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 28, 2013 (October 25, 2013)

 

 

GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD.

GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Alberta, Canada

Delaware

 

001-32714

001-35211

 

98-0570897

38-3531640

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

1331 Lamar Street, Suite 650  
Houston, Texas   77010
(Address of principal executive offices)   (ZIP Code)

(713) 739-1800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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))

 

 

 


SECTION 1 - REGISTRANT’S BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

 

Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

WEHLU Purchase and Sale Agreement

As previously reported, on September 4, 2013, Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. (“Gastar USA”), a direct subsidiary of Gastar Exploration Ltd. (the “Company”), entered into a purchase and sale agreement (the “WEHLU Purchase and Sale Agreement”) with Lime Rock Resources II-A, L.P. and Lime Rock Resources II-C, L.P. (the “Lime Rock Parties”) pursuant to which it will acquire a 98.3% working interest (80.5% net revenue interest) in 24,000 net acres of the West Edmond Hunton Lime Unit located in Kingfisher, Logan, Oklahoma and Canadian Counties, Oklahoma (the “WEHLU Assets”). A description of the material terms and conditions is contained in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed jointly by the Company and Gastar USA on September 6, 2013. Attached as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K is a copy of the WEHLU Purchase and Sale Agreement.

SECTION 2 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

Third Quarter 2013 Financial and Operating Data (Preliminary)

On October 28, 2013, Gastar USA disclosed certain ranges of preliminary financial data and estimated production for the three months ended September 30, 2013.

Financial Results . Based on the most current information available to us, for the three months ended September 30, 2013, we expect to report the following items in Gastar USA’s consolidated statement of operations within the indicated ranges:

 

Total revenues:

   $17.8 to $19.8 million

Income from operations:

   $1.0 to $2.0 million

Each of the foregoing includes the impact of an unrealized hedge loss for such period in the range of $4.5 to $5.5 million resulting from mark-to-market accounting. We also estimate that Gastar USA’s consolidated capital expenditures for the three months ended September 30, 2013, excluding acquisitions, were in the range of $22.0 to $24.0 million. We project our capital expenditures for fourth quarter 2013, excluding acquisitions, to be in the range of $30.0 to $34.0 million.

Our normal closing and financial reporting processes with respect to the foregoing preliminary financial data for the three months ended September 30, 2013 have not been fully completed. As a result, our actual financial results could be different from these preliminary financial data, and any differences could be material. Our independent registered public accounting firm has not completed its review procedures with respect to our unaudited financial statements from which such data may be derived, nor have they expressed any opinion or provided any other form of assurance on the data. The foregoing is not intended to be a comprehensive statement of our unaudited financial results for this period. The results of operations for an interim period, including the preliminary financial data provided above, may not give a true indication of the results to be expected for a full year or any future period.

Production . Our preliminary estimate of average daily production for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 is 59.3 MMcfe per day, which includes an average of 9.3 MMcfe per day from our East Texas oil and natural gas properties, which we sold on October 2, 2013. Condensate and oil and NGLs total production are estimated to represent 29.1% of current quarter average daily production, and 34.1% excluding production of the East Texas oil and gas properties.

SECTION 5 - CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

 

Item 5.03. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

On October 25, 2013, Gastar USA filed an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “A&R Certificate”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Under the A&R Certificate, the capital stock authorized for issuance was increased from (i) 1,000 shares of common stock, without par value, to 275,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, to 40,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Under the A&R Certificate, the amendment of certain articles requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting power, while the rest require approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting power. The A&R Certificate provides that a majority of the total number of directors has the power to adopt, amend or repeal Gastar USA’s bylaws. In addition, the A&R Certificate will provide that the adoption, amendment or repeal of the bylaws by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally at an election of directors.

The A&R Certificate provides that any director may be removed from office at any time (a) with cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally at an election of directors or (b) without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally at an election of directors.

Under the A&R Certificate, stockholders are permitted to act by written consent without a meeting only if all shareholders entitled to vote on that resolution sign the written resolution.

Under the A&R Certificate, Gastar USA will provide for mandatory indemnification of directors and officers to the extent permitted under applicable law and for the mandatory advancement of expenses to directors and officers. The A&R Certificate eliminates the liability of directors for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duties to the fullest extent under applicable law.

A copy of the A&R Certificate is attached as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference and hereby filed. The description of the A&R Certificate in this Current Report is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the A&R Certificate.

 

2


Second Amended and Restated Bylaws

On October 25, 2013, Gastar USA adopted the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Second A&R Bylaws”). The Second A&R Bylaws provide that meetings of the shareholders may be held at any place in or out of Delaware as determined by the board of directors or, if so determined by the board of directors, may be held by means of remote communication as provided under Delaware law. The Second A&R Bylaws also provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be called by the board of directors (or the chairman in the absence of a designation by the board of directors) or the chief executive officer. The holders of one-third (33 1/3%) of the voting power, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of the stockholders.

The Second A&R Bylaws provide that the number of directors must be set by a resolution adopted by a majority of the total authorized number of directors. Any vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by a majority of the directors then in office.

A copy of the Second A&R Bylaws is attached as Exhibit 3.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference and hereby filed. The description of the Second A&R Bylaws in this Current Report is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Second A&R Bylaws.

SECTION 7 - REGULATION FD

 

Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

On October 28, 2013, Company announced that Gastar USA is commencing, subject to market conditions, an underwritten public offering of shares of Gastar USA’s Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information presented herein under Item 7.01 and set forth in the attached Exhibit 99.1 is deemed to be “furnished” solely pursuant to Item 7.01 of this report and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information or the Exhibit be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended.

SECTION 8 - OTHER EVENTS

 

Item 8.01. Other Events

WEHLU Asset Acquisition Financials

As previously reported, on September 4, 2013, Gastar USA entered into the WEHLU Purchase and Sale Agreement to acquire the WEHLU Assets. As the pending acquisition is deemed probable and

 

3


significant under Rule 3-05 of Regulation S-X, attached as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein are statements of revenues and direct operating expenses for the WEHLU Assets for the years ending December 31, 2012 and 2011, together with the report of BDO USA, LLP with respect thereto, and the unaudited statement of revenues and direct operating expenses of the WEHLU Assets for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.

Attached as Exhibit 99.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein are unaudited pro forma financial statements of the Company and Gastar USA reflecting, among other things, the acquisition of the WEHLU Assets, as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.

June 30, 2013 Reserve Reports of the Company

Attached as Exhibit 99.4 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein is the reserve report of Wright & Company, Inc. as of July 1, 2013 relating to all of the historical reserves of the Company other than the Company’s East Texas assets. Attached as Exhibit 99.5 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein is the reserve report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. as of June 30, 2013 relating to all of the historical reserves of the Company’s East Texas assets.

SECTION 9 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired.

Attached as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein are statements of revenues and direct operating expenses for the WEHLU Assets for the years ending December 31, 2012 and 2011, together with the report of BDO USA, LLP with respect thereto, and the unaudited statement of revenues and direct operating expenses of the WEHLU Assets for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

Attached as Exhibit 99.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein are unaudited pro forma financial statements of the Company and Gastar USA reflecting, among other things, the acquisition of the WEHLU Assets, as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description of Document

  2.1*

   Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated September 4, 2013, by and among Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. and Lime Rock Resources II-A, L.P. and Lime Rock Resources II-C, L.P.

  3.1

   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.

  3.2

   Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.

23.1

   Consent of BDO USA, LLP.

23.2

   Consent of Wright & Company, Inc.

 

4


23.3

   Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.

99.1

   Press Release, dated October 28, 2013.

99.2

   Statement of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses of the WEHLU Assets.

99.3

   Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information.

99.4

   Report of Wright & Company, Inc. dated July 24 , 2013.

99.5

   Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., dated October 22, 2013.

 

* Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the schedules and similar attachments to Exhibit 2.1 have not been filed herewith. The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

5


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: October 28, 2013     GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD.
    By:  

/s/ J. Russell Porter

      J. Russell Porter
      President and Chief Executive Officer
    GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC.
    By:  

/s/ J. Russell Porter

      J. Russell Porter
      President

 

6


EXHIBIT LIST

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description of Document

  2.1*    Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated September 4, 2013, by and among Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. and Lime Rock Resources II-A, L.P. and Lime Rock Resources II-C, L.P.
  3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.
  3.2    Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.
23.1    Consent of BDO USA, LLP.
23.2    Consent of Wright & Company, Inc.
23.3    Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.
99.1    Press Release, dated October 28, 2013.
99.2    Statement of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses of the WEHLU Assets.
99.3    Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information.
99.4    Report of Wright & Company, Inc. dated July 24, 2013.
99.5    Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., dated October 22, 2013.

 

* Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the schedules and similar attachments to Exhibit 2.1 have not been filed herewith. The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

7

Exhibit 2.1

Execution Version

AGREEMENT OF SALE AND PURCHASE

BY AND BETWEEN

LIME ROCK RESOURCES II-A, L.P.,

AND

LIME ROCK RESOURCES II-C, L.P.,

COLLECTIVELY, AS SELLER

AND

GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC.,

AS PURCHASER

SEPTEMBER 4, 2013


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE 1

 

PURCHASE AND SALE

     1   

Section 1.1

 

Purchase and Sale

     1   

Section 1.2

 

Assets

     1   

Section 1.3

 

Excluded Assets

     3   

Section 1.4

 

Effective Time; Proration of Costs and Revenues

     4   

Section 1.5

 

Delivery and Maintenance of Records

     5   

ARTICLE 2

 

PURCHASE PRICE

     6   

Section 2.1

 

Purchase Price

     6   

Section 2.2

 

Adjustments to Purchase Price

     6   

Section 2.3

 

Allocation of Purchase Price

     7   

ARTICLE 3

 

TITLE MATTERS

     7   

Section 3.1

 

Seller’s Title

     7   

Section 3.2

 

Definition of Defensible Title

     8   

Section 3.3

 

Definition of Permitted Encumbrances

     9   

Section 3.4

 

Notice of Title Defect Adjustments

     11   

Section 3.5

 

Casualty or Condemnation Loss

     15   

Section 3.6

 

Limitations on Applicability

     16   

Section 3.7

 

Government Approvals Respecting Assets

     16   

ARTICLE 4

 

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

     17   

Section 4.1

 

Assessment

     17   

Section 4.2

 

NORM, Wastes and Other Substances

     18   

Section 4.3

 

Environmental Defects

     18   

Section 4.4

 

Inspection Indemnity

     19   

ARTICLE 5

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

     20   

Section 5.1

 

Generally

     20   

Section 5.2

 

Existence and Qualification

     20   

Section 5.3

 

Power

     20   

Section 5.4

 

Authorization and Enforceability

     20   

Section 5.5

 

No Conflicts

     21   

Section 5.6

 

Liability for Brokers’ Fees

     21   

Section 5.7

 

Litigation

     21   

Section 5.8

 

Taxes and Assessments

     21   

Section 5.9

 

Compliance with Laws

     22   

Section 5.10

 

Contracts

     22   

Section 5.11

 

Payments for Hydrocarbon Production

     22   

Section 5.12

 

Governmental Authorizations

     23   

Section 5.13

 

Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements

     23   

Section 5.14

 

Payout Balances

     23   

Section 5.15

 

Outstanding Capital Commitments

     23   

Section 5.16

 

Imbalances

     23   

 

i


Section 5.17

 

Condemnation

     24   

Section 5.18

 

Bankruptcy

     24   

Section 5.19

 

Production Allowables

     24   

Section 5.20

 

Foreign Person

     24   

Section 5.21

 

Collective Bargaining Agreements

     24   

Section 5.22

 

Wells

     24   

Section 5.23

 

Notice of Violations of Environmental Laws

     25   

ARTICLE 6

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

     25   

Section 6.1

 

Existence and Qualification

     25   

Section 6.2

 

Power

     25   

Section 6.3

 

Authorization and Enforceability

     25   

Section 6.4

 

No Conflicts

     25   

Section 6.5

 

Liability for Brokers’ Fees

     26   

Section 6.6

 

Litigation

     26   

Section 6.7

 

Limitation and Independent Evaluation

     26   

Section 6.8

 

SEC Disclosure

     27   

Section 6.9

 

Bankruptcy

     27   

Section 6.10

 

Qualification

     27   

Section 6.11

 

Financing

     27   

ARTICLE 7

 

COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES

     27   

Section 7.1

 

Access

     27   

Section 7.2

 

Government Reviews

     28   

Section 7.3

 

Notification of Breaches

     28   

Section 7.4

 

Letters-in-Lieu; Assignments; Operatorship

     28   

Section 7.5

 

Public Announcements

     29   

Section 7.6

 

Operation of Business

     29   

Section 7.7

 

Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements

     30   

Section 7.8

 

Tax Matters

     32   

Section 7.9

 

Further Assurances

     33   

ARTICLE 8

 

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

     33   

Section 8.1

 

Conditions of Seller to Closing

     33   

Section 8.2

 

Conditions of Purchaser to Closing

     34   

ARTICLE 9

 

CLOSING

     35   

Section 9.1

 

Time and Place of Closing

     35   

Section 9.2

 

Obligations of Seller at Closing

     36   

Section 9.3

 

Obligations of Purchaser at Closing

     36   

Section 9.4

 

Closing Adjustments

     36   

ARTICLE 10

 

TERMINATION

     38   

Section 10.1

 

Termination

     38   

Section 10.2

 

Effect of Termination

     38   

 

ii


ARTICLE 11

 

POST-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS; INDEMNIFICATION; LIMITATIONS; DISCLAIMERS AND WAIVERS

     39   

Section 11.1

 

Receipts

     39   

Section 11.2

 

Expenses

     39   

Section 11.3

 

Assumed Seller Obligations

     40   

Section 11.4

 

Survival and Limitations

     41   

Section 11.5

 

Indemnification by Seller

     42   

Section 11.6

 

Indemnification by Purchaser

     42   

Section 11.7

 

Indemnification Proceedings

     43   

Section 11.8

 

Release

     45   

Section 11.9

 

Disclaimers

     45   

Section 11.10

 

Waiver of Trade Practices Acts

     46   

Section 11.11

 

Recording

     47   

ARTICLE 12

 

MISCELLANEOUS

     47   

Section 12.1

 

Counterparts

     47   

Section 12.2

 

Notice

     48   

Section 12.3

 

Sales or Use Tax Recording Fees and Similar Taxes and Fees

     48   

Section 12.4

 

Expenses

     48   

Section 12.5

 

Change of Name

     49   

Section 12.6

 

Replacement of Bonds, Letters of Credit and Guarantees

     49   

Section 12.7

 

Governing Law and Venue

     49   

Section 12.8

 

Captions

     49   

Section 12.9

 

Waivers

     49   

Section 12.10

 

Assignment

     50   

Section 12.11

 

Entire Agreement

     50   

Section 12.12

 

Amendment

     50   

Section 12.13

 

No Third-Party Beneficiaries

     50   

Section 12.14

 

References

     50   

Section 12.15

 

Construction

     51   

Section 12.16

 

Conspicuousness

     51   

Section 12.17

 

Severability

     51   

Section 12.18

 

Time of Essence

     51   

Section 12.19

 

Limitation on Damages

     52   

Section 12.20

 

Sharing of Certain Financial Information

     52   

 

iii


EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    Leases
Exhibit A-1    Wells, Future Wells and Allocated Values
Exhibit A-2    Equipment
Exhibit B    Conveyance

SCHEDULES

 

Schedule 1.2(d)    Contracts
Schedule 1.2(e)    Surface Contracts
Schedule 1.2(g)    Pipelines
Schedule 1.2(j)    Vehicles
Schedule 1.2(k)    Escrow Accounts for Plugging and Abandonment of Wells
Schedule 1.3(d)    Excluded Items
Schedule 1.4    Overhead Costs
Schedule 5.1    Identification of Certain Officers and Employees of Seller and Identification of Certain Officers and Employees of Purchaser
Schedule 5.7(a)    Party Proceedings
Schedule 5.7(b)    Non-Party Proceedings
Schedule 5.8    Taxes and Assessments
Schedule 5.9    Compliance with Laws
Schedule 5.10(a)    Contract Matters
Schedule 5.11    Hydrocarbon Production Payments
Schedule 5.12    Governmental Authorizations

 

iv


Schedule 5.13    Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements
Schedule 5.14    Payout Balances
Schedule 5.15    Outstanding Capital Commitments
Schedule 5.16    Imbalances
Schedule 5.22    Additional Wells
Schedule 5.23    Notice of Violations of Environmental Laws
Schedule 7.6    Operation of Business
Schedule 12.6    Bonds, Letters of Credit and Guarantees

 

v


DEFINITIONS

“1031 Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.8(c) .

“Actual Knowledge” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a) .

“Adjusted Purchase Price” shall mean the Purchase Price after calculating and applying the adjustments set forth in Section 2.2 .

“Adjustment Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a) .

“AFE” means authority for expenditure.

“Affiliates” with respect to any Person, means any Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. The concept of control, controlling or controlled as used in the aforesaid context means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of another, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. No Person shall be deemed an Affiliate of any Person by reason of the exercise or existence of rights, interests or remedies under this Agreement.

“Aggregate Benefit Deductible” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(j) .

“Aggregate Defect Deductible” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(j) .

“Aggregate Indemnity Deductible” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(c) .

“Agreed Accounting Firm” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(b) .

“Agreed Interest Rate” means the rate of interest published in the Wall Street Journal from time to time, as the one month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 300 basis points, with adjustments in that rate to be made on the same day as any change in that rate.

“Agreement” means this Agreement of Sale and Purchase.

“Allocated Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a) .

“Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2 .

“Assumed Seller Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3 .

“Business Day” means each calendar day except Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.

“CERCLA” has the meaning set forth in the definition of Environmental Laws.

“Claim Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(b) .

 

vi


“Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(a) .

“Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b) .

“Closing Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(a) .

“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Confidentiality Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a) .

“Contracts” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2(d) .

“Conveyance” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b) .

“COPAS” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.4 .

“Cure Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(c) .

“Defensible Title” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 .

“Deposit” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b) .

“DTPA” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.10(a) .

“Earned” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.4(b) .

“Effective Time” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.4(a) .

“Environmental Claim Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3 .

“Environmental Defect” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3 .

“Environmental Defect Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3 .

“Environmental Defect Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3 .

“Environmental Laws” means, as the same may have been amended, any federal, state or local law relating to (i) the control of any potential pollutant or protection of the environment, including air, water or land, (ii) the generation, handling, treatment, storage, disposal or transportation of waste materials, or (iii) the regulation of or exposure to hazardous, toxic or other substances alleged to be harmful, including, but not limited to, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq. (“CERCLA”); the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq. (“RCRA”); the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. ; the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq. the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 1471 et seq. ; the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 2601 through 2629; the Oil Pollution Act, 33 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq. ; the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11001 et seq. ; the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300f through 300j; the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. § 136 et seq.; the Occupational Safety and

 

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Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq .; the Atomic Energy Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq. (“AEA”); and all applicable related law, whether local, state, territorial, or national, of any Governmental Body having jurisdiction over the property in question addressing pollution or protection of human health, safety, natural resources or the environment and all regulations implementing the foregoing. The term “Environmental Laws” includes all judicial and administrative decisions, orders, directives, and decrees issued by a Governmental Body pursuant to the foregoing.

“Environmental Liabilities” shall mean any and all environmental response costs (including costs of remediation), damages, natural resource damages, settlements, consulting fees, expenses, penalties, fines, orphan share, prejudgment and post-judgment interest, court costs, attorneys’ fees, and other liabilities incurred or imposed (i) pursuant to any order, notice of responsibility, directive (including requirements embodied in Environmental Laws), injunction, judgment or similar act (including settlements) by any Governmental Body to the extent arising out of any violation of, or remedial obligation under, any Environmental Laws which are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Assets prior to the Effective Time or (ii) pursuant to any claim or cause of action by a Governmental Body or other Person for personal injury, property damage, damage to natural resources, remediation or response costs to the extent arising out of any violation of, or any remediation obligation under, any Environmental Laws which is attributable to the ownership or operation of the Assets prior to the Closing.

“Equipment” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2(f) .

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

“Event” has the meaning set forth in definition of Material Adverse Effect.

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, together with the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

“Excluded Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.3 .

“Excluded Seller Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3 .

“Final Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(b) .

“Final Settlement Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(b) .

“Fundamental Representations” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(a) .

“Future Well” means a well that may be drilled in the future on a Future Well Location, which (for the purposes of determining Defensible Title thereto and any Title Defects associated therewith pursuant to this Agreement) shall be treated as if such well had been drilled and completed and was in existence at or prior to the date of this Agreement.

“Future Well Location” means each drilling location identified on Exhibit A-1 , subject to any depth restriction set forth in such Exhibit A-1 with respect to such location.

 

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“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States as amended from time to time.

“Governmental Authorizations” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.12 .

“Governmental Body” or “Governmental Bodies” means any federal, state, local, municipal, or other government; any governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, body, arbitrator or arbitration panel or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory or taxing authority or power; and any court or governmental tribunal.

“Hazardous Material” means (i) any “hazardous substance,” as defined by CERCLA, (ii) any “hazardous waste” or “solid waste,” in either case as defined by RCRA, and any analogous state statutes, and any regulations promulgated thereunder, (iii) any solid, hazardous, dangerous or toxic chemical, material, waste or substance, within the meaning of and regulated by any applicable Environmental Laws, (iv) any radioactive material, including any naturally occurring radioactive material, and any source, special or byproduct material as defined in AEA and any amendments or authorizations thereof, (v) any regulated asbestos-containing materials in any form or condition, (vi) any regulated polychlorinated biphenyls in any form or condition, and (vii) petroleum, petroleum hydrocarbons or any fraction or byproducts thereof.

“Hydrocarbons” means oil, gas, casinghead gas, condensate, natural gas liquids, and other gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons or any combination thereof and sulphur and other minerals extracted from or produced with the foregoing.

“Imbalance” or “Imbalances” means any over-production, under-production, over-delivery, under-delivery or similar imbalance of Hydrocarbons produced from or allocated to the Assets, regardless of whether such over-production, under-production, over-delivery, under-delivery or similar imbalance arises at the wellhead, pipeline, gathering system, transportation system, processing plant or other location.

“incurred” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.4(b) .

“Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7(a) .

“Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7(a) .

“Indemnity Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(d)(ii) .

“Independent Expert” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3 .

“Individual Indemnity Threshold” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(c)

“Individual Benefit Threshold” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(j) .

“Individual Environmental Threshold” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3 .

“Individual Title Threshold” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(j) .

 

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“Lands” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2(a) .

“Laws” means all statutes, laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, orders, decrees and codes of Governmental Bodies.

“Leases” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2(a) .

“Like-Kind Exchange” has the meaning set forth Section 7.8(c) .

“Losses” means any and all debts, obligations and other liabilities (whether absolute, accrued, contingent, fixed or otherwise, or whether known or unknown, or due or to become due or otherwise), diminution in value, monetary damages, fines, fees, Taxes, penalties, interest obligations, deficiencies, losses and expenses (including amounts paid in settlement, interest, court costs, costs of investigators, reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants, financial advisors and other experts, and other actual out of pocket expenses incurred in investigating and preparing for or in connection with any Proceeding); however, excluding special, punitive, exemplary, consequential or indirect damages, except to the extent a party is required to pay such damages to a third party in connection with a matter for which such party is entitled to indemnification under Article 11 .

“Lowest Cost Response” means with respect to any Environmental Defect the costs and expenses to resolve such Environmental Defect in the most cost effective manner reasonably available, consistent with Environmental Laws.

“Material Adverse Effect” means any change, inaccuracy, circumstance, effect, event, result, occurrence, condition or fact (each an “Event”) (whether or not (i) foreseeable or known as of the date of this Agreement or (ii) covered by insurance) that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on (i) the ownership, operation or value of the Assets, taken as a whole, or (ii) the ability of Seller or Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Excluded from such Events for the purposes of determining whether a “Material Adverse Effect” has occurred or could reasonably be expected to occur are (A) Events resulting from entering into this Agreement or the announcement of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (B) Events resulting from changes in general market, economic, financial or political conditions or any outbreak of hostilities or war or terrorist events, (C) Events that affect the Hydrocarbon exploration, production, development, processing, gathering and/or transportation industry generally (including changes in commodity prices or general market prices in the Hydrocarbon exploration, production, development, processing, gathering and/or transportation industry generally), (D) any effect resulting from a change in Laws or regulatory policies, in each case, of general application and (E) the consequences of drilling and production operations (including but not limited to depletion, the watering out of any Well(s), collapsed casing or sand infiltration of any Well(s), sidetrack drilling operations on any Well(s), drilling results of any Well(s), and the depreciation of personal property due to ordinary wear and tear with respect to the Assets).

“Material Contracts” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.10 .

“Net Revenue Interest” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a) .

 

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“NORM” means naturally occurring radioactive material.

“Notice Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7(a) .

“Permitted Encumbrances” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3 .

“Person” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Body or any other entity.

“Personal Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2(g) .

“Pipelines” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2(g) .

“Preference Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(b) .

“Preference Right” means any right or agreement that enables any Person to purchase or acquire any Asset or any interest therein or portion thereof as a result of or in connection with (i) the sale, assignment or other transfer of any Asset or any interest therein or portion thereof or (ii) the execution or delivery of this Agreement or the consummation or performance of the terms and conditions contemplated by this Agreement.

“Proceeding” or “Proceedings” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.7 .

“Properties” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2(c) .

“Property Costs” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.4(b) .

“Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) .

“Purchaser” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

“Purchaser Indemnified Persons” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.5 .

“Qualified Intermediary” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.8(c) .

“RCRA” has the meaning set forth in the definition of Environmental Laws.

“Records” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2(i) .

“REGARDLESS OF FAULT ” means WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CAUSE OR CAUSES OF ANY CLAIM, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, EVEN THOUGH A CLAIM IS CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY:

OTHER THAN GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, THE NEGLIGENCE (WHETHER SOLE, JOINT, CONCURRENT, COMPARATIVE, CONTRIBUTORY, ACTIVE OR PASSIVE), STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHER FAULT OF THE SELLER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS OR THE PURCHASER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS, AS APPLICABLE; AND/OR

 

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A PRE-EXISTING DEFECT, WHETHER PATENT OR LATENT, OF THE PREMISES OF PURCHASER’S PROPERTY OR SELLER’S PROPERTY (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE ASSETS), INVITEES AND/OR THIRD PARTIES; AND/OR

THE UNSEAWORTHINESS OF ANY VESSEL OR UNAIRWORTHINESS OF ANY AIRCRAFT OF A PARTY WHETHER CHARTERED, OWNED, OR PROVIDED BY THE PURCHASER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS, SELLER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS, INVITEES AND/OR THIRD PARTIES.

“Retained Asset” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(c) .

“Retained Employee Liabilities” shall mean any liabilities of Seller (i) to employees of Seller arising under the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act of 1988 as a result of actions taken by Seller prior to the Closing, (ii) arising out of claims by Seller employees with respect to events that occur prior to the Closing and that relate to their employment with, or the terminations of their employment from, Seller, (iii) with respect to employees of Seller arising under any “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is sponsored by, contributed to, or maintained by, Seller, or (iv) arising under ERISA for which Purchaser may have any liability under ERISA solely as a result of the consummation of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, together with the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

“Seller” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

“Seller Indemnified Persons” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6 .

“Seller Operated Assets” means Assets operated by Seller or an Affiliate of Seller.

“Surface Contracts” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2(e) .

“Target Depth” means Hunton Lime Formation

“Taxes” means all federal, state, local, and foreign income, profits, franchise, sales, use, ad valorem, property, severance, production, excise, stamp, documentary, real property transfer or gain, gross receipts, goods and services, registration, capital, transfer, or withholding taxes or other governmental fees or charges imposed by any Governmental Body, including any interest, penalties or additional amounts which may be imposed with respect thereto.

“Tax Returns” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a) .

“Termination Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(b)(i) .

 

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“Third Party Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7(a) .

“Title Benefit” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(d) .

“Title Benefit Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(e) .

“Title Benefit Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(b) .

“Title Claim Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a) .

“Title Defect” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(d) .

“Title Defect Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(d)(i) .

“Title Defect Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a) .

“Title Defect Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a) .

“Title Expert” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(i) .

“Transfer Requirement” means any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Person which is required to be obtained, made or complied with for or in connection with any sale, assignment or transfer of any Asset or any interest therein; provided, however, that “Transfer Requirement” shall not include any consent of, notice to, filing with, or other action by any Governmental Body in connection with the sale or conveyance of oil and/or gas leases or interests therein or Surface Contracts or interests therein, if they are not required prior to the assignment of such oil and/or gas leases, Surface Contracts or interests or they are customarily obtained subsequent to the sale or conveyance (including consents from state agencies).

“Transfer Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.3 .

“Unit” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2(c) .

“Warranty Well” means a Well or a Future Well described on Exhibit A-1 , as the context requires, limited however, to the Target Depth.

“Wells” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2(b) .

 

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AGREEMENT OF SALE AND PURCHASE

This Agreement of Sale and Purchase is executed on September 4, 2013, by and between Lime Rock Resources II-A, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and Lime Rock Resources II-C, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (collectively, “Seller”), and Gastar Exploration USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser”).

RECITALS

A. Seller owns the Assets as more fully described in Section 1.2 and the exhibits hereto.

B. Seller desires to sell to Purchaser and Purchaser desires to purchase from Seller the properties and rights of Seller hereafter described, in the manner and upon the terms and conditions hereafter set forth.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual promises, representations, warranties, covenants, conditions and agreements contained herein, and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound by the terms hereof, agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

PURCHASE AND SALE

 

  Section 1.1 Purchase and Sale.

At the Closing, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Seller agrees to sell, transfer and convey the Assets to Purchaser and Purchaser agrees to purchase, accept and pay for the Assets and to assume the Assumed Seller Obligations.

 

  Section 1.2 Assets.

As used herein, the term “Assets” means, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, all of Seller’s right, title, interest and estate, in and to the following (but excluding the Excluded Assets):

(a) All of the oil and gas leases; subleases and other leaseholds; interests in fee; carried interests; reversionary interests; net profits interests; royalty interests; overriding royalty interests; forced pooled interests; farmout rights; options; mineral interests and other properties and interests described on Exhibit A , subject to such depth limitations and other restrictions as may be set forth on Exhibit A or Exhibit A-1 (collectively, the “Leases”), together with each and every kind and character of right, title, claim, and interest that Seller has in and to the lands covered by the Leases and the interests currently pooled, unitized, communitized or consolidated therewith (the “Lands”);

(b) All oil, gas, water or injection wells located on the Lands, whether producing, shut-in, or temporarily abandoned, including but not limited to the interests in the wells shown on Exhibit A-1 attached hereto (collectively, the “Wells”);


(c) All leasehold interests of Seller in or to any currently existing pools or unit which include any Lands or all or a part of any Leases or include any Wells, including those pools or the unit related to the Properties and associated with the Wells shown on Exhibit A-1 (the “Unit”; the Unit, together with the Leases, Lands and Wells, being hereinafter referred to as the “Properties”), and including all leasehold interests of Seller in production of Hydrocarbons from the Unit, whether such Unit production of Hydrocarbons comes from Wells located on or off of a Lease, and all tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances belonging to the Leases and Unit;

(d) All contracts, agreements and instruments by which the Properties are bound or subject, or that relate to or are otherwise applicable to the Properties, only to the extent applicable to the Properties rather than Seller’s or any of its Affiliates’ other properties, including but not limited to, operating agreements, unitization, pooling and communitization agreements, declarations and orders, joint venture agreements, farmin and farmout agreements, exploration agreements, participation agreements, area of mutual interest agreements, exchange agreements, transportation or gathering agreements, agreements for the sale and purchase of oil, gas or casinghead gas and processing agreements to the extent applicable to the Properties or the production of Hydrocarbons produced in association therewith from the Properties, including those identified on Schedule 1.2(d) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Contracts”), but excluding any contracts, agreements and instruments to the extent transfer would result in a violation of applicable Law or is restricted by any Transfer Requirement that is not waived by Purchaser or satisfied pursuant to Section 7.7 and provided that “Contracts” shall not include the instruments constituting the Leases;

(e) All easements, permits, licenses, servitudes, rights-of-way, surface leases and other surface rights (“Surface Contracts”) appurtenant to, and used or held for use in connection with the Properties (including those identified on Schedule 1.2(e) ), but excluding any permits and other rights to the extent transfer would result in a violation of applicable Law or is restricted by any Transfer Requirement that is not waived by Purchaser or satisfied pursuant to Section 7.7 ;

(f) All treatment and processing plants and equipment, machinery, fixtures and other tangible personal property and improvements located on the Properties or used or held for use in connection with the operation of the Properties, including those identified on Exhibit A-2 (“Equipment”);

(g) All flow lines, pipelines, gathering systems and appurtenances thereto located on the Properties or used, or held for use, in connection with the operation of the Properties, including those identified on Schedule 1.2(g) (“Pipelines” and, together with the Equipment and Wells, “Personal Property”);

(h) All Hydrocarbons produced from or attributable to the Leases, Lands, and Wells from and after the Effective Time, together with Imbalances associated with the Properties, and Hydrocarbons in storage for which an adjustment is made pursuant to Section 2.2(g) ;

(i) All lease files, land files, well files, gas and oil sales contract files, gas processing and transportation files, division order files, abstracts, title opinions, land surveys, logs, maps, engineering data and reports, interpretive data, technical evaluations and technical outputs, and

 

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other books, records, data, files, and accounting records, including but not limited to records showing all funds payable to owners of working interests, royalties and overriding royalties and other interests in the Properties held in suspense by Seller as of the Closing Date, in each case to the extent related to the Properties, or used or held for use in connection with the maintenance or operation thereof, but excluding (i) any books, records, data, files, logs, maps, evaluations, outputs, and accounting records to the extent disclosure or transfer would result in a violation of applicable Law or is restricted by any Transfer Requirement that is not satisfied pursuant to Section 7.7 , (ii) computer or communications software or intellectual property (including tapes, codes, data and program documentation and all tangible manifestations and technical information relating thereto), (iii) attorney-client privileged communications and work product of Seller’s or any of its Affiliates’ legal counsel (other than title opinions), (iv) reserve studies and evaluations, and (v) records relating to the marketing, negotiation, and consummation of the sale of the Assets (subject to such exclusions, the “Records”); provided, however, that Seller may retain the originals of such Records as Seller has reasonably determined may be required for existing litigation, tax, accounting, and auditing purposes;

(j) All vehicles identified on Schedule 1.2(j) ; and

(k) All funds contained in the escrow accounts identified in Schedule 1.2(k) , which are for plugging and abandonment of wells, and all funds payable to owners of working interests, royalties and overriding royalties and other interests in the Properties held in suspense by Seller as of the Closing Date.

 

  Section 1.3 Excluded Assets.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Assets shall not include, and there is excepted, reserved and excluded from the transaction contemplated hereby (collectively, the “Excluded Assets”):

(a) except to the extent necessary to satisfy Seller’s obligations under Section 7.1 , (i) all corporate, financial, income and franchise tax and legal records of Seller that relate to Seller’s business generally (whether or not relating to the Assets), (ii) all books, records and files that relate to the Excluded Assets, (iii) those records retained by Seller pursuant to Section 1.2(i) and (iv) copies of any other Records retained by Seller pursuant to Section 1.5 ;

(b) all rights to any refund related to the Excluded Seller Obligations or Taxes or other costs or expenses borne by Seller or Seller’s predecessors in interest and title attributable to periods prior to the Effective Time;

(c) Seller’s area-wide bonds, permits and licenses or other permits, licenses or authorizations used in the conduct of Seller’s business generally;

(d) those items listed in Schedule 1.3(d) ;

(e) all trade credits, accounts receivable, notes receivable, take-or-pay amounts receivable, pre-paid expenses and deposits, and other receivables attributable to the Assets with respect to any period of time prior to the Effective Time;

 

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(f) all right, title and interest of Seller in and to vehicles used in connection with the Assets, other than those identified on Schedule 1.2(j) ;

(g) all rights, titles, claims and interests of Seller or any Affiliate of Seller (i) to or under any policy or agreement of insurance or any insurance proceeds; except to the extent provided in Section 3.5 , and (ii) to or under any bond or bond proceeds;

(h) subject to Section 12.5 , any patent, patent application, logo, service mark, copyright, trade name or trademark of or associated with Seller or any Affiliate of Seller or any business of Seller or of any Affiliate of Seller;

(i) a nonexclusive right to freely use any copies of any logs, interpretive data, technical outputs, technical evaluations, maps, engineering data and reports, and other data and information being transferred as a part of the Assets that Seller is entitled to retain pursuant to Section 1.5 ; and

(j) all Retained Assets not conveyed to Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.7 and any Property excluded pursuant to Section 3.4(d)(iii) .

 

  Section 1.4 Effective Time; Proration of Costs and Revenues.

(a) Subject to Section 1.5 , possession of the Assets shall be transferred from Seller to Purchaser at the Closing, but certain financial benefits and burdens of the Assets shall be transferred effective as of 7:00 A.M., local time, where the respective Assets are located, on August 1, 2013 (the “Effective Time”), as described below.

(b) Purchaser shall be entitled to all Hydrocarbon production from or attributable to the Properties at and after the Effective Time (and all products and proceeds attributable thereto), and to all other income, proceeds, receipts and credits earned with respect to the Assets at or after the Effective Time, and shall be responsible for (and entitled to any refunds with respect to) all Property Costs incurred at and after the Effective Time. Seller shall be entitled to all Hydrocarbon production from or attributable to the Properties prior to the Effective Time (and all products and proceeds attributable thereto), and to all other income, proceeds, receipts and credits earned with respect to the Assets prior to the Effective Time, and shall be responsible for (and entitled to any refunds with respect to) all Property Costs incurred prior to the Effective Time. “Earned” and “incurred”, as used in this Agreement, shall be interpreted in accordance with GAAP and Council of Petroleum Accountants Society (COPAS) standards, as applicable. “Property Costs” means all costs attributable to the ownership and operation of the Assets (including without limitation costs of insurance relating specifically to the Assets, any payments out of Hydrocarbon production from the Assets including without limitation all working interests, royalties, overriding royalties and other burdens on Hydrocarbon production and ad valorem, property, severance, Hydrocarbon production and similar Taxes based upon or measured by the ownership or operation of the Assets or the production of Hydrocarbons therefrom, but excluding income, franchise, gross receipts and any other Taxes) and capital expenditures incurred in the ownership and operation of the Assets and, where applicable, in accordance with the relevant operating or unit agreement, if any, and overhead costs charged to the Assets under the relevant operating agreement or unit agreement, if any, and regardless of

 

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whether charged by an Affiliate of Seller or by a third party, or, if none, the amounts shown under Schedule 1.4 shall be the overhead amounts deemed charged to the Assets. For purposes of this Section 1.4 , determination of whether Property Costs are attributable to the period before or after the Effective Time shall be based on when services are rendered, when the goods are delivered, or when the work is performed. For clarification, the date an item or work is ordered is not the date of a pre-Effective Time transaction for settlement purposes, but rather the date on which the item ordered is delivered to the job site, or the date on which the work ordered is performed, shall be the relevant date. For purposes of allocating Hydrocarbon production (and accounts receivable with respect thereto), under this Section 1.4 , (i) liquid Hydrocarbons shall be deemed to be “from or attributable to” the Properties when they are placed into the storage facilities and (ii) gaseous Hydrocarbons shall be deemed to be “from or attributable to” the Properties when they pass through the delivery point sales meters on the pipelines through which they are transported. Seller shall utilize reasonable interpolative procedures to arrive at an allocation of Hydrocarbon production when exact meter readings or gauging and strapping data is not available. Seller shall provide to Purchaser, no later than five (5) Business Days prior to Closing, all data necessary to support any estimated allocation, for purposes of establishing the adjustment to the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof that will be used to determine the Closing Payment. Property Costs that are paid periodically shall be prorated based on the number of days in the applicable period falling before and the number of days in the applicable period falling at or after the Effective Time, except that Hydrocarbon production, severance and similar Taxes shall be prorated based on the number of units actually produced, purchased or sold or proceeds of sale, as applicable, before, and at or after, the Effective Time. In each case, Purchaser shall be responsible for the portion allocated to the period at and after the Effective Time and Seller shall be responsible for the portion allocated to the period before the Effective Time.

 

  Section 1.5 Delivery and Maintenance of Records.

Seller shall deliver the Records (FOB Seller’s office) to Purchaser within thirty (30) days following Closing. Other than any original Records retained by Seller pursuant to Section 1.2(i) , Purchaser shall be entitled to all original Records maintained by Seller. Seller shall be entitled to keep a copy or copies of all Records; provided, however, that Seller shall not sell or otherwise allow third parties to review, copy or otherwise use any Records retained by Seller except as required by law or permitted in connection with a transfer pursuant to Section 12.10 . Purchaser shall preserve the Records for a period of seven (7) years following the Closing and will allow Seller and its representatives, consultants and advisors reasonable access, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, to the Records for any legitimate business reason of Seller, including in order for Seller to comply with a Tax or other legally required reporting obligation or Tax or legal dispute. Any such access shall be at the sole cost and expense of Seller. Unless otherwise consented to in writing by Seller, for a period of seven (7) years following the Closing Date, Purchaser shall not and shall cause its Affiliates not to, destroy, alter or otherwise dispose of the Records, or any portions thereof, without first giving at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to Seller and offering to surrender to Seller the Records or such portions thereof.

 

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ARTICLE 2

PURCHASE PRICE

 

  Section 2.1 Purchase Price.

(a) The purchase price for the Assets (the “Purchase Price”) shall be One Hundred Eighty Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($187,500,000) adjusted as provided in Section 2.2 .

(b) Within one (1) Business Day after the execution of this Agreement by Seller and Purchaser, Purchaser shall deposit by wire transfer in same day funds into escrow with Seller an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the Purchase Price (the “Deposit”). Subject to the terms hereof, the Deposit shall be applied toward the Purchase Price at the Closing.

 

  Section 2.2 Adjustments to Purchase Price.

The Purchase Price for the Assets shall be adjusted in the manner specified below (without duplication), with all such amounts being determined in accordance with GAAP and COPAS standards, as applicable, in order to reach the Adjusted Purchase Price:

(a) Reduced by the aggregate amount of the following proceeds received by Seller and attributable to the period of time between (and including) the Effective Time and the Closing Date (with the period between the Effective Time and the Closing Date referred to as the “Adjustment Period”): (i) proceeds from the sale of Hydrocarbons (net of any royalties, overriding royalties or other burdens on or payable out of production, gathering, processing and transportation costs and any production, severance, sales, excise or similar Taxes not reimbursed to Seller by the purchaser of production) produced from or attributable to the Properties during the Adjustment Period, and (ii) other proceeds earned with respect to the Assets during the Adjustment Period;

(b) Reduced to the extent provided in Section 7.7 with respect to Preference Rights and Retained Assets;

(c) (i) If the parties make the election under Section 3.4(d)(i) with respect to a Title Defect, subject to the Individual Title Threshold and the Aggregate Defect Deductible, reduced by the Title Defect Amount with respect to such Title Defect if the Title Defect Amount has been determined prior to Closing and (ii) subject to the Individual Benefit Threshold and the Aggregate Benefit Deductible, increased by the Title Benefit Amount with respect to each Title Benefit for which the Title Benefit Amount has been determined prior to Closing;

(d) Increased by the amount of all Property Costs and other costs attributable to the ownership and operation of the Assets which are paid by Seller and incurred during the Adjustment Period (including any overhead costs under Schedule 1.4 deemed charged to the Assets with respect to the Adjustment Period even though not actually paid), except any Property Costs and other such costs already deducted in the determination of proceeds in Section 2.2(a) ;

 

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(e) Reduced to the extent provided in Section 3.4(d)(iii) for any Properties excluded from the Assets pursuant to Section 3.4(d)(iii) and reduced to the extent provided in Section 4.3 for Environmental Defects;

(f) Increased or reduced as mutually agreed upon in writing prior to Closing by Seller and Purchaser;

(g) Increased by the value of the amount of merchantable Hydrocarbons stored in tanks and pipelines attributable to the ownership and operation of the Assets that belong to Seller as of the Effective Time (which value shall be computed at the applicable third-party contract prices for the month of August 2013 for such stored Hydrocarbons);

(h) Reduced or increased, as the case may be, by the actual net aggregate Imbalances, if any, owed by Seller to third parties, or third parties to Seller, as of the Effective Time, multiplied by a price of $3.00 per MMBtu;

(i) Increased by the amount of the escrow funds transferred pursuant to Section 1.2(k) ;

(j) Reduced by the amount of the Deposit; and

(k) Each adjustment made pursuant to Section 2.2(a) shall serve to satisfy, up to the amount of the adjustment, Purchaser’s entitlement under Section 1.4 to Hydrocarbon production from or attributable to the Properties during the Adjustment Period, and to the value of other income, proceeds, receipts and credits earned with respect to the Assets during the Adjustment Period, and as such, Purchaser shall not have any separate rights to receive any Hydrocarbon production or income, proceeds, receipts and credits with respect to which an adjustment has been made. Similarly, the adjustment described in Section 2.2(d) shall serve to satisfy, up to the amount of the adjustment, Purchaser’s obligation under Section 1.4 to pay Property Costs and other costs attributable to the ownership and operation of the Assets which are incurred during the Adjustment Period.

 

  Section 2.3 Allocation of Purchase Price.

The Allocated Values are contained in Exhibit A-1 . Purchaser shall be responsible for assigning the Allocated Values, subject to Seller’s right to review the Allocated Values for reasonableness.

ARTICLE 3

TITLE MATTERS

 

  Section 3.1 Seller’s Title.

(a) PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR TITLE DEFECTS SHALL BE AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 3.4 AND IN THE CONVEYANCE.

 

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(b) The conveyance to be delivered by Seller to Purchaser shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto (the “Conveyance”).

 

  Section 3.2 Definition of Defensible Title.

As used in this Agreement, the term “Defensible Title” means that title of Seller with respect to the Target Depth in the Warranty Wells shown in Exhibit A-1 that, except for and subject to Permitted Encumbrances:

(a) Entitles Seller to receive a share of the Hydrocarbons produced, saved and marketed from the Target Depth in each of the Warranty Wells shown in Exhibit A-1 throughout the duration of the productive life of such Target Depth in such Warranty Well (after satisfaction of all royalties, overriding royalties, net profits interests or other similar burdens on or measured by production of Hydrocarbons) (a “Net Revenue Interest”), of not less than the Net Revenue Interest shown in Exhibit A-1 for such Target Depth in such Warranty Well, except (solely to the extent that such actions do not cause a breach of Seller’s covenants under Section 7.6 ) for decreases in connection with those operations in which Seller may from and after the Effective Time become a non-consenting co-owner, decreases resulting from the establishment or amendment from and after the Effective Time of pools or units, and decreases required to allow other working interest owners to make up past underproduction of Hydrocarbons or pipelines to make up past under deliveries of Hydrocarbons, and except as stated in such Exhibit A-1 ;

(b) Obligates Seller to bear a percentage of the costs and expenses for the maintenance and development of, and operations relating to, (i) the Target Depth in each of the Warranty Wells shown in Exhibit A-1 not greater than the “working interest” shown in Exhibit A-1 for such Target Depth in such Warranty Well without increase throughout the productive life of such Target Depth in such Warranty Well, except as stated in Exhibit A-1 and except for increases resulting from contribution requirements with respect to non-consenting or defaulting co-owners under applicable operating agreements and increases that are accompanied by at least a proportionate increase in Seller’s Net Revenue Interest; and

(c) Is free and clear of liens, encumbrances, obligations, security interests, irregularities, pledges, or other defects.

(d) As used in this Agreement, the term “Title Defect” means any lien, charge, encumbrance, obligation (including contract obligation), defect, or other matter (including without limitation a discrepancy in Net Revenue Interest or working interest) that causes Seller not to have Defensible Title in and to the Target Depth in any of the Warranty Wells shown on Exhibit A-1 as of the Effective Time and the Closing. As used in this Agreement, the term “Title Benefit” shall mean any right, circumstance or condition that operates to increase the Net Revenue Interest of Seller in the Target Depth in any Warranty Well shown on Exhibit A-1 , without causing a greater than proportionate increase in Seller’s working interest above that shown in Exhibit A-1 as of the Effective Time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall not be considered Title Defects:

 

  (i) defects based solely on lack of information in Seller’s files, including the lack of any document in Seller’s files referred to in any other document(s);

 

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  (ii) defects arising out of lack of corporate or other entity authorization unless Purchaser provides affirmative written evidence that the action was not authorized and results in another Person’s superior claim of title;

 

  (iii) defects based on failure to record Leases issued by any state or federal Governmental Body, or any assignments of such Leases, in the real property, conveyance or other records of the county in which such Property is located;

 

  (iv) defects based on a gap in Seller’s chain of title in the county records as to fee Leases, unless such gap is affirmatively shown to exist in such records by an abstract of title, title opinion or landman’s title chain which documents shall be included in a Title Defect Notice;

 

  (v) defects arising out of lack of survey, unless a survey is expressly required by applicable Laws;

 

  (vi) defects in the chain of title consisting of the failure to recite marital status in a document or omissions of successions of heirship or estate proceedings, unless Purchaser provides affirmative evidence that such failure or omission has resulted in another Person’s superior claim of title; and

 

  (vii) defects that have been cured by applicable Laws of limitation or prescription.

 

  Section 3.3 Definition of Permitted Encumbrances.

As used herein, the term “Permitted Encumbrances” means any or all of the following:

(a) Royalties and any overriding royalties, reversionary interests, net profit interests, production payments, carried interests, and other burdens, to the extent that any such burden does not reduce Seller’s Net Revenue Interest below that shown in Exhibit A-1 or increase Seller’s working interest above that shown in Exhibit A-1 without a proportionate increase in the Net Revenue Interest;

(b) All Leases, unit agreements, pooling agreements, operating agreements, Hydrocarbon production sales contracts, division orders and other contracts, agreements and instruments applicable to the Assets, to the extent that they do not, individually or in the aggregate, reduce Seller’s Net Revenue Interest below that shown in Exhibit A-1 or increase Seller’s working interest above that shown in Exhibit A-1 without a proportionate increase in the Net Revenue Interest;

(c) Preference Rights applicable to this or any future transaction;

(d) Transfer Requirements applicable to this or any future transaction;

 

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(e) Liens for current Taxes or assessments not yet delinquent or, if delinquent, being contested in good faith by appropriate actions;

(f) Materialman’s, mechanic’s, repairman’s, employee’s, contractor’s, operator’s and other similar liens or charges arising in the ordinary course of business for amounts not yet delinquent (including any amounts being withheld as provided by Law) or, if delinquent, being contested in good faith by appropriate actions;

(g) All rights to consent by, required notices to, filings with, or other actions by Governmental Bodies in connection with the sale or conveyance of the Assets or interests therein pursuant to this or to any future transaction if they are not required or customarily obtained prior to the sale or conveyance;

(h) Rights of reassignment arising upon final intention to abandon or release the Assets, or any of them;

(i) Easements, rights-of-way, servitudes, permits, surface leases and other rights in respect of surface operations, to the extent that they do not (i) reduce Seller’s Net Revenue Interest below that shown in Exhibit A-1 , (ii) increase Seller’s working interest above that shown in Exhibit A-1 without a proportionate increase in Net Revenue Interest, or (iii) detract in any material respect from the value of, or interfere in any material respect with the use, ownership or operation of, the Assets subject thereto or affected thereby (as currently used, owned and operated) and which would be acceptable by a reasonably prudent purchaser engaged in the business of owning and operating oil and gas properties;

(j) Calls on Hydrocarbon production under existing Contracts that are listed on Schedule 1.2(d) ;

(k) All rights reserved to or vested in any Governmental Body to control or regulate any of the Assets in any manner, and all obligations and duties under all applicable Laws or under any franchise, grant, license or permit issued by any such Governmental Body, to the extent they do not, individually or in the aggregate, reduce Seller’s Net Revenue Interest below that shown on Exhibit A-1 or increase Seller’s working interest above that shown in Exhibit A-1 without a proportionate increase in the Net Revenue Interest;

(l) Any encumbrance on or affecting the Assets which is discharged by Seller at or prior to Closing;

(m) Any matters shown on Exhibit A-1 ;

(n) Any other liens, charges, encumbrances, defects or irregularities which do not, individually or in the aggregate, detract in any material respect from the value of, or interfere in any material respect with the use or ownership of, the Assets subject thereto or affected thereby (as currently used or owned), which would be accepted by a reasonably prudent purchaser engaged in the business of owning and operating oil and gas properties, and which do not reduce Seller’s Net Revenue Interest below that shown in Exhibit A-1 , or increase Seller’s working interest above that shown in Exhibit A-1 without a proportionate increase in Net Revenue Interest;

 

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(o) Matters that would otherwise be considered Title Defects but that do not meet the Individual Title Threshold set forth in Section 3.4(j) ;

(p) Imbalances associated with the Assets;

(q) Liens granted under applicable joint operating agreements and similar agreements;

(r) The matters disclosed in Schedules 5.7(a) and 5.7(b) ; and

(s) Any lien or other encumbrance on or affecting the Assets which is discharged at or prior to the Closing.

 

  Section 3.4 Notice of Title Defect Adjustments.

(a) To assert a claim of a Title Defect prior to Closing, Purchaser must deliver claim notices to Seller (each a “Title Defect Notice”) on or before October 18, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. C.D.T. (the “Title Claim Date”); provided, however, that Purchaser agrees that it shall furnish Seller once every two (2) weeks until the Title Claim Date with a Title Defect Notice if any officer of Purchaser or its Affiliates discover or learn of any Title Defect during such two (2) week period; further provided that, the failure of Purchaser to furnish such notice shall not in any respect affect Purchaser’s rights under this Agreement nor limit its ability to assert Title Defects under this Agreement. Each Title Defect Notice shall be in writing and shall include (i) a description of the alleged Title Defect(s), (ii) the Warranty Wells affected by the Title Defect (each a “Title Defect Property”), (iii) the Allocated Value of each Title Defect Property, (iv) supporting documents reasonably necessary for Seller (as well as any title attorney or examiner hired by Seller) to verify the existence of the alleged Title Defect(s), and (v) the amount by which Purchaser reasonably believes the Allocated Value of each Title Defect Property is reduced by the alleged Title Defect(s) and the computations and information upon which Purchaser’s belief is based. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, PURCHASER SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE WAIVED ITS RIGHT TO ASSERT TITLE DEFECTS OF WHICH SELLER HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN NOTICE ON OR BEFORE THE TITLE CLAIM DATE . For purposes hereof, the “Allocated Value” of an Asset shall mean the portion of the Purchase Price that has been allocated to a particular Warranty Well in Exhibit A-1 as prepared by Purchaser and reviewed for reasonableness by Seller.

(b) Seller shall have the right, but not the obligation, to deliver to Purchaser on or before the Title Claim Date, with respect to each Title Benefit, a notice (a “Title Benefit Notice”) including (i) a description of the Title Benefit, (ii) the Warranty Wells affected, (iii) the Allocated Values of the Warranty Wells subject to such Title Benefit and (iv) the amount by which Seller reasonably believes the Allocated Value of those Warranty Wells is increased by the Title Benefit, and the computations and information upon which Seller’s belief is based. Seller shall be deemed to have waived all Title Benefits of which it has not given notice to Purchaser on or before the Title Claim Date.

 

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(c) Seller shall have the right, but not the obligation, to attempt, at its sole cost, to cure or remove Title Defects at any time prior to Closing (the “Cure Period”), unless the parties otherwise agree, any Title Defects of which it has been advised in writing by Purchaser.

(d) Remedies for Title Defects.

In the event that any Title Defect is not waived by Purchaser or cured on or before Closing, Purchaser and Seller shall mutually elect to have one of the following remedies apply:

 

  (i) subject to the Individual Title Threshold and the Aggregate Defect Deductible, have the Purchase Price reduced by an amount agreed upon (“Title Defect Amount”) pursuant to Section 3.4(g) or Section 3.4(i) by Purchaser and Seller as being the value of such Title Defect, taking into consideration the Allocated Value of the Property subject to such Title Defect, the portion of the Property subject to such Title Defect and the legal effect of such Title Defect on the Property affected thereby; provided, however, that the methodology, terms and conditions of Section 3.4(g) shall control any such determination;

 

  (ii) have Seller retain the entirety of the Property that is subject to such Title Defect, together with all associated Assets, in which event the Purchase Price shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Allocated Value of such Property; or

 

  (iii) at Closing, have Purchaser deposit into escrow the full Allocated Value of the Property that is subject to such Title Defect. Seller shall then have 180 days after Closing in which to cure the Title Defect. Any Property so held back from the initial Closing will be conveyed to Purchaser at a delayed Closing within ten (10) days following the date that the Title Defect is cured, at which time Seller shall be entitled to withdraw the full Allocated Value of the Property from escrow, and provided further that if multiple delayed Closings are contemplated as a result of this provision and/or Section 7.7(c) , the delayed Closings may be consolidated on dates mutually agreeable to the parties. In the event that Seller is unable to cure the Title Defect within 180 days of the initial Closing, then Seller shall, at its sole election, select the remedy set forth in subsection (i) or (ii) above as the remedy for such Title Defect. Should Seller’s choice ultimately lead to application of Section 3.4(i) , the Title Expert shall be selected within fifteen (15) Business Days of the end of this 180 day cure period. All other provisions of Section 3.4(i) shall apply as written.

In the event that Purchaser and Seller cannot mutually agree upon one of the foregoing remedies with respect to a Title Defect asserted by Purchaser pursuant to Section 3.4(a) prior to Closing, then Seller shall, at its sole election, select the remedy set forth in subsection (i), (ii) or (iii) above as the remedy for such Title Defect.

 

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(e) With respect to the Target Zone in each Warranty Well in Exhibit A-1 affected by Title Benefits reported under Section 3.4(b) , subject to the Individual Benefit Threshold and the Aggregate Defect Deductible, the Purchase Price shall be increased by an amount (the “Title Benefit Amount”) equal to the increase in the Allocated Value for such Warranty Well in Exhibit A-1 caused by such Title Benefits, as determined pursuant to Section 3.4(h) .

(f) Section 3.4(d) shall be the exclusive right and remedy of Purchaser with respect to Title Defects asserted by Purchaser pursuant to Section 3.4(a) . Section 3.4(e) shall be the exclusive right and remedy of Seller with respect to Title Benefits asserted by Seller pursuant to Section 3.4(b) .

(g) The Title Defect Amount resulting from a Title Defect shall be the amount by which the Allocated Value of the Title Defect Property is reduced as a result of the existence of such Title Defect and shall be determined in accordance with the following methodology, terms and conditions:

 

  (i) if Purchaser and Seller agree on the Title Defect Amount, that amount shall be the Title Defect Amount;

 

  (ii) if the Title Defect is a lien, encumbrance or other charge which is undisputed and liquidated in amount, then the Title Defect Amount shall be the amount necessary to be paid to remove the Title Defect from the Title Defect Property;

 

  (iii) if the Title Defect represents a discrepancy between (A) the Net Revenue Interest for any Title Defect Property and (B) the Net Revenue Interest stated on Exhibit A-1 and causes a proportionate decrease to Seller’s working interest shown on Exhibit A-1 , then the Title Defect Amount shall be the product of the Allocated Value of such Title Defect Property multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Net Revenue Interest decrease and the denominator of which is the Net Revenue Interest stated on Exhibit A-1 ;

 

  (iv) if the Title Defect represents an obligation, encumbrance, burden or charge upon or other defect in title to the Title Defect Property of a type not described in subsections (i), (ii) or (iii) above, the Title Defect Amount shall be determined by taking into account the Allocated Value of the Title Defect Property, the portion of the Title Defect Property affected by the Title Defect, the legal effect of the Title Defect, the potential economic effect of the Title Defect over the life of the Title Defect Property, the values placed upon the Title Defect by Purchaser and Seller and such other factors as are necessary to make a proper evaluation; and

 

  (v) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article 3 , the aggregate Title Defect Amounts attributable to the effects of all Title Defects upon any Title Defect Property shall not exceed the Allocated Value of the Title Defect Property.

 

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(h) The Title Benefit Amount for any Title Benefit shall be the product of the Allocated Value of the affected Warranty Well multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Net Revenue Interest increase and the denominator of which is the Net Revenue Interest stated on Exhibit A-1 .

(i) Seller and Purchaser shall attempt in good faith to agree on all Title Defect Amounts and Title Benefit Amounts prior to Closing. If Seller and Purchaser are unable to agree by Closing, the Title Defect Amounts and Title Benefit Amounts in dispute shall be exclusively and finally resolved pursuant to this Section 3.4(i) . There shall be a single arbitrator, who shall be a title attorney with at least ten (10) years’ experience in oil and gas titles involving properties in the regional area in which the Properties are located, as selected by mutual agreement of Purchaser and Seller within fifteen (15) Business Days after the end of the Cure Period (the “Title Expert”). The Title Expert’s determination shall be made within fifteen (15) Business Days after submission of the matters in dispute and shall be final and binding upon both parties, without right of appeal. In making his determination, the Title Expert shall be bound by the rules set forth in Section 3.4(g) and Section 3.4(h) and may consider such other matters as in the opinion of the Title Expert are necessary or helpful to make a proper determination. The Title Expert may allow the parties to make written submissions of their positions in the manner and to the extent the Title Expert deems appropriate, and the Title Expert may call on the parties to submit such other materials as the Title Expert deems helpful and appropriate to resolution of the dispute. Additionally, the Title Expert may consult with and engage disinterested third parties to advise the arbitrator, including without limitation petroleum engineers. The Title Expert shall act as an expert for the limited purpose of determining the specific disputed Title Defect Amounts and Title Benefit Amounts submitted by either party and may not award damages, interest or penalties to either party with respect to any matter. Seller and Purchaser shall each bear its own legal fees and other costs of presenting its case. Each party shall bear one-half of the costs and expenses of the Title Expert, including any costs incurred by the Title Expert that are attributable to such third party consultation. Within ten (10) days after the Title Expert delivers written notice to Purchaser and Seller of his award with respect to a Title Defect Amount or a Title Benefit Amount, (i) Purchaser shall pay to Seller the amount, if any, so awarded by the Title Expert to Seller, plus interest payable on such amount at the Agreed Interest Rate from (but not including) the Closing Date to (and including) the date on which such amount is paid to Seller and (ii) Seller shall pay to Purchaser the amount, if any, so awarded by the Title Expert to Purchaser, plus interest payable on such amount at the Agreed Interest Rate from (but not including) the Closing Date to (and including) the date on which such amount is paid to Purchaser.

(j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, (i) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies provided by Seller for any individual uncured Title Defect for which the Title Defect Amount therefor does not exceed $50,000 (“Individual Title Threshold”); and (ii) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies provided by Seller for uncured Title Defects unless the aggregate Title Defect Amounts attributable to all uncured Title Defects, taken together with the aggregate Environmental Defect Amounts attributable to all uncured Environmental Defects, exceeds a deductible in an amount equal to 1.5% of the Purchase Price (“Aggregate Defect Deductible”), after which point adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies shall be made or available to Purchaser only with respect to uncured Title Defects and uncured Environmental Defects

 

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where the aggregate Title Defect Amounts and Environmental Defect Amounts attributable are in excess of such Aggregate Defect Deductible. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, (i) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price for any individual Title Benefit for which the Title Benefit Amount does not exceed $50,000 (“Individual Benefit Threshold”); and (ii) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price for any Title Benefit unless the aggregate Title Benefit Amounts attributable to all such Title Benefits, exceeds the Aggregate Benefit Deductible, after which point adjustments to the Purchase Price shall be made only with respect to such Title Benefit Amounts in excess of such Aggregate Benefit Deductible.

 

  Section 3.5 Casualty or Condemnation Loss.

(a) From and after the Effective Time, but subject to the provisions of Section 3.5(b) and (c)  below, Purchaser shall assume all risk of loss with respect to and any change in the condition of the Assets and for production of Hydrocarbons through normal depletion (including but not limited to the watering out of any Well, collapsed casing or sand infiltration of any Well) and the depreciation of personal property due to ordinary wear and tear with respect to the Assets.

(b) If, after the date of this Agreement but prior to the Closing Date, any portion of the Assets is destroyed by fire or other casualty or is taken in condemnation or under right of eminent domain, and the loss as a result of such individual casualty or taking, taken together with all other casualty losses and takings, equals or exceeds Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000), unless this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 10.1 , the transactions evidenced by this Agreement shall nevertheless be consummated and Seller shall elect by written notice to Purchaser prior to Closing either (i) to cause the Assets affected by any casualty or taking to be repaired or restored to at least its condition prior to such casualty, at Seller’s sole cost, as promptly as reasonably practicable (which work may extend after the Closing Date), (ii) to indemnify Purchaser through a document reasonably acceptable to Seller and Purchaser against any costs or expenses that Purchaser reasonably incurs to repair the Assets subject to any casualty or taking or (iii) to treat such casualty or taking as a Title Defect with respect to the affected Property or Properties under Section 3.4 . In each case, Seller shall retain all rights to insurance and other claims against third parties with respect to the casualty or taking except to the extent the parties otherwise agree in writing.

(c) If, after the date of this Agreement but prior to the Closing Date, any portion of the Assets is destroyed by fire or other casualty or is taken in condemnation or under right of eminent domain, and the loss to the Assets as a result of such individual casualty or taking, taken together with all other casualty losses and takings, is less than Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000), the transaction evidenced by this Agreement shall nevertheless be consummated and Seller shall, at Closing, pay to Purchaser all sums paid to Seller by third parties by reason of such casualty or taking and shall assign, transfer and set over to Purchaser all of Seller’s right, title and interest (if any) in insurance claims, unpaid awards, and other rights against third parties (other than Affiliates of Seller and its and their directors, officers, employees and agents) arising out of the casualty or taking.

 

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  Section 3.6 Limitations on Applicability.

The right of Purchaser to assert a Title Defect under this Agreement and Seller’s right to assert a Title Benefit under this Agreement shall terminate as of the Title Claim Date, provided there shall be no termination of Purchaser’s or Seller’s rights under Section 3.4 with respect to any bona fide Title Defect properly reported in a Title Defect Notice or bona fide Title Benefit Claim properly reported in a Title Benefit Notice on or before the Title Claim Date.

 

  Section 3.7 Government Approvals Respecting Assets.

(a) Federal and State Approvals . Purchaser shall, within thirty (30) days after Closing and at Purchaser’s own expense, file for approval with the applicable Governmental Bodies all assignment documents and other state and federal transfer documents required to effectuate the transfer of the Assets. Purchaser further agrees, promptly after Closing, to take all other actions reasonably required of it by federal or state agencies having jurisdiction to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals with respect to this transaction, and to use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the approval by such federal or state agencies, as applicable, of Seller’s assignment documents requiring federal or state approval in order for Purchaser to be recognized by the federal or state agencies as the owner of the Assets. Purchaser shall provide Seller with approved copies of the assignment documents and other state and federal transfer documents, as soon as they are available.

(b) Title Pending Governmental Approvals . Until all of the governmental approvals provided for in Section 3.7(a) have been obtained, the following shall occur with respect to the affected portion of the Assets:

 

  (i) Seller shall continue to hold record title to the affected Leases and other affected portion of the Assets as nominee for Purchaser;

 

  (ii) Purchaser shall be responsible for all Assumed Seller Obligations with respect to the affected Leases and other affected portion of the Assets as if Purchaser was the record owner of such Leases and other portion of the Assets as of the Effective Time; and

 

  (iii) Seller shall act as Purchaser’s nominee but shall be authorized to act only upon and in accordance with Purchaser’s instructions, and Seller shall have no authority, responsibility or discretion to perform any tasks or functions with respect to the affected Leases and other affected portion of the Assets other than those which are purely administrative or ministerial in nature, unless otherwise specifically requested and authorized by Purchaser in writing.

 

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ARTICLE 4

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

 

  Section 4.1 Assessment.

Subject to this Section 4.1 , from and after the date of execution of this Agreement until the Closing Date, Seller shall afford to Purchaser and its officers, employees, agents and authorized representatives reasonable access to the Assets, including the Records in accordance with Section 7.1 . Purchaser shall be entitled to conduct a Phase I environmental property assessment with respect to the Assets. The Phase I and Purchaser’s other diligence activities shall be conducted at the sole cost and expense of Purchaser, and shall be subject to the indemnity provisions of Section 4.4 . Seller or its designee shall have the right to accompany Purchaser and Purchaser’s representatives whenever they are on site on Assets and also to collect split test samples if any are collected. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Purchaser shall not have access to, and shall not be permitted to conduct any environmental due diligence (including any Phase I environmental property assessments) with respect to any Assets where Seller or its Affiliates do not have the authority to grant access for such due diligence ( provided, however , Seller and its Affiliates shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain permission from any other Person to allow Purchaser and Purchaser’s representatives such access and as long as Seller and its Affiliates have exercised such commercially reasonable efforts, Seller shall have no liability to Purchaser for failure to obtain any such other Person’s permission). In the event that Purchaser’s Phase I environmental property assessments identify actual or potential non-compliance with Environmental Laws, then Purchaser may request Seller’s consent to conduct additional Phase II environmental property assessments, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The additional Phase II environmental property assessment procedures relating to any additional investigation shall be submitted to Seller in a Phase II environmental property assessment plan, and shall be reasonable based on the recognized environmental non-compliance identified by the Phase I assessment. Thereafter, Seller may, in its sole discretion, approve said Phase II environmental property assessment plan, in whole or in part, and Purchaser shall not have the right to conduct any activities set forth in such plan until such time that Seller has approved such plan in writing, provided, however, if such plan is not approved or Seller is unable to provide access to the Assets after using commercially reasonable efforts, then Purchaser may terminate this Agreement and such termination shall be considered a termination by mutual consent under Section 10.1(a) of this Agreement. Any such approved Phase II environmental property assessment plan shall be performed in accordance with this Article 4 and in compliance with all Laws. Purchaser shall maintain, and shall cause its officers, employees, representatives, consultants and advisors to maintain, all information obtained by Purchaser pursuant to any Phase I or other due diligence activity as strictly confidential until the Closing occurs, unless disclosure of any facts discovered through such Phase I is required under applicable Law. Purchaser shall provide Seller with a copy of the final version of all environmental reports prepared by, or on behalf of, Purchaser with respect to any Phase I or other environmental due diligence activity conducted on the Properties. In the event that any necessary disclosures under applicable Laws are required with respect to matters discovered by any Phase I or other environmental due diligence conducted by, for or on behalf of Purchaser, Purchaser agrees that Seller shall be the responsible party for disclosing such matters to the appropriate Governmental Bodies; provided that, if Seller fails to promptly make such disclosure and Purchaser or any of its Affiliates is legally obligated to make such disclosure, such Person shall have the right to fully comply with such legal obligation.

 

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  Section 4.2 NORM, Wastes and Other Substances.

Purchaser acknowledges that the Assets have been used for the exploration, development, and production of Hydrocarbons and that there may be petroleum, produced water, wastes, or other substances or materials located in, on or under the Properties or associated with the Assets. Equipment and sites included in the Assets may contain Hazardous Materials, including NORM. NORM may affix or attach itself to the inside of wells, materials, and equipment as scale, or in other forms. The wells, materials, and equipment located on the Properties or included in the Assets may contain Hazardous Materials, including NORM. Hazardous Materials, including NORM, may have come in contact with various environmental media, including without limitation, water, soils or sediment. Special procedures may be required for the assessment, remediation, removal, transportation, or disposal of environmental media and Hazardous Materials, including NORM, from the Assets.

 

  Section 4.3 Environmental Defects.

If, as a result of its investigation pursuant to Section 4.1 , Purchaser determines that with respect to the Assets, there exists a violation of an Environmental Law or an Environmental Liability (other than with respect to NORM) (in each case, an “Environmental Defect”), then on or prior to October 18, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. C.D.T. (the “Environmental Claim Date”), Purchaser may notify Seller in writing of such Environmental Defect (an “Environmental Defect Notice”). FOR ALL PURPOSES OF THIS AGREEMENT, PURCHASER SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE WAIVED ANY ENVIRONMENTAL DEFECT WHICH PURCHASER FAILS TO ASSERT AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL DEFECT BY AN ENVIRONMENTAL DEFECT NOTICE RECEIVED BY SELLER ON OR BEFORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIM DATE . To be effective, each such notice shall set forth (i) a description of the matter constituting the alleged Environmental Defect, (ii) the Warranty Wells and associated Assets affected by the Environmental Defect, (iii) the estimated Lowest Cost Response to eliminate the Environmental Defect in question or the estimated cost to resolve the Environmental Liability (the “Environmental Defect Amount”), and (iv) supporting documents reasonably necessary for Seller to verify the existence of the alleged Environmental Defect and the Environmental Defect Amount. Purchaser shall furnish Seller once every two (2) weeks until the Environmental Claim Date with an Environmental Defect Notice if any officer of Purchaser or its Affiliates discover or become aware of an Environmental Defect during such two (2) week period; further provided that, the failure of Purchaser to furnish such notice shall not in any respect affect Purchaser’s rights under this Agreement nor limit its ability to assert Environmental Defects under this Agreement. Seller shall have the right, but not the obligation, to cure any Environmental Defect before Closing or, provided that the parties shall have agreed to the general plan of remediation with respect to such Environmental Defect and the time period by which such remediation shall take place, after Closing. If Seller disagrees with any of Purchaser’s assertions with respect to the existence of an Environmental Defect or the Environmental Defect Amount, Purchaser and Seller will attempt to resolve the dispute prior to Closing. If the dispute cannot be resolved within ten (10) days of the first meeting of Purchaser and Seller, either party may submit the dispute to an environmental consultant approved in

 

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writing by Seller and Purchaser that is experienced in environmental corrective action at oil and gas properties in the relevant jurisdiction and that shall not have performed professional services for either party or any of their respective Affiliates during the previous three years (the “Independent Expert”). The Independent Expert may elect to conduct the dispute resolution proceeding by written submissions from Purchaser and Seller with exhibits, including interrogatories, supplemented with appearances by Purchaser and Seller, if necessary, as the Independent Expert may deem necessary. After the parties and Independent Expert have had the opportunity to review all such submissions, the Independent Expert shall call for a final, written offer of resolution from each party. The Independent Expert shall render its decision within fifteen (15) Business Days of receiving such offers by selecting one or the other of the offers, or by crafting a decision that represents a compromise between the two offers. The Independent Expert may not award damages, interest or penalties to either party with respect to any matter. The decision of the Independent Expert shall be final and binding upon both parties, without right of appeal. Seller and Purchaser shall each bear its own legal fees and other costs of presenting its case to the Independent Expert. Each party shall bear one-half of the costs and expenses of the Independent Expert. The parties shall adjust the Purchase Price to reflect the Environmental Defect Amounts, as agreed by the parties or as determined by the Independent Expert, for all uncured Environmental Defects; provided, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary, (a) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price for any individual uncured Environmental Defect for which the Environmental Defect Amount therefor does not exceed $50,000 (“Individual Environmental Threshold”); and (b) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price for any uncured Environmental Defect unless the aggregate Environmental Defect Amount attributable to all such Environmental Defects, taken together with the aggregate Title Defect Amounts attributable to all uncured Title Defects, exceeds the Aggregate Defect Deductible, after which point Purchaser shall be entitled to adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies only with respect to uncured Title Defects and uncured Environmental Defects where the aggregate Title Defect Amounts and Environmental Defect Amounts attributable thereto are in excess of such Aggregate Defect Deductible. To the extent the Independent Expert fails to determine any disputed Environmental Defect Amounts prior to Closing, then, within ten (10) days after the Independent Expert delivers written notice to Purchaser and Seller of his award with respect to an Environmental Defect Amount, Seller shall pay to Purchaser the amount, if any, so awarded by the Independent Expert, plus interest payable on such amount at the Agreed Interest Rate from (but not including) the Closing Date to (and including) the date on which such amount is paid to Purchaser.

 

  Section 4.4 Inspection Indemnity.

PURCHASER HEREBY AGREES TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, RELEASE, PROTECT, SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS THE SELLER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LOSSES ATTRIBUTABLE TO DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED BY OR ARISING OUT OF ANY DUE DILIGENCE ACTIVITY CONDUCTED BY PURCHASER OR ITS AGENTS, WHETHER BEFORE OR AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, REGARDLESS OF FAULT. The indemnity obligation set forth in this Section 4.4 shall survive the Closing or termination of this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE 5

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

 

  Section 5.1 Generally.

(a) Any representation or warranty qualified “to the knowledge of Seller” or “to Seller’s knowledge” or with any similar knowledge qualification is limited to matters within the Actual Knowledge of the officers and employees of Seller who have direct responsibility for the Assets and who have the titles specified on Schedule 5.1 . “Actual Knowledge” for purposes of this Agreement means information actually personally known by the individuals who have the titles specified on Schedule 5.1 .

(b) Inclusion of a matter on a Schedule to a representation or warranty which addresses matters possibly having a Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed an indication that such matter does, or may, have a Material Adverse Effect. Likewise, the inclusion of a matter on a Schedule in relation to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an indication that such matter necessarily would, or may, breach such representation or warranty absent its inclusion on such Schedule. Matters may be disclosed on a Schedule or Exhibit to this Agreement for purposes of information only.

(c) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.1 , the disclaimers and waivers contained in Sections 11.9 and 11.10 and the other terms and conditions of this Agreement, Seller represents and warrants to Purchaser the matters set out in the remainder of this Article 5 .

 

  Section 5.2 Existence and Qualification.

Seller is a limited partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is duly qualified to do business as a foreign limited partnership where the Assets it owns are located, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  Section 5.3 Power.

Seller has the limited partnership power to enter into and perform this Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

  Section 5.4 Authorization and Enforceability.

The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary limited partnership action on the part of Seller. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller (and all documents required hereunder to be executed and delivered by Seller at Closing will be duly executed and delivered by Seller) and this Agreement constitutes, and at the Closing such documents will constitute, the valid and binding obligations of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with their terms except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy or other similar laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors generally as well as to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law).

 

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  Section 5.5 No Conflicts.

Subject to compliance with the Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements set forth in Schedule 5.13 , the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller, and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (i) violate any provision of the certificate of partnership or partnership agreement of Seller, (ii) result in default (with due notice or lapse of time or both) or the creation of any lien or encumbrance or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license or agreement to which Seller is a party or which affect the Assets, (iii) violate any judgment, order, ruling, or decree applicable to Seller as a party in interest, (iv) violate any Laws applicable to Seller or any of the Assets, except for (a) rights to consent by, required notices to, filings with, approval or authorizations of, or other actions by any Governmental Body where the same are not required prior to the assignment of the related Asset or they are customarily obtained subsequent to the sale or conveyance thereof and (b) any matters described in clauses (ii), (iii) or (iv) above which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  Section 5.6 Liability for Brokers’ Fees.

Purchaser shall not directly or indirectly have any responsibility, liability or expense, as a result of undertakings or agreements of Seller or its Affiliates, for brokerage fees, finder’s fees, agent’s commissions or other similar forms of compensation in connection with this Agreement or any agreement or transaction contemplated hereby.

 

  Section 5.7 Litigation.

With respect to the Assets and Seller’s or any of its Affiliates’ ownership, operation, development, maintenance, or use of any of the Assets, except as set forth in: (i)  Schedule 5.7(a) , no proceeding, arbitration, action, suit, pending settlement, or other legal proceeding of any kind or nature before or by any Governmental Body (each, a “Proceeding,” and collectively “Proceedings”) (including any take-or-pay claims) to which Seller or any of its Affiliates is a party and which relates to the Assets is pending or, to Seller’s knowledge, threatened against Seller or any of its Affiliates; (ii)  Schedule 5.7(b) , to Seller’s knowledge, no Proceeding or investigation to which Seller is not a party which relates to the Assets is pending or threatened.

 

  Section 5.8 Taxes and Assessments.

(a) With respect to all Taxes related to the Assets, (i) all reports, returns, statements (including estimated reports, returns or statements), and other similar filings (the “Tax Returns”) relating to the Assets required to be filed by Seller with respect to such Taxes have been timely filed with the appropriate Governmental Body in all jurisdictions in which such Tax Returns are required to be filed; and (ii) such Tax Returns are true and correct in all material respects, and (iii) all Taxes due with respect to such Tax Returns have been paid, except those being contested in good faith.

 

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(b) With respect to all Taxes related to the Assets, except as set forth on Schedule 5.8 , (i) there are not currently in effect any extensions or waivers of any statute of limitations of any jurisdiction regarding the assessment or collection of any such Tax; (ii) there are no Proceedings against the Assets or Seller by any Governmental Body; and (iii) there are no Tax liens on any of the Assets except for liens for Taxes not yet due.

(c) None of the Assets are subject to a tax partnership agreement that will have any effect on Purchaser.

 

  Section 5.9 Compliance with Laws.

Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.9 , the Assets are, and the ownership, operation, development, maintenance, and use of any of the Assets are, in material compliance with the provisions and requirements of all Laws of all Governmental Bodies having jurisdiction with respect to the Assets, or the ownership, operation, development, maintenance, or use of any of the Assets, except where the failure to so comply would not, on an individual basis, reasonably be expected to result in liability or aggregate payments by Purchaser of more than $50,000. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, under this Section 5.9 relating to any Environmental Liabilities or Environmental Law.

 

  Section 5.10 Contracts.

To Seller’s knowledge, all Material Contracts have been identified among the Contracts listed in Schedule 1.2(d) . Seller is in compliance and, to Seller’s knowledge, all counterparties are in compliance under all Material Contracts, except as disclosed on Schedule 5.10(a) and except for such non-compliance as would not, on an individual basis, reasonably be expected to result in liability or aggregate payments by Purchaser of more than $50,000. “Material Contracts” means any Contract (other than any joint operating agreement included within the Contracts) that could reasonably be expected to result in aggregate payments by Purchaser with respect to the Assets of more than $250,000 during the current or any subsequent year (based solely on the terms thereof and without regard to any expected increase in volumes or revenues) and which requires more than ninety (90) days’ notice by Purchaser in order to terminate the Contract.

 

  Section 5.11 Payments for Hydrocarbon Production.

Except as set forth on Schedule 5.11 ,

(a) to the knowledge of Seller, all rentals, royalties, excess royalty, overriding royalty interests, Hydrocarbon production payments, and other payments due and payable by Seller to overriding royalty interest holders and other interest owners under or with respect to the Assets and the Hydrocarbons produced therefrom or attributable thereto, have been paid, or if not paid, (i) are being contested in good faith in the normal course of business; or (ii) Seller is otherwise entitled to withhold payment while resolving questions of title, obtaining division orders, or resolving other matters in the ordinary course of business; and

(b) Seller is not obligated under any contract or agreement for the sale of gas from the Assets containing a take-or-pay, advance payment, prepayment, or similar provision, or under

 

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any gathering, transmission, or any other contract or agreement with respect to any of the Assets to gather, deliver, process, or transport any gas without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor.

 

  Section 5.12 Governmental Authorizations.

To Seller’s knowledge, except as disclosed on Schedule 5.12 , Seller has obtained and is maintaining all material federal, state and local governmental licenses, permits, franchises, orders, exemptions, variances, waivers, authorizations, certificates, consents, rights, privileges and applications therefor (the “Governmental Authorizations”) that are presently necessary or required for the ownership and operation of the Seller Operated Assets as currently owned and operated (excluding Governmental Authorizations required by Environmental Law). To Seller’s knowledge, except as disclosed in Schedule 5.7(a) , Schedule 5.7(b) or Schedule 5.12 , (i) Seller has operated the Seller Operated Assets in all material respects in accordance with the conditions and provisions of such Governmental Authorizations, and (ii) no written notices of material violation have been received by Seller, and no Proceedings are pending or, to Seller’s knowledge, threatened in writing that might result in any material modification, revocation, termination or suspension of any such Governmental Authorizations or which would require any material corrective or remediation action by Seller.

 

  Section 5.13 Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements.

To the knowledge of Seller, Schedule 5.13 sets forth all Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements applicable to the Assets, including Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements contained in easements, rights-of-way or equipment leases included in the Assets. None of the other Assets, or any portion thereof, is subject to any Preference Right or Transfer Requirement which may be applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements as are set forth on Schedule 5.13 .

 

  Section 5.14 Payout Balances.

To Seller’s knowledge, Schedule 5.14 contains a complete and accurate list of the status of any “payout” balance for the Wells and Unit listed on Exhibit A-1 that are subject to a reversion or other adjustment at some level of cost recovery or payout (or passage of time or other event other than termination of a Lease by its terms).

 

  Section 5.15 Outstanding Capital Commitments.

As of the date hereof, there are no outstanding AFEs or other commitments to make capital expenditures which are binding on the Assets and which Seller reasonably anticipates will individually require expenditures by the owner of the Assets after the Effective Time in excess of $50,000 other than those shown on Schedule 5.15 .

 

  Section 5.16 Imbalances.

To Seller’s knowledge, Schedule 5.16 accurately sets forth in all material respects all of Seller’s Imbalances arising with respect to the Assets and, except as disclosed in Schedule 5.16 , (i) no Person is entitled to receive any material portion of Seller’s Hydrocarbons produced from

 

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the Assets or to receive material cash or other payments to “balance” any disproportionate allocation of Hydrocarbons produced from the Assets under any operating agreement, gas balancing or storage agreement, gas processing or dehydration agreement, gas transportation agreement, gas purchase agreement, or other agreements, whether similar or dissimilar, (ii) Seller is not obligated to deliver any material quantities of gas or to pay any material penalties or other material amounts, in connection with the violation of any of the terms of any gas contract or other agreement with shippers with respect to the Assets, and (iii) Seller is not obligated to pay any material penalties or other material payments under any gas transportation or other agreement as a result of the delivery of quantities of gas from the Wells in excess of the contract requirements. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.16 , Seller has not received, or is not obligated to receive, prepayments (including payments for gas not taken pursuant to “take or pay” arrangements) for any of Seller’s share of the Hydrocarbons produced from the Properties, as a result of which the obligation exists to deliver Hydrocarbons produced from the Properties after the Effective Time without then or thereafter receiving payment therefor.

 

  Section 5.17 Condemnation.

To Seller’s knowledge, there is no actual or threatened taking (whether permanent, temporary, whole or partial) of any part of the Properties by reason of condemnation or the threat of condemnation.

 

  Section 5.18 Bankruptcy.

There are no bankruptcy, reorganization, or receivership proceedings pending against, or, to Seller’s knowledge, being contemplated by or threatened against Seller.

 

  Section 5.19 Production Allowables.

To Seller’s knowledge, Seller has not received written notice that there has been any change proposed in the production allowables for any Wells listed on Exhibit A-1 .

 

  Section 5.20 Foreign Person.

Seller is not a “foreign person” within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Code.

 

  Section 5.21 Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Neither Seller or any of its Affiliates has agreed to recognize any labor union or other collective bargaining representative of, nor has any labor union or other collective bargaining representative been certified as the exclusive bargaining representative of, any individual employed or otherwise engaged by Seller (or an Affiliate thereof) who is primarily involved in the business associated with the Assets.

 

  Section 5.22 Wells.

To Seller’s Knowledge, each permanently abandoned Well on the Lands is plugged in compliance with applicable Laws and there is no Well that Seller is currently obligated by Law or Contract to plug and abandon. Schedule 5.22 sets forth a list of all Wells, whether producing or non-producing, located on the Land other than the Wells listed on Exhibit A-1 .

 

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  Section 5.23 Notice of Violations of Environmental Laws.

Except as set forth on Schedule 5.23 , Seller has not received written notice from any Person of any release, disposal, event, condition violation of Law or Environmental Liability concerning any Property that (1) interferes with or prevents compliance with any Environmental Laws; (2) may give rise to any liability in Seller, or (3) that has not already been remedied or resolved.

ARTICLE 6

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

Purchaser represents and warrants to Seller the following:

 

  Section 6.1 Existence and Qualification.

Purchaser is a corporation duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware; and Purchaser is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in every jurisdiction in which it is required to qualify in order to conduct its business, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on Purchaser; and Purchaser is or will be as of Closing duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in the respective jurisdictions where the Assets are located.

 

  Section 6.2 Power.

Purchaser has the power to enter into and perform this Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

  Section 6.3 Authorization and Enforceability.

The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and the performance of the transaction contemplated hereby, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Purchaser (and all documents required hereunder to be executed and delivered by Purchaser at Closing will be duly executed and delivered by Purchaser) and this Agreement constitutes, and at the Closing such documents will constitute, the valid and binding obligations of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with their terms except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy or other similar laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors generally as well as to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

  Section 6.4 No Conflicts.

The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Purchaser, and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (i) violate any provision of the organizational documents of Purchaser, (ii) result in a default (with due notice or lapse of time or

 

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both) or the creation of any lien or encumbrance or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license or agreement to which Purchaser is a party, (iii) violate any judgment, order, ruling, or regulation applicable to Purchaser as a party in interest, or (iv) violate any Law applicable to Purchaser or any of its assets, or (v) require any filing with, notification of or consent, approval or authorization of any Governmental Body or authority, except any matters described in clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) above which would not have a material adverse effect on Purchaser or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

  Section 6.5 Liability for Brokers’ Fees.

Seller shall not directly or indirectly have any responsibility, liability or expense, as a result of undertakings or agreements of Purchaser or its Affiliates, for brokerage fees, finder’s fees, agent’s commissions or other similar forms of compensation in connection with this Agreement or any agreement or transaction contemplated hereby.

 

  Section 6.6 Litigation.

There are no Proceedings pending, or to the Actual Knowledge of Purchaser, threatened in writing before any Governmental Body against Purchaser or any Affiliate of Purchaser which are reasonably likely to impair materially Purchaser’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  Section 6.7 Limitation and Independent Evaluation.

Except for the representations and warranties expressly made by Seller in Article 5 of this Agreement, or in the Conveyance or in any certificate furnished or to be furnished to Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, Purchaser represents and acknowledges that (i) there are no representations or warranties, express, statutory or implied, as to the Assets or prospects thereof, and (ii) Purchaser has not relied upon any oral or written information provided by Seller. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, subject to Section 5.7, Purchaser represents and acknowledges that Seller has not made and will make no representation or warranty regarding any matter or circumstance relating to Environmental Laws, Environmental Liabilities, the release of materials into the environment or protection of human health, safety, natural resources or the environment or any other environmental condition of the Assets. Purchaser further represents and acknowledges that it is knowledgeable of the oil and gas business and of the usual and customary practices of producers such as Seller, and that it has retained and taken advice concerning the Assets and transactions herein from advisors and consultants which are knowledgeable about the oil and gas business, and that is aware of the risks inherent in the oil and gas business. Purchaser represents that it has had access (and will have access pursuant to Section 4.1 and Section 7.1) to the Assets, the officers and employees of Seller, and the books, records and files made available by Seller relating to the Assets, and in making the decision to enter into this Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Purchaser has relied solely on (i) the basis of Seller’s representations contained in this Agreement, (ii) its own independent evaluation and due diligence investigation of the Assets, and (iii) its own independent evaluation of the business, economic, legal, tax, or other consequences of this transaction including its own estimate and appraisal of the extent and value of the oil, natural gas, and other reserves attributable to the Properties.

 

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  Section 6.8 SEC Disclosure.

Purchaser is acquiring the Assets for its own account for use in its trade or business, and not with a view toward or for sale associated with any distribution thereof, nor with any present intention of making a distribution thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

 

  Section 6.9 Bankruptcy.

There are no bankruptcy, reorganization or receivership proceedings pending against, or, to the knowledge of Purchaser, being contemplated by, or threatened against Purchaser. Purchaser is, and will be immediately after giving effect to the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, solvent.

 

  Section 6.10 Qualification.

As of Closing, Purchaser will be qualified to own and assume operatorship of federal and state oil, gas and mineral leases in all jurisdictions where the Assets to be transferred to it are located, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement will not cause Purchaser to be disqualified as such an owner or operator. To the extent required by the applicable Law, as of the Closing, Purchaser will have lease bonds, area-wide bonds or any other surety bonds as may be required by, and in accordance with, such state or federal regulations (or other requirements) governing the ownership and operation of the Assets.

 

  Section 6.11 Financing.

Purchaser will have sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it to pay the Purchase Price to Seller at Closing.

ARTICLE 7

COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES

 

  Section 7.1 Access.

(a) From the date of this Agreement until the Closing, Seller shall cooperate with Purchaser and provide Purchaser and its representatives, consultants and advisors, reasonable access to the Assets and access to the Records, but only to the extent that Seller may do so without violating any obligations to any third party and to the extent that Seller has authority to grant such access without breaching any restriction legally binding on Seller. Purchaser shall conduct all such inspections and other information gathering described above only (i) (x) during regular business hours and (y) during any weekends and after hours requested by Purchaser that can be reasonably accommodated by Seller, and (ii) in a manner which will not unduly interfere with Seller’s operation of the Assets. All information obtained by Purchaser and its representatives pursuant to this Section 7.1 shall be subject to the terms of that certain confidentiality agreement dated July 17, 2013 (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), by and between Seller and Purchaser, and any applicable Contracts or Surface Contracts, in accordance with their terms.

 

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  Section 7.2 Government Reviews.

(a) Seller and Purchaser shall in a timely manner (a) make all required filings, if any, with and prepare applications to and conduct negotiations with, each Governmental Body as to which such filings, applications or negotiations are necessary or appropriate in the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and (b) provide such information as each may reasonably request to make such filings, prepare such applications and conduct such negotiations. Each party shall cooperate with and use all commercially reasonable efforts to assist the other with respect to such filings, applications and negotiations.

 

  Section 7.3 Notification of Breaches.

Until the Closing,

(a) Purchaser shall notify Seller promptly after Purchaser obtains Actual Knowledge that any representation or warranty of Seller, as applicable, contained in this Agreement is untrue in any material respect or will be untrue in any material respect as of the Closing Date, or that any covenant or agreement to be performed or observed by Seller prior to or on the Closing Date has not been so performed or observed in any material respect.

(b) Seller shall notify Purchaser promptly after Seller obtains Actual Knowledge that any representation or warranty of Purchaser contained in this Agreement is untrue in any material respect or will be untrue in any material respect as of the Closing Date, or that any covenant or agreement to be performed or observed by Purchaser prior to or on the Closing Date has not been so performed or observed in any material respect.

(c) If any of Purchaser’s or Seller’s representations or warranties is untrue or shall become untrue in any material respect between the date of execution of this Agreement and the Closing Date, or if any of Purchaser’s or Seller’s covenants or agreements to be performed or observed prior to or on the Closing Date shall not have been so performed or observed in any material respect, but if such breach of representation, warranty, covenant or agreement shall (if curable) be cured by the Closing, then such breach shall be considered not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement. No such notification shall affect the representations or warranties of the parties or the conditions to their respective obligations hereunder.

(d) There shall be no breach of the covenants in this Section as a result of a party’s failure to report a breach of any representation or warranty or a failure to perform or observe any covenant or agreement of which it had knowledge if the party subject to the breach or failure also had knowledge thereof prior to Closing.

 

  Section 7.4 Letters-in-Lieu; Assignments; Operatorship.

(a) Seller will execute on the Closing Date letters in lieu of division and transfer orders relating to the Assets, on forms prepared by Seller and reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser, to reflect the transaction contemplated hereby.

 

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(b) Seller will prepare and execute, and Purchaser will execute, on the Closing Date, all assignments necessary to convey to Purchaser all federal and state Leases in the form as prescribed by the applicable Governmental Body and otherwise acceptable to Purchaser and Seller.

(c) Seller makes no representations or warranties to Purchaser as to transferability or assignability of operatorship of any Seller Operated Assets. Rights and obligations associated with operatorship of such Properties are governed by operating and similar agreements covering the Properties and will be determined in accordance with the terms of such agreements. However, Seller will assist Purchaser in Purchaser’s efforts to succeed Seller or Seller’s Affiliate as operator of any Wells and Unit included in the Assets. Purchaser shall, promptly following Closing, file all appropriate forms and declarations or bonds with federal and state agencies relative to its assumption of operatorship. For all Seller Operated Assets, Seller and Purchaser shall execute the appropriate forms on the Closing Date and Seller shall thereafter promptly file said forms with the applicable regulatory agency transferring operatorship of such assets to Purchaser.

 

  Section 7.5 Public Announcements.

Until the Closing, neither Seller nor Purchaser shall make any press release or other public announcement regarding the existence of this Agreement, the contents hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby without the prior written consent of the others; provided, however, the foregoing shall not restrict disclosures by Purchaser or Seller which are required by applicable securities or other laws or regulations or the applicable rules of any stock exchange having jurisdiction over the disclosing party or its Affiliates. At or after Closing, the content of any press release or public announcement first announcing the consummation of this transaction shall be subject to the prior review and reasonable approval of Seller and Purchaser; provided, however, the foregoing shall not restrict disclosures by Purchaser or Seller which are required by applicable securities or other laws or regulations or the applicable rules of any stock exchange having jurisdiction over the disclosing party or its Affiliates.

 

  Section 7.6 Operation of Business.

Except as set forth on Schedule 7.6 , until the Closing, Seller (i) will operate the Assets and the business thereof as a reasonably prudent operator and consistent with past practices, (ii) will not, without the prior written consent of Purchaser, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, commit to any operation, or series of related operations thereon, reasonably anticipated to require future capital expenditures by Purchaser as owner of the Assets in excess of $250,000, or make any capital expenditures in respect of the Assets in excess of $250,000, or terminate, materially amend, execute or extend any material contracts affecting the Assets, (iii) will maintain insurance coverage on the Assets presently furnished by nonaffiliated third parties in the amounts and of the types presently in force, (iv) will use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain in full force and effect all Leases, (v) will maintain all material governmental permits and approvals affecting the Assets, (vi) will not transfer, farmout, sell, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any Assets, except for (A) sales and dispositions of Hydrocarbon production in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and/or (B) transfers, farmouts, hypothecations, encumbrances or other dispositions of Assets, in

 

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one or more transactions, not exceeding $100,000 of consideration (in any form), in the aggregate, (vii) will not enter into any settlement or agreement with respect to Taxes with any Governmental Body, or make or change any election with respect to Taxes, relating to the Assets and (viii) will not commit to do any of the foregoing. Purchaser’s approval of any action restricted by this Section 7.6 shall be considered granted within ten (10) days (unless a shorter time is reasonably required by the circumstances and such shorter time is specified in Seller’s written notice) of Seller’s written notice to Purchaser requesting such consent unless Purchaser notifies Seller to the contrary in writing during that period. In the event of an emergency, Seller may take such action as a prudent operator would take and shall notify Purchaser of such action promptly thereafter.

Purchaser acknowledges that Seller may own an undivided interest in certain of the Assets, and Purchaser agrees that the acts or omissions of the other working interest owners who are not affiliated with Seller shall not constitute a violation of the provisions of this Section 7.6 nor shall any action required by a vote of working interest owners constitute such a violation so long as Seller has voted its interest in a manner consistent with the provisions of this Section 7.6 .

 

  Section 7.7 Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements.

(a) The transactions contemplated by this Agreement are expressly subject to all validly existing and applicable Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements. Within ten days after the date of the execution of this Agreement, Seller shall initiate all procedures which are reasonably required to comply with or obtain the waiver of all Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements set forth in Schedule 5.13 with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Seller shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all applicable consents and to obtain waivers of applicable Preference Rights; provided, however, Seller shall not be obligated to pay any consideration to (or incur any cost or expense for the benefit of) the holder of any Preference Right or Transfer Requirement in order to obtain the waiver thereof or compliance therewith.

(b) If the holder of a Preference Right elects prior to Closing to purchase the Asset subject to a Preference Right (a “Preference Property”) in accordance with the terms of such Preference Right, and Seller receives written notice of such election prior to the Closing, such Preference Property will be eliminated from the Assets and the Purchase Price shall be reduced by the Allocated Value of the Preference Property.

(c) If

 

  (i) a third party brings any suit, action or other proceeding prior to the Closing seeking to restrain, enjoin or otherwise prohibit the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby in connection with a claim to enforce a Preference Right;

 

  (ii) an Asset is subject to a Transfer Requirement that provides that transfer of such Asset without compliance with such Transfer Requirement will result in termination or other material impairment of any rights in relation to such Asset, and such Transfer Requirement is not waived, complied with or otherwise satisfied prior to the Closing Date; or

 

  (iii) the holder of a Preference Right does not elect to purchase such Preference Property or waive such Preference Right with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement prior to the Closing Date and the time in which the Preference Right may be exercised has not expired;

 

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then, unless otherwise agreed by Seller and Purchaser, the Asset or portion thereof affected by such Preference Right or Transfer Requirement (a “Retained Asset”) shall be held back from the Assets to be transferred and conveyed to Purchaser at Closing and the Purchase Price to be paid at Closing shall be reduced by the Allocated Value of such Retained Asset pursuant to Section 7.7(b) . Any Retained Asset so held back at the initial Closing will be conveyed to Purchaser at a delayed Closing (which shall become the new Closing Date with respect to such Retained Asset), within ten (10) days following the date on which the suit, action or other proceeding, if any, referenced in clause (i) above is settled or a judgment is rendered (and no longer subject to appeal) permitting transfer of the Retained Asset to Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement and Seller obtains, complies with, obtains a waiver of or notice of election not to exercise or otherwise satisfies all remaining Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements with respect to such Retained Asset as contemplated by this Section 7.7(c) (or if multiple Assets are Retained Assets, on a date mutually agreed to by the parties in order to consolidate, to the extent reasonably possible, the number of Closings). At the delayed Closing, Purchaser shall pay Seller a purchase price equal to the amount by which the Purchase Price was reduced on account of the holding back of such Retained Asset (as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.2 through the new Closing Date therefor); provided, however, if all such Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements with respect to any Retained Asset so held back at the initial Closing are not obtained, complied with, waived or otherwise satisfied as contemplated by this Section within one hundred eighty (180) days after the initial Closing has occurred with respect to any Asset, then such Retained Asset shall be eliminated from the Assets and shall become an Excluded Asset, unless Seller and Purchaser agree to proceed with a closing on such Retained Asset, in which case Purchaser shall be deemed to have waived any objection (and shall be obligated to indemnify the Seller Indemnified Persons for all Losses) with respect to non-compliance with such Preference Rights and Transfer Requirements with respect to such Retained Asset(s).

(d) Purchaser acknowledges that Seller desires to sell all of the Assets to Purchaser and would not have entered into this Agreement but for Purchaser’s agreement to purchase all of the Assets as herein provided. Accordingly, it is expressly understood and agreed that Seller does not desire to sell any Property affected by a Preference Right to Purchaser unless the sale of all of the Assets is consummated by the Closing Date in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, Seller’s obligation hereunder to sell the Preference Properties to Purchaser is expressly conditioned upon the consummation by the Closing Date of the sale of all of the Assets (other than Retained Assets or other Assets excluded pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement) in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, either by conveyance to Purchaser or conveyance pursuant to an applicable Preference Right; provided that, nothing herein is intended or shall operate to extend or apply any Preference Right to any portion of the Assets which is not otherwise burdened thereby. Time is of the essence with respect to the parties’ agreement to consummate the sale of the Assets by the Closing Date (or by the delayed Closing Date pursuant to Section 7.7(c) ).

 

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  Section 7.8 Tax Matters.

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 12.3 , Seller shall be responsible for all Taxes related to the Assets (other than ad valorem, property, severance, Hydrocarbon production and similar Taxes based upon or measured by the ownership or operation of the Assets or the production of Hydrocarbons therefrom, which are addressed in Section 1.4 ) attributable to any period of time prior to the Closing Date, and Purchaser shall be responsible for all such Taxes related to the Assets attributable to any period of time on and after the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller shall handle payment to the appropriate Governmental Body of all Taxes with respect to the Assets which are required to be paid prior to Closing (and shall file all Tax Returns with respect to such Taxes). If requested by Purchaser, Seller will assist Purchaser with preparation of all ad valorem and property Tax Returns for periods ending on or before December 31, 2013 (including any extensions requested). Seller shall deliver to Purchaser within thirty (30) days of filing copies of all Tax Returns to be filed by Seller relating to the Assets and any supporting documentation to be provided by Seller to Governmental Bodies for Purchaser’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, excluding Tax Returns related to income tax, franchise tax, or other similar Taxes. Purchaser shall file all Tax Returns covering Taxes treated as Property Costs that are required to be filed after the Closing Date unless covered above. With respect to such Tax Returns covering a taxable period which includes the Effective Time, Purchaser shall provide a copy of such Tax Return to Seller within 30 days prior to filing for Seller’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(b) Purchaser and Seller shall cooperate fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by the other party, in connection with the filing of any Tax Returns and any audit, litigation or other Proceeding with respect to Taxes. Such cooperation shall include the retention and (upon the other party’s request) the provision of records and information which are reasonably relevant to any such audit, litigation or other Proceeding and making employees reasonably available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder. Each of Purchaser and Seller agrees (i) to retain all books and records with respect to Tax matters pertinent to the Assets relating to any taxable period beginning before the Closing Date until the expiration of the statute of limitations (and, to the extent notified by Purchaser or Seller, any extensions thereof) of the respective taxable periods, and to abide by all record retention agreements entered into with any Governmental Body, and (ii) to give the other party reasonable written notice prior to transferring, destroying or discarding any such books and records and, if the other party so requests, each party shall allow the other party the option of taking possession of such books and records prior to their disposal. Purchaser and Seller further agree, upon request, to use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any certificate or other document from any Governmental Body or any other Person as may be necessary to mitigate, reduce or eliminate any Tax that could be imposed with respect to the transactions contemplated.

(c) Purchaser and Seller shall cooperate fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by the other party, in connection of accommodating a 1031 exchange (as provided for under Section 1031 of the Code). Purchaser and Seller each reserves the right, at or prior to

 

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Closing, to assign its rights under this Agreement with respect to all or a portion of the Purchase Price, and that portion of the Assets associated therewith (“1031 Assets”), to a “Qualified Intermediary” (as that term is defined in the Treasury Regulations) to accomplish this transaction, in whole or in part, in a manner that will comply with the requirements of a like-kind exchange (“Like-Kind Exchange”) pursuant to Section 1031 of the Code. If Purchaser so elects, Purchaser may assign its rights under this Agreement to the 1031 Assets to the Qualified Intermediary. Seller hereby (i) consents to Purchaser’s assignment of its rights in this Agreement with respect to the 1031 Assets, and (ii) if such an assignment is made, agrees to transfer all or a portion of the Assets into the qualified trust account at Closing as directed in writing by Purchaser. Purchaser and Seller each acknowledge and agree that a whole or partial assignment of this Agreement to a Qualified Intermediary shall not release the other party from any of its respective promises, liabilities and obligations to the other party or expand any promises, liabilities or obligations of such party under this Agreement. Neither party represents to the other that any particular tax treatment will be given to either party as a result of the Like-Kind Exchange. Neither party shall be obligated to pay any additional costs or incur any additional obligations in its sale of the Assets if such costs are the result of the other party’s Like-Kind Exchange, and each party shall hold harmless and indemnify the other party from and against all claims, losses and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and related expenses), if any, resulting from such a Like-Kind Exchange.

 

  Section 7.9 Further Assurances.

After the Closing, Seller and Purchaser shall cause their Affiliates to, execute, acknowledge and deliver all such further conveyances, transfer orders, division orders, notices assumptions, releases and acquittances, and such other instruments, and shall take such further actions as may be necessary or appropriate to assure fully to Purchaser or Seller (including their successors and assigns) as the case may be, that the transactions described in this Agreement shall be completed and that all of the Properties intended to be conveyed under the terms of this Agreement are so conveyed, including such Properties that are improperly described herein or inadvertently omitted from this Agreement and/or the Conveyance (including the Exhibits attached to each) and to assure fully that Purchaser has assumed the liabilities and obligations intended to be assumed by Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement.

ARTICLE 8

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

 

  Section 8.1 Conditions of Seller to Closing.

The obligations of Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject, at the option of Seller, to the satisfaction or waiver by Seller on or prior to Closing of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations . All of the representations and warranties of Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (in each case, without giving effect to any materiality standard or material adverse effect qualification) as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except (i) to the extent that any such representation or warranty is made as of a specified date, in which case such representation or

 

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warranty shall have been true and correct as of such specified date; and (ii) to the extent the failure of any such representation or warranty to be true and correct would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect;

(b) Performance . Purchaser shall have performed and observed, in all material respects, all covenants and agreements to be performed or observed by it under this Agreement prior to or on the Closing Date except to the extent the failure to perform any such covenant or agreement would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect;

(c) Proceedings . No Proceeding by a third party (including any Governmental Body) seeking to restrain, enjoin or otherwise prohibit the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be pending before any Governmental Body and no order, writ, injunction or decree shall have been entered and be in effect by any court or any Governmental Body of competent jurisdiction, and no statute, rule, regulation or other requirement shall have been promulgated or enacted and be in effect, that on a temporary or permanent basis restrains, enjoins or invalidates the transactions contemplated hereby; provided , however , the Closing shall proceed notwithstanding any Proceedings seeking to restrain, enjoin or otherwise prohibit consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby brought by holders of Preference Rights seeking to enforce such rights with respect to the Assets, and the Assets subject to such Proceedings shall be treated in accordance with Section 7.7 ; and

(d) Deliveries . Purchaser shall have delivered (or be ready, willing and able to immediately deliver) to Seller duly executed counterparts of the Conveyance and all other documents and certificates to be delivered by Purchaser under Section 9.3 and shall have performed (or be ready, willing and able to immediately perform) the other obligations required to be performed by it under Section 9.3 .

(e) Environmental; Title; Casualty Loss . The aggregate Environmental Defect Amounts of Environmental Defects, Title Defect Amounts of Title Defects and Casualty Losses that are uncured or unresolved as of the Closing Date do not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the Purchase Price.

 

  Section 8.2 Conditions of Purchaser to Closing.

The obligations of Purchaser to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject, at the option of Purchaser, to the satisfaction or waiver by Purchaser on or prior to Closing of each of the following conditions:

(a) Representations . All of the representations and warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (in each case, without giving effect to any materiality standard or Material Adverse Effect qualification) as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except (i) to the extent that any such representation or warranty is made as of a specified date, in which case such representation or warranty shall have been true and correct as of such specified date; and (ii) to the extent the failure of such representations or warranties to be true and correct would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b) Performance . Seller shall have performed and observed, in all material respects, all covenants and agreements to be performed or observed by it under this Agreement prior to or on the Closing Date except to the extent the failure to perform any such covenant or agreement would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Proceedings . No Proceeding by a third party (including any Governmental Body) seeking to restrain, enjoin or otherwise prohibit the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be pending before any Governmental Body and no order, writ, injunction or decree shall have been entered and be in effect by any court or any Governmental Body of competent jurisdiction, and no statute, rule, regulation or other requirement shall have been promulgated or enacted and be in effect, that on a temporary or permanent basis restrains, enjoins or invalidates the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however , the Closing shall proceed notwithstanding any Proceedings seeking to restrain, enjoin or otherwise prohibit consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby brought by holders of Preference Rights seeking to enforce such rights with respect to the Assets, and the Assets subject to such Proceedings shall be treated in accordance with Section 7.7 ; and

(d) Deliveries . Seller shall have delivered (or be ready, willing and able to immediately deliver) to Purchaser duly executed counterparts of the Conveyance and all other documents and certificates to be delivered by Seller under Section 9.2 .

(e) Environmental; Title; Casualty Loss . The aggregate Environmental Defect Amounts of Environmental Defects, Title Defect Amounts of Title Defects and Casualty Losses that are uncured or unresolved as of the Closing Date do not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the Purchase Price.

ARTICLE 9

CLOSING

 

  Section 9.1 Time and Place of Closing.

(a) Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated and the transactions herein contemplated shall have been abandoned pursuant to Article 10 , and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article 8 (other than conditions the fulfillment of which by their nature is to occur at the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”)), the Closing shall take place at 10:00 a.m., local time, on November 26, 2013, at the offices of Seller, 1111 Bagby, Suite 4600, Houston, Texas, unless another date, time or place is mutually agreed to in writing by Purchaser and Seller. If any of the conditions (other than conditions the fulfillment of which by their nature is to occur at the Closing) set forth in Article 8 are not satisfied or waived at the time the Closing is to occur pursuant to this Section 9.1(a) , then the Closing shall occur on a date that is the third Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of all such conditions.

(b) The date on which the Closing occurs is herein referred to as the “Closing Date.”

 

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  Section 9.2 Obligations of Seller at Closing.

At the Closing, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Purchaser, or perform or cause to be performed, the following:

(a) the Conveyance, in sufficient duplicate originals to allow recording in all appropriate jurisdictions and offices, duly executed by Seller;

(b) letters-in-lieu of transfer orders covering the Assets, duly executed by Seller;

(c) a certificate duly executed by an authorized corporate officer of Seller, dated as of Closing, certifying on behalf of Seller that the conditions set forth in Section 8.2(a) and Section 8.2(b) have been fulfilled;

(d) evidence that releases in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser from Seller’s lenders have been obtained relating to all mortgages and UCC filings regarding the Assets;

(e) a certificate of non-foreign status of each Seller meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(b) (2); and

(f) the change of operator forms referenced in Section 7.4(c) to be executed by Seller and Purchaser and which shall be filed by Seller pursuant to Section 7.4(c) after Closing.

 

  Section 9.3 Obligations of Purchaser at Closing.

At the Closing, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Purchaser shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Seller, or perform or caused to be performed, the following:

(a) a wire transfer in an amount equal to the Closing Payment, in same-day funds;

(b) the Conveyance, duly executed by Purchaser;

(c) letters-in-lieu of transfer orders covering the Assets, duly executed by Purchaser; and

(d) a certificate by an authorized corporate officer of Purchaser, dated as of Closing, certifying on behalf of Purchaser that the conditions set forth in Section 8.1(a) and Section 8.1(b) have been fulfilled.

 

  Section 9.4 Closing Adjustments.

(a) Not later than ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall prepare and deliver to Purchaser, based upon the best information available to Seller, a preliminary settlement statement estimating the Adjusted Purchase Price after giving effect to all adjustments listed in Section 2.2 . The estimate delivered in accordance with this Section 9.4(a) shall

 

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constitute the dollar amount to be paid by Purchaser to Seller at the Closing (the “Closing Payment”). Until one (1) Business Day before the Closing Date, Purchaser shall have the opportunity to review and discuss the preliminary settlement statement with Seller; provided, however, Seller shall not be required to make any change thereto prior to Closing to which Seller does not agree.

(b) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing but not later than ninety (90) days following the Closing Date, Seller shall prepare and deliver to Purchaser a statement setting forth the final calculation of the Adjusted Purchase Price and showing the calculation of each adjustment, based, to the extent possible, on actual credits, charges, receipts and other items before and after the Effective Time and taking into account all adjustments provided for in this Agreement (the “Final Purchase Price”). Seller shall, at Purchaser’s request, supply reasonable documentation available to support any credit, charge, receipt or other item. Seller shall afford Purchaser and its representatives the opportunity to review such statement and the supporting schedules, analyses, workpapers, and other underlying records or documentation as are reasonably necessary and appropriate in Purchaser’s review of such statement. Each party shall cooperate fully and promptly with the other and their respective representatives in such examination with respect to all reasonable requests related thereto. As soon as reasonably practicable but not later than the 30th day following receipt of Seller’s statement hereunder, Purchaser shall deliver to Seller a written report containing any changes that Purchaser proposes be made to such statement. Seller and Purchaser shall undertake to agree on the final statement of the Final Purchase Price no later than one fifty (150) days after the Closing Date (the “Final Settlement Date”). In the event that Seller and Purchaser cannot reach agreement by the Final Settlement Date, either party may refer the remaining matters in dispute to Ernst & Young, or such other nationally-recognized independent accounting firm as may be mutually accepted by Purchaser and Seller, for review and final determination (the “Agreed Accounting Firm”). Each party shall summarize its position with regard to the remaining matters in dispute in a written document of twenty-five pages or less and submit such summaries to the Agreed Accounting Firm, together with any other documentation such party may desire to submit. Within fifteen (15) Business Days after receiving the parties’ respective submissions, the Agreed Accounting Firm shall render in writing a decision choosing either Seller’s position or Purchaser’s position or a position in between those (but in no event higher or lower than the amounts proposed in the post-Closing statements exchanged between the parties, as described earlier in this subsection) based on the materials described above. The Agreed Accounting Firm may not award damages or penalties to either party. Any decision rendered by the Agreed Accounting Firm pursuant hereto shall be final, conclusive and binding on Seller and Purchaser and will be enforceable against any of the parties in any court of competent jurisdiction. The fees of the Agreed Accounting Firm shall be borne and paid one-half by Sellers and one-half by Purchaser. Seller and Purchaser shall each bear its own legal fees and other costs of presenting its case. Within ten (10) Business Days after the date on which the parties or the Agreed Accounting Firm, as applicable, finally determines the disputed matters, (x) Purchaser shall pay to Seller the amount by which the Final Purchase Price exceeds the Closing Payment or (y) Seller shall pay to Purchaser the amount by which the Closing Payment exceeds the Final Purchase Price, as applicable. Any post-Closing payment pursuant to this Section 9.4(b) shall bear interest at the Agreed Interest Rate from (but not including) the Closing Date to (and including) the date of such payment.

 

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(c) All payments made or to be made hereunder to Seller shall be by electronic transfer of immediately available funds to the account, designated by Seller to Purchaser in writing at least one (1) day prior to the Closing Date, for the credit of Seller. All payments made or to be made hereunder to Purchaser shall be by electronic transfer of immediately available funds to a bank and account specified by Purchaser in writing to Seller.

ARTICLE 10

TERMINATION

 

  Section 10.1 Termination.

This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby abandoned at any time prior to the Closing:

(a) by mutual written consent of Seller and Purchaser;

(b) by either Seller or Purchaser, if:

 

  (i) the Closing shall not have occurred on or before December 31, 2013 (the “Termination Date”); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 10.1(b)(i) shall not be available (A) to Seller, if any breach of this Agreement by Seller has been the principal cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before the Termination Date or (B) to Purchaser, if any breach of this Agreement by Purchaser has been the principal cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before the Termination Date; or

 

  (ii) there shall be any Law that makes consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby illegal or otherwise prohibited or a Governmental Body shall have issued an order, decree, or ruling or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining, or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and such order, decree, ruling, or other action shall have become final and non-appealable;

(c) by Seller, if any of its conditions to Closing set forth in Section 8.1 have not been met and Seller has not elected to waive any such condition; or

(d) by Purchaser, if any of its conditions to Closing set forth in Section 8.2 have not been met and Purchaser has not elected to waive any such condition.

 

  Section 10.2 Effect of Termination.

If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 10.1 , this Agreement shall become void and of no further force or effect and the parties shall have no liability or obligation hereunder (except for the provisions of Section 4.4, Section 5.6 , Section 6.5 , Section 7.5 , Section 11.9 and Section 11.10 of this Agreement and this Article 10 , the Section entitled “Definitions,” and Article 12 (other than Section 12.6 ), all of which shall continue in full force

 

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and effect). Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 10.2 shall relieve any party from liability for Losses resulting from its breach of this Agreement. If Seller terminates this Agreement because its conditions contained in Sections 8.1(a) , 8.1(b) or 8.1(d) have not been met, then Seller shall be entitled to retain the Deposit as its sole remedy. If Purchaser terminates this Agreement because its conditions in Sections 8.2(a) , 8.2(b) or 8.2(d) have not been met, then Purchaser shall be entitled to the return of the Deposit and Seller shall pay to Purchaser an additional amount equal to the Deposit which payment to Purchaser shall constitute Purchaser’s sole remedy. Both Seller and Purchaser specifically waive any right to specific performance and acknowledge and agree that the exact damages resulting from the termination of this Agreement are difficult to ascertain and that the amount of the Deposit constitutes a reasonable estimate of such damages to both Parties. If this Agreement is terminated for any other reason other than in accordance with the previous three sentences, then Seller shall return the Deposit (without interest) to Purchaser within five (5) Business Days of such termination, and neither party shall have any further rights, remedies or obligations hereunder, except as expressly provided in this Section 10.2 .

ARTICLE 11

POST-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS; INDEMNIFICATION; LIMITATIONS; DISCLAIMERS AND WAIVERS

 

  Section 11.1 Receipts.

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any Hydrocarbons produced from or attributable to the Assets (and all products and proceeds attributable thereto) and any other income, proceeds, receipts and credits attributable to the Assets which are not reflected in the adjustments to the Purchase Price following the final adjustment pursuant to Section 9.4(b) shall be treated as follows: (a) all Hydrocarbons produced from or attributable to the Assets (and all products and proceeds attributable thereto) and all other income, proceeds, receipts and credits earned with respect to the Assets to which Purchaser is entitled under Section 1.4 shall be the sole property and entitlement of Purchaser, and, to the extent received by Seller, Seller shall fully disclose, account for and remit the same promptly to Purchaser, and (b) all Hydrocarbons produced from or attributable to the Assets (and all products and proceeds attributable thereto) and all other income, proceeds, receipts and credits earned with respect to the Assets to which Seller is entitled under Section 1.4 shall be the sole property and entitlement of Seller and, to the extent received by Purchaser, Purchaser shall fully disclose, account for and remit the same promptly to Seller.

 

  Section 11.2 Expenses.

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any Property Costs which are not reflected in the adjustments to the Purchase Price following the final adjustment pursuant to Section 9.4(b) shall be treated as follows: (a) all Property Costs for which Seller is responsible under Section 1.4 shall be the sole obligation of Seller and Seller shall promptly pay, or if paid by Purchaser, promptly reimburse Purchaser for and hold Purchaser harmless from and against same; and (b) all Property Costs for which Purchaser is responsible under Section 1.4 shall be the sole obligation of Purchaser, and Purchaser shall promptly pay, or if paid by Seller, promptly

 

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reimburse Seller for and hold Seller harmless from and against same. Seller is entitled to resolve all joint interest audits and other audits of Property Costs covering periods for which Seller is wholly responsible and Purchaser is entitled to resolve all joint interest audits and other audits of Property Costs covering periods for which Purchaser is in whole or in part responsible; provided that Purchaser shall not agree to any adjustments to previously assessed costs for which Seller is liable without the prior written consent of Seller, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. Purchaser shall provide Seller with a copy of all applicable audit reports and written audit agreements received by Purchaser and relating to periods for which Seller is partially responsible.

 

  Section 11.3 Assumed Seller Obligations.

Subject to the indemnification by Seller under Section 11.5 , on the Closing Date, Purchaser shall assume and hereby agrees to fulfill, perform, pay and discharge (or cause to be fulfilled, performed, paid or discharged) all of the obligations and liabilities of Seller, known or unknown, with respect to the Assets, regardless of whether such obligations or liabilities arose prior to, on or after the Effective Time, including but not limited to obligations to (a) furnish makeup gas according to the terms of applicable gas sales, gathering or transportation contracts, and to satisfy all other gas balancing obligations, if any, (b) pay working interests, royalties, overriding royalties and other interests held in suspense (it being agreed that, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Purchaser shall be solely responsible for the distribution of all suspended funds included in the Assets and transferred to Purchaser pursuant hereto), (c) properly plug and abandon any and all wells, including inactive wells or temporarily abandoned wells, drilled on the Properties, as required by Law, (d) replug any well, wellbore, or previously plugged well on the Properties to the extent required by Governmental Body, (e) dismantle, salvage and remove any equipment, structures, materials, flowlines, and property of whatever kind related to or associated with operations and activities conducted on the Properties, and (f) clean up, restore and/or remediate the premises covered by or related to the Assets in accordance with applicable agreements and Laws, (g) perform all obligations applicable to or imposed on the lessee, owner, or operator under the Leases and related contracts, or as required by applicable Laws (all of said obligations and liabilities, subject to the exclusions below, herein being referred to as the “Assumed Seller Obligations”); provided, however, that the Assumed Seller Obligations shall not include, and Purchaser shall have no obligation to assume, any obligations or liabilities of Seller to the extent that they are (such excluded obligations and liabilities, the “Excluded Seller Obligations”):

 

  (i) attributable to or arise out of the Excluded Assets;

 

  (ii) the continuing responsibility of Seller under Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 ;

 

  (iii) Property Costs for which Seller is responsible pursuant to Section 1.4(b) ;

 

  (iv) Retained Employee Liabilities;

 

  (v) any injury, death, casualty, tortuous action or inaction occurring on or attributable to the Assets prior to the Closing Date;

 

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  (vi) Taxes attributable to the Assets allocated to Seller under Section 1.4 and Section 7.8 ; or

 

  (vii) liabilities associated with the litigation set forth on Schedule 5.7(a) .

 

  Section 11.4 Survival and Limitations.

(a) The representations and warranties contained in Section 5.1 , Section 5.2 , Section 5.5 , Section 5.7 , Section 5.8 , Section 5.9 , Section 5.10 , Section 5.11 , Section 5.12 , Section 5.15 , Section 5.16 , Section 5.17 , Section 5.18 , Section 5.19 , Section 5.20 , Section 5.21 , Section 5.22 , and Section 5.23 shall terminate four (4) months after Closing. The representations and warranties contained in Section 5.3 , Section 5.4 , Section 5.6 , Section 6.2 , Section 6.3 , and Section 6.5 (collectively, the “Fundamental Representations”) shall survive until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations period. All other representations and warranties of Seller and Purchaser contained herein shall terminate at Closing. Upon the termination of a representation or warranty in accordance with the foregoing, such representation or warranty shall have no further force or effect for any purpose under this Agreement. The covenants and other agreements of Seller and Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing Date until fully performed.

(b) No party hereto shall have any indemnification obligation pursuant to this Article 11 or otherwise in respect of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement unless it shall have received from the party seeking indemnification a written notice (a “Claim Notice”) of the existence of the claim for or in respect of which indemnification in respect of such representation, warranty, covenant or agreement is being sought on or before the expiration of the applicable survival period set forth in Section 11.4(a) . If an Indemnified Party delivers a Claim Notice to an Indemnifying Party before the expiration of the applicable survival period set forth in Section 11.4(a) , then the applicable representation, warranty, covenant or agreement shall survive until, but only for purposes of, the resolution of the matter covered by such Claim Notice. A Claim Notice shall set forth with reasonable specificity (1) the basis for such claim under this Agreement, and the facts that otherwise form the basis of such claim and (2) to the extent reasonably estimable, an estimate of the amount of such claim (which estimate shall not be conclusive of the final amount of such claim) and an explanation of the calculation of such estimate.

(c) Neither Seller nor Purchaser shall have any liability for any indemnification under this Agreement, nor any liability for breach of any representations, warranties, or covenants under this Agreement, until and unless (i) the amount of the liability for any individual claim or series of claims arising out of the same or similar set of facts, for which a Claim Notice is delivered by Purchaser or Seller, as applicable, exceeds $250,000, and then only to the extent such damage exceeds $250,000 (“Individual Indemnity Threshold”), and (ii) the aggregate amount of the liabilities for all claims for which Claim Notices are delivered by Purchaser or Seller, as applicable, exceeds one percent (1%) of the Purchase Price, and then only to the extent such damages exceed one percent (1%) of the Purchase Price (the “Aggregate Indemnity Deductible”); provided that, the foregoing limitation shall have no application to Seller Excluded Obligations.

 

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(d) Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, neither party shall be required to indemnify the other party, or otherwise be liable for breaching any representations, warranties, or covenants under this Agreement, for aggregate damages in excess of an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of the Purchase Price.

(e) For purposes of this Article 11 only, the “material”, “materiality”, “all material respects” or “Material Adverse Effect” or similar qualifiers contained in the representations and warranties in Article 5 and Article 6 and which are subject to indemnification shall be disregarded for purposes of determining the Individual Indemnity Threshold and the Aggregate Indemnity Deductible.

 

  Section 11.5 Indemnification by Seller .

Subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations of this Article 11, from and after the Closing, Seller shall jointly and severally indemnify, defend and hold harmless Purchaser and its directors, officers, employees, stockholders, members, agents, consultants, advisors and other representatives (including legal counsel, accountants and financial advisors) and Affiliates and the successors and permitted assigns of this Agreement of Purchaser (collectively, the “Purchaser Indemnified Persons”) from and against any and all Losses asserted against, resulting from, imposed upon, or incurred or suffered by any Purchaser Indemnified Person to the extent resulting from, arising out of or relating to:

(a) any breach of any representation or warranty of Seller contained in this Agreement or in any certificate furnished by or on behalf of Seller in connection with this Agreement REGARDLESS OF FAULT ;

(b) any breach or nonfulfillment of or failure to perform any covenant or agreement of Seller contained in this Agreement REGARDLESS OF FAULT or in any certificate furnished by or on behalf of Seller in connection with this Agreement; and

(c) any Excluded Seller Obligations REGARDLESS OF FAULT (which related indemnity obligations shall not be subject to the deductibles and limitations in Section 11.4 ).

 

  Section 11.6 Indemnification by Purchaser.

From and after the Closing, subject to the terms and conditions of this Article 11 , Purchaser shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Seller and its directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, stockholders, advisors and other representatives (including legal counsel, accountants and financial advisors), and Seller’s successors, permitted assigns of this Agreement and Affiliates (collectively, the “Seller Indemnified Persons”) from and against any and all Losses, asserted against, resulting from, imposed upon, or incurred or suffered by any Seller Indemnified Person, directly or indirectly, to the extent resulting from, arising out of, or relating to:

(a) any breach of any representation or warranty of Purchaser contained in this Agreement or in any certificate furnished by or on behalf of Purchaser to Seller in connection with this Agreement REGARDLESS OF FAULT ;

 

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(b) any breach or nonfulfillment of or failure to perform any covenant or agreement of Purchaser contained in this Agreement REGARDLESS OF FAULT or any certificate furnished by or on behalf of Purchaser to Seller in connection with this Agreement;

(c) the ownership, use or operation of the Assets after the Effective Time, REGARDLESS OF FAULT ;

(d) the Assumed Seller Obligations REGARDLESS OF FAULT ; and

(e) Environmental Laws, Environmental Liabilities, the release of materials into the environment or protection of human health, safety, natural resources or the environment, or any other environmental condition of the Assets, REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OF OCCURRENCE AND REGARDLESS OF FAULT .

(f) The indemnity obligations in Section 11.6(c) , (d) , and (e)  shall not be subject to the deductibles and limitations in Section 11.4 .

 

  Section 11.7 Indemnification Proceedings.

(a) In the event that any claim or demand for which Seller or Purchaser (such Person, an “Indemnifying Party”) may be liable to a Purchaser Indemnified Person under Section 11.5 or to a Seller Indemnified Person under Section 11.6 (an “Indemnified Party”) is asserted against or sought to be collected from an Indemnified Party by a third party (a “Third Party Claim,”) the Indemnified Party shall with reasonable promptness notify the Indemnifying Party of such Third Party Claim by delivery of a Claim Notice, provided that the failure or delay to so notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Article 11 , except (and solely) to the extent that the Indemnifying Party demonstrates that its defense of such Third Party Claim is actually and materially prejudiced thereby. The Indemnifying Party shall have thirty (30) days from receipt of the Claim Notice from the Indemnified Party (in this Section 11.7 , the “Notice Period”) to notify the Indemnified Party whether or not the Indemnifying Party desires, at the Indemnifying Party’s sole cost and expense, to defend the Indemnified Party against such claim or demand; provided, that the Indemnified Party is hereby authorized prior to and during the Notice Period, and at the cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, to file any motion, answer or other pleading that it shall reasonably deem necessary to protect its interests or those of the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim only if and for so long as the Indemnifying Party (i) notifies the Indemnified Party during the Notice Period that the Indemnifying Party is assuming the defense of such Third Party Claim, (ii) uses counsel of its own choosing that is reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, and (iii) conducts the defense of such Third Party Claim in an active and diligent manner. If the Indemnifying Party is entitled to, and does, assume the defense of any such Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel at its own expense and to participate in the defense thereof; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party

 

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shall pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees of the Indemnified Party if the Indemnified Party’s counsel shall have advised the Indemnified Party that there is a conflict of interest that could make it inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct to have common counsel for the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party (provided that the Indemnifying Party shall not be responsible for paying for more than one separate firm of attorneys and one local counsel to represent all of the Indemnified Parties subject to such Third Party Claim). If the Indemnifying Party elects (and is entitled) to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim, (i) no compromise or settlement thereof or consent to any admission or the entry of any judgment with respect to such Third Party Claim may be effected by the Indemnifying Party without the Indemnified Party’s written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) unless the sole relief provided is monetary damages that are paid in full by the Indemnifying Party (and no injunctive or other equitable relief is imposed upon the Indemnified Party) and there is an unconditional provision whereby each plaintiff or claimant in such Third Party Claim releases the Indemnified Party from all liability with respect thereto and (ii) the Indemnified Party shall have no liability with respect to any compromise or settlement thereof effected without its written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld). If the Indemnifying Party elects not to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim (or fails to give notice to the Indemnified Party during the Notice Period or otherwise is not entitled to assume such defense), the Indemnified Party shall be entitled to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim with counsel of its own choice, at the expense and for the account of the Indemnifying Party; provided, however, that the Indemnified Party shall make no settlement, compromise, admission, or acknowledgment that would give rise to liability on the part of any Indemnifying Party without the prior written consent of such Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to control (but shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense of), and the Indemnified Party, shall be entitled to have sole control over, the defense or settlement, compromise, admission, or acknowledgment of any Third Party Claim (i) at the reasonable expense of the Indemnifying Party, as to which the Indemnifying Party fails to assume the defense during the Notice Period after the Indemnified Party gives notice thereof to the Indemnifying Party or (ii) at the reasonable expense of the Indemnifying Party, to the extent the Third Party Claim seeks an order, injunction, or other equitable relief against the Indemnified Party which, if successful, could materially adversely affect the business, condition (financial or other), capitalization, assets, liabilities, results of operations or prospects of the Indemnified Party. The Indemnified Party shall make no settlement, compromise, admission, or acknowledgment that would give rise to liability on the part of the Indemnifying Party without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

(c) In any case in which an Indemnified Party seeks indemnification hereunder and no Third Party Claim is involved, the Indemnified Party shall deliver a Claim Notice to the Indemnifying Party within a reasonably prompt period of time after an officer of such Indemnified Party or its Affiliates has obtained knowledge of the Loss giving rise to indemnification hereunder. The failure or delay to so notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Article 11 except to the extent such failure results in insufficient time being available to permit the Indemnifying Party to effectively mitigate the resulting Losses or otherwise prejudices the Indemnifying Party.

 

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  Section 11.8 Release.

EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO POST-CLOSING REMEDIATION AGREED TO PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.3 AND, SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS CONTAINED IN SECTION 11.4, ANY CLAIM FOR BREACH OF THE REPRESENTATION CONTAINED IN SECTION 5.23, PURCHASER HEREBY RELEASES, REMISES AND FOREVER DISCHARGES THE SELLER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR ARISING IN THE FUTURE, CONTINGENT OR OTHERWISE, WHICH PURCHASER MIGHT NOW OR SUBSEQUENTLY MAY HAVE AGAINST THE SELLER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS, RELATING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO THE CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR INCIDENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES, THE RELEASE OF MATERIALS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT OR PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH, SAFETY, NATURAL RESOURCES OR THE ENVIRONMENT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, RIGHTS TO CONTRIBUTION UNDER CERCLA, REGARDLESS OF FAULT.

 

  Section 11.9 Disclaimers.

(a) EXCEPT AS AND TO THE EXTENT EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, OR IN THE CERTIFICATE OF SELLER TO BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 9.2(c), OR IN THE CONVEYANCE, (I) SELLER MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, STATUTORY OR IMPLIED, AND (II) SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, STATEMENT OR INFORMATION MADE OR COMMUNICATED (ORALLY OR IN WRITING) TO PURCHASER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONSULTANTS OR REPRESENTATIVES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY OPINION, INFORMATION, PROJECTION OR ADVICE THAT MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO PURCHASER BY ANY OFFICER, DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEE, AGENT, CONSULTANT, REPRESENTATIVE OR ADVISOR OF SELLER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES).

(b) EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY REPRESENTED OTHERWISE IN ARTICLE 5 OF THIS AGREEMENT, OR IN THE CERTIFICATE OF SELLER TO BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 9.2(c), OR IN THE CONVEYANCE, AND WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS, STATUTORY OR IMPLIED, AS TO (I) TITLE TO ANY OF THE ASSETS, (II) THE CONTENTS, CHARACTER OR NATURE OF ANY DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM, OR ANY REPORT OF ANY PETROLEUM ENGINEERING CONSULTANT, OR ANY GEOLOGICAL OR SEISMIC DATA OR INTERPRETATION, RELATING TO THE ASSETS, (III) THE QUANTITY, QUALITY OR RECOVERABILITY OF HYDROCARBONS IN OR FROM THE ASSETS, (IV) ANY ESTIMATES OF THE

 

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VALUE OF THE ASSETS OR FUTURE REVENUES GENERATED BY THE ASSETS, (V) THE PRODUCTION OF HYDROCARBONS FROM THE ASSETS, (VI) THE MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, CONDITION, QUALITY, SUITABILITY, DESIGN OR MARKETABILITY OF THE ASSETS, (VII) THE CONTENT, CHARACTER OR NATURE OF ANY DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM, REPORTS, BROCHURES, CHARTS OR STATEMENTS PREPARED BY SELLER OR ANY THIRD PARTIES, (VIII) ANY OTHER MATERIALS OR INFORMATION THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE OR COMMUNICATED TO PURCHASER OR ITS AFFILIATES, OR ITS OR THEIR EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONSULTANTS, REPRESENTATIVES OR ADVISORS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY DISCUSSION OR PRESENTATION RELATING THERETO, AND FURTHER DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS, STATUTORY OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR CONFORMITY TO MODELS OR SAMPLES OF MATERIALS OF ANY EQUIPMENT, IT BEING EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED BY THE PARTIES HERETO THAT PURCHASER SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE OBTAINING THE ASSETS IN THEIR PRESENT STATUS, CONDITION AND STATE OF REPAIR, “AS IS” AND “WHERE IS” WITH ALL FAULTS AND THAT PURCHASER HAS MADE OR CAUSED TO BE MADE SUCH INSPECTIONS AS PURCHASER DEEMS APPROPRIATE, OR (IX) ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESS WARRANTY OF FREEDOM FROM PATENT OR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT.

(c) EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN ARTICLE 5, SELLER HAS NOT AND WILL NOT MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY REGARDING ANY MATTER OR CIRCUMSTANCE RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES, THE RELEASE OF MATERIALS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT OR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH, SAFETY, NATURAL RESOURCES OR THE ENVIRONMENT, OR ANY OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF THE ASSETS, AND NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS SUCH A REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, AND PURCHASER SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE TAKING THE ASSETS “AS IS” AND “WHERE IS” FOR PURPOSES OF THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION.

Section 11.10 Waiver of Trade Practices Acts.

(a) It is the intention of the parties that Purchaser’s rights and remedies with respect to this transaction and with respect to all acts or practices of Seller, past, present or future, in connection with this transaction shall be governed by legal principles other than the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices—Consumer Protection Act, Tex. Bus. & Com. Code Ann. § 17.41 et seq . (the “DTPA”). As such, Purchaser hereby waives the applicability of the DTPA to this transaction and any and all duties, rights or remedies that might be imposed by the DTPA, whether such duties, rights and remedies are applied directly by the DTPA itself or indirectly in connection with other statutes. Purchaser acknowledges, represents and warrants that it is purchasing the goods and/or services covered by this Agreement for commercial or business use; that it has assets of $25,000,000 or more according to its most recent financial statement prepared in accordance with GAAP; that it has knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that enable it to evaluate the merits and risks of a transaction such as this; and that it is not in a significantly disparate bargaining position with Seller.

 

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(b) Purchaser expressly recognizes that the price for which Seller has agreed to perform its obligations under this Agreement has been predicated upon the inapplicability of the DTPA and this waiver of the DTPA. Purchaser further recognizes that Seller, in determining to proceed with the entering into this Agreement, has expressly relied on this waiver and the inapplicability of the DTPA.

(c) In addition to the foregoing, and in order to ensure compliance with Texas’ DTPA Section 17.42(c), Purchaser waives all rights it may possess, if any, under the DTPA with the following certification:

WAIVER OF RIGHTS

PURCHASER WAIVES ITS RIGHTS UNDER THE DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES-CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, SECTION 17.41 ET SEQ., BUSINESS & COMMERCE CODE, A LAW THAT GIVES CONSUMERS SPECIAL RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS. AFTER CONSULTATION WITH AN ATTORNEY OF ITS OWN SELECTION, PURCHASER VOLUNTARILY CONSENTS TO THIS WAIVER.

 

  Section 11.11 Recording.

As soon as practicable after Closing, Purchaser shall record the Conveyance in the appropriate counties where the Properties are located and provide Seller with copies of all recorded or approved instruments. The Conveyance in the form attached as Exhibit B is intended to convey all of the Properties being conveyed pursuant to this Agreement. Certain Properties or specific portions of the Properties that are leased from, or require the approval to transfer by, a Governmental Body are conveyed under the Conveyance and also are described and covered under separate assignments made by Seller to Purchaser on officially approved forms, or forms acceptable to such entity, in sufficient multiple originals to satisfy applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. The interests conveyed by such separate assignments are the same, and not in addition to, the interests conveyed in the Conveyance attached as Exhibit B . Further, such assignments shall be deemed to contain all of the exceptions, reservations, rights, titles, power and privileges set forth herein and in the Conveyance as fully and only to the extent as though they were set forth in each such separate assignment.

ARTICLE 12

MISCELLANEOUS

 

  Section 12.1 Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.

 

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  Section 12.2 Notice.

All notices which are required or may be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be sufficient in all respects if given in writing and delivered personally, by telecopy or by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows:

 

If to Seller:    Lime Rock Resources II-A, L.P.
   Lime Rock Resources II-C, L.P.
   1111 Bagby St., Suite 4600
   Houston, Texas 77002
   Attention: Eric Mullins
   Telephone: 713-292-9511
   Facsimile: 713-292-9568
If to Purchaser:    Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.
   1331 Lamar St., Suite 650
   Houston, Texas 77010
   Attention: Michael A. Gerlich
   Telephone: 713-739-0455
   Facsimile: 713-739-0458

Either party may change its address for notice by notice to the other in the manner set forth above. All notices shall be deemed to have been duly given at the time of receipt by the party to which such notice is addressed.

 

  Section 12.3 Sales or Use Tax Recording Fees and Similar Taxes and Fees.

Purchaser shall bear any sales, use, excise, real property transfer, gross receipts, goods and services, registration, capital, documentary, stamp or transfer Taxes, recording fees and similar Taxes and fees (collectively “Transfer Taxes”) incurred and imposed upon, or with respect to, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Seller will determine, and Purchaser will cooperate with Seller in determining the amount of any Transfer Taxes, if any, that is due in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and Purchaser agrees to pay any such Transfer Tax to Seller or to the appropriate Governmental Body. Purchaser and Seller shall reasonably cooperate in good faith to minimize, to the extent permissible under applicable Law, the amount of any such Transfer Taxes. If any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are exempt from any such Transfer Taxes upon the filing of an appropriate certificate or other evidence of exemption, Purchaser will timely furnish to Seller such certificate or evidence.

 

  Section 12.4 Expenses.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 12.3 or elsewhere in this Agreement, (a) all expenses incurred by Seller in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation or execution of this Agreement, the Conveyance delivered hereunder and the Exhibits and

 

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Schedules hereto and thereto, and all other matters related to the Closing, including without limitation, all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants and financial advisers employed by Seller, shall be borne solely and entirely by Seller, and (b) all such expenses incurred by Purchaser shall be borne solely and entirely by Purchaser.

 

  Section 12.5 Change of Name.

As promptly as practicable, but in any case within thirty (30) days after the Closing Date, Purchaser shall eliminate the name of Seller and any variants thereof from the Assets acquired pursuant to this Agreement and, except with respect to such grace period for eliminating existing usage, shall have no right to use any logos, trademarks or trade names belonging to Seller or any of its Affiliates.

 

  Section 12.6 Replacement of Bonds, Letters of Credit and Guarantees.

The parties understand that none of the bonds, letters of credit and guarantees, if any, posted by Seller or any of its Affiliates with Governmental Bodies and relating to the Assets may be transferable to Purchaser. Such bonds, letters of credit and guarantees are set forth on Schedule 12.6 . Prior to Closing, Purchaser shall have obtained, or caused to be obtained in the name of Purchaser, replacements for such bonds, letters of credit and guarantees, to the extent such replacements are necessary to permit the cancellation of the bonds, letters of credit and guarantees posted by Seller or any of its Affiliates or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

  Section 12.7 Governing Law and Venue.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE LEGAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS OTHERWISE APPLICABLE TO SUCH DETERMINATIONS. JURISDICTION AND VENUE WITH RESPECT TO ANY DISPUTES ARISING HEREUNDER SHALL BE PROPER ONLY IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS.

 

  Section 12.8 Captions.

The captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.

 

  Section 12.9 Waivers.

Any failure by any party or parties to comply with any of its or their obligations, agreements or conditions herein contained may be waived in writing, but not in any other manner, by the party or parties to whom such compliance is owed. No waiver of, or consent to a change in, any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of, or consent to a change in, other provisions hereof (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.

 

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  Section 12.10 Assignment.

Except as provided in the following sentence, no party shall assign all or any part of this Agreement, nor shall any party assign or delegate any of its rights or duties hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Prior to Closing, Purchaser may assign up to fifty percent (50%) of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a third party such that at Closing Seller would convey directly to such third party a portion of the Assets attributable to the interest in this Agreement assigned to such third party; provided that (i) Purchaser shall remain liable in all respects for all of Purchaser’s obligations under this Agreement and Purchaser and its assignee shall be jointly and severally liable with respect to such obligations, (ii) the assignee of Purchaser shall have expressly ratified and confirmed this Agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Seller and (iii) Seller shall not be required to satisfy any of its obligations under this Agreement in a manner different from the manner currently contemplated in this Agreement without such assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

  Section 12.11 Entire Agreement.

The Confidentiality Agreement, this Agreement and the Exhibits and Schedules attached hereto, and the documents to be executed hereunder constitute the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof.

 

  Section 12.12 Amendment.

(a) This Agreement may be amended or modified only by an agreement in writing executed by the parties hereto.

(b) No waiver of any right under this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party to be bound thereby.

 

  Section 12.13 No Third-Party Beneficiaries.

Nothing in this Agreement shall entitle any Person other than Purchaser or Seller to any claims, remedy or right of any kind, except as to those rights expressly provided to the Seller Indemnified Persons and Purchaser Indemnified Persons (provided, however, any claim for indemnity hereunder on behalf of an Seller Indemnified Person or an Purchaser Indemnified Person must be made and administered by a party to this Agreement).

 

  Section 12.14 References.

In this Agreement:

(a) References to any gender includes a reference to all other genders;

(b) References to the singular includes the plural, and vice versa;

 

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(c) Reference to any Article or Section means an Article or Section of this Agreement;

(d) Reference to any Exhibit or Schedule means an Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement, all of which are incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement;

(e) Unless expressly provided to the contrary, “hereunder”, “hereof”, “herein” and words of similar import are references to this Agreement as a whole and not any particular Section or other provision of this Agreement;

(f) “Include” and “including” shall mean include or including without limiting the generality of the description preceding such term; and

(g) Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Agreement as such terms are identified and/or defined in the Definitions section hereof.

 

  Section 12.15 Construction.

Purchaser is a party capable of making such investigation, inspection, review and evaluation of the Assets as a prudent party would deem appropriate under the circumstances including with respect to all matters relating to the Assets, their value, operation and suitability. Each of Seller and Purchaser has had substantial input into the drafting and preparation of this Agreement and has had the opportunity to exercise business discretion in relation to the negotiation of the details of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement is the result of arm’s-length negotiations from equal bargaining positions. In the event of a dispute over the meaning or application of this Agreement, it shall be construed fairly and reasonably and neither more strongly for nor against either party.

 

  Section 12.16 Conspicuousness.

The parties agree that provisions in this Agreement in “bold” type satisfy any requirements of the “express negligence rule” and any other requirements at law or in equity that provisions be conspicuously marked or highlighted.

 

  Section 12.17 Severability.

If any term or other provisions of this Agreement is held invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced under any rule of law, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in a materially adverse manner with respect to either party; provided, however, that if any such term or provision may be made enforceable by limitation thereof, then such term or provision shall be deemed to be so limited and shall be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law.

 

  Section 12.18 Time of Essence.

Time is of the essence in this Agreement. If the date specified in this Agreement for giving any notice or taking any action is not a Business Day (or if the period during which any

 

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notice is required to be given or any action taken expires on a date which is not a Business Day), then the date for giving such notice or taking such action (and the expiration date of such period during which notice is required to be given or action taken) shall be the next day which is a Business Day.

 

  Section 12.19 Limitation on Damages.

Notwithstanding any other provision contained elsewhere in this Agreement to the contrary, the parties acknowledge that this Agreement does not authorize one party to sue for or collect from the other party its own punitive damages, or its own consequential or indirect damages in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and each party expressly waives for itself and on behalf of its Affiliates, any and all Claims it may have against the other party for its own such damages in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

  Section 12.20 Sharing of Certain Financial Information.

(a) After the signing of this Agreement, Seller shall give the Purchaser (and/or any of its Affiliates) and its (and/or their, as applicable) representatives reasonable access during normal business hours to those Financial Records (as hereinafter defined) necessary for the Purchaser’s or its respective Affiliate’s preparation of financial statements and other financial data relating to the Assets that may be required to be included in any current or future filing by the Purchaser (and/or any of its Affiliates) with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other Governmental Body (collectively, the “Financial Statements”). The Financial Statements data shall be prepared and audited or reviewed at the sole cost and expense of the Purchaser (it being understood that the Purchaser shall not be required to reimburse Seller for any allocated general and administrative costs or reasonable time of officers and employees and related incidental expenses in complying with the covenants set forth in this Section 12.20 ). If requested in writing, Seller shall execute and deliver to the external independent accounting firm that audits, reviews or assists the Purchaser or its respective Affiliate in the preparation of the Financial Statements or such other independent accounting firm designated by Purchaser to provide such procedures (the “Audit Firm”), such representation letters, in form and substance customary for representation letters provided to external audit firms by management of the company whose financial statements are the subject of an audit or are the subject of a review pursuant to Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) AU Section 722 (Interim Financial Information), as may be reasonably requested by the Audit Firm, with respect to the Financial Statements, including, as requested, representations regarding internal accounting controls and disclosure controls. As used in this Section 12.20 , the term “Financial Records” means all ledgers, books, records, data, files, and accounting and financial records (regardless of physical or electronic form) in the possession of Seller and its Affiliates, in each case, solely to the extent related to the Assets; provided, however, “Financial Records” does not include any records or information (a) that Seller considers to be confidential and proprietary, or (b) that may be protected by an attorney-client privilege, or (c) that cannot be disclosed to Purchaser or its representatives as a result of confidentiality arrangements under agreements with third parties.

(b) The obligations of Seller under this Section 12.20 shall expire ninety (90) days after the close of the first full fiscal year of Seller following the Closing Date unless a request

 

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with respect to Financial Statements has been made prior to such time, in which event the obligations of Seller shall continue until the preparation of such Financial Statements has been completed.

[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been signed by each of the parties hereto on the date first above written.

SELLER:

 

LIME ROCK RESOURCES II-A, L.P.
By:   Lime Rock Resources II-A, GP-II LLC, its general partner
  By:   Lime Rock Resources GP-II, L.P., its sole member
    By:   LRR GP-II, LLC, its general partner
      By:  

/s/ Eric Mullins

      Name:   Eric Mullins
      Title:   Co-Chief Executive Officer
LIME ROCK RESOURCES II-C, L.P.
By:   Lime Rock Resources II-C, GP LLC, its general partner
  By:   Lime Rock Resources GP-II, L.P., its sole member
    By:   LRR GP-II, LLC, its general partner
      By:  

/s/ Eric Mullins

      Name:   Eric Mullins
      Title:   Co-Chief Executive Officer
PURCHASER:
GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC.
By:  

/s/ J. Russell Porter

Name:   J. Russell Porter
Title:   President and CEO

 

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Exhibit 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC.

Gastar Exploration USA, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Corporation ”), hereby certifies as follows:

A. The name of the Corporation is Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. The Corporation’s original Certificate of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 24, 2011.

B. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted in accordance with Section 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and restates, integrates and further amends the provisions of the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation.

C. The text of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto.

(Signature Page Follows)


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be executed by the undersigned officer, thereunto duly authorized, this 25th day of October, 2013.

 

GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC.

By:

 

/s/ J. Russell Porter

Name:

  J. Russell Porter

Title:

  President

S IGNATURE P AGE TO

A MENDED AND R ESTATED

C ERTIFICATE OF I NCORPORATION OF

G ASTAR E XPLORATION USA, I NC .


EXHIBIT A

ARTICLE 1

NAME

The name of the corporation is Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. (the “ Corporation ”).

ARTICLE 2

REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT

The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, City of Wilmington 19808, County of New Castle. The name of its registered agent at such address is the Corporation Service Company.

ARTICLE 3

PURPOSE

The nature of the business or purpose to be conducted or promoted of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (“ Delaware Corporation Law ”).

ARTICLE 4

CAPITAL STOCK

Section 1. Authorized Capital Stock . The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock.” The Corporation shall have authority to issue 275,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value (the “ Common Stock ”), and 40,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “ Preferred Stock ”).

Section 2. Preferred Stock . The Board of Directors is hereby empowered to authorize by resolution or resolutions from time to time the issuance of one or more series of Preferred Stock and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, with respect to each such series of Preferred Stock and the number of shares constituting each such series, and to increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) the number of shares of any such series to the extent permitted by Delaware Corporation Law. The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, without a separate vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock, or of any series thereof, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock. The voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, of the 8.625% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock are set forth in Annex A hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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ARTICLE 5

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Power of the Board of Directors . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Number of Directors . The number of directors of the corporation shall be as specified in, or determined in the manner provided in, the Bylaws of the Corporation (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “ Bylaws ”).

Section 3. Election of Directors . Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws so provide.

Section 4. Removal .

(a) The Board of Directors or any individual director may be removed from office at any time (i) with cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class or (ii) without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds (66.66%) of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors voting together as a single class.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holder of one or more classes or series of preferred stock shall have the right, voting separately as a class or series, to elect directors, the election, term of office, filling of vacancies, removal and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws applicable thereto, and such directors so elected shall not be subject to the provisions of this Section 5 unless otherwise provided therein.

ARTICLE 6

STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. Action by Stockholders . Any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken (a) by a vote of stockholders at a meeting of stockholders duly noticed and called in accordance with Delaware Corporation Law or (b) without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote if a consent or consents, in writing or by electronic transmission, setting forth the action so taken shall be signed by all stockholders entitled to vote on the taking of such action. No action shall be taken by the stockholders except in accordance with this Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws.

Section 2. Meetings of Stockholders . Special meetings of stockholders may be called only by the Board of Directors (or the chairman in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors) or the chief executive officer of the Corporation.

 

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ARTICLE 7

LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY

Section 1. Limited Liability . A director of the Corporation shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware Corporation Law.

Section 2. Indemnification and Insurance .

(a) Right to Indemnification . (i) Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “ proceeding ”), by reason of the fact that he or she or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation or is or was serving or has agreed to serve, at the request of the Corporation, in any capacity, with any corporation, partnership or other entity in which the Corporation has a partnership or other interest, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving or having agreed to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware Corporate Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to serve in the capacity which initially entitled such person to indemnity hereunder and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators, and (ii) the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless in such manner any person designated by the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, as a person subject to this indemnification provision, and who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to a proceeding by reason of the fact that he, she or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was serving at the request of the Board of Directors as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise whether such request is made before or after the acts taken or allegedly taken or events occurring or allegedly occurring which give rise to such proceeding; provided, however, that except as provided in subsection (2)(b) of this Article 7, the Corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification pursuant to this subsection in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors. The right to indemnification conferred herein shall be a contract right based upon an offer from the Corporation which shall be deemed to have been made to a person subject to subsection (2)(a)(i) on the date this Certificate of Incorporation is effective and to a person subject to subsection (2)(a)(ii) on the date designated by the Board of Directors, shall be deemed to be accepted by such person’s service or continued service as a director or officer of the Corporation for any period after the offer is made and shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided further, however, that if the Delaware Corporation Law requires, the

 

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payment of such expenses incurred by a current, former or proposed director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer or proposed director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is or has been agreed to be rendered by such person while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnified person, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such indemnified person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article 7 or otherwise. The Corporation may, by action of the Board of Directors, provide indemnification or advancement to employees or agents of the Corporation with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.

(b) Right of Claimant to Bring Suit . If a claim under Section (2)(a) of this Article 7 is not paid in full by the Corporation within thirty days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim to the fullest extent permitted by law. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the Delaware Corporation Law for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the Delaware Corporation Law, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

(c) Nonexclusivity of Rights . The right to indemnification and the advancement and payment of expenses conferred in this Article 7 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any law (common or statutory), provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, bylaw, agreement (including any indemnification agreement or employment agreement with the Corporation), vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

(d) Insurance . The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any person who is or was serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Delaware Corporation Law.

(e) Savings Clause . If this Article 7 or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify and hold harmless each director and officer of the Corporation, as to costs, charges and expenses

 

A-4


(including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement with respect to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative to the full extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article 7 that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

(f) Nature of Rights . The rights conferred upon indemnitees in this Article 7 shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators. Any amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article 7 that adversely affects any right of an indemnitee or its successors shall be prospective only and shall not limit, eliminate, or impair any such right with respect to any proceeding involving any occurrence or alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that took place prior to such amendment or repeal.

ARTICLE 8

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the powers conferred by Delaware Corporation Law, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized, and shall have the concurrent power with the stockholders, to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws. This Article 8 is inserted for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation and for the further definition of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders

ARTICLE 9

AMENDMENT OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS

Section 1. The Corporation reserves the right, subject to any express provisions or restrictions contained in this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, from time to time, to amend this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision hereof in any manner now or hereafter permitted by Delaware Corporation Law, and all rights and powers conferred upon stockholders, directors and officers of the Corporation herein are granted subject to such right of the Corporation.

Section 2. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of Delaware Corporation Law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation or any certificate of designation filed with respect to a series of Preferred Stock, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds (66.66%) of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend or repeal Articles 5, 7, and 9.

Section 3. Except as otherwise provided by Delaware Corporation Law or this Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by (a) the Board of Directors, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the authorized number of directors and (b) the stockholders, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds (66.66%) of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a class, in addition to any vote of holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

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(Remainder of page left intentionally left blank)

 

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ANNEX A

GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC.

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES

8.625% SERIES A CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK

(Pursuant to Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware)

Gastar Exploration USA, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended (the “ DGCL ”), in accordance with Section 151 of the DGCL, does hereby certify that:

1. The name of the corporation is Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. (the “ Corporation ”).

2. The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (as may be amended from time to time, the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”) was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 24, 2011.

3. Pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of Directors of the Corporation by the Certificate of Incorporation, and pursuant to the provisions of Sections 103 and 151(g) of the DGCL, said Board of Directors, by unanimous written consent on June 13, 2011, adopted a resolution establishing the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of, and the number of shares comprising, the Corporation’s 8.625% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock, which resolution is as follows:

RESOLVED , that, pursuant to authority given by Article IV of the Certificate of Incorporation (which authorized 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share), a new series of preferred stock in the Corporation, having the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, and the number of shares constituting such series and the designation of such series, set forth below be, and it hereby is, authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation as follows:

Section 1. Number of Shares and Designation . This series of Preferred Stock shall be designated as 8.625% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Series A Preferred Shares ”), and the number of shares that shall constitute such series shall be 10,000,000.

Section 2. Definitions . For purposes of the Series A Preferred Shares and as used in this Certificate, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

Business Day ” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which state or federally chartered banking institutions in New York, New York are not required to be open.

Bylaws ” shall mean the amended and restated bylaws of the Corporation, as may be amended from time to time.

 

Annex A - 7


Call Date ” shall mean the date fixed for redemption of the Series A Preferred Shares and specified in the notice to holders required under paragraph (e) of Section 5 hereof as the Call Date.

Certificate ” shall mean this Certificate of Designations of Rights and Preferences of the Series A Preferred Shares.

A “ Change of Ownership or Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred on the date (i) that a “person,” “group” or “entity” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), becomes the ultimate “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all shares of Voting Stock that such person or group has the right to acquire regardless of when such right is first exercisable), directly or indirectly, of Voting Stock representing more than 50% of the total voting power of the total Voting Stock of either the Corporation or the Parent; (ii) that either the Corporation or the Parent sells, transfers or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of its assets; or (iii) of the consummation of a merger or share exchange of either the Corporation or the Parent with another entity where the applicable entity’s stockholders immediately prior to the merger or share exchange would not beneficially own, immediately after the merger or share exchange, securities representing 50% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock of the entity issuing cash or securities in the merger or share exchange (without consideration of the rights of any class of stock to elect directors by a separate group vote), or where members of the Board of Directors of the applicable entity immediately prior to the merger or share exchange would not, immediately after the merger or share exchange, constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the entity issuing cash or securities in the merger or share exchange.

Common Shares ” shall mean the shares of common stock, no par value, of the Corporation.

Dividend Default ” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph (b) of Section 3 hereof.

Dividend Payment Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph (a) of Section 3 hereof.

Dividend Periods ” shall mean monthly dividend periods commencing on the first day of each calendar month and ending on and including the day preceding the first day of the next succeeding Dividend Period; provided , however , that any Dividend Period during which any Series A Preferred Shares shall be redeemed pursuant to Section 5 hereof shall end on and include the Call Date only with respect to the Series A Preferred Shares being redeemed.

Dividend Rate ” shall mean the dividend rate accruing on the Series A Preferred Shares, as applicable from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof.

Dividend Record Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph (a) of Section 3 hereof.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Annex A - 8


Gastar USA Board ” shall mean the board of directors of the Corporation or any committee of members of the board of directors authorized by such board to perform any of its responsibilities with respect to the Series A Preferred Shares.

Junior Shares ” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph (a)(iii) of Section 7 hereof.

Listing Default ” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph (c) of Section 3 hereof.

Market Value ” of a given security shall mean the average of the daily Trading Price per share of such security for the ten consecutive Trading Days immediately prior to the date in question.

NASDAQ Stock Market ” shall mean any of The NASDAQ Global Market, The NASDAQ Capital Market or The NASDAQ Global Select Market.

National Market Listing ” shall mean the listing or quotation, as applicable, of securities on or in the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE Amex, a NASDAQ Stock Market or any comparable national securities exchange or national securities market.

Parent ” shall mean Gastar Exploration Ltd, a corporation subsisting under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) and the owner of all of the Common Shares of the Corporation.

Parent Board ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Parent.

Parent Common Stock ” shall mean the common shares of the Parent, which are listed on the NYSE Amex under the symbol “GST.”

Parity Shares ” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph (a)(ii) of Section 7 hereof.

Penalty Rate ” shall mean 10.625% per annum.

Person ” shall mean any individual, firm, partnership, limited liability company, corporation or other entity, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

A “ Quarterly Dividend Default ” shall occur if the Corporation fails to pay cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares in full during any Dividend Period within a Quarterly Dividend Period; provided , that only one Quarterly Dividend Default may occur during each Quarterly Dividend Period and only four Quarterly Dividend Defaults may occur during any calendar year.

Quarterly Dividend Period ” shall mean quarterly dividend periods commencing on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year and ending on and including the day preceding the next succeeding Quarterly Dividend Period.

SEC ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9 hereof.

Securities Act ” shall mean the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Senior Shares ” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph (a) of Section 7 hereof.

 

Annex A - 9


Series A Preferred Shares ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1 hereof.

set apart for payment ” shall be deemed to include, without any further action, the following: the recording by the Corporation in its accounting ledgers of any accounting or bookkeeping entry that indicates, pursuant to an authorization by the Gastar USA Board and a declaration of dividends or other distribution by the Corporation, the initial and continued allocation of funds to be so paid on any series or class of shares of stock of the Corporation; provided , however , that if any funds for any class or series of Junior Shares or any class or series of Parity Shares are placed in a separate account of the Corporation or delivered to a disbursing, paying or other similar agent, then “set apart for payment” with respect to the Series A Preferred Shares shall mean irrevocably placing such funds in a separate account or irrevocably delivering such funds to a disbursing, paying or other similar agent.

Stated Rate ” shall mean 8.625% per annum.

Trading Day ” shall mean, if a security is listed or admitted to trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market, the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE Amex or another national securities exchange or national securities market, a full day on which the NASDAQ Stock Market, the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE Amex or such other national securities exchange or national securities market on which the security is traded is open for business and on which trades may be made thereon.

Trading Price ” of a security on any Trading Day (excluding any after-hours trading as of such date) shall mean:

(a) the last sale price, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and ask prices, regular way, in either case as reported by the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading or quoted on the NYSE Amex, or if such security is not listed or admitted to trading or quoted on the NYSE Amex, as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange or national securities market on or in which such security is listed or admitted to trading;

(b) if such security is not listed on, admitted to trading or quoted on the NYSE Amex or a national securities exchange or national securities market on that date, the last price quoted by Interactive Data Corporation for that security on the date, or if Interactive Data Corporation is not quoting such price, a similar quotation service selected by the Corporation;

(c) if such security is not so quoted, the average mid-point of the last bid and ask prices for such security on that date from at least two dealers recognized as market-makers for such security selected by the Corporation for this purpose; or

(d) if such security is not so quoted, the average of the last bid and ask prices for such security on that date from a dealer engaged in the trading of such securities selected by the Corporation for such purpose.

Transfer Agent ” means American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, or such other agent or agents of the Corporation as may be designated by the Gastar USA Board or its duly authorized designee as the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the Series A Preferred Shares.

 

Annex A - 10


Voting Preferred Shares ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8 hereof.

Voting Stock ” shall mean stock of any class or kind having the power to vote generally for the election of directors.

Section 3. Dividends .

(a) Holders of issued and outstanding Series A Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Gastar USA Board out of funds of the Corporation legally available for the payment of distributions, cumulative preferential cash dividends at a rate per annum equal to the Dividend Rate of the $25.00 per share stated liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Shares. Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Section 3, the Dividend Rate shall be equal to the Stated Rate. Such dividends shall accrue and accumulate on each issued and outstanding share of the Series A Preferred Shares on a daily basis from (but excluding) the original date of issuance of such share and shall be payable monthly in equal amounts in arrears on the last calendar day of each Dividend Period except for Series A Preferred Shares issued during June 2011, for which an initial partial dividend payment for dividends accrued in June 2011 shall be payable at the end of the first full Dividend Period (each such day being hereinafter called a “ Dividend Payment Date ”); provided , that (i) Series A Preferred Shares issued during any Dividend Period after the Dividend Record Date for such Dividend Period shall only begin to accrue dividends on the first day of the next Dividend Period; and provided , further , that (ii) if any Dividend Payment Date is not a Business Day, then the dividend that would otherwise have been payable on such Dividend Payment Date may be paid on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if paid on such Dividend Payment Date, and no interest or additional dividends or other sums shall accrue on the amount so payable from such Dividend Payment Date to such next succeeding Business Day. Any dividend payable on the Series A Preferred Shares for any partial Dividend Period shall be prorated and computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends shall be payable to holders of record as they appear in the stock records of the Corporation at the close of business on the applicable record date, which shall be (i) with respect to the partial Dividend Period for dividends accrued during June 2011 described above, at the end of July 2011, and (ii) with respect to all other Dividend Periods, the tenth day preceding the applicable Dividend Payment Date, or such other date designated by the Gastar USA Board or an officer of the Corporation duly authorized by the Gastar USA Board for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than ten days prior to such Dividend Payment Date (each such date, a “ Dividend Record Date ”).

(b) Upon the occurrence of four accumulated, accrued and unpaid Quarterly Dividend Defaults, whether consecutive or non-consecutive (a “ Dividend Default ”), then:

(i) the Dividend Rate shall increase to the Penalty Rate, commencing on the first day after the Dividend Payment Date on which a Dividend Default occurs and for each subsequent Dividend Payment Date thereafter until such time as the Corporation has paid all accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares in full and has paid accrued dividends for all Dividend Periods during the two most recently completed Quarterly Dividend Periods in full in cash, at which time the Dividend Rate shall revert to the Stated Rate;

 

Annex A - 11


(ii) on the next Dividend Payment Date following the Dividend Payment Date on which a Dividend Default occurs, and continuing until such time as the Corporation has paid all accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares in full and has paid accrued dividends for all Dividend Periods during the two most recently completed Quarterly Dividend Periods in full in cash, the Corporation shall pay all dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares, including all accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends, on each Dividend Payment Date either in cash or, if not paid in cash, by issuing to the holders thereof (A) if the Common Shares are then subject to a National Market Listing, registered Common Shares with a value equal to the amount of dividends being paid, calculated based on the then current Market Value of the Common Shares, plus cash in lieu of any fractional Common Share; or (B) if the Common Shares are not then subject to a National Market Listing, at the option of the Corporation, (i) additional Series A Preferred Shares with a value equal to the amount of dividends being paid, calculated based on the stated $25.00 liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Shares, plus cash in lieu of any fractional Series A Preferred Shares, or (ii) if the Parent Common Stock is then subject to a National Market Listing and Parent owns a majority of the Voting Stock of Gastar USA; provided , that the Parent consents to such issuance and to the extent permitted under the applicable securities laws and the rules of the national exchange on which such shares are listed, registered shares of Parent Common Stock with a value equal to the amount of dividends being paid, calculated based on the then current Market Value of the Parent Common Stock, as applicable, plus cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Parent Common Stock (and dividends on any such Series A Preferred Shares upon issuance shall accrue at the Penalty Rate and accumulate until such time as the Dividend Rate shall revert to the Stated Rate in accordance with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (b));

(iii) until such time as the Dividend Rate reverts to the Stated Rate pursuant to subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (b) the holders of Series A Preferred Shares will have the voting rights described in Section 8 hereof; and

(iv) to the extent that the Corporation determines a shelf registration statement to cover resales of Common Shares or Series A Preferred Shares is required in connection with the issuance of, or for resales of, such Common Shares or Series A Preferred Shares issued as payment of a dividend, the Corporation will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file and maintain the effectiveness of such a shelf registration statement until such time as all shares of such stock have been resold thereunder or such shares are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144(b)(1) under the Securities Act.

Following any Dividend Default that has been cured by the Corporation as provided above in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (b), if the Corporation subsequently fails to pay cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares in full for any Dividend Period, such subsequent failure shall constitute a separate Dividend Default, and the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (b) shall immediately apply until such subsequent Dividend Default is cured as so provided.

 

Annex A - 12


(c) Once the Series A Preferred Shares become initially eligible for National Market Listing, if the Corporation fails to maintain a National Market Listing for the Series A Preferred Shares for 180 consecutive days or longer (a “ Listing Default ”), then:

(i) the Dividend Rate shall increase to the Penalty Rate, commencing on the day after the Listing Default and continuing until such time as the Corporation has cured the Listing Default by again subjecting the Series A Preferred Shares to a National Market Listing, at which time the Dividend Rate shall revert to the Stated Rate; and

(ii) until such time as the Dividend Rate reverts to the Stated Rate pursuant to subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (c) the holders of Series A Preferred Shares will have the voting rights described in Section 8 hereof.

Following any Listing Default that has been cured by the Corporation as provided in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (c), if the Series A Preferred Shares subsequently cease to be subject to a National Market Listing, such event shall constitute a separate Listing Default, and the foregoing provisions of subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of this paragraph (c) shall immediately apply until such time as the Series A Preferred Shares are again subject to a National Market Listing.

(d) The Corporation shall at all times keep reserved a sufficient number of Series A Preferred Shares for the payment of any accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares as described in paragraph (b)(ii) of this Section 3, and if a dividend is paid in shares of stock an amount equal to the aggregate par value of the shares issued shall be designated as capital in respect of such shares in accordance with Section 154 of the DGCL.

(e) No dividend on the Series A Preferred Shares will be declared by the Corporation or paid or set apart for payment by the Corporation at such time as the terms and provisions of Senior Shares or any agreement of the Corporation, including any agreement relating to its indebtedness, prohibit such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment or provide that such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach thereof or a default thereunder, or if such declaration, payment or setting aside of funds is restricted or prohibited under the DGCL or other applicable law; provided , however , notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares shall continue to accrue and accumulate regardless of whether: (i) any or all of the foregoing restrictions exist; (ii) the Corporation has earnings or profits; (iii) there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends; or (iv) such dividends are authorized by the Gastar USA Board. Accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares will accumulate as of the Dividend Payment Date on which they first become payable or on the date of redemption of the Series A Preferred Shares, as the case may be.

(f) Except as provided in the next sentence, if any Series A Preferred Shares are outstanding, no dividends will be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any Parity Shares or Junior Shares, unless all accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends are contemporaneously declared and paid in cash or declared and a sum of cash sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the Series A Preferred Shares for all past Dividend Periods with respect to which full dividends were not paid on the Series A Preferred Shares either in cash or in

 

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Common Shares, Series A Preferred Shares or Parent Common Stock. When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart for payment) upon the Series A Preferred Shares and upon all Parity Shares, all dividends declared, paid or set apart for payment upon the Series A Preferred Shares and all such Parity Shares shall be declared and paid pro rata or declared and set apart for payment pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share of Series A Preferred Shares and per share of such Parity Shares shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accumulated dividends per share of Series A Preferred Shares and such other Parity Shares (which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such other Parity Shares do not bear cumulative dividends) bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on Series A Preferred Shares which may be in arrears, whether at the Stated Rate or at the Penalty Rate.

(g) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this Section 3, unless all accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares are contemporaneously declared and paid in cash or declared and a sum of cash sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment for all past Dividend Periods with respect to which full dividends were not paid on the Series A Preferred Shares either in cash or in Common Shares, Series A Preferred Shares or Parent Common Stock, no dividends (other than in Common Shares or Junior Shares ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Shares as to dividends and upon liquidation) may be declared or paid or set apart for payment upon the Common Shares or any Junior Shares or Parity Shares, nor shall any Common Shares or any Junior Shares or Parity Shares be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired directly or indirectly for any consideration (or any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such stock) by the Corporation (except by conversion into or exchange for Junior Shares or by redemption, purchase or acquisition of stock under any employee benefit plan of the Corporation).

(h) Holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, property or shares, in excess of all accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares as described in this Section 3. Any dividend payment made on the Series A Preferred Shares shall first be credited against the earliest accumulated accrued and unpaid dividend due with respect to such shares which remains payable at the time of such payment.

Section 4. Liquidation Preference .

(a) Subject to the rights of the holders of Senior Shares and Parity Shares, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, before any payment or distribution of the assets of the Corporation (whether capital or surplus) shall be made to or set apart for the holders of Junior Shares, as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, each holder of the Series A Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive an amount of cash equal to $25.00 per Series A Preferred Share plus an amount in cash equal to all accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared) to the date of final distribution to such holders. If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the assets of the Corporation, or proceeds thereof, distributable among the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares shall be insufficient to pay in full the preferential amount aforesaid and liquidating payments on any

 

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other shares of any class or series of Parity Shares as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, then such assets, or the proceeds thereof, shall be distributed among the holders of Series A Preferred Shares and any such other Parity Shares ratably in accordance with the respective amounts that would be payable on such Series A Preferred Shares and any such other Parity Shares if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full. For the purposes of this Section 4, none of (i) a consolidation or merger of the Corporation with one or more corporations or other entities, (ii) a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets or (iii) a statutory share exchange shall be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, of the Corporation.

(b) Subject to the rights of the holders of Senior Shares and Parity Shares upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after payment shall have been made in full to the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares, as provided in this Section 4, any other series or class or classes of Junior Shares shall, subject to the respective terms and provisions (if any) applying thereto, be entitled to receive any and all assets remaining to be paid or distributed, and the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to share therein.

Section 5. Redemption .

(a) The Series A Preferred Shares shall not be redeemable by the Corporation prior to June 23, 2014, except following a Change of Ownership or Control as provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 5. On and after June 23, 2014, the Corporation may redeem the Series A Preferred Shares, in whole at any time or from time to time in part, at the option of the Corporation, for cash, at a redemption price of $25.00 per Series A Preferred Share, plus the amounts indicated in paragraph (c) of this Section 5.

(b) Following a Change of Ownership or Control, within 90 days following the date on which the Change of Ownership or Control has occurred, the Corporation will have the right, but not the obligation, to redeem the Series A Preferred Shares, in whole but not in part, for cash at the following price per Series A Preferred Share, plus the amounts indicated in paragraph (c) of this Section 5:

 

(i)

 

if the Call Date is prior to June 23, 2012

   $ 25.75   

(ii)

 

if the Call Date is on or after June 23, 2012 and prior to June 23, 2013

   $ 25.50   

(iii)

 

if the Call Date is on or after June 23, 2013 and prior to June 23, 2014

   $ 25.25   

(iv)

 

if the Call Date is on or after June 23, 2014

   $ 25.00   

(c) Upon any redemption of Series A Preferred Shares pursuant to this Section 5, the Corporation shall, subject to the next sentence, pay any accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends in arrears for any Dividend Period ending on or prior to the Call Date. If the Call Date falls after a Dividend Record Date and prior to the corresponding Dividend Payment Date, then

 

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each holder of Series A Preferred Shares at the close of business on such Dividend Record Date shall be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares before such Dividend Payment Date. Except as provided above, the Corporation shall make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on Series A Preferred Shares called for redemption.

(d) If all accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares and any other class or series of Parity Shares of the Corporation have not been paid in cash, Common Shares, Series A Preferred Shares (or, with respect to any Parity Shares, in Parity Shares) or Parent Common Stock declared and set apart for payment in cash, Common Shares, Series A Preferred Shares (or, with respect to any Parity Shares, in Parity Shares) or Parent Common Stock, the Series A Preferred Shares shall not be redeemed under this Section 5 in part and the Corporation shall not purchase or acquire Series A Preferred Shares, otherwise than (i) pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to all holders of Series A Preferred Shares and Parity Shares or (ii) in exchange for Junior Shares.

(e) Notice of the redemption of any Series A Preferred Shares under this Section 5 shall be mailed by first class mail to each holder of record of Series A Preferred Shares to be redeemed at the address of each such holder as shown on the Corporation’s records, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Call Date. Neither the failure to mail any notice required by this paragraph (e), nor any defect therein or in the mailing thereof, to any particular holder, shall affect the sufficiency of the notice or the validity of the proceedings for redemption with respect to the other holders. Any notice mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given on the date mailed whether or not the holder receives the notice. Each such mailed notice shall state, as appropriate: (1) the Call Date; (2) the number of Series A Preferred Shares to be redeemed and, if fewer than all the shares held by such holder are to be redeemed, the number of such shares to be redeemed from such holder; (3) the redemption price per Series A Preferred Share (determined as set forth in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 5, as applicable) plus accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends through the Call Date (determined as set forth in paragraph (c) of this Section 5); (4) if any shares are represented by certificates, the place or places at which certificates for such shares are to be surrendered; (5) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed shall cease to accrue on such Call Date except as otherwise provided herein; and (6) any other information required by law or by the applicable rules of any exchange or national securities market upon which the Series A Preferred Shares may be listed or admitted for trading. Notice having been mailed as aforesaid, from and after the Call Date (unless the Corporation shall fail to make available an amount of cash necessary to effect such redemption), (i) except as otherwise provided herein, dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares so called for redemption shall cease to accrue, (ii) said shares shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and (iii) all rights of the holders thereof as holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall cease (except the right to receive cash payable upon such redemption, without interest thereon, upon surrender and endorsement of their certificates if so required and to receive any dividends payable thereon).

(f) The Corporation’s obligation to provide cash in accordance with the preceding subsection shall be deemed fulfilled if, on or before the Call Date, the Corporation shall irrevocably deposit funds necessary for such redemption, in trust, with a bank or trust company that has, or is an affiliate of a bank or trust company that has, capital and surplus of at least $50

 

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million, with irrevocable instructions that such cash be applied to the redemption of the Series A Preferred Shares so called for redemption, in which case the notice to holders of the Series A Preferred Shares will (i) state the date of such deposit, (ii) specify the office of such bank or trust company as the place of payment of the redemption price and (iii) require such holders to surrender the certificates, if any, representing such shares at such place on or about the date fixed in such redemption notice (which may not be later than the Call Date) against payment of the redemption price (including all accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends to the Call Date, determined as set forth in paragraph (c) of this Section 5). No interest shall accrue for the benefit of the holders of Series A Preferred Shares to be redeemed on any cash so set aside by the Corporation. Subject to applicable escheat laws, any such cash unclaimed at the end of six months from the Call Date shall revert to the general funds of the Corporation after which reversion the holders of such shares so called for redemption shall look only to the general funds of the Corporation for the payment of such cash.

(g) As promptly as practicable after the surrender in accordance with said notice of the certificates, if any, for any such shares so redeemed (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Corporation shall so require and if the notice shall so state), such shares shall be exchanged for any cash (without interest thereon) for which such shares have been redeemed. If fewer than all the outstanding Series A Preferred Shares are to be redeemed, shares to be redeemed shall be selected by the Corporation from outstanding Series A Preferred Shares not previously called for redemption by lot or pro rata (as nearly as may be) or by any other method determined by the Corporation in its sole discretion to be equitable. If fewer than all the Series A Preferred Shares represented by any certificate are redeemed, then new certificates representing the unredeemed shares shall be issued without cost to the holder thereof.

Section 6. Status of Acquired Shares . All Series A Preferred Shares issued and redeemed by the Corporation in accordance with Section 5 hereof, or otherwise acquired by the Corporation, shall be restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares of undesignated Preferred Stock of the Corporation.

Section 7. Ranking . Any class or series of shares of stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to rank:

(a) prior to the Series A Preferred Shares, as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if the holders of such class or series shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in preference or priority to the holders of Series A Preferred Shares (“ Senior Shares ”);

(b) on a parity with the Series A Preferred Shares, as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether or not the dividend rates, dividend payment dates or redemption or liquidation prices per share thereof be different from those of the Series A Preferred Shares, if the holders of such class or series and the Series A Preferred Shares shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends and of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up in proportion to their respective amounts of accrued and unpaid dividends per share or liquidation preferences, without preference or priority one over the other (“ Parity Shares ”); and

 

Annex A - 17


(c) junior to the Series A Preferred Shares, as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if such class or series shall be the Common Shares or any other class or series of shares of stock of the Corporation now or hereafter issued and outstanding over which the Series A Preferred Shares have preference or priority in the payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation (“ Junior Shares ”).

Section 8. Voting Rights .

(a) The Series A Preferred Shares shall have no voting rights, except as set forth in this Section 8. In the circumstances identified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of Section 3 hereof, the number of directors then constituting the Gastar USA Board shall increase by at least two (the exact number to be fixed by the Gastar USA Board pursuant to the Bylaws), and the holders of Series A Preferred Shares, together with the holders of shares of every other series of Parity Shares upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable (any such other series, the “ Voting Preferred Shares ”), voting together as a single class regardless of series, shall be entitled to elect two directors. Such directors shall be elected at any annual meeting of stockholders or special meeting held in place thereof, or at a special meeting of the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares called as provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 8; in each instance in accordance with the Bylaws. Such voting rights shall continue until terminated as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of Section 3 hereof, as applicable, whereupon the terms of all persons elected as directors to the Gastar USA Board by the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares shall terminate effective immediately and the number of directors constituting the Gastar USA Board shall decrease accordingly.

(b) At any time after the voting power conferred in paragraph (a) of this Section 8 shall have been so vested in the holders of Series A Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares, the Secretary of the Corporation may, and upon the written request of any holder of Series A Preferred Shares (addressed to the Secretary at the principal office of the Corporation) shall, call a special meeting of the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares and of the Voting Preferred Shares for the election of the two directors to be elected by them to the Gastar USA Board as herein provided, such call to be made by notice similar to that provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation for a special meeting of the stockholders or as required by law. If any such special meeting required to be called as above provided shall not be called by the Secretary within 75 days after receipt of any such request, then any holder of Series A Preferred Shares may call such meeting, upon the notice above provided, and for that purpose shall have access to the share records of the Corporation for the Series A Preferred Shares and Voting Preferred Shares. The directors elected at any such special meeting shall serve until the next annual meeting of the stockholders or special meeting held in lieu thereof and until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until such person’s earlier resignation or removal, if such term shall not have previously terminated as above provided. If any vacancy shall occur among the directors elected by the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares, a successor shall be elected by the Gastar USA Board, upon the nomination of the then-remaining director elected by the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares or the successor of such remaining director, if any, to serve until the next annual meeting of the stockholders or special meeting held in place thereof and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, if such term shall not have previously terminated as provided above.

 

Annex A - 18


(c) The holders of the Series A Preferred Shares acknowledge that, in the event that they and any other voting Preferred Shares submit a written request to call a special meeting of the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares and of the Voting Preferred Shares for the election of the two directors to be elected by them to the Gastar USA Board pursuant to paragraph (b) of Section 8, the existing Gastar USA Board may, pursuant to the provisions of the Bylaws, (i) increase the number of directors on the Gastar USA Board to a number that would allow the directors elected by the holders of the Common Shares of the Corporation or appointed by the existing Gastar USA Board to fill the newly created directorships to constitute at least a majority of the Gastar USA Board and (ii) fill those vacancies prior to any such election pursuant to paragraph (b) of Section 8.

(d) So long as any Series A Preferred Shares are outstanding, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Series A Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares at the time outstanding, acting as a single class regardless of series, given in person or by proxy, either in writing without a meeting or by vote at any meeting called for the purpose, shall be necessary for effecting or validating:

(i) Any amendment, alteration or repeal of any of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or these terms of the Series A Preferred Shares that materially and adversely affects the rights, preferences or voting power of the Series A Preferred Shares or the Voting Preferred Shares; provided , however , that the amendment of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation so as to authorize or create, or to increase the authorized amount of, the Series A Preferred Shares, any Parity Shares or any Junior Shares shall not be deemed to materially or adversely affect the rights, preferences or voting power of the Series A Preferred Shares or the Voting Preferred Shares; and provided , further , that if any such amendment, alteration or repeal would materially and adversely affect any voting powers, rights or preferences of the Series A Preferred Shares or another series of Voting Preferred Shares that are not enjoyed by some or all of the other series otherwise entitled to vote in accordance herewith, the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all series similarly affected, similarly given, shall be required in lieu of the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares otherwise entitled to vote in accordance herewith;

(ii) A statutory share exchange that affects the Series A Preferred Shares, a consolidation with or merger of the Corporation into another entity, or a consolidation with or merger of another entity into the Corporation, unless in each such case each Series A Preferred Share (i) shall remain outstanding without a material and adverse change to its terms, voting powers, preferences and rights or (ii) shall be converted into or exchanged for preferred shares of the surviving entity having preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption thereof identical to that of a Series A Preferred Share (except for changes that do not materially and adversely affect the Series A Preferred Shares); provided , however , that if any such share exchange, consolidation or merger would materially and adversely affect any voting powers, rights or preferences of the Series A Preferred Shares or another series of Voting Preferred

 

Annex A - 19


Shares that are not enjoyed by some or all of the other series otherwise entitled to vote in accordance herewith, the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all series similarly affected, similarly given, shall be required in lieu of the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares otherwise entitled to vote in accordance herewith; or

(iii) The authorization, reclassification or creation of, or the increase in the authorized amount of, any shares of any class or any security convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any class ranking prior to the Series A Preferred Shares or the Voting Preferred Shares in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation or in the payment of dividends;

provided , however , that no such vote of the holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall be required on or after June 23, 2014, or in connection with a Change of Ownership or Control if, at or prior to the time when such amendment, alteration, repeal, share exchange, consolidation or merger is to take effect, or when the issuance of any such prior shares or convertible security is to be made, as the case may be, a deposit is made for the redemption in cash of all Series A Preferred Shares at the time outstanding as provided in paragraph (e) of Section 5 hereof for a redemption price determined under the appropriate paragraph of Section 5 hereof.

For purposes of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this Section 8, each Series A Preferred Share shall have one vote per share, except that when any other series of Voting Preferred Shares shall have the right to vote with the Series A Preferred Shares as a single class on any matter, then the Series A Preferred Shares and such other series shall have with respect to such matters one vote per $25.00 of stated liquidation preference. Except as set forth herein, the Series A Preferred Shares shall not have any relative, participating, optional or other special voting rights and powers other than as set forth herein, and the consent of the holders thereof shall not be required for the taking of any corporate action.

No amendment to these terms of the Series A Preferred Shares shall require the vote of the holders of Common Shares (except as required by law) or any series of Preferred Stock other than the Voting Preferred Shares.

Section 9. Information Rights . During any period in which the Corporation is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and any Series A Preferred Shares are outstanding, the Corporation shall (a) transmit by mail to all holders of Series A Preferred Shares, as their names and addresses appear in the Corporation’s record books and without cost to such holders, copies of the annual reports and quarterly reports that the Corporation would have been required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if the Corporation was subject to such sections (other than any exhibits that would have been required); and (b) promptly upon written request, supply copies of such reports to any prospective holder of Series A Preferred Shares. The Corporation shall mail the reports to the holders of Series A Preferred Shares within 15 days after the respective dates by which the Corporation would have been required to file the reports with the SEC if the Corporation were then subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, assuming the Corporation is a “non-accelerated filer” in accordance with the Exchange Act.

 

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Section 10. Record Holders . The Corporation and the Transfer Agent shall deem and treat the record holder of any Series A Preferred Shares as the true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and neither the Corporation nor the Transfer Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary,

Section 11. Sinking Fund . The Series A Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to the benefits of any retirement or sinking fund.

Section 12. Conversion . The Series A Preferred Shares shall not be convertible into or exchangeable for any stock or other securities or property of the Corporation.

Section 13. Book Entry . The Series A Preferred Shares shall be issued initially in the form of one or more fully registered global certificates (“ Global Preferred Shares ”), which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers represented thereby with the Transfer Agent, as custodian for a securities depositary (the “ Depositary ”) that is a clearing agency under Section 17A of the Exchange Act (or with such other custodian as the Depositary may direct), and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, duly executed by the Corporation and authenticated by the Transfer Agent. The number of Series A Preferred Shares represented by Global Preferred Shares may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Transfer Agent and the Depositary as hereinafter provided. Members of, or participants in, the Depositary (“ Agent Members ”) shall have no rights under these terms of the Series A Preferred Shares with respect to any Global Preferred Shares held on their behalf by the Depositary or by the Transfer Agent as the custodian of the Depositary or under such Global Preferred Shares, and the Depositary may be treated by the Corporation, the Transfer Agent and any agent of the Corporation or the Transfer Agent as the absolute owner of such Global Preferred Shares for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Corporation, the Transfer Agent or any agent of the Corporation or the Transfer Agent from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices of the Depositary governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Preferred Shares.

(Remainder of Page Left Blank)

 

Annex A - 21

Exhibit 3.2

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS OF

GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC.

ARTICLE 1

OFFICES

Section 1.01. Registered Office . The registered office of the Corporation shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware.

Section 1.02. Other Offices . The Corporation shall also have and maintain a principal place of business at such place, within or without the State of Delaware, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors, and may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

Section 1.03. Books . The books of the Corporation may be kept within or without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE 2

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 2.01. Time and Place of Meetings . All meetings of stockholders shall be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, on such date and at such time as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors (or the chairman in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors) or the chief executive officer as shall be specified or fixed in the notices or waivers of notice relating thereto. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as provided under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (“Delaware Corporation Law”).

Section 2.02. Annual Meetings . Unless directors are elected by written consent in lieu of an annual meeting, as permitted by Delaware Corporation Law, an annual meeting of stockholders, commencing with the year 2014, shall be held for the election of directors to succeed those whose terms expire and to transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

Section 2.03. Special Meetings.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, special meetings of stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by (i) the Board of Directors (or the chairman in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors) or (ii) the chief executive officer.

 

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(b) Business conducted at a special meeting shall be limited to the matters described in the applicable request and/or for such special meeting and any other matters as the Board of Directors shall determine.

Section 2.04. Notice of Meetings and Adjourned Meetings; Waivers of Notice .

(a) Except as otherwise provided by Delaware Corporation Law or the Certificate of Incorporation, whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, notice, given in writing or by electronic transmission, of the meeting shall be given which shall state the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting, if such record date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Unless otherwise provided by Delaware Corporation Law, such notice shall be given not less than neither ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to notice of such meeting. Unless these Bylaws otherwise require, when a meeting is adjourned to another time or place (whether or not a quorum is present), notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the place, if any, date and hour of the holding of the adjourned meeting, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, proper notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting.

(b) Whenever notice is required to be given under any provision of Delaware Corporation Law or the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a waiver, given in writing or by electronic transmission, given by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meetings of stockholders need be specified in any waiver of notice unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. Attendance of a person at a meeting or by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice. Any stockholder so waiving notice of such meeting shall be bound by the proceedings of any such meeting in all respects as if due notice thereof had been given.

Section 2.05. Notice of Nominations and Stockholder Business .

(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders . Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation or the proposal of other business to be transacted by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders only (A) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) and Proxy Statement under Rule 14a-8

 

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under the Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “Exchange Act”)), (B) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or the chairman in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors) or the chief executive officer (C) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 2.05(a), who shall be entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.05(a). For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 2.05(a) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations and submit other business (other than matters properly included in the Corporation’s notice of meeting and Proxy Statement) before an annual meeting of stockholders.

(i) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders by a stockholder pursuant to clause (C) of paragraph (a) of this Section 2.05, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation and any such proposed business (other than the nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors) must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received by the secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than thirty (30) days prior to such anniversary date or delayed more than thirty (30) days after such anniversary date then to be timely such notice must be received by the Corporation no earlier than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to such annual meeting and no later than the later of ninety (90) days prior to the date of the meeting or the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the meeting was first made by the Corporation. For purposes of the 2014 annual meeting, the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting shall be determined to be June 6, 2014. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. For purposes of Sections 2.05(a)(ii) and 2.05(b) of these Bylaws, “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, the Associated Press or any comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

(ii) A stockholder’s notice to the corporate secretary shall set forth (A) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected), (B) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend these Bylaws, the text of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting such business at

 

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the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made and (C) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made:

(1) the name and address of such stockholder (as they appear on the Corporation’s books) and any such beneficial owner;

(2) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are held of record or are beneficially owned by such stockholder and by any such beneficial owner;

(3) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding between or among such stockholder and any such beneficial owner, any of their respective affiliates or associates, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such nomination or other business;

(4) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including, regardless of the form of settlement, any derivative, long or short positions, profit interests, forwards, futures, swaps, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation or similar rights, hedging transactions and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into by or on behalf of, or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding that has been made, the effect or intent of which is to create or mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder or any such beneficial owner or any such nominee with respect to the Corporation’s securities (a “Derivative Instrument”);

(5) to the extent not disclosed pursuant to clause (4) above, the principal amount of any indebtedness of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries beneficially owned by such stockholder or by any such beneficial owner, together with the title of the instrument under which such indebtedness was issued and a description of any Derivative Instrument entered into by or on behalf of such stockholder or such beneficial owner relating to the value or payment of any indebtedness of the Corporation or any such subsidiary;

(6) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring such nomination or other business before the meeting; and

(7) a representation as to whether such stockholder or any such beneficial owner intends or is part of a group that intends to (i) deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the voting power of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or to elect each such nominee and/or (ii) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination.

If requested by the Corporation, the information required under clauses (C)(2), (3), (4) and (5) of the preceding sentence of this Section 2.05 shall be updated and supplemented, if necessary, by

 

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such stockholder and any such beneficial owner so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice is true and correct in all material respects as of (i) the record date for the meeting and (ii) the date that is five (5) business days prior to the meeting and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, five (5) business days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (i), such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for the meeting. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (ii), such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than two (2) business days prior to the date for the meeting, and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, two (2) business days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the notice requirements set forth herein with respect to the proposal of any business pursuant to this Section 2.05 other than a nomination shall be deemed satisfied by a stockholder if such stockholder has submitted a proposal to the Corporation in compliance with Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and such stockholder’s proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for the meeting of stockholders.

(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders . Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting pursuant to Section 2.04. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation at a special meeting of stockholders may be made by stockholders only if the election of directors is included as business to be brought before a special meeting in the Corporation’s notice of meeting and then only by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 2.05(b), who shall be entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.05(b). For nominations to be properly brought before a special meeting of stockholders by a stockholder pursuant to this Section 2.05(b), the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received by the secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (A) not earlier than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the date of the special meeting nor (B) later than the later of ninety (90) days prior to the date of the special meeting or the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the special meeting was first made. A stockholder’s notice to the corporate secretary shall comply with the notice requirements of Section 2.05(a)(ii).

(c) General .

(i) At the request of the Board of Directors, any person nominated by the Board of Directors for election as a director shall furnish to the secretary of the Corporation the information that is required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice of nomination that pertains to the nominee. No person shall be eligible to be nominated by a stockholder to serve as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.05. No business shall be conducted at a stockholder meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.04 and this Section 2.05. The chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine

 

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and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by these Bylaws or that business was not properly brought before the meeting, and if he should so determine and declare, the defective nomination shall be disregarded or such business shall not be transacted, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.05, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or other proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded or such proposed business shall not be transacted, as the case may be, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 2.05, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.

(ii) Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.05, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.05; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit any requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to this Section 2.05, and compliance with Section 2.05(a) or (b) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than as provided in the last paragraph of Section 2.05(a)).

(d) Quorum; Adjournment of Meetings . Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws and subject to Delaware Corporation Law, the presence, in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy, of the holders of one-third (33 1/3%) of the outstanding capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If, however, such quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the stockholders, either the chairman of the meeting or a majority of the stockholders present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy shall adjourn the meeting, without any notice other than announcement at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken of the place, if any, date and hour of the holding of the adjourned meeting, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken., until a quorum shall be present. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified. The stockholders present at a duly called or convened meeting, at which a quorum is present, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum.

 

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Section 2.06. Voting .

(a) Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and subject to Delaware Corporation Law, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote held by such stockholder. Any share of capital stock of the Corporation held by the Corporation shall have no voting rights. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and subject to the Delaware Corporation Law, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present and entitled to vote generally on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and subject to the Delaware Corporation Law and the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect additional directors under specific circumstances, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting at which a quorum is present and entitled to vote on the election of directors. There shall be no cumulative voting in the election of directors.

(b) Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to a corporate action in writing or by electronic transmission without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy, appointed by an instrument in writing, subscribed by such stockholder or by his attorney thereunto authorized, or by proxy sent by cable, telegram or by any means of electronic communication permitted by law, which results in a writing or electronic transmission from such stockholder or by his attorney, and delivered to the secretary of the meeting. No proxy shall be voted after three (3) years from its date, unless said proxy provides for a longer period.

(c) Votes may be cast by any stockholder entitled to vote in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by his proxy. In determining the number of votes cast for or against a proposal or nominee, shares abstaining from voting on a matter (including elections) will not be treated as a vote cast.

Section 2.07. Action by Consent .

(a) Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action permitted or required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing or by electronic transmission, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all stockholders entitled to vote for the taking of such action and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in Delaware, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing or by electronic transmission and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of stockholders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation as provided in Section 228 of the Delaware Corporation Law.

 

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(b) Every written consent or electronic transmission shall bear the date of signature of each stockholder who signs the consent, and no written consent or electronic transmission shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within sixty (60) days of the earliest dated consent delivered in the manner required by this Section 2.07 and the Delaware Corporation Law to the Corporation, written consents or electronic transmissions signed by a sufficient number of holders to take action are delivered to the Corporation in the manner required by this Section 2.07 and the Delaware Corporation Law.

(c) A telegram, cablegram or any other electronic transmission consent to an action to be taken and transmitted by a stockholder or proxyholder, or by a person or persons authorized to act for a stockholder or proxyholder, shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated for the purposes of this Section 2.07, provided that any such telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the Corporation can determine (i) that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission was transmitted by the stockholder or proxyholder or by a person or persons authorized to act for the stockholder or proxyholder and (ii) the date on which such stockholder or proxyholder or authorized person or persons transmitted such telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission. The date on which such telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission is transmitted shall be deemed to be the date on which such consent was signed. No consent given by telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been delivered until such consent is reproduced in paper form and until such paper form shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be made by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations on delivery, consents given by telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission may be otherwise delivered to the principal place of business of the Corporation or to an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded if, to the extent and in the manner provided by resolution of the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Any copy, facsimile or other reliable reproduction of a consent in writing may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing for any and all purposes for which the original writing could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original in writing.

Section 2.08. Organization . At each meeting of stockholders, the chairman of the board, if one shall have been elected, or in the chairman’s absence or if one shall not have been elected, the director or officer designated by the vote of the majority of the directors present at such meeting, shall act as chairman of the meeting. The secretary of the corporation (or in the corporate secretary’s absence or inability to act, the person whom the chairman of the meeting shall appoint secretary of the meeting) shall act as secretary of the meeting and keep the minutes thereof.

Section 2.09. Order of Business . The order of business at all meetings of stockholders shall be as determined by the chairman of the meeting.

 

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Section 2.10. Fixing the Record Date .

(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If the Board of Directors so fixes a record date for notice of any meeting of stockholders, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board of Directors determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting and in such case shall also fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.01(a).

(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action, in writing or by electronic transmission, without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors and shall not be more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors pursuant to this Section 7.01(b), the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action, in writing or by electronic transmission, without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of Directors is required by the Delaware Corporation Law, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business or any officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required by the Delaware Corporation Law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action, in writing or by electronic transmission, without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

(c) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted,

 

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and which record date shall be not more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

Section 2.11 Stock List . A complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders, arranged in alphabetical order for each class of stock and showing the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of such stockholder, shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The stock list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present

ARTICLE 3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 3.01. General Powers . Except as otherwise provided in the Delaware Corporation Law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

Section 3.02. Number, Election, Classes, Term of Office .

(a) The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than one (1) nor more than fifteen (15) directors, with the exact number of directors to be determined from time to time solely by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. Directors need not be stockholders.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and subject to the terms of any series of preferred stock entitled to separately elect directors, all of the directors will be elected annually at the annual meeting of stockholders to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders. If for any cause, the directors shall not have been elected at an annual meeting, they may be elected as soon thereafter as convenient at a special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose in the manner provided for in these Bylaws, unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation.

(c) Each director shall hold office until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

Section 3.03. Quorum and Manner of Acting . Unless the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws require a greater number, a majority of the total number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place (whether or not a quorum is present), notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at

 

10


the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting, the Board of Directors may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat shall adjourn the meeting, from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Section 3.04. Time and Place of Meetings . The Board of Directors shall hold its meetings at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, and at such time as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors (or the chairman in the absence of a determination by the Board of Directors).

Section 3.05. Annual Meeting . The Board of Directors shall meet at least annually and may meet more frequently as needed. Notice of such meeting need not be given. In the event such annual meeting is not held on the same day and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders, the annual meeting of the Board of Directors may be held at such place either within or without the State of Delaware, on such date and at such time as shall be specified in a notice thereof given as hereinafter provided in Section 3.07 or in a waiver of notice thereof signed by any director who chooses to waive the requirement of notice.

Section 3.06. Regular Meetings . After the place and time of regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall have been determined and notice thereof shall have been once given to each member of the Board of Directors, regular meetings may be held without further notice being given.

Section 3.07. Special Meetings . Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the chairman of the board or the chief executive officer and shall be called by the secretary of the Corporation on the written request of at least two directors. Notice of special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be given to each director at least 24 hours before the date of the meeting in such manner as is determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 3.08. Committees .

(a) The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters: (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter expressly required by the Delaware Corporation Law to be submitted to the stockholders for approval or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any bylaw of the Corporation. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors when required.

 

11


(b) Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws or the resolution of the Board of Directors designating the committee, a committee may create one or more subcommittees consisting of one or more members of such committee and delegate to such subcommittee any or all of the powers and authority of the committee.

(c) Unless the Board of Directors otherwise provides, each committee designated by the Board of Directors may make, alter and repeal rules for the conduct of its business. In the absence of such rules, each committee shall conduct its business in the same manner as the Board of Directors conducts its business pursuant to this Article 3.

Section 3.09. Action by Consent . Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions, are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the board or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

Section 3.10. Telephonic Meetings . Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors, or such committee, as the case may be, by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

Section 3.11. Resignation . Any director may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board of Directors or to the secretary of the Corporation. The resignation of any director shall take effect upon receipt of notice thereof or at such later time as shall be specified in such notice; and unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section 3.12. Vacancies . Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled solely by a majority of the directors then in office (although less than a quorum) or by the sole remaining director. Subject to the terms of any series of preferred stock entitled to separately elect directors, whenever the holders of any class of stock or series thereof are entitled to elect one or more directors pursuant to the terms of such class or series, vacancies and newly created directorships of such class or series may be filled by a majority of directors elected by such class or series thereof then in office, or by a sole remaining director so elected. If there is no director in office elected by such class or series, then an election of directors may be held in accordance with Delaware Corporation Law. When one or more directors shall resign from the Board of Directors, effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have the power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each director so chosen shall hold office as provided in the filling of other vacancies.

 

12


Section 3.13. Action by Written Consent . Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee thereof in accordance with applicable law.

Section 3.14. Meeting Attendance via Remote Communication Equipment . Unless otherwise restricted by applicable law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, members of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, as the case may be, by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Such participation in a meeting constitutes presence in person at the meeting, except where a person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting was not lawfully called or convened.

Section 3.15. Compensation . Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall have authority to fix the compensation of directors, including fees and reimbursement of expenses.

ARTICLE 4

OFFICERS

Section 4.01. Principal Officers . The principal officers of the Corporation shall be a chief executive officer, a chief financial officer, one or more executive vice presidents, a corporate secretary and such other offices or positions as the Board shall determine who shall have the duty, among other things, to record the proceedings of the meetings of stockholders and directors in a book kept for that purpose. Subject to Section 3.01, the chief executive officer shall conduct and direct generally all the day-to-day business and affairs of the Corporation. The Corporation may also have such other principal officers as the Board of Directors may in its discretion appoint. One person may hold the offices and perform the duties of any two or more of said offices, except that no one person shall hold the offices and perform the duties of chief executive officer and corporate secretary.

Section 4.02. Election, Term of Office and Remuneration . Each such officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified, unless removed sooner as provided for herein, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. The remuneration of all principal officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, or, if such power is expressly delegated to any officers of the Corporation, by such officers. Any vacancy in any office shall be filled in such manner as the Board of Directors shall determine.

Section 4.03. Subordinate Officers . In addition to the principal officers enumerated in Section 4.01, the Corporation may have one or more assistant secretaries and such other

 

13


subordinate officers, agents and employees as the Board of Directors may deem necessary, each of whom shall hold office for such period as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The Board of Directors hereby delegates to the chief executive officer the power to appoint, fix the compensation of and remove any such subordinate officers, agents or employees.

Section 4.04. Removal . In addition to the authority granted pursuant to Section 4.03 with respect to subordinate officers, any officer may be removed, with or without cause, at any time, by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.05. Resignations . Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors (or to a principal officer if the Board of Directors has delegated to such principal officer the power to appoint and remove such officer). The resignation of any officer shall take effect upon receipt of notice thereof or at such later time as shall be specified in such notice; and unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section 4.06. Powers and Duties . The officers of the Corporation shall have such powers and perform such duties incident to each of their respective offices and such other duties as may from time to time be conferred upon or assigned to them by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 5

CAPITAL STOCK

Section 5.01. Uncertificated Shares . The shares of the Corporation may be certificated or uncertificated. If shares are certificated, the Corporation shall cause to be issued to the holder of such shares one or more certificates in such form, not inconsistent with that required by law and the certificate of incorporation, as shall be approved by the Board of Directors. Each such certificate shall be signed in accordance with Section 5.02 hereof and shall specify the number of shares (and, if the stock of the Corporation shall be divided into classes or series, the class and series of such shares) represented by such certificate.

Section 5.02. Multiple Classes of Stock . If the Corporation is authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, the Corporation shall (a) cause the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences or rights to be set forth in full or summarized on the face or back of any certificate that the Corporation issues to represent shares of such class or series of stock or (b) in the case of uncertificated shares, within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of such shares, send to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the information required to be set forth on certificates as specified in clause (a) above; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided by applicable law, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on the face or back of such certificate or, in the case of uncertificated shares, on such written notice a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences or rights.

 

14


Section 5.03. Signatures . Each certificate representing capital stock of the Corporation shall be signed by or in the name of the Corporation by (a) the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President and (b) the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile or by other means of electronic reproduction. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature or an electronic reproduction thereof has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, such certificate may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar on the date of issue.

Section 5.04. Transfer Of Shares . Shares of the stock of the Corporation may be transferred on the record of stockholders of the Corporation by the holder thereof or by such holder’s duly authorized attorney upon surrender of a certificate therefor properly endorsed or upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered holder of uncertificated shares or by such holder’s duly authorized attorney and upon compliance with appropriate procedures for transferring shares in uncertificated form, unless waived by the Corporation.

Section 5.05. Authority for Additional Rules Regarding Transfer . The Board of Directors shall have the power and authority to make all such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with these Bylaws or the Certificate of Incorporation, as they may deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificated or uncertificated shares of the stock of the Corporation, as well as for the issuance of new certificates in lieu of those which may be lost or destroyed, and may require of any stockholder requesting replacement of lost or destroyed certificates, bond in such amount and in such form as they may deem expedient to indemnify the Corporation and the transfer agents and registrars of its stock against any claims arising in connection therewith.

Section 5.06. Registered Stockholders . The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the Delaware Corporation Law.

ARTICLE 6

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 6.01. Dividends . Subject to limitations contained in the Delaware Corporation Law and the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, the Board of Directors may declare and pay dividends upon the shares of capital stock of the Corporation, which dividends may be paid either in cash, in property or in shares of the capital stock of the Corporation.

Section 6.02. Year . The fiscal year of the Corporation shall commence on January 1 and end on December 31 of each year.

Section 6.03. Corporate Seal . The Board of Directors may adopt a corporate seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware.” The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed, affixed or otherwise reproduced.

 

15


Section 6.04. Voting of Stock Owned by the Corporation . The Board of Directors may authorize any person, on behalf of the Corporation, to attend, vote at and grant proxies to be used at any meeting of stockholders of any Corporation (except this Corporation) in which the Corporation may hold stock.

Section 6.05. Means of Giving Notice .

(a) Notice to Directors . Whenever under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws notice is required to be given to any director, such notice shall be given either (1) in writing and sent by hand delivery, through the United States mail, or by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for next day delivery, (2) by means of facsimile telecommunication or other form of electronic transmission, or (3) by oral notice given personally or by telephone. A notice to a director will be deemed given as follows: (1) if given by hand delivery, orally, or by telephone, when actually received by the director; (2) if sent through the United States mail, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time on the fourth business day after deposited in the United States mail, with postage and fees thereon prepaid, addressed to the director at the director’s address appearing on the records of the Corporation; (3) if sent for next day delivery by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time on the first business day after deposited with such service, with fees thereon prepaid, addressed to the director at the director’s address appearing on the records of the Corporation; (4) if sent by facsimile telecommunication, when sent to the facsimile transmission number for such director appearing on the records of the Corporation; (5) if sent by electronic mail, when sent to the electronic mail address for such director appearing on the records of the Corporation; or (6) if sent by any other form of electronic transmission, when sent to the address, location or number (as applicable) for such director appearing on the records of the Corporation.

(b) Notice to Stockholders . Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a notice of the meeting shall be given. Such notice shall state the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting) and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Unless otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the notice of any meeting shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting. If mailed, notice is given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his, her or its address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.

(c) Electronic Transmission . “Electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process, including but not limited to transmission by facsimile telecommunication and electronic mail.

 

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(d) Notice to Stockholders Sharing Same Address . Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively by the Corporation to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provision of the Delaware Corporation Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws shall be effective if given by a single written notice to stockholders who share an address if consented to by the stockholders at that address to whom such notice is given. A stockholder may revoke such stockholder’s consent by delivering written notice of such revocation to the Corporation. Any stockholder who fails to object in writing to the Corporation within sixty (60) days of having been given written notice by the Corporation of its intention to send such a single written notice shall be deemed to have consented to receiving such single written notice.

(e) Exceptions to Notice Requirements . Whenever notice is required to be given by the Corporation, under any provision of the Delaware Corporation Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, to any stockholder to whom (1) notice of two consecutive annual meetings of stockholders and all notices of stockholder meetings or of the taking of action by written consent of stockholders without a meeting to such stockholder during the period between such two consecutive annual meetings, or (2) all, and at least two payments (if sent by first-class mail) of dividends or interest on securities during a 12-month period, have been mailed addressed to such stockholder at such stockholder’s address as shown on the records of the Corporation and have been returned undeliverable, the giving of such notice to such stockholder is not required. Any action or meeting that is taken or held without notice to such stockholder has the same force and effect as if such notice had been duly given. If any such stockholder delivers to the Corporation a written notice setting forth such stockholder’s then current address, the requirement that notice be given to such stockholder shall be reinstated. If the action taken by the Corporation is such as to require the filing of a certificate with the Secretary of State of Delaware, the certificate need not state that notice was not given to persons to whom notice was not required to be given pursuant to Section 230(b) of the Delaware Corporation Law. The exception in subsection (1) of the first sentence of this paragraph to the requirement that notice be given is not applicable to any notice returned as undeliverable if the notice was given by electronic transmission.

 

17

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Gastar Exploration Ltd. and Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.

Houston, Texas

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement No. 333-174552-01 on Form S-3 of Gastar Exploration Ltd. and Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. and No. 333-182237 on Form S-8 of Gastar Exploration Ltd. of our report dated May 10, 2013, with respect to the audit of the Statement of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, which appears in the Current Report on Form 8-K of Gastar Exploration Ltd. and Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.

 

BDO USA, LLP
Dallas, TX
October 28, 2013

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS

As independent oil and gas consultants, Wright & Company, Inc. hereby consents to the incorporation by reference in Gastar Exploration Ltd.’s Registration Statements on Form S-8, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 10, 2009 and June 20, 2012, respectively (together, the “Form S-8s”), and Gastar Exploration Ltd.’s and Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed with the SEC on May 27, 2013 (together with the Form S-8s, the “Registration Statements”), of information from our reserve report dated July 24, 2013 included in the Current Report on Form 8-K of Gastar Exploration Ltd. and Gastar Exploration USA, Inc., filed with the SEC on October 28, 2013, and all references to our firm included in or made as part of the Registration Statements.

 

Wright & Company, Inc.
TX. Reg. No. F-12302
By:   /s/ D. Randall Wright
  D. Randall Wright, P.E.
  President

Brentwood, Tennessee

October 28, 2013

Exhibit 23.3

 

LOGO

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS

We hereby consent to the inclusion in this Current Report on Form 8-K of Gastar Exploration Ltd. and Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. of our report dated October 22, 2013, with respect to estimates of reserves and future net revenue of Gastar Exploration Ltd., as of June 30, 2013.

 

NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.
By:  

/s/ C.H. (Scott) Rees III

  C.H. (Scott) Rees III, P.E.
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Dallas, Texas

October 28, 2013

Exhibit 99.1

 

For Immediate Release

 

LOGO

  

NEWS RELEASE

 

Contacts:

Gastar Exploration Ltd.

J. Russell Porter, Chief Executive Officer

713-739-1800 / rporter@gastar.com

 

Investor Relations Counsel:

Lisa Elliott / Anne Pearson

Dennard•Lascar Associates: 713-529-6600

lelliott@DennardLascar.com/apearson@DennardLascar.com

Gastar Exploration Ltd. Announces Public Offering of

Series B Preferred Stock of Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.

HOUSTON, October 28, 2013 – Gastar Exploration Ltd. (NYSE MKT: GST) (the “Company”) announced today that Gastar Exploration USA, Inc., its direct subsidiary (“Gastar USA”), is commencing an underwritten public offering of Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock. In connection with the offering, Gastar USA intends to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase additional shares of Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock to cover over-allotments, if any.

The Company will guarantee payment of dividends that have been declared by the board of directors of Gastar USA, amounts payable upon redemption or liquidation, dissolution or winding up, and any other amounts due with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock, to the extent described in the prospectus supplement. Upon issuance, the Company anticipates that Gastar USA’s Series B Preferred Stock will be listed for trading on the NYSE MKT LLC under the ticker symbol “GST.PR.B.”

Barclays Capital Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, MLV & Co. LLC and Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc. are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC is acting as lead manager for the offering. Euro Pacific Capital, Inc., IBERIA Capital Partners L.L.C., Imperial Capital, LLC, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., Maxim Group LLC, National Securities Corporation and Northland Securities, Inc. are acting as co-managers for the offering.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to partially fund its ongoing capital expenditure program, including a portion of the cost associated with the previously announced acquisition of approximately 24,000 net acres of Mid-Continent oil and gas leasehold interests in the West Edmond Hunton Lime Unit located in Kingfisher, Logan, Oklahoma and Canadian counties, Oklahoma, which is expected to close in late November 2013.

The offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement that the Company and Gastar USA previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). A final prospectus supplement relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in the registration statement and related prospectus supplements and other documents that the Company and Gastar USA have filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company, Gastar USA and this offering. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or by written request


to Gastar Exploration USA, Inc., 1331 Lamar, Suite 650, Houston, Texas 77010, Attention: Investor Relations. Alternatively, you may obtain these documents by contacting the joint book-running managers as follows: Barclays, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, email: barclayspropsectus@broadridge.com , telephone: (888) 603-5847; Credit Suisse, Attention: Prospectus Department, One Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010, email:
newyork.prospectus@credit-suisse.com , telephone: (800) 221-1037; MLV & Co. LLC, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Attention: Randy Billhardt, email: rbillhardt@mlvco.com , telephone: (212) 542-5882; Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc., 277 Park Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10172, email: syndicate@sterneagee.com , telephone: (212) 338-4708.

About Gastar Exploration

Gastar Exploration Ltd. is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil, natural gas, condensate and natural gas liquids in the United States. Gastar’s principal business activities include the identification, acquisition, and subsequent exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties with an emphasis on unconventional reserves such as shale resource plays. Gastar is currently pursuing the development of liquids-rich natural gas in the Marcellus Shale in West Virginia and is also in the early stages of exploring and developing the Hunton Limestone horizontal oil play in Oklahoma. For more information, visit Gastar’s website at www.gastar.com .

Safe Harbor Statement and Disclaimer

This news release includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward looking statements give our current expectations, opinion, belief or forecasts of future events and performance. A statement identified by the use of forward looking words including “may,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed forward-looking statements. Although Gastar believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future activities and results to be materially different from those suggested or described in this news release. These include risks inherent in natural gas and oil drilling and production activities, including risks of fire, explosion, blowouts, pipe failure, casing collapse, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, environmental hazards, and other operating and production risks, which may temporarily or permanently reduce production or cause initial production or test results to not be indicative of future well performance or delay the timing of sales or completion of drilling operations; delays in receipt of drilling permits; risks with respect to natural gas and oil prices, a material decline in which could cause Gastar to delay or suspend planned drilling operations or reduce production levels; risks relating to the availability of capital to fund drilling operations that can be adversely affected by borrowing base redeterminations by our banks, adverse drilling results, production declines and declines in natural gas and oil prices; risks relating to unexpected adverse developments in the status of properties; risks relating to the absence or delay in receipt of government approvals or fourth party consents; and other risks described in Gastar’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our actual sales production rates can vary considerably from tested initial production rates depending upon completion and production techniques and our primary areas of operations are subject to natural steep decline rates. By issuing forward looking statements based on current expectations, opinions, views or beliefs, Gastar has no obligation and, except as required by law, is not undertaking any obligation, to update or revise these statements or provide any other information relating to such statements.

#     #     #

Exhibit 99.2

STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE

WEHLU ACQUISITION PROPERTIES

 

     Page  

Independent Auditor’s Report

     2   

Statement of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties

     3   

Notes to Statement of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties

     4   

Supplementary Oil and Gas Disclosures

     5   

 

1


Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Board of Directors, Shareholders of Gastar Exploration Ltd. and Stockholders of Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying financial statement which comprises the statement of revenues and direct operating expenses of certain oil and gas properties of Lime Rock Resources II-A, L.P. and Lime Rock Resources II-C, L.P. (the “WEHLU Acquisition Properties”) for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related notes to the financial statement.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statement

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statement based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statement referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the revenues and direct operating expenses of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Emphasis of Matter

The accompanying financial statement was prepared for the purpose of complying with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission as described in the notes to the financial statement and is not intended to be a complete presentation of the results of operations of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

 

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Dallas, Texas

October 28, 2013

 

2


STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES

WEHLU ACQUISITION PROPERTIES

 

     (Unaudited)         
     For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2013      2012      2012      2011  
     (In thousands)  

REVENUES:

           

Natural gas

   $ 1,650       $ 998       $ 2,317       $ 3,244   

Condensate and oil

     17,920         14,222         29,029         16,774   

NGLs

     2,584         2,300         4,534         3,776   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 22,154       $ 17,520       $ 35,880       $ 23,794   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES:

           

Production taxes

   $ 1,034       $ 795       $ 1,609       $ 892   

Lease operating expenses

     3,687         3,267         6,043         5,244   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total direct operating expenses

     4,721         4,062         7,652         6,136   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

REVENUES IN EXCESS OF DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES

   $ 17,433       $ 13,458       $ 28,228       $ 17,658   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to statement of revenues and direct operating expenses.

 

3


WEHLU ACQUISITION PROPERTIES

NOTES TO STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES

 

(1) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying financial statement presents the revenues and direct operating expenses of the West Edmond Hunton Lime Unit located in Kingfisher, Logan and Oklahoma Counties, Oklahoma oil and natural gas properties (the “WEHLU Acquisition Properties”) to be acquired by Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. (“Gastar USA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gastar Exploration Ltd., pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 4, 2013 among Lime Rock Resources II-A, L.P. and Lime Rock Resources II-C, L.P, (together, the “Lime Rock Parties”) and Gastar USA, (the “Purchase Agreement”). The acquisition of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties is expected to close on or before November 26, 2013 for a cash purchase price of $187.5 million, subject to, among other customary adjustments, adjustment for an acquisition effective date of August 1, 2013.

The accompanying statement of revenues and direct operating expenses of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties does not include indirect general and administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, or any provision for income taxes. Gastar USA’s management believes historical expenses of this nature incurred by the Lime Rock Parties associated with the properties are not indicative of the costs to be incurred by Gastar USA.

Revenues in the accompanying statement of revenues and direct operating expenses are recognized based on the WEHLU Acquisition Properties’ share of any given period’s production volumes and revenues received for the period. The direct operating expenses are recognized based on the WEHLU Acquisition Properties’ share of direct costs including production taxes, lifting costs, gathering, well repair and well workover costs. Direct costs do not include general corporate overhead allocated to the WEHLU Acquisition Properties other than standard overhead rates included in lease operating expenses.

Historical financial information reflecting financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties is not presented because it would be impractical and costly to obtain since such financial information was not historically prepared by the Lime Rock Parties. Other assets acquired and liabilities assumed were not material. In addition, the WEHLU Acquisition Properties were a part of a larger enterprise prior to the acquisition by Gastar USA, and representative amounts of indirect general and administrative expenses, depreciation, depletion and amortization, interest and other indirect costs were not necessarily allocated to the WEHLU Acquisition Properties acquired, nor would such allocated historical costs be relevant to future operations of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties. Accordingly, the historical statement of revenues and direct operating expenses of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties are not indicative of the financial conditions or results of operations going forward. The historical statement of revenues and direct operating expenses of the Lime Rock Parties’ interest in the WEHLU Acquisition Properties are presented in order to substantially comply with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for businesses acquired.

The statement of revenues and direct operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 is unaudited and has been derived from the WEHLU Acquisition Properties historical accounting records on the same basis as the audited statement of revenues and direct operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(2) Business Combination

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Gastar USA will acquire a 98.3% working interest (80.5% net revenue interest) in certain acres of the West Edmond Hunton Lime Unit located in Kingfisher, Logan and Oklahoma Counties, Oklahoma, for a cash purchase price of $187.5 million, subject to, among other customary adjustments, adjustment for an acquisition effective date of August 1, 2013.

 

4


(3) Subsequent Events

Gastar USA has evaluated subsequent events through October 28, 2013, the date of the accompanying statement of revenue and direct operating expenses was available to be issued. There were no material subsequent events that required recognition or additional disclosure in the accompanying statement of revenue and direct operating expenses.

 

(4) Supplemental Financial Information for Natural Gas and Oil Producing Activities (Unaudited)

The following reserve estimates have been prepared by Gastar USA’s reservoir engineer and adjusted backwards to account for production and extensions and discoveries to estimate reserve quantities as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The reserve estimates have been prepared in compliance with the SEC rules and accounting standards based on the 12-month unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month prices with appropriate adjustments by property for location, quality, gathering and marketing adjustments.

(a) Reserve Quantity Information

Proved reserves are estimated quantities of natural gas, crude oil and NGLs which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Proved developed reserves are those which are expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Below are the net quantities of total proved reserves and proved developed reserves of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties. An analysis of the change in estimated quantities of reserves, all of which are located within the United States, is presented below.

 

     Natural Gas
(MMcf) (1)
    NGLs
(MBbl) (2)
    Condensate and Oil
(MBbl) (2)
    MMcfe (1)
Equivalents
 

Change in Proved Reserves

        

Proved reserves as of December 31, 2010 (3)

     9,456        1,399        1,666        27,850   

Extensions and discoveries

     2,075        299        571        7,292   

Production

     (800     (91     (181     (2,433
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Proved reserves as of December 31, 2011 (3)

     10,731        1,607        2,056        32,709   

Extensions and discoveries (4)

     5,246        850        5,534        43,543   

Production

     (933     (146     (317     (3,707
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Proved reserves as of December 31, 2012 (3)

     15,044        2,311        7,273        72,545   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Natural Gas
(MMcf) (1)
     NGLs
(MBbl) (2)
     Condensate and Oil
(MBbl) (2)
     MMcfe (1)
Equivalents
 

Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves (3)

           

December 31, 2011

           

Proved developed reserves

     10,731         1,607         2,056         32,709   

Proved undeveloped reserves

     —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     10,731         1,607         2,056         32,709   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

           

Proved developed reserves

     10,205         1,536         2,261         32,990   

Proved undeveloped reserves

     4,839         775         5,012         39,555   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     15,044         2,311         7,273         72,545   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Million cubic feet or million cubic feet equivalent, as applicable, where equivalents are determined using the ratio of six cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil, condensate or NGLs
(2) Thousand barrels
(3)

Independent reserve studies were not prepared for the WEHLU Acquisition properties as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The reserve estimates for December 31, 2012 and 2011 were derived based on the reserve

 

5


  estimates prepared internally by Gastar USA computing such December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 estimates backwards to account for production and extensions to estimate reserve quantities as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.
(4) The 2012 increase in extensions and discoveries is the result of the recognition of proved undeveloped reserves related to prior years’ successful drilling program.

(b) Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves (“Standardized Measure”) is a disclosure requirement under Accounting Standards Codification 932-235. The Standardized Measure does not purport to be, nor should it be interpreted to present, the fair value of the proved oil and natural gas reserves of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties. An estimate of fair value would also take into account, among other things, the recovery of reserves not presently classified as proved, the value of unproved properties and consideration of expected future economic and operating conditions. The estimates of future cash flows and future production and development costs are based on the 12-month unweighted first-day-of-the-month average prices as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 for natural gas, NGLs and condensate and oil, estimated future production of proved reserves and estimated future production and development costs of proved reserves, based on current costs and economic conditions. The estimated future net cash flows are then discounted at a rate of 10%. No deduction has been made for general and administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization or federal or state income taxes.

The Standardized Measure relating to proved natural gas, NGLs and condensate and oil reserves are presented below:

 

     (In thousands)  

December 31, 2011:

  

Future cash inflows

   $ 285,518   

Future production costs

     (112,377

Future development costs

     (1,700
  

 

 

 

Future net cash flows

     171,441   

10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows

     (65,531
  

 

 

 

Standardized measure of discounted future cash flows

   $ 105,910   
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2012:

  

Future cash inflows

   $ 788,948   

Future production costs

     (233,455

Future development costs

     (147,862
  

 

 

 

Future net cash flows

     407,631   

10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows

     (206,543
  

 

 

 

Standardized measure of discounted future cash flows

   $ 201,088   
  

 

 

 

 

6


For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 future cash inflows were computed using the 12-month unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month prices for natural gas and oil, adjusted by lease in accordance with sales contracts and for energy content, quality, transportation, compression and gathering fees and regional price differentials. For the period indicated, the following natural gas and oil prices were used in the calculations:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011  

Natural gas, per MMBtu

     

Henry Hub

   $ 2.76       $ 4.12   

Oil, per barrel

     

WTI spot

   $ 94.71       $ 96.19   

These prices are held constant in accordance with SEC guidelines for the life of the wells included in the reserve report but are adjusted by lease in accordance with sales contracts and for energy content, quality, transportation, compression and gathering fees and regional price differentials.

 

7


Changes in Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

The principal sources of changes in the standardized measure of future net cash flows are as follows:

 

     United States  
     (In thousands)  

December 31, 2010

   $ 71,443   

Extensions and discoveries, less related costs

     31,657   

Sale of natural gas and oil, net of production costs

     (17,658

Net change in prices and production taxes

     20,468   
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

   $ 105,910   

Extensions and discoveries, less related costs (1)

     123,406   

Sale of natural gas and oil, net of production costs

     (28,228
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

   $ 201,088   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) The 2012 increase in extensions and discoveries is the result of the recognition of proved undeveloped reserves related to prior years’ successful drilling program.

Estimates of economically recoverable oil and natural gas reserves and of future net revenues are based upon a number of variable factors and assumptions, all of which are to some degree speculative and may vary considerably from actual results. Therefore, actual production, revenues, development and operating expenditures may not occur as estimated. The reserve data are estimates only, are subject to many uncertainties and are based on data gained from production histories and on assumptions as to geologic formations, reservoir behavior, equipment condition and other matters. Actual quantities of oil and natural gas produced in the future may differ materially from the amounts estimated.

 

8

Exhibit 99.3

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

On September 4, 2013, Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. (“Gastar USA”), a subsidiary of Gastar Exploration Ltd. (the “Company”), entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated September 4, 2013, by and among Lime Rock Resources II-A, L.P. and Lime Rock Resources II-C, L.P, (together, the “Lime Rock Parties”) and Gastar USA (the “WEHLU Purchase Agreement”). Pursuant to the WEHLU Purchase Agreement, Gastar USA will acquire a 98.3% working interest (80.5% net revenue interest) in 24,000 net acres of the West Edmond Hunton Lime Unit (“WEHLU”) located in Kingfisher, Logan and Oklahoma Counties, Oklahoma, for a cash purchase price of $187.5 million, subject to, among other customary adjustments, adjustment for an acquisition effective date of August 1, 2013 (the “WEHLU Acquisition”).

The closing of the WEHLU Acquisition is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions and delivery of the total acquisition purchase price. The transaction is expected to be funded from a combination of net proceeds from the issuance of 10.75% perpetual preferred stock by Gastar USA, cash on hand, borrowings under Gastar USA’s senior revolving credit facility or from a possible offering of senior notes. This pro forma information was prepared assuming that the purchase price for the pending WEHLU Acquisition will be funded from pro forma cash on hand and net proceeds from the issuance of perpetual preferred stock by Gastar USA, which the Company and Gastar USA have assumed will be at a dividend rate of 10.75% and issued in the aggregate stated value of $100.0 million for purposes of the following unaudited pro forma financial information. The actual sources of funding of the purchase price and amounts from various sources may differ.

Gastar USA currently anticipates the transaction will close in late November 2013. There is no assurance, however, that the WEHLU Acquisition will be completed or that expected benefits of the pending acquisition will be realized. The WEHLU Purchase Agreement may be terminated by either party if the closing has not occurred on or before December 31, 2013.

On October 2, 2013, Gastar Exploration Texas, LP (“Gastar Texas”) and Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. (“Gastar USA”), subsidiaries of Gastar Exploration Ltd. (the “Company” or “Gastar LTD” ), sold to Cubic Energy, Inc. (“Cubic Energy”) approximately 31,800 gross (16,300 net) acres of leasehold interests in the Hilltop area of East Texas in Leon and Robertson Counties, Texas, including production from interests in producing wells, for an adjusted cash purchase price of approximately $43.9 million (the “East Texas Divestiture”).

On June 7, 2013, Gastar USA purchased from Chesapeake Exploration, L.L.C. and Larchmont Resources, L.L.C. approximately 157,000 net acres of Mid-Continent oil and gas leasehold interests, including production from interests in 176 net producing locations in Oklahoma, for approximately $69.4 million (the “Chesapeake Acquisition”). The Chesapeake Acquisition had an effective date of October 1, 2012. In connection with the Chesapeake Acquisition, the Company, Gastar Texas and Gastar Exploration Texas, LLC entered into a Settlement Agreement with Chesapeake Energy Corporation, L.L.C. and Chesapeake Energy Corporation and its affiliates (together, “Chesapeake”). In order to effect a mutual full and unconditional release and settlement of all claims made in a lawsuit filed by Chesapeake, Gastar USA agreed to pay Chesapeake approximately $10.8 million in cash, approximately $9.8 million of which to repurchase 6,781,768 outstanding common shares of the Company’s common stock held by Chesapeake (the “Chesapeake Share Repurchase”). The Chesapeake Share Repurchase was also completed on June 7, 2013. Subsequent to the closing of the Chesapeake Acquisition, on July 1, 2013, Gastar USA’s partner in an original area of mutual interest (“AMI”) in Oklahoma elected to exercise its rights within the AMI and acquired approximately 12,820 net acres and 50% of the interest acquired in 62 producing wells (effective October 1, 2012) previously acquired by Gastar USA as part of the Chesapeake Acquisition for a cash purchase price of $12.1 million (the “AMI Election”). Collectively, these transactions are referred to as the “Hunton Transactions.”

On May 15, 2013, Gastar USA issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of its 8 5/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 under an indenture by and among Gastar USA, the Guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent (the “Notes Offering”). The net proceeds from the offering were used to (i) finance the Chesapeake Acquisition and the Chesapeake Share Repurchase and to settle litigation with Chesapeake, (ii) repay in full borrowings under the prior revolving credit facility and (iii) for general corporate purposes.

On August 6, 2013, (i) Newfield Exploration Mid-Continent Inc. (“Newfield”) acquired approximately 76,000 net acres of undeveloped oil and gas leasehold interests in Kingfisher and Canadian Counties, Oklahoma from Gastar USA, for an adjusted cash purchase price of approximately $54.1 million and (ii) Gastar USA acquired approximately 1,850 net acres of Oklahoma undeveloped oil and gas leasehold interests from Newfield (the “Gastar Acquired Acreage”) through a downward adjustment to the purchase price (collectively, the “Newfield Divestiture”). The Newfield Divestiture had an effective date of May 1, 2013.

 

1


The following unaudited pro forma financial information is derived from the historical financial statements of the Company and Gastar USA and the audited statements of revenues less direct operating expenses of the assets acquired in the Chesapeake Acquisition and the assets to be acquired in the WHELU Acquisition, and reflect the impact of the WEHLU Acquisition, East Texas Divestiture, the Hunton Transactions and the Newfield Divestiture. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet of the Company as of June 30, 2013 and the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet of Gastar USA as of June 30, 2013 have been prepared assuming the WEHLU Acquisition, East Texas Divestiture, the AMI Election and the Newfield Divestiture were consummated on June 30, 2013. The impact of the Hunton Transactions, except the AMI Election, are already reflected in the historical balance sheets of the Company and Gastar USA at June 30, 2013. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of Operations of the Company and Gastar USA for the year ended December 31, 2012 and for the six month period ended June 30, 2013 have been prepared assuming the WEHLU Acquisition, East Texas Divestiture and the Hunton Transactions were consummated on January 1, 2012. The Newfield Divestiture is a disposition of undeveloped oil and gas leasehold interests and is accounted for as an adjustment of capitalized costs, with no gain recognized as such adjustment would not significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and gas attributable to the Company’s or Gastar USA’s full cost pool. Therefore, the Newfield Divestiture has no impact on the statement of operations. The probable WEHLU Acquisition is assumed to be financed through the issuance of $100.0 million of a new series of perpetual preferred stock issued by Gastar USA and the utilization of a portion of pro forma cash on hand. The new issue of perpetual preferred stock is assumed to have a dividend rate of 10.75%.

These unaudited pro forma combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes hereto and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as amended, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, as well as the Statement of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses of the Chesapeake Acquisition Properties filed as exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated June 27, 2013, as amended by the Current Reports on Form 8-K/A dated October 25, 2013, and the Statement of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses of the WEHLU Acquisition Properties filed as exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, each as jointly filed by the Company and Gastar USA.

The unaudited pro forma financial information is not indicative of the financial position or results of operations of the Company or Gastar USA which would have actually occurred if the transaction had occurred at the dates presented or which may be obtained in the future. In addition, future results may vary significantly from the results reflected in such statements due to normal oil and natural gas production declines, reductions in prices paid for oil or natural gas, future acquisitions or dispositions and other factors.

 

2


GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

AS OF JUNE 30, 2013

 

           Pro Forma Adjustments        
     Gastar LTD
Historical
    AMI
Election
    Newfield
Divestiture
    East Texas
Divestiture
    WEHLU
Acquisition
    Pro Forma  
     (in thousands, except share data)  
ASSETS             

CURRENT ASSETS:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 10,799      $ 12,123 (a)    $ 54,052 (a)    $ 41,589 (a)    $ (93,000 )(p)    $ 25,563   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $540

     10,344        —          —          —          —          10,344   

Commodity derivative contracts

     2,835        —          —          —          —          2,835   

Prepaid expenses

     838        —          —          —          —          838   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     24,816        12,123        54,052        41,589        (93,000     39,580   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

            

Natural gas and oil properties, full cost method of accounting:

            

Unproved properties, excluded from amortization

     152,665        (7,100 )(b)      (54,052 )(b)      —          13,025 (q)      104,538   

Proved properties

     762,747        (5,023 )(b)      —          (48,233 )(b)      175,282 (q)      884,773   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total natural gas and oil properties

     915,412        (12,123     (54,052     (48,233     188,307        989,311   

Furniture and equipment

     2,076          —          —          —          2,076   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment

     917,488        (12,123     (54,052     (48,233     188,307        991,387   

Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (497,720       —          —          —          (497,720
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment, net

     419,768        (12,123     (54,052     (48,233     188,307        493,667   

OTHER ASSETS:

            

Commodity derivative contracts

     1,753        —          —          —          —          1,753   

Deferred charges, net

     2,170        —          —          —          —          2,170   

Advances to operators and other assets

     1,701        —          —          —          —          1,701   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other assets

     5,624        —          —          —          —          5,624   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 450,208      $ —        $ —        $ (6,644   $ 95,307      $ 538,871   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY             

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

            

Accounts payable

   $ 25,413      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 25,413   

Revenue payable

     13,742        —          —          —          —          13,742   

Accrued interest

     2,173        —          —          —          —          2,173   

Accrued drilling and operating costs

     3,637        —          —          —          —          3,637   

Advances from non-operators

     30,414        —          —          —          —          30,414   

Commodity derivative contracts

     253        —          —          —          —          253   

Asset retirement obligation

     358        —          —          —          —          358   

Other accrued liabilities

     5,211        —          —          (2,300 )(c)      —          2,911   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     81,201        —          —          (2,300     —          78,901   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

            

Long-term debt

     194,609        —          —          —          —          194,609   

Asset retirement obligation

     8,235        —          —          (4,344 )(d)      807 (r)      4,698   

Other accrued liabilities

     274        —          —          —          —          274   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

     203,118        —          —          (4,344     807        199,581   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

            

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

            

Common stock, no par value; unlimited shares authorized; 61,593,024 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2013

     306,593        —          —          —          —          306,593   

Additional paid-in capital

     30,059        —          —          —          —          30,059   

Accumulated deficit

     (247,537     —          —          —          —          (247,537
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     89,115        —          —          —          —          89,115   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest:

            

Preferred stock of subsidiary, aggregate liquidation preference $98,954 at June 30, 2013

     76,774        —          —          —          94,500 (s)      171,274   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     165,889        —          —          —          94,500        260,389   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 450,208      $ —        $ —        $ (6,644   $ 95,307      $ 538,871   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

 

3


GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2013

 

           Pro Forma Adjustments        
     Gastar LTD
Historical
    Hunton
Transactions (1)
    East Texas
Divestiture
    WEHLU
Acquisition
    Pro Forma  
     (in thousands, except share data)  

REVENUES:

          

Natural gas

   $ 23,277      $ 1,940 (e)    $ (5,345 )(j)    $ 1,650 (t)    $ 21,522   

Condensate and oil

     14,143        2,260 (e)      (700 )(j)      17,920 (t)      33,623   

NGLs

     6,922        207 (e)      —          2,584 (t)      9,713   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total natural gas, oil and NGLs revenues

     44,342        4,407        (6,045     22,154        64,858   

Unrealized hedge loss

     (2,152     —          —          —          (2,152
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     42,190        4,407        (6,045     22,154        62,706   

EXPENSES:

          

Production taxes

     1,793        227 (f)      (8 )(k)      1,034 (u)      3,046   

Lease operating expenses

     4,006        1,255 (f)      (1,738 )(k)      3,687 (u)      7,210   

Transportation, treating and gathering

     2,288        56 (f)      (1,867 )(k)      —          477   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     12,961        814 (g)      (2,825 )(l)      9,961 (v)      20,911   

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

     216        61 (h)      (105 )(m)      42 (w)      214   

General and administrative expense

     7,966        —          —          —          7,966   

Litigation settlement expense

     1,000        —          —          —          1,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     30,230        2,413        (6,543     14,724        40,824   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     11,960        1,994        498        7,430        21,882   

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

          

Gain on acquisition of assets at fair value

     43,712        —          —          —          43,712   

Interest expense

     (4,154     (4,401 )(i)      —          346 (x)      (8,209

Investment income and other

     8        —          —          —          8   

Foreign transaction loss

     (12     —          —          —          (12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     51,514        (2,407     498        7,776        57,381   

Provision for income taxes

     —          —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME

     51,514        (2,407     498        7,776        57,381   

Dividend on preferred stock attributable to non-controlling interest

     (4,264     —          —          (5,375 )(y)      (9,639
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD.

   $ 47,250      $ (2,407   $ 498      $ 2,401      $ 47,742   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:

          

Basic

   $ 0.75            $ 0.83   
  

 

 

         

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ 0.74            $ 0.82   
  

 

 

         

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

          

Basic

     63,089,987        (5,882,528 )(o)      —            57,207,459   

Diluted

     63,699,525        (5,882,528 )(o)      —            57,816,997   

 

(1) The pro forma adjustments to the statement of operations for the Hunton Transaction include five months and one week of revenues and direct operating expenses related to the Chesapeake Acquisition net of the interest acquired by the joint venture partner in the AMI Election. Three weeks of Chesapeake Acquisition revenues have been recorded in the historical results of the Company at June 30, 2013.

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

 

4


GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

 

           Pro Forma Adjustments        
     Gastar LTD
Historical
    Hunton
Transactions
    East Texas
Divestiture
    WEHLU
Acquisition
    Pro Forma  
     (in thousands, except share data)  

REVENUES:

          

Natural gas

   $ 33,829      $ 4,179 (e)    $ (10,101 )(j)    $ 2,317 (t)    $ 30,224   

Condensate and oil

     12,377        7,080 (e)      (1,452 )(j)      29,029 (t)      47,034   

NGLs

     9,300        681 (e)      —          4,534 (t)      14,515   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total natural gas, oil and NGLs revenues

     55,506        11,940        (11,553     35,880        91,773   

Unrealized hedge loss

     (5,566     —          —          —          (5,566
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     49,940        11,940        (11,553     35,880        86,207   

EXPENSES:

          

Production taxes

     2,269        555 (f)      (84 )(k)      1,609 (u)      4,349   

Lease operating expenses

     6,174        3,175 (f)      (3,624 )(k)      6,043 (u)      11,768   

Transportation, treating and gathering

     4,965        121 (f)      (3,746 )(k)      —          1,340   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     25,424        3,389 (g)      (9,360 )(l)      17,836 (v)      37,289   

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

     150,787        —          —          —          150,787   

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

     388        160 (h)      (215 )(m)      79 (w)      412   

General and administrative expense

     12,211        —          —          —          12,211   

Litigation settlement expense

     1,250        —          —          —          1,250   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     203,468        7,400        (17,029     25,567        219,406   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

     (153,528     4,540        5,476        10,313        (133,199

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

          

Gain on acquisition of assets at fair value

       —           

Interest expense

     (270     (12,516 )(i)      (1,396 )(n)      254 (x)      (13,928

Investment income and other

     9        —          —          —          9   

Foreign transaction loss

     (2     —          —          —          (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LOSS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     (153,791     (7,976     4,080        10,567        (147,120

Provision for income taxes

     —          —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET LOSS

     (153,791     (7,976     4,080        10,567        (147,120

Dividend on preferred stock attributable to non-controlling interest

     (7,077     —          —          (10,750 )(y)      (17,827
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD.

   $ (160,868   $ (7,976   $ 4,080      $ (183   $ (164,947
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO GASTAR EXPLORATION LTD. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:

          

Basic

   $ (2.53         $ (2.91
  

 

 

         

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ (2.53         $ (2.91
  

 

 

         

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

          

Basic

     63,538,362        (6,781,768 )(o)      —          —          56,756,594   

Diluted

     63,538,362        (6,781,768 )(o)      —          —          56,756,594   

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

 

5


GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

AS OF JUNE 30, 2013

 

           Pro Forma Adjustments        
     Gastar USA
Historical
    AMI
Election
    Newfield
Divestiture
    East Texas
Divestiture
    WEHLU
Acquisition
    Pro Forma  
     (in thousands, except share data)  
ASSETS             

CURRENT ASSETS:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 10,760      $ 12,123 (a)    $ 54,052 (a)    $ 41,589 (a)    $ (93,000 )(p)    $ 25,524   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $540

     10,344        —          —          —          —          10,344   

Commodity derivative contracts

     2,835        —          —          —          —          2,835   

Prepaid expenses

     746        —          —          —          —          746   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     24,685        12,123        54,052        41,589        (93,000     39,449   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

            

Natural gas and oil properties, full cost method of accounting:

            

Unproved properties, excluded from amortization

     152,665        (7,100 )(b)      (54,052 )(b)      —          13,025 (q)      104,538   

Proved properties

     762,739        (5,023 )(b)      —          (48,233 )(b)      175,282 (q)      884,765   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total natural gas and oil properties

     915,404        (12,123     (54,052     (48,233     188,307        989,303   

Furniture and equipment

     2,076        —          —          —          —          2,076   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment

     917,480        (12,123     (54,052     (48,233     188,307        991,379   

Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (497,713     —          —          —          —          (497,713
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment, net

     419,767        (12,123     (54,052     (48,233     188,307        493,666   

OTHER ASSETS:

            

Commodity derivative contracts

     1,753        —          —          —          —          1,753   

Deferred charges, net

     2,170        —          —          —          —          2,170   

Advances to operators and other assets

     1,701        —          —          —          —          1,701   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other assets

     5,624        —          —          —          —          5,624   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 450,076      $ —        $ —        $ (6,644   $ 95,307      $ 538,739   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY             

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

            

Accounts payable

   $ 25,413      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 25,413   

Revenue payable

     13,742        —          —          —          —          13,742   

Accrued interest

     2,173        —          —          —          —          2,173   

Accrued drilling and operating costs

     3,637        —          —          —          —          3,637   

Advances from non-operators

     30,414        —          —          —          —          30,414   

Commodity derivative contracts

     253        —          —          —          —          253   

Asset retirement obligation

     358        —          —          —          —          358   

Other accrued liabilities

     5,088        —          —          (2,300 )(c)      —          2,788   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     81,078        —          —          (2,300     —          78,778   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

            

Long-term debt

     194,609        —          —          —          —          194,609   

Asset retirement obligation

     8,228        —          —          (4,344 )(d)      807 (r)      4,691   

Due to parent

     34,473        —          —          —          —          34,473   

Other accrued liabilities

     274        —          —          —          —          274   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

     237,584        —          —          (4,344     807        234,047   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

            

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

            

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,958,160 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2013

     40        —          —          —          40 (s)      80   

Common stock, no par value; 1,000 shares authorized; 750 shares issued and outstanding

     225,431        —          —          —          —          225,431   

Additional paid-in capital

     76,734        —          —          —          94,460 (s)      171,194   

Accumulated deficit

     (170,791     —          —          —          —          (170,791
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     131,414        —          —          —          94,500        225,914   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 450,076      $ —        $ —        $ (6,644   $ 95,307      $ 538,739   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

 

6


GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2013

 

           Pro Forma Adjustments        
     Gastar USA
Historical
    Hunton
Transactions (1)
    East Texas
Divestiture
    WEHLU
Acquisition
    Pro
Forma
 
     (in thousands)  

REVENUES:

          

Natural gas

   $ 23,277      $ 1,940 (e)    $ (5,345 )(j)    $ 1,650 (t)    $ 21,522   

Condensate and oil

     14,143        2,260 (e)      (700 )(j)      17,920 (t)      33,623   

NGLs

     6,922        207 (e)      —          2,584 (t)      9,713   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total natural gas, oil and NGLs revenues

     44,342        4,407        (6,045     22,154        64,858   

Unrealized hedge loss

     (2,152     —          —          —          (2,152
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     42,190        4,407        (6,045     22,154        62,706   

EXPENSES:

          

Production taxes

     1,793        227 (f)      (8 )(k)      1,034 (u)      3,046   

Lease operating expenses

     4,006        1,255 (f)      (1,738 )(k)      3,687 (u)      7,210   

Transportation, treating and gathering

     2,288        56 (f)      (1,867 )(k)      —          477   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     12,961        814 (g)      (2,825 )(l)      9,961 (v)      20,911   

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

     216        61 (h)      (105 )(m)      42 (w)      214   

General and administrative expense

     7,397        —          —          —          7,397   

Litigation settlement expense

     1,000        —          —          —          1,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     29,661        2,413        (6,543     14,724        40,255   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     12,529        1,994        498        7,430        22,451   

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

          

Gain on acquisition of assets at fair value

     43,712        —          —          —          43,712   

Interest expense

     (4,154     (4,401 )(i)      —          346 (x)      (8,209

Investment income and other

     2        —          —          —          2   

Foreign transaction loss

     (8     —          —          —          (8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     52,081        (2,407     498        7,776        57,948   

Provision for income taxes

     —          —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME

     52,081        (2,407     498        7,776        57,948   

Dividend on preferred stock attributable to non-controlling interest

     (4,264     —          —          (5,375 )(y)      (9,639
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDER

   $ 47,817      $ (2,407   $ 498      $ 2,401      $ 48,309   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The pro forma adjustments to the statement of operations for the Hunton Transaction include five months and one week of revenues and direct operating expenses related to the Chesapeake Acquisition net of the interest acquired by the joint venture partner in the AMI Election. Three weeks of Chesapeake Acquisition revenues have been recorded in the historical results of the Company at June 30, 2013.

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

 

7


GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

 

           Pro Forma Adjustments        
     Gastar USA
Historical
    Hunton
Transactions
    East Texas
Divestiture
    WEHLU
Acquisition
    Pro Forma  
     (in thousands)  

REVENUES:

          

Natural gas

   $ 33,829      $ 4,179 (e)    $ (10,101 )(j)    $ 2,317 (t)    $ 30,224   

Condensate and oil

     12,377        7,080 (e)      (1,452 )(j)      29,029 (t)      47,034   

NGLs

     9,300        681 (e)      —          4,534 (t)      14,515   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total natural gas, oil and NGLs revenues

     55,506        11,940        (11,553     35,880        91,773   

Unrealized hedge loss

     (5,566     —          —          —          (5,566
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     49,940        11,940        (11,553     35,880        86,207   

EXPENSES:

          

Production taxes

     2,269        555 (f)      (84 )(k)      1,609 (u)      4,349   

Lease operating expenses

     6,174        3,175 (f)      (3,624 )(k)      6,043 (u)      11,768   

Transportation, treating and gathering

     4,965        121 (f)      (3,746 )(k)      —          1,340   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     25,424        3,389 (g)      (9,360 )(l)      17,836 (v)      37,289   

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

     150,787        —          —          —          150,787   

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

     388        160 (h)      (215 )(m)      79 (w)      412   

General and administrative expense

     10,732        —          —          —          10,732   

Litigation settlement expense

     1,250        —          —          —          1,250   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     201,989        7,400        (17,029     25,567        217,927   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

     (152,049     4,540        5,476        10,313        (131,720

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

          

Gain on acquisition of assets at fair value

       —           

Interest expense

     (271     (12,516 )(i)      (1,396 )(n)      254 (x)      (13,929

Investment income and other

     (4     —          —          —          (4

Foreign transaction gain

     2        —          —          —          2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LOSS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     (152,322     (7,976     4,080        10,567        (145,651

Provision for income taxes

     —          —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET LOSS

     (152,322     (7,976     4,080        10,567        (145,651

Dividend on preferred stock attributable to non-controlling interest

     (7,077     —          —          (10,750 )(y)      (17,827
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDER

   $ (159,399   $ (7,976   $ 4,080      $ (183   $ (163,478
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

 

8


1. Pro Forma Adjustments

 

(a) To record the net cash proceeds received for the AMI Election, the Newfield Divestiture and the East Texas Divestiture. The Newfield Divestiture cash proceeds are net of customary closing adjustments and expenses of approximately $6.0 million. The East Texas Divestiture cash proceeds are net of approximately $3.4 million of customary closing adjustments and $2.3 million of deposit received prior to June 30, 2013.
(b) To record the reduction in property, plant and equipment for the net sales proceeds for the AMI Election, the Newfield Divestiture and the East Texas Divestiture and to reduce the property, plant and equipment balance for the related asset retirement obligation costs at June 30, 2013 for the East Texas Divestiture.
(c) To record the application of the $2.3 million deposit previously received for the East Texas Divestiture prior to June 30, 2013.
(d) To record the reduction in the asset retirement obligation liability at June 30, 2013 for the East Texas Divestiture.
(e) To record natural gas, condensate and oil and NGLs sales revenues for the Hunton Transaction for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(f) To record direct operating expenses for the Hunton Transaction for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(g) To record additional depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) expense for the Hunton Transaction for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(h) To record additional accretion expense for the Hunton Transaction for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(i) To record additional interest expense related to the issuance of $200.0 million of senior secured notes at an interest rate of 8.625% issued in part to fund the Chesapeake Acquisition and Chesapeake Share Repurchase, net of (i) interest expensed on any borrowings under the prior revolving credit facility and (ii) additional interest capitalized on unproved properties.
(j) To record the reduction in natural gas, condensate and oil sales revenues for the East Texas Divestiture for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(k) To record the reduction in direct operating expenses for the East Texas Divestiture for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(l) To record the reduction in DD&A expense for the East Texas Divestiture for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(m) To record the reduction in accretion expense on the asset retirement obligation for the East Texas Divestiture for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(n) To record interest expense, rather than capitalized interest, related to the East Texas unproven property for the year ended December 31, 2012 had the East Texas Divestiture occurred on January 1, 2012.
(o) To reflect the incremental impact of the Chesapeake Settlement and Share Repurchase on the weighted average shares outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(p) To record the net decrease in cash after the receipts from the assumed perpetual preferred share offering and payment of $187.5 million for the probable WEHLU Acquisition.
(q) To record additional plant, property and equipment acquired and additional asset retirement obligation (full cost method) as of June 30, 2013 for the WEHLU Acquisition.
(r) To record additional asset retirement obligation liability for the WEHLU Acquisition properties at June 30, 2013.
(s) To record the assumed issuance of $100.0 million of 10.75% perpetual preferred stock net of issuance costs of $5.5 million issued to fund the probable WEHLU Acquisition. The actual source of funding may differ and include, in addition to or in place of net proceeds from a perpetual preferred stock issuance and cash on hand, borrowings under the senior revolving credit facility and net proceeds from a possible offering of senior notes.
(t) To record natural gas, condensate and oil and NGLs sales revenues for the WEHLU Acquisition for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(u) To record direct operating expenses for the WEHLU Acquisition for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(v) To record additional DD&A expense for the WEHLU Acquisition for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(w) To record additional accretion expense on the asset retirement obligation for the WEHLU Acquisition for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(x) To record additional capitalized interest for the WEHLU Acquisition for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(y)

To record additional dividend expense on the assumed issuance of $100.0 million of 10.75% perpetual preferred stock net of issuance costs of $5.5 million issued to fund the probable WEHLU Acquisition for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012. The actual source of funding may differ and

 

9


  include, in addition to net proceeds from a perpetual preferred stock issuance and cash on hand, borrowings under the senior revolving credit facility and net proceeds from a possible offering of senior notes. For every $10.0 million change in stated value of 10.75% perpetual preferred stock issued, pro forma net income or loss attributable to common stockholder will be increased or decreased, respectively, by $1.1 million (or $0.02 per weighted average Gastar LTD common share outstanding) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and by $0.5 million (or $0.01 per weighted average Gastar LTD common share outstanding) for the six months ended June 30, 2013. A 0.125% per annum increase or decrease in the assumed dividend rate on every $10.0 million in stated value of perpetual preferred stock issued would result in an increase or decrease of pro forma dividend expense and an increase or decrease, respectively, in net loss or income attributable to common stockholder by $12,500 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and by $6,300 for the six months ended June 30, 2013, which has no impact on Gastar LTD pro forma earnings per share. In the event Gastar USA issues senior notes to finance a portion of the WEHLU Acquisition price at an assumed 8.625% per annum rate, for every $10.0 million in principal amount of senior notes issued, pro forma interest expense will be increased and pro forma net loss or income attributable to common stockholder will be increased or decreased, respectively, by $863,000 (or $0.02 per weighted average Gastar LTD common share outstanding) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and by $431,000 (or $0.01 per weighted average Gastar LTD common share outstanding) for the six months ended June 30, 2013. A 0.125% per annum increase or decrease in the assumed interest rate on such $10.0 million principal amount of additional senior notes issued would result in an increase or decrease of pro forma interest expense and an increase or decrease, respectively, in net loss or income attributable to common stockholder by $12,500 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and by $6,300 for the six months ended June 30, 2013, which has no impact on Gastar LTD pro forma earnings per share. In the event Gastar USA utilizes borrowings under the senior revolving credit facility to finance a portion of the WEHLU Acquisition price at an assumed currently applicable maximum 3.25% per annum rate, for every $10.0 million in such borrowings, pro forma interest expense will be increased and pro forma net loss or income attributable to common stockholder will be increased or decreased, respectively, by $325,000 (or $0.01 per weighted average Gastar LTD common share outstanding) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and by $163,000 (or $0.00 per weighted average Gastar LTD common share outstanding) for the six months ended June 30, 2013. A 0.125% per annum increase or decrease in the assumed interest rate on such $10.0 million borrowings under the senior revolving credit facility would result in an increase or decrease of pro forma interest expense and an increase or decrease, respectively, in net loss or income attributable to common stockholder by $12,500 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and by $6,300 for the six months ended June 30, 2013, which has no impact on Gastar LTD pro forma earnings per share.

 

10

Exhibit 99.4

July 24, 2013

Gastar Exploration Ltd.

1331 Lamar, Suite 650

Houston, TX 77010

Attention: Mr. J. Russell Porter

 

  SUBJECT: Evaluation of Oil and Gas Reserves

To the Interests of Gastar Exploration Ltd.

In Certain Properties Located in

Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia

Pursuant to the Requirements of the

Securities and Exchange Commission

Effective July 1, 2013

Job 13.1510-A

At the request of Gastar Exploration Ltd. (Gastar), Wright & Company, Inc. (Wright) has performed an evaluation to estimate proved reserves and associated cash flow and economics from certain properties to the subject interests. This evaluation was authorized by Mr. J. Russell Porter of Gastar. Projections of the reserves and cash flow to the evaluated interests were based on specified economic parameters, operating conditions, and government regulations considered applicable at the effective date. This reserves evaluation is pursuant to the financial reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as specified in Regulation S-X, Rule 4-10(a) and Regulation S-K, Rule 1202(a)(8). It is the understanding of Wright that the purpose of this evaluation is for inclusion in relevant registration statements or other filings to the SEC. The effective date of this report is July 1, 2013. The report was completed July 24, 2013. The following is a summary of the results of the evaluation.

 

Gastar Exploration Ltd.

SEC Parameters

   Proved Developed     

Total

Proved

     Proved     

Total

Proved

 
   Producing
(PDP)
     Nonproducing
(PNP)
     Developed
(PDP & PNP)
     Undeveloped
(PUD)
     (PDP, PNP &
PUD)
 

Net Reserves to the Evaluated Interests

              

Oil, Mbbl:

     3,059.935         17.017         3,076.952         2,405.788         5,482.740   

Gas, MMcf:

     94,951.248         1,833.024         96,784.279         49,233.125         146,017.380   

NGL, Mbbl:

     4,441.934         81.321         4,523.255         2,573.894         7,097.149   

Gas Equivalent, MMcfe:

     139,962.462         2,423.052         142,385.521         79,111.217         221,496.714   

(1 bbl = 6 Mcfe)

              

Cash Flow (BTAX), M$

              

Undiscounted:

     397,899.511         5,224.464         403,123.844         221,767.172         624,891.218   

Discounted at 10% Per Annum:

     214,256.373         2,651.635         216,907.951         89,881.117         306,789.092   

Please note numbers in tables may not add due to rounding techniques in the ARIES™ petroleum software program


Mr. J. Russell Porter

Gastar Exploration Ltd.

July 24, 2013

Page 2

 

The properties evaluated in this report are located in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. According to Gastar, the total proved reserves included in this evaluation represent approximately 89 percent of the reported total proved reserves of Gastar.

Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas which can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations. As specified by the SEC regulations, when calculating economic producibility, the base product price must be the 12-month average price, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the prior 12-month period. The benchmark base prices used for this evaluation were $91.60 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate oil at Cushing, Oklahoma and $3.444 per Million British thermal units (MMBtu) for natural gas at Henry Hub, Louisiana. These benchmark base prices were adjusted for energy content, quality, and basis differential, as appropriate. The overall resultant average adjusted price for oil was $63.20 per bbl and $2.976 per Mcf for gas. The NGL product price was estimated to be approximately 42.50 percent of the adjusted oil price, resulting in an average adjusted price of $26.88 per barrel for proved reserves. The base product prices were held constant for the life of the properties.

Oil and other liquid hydrocarbon volumes are expressed in thousands of United States (U.S.) barrels (Mbbl), one barrel equaling 42 U.S. gallons. Gas volumes are expressed in millions of standard cubic feet (MMcf) at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and at the legal pressure base that prevails in the state in which the reserves are located. For purposes of this report, quantities of barrels of oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) are converted into equivalent quantities of natural gas at the ratio of 1 bbl = 6 Mcfe. No adjustment of the individual gas volumes to a common pressure base has been made.

Net income to the evaluated interests is the cash flow after consideration of royalty revenue payable to others, standard state and county taxes or fees, operating expenses, and investments, as applicable. The cash flow is before federal income tax (BTAX) and excludes consideration of any encumbrances against the properties if such exist. The Cash Flow (BTAX) was discounted monthly at an annual rate of 10.00 percent (PCT) in accordance with the reporting requirements of the SEC.

The estimates of reserves contained in this report were determined by accepted industry methods, and the procedures used in this evaluation are appropriate for the purpose served by the report. Where sufficient production history and other data were available, reserves for producing properties were determined by extrapolation of historical production or sales trends. Analogy to similar producing properties was used for development projects and for those properties that lacked sufficient production history to yield a definitive estimate of reserves. When appropriate, Wright may have also utilized volumetric calculations and log correlations in the determination of estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). These calculations are often based upon limited log and/or core analysis data and incomplete formation fluid and rock data. Since these limited data must frequently be extrapolated over an assumed drainage area, subsequent production performance trends or material balance calculations may cause the need for significant revisions to the estimates of reserves. Wright has used all methods and procedures as it considered necessary under the circumstances to prepare this report.

Oil and gas reserves were evaluated for the proved developed producing (PDP), proved developed nonproducing (PNP) and proved undeveloped (PUD) reserves categories. The summary classification of total proved developed reserves combines the PDP and PNP categories. In preparing this evaluation, no attempt has been made to quantify the element of uncertainty associated with any category. Reserves were assigned to each category as warranted. Wright is not aware of any local, state, or federal regulations that would preclude Gastar from continuing to produce from currently active wells or to fully develop those properties included in this report.


Mr. J. Russell Porter

Gastar Exploration Ltd.

July 24, 2013

Page 3

 

There are significant uncertainties inherent in estimating reserves, future rates of production, and the timing and amount of future costs. The estimation of oil and gas reserves must be recognized as a subjective process that cannot be measured in an exact way, and estimates of others might differ materially from those of Wright. The accuracy of any reserves estimate is a function of the quantity and quality of available data and of subjective interpretations and judgments. It should be emphasized that production data subsequent to the date of these estimates or changes in the analogous properties may warrant revisions of such estimates. Accordingly, reserves estimates are often different from the quantities of oil and gas that are ultimately recovered.

All data utilized in the preparation of this report were provided by Gastar. No inspection of the properties was made as this was not considered to be within the scope of this evaluation. Wright has not independently verified the accuracy and completeness of information and data furnished by Gastar with respect to ownership interests, oil and gas production or sales, historical costs of operation and development, product prices, or agreements relating to current and future operations and sales of production. Wright requested and received detailed information allowing Wright to check and confirm any calculations provided by Gastar with regard to product pricing, appropriate adjustments, lease operating expenses, and capital investments for drilling the undeveloped locations. Furthermore, if in the course of Wright’s examination something came to our attention that brought into question the validity or sufficiency of any information or data, Wright did not rely on such information or data until we had satisfactorily resolved our questions relating thereto or independently verified such information or data. In accordance with the requirements of the SEC, all operating costs were held constant for the life of the properties.

In accordance with the instructions of Gastar, abandonment costs net of salvage values were included, as appropriate. Wright has not performed a detailed study of the abandonment costs nor the salvage values and offers no opinion as to Gastar’s calculations.

Wright is not aware of any potential environmental liabilities that may exist concerning the properties evaluated. There are no costs included in this evaluation for potential property restoration, liability, or clean up of damages, if any, that may be necessary due to past or future operating practices.

Wright is an independent petroleum consulting firm founded in 1988 and owns no interests in the oil and gas properties covered by this report. No employee, officer, or director of Wright is an employee, officer, or director of Gastar, nor does Wright or any of its employees have direct financial interest in Gastar. Neither the employment of nor the compensation received by Wright is contingent upon the values assigned or the opinions rendered regarding the properties covered by this report.

This report is prepared for the information of Gastar, its shareholders, and for the information and assistance of its independent public accountants in connection with their review of and report upon the financial statements of Gastar, and for reporting disclosures as required by the SEC. This report is also intended for public disclosure as an exhibit in filings made to the SEC by Gastar.

Based on data and information provided by Gastar, and the specified economic parameters, operating conditions, and government regulations considered applicable at the effective date, it is Wright’s conclusion that this report provides a fair and accurate representation of the oil and gas reserves to the interests of Gastar in those certain properties included in this report.


Mr. J. Russell Porter

Gastar Exploration Ltd.

July 24, 2013

Page 4

 

The professional qualifications of the petroleum consultants responsible for the evaluation of the reserves and economics information presented in this report meet the standards of Reserves Estimator as defined in the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information as promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

It has been a pleasure to serve you by preparing this evaluation. All related data will be retained in our files and are available for your review.

 

Very truly yours,
Wright & Company, Inc.
By:   /s/ D. Randall Wright
  D. Randall Wright
  President


DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Wright & Company, Inc . frequently prepares estimates of oil and gas reserves. Such reserves estimates usually include quantities which are represented as “proved” and, depending upon the data base and/or the desire of the client, may include additional reserves which are classified as “unproved”. The scope of the analyses may also incorporate “contingent resources”. These definitions as presented are an abridged version of the disclosure guidelines as set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rule 4-10(a) (1)-(32) of Regulation S-X and the Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting, Final Rule dated January 14, 2009 in the Federal Register. The definitions of oil and gas reserves used by Wright & Company, Inc. are briefly set forth below.

RESERVES are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. In addition, there must exist, or there is a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and gas or related substances to market, and all permits and financing required to implement project.

PROVED OIL AND GAS RESERVES are those quantities of oil and gas, which by analysis of geoscience and engineering data can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulation. The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.

In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish a lower contact with reasonable certainty.

Reserves that can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques are included in the proved classification when both the following occur: (i) successful testing by a pilot in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, or the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program is based and, (ii) the project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.

Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which the economic producibility of a reservoir is to be determined. The base product price shall be the 12-month average price, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the prior 12-month period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.

PROVED DEVELOPED OIL AND GAS RESERVES are proved reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well or through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.

PROVED UNDEVELOPED OIL AND GAS RESERVES are proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion. Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances. Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances justify a longer time.

ANALOGOUS RESERVOIRS have similar rock and fluid properties, reservoir conditions and drive mechanisms, but one typically at a more advanced stage of development than the reservoir of interest and this may provide concepts to assist in the interpretation of more limited data and estimation recovery.

REASONABLE CERTAINTY means a higher degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered. A high degree of confidence exists if the quantity is much more likely to be achieved than not and, as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological, geophysical, and geomechanical), engineering, and economic data are made to estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) with time, reasonably certain EUR is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.

RELIABLE TECHNOLOGY is a grouping of one or more technologies (including computerized methods) that have been field tested and have demonstrated to provide reasonably certain results with consistency and repeatability in the formation being evaluated or in an analogous formation.

PROBABLE reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely to be recovered as not. Probable reserves estimates also include potential incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than assumed for proved reserves.

POSSIBLE reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. Portions of the reservoir that do not meet the reasonable certainty criterion may be assigned probable and possible oil and gas reserves based on reservoir fluid properties and pressure gradient interpretations.

Wright & Company, Inc. may separate proved developed reserves into proved developed producing and proved developed non-producing reserves. This is to identify proved developed producing reserves as those to be recovered from actively producing wells. Proved developed nonproducing reserves are those to be recovered from wells or intervals within wells, which are completed but shut-in waiting on equipment or pipeline connections, or wells where a relatively minor expenditure is required for recompletion to another zone.

Exhibit 99.5

 

LOGO

October 22, 2013

Mr. J. Russell Porter

Gastar Exploration Ltd.

1331 Lamar, Suite 650

Houston, Texas 77010

Dear Mr. Porter:

In accordance with your request, we have estimated the proved reserves and future revenue, as of June 30, 2013, to the Gastar Exploration Ltd. (Gastar) interest in certain oil and gas properties located in Texas and Kansas. We completed our evaluation on or about July 23, 2013. It is our understanding that the proved reserves estimated in this report constitute approximately 11 percent of all proved reserves owned by Gastar. The estimates in this report have been prepared in accordance with the definitions and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, with the exception of the exclusion of future income taxes, conform to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas. Definitions are presented immediately following this letter. This report has been prepared for Gastar’s use in filing with the SEC; in our opinion the assumptions, data, methods, and procedures used in the preparation of this report are appropriate for such purpose.

We estimate the net reserves and future net revenue to the Gastar interest in these properties, as of June 30, 2013, to be:

 

     Net Reserves      Future Net Revenue ($)  

Category

   Oil
(Barrels)
     Gas
(MCF)
     Total      Present Worth
at 10%
 

Proved Developed Producing

     17,939         20,620,113         20,525,900         13,230,400   

Proved Developed Non-Producing

     0         6,719,272         5,696,700         4,056,600   

Proved Undeveloped (1)

     0         0         0         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Proved

     17,939         27,339,385         26,222,600         17,287,000   

 

(1)   There are no proved undeveloped reserves at the prices and costs used in this report.

The oil reserves shown include crude oil and condensate. Oil volumes are expressed in barrels that are equivalent to 42 United States gallons. Gas volumes are expressed in thousands of cubic feet (MCF) at standard temperature and pressure bases.

The estimates shown in this report are for proved reserves. As requested, probable reserves that exist for these properties have not been included. No study was made to determine whether possible reserves might be established for these properties. This report does not include any value that could be attributed to interests in undeveloped acreage beyond those tracts for which undeveloped reserves have been estimated. Reserves categorization conveys the relative degree of certainty; reserves subcategorization is based on development and production status. The estimates of reserves and future revenue included herein have not been adjusted for risk.

Gross revenue is Gastar’s share of the gross (100 percent) revenue from the properties prior to any deductions. Future net revenue is after deductions for Gastar’s share of production taxes, ad valorem taxes, capital costs, abandonment costs, and operating expenses but before consideration of any income taxes. The future net revenue has been discounted at an annual rate of 10 percent to determine its present worth, which is shown to indicate the effect of time on the value of money. Future net revenue presented in this report, whether discounted or undiscounted, should not be construed as being the fair market value of the properties.

 

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Prices used in this report are based on the 12-month unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month in the period July 2012 through June 2013. For oil volumes, the average West Texas Intermediate posted price of $88.13 per barrel is adjusted for quality, transportation fees, and a regional price differential. For gas volumes, the average Henry Hub spot price of $3.444 per MMBTU is adjusted by state for energy content and regional price differentials. All prices are held constant throughout the lives of the properties. The average adjusted product prices weighted by production over the remaining lives of the properties are $95.18 per barrel of oil and $2.520 per MCF of gas. By state, these average adjusted prices are $95.18 per barrel of oil and $2.519 per MCF of gas for the Texas properties and $3.740 per MCF of gas for the Kansas properties.

Operating costs used in this report are based on operating expense records of Gastar. These costs include the per-well overhead expenses allowed under joint operating agreements along with estimates of costs to be incurred at and below the district and field levels. Headquarters general and administrative overhead expenses of Gastar are included to the extent that they are covered under joint operating agreements for the operated properties. Operating costs are held constant throughout the lives of the properties.

Capital costs used in this report were provided by Gastar and are based on authorizations for expenditure and actual costs from recent activity. Capital costs are included as required for workovers, new development wells, and production equipment. Based on our understanding of future development plans, a review of the records provided to us, and our knowledge of similar properties, we regard these estimated capital costs to be reasonable. Abandonment costs used in this report are Gastar’s estimates of the costs to abandon the wells and production facilities, net of any salvage value. Capital costs and abandonment costs are held constant to the date of expenditure.

For the purposes of this report, we did not perform any field inspection of the properties, nor did we examine the mechanical operation or condition of the wells and facilities. We have not investigated possible environmental liability related to the properties; therefore, our estimates do not include any costs due to such possible liability.

We have made no investigation of potential gas volume and value imbalances resulting from overdelivery or underdelivery to the Gastar interest. Therefore, our estimates of reserves and future revenue do not include adjustments for the settlement of any such imbalances; our projections are based on Gastar receiving its net revenue interest share of estimated future gross gas production.

The reserves shown in this report are estimates only and should not be construed as exact quantities. Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of engineering and geoscience data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible; probable and possible reserves are those additional reserves which are sequentially less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. Estimates of reserves may increase or decrease as a result of market conditions, future operations, changes in regulations, or actual reservoir performance. In addition to the primary economic assumptions discussed herein, our estimates are based on certain assumptions including, but not limited to, that the properties will be developed consistent with current development plans, that the properties will be operated in a prudent manner, that no governmental regulations or controls will be put in place that would impact the ability of the interest owner to recover the reserves, and that our projections of future production will prove consistent with actual performance. If the reserves are recovered, the revenues therefrom and the costs related thereto could be more or less than the estimated amounts. Because of governmental policies and uncertainties of supply and demand, the sales rates, prices received for the reserves, and costs incurred in recovering such reserves may vary from assumptions made while preparing this report.

For the purposes of this report, we used technical and economic data including, but not limited to, well logs, geologic maps, seismic data, well test data, production data, historical price and cost information, and property ownership interests. The reserves in this report have been estimated using deterministic methods; these

 


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estimates have been prepared in accordance with the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Standards). We used standard engineering and geoscience methods, or a combination of methods, including performance analysis, volumetric analysis, and analogy, that we considered to be appropriate and necessary to categorize and estimate reserves in accordance with SEC definitions and regulations. As in all aspects of oil and gas evaluation, there are uncertainties inherent in the interpretation of engineering and geoscience data; therefore, our conclusions necessarily represent only informed professional judgment.

The data used in our estimates were obtained from Gastar, public data sources, and the nonconfidential files of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI) and were accepted as accurate. Supporting work data are on file in our office. The titles to the properties have not been examined by NSAI, nor has the actual degree or type of interest owned been independently confirmed. The technical persons responsible for preparing the estimates presented herein meet the requirements regarding qualifications, independence, objectivity, and confidentiality set forth in the SPE Standards. We are independent petroleum engineers, geologists, geophysicists, and petrophysicists; we do not own an interest in these properties nor are we employed on a contingent basis.

 

      Sincerely,
      NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.
      Texas Registered Engineering Firm F-2699
      By:   /s/ C.H. (Scott) Rees III
        C.H. (Scott) Rees III, P.E.
        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
By:   /s/ Dan Paul Smith     By:   /s/ William J. Knights
  Dan Paul Smith, P.E. 49093       William J. Knights, P.G. 1532
  Senior Vice President       Vice President
Date Signed: October 22, 2013     Date Signed: October 22, 2013
DWB:SDB      

Please be advised that the digital document you are viewing is provided by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI) as a convenience to our clients. The digital document is intended to be substantively the same as the original signed document maintained by NSAI. The digital document is subject to the parameters, limitations, and conditions stated in the original document. In the event of any differences between the digital document and the original document, the original document shall control and supersede the digital document.

 


 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

The following definitions are set forth in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a). Also included is supplemental information from (1) the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System approved by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, (2) the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas, and (3) the SEC’s Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations.

(1) Acquisition of properties. Costs incurred to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire a property, including costs of lease bonuses and options to purchase or lease properties, the portion of costs applicable to minerals when land including mineral rights is purchased in fee, brokers’ fees, recording fees, legal costs, and other costs incurred in acquiring properties.

(2) Analogous reservoir . Analogous reservoirs, as used in resources assessments, have similar rock and fluid properties, reservoir conditions (depth, temperature, and pressure) and drive mechanisms, but are typically at a more advanced stage of development than the reservoir of interest and thus may provide concepts to assist in the interpretation of more limited data and estimation of recovery. When used to support proved reserves, an “analogous reservoir” refers to a reservoir that shares the following characteristics with the reservoir of interest:

 

  (i) Same geological formation (but not necessarily in pressure communication with the reservoir of interest);

 

  (ii) Same environment of deposition;

 

  (iii) Similar geological structure; and

 

  (iv) Same drive mechanism.

Instruction to paragraph (a)(2) : Reservoir properties must, in the aggregate, be no more favorable in the analog than in the reservoir of interest.

(3) Bitumen . Bitumen, sometimes referred to as natural bitumen, is petroleum in a solid or semi-solid state in natural deposits with a viscosity greater than 10,000 centipoise measured at original temperature in the deposit and atmospheric pressure, on a gas free basis. In its natural state it usually contains sulfur, metals, and other non-hydrocarbons.

(4) Condensate . Condensate is a mixture of hydrocarbons that exists in the gaseous phase at original reservoir temperature and pressure, but that, when produced, is in the liquid phase at surface pressure and temperature.

(5) Deterministic estimate . The method of estimating reserves or resources is called deterministic when a single value for each parameter (from the geoscience, engineering, or economic data) in the reserves calculation is used in the reserves estimation procedure.

(6) Developed oil and gas reserves . Developed oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:

 

  (i) Through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and

 

  (ii) Through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.

Supplemental definitions from the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System:

Developed Producing Reserves – Developed Producing Reserves are expected to be recovered from completion intervals that are open and producing at the time of the estimate. Improved recovery reserves are considered producing only after the improved recovery project is in operation.

Developed Non-Producing Reserves – Developed Non-Producing Reserves include shut-in and behind-pipe Reserves. Shut-in Reserves are expected to be recovered from (1) completion intervals which are open at the time of the estimate but which have not yet started producing, (2) wells which were shut-in for market conditions or pipeline connections, or (3) wells not capable of production for mechanical reasons. Behind-pipe Reserves are expected to be recovered from zones in existing wells which will require additional completion work or future recompletion prior to start of production. In all cases, production can be initiated or restored with relatively low expenditure compared to the cost of drilling a new well.

 

Definitions - Page 1 of 7


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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(7) Development costs. Costs incurred to obtain access to proved reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing the oil and gas. More specifically, development costs, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of development activities, are costs incurred to:

 

  (i) Gain access to and prepare well locations for drilling, including surveying well locations for the purpose of determining specific development drilling sites, clearing ground, draining, road building, and relocating public roads, gas lines, and power lines, to the extent necessary in developing the proved reserves.

 

  (ii) Drill and equip development wells, development-type stratigraphic test wells, and service wells, including the costs of platforms and of well equipment such as casing, tubing, pumping equipment, and the wellhead assembly.

 

  (iii) Acquire, construct, and install production facilities such as lease flow lines, separators, treaters, heaters, manifolds, measuring devices, and production storage tanks, natural gas cycling and processing plants, and central utility and waste disposal systems.

 

  (iv) Provide improved recovery systems.

(8) Development project . A development project is the means by which petroleum resources are brought to the status of economically producible. As examples, the development of a single reservoir or field, an incremental development in a producing field, or the integrated development of a group of several fields and associated facilities with a common ownership may constitute a development project.

(9) Development well . A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

(10) Economically producible . The term economically producible, as it relates to a resource, means a resource which generates revenue that exceeds, or is reasonably expected to exceed, the costs of the operation. The value of the products that generate revenue shall be determined at the terminal point of oil and gas producing activities as defined in paragraph (a)(16) of this section.

(11) Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) . Estimated ultimate recovery is the sum of reserves remaining as of a given date and cumulative production as of that date.

(12) Exploration costs . Costs incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination and in examining specific areas that are considered to have prospects of containing oil and gas reserves, including costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells. Exploration costs may be incurred both before acquiring the related property (sometimes referred to in part as prospecting costs) and after acquiring the property. Principal types of exploration costs, which include depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of exploration activities, are:

 

  (i) Costs of topographical, geographical and geophysical studies, rights of access to properties to conduct those studies, and salaries and other expenses of geologists, geophysical crews, and others conducting those studies. Collectively, these are sometimes referred to as geological and geophysical or “G&G” costs.

 

  (ii) Costs of carrying and retaining undeveloped properties, such as delay rentals, ad valorem taxes on properties, legal costs for title defense, and the maintenance of land and lease records.

 

  (iii) Dry hole contributions and bottom hole contributions.

 

  (iv) Costs of drilling and equipping exploratory wells.

 

  (v) Costs of drilling exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells.

(13) Exploratory well . An exploratory well is a well drilled to find a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or gas in another reservoir. Generally, an exploratory well is any well that is not a development well, an extension well, a service well, or a stratigraphic test well as those items are defined in this section.

 

(14) Extension well . An extension well is a well drilled to extend the limits of a known reservoir.

 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(15) Field . An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition. There may be two or more reservoirs in a field which are separated vertically by intervening impervious strata, or laterally by local geologic barriers, or by both. Reservoirs that are associated by being in overlapping or adjacent fields may be treated as a single or common operational field. The geological terms “structural feature” and “stratigraphic condition” are intended to identify localized geological features as opposed to the broader terms of basins, trends, provinces, plays, areas-of-interest, etc.

(16) Oil and gas producing activities.

 

  (i) Oil and gas producing activities include:

 

  (A) The search for crude oil, including condensate and natural gas liquids, or natural gas (“oil and gas”) in their natural states and original locations;

 

  (B) The acquisition of property rights or properties for the purpose of further exploration or for the purpose of removing the oil or gas from such properties;

 

  (C) The construction, drilling, and production activities necessary to retrieve oil and gas from their natural reservoirs, including the acquisition, construction, installation, and maintenance of field gathering and storage systems, such as:

 

  (1) Lifting the oil and gas to the surface; and

 

  (2) Gathering, treating, and field processing (as in the case of processing gas to extract liquid hydrocarbons); and

 

  (D) Extraction of saleable hydrocarbons, in the solid, liquid, or gaseous state, from oil sands, shale, coalbeds, or other nonrenewable natural resources which are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, and activities undertaken with a view to such extraction.

Instruction 1 to paragraph (a)(16)(i) : The oil and gas production function shall be regarded as ending at a “terminal point”, which is the outlet valve on the lease or field storage tank. If unusual physical or operational circumstances exist, it may be appropriate to regard the terminal point for the production function as:

 

  a. The first point at which oil, gas, or gas liquids, natural or synthetic, are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, or a marine terminal; and

 

  b. In the case of natural resources that are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, if those natural resources are delivered to a purchaser prior to upgrading, the first point at which the natural resources are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, a marine terminal, or a facility which upgrades such natural resources into synthetic oil or gas.

Instruction 2 to paragraph (a)(16)(i) : For purposes of this paragraph (a)(16), the term saleable hydrocarbons means hydrocarbons that are saleable in the state in which the hydrocarbons are delivered.

 

  (ii) Oil and gas producing activities do not include:

 

  (A) Transporting, refining, or marketing oil and gas;

 

  (B) Processing of produced oil, gas, or natural resources that can be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas by a registrant that does not have the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in such production;

 

  (C) Activities relating to the production of natural resources other than oil, gas, or natural resources from which synthetic oil and gas can be extracted; or

 

  (D) Production of geothermal steam.

(17) Possible reserves. Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves.

 

  (i) When deterministic methods are used, the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves. When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10% probability that the total quantities ultimately recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates.

 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

  (ii) Possible reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to probable reserves where data control and interpretations of available data are progressively less certain. Frequently, this will be in areas where geoscience and engineering data are unable to define clearly the area and vertical limits of commercial production from the reservoir by a defined project.

 

  (iii) Possible reserves also include incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than the recovery quantities assumed for probable reserves.

 

  (iv) The proved plus probable and proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates must be based on reasonable alternative technical and commercial interpretations within the reservoir or subject project that are clearly documented, including comparisons to results in successful similar projects.

 

  (v) Possible reserves may be assigned where geoscience and engineering data identify directly adjacent portions of a reservoir within the same accumulation that may be separated from proved areas by faults with displacement less than formation thickness or other geological discontinuities and that have not been penetrated by a wellbore, and the registrant believes that such adjacent portions are in communication with the known (proved) reservoir. Possible reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher or lower than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.

 

  (vi) Pursuant to paragraph (a)(22)(iii) of this section, where direct observation has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves should be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir above the HKO only if the higher contact can be established with reasonable certainty through reliable technology. Portions of the reservoir that do not meet this reasonable certainty criterion may be assigned as probable and possible oil or gas based on reservoir fluid properties and pressure gradient interpretations.

(18) Probable reserves. Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.

 

  (i) When deterministic methods are used, it is as likely as not that actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of estimated proved plus probable reserves. When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50% probability that the actual quantities recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable reserves estimates.

 

  (ii) Probable reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to proved reserves where data control or interpretations of available data are less certain, even if the interpreted reservoir continuity of structure or productivity does not meet the reasonable certainty criterion. Probable reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.

 

  (iii) Probable reserves estimates also include potential incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than assumed for proved reserves.

 

  (iv) See also guidelines in paragraphs (a)(17)(iv) and (a)(17)(vi) of this section.

(19) Probabilistic estimate. The method of estimation of reserves or resources is called probabilistic when the full range of values that could reasonably occur for each unknown parameter (from the geoscience and engineering data) is used to generate a full range of possible outcomes and their associated probabilities of occurrence.

(20) Production costs.

 

  (i) Costs incurred to operate and maintain wells and related equipment and facilities, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of operating and maintaining those wells and related equipment and facilities. They become part of the cost of oil and gas produced. Examples of production costs (sometimes called lifting costs) are:

 

  (A) Costs of labor to operate the wells and related equipment and facilities.

 

  (B) Repairs and maintenance.

 

  (C) Materials, supplies, and fuel consumed and supplies utilized in operating the wells and related equipment and facilities.

 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

  (D) Property taxes and insurance applicable to proved properties and wells and related equipment and facilities.

 

  (E) Severance taxes.

 

  (ii) Some support equipment or facilities may serve two or more oil and gas producing activities and may also serve transportation, refining, and marketing activities. To the extent that the support equipment and facilities are used in oil and gas producing activities, their depreciation and applicable operating costs become exploration, development or production costs, as appropriate. Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of capitalized acquisition, exploration, and development costs are not production costs but also become part of the cost of oil and gas produced along with production (lifting) costs identified above.

(21) Proved area . The part of a property to which proved reserves have been specifically attributed.

(22) Proved oil and gas reserves. Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

 

  (i) The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:

 

  (A) The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and

 

  (B) Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.

 

  (ii) In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty.

 

  (iii) Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.

 

  (iv) Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:

 

  (A) Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and

 

  (B) The project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.

 

  (v) Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.

(23) Proved properties . Properties with proved reserves.

(24) Reasonable certainty. If deterministic methods are used, reasonable certainty means a high degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 90%

 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate. A high degree of confidence exists if the quantity is much more likely to be achieved than not, and, as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological, geophysical, and geochemical), engineering, and economic data are made to estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) with time, reasonably certain EUR is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.

(25) Reliable technology. Reliable technology is a grouping of one or more technologies (including computational methods) that has been field tested and has been demonstrated to provide reasonably certain results with consistency and repeatability in the formation being evaluated or in an analogous formation.

(26) Reserves. Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and gas or related substances to market, and all permits and financing required to implement the project.

Note to paragraph (a)(26) : Reserves should not be assigned to adjacent reservoirs isolated by major, potentially sealing, faults until those reservoirs are penetrated and evaluated as economically producible. Reserves should not be assigned to areas that are clearly separated from a known accumulation by a non-productive reservoir (i.e., absence of reservoir, structurally low reservoir, or negative test results). Such areas may contain prospective resources (i.e., potentially recoverable resources from undiscovered accumulations).

Excerpted from the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas:

932-235-50-30 A standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to an entity’s interests in both of the following shall be disclosed as of the end of the year:

 

  a. Proved oil and gas reserves (see paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B)

 

  b. Oil and gas subject to purchase under long-term supply, purchase, or similar agreements and contracts in which the entity participates in the operation of the properties on which the oil or gas is located or otherwise serves as the producer of those reserves (see paragraph 932-235-50-7).

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to those two types of interests in reserves may be combined for reporting purposes.

932-235-50-31 All of the following information shall be disclosed in the aggregate and for each geographic area for which reserve quantities are disclosed in accordance with paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B:

 

  a. Future cash inflows. These shall be computed by applying prices used in estimating the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves to the year-end quantities of those reserves. Future price changes shall be considered only to the extent provided by contractual arrangements in existence at year-end.

 

  b. Future development and production costs. These costs shall be computed by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved oil and gas reserves at the end of the year, based on year-end costs and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions. If estimated development expenditures are significant, they shall be presented separately from estimated production costs.

 

  c. Future income tax expenses. These expenses shall be computed by applying the appropriate year-end statutory tax rates, with consideration of future tax rates already legislated, to the future pretax net cash flows relating to the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves, less the tax basis of the properties involved. The future income tax expenses shall give effect to tax deductions and tax credits and allowances relating to the entity’s proved oil and gas reserves.

 

  d. Future net cash flows. These amounts are the result of subtracting future development and production costs and future income tax expenses from future cash inflows.

 

  e. Discount. This amount shall be derived from using a discount rate of 10 percent a year to reflect the timing of the future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves.

 

  f. Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows. This amount is the future net cash flows less the computed discount.

(27) Reservoir. A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/or gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other reservoirs.

 

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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES

Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

 

(28) Resources. Resources are quantities of oil and gas estimated to exist in naturally occurring accumulations. A portion of the resources may be estimated to be recoverable, and another portion may be considered to be unrecoverable. Resources include both discovered and undiscovered accumulations.

(29) Service well. A well drilled or completed for the purpose of supporting production in an existing field. Specific purposes of service wells include gas injection, water injection, steam injection, air injection, salt-water disposal, water supply for injection, observation, or injection for in-situ combustion.

(30) Stratigraphic test well. A stratigraphic test well is a drilling effort, geologically directed, to obtain information pertaining to a specific geologic condition. Such wells customarily are drilled without the intent of being completed for hydrocarbon production. The classification also includes tests identified as core tests and all types of expendable holes related to hydrocarbon exploration. Stratigraphic tests are classified as “exploratory type” if not drilled in a known area or “development type” if drilled in a known area.

(31) Undeveloped oil and gas reserves. Undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

 

  (i) Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances.

 

  (ii) Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances, justify a longer time.

From the SEC’s Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations (October 26, 2009):

Although several types of projects — such as constructing offshore platforms and development in urban areas, remote locations or environmentally sensitive locations — by their nature customarily take a longer time to develop and therefore often do justify longer time periods, this determination must always take into consideration all of the facts and circumstances. No particular type of project per se justifies a longer time period, and any extension beyond five years should be the exception, and not the rule.

Factors that a company should consider in determining whether or not circumstances justify recognizing reserves even though development may extend past five years include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

    The company’s level of ongoing significant development activities in the area to be developed (for example, drilling only the minimum number of wells necessary to maintain the lease generally would not constitute significant development activities);

 

    The company’s historical record at completing development of comparable long-term projects;

 

    The amount of time in which the company has maintained the leases, or booked the reserves, without significant development activities;

 

    The extent to which the company has followed a previously adopted development plan (for example, if a company has changed its development plan several times without taking significant steps to implement any of those plans, recognizing proved undeveloped reserves typically would not be appropriate); and

 

    The extent to which delays in development are caused by external factors related to the physical operating environment (for example, restrictions on development on Federal lands, but not obtaining government permits), rather than by internal factors (for example, shifting resources to develop properties with higher priority).

 

  (iii) Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.

(32) Unproved properties . Properties with no proved reserves.

 

Definitions - Page 7 of 7