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.
|
|
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
|
PART
I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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)
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)
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)
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.
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.
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
|
|
|
|
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.
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:
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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.
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.
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
|
|
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.
Level 3
Fair Value Measurements
The
Company does not have any financial assets or financial liabilities whose
fair
value is measured using this method.
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.
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
June
30,
|
|
%
|
|
Six
Months Ended
|
|
%
|
|
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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
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.
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.
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.
|
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
|
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.
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
.
1.2.
“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.
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
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.
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.
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);
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.
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
”).
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
.
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:
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;
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:
(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
(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.
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
(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
|
|
(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.
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):
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.
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
.
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
(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
.
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:
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
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.
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:
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
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
|
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.
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.
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
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
SCHEDULE
1.8
COLOMBIAN
ASSOCIATION CONTRACTS
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
|
|
Colombia
Block/Field(a)
|
|
Well
Name
|
|
Royalty
Interest
|
|
Other
Working
Interest
|
|
Argosy
Working
Interest
|
|
Argosy
Net
Revenue
Interest
|
|
Chaza
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.00000
(b
|
)
|
|
50.00000
|
|
|
50.00000
|
|
|
46.00000
|
|
Mecaya
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.00000
(b
|
)
|
|
85.00000
|
|
|
15.00000
|
|
|
13.80000
|
|
Mandiyaco
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.00000
(b
|
)
|
|
0.00000
|
|
|
100.00000
|
|
|
92.00000
|
|
Rio
Magdalena
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.00000
(b
|
)
|
|
65.00000
|
|
|
35.00000
|
|
|
32.20000
|
|
Talora
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.00000
(b
|
)
|
|
80.00000
|
|
|
20.00000
|
|
|
18.40000
|
|
Primavera
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
SCHEDULE
1.14
HISTORICAL
PROPERTIES
SCHEDULE
1.14
TO
THE
COLOMBIAN
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
COLOMBIAN
ASSOCIATION CONTRACTS
SEE
ATTACHED PAGE 1
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.
|
SCHEDULE
1.33
CURRENT
NET REVENUE INTERESTS
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.
|
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
|
SCHEDULE
1.53
POPA
PROSPECT AREA MAP
SCHEDULE
1.53
TO
THE
COLOMBIAN
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
POPA
PROSPECT AREA MAP
SEE
ATTACHED PAGE 1
[Map]
CPA
SCHEDULE 1.53 PAGE 1
[Map]
SCHEDULE
1.54
PREEXISTING
FIELDS
SCHEDULE
1.54
TO
THE
COLOMBIAN
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
PRE-EXISTING
FIELDS
SEE
ATTACHED PAGE 1
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
|
SCHEDULE
9.1
TO
THE
COLOMBIAN
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
CROSBY
CAPITAL, LLC MEMBERS
SEE
ATTACHED PAGE 1
|
•
|
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
|
|
•
|
Bunker
Hill Associates, Inc.
|
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:
|
(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
|
|
(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
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.
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 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;
|
(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
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
”);
Exhibit
A
Irrevocable
Letter of Credit
(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 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.]
|
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:
|
|
|
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:
|
|
|
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
“
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
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
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 __________, ____.
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.
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. 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.
“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;
(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.
|
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.
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
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)
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
|
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.
(remainder
of page intentionally left blank)
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.
1.3
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.
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.
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.
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;
|
|
(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.
|
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.
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:
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)
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
|
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.
|
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.
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. 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;
"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.
“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.
|
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.
|
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.
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
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)
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.
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:
|
(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;
"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.
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;
|
(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 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.
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
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.
(remainder
of page intentionally left blank)
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.
|
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.