UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 15, 2012

 

 

Par Petroleum Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   0-16203   84-1060803
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1301 McKinney, Suite 2025
Houston, Texas
  77010
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(713) 969-3293

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

370 17th Street, Suite 4300

Denver, Colorado 80202

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On October 15, 2012, Par Petroleum Corporation (the “ Company ”) entered into indemnification agreements (the “ Indemnification Agreements ”) with John T. Young, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Seth Bullock, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, and each of the members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”), Jacob Mercer, William Monteleone, Benjamin Lurie, Michael Keener and L. Melvin Cooper. Under the Indemnification Agreements, the Company has agreed to, among other things, indemnify these individuals against certain liabilities that may arise in connection with their status or service as one of our directors or executive officers or in their capacity at other specified entities at which they may serve at our request and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding for which they may be entitled to indemnification. The Indemnification Agreements are intended to provide indemnification rights to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and are in addition to any other rights these individuals may have under the Company’s organizational documents or applicable law.

The foregoing description of the Indemnification Agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of Indemnification Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 5.05 Amendments to the Registrant’s Code of Ethics, or Waiver of a Provision of the Code of Ethics.

On October 15, 2012, the Board adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, applicable to employees, executive officers and directors (the “ Code of Conduct ”). The Code of Conduct covers topics such as compliance with laws, insider trading, international business laws, conflicts of interest, corporate opportunities, fair dealing, gifts and entertainment, protection and proper use of Company assets, confidentiality, media and public discussions, waivers of the Code of Conduct, compliance standards and procedures, among others.

The foregoing description of the Code of Conduct is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Code of Conduct, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 14.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.01 Other Events.

The Company has moved its principal executive offices from Denver, Colorado to Houston, Texas. The new address is 1301 McKinney, Suite 2025, Houston, Texas 77010. The Company’s phone number at that address is (713) 969-3293 and the Company’s website is www.par-petro.com. Information contained on or accessible through the website is not incorporated by reference into or otherwise a part of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

10.1    Form of Indemnification Agreement between Par Petroleum Corporation and its Directors and Executive Officers.
14.1    Par Petroleum Corporation Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees, Executive Officers and Directors, effective October 15, 2012.

 

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SIGNATURE

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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

  Par Petroleum Corporation
Dated: October 19, 2012  

/s/ R. Seth Bullock

 

R. Seth Bullock

Chief Financial Officer

 

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Exhibit 10.1

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of                     , between Par Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and [ name ] (“ Indemnitee ”).

WITNESSETH THAT:

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve corporations as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers, and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“ DGCL ”). The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company’s stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, and may not be willing to serve as an officer or director without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified[; and

 

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WHEREAS, Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification and/or insurance provided by [ name of fund/sponsor ] which Indemnitee and [ name of fund/sponsor ] intend to be secondary to the primary obligation of the Company to indemnify Indemnitee as provided herein, with the Company’s acknowledgement and agreement to the foregoing being a material condition to Indemnitee’s willingness to serve on the Board].

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of Indemnitee’s agreement to serve as an [ officer ] [ director ] from and after the date hereof, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Indemnity of Indemnitee . The Company hereby agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, as such may be amended from time to time. In furtherance of the foregoing indemnification, and without limiting the generality thereof:

(a) Proceedings Other Than Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company . Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 1(a) if, by reason of his Corporate Status (as hereinafter defined), Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding (as hereinafter defined) other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company. Pursuant to this Section 1(a) , Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses (as hereinafter defined), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him, or on his behalf, in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

(b) Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company . Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 1(b) if, by reason of his Corporate Status, Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company. Pursuant to this Section 1(b) , Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee, or on Indemnitee’s behalf, in connection with such Proceeding if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; provided, however, if applicable law so provides, no indemnification against such Expenses shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company unless and to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall determine that such indemnification may be made.

(c) Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a party to and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding, he shall be indemnified to the maximum extent permitted by law, as such may be amended from time to time, against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

(d) [ Indemnification of Appointing Stockholder . If (i) Indemnitee is or was affiliated with one or more funds that has invested in the Company (an “ Appointing Stockholder ”), and (ii) the Appointing Stockholder is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding relating to or arising by reason of Appointing Stockholder’s position as a stockholder of, or lender to, the Company, or Appointing Stockholder’s appointment of or affiliation with Indemnitee or any other director, including without limitation any alleged misappropriation of a Company asset or corporate opportunity, any claim of misappropriation or infringement of intellectual property relating to the Company, any alleged false or misleading statement or omission made by the Company (or on its behalf) or its employees or agents, or any allegation of inappropriate control or influence over the Company or its Board members, officers, equity holders or debt holders, then the Appointing Stockholder will be entitled to indemnification hereunder for Expenses to the same extent as Indemnitee, and the terms of this Agreement as they relate to procedures for indemnification of Indemnitee and advancement of Expenses shall apply to any such indemnification of Appointing Stockholder.

 

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The rights provided to the Appointing Stockholder under this Section 1 shall be suspended during any period during which the Appointing Stockholder does not have a representative on the Board; provided, however, that in the event of any such suspension or termination, the Appointing Stockholder’s rights to indemnification will not be suspended or terminated with respect to any Proceeding based in whole or in part on facts and circumstances occurring at any time prior to such suspension or termination regardless of whether the Proceeding arises before or after such suspension or termination. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Appointing Stockholder is an express third party beneficiary of the terms of this Section 1(d) .]

2. Additional Indemnity . In addition to, and without regard to any limitations on, the indemnification provided for in Section 1 of this Agreement, the Company shall and hereby does indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf if, by reason of his Corporate Status, he is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company), including, without limitation, all liability arising out of the negligence or active or passive wrongdoing of Indemnitee. The only limitation that shall exist upon the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement shall be that the Company shall not be obligated to make any payment to Indemnitee that is finally determined (under the procedures, and subject to the presumptions, set forth in Sections 6 and 7 hereof) to be unlawful.

3. Contribution .

(a) Whether or not the indemnification provided in Sections 1 and 2 hereof is available, in respect of any threatened, pending or completed Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any judgment or settlement of such Proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have against Indemnitee. The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

(b) Without diminishing or impairing the obligations of the Company set forth in the preceding subparagraph, if, for any reason, Indemnitee shall elect or be required to pay all or any portion of any judgment or settlement in any threatened, pending or completed Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), the Company shall contribute to the amount of Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee in proportion to the relative benefits received by the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, from the transaction or events from which such Proceeding arose; provided, however, that the proportion determined on the basis of relative benefit may, to the extent necessary to conform to law, be further adjusted by reference to the relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, in connection with the transaction or events that resulted in such expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts, as well as any other equitable considerations which applicable law may require to be considered. The relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the degree to which their actions were motivated by intent to gain personal profit or advantage, the degree to which their liability is primary or secondary and the degree to which their conduct is active or passive.

 

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(c) The Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify and hold Indemnitee harmless from any claims of contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.

(d) To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding, and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

4. Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness, or is made (or asked) to respond to discovery requests, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, he shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith.

5. Advancement of Expenses . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall advance all Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding. Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall include or be preceded or accompanied by a written undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay any Expenses advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified against such Expenses. Any advances and undertakings to repay pursuant to this Section 5 shall be unsecured and interest free.

6. Procedures and Presumptions for Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification . It is the intent of this Agreement to secure for Indemnitee rights of indemnity that are as favorable as may be permitted under the DGCL and public policy of the State of Delaware. Accordingly, the parties agree that the following procedures and presumptions shall apply in the event of any question as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement:

(a) To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any failure of Indemnitee to provide such a request to the Company, or to provide such a request in a timely fashion, shall not relieve the Company of any liability that it may have to Indemnitee unless, and to the extent that, such failure actually and materially prejudices the interests of the Company.

 

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(b) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of Section 6(a) hereof, a determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case by one of the following four methods, which shall be at the election of the Board: (1) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, (2) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, (3) if there are no Disinterested Directors or if the Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (4) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company.

(c) If the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 6(c) . The Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board. Indemnitee may, within 10 days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “ Independent Counsel ” as defined in Section 13 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If a written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within 20 days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 6(a) hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected or shall have been selected and objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or other court of competent jurisdiction for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by Indemnitee to the Company’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the court or by such other person as the court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 6(b) hereof. The Company shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred by such Independent Counsel in connection with acting pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, and the Company shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the procedures of this Section 6(c) , regardless of the manner in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed.

(d) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

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(e) Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise (as hereinafter defined), including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(e) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

(f) If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 6 to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time to obtain or evaluate documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(f) shall not apply if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement and if (A) within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination, the Board or the Disinterested Directors, if appropriate, resolve to submit such determination to the stockholders for their consideration at an annual meeting thereof to be held within seventy-five (75) days after such receipt and such determination is made thereat, or (B) a special meeting of stockholders is called within fifteen (15) days after such receipt for the purpose of making such determination, such meeting is held for such purpose within sixty (60) days after having been so called and such determination is made thereat.

(g) Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Independent Counsel, member of the Board or stockholder of the Company shall act reasonably and in good faith in making a determination regarding Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement. Any costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

(h) The Company acknowledges that a settlement or other disposition short of final judgment may be successful if it permits a party to avoid expense, delay, distraction, disruption and uncertainty. In the event that any action, claim or proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party is resolved in any manner other than by adverse judgment against Indemnitee (including, without limitation, settlement of such action, claim or proceeding with or without payment of money or other consideration) it shall be presumed that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in such Proceeding. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

 

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(i) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

7. Remedies of Indemnitee .

(a) In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification is made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement within 90 days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor or (v) payment of indemnification is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or such determination is deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of the State of Delaware, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, of Indemnitee’s entitlement to such indemnification. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 7(a) . The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication.

(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits, and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of the adverse determination under Section 6(b) .

(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 , absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s misstatement not materially misleading in connection with the application for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

(d) In the event that Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 7 , seeks a judicial adjudication of his rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement, or to recover under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, the Company shall pay on his behalf, in advance, any and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in such judicial adjudication, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance recovery.

(e) The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, such expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advance of Expenses from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement of Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

 

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(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding.

8. Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Primacy of Indemnification; Subrogation .

(a) The rights of indemnification as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders, a resolution of directors of the Company, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in the DGCL, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification than would be afforded currently under the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

(b) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, employees, or agents or fiduciaries of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person serves at the request of the Company, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary under such policy or policies. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

(c) [The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by [ name of fund/sponsor ] and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “ Fund Indemnitors ”). The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Fund Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee are secondary), (ii) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement and the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company (or any other agreement between the Company and Indemnitee), without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Fund Indemnitors, and, (iii) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Fund Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Fund Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Fund Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Fund Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Fund Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 8(c).]

 

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(d) [Except as provided in paragraph (c) above,] in the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee (other than against the Fund Indemnitors), who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

(e) [Except as provided in paragraph (c) above,] the Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.

(f) [Except as provided in paragraph (c) above,] the Company’s obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement of expenses from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise.

9. Exception to Right of Indemnification . Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:

(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision[, provided, that the foregoing shall not affect the rights of Indemnitee or the Fund Indemnitors set forth in Section 8(c) above];

(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

(c) in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any such part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law; or

(d) if prohibited by applicable law, except as noted in Section 12(d) .

10. Duration of Agreement . All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue for so long as Indemnitee may have any liability or potential liability by virtue of serving or having served as an officer or director of the Company or at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), assigns, spouses, heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives.

11. Security . To the extent requested by Indemnitee and approved by the Board, the Company may at any time and from time to time provide security to Indemnitee for the Company’s obligations hereunder through an irrevocable bank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral. Any such security, once provided to Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of Indemnitee.

 

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12. Miscellaneous .

(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumes the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as an officer or director of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as an officer or director of the Company.

(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

(c) The Company shall not seek from a court, or agree to, a “bar order” which would have the effect of prohibiting or limiting Indemnitee’s rights to receive advancement of expenses under this Agreement.

(d) Both the Company and Indemnitee acknowledge that in certain instances, federal law or public policy may override applicable state law and prohibit the Company from indemnifying its directors and officers under this Agreement or otherwise. For example, the Company and Indemnitee acknowledge that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) has taken the position that indemnification is not permissible for liabilities arising under certain federal securities laws, and federal legislation prohibits indemnification for certain ERISA violations. Indemnitee understands and acknowledges that the Company has undertaken or may be required in the future to undertake with the SEC to submit the question of indemnification to a court in certain circumstances for a determination of the Company’s right under public policy to indemnify Indemnitee.

13. Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement:

(a) “ Corporate Status ” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, trustee, member, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person is or was serving at the express written request of the Company.

(b) “ Disinterested Director ” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

(c) “ Enterprise ” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that Indemnitee is or was serving at the express written request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary.

(d) “ Expenses ” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, participating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding, or responding to, or objecting to, a request to provide discovery in any Proceeding. Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding and any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersede as bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

10


(e) “ Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “ Independent Counsel ” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

(f) “ Proceeding ” includes any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought by or in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party or otherwise, by reason of his Corporate Status, by reason of any action taken by him or of any inaction on his part while acting in his or her Corporate Status; in each case whether or not he is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement; including one pending on or before the date of this Agreement, but excluding one initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement to enforce his rights under this Agreement.

14. Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. [Further, the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof as to either Indemitee or Appointing Stockholder shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any provision hereof as to the other]. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement is intended to confer upon Indemnitee [and Appointing Stockholder] indemnification rights to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws. In the event any provision hereof conflicts with any applicable law, such provision shall be deemed modified, consistent with the aforementioned intent, to the extent necessary to resolve such conflict.

15. Modification and Waiver . No supplement, modification, termination or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

16. Notice By Indemnitee . Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served with or otherwise receiving any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification covered hereunder. The failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise unless and only to the extent that such failure or delay materially prejudices the Company.

17. Notices . All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed electronic mail or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not so confirmed, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent:

 

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(a) To Indemnitee at the address set forth below Indemnitee signature hereto.

(b) To the Company at:

1301 McKinney, Suite 2025

Houston, Texas 77010

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

or to such other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company or to the Company by Indemnitee, as the case may be.

18. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. This Agreement may also be executed and delivered by facsimile signature and in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

19. Headings . The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

20. Governing Law and Consent to Jurisdiction . This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. The Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the “ Delaware Court ”), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (iv) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Indemnification Agreement on and as of the day and year first above written.

 

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

INDEMNITEE
Name:  

 

Address:  

 

 

 

Indemnification Agreement Signature Page

 

13

Exhibit 14.1

PAR PETROLEUM CORPORATION

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

FOR EMPLOYEES, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 15, 2012

Introduction

Par Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries ( “Par” ) are committed to maintaining the highest standards of business conduct and ethics. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code” ) reflects the business practices and principles of behavior that support this commitment. Par expects every employee, officer and director to read and understand the Code and its application to the performance of his or her business responsibilities. This Code applies to all employees, directors, officers and consultants of Par.

Officers, managers and other supervisors are expected to develop in employees a sense of commitment to the spirit, as well as the letter, of the Code. Supervisors are also expected to ensure that all agents and contractors conform to Code standards when working for or on behalf of Par. In addition, any employee who makes an exemplary effort to implement and uphold Par’s legal and ethical standards will be recognized for that effort in his or her performance review. This Code supersedes all other codes of conduct, policies, procedures, instructions, practices, rules or written or verbal representations to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Code. However, nothing in this Code otherwise alters the at-will employment policy of Par. Par is committed to continuously reviewing and updating its policies and procedures. This Code, therefore, is subject to modification.

This Code cannot possibly describe every practice or principle related to honest and ethical conduct. The Code addresses conduct that is particularly important to proper dealings with the people and entities with whom Par interacts, but reflects only a part of Par’s commitment. From time to time Par may adopt additional policies and procedures with which Par’s employees, officers and directors are expected to comply, if applicable to them. However, it is the responsibility of each employee to apply common sense, together with his or her own highest personal ethical standards, in making business decisions where there is no stated guideline in the Code.

Action by members of your family, significant others or other persons who live in your household (referred to in the Code as “ family members ”) also may potentially result in ethical issues to the extent that they involve Par’s business. For example, acceptance of inappropriate gifts by a family member from one of Par’s suppliers could create a conflict of interest and result in a Code violation attributable to you. Consequently, in complying with the Code, you should consider not only your own conduct, but also that of your family members, significant others and other persons who live in your household.


YOU SHOULD NOT HESITATE TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT WHETHER ANY CONDUCT MAY VIOLATE THE CODE, VOICE CONCERNS OR CLARIFY GRAY AREAS. SECTION 17 BELOW DETAILS THE COMPLIANCE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU. IN ADDITION, YOU SHOULD BE ALERT TO POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE BY OTHERS AND REPORT SUSPECTED VIOLATIONS, WITHOUT FEAR OF ANY FORM OF RETALIATION, AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN SECTION 17 BELOW. Violations of the Code will not be tolerated. Any employee who violates the standards in the Code may be subject to disciplinary action, which, depending on the nature of the violation and the history of the employee, may range from a warning or reprimand to and including termination of employment and, in appropriate cases, civil legal action or referral for regulatory or criminal prosecution.

 

1. Honest and Ethical Conduct

It is the policy of Par to promote high standards of integrity by conducting Par’s affairs in an honest and ethical manner. The integrity and reputation of Par depends on the honesty, fairness and integrity brought to the job by each person associated with Par. Unyielding personal integrity is the foundation of corporate integrity.

 

2. Legal Compliance

Obeying the law, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation of this Code. Par’s success depends upon each employee’s operating within legal guidelines and cooperating with local, national and international authorities. Par expects employees to understand the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to their business units and areas of responsibility. Par holds periodic training sessions to ensure that all employees comply with the relevant laws, rules and regulations associated with their employment, including laws prohibiting insider trading (which are discussed in further detail in Section 3 below). While Par does not expect you to memorize every detail of these laws, rules and regulations, Par wants you to be able to determine when to seek advice from others. If you do have a question in the area of legal compliance, it is important that you not hesitate to seek answers from your supervisor or a Compliance Officer (as further described in Section 17 below).

Disregard of the law will not be tolerated. Violation of domestic or foreign laws, rules and regulations may subject an individual, as well as Par, to civil and/or criminal penalties. You should be aware that conduct and records, including emails, are subject to internal and external audits, and to discovery by third parties in the event of a government investigation or civil litigation. It is in everyone’s best interests to know and comply with Par’s legal and ethical obligations.

 

3. Insider Trading

Employees who have access to confidential (or “ inside ”) information are not permitted to use or share that information for stock trading purposes or for any other purpose except to conduct Par’s business. All non-public information about Par or about companies with which Par does business is considered confidential information. To use material non-public information in connection with buying or selling securities, including “tipping” others who might make an investment decision on the basis of this information, is not only unethical, it is illegal. Employees must exercise the utmost care when handling material inside information.


Par has adopted a separate insider trading policy with which you are expected to comply as a condition of your employment with Par. If applicable, you should consult that insider trading policy for more specific information on the definition of inside information and on buying and selling Par’s securities or securities of companies with which Par does business.

 

4. International Business Laws

Our employees are expected to comply with the applicable laws in all countries to which they travel, in which they operate and where Par otherwise does business, including laws prohibiting bribery, corruption or the conduct of business with specified individuals, companies or countries. The fact that in some countries certain laws are not enforced or that violation of those laws is not subject to public criticism will not be accepted as an excuse for noncompliance. In addition, Par expects employees to comply with U.S. laws, rules and regulations governing the conduct of business by its citizens and corporations outside the U.S.

These U.S. laws, rules and regulations, which extend to all Par’s activities outside the U.S., include:

 

   

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits directly or indirectly giving anything of value to a government official to obtain or retain business or favorable treatment, and requires the maintenance of accurate books of account, with all company transactions being properly recorded;

 

   

U.S. Embargoes, which restrict or, in some cases, prohibit companies, their subsidiaries and their employees from doing business with certain other countries identified on a list that changes periodically (including, for example, Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria) or specific companies or individuals;

 

   

Export Controls, which restrict travel to designated countries or prohibit or restrict the export of goods, services and technology to designated countries, denied persons or denied entities from the U.S., or the re-export of U.S. origin goods from the country of original destination to such designated countries, denied companies or denied entities; and

 

   

Antiboycott Compliance, which prohibits U.S. companies from taking any action that has the effect of furthering or supporting a restrictive trade practice or boycott that is fostered or imposed by a foreign country against a country friendly to the U.S. or against any U.S. person.

If you have a question as to whether an activity is restricted or prohibited, seek assistance before taking any action, including giving any verbal assurances that might be regulated by international laws.

 

5. Antitrust

Antitrust laws are designed to protect the competitive process. These laws are based on the premise that the public interest is best served by vigorous competition and will suffer from illegal agreements or collusion among competitors. Antitrust laws generally prohibit:

 

   

agreements, formal or informal, with competitors that harm competition or customers, including price fixing and allocations of customers, territories or contracts;


   

agreements, formal or informal, that establish or fix the price at which a customer may resell a product; and

 

   

the acquisition or maintenance of a monopoly or attempted monopoly through anticompetitive conduct.

Certain kinds of information, such as pricing, production and inventory, should not be exchanged with competitors, regardless of how innocent or casual the exchange may be and regardless of the setting, whether business or social.

Antitrust laws impose severe penalties for certain types of violations, including criminal penalties and potential fines and damages of millions of dollars, which may be tripled under certain circumstances. Understanding the requirements of antitrust and unfair competition laws of the various jurisdictions where Par does business can be difficult, and you are urged to seek assistance from your supervisor or a Compliance Officer (as further described in Section 17 below) whenever you have a question relating to these laws.

 

6. Environmental Compliance

Federal law imposes criminal liability on any person or company that contaminates the environment with any hazardous substance that could cause injury to the community or environment. Violation of environmental laws can involve monetary fines and imprisonment. Par expects employees to comply with all applicable environmental laws.

It is Par’s policy to conduct Par’s business in an environmentally responsible way that minimizes environmental impacts. Par is committed to minimizing and, if practicable, eliminating the use of any substance or material that may cause environmental damage, reducing waste generation and disposing of all waste through safe and responsible methods, minimizing environmental risks by employing safe technologies and operating procedures, and being prepared to respond appropriately to accidents and emergencies.

 

7. Conflicts of Interest

Par respects the rights of Par’s employees to manage their personal affairs and investments and do not wish to impinge on their personal lives. At the same time, employees should avoid conflicts of interest that occur when their personal interests may interfere in any way with the performance of their duties or the best interests of Par. A conflicting personal interest could result from an expectation of personal gain now or in the future or from a need to satisfy a prior or concurrent personal obligation. Par expects employees to be free from influences that conflict with the best interests of Par or might deprive Par of their undivided loyalty in business dealings. Even the appearance of a conflict of interest where none actually exists can be damaging and should be avoided. Whether or not a conflict of interest exists or will exist can be unclear. Conflicts of interest are prohibited unless specifically authorized as described below.


If you have any questions about a potential conflict or if you become aware of an actual or potential conflict, and you are not an officer or director of Par, you should discuss the matter with your supervisor or a Compliance Officer (as further described in Section 17 below). Supervisors may not authorize conflict of interest matters without first seeking the approval of a Compliance Officer and providing the Compliance Officer with a written description of the activity. If the supervisor is involved in the potential or actual conflict, you should discuss the matter directly with a Compliance Officer. Officers and directors may seek authorization from the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee” ). Factors that may be considered in evaluating a potential conflict of interest are, among others:

 

   

whether it may interfere with the employee’s job performance, responsibilities or morale;

 

   

whether the employee has access to confidential information;

 

   

whether it may interfere with the job performance, responsibilities or morale of others within the organization;

 

   

any potential adverse or beneficial impact on Par’s business;

 

   

any potential adverse or beneficial impact on Par’s relationships with Par’s customers or suppliers or other service providers;

 

   

whether it would enhance or support a competitor’s position;

 

   

the extent to which it would result in financial or other benefit (direct or indirect) to the employee;

 

   

the extent to which it would result in financial or other benefit (direct or indirect) to one of Par’s customers, suppliers or other service providers; and

 

   

the extent to which it would appear improper to an outside observer.

Although no list can include every possible situation in which a conflict of interest could arise, the following are examples of situations that may, depending on the facts and circumstances, involve conflicts of interests:

 

   

Employment by (including consulting for) or service on the board of directors of a competitor, customer or supplier or other service provider. Activity that enhances or supports the position of a competitor to the detriment of Par is prohibited, including employment by or service on the board of a competitor. Employment by or service on the board of directors of a customer or supplier or other service provider is generally discouraged and you must seek authorization in advance if you plan to take such a position.

 

   

Owning, directly or indirectly, a significant financial interest in any entity that does business, seeks to do business or competes with Par. In addition to the factors described above, persons evaluating ownership in other entities for conflicts of interest will consider: the size and nature of the investment; the nature of the relationship between the other entity and Par; the employee’s access to confidential information; and the employee’s ability to influence Par’s decisions. If you would like to acquire a financial interest of that kind, you must seek approval in advance.


   

Soliciting or accepting gifts, favors, loans or preferential treatment from any person or entity that does business or seeks to do business with Par. See Section 12 below for further discussion of the issues involved in this type of conflict.

 

   

Soliciting contributions to any charity or for any political candidate from any person or entity that does business or seeks to do business with Par.

 

   

Taking personal advantage of corporate opportunities. See Section 9 below for further discussion of the issues involved in this type of conflict.

 

   

Moonlighting without permission.

 

   

Conducting Par’s business transactions with your family member or a business in which you have a significant financial interest. Material related-party transactions approved by the Audit Committee and involving any executive officer or director will be publicly disclosed as required by applicable laws and regulations.

 

   

Exercising supervisory or other authority on behalf of Par over a co-worker who is also a family member. The employee’s supervisor and/or a Compliance Officer will consult with the Human Resources Department to assess the advisability of reassignment.

Loans to, or guarantees of obligations of, employees or their family members by Par could constitute an improper personal benefit to the recipients of these loans or guarantees, depending on the facts and circumstances. Some loans are expressly prohibited by law, and applicable law requires that Par’s Board of Directors approve all loans and guarantees to employees. As a result, all loans and guarantees by Par must be approved in advance by the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee.

At the date of adoption of this Code, Par has members of its Board of Directors who are partners or employees of investment funds, and this Code needs to acknowledge the fact that such investment funds and related investment entities routinely invest in companies, some of which may be engaged in the same lines of business as Par. As a result, notwithstanding anything in this Code to the contrary, if a member of Par’s Board of Directors who is also a partner or employee of an entity that is in the business of investing and reinvesting in other entities, or an employee of an entity that manages such an entity (each, a “Fund” ) acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other matter in such individual’s capacity as a partner, manager or employee of the Fund (and other than directly in connection with such individual’s service as a member of Par’s Board of Directors) and that may be an opportunity of interest for both Par and such Fund (a “Corporate Opportunity” ), then Par has no expectancy that such director or Fund offer an opportunity to participate in such Corporate Opportunity to Par. In addition, any investment or other involvement by such director or Fund shall not be a conflict or potential conflict of interest if such director acts in good faith.

 

8. Treatment with Fairness and Respect

You are critical to the success of Par, and Par’s policy is to treat you with fairness and respect. Par is an equal opportunity employer. Par does not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, religion, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status or other protected characteristics or disability. Par prohibits discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions or any other condition of employment or career development. Par is committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Par will not tolerate the use of discriminatory slurs; unwelcome, unsolicited sexual advances or harassment; or any other remarks, jokes or conduct that create or foster an offensive or hostile work environment. Each person, at every level of the organization, must act with respect toward customers, co-workers and outside firms.


9. Corporate Opportunities

You may not take personal advantage of opportunities for Par that are presented to you or discovered by you as a result of your position with Par or through your use of corporate property or information, unless authorized by your supervisor, a Compliance Officer or the Audit Committee, as described in Section 7 above. Even opportunities that are acquired privately by you may be questionable if they are related to Par’s existing or proposed lines of business. Participation in an investment or outside business opportunity that is directly related to Par’s lines of business must be pre-approved. You may not use your position with Par or corporate property or information for improper personal gain, nor should you compete with Par in any way.

 

10. Maintenance of Corporate Books, Records, Documents and Accounts; Financial Integrity; Public Reporting

The integrity of Par’s records and public disclosure depends upon the validity, accuracy and completeness of the information supporting the entries to Par’s books of account. Therefore, Par’s corporate and business records should be completed accurately and honestly. The making of false or misleading entries, whether they relate to financial results or test results, is strictly prohibited. Par’s records serve as a basis for managing its business and are important in meeting its obligations to customers, suppliers, creditors, employees and others with whom Par does business. As a result, it is important that Par’s books, records and accounts accurately and fairly reflect, in reasonable detail, Par’s assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and expenses, as well as all transactions and changes in assets and liabilities. Par requires that:

 

   

no entry be made in Par’s books and records that intentionally hides or disguises the nature of any transaction or of any of Par’s liabilities, or misclassifies any transactions as to accounts or accounting periods;

 

   

transactions be supported by appropriate documentation;

 

   

the terms of sales and other commercial transactions be reflected accurately in the documentation for those transactions and all such documentation be reflected accurately in Par’s books and records;

 

   

employees comply with Par’s system of internal controls; and

 

   

no cash or other assets be maintained for any purpose in any unrecorded or “off-the-books” fund.


Par’s accounting records are also relied upon to produce reports for its management, stockholders and creditors, as well as governmental agencies. In particular, Par relies upon its accounting and other business and corporate records in preparing periodic and current reports that it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” ). Securities laws require that these reports provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure and fairly present Par’s financial condition and results of operations. Employees who collect, provide or analyze information for or otherwise contribute in any way in preparing or verifying these reports should strive to ensure that Par’s financial disclosure is accurate and transparent and that Par’s reports contain all of the information about Par that would be important to enable stockholders and potential investors to assess the soundness and risks of Par’s business and finances and the quality and integrity of Par’s accounting and disclosures. In addition:

 

   

no employee may take or authorize any action that would cause Par’s financial records or financial disclosure to fail to comply with generally accepted accounting principles, the rules and regulations of the SEC or other applicable laws, rules and regulations;

 

   

all employees must cooperate fully with Par’s Accounting Department, as well as Par’s independent public accountants and counsel, respond to their questions with candor and provide them with complete and accurate information to help ensure that Par’s books and records, as well as Par’s reports filed with the SEC, are accurate and complete; and

 

   

no employee should knowingly make (or cause or encourage any other person to make) any false or misleading statement in any of Par’s reports filed with the SEC or knowingly omit (or cause or encourage any other person to omit) any information necessary to make the disclosure in any of Par’s reports accurate in all material respects.

Any employee who becomes aware of any departure from these standards has a responsibility to report his or her knowledge promptly to a supervisor, a Compliance Officer, the Audit Committee, one of the other compliance resources described in Section 17 below, or in accordance with the provisions of Par’s Whistleblower Policy. The Whistleblower Policy is a supplement to the Code and should be read in conjunction with the Code.

 

11. Fair Dealing

Par strives to outperform its competition fairly and honestly. Advantages over Par’s competitors are not to be obtained through unethical or illegal business practices. Acquiring proprietary information from others through improper means, possessing trade secret information that was improperly obtained, or inducing improper disclosure of confidential information from past or present employees of other companies is prohibited, even if motivated by an intention to advance Par’s interests. If information is obtained by mistake that may constitute a trade secret or other confidential information of another business, or if you have any questions about the legality of proposed information gathering, you must consult your supervisor or a Compliance Officer, as further described in Section 17 below.

You are expected to deal fairly with Par’s customers, suppliers, employees and anyone else with whom you have contact in the course of performing your job. Be aware that the Federal Trade Commission Act provides that “unfair methods of competition in commerce, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce, are declared unlawful.” It is a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act to engage in deceptive, unfair or unethical practices, and to make misrepresentations in connection with sales activities.


Employees involved in procurement have a special responsibility to adhere to principles of fair competition in the purchase of products and services by selecting suppliers based exclusively on normal commercial considerations, such as quality, cost, availability, service and reputation, and not on the receipt of special favors.

 

12. Gifts and Entertainment

Business gifts and entertainment are meant to create goodwill and sound working relationships and not to gain improper advantage with customers or facilitate approvals from government officials. The exchange, as a normal business courtesy, of meals or entertainment (such as tickets to a game or the theatre or a round of golf) is a common and acceptable practice as long as it is not extravagant. Unless express permission is received from a supervisor, a Compliance Officer or the Audit Committee, gifts and entertainment cannot be offered, provided or accepted by any employee unless consistent with customary business practices and not excessive in value. This principle applies to Par’s transactions everywhere in the world, even where the practice is widely considered “a way of doing business.” Employees should not accept gifts or entertainment that may reasonably be deemed to affect their judgment or actions in the performance of their duties. Par’s customers, suppliers and the public at large should know that Par’s employees’ judgment is not for sale.

Under some statutes, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (further described in Section 4 above), giving anything of value to a government official to obtain or retain business or favorable treatment is a criminal act subject to prosecution and conviction. Discuss with your supervisor or a Compliance Officer any proposed entertainment or gifts if you are uncertain about their appropriateness.

 

13. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets

All employees are expected to protect Par’s assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on Par’s financial condition and results of operations. Par’s property, such as office supplies, computer equipment, laboratory supplies and office, manufacturing or laboratory space, is expected to be used only for legitimate business purposes, although incidental personal use may be permitted. You may not, however, use Par’s corporate name, any brand name or trademark owned or associated with Par or any letterhead stationery for any personal purpose.

You may not, while acting on behalf of Par or while using its computing or communications equipment or facilities, either:

 

   

access the internal computer system (also known as “hacking”) or other resource of another entity without express written authorization from the entity responsible for operating that resource; or

 

   

commit any unlawful or illegal act, including harassment, libel, fraud, sending of unsolicited bulk email (also known as “spam”) in violation of applicable law, trafficking in contraband of any kind, or espionage.

If you receive authorization to access another entity’s internal computer system or other resource, you must make a permanent record of that authorization so that it may be retrieved for future reference, and you may not exceed the scope of that authorization.


Unsolicited bulk email is regulated by law in a number of jurisdictions. If you intend to send unsolicited bulk email to persons outside of Par, either while acting on Par’s behalf or using Par’s computing or communications equipment or facilities, you should contact your supervisor or a Compliance Officer for approval.

All data residing on or transmitted through Par’s computing and communications facilities, including email and word processing documents, is the property of Par and subject to inspection, retention and review by Par, with or without an employee’s or third party’s knowledge, consent or approval, in accordance with applicable law. Any misuse or suspected misuse of Par’s assets must be immediately reported to your supervisor or a Compliance Officer.

 

14. Confidentiality

One of Par’s most important assets is its confidential information. As an employee of Par, you may learn of information about Par that is confidential and proprietary. You also may learn of information before that information is released to the general public. Employees who have received or have access to confidential information should take care to keep this information confidential. Confidential information includes non-public information that might be of use to competitors or harmful to Par or its customers if disclosed, such as leases, maps, geophysical data, business and marketing plans, financial information, engineering ideas, designs, databases, customer lists, pricing strategies, personnel data, personally identifiable information pertaining to Par’s employees, customers or other individuals (including, for example, names, addresses, telephone numbers and social security numbers), and similar types of information provided to Par by its customers, suppliers and partners. This information may be protected by patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws.

In addition, because Par interacts with other companies and organizations, there may be times when you learn confidential information about other companies before that information has been made available to the public. You must treat this information in the same manner as you are required to treat Par’s confidential and proprietary information. There may even be times when you must treat as confidential the fact that Par has an interest in, or is involved with, another company.

You are expected to keep confidential and proprietary information confidential unless and until that information is released to the public through approved channels (usually through a press release, a filing with the SEC or a formal communication from a member of senior management, as further described in Section 15 below). Every employee has a duty to refrain from disclosing to any person confidential or proprietary information about Par or any other company learned in the course of employment with Par, until that information is disclosed to the public through approved channels. This policy requires you to refrain from discussing confidential or proprietary information with outsiders and even with other Par employees, unless those fellow employees have a legitimate need to know the information in order to perform their job duties. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information could also be illegal and result in civil liability and/or criminal penalties.

You should also take care not to inadvertently disclose confidential information. Materials that contain confidential information, such as memos, notebooks, data storage devices and laptop computers, should be stored securely. Unauthorized posting or discussion of any information concerning Par’s business, information or prospects on the Internet is prohibited. You may not discuss Par’s business, information or prospects in any “chat room,” regardless of whether you use your own name or a pseudonym. Be cautious when discussing sensitive information in public places like elevators, airports, restaurants and “quasi-public” areas within Par, such as the reception area. All Par e-mails, voicemails and other communications are presumed confidential and should not be forwarded or otherwise disseminated outside of Par, except where required for legitimate business purposes.


In addition to the above responsibilities, if you are handling information protected by any privacy policy published by Par, then you must handle that information in accordance with the applicable policy.

 

15. Media/Public Discussions

It is Par’s policy to disclose material information concerning Par to the public only through specific limited channels to avoid inappropriate publicity and to ensure that all those with an interest in the company will have equal access to information. All inquiries or calls from the press and financial analysts should be referred to the [Chief Executive Officer]. Par has designated its [Chief Executive Officer] as the company’s official spokespersons for financial matters and for marketing, technical and other related information. Unless a specific exception has been made by the [Chief Executive Officer], these designees are the only people who may communicate with the press on behalf of Par. You also may not provide any information to the media about Par off the record, for background, confidentially or secretly.

 

16. Waivers

Waivers of the Code may only be granted by the Chairman of the Audit Committee; provided, however, that any waiver of the Code for executive officers (including, where required by applicable laws, Par’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller (or persons performing similar functions)) or directors may be granted only by the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors. Any such waiver of the Code for executive officers or directors, and the reasons for such waiver, will be disclosed as required by applicable laws, rules or securities market regulations.

 

17. Compliance Standards and Procedures

Compliance Resources

To facilitate compliance with this Code, Par has implemented a program of Code awareness, training and review. Par has established the position of Compliance Officer to oversee this program. The Compliance Officers are persons to whom you can address any questions or concerns. The Compliance Officers are:

 

Chief Executive Officer    Chief Financial Officer
Par Petroleum Corporation    Par Petroleum Corporation
1301 McKinney, Suite 2025    1301 McKinney, Suite 2025
Houston, TX 77010    Houston, TX 77010
Telephone: (713) 969-3293    Telephone: (713) 969-3293

In addition to fielding questions or concerns with respect to potential violations of this Code, the Compliance Officers are responsible for:

 

   

investigating possible violations of the Code;


   

training new employees in Code policies;

 

   

conducting annual training sessions to refresh employees’ familiarity with the Code;

 

   

distributing copies of the Code annually via e-mail to each employee with a reminder that each employee is responsible for reading, understanding and complying with the Code;

 

   

updating the Code as needed and alerting employees to any updates, with appropriate approval of the Audit Committee, to reflect changes in the law, Par’s operations and in recognized best practices, and to reflect Par’s experience; and otherwise promoting an atmosphere of responsible and ethical conduct.

 

   

otherwise promoting an atmosphere of responsible and ethical conduct.

Your most immediate resource for any matter related to the Code is your supervisor. He or she may have the information you need, or may be able to refer the question to another appropriate source. There may, however, be times when you prefer not to go to your supervisor. In these instances, you should feel free to discuss your concern with a Compliance Officer. If you are uncomfortable speaking with a Compliance Officer because he or she works in your department or is one of your supervisors, please contact the Chief Executive Officer or the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Of course, if your concern involves potential misconduct by another person and relates to questionable accounting or auditing matters under the Whistleblower Policy, you may report that violation in accordance with the procedures set forth in such policy.

An anonymous toll-free compliance hotline at 855-PPC-WBPN (772-9276) and an anonymous e-mail address at Whistleblower@par-petro.com are also available to those who wish to ask questions about Par’s policy, seek guidance on specific situations or report violations of the Code. Please note that if you contact the hotline or website on an anonymous basis, the Compliance Officers will be unable to obtain follow-up details from you that may be necessary to investigate the matter. Whether you identify yourself or remain anonymous, your contact with the toll-free compliance hotline will be kept strictly confidential to the extent reasonably possible within the objectives of the Code.

Clarifying Questions and Concerns; Reporting Possible Violations

If you encounter a situation or are considering a course of action and its appropriateness is unclear, discuss the matter promptly with your supervisor or a Compliance Officer; even the appearance of impropriety can be very damaging and should be avoided.

If you are aware of a suspected or actual violation of Code standards by others, you have a responsibility to report it. You are expected to promptly provide a compliance resource with a specific description of the violation that you believe has occurred, including any information you have about the persons involved and the time of the violation. Whether you choose to speak with your supervisor or to a Compliance Officer, you should do so without fear of any form of retaliation. Par will take prompt disciplinary action against any employee who retaliates against you, up to and including termination of employment.


Supervisors must promptly report any complaints or observations of Code violations to a Compliance Officer. If you believe your supervisor has not taken appropriate action, you should contact a Compliance Officer directly. The Compliance Officers will investigate all reported possible Code violations promptly and with the highest degree of confidentiality that is possible under the specific circumstances. Neither you nor your supervisor may conduct any preliminary investigation, unless authorized to do so by a Compliance Officer. Your cooperation in the investigation will be expected. As needed, the Compliance Officers will consult with the Human Resources Department and/or the Audit Committee. It is Par’s policy to employ a fair process by which to determine violations of the Code.

With respect to any complaints or observations of Code violations that may involve accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing concerns, the Compliance Officers shall promptly inform the chair of the Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee or such other persons as the Audit Committee determines to be appropriate under the circumstances shall be responsible for supervising and overseeing the inquiry and any investigation that is undertaken.

If any investigation indicates that a violation of the Code has probably occurred, Par will take such action as it believes to be appropriate under the circumstances. If Par determines that an employee is responsible for a Code violation, he or she will be subject to disciplinary action up to, and including, termination of employment and, in appropriate cases, civil legal action or referral for regulatory or criminal prosecution. Appropriate action may also be taken to deter any future Code violations.

 

18. Dissemination and Amendment

This Code will be distributed to each new employee, officer and director of Par upon commencement of his or her employment or other relationship with Par and will also be distributed annually. Par may amend this Code at any time. Par will disclose any amendments pertaining to executive officers or directors as required by law or securities market regulations. The most current version of this Code can be found on Par’s website.

 

19. Certification

All directors, officers, employees and consultants must certify, in writing or electronically, that they have received, read, understood, and shall abide by this Code. Please return the attached certification immediately.


Par Petroleum Corporation

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Certification

As applicable to my work responsibilities:

 

1. I will deal honestly and ethically with Par and on Par’s behalf in all matters.

 

2. I will avoid actual or apparent conflicts with Par’s interests.

 

3. I will advance Par’s business interests when the opportunity to do so arises.

 

4. I will comply with Par’s standards, policies and procedures regarding gifts, meals and entertainment.

 

5. I will ensure the accuracy and integrity of Par’s books, records and accounts.

 

6. I will protect the confidential information of customers and others which I receive in the course of conducting Par business.

 

7. I will ensure that, in all reports and documents filed with or submitted to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission by Par and in other public communications made by Par, Par’s disclosures are full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable.

 

8. I will comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to my work responsibilities in every country in which Par does business.

 

9. I will comply with all Par standards, policies and procedures.

 

10. I will protect Par’s assets, and promote their efficient and legitimate business use.

 

11. I will protect Par’s confidential information.

 

12. I will protect the health and safety of Par employees.

 

13. I will use Par’s electronic media for legitimate business purposes.

I certify that I have received, read, understood and will abide by the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

 

 

Signature

 

Name

 

Date