmented Results - Colombia

   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
%
 
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
%
 
Results of Operations
 
2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
  2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
                          
Revenue
 
$
30,793
 
$
1,965
   
1,467
 
$
50,158
 
$
4,153
   
1,108
 
Interest
   
79
   
43
   
84
   
141
   
137
   
3
 
 
   
30,872
   
2,008
   
1,437
   
50,299
   
4,290
   
1,072
 
 
                                     
Operating Expenses
   
2,262
   
922
   
145
   
3,872
   
1,283
   
202
 
Depletion, Depreciation and Accretion
   
4,813
   
1,720
   
180
   
7,280
   
3,544
   
105
 
General and Administrative Expenses
   
1,498
   
323
   
364
   
2,520
   
732
   
244
 
Other Expenses
   
(276
)
 
(131
)
 
111
   
(215
)
 
(13
)
 
1,554
 
 
   
8,297
   
2,834
   
193
   
13,457
   
5,546
   
143
 
 
                                     
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes
 
$
22,575
   
(826
)
 
(2,883
)
$
36,842
   
(1,256
)
 
(3,033
)
 
                                     
Production, Net of Royalties
                                     
                                       
Oil and NGL ("bbl") (1)(2)
   
258,633
   
45,348
   
470
   
474,000
   
94,556
   
401
 
 
                                     
Average Prices
                                     
                                       
Oil and NGL (per “bbl")
 
$
119.05
 
$
43.33
   
175
 
$
105.82
 
$
43.92
   
141
 
                                       
Segmented Results of Operations - Colombia (per “bbl”)
                                     
                                       
Revenue
 
$
119.05
 
$
43.33
   
175
 
$
105.82
 
$
43.92
   
141
 
Interest
   
0.31
   
0.95
   
(67
)
 
0.30
   
1.45
   
(79
)
 
   
119.36
   
44.28
   
170
   
106.12
   
45.37
   
134
 
 
                                     
Operating Expenses
   
8.75
   
20.33
   
(57
)
 
8.17
   
13.57
   
(40
)
Depletion, Depreciation and Accretion
   
18.61
   
37.93
   
(51
)
 
15.36
   
37.48
   
(59
)
General and Administrative Expenses
   
5.79
   
7.12
   
(19
)
 
5.32
   
7.74
   
(31
)
Other Expenses
   
(1.07
)
 
(2.89
)
 
(63
)
 
(0.45
)
 
(0.14
)
 
221
 
 
   
32.08
   
62.49
   
(49
)
 
28.40
   
58.65
   
(52
)
 
                                     
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes
 
$
87.28
 
$
(18.21
)
 
-
 
$
77.72
 
$
(13.28
)
 
-
 

 
(1)
NGL volumes are converted to boe on a one to one basis with oil.
 
(2)
Production represents production volumes adjusted for inventory changes.

23


Results of Operations - Colombia

For the three months ended June 30, 2008, income before income taxes from Colombia amounted to $22.6 million compared to a pre-tax loss of $0.8 million recorded in the same quarter last year. The results for the first six months of 2008 reflected a pre-tax income of $36.8 million compared to a pre-tax loss of $1.3 million recorded in the same period in 2007. In both comparative periods, the significant improvements in pre-tax income levels were due to increased production of crude oil and improved net realized prices partially offset by increased operating expenses, DD&A and G&A. On a per barrel basis, the pre-tax net income for the current quarter was $87.28 per barrel (six month pre-tax net income of $77.72 per barrel) versus a pre-tax loss of $18.21 recorded in the second quarter of 2007 (six month pre-tax loss of $13.28 per barrel).

Our Colombian operating results for 2008 are principally impacted by new oil production resulting from the success of our 2007 exploration program in Colombia, undertaken in the first half of 2007, where we made two field discoveries, Costayaco in the Chaza block and Juanambu in the Guayuyaco block. The exploration wells for these discoveries were brought into production in the third quarter of 2007 and have significantly increased our daily production.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2008, the production of crude oil and NGL’s increased by 470% to 2,842 barrels per day compared to 498 barrels per day produced in the second quarter of 2007. The production for the first six months amounted to 2,604 barrels per day compared to 522 barrels per day, an increase of 401% from the same period last year. These production levels are after government royalties ranging from 8% to 20% and third party royalties between 2% and 10%.

In Colombia, our revenue was also positively impacted by significantly improved net realized prices. The average net realized prices for crude oil, which are based on the global prices for WTI, increased by 175% to $119.05 per barrel in the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to an average price of $43.33 realized in the same quarter last year. For the first six months of this year, the average realized price improved by 141% to $105.82 per barrel from $43.92 for the same period last year. The combination of these factors resulted in our revenue levels from Colombia in the second quarter and the six months ended June 30, 2008 increasing by almost 16 times to $30.8 million and 12 times to $50.2 million, respectively, from the comparable prior year periods.

For the three months ended June 30, 2008, the operating expenses in Colombia were $2.3 million compared to $0.9 million in the same quarter last year. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, operating expenses increased to $3.9 million compared to $1.3 million last year. The increased operating expenses resulted from the additional operations undertaken for the new discovery wells that came on production in the third quarter of 2007 and the increased cost associated with trucking oil from Costayaco to our pipeline. On a per boe basis, the operating expenses for the second quarter of 2008 were $8.75 per barrel compared to $20.33 per barrel incurred in the second quarter of last year ($8.17 per barrel for the first six months of 2008 versus $13.57 per barrel in the same period last year). Operating costs include trucking costs of $2.12 per barrel in the second quarter of 2008 (first six months - $1.54 per barrel) for Costayaco production. This cost is expected to decrease once construction of pipeline and related facilities for Costayaco are completed in the third quarter of 2008.

For both the three month and six month periods this year, the DD&A increased by 180% to $4.8 million and 105% to $7.3 million, respectively, compared to the same periods last year. Increased production levels coupled with higher depletable cost bases, partially offset by higher reserve levels, accounted for the increase in period over period DD&A levels. Although our Colombian proved reserves increased significantly in 2007 and 2008, we also invested much of our 2007 and 2008 year-to-date capital spending on the Colombian development program. On a per boe basis, the DD&A in Colombia for the current quarter was $18.61 per barrel compared to $37.93 per barrel recorded in the same quarter last year. For the six month periods in 2008 and 2007 DD&A per barrel recorded was $15.36 versus $37.48. Both comparative periods represent reductions in DD&A per barrel which reflect the increased reserve base partially offset by a higher depletable cost base. The first six months of 2007 did not benefit from the impact of the third quarter 2007 significant reserve additions which resulted from our two new discoveries.

Colombia’s G&A for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased to $1.5 million from $0.3 million for the same period in 2007. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the G&A rose to $2.5 million from $0.7 million incurred in the first six months of 2007. The increases in both comparative periods reflect higher management and administration expenses incurred to manage the increased level of development and operating activities resulting from the successful 2007 exploration and 2008 development activities. However, on a per boe basis, the G&A expenses declined by 19% to $5.79 per barrel for the current quarter compared to $7.12 incurred in the same quarter last year and by 31% to $5.32 from $7.74 for the six month periods.

24


Capital Program - Colombia

For the three months ended June 30, 2008, the capital expenditures in Colombia were $5.0 million and for the current six month period, the expenditures were $13.2 million. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, the capital expenditures in Colombia were $4.4 million and were $8.2 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2007. The increase in the capital expenditure program reflects expenditures associated with the development of the oil discoveries made in the third quarter of 2007.

In Colombia, capital expenditures for the three months ended June 30, 2008 included $3.4 million ($9.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008) of drilling, completion and testing costs for Costayaco -2, Costayaco -3 and Costayaco -4 and drilling costs for Costayaco – 5. Both Costayaco – 2 and Costayaco - 3 have been successfully tested for oil production with long term testing planned in the third quarter of 2008. Costayaco -4 and Costayaco -5 will commence short term production testing in the third quarter with long term testing planned for the fourth quarter of 2008. We commenced construction of a pipeline and related facilities to deliver crude oil from Costayaco to our Uchupayaco station and incurred $1.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2008 ($1.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008). Other capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2008 include $0.5 million of facility costs in Juanambu, leasehold improvements of $0.7 million for new office space in Bogota, seismic in various areas of $0.3 million and capitalized G&A of $0.2 million. In the second quarter of 2008, the exploration well, Popa -2, in the Rio Magdelena Block was successfully drilled (at no cost to Gran Tierra Energy) and is currently being evaluated. Palmera -1, a previously abandoned well in the Azar Block, was re-entered and tested in the second quarter (at no cost to Gran Tierra Energy). This well is being evaluated for production potential in the third and fourth quarter of 2008 and we will participate in a portion of the evaluation expenses.

In Colombia for the first six months ended June 30, 2007, we drilled the Juanambu-1 and Costayaco-1 wells for a net cost of $5.9 million. We drilled the Caneyes-1 well, which was dry and abandoned, at a cost to us of $1.7 million. We incurred costs of $0.6 million on other projects in Colombia during the first six months of 2007 for other exploration properties.

Outlook for Colombia

For the remainder of 2008, we intend to focus on developing our 2007 oil discoveries to increase our production capacity and reserve base, through development drilling and expansion of production and transportation infrastructure. In addition, we intend to undertake additional oil exploration efforts to further define the potential of our acreage in Colombia. Development drilling and exploration drilling program planned for the remainder of 2008 includes:

 
-
Costayaco-2 and 3 long term testing in the third quarter of 2008;
 
-
Costayaco-4 and Costayaco -5 testing for oil production in the third quarter of 2008;
 
-
Costayaco – 6 and 7 to be drilled during the remainder of the year;
 
-
Palmera -1 to be evaluated for production in the third and fourth quarters of 2008;
 
-
Popa -2 to be tested for production in the third quarter of 2008;
 
-
Juanambu - 2 planned for drilling in the third and fourth quarters of 2008; and
 
-
One oil exploration well.
 
25

 
Segmented Results - Argentina
 
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
%
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
%
 
Results of Operations
 
 
2008
 
 
2007
 
 
Change
 
 
2008
 
 
2007
 
 
Change
 
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
                                     
Revenue
 
$
2,249
 
$
1,646
   
37
 
$
3,633
 
$
3,782
   
(4
)
Interest
   
5
   
32
   
(84
)
 
10
   
32
   
(69
)
 
   
2,254
   
1,678
   
34
   
3,643
   
3,814
   
(4
)
 
                                   
Operating Expenses
   
1,434
   
1,003
   
43
   
2,336
   
2,823
   
(17
)
Depletion, Depreciation and Accretion
   
556
   
630
   
(12
)
 
1,123
   
1,105
   
2
 
General and Administrative Expenses
   
386
   
386
   
-
   
955
   
708
   
35
 
Other Expenses
   
(156
)
 
(8
)
 
1,850
   
(132
)
 
54
   
-
 
 
   
2,220
   
2,011
   
10
   
4,282
   
4,690
   
(9
)
 
                                   
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes
 
$
34
 
$
(333
)
 
(110
)
$
(639
)
$
(876
)
 
(27
)
 
                                   
Production, Net of Royalties
                         
                                       
Oil and NGL ("bbl")
   
50,706
   
47,557
   
7
   
94,091
   
111,807
   
(16
)
Natural Gas ("mcf")
   
-
   
1,060
   
-
   
-
   
22,660
   
-
 
Total Production ("boe") (1) (2)
   
50,706
   
47,610
   
7
   
94,091
   
112,940
   
(17
)
 
                         
Average Prices
                                     
                                       
Oil and NGL (per “bbl")
 
$
44.35
 
$
34.88
   
27
 
$
38.62
 
$
33.51
   
15
 
Natural Gas (per “mcf")
   
-
 
$
2.09
   
-
   
-
 
$
2.09
   
-
 
 
                         
Consolidated Results of Operations (per “boe")
                                     
                                       
Revenue
 
$
44.35
 
$
34.58
   
28
 
$
38.62
 
$
33.49
   
15
 
Interest
   
0.10
   
0.67
   
(85
)
 
0.12
   
0.27
   
(56
)
 
   
44.45
   
35.25
   
26
   
38.74
   
33.76
   
15
 
 
                                   
Operating Expenses
   
28.28
   
21.07
   
34
   
24.83
   
25.00
   
(1
)
Depletion, Depreciation and Accretion
   
10.97
   
13.23
   
(17
)
 
11.94
   
9.78
   
22
 
General and Administrative Expenses
   
7.61
   
8.11
   
(6
)
 
10.16
   
6.27
   
62
 
Other Expenses
   
(3.08
)
 
(0.17
)
 
1,712
   
(1.39
)
 
0.49
   
-
 
 
   
43.78
   
42.24
   
4
   
45.54
   
41.54
   
10
 
 
                                   
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes
 
$
0.67
 
$
(6.99
)
 
-
 
$
(6.80
)
$
(7.78
)
 
-
 

(1) Gas volumes are converted to boe at the rate of 20 mcf of gas per barrel of oil based upon the approximate relative values of natural gas and oil. NGL volumes are converted to boe on a one-to-one basis with oil.
(2) Production represents production volumes adjusted for inventory changes.

Results of Operations - Argentina

For the three months ended June 30, 2008, income before income taxes from Argentina operations was $34,000 compared to a pre-tax loss of $0.3 million recorded in the same quarter last year. The operating results for the quarter were positively affected by a 7% increase in production of crude oil and NGL’s and a 27% increase in net realized prices. These factors were partially offset by a 10% increase in overall expenses. On a per boe basis, the pre-tax net income was $0.67 per boe compared to a pre-tax loss of $6.99 reported in the same quarter last year.

26


For the first six months of this year, the results reflected a pre-tax loss of $0.6 million compared to a pre-tax loss of $0.9 million recorded in the first six months of the prior year. A 16% decline in production of crude oil and NGL’s was essentially offset by a 15 % increase in net realized prices. The positive variance from last year resulted mainly from a 9% decline in overall expenses. On a per boe basis, the pre-tax loss was $6.80 per boe compared to a pre-tax loss of $7.78 reported in the same quarter last year.

For the three months ended June 30, 2008, in Argentina, crude oil and NGL’s production, after 12% royalties, increased by 7% to 557 barrel per day compared to 523 barrels per day in the same quarter last year. However, for the six months ended June 30, 2008, the daily production levels declined by 16% to 517 barrels per day compared to 618 barrel per day produced in the same period in 2007. The production levels in the first quarter of 2008 were negatively affected by poor road conditions which delayed deliveries to Refineria del Norte S.A. returning to normal levels in the second quarter of 2008. Natural gas production in 2008 is used for operating power generation with any excess production sold in the market.

The average price received for crude oil in Argentina is controlled and currently the price we receive is $38 per barrel. Currently all oil and gas producers in Argentina are operating without sales contracts.   A new withholding tax regime was introduced in Argentina without specific guidance as to its application. Producers and refiners of oil in Argentina have been unable to determine an agreed sales price for oil deliveries to refineries. We were receiving $33 per barrel, which is a price offered by Refiner S.A., the purchaser of our crude oil, based on their netback, for production from November 18, 2007, the effective date of the decree to March 31, 2008.  In April 2008, we completed negotiations with Refiner S.A to increase the price received for all deliveries from November 18, 2007 to March 31, 2008 to $38 per barrel. The additional $5 per barrel was recorded as revenue in the second quarter of 2008. Along with most other oil producers in Argentina, we are continuing deliveries to the refinery and are negotiating a price for deliveries commencing April 1, 2008.  The Provincial Governments have also been hurt by these changes as their effective royalty take has been reduced by the lower sales price. We are working with other oil and gas producers in the area, as well as Refiner S.A. and provincial governments, to lobby the federal government for change.

The average realized price for crude oil and NGL’s in Argentina was $44.35 per barrel in the second quarter of 2008 and $38.62 per barrel for the six months ended June 30, 2008 reflecting the additional $5 per barrel as discussed above. These 2008 realized prices compare to $34.88 and $33.51 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. The average realized prices are after deducting royalties at an average rate of 12% of production revenue, and after deducting turnover taxes. The slower growth in the average prices in Argentina versus the price growth for WTI was caused mainly by the application of a new Argentine withholding tax on oil exports implemented in the fourth quarter of 2007, as discussed above.

In Argentina, revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2008, after deducting royalties at an average rate of 12% of production revenue, and after deducting turnover taxes, increased 37% to $2.2 million for crude oil and natural gas as compared to $1.6 million for the same quarter of 2007, reflecting the impact of higher production and average prices offset partially by higher export taxes, as explained above. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, revenue levels declined by 4% compared to the first six months of prior year, due to a 17% decline in production partially offset by a 15% increase in average prices. The increase in average prices was hampered by the introduction of withholding taxes as explained above.

Operating expenses for the second quarter of 2008, increased to $1.4 million ($28.28 per boe) compared to $1.0 million ($21.07 per boe) incurred in the same quarter last year. The increase was mainly attributable to the commencement of first quarter 2008 rain delayed workovers and other second quarter 2008 scheduled workovers in the second quarter of 2008. However, for the current six month period, operating expenses declined to $2.3 million from $2.8 million incurred in the same period a year ago mainly due to workover expenses undertaken in 2007. The decrease in workover expenses in 2008 was caused by adverse weather conditions in the first quarter of 2008. For the comparative six month periods, operating expenses on a per boe basis stayed consistent at approximately $25 per boe.

DD&A for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $0.6 million, slightly below the amount recorded in the second quarter of 2007. On a per boe basis, the decline was greater at $10.97 per boe versus $13.23 per boe. The impact of higher production levels and lower proved reserves was more than offset by a decreasing proved depletable cost base. This decreasing proved depletable cost base is a result of reduced development expenditures in Argentina. For the first six months of 2008, the DD&A was essentially unchanged from last year at $1.1 million.

The G&A for the three months ended June 30, 2008 remained unchanged from the same quarter last year at $0.4 million but due to higher production levels, on a per boe basis, it declined to $7.61 per boe from $8.11 incurred in the same period in 2007. On a six month basis, the G&A increased by 35% to $1.0 million from $0.7 million in the same period of 2007 as a result of increased stock-based compensation expense for Argentine staff and increased consulting expenses associated with the operations. On a per boe basis, for the six month comparative periods, the G&A rate increased by 62% to $10.16 due to higher expense levels as well as the impact of lower production in the first quarter of 2008.

Capital Program - Argentina

Our capital expenditures in the second quarter of 2008 in Argentina were $2.1 million bringing the total expenditures in the region for the first six months of 2008 to $2.5 million. This represents a significant increase from the capital program of $0.6 million spent in the first six months of 2007. The expenditures incurred in Argentina during the current six month period comprised of $1.6 million of drilling expense for the exploration well, Proa -1, in the Surubi block. Other capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2008, were facilities upgrade costs of $0.3 in Palmar Largo area, exploration land lease costs and capitalized G&A including non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

27



In Argentina, capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were $0.6 million. We incurred costs of $0.6 million to complete the Puesto Climaco-2 sidetrack well in the Vinalar Block which was drilled in December 2006.

Outlook for Argentina

In 2008, we intend to undertake additional oil exploration efforts to further define the potential of our acreage in Argentina. This includes the completion and testing of the drilling of the Proa -1 exploration well and complete several well workovers on existing producing and shut-in fields.

Segmented Results – Corporate

 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
%
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
%
 
Results of Operations
 
2008
 
  2007
 
 Change
 
2008
 
  2007
 
 Change
 
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
                                     
Interest
 
$
18
 
$
64
   
(72
)
$
21
 
$
163
   
(87
)
 
                                   
Operating Expenses
   
30
   
-
       
45
   
-
     
Depletion, Depreciation and Accretion
   
31
   
27
   
15
   
61
   
52
   
17
 
General and Administrative Expenses
   
2,758
   
1,970
   
40
   
5,300
   
3,179
   
67
 
Liquidated Damages
   
-
   
3,235
   
(100
)
 
-
   
7,367
   
(100
)
Loss from Derivative Financial Instruments
   
6,278
   
20
   
31,290
   
7,462
   
677
   
1,002
 
Foreign Exchange Loss (Gain)
   
34
   
(99
)
 
(134
)
 
(37
)
 
(48
)
 
(23
)
 
   
9,131
   
5,153
   
77
   
12,831
   
11,227
   
14
 
 
                                   
Loss before Income Taxes
 
$
(9,113
)
$
(5,089
)
 
79
 
$
(12,810
)
$
(11,064
)
 
16
 

Results of Operations - Corporate

The Corporate Segment also includes the results of our start up operations in Peru.

The corporate G&A for the three months ended June 30, 2008, were $2.8 million reflecting a 40% increase from the same quarter a year ago. For the current six month period the increase was 67% to $5.3 million from the same six month period last year. The increase in G&A was due to corporate stewardship costs including Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, securities exchange listing fees in both Canada and the United States, securities registration related costs and increased stock-based compensation due to increased option grants.

Liquidated damages expensed in 2007 were $3.2 million in the second quarter and $7.4 million in the first six months of 2007 and related to liquidated damages payable to our stockholders as a result of the registration statement for 50 million units sold in the second quarter of 2006 not becoming effective within the period specified in the share registration rights agreements for those securities. This registration statement became effective on May 14, 2007 and no additional liquidated damages were incurred after that time.

In accordance with the terms of the credit facility with Standard Bank Plc, we entered into a costless collar hedging contract for crude oil based on WTI price, with a floor of $48.00 and a ceiling of $80.00, for a three-year period, for 400 barrels per day from March 2007 to December 2007, 300 barrels per day from January 2008 to December 2008, and 200 barrels per day from January 2009 to February 2010. For the three months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded a loss of $6.3 million on the valuation of these derivative financial instruments. For the comparative period last year the loss was not significant. The valuation loss for the first six months of 2008 was $7.5 million compared to $0.7 million reported in the same period last year.

28


Capital Program - Corporate

The capital expenditures for the Corporate Segment during the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $1.5 million bringing the total expenditures in 2008 year-to-date to $2.1 million. The 2008 capital expenditures for the Corporate Segment included continuation of an aero magnetic and gravity survey over our two exploration blocks in Peru. This program commenced in the fourth quarter of 2007 and was completed in the second quarter of 2008. Expenditures in the second quarter of 2008 were $1.4 million and $1.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008.

Outlook for Corporate

In Peru, we are currently applying to the Peruvian Government to have Environmental Impact Assessments (“EIAs”) to be carried out on each of the two exploration blocks. Upon successful completion of the EIA assessments, we intend to apply for permits to carry out seismic on each of the blocks.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased to $12.4 million compared to cash used in operating activities of $3.7 million for the same period in 2007. The increase was mainly due to the significant increase in oil sales offset by increased operating and G&A expenses as well as higher operating working capital requirements.

Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 amounted to $11.8 million compared to $10.6 million in the same period in 2007. A higher level of capital expenditures was partially offset by the increase in non-cash working capital related to the capital program. The capital expenditures of $17.8 million in the first six months of 2008 comprised $13.2 million in Colombia, $2.5 million in Argentina, $2.1 for corporate activities, non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $0.3 million and are offset by a change in non-cash working capital related to investing activities of $5.8 million. The comparative amounts for the same period last year were $8.2 million in Colombia, $0.6 million in Argentina and $0.5 million for corporate activities for a total expenditure of $9.4 million adjusted to include the change in non-cash working capital related to investing activities of $1.6 million.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $16.5 million ($nil for the six months ended June 30, 2007) as a result of the issuance of common shares upon exercise of warrants and stock options.

Overall during the six months ended June 30, 2008, we increased our cash balances by $17.1 million as compared to a decrease in the six months ended June 30, 2007 of $14.3 million. As of June 30, 2008, our cash balance was $35.3 million and our current assets (including cash and cash equivalents) less current liabilities was $31.7 million, compared to cash of $18.2 million and current assets less current liabilities of $8.1 million at December 31, 2007. During the six months ended June 30, 2007 we reduced our cash balances by $14.3 million.   We had cash outflows of $3.7 million from operating activities and $10.6 million outflows from investing activities including oil and gas property expenditures of $8.2 million relating primarily to our drilling and other oilfield activities primarily in Colombia.   

In addition to our cash balances and our positive working capital position, effective February 28, 2007, we entered into a credit facility with Standard Bank Plc. The facility has a three-year term which may be extended by agreement between the parties. The borrowing base is the present value of our petroleum reserves up to maximum of $50 million. The initial borrowing base is $7 million and the borrowing base will be re-determined semi-annually based on reserve evaluation reports. As a result of Standard Bank Plc’s review of our Mid-Year 2007 Independent Reserve Audit, we have received preliminary approval to increase our borrowing base to $20 million; however, we have not pursued this further as the additional credit is not required at this time. The facility includes a letter of credit sub-limit of up to $5 million. Amounts drawn down under the facility bear interest at the Eurodollar rate plus 4%. A stand-by fee of 1% per annum is charged on the un-drawn amount of the borrowing base. The facility is secured primarily by our Colombian assets. Under the terms of the facility, we are required to maintain compliance with specified financial and operating covenants. We were required to enter into a derivative instrument for the purpose of obtaining protection against fluctuations in the price of oil in respect of at least 50% of the June 30, 2006 Independent Reserve Evaluation Report projected aggregate net share of Colombian production after royalties for the three-year term of the Facility. As of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, no amounts have been drawn-down under the facility.

Based on projected production, prices, costs and our current liquidity position, we believe that our current operations and capital expenditure program can be maintained from cash flow from existing operations, cash on hand, and our credit facility, barring unforeseen events or a severe downturn in oil and gas prices. Should our operating cash flow decline, we would examine measures such as reducing our capital expenditure program, issuance of debt, or issuance of equity.

29


Future growth and acquisitions will depend on our ability to raise additional funds through equity and debt markets. Increases in the borrowing base under our credit facility are dependent on our success in increasing oil and gas reserves and on future oil prices. Additional funds will be provided to us if holders of our warrants to purchase common shares decide to exercise the warrants.
 
Our initiatives to raise debt or equity financing to fund capital expenditures or other acquisition and development opportunities may be affected by the market value of our common stock. If the price of our common stock declines, our ability to utilize our stock to raise capital may be negatively affected. Also, raising funds by issuing stock or other equity securities would further dilute our existing stockholders, and this dilution would be exacerbated by a decline in stock price. Any securities we issue may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to our existing equity securities. Borrowing money may also involve further pledging of some or all of our assets that are not currently pledged under our existing credit facility.

Contractual Obligations

Our future lease payments and other contractual obligations at June 30, 2008 were not substantially different than at December 31, 2007.

Critical Accounting Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On a regular basis we evaluate our assumptions, judgments and estimates. We also discuss our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
 
We believe that the assumptions, judgments and estimates involved in the accounting for oil and gas accounting and impairment, reserves determination, asset retirement obligation, share-based payment arrangements, goodwill impairment, warrants and income taxes have the greatest potential impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. These areas are key components of our results of operations and are based on complex rules which require us to make judgments and estimates, so we consider these to be our critical accounting estimates. Historically, our assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to our critical accounting estimates have not differed materially from actual results.
 
Our critical accounting estimates are disclosed in Item 7 of our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2008, and have not changed materially since the filing of that document.

ITEM 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

Our principal market risk relates to oil prices. We have not hedged these risks in the past, except as required by our credit facility, as described below. Essentially 100% of our revenues are from oil sales at prices which are defined by contract relative to WTI and adjusted for transportation and quality, for each month. In Argentina, a further discount factor which is related to a tax on oil exports establishes a common pricing mechanism for all oil produced in the country, regardless of its destination.

In accordance with the terms of the credit facility with Standard Bank Plc, which we entered into on February 28, 2007, we entered into a costless collar hedging contract for crude oil based on the WTI price, with a floor of $48.00 and a ceiling of $80.00, for a three-year period ending February 2010, for 400 barrels per day from March 2007 to December 2007, 300 barrels per day from January 2008 to December 2008, and 200 barrels per day from January 2009 to February 2010. At June 30, 2008, the value of this costless collar was a loss of $8.4 million. A hypothetical 10% increase in WTI price on June 30,2008 would cause the loss to increase by approximately $1.9 million for the quarter, and a hypothetical 10% decrease in WTI price on June 30, 2008 would cause the loss to decrease by approximately $1.8 million for the quarter. This compares to at December 31, 2007, when the value of this costless collar was a loss of $2.6 million, and a hypothetical 10% increase in WTI price on December 31, 2007 would cause the loss to increase by approximately $1.5 million, and a hypothetical 10% decrease in WTI price on December 31, 2007 would cause the loss to decrease by approximately $1.3 million.  

We consider our exposure to interest rate risk to be immaterial. Interest rate exposures relate entirely to our investment portfolio, as we do not have short-term or long-term debt. However, if we draw down amounts under our credit facility with Standard Bank Plc, we will incur interest rate risk with respect to the amounts drawn down and outstanding. Our investment objectives are focused on preservation of principal and liquidity. By policy, we manage our exposure to market risks by limiting investments to high quality bank issuers at overnight rates. We do not hold any of these investments for trading purposes. We do not hold equity investments.

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Foreign currency risk is a factor for our company but is ameliorated to a large degree by the nature of expenditures and revenues in the countries where we operate. We have not engaged in any formal hedging activity with regard to foreign currency risk. Our reporting currency is U.S. dollars and essentially 100% of our revenues are related to the U.S. price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil. In Colombia, we receive 75% of oil revenues in U.S. dollars and 25% in Colombian pesos at current exchange rates. The majority of our capital expenditures in Colombia are in U.S. dollars and the majority of local office costs are in local currency. As a result, the 75%/25% allocation between U.S. dollar and peso denominated revenues is approximately balanced between U.S. and peso expenditures, providing a natural currency hedge. In Argentina, reference prices for oil are in U.S. dollars and revenues are received in Argentine pesos according to current exchange rates. The majority of capital expenditures within Argentina have been in U.S. dollars with local office costs generally in pesos. While we operate in South America exclusively, the majority of our spending since our inauguration has been for acquisitions. The majority of these acquisition expenditures have been valued and paid in U.S. dollars.

ITEM 4. - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We have established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, as required by Rule l5d-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on their evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded that Gran Tierra Energy's disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2008 to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by Gran Tierra Energy in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer arrived at this assessment based on the determination that we had a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, as discussed below, which management has not been able to fully test to determine that it has been remediated.
 
Remediation of Material Weakness
 
We are taking steps to remediate the material weakness disclosed in Gran Tierra Energy's Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2008. The material weakness relates to a misclassification of cash flows from operating activities, with a corresponding offset to cash flows from investing activities, in the statement of cash flows. The control over the entry of data into a spreadsheet used in the preparation of the statement of cash flows and the monitoring thereof was not sufficiently precise to prevent the misclassification from occurring. Because this material weakness was not remediated prior to June 30, 2008, our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, concluded that this material weakness continued to exist at the end of the period covered by this report. The misclassifications had no effect on our previously reported net change in cash and cash equivalents and no impact on our previously reported consolidated balance sheets or consolidated statements of operations and accumulated deficit for the periods affected by the misclassification. Management intends to review and verify the data entered into a spreadsheet used to calculate the changes in accounts payable and accrued liability balances, used to determine cash flows from operating and investing activities. Management's intent is to test this control during the third and fourth quarters of 2008.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
In the second quarter of 2008, the Company made changes to the design and operating effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) related to the remediation of the material weakness disclosed in Gran Tierra Energy’s Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2008.

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These changes have materially affected or are likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. Management has implemented internal control design and operating effectiveness changes by: creating new worksheets requiring detailed reconciliations of all statement of cash flow line items and business segment changes in accounts payable and accrued liability balances used to determine cash flows from operating and investing activities; implementing review procedures to ensure proper segregation of duties through identification of roles and responsibilities; and, adding an additional qualified staff accountant to enhance segregation of duties in the preparation, review and approval of the Statement of Cash Flows.
 
ITEM 4T – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Not applicable.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    
 
Ecopetrol and Gran Tierra Colombia, the contracting parties of the Guayuyaco Association Contract, are engaged in a dispute regarding the interpretation of the procedure for allocation of oil produced and sold during the long term test of the Guayuyaco-1 and Guayuyaco-2 wells. There is a material difference in the interpretation of the procedure established in the Clause 3.5 of Attachment-B of the Guayuyaco Association Contract. Ecopetrol interprets the contract to provide that the extended test production up to a value equal to 30% of the direct exploration costs of the wells is for Ecopetrol’s account only and serves as reimbursement of its 30% back-in to the Guayuyaco discovery. Gran Tierra Colombia’s contention is that this amount is merely the recovery of 30% of the direct exploration costs of the wells and not exclusively for benefit of Ecopetrol. There has been no agreement between the parties, and Ecopetrol has filed a lawsuit in the Contravention Administrative Court in the District of Cauca regarding this matter. Gran Tierra Energy filed a response on April 29, 2008 in which we refuted all of Ecopetrol’s claims and requested a change of venue to the courts in Bogota. The administrative justices of Bogota have been commissiones to administer the gathering of evidence by the Administrative Tribune of Cauca.  At this time no amount has been accrued in the financial statements as we do not consider it probable that a loss will be incurred. Ecopetrol is claiming damages of approximately $5.8 million, which possible loss is shared 50% with our partner Solana Petroleum Exploration (Colombia) S.A., with the remaining 50% the responsibility of Gran Tierra Colombia.

This matter was reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2008.
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS  
 
There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The risks relating to our business and industry, as set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2008, are set forth below, and the risks that we have updated are designated by an asterisk (*).
 
Risks Related to Our Business  
 
* We are a Company With Limited Operating History for You to Evaluate Our Business.
 
As an oil and gas exploration and development company, which commenced operations in 2005, we have a limited operating history, and therefore it is difficult for potential investors to evaluate our business. Our operations are subject to all of the risks frequently encountered in the development of any new business, including control of expenses and other difficulties, complications and delays, as well as those risks that are specific to the oil and gas industry. Investors should evaluate us in light of the delays, expenses, problems and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies developing markets and operations in new countries. We may never overcome these obstacles. Our accumulated deficit as of June 30, 2008 is $3.3 million.
 
Our business is speculative and dependent upon the implementation of our business plan and our ability to enter into agreements with third parties for the rights to exploit potential oil and gas reserves on terms that will be commercially viable for us. If we are unable to do so, or unable to do so at the level we intend, then we may never attain profitability.

Unanticipated Problems in Our Operations May Harm Our Business and Our Viability.  
 
If our operations in South America are disrupted and/or the economic integrity of these projects is threatened for unexpected reasons, our business may experience a setback. These unexpected events may be due to technical difficulties, operational difficulties which impact the production, transport or sale of our products, geographic and weather conditions, business reasons or otherwise. Because we are at the early stages of our development, we are particularly vulnerable to these events. Prolonged problems may threaten the commercial viability of our operations. Moreover, the occurrence of significant unforeseen conditions or events in connection with our acquisition of operations in South America may cause us to question the thoroughness of our due diligence and planning process which occurred before the acquisitions, and may cause us to reevaluate our business model and the viability of our contemplated business. Such actions and analysis may cause us to delay development efforts and to miss out on opportunities to expand our operations.

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We May Be Unable to Obtain Development Rights We Need to Build Our Business, and Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations May Deteriorate.  
 
Our business plan focuses on international exploration and production opportunities, initially in South America and later in other parts of the world. Thus far, we have acquired interests for exploration and development in eight properties in Argentina, nine properties in Colombia and two properties in Peru. In the event that we do not succeed in negotiating additional property acquisitions, our future prospects will likely be substantially limited, and our financial condition and results of operations may deteriorate.

  Our Lack of Diversification Will Increase the Risk of an Investment in Our Common Stock.  
 
Our business will focus on the oil and gas industry in a limited number of properties, initially in Argentina, Colombia and Peru, with the intention of expanding elsewhere into other countries. Larger companies have the ability to manage their risk by diversification. However, we will lack diversification, in terms of both the nature and geographic scope of our business. As a result, factors affecting our industry or the regions in which we operate will likely impact us more acutely than if our business were more diversified.

Strategic Relationships Upon Which We May Rely are Subject to Change, Which May Diminish Our Ability to Conduct Our Operations.  
 
Our ability to successfully bid on and acquire additional properties, to discover reserves, to participate in drilling opportunities and to identify and enter into commercial arrangements will depend on developing and maintaining effective working relationships with industry participants and on our ability to select and evaluate suitable properties and to consummate transactions in a highly competitive environment. These realities are subject to change and may impair Gran Tierra Energy’s ability to grow.
 
To develop our business, we will endeavor to use the business relationships of our management and board of directors to enter into strategic relationships, which may take the form of joint ventures with other private parties or with local government bodies, or contractual arrangements with other oil and gas companies, including those that supply equipment and other resources that we will use in our business. We may not be able to establish these strategic relationships, or if established, we may not be able to maintain them. In addition, the dynamics of our relationships with strategic partners may require us to incur expenses or undertake activities we would not otherwise be inclined to in order to fulfill our obligations to these partners or maintain our relationships. If our strategic relationships are not established or maintained, our business prospects may be limited, which could diminish our ability to conduct our operations.

Competition in Obtaining Rights to Explore and Develop Oil and Gas Reserves and to Market Our Production May Impair Our Business.  

The oil and gas industry is highly competitive. Other oil and gas companies will compete with us by bidding for exploration and production licenses and other properties and services we will need to operate our business in the countries in which we expect to operate. This competition is increasingly intense as prices of oil and natural gas on the commodities markets have risen in recent years. Additionally, other companies engaged in our line of business may compete with us from time to time in obtaining capital from investors. Competitors include larger, foreign owned companies, which, in particular, may have access to greater resources than us, may be more successful in the recruitment and retention of qualified employees and may conduct their own refining and petroleum marketing operations, which may give them a competitive advantage. In addition, actual or potential competitors may be strengthened through the acquisition of additional assets and interests.
 
We May Be Unable to Obtain Additional Capital that We Will Require to Implement Our Business Plan, Which Could Restrict Our Ability to Grow.  
 
We expect that our cash balances and cash flow from operations and existing credit facility will be sufficient only to provide a limited amount of working capital, and the revenues generated from our properties in Argentina and Colombia will be sufficient only to fund our currently planned operations. We will require additional capital to continue to operate our business beyond our current planned activities and to expand our exploration and development programs to additional properties. We may be unable to obtain additional capital required. Furthermore, inability to obtain capital may damage our reputation and credibility with industry participants in the event we cannot close previously announced transactions.

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When we require such additional capital we plan to pursue sources of such capital through various financing transactions or arrangements, including joint venturing of projects, debt financing, equity financing or other means. We may not be successful in locating suitable financing transactions in the time period required or at all, and we may not obtain the capital we require by other means. If we do succeed in raising additional capital, future financings are likely to be dilutive to our stockholders, as we will most likely issue additional shares of common stock or other equity to investors in future financing transactions. In addition, debt and other mezzanine financing may involve a pledge of assets and may be senior to interests of equity holders. We may incur substantial costs in pursuing future capital financing, including investment banking fees, legal fees, accounting fees, securities law compliance fees, printing and distribution expenses and other costs. We may also be required to recognize non-cash expenses in connection with certain securities we may issue, such as convertibles and warrants, which will adversely impact our financial condition.

Our ability to obtain needed financing may be impaired by such factors as the capital markets (both generally and in the oil and gas industry in particular), our status as a new enterprise with a limited history, the location of our oil and natural gas properties in South America and prices of oil and natural gas on the commodities markets (which will impact the amount of asset-based financing available to us) and/or the loss of key management. Further, if oil and/or natural gas prices on the commodities markets decrease, then our revenues will likely decrease, and such decreased revenues may increase our requirements for capital. Some of the contractual arrangements governing our exploration activity may require us to commit to certain capital expenditures, and we may lose our contract rights if we do not have the required capital to fulfill these commitments. If the amount of capital we are able to raise from financing activities, together with our cash flow from operations, is not sufficient to satisfy our capital needs (even to the extent that we reduce our operations), we may be required to cease our operations.
  
If We Fail to Make the Cash Calls Required by Our Current Joint Ventures or Any Future Joint Ventures, We May be Required to Forfeit Our Interests in These Joint Ventures and Our Results of Operations and Our Liquidity Would be Negatively Affected.  
 
If we fail to make the cash calls required by our joint ventures, we may be required to forfeit our interests in these joint ventures, which could substantially affect the implementation of our business strategy. In the future we will be required to make periodic cash calls in connection with our operated and non-operated joint ventures, or we may be required to place funds in escrow to secure our obligations related to our joint venture activity. If we fail to make the cash calls required in connection with the joint ventures, whether because of our cash constraints or otherwise, we will be subject to certain penalties and eventually would be required to forfeit our interest in the joint venture.

*We have entered into a definitive agreement with Solana Resources Limited providing for the business combination of our company with Solana, which exposes us to financial and other risks.

On July 28, 2008, we entered into a definitive agreement providing for the business combination of our company with Solana Resources Limited.  Under the terms of the Agreement, at the closing of the transaction each Solana shareholder will receive shares of our common stock, or shares exchangeable for shares of our common stock, which would result in, on a diluted basis, Solana securityholders owning approximately 49% of the combined company and Gran Tierra Energy securityholders owning approximately 51% of the combined company. The proposed transaction is subject to regulatory, stock exchange, court and shareholder approvals.  If the transaction does not close because of a failure on our part to perform, we may be required to pay Solana a termination fee of $21 million in certain circumstances and an expense reimbursement fee of $1.5 million in certain other circumstances. In addition, if the transaction does not close then we will have incurred significant expenses in negotiating and attempting to close the transaction, which we may not be able to recoup.
 
If the proposed transaction does close we are subject to a number of risks, including:

·
we may find that we have difficulty integrating the operations or personnel of our company and Solana, or retaining the key personnel of the acquired company;
 
·
our ongoing business and management’s attention may be disrupted or diverted by transition or integration issues;
 
·
we may find that we are not able to realize the benefits from the combination of the two companies due to unanticipated reasons;
 
·
we may find that we are subject to liabilities of Solana of which we were not aware, despite our due diligence efforts; and
 
·
our market price may decline if a substantial number of shares are sold following the transaction by Solana stockholders.

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We May Not Be Able To Effectively Manage Our Growth, Which May Harm Our Profitability.  
 
Our strategy envisions expanding our business. If we fail to effectively manage our growth, our financial results could be adversely affected. Growth may place a strain on our management systems and resources. We must continue to refine and expand our business development capabilities, our systems and processes and our access to financing sources. As we grow, we must continue to hire, train, supervise and manage new employees. We may not be able to:

 
·
expand our systems effectively or efficiently or in a timely manner;

 
·
allocate our human resources optimally;

 
·
identify and hire qualified employees or retain valued employees; or

 
·
incorporate effectively the components of any business that we may acquire in our effort to achieve growth.
 
If we are unable to manage our growth and our operations our financial results could be adversely affected by inefficiency, which could diminish our profitability.

Our Business May Suffer If We Do Not Attract and Retain Talented Personnel.  
 
Our success will depend in large measure on the abilities, expertise, judgment, discretion, integrity and good faith of our management and other personnel in conducting the business of Gran Tierra Energy. We have a small management team consisting of Dana Coffield, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Martin Eden, our Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Max Wei, our Vice President, Operations, Rafael Orunesu, our President of Gran Tierra Argentina SA, and Edgar Dyes, our President of Gran Tierra Colombia Ltd. (“Gran Tierra Colombia”). The loss of any of these individuals or our inability to attract suitably qualified staff could materially adversely impact our business. We may also experience difficulties in certain jurisdictions in our efforts to obtain suitably qualified staff and retaining staff who are willing to work in that jurisdiction. We do not currently carry life insurance for our key employees.
 
Our success depends on the ability of our management and employees to interpret market and geological data successfully and to interpret and respond to economic, market and other business conditions in order to locate and adopt appropriate investment opportunities, monitor such investments and ultimately, if required, successfully divest such investments. Further, our key personnel may not continue their association or employment with Gran Tierra Energy and we may not be able to find replacement personnel with comparable skills. We have sought to and will continue to ensure that management and any key employees are appropriately compensated; however, their services cannot be guaranteed. If we are unable to attract and retain key personnel, our business may be adversely affected. 

Risks Related to our Prior Business May Adversely Affect our Business.  
 
Before the share exchange transaction between Goldstrike and Gran Tierra Canada, Goldstrike’s business involved mineral exploration, with a view towards development and production of mineral assets, including ownership of 32 mineral claim units in a property in British Columbia, Canada and the exploration of this property. We have determined not to pursue this line of business following the share exchange, but could still be subject to claims arising from the former Goldstrike business. These claims may arise from Goldstrike’s operating activities (such as employee and labor matters), financing and credit arrangements or other commercial transactions. While no claims are pending and we have no actual knowledge of any threatened claims, it is possible that third parties may seek to make claims against us based on Goldstrike’s former business operations. Even if such asserted claims were without merit and we were ultimately found to have no liability for such claims, the defense costs and the distraction of management’s attention may harm the growth and profitability of our business. While the relevant definitive agreements executed in connection with the share exchange provide indemnities to us for liabilities arising from the prior business activities of Goldstrike, these indemnities may not be sufficient to fully protect us from all costs and expenses.

Maintaining and improving our financial controls may strain our resources and divert management's attention, and if we are not able to report that we have effective internal controls our stock price may suffer.
 
We are subject to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, including the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The requirements of these rules and regulations have increased, and we expect will continue to increase, our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time consuming or costly and may also place undue strain on our personnel, systems and resources. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. This can be difficult to do. As a result of this and similar activities, management's attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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We Have a Material Weakness In Our Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, and This Material Weakness Creates a Reasonable Possibility That a Material Misstatement of Our Interim or Annual Financial Statements Will Not Be Prevented or Detected in a Timely Manner.
 
As a publicly-traded company, we must maintain disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Our management determined that we have a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, relating to the accounting for changes in our accounts payable and accrued liability balances in our statements of cash flow. As a result of this material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, material misstatements existed in our statements of cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and in our interim financial statements in 2007. To improve and to maintain the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, significant resources and management oversight may be required. As a result of this and similar activities, management's attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to remediate the material weakness, or in the future report one or more additional material weaknesses, there is a possibility that this could result in a restatement of our financial statements or impact our ability to accurately report financial information on a timely basis, which could adversely affect our stock price. Further, the presence of one or more material weaknesses could cause us to not be able to timely file our periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could also result in law suits or diversion of management's attention to our business.
 
We Must Maintain Effective Registration Statements For All of Our Private Placements of Our Common Stock, and the Restatement of Our Financial Statements Will Require Us to Amend These Registration Statements.
 
We are required to file Post Effective Amendments to our registration statements periodically in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreements for our 2005 and 2006 private placements of units. As a result of our restatement of our financial statements, we will be required to amend all three registration statements. Amending and keeping these registration statements effective is costly and diverts management’s attention from running our business. 

Risks Related to Our Industry
 
Our Exploration for Oil and Natural Gas Is Risky and May Not Be Commercially Successful, Impairing Our Ability to Generate Revenues from Our Operations.  
 
Oil and natural gas exploration involves a high degree of risk. These risks are more acute in the early stages of exploration. Our exploration expenditures may not result in new discoveries of oil or natural gas in commercially viable quantities. It is difficult to project the costs of implementing an exploratory drilling program due to the inherent uncertainties of drilling in unknown formations, the costs associated with encountering various drilling conditions, such as over pressured zones and tools lost in the hole, and changes in drilling plans and locations as a result of prior exploratory wells or additional seismic data and interpretations thereof. If exploration costs exceed our estimates, or if our exploration efforts do not produce results which meet our expectations, our exploration efforts may not be commercially successful, which could adversely impact our ability to generate revenues from our operations.
 
We May Not Be Able to Develop Oil and Gas Reserves on an Economically Viable Basis, and Our Reserves and Production May Decline as a Result.  
 
To the extent that we succeed in discovering oil and/or natural gas, reserves may not be capable of production levels we project or in sufficient quantities to be commercially viable. On a long-term basis, our company’s viability depends on our ability to find or acquire, develop and commercially produce additional oil and gas reserves. Without the addition of reserves through exploration, acquisition or development activities, our reserves and production will decline over time as reserves are produced. Our future reserves will depend not only on our ability to develop then-existing properties, but also on our ability to identify and acquire additional suitable producing properties or prospects, to find markets for the oil and natural gas we develop and to effectively distribute our production into our markets.
 
Future oil and gas exploration may involve unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells, but from wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and other costs. Completion of a well does not assure a profit on the investment or recovery of drilling, completion and operating costs. In addition, drilling hazards or environmental damage could greatly increase the cost of operations, and various field operating conditions may adversely affect the production from successful wells. These conditions include delays in obtaining governmental approvals or consents, shut-downs of connected wells resulting from extreme weather conditions, problems in storage and distribution and adverse geological and mechanical conditions. While we will endeavor to effectively manage these conditions, we may not be able to do so optimally, and we will not be able to eliminate them completely in any case. Therefore, these conditions could diminish our revenue and cash flow levels and result in the impairment of our oil and natural gas interests.

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Unless We are Able to Replace Reserves Which We Have Produced, Our Cash Flows and Production will Decrease Over Time.
 
Our future success depends on our ability to find, develop and acquire additional oil and gas reserves that are economically recoverable. Without successful exploration, development or acquisition activities, our reserves and production will decline. We may not be able to find, develop or acquire additional reserves at acceptable costs.

Estimates of Oil and Natural Gas Reserves that We Make May Be Inaccurate and Our Actual Revenues May Be Lower than Our Financial Projections.  
 
We will make estimates of oil and natural gas reserves, upon which we will base our financial projections. We will make these reserve estimates using various assumptions, including assumptions as to oil and natural gas prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. Some of these assumptions are inherently subjective, and the accuracy of our reserve estimates relies in part on the ability of our management team, engineers and other advisors to make accurate assumptions. Economic factors beyond our control, such as interest rates and exchange rates, will also impact the value of our reserves. The process of estimating oil and gas reserves is complex, and will require us to use significant decisions and assumptions in the evaluation of available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data for each property. As a result, our reserve estimates will be inherently imprecise. Actual future production, oil and natural gas prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and gas reserves may vary substantially from those we estimate. If actual production results vary substantially from our reserve estimates, this could materially reduce our revenues and result in the impairment of our oil and natural gas interests.

If Oil and Natural Gas Prices Decrease, We May be Required to Take Write-Downs of the Carrying Value of Our Oil and Natural Gas Properties.
 
We follow the full cost method of accounting for our oil and gas properties. A separate cost center is maintained for expenditures applicable to each country in which we conduct exploration and/or production activities. Under this method, the net book value of properties on a country-by-country basis, less related deferred income taxes, may not exceed a calculated “ceiling”. The ceiling is the estimated after tax future net revenues from proved oil and gas properties, discounted at 10% per year. In calculating discounted future net revenues, oil and natural gas prices in effect at the time of the calculation are held constant, except for changes which are fixed and determinable by existing contracts. The net book value is compared to the ceiling on a quarterly basis. The excess, if any, of the net book value above the ceiling is required to be written off as an expense. Under SEC full cost accounting rules, any write-off recorded may not be reversed even if higher oil and natural gas prices increase the ceiling applicable to future periods. Future price decreases could result in reductions in the carrying value of such assets and an equivalent charge to earnings.
 
Drilling New Wells Could Result in New Liabilities, Which Could Endanger Our Interests in Our Properties and Assets.  
 
There are risks associated with the drilling of oil and natural gas wells, including encountering unexpected formations or pressures, premature declines of reservoirs, blow-outs, craterings, sour gas releases, fires and spills. The occurrence of any of these events could significantly reduce our revenues or cause substantial losses, impairing our future operating results. We may become subject to liability for pollution, blow-outs or other hazards. We will obtain insurance with respect to these hazards, but such insurance has limitations on liability that may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of such liabilities. The payment of such liabilities could reduce the funds available to us or could, in an extreme case, result in a total loss of our properties and assets. Moreover, we may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates that are considered reasonable. Oil and natural gas production operations are also subject to all the risks typically associated with such operations, including premature decline of reservoirs and the invasion of water into producing formations.
 
Decommissioning Costs Are Unknown and May be Substantial; Unplanned Costs Could Divert Resources from Other Projects.  
 
We may become responsible for costs associated with abandoning and reclaiming wells, facilities and pipelines which we use for production of oil and gas reserves. Abandonment and reclamation of these facilities and the costs associated therewith is often referred to as “decommissioning.” We have determined that we do not require a significant reserve account for these potential costs in respect of any of our current properties or facilities at this time but if decommissioning is required before economic depletion of our properties or if our estimates of the costs of decommissioning exceed the value of the reserves remaining at any particular time to cover such decommissioning costs, we may have to draw on funds from other sources to satisfy such costs. The use of other funds to satisfy such decommissioning costs could impair our ability to focus capital investment in other areas of our business.

37


Our Inability to Obtain Necessary Facilities Could Hamper Our Operations.  
 
Oil and natural gas exploration and development activities are dependent on the availability of drilling and related equipment, transportation, power and technical support in the particular areas where these activities will be conducted, and our access to these facilities may be limited. To the extent that we conduct our activities in remote areas, needed facilities may not be proximate to our operations, which will increase our expenses. Demand for such limited equipment and other facilities or access restrictions may affect the availability of such equipment to us and may delay exploration and development activities. The quality and reliability of necessary facilities may also be unpredictable and we may be required to make efforts to standardize our facilities, which may entail unanticipated costs and delays. Shortages and/or the unavailability of necessary equipment or other facilities will impair our activities, either by delaying our activities, increasing our costs or otherwise.
 
We are not the Operator of All Our Current Joint Ventures and Therefore the Success of the Projects Held Under Joint Ventures is Substantially Dependent On Our Joint Venture Partners.  
 
As our company does not operate all the joint ventures we are currently involved in, we do not have a direct control over non-operated joint ventures. When we participate in decisions as a joint venture partner, we must rely on the operator’s disclosure for all decisions. Furthermore, the operator is responsible for the day to day operations of the joint venture including technical operations, safety, environmental compliance, relationships with governments and vendors. As we do not have full control over the activities of our non-operated joint ventures, our results of operations for those ventures are dependent upon the efforts of the operating partner.

We May Have Difficulty Distributing Our Production, Which Could Harm Our Financial Condition.  
 
To sell the oil and natural gas that we are able to produce, we have to make arrangements for storage and distribution to the market. We rely on local infrastructure and the availability of transportation for storage and shipment of our products, but infrastructure development and storage and transportation facilities may be insufficient for our needs at commercially acceptable terms in the localities in which we operate. This could be particularly problematic to the extent that our operations are conducted in remote areas that are difficult to access, such as areas that are distant from shipping and/or pipeline facilities. In certain areas, we may be required to rely on only one gathering system, trucking company or pipeline, and, if so, our ability to market our production would be subject to their reliability and operations. These factors may affect our ability to explore and develop properties and to store and transport our oil and gas production and may increase our expenses.
 
Furthermore, future instability in one or more of the countries in which we will operate, weather conditions or natural disasters, actions by companies doing business in those countries, labor disputes or actions taken by the international community may impair the distribution of oil and/or natural gas and in turn diminish our financial condition or ability to maintain our operations.

Our Oil Sales Will Depend on a Relatively Small Group of Customers, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Financial Results  
 
The entire Argentine domestic refining market is small and export opportunities are limited by available infrastructure. As a result, our oil sales in Argentina will depend on a relatively small group of customers, and currently, on just one customer in the area of our activity in the country. During 2007, we sold all of our production in Argentina to Refiner S.A. The lack of competition in this market could result in unfavorable sales terms which, in turn, could adversely affect our financial results . Currently all operators in Argentina are operating without sales contracts. We cannot provide any certainty as to when the situation will be resolved or what the final outcome will be.

Oil sales in Colombia are made to Ecopetrol, a government agency. While oil prices in Colombia are related to international market prices, lack of competition for sales of oil may diminish prices and depress our financial results.
 
Drilling Oil and Gas Wells and Production and Transportation Activity Could be Hindered by Hurricanes, Earthquakes and Other Weather-Related Operating Risks .  
 
We are subject to operating hazards normally associated with the exploration and production of oil and gas, including blowouts, explosions, oil spills, cratering, pollution, earthquakes, hurricanes, labor disruptions and fires. The occurrence of any such operating hazards could result in substantial losses to us due to injury or loss of life and damage to or destruction of oil and gas wells, formations, production facilities or other properties.

38


As the majority of current oil production in Argentina is trucked to a local refinery, sales of oil can be delayed by adverse weather and road conditions, particularly during the months November through February when the area is subject to periods of heavy rain and flooding. While storage facilities are designed to accommodate ordinary disruptions without curtailing production, delayed sales will delay revenues and may adversely impact our working capital position in Argentina. Furthermore, a prolonged disruption in oil deliveries could exceed storage capacities and shut-in production, which could have a negative impact on future production capability.
 
The majority of our oil in Colombia is delivered by a single pipeline to Ecopetrol and sales of oil could be disrupted by damage to this pipeline. Oil from our new discoveries at Costayaco-1 and Juanumbu-1 is trucked a short distance to the entry point of our pipeline, and adverse weather conditions and security issues can cause delays in trucking. Once delivered to Ecopetrol, all of our current oil production in Colombia is transported by an export pipeline which provides the only access to markets for our oil. Without other transportation alternatives, sales of oil could be disrupted by landslides or other natural events which impact this pipeline.

Prices and Markets for Oil and Natural Gas Are Unpredictable and Tend to Fluctuate Significantly, Which Could Reduce Profitability, Growth and the Value of Gran Tierra Energy.  
 
Oil and natural gas are commodities whose prices are determined based on world demand, supply and other factors, all of which are beyond our control. World prices for oil and natural gas have fluctuated widely in recent years. The average price for WTI in 2000 was $30 per barrel. In 2006, it was $66 per barrel and in 2007 it was $72 per barrel. We expect that prices will fluctuate in the future. Price fluctuations will have a significant impact upon our revenue, the return from our oil and gas reserves and on our financial condition generally. Price fluctuations for oil and natural gas commodities may also impact the investment market for companies engaged in the oil and gas industry. Although during 2007 market prices for oil and natural gas have remained at high levels, these prices may not remain at current levels. Furthermore, prices which we receive for our oil sales, while based on international oil prices, are established by contract with purchasers with prescribed deductions for transportation and quality differences. These differentials can change over time and have a detrimental impact on realized prices. Future decreases in the prices of oil and natural gas may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, the future results of our operations and quantities of reserves recoverable on an economic basis.

In addition, oil and natural gas prices in Argentina are effectively regulated and as a result are substantially lower than those received in North America. Oil prices in Colombia are related to international market prices, but adjustments that are defined by contract with Ecopetrol, a government agency and the purchaser of all oil that we produce in Colombia, may cause realized prices to be lower than those received in North America.

Our Foreign Operations Involve Substantial Costs and are Subject to Certain Risks Because the Oil and Gas Industries in the Countries in Which We Operate are Less Developed.  
 
The oil and gas industry in South America is not as efficient or developed as the oil and gas industry in North America. As a result, our exploration and development activities may take longer to complete and may be more expensive than similar operations in North America. The availability of technical expertise, specific equipment and supplies may be more limited than in North America. We expect that such factors will subject our international operations to economic and operating risks that may not be experienced in North American operations 
 
Negative Economic, Political and Regulatory Developments in Argentina, Including Export Controls May Negatively Affect our Operations.  
 
The Argentine economy has experienced volatility in recent decades. This volatility has included periods of low or negative growth and variable levels of inflation. Inflation was at its peak in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. In late-2001 there was a deep fiscal crisis in Argentina involving restrictions on banking transactions, imposition of exchange controls, suspension of payment of Argentina’s public debt and abrogation of the one-to one peg of the peso to the dollar. For the next year, Argentina experienced contractions in economic growth, increasing inflation and a volatile exchange rate. Currently, GDP is growing, inflation is normalized, and public finances are strengthened. However, there is no guarantee of economic stability. Any de-stabilization may seriously impact the economic viability of operations in the country or restrict the movement of cash into and out of the country, which would impair current activity and constrain growth in the country.

The crude oil and natural gas industry in Argentina is subject to extensive regulation including land tenure, exploration, development, production, refining, transportation, and marketing, imposed by legislation enacted by various levels of government and with respect to pricing and taxation of crude oil and natural gas by agreements among the federal and provincial governments, all of which are subject to change and could have a material impact on our business in Argentina. The Federal Government of Argentina has implemented controls for domestic fuel prices and has placed a tax on crude oil and natural gas exports.

39

 
Any future regulations that limit the amount of oil and gas that we could sell or any regulations that limit price increases in Argentina and elsewhere could severely limit the amount of our revenue and affect our results of operations.

Our agreements with Refiner S.A. expired on January 1, 2008, and renegotiation, though currently underway, has been delayed due to the introduction of a new withholding tax regime for crude oil and refined oil products exported and sold domestically in Argentina.  Currently all oil and gas producers in Argentina are operating without sales contracts.   The new withholding tax regime was introduced without specific guidance as to its application. Producers and refiners of oil in Argentina have been unable to determine an agreed sales price for oil deliveries to refineries. Also, the price for refiners’ gasoline production has been capped below the price that would be received for crude oil. Therefore, the refineries’ price offered to oil producers reflects their price received, less taxes and operating costs and their usual mark up.  In our case we are receiving $38 per barrel for production since November 18, 2007, the effective date of the decree.  Along with most other oil producers in Argentina, we are continuing deliveries to the refinery and will continue to receive $38 per barrel until the situation around the decree is rectified by the government.  The Provincial Governments have also been hurt by these changes as their effective royalty take has been reduced by the lower sales price. We are working with other oil and gas producers in the area, as well as Refiner S.A., and provincial governments, to lobby the federal government for change .There has been a delay in rectifying the situation in Argentina because of a change in government in December 2007, and the months of January and February are generally slow working months due to summer vacations.

The United States Government May Impose Economic or Trade Sanctions on Colombia That Could Result In A Significant Loss To Us.  
 
Colombia is among several nations whose progress in stemming the production and transit of illegal drugs is subject to annual certification by the President of the United States. Although Colombia has received a current certification, there can be no assurance that, in the future, Colombia will receive certification or a national interest waiver. The failure to receive certification or a national interest waiver may result in any of the following:

 
·
all bilateral aid, except anti-narcotics and humanitarian aid, would be suspended,
 
 
·
the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation would not approve financing for new projects in Colombia,
 
 
·
United States representatives at multilateral lending institutions would be required to vote against all loan requests from Colombia, although such votes would not constitute vetoes, and
 
 
·
the President of the United States and Congress would retain the right to apply future trade sanctions.
 
 Each of these consequences could result in adverse economic consequences in Colombia and could further heighten the political and economic risks associated with our operations there. Any changes in the holders of significant government offices could have adverse consequences on our relationship with the Colombian national oil company and the Colombian government’s ability to control guerrilla activities and could exacerbate the factors relating to our foreign operations. Any sanctions imposed on Colombia by the United States government could threaten our ability to obtain necessary financing to develop the Colombian properties or cause Colombia to retaliate against us, including by nationalizing our Colombian assets. Accordingly, the imposition of the foregoing economic and trade sanctions on Colombia would likely result in a substantial loss and a decrease in the price of our common stock. There can be no assurance that the United States will not impose sanctions on Colombia in the future, nor can we predict the effect in Colombia that these sanctions might cause.
 
* Guerrilla Activity in Colombia Could Disrupt or Delay Our Operations, and We Are Concerned About Safeguarding Our Operations and Personnel in Colombia.  
 
A 40-year armed conflict between government forces and anti-government insurgent groups and illegal paramilitary groups - both funded by the drug trade - continues in Colombia. Insurgents continue to attack civilians and violent guerilla activity continues in many parts of the country.
 
We, through our acquisition of Argosy Energy International, have interests in three regions of Colombia - in the Middle Magdalena, Llanos and Putumayo regions. The Putumayo region has been prone to guerilla activity in the past. In 1989, Argosy’s facilities in one field were attacked by guerillas and operations were briefly disrupted. Pipelines have also been targets, including the Trans-Andean export pipeline which transports oil from the Putumayo region.  In March and April of 2008, sections of one of the Ecopetrol pipelines were blown up by guerillas, which temporarily reduced our deliveries to Ecopetrol in the first quarter of 2008. Ecopetrol has been able to restore deliveries within one to two weeks of these attacks and currently there are no interruptions to our deliveries.

40


There can be no assurance that continuing attempts to reduce or prevent guerilla activity will be successful or that guerilla activity will not disrupt our operations in the future. There can also be no assurance that we can maintain the safety of our operations and personnel in Colombia or that this violence will not affect our operations in the future. Continued or heightened security concerns in Colombia could also result in a significant loss to us.

Increases in Our Operating Expenses will Impact Our Operating Results and Financial Condition.  
 
Exploration, development, production, marketing (including distribution costs) and regulatory compliance costs (including taxes) will substantially impact the net revenues we derive from the oil and gas that we produce. These costs are subject to fluctuations and variation in different locales in which we will operate, and we may not be able to predict or control these costs. If these costs exceed our expectations, this may adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, we may not be able to earn net revenue at our predicted levels, which may impact our ability to satisfy our obligations.
 
Penalties We May Incur Could Impair Our Business.  
 
Our exploration, development, production and marketing operations are regulated extensively under foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations. Under these laws and regulations, we could be held liable for personal injuries, property damage, site clean-up and restoration obligations or costs and other damages and liabilities. We may also be required to take corrective actions, such as installing additional safety or environmental equipment, which could require us to make significant capital expenditures. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may also result in the suspension or termination of our operations and subject us to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including the assessment of natural resource damages. We could be required to indemnify our employees in connection with any expenses or liabilities that they may incur individually in connection with regulatory action against them. As a result of these laws and regulations, our future business prospects could deteriorate and our profitability could be impaired by costs of compliance, remedy or indemnification of our employees, reducing our profitability.
 
Environmental Risks May Adversely Affect Our Business.  
 
All phases of the oil and natural gas business present environmental risks and hazards and are subject to environmental regulation pursuant to a variety of international conventions and federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations. Environmental legislation provides for, among other things, restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or emissions of various substances produced in association with oil and gas operations. The legislation also requires that wells and facility sites be operated, maintained, abandoned and reclaimed to the satisfaction of applicable regulatory authorities. Compliance with such legislation can require significant expenditures and a breach may result in the imposition of fines and penalties, some of which may be material. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner we expect may result in stricter standards and enforcement, larger fines and liability and potentially increased capital expenditures and operating costs. The discharge of oil, natural gas or other pollutants into the air, soil or water may give rise to liabilities to foreign governments and third parties and may require us to incur costs to remedy such discharge. The application of environmental laws to our business may cause us to curtail our production or increase the costs of our production, development or exploration activities.
 
Our Insurance May Be Inadequate to Cover Liabilities We May Incur.  
 
Our involvement in the exploration for and development of oil and natural gas properties may result in our becoming subject to liability for pollution, blow-outs, property damage, personal injury or other hazards. Although we will obtain insurance in accordance with industry standards to address such risks, such insurance has limitations on liability that may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of such liabilities. In addition, such risks may not, in all circumstances be insurable or, in certain circumstances, we may choose not to obtain insurance to protect against specific risks due to the high premiums associated with such insurance or for other reasons. The payment of such uninsured liabilities would reduce the funds available to us. If we suffer a significant event or occurrence that is not fully insured, or if the insurer of such event is not solvent, we could be required to divert funds from capital investment or other uses towards covering our liability for such events.

Our Business is Subject to Local Legal, Political and Economic Factors Which are Beyond Our Control, Which Could Impair Our Ability to Expand Our Operations or Operate Profitably.  
 
We expect to operate our business in Argentina, Colombia and Peru, and to expand our operations into other countries in the world. Exploration and production operations in foreign countries are subject to legal, political and economic uncertainties, including terrorism, military repression, interference with private contract rights (such as privatization), extreme fluctuations in currency exchange rates, high rates of inflation, exchange controls, changes in tax rates and other laws or policies affecting environmental issues (including land use and water use), workplace safety, foreign investment, foreign trade, investment or taxation, as well as restrictions imposed on the oil and natural gas industry, such as restrictions on production, price controls and export controls. Central and South America have a history of political and economic instability. This instability could result in new governments or the adoption of new policies, laws or regulations that might assume a substantially more hostile attitude toward foreign investment, including the imposition of additional taxes. In an extreme case, such a change could result in termination of contract rights and expropriation of foreign-owned assets. Any changes in oil and gas or investment regulations and policies or a shift in political attitudes in Argentina, Colombia, Peru or other countries in which we intend to operate are beyond our control and may significantly hamper our ability to expand our operations or operate our business at a profit.

41



For instance, changes in laws in the jurisdiction in which we operate or expand into with the effect of favoring local enterprises, changes in political views regarding the exploitation of natural resources and economic pressures may make it more difficult for us to negotiate agreements on favorable terms, obtain required licenses, comply with regulations or effectively adapt to adverse economic changes, such as increased taxes, higher costs, inflationary pressure and currency fluctuations.
 
Local Legal and Regulatory Systems in Which We Operate May Create Uncertainty Regarding Our Rights and Operating Activities, Which May Harm Our Ability to do Business.  
 
We are a company organized under the laws of the State of Nevada and are subject to United States laws and regulations. The jurisdictions in which we operate our exploration, development and production activities may have different or less developed legal systems than the United States, which may result in risks such as:

 
·
effective legal redress in the courts of such jurisdictions, whether in respect of a breach of law or regulation, or, in an ownership dispute, being more difficult to obtain;
 
 
·
a higher degree of discretion on the part of governmental authorities;
 
 
·
the lack of judicial or administrative guidance on interpreting applicable rules and regulations;
 
 
·
inconsistencies or conflicts between and within various laws, regulations, decrees, orders and resolutions; and
 
 
·
relative inexperience of the judiciary and courts in such matters.
 
In certain jurisdictions the commitment of local business people, government officials and agencies and the judicial system to abide by legal requirements and negotiated agreements may be more uncertain, creating particular concerns with respect to licenses and agreements for business. These licenses and agreements may be susceptible to revision or cancellation and legal redress may be uncertain or delayed. Property right transfers, joint ventures, licenses, license applications or other legal arrangements pursuant to which we operate may be adversely affected by the actions of government authorities and the effectiveness of and enforcement of our rights under such arrangements in these jurisdictions may be impaired.

We are Required to Obtain Licenses and Permits to Conduct Our Business and Failure to Obtain These Licenses Could Cause Significant Delays and Expenses That Could Materially Impact Our Business.  
 
We are subject to licensing and permitting requirements relating to drilling for oil and natural gas. We may not be able to obtain, sustain or renew such licenses. Regulations and policies relating to these licenses and permits may change or be implemented in a way that we do not currently anticipate. These licenses and permits are subject to numerous requirements, including compliance with the environmental regulations of the local governments. As we are not the operator of all the joint ventures we are currently involved in, we may rely on the operator to obtain all necessary permits and licenses. If we fail to comply with these requirements, we could be prevented from drilling for oil and natural gas, and we could be subject to civil or criminal liability or fines. Revocation or suspension of our environmental and operating permits could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Challenges to Our Properties May Impact Our Financial Condition.  
 
Title to oil and natural gas interests is often not capable of conclusive determination without incurring substantial expense. While we intend to make appropriate inquiries into the title of properties and other development rights we acquire, title defects may exist. In addition, we may be unable to obtain adequate insurance for title defects, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all. If title defects do exist, it is possible that we may lose all or a portion of our right, title and interest in and to the properties to which the title defects relate.

42

 
Furthermore, applicable governments may revoke or unfavorably alter the conditions of exploration and development authorizations that we procure, or third parties may challenge any exploration and development authorizations we procure. Such rights or additional rights we apply for may not be granted or renewed on terms satisfactory to us.
 
If our property rights are reduced, whether by governmental action or third party challenges, our ability to conduct our exploration, development and production may be impaired.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations May Affect Our Financial Results.  
 
We expect to sell our oil and natural gas production under agreements that will be denominated in United States dollars and foreign currencies. Many of the operational and other expenses we incur will be paid in the local currency of the country where we perform our operations. Our production is primarily invoiced in United States dollars, but payment is also made in Argentine and Colombian pesos, at the then-current exchange rate. As a result, we are exposed to translation risk when local currency financial statements are translated to United States dollars, our company’s functional currency. Since we began operating in Argentina (September 1, 2005), the rate of exchange between the Argentine peso and US dollar has varied between 2.89 pesos to one US dollar to 3.23 pesos to the US dollar, a fluctuation of approximately 11%. Exchange rates between the Colombian peso and US dollar have varied between 2,303 pesos to one US dollar to 2,014 pesos to one US dollar since September 1, 2005, a negative fluctuation of approximately 13%. As currency exchange rates fluctuate, translation of the statements of income of international businesses into United States dollars will affect comparability of revenues and expenses between periods.
 
Exchange Controls and New Taxes Could Materially Affect our Ability to Fund Our Operations and Realize Profits from Our Foreign Operations.  
 
Foreign operations may require funding if their cash requirements exceed operating cash flow. To the extent that funding is required, there may be exchange controls limiting such funding or adverse tax consequences associated with such funding. In addition, taxes and exchange controls may affect the dividends that we receive from foreign subsidiaries.

Exchange controls may prevent us from transferring funds abroad. For example, the Argentine government has imposed a number of monetary and currency exchange control measures that include restrictions on the free disposition of funds deposited with banks and tight restrictions on transferring funds abroad, with certain exceptions for transfers related to foreign trade and other authorized transactions approved by the Argentine Central Bank. The Central Bank may require prior authorization and may or may not grant such authorization for our Argentine subsidiaries to make dividend payments to us and there may be a tax imposed with respect to the expatriation of the proceeds from our foreign subsidiaries.
 
We Will Rely on Technology to Conduct Our Business and Our Technology Could Become Ineffective Or Obsolete.  
 
We rely on technology, including geographic and seismic analysis techniques and economic models, to develop our reserve estimates and to guide our exploration and development and production activities. We will be required to continually enhance and update our technology to maintain its efficacy and to avoid obsolescence. The costs of doing so may be substantial, and may be higher than the costs that we anticipate for technology maintenance and development. If we are unable to maintain the efficacy of our technology, our ability to manage our business and to compete may be impaired. Further, even if we are able to maintain technical effectiveness, our technology may not be the most efficient means of reaching our objectives, in which case we may incur higher operating costs than we would were our technology more efficient.
 
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
On 40 separate dates beginning on April 1, 2008 and ending on June 30, 2008, we sold an aggregate of 10,784,516 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $11,157,361. These shares were issued to 136 holders of warrants to purchase shares of our common stock upon exercise of the warrants. The shares were issued to these holders in reliance on Section 4(2) under the Securities Act, in that they were issued to the original purchasers of the warrants, who had represented to us in the private placement of the warrants that they were accredited investors as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES  
 
None.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF THE SECURITY HOLDERS  
 
At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. held on June 16, 2008, the following proposals were adopted:

43


Proposal I - To elect the following directors to serve for the ensuing year and until their successors are elected:

   
 
Voted For  
 
Withheld  
 
Broker Non-Votes  
 
Dana Coffield    
   
56,931,427
   
204,740
   
¾
 
Jeffrey Scott  
   
56,870,189
   
265,978
   
¾
 
Walter Dawson  
   
56,898,290
   
237,877
   
¾
 
Verne Johnson  
   
56,829,539
   
306,628
   
¾
 
Nicholas G. Kirton   
   
56,930,614
   
205,553
   
¾
 

Proposal II - To ratify amendments to our Bylaws, as required by the Toronto Stock Exchange, which amendments enable us to comply with the listing requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange.
 
Voted
For 
 
Voted Against 
 
 
Abstain
 
 
Broker Non-Votes
 
57,033,157
   
96,224
   
6,785
   
-
 

Proposal III - To ratify the selection by the Audit Committee of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008:
 
Voted
For
 
Voted Against 
 
 
Abstain
 
 
Broker Non-Votes
 
56,948,883
   
180,498
   
6,785
   
-
 
 
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION  
 
None.
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
See Index to Exhibits at the end of this Report, which is incorporated by reference here. The Exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed as part of this report.
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC.
 
 
Date: August 11, 2008
/s/ Dana Coffield 
 
By: Dana Coffield 
 
Its: Chief Executive Officer 

Date: August 11, 2008
/s/ Martin Eden
 
By: Martin Eden
 
Its: Chief Financial Officer

44


EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
 
 
 
 
No.
 
Description
 
Reference
2.1
 
Arrangement Agreement, dated July 28, 2008, among Gran Tierra Energy Inc., Solana Resources Limited, and Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 1, 2008 (File No.000-52594).
         
3.1
 
Articles of Incorporation.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form SB-2, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 31, 2003 (File No. 333-111656).
 
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
Certificate Amending Articles of Incorporation.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form SB-2, as amended, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 31, 2003 (File No. 333-111656).
 
 
 
 
 
3.3
 
Certificate Amending Articles of Incorporation.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2005 (File No. 333-111656).
 
 
 
 
 
3.4
 
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2006 (File No. 333-111656).
 
 
 
 
 
3.5
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, 2008 (File No.000-52594).
  
10.10
 
Form of Indemnity Agreement.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2008 (File No.000-52594).
 
 
 
 
 
 10.55
 
Colombian Participation Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2006, by and among Argosy Energy International, Gran Tierra Energy Inc., and Crosby Capital, LLC.
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
10.56
 
Amendment No. 1 to Colombian Participation Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2006, by and among Argosy Energy International, Gran Tierra Energy Inc., and Crosby Capital, LLC.  
 
Filed herewith.
         
10.57
 
Employment Agreement, dated June 17, 2008, between Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and Dana Coffield.
 
Filed herewith.
         
10.58
 
Employment Agreement, dated June 17, 2008, between Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and Martin Eden.
 
Filed herewith.
         
10.59
 
Employment Agreement, dated June 17, 2008, between Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and Edgar Dyes.
 
Filed herewith.
         
10.60
 
Employment Agreement, dated June 17, 2008, between Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and Max Wei.
 
Filed herewith.
         
10.61
 
Employment Agreement, dated June 17, 2008, between Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and Rafael Orunesu.
 
Filed herewith.

 31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
 31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
32
 
Section 1350 Certifications.
 
Filed herewith.

45

 

Exhibit 10.55
 
COLOMBIAN PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
 
BY AND AMONG
 
ARGOSY ENERGY INTERNATIONAL,
 
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC.
 
AND
 
CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
 
DATED
 
AS OF JUNE 22, 2006
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
1
1.1.
“AAA Rules”
1
1.1A.
“Acceptable Credit Rating”
1
1.2.
“Adjusted Net Revenue Interest”
2
1.3.
“Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures”
2
1.4.
“AFE”
2
1.5.
“Affiliate”
2
1.6.
“Allowed Adjustment Factors”
2
1.7.
“ANH”
2
1.8.
“Base Net Revenue Interest”
2
1.9.
“Base Overriding Royalty Interest”
3
1.10.
“Capital Expenditure Commitment”
3
1.11.
“Capital Expenditure Period”
3
1.12.
“Colombia”
3
1.13.
“Colombian Ad Valorem Taxes”
3
1.14.
“Colombian Association Contracts”
3
1.15.
“Colombian Governmental Authorities”
3
1.16.
“Colombian Source Taxes”
3
1.17.
“Confidential Information”
4
1.18.
“Conversion Precondition”
4
1.19.
“Conditional Overriding Royalty”
4
1.20.
“Crosby Arbitration Award”
4
1.21.
“Crosby Escrow Account”
4
1.22.
“Crosby Escrow Agreement”
4
1.23.
“Crosby Escrow Bank”
4
1.24.
“Crosby Final Determination”
4
1.25.
“Crosby Members”
4
1.26.
“Crosby Net Profits Interest”
4
1.27.
“Crosby Net Profits Interest Percentage”
4
1.28.
“Cure Period”
4
1.29.
“Demand”
4
1.30.
“Ecopetrol”
4
 
-i-

 
1.31.
“Effective Date”
5
1.32.
[INTENTIONALLY DELETED]
5
1.33.
“Historical Properties”
5
1.34.
“Hydrocarbons”
5
1.35.
“Initial Letter of Credit”
5
1.36.
“Initial Term”
5
1.37.
“Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating”
5
1.38.
“Issuer Bank”
5
1.39.
“Letter of Credit”
5
1.40.
“Letter of Credit Default”
5
1.41.
“Material Underpayment”
5
1.42.
“Net Revenue Interest”
5
1.43.
“New Commercial Field”
6
1.44.
“New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures”
6
1.45.
“New Letter of Credit”
6
1.46.
“Operating Expenses”
6
1.47.
“Operator Overhead Costs”
7
1.48.
“Panel”
7
1.49.
“Participation Agreement Dispute”
7
1.50.
“Participation Rights”
7
1.51.
“Payment Default”
7
1.52.
“Person”
7
1.53.
“POPA Prospect Area”
7
1.54.
“Pre-Existing Fields”
8
1.55.
“Prevailing party”
8
1.56.
“Release Covenants”
8
1.57.
“Sales Proceeds”
8
1.58.
“Subsequent Argosy Sale”
8
1.59.
“Subsequent Transfer”
8
1.60.
“U.S. GAAP”
8
1.61.
“Working Interest”
8
2. Payment Obligation for Base Overriding Royalty.
8
2.1.
Calculation of Base Overriding Royalty.
8
 
-ii-

 
2.2.
Post-Effective Date Transfers.
9
2.3.
Unitization.
9
3. Conversion Rights and Payment Obligation for Crosby Net Profits Interest.
9
3.1.
Right to Convert.
9
3.2.
Calculation of Recovery of Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures.
9
3.3.
Calculation of Crosby Net Profits Interest.
9
3.4.
Net Profits Amount and Adjustment.
10
3.5.
Conversion Notice.
10
3.6.
Post-Effective Date Transfers.
10
3.7.
Unitization.
10
3.8.
Pre-Existing Fields.
10
4. Payment Obligation for Conditional Overriding Royalty
10
4.1.
Conditional Overriding Royalty Obligations.
10
4.2.
Conditional Overriding Royalty Calculation.
10
4.3.
Post-Effective Date Transfers.
11
4.4.
Unitization.
11
4.5.
Pre-Existing Fields.
11
5. Capital Expenditure Commitment.
11
5.1.
5 Year Expenditure Requirement.
11
5.2.
Underinvestment payment.
12
6. Letter of Credit.
12
6.1.
Interim Terms Prior To Letter of Credit
12
6.2.
Initial Term for Letter of Credit
12
6.3.
Post-Initial Term
13
6.4.
Replacement Letters of Credit.
15
6.5.
Disbursement of Crosby Escrow Funds.
15
6.6.
Delivery of Old or Replaced Letters of Credit.
16
6.7.
Termination of Section 6.
16
7. Payments; Reports; Audit Rights.
16
7.1.
Payments and Reports Regarding Payments.
16
7.2.
Calculation of Payments During First Calendar Year.
18
7.3.
Additional Information Regarding Historical Properties.
19
7.4.
Books and Records.
20
 
-iii-

 
7.5.
Audit.
20
7.6.
Confidentiality.
21
8. Assignment, Sale or Transfer of Historical Properties by Argosy and/or Sale of Argosy.
21
8.1.
Subsequent Transfers of Historical Properties.
21
8.2.
Subsequent Sale of Argosy or its Successors.
21
8.3.
Assignment of this Agreement By Argosy or Gran Tierra.
21
8.4.
Prohibited Transfers and Assignments.
23
8.5.
Effect of Transfers and Assignments.
23
8.6.
Release of Gran Tierra, Argosy or Permitted Transferees.
23
9. Assignment by Crosby.
23
9.1.
Crosby Members.
23
9.2.
Assignment by Crosby to Non-Members.
24
10. Term; Termination.
24
10.1.
Base Term; Survival.
24
10.2.
Early Termination.
24
11. Dispute Resolution.
25
11.1.
Negotiation.
25
11.2.
Arbitration.
25
11.3.
Injunctive Relief.
26
11.4.
Place of Arbitration.
26
11.5.
Legal Fees and Expenses.
26
11.6.
Jurisdiction; Venue.
26
12. Representations and Warranties.
26
12.1.
Argosy and Gran Tierra.
26
12.2.
Crosby.
27
13. Miscellaneous.
28
13.1.
Notices.
28
13.2.
Inurement.
29
13.3.
No Other Representations or Warranties.
29
13.4.
Modification; Waiver.
29
13.5.
Entire Agreement.
29
13.6.
Headings.
29
13.7.
Interpretation.
29
 
-iv-

 
13.8.
Further Assurances.
29
13.9.
Governing Law.
30
13.10.
No Liability.
30
13.11.
Force Majeure.
30
13.12.
Survival.
30
13.13.
Counterparts.
30
13.14.
Severability.
30
13.15.
Payments in U.S. Dollars.
30
13.16.
Purchase Agreement.
30

-v-


Exhibits
 
Exhibit A – Terms of Letter of Credit Draws
 
Schedules
   
     
Schedule 1.8
 
Base Net Revenue Interests
Schedule 1.14
 
Colombian Association Contracts
Schedule 1.33
 
Historical Properties
Schedule 1.53
 
POPA Prospect Area Map
Schedule 1.54
 
Pre-Existing Fields
Schedule 9.1
 
Crosby Members
 
-vi-


COLOMBIAN PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
 
This Colombian Participation Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is effective as of the Effective Date (as defined below) by and among Argosy Energy International, a Utah limited partnership (“ Argosy ”), Gran Tierra Energy Inc., a Nevada corporation whose federal tax id number is 98-0479924 (“ Gran Tierra ”), and Crosby Capital, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“ Crosby ”). Argosy and Gran Tierra are referred to herein collectively as the “ Co-Obligors .” Argosy, Gran Tierra and Crosby are each individually referred to herein as a “ Party ,” and collectively as the “ Parties .”
 
RECITALS
 
A.
WHEREAS, Argosy is an oil and gas exploration and production firm with operations and an office in the Republic of Colombia, South America (“ Colombia ”).
B.
WHEREAS, Gran Tierra is an oil and gas exploration and production company based in Calgary, Canada with a highly experienced management team with extensive international experience.
C.
WHEREAS, Gran Tierra and Crosby have entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of May 25, 2006, as amended on June 20, 2006 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), pursuant to which Gran Tierra purchased from Crosby all of its partnership interests in Argosy and all of the capital stock the general partner of Argosy;
D.
WHEREAS, as part of the consideration for the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, Gran Tierra and Argosy agree to pay Crosby, after the Effective Date, certain amounts based on the future performance of Argosy’s exploration and production initiatives, future oil and gas prices and Argosy’s future investment in exploration initiatives, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
E.
WHEREAS, as part of the consideration contemplated by this Agreement, Gran Tierra will cause investment in and commit its experienced staff to Argosy’s exploration and production initiatives through which Argosy shall derive direct and indirect benefits.
F.
WHEREAS, in conjunction with the Purchase Agreement and other capital initiatives Gran Tierra is arranging for a credit facility to fund its operations, including the operations of Argosy.
G.
WHEREAS, this Agreement is executed as a post-closing requirement of the Purchase Agreement.
 
AGREEMENT
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and promises herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
 
1.   Definitions.
 
As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:
 
1.1.   “AAA Rules” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2 .
 
1.1A.   “Acceptable Credit Rating”   has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.1 .
 
-1-


1.2.   “Adjusted Net Revenue Interest” means the Base Net Revenue Interest adjusted for the Allowed Adjustment Factors.
 
1.3.   “Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures” means for any New Commercial Field, New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures for such New Commercial Field reduced by any portion of such expenditures paid or reimbursed by any Person other than the Co-Obligors and their Affiliates, including but not limited to any of the Colombian Governmental Authorities or other Working Interest participant in such New Commercial Field.
 
1.4.   “AFE” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3 .
 
1.5.   “Affiliate” means, with respect to the first Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such first Person. The term control means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power, whether or not exercised, (i) to vote 5% or more of the securities having voting power for the election of directors (or Persons performing similar functions) of such Person or (ii) to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms controlled and common control have correlative meanings. In addition, Persons with officers and/or directors in common with either of the Co-Obligors shall be deemed Affiliates of the Co-Obligors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Crosby or any of its members, or any of their Affiliates, be deemed to be an Affiliate of Gran Tierra or Argosy.
 
1.6.   “Allowed Adjustment Factors” means (a) any change (increase or decrease) in royalty obligations of Argosy under the Colombian Association Contracts pursuant to applicable Colombian laws, rules or regulations, (b) any change (increase or decrease) in Ecopetrol participation pursuant to the Colombian Association Contracts, and (c) any increase in Argosy’s Working Interest in any of the Historical Properties. As a non-exclusive example of how Argosy’s Working Interest in any of the Historical Properties could increase, Argosy’s Working Interest would increase due any of the following events: (a) if other Working Interest owners in the Historical Properties do not participate in a new discovery pursuant to a joint operating agreement; (b) any increase in Argosy’s Working Interest or rights as a matter of law relating to the Historical Properties, arising from any legal proceedings, actions or remedies; and (c) direct or indirect acquisition of another party’s interest or rights in the Historical Properties whether through an assignment, partnership or otherwise.
 
1.7.   “ANH” means the Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos of Columbia.
 
1.8.   “Base Net Revenue Interest” means Argosy’s Net Revenue Interest in the Historical Properties as of the Effective Date as set forth on Schedule 1.8 in the sixth column entitled Argosy Net Revenue Interest. The Base Net Revenue Interest for the Historical Properties is reflected as a percentage on Schedule 1.8 . Schedule 1.8 reflects the Base Net Revenue Interest by property, field and formation. The Base Net Revenue Interest percentages were calculated in the following manner: a percentage obtained as the product of multiplying (a) 100 by (b) one minus the share of production owed as a royalty to Colombian Governmental Authorities expressed in a percentage multiplied by (c) the Working Interest owned by Argosy expressed in a percentage.
 
-2-


1.9.   “Base Overriding Royalty Interest” has the meaning provided in Section 2.1 .
 
1.10.   “Capital Expenditure Commitment” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .
 
1.11.   “Capital Expenditure Period” means the period beginning on the Effective Date hereof and ending 12:01 AM of the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date.
 
1.12.   “Colombia” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
 
1.13.   “Colombian Ad Valorem Taxes” shall mean any taxes required by applicable Colombian governmental authorities to be paid by Argosy (and/or any operator of New Commercial Fields) to any taxing authority (national, provincial, municipal and/or any governmental entity within Colombia) based on the value of owned real property, improvements and/or fixed equipment situated on the Historical Properties. As of the Effective Date, such Colombia Ad Valorem Taxes include:
 

Type of Tax
 
Spanish Name
 
Colombian income tax treatment
Real Estate tax
 
Impuesto Predial
 
Applicable on real estate. Tax based on destination of the property and appraisal. 80% of the tax paid, deductible for income tax purposes.

1.14.   “Colombian Association Contracts” means (i) the agreements listed on Schedule 1.14 by and between Argosy and any Colombian Governmental Authorities, (ii) any and all renewals, amendments or modifications to any of the foregoing, and (iii) any other agreements by Argosy or its Affiliates or Gran Tierra or its Affiliates with any Person, including without limitation any Colombian Governmental Authority, related to or affecting the Historical Properties.
 
1.15.   “Colombian Governmental Authorities” means Ecopetrol, ANH, and the Colombian Ministry of Mines, or any successors to any of the foregoing as applicable.
 
1.16.   “Colombian Source Taxes” shall mean any taxes required by applicable Colombian law, rule or regulation to be withheld by a first purchaser of Hydrocarbons and deposited by such first purchaser on the account of Argosy (and/or any operator on the Historical Properties who is delivering Hydrocarbons on the behalf of Agrosy) with a national, provincial, municipal, and/or any other governmental entity in Colombia. As of the Effective Date, such Colombian Source Taxes include:
 
Type of Tax
 
Rate
 
Spanish Name
 
Colombian income
tax treatment
 
Income Tax Withholding Tax
   
3.5
%
 
retencion en la fuente
   
Set off against final income tax
 
Remittance Tax
   
1
%
 
impuesto de remesas
   
Set off against final
 
Withholding*
               
income tax/remittance tax liability for year
 
Stamp Tax
   
1.5
%
 
impuesto de timbre
   
Not deductible. No tax setoff
 

*applicable to sales payable U.S. dollars and not applicable to sales with pesos payments
 
-3-


Colombian Source Taxes shall not include, among others: (a) any enterprise taxes including, but not limited to (i) actual amounts of income taxes, (ii) actual amounts of remittance taxes, (iii) any equity taxes (Spanish name: impuesto al patrimonio), and (iv) franchise taxes; (b) Colombian Ad Valorem Taxes; (c) any royalties payable under applicable Colombian law, rule or regulation; (d) any value added tax; and (e) any other taxes or charges similar to those described in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this Section 1.16 .
 
1.17.   “Confidential Information” has the meaning provided in Section 7.6 .
 
1.18.   “Conversion Precondition” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 .
 
1.19.   “Conditional Overriding Royalty” has the meaning set forth in Section 4 .
 
1.20.   “Crosby Arbitration Award” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit A .
 
1.21.   “Crosby Escrow Account” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5.1 .
 
1.22.   “Crosby Escrow Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 63.1 .
 
1.23.   “Crosby Escrow Bank” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5.1 .
 
1.24.   “Crosby Final Determination” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit A .
 
1.25.   “Crosby Members” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1 .
 
1.26.   “Crosby Net Profits Interest” has the meaning set forth in Section 3 .
 
1.27.   “Crosby Net Profits Interest Percentage” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4
 
1.28.   “Cure Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 11 .
 
1.29.   “Demand” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2 .
 
1.30.   “Ecopetrol” means Ecopetrol, S.A., formerly known as Empresa Colombian de Petroleos.
 
-4-


1.31.   “Effective Date” means 12:01 a.m. Bogota, Colombia time on the first day following closing of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement. All further time references shall be to Bogota, Colombia time.
 
1.32.   [ INTENTIONALLY DELETED]
 
1.33.   “Historical Properties” means the properties described on Schedule 1.33 attached hereto, and any interests in the Colombian Association Contracts.
 
1.34.   “Hydrocarbons” means any of the following minerals or substances that are produced from the Historical Properties:
 
1.34.1   crude oil;
 
1.34.2   natural gas;
 
1.34.3   casinghead gas;
 
1.34.4   condensate;
 
1.34.5   other hydrocarbons and minerals as may be produced incidental to and as a part of or mixed with such crude oil or natural gas; or
 
1.34.6   any other minerals or substances which the Colombian Association Contracts allow to be extracted and sold.
 
1.35.   “Initial Letter of Credit” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.1 .
 
1.36.   “Initial Term” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.1 .
 
1.37.   “Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.1 .
 
1.38.   “Issuer Bank” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit A .
 
1.39.   “Letter of Credit” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit A .
 
1.40.   “Letter of Credit Default” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit A .
 
1.41.   “Material Underpayment”   means the greater of 5% of the amount due to Crosby pursuant to Section 7.1 or $10,000.
 
1.42.   “Net Revenue Interest” means an interest expressed by a decimal number reflecting a revenue stream, net of all other interests burdening such revenue stream.
 
-5-


1.43.   “New Commercial Field” means any new discovery of Hydrocarbons on the Historical Properties in the 10 years after the Effective Date. A new discovery may consist of one producing reservoir or a group of producing reservoirs which is worthy of being developed commercially. Argosy or any successor operator shall use reasonably prudent standards to determine whether such discovery is worthy of being developed commercially, taking into consideration the recoverable reserves, production, pipeline and terminal facilities required, estimated Hydrocarbon prices, and all other relevant technical and economic factors. A New Commercial Field shall include but not be limited to any of the following: (i) the drilling vertically or horizontally of a new well bore outside a Pre-Existing Field, (ii) the drilling vertically or horizontally of a new well bore within a Pre-Existing Field into a formation not referenced on Schedule 1.54 , or (iii) extending an existing well bore producing Hydrocarbons or recompleting an existing well bore into a formation not referenced on Schedule 1.54 . The POPA field on the Historical Properties related to the Rio Magdalena Colombian Association Contract shall be deemed a New Commercial Field regardless of the timing of testing or completion of the POPA #1 well.
 
1.44.   “New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures” means the direct tangible or intangible capital expenditures associated with the discovery of New Commercial Fields. Such capital expenditures shall include only capital expenditures for the following:
 
1.44.1   successful drilling expenditures;
 
1.44.2   any dry hole exploration expenditures affiliated with a successful New Commercial Field;
 
1.44.3   allocable gathering lines expenditure; or
 
1.44.4   allocable capital expenditures related to compressing, dehydrating, treating, separating, marketing and transporting Hydrocarbons.
 
Such capital expenditures shall not include (i) any expenditures for geological, geophysical or other related survey expenditures, (ii) any Operator Overhead Costs or (iii) any expenditures related to facilities for storage of Hydrocarbons from New Commercial Fields.
 
1.45.   “New Letter of Credit” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.4 .
 
1.46.   “Operating Expenses” means the costs and expenses incurred in the operation and maintenance of the wells for the production of Hydrocarbons on the New Commercial Fields listed in this Section 1.46 . Such items of cost shall be limited to the following exclusively:
 
1.46.1   all costs of complying with legal requirements, meaning any law, statute, ordinance, decree, requirement, order, judgment, rule or regulation of, including the terms of any license, permit or concession issued by, any Colombian Governmental Authority;
 
1.46.2   all costs of lifting and producing Hydrocarbons from the wells on the New Commercial Fields, including all costs of (A) labor, (B) fuel, (C) repairs, (D) hauling, (E) materials, (F) supplies, (G) utility charges, (H) workover and other remedial well servicing operations and (1) other costs incident to any of the foregoing (provided, however, such amounts shall be limited to amounts payable under contracts for the providing of such services or goods negotiated in good faith between non-affiliated parties);
 
-6-


1.46.3   non-capital expenditure costs incurred in compressing, gathering, treating, separating, transporting and marketing the Hydrocarbons produced from the wells on the New Commercial Fields;
 
1.46.4   Colombian Ad Valorem Taxes; and
 
1.46.5   Operator Overhead Costs, limited to the lesser of (i) actual applicable Operator Overhead Costs as allocated consistently across all Argosy oil and gas activities, (ii) $2.50 per net barrel, or (iii) if there is an operating agreement applicable to a Historical Property, the applicable overhead charge pursuant to such operating agreement.
 
provided , however , that notwithstanding the foregoing, Operating Expenses shall not include any of the following: (a) expenditures which are capitalized under U.S. GAAP, (a) depreciation, (c) depletion, (d) amortization, (e) abandonment expenditures or accruals, (f) royalties, overriding royalties or other like payments out of production produced or producible from the wells on the New Commercial Fields, (g) New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures, (h) any tax other than Colombian Ad Valorem Taxes, and (i) charges similar to those listed in the foregoing (a) through (h) associated with the Historical Properties or the production and sale of Hydrocarbons therefrom.
 
1.47.   “Operator Overhead Costs” shall mean overhead costs provided in the applicable 2005 COPAS Accounting Procedure, as approved by the Council of Petroleum Accountant Societies and any amendments or revisions thereto approved by the Council of Petroleum Accountant Societies or any successor organization.
 
1.48.   “Panel” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2 .
 
1.49.   “Participation Agreement Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 11 .
 
1.50.   “Participation Rights” means the Overriding Royalty, the Crosby Net Profits Interest, the Conditional Overriding Royalty and the Capital Expenditure Commitment.
 
1.51.   “Payment Default” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit A .
 
1.52.   “Person” means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or any other entity or organization, including a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
 
1.53.   “POPA Prospect Area” means all acreage of the Rio Magdalena Association Contract area that lies south of the northern most point of (i) an east west line defined by Bogotá east/west coordinate 1,020,000, or (ii) an east west line intersecting the Ambalema-1 well bore, as set forth in the map attached as Schedule 1.53 . The Rio Magdalena Association Contract area includes all the acreage, including any productive Hydrocarbons intervals which are found beneath such acreage, provided for in that certain Colombian Association Contract, dated February 8, 2002, by and between Argosy and Ecopetrol located in the Cundinamarca and Tolima Provinces of Colombia, as further described in Schedule 1.33 attached hereto, pages 40 and 79.
 
-7-


1.54.   “Pre-Existing Fields” are described in Schedule 1.54 attached hereto.
 
1.55.   “Prevailing party” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.5 .
 
1.56.   “Release Covenants” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.1 .
 
1.57.   “Sales Proceeds” means the amount determined by calculating the product obtained by multiplying (a) the units of gross production of Hydrocarbons from the Historical Properties measured at the wellhead minus the units of actual production of such Hydrocarbons reasonably necessary to operate the Historical Properties by (b) the Hydrocarbon unit sales price arising from the first arm’s length sales of such Hydrocarbons to Persons who are not Affiliates of Gran Tierra or Argosy, such product to be reduced by (i) any applicable marketing discounts, (ii) arms length commissions, brokerage fees and similar payments related to the marketing and sale of the Hydrocarbons, (iii) applicable quality adjustments required to be given, other than to Affiliates of Gran Tierra or Argosy and (iv) Colombian Source Taxes. There shall be no deduction from Sales Proceeds for any costs and expenses of development, operation, management and administration, including without limitation the Operating Expenses. In the event that unit sales price is paid and/or determined partially or totally by U.S. currency, then the U.S. currency value shall be used for determining Sales Proceeds. If unit sales price is in a currency other than U.S. currency then such unit sales price shall be converted to U.S. currency at the best available commercial exchange rate prevailing for such time period, and the unit sales price as converted shall be used for determining Sales Proceeds. In the event there is no first arm’s length sale of a given Hydrocarbon (whether because of a sale to an Affiliate, use of all such Hydrocarbons on the Historical Properties, an exchange of Hydrocarbons for consideration other than U.S. or foreign convertible currency or otherwise), the sales unit price to be used would be a unit sales price from a comparable sale (considering both location and quality of such Hydrocarbon) involving Persons who are not Affiliates of Gran Tierra or Argosy. Sales Proceeds shall not include any sale of capital equipment associated with a New Commercial Field.
 
1.58.   “Subsequent Argosy Sale” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2 .
 
1.59.   “Subsequent Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1 .
 
1.60.   “U.S. GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles.
 
1.61.   “Working Interest” means the interest of any Person, reflected as a percentage, for the responsibilities and/or obligation to pay for the costs of exploration and production of Hydrocarbons on a specific property. A specific Working Interest may be determined by reference to (i) the Colombian Association Agreements, (ii) applicable joint operating agreement, and or (iii) other agreements between joint venture parties. Argosy’s Working Interest as of date hereof for the Historical Properties is reflected on Schedule 1.8 in the fifth column entitled Argosy Working interest.
 
2.   Payment Obligation for Base Overriding Royalty.
 
2.1.   Calculation of Base Overriding Royalty. Gran Tierra and Argosy shall jointly and severally pay Crosby a base overriding royalty calculated as two percent (2%) of the Sale Proceeds from Historical Properties, multiplied by the applicable Adjusted Net Revenue Interest (the “ Base Overriding Royalty ”).
 
-8-


2.2.   Post-Effective Date Transfers. If after the Effective Date Argosy, its successors or assigns, enters into an agreement to farmout, encumber or otherwise reduce its interest in the Historical Properties, or forms any type of joint venture relationship to develop Hydrocarbons from the Historical Properties, the Base Overriding Royalty shall not be reduced as a result of any of the foregoing.
 
2.3.   Unitization. In the event after the Effective Date any portion of the Historical Properties is pooled or unitized with any other lands that are not Historical Properties, the Base Overriding Royalty shall only apply to Argosy’s ratable share of Hydrocarbons produced from the pooled unit comprising such portion of the Historical Properties.
 
3.   Conversion Rights and Payment Obligation for Crosby Net Profits Interest.
 
3.1.   Right to Convert. On a field by field basis, if Argosy recovers an amount equal to 200% of its Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures with respect to any New Commercial Field (each such recovery a “ Conversion Precondition ”), Crosby may convert its Base Overriding Royalty in such New Commercial Field to a Crosby Net Profits Interest. Crosby shall have the right, but not the obligation, to convert any or a given portion of its Base Overriding Royalties into a net profits interest (the “ Crosby Net Profits Interest ”) for any New Commercial Field on a field by field basis, pursuant to Section 3.6 . In the event of such conversion, Gran Tierra and Argosy hereby jointly and severally agree to pay to Crosby, in lieu of the Base Overriding Royalty for such New Commercial Field, the Crosby Net Profits Interest for such New Commercial Field as set forth herein. Once made, such conversion shall be unconditional and irrevocable and Crosby shall have no right to convert back to the Base Overriding Royalty for such New Commercial Field interest so converted.
 
3.2.   Calculation of Recovery of Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures. On a field by field basis, the amount of Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures recovered for such New Commercial Field as of any date shall be an amount equal to (a) the aggregate Sales Proceeds from such New Commercial Field attributable to Argosy’s Adjusted Net Revenue Interest as of such date less (b) aggregate Operating Expenses attributable to Argosy’s working interest for such New Commercial Field as of such date.
 
3.3.   Calculation of Crosby Net Profits Interest. The Crosby Net Profits Interest for such New Commercial Field shall equal an amount determined as the product of (i) the Saks Proceeds less Operating Expenses, multiplied by (ii) the Adjusted Net Revenue Interest for such New Commercial Field, multiplied by (iii) the Crosby Net Profits Interest Percentage set forth in Section 3.4 .
 
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3.4.   Net Profits Amount and Adjustment. The initial Crosby Net Profits Interest Percentage upon satisfaction of the Conversion Precondition provided in Section 3.1 shall be 7.5%. Upon recovery by Argosy of an additional 100% of Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures for any New Commercial Field ( i.e ., an aggregate of 300% of such Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures), the Crosby Net Profits Interest Percentage shall automatically increase to 10% without the necessity of any action, notice or election by Crosby. Such increase shall be effective with respect to the Production of Hydrocarbons from any field to which the conversion applies beginning with the first day of the month following the month within which Argosy recovers the final increment of the additional 100% of Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Crosby’s Net Profits Interest Percentage for any New Commercial Field related to the POPA Prospect Area shall be the following: (i) 15% for the initial Crosby Net Profits Interest Percentage upon satisfaction of the Conversion Precondition provided in Section 3.1   for such New Commercial Field, and (ii) upon recovery of an additional 100% of Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures with respect to such New Commercial Field ( i.e. , an aggregate of 300% of such Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures), the Crosby Net Profits Interest Percentage for such New Commercial Field shall automatically increase to 20% without the necessity of any action, notice or election by Crosby.
 
3.5.   Conversion Notice. Crosby shall give Argosy written notice of Crosby’s election to convert. Crosby may convert its Base Overriding Royalty for a New Commercial Field to a Crosby Net Profits Interest within thirty (30) days after receipt of the report required in Section 7 that discloses such 200% recovery as set forth in Section 3.1 , and such conversion shall be effective retroactively to 12:01 a.m. on the first day of the first month following the month in which Argosy achieved such 200% recovery. If Crosby does not give notice to convert its Overriding Royalty to a Crosby Net Profits Interest within such thirty (30) day period, Crosby may do so at any time thereafter upon written notice thereof to Argosy, with such conversion having a prospective effective date of 12:01 a.m. on the first day of the first calendar quarter following the quarter in which Crosby delivers such notice.
 
3.6.   Post-Effective Date Transfers. If after the Effective Date Argosy, its successors or assigns, enters into an agreement to farmout, encumber or otherwise reduce its interest in the Historical Properties, or forms any type of joint venture relationship to develop Hydrocarbons from the Historical Properties, the Crosby Net Profits Interest shall not be reduced as a result of any of the foregoing.
 
3.7.   Unitization. In the event after the Effective Date any portion of the Historical Properties is pooled or unitized with any other lands that are not Historical Properties, the Crosby Net Profits Interest shall only apply to Argosy’s ratable share of Hydrocarbons produced from the pooled unit comprising such portion of the Historical Properties.
 
3.8.   Pre-Existing Fields. Crosby’s right to convert Base Overriding Royalties to the Crosby Net Profits Interest shall not apply to Pre-Existing Fields.
 
4.   Payment Obligation for Conditional Overriding Royalty
 
4.1.   Conditional Overriding Royalty Obligations. Gran Tierra and Argosy shall jointly and severally pay Crosby a conditional overriding royalty as set forth in this Section 4 (the “ Conditional Overriding Royalty ”). The Conditional Overriding Royalty is in addition to the Base Overriding Royalty in Section 2 and Crosby Net Profits Interest in Section 3 .
 
4.2.   Conditional Overriding Royalty Calculation. The Conditional Overriding Royalty shall be calculated as follows:
 
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For each calendar year, the payment obligation of the Conditional Ovemding Royalty shall equal the product of (i) the number of barrels of crude oil and other comparable liquid Hydrocarbons produced from Historical Properties in such calendar year, multiplied by (ii) the applicable Adjusted Net Revenue Interest, multiplied by (iii) two and a half percent (2.5%) multiplied by (iv) the difference between (A) the average daily closing price for West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange (if in excess of $70.00) for that calendar year and (B) $70.00. If the annual average daily closing price of West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange (or any successor exchange and/or successor comparable crude oil benchmark) is less than $70 for any calendar year, then no Conditional Overriding Royalty shall be payable for such calendar year. As an example, if in a calendar year 1,000,000 barrels of oil are produced from the Historical Properties, the Adjusted Net Revenue Interest was thirty percent (30%) and the average annual price of West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange for such year was $75.00, then the Conditional Overriding Royalty would equal $37,500 [(1,000,000 barrels x 30%) x 2.5% x ($75.00-$70.00))].
 
4.3.   Post-Effective Date Transfers. If after the Effective Date Argosy, its successors or assigns, enters into an agreement to farmout, encumber or otherwise reduce its interest in the Historical Properties, or forms any type of joint venture relationship to develop Hydrocarbons from the Historical Properties, the Conditional Overriding Royalty shall not be reduced as a result of any of the foregoing.
 
4.4.   Unitization. In the event after the Effective Date any portion of the Historical Properties is pooled or unitized with any other lands that are not Historical Properties, the Conditional Overriding Royalty shall be proportionately reduced and only apply to Argosy’s ratable share arising from those portions of the Historical Properties included in the pooled unit.
 
4.5.   Pre-Existing Fields. The Conditional Overriding Royalty shall be applicable only to Pre-Existing Fields.
 
5.   Capital Expenditure Commitment.
 
5.1.   5 Year Expenditure Requirement.   Gran Tierra and Argosy jointly and severally covenant that Argosy or its Affiliates, or, without in any way intending to limit the generality of Section 12.2 , their permitted successors, assigns, farmees or partners or their Affiliates shall spend at least US$15,000,000 for total capital expenditures, as defined by U.S. GAAP, on the Historical Properties over the Capital Expenditure Period (the “ Capital Expenditure Commitment ”). The expenditures of parties other than Argosy to any joint operating agreement or commercial agreements related to the Historical Properties shall not count against the Capital Expenditure Commitment. Gran Tierra and/or Argosy shall have the right to forgo such investments and elect to make the payment provided in Section 5.2 herein. By way of example and not of limitation, the following expenditures shall be included in calculating the Capital Expenditure Commitment:
 
5.1.1   all drilling expenditures;
 
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5.1.2   geological, geophysical or other related survey expenditures;
 
5.1.3   any dry hole exploration expenditures;
 
5.1.4   gathering lines expenditures;
 
5.1.5   capital expenditures related to compressing, dehydrating, treating, separating. marketing and transporting Hydrocarbons; or
 
5.1.6   any other expenditures related to facilities for transportation or storage of Hydrocarbons from New Commercial Fields,
 
5.2.   Underinvestment payment. In the event that Gran Tierra or Argosy or their respective Affiliates, or, without in any way intending to limit the generality of Section 12.2 , the permitted successors, assigns, farmees or partners of Argosy, Gran Tierra or their Affiliates do not spend the entire Capital Expenditure Commitment over the Capital Expenditure Period, upon the expiration of such Capital Expenditure Period, Gran Tierra and/or Argosy shall within thirty (30) days of such expiration pay to Crosby an amount in cash or other immediately available funds equal to twenty percent (20%) of the amount by which such New Field Capital Expenditures over the Capital Expenditure Period are less than US$15,000,000. At Gran Tierra’s option, Gran Tierra and/or Argosy can make the payment provided for in this Section 5 .2 early, with such payment in that event being equal to twenty percent (20%) of the amount by which such New Field Capital Expenditures over the period starting on the Effective Date and ending on the date of such payment are less than US$15,000,000.
 
6.   Letter of Credit.
 
6.1.   Interim Terms Prior To Letter of Credit
 
6.1.1   In accordance with Section 1.11 of the Purchase Agreement, Gran Tierra shall have deposited USD$4,000,000 in cash with the Escrow Agent (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), to be released in conjunction with posting of the Letter of Credit provided in Section 6.2 or otherwise in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).
 
6.1.2   Except as set forth in the Escrow Agreement, Gran Tierra shall not pledge the escrowed funds or otherwise grant a security interest or lien in such funds so long as they are subject to the escrow arrangements described herein and in the Purchase Agreement.
 
6.2.   Initial Term for Letter of Credit
 
6.2.1   Irrevocable Letter Of Credit . Gran Tierra shall procure and deliver to Crosby an irrevocable standby letter of credit (the “ Initial Letter of Credit ”) within the time frames set forth in the Purchase Agreement with the following terms:
 
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(a)   Amount : The face amount of the initial Letter of Credit shall be USD$4,000,000.00. Draws from the Initial Letter of Credit must be replaced to keep the required USD$4,000,000 face value of the Letter of Credit in place.
 
(b)   Term : The Initial Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding for a period of three years from date of Closing if either (i) the Capital Expenditure Commitment has been fulfilled within that three year period or (ii) Gran Tierra and/or Gran Tierra or Argosy have paid Crosby the payment provided for in Section 5.2. If the Capital Expenditure Commitment has not been fulfilled within such three year period or Argosy and/or Gran Tierra has not made the payment provided for in Section 5.2 , the Initial Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding until the earlier of (i) the fulfillment of the Capital Expenditure Commitment or the receipt by Crosby of such payment, or (ii) five years from date of Closing. Such period is referred to herein as the “ Initial Term .”
 
(c)   Issuer : The Initial Letter of Credit on terms consistent with this Section 6 and Exhibit A attached hereto, with such other documentary conditions as may be acceptable to Crosby shall be issued by a bank with a minimum credit rating by Standard and Poor’s of BBB (the “ Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating ”). Crosby may request and Gran Tierra shall then promptly provide a replacement irrevocable standby letter of credit in accordance with the terms of this Section 6 if the Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating declines below BBB.
 
(d)   Issuer Fees Expenses : Fees for the Initial Letter of Credit are the sole responsibility of Gran Tierra.
 
(e)   Draws : The conditions for draws on the Letter of Credit are set out in Exhibit A, which is incorporated into this Agreement in full.
 
6.3.   Post-Initial Term
 
6.3.1   Irrevocable Letter Of Credit . After the Initial Term, Gran Tierra shall be released from its Letter of Credit obligation if: (1) all of the following conditions provided in Section 6.3.2 (“ Release Covenants ”) are met and maintained as of the end of any quarter, or (ii) Gran Tierra maintains a minimum credit rating on its medium term debt or commercial paper of BB or equivalent according to Standard and Poor’s (the “ Acceptable Credit Rating ”). During any period that such Release Covenants are not maintained and/or Gran Tierra’s Acceptable Credit Rating is not maintained, Gran Tierra through the remaining term of this Agreement shall provide a Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 6.3.4 .
 
6.3.2   Release Covenants . The Release Covenants are as follows:
 
(a)   Total Debt To Total Debt Plus Equity Ratio: less than or equal to 30%;
 
(b)   Net Working Capital: Greater than or equal to $1.5 million USD; and
 
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(c)   Absence of significant claims. judgments or litigation against or affecting Gran Tierra or Argosy that exceeds in the aggregate $1.5 million USD.
 
Capitalized terms in this Section 6.3.2 are to be defined in accordance with financial industry norms.
 
6.3.3   Measurement of Release Covenants . The Release Covenants shall be measured on a quarterly basis using Gran Tierra financial statements and disclosure in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Gran Tierra’s compliance (or non-compliance) with such Release Covenants shall be reported quarterly to Crosby in the same manner as the information set forth in Section 7.3 in the form of a compliance certificate executed by GTEI’s Chief Financial Officer.
 
6.3.4   Non-Satisfaction Of Release Covenants or Acceptable Credit Rating : If at the end of such Initial Term, or in any quarter during which Gran Tierra is not already required to have a letter of credit in place pursuant to the terms of this Section 6 , Gran Tierra cannot meet one or more of the Release Covenants or has not maintained the Acceptable Credit Rating (measured at the end of the Initial Term or such quarter as applicable), Crosby may, at its sole discretion, request and receive from Gran Tierra a new irrevocable standby Letter of Credit (the “ New Letter of Credit ”) with the following characteristics:
 
(a)   Amount : The New Letter of Credit shall have a face value equivalent to the greater of: (a) the product of (i) the aggregate amount of the trailing 4 quarters payments earned by Crosby from the Colombian Participation Agreement multiplied by (ii) 4 or (b) $1 million USD. Draws from any New Letter of Credit must be replaced to keep the required face value of such Letter of Credit in place.
 
(b)   Term : The New Letter of Credit shall be maintained for successive one year terms until Gran Tierra can meet the Release Covenants or maintain the Acceptable Credit Rating.
 
(c)   Issuer : The New Letter of Credit on terms and documentary conditions acceptable to Crosby shall be issued by a bank with an Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating. Crosby may request and receive a replacement irrevocable standby letter of credit if the issuing bank’s credit rating declines below the Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating.
 
(d)   Issuer Fees and Expenses : Fees for the New Letter of Credit and any replacement letters of credit are the sole responsibility of Gran Tierra.
 
(e)   Draws : The conditions for draws on the New Letter of Credit are set out in Exhibit A.
 
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6.3.5   Re-Satisfaction of Release Covenants or Achievement of Acceptable Credit Rating . If during any period during which Argosy or Gran Tierra or a permitted transferee is required to provide New Letters) of Credit, Gran Tierra or a permitted transferee, as applicable, provides a certificate pursuant to Section 6.3.3 indicating satisfaction of the Release Covenants or provides Crosby reasonable evidence that Gran Tierra or the permitted transferee, as applicable, has maintained the Acceptable Credit Rating, Crosby shall return the applicable Letter of Credit in accordance with Section 6.6
 
6.4.   Replacement Letters of Credit. At any time, Gran Tierra and/or Argosy and/or permitted transferee(s) pursuant to a Subsequent Transfer or a Subsequent Argosy Sale may provide one or more new Letters of Credit (which will replace one or more then current Letters of Credit) in an aggregate face value amount (including ongoing Letters of Credit) equal to the amount of coverage Crosby is entitled to under this Section 6. The aggregate face value of such Letters of Credit shall be allocated among Gran Tierra and Argosy and any permitted transferees in the manner set forth in Section 8.3.3 . Such replacement Letters of Credit shall have the terms required under this Section 6 with respect to the Initial Letter of Credit or any New Letter of Credit, as the case may be.
 
6.5.   Disbursement of Crosby Escrow Funds.
 
6.5.1   If Crosby has drawn on a Letter of Credit pursuant to Sections II or III of Exhibit A, it shall place the drawn funds in an escrow account (the “ Crosby Escrow Account ”) with the Bank of New York or, if the Bank of New York will not serve as an escrow agent, another financial institution with a minimum credit rating from Standard & Poor’s of at least BBB (the “ Crosby Escrow Bank ”), pursuant to an escrow agreement that shall contain terms for release of such escrowed funds substantially similar to the draw requirements set forth in Exhibit A (the “ Crosby Escrow Agreement ”). Crosby shall be entitled to receive money it is owed hereunder from such escrow account for any Payment Default under the procedures set forth in Section 1 of Exhibit A.
 
6.5.2   Gran Tierra and/or Argosy shall receive the proceeds from such the Crosby Escrow Account if and only if Gran Tierra (i) has executed the Crosby Escrow Agreement, (ii) has agreed to pay all fees and expenses of the Crosby Escrow Bank, and (iii) certifies to the Crosby Escrow Bank with reasonable evidence attached thereto that the two following conditions are met, and then such escrowed funds shall be paid to Gran Tierra and/or Argosy:
 
(a)   Gran Tierra and/or Argosy provided to Crosby a form of Letter of Credit which satisfies the terms and conditions set forth in Section 6 and Exhibit A hereof; and either:
 
(1)   Crosby failed to initiate arbitration under Section 11 hereof (without regard to Section 11.1 ) within 10 business days of receipt of the form of Letter of Credit; or
 
(2)   The Panel provided in writing that the form of Letter of Credit satisfied the terms and conditions of Section 6 and Exhibit A hereof; and
 
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(b)   Gran Tierra and/or Argosy delivered the approved Letter of Credit to Crosby.
 
6.6.   Delivery of Old or Replaced Letters of Credit. If Gran Tierra, Argosy and/or any permitted transferee hereunder have satisfied their obligations under this Section 6 and either (i) Crosby is not entitled at such time to a Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 63.1 , or (ii) Gran Tierra, Argosy and/or any permitted transferee deliver to Crosby replacement Letters of Credit that comply with the provisions of this Section 6 and Exhibit A (including without limitation the requirement as to the aggregate face amount of such Letters of Credit), then Crosby shall promptly deliver to Gran Tierra, Argosy or such permitted transferee, as the case may be, the original Letters of Credit that either are (i) no longer required hereunder or (ii) replaced, as the case may be.
 
6.7.   Termination of Section 6. If in any quarterly period after the tenth anniversary of the end of the expiration of the Initial Term, the aggregate amount of the trailing 4 quarters payments earned by Crosby from the Colombian Participation Agreement is less than $250,000, Gran Tierra and Argosy shall have the option upon written notice to Crosby to terminate the provisions of this Section 6, and upon receipt by Crosby of such notice such provisions shall then terminate and be of no further force and effect, and any Letter of Credit in place at the time shall be cancelled and released; provided, however, that (i) to the extent there is a current claim by Crosby outstanding at such time, and Crosby has initiated dispute resolution under Exhibit A hereto and Section 11 , such Letter of Credit shall not be cancelled and released until such claim is resolved pursuant to Section 11 and any draw against such Letter of Credit permitted hereunder has been made, and (ii) if Gran Tierra or Argosy delivers such notice of termination, Argosy shall simultaneously issue mortgages in favor of Crosby on the Historical Properties securing payment of the Participation Rights, which mortgages can and shall be subordinate to any and all prior recorded liens other than liens of Affiliates of Gran Tierra and/or Argosy.
 
7.   Payments; Reports; Audit Rights.
 
7.1.   Payments and Reports Regarding Payments.
 
7.1.1   Quarterly. Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three calendar quarters of each calendar year (that is, March 31, June 30 and September 30), Gran Tierra and Argosy shall:
 
(A)
calculate (i) the amounts owed to Crosby for such quarter pursuant to Section 2 (Base Overriding Royalty), and (ii) 75% of the estimated amounts owed to Crosby for such quarter pursuant to Section 3 (Net Profits Interest). No quarterly calculations of the Conditional Overriding Royalty ( Section 4 ) are required in any quarterly report provided under this Section 7.1.1 ;
 
 
(B)
furnish such calculations to Crosby in a statement in a form reasonably satisfactory to Crosby, certified by responsible officers of Gran Tierra and Argosy, showing for the preceding calendar quarter the (i) Sales Proceeds, (ii) Operating Expenses, (iii) Production of Hydrocarbons, (iv) Recovery of Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures, (v) the amount of Argosy’s capital expenditures as required by Section 5.1 , and (vi) the amounts payable under Sections 2 and 3 hereof for such quarter; and
 
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(C)
pay Crosby by wire transfer in United States Dollars, the amount shown on such quarterly statement.
 
7.1.2   Annual Within sixty (60) days after the end of each calendar year, Gran Tierra and Argosy shall:
 
(A)
calculate (i) the amount owed to Crosby for the quarter ended December 31 of each calendar year pursuant to Section 2 (Base Overriding Royalty, and (ii) the final amount owed to Crosby for such calendar year pursuant to Section 3 (Net Profits Interest) less any amounts previously paid with respect to such Section 3 for such calendar year, and (iii) the amount owed to Crosby for such calendar year pursuant to Section 4 (Conditional Overriding Royalty);
 
 
(B)
furnish such calculations to Crosby in a statement in a form reasonably satisfactory to Crosby, certified by responsible officers of Gran Tierra and Argosy, showing for such quarter and calendar year (i) Sales Proceeds, (ii) Operating Expenses, (iii) Production of Hydrocarbons, (iv) Recovery of Adjusted New Commercial Field Capital Expenditures, (v) the amount of Argosy’s capital expenditures as required by Section 5.1 , (vi) the amounts payable under Sections 2, 3 and 4 hereof for such preceding quarter and calendar year, and(vii) for the first annual report after the date hereof, whether there have been any claims prior to November 30, 2006, by a Gran Tierra Indemnified Person (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) in accordance with Section 1.11 , of the Purchase Agreement; and
 
 
(C)
pay Crosby by wire transfer in United States Dollars, the amount shown on such statement for such calendar year less any amounts already paid with respect to such calendar year.
 
7.1.3   Ability to Challenge Payments. Payments made by Argosy and Gran Tierra to Crosby hereunder for a calendar year, including any quarterly payments made during such year, shall be deemed final and non-adjustable unless within thirty (30) days of Crosby’s receipt of an annual report as set forth in Section 7.1.2 , Crosby delivers written notice to Gran Tierra and/or Argosy of a disagreement with such annual report and a request for an audit related to such annual report. Any such audit pursuant to this Section 7.1.3 shall be in addition to Crosby’s audit rights under Section 7.5 . Crosby shall use reasonable commercial efforts to have its auditor complete such audit and submit its final written report to Crosby within 90 days of the date such audit begins. If such audit report indicates that such annual report is incorrect, Crosby must initiate arbitration under Section 11 (without regard to Section 11.1 ) with respect to such audit report within 21 days of Crosby’s receipt of such audit report, or Crosby shall not be entitled to challenge such annual report.
 
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7.1.4   No Offsets. THERE SHALL BE NO COMMERCIAL OFFSET, NET OUT, OR ANY OTHER NONJUDICIAL SUSPENSION OR SET OFF OF PAYMENTS OF ANY AMOUNTS DUE CROSBY AND ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION RELATING TO DISPUTES OR CLAIMS RELATING TO THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (i) there is bona fide uncertainty as to the ownership of the Participation Rights (as an example, with respect to a successor assignee of Crosby), (ii) there is a claim by a Gran Tierra Indemnified Person (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) in accordance with Section 1.11(b) of the Purchase Agreement prior to November 30, 2006, or (iii) there is a dispute under Section 7.1.5 , then Gran Tierra and Argosy or their successors may immediately commence an arbitration pursuant to Section 11 (without regard to the provisions of Section 11.1 ) and to the extent of the amount in issue, may deposit the applicable payments due hereunder (but not an amount in excess of the amount claimed) with the Panel (or an escrow agent designated by the Panel) and request interpleader relief for such funds related to such issue.
 
7.1.5   Tax Withholdings. There shall be no withholding of taxes in the United States or Colombia for any payments hereunder without at least 90 days prior written notice to Crosby. Such notice shall include (1) the calculation of the proposed withholding percentage, (2) the legal requirement for such withholding, (3) the anticipated amount of such withholding, (4) the anticipated timing of any related deposit. and (5) the governmental entities which will receive such withholding. If there is no disagreement regarding such notice, Gran Tierra, Argosy and Crosby shall cooperate to facilitate the appropriate withholding, if any, and after such withholding is made, Argosy shall send written confirmation to Crosby of such tax deposits and any other information reasonably requested by Crosby regarding such deposits. If there is any disagreement regarding any matters related to such notice, the Crosby must initiate dispute resolution pursuant to Section 11 within such 90 day notice period. If Crosby initiates such dispute resolution, the amount of withholding in question shall be deposited with the Panel (or an escrow agent designated by the Panel) as interpleader funds. If Crosby does not initiate such dispute resolution pursuant to Section 11 within such 90 day notice period, it shall be deemed to have approved such withholding.
 
7.1.6   Delivery Address and Wiring instructions. The payments and statements required under this Section 7.1 shall be sent to Crosby at the notice address set out in this Agreement, and pursuant to wiring instructions or other instructions provided by Crosby in writing to Gran Tierra and Argosy.
 
7.2.   Calculation of Payments During First Calendar Year. During the first calendar year in which this Agreement is effective (i.e., during the period beginning on the Effective Date through December 31 of the calendar year in which this Agreement is executed and delivered by the Parties):
 
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7.2.1   The Base Overriding Royalty shall be based on the actual production of net barrels of crude oil and other Hydrocarbons sold from Historical Properties alter the Effective Date.
 
7.2.2   The calculation of Adjusted New Field Capital Expenditures shall use a pro rata amount for the month in which the Effective Date occurs (i.e., if the Effective Date were May 10, the aggregate qualifying expenditures for the entire month would be divided by 31 and multiplied by 21).
 
7.2.3   the Conditional Overriding Royalty for the first calendar year shall be based on the production of barrels of crude oil and other Hydrocarbons for the period from the Effective Date through December 31, 2006 and the applicable price per barrel for West Texas Intermediate for the period from the Effective Date through December 31, 2006.
 
7.3.   Additional Information Regarding Historical Properties. At the times Gran Tierra and Argosy are required to provide to Crosby the reports required under Section 7.1 , they shall also provide to Crosby the following information that was produced, delivered or received in the prior quarter; provided , however , that any information previously provided to Crosby pursuant to this Section 7.3 need not be provided again in subsequent quarters:
 
7.3.1   Any and all reports, meeting minutes, correspondence or other information provided to or received from during the prior quarter any Colombian Governmental Authority relating to any of the Historical Properties.
 
7.3.2   Any and all daily and/or monthly well by well (formation by formation if applicable) production data for Hydrocarbons produced from Historical Properties.
 
7.3.3   Any and all geological, geophysical, aerial or other surveys or subsurface mapping relating to any of the Historical Properties.
 
7.3.4   Any and all well logs, mud logs, production surveys and/or any other data gathered from well bores on the Historical Properties.
 
7.3.5   Any Authorization for Expenditures (an “ AFE ”) whether internal or forwarded to any other Working Interest owner on any of the Historical Properties, and any comparison of AFE to final cost.
 
7.3.6   Any new contracts or new amendments or other modifications or changes to contracts for the sale of Hydrocarbons from Historical Properties.
 
7.3.7   Any non-privileged information regarding any pending or threatened legal proceedings, lawsuits, claims or other similar matters relating to or affecting (i) the Historical Properties, (ii) the Colombian Association Contracts, or (iii) Gran Tierra’s or Argosy’s ability to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
 
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7.3.8   Any and all internal or independent reserve engineering reports or estimates of prospective resources.
 
7.3.9   Any applicable invoices regarding Sales Proceeds.
 
7.3.10   The base documentation regarding any applicable marketing discounts, commissions, brokerage fees and similar payments relating to the marketing or sales of the Hydrocarbons.
 
7.3.11   Applicable statements regarding (i) Colombian Source Taxes and (ii) Colombian Ad Valorem Taxes.
 
7.3.12   The additional information referred to in this Section 7.3 shall be forwarded to Crosby in the form received or generated by Gran Tierra or Argosy (i.e.   information in digital format shall be forwarded digitally, including all applicable seismic and/or accounting spreadsheets). Gran Tierra and/or Argosy may edit any portion of such information to exclude matters not related to Historical Properties.
 
7.3.13   Nothing in this Section 7.3 shall require Gran Tierra or Argosy to create new information or reports. If either Gran Tierra or Argosy, however, has prepared (or caused to be prepared) translations into English of any materials listed in this Section 7.3 , such translations shall be provided with the materials required by this Section 7.3 .
 
7.4.   Books and Records. Argosy shall at all times maintain true and correct books and records sufficient to determine the amounts payable to Crosby from the Participation Interests. Such books and records shall be open for inspection by Crosby during normal business hours pursuant to Section 7.5 .
 
7.5.   Audit. Upon five (5) days’ notice to Argosy and Gran Tierra, Crosby, at its expense, shall have the right at any time during regular business hours, not more frequently than three times annually, to have a qualified accountant selected by Crosby audit the records of Argosy to the extent necessary to verify Argosy’s statements and payments of the Participation Interests hereunder. Such records shall be made available to Crosby’s accountant at Argosy’s office located in Bogota, Colombia, or at Gran Tierra’s office located at the following address: 300, 611-10th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2R 0B2. Argosy and Gran Tierra shall cooperate with and assist Crosby’s accountant for the purpose of facilitating such audit. If, as a result of such audit, Crosby’s accountant determines that the amount of payments due pursuant to the Participation Interests was greater than the amount reported by Argosy in quarterly and annual statements furnished pursuant to this Section 7 , Crosby shall promptly furnish to Argosy a copy of the report of its accountant setting forth the amount of the deficiency showing, in reasonable detail, the basis upon which such deficiency was determined. if Argosy agrees with such assessment, Argosy shall, within 30 days of receipt of Crosby’s accountant’s report, remit to Crosby a sum equal to such deficiency so claimed, together with interest thereon at the rate of ten percent (I0%) per annum from the date such payment was due until the date of such remittance. In addition, if the audit reveals a Material Underpayment in any period, Argosy shall pay to Crosby an additional amount equal to I00% of such underpayment, plus the cost of such audit. If Argosy disputes the claim, the dispute shall be resolved pursuant to Section 11 .
 
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7.6.   Confidentiality. Crosby and its members shall keep confidential any and all information provided by Argosy or Gran Tierra pursuant to this Agreement (the “ Confidential Information ”), provided that Crosby and its members may share such information to tax, legal, accounting, financial and other advisors who have a duty of confidentiality to them. This Section 7.6 shall not apply to information which (i) was or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by Crosby or its members, (ii) becomes available to Crosby or its members on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Gran Tierra or Argosy, provided that such source is not known to Crosby or its members to be bound by a confidential arrangement with Gran Tierra or Argosy or otherwise prohibited from transmitting the information to us by a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation, or (iii) becomes independently developed by Crosby or its members without violating any of our obligations hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Crosby and its members may disclose such Confidential Information (a) in connection with the resolution of any dispute pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 11 , or (b) if, in the opinion of its counsel, disclosure is required by law; provided, however, that Crosby or its members, as applicable, will promptly notify Argosy or Gran Tierra of the obligation to make such disclosure in advance of the disclosure so that Argosy or Gran Tierra, as the case may be, will have a reasonable opportunity to object to such disclosure. Crosby agrees that it shall treat the information provided by Argosy and Gran Tierra hereunder with the same degree of care it accords its own confidential information of a similar nature; provided that in no event shall Crosby exercise less than reasonable care to protect the Confidential Information.
 
8.
Assignment, Sale or Transfer of Historical Properties by Argosy and/or Sale of Argosy .
 
8.1.   Subsequent Transfers of Historical Properties. Argosy shall not assign, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or a part of its interest in any of the Historical Properties (a “ Subsequent Transfer ”) without first complying with the provisions of Section 8.3 .
 
8.2.   Subsequent Sale of Argosy or its Successors. Gran Tierra and/or its Affiliates shall not assign, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of Argosy (a “ Subsequent Argosy Sale ”) without providing prior written notice to Crosby and without an agreement by the purchaser thereof to execute a counterpart to this Agreement and thereby be bound by the terms hereof, including without limitation the provisions of Section 6 .
 
8.3.   Assignment of this Agreement By Argosy or Gran Tierra. Argosy may assign to one or more Persons all or a portion of its rights and responsibilities under this Agreement in connection with a Subsequent Transfer; provided , that
 
8.3.1   Argosy, Gran Tierra or a subsequent transferee, as the case may be, shall give Crosby an officer’s certificate at least fifteen (15) business days prior to any such Subsequent Transfer and assignment, certifying as to the compliance of such Subsequent Transfer and assignment with this Agreement, and such certificate shall be accompanied by:
 
(a)   a copy of all documents related to such assignment; and
 
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(b)   if the proposed transferee is not delivering a Letter of Credit, one of the following: (i) financial statements of the proposed transferee setting forth whether such proposed transferee would be in compliance with the Release Covenants as of the date of such assignment or (ii) reasonable evidence that such proposed transferee maintains the Acceptable Credit Rating; and
 
(c)   the proposed allocation of rights and responsibilities pursuant to Section 8.3.3 ; and
 
(d)   if such proposed transferee would not be in compliance with the Release Covenants or the Acceptable Credit Rating as of the date of such proposed assignment, a proposed Letter of Credit complying with the terms and provisions of Section 6 and Exhibit A .
 
8.3.2   the Agreement is fully assumed in writing by such transferee, including without limitation the obligation of such transferee to provide a Letter of Credit to the extent required by Section 6 and Exhibit A , and
 
8.3.3   in the event of a partial Subsequent Transfer and assignment, rights and responsibilities under this Agreement (including with respect to the obligations of Gran Tierra and Argosy under Section 7 ) are allocated between Argosy and such transferees based on the aggregate amount of the trailing 4 quarters payments earned by Crosby from the Colombian Participation Agreement which is attributable to each portion of the Historical Properties held by Argosy and any subsequent transferees; and
 
8.3.4   Within ten ( I0) business days of Crosby’s receipt of such officer’s certificate and accompanying documents set forth in Section 8.33, Crosby may object to such Subsequent Transfer and assignment and start dispute resolution under Section 11 for any of the following reasons:
 
(a)   either: (i) the form of Letter of Credit (if attached) to such officer’s certificate does not comply with the requirements of Section 6 and Exhibit A or (ii) the issuer bank for such Letter of Credit (if attached) does not have an Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating; or
 
(b)   if a form of Letter of Credit is not attached, the proposed transferee would not satisfy as of the date of such proposed transfer, either (i) the Release Covenants or (ii) the Acceptable Credit Rating; or
 
(c)   the proposed allocation pursuant to Section 8.3.3 is incorrect; or
 
(d)   the proposed form of assignment and transfer documents do not comply with the provisions of Section 8.3.2 .
 
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If Crosby does not timely object to such proposed Subsequent Transfer or assignment for at least one of the foregoing reasons, then Crosby shall be deemed to have accepted such Subsequent Transfer and assignment. If Crosby does timely object to such proposed Subsequent Transfer or assignment for one or more of the foregoing reasons and begins dispute resolution under Section 11 hereof, then either (i) such Subsequent Transfer and assignment shall not take place unless and until such dispute resolutions under Section 11 is finally resolved, or (ii) the transferor (whether Gran Tierra and Argosy or a subsequent transferee) can notify Crosby in writing that it will continue to be liable for any payments due to Crosby hereunder related to the portion of the Colombian Association Contracts (and related rights and obligations under this Agreement) proposed to be assigned. If such transferor chooses to remain liable under this Agreement in response to Crosby’s objection, such transferor may subsequently be released from its ongoing obligations with respect to the Assigned Rights and Obligations if (i) a Panel approves the proposed transfer and such transferor complies with the conditions set by the Panel for any such transfer; or (ii) such transferor provides Crosby either (A) evidence satisfactory to Crosby that such transferee is complying with the Release Covenants or satisfies the Acceptable Credit Rating or (B) a Letter of Credit from such transferee in compliance with Section 6 and Exhibit A .
 
8.4.   Prohibited Transfers and Assignments. Except as expressly set forth herein, Crosby shall have the right to withhold, in its sole discretion and for any reason or no reason, its consent to any Subsequent Transfer, any Subsequent Argosy Sale or any assignment under Section 8.3 . Any attempted Subsequent Transfer, Subsequent Argosy Sale or assignment by Argosy or Gran Tierra of its rights and responsibilities under this Agreement that is not (i) otherwise expressly permitted hereunder and/or (ii) consented to by Crosby in accordance with the terms hereof (as applicable), shall be void ab initio and of no force or effect,
 
8.5.   Effect of Transfers and Assignments. If Gran Tierra, Argosy or a permitted transferee makes any Subsequent Transfer, any Subsequent Argosy Sale or any assignment under Section 8.3 , the written agreement by which such transferee assumes the rights and obligations of Gran Tierra and/or Argosy, as the case may be, shall provide that in each case references to Argosy or Gran Tierra, as the case may be, shall mean such transferee to the extent of such rights and obligations so assigned. The provisions of this Section 8.5 shall apply to subsequent permitted transferees.
 
8.6.   Release of Gran Tierra, Argosy or Permitted Transferees. If Gran Tierra transfers all of its interest in Argosy, or Argosy transfers all or a portion of the Historical Properties, in each case in compliance with Section 8.1, 8.2 or 8.3 , as applicable, and there is no then current dispute under Section 11 hereof with respect to Gran Tierra or Argosy, as applicable, then Gran Tierra or Argosy, as the case may be, shall be released from its obligations under this Agreement with respect to the portion of the Historical Properties (and related rights and obligations under this Agreement) so assigned or transferred. The provisions of this Section 8.6 shall apply to subsequent permitted transferees.
 
9.   Assignment by Crosby.
 
9.1.   Crosby Members. After November 30, 2006, subject to Section 9.3 , Crosby may assign its rights and responsibilities under this Agreement, with prior written notice to Argosy or Gran Tierra, to any of its members who are set forth on Schedule 9.1 (the “ Crosby Members ”); provided, that such Crosby Members expressly agrees in writing to be bound by all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement. If Crosby assigns its rights under this Agreement to any of the Crosby Members:
 
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9.1.1   Argosy shall make pro rata payments of the amounts due hereunder directly to such Crosby Members, provided that all of the reports and additional information required pursuant to Section 7 shall be delivered to a single Person designated by Crosby. Such Person shall have sole authority to act for all holders of Participation Rights pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to (i) resolving any matters relating to the Letter of Credit, (ii) initiating audits hereunder, (iii) disputing the amount of such payments, (iv) amending this Agreement and (v) being the sole representative in any dispute resolution process.
 
9.1.2   Each Crosby Member shall have the pro rata right to convert its Overriding Royalty to a Crosby Net Profits Interest for each New Commercial Field in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
 
9.2.   Assignment by Crosby to Non-Members. After November 30, 2006, Crosby and/or each Crosby Member shall have the right to sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of the Participation Rights to any Person or Persons. Any such sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition may be (i) on a pro rata basis or (ii) with respect to any portion of the Historical Properties, or (iii) any one of the Participation Rights separately (i.e., Base Overriding Royalty, Net Profits Interest or Conditional Overriding Royalty for any New Commercial Field). Any such sale, assignment, transfer or disposition shall be made in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws, and any such transferee shall agree in writing to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement. In addition, Crosby and/or the Crosby Members shall provide to Gran Tierra and Argosy an opinion of counsel that any such sale, assignment, transfer or disposition complies with applicable federal and state securities laws. Any such sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition pursuant to this Section 9.2 shall be subject to the provisions of Section 9.1.1.
 
10.   Term; Termination.
 
10.1.   Base Term; Survival. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and remain in force and effect through December 31, 2099 unless terminated pursuant to Section 10.2 hereof; provided, however, that after such termination pursuant to this Section 10.1 or Section 10.2 , Sections 1 and 6 through 13   shall remain in effect until any amounts owing Crosby under Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 are paid, and any disputes hereunder are fully and finally resolved.
 
10.2.   Early Termination. At any time Argosy and Gran Tierra are not in breach of, or default under, any terms and condition of this Agreement, Argosy and Gran Tierra can terminate this agreement by providing Crosby a written certification executed by both Gran Tierra’s President and each of Argosy’s managing officers that the following is true and correct:
 
10.2.1   There have been no Sales Proceeds from the Historical Properties for five successive years;
 
10.2.2   Neither Argosy, Gran Tierra, their successors and/or assigns and/or their Affiliates have any continuing interest in the Colombian Association Contracts; or
 
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10.2.3   Neither Argosy, Gran Tierra, their successors and/or assigns and/or their Affiliates have had for a period of three years any ownership in any oil and gas exploration or production activities within fifty (50) kilometers of any of the Historical Properties.
 
For written certifications pursuant to Sections 10.2.1 through 10.2.3 , such termination shall be effective ninety (90) days after receipt unless either ( I ) within such ninety (90) day period Crosby notifies Argosy and Gran Tierra in writing of a dispute regarding the accuracy, correctness or sufficiency of such notice and/or (2) after such ninety (90) day period Crosby demonstrates that such certification was materially false or inaccurate.
 
11.   Dispute Resolution. The Parties agree not to commence any action against each other in the event of an alleged breach or default of an obligation arising under this Agreement, unless and until the Party alleging such breach or default has given the Party or Parties alleged to have breached or defaulted written notice of such breach or default, and an opportunity to cure such failure within ten (10) business days following the giving of such notice (in the manner provided in the Agreement) (the “ Cure Period ”). Furthermore, the Parties expressly stipulate and agree that no Party shall commence any action against the other Party after receipt of a notice of breach, failure or default from such Party, until the expiration of the Cure Period. In the event an asserted default or breach is not cured to the satisfaction of the Party asserting the same within the Cure Period, resolution of any and all disputes arising from or in connection with this Agreement and/or the negotiation and making of this Agreement, whether based in contract, tort, or otherwise (each a “ Participation Agreement Dispute ”), shall be exclusively governed by and settled in accordance with the provisions of this Section 11 . The Parties shall not initiate any proceedings in any Court of law until the provisions of Sections 11.1 and 11.2 are completed (other than to enforce the provisions of such Sections 11.1 and 11.2 ).
 
11.1.   Negotiation. The parties to any Participation Agreement Dispute shall have their designated executives meet within 30 days of written notice of any dispute in to attempt to resolve such dispute. if the disputes cannot be resolved by such meetings with such 30-day period, or the party being noticed is unable or unwilling to meet within the 30-day period, any party may pursue its remedies in accordance with this Agreement.
 
11.2.   Arbitration. If any Participation Agreement Dispute remains unsettled after following the procedures set forth in Section 11.1 , a party hereto may commence arbitration proceedings by delivering a written notice (the “ Demand ”) to the other parties providing reasonable description of the Participation Agreement Dispute to the others and expressly requesting arbitration hereunder. Such Participation Agreement Dispute shall be submitted to arbitration under the terms hereof, which arbitration shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the parties, their successors and assigns. The arbitration shall be conducted by three neutral arbitrators who have experience in oil and gas exploration and production matters, acting by majority vote (the “ Panel ”), selected by agreement of the parties not later than ten (10) business days after delivery of the Demand or, failing such agreement, appointed from the Texas statewide panel of full-time neutral arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association who have experience in oil and gas exploration and production matters, and pursuant to the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association (including the emergency procedures thereof), as amended from time to time (the “ AAA Rules ”). If an arbitrator so selected becomes unable to serve, his or her successors shall be similarly selected or appointed. The Panel shall have case management authority and shall fully and finally resolve the Participation Agreement Dispute within one hundred eighty (180) days from the commencement of the arbitration. The Panel shall not be entitled to award special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including lost profit); provided , however , that such limitation shall not apply to Crosby’s rights to the interest and other payments due with respect to any audit conducted pursuant to Section 75 , including without limitation any amounts due for Material Underpayments. Any arbitration award shall be binding and enforceable against the Parties, and judgment may be entered thereon in any court of competent jurisdiction.
 
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11.3.   Injunctive Relief. No Party shall be entitled to injunctive relief other than through the emergency procedures set forth in the AAA Rules.
 
11.4.   Place of Arbitration. Any arbitration pursuant to this Agreement shall take place in Houston, Texas, which shall be the sole and exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any claims to adjudicate a Participation Agreement Dispute.
 
11.5.   Legal Fees and Expenses. If any arbitration or other legal action is brought for the resolution of a Participation Agreement Dispute, for the enforcement of this Agreement, or because of an alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party or parties shall recover its or their actual and reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in that action or proceeding (including without limitation the arbitrators’ fees, arbitration fees and expenses, deposition fees and expenses, expert witness fees and expenses, and travel expenses), in addition to any other relief to which it or they may be entitled. “ Prevailing party ” within the meaning of this Section 113 includes, without limitation, the party who agrees to dismiss an action upon the other party’s payment of all or a portion of the sums allegedly due or performance of the covenants allegedly breached, or who obtains substantially the relief sought by it.
 
11.6.   Jurisdiction; Venue.   EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO CONSENTS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT LOCATED WITHIN THE COUNTY OF HARRIS, STATE OF TEXAS, AND IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY AGREEMENT OR INSTRUMENT EXECUTED HEREUNDER, OTHER THAN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING REQUIRED BY THIS SECTION 11 TO BE SUBMITTED TO ARBITRATION, SHALL BE LITIGATED IN SUCH COURTS, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY HAVE BASED ON PERSONAL JURISDICTION, IMPROPER VENUE OR FORUM NON CONVENIENS TO THE CONDUCT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
 
12.   Representations and Warranties.
 
12.1.   Argosy and Gran Tierra. Each of Argosy and Gran Tierra jointly and severally represents and warrants to Crosby as of the date hereof that:
 
12.1.1   its undersigned representative is duly authorized to execute this Agreement and the documents ancillary hereto:
 
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12.1.2   it has all requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the documents ancillary hereto, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby;
 
12.1.3   this Agreement and all other documents ancillary thereto to be executed by it in connection herewith have been (or upon execution will have been) duly executed and delivered it, have been effectively authorized by all necessary action (corporate, partnership or otherwise) and constitute (or upon execution will constitute) its legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity);
 
12.1.4   the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by it and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not result in a breach of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, or conflict with any contract or any other agreement, indenture or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, its organizational documents, or any judgment, decree, order, award, law, rule or regulation of any United States, state, local, or other governmental entity or municipality or subdivision thereof or any authority, department, commission, agency, board, bureau, court or other instrumentality thereof; and
 
12.1.5   it has not assigned, sold, transferred, conveyed, alienated or encumbered, in whole or in part, or agreed to assign, sell, transfer, convey, alienate or encumber, in whole or in part, any of its rights or interests in the Historical Properties (or the underlying Colombian Association Contracts).
 
12.2.   Crosby. Crosby represents and warrants to Argosy and Gran Tierra as of the Effective Date that:
 
12.2.1   its undersigned representative is duly authorized to execute this Agreement and the documents ancillary hereto;
 
12.2.2   it has all requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreeme nt and the documents ancillary hereto, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby;
 
12.2.3   this Agreement and all other documents ancillary thereto to be executed by it in connection herewith have been (or upon execution will have been) duly executed and delivered it, have been effectively authorized by all necessary action (corporate, partnership or otherwise) and constitute (or upon execution will constitute) its legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity); and
 
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12.2.4   the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by it and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not result in a breach of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, or conflict with any contract or any other agreement, indenture or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, its organizational documents, or any judgment, decree, order, award, law, rule or regulation of any United States, state, local, or other governmental entity or municipality or subdivision thereof or any authority, department, commission, agency, board, bureau, court or other instrumentality thereof.
 
13.   Miscellaneous.
 
13.1.   Notices.
 
All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for or contemplated hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when sent to the Party to whom addressed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, by overnight courier, with the fees therefore prepaid or billed to the sender, or by facsimile to such Party (if confirmed by one of the other methods described in this Section 13.1 ), their successors in interest, or their assignees at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the Parties may designate by written notice in the manner aforesaid:
 
If to Argosy or Gran Tierra:
Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
 
300, 611-10 th Avenue S.W.
 
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2R 0B2
 
Attn: Dana Coffield
 
Facsimile No. (403) 265-3242
   
With copies to:
McGuire Woods LLP
 
1345 Avenue of the Americas
 
New York, NY 10105
 
Attn: Louis W. Zehil
 
Facsimile No. (212) 548-2175
   
If to Crosby:
Crosby Capital, LLC
 
712 Main Street, Suite 1700
 
Houston, TX 77002
 
Attn: Jay Allen Chaffee
 
Facsimile No. (713) 223-5379
   
With copies to:
Glast, Phillips & Murray, P.C.
 
2200 One Galleria Tower
 
13355 Noel Road
 
Dallas, TX 75240
 
Attn: Stanton P. Eigenbrodt
 
Facsimile No. (972) 419-8329
 

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13.2.   Inurement. This Agreement shall be binding on all Parties, their employees, agents, representatives, attorneys, shareholders, partners, affiliates, assigns, and successors in case of, but not limited to, merger, capital reorganization, reclassification of stock, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of any Party’s assets, or any other change in business form by operation of law or contract or otherwise. The Parties agree to execute such other and further documentation necessary to effect this paragraph.
 
13.3.   No Other Representations or Warranties. The Parties hereto have entered into this Agreement in reliance solely upon the representations, warranties and agreements made by each to the other as expressly set forth in this Agreement and not upon any other representation, warranty or statement, whether written or oral, or express or implied.
 
13.4.   Modification; Waiver. Any modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, or any consent to any departure from the terms of this Agreement, shall not be binding unless the same is in writing and signed by the Party against whom such modification or waiver is sought to be enforced. The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, unless there is a specific time period set forth herein with respect to the exercise of such right, power or privilege. No single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege shall preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the exercise of any other right , power, or privilege. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement can be discharged by one party, in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party shall be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no notice to or demand on one party shall be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation of such party or of the right of the party giving such notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement.
 
13.5.   Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede and cancel any prior understandings and agreements of the Parties with respect to such matters.
 
13.6.   Headings.   Section headings are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect any construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
 
13.7.   Interpretation. This Agreement, and all other documents or instruments executed pursuant to this Agreement, were negotiated and drafted by the mutual efforts of all Parties and their counsel and, accordingly, the language of each of this Agreement and such other documents and instruments shall be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any Party.
 
13.8.   Further Assurances. Each Party agrees to execute any and all documents reasonably required to effectuate the purposes and intent of this Agreement, at present or in the future. Specifically and without limiting the prior sentence, if the law of Colombia in the future provides for a direct assignment of the Base Overriding Royalty from the Historical Properties, at the request of Crosby, Argosy shall make such assignment to Crosby.
 
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13.9.   Governing Law. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL INSTRUMENTS EXECUTED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT (UNLESS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY STATED THEREIN) SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW THEREOF.
 
13.10.   No Liability. Crosby and/or any holder of the Crosby Net Profits Interest shall not be liable to Argosy and/or any other Party for any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities of any nature whatsoever related to the operation of the Historical Properties after the date hereof.
 
13.11.   Force Majeure. Gran Tierra’s and Argosy’s obligations to make capital expenditures under this Agreement shall be suspended and tolled during any period to the extent Argosy cannot conduct its business due to accident, labor dispute or disruption, strike, shortage of labor, materials, fuel or power, fire, flood or other act of God or lack of transportation facilities. Gran Tierra’s and Argosy’s obligations hereunder shall promptly begin again after Argosy’s business is no longer such disrupted. Gran Tierra and/or Argosy shall within 30 days of a qualifying force majeure event under this Section 13.11 give Crosby written notice of such event, or the provisions of this Section 13.11 shall not be applicable.
 
13.12.   Survival. The representations, warranties, agreements and covenants of the Parties shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
 
13.13.   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which constitute one and the same instrument. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by facsimile shall constitute the valid execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Party providing the facsimile signature.
 
13.14.   Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability, without affecting in any way the remaining provisions hereof in such jurisdiction or rendering that or any other provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any other jurisdiction.
 
13.15.   Payments in U.S. Dollars. All payments owed to Crosby hereunder shall be paid in United States dollars.
 
13.16.   Purchase Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the Purchase Agreement and this Agreement, the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall govern.
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.
 
 
ARGOSY ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
 
By:
Argosy Energy Corp., General Partner
       
   
By:
/s/ Dana Coffield
   
Name:
Dana Coffield
   
Title:
President

CITY OF CALGARY
§
 
§
PROVINCE OF ALBERTA
§
 
On this 22nd day of June, 2006, before me appeared Dana Coffield, to me personally known, who being by me duly sworn did say that he is the President of Argosy Energy Corp., the General Partner of Argosy Energy International, and that the instrument was signed on behalf of Argosy Energy International, by the authority of the Board of Directors of Argosy Energy Corp. as the General Partner of such partnership, and that he acknowledged the instrument to be the free act and deed of said partnership.
 
This instrument was acknowledged before me on the 22nd day of June, 2006, by Dana Coffield, the President of Argosy Energy Corp., the General Partner of Argosy Energy International.
 
   
[illegible]
   
Notary Public in and for the Province of Alberta
     
My Commission Expires:
   
not applicable
   

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GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC.
   
By:
/s/ Dana Coffield
Name:
Dana Coffield
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer

CITY OF CALGARY
§
 
§
PROVINCE OF ALBERTA
§
 
On this 22nd day of June, 2006, before me appeared Dana Coffield, to me personally known, who being by me duly sworn did say that he is the President of and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra Energy Inc., and that the instrument was signed on behalf of same, by the authority of its Board of Directors, and that he acknowledged the instrument to be the free act and deed of said corporation.
 
This instrument was acknowledged before me on the 22nd day of June, 2006, by Dana Coffield, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
 
   
[illegible]
   
Notary Public in and for the Province of Alberta
     
My Commission Expires:
   
     
not applicable
   
 
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CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
   
By:
/s/ Jay Allen Chaffee
 
Jay Allen Chaffee
 
President

CITY OF TEXAS
§
 
§
PROVINCE OF HARRIS
§
 
On this 26th day of June, 2006, before me appeared Jay Chaffee, to me personally known, who being by me duly sworn did say that he is the President of Crosby Capital, LLC, and that the instrument was signed on behalf of same, by the authority of its Board of Managers, and that he acknowledged the instrument to be the free act and deed of said limited liability company.
 
This instrument was acknowledged before me on the 26th day of June, 2006, by Jay Allen Chaffee, the President of Crosby Capital, LLC
 
   
/s/ Peggy Ann Maltie
   
Notary Public in and for the State of Texas
     
 
[seal]
     
July 11, 2007
   
 
-33-


SCHEDULE 1.8
COLOMBIAN ASSOCIATION CONTRACTS
 
-34-


Colombia
Block/Field(a)
 
Well Name
 
Royalty
Interest
 
Other
Working
Interest
 
Argosy
Working
Interest
 
Argosy Net
Revenue
Interest
Guayuyaco
Field: Guayuyaco
 
   
Guayuyaco 1
Guayuyaco 2
   
8.00000
8.00000
(b)  
(b)
 
65.00000
65.00000
   
35.00000
35.00000
   
32.20000
32.20000
 
                                 
Santana
Field: Linda
   
 
Linda 1
Linda 2
Linda 3
Linda 4
Linda 5
   
20.00000
20.00000
20.00000
20.00000
20.00000
   
65.00000
65.00000
65.00000
65.00000
65.00000
   
35.00000
35.00000
35.00000
35.00000
35.00000
   
28.00000
28.00000
28.00000
28.00000
28.00000
 
                                 
Santana
Field: Inchiyaco (c)
   
Inchiyaco 1
   
20.00000
   
74.17350
   
25.82650
   
20.66120
 
                                 
Santana
Field: Mary
   
Mary 1
 
Mary 2
Mary 3
Mary 5
   
20.00000
 
20.00000
20.00000
20.00000
   
65.00000
 
65.00000
65.00000
65.00000
   
35.00000
 
35.00000
35.00000
35.00000
   
28.00000
 
28.00000
28.00000
28.00000
 
                                 
Santana:
Field: Miraflor
   
Miraflor
   
20.00000
   
65.00000
   
35.00000
   
28.00000
 
                                 
Santana
Field: Toroyaco
   
Toroyaco 1
 
Toroyaco 2
Toroyaco 3
Toroyaco 4
   
20.00000
 
20.00000
20.00000
20.00000
   
65.00000
 
65.00000
65.00000
65.00000
   
35.00000
 
35.00000
35.00000
35.00000
   
28.00000
 
28.00000
28.00000
28.00000
 
 
-35-


Colombia
Block/Field(a)
 
Well  Name
 
Royalty
Interest
 
Other
Working
Interest
 
Argosy
Working
Interest
 
Argosy Net
Revenue
Interest
 
Chaza
   
 
(d)
 
8.00000 (b
)
 
50.00000
   
50.00000
   
46.00000
 
Mecaya
   
 
(d)
 
8.00000 (b
)
 
85.00000
   
15.00000
   
13.80000
 
Mandiyaco
   
 
(d)(e)
 
8.00000 (b
)
 
0.00000
   
100.00000
   
92.00000
 
Rio Magdalena
   
 
(d)
 
8.00000 (b
)
 
65.00000
   
35.00000
   
32.20000
 
Talora
   
 
(d)
 
8.00000 (b
)
 
80.00000
   
20.00000
   
18.40000
 
Primavera
   
 
(d)
 
8.00000 (b
)
 
85.00000
   
15.00000
   
13.80000
 
 
(a)
The formations for each block and field are referenced on CPA Schedule 1.54 and Argosy’s Net Revenue Interest is the same for each formation in such field.
(b)
Subject to sliding scale
(c)
Inchiyaco field connected to Mary Field
(d)
No producing wells as of May 25, 2006
(e)
Potential other working interest owner if Repsol Farm-in is basis of property acquisition. Such interest, if any, would reduce Argosy’s Net Revenue Interest.
 
-36-


SCHEDULE 1.14
HISTORICAL PROPERTIES

-37-


SCHEDULE 1.14
TO THE
COLOMBIAN PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
 
COLOMBIAN ASSOCIATION CONTRACTS
 
SEE ATTACHED PAGE 1
 
-38-


Block
 
Contractual Documentation
 
Effective Date
Santana
 
ECP Risk Sharing Contract
 
July 27, 1987
         
Rio Magdalena
 
ECP Association Contract
 
February 8, 2002
         
Guayuyaco
 
ECP Association Contract
 
September 20, 2002
         
Talora
 
ANH Contract for Exploration and Exploitation of Hydrocarbons
 
September 16, 2004
         
Chaza
 
ANH Contract for Exploration and Exploitation of Hydrocarbons
 
June 27, 2005
         
Primavera
 
ANH Contract for Exploration and Exploitation of Hydrocarbons
 
May 9, 2006
         
Mecaya
 
Application for ANH Contract for Exploration and Exploitation of Hydrocarbons
 
(1)
         
Mandiyaco
 
Application for ANH Contract for Exploration and Exploitation of Hydrocarbons
 
(2)
 
(1)
Argosy submitted the “Mecaya” application to ANH on October 27, 2005 for an area in the Putumayo basin. ANH advised Argosy verbally the application was accepted on April 20, 2006. Argosy has received written confirmation and is scheduling a contract closing on or about June 2, 2006.
 
(2)
Argosy submitted the “Mandiyaco” application to ANH on April 26, 2006 for an area in the Putumayo Basin. ANH has suspended review of this application until a previously submitted application is processed. Therefore, this application may need to be renewed and/or resubmitted.
 
-39-


SCHEDULE 1.33
CURRENT NET REVENUE INTERESTS
 
-40-


SCHEDULE 1.33
TO THE
COLOMBIAN PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

HISTORICAL PROPERTIES

Colombia
Block/Field
 
Well Names
 
Argosy Net
Revenue
Interest
 
Description of Historical Property(1)
Block : Santana
Fields : Linda
 
 
Inchiyaco
Mary
 
 
Miraflor
Toroyaco
 
Linda 1
Linda 2
Linda 3
Linda 4
Linda 5
Inchiyaco I
Mary 1
Mary 2
Mary 3
Mary 5
Miraflor
Toroyaco 1
Toroyaco 2
Toroyaco 3
Toroyaco 4
 
28.0%
28.0%
28.0%
28.0%
28.0%
20.6612%
28.0%
28.0%
28.0%
28.0%
28.0%
28.0%
28,0%
28.0%
28.0%
 
The area more specifically described in Annex A of the Amendment to the Santana Shared Risk Contract effective August 14, 2002, attached to this Schedule 1.28 on pages 2 to 28, setting forth the coordinates of the property (a) comprising an area of 21,191 hectares and 5,800 square meters, located in the Guayuyaco Sector in the municipal jurisdictions of Villa Garzón, Puerto Guzman and Mocoa in the Putumayo Province, and the municipal jurisdiction of Santa Rosa in the Cauca Province, and including only (b) (i) the productive areas individually redefined for each of the reservoirs of the Mary, Miraflor, Linda and Toroyaco fields, as described more fully therein; and (ii) the Inchiyaco field which has been determined to be connected to the Mary field.
Block : Guayuyaco
Field : Guayuyaco
 
Guayuyaco 1
Guayuyaco 2
 
32.2%
32.2%
 
The area more specifically described in Annex A of the Guayuyaco Adjacent Prospect Contract effective September 20, 2002, attached to this Schedule 1.28 on pages 29 to 39, setting forth the coordinates of the property (a) comprising an area of 21,191 hectares and 5,800 square meters, located in the Guayuyaco Sector in the municipal jurisdictions of Villa Garzón, Puerto Guzmán and Mocoa in the Putumayo Province, and the municipal jurisdiction of Santa Rosa in the Cauca Province, and excluding (b) (i) the productive areas individually redefined for each of the reservoirs of the Mary, Miraflor, Linda and Toroyaco fields, as described more fully therein; and (ii) the Inchiyaco field which has been determined to be connected to the Mary field.
Block :
Rio Magdalena
 
(2)
 
32.2%
 
The area more specifically described in Annex A of the Rio Magdalena Association Contract effective February 8, 2002, attached to this Schedule 1.28 on pages 40 to 79, setting forth the coordinates of property comprising an area of 43,841 hectares and 867 square meters, located in the Río Magdalena Sector in the municipal jurisdictions of San Juan de Rioseco, Beltrán, Pulí and Guataqui in the Cundinamarca Province, and the municipal jurisdictions of Guayabal, Lérida, Venadillo, Ambalema and Piedras in the Tolima Province.
Block : Talora
 
(2)
 
18.4%
 
The area more specifically described in Annex A of the Talora Exploration and Exploitation Contract effective September 16, 2004, attached to this Schedule 1.28 on pages 45 to 47, setting forth the coordinates of property comprising an area of 32,472 hectares and 6,893 square meters, located in the Chaza Sector in the municipal jurisdictions of Mocoa and Villagarzón in the Putumayo Province and the municipal jurisdiction of Piamonte in the Cauca Province.

-41-


Block : Chaza
 
(2)
 
46.0%
 
The area more specifically described in Annex A of the Chaza Exploration and Exploitation Contract effective June 27, 2005, attached to this Schedule 1.28 on pages 53 to 62, setting forth the coordinates of property comprising an area of 32,472 hectares and 6,893 square meters, located in the Chaza Sector in the municipal jurisdictions of Mocoa and Villagarzón in the Putumayo Province and the municipal jurisdiction of Piamonte in the Cauca Province.
Block : Primavera
 
(2)
 
13.8%
 
The area more specifically described in Annex A of the Primavera Exploration and Exploitation Agreement effective May 9, 2006, setting forth the coordinates of property commonly known as Primavera Block, which description is attached to this Schedule 1.28 on pages 63 to 74.
Block : Mecaya
 
(2)
 
13.8%
 
The area more specifically described in Exhibit I of the Mecaya Commercial Agreement effective May 23, 2006 by and among Expet S.A., Mecaya Colombia Partners LLC and Argosy Energy International, setting forth the coordinates of the Mecaya exploration block in the Putumayo Province of Colombia, which Exhibit I is attached to this Schedule 1.28 op pages 75 to 77.
Block : Mandiyaco
 
(2)
 
92.0%
 
The area more specifically described in the attachment to the application for the Mandiyaco Block with ANH dated April 27, 2006, setting forth the coordinates of the proposed Mandiyaco exploration block in the Cauca Province of Colombia, which such “Mandiyaco Area” attachment is attached to this Schedule 1.28 on pages 78 to 79.

(1)
The following descriptions are the surface areas for such Historical Properties, and include any productive Hydrocarbon bearing intervals which are found beneath such surface areas.
 
(2)
No producing wells as of May 25, 2006
 
-42-


SCHEDULE 1.53
POPA PROSPECT AREA MAP
 
-43-


SCHEDULE 1.53
TO THE
COLOMBIAN PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
 
POPA PROSPECT AREA MAP
 
SEE ATTACHED PAGE 1
 
[Map]
 
CPA SCHEDULE 1.53 PAGE 1
 
[Map]

-44-


SCHEDULE 1.54
PREEXISTING FIELDS



-45-


SCHEDULE 1.54
TO THE
COLOMBIAN PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
 
PRE-EXISTING FIELDS
 
SEE ATTACHED PAGE 1

-46-



Field
Name
 
Colombian
Contract Area
 
Formation
Name
 
Formation
Depth
Linda
 
Santana Block
 
Villeta “U”
 
8688 - 8938
 
 
 
 
Villeta “T”
 
8800 - 8970
 
 
 
 
Villeta “N”
 
8076 - 8345
 
 
 
 
Caballos
 
8991 - 9105
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mary
 
Santana Block
 
Villeta “U”
 
7404 - 7715
 
 
 
 
Villeta “T”
 
7647 - 7882
 
 
 
 
Villeta “N”
 
6894 - 6902
 
 
 
 
Caballos
 
7767 - 8018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inchiyaco
 
Santana Block
 
Villeta “U”
 
7354 - 7520
 
 
 
 
Caballos
 
7916 - 7976
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Miraflor
 
Santana Block
 
Villeta “U”
 
6476 - 6545
 
 
 
 
Villeta “T”
 
6652 - 6798
 
 
 
 
Villeta “N”
 
5868 - 5896
 
 
 
 
Caballos
 
6780 - 6820
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Toroyaco
 
Santana Block
 
Villeta “U”
 
8838 - 9100
 
 
 
 
Villeta “T”
 
9036 - 9274
 
 
 
 
Villeta “N”
 
8128 - 8138
 
 
 
 
Caballos
 
9370 - 9396
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guayuyaco
 
Guayuyaco Block
 
Villeta “U”
 
7490 - 7620
 
 
 
 
Villeta “T”
 
7754 - 7790
 
 
 
 
Caballos
 
7882 - 7903
 
-47-


SCHEDULE 9.1
TO THE
COLOMBIAN PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
 
CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC MEMBERS
 
SEE ATTACHED PAGE 1
 
-48-


LJB Partners, L.P.
 
Schumacher Living Trust
 
Lincoln Trust Company, Custodian FBO Robert J. Schumacher Roth/IRA — Account 60481057
 
Lincoln Trust Company, Custodian FBO Robert J. Schumacher Roth/IRA — Account 60481066
 
Jay Allen Chaffee
 
Bunker Hill Associates, Inc.
 
-49-


EXHIBIT A
TO COLOMBIAN PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
Terms of Letter of Credit Draws
 
The Initial Letter of Credit, a New Letter of Credit or any replacement letter of credit provided under Section 6 of this Agreement (collectively, the “ Letters of Credit ”) can be drawn under the following circumstances: (i) a payment default by Gran Tierra and/or Argosy under this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section I below (a “ Payment Default ”), or (ii) any time Crosby should be protected with a Letter of Credit in the correct aggregate amount as set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement but is not, pursuant to the terms of Section II below (a “ Letter of Credit Default ”), or (iii) any time Crosby should be protected with a Letter of Credit from an Issuer Bank with an Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating as set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement but is not, pursuant to the terms of Section III below.
I.   Payment Default .
 
Crosby shall be entitled to draw under the Letter of Credit in the exact amount that it is owed under this Agreement if and only it certifies to the issuing bank (the “ Issuer Bank ”) with reasonable evidence attached thereto that one of the following two conditions has been satisfied:
A.   Condition One: Gran Tierra and/or Argosy fail to make a payment and Gran Tierra and/or Argosy admit explicitly in writing that they owe such amount; or
B.   Condition Two: Either:
 
(1)
 
(a)
An award of the Panel provided in Section 11.2 provides for payment of money to Crosby (“ Crosby Arbitration Award ”); and
(b)
Within 10 business days of such award, (i) the Crosby Arbitration Award has not been paid and (ii) the Crosby Arbitration Award has been appealed; or
 
(2)
 
(a)
In the event the Crosby Arbitration Award has been appealed, a final determination favorable to Crosby has been entered (the “ Crosby Final Determination ”); and
(b)
Crosby has not been paid in full the amount of the Crosby Final Determination within five business days of such Crosby Final Determination.
 
II.   Letter of Credit Renewal Default .
 
Crosby shall be entitled to draw a Letter of Credit in full and deposit such amount in an escrow account at the Crosby Escrow Bank if and only if it certifies to the Issuer Bank with reasonable evidence attached thereto that the money will be deposited in such escrow and the following two conditions are satisfied:
A.   Not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the end of any Letter of Credit term, Crosby delivered written notice to Gran Tierra, Argosy and/or any permitted transferee, that any of them, as the case may be, is required under pursuant to Section 6 and this Exhibit A to deliver to Crosby a Letter of Credit satisfying the terms set forth Section 6 and this Exhibit A ; and

-50-


B.   Gran Tierra, Argosy or such permitted transferee has not within ten (10) business days provided such new Letter of Credit.
 
III.   Issuer Bank Credit Rating Non-Maintenance Default .
 
Crosby shall be entitled to draw a Letter of Credit in full and deposit such amount in an escrow account at the Crosby Escrow Bank if and only if it certifies to the Issuer Bank with reasonable evidence attached thereto that the money will be deposited in such escrow and the following two conditions are satisfied:
A.   Crosby delivered written notice to Gran Tierra, Argosy and/or any permitted transferee, as applicable, that the Issuer Bank’s rating by Standard & Poor’s has fallen below the Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating, and requesting delivery of a replacement Letter of Credit as required under and satisfying the terms of Section 6 and this Exhibit A ; and
B.   Gran Tierra, Argosy or such permitted transferee, as the case may be, has not within fifteen (15) business days provided such new Letter of Credit.
 
-51-

 
Exhibit B
 
[Form of the Initial Letter of Credit attached hereto]
 
 
Amendment No. 1 to
Colombian Participation Agreement
 
-52-


IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT
 
Effective as of 31st October, 2006
 
Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. [   ]
 
 
APPLICANT :
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC.
300, 611 - 10 th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2R OBZ
 
 
STATED AMOUNT :
USD $4,000,000
 
 
EXPIRY DATE :
31st October, 2007
(save as such date may be extended pursuant to paragraph 9
below)
AT OUR COUNTERS
 
BENEFICIARY :
CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
712 Main Street, Suite 1700
Houston, TX 77002
Attention: Jay Allen Chaffee
 

Re:   Colombian Participation Agreement
 
1.   We, Standard Bank Plc (the “ Issuing Bank ”), hereby issue our irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit on behalf of Gran Tierra Energy Inc (the “ Applicant ”) for an amount of USD 4,000,000 (Four Million United States Dollars) in favour of Crosby Capital, LLC (the “ Beneficiary ”).
 
2.   This Standby Letter of Credit covers all monics and liabilities (whether actual or contingent) for up to the amount of USD 4,000,000 (Four Million United States Dollars) which are now or shall at any time hereafter be due, owing or payable to the Beneficiary from or by the Applicant under the terms of a participation agreement entered into on 22 nd June, 2006 between the Applicant, Beneficiary and Argosy Energy International (as amended and in effect from time to time, the “ Colombian Participation Agreement ”).
 
3.   CLAIM DOCUMENTATION. Authenticated swift or tested telex claiming the sum due and in the appropriate form designated below:
 
(a)
if a claim is being made with respect to a payment default under the Colombian Participation Agreement, the form of Exhibit A hereto;
 
-53-


(b)
if a claim is being made with respect to a Letter of Credit renewal default under the Colombian Participation Agreement, the form of Exhibit B hereto;
 
(c)
if a claim is being made with respect to a default under the Columbian Participation Agreement in providing an additional Letter of Credit following a draw under a Letter of Credit, the form of Exhibit C; and/or
 
(d)
if a claim is being made with respect to an Issuing Bank credit rating downgrade under the Colombian Participation Agreement, the form of Exhibit D hereto.
 
4.   We hereby irrevocably and unconditionally undertake to honour all claims made by the Beneficiary in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Standby Letter of Credit within five (5) Business Days after our receipt thereof provided such claim documentation is received on or prior to 5:30pm (Greenwich Meantime) on the Expiry Date or on any day prior to the Expiry Date. For the purposes of this Standby Letter of Credit, “ Business Day ” shall mean any day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are open for business in London.
 
5.   It is further agreed that this Standby Letter of Credit shall be without prejudice to such rights as the Beneficiary may have at any time in respect of any security that the Beneficiary may hold for the said indebtedness and liabilities and that our liability shall not be affected by giving time or other indulgence to the Applicant, or by the Beneficiary realizing or entering into any compromise with depositors or any other collateral the Beneficiary may hold at any time in respect of the said liability.
 
6.   TT Reimbursement and partial drawings are allowed.
 
7.   This Standby Letter of Credit is not assignable.
 
8.   A person who is not a party to this Standby Letter of Credit has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce the terms of this Standby Letter of Credit.
 
9.   Save as may be extended in accordance with the terms below, this Standby Letter of Credit expires at the counters of Standard Bank Plc on the Expiry Date. At any time no less than 90 days but no more than 120 days prior to the Expiry Date, the Applicant may by written notice addressed to the Issuing Bank request that the Expiry Date is extended for an additional period not to exceed one year. The Issuing Bank shall, no later than 30 days after receiving such request, notify the Beneficiary and the Applicant of its acceptance or rejection of such request and, if accepted, confirm the new Expiry Date.
 
10.   All documents presented to the Issuing Bank in connection with any demand for payment under this Letter of Credit, as well as all notices and other communications to the Issuing Bank in respect hereof, shall be in writing, shall make specific reference to this Standby Letter of Credit by number and shall be delivered to the Issuing Bank at its office located at Standard Bank PLC, Canon Bridge House, 25 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SB (or at any other office of the Issuing Bank as may be designated by the Issuing Bank by written notice delivered to the Beneficiary) by authenticated SWIFT message (or any other form of communication previously agreed in writing with the Issuing Bank) to the following address (or at any number(s) designated by the Issuing Bank by written notice delivered to the Beneficiary), as applicable: [please provide] .
 
-54-


11.   This Standby Letter of Credit is subject to the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (1993 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce, Publication No. 500 (the “ UCP ”). This Standby Letter of Credit shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, and the state and federal courts located in the State, County and City of New York shall have non-exclusive jurisdiction in any action or proceeding arising out of this Standby Letter of Credit.
 
12.   Demand for payment under this Standby Letter of Credit shall be presented directly to the Issuing Bank and shall not be negotiated.
 
13.   Standard Bank Plc’s charges are for the account of the Applicant, all other charges are for the account of the Beneficiary.
 
14.   By paying the Beneficiary an amount demanded in accordance with this Standby Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank makes no representation as to the correctness of the amount demanded or of the calculations and representations of the Beneficiary required by this Letter of Credit.
 
15.   This Standby Letter of Credit sets forth in full the Issuing Bank’s undertaking, and such undertaking shall not be deemed in any way to be modified, amended, amplified or otherwise affected by any document, instrument or agreement referred to herein (including, without limitation, the Colombian Participation Agreement or credit agreement to which is relates), except only the Uniform Customs and the certificate(s) provided for herein.

STANDARD BANK PLC
   
By:
 
Title:
 
   
   
By:
 
Title:
 
 
-55-


Exhibit A
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
No.    
 
CERTIFICATE FOR A PAYMENT DEFAULT
 
The undersigned hereby certifies to Standard Bank PLC (the “ Issuing Bank ”), with reference to Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. _______ (the “ Letter of Credit ”) issued by the Issuing Bank in favor of Crosby Capital, LLC (the “ Beneficiary ”), and fur the account of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (the “ Account Party ”), that the undersigned is a duly authorized officer of the Beneficiary, that any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have its respective meaning set forth in the Letter of Credit or the Colombian Participation ion Agreement referred to therein and that:
 
The Beneficiary is entitled to draw $[   ] (the “ Draw Amount ”) under the Letter of Credit, which is the exact amount that is owed to the Beneficiary under the Colombian Participation Agreement. The Beneficiary hereby directs the Issuing Bank to pay the Draw Amount by wire transfer of such amount in immediately available funds to the account of the Beneficiary specified below:
 
Bank Name:
Address:
ABA No.:
Account Name:
Account No.:
Attention:
 
[Include either [A] or [B].]
 
[A]
[The Beneficiary further certifies to the Issuing Bank that attached hereto is the written agreement of the Account Party acknowledging that the Draw Amount is due to the Beneficiary under the Colombian Participation Agreement and that the Account Party and its affiliates have failed to make such payment.]
 
[B]
[Include either [1] or [2]]
 
[(1)] [The Beneficiary further certifies to the Issuing Bank that:
 
(a)   an award of the Panel provided in Section 11.2 of the Colombian Participation Agreement, provided for payment of the Draw Amount to the Beneficiary (the “ Crosby Arbitration Award ”); and
 
(b)   within 10 business days of the Crosby Arbitration Award, (i) the Crosby Arbitration Award has not been paid and (ii) the Crosby Arbitration Award has not been appealed.]
 
[(2)] [The Beneficiary further certifies to the Issuing Bank that:
 
(a) an award of the Panel provided in Section 11.2 of the Colombian Participation Agreement, provided for payment of the Draw Amount to the Beneficiary (the “ Crosby Arbitration Award ”);
 
-56-


Exhibit A
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
No.    
 
(b)   within 10 business days of the Crosby Arbitration Award, (i) the Crosby Arbitration Award was not paid and (ii) the Crosby Arbitration Award was appealed;
 
(c)   a final determination of the Crosby Arbitration Award favorable to the Beneficiary has been entered (the “ Crosby Final Determination ”) on appeal; and
 
(d)   the Beneficiary has not been paid in full the amount of the Crosby Final Determination within 5 business days of such Crosby Final Determination.]
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Beneficiary has executed and delivered this Certificate as of the ___ day of _____, ______.
 
CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
   
By:
 
Title:
   
 
-57-

 
Exhibit B
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
No.     
 
 
CERTIFICATE FOR A LETTER OF CREDIT RENEWAL DEFAULT
 
The undersigned hereby certifies to Standard Bank PLC (the “ Issuing Bank ”), with reference to Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. ____ (the “ Letter of Credit ”) issued by the Issuing Bank in favor of Crosby Capital, LLC (the “ Beneficiary ”), and for the account of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (the “ Account Party ”), that the undersigned is a duly authorized officer of the Beneficiary, that any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have its respective meaning set forth in the Letter of Credit or the Colombian Participation Agreement referred to therein and that:
 
The Beneficiary is entitled to draw the Letter of Credit in full and deposit the Stated Amount in the escrow account at the Crosby Escrow Bank specified below (the “ Escrow Account ”). The Crosby Escrow Agreement has been executed by each of the Beneficiary and the Crosby Escrow Bank, and contains the provisions required by the Colombian Participation Agreement. A copy of such executed Crosby Escrow Agreement is delivered herewith. The Beneficiary hereby directs the Issuing Bank to pay the Stated Amount under the Letter of Credit by wire transfer of such amount in immediately available finds directly to the Escrow Account, as follows:
 
Bank Name:
Address:
ABA No.:
Account Name:
Account No.:
Attention:
 
[Include either [A] or [B].]
 
[A]
The Beneficiary hereby further certifies to the Issuing Bank that: (1) the Initial Term has not expired; and (2) the Account Party has failed to extend the Expiry Date of the Letter of Credit for an additional one year, pursuant to Section 9 of the Letter of Credit.]
 
[B]
The Beneficiary hereby further certifies that:
 
 
(1)
not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the Stated Termination Date, the Beneficiary delivered written notice to the Account Party that the Account Party is required under Section 6 of the Participation Agreement to deliver to the Beneficiary confirmation of an extension of the Letter of Credit for an additional period equal to the shorter of (i) one year from the Stated Termination Date and (ii) the period ending on the last day of the Initial Term; and
 
 
(2)
the Account Party has not provided such an extension of the Letter of Credit prior to the date that is 10 Business Days following the date which is 60 days prior to the Stated Termination Date.]
 
-58-


Exhibit B
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
No.     
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Beneficiary has executed and delivered this Certificate as of the ___ day of ______, ______.
 
CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
 
By:
 
Title:
 
 
-59-



Exhibit C
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
No.     
 
CERTIFICATE FOR A LETTER OF CREDIT REINSTATEMENT DEFAULT
 
The undersigned hereby certifies to Standard Bank PLC (the “ issuing Bank ”), with reference to Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. ______ (the “ Letter of Credit ”) issued by the Issuing Bank in favor of Crosby Capital, LLC (the “ Beneficiary ”), and for the account of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (the “ Account Party ”), that the undersigned is a duly authorized officer of the Beneficiary, that any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have its respective meaning set forth in the Letter of Credit or the Colombian Participation Agreement referred to therein and that:
 
The Beneficiary is entitled to draw the remaining undrawn portion of the Stated Amount of the Letter of Credit (the “ Remaining Amount ”) and deposit the Remaining Amount in the escrow account at the Crosby Escrow Bank specified below (the “ Escrow Account ”). The Crosby Escrow Agreement has been executed by each of the Beneficiary and the Crosby Escrow Bank, and contains the provisions required by the Colombian Participation Agreement. A copy of such executed Crosby Escrow Agreement is delivered herewith. The Beneficiary hereby directs the Issuing Bank to pay the Remaining Amount under the Letter of Credit by wire transfer of such amount in immediately available funds directly to the Escrow Account, as follows:
 
Bank Name:
Address:
ABA No.:
Account Name:
Account No.:
Attention:
 
The Beneficiary hereby further certifies that, following a prior draw under a Letter of Credit, the Account Party has failed to deliver a new letter of credit to the Beneficiary in the amount of such draw within 45 days of such draw as required by the Columbian Participation Agreement.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Beneficiary has executed and delivered this Certificate as of the ____ day of _____, ______.
 
CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
 
By:
 
Title:
 

-60-


CERTIFICATE FOR AN ISSUING BANK CREDIT
RATING NON-MAINTENANCE DEFAULT
 
The undersigned hereby certifies to Standard Bank PLC (the “ Issuing Bank ”), with reference to Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. ______ (the “ Letter of Credit ”) issued by the Issuing Bank in favor of Crosby Capital, LLC (the “ Beneficiary ”), and for the account of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (the “ Account Party ”). that the undersigned is a duly authorized officer of the Beneficiary, that any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have its respective meaning set forth in the Letter of Credit or the Colombian Participation Agreement referred to therein and that:
 
The Beneficiary is entitled to draw the Letter of Credit in full and deposit the Stated Amount in the escrow account at the Crosby Escrow Bank specified below (the “ Escrow Account ”). The Crosby Escrow Agreement has been executed by each of the Beneficiary and the Crosby Escrow Bank, and contains the provisions required by the Colombian Participation Agreement. A copy of such executed Crosby Escrow Agreement is delivered herewith. The Beneficiary hereby directs the Issuing Bank to pay the Stated Amount under the Letter of Credit by wire transfer of such amount in immediately available funds directly to the Escrow Account, as follows:
 
Bank Name:
Address:
ABA No.:
Account Name:
Account No.:
Attention:
The Beneficiary hereby further certifies that:
 
 
A.
the Beneficiary delivered written notice to the Account Party that the Issuing Bank’s credit rating has fallen below the Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating and requested delivery of a replacement Letter of Credit as required under Section 6 of the Participation Agreement; and
 
 
B.
the Account Party has not within 15 business days following receipt of such notice provided such a replacement Letter of Credit.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Beneficiary has executed and delivered this Certificate as of the
 
____ day of ______, _______.
 
CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
 
By:
 
Title:
 
 
-61-

 
Exhibit 10.56
 
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO COLOMBIAN PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
 
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO COLOMBIAN PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is entered into as of the 1st day of November, 2006, by and among Argosy Energy International, a Utah limited partnership (“ Argosy ”), Gran Tierra Energy Inc., a Nevada corporation (“ Gran Tierra ”), and Crosby Capital, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“ Crosby ”). The entities named above may also be referred to herein individually as a “ Party ” or collectively as the “ Parties .” All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall be given the meanings assigned to such terms in that certain Colombian Participation Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2006, by and among Argosy, Gran Tierra, and Crosby (the “ Original Participation Agreement ”)
 
RECITALS
 
WHEREAS, the Parties executed the Original Participation Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, on June 22, 2006;
 
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to amend the Original Participation Agreement as set forth herein; and
 
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 13.4 of the Original Participation Agreement, no modification or waiver of any provision of the Original Participation Agreement shall be effective unless set forth in writing signed by the Parties.
 
AGREEMENT
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
 
1.
Section 6.2.1(a) of the Original Participation Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
 
“(a)   Amount : The face amount of the Initial Letter of Credit shall be USD$4,000,000.00. Draws from the Initial Letter of Credit must be replaced, within 45 days of any such draws, to keep the required USD$4,000,000.00 face value of the Letter of Credit in place. In the event that Crosby properly draws on the Initial Letter of Credit, Gran Tierra shall, within 45 days of such draw, provide a new Letter of Credit, in substantially similar form, with substantially similar terms as the Initial Letter of Credit and with a face amount equal to the amount of such draw so that the undrawn face amount of all Letters of Credit issued to Crosby to secure Gran Tierra’s obligations under this Agreement shall, at all times after 45 days following any draw thereunder during the Initial Term, equal USD$4,000,000.00. If Gran Tierra fails to provide such new Letter of Credit within the applicable 45 day period, in breach of the foregoing, Crosby may draw the remaining undrawn amount of the Initial Letter of Credit and cause the proceeds of such draw to be deposited to the Crosby Escrow Account (as defined in Section 6.5) as set forth in Section 6.5.”

Amendment No. 1 to
Colombian Participation Agreement
 


2.
The definition of “ Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating ,” set forth in Section 6.2.1(c) of the Original Participation Agreement shall be amended, and Section 6.2.1(c) of the Original Participation Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
 
“(c)   Issuer . The Initial Letter of Credit on terms consisted with this Section 6 and Exhibit A attached hereto, with such other documentary conditions as may be acceptable to Crosby shall be issued by a bank with a minimum credit rating of any of the following: (i) BBB, by Standard and Poor’s, (ii) Baa2 by Moody’s Investor Services, or (iii) BBB by Fitch IBCA (the “ Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating ”). Crosby may request and Gran
 
Tierra shall then promptly provide a replacement standby letter of credit in accordance with the terms of Section 6 if the Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating declines below BBB (if Standard and Poor’s or Fitch IBCA) or Baa2 (if Moody’s Investor Services).”
 
3.
Section II to Exhibit A of the Original Participation Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
 
“II   Letter of Credit Renewal Default .
 
Crosby shall be entitled to draw on the Letter of Credit in full and deposit such amount in an escrow account at the Crosby Escrow Bank if and only if it certifies to the Issuer Bank with reasonable evidence attached thereto that the money will be deposited in such escrow and any of the following three conditions are satisfied:
 
A.   if Gran Tierra fails to extend the expiration date of the Initial Letter of Credit to ensure that the Initial Letter of Credit remains outstanding until the expiry of the Initial Term, pursuant to Section 6.2 ; or
 
B.   both (i) not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the end of any Letter of Credit term, Crosby delivered written notice to Gran Tierra, Argosy and/or any permitted transferee, that any of them, as the case may be, is required under Section 6   and this Exhibit A to deliver to Crosby a Letter of Credit satisfying the terms set forth in Section 6 and this Exhibit A , and (ii) Gran Tierra, Argosy or such permitted transferee has not within ten (10) business days provided such new Letter of Credit; or
 
C.   after 45 days following any draw under a Letter of Credit, Gran Tierra, Argosy or any permitted transferee has not provided a new Letter of Credit required under Section 6.2.1(a) such that the undrawn face amount of all Letters of Credit issued to Crosby to secure Gran Tierra’s obligations under this Agreement is not, at all times after 45 days following any draw during the Initial Term, equal to USD$4,000,000.00.”
 
4.
Article 9 of the Original Participation Agreement is hereby amended by adding Section 9.3 to Article 9, as follows:

Amendment No. 1 to
Colombian Participation Agreement
 
- 2 -


9.3   Letter of Credit Rights Upon Assignment. If Crosby and/or any of the Crosby Members sells, assigns, transfers or otherwise disposes of any or all of the Participation Rights pursuant to Section 9.1 or Section 9.2, and any Person other than Crosby is designated as the sole representative of the assignees of the Participation Rights pursuant to Section 9.1.1, then Crosby shall have the right, upon written request to Gran Tierra which identifies such designated representative, to obtain the issuance of a replacement Letter of Credit (the “Replacement Letter of Credit”) on substantially the same terms as the Letters of Credit issued pursuant to Article 6, but naming the designated representative as beneficiary. The Replacement Letter of Credit shall only be issued by the issuing bank upon Crosby’s tender, to the issuing bank, of all Letters of Credit naming Crosby as beneficiary. Gran Tierra, Crosby and Argosy shall take such actions as are reasonably necessary to cause the issuing bank to issue the Replacement Letter of Credit to the designated representative as soon as practical following such written request. If the request to issue a Replacement Letter of Credit is received by Gran Tierra within 30 days of a date that Gran Tierra is obligated to procure a new or replacement Letter of Credit for any reason other than the obligations under this Section 9.3, the costs of obtaining the issuance of the Replacement Letter of Credit will be borne by Gran Tierra. If the request for the Replacement Letter of Credit is received by Gran Tierra at any time other than the foregoing, the out-of-pocket costs incurred by Gran Tierra for obtaining the issuance of the Replacement Letter of Credit shall be borne by Crosby. Gran Tierra shall not be deemed to have violated this Section 9.3 if it refuses to obtain the issuance of the Replacement Letter of Credit until the reimbursement of such costs is made or adequately provided for to the satisfaction of Gran Tierra.”
 
5.
The Initial Letter of Credit to be issued to Crosby pursuant to Section 6 of the Original Purchase Agreement shall be in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B .
 
6.
References to the “ Agreement ” in the Original Participation Agreement shall be deemed to include the Original Participation Agreement, as amended by this Amendment. Except as expressly modified or otherwise as set forth herein, the terms and conditions of the Original Participation Agreement remain in full force and effect.
 
[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]

Amendment No. 1 to
Colombian Participation Agreement
 
- 3 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the duly authorized representatives of the Parties have caused this Amendment to be executed on the date first written above.
 
ARGOSY ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
 
By:
/s/ James Hart 
Name: 
James Hart
Title:
Secretary
 
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC.
 
By:
/s/ James Hart
Name: 
James Hart
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
 
CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
 
By:
/s/ Jay Allen Chaffee
Name: 
Jay Allen Chaffee
Title:
President

Amendment No. 1 to
Colombian Participation Agreement
 
- 4 -

 
Exhibit A
 
[ Original Participation Agreement attached hereto ]

Amendment No. 1 to
Colombian Participation Agreement



Original Participation Agreement Not Recopied

Amendment No. 1 to
Colombian Participation Agreement


Exhibit B
 
[ Form of the Initial Letter of Credit attached hereto ]

Amendment No. 1 to
Colombian Participation Agreement
 


IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT
 
Effective as of 31st October, 2006
 
Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. [ ]
 
 
APPLICANT :
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC.
300, 611 — 10 th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2R OBZ
 
 
STATED AMOUNT :
USD $4,000,000
 
 
EXPIRY DATE
31st October, 2007
(save as such date may be extended pursuant to paragraph 9 below)
AT OUR COUNTERS

BENEFICIARY :
CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
712 Main Street, Suite 1700
Houston, TX 77002
Attention: Jay Allen Chaffee
 
Re:   Colombian Participation Agreement  

1.   We, Standard Bank Plc (the “ Issuing Bank ”), hereby issue our irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit on behalf of Gran Tierra Energy Inc (the “ Applicant ”) for an amount of USD 4,000,000 (Four Million United States Dollars) in favour of Crosby Capital, LLC (the “ Beneficiary ”).
 
2.   This Standby Letter of Credit covers all monies and liabilities (whether actual or contingent) for up to the amount of USD 4,000,000 (Four Million United States Dollars) which are now or shall at any time hereafter be due, owing or payable to the Beneficiary from or by the Applicant under the terms of a participation agreement entered into on 22nd June, 2006 between the Applicant, Beneficiary and Argosy Energy International (as amended and in effect from time to time, the “ Colombian Participation Agreement ”).
 
3.   CLAIM DOCUMENTATION. Authenticated swift or tested telex claiming the sum due and in the appropriate form designated below:
 
(a)
if a claim is being made with respect to a payment default under the Colombian Participation Agreement, the form of Exhibit A hereto;
 
(b)
if a claim is being made with respect to a Letter of Credit renewal default under the Colombian Participation Agreement, the form of Exhibit B hereto;
 


(c)
if a claim is being made with respect to a default under the Columbian Participation Agreement in providing an additional Letter of Credit following a draw under a Letter of Credit, the form of Exhibit C; and/or
 
(d)
if a claim is being made with respect to an Issuing Bank credit rating downgrade under the Colombian Participation Agreement, the form of Exhibit D hereto.
 
4.   We hereby irrevocably and unconditionally undertake to honour all claims made by the Beneficiary in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Standby Letter of Credit within five (5) Business Days after our receipt thereof provided such claim documentation is received on or prior to 5:30pm (Greenwich Meantime) on the Expiry Date or on any day prior to the Expiry Date. For the purposes of this Standby Letter of Credit, “ Business Day ” shall mean any day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are open for business in London.
 
5.   It is further agreed that this Standby Letter of Credit shall be without prejudice to such rights as the Beneficiary may have at any time in respect of any security that the Beneficiary may hold for the said indebtedness and liabilities and that our liability shall not be affected by giving time or other indulgence to the Applicant, or by the Beneficiary realizing or entering into any compromise with depositors or any other collateral the Beneficiary may hold at any time in respect of the said liability.
 
6.   TT Reimbursement and partial drawings are allowed.
 
7.   This Standby Letter of Credit is not assignable.
 
8.   A person who is not a party to this Standby Letter of Credit has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce the terms of this Standby Letter of Credit.
 
9.   Save as may be extended in accordance with the terms below, this Standby Letter of Credit expires at the counters of Standard Bank Plc on the Expiry Date. At any time no less than 90 days but no more than 120 days prior to the Expiry Date, the Applicant may by written notice addressed to the Issuing Bank request that the Expiry Date is extended for an additional period not to exceed one year. The Issuing Bank shall, no later than 30 days after receiving such request, notify the Beneficiary and the Applicant of its acceptance or rejection of such request and, if accepted, confirm the new Expiry Date.
 
10.   All documents presented to the Issuing Bank in connection with any demand for payment under this Letter of Credit, as well as all notices and other communications to the Issuing Bank in respect hereof, shall be in writing, shall make specific reference to this Standby Letter of Credit by number and shall be delivered to the Issuing Bank at its office located at Standard Bank PLC, Canon Bridge House, 25 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SB (or at any other office of the Issuing Bank as may be designated by the Issuing Bank by written notice delivered to the Beneficiary) by authenticated SWIFT message (or any other form of communication previously agreed in writing with the Issuing Bank) to the following address (or at any number(s) designated by the Issuing Bank by written notice delivered to the Beneficiary), as applicable: [please provide].
 
11.   This Standby Letter of Credit is subject to the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (1993 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce, Publication No. 500 (the “ UCP ”). This Standby Letter of Credit shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, and the state and federal courts located in the State, County and City of New York shall have non-exclusive jurisdiction in any action or proceeding arising out of this Standby Letter of Credit.
 


12.   Demand for payment under this Standby Letter of Credit shall be presented directly to the Issuing Bank and shall not be negotiated.
 
13.   Standard Bank Plc’s charges are for the account of the Applicant, all other charges are for the account of the Beneficiary.
 
14.   By paying the Beneficiary an amount demanded in accordance with this Standby Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank makes no representation as to the correctness of the amount demanded or of the calculations and representations of the Beneficiary required by this Letter of Credit.
 
15.   This Standby Letter of Credit sets forth in full the Issuing Bank’s undertaking, and such undertaking shall not be deemed in any way to be modified, amended, amplified or otherwise affected by any document, instrument or agreement referred to herein (including, without limitation, the Colombian Participation Agreement or credit agreement to which is relates), except only the Uniform Customs and the certificate(s)provided for herein.
 
STANDARD BANK PLC
   
By:
   
Title:
  
   
By:
 
Title:
  



Exhibit A
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
No. ________
 
CERTIFICATE FOR A PAYMENT DEFAULT
 
The undersigned hereby certifies to Standard Bank PLC (the “ Issuing Bank ”), with reference to Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. _______ (the “ Letter of Credit ”) issued by the Issuing Bank in favor of Crosby Capital, LLC (the “ Beneficiary ”), and for the account of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (the “ Account Party ”), that the undersigned is a duly authorized officer of the Beneficiary, that any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have its respective meaning set forth in the Letter of Credit or the Colombian Participation Agreement referred to therein and that:
 
The Beneficiary is entitled to draw $[   ] (the “ Draw Amount ”) under the Letter of Credit, which is the exact amount that is owed to the Beneficiary under the Colombian Participation Agreement. The Beneficiary hereby directs the Issuing Bank to pay the Draw Amount by wire transfer of such amount in immediately available funds to the account of the Beneficiary specified below:
 
Bank Name:
Address:
ABA No.:
Account Name:
Account No.:
Attention:
 
[Include either [A] or [B].]
 
[A] [The Beneficiary further certifies to the Issuing Bank that attached hereto is the written agreement of the Account Party acknowledging that the Draw Amount is due to the Beneficiary under the Colombian Participation Agreement and that the Account Party and its affiliates have failed to make such payment.]
 
[B] [Include either [1] or [2]]
 
   [(1)] [The Beneficiary further certifies to the Issuing Bank that:
 
(a)   an award of the Panel provided in Section 11.2 of the Colombian Participation Agreement, provided for payment of the Draw Amount to the Beneficiary (the “ Crosby Arbitration Award ”); and
 
(b)   within 10 business days of the Crosby Arbitration Award, (i) the Crosby Arbitration Award has not been paid and (ii) the Crosby Arbitration Award has not been appealed.]
 
   [(2)] [The Beneficiary further certifies to the Issuing Bank that:
 
(a)   an award of the Panel provided in Section 11.2 of the Colombian Participation Agreement, provided for payment of the Draw Amount to the Beneficiary (the “ Crosby Arbitration Award ”);
 


Exhibit A
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
No. ________
 
(b)   within 10 business days of the Crosby Arbitration Award, (i) the Crosby Arbitration Award was not paid and (ii) the Crosby Arbitration Award was appealed;
 
(c)   a final determination of the Crosby Arbitration Award favorable to
 
the Beneficiary has been entered (the “ Crosby Final Determination ”) on appeal; and
 
(d)   the Beneficiary has not been paid in full the amount of the Crosby Final Determination within 5 business days of such Crosby Final Determination.]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Beneficiary has executed and delivered this Certificate as of the ____ day of __________, ____.

CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
 
By:
 
Title:
 
 


Exhibit B
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
No. ________
 
CERTIFICATE FOR A LETTER OF CREDIT RENEWAL DEFAULT
 
The undersigned hereby certifies to Standard Bank PLC (the “ Issuing Bank ”), with reference to Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. _______ (the “ Letter of Credit ”) issued by the Issuing Bank in favor of Crosby Capital, LLC (the “ Beneficiary ”), and for the account of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (the “ Account Party ”), that the undersigned is a duly authorized officer of the Beneficiary, that any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have its respective meaning set forth in the Letter of Credit or the Colombian Participation Agreement referred to therein and that:
 
The Beneficiary is entitled to draw the Letter of Credit in full and deposit the Stated Amount in the escrow account at the Crosby Escrow Bank specified below (the “ Escrow Account ”). The Crosby Escrow Agreement has been executed by each of the Beneficiary and the Crosby Escrow Bank, and contains the provisions required by the Colombian Participation Agreement. A copy of such executed Crosby Escrow Agreement is delivered herewith. The Beneficiary hereby directs the Issuing Bank to pay the Stated Amount under the Letter of Credit by wire transfer of such amount in immediately available funds directly to the Escrow Account, as follows:
 
Bank Name:
Address:
ABA No.:
Account Name:
Account No.:
Attention:
 
[Include either [A] or [B].]
 
[A] The Beneficiary hereby further certifies to the Issuing Bank that: (I) the Initial Term has not expired; and (2) the Account Party has failed to extend the Expiry Date of the Letter of Credit for an additional one year, pursuant to Section 9 of the Letter of Credit.]
 
[B] The Beneficiary hereby further certifies that:
 
 
(1)
not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the Stated Termination Date, the Beneficiary delivered written notice to the Account Party that the Account Party is required under Section 6 of the Participation Agreement to deliver to the Beneficiary confirmation of an extension of the Letter of Credit for an additional period equal to the shorter of (i) one year from the Stated Termination Date and (ii) the period ending on the last day of the Initial Term; and
 
 
(2)
the Account Party has not provided such an extension of the Letter of Credit prior to the date that is 10 Business Days following the date which is 60 days prior to the Stated Termination Date.)
 


Exhibit B
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
No. ________
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Beneficiary has executed and delivered this Certificate as of the ____ day of __________, ____.
 
CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
   
By:
 
Title:
 
 


Exhibit C
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
No. ________
 
CERTIFICATE FOR A LETTER OF CREDIT REINSTATEMENT DEFAULT
 
The undersigned hereby certifies to Standard Bank PLC (the “ Issuing Bank ”), with reference to Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. ______ (the “ Letter of Credit ”) issued by the Issuing Bank in favor of Crosby Capital, LLC (the “ Beneficiary ”), and for the account of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (the “ Account Party ”), that the undersigned is a duly authorized officer of the Beneficiary, that any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have its respective meaning set forth in the Letter of Credit or the Colombian Participation Agreement referred to therein and that:
 
The Beneficiary is entitled to draw the remaining undrawn portion of the Stated Amount of the Letter of Credit (the “ Remaining Amount ”) and deposit the Remaining Amount in the escrow account at the Crosby Escrow Bank specified below (the “ Escrow Account ”). The Crosby Escrow Agreement has been executed by each of the Beneficiary and the Crosby Escrow Bank, and contains the provisions required by the Colombian Participation Agreement. A copy of such executed Crosby Escrow Agreement is delivered herewith. The Beneficiary hereby directs the Issuing Bank to pay the Remaining Amount under the Letter of Credit by wire transfer of such amount in immediately available funds directly to the Escrow Account, as follows:
 
Bank Name:
Address:
ABA No.:
Account Name:
Account No.:
Attention:
 
The Beneficiary hereby further certifies that, following a prior draw under a Letter of Credit, the Account Party has failed to deliver a new letter of Credit to the Beneficiary in the amount of such draw within 45 days of such draw as required by the Columbian Participation Agreement.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Beneficiary has executed and delivered this Certificate as of the ____ day of __________, ____.
 
CROSBY CAPITAL, LLC
 
By:
  
Title:
  



Exhibit D
Irrevocable Letter of Credit
No. ________

CERTIFICATE FOR AN ISSUING BANK CREDIT
RATING NON-MAINTENANCE DEFAULT
 
The undersigned hereby certifies to Standard Bank PLC (the “ Issuing Bank ”), with reference to Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. ______ (the “ Letter of Credit ”) issued by the Issuing Bank in favor of Crosby Capital, LLC (the “ Beneficiary ”), and for the account of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (the “ Account Party ”), that the undersigned is a duly authorized officer of the Beneficiary, that any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have its respective meaning set forth in the Letter of Credit or the Colombian Participation Agreement referred to therein and that:
 
The Beneficiary is entitled to draw the Letter of Credit in full and deposit the Stated Amount in the escrow account at the Crosby Escrow Bank specified below (the “ Escrow Account ”). The Crosby Escrow Agreement has been executed by each of the Beneficiary and the Crosby Escrow Bank, and contains the provisions required by the Colombian Participation Agreement. A copy of such executed Crosby Escrow Agreement is delivered herewith. The Beneficiary hereby directs the Issuing Bank to pay the Stated Amount under the Letter of Credit by wire transfer of such amount in immediately available funds directly to the Escrow Account, as follows:
 
Bank Name:
Address:
ABA No.:
Account Name:
Account No.:
Attention:
 
The Beneficiary hereby further certifies that:
 
 
A.
the Beneficiary delivered written notice to the Account Party that the Issuing Bank’s credit rating has fallen below the Issuer Acceptable Credit Rating and requested delivery of a replacement Letter of Credit as required under Section 6 of the Participation Agreement; and
 
 
B.
the Account Party has not within 15 business days following receipt of such notice provided such a replacement Letter of Credit.
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Beneficiary has executed and delivered this Certificate as of the ____ day of __________, ____.
 

 
By:
  
Title:
  
 

 
Exhibit 10.57
 
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
BETWEEN:
 
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC. , an Alberta corporation (“ GTEI ”) and GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC. , a Nevada corporation (“ Gran Tierra ”)
 
(GTEI and Gran Tierra are collectively referred to herein as, the “ Company ”)
 
- and
 
DANA QUENTIN COFFIELD , an individual ordinarily resident in the City of Calgary   in the Province of Alberta
 
(the “ Executive ”)
 
(collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”)
 
RECITALS:
 
A.
The Executive has specialized knowledge and valuable skills and experience which are critical to the management and success of the business.
 
B.
The Company wishes to secure the services of the Executive and to ensure that the Executive remains President and Chief Executive Officer of the business.
 
C.
The Executive is currently an employee of the Company pursuant to an employment agreement between the Executive and the Company dated April 29, 2005, as amended (the “ Prior Agreement ”).
 
D.
The Parties wish to set forth their entire understanding and agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof and replace the Prior Agreement in its entirety with this Executive Employment Agreement (the “ Agreement ”).
 
THEREFORE , the Parties agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE 1
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
1.1   Position.  
 
The Company confirms the appointment of the Executive to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. The Executive will undertake those duties and responsibilities set out in Schedule “A” to this Agreement as well as those duties reasonably assigned to the Executive by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”). The Executive will report to the Board. The parties agree that the relationship between the Company and the Executive created by this Agreement is that of employer and employee.



1.2   Other Engagements.  
 
The Executive shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation which would conflict with the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, either directly or indirectly, including accepting appointments to the boards of other companies without the prior written consent of the Board.
 
1.3   Reassignment.  
 
The Company shall not reassign the Executive to another position within the Company itself, or to a position within a subsidiary, affiliated or related corporate entity (“ Member Company ” or “ Member Companies ”) or alter the duties, responsibilities, title, or reporting lines of the Executive or change the location of the Executive’s employment unless the Executive agrees to such reassignment or alteration.
 
1.4   Travel.  
 
The Executive shall be employed at the Company’s location in Calgary, Alberta. The Executive shall be available for such business related travel as may be required for the purposes of carrying out the Executive’s duties and responsibilities. The Executive shall be entitled to business class tickets for domestic or international flights with a duration of more than 1 hour. The Executive will be entitled to choose suitable accommodations when travelling on Company business.
 
ARTICLE 2
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
 
Executive’s employment with the Company is for no specified duration and constitutes at-will employment. Executive’s employment may be terminated at any time by either of the Parties, subject to the provisions of Article 9.
 
ARTICLE 3
BASE SALARY
 
The Executive will be paid an annual salary in an amount determined by the Board , subject to applicable statutory deductions (the “ Base Salary ”). The Executive’s Base Salary will be payable in accordance with Company practices and procedures as they may exist from time to time. Base Salary will be reviewed and may be increased on an annual basis by the Board, with input from the Executive.
 
ARTICLE 4
BONUS
 
4.1   Bonus Eligibility.  
 
The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus payment in addition to Base Salary and other compensation for each year of the Executive’s employment (the “ Bonus ) as determined by the Board from time to time.

2.


4.2   Bonus Payment.  
 
The Bonus shall be payable within sixty (60) days of the end of the fiscal year, and will be based upon the Executive’s performance during the preceding year.
 
ARTICLE 5
BENEFITS
 
The Executive shall be entitled to participate in and to receive all rights and benefits under any life insurance, disability, medical, dental, health and accident plans maintained by the Company for its employees and for its executive officers specifically. The Company will continue to pay the Executive’s Base Salary in the event the Executive becomes disabled until such time as the Executive begins to receive long-term disability insurance benefits.
 
ARTICLE 6
VACATION
 
The Executive will be entitled to five weeks vacation per year. Payment of all vacation pay will be at Base Salary. The Executive will arrange vacation time to suit the essential business needs of the Company. Unused vacation entitlement will be carried over into the following calendar year to a maximum entitlement of eight weeks in any one year. On leaving the employment of the Company for whatever reason, the Company will compensate the Executive for any accrued but unused vacation entitlement based upon the Executive’s then current Base Salary.
 
ARTICLE 7
STOCK OPTIONS
 
The Company will provide the Executive with the right to participate in stock option plans and/or incentive award plans approved by the Board.
 
ARTICLE 8
PERQUISITES AND EXPENSES
 
The Company recognizes that the Executive will incur expenses in the performance of the Executive’s duties. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for any reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of employment.
 
ARTICLE 9
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
 
9.1   Termination Without Notice.  
 
This Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Company may be terminated, without the Company being obligated to provide the Executive with advance notice of termination or pay in lieu of such notice, whether under contract, statute, common law or otherwise, in the following circumstances:

3.


(a)   Voluntary Resignation.  
 
In the event the Executive voluntarily resigns, except where the Executive resigns for Good Reason as provided for in this Agreement, the Executive will give a minimum of ninety (90) days’ advance written notice to the Company. The Executive will not be entitled to receive any further compensation or benefits whatsoever other than those which have accrued up to the Executive’s last day of active service with the Company. The Company may, at its discretion, waive in whole or in part such notice with payment in lieu to the Executive;
 
(b)   Cause.  
 
"Cause" is defined as any of the following:

(a) conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony;

(b) participation in a fraud against the Company;

(c) participation in an act of dishonesty against the Company intended to result in your personal enrichment;

(d) willful material breach of the Company's written policies;

(e) intentional significant damage to the Company's property by you;

(f) material breach of this Agreement; or

(g) conduct by you that, in the good faith and reasonable determination of the Board, demonstrates gross unfitness to serve provided that in such event, the Company shall provide notice to you describing the nature of the gross unfitness and you shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such gross unfitness if such gross unfitness is capable of being cured.

The Company may not terminate your employment for Cause unless and until you receive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company ("Board") finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board, that "Cause" exists and specifying the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.

9.2   Termination by the Company without Cause.
 
The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause at any time by providing the Executive with a separation package (the “ Separation Package ”) equal to two years’ Total Cash Compensation.

4.


“Total Cash Compensation” is defined as the annualized amount of Base Salary plus Bonus Payment for the prior 12-month period.
 
The Separation Package shall be payable in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of termination.
 
9.3   Termination by the Executive for Good Reason.  

Should the Executive terminate his employment for Good Reason, as hereinafter defined, he shall receive the Separation Package set out in section 9.2. Failure of the Executive to terminate his employment on the occurrence of any event which would constitute Good Reason shall not constitute waiver of his right under this section 9.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason so long as Executive tenders his resignation to the Company within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the event that forms the basis for the resignation for Good Reason; provided, however, that Executive must provide written notice to the Company describing the nature of the event that Executive believes forms the basis for the resignation for Good Reason, and the Company shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such event.

“Good Reason” is defined as the occurrence of any of the following without the Executive’s express written consent:

(a)
an adverse change in the Executive’s position, titles, duties (including any position or duties as a director of the Company) or responsibilities (including new, additional or changed formal or informal reporting responsibilities) or any failure to re-elect or re-appoint him to any such positions, titles, duties or offices, except in connection with the termination of his employment for Cause;

(b)
a reduction by the Company of the Executive’s Base Salary except to the extent that the annual base salaries of all other executive officers of the Company are similarly reduced or any change in the basis upon which the Executive’s annual compensation is determined or paid if the change is or will be adverse to the Executive except that an award of annual performance bonuses by the Company’s Compensation Committee (and approved by the Board of Directors) are discretionary and in no instance shall be considered adverse to Executive if such performance bonus is reduced from a prior year or if an annual performance bonus is not paid;

(c)
a Change in Control (as defined below) of the Company occurs; or

(d)
any breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement.

A “Change in Control” is defined as:
 
(a) a dissolution, liquidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company;
 
(b) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation;

5.


(c) a reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger are converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise; or

(d) the acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any comparable successor provisions (excluding any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by the Company or any affiliate of the Company) of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of securities of the Company representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors.

ARTICLE 10
DIRECTORS/OFFICERS LIABILITY
 
10.1   Indemnity.
 
Gran Tierra shall provide to the Executive indemnification in accordance with the Indemnification Agreement entered into between Gran Tierra and the Executive.
 
10.2   Insurance.
 
 
(a)
Gran Tierra shall purchase and maintain, throughout the period during which the Executive acts as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company and for a period of two years after the date that the Executive ceases to act as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for the benefit of the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives, such that the Executives insurance coverage is, at all times, at least equal to or better than any insurance coverage Gran Tierra purchases and maintains for the benefit of its then current directors and officers, from time to time.
 
 
(b)
If for any reason whatsoever, any directors’ and officers’ liability insurer asserts that the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives are subject to a deductible under any existing or future directors’ and officers’ liability insurance purchased and maintained by Gran Tierra for the benefit of the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives, Gran Tierra shall pay the deductible for and on behalf of the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, as the case may be.
 
6.


10.3   Survival.  
 
The provisions of sections 10.1 and 10.2 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement or the employment of the Executive with the Company and such provisions shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with such Indemnification Agreement and the provisions of this Agreement for the benefit of the Executive.
 
ARTICLE 11
NON-COMPETITION AND CONFIDENTIALITY
 
11.1   Non-Competition.  
 
The Executive recognizes and understands that in performing the duties and responsibilities of his employment as outlined in this Agreement, he will be a key employee of the Company and will occupy a position of high fiduciary trust and confidence, pursuant to which he has developed and will develop and acquire wide experience and knowledge with respect to all aspects of the services and businesses carried on by Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and the manner in which such businesses are conducted. It is the expressed intent and agreement of the Executive and of the Company that such knowledge and experience shall be used solely and exclusively in the furtherance of the business interests of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and not in any manner detrimental to them. The Executive therefore agrees that so long as he is employed by the Company pursuant to this Agreement he shall not engage in any practice or business in competition with the business of Gran Tierra or any of its Member Companies.
 
11.2   Confidentiality.  
 
The Executive further recognizes and understands that in the performance of his employment duties and responsibilities as outlined in this Agreement, he will be a key employee of the Company and will become knowledgeable, aware and possessed of all confidential and proprietary information, know-how, data, strategic studies, techniques, knowledge and other confidential information of every kind or character relating to or connected with the business or corporate affairs and operations of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and includes, without limitation, geophysical studies and data, market data, engineering information, shareholder data, client lists, compensation rates and methods and personnel information (collectively “ Confidential Information ”) concerning the business of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies. The Executive therefore agrees that, except with the consent of the Board, he will not disclose such Confidential Information to any unauthorized persons so long as he is employed by the Company pursuant to this Agreement and for a period of 24 months thereafter; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any Confidential Information which is or becomes known to the public or to the competitors of Gran Tierra or its Member Companies other than by a breach of this Agreement.
 
11.3   Following Termination of Agreement.  
 
Subject to this provision and without otherwise restricting the fiduciary obligations imposed upon, or otherwise applicable to the Executive as a result of the Executive having been a senior officer and key employee of the Company, the Executive shall not be prohibited from obtaining employment with or otherwise forming or participating in a business competitive to the business of the Company after termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Company.

7.


ARTICLE 12
CHANGES TO AGREEMENT
 
Any modifications or amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by all Parties or else they shall have no force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may assign this agreement to Member Company, without the consent of the Executive.
 
ARTICLE 13
ENUREMENT
 
This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and assigns, including without limitation, the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and personal representatives.
 
ARTICLE 14
GOVERNING LAW
 
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta and the laws of Canada applicable therein.
 
ARTICLE 15
NOTICES
 
15.1   Notice to Executive.  
 
Any notice required or permitted to be given to the Executive shall be deemed to have been received if delivered personally to the Executive or sent by courier to the Executive’s home address last known to the Company.
 
15.2   Notice to Company.  
 
Any notice required or permitted to be given to the Company shall be deemed to have been received if delivered personally to, sent by courier, or sent by facsimile to:
 
Gran Tierra Energy Inc.300, 611-10th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2R 0B2
Fax: (403) 265-3242
Attn: Chief Financial Officer

8.


ARTICLE 16
WITHHOLDING
 
All payments made by the Company to the Executive or for the benefit of the Executive shall be less applicable withholdings and deductions.
 
ARTICLE 17
INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE
 
The Executive acknowledges that the Executive has been advised to obtain independent legal advice with respect to entering into this Agreement, that he has obtained such independent legal advice or has expressly deemed not to seek such advice, and that the Executive is entering into this Agreement with full knowledge of the contents hereof of the Executive’s own free will and with full capacity and authority to do so.
 
ARTICLE 18
REPLACEMENT OF PRIOR AGREEMENT

The Parties acknowledge that the Prior Agreement is hereby replaced in its entirety by this Agreement. Pursuant to Article 12 of the Prior Agreement, this Agreement shall be effective, and the Prior Agreement shall be terminated, upon the execution of this Agreement by the Parties. Upon such execution, all provisions of the Prior Agreement are hereby superseded in their entirety and replaced herein and shall have no further force or effect.
 
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9.


In Witness Whereof the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below, with an effective date as of June 17, 2008.
 
 
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC.
         
By:
/s/ Martin H. Eden
 
By:
/s/ Martin H. Eden
 
Name: Martin H. Eden
   
Name: Martin H. Eden
 
Title: CFO
   
Title: CFO
         
Date:
June 17, 2008
 
Date:
June 17, 2008
         
SIGNED, SEALED DELIVERED
     
In the presence of:
     
       
/s/ Sonya Messner
 
/s/ Dana Coffield
Witness
 
Dana Quentin Coffield
     
   
Date: 17 June 08

10.


SCHEDULE “A”
 
Duties and Responsibilities for President
 
·
President shall report directly to the Board of Directors.
 
·
Strategic leadership – formulate and recommend strategies to the Board to maximize shareholder value and long-term success of the Company; implement capital and operating plans; identify principal risks to the Company’s business and take appropriate steps to manage these risks; keep the Board fully informed on all significant operational, financial and other matters relevant to the Company.
 
·
Technical Leadership – ensure a rigorous and disciplined approach to technical work of the Company with regard to geology geophysics and related disciplines; encourage technical innovation, imagination and pragmatism.
 
·
Financial Leadership – develop annual capital commitment and expenditure budgets for approval by the Board; develop annual operating forecasts; authorize the commitment of funds sanctioned by the Board; authorize the commitment of contracts, transactions and arrangements in the ordinary course of business; take reasonable steps to ensure the Company’s assets are adequately safeguarded.
 
·
Administrative Leadership – develop and maintain a sound and effective organizational structure; ensure all members of the organization have clear responsibilities.
 
·
Public Leadership – maintain effective communications and appropriate relationships with shareholders and other stakeholders; manage interactions between the Company and the public and act as the principal spokesperson for the Company.
 
·
Compliance Leadership – establish effective control and coordination mechanisms for all operations arid activities of the Company; take reasonable steps to ensure the safe, efficient operation of the Company and its employees/workers ; ensure all operations and activities are in compliance with laws, regulations and the Company’s code of business conduct and ethics and other policies and practices approved by the Board; foster a high performance corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and encourages individual and corporate integrity and responsibility.
 

 

Exhibit 10.58
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
BETWEEN:

GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC. , an Alberta corporation (“ GTEI ”) and Gran Tierra Energy Inc. , a Nevada corporation (“ Gran Tierra ”)
 
(GTEI and Gran Tierra are collectively referred to herein as, the “ Company ”)
 
- and -
 
MARTIN H. EDEN , an individual ordinarily resident in the City of Calgary in the Province of Alberta
 
(the “ Executive ”)
 
(collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”)
 
RECITALS:
 
A.
The Executive has specialized knowledge and valuable skills and experience which are critical to the management and success of the business.
 
B.
The Company wishes to secure the services of the Executive and to ensure that the Executive remains Chief Financial Officer of the business.
 
C.
The Executive is currently an employee of the Company pursuant to an employment agreement between the Executive and the Company dated December 1, 2006 (the “ Prior Agreement ”).

D.
The Parties wish to set forth their entire understanding and agreement with respect to the subject matter herein and replace the Prior Agreement in its entirety with this Executive Employment Agreement (the “ Agreement ”).

THEREFORE , the Parties agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE 1
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
1.1   Position
 
The Company confirms the appointment of the Executive to the position of Chief Financial Officer. The Executive will undertake those duties and responsibilities set out in Schedule “A” to this Agreement as well as those duties reasonably assigned to the Executive by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”). The Executive will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer. The parties agree that the relationship between the Company and the Executive created by this Agreement is that of employer and employee.


1.2   Other Engagements
 
The Executive shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation which would conflict with the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, either directly or indirectly, including accepting appointments to the boards of other companies without the prior written consent of the Board.

1.3   Reassignment
 
The Company shall not reassign the Executive to another position within the Company itself, or to a position within a subsidiary, affiliated or related corporate entity (“ Member Company ” or “ Member Companies ”) or alter the duties, responsibilities, title, or reporting lines of the Executive or change the location of the Executive’s employment unless the Executive agrees to such reassignment or alteration.
 
1.4   Travel
 
The Executive shall be employed at the Company’s location in Calgary, Alberta. The Executive shall be available for such business related travel as may be required for the purposes of carrying out the Executive’s duties and responsibilities. The Executive shall be entitled to business class tickets for domestic or international flights with a duration of more than 1 hour. The Executive will be entitled to choose suitable accommodations when traveling on Company business.
 
ARTICLE 2
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
 
The Executive’s employment with the Company is for no specified duration and constitutes at-will employment. The Executive’s employment may be terminated at any time by either of the Parties, subject to the provisions of Article 9.
 
ARTICLE 3
BASE SALARY
 
The Executive will be paid an annual salary in an amount determined by the Board, subject to applicable statutory deductions (the “ Base Salary ”). The Executive’s Base Salary will be payable in accordance with Company practices and procedures as they may exist from time to time. Base Salary will be reviewed and may be increased on an annual basis by the Board, with input from the Executive.


ARTICLE 4
BONUS
 
4.1   Bonus Eligibility
 
The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus payment in addition to Base Salary and other compensation for each year of the Executive’s employment (the “ Bonus ”) as determined by the Board from time to time.
 
4.2   Bonus Payment
 
The Bonus shall be payable within sixty (60) days of the end of the fiscal year, and will be based upon the Executive’s performance during the preceding year.
 
ARTICLE 5
BENEFITS
 
The Executive shall be entitled to participate in and to receive all rights and benefits under any life insurance, disability, medical, dental, health and accident plans maintained by the Company for its employees and for its executive officers specifically. The Company will continue to pay the Executive’s Base Salary in the event the Executive becomes disabled until such time as the Executive begins to receive long-term disability insurance benefits.
 
ARTICLE 6
VACATION
 
The Executive will be entitled to five weeks vacation per year. Payment of all vacation pay will be at Base Salary. The Executive will arrange vacation time to suit the essential business needs of the Company. Unused vacation entitlement will be carried over into the following calendar year to a maximum entitlement of eight weeks in any one year. On leaving the employment of the Company for whatever reason, the Company will compensate the Executive for any accrued but unused vacation entitlement based upon the Executive’s then current Base Salary.
 
ARTICLE 7
STOCK OPTIONS
 
The Company will provide the Executive with the right to participate in stock option plans and/or incentive award plans approved by the Board.
 
ARTICLE 8
PERQUISITES AND EXPENSES
 
The Company recognizes that the Executive will incur expenses in the performance of the Executive’s duties. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for any reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of employment.



ARTICLE 9
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
 
9.1   Termination Without Notice
 
This Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Company may be terminated, without the Company being obligated to provide the Executive with advance notice of termination or pay in lieu of such notice, whether under contract, statute, common law or otherwise, in the following circumstances:
 
    (a)   Voluntary Resignation
 
In the event the Executive voluntarily resigns, except where the Executive resigns for Good Reason as provided for in this Agreement, the Executive will give a minimum of ninety (90) days’ advance written notice to the Company. T he Executive will not be entitled to receive any further compensation or benefits whatsoever other than those which have accrued up to the Executive’s last day of active service with the Company. The Company may, at its discretion, waive in whole or in part such notice with payment in lieu to the Executive ;
  
(b)   Cause
 
"Cause" is defined as any of the following:

(a) conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony;

(b) participation in a fraud against the Company;

(c) participation in an act of dishonesty against the Company intended to result in your personal enrichment;

(d) willful material breach of the Company's written policies;

(e) intentional significant damage to the Company's property by you;

(f) material breach of this Agreement; or

(g) conduct by you that, in the good faith and reasonable determination of the Board, demonstrates gross unfitness to serve provided that in such event, the Company shall provide notice to you describing the nature of the gross unfitness and you shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such gross unfitness if such gross unfitness is capable of being cured.



The Company may not terminate your employment for Cause unless and until you receive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company ("Board") finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board, that "Cause" exists and specifying the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.

9.2   Termination by the Company without Cause
 
The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause at any time by providing the Executive with a separation package (the “ Separation Package ”) equal to one years’ Total Cash Compensation.

“Total Cash Compensation” is defined as the annualized amount of Base Salary plus Bonus Payment for the prior 12-month period.
 
The Separation Package shall be payable in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of termination.
 
9.3   Termination by the Executive for Good Reason.  

Should the Executive terminate his employment for Good Reason, as hereinafter defined, he shall receive the Separation Package set out in section 9.2. Failure of the Executive to terminate his employment on the occurrence of any event which would constitute Good Reason shall not constitute waiver of his right under this section 9.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason so long as the Executive tenders his resignation to the Company within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the event that forms the basis for the resignation for Good Reason; provided, however, that the Executive must provide written notice to the Company describing the nature of the event that the Executive believes forms the basis for the resignation for Good Reason, and the Company shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such event.

“Good Reason” is defined as the occurrence of any of the following without the Executive’s express written consent:

(a)
an adverse change in the Executive’s position, titles, duties or responsibilities (including new, additional or changed formal or informal reporting responsibilities) or any failure to re-elect or re-appoint him to any such positions, titles, duties or offices, except in connection with the termination of his employment for Cause;

(b)
a reduction by the Company of the Executive’s Base Salary except to the extent that the annual base salaries of all other executive officers of the Company are similarly reduced or any change in the basis upon which the Executive’s annual compensation is determined or paid if the change is or will be adverse to the Executive except that an award of annual performance bonuses by the Company’s Compensation Committee (and approved by the Board of Directors) are discretionary and in no instance shall be considered adverse to Executive if such performance bonus is reduced from a prior year or if an annual performance bonus is not paid;



(c)
a Change in Control (as defined below) of the Company occurs; or

(d)
any breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement.

A “Change in Control” is defined as:
 
(a) a dissolution, liquidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company;
 
(b) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation;
 
(c) a reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger are converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise; or

(d) the acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any comparable successor provisions (excluding any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by the Company or any affiliate of the Company) of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of securities of the Company representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors.
 
ARTICLE 10
DIRECTORS/OFFICERS LIABILITY
 
10.1   Indemnity

Gran Tierra shall provide to the Executive indemnification in accordance with the Indemnification Agreement entered into between Gran Tierra and the Executive.
 
10.2   Insurance

(a)
Gran Tierra shall purchase and maintain, throughout the period during which the Executive acts as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company and for a period of two years after the date that the Executive ceases to act as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for the benefit of the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives, such that the Executive’s insurance coverage is, at all times, at least equal to or better than any insurance coverage Gran Tierra purchases and maintains for the benefit of its then current directors and officers, from time to time.



(b)
If for any reason whatsoever, any directors’ and officers’ liability insurer asserts that the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives are subject to a deductible under any existing or future directors’ and officers’ liability insurance purchased and maintained by Gran Tierra for the benefit of the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives, Gran Tierra shall pay the deductible for and on behalf of the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, as the case may be.
 
10.3   Survival
 
The provisions of sections 10.1 and 10.2 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement or the employment of the Executive with Gran Tierra and such provisions shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with such Indemnification Agreement and the provisions of this Agreement for the benefit of the Executive.
 
ARTICLE 11
NON-COMPETITION AND CONFIDENTIALITY
 
11.1   Non-Competition
 
The Executive recognizes and understands that in performing the duties and responsibilities of his employment as outlined in this Agreement, he will be a key employee of the Company and will occupy a position of high fiduciary trust and confidence, pursuant to which he has developed and will develop and acquire wide experience and knowledge with respect to all aspects of the services and businesses carried on by Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and the manner in which such businesses are conducted. It is the expressed intent and agreement of the Executive and of the Company that such knowledge and experience shall be used solely and exclusively in the furtherance of the business interests of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and not in any manner detrimental to them. The Executive therefore agrees that so long as he is employed by the Company pursuant to this Agreement he shall not engage in any practice or business in competition with the business of Gran Tierra or any of its Member Companies.
 
11.2   Confidentiality
 
The Executive further recognizes and understands that in the performance of his employment duties and responsibilities as outlined in this Agreement, he will be a key employee of the Company and will become knowledgeable, aware and possessed of all confidential and proprietary information, know-how, data, strategic studies, techniques, knowledge and other confidential information of every kind or character relating to or connected with the business or corporate affairs and operations of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and includes, without limitation, geophysical studies and data, market data, engineering information, shareholder data, client lists, compensation rates and methods and personnel information (collectively “ Confidential Information ”) concerning the business of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies. The Executive therefore agrees that, except with the consent of the Board, he will not disclose such Confidential Information to any unauthorized persons so long as he is employed by the Company pursuant to this Agreement and for a period of 24 months thereafter; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any Confidential Information which is or becomes known to the public or to the competitors of Gran Tierra or its Member Companies other than by a breach of this Agreement.



11.3   Following Termination of Agreement
 
Subject to this provision and without otherwise restricting the fiduciary obligations imposed upon, or otherwise applicable to the Executive as a result of the Executive having been a senior officer and key employee of the Company, the Executive shall not be prohibited from obtaining employment with or otherwise forming or participating in a business competitive to the business of the Company after termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Company.
 
ARTICLE 12
CHANGES TO AGREEMENT
 
Any modifications or amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by all Parties or else they shall have no force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may assign this agreement to a Member Company, without the consent of the Executive.
 
ARTICLE 13
ENUREMENT
 
This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and assigns, including without limitation, the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and personal representatives.
 
ARTICLE 14
GOVERNING LAW
 
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta and the laws of Canada applicable therein.
 
ARTICLE 15
NOTICES
 
15.1   Notice to Executive
 
Any notice required or permitted to be given to the Executive shall be deemed to have been received if delivered personally to the Executive or sent by courier to the Executive’s home address last known to the Company.



15.2   Notice to Company
 
Any notice required or permitted to be given to the Company shall be deemed to have been received if delivered personally to, sent by courier, or sent by facsimile to:
 
Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
300, 611-10 th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2R 0B2
Fax: (403) 265-3242
Attn: Chief Executive Officer
 
ARTICLE 16
WITHHOLDING
 
All payments made by the Company to the Executive or for the benefit of the Executive shall be less applicable withholdings and deductions.
 
ARTICLE 17
INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE
 
The Executive acknowledges that the Executive has been advised to obtain independent legal advice with respect to entering into this Agreement, that he has obtained such independent legal advice or has expressly deemed not to seek such advice, and that the Executive is entering into this Agreement with full knowledge of the contents hereof, of the Executive’s own free will and with full capacity and authority to do so.

ARTICLE 18
REPLACEMENT OF PRIOR AGREEMENT

The Parties acknowledge that the Prior Agreement is hereby replaced in its entirety by this Agreement. Pursuant to Article 12 of the Prior Agreement, this Agreement shall be effective, and the Prior Agreement shall be terminated, upon the execution of this Agreement by the Parties. Upon such execution, all provisions of the Prior Agreement are hereby superseded in their entirety and replaced herein and shall have no further force or effect.

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IN WITNESS OF WHICH the Parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below, with an effective date as of June 17, 2008.
 
  GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC., an Alberta   corporation
 
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC., a Nevada corporation
     
 
 
 By:
/s/ Dana Coffield
 
By:
/s/ Dana Coffield
 
  Name: Dana Coffield
   
Name: Dana Coffield
 
  Title:   President and CEO
   
Title:   President and CEO
Date:
17 June 2008   Date: 
17 June 08
         
     
EXECUTIVE
       
 
     
By:
/s/ Martin H. Eden
       
Martin H. Eden
         
     
Date:
June 17, 2008

In the presence of:
 
 
                         Witness  



SCHEDULE A

Duties & Responsibilities

·   Management of financing, accounting, treasury, tax, risk management, compliance/reporting and investor relations functions of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries

·   Coordination of financial functions of operating subsidiaries



Exhibit 10.59
 
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
      Executive Employment Agreement between Gran Tierra Energy Colombia Ltd., a Utah partnership (the “ Partnership ”), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. , a Nevada corporation (“ Gran Tierra ”) and Edgar Louis Dyes (the “ Executive ”, collectively with the Partnership and Gran Tierra, the “ Parties ”).

RECITALS:
 
A.   The Executive has specialized knowledge and valuable skills and experience which are critical to the management and success of the business.
 
B.   The Partnership and Gran Tierra wish to secure the services of the Executive and to ensure that the Executive remains President of the Partnership.
 
C.   The Executive is currently an employee of the Partnership pursuant to an employment agreement between the Executive and Argosy Energy International Colombia Ltd. dated April 1, 2006 (the “ Prior Agreement ”).
 
D.   The Parties wish to set forth their entire understanding and agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof and replace the Prior Agreement in its entirety with this Executive Employment Agreement (the “ Agreement ”).
 
Therefore , the Parties agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE 1
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
1.1   Position
 
The Partnership confirms the appointment of the Executive to the position of President of Gran Tierra Energy Colombia and Executive shall perform the duties and responsibilities set out in Schedule “A” to this Agreement as well as those duties reasonably assigned to the Executive by the Board of Directors of Gran Tierra (the “ Board ”). The Parties agree that the relationship between the Partnership and the Executive created by this Agreement is that of employer and employee.
 
1.2   Other Engagements
 
The Executive shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation which would conflict with the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, either directly or indirectly, including accepting appointments to the boards of other companies without the prior written consent of the Board.

1

 
1.3   Reassignment
 
The Executive shall not be reassigned to another position within the Partnership itself, or to a position within another subsidiary or Gran Tierra, or other affiliated or related corporate entity (a “ Member Company ” or “ Member Companies ”) or alter the duties, responsibilities, title, or reporting lines of the Executive or change the location of the Executive’s employment unless the Executive agrees to such reassignment or alteration.
 
1.4   Travel
 
The Executive shall be available for such business related travel as may be required for the purposes of carrying out the Executive’s duties and responsibilities. The Executive shall be entitled to fly business class only for international flights and shall use economy for domestic travel. The Executive will be entitled to choose suitable accommodations when traveling on the Partnership’s or Gran Tierra’s business.
 
ARTICLE 2
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
 
The Executive’s employment with the Partnership is for no specified duration and constitutes at-will employment. The Executive’s employment may be terminated at any time by either the Partnership or the Executive, subject to the provisions of Article 9.

ARTICLE 3
BASE SALARY
 
The Executive will be paid an annual salary in the amount determined by the Board, subject to required withholdings (the “ Base Salary ”). The Executive’s Base Salary will be payable in accordance with Partnership practices and procedures as they may exist from time to time. Base Salary will be reviewed and may be increased on an annual basis by the Partnership, with input from the Executive.
 
ARTICLE 4
BONUS
 
4.1   Bonus Eligibility
 
The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus payment in addition to Base Salary and other compensation for each year of the Executive’s employment (the “ Bonus ”) as determined by the Board from time to time.
 
4.2   Bonus Payment
 
The Bonus shall be payable within sixty (60) days of the end of the fiscal year, and will be based upon the Executive’s performance during the preceding year.
 
2

 
ARTICLE 5
BENEFITS
 
The Executive shall be entitled to participate in and to receive all rights and benefits under any life insurance, disability, medical, dental, health and accident plans maintained by Gran Tierra for the Partnership’s employees and for its executives, including reasonable health and life insurance in the United States for the Executive and his dependents or reimbursement for such health and life insurance premiums. The Partnership will continue to pay the Executive’s Base Salary in the event the Executive becomes disabled until such time as the Executive begins to receive long-term disability insurance benefits.

Executive will be based in Bogotá Colombia and will be allowed to travel, at Partnership’s expense, to the United States as often as reasonably necessary to attend personal business, subject to the Colombia residence requirements. Partnership will provide reasonable housing, auto, club and living expenses to Executive while performing his duties in Colombia, in a manner consistent with such benefits as they were provided to Executive in the first calendar quarter of 2006.
 
ARTICLE 6
VACATION
 
The Executive will be entitled to one month of paid vacation per year. Payment of all vacation pay will be at Base Salary. The Executive will arrange vacation time to suit the essential business needs of the Partnership and Gran Tierra. Unused vacation entitlement will be carried over into the following calendar year to a maximum entitlement of eight weeks in any one year. On leaving the employment of the Partnership for whatever reason, the Partnership will compensate the Executive for any accrued but unused vacation entitlement based upon the Executive’s then current Base Salary.
 
ARTICLE 7
STOCK OPTIONS
 
Gran Tierra will provide the Executive with the right to participate in stock option plans and/or incentive award plans maintained by Gran Tierra and approved by the Board.
 
ARTICLE 8
PERQUISITES AND EXPENSES
 
The Partnership recognizes that the Executive will incur expenses in the performance of the Executive’s duties. The Partnership shall reimburse the Executive for any reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of employment.
 
3

 
ARTICLE 9
 
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
 
9.1   Termination Without Notice
 
This Agreement and the Executive’s employment with Partnership may be terminated, without Partnership being obligated to provide the Executive with advance notice of termination or pay in lieu of such notice, whether under contract, statute, common law or otherwise, in the following circumstances:
 
(a)   Voluntary Resignation
 
In the event the Executive voluntarily resigns, except where the Executive resigns for Good Reason as provided for in this Agreement, the Executive will give a minimum of ninety (90) days’ advance written notice to the Partnership and Gran Tierra. The Executive will not be entitled to receive any further compensation or benefits whatsoever other than those which have accrued up to the Executive’s last day of active service with the Partnership. The Partnership may, at its discretion, waive in whole or in part such notice with payment in lieu to the Executive;
    
(b)   Cause

"Cause" is defined as any of the following:

(a) conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony;

(b) participation in a fraud against the Partnership;
(c) participation in an act of dishonesty against the Partnership intended to result in your personal enrichment;

(d) willful material breach of the Partnership's written policies;

(e) intentional significant damage to the Partnership's property by you;

(f) material breach of this Agreement; or

(g) conduct by you that, in the good faith and reasonable determination of the Board, demonstrates gross unfitness to serve provided that in such event, the Partnership shall provide notice to you describing the nature of the gross unfitness and you shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such gross unfitness if such gross unfitness is capable of being cured.

The Partnership may not terminate your employment for Cause unless and until you receive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Gran Tierra ("Board") finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board, that "Cause" exists and specifying the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
 
4

 
9.2   Termination by Partnership without Cause
 
The Partnership may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause at any time by providing the Executive with a separation package (the “ Separation Package ”) equal to one years’ Total Cash Compensation.
  
“Total Cash Compensation” is defined as the annualized amount of Base Salary plus Bonus Payment for the prior 12-month period.
 
The Separation Package shall be payable in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of termination.
 
9.3   Termination by the Executive for Good Reason
 
Should the Executive terminate his employment for Good Reason, as hereinafter defined, he shall receive the Separation Package set out in section 9.2. Failure of the Executive to terminate his employment on the occurrence of any event which would constitute Good Reason shall not constitute waiver of his right under this section 9.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason so long as Executive tenders his resignation to the Partnership within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the event that forms the basis for the resignation for Good Reason; provided, however, that Executive must provide written notice to the Partnership and Gran Tierra describing the nature of the event that Executive believes forms the basis for the resignation for Good Reason, and the Partnership and Gran Tierra shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such event.

“Good Reason” is defined as the occurrence of any of the following without the Executive’s express written consent:
 
 
(a)
an adverse change in the Executive’s position, titles, duties or responsibilities (including new, additional or changed formal or informal reporting responsibilities) or any failure to re-elect or re-appoint him to any such positions, titles, duties or offices, except in connection with the termination of his employment for Cause;

 
(b)
a reduction by the Partnership of the Executive’s Base Salary except to the extent that the annual base salaries of all other executive officers of the Partnership or Gran Tierra are similarly reduced or any change in the basis upon which the Executive’s annual compensation is determined or paid if the change is or will be adverse to the Executive except that an award of annual performance bonuses by Gran Tierra’s Compensation Committee (and approved by the Board of Directors of Gran Tierra) are discretionary and in no instance shall be considered adverse to Executive if such performance bonus is reduced from a prior year or if an annual performance bonus is not paid;
 
5

 
 
(c)
a Change in Control (as defined below) of Gran Tierra occurs; or

 
(d)
any breach by the Partnership of any material provision of this Agreement.
 
A “Change in Control” is defined as:
 
(a) a dissolution, liquidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Gran Tierra;
 
(b) a merger or consolidation in which Gran Tierra is not the surviving corporation;
 
(c) a reverse merger in which Gran Tierra is the surviving corporation but the shares of Gran Tierra’s common stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger are converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise; or

(d) the acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any comparable successor provisions (excluding any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by Gran Tierra or any affiliate of Gran Tierra) of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of securities of Gran Tierra representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors.
 
ARTICLE 10
DIRECTORS/OFFICERS LIABILITY
 
10.1   Indemnity

Gran Tierra shall provide to the Executive indemnification in accordance with the Indemnification Agreement entered into between Gran Tierra and the Executive.
 
10.2   Insurance

 
(a)
Gran Tierra shall purchase and maintain, throughout the period during which the Executive acts as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company and for a period of two years after the date that the Executive ceases to act as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for the benefit of the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives, such that the Executive’s insurance coverage is, at all times, at least equal to or better than any insurance coverage Gran Tierra purchases and maintains for the benefit of its then current directors and officers, from time to time.
 
 
(b)
If for any reason whatsoever, any directors’ and officers’ liability insurer asserts that the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives are subject to a deductible under any existing or future directors’ and officers’ liability insurance purchased and maintained by Gran Tierra for the benefit of the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives, Gran Tierra shall pay the deductible for and on behalf of the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, as the case may be.

6

 
10.3   Survival
 
The provisions of sections 10.1 and 10.2 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement or the employment of the Executive with the Partnership and such provisions shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with such Indemnification Agreement and the provisions of this Agreement for the benefit of the Executive.

ARTICLE 11
NON-COMPETITION AND CONFIDENTIALITY
 
11.1   Non-Competition
 
The Executive recognizes and understands that in performing the duties and responsibilities of his employment as outlined in this Agreement, he will be a key employee of Partnership and will occupy a position of high fiduciary trust and confidence, pursuant to which he has developed and will develop and acquire wide experience and knowledge with respect to all aspects of the services and businesses carried on by Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and the manner in which such businesses are conducted. It is the expressed intent and agreement of the Executive and of Partnership that such knowledge and experience shall be used solely and exclusively in the furtherance of the business interests of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and not in any manner detrimental to them. The Executive therefore agrees that so long as he is employed by the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement he shall not engage in any practice or business in competition with the business of Gran Tierra or any of its Member Companies.
 
11.2   Confidentiality
 
The Executive further recognizes and understands that in the performance of his employment duties and responsibilities as outlined in this Agreement, he will be a key employee of the Partnership and will become knowledgeable, aware and possessed of all confidential and proprietary information, know-how, data, strategic studies, techniques, knowledge and other confidential information of every kind or character relating to or connected with the business or corporate affairs and operations of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and includes, without limitation, geophysical studies and data, market data, engineering information, shareholder data, client lists, compensation rates and methods and personnel information (collectively “ Confidential Information ”) concerning the business of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies. The Executive therefore agrees that, except with the consent of the Board, he will not disclose such Confidential Information to any unauthorized persons so long as he is employed by Partnership pursuant to this Agreement and for a period of 24 months thereafter; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any Confidential Information which is or becomes known to the public or to the competitors of Gran Tierra or its Member Companies other than by a breach of this Agreement.
 
7

 
11.3   Following Termination of Agreement
 
Subject to this provision and without otherwise restricting the fiduciary obligations imposed upon, or otherwise applicable to the Executive as a result of the Executive having been a senior officer and key employee of the Partnership, the Executive shall not be prohibited from obtaining employment with or otherwise forming or participating in a business competitive to the business of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies after termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Partnership.

ARTICLE 12
CHANGES TO AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENT
 
Any modifications or amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by all parties or else they shall have no force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partnership may assign this agreement to Gran Tierra or Member Company, without the consent of the Executive.
 
ARTICLE 13
ENUREMENT
 
This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and assigns, including without limitation, the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and personal representatives.

ARTICLE 14
GOVERNING LAW
 
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta and the laws of Canada applicable therein.
 
ARTICLE 15
NOTICES  
 
15.1 Notice to Executive.  
 
Any notice required or permitted to be given to the Executive shall be deemed to have been received if delivered personally to the Executive or sent by courier to the Executive’s home address last known to the Company.
 
15.2   Notice to Partnership or Gran Tierra.  
 
Any notice required or permitted to be given to the Partnership or Gran Tierra shall be deemed to have been received if delivered personally to, sent by courier, or sent by facsimile to:
 
8

 
Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
300, 611-10th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2R 0B2
Fax: (403) 265-3242
Attn: Chief Executive Officer
 
ARTICLE 16
WITHHOLDING
 
All payments made by the Partnership to the Executive or for the benefit of the Executive shall be less applicable withholdings and deductions.
 
ARTICLE 17
INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE
 
The Executive acknowledges that the Executive has been advised to obtain independent legal advice with respect to entering into this Agreement, that he has obtained such independent legal advice or has expressly deemed not to seek such advice, and that the Executive is entering into this Agreement with full knowledge of the contents hereof, of the Executive’s own free will and with full capacity and authority to do so.

ARTICLE 18
REPLACEMENT OF PRIOR AGREEMENT

The parties acknowledge that the Prior Agreement is hereby replaced in its entirety by this Agreement. Pursuant to Section 8.1 of the Prior Agreement, this Agreement shall be effective, and the Prior Agreement shall be terminated, upon the execution of this Agreement by each of the parties to the Prior Agreement. Upon such execution, all provisions of the Prior Agreement are hereby superseded in their entirety and replaced herein and shall have no further force or effect.

(remainder of page intentionally left blank)
 
9

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below, with an effective date as of June 17, 2008.

 
Gran Tierra Energy Inc., an Alberta
Corporation
   
 
By:
/s/ Dana Coffield
     
 
Name:
Dana Coffield
     
 
Title:
President
     
 
Date:
17 June 08
     
 
Gran Tierra Energy Inc., a Nevada
corporation
   
 
By:
/s/ Dana Coffield
     
 
Name:
Dana Coffield
     
 
Title:
President
     
 
Date:
17 June 08
/s/ Sonya Messner
   
Witness
 
/s/ Edgar Louis Dyes
   
Edgar Louis Dyes
     
 
Date:
17 June 08
 
10

 
S chedule A
Executive’s Duties

Duties and Responsibilities for President
 
·
President of Gran Tierra Energy Columbia shall report directly to the President and CEO of Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
 
·
Strategic leadership – formulate and recommend strategies to the President and CEO to maximize shareholder value and long-term success of the Company in Columbia; implement capital and operating plans; identify principal risks to the Company’s business and take appropriate steps to manage these risks; keep the President and CEO fully informed on all significant operational, financial and other matters relevant to the Company.
 
·
Technical Leadership – ensure a rigorous and disciplined approach to technical work of the Company with regard to geology geophysics and related disciplines; encourage technical innovation, imagination and pragmatism.
 
·
Financial Leadership – develop annual capital commitment and expenditure budgets for approval by the President and CEO; develop annual operating forecasts; authorize the commitment of funds sanctioned by the President and CEO; authorize the commitment of contracts, transactions and arrangements in the ordinary course of business; take reasonable steps to ensure the Company’s assets are adequately safeguarded.
 
·
Administrative Leadership – develop and maintain a sound and effective organizational structure; ensure all members of the organization have clear responsibilities.
 
·
Public Leadership – maintain effective communications and appropriate relationships with host government, ministry, industry associates, communities and other in-country stakeholders; manage interactions between the Company and the public in Columbia.
 
·
Compliance Leadership – establish effective control and coordination mechanisms for all operations arid activities of the Company in Columbia in coordination and support with those controls and procedures established by Corporate in Calgary; take reasonable steps to ensure the safe, efficient operation of the Company and its employees/workers; ensure all operations and activities are in compliance with laws, regulations and the Company’s code of business conduct and ethics and other policies and practices approved by Corporate; foster a high performance corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and encourages individual and corporate integrity and responsibility.
 
11

 
 
Exhibit 10.60
 
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
BETWEEN:
 
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC. , an Alberta corporation (“ GTEI ”) and Gran Tierra Energy Inc. , a Nevada corporation (“ Gran Tierra ”)
 
(GTEI and Gran Tierra are collectively referred to herein as, the “ Company ”)
 
- and -
 
MAX HSU WEI , an individual ordinarily resident in the City of Calgary in the Province of Alberta
 
(the “ Executive ”)
 
(collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”)
 
RECITALS:
 
A.
The Executive has specialized knowledge and valuable skills and experience which are critical to the management and success of the business.
 
B.
The Company wishes to secure the services of the Executive and to ensure that the Executive remains Vice-President, Operations, of the business.
 
C.
The Executive is currently an employee of the Company pursuant to an employment agreement between the Executive and the Company dated April 29, 2005 (the “ Prior   Agreement ”).
 
D.
The Parties wish to set forth their entire understanding and agreement with respect to the subject matter herein and replace the Prior Agreement in its entirety with this Executive Employment Agreement (the “ Agreement ”).
 
THEREFORE , the Parties agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE 1
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
1.1   Position
 
The Company confirms the appointment of the Executive to the position of Vice-President, Operations. The Executive will undertake those duties and responsibilities set out in Schedule “A” to this Agreement as well as those duties reasonably assigned to the Executive by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”). The Executive will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer. The parties agree that the relationship between the Company and the Executive created by this Agreement is that of employer and employee.



1.2   Other Engagements
 
The Executive shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation which would conflict with the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, either directly or indirectly, including accepting appointments to the boards of other companies without the prior written consent of the Board.
 
1.3   Reassignment
 
The Company shall not reassign the Executive to another position within the Company itself, or to a position within a subsidiary, affiliated or related corporate entity (“ Member Company ” or “ Member Companies ”) or alter the duties, responsibilities, title, or reporting lines of the Executive or change the location of the Executive’s employment unless the Executive agrees to such reassignment or alteration.
 
1.4   Travel
 
The Executive shall be employed at the Company’s location in Calgary, Alberta. The Executive shall be available for such business related travel as may be required for the purposes of carrying out the Executive’s duties and responsibilities. The Executive shall be entitled to fly business class only for international flights and shall use economy for domestic travel. The Executive will be entitled to choose suitable accommodations when traveling on Company business.
 
ARTICLE 2
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
 
The Executive’s employment with the Company is for no specified duration and constitutes at-will employment. The Executive’s employment may be terminated at any time by either of the Parties, subject to the provisions of Article 9.
 
ARTICLE 3
BASE SALARY
 
The Executive will be paid an annual salary in an amount determined by the Board, subject to applicable statutory deductions (the “ Base Salary ”). The Executive’s Base Salary will be payable in accordance with Company practices and procedures as they may exist from time to time. Base Salary will be reviewed and may be increased on an annual basis by the Board, with input from the Executive.

2.


ARTICLE 4
BONUS
 
4.1   Bonus Eligibility
 
The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus payment in addition to Base Salary and other compensation for each year of the Executive’s employment (the “ Bonus ”) as determined by the Board from time to time.
 
4.2   Bonus Payment
 
The Bonus shall be payable within sixty (60) days of the end of the fiscal year, and will be based upon the Executive’s performance during the preceding year.
 
ARTICLE 5
BENEFITS
 
The Executive shall be entitled to participate in and to receive all rights and benefits under any life insurance, disability, medical, dental, health and accident plans maintained by the Company for its employees and for its executive officers specifically. The Company will continue to pay the Executive’s Base Salary in the event the Executive becomes disabled until such time as the Executive begins to receive long-term disability insurance benefits.
 
ARTICLE 6
VACATION
 
The Executive will be entitled to five weeks vacation per year. Payment of all vacation pay will be at Base Salary. The Executive will arrange vacation time to suit the essential business needs of the Company. Unused vacation entitlement will be carried over into the following calendar year to a maximum entitlement of eight weeks in any one year. On leaving the employment of the Company for whatever reason, the Company will compensate the Executive for any accrued but unused vacation entitlement based upon the Executive’s then current Base Salary.
 
ARTICLE 7
STOCK OPTIONS
 
The Company will provide the Executive with the right to participate in stock option plans and/or incentive award plans approved by the Board.
 
ARTICLE 8
PERQUISITES AND EXPENSES
 
The Company recognizes that the Executive will incur expenses in the performance of the Executive’s duties. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for any reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of employment.

3.


ARTICLE 9
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
 
9.1   Termination Without Notice
 
This Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Company may be terminated, without the Company being obligated to provide the Executive with advance notice of termination or pay in lieu of such notice, whether under contract, statute, common law or otherwise, in the following circumstances:
 
 
(a)
Voluntary Resignation
 
In the event the Executive voluntarily resigns, except where the Executive resigns for Good Reason as provided for in this Agreement, the Executive will give a minimum of ninety (90) days’ advance written notice to the Company. The Executive will not be entitled to receive any further compensation or benefits whatsoever other than those which have accrued up to the Executive’s last day of active service with the Company. The Company may, at its discretion, waive in whole or in part such notice with payment in lieu to the Executive;
 
 
(b)
Cause
 
"Cause" is defined as any of the following:

(a) conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony;

(b) participation in a fraud against the Company;

(c) participation in an act of dishonesty against the Company intended to result in your personal enrichment;

(d) willful material breach of the Company's written policies;

(e) intentional significant damage to the Company's property by you;

(f) material breach of this Agreement; or

(g) conduct by you that, in the good faith and reasonable determination of the Board, demonstrates gross unfitness to serve provided that in such event, the Company shall provide notice to you describing the nature of the gross unfitness and you shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such gross unfitness if such gross unfitness is capable of being cured.

The Company may not terminate your employment for Cause unless and until you receive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company ("Board") finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board, that "Cause" exists and specifying the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.

4.


9.2   Termination by the Company without Cause
 
The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause at any time by providing the Executive with a separation package (the “ Separation Package ”) equal to two years’ Total Cash Compensation.
 
“Total Cash Compensation” is defined as the annualized amount of Base Salary plus Bonus Payment for the prior 12-month period.
 
The Separation Package shall be payable in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of termination.
 
9.3   Termination by the Executive for Good Reason.
 
Should the Executive terminate his employment for Good Reason, as hereinafter defined, he shall receive the Separation Package set out in section 9.2. Failure of the Executive to terminate his employment on the occurrence of any event which would constitute Good Reason shall not constitute waiver of his right under this section 9.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason so long as Executive tenders his resignation to the Company within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the event that forms the basis for the resignation for Good Reason; provided, however, that Executive must provide written notice to the Company describing the nature of the event that Executive believes forms the basis for the resignation for Good Reason, and the Company shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such event.
 
“Good Reason” is defined as the occurrence of any of the following without the Executive’s express written consent:

(a)
an adverse change in the Executive’s position, titles, duties or responsibilities (including new, additional or changed formal or informal reporting responsibilities) or any failure to re-elect or re-appoint him to any such positions, titles, duties or offices, except in connection with the termination of his employment for Cause;

(b)
a reduction by the Company of the Executive’s Base Salary except to the extent that the annual base salaries of all other executive officers of the Company are similarly reduced or any change in the basis upon which the Executive’s annual compensation is determined or paid if the change is or will be adverse to the Executive except that an award of annual performance bonuses by the Company’s Compensation Committee (and approved by the Board of Directors) are discretionary and in no instance shall be considered adverse to Executive if such performance bonus is reduced from a prior year or if an annual performance bonus is not paid;

(c)
a Change in Control (as defined below) of the Company occurs; or

(d)
any breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement.

5.


A “Change in Control” is defined as:
 
(a) a dissolution, liquidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company;
 
(b) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation;
 
(c) a reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger are converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise; or

(d) the acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any comparable successor provisions (excluding any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by the Company or any affiliate of the Company) of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of securities of the Company representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors.
 
ARTICLE 10
DIRECTORS/OFFICERS LIABILITY
 
10.1   Indemnity
 
Gran Tierra shall provide to the Executive indemnification in accordance with the Indemnification Agreement entered into between Gran Tierra and the Executive.
 
10.2   Insurance
 
 
(a)
Gran Tierra shall purchase and maintain, throughout the period during which the Executive acts as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company and for a period of two years after the date that the Executive ceases to act as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for the benefit of the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives, such that the Executive’s insurance coverage is, at all times, at least equal to or better than any insurance coverage Gran Tierra purchases and maintains for the benefit of its then current directors and officers, from time to time.
 
(b)
If for any reason whatsoever, any directors’ and officers’ liability insurer asserts that the   Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives are subject to a deductible under any existing or future directors’ and officers’ liability insurance purchased and maintained by Gran Tierra for the benefit of the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrator and other legal representatives, Gran Tierra shall pay the deductible for and on behalf of the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, as the case may be.
 
6.


10.3   Survival
 
The provisions of sections 10.1 and 10.2 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement or the employment of the Executive with Gran Tierra and such provisions shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with such Indemnification Agreement for the benefit of the Executive.
 
ARTICLE 11
NON-COMPETITION AND CONFIDENTIALITY
 
11.1   Non-Competition
 
The Executive recognizes and understands that in performing the duties and responsibilities of his employment as outlined in this Agreement, he will be a key employee of the Company and will occupy a position of high fiduciary confidence, pursuant to which he has developed and will develop and acquire wide experience and knowledge with respect to all aspects of the services and businesses carried on by Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and the manner in which such businesses are conducted. It is the expressed intent and agreement of Executive and of Gran Tierra that such knowledge and experience shall be used solely and exclusively in the furtherance of the business interests of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and not in any manner detrimental to them. The Executive therefore agrees that so long as he is employed by the Company pursuant to this Agreement he shall not engage in any practice or business in competition with the business of Gran Tierra or any of its Member Companies.
 
11.2   Confidentiality
 
The Executive further recognizes and understands that in the performance of his employment duties and responsibilities as outlined in this Agreement, he will be a key employee of the Company and will become knowledgeable, aware and possessed of all confidential and proprietary information, know-how, the strategic studies, techniques, knowledge and other confidential information of every kind or character relating to or connected with the business or corporate affairs and operations of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and includes, without limitation, geophysical studies and data, market data, engineering information, shareholder data, client lists, compensation rates and methods and personnel information (collectively “ Confidential Information ”) concerning the business of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies. The Executive therefore agrees that, except with the consent of the Board, he will not disclose such Confidential Information to any unauthorized persons so long as he is employed by the Company pursuant to this Agreement and for a period of 24 months thereafter; provided the foregoing shall not apply to any Confidential Information which is or becomes known to the public or to the competitors of Gran Tierra or its Member Companies other than by a breach of this Agreement.

7.


11.3   Following Termination of Agreement
 
Subject to this provision and without otherwise restricting the fiduciary obligations imposed upon, or otherwise applicable to the Executive as a result of the Executive having been a senior officer and key employee of the Company, the Executive shall not be prohibited from obtaining employment with or otherwise forming or participating in a business competitive to the business of the Company after termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Company.
 
ARTICLE 12
CHANGES TO AGREEMENT
 
Any modifications or amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by all Parties or else they shall have no force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may assign this agreement to a Member Company, without the consent of the Executive.
 
ARTICLE 13
ENUREMENT
 
This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and assigns, including without limitation, the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and personal representative.
 
ARTICLE 14
GOVERNING LAW
 
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta and the laws of Canada applicable therein.
 
ARTICLE 15
NOTICES
 
15.1   Notice to Executive
 
Any notice required or permitted to be given to the Executive shall be deemed to have been received if delivered personally to the Executive or sent by courier to the Executive’s home address last known to the Company.
 
15.2   Notice to Company
 
Any notice required or permitted to be given to the Company shall be deemed to have been received if delivered personally to, sent by courier, or sent by facsimile to:
 
Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
300, 611-10th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2R 0B2
Fax: (403) 265-3242
Attn: Chief Executive Officer

8.


ARTICLE 16
WITHHOLDING
 
All payments made by the Company to the Executive or for the benefit of the Executive shall be less applicable withholdings and deductions.
 
ARTICLE 17
INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE
 
The Executive acknowledges that the Executive has been advised to obtain independent legal advice with respect to entering into this Agreement, that he has obtained such independent legal advice or has expressly deemed not to seek such advice, and that the Executive is entering into this Agreement with full knowledge of the contents hereof, of the Executive’s own free will and with full capacity and authority to do so.
 
ARTICLE 18
REPLACEMENT OF PRIOR AGREEMENT
 
The Parties acknowledge that the Prior Agreement is hereby replaced in its entirety by this Agreement. Pursuant to Article 12 of the Prior Agreement, this Agreement shall be effective, and the Prior Agreement shall be terminated, upon the execution of this Agreement by the Parties. Upon such execution, all provisions of the Prior Agreement are hereby superseded in their entirety and replaced herein and shall have no further force or effect.
 
(remainder of page intentionally left blank)

9.


IN WITNESS OF WHICH the Parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below, with an effective date as of June 17, 2008.
 
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC., an Alberta corporation
     
By:
/s/ Dana Coffield
 
Name:
Dana Coffield
 
Title:
President
     
Date:
17 June 08
     
GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC., a Nevada corporation
   
By:
/s/ Dana Coffield
 
Name:
Dana Coffield
 
Title:
President
     
Date:
17 June 08

SIGNED, SEALED & DELIVERED
In the presence of:  

Robert Laird
  /s/ Max Hsu Wei
Witness
 
Max Hsu Wei
    Date:
  June 17, 2008
 


SCHEDULE “A”
 
Duties and Responsibilities for Vice President, Operations
 
·
Vice-President, Operations shall report directly to the President.
 
·
Develop and maintain appropriate technical processes and practices (including geology, geophysics, engineering and related disciplines) in order to manage and optimize oil and gas exploration and development activities of the Company; ensure appropriate resources and expertise are put to the task; supervise operations of field/overseas offices; oversee communications with joint venture partners and/or national oil companies; provide leadership for all technical activities of the Company; continually encourage best practices, high performance and value creation.
 

 

Exhibit 10.61
 
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
Executive Employment Agreement among Gran Tierra Argentina S.A. (“ GTASA ”), an Argentine company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra (defined below), Gran Tierra Energy Inc. , a Nevada corporation (“ Gran Tierra ”) and Rafael Orunesu (hereinafter called the “ Executive ”, collectively with GTASA and Gran Tierra, the “ Parties ”). GTSASA and Gran Tierra are sometimes referred to herein as the “ Company .”
 
RECITALS:
 
A.   The Executive has specialized knowledge and valuable skills and experience which are critical to the management and success of the business.
 
B.   GTASA and Gran Tierra wish to secure the services of the Executive and to ensure that the Executive remains President of GTASA
 
C.   The Executive is currently an employee of GTASA pursuant to an employment agreement between the Executive and GTASA dated March 1, 2005, as amended (the “ Prior   Agreement ”).
 
D.   The Parties wish to set forth their entire understanding and agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof and replace the Prior Agreement in its entirety with this Executive Employment Agreement (the “ Agreement ”).
 
Therefore , the Parties agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE 1
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
1.1   Position
 
GTASA confirms the appointment of the Executive to the position of President of GTASA. The Executive shall perform the duties and responsibilities as well as those duties reasonably assigned to the Executive by the Board of Directors of Gran Tierra (the “ Board ”). The parties agree that the relationship between GTASA and the Executive created by this Agreement is that of employer and employee.
 
1.2   Other Engagements
 
The Executive shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation which would conflict with the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, either directly or indirectly, including accepting appointments to the boards of other companies without the prior written consent of the Board.

.


1.3   Reassignment
 
The Executive shall not be reassigned to another position within GTASA itself, or to a position within another subsidiary or Gran Tierra, or other affiliated or related corporate entity (a “ Member Company ” or “ Member Companies ”) or alter the duties, responsibilities, title, or reporting lines of the Executive or change the location of the Executive’s employment unless the Executive agrees to such reassignment or alteration.
 
1.4   Travel
 
The Executive shall be available for such business related travel as may be required for the purposes of carrying out the Executive’s duties and responsibilities. The Executive shall be entitled to fly business class only for international flights and shall use economy for domestic travel. The Executive will be entitled to choose suitable accommodations when traveling on GTASA or Gran Tierra business.
 
ARTICLE 2
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
 
The Executive’s employment with GTASA is for no specified duration and constitutes at-will employment. The Executive’s employment may be terminated at any time by either GTASA or Executive, subject to the provisions of Article 9.
 
ARTICLE 3
BASE SALARY
 
The Executive will be paid an annual salary in an amount determined by the Board , subject to applicable statutory deductions (the “ Base Salary ”). The Executive’s Base Salary will be payable in accordance with GTASA practices and procedures as they may exist from time to time. Base Salary will be reviewed and may be increased on an annual basis by the Board, with input from the Executive.
 
ARTICLE 4
BONUS
 
4.1   Bonus Eligibility
 
The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus payment in addition to Base Salary and other compensation for each year of the Executive’s employment (the “ Bonus ”) as determined by the Board from time to time.

.
2.


4.2   Bonus Payment

The Bonus shall be payable within sixty (60) days of the end of the fiscal year, and will be based upon the Executive’s performance during the preceding year.

ARTICLE 5
BENEFITS
 
The Executive shall be entitled to participate in and to receive all rights and benefits under any life insurance, disability, medical, dental, health and accident plans maintained by Gran Tierra for GTASA employees and for its executives. GTASA will continue to pay the Executive’s Base Salary in the event the Executive becomes disabled until such time as the Executive begins to receive long-term disability insurance benefits.
 
ARTICLE 6
VACATION
 
The Executive will be entitled to five weeks vacation per year. Payment of all vacation pay will be at Base Salary. The Executive will arrange vacation time to suit the essential business needs of GTASA and Gran Tierra. Unused vacation entitlement will be carried over into the following calendar year to a maximum entitlement of eight weeks in any one year. On leaving the employment of GTASA for whatever reason, GTASA will compensate the Executive for any accrued but unused vacation entitlement based upon the Executive’s then current Base Salary.
 
ARTICLE 7
STOCK OPTIONS
 
Gran Tierra will provide the Executive with the right to participate in stock option plans and/or incentive award plans maintained by Gran Tierra and approved by the Board.
 
ARTICLE 8
PERQUISITES AND EXPENSES
 
GTASA recognizes that the Executive will incur expenses in the performance of the Executive’s duties. GTASA shall reimburse the Executive for any reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of employment.
 
ARTICLE 9
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
 
9.1   Termination Without Notice
 
This Agreement and the Executive’s employment with GTASA may be terminated, without GTASA being obligated to provide the Executive with advance notice of termination or pay in lieu of such notice, whether under contract, statute, common law or otherwise, in the following circumstances:

.
3.

 
(a)
Voluntary Resignation
 
In the event the Executive voluntarily resigns, except where the Executive resigns for Good Reason as provided for in this Agreement, the Executive will give a minimum of ninety (90) days’ advance written notice to GTASA and Gran Tierra. The Executive will not be entitled to receive any further compensation or benefits whatsoever other than those which have accrued up to the Executive’s last day of active service with GTASA. GTASA may, at its discretion, waive in whole or in part such notice with payment in lieu to the Executive;
  
(b)
Cause
 "Cause" is defined as any of the following:

(a) conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony;

(b) participation in a fraud against the Company;

(c) participation in an act of dishonesty against the Company intended to result in your personal enrichment;

(d) willful material breach of the Company's written policies;

(e) intentional significant damage to the Company's property by you;

(f) material breach of this Agreement; or

(g) conduct by you that, in the good faith and reasonable determination of the Board, demonstrates gross unfitness to serve provided that in such event, the Company shall provide notice to you describing the nature of the gross unfitness and you shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such gross unfitness if such gross unfitness is capable of being cured.

The Partnership may not terminate your employment for Cause unless and until you receive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors of Gran Tierra (the " Board ") finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board, that "Cause" exists and specifying the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
 
9.2   Termination by GTASA without Cause
 
GTASA may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause at any time by providing the Executive with a separation package (the “ Separation Package ”) equal to one years’ Total Cash Compensation.

“Total Cash Compensation” is defined as the annualized amount of Base Salary plus Bonus Payment for the prior 12-month period.

.
4.


The Separation Package shall be payable in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of termination.

9.3   Termination by the Executive for Good Reason
 
Should the Executive terminate his employment for Good Reason, as hereinafter defined, he shall receive the Separation Package set out in section 9.2. Failure of the Executive to terminate his employment on the occurrence of any event which would constitute Good Reason shall not constitute waiver of his right under this section 9.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason so long as Executive tenders his resignation to GTASA within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the event that forms the basis for the resignation for Good Reason; provided, however, that Executive must provide written notice to GTASA and Gran Tierra describing the nature of the event that Executive believes forms the basis for the resignation for Good Reason, and GTASA and Gran Tierra shall thereafter have ten (10) days to cure such event.

“Good Reason” is defined as the occurrence of any of the following without the Executive’s express written consent:

(a)
an adverse change in the Executive’s position, titles, duties or responsibilities (including new, additional or changed formal or informal reporting responsibilities) or any failure to re-elect or re-appoint him to any such positions, titles, duties or offices, except in connection with the termination of his employment for Cause;

(b)
a reduction by the Company of the Executive’s Base Salary except to the extent that the annual base salaries of all other executive officers of the Company are similarly reduced or any change in the basis upon which the Executive’s annual compensation is determined or paid if the change is or will be adverse to the Executive except that an award of annual performance bonuses by the Company’s Compensation Committee (and approved by the Board of Directors) are discretionary and in no instance shall be considered adverse to Executive if such performance bonus is reduced from a prior year or if an annual performance bonus is not paid;

(c)
a Change in Control (as defined below) of the Company occurs; or

(d)
any breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement.

A “Change in Control” is defined as:
 
(a)
a dissolution, liquidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company;
 
(b)
a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation;

.
5.


(c) a reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger are converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise; or

(d) the acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any comparable successor provisions (excluding any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by the Company or any affiliate of the Company) of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of securities of the Company representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors.

ARTICLE 10
DIRECTORS/OFFICERS LIABILITY
 
10.1   Indemnity
 
Gran Tierra shall provide to the Executive indemnification in accordance with the Indemnification Agreement entered into between Gran Tierra and the Executive.
 
10.2   Insurance

(a)
Gran Tierra shall purchase and maintain, throughout the period during which the Executive acts as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company and for a period of two years after the date that the Executive ceases to act as a director or officer of Gran Tierra or a Member Company, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for the benefit of the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives, such that the Executive’s insurance coverage is, at all times, at least equal to or better than any insurance coverage Gran Tierra purchases and maintains for the benefit of its then current directors and officers, from time to time.

(b)
If for any reason whatsoever, any directors’ and officers’ liability insurer asserts that the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives are subject to a deductible under any existing or future directors’ and officers’ liability insurance purchased and maintained by Gran Tierra for the benefit of the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives, Gran Tierra shall pay the deductible for and on behalf of the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, as the case may be.
 
6.

 
10.3   Survival
 
The provisions of sections 10.1 and 10.2 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement or the employment of the Executive with the Company and such provisions shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with such Indemnification Agreement and the provisions of this Agreement for the benefit of the Executive.

 
ARTICLE 11
NON-COMPETITION AND CONFIDENTIALITY
 
11.1   Non-Competition
 
The Executive recognizes and understands that in performing the duties and responsibilities of his employment as outlined in this Agreement, he will be a key employee of GTASA and will occupy a position of high fiduciary trust and confidence, pursuant to which he has developed and will develop and acquire wide experience and knowledge with respect to all aspects of the services and businesses carried on by Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and the manner in which such businesses are conducted. It is the expressed intent and agreement of the Executive and of GTASA that such knowledge and experience shall be used solely and exclusively in the furtherance of the business interests of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and not in any manner detrimental to them. The Executive therefore agrees that so long as he is employed by GTASA pursuant to this Agreement he shall not engage in any practice or business in competition with the business of Gran Tierra or any of its Member Companies.
 
11.2   Confidentiality
 
The Executive further recognizes and understands that in the performance of his employment duties and responsibilities as outlined in this Agreement, he will be a key employee of the Company and will become knowledgeable, aware and possessed of all confidential and proprietary information, know-how, data, strategic studies, techniques, knowledge and other confidential information of every kind or character relating to or connected with the business or corporate affairs and operations of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies and includes, without limitation, geophysical studies and data, market data, engineering information, shareholder data, client lists, compensation rates and methods and personnel information (collectively “ Confidential Information ”) concerning the business of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies. The Executive therefore agrees that, except with the consent of the Board, he will not disclose such Confidential Information to any unauthorized persons so long as he is employed by GTASA pursuant to this Agreement and for a period of 24 months thereafter; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any Confidential Information which is or becomes known to the public or to the competitors of Gran Tierra or its Member Companies other than by a breach of this Agreement.
 
11.3   Following Termination of Agreement
 
Subject to this provision and without otherwise restricting the fiduciary obligations imposed upon, or otherwise applicable to the Executive as a result of the Executive having been a senior officer and key employee of GTASA, the Executive shall not be prohibited from obtaining employment with or otherwise forming or participating in a business competitive to the business of Gran Tierra and its Member Companies after termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment with GTASA.

.
7.


ARTICLE 12
CHANGES TO AGREEMENT
 
Any modifications or amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by all parties or else they shall have no force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, GTASA may assign this agreement to Gran Tierra or a Member Company, without the consent of the Executive.
 
ARTICLE 13
ENUREMENT
 
This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective successors and assigns, including without limitation, the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and personal representatives.
  

ARTICLE 14
GOVERNING LAW
 
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta and the laws of Canada applicable therein.
 
ARTICLE 15
NOTICES
 
15.1  Notice to Executive.  
 
Any notice required or permitted to be given to the Executive shall be deemed to have been received if delivered personally to the Executive or sent by courier to the Executive’s home address last known to the Company.
 
15.2   Notice to Company.  
 
Any notice required or permitted to be given to the Company shall be deemed to have been received if delivered personally to, sent by courier, or sent by facsimile to:
 
Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
300, 611-10th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2R 0B2
Fax: (403) 265-3242
Attn: Chief Executive Officer

.
8.


ARTICLE 16
WITHHOLDING
 
All payments made by GTASA to the Executive or for the benefit of the Executive shall be less applicable withholdings and deductions.
 
ARTICLE 17
INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE
 
The Executive acknowledges that the Executive has been advised to obtain independent legal advice with respect to entering into this Agreement, that he has obtained such independent legal advice or has expressly deemed not to seek such advice, and that the Executive is entering into this Agreement with full knowledge of the contents hereof, of the Executive’s own free will and with full capacity and authority to do so.

ARTICLE 18
REPLACEMENT OF PRIOR AGREEMENT

The parties acknowledge that the Prior Agreement is hereby replaced in its entirety by this Agreement. Pursuant to Section 8.1 of the Prior Agreement, this Agreement shall be effective, and the Prior Agreement shall be terminated, upon the execution of this Agreement by each of the parties to the Prior Agreement. Upon such execution, all provisions of the Prior Agreement are hereby superseded in their entirety and replaced herein and shall have no further force or effect.
 
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.
9.


In Witness Whereof the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below, with an effective date as of June 17, 2008.

   
Gran Tierra Argentina S.A., an
Argentine corporation
       
   
By:
/s/ Dana Coffield
       
   
Name:
Dana Coffield
       
   
Title:
President
       
   
Date:
17 June 08
       
   
Gran Tierra Energy Inc ., a Nevada
corporation
       
   
By:
/s/ Dana Coffield
       
   
Name:
Dana Coffield
       
   
Title:
President
       
   
Date:
17 June 08
       
/s/ Sonya Messner
    /s/ Rafael Orunesu
Witness
    Rafael Orunesu
       
   
Date:
17 June 2008

.


Schedule A
 
Executive’s duties
 
Duties and Responsibilities for President
 
·
President of Gran Tierra Energy Argentina shall report directly to the President and CEO of Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
 
·
Strategic leadership – formulate and recommend strategies to the President and CEO to maximize shareholder value and long-term success of the Company in Argentina; implement capital and operating plans; identify principal risks to the Company’s business and take appropriate steps to manage these risks; keep the President and CEO fully informed on all significant operational, financial and other matters relevant to the Company.
 
·
Technical Leadership – ensure a rigorous and disciplined approach to technical work of the Company with regard to geology geophysics and related disciplines; encourage technical innovation, imagination and pragmatism.
 
·
Financial Leadership – develop annual capital commitment and expenditure budgets for approval by the President and CEO; develop annual operating forecasts; authorize the commitment of funds sanctioned by the President and CEO; authorize the commitment of contracts, transactions and arrangements in the ordinary course of business; take reasonable steps to ensure the Company’s assets are adequately safeguarded.
 
·
Administrative Leadership – develop and maintain a sound and effective organizational structure; ensure all members of the organization have clear responsibilities.
 
·
Public Leadership – maintain effective communications and appropriate relationships with host government, ministry, industry associates, communities and other in-country stakeholders; manage interactions between the Company and the public in Argentina.
 
·
Compliance Leadership – establish effective control and coordination mechanisms for all operations arid activities of the Company in Argentina in coordination and support with those controls and procedures established by Corporate in Calgary; take reasonable steps to ensure the safe, efficient operation of the Company and its employees/workers; ensure all operations and activities are in compliance with laws, regulations and the Company’s code of business conduct and ethics and other policies and practices approved by Corporate; foster a high performance corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and encourages individual and corporate integrity and responsibility.
 
.
2.

 

Exhibit 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION
 
I, Dana Coffield, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this Form 10-Q of Gran Tierra Energy Inc.;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
/s/ Dana Coffield
Dana Coffield
Chief Executive Officer
 
Date: August 11, 2008

 
 

 
 

Exhibit 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION
 
I, Martin Eden, certify that:
 
1.   I have reviewed this Form 10-Q of Gran Tierra Energy Inc.;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
/s/ Martin Eden
Martin Eden
Chief Financial Officer
 
Date: August 11, 2008
 
 
 

 
 

Exhibit 32.1
 
CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. §1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Dana Coffield,   Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Martin Eden, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, to the best of his knowledge, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
(1) The Report, to which this Certification is attached as Exhibit 32.1, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
Dated: August 11, 2008

/s/Dana Coffield
 
/s/ Martin Eden
Dana Coffield
 
Martin Eden
Chief Executive Officer
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
This certification accompanies the Form 10-Q to which it relates, is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (whether made before or after the date of the Form 10-Q), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.