Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                       to                       .

Commission File Number 001-33147

 

Sanchez Production Partners LP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delaware

11-3742489

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

1000 Main Street, Suite 3000

Houston, Texas

77002

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(713) 783-8000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes       No    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes       No    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

 

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes       No    

 

Common units outstanding as of August 1 1 , 2016: Approximately 4,279,517 units.  

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I—Financial Information  

Item 1.  

Financial Statements

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members’ Equity/Partners’ Capital

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 2.  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

32 

Item 3.  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

47 

Item 4.  

Controls and Procedures

47 

PART II—Other Information  

48 

Item 1.  

Legal Proceedings

48 

Item1A.  

Risk Factors

48 

Item 2.  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

48 

Item 3.  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

48 

Item 4.  

Mine Safety Disclosures

48 

Item 5.  

Other Information

49 

Item 6.  

Exhibits

49 

Signatures  

50 

 

 

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control.  These statements may include discussions about our business strategy; acquisition strategy; financi ng strategy; ability to make, maintain and grow distributions; the ability of our customers to meet their drilling and development plans on a timely basis or at all and perform under gathering and processing agreements; future operating results; future capital expenditures; and plans, objectives, expectations, forecasts, outlook and intentions. All of these types of statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be found in Item 2. and other items within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursue,” “target,” “continue,” the negative of such terms o r other comparable terminology.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are largely based on our expectations, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known market conditions and other factors. Although we believe such estimates and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are beyond our control. In addition, management’s assumptions about future events may prove to be inaccurate.

Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in the forward ‑looking statements include, among others:

·

our ability to successfully execute our bus iness, acquisition and financing strategies;

·

our ability to utilize the services, personnel and other assets of the sole member of our general partner (“Manager”) pursuant to existing services agreements;

·

our ability to make, maintain and grow distributions;

·

the timing and extent of changes in prices for, and demand for, crude oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), natural gas and related commodities;

·

the realized benefits of our transactions with Sanchez Energy Corporation (“SN”), including with respect to the Palmetto escalating working interest acquisition ,   acquisition of Western Catarina midstream assets and Carnero Gathering Transaction referred to herein;

·

the accuracy of reserve estimates, which by their nature involve the exercise of professional judgment and may, therefore, be imprecise;

·

the ability of our customers to meet their drilling and development plans on a timely basis or at all and perform under gathering and processing agreements;

·

our ability to successfully execute our hedging strategy and the resulting realized prices therefrom;

·

the credit worthiness and performance of our counterpart ie s, including financial institutions, operating partners and other parties;

·

competition in the oil and natural gas industry for employees and other personnel, equipment, materials and services and, related thereto, the availability and cost of employees and other personnel, equipment, materials and services;

·

our ability to access the credit and capital markets to obtain financing on terms we deem acceptable, if at all, and to otherwise satisfy our capital expenditure requirements;

·

the availability, proximity and capacity of, and costs associated with, gathering, processing, compression and transportation facilities;

·

our ability to compete with other companies in the oil and natural gas industry;

·

the impact of, and changes in, government policies, laws and regulations, including tax laws and regulations, environmental laws and regulations relating to air emissions, waste disposal, hydraulic fracturing and access to and use

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of water, laws and regulations imposing conditions and restrictions on drilling and completion operations and laws and regulations with respect to derivatives and hedging activities;

·

the extent to which our crude oil and natural gas properties operated by others are operated successfully and economically;

·

the use of competing energy sources and the development of alternative energy sources;

·

unexpected results of litigation filed against us;

·

the extent to which we incur uninsured losses and liabilities or losses and liabilities in excess of our insurance coverage; and

·

the other factors described under “Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10 ‑Q and in our other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Management cautions all readers that the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assure any reader that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and other than as required by law, we do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf.

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statement s  

SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operation s  

(In thousands, except unit data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30, 

 

June 30, 

 

 

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

$

600

 

$

3,642

 

$

4,275

 

$

10,216

 

Oil sales

 

(2,756)

 

 

639

 

 

2,587

 

 

5,603

 

Natural gas liquids sales

 

244

 

 

500

 

 

520

 

 

886

 

Gathering and transportation sales

 

14,258

 

 

 —

 

 

28,133

 

 

 —

 

Total revenues

 

12,346

 

 

4,781

 

 

35,515

 

 

16,705

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

4,178

 

 

5,358

 

 

9,151

 

 

10,258

 

Transportation operating expenses

 

3,014

 

 

 —

 

 

6,068

 

 

 —

 

Cost of sales

 

63

 

 

125

 

 

193

 

 

330

 

Production taxes

 

326

 

 

583

 

 

547

 

 

953

 

General and administrative

 

4,978

 

 

3,351

 

 

10,697

 

 

10,906

 

Unit compensation expense

 

1,091

 

 

395

 

 

1,529

 

 

2,387

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

 —

 

 

(54)

 

 

 —

 

 

(113)

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

6,129

 

 

3,079

 

 

13,317

 

 

6,199

 

Asset impairments

 

 —

 

 

862

 

 

1,309

 

 

83,727

 

Accretion expense

 

315

 

 

264

 

 

630

 

 

517

 

Total operating expenses  

 

20,094

 

 

13,963

 

 

43,441

 

 

115,164

 

Other expense (income)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

1,103

 

 

1,122

 

 

2,002

 

 

1,768

 

Gain on embedded derivatives

 

(6,898)

 

 

 —

 

 

(13,192)

 

 

 —

 

Other expense (income)

 

(1)

 

 

37

 

 

(61)

 

 

100

 

Total other expenses (income)

 

(5,796)

 

 

1,159

 

 

(11,251)

 

 

1,868

 

Total expenses  

 

14,298

 

 

15,122

 

 

32,190

 

 

117,032

 

Net income (loss)

 

(1,952)

 

 

(10,341)

 

 

3,325

 

 

(100,327)

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred unit paid-in-kind distributions

 

 —

 

 

(524)

 

 

 —

 

 

(524)

 

Preferred unit distributions

 

(8,750)

 

 

 —

 

 

(17,500)

 

 

 —

 

Preferred unit amortization

 

(6,505)

 

 

 —

 

 

(13,772)

 

 

 —

 

Net loss attributable to common unitholders

$

(17,207)

 

$

(10,865)

 

$

(27,947)

 

$

(100,851)

 

Loss per unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per unit prior to conversion (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A units - Basic and diluted

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

(0.38)

 

Class B units - Basic and diluted

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

(0.31)

 

Weighted Average Units Outstanding prior to conversion (1)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A units - Basic and diluted

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

48,451

 

Class B units - Basic and diluted

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,879,163

 

Net loss per unit after conversion (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common units - Basic and diluted

$

(4.37)

 

$

(3.49)

 

$

(8.38)

 

$

(32.37)

 

Weighted Average Units Outstanding after conversion (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common units - Basic and diluted

 

3,935,297

 

 

3,113,428

 

 

3,333,482

 

 

3,087,431

 

  (1) Amounts adjusted for 1 -for-10 reverse split completed August 3, 2015.  See Note 14.

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.  

 

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SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except unit data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

ASSETS

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,203

 

$

6,571

 

Restricted cash

 

 —

 

 

600

 

Accounts receivable

 

1,663

 

 

2,461

 

Accounts receivable - related entities

 

7,351

 

 

1,515

 

Prepaid expenses

 

2,159

 

 

744

 

Fair value of derivative instruments

 

8,650

 

 

21,010

 

Total current assets  

 

21,026

 

 

32,901

 

Oil and natural gas properties and related equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and natural gas properties, equipment and facilities (successful efforts method)

 

731,977

 

 

732,088

 

Gathering and transportation assets

 

147,695

 

 

147,479

 

Material and supplies

 

1,056

 

 

1,056

 

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization, accretion and impairments

 

(662,099)

 

 

(653,569)

 

Oil and natural gas properties and equipment, net

 

218,629

 

 

227,054

 

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets, net

 

192,824

 

 

199,741

 

Fair value of derivative instruments

 

6,054

 

 

10,008

 

Other non-current assets

 

1,524

 

 

1,596

 

Total assets  

$

440,057

 

$

471,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

1,780

 

$

7,288

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - related entities

 

3,669

 

 

1,035

 

Royalties payable

 

499

 

 

689

 

Total current liabilities  

 

5,948

 

 

9,012

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

19,515

 

 

20,364

 

Embedded derivatives

 

179,885

 

 

193,077

 

Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

 

107,091

 

 

104,909

 

Total other liabilities  

 

306,491

 

 

318,350

 

Total liabilities  

 

312,439

 

 

327,362

 

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mezzanine equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class B preferred units, 19,444,445 units issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015

 

186,264

 

 

172,111

 

Partners' capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A preferred units, zero units issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and 11,409,131 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015

 

 —

 

 

17,112

 

Common units, 4,279,517 units issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and 3,240,812 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015

 

(58,646)

 

 

(45,285)

 

Total partners' deficit

 

(58,646)

 

 

(28,173)

 

Total liabilities and partners' capital

$

440,057

 

$

471,300

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

June 30, 

 

2016

    

2015

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

3,325

 

$

(100,327)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

7,262

 

 

6,011

Amortization of intangible assets

 

6,917

 

 

188

Asset impairments

 

1,309

 

 

83,727

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

246

 

 

324

Accretion expense

 

630

 

 

517

Revisions to asset retirement obligation included in DD&A

 

(862)

 

 

 —

Equity earnings in affiliate

 

(12)

 

 

48

Gain from disposition of property and equipment

 

(9)

 

 

(113)

Bad debt expense

 

35

 

 

122

Total mark-to-market on commodity derivative contracts

 

3,736

 

 

1,066

Cash mark-to-market settlements on commodity derivative contracts

 

13,028

 

 

8,950

Unit-based compensation programs

 

1,952

 

 

2,388

Gain on embedded derivative

 

(13,192)

 

 

 —

Costs for plug and abandon activities

 

(86)

 

 

 —

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in accounts receivable

 

313

 

 

1,721

Increase in accounts receivable - related entities

 

(5,836)

 

 

(1,582)

Increase in accounts payable - related entities

 

2,634

 

 

 —

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses

 

(1,414)

 

 

408

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

659

 

 

(981)

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable/accrued liabilities

 

(3,128)

 

 

2,788

Decrease in royalties payable

 

(190)

 

 

(399)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

17,317

 

 

4,856

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for acquisitions

 

 —

 

 

(81,378)

Development of oil and natural gas properties

 

(2,269)

 

 

(1,056)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

16

 

 

344

Distributions from equity affiliate

 

 —

 

 

15

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(2,253)

 

 

(82,075)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of preferred units

 

 —

 

 

17,375

Payments for offering costs

 

(87)

 

 

(810)

Proceeds from issuance of debt

 

2,000

 

 

106,000

Repayment of debt

 

 —

 

 

(42,500)

Issuance of common units

 

 —

 

 

52

Repurchase of common units under repurchase program

 

(2,948)

 

 

 —

Units tendered by employees for tax withholdings

 

(140)

 

 

(618)

Distributions to unitholders

 

(3,025)

 

 

 

Class B preferred unit cash distributions

 

(16,168)

 

 

 —

Debt issuance costs

 

(64)

 

 

(1,294)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(20,432)

 

 

78,205

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(5,368)

 

 

986

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

6,571

 

 

4,238

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

1,203

 

$

5,224

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Change in accrued capital expenditures

$

(1,609)

 

$

(149)

Acquisition of oil and natural gas properties in exchange for common units

 

 —

 

 

2,000

Cash paid during the period for interest

 

(1,732)

 

 

(1,154)

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

 

 —

 

 

(2)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members’ Equit y/Partners’ Capital

(In thousands, except unit data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A Units

 

Class B Units

 

Class A Preferred Units

 

Common Units

 

Total

 

Units

    

Amount

    

Units

    

Amount

 

Units

    

Amount

 

Units

    

Amount

 

Equity/Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members' Equity, December 31, 2014

48,451

 

$

1,930

 

2,879,258

 

$

104,893

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

106,823

Units tendered by employees for tax withholding

 —

 

 

 —

 

(1,557)

 

 

(21)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(21)

Net loss (January 1st - March 5th)

 —

 

 

(18)

 

 —

 

 

(905)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(923)

Members' Equity, March 5, 2015

48,451

 

 

1,912

 

2,877,701

 

 

103,967

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

105,879

Class A Units converted to common units upon limited partnership conversion

(48,451)

 

 

(1,912)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

58,729

 

 

1,912

 

 

 —

Class B Units converted to common units upon limited partnership conversion

 —

 

 

 —

 

(2,877,701)

 

 

(103,967)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

2,877,701

 

 

103,967

 

 

 —

Units tendered by employees for tax withholding

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

(32,269)

 

 

(597)

 

 

(597)

Unit-based compensation programs

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

472,972

 

 

2,454

 

 

2,454

Private placement of Class A Preferred Units, net of offering costs of $0.8 million

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

10,859,375

 

 

16,550

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

16,550

Beneficial conversion feature of Class A preferred units

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

(863)

 

 —

 

 

863

 

 

 —

Preferred unit paid-in-kind distributions

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

834,989

 

 

1,425

 

 —

 

 

(1,425)

 

 

 —

Issuance of common units

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

6,865

 

 

193

 

 

193

Common units retired via unit repurchase program

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

(143,185)

 

 

(2,223)

 

 

(2,223)

Common units issued for acquisition of properties

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

105,263

 

 

2,000

 

 

2,000

Common units received and retired for acquisition of properties

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

(105,263)

 

 

(1,065)

 

 

(1,065)

Cash distributions

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

(1,219)

 

 

(1,219)

Distributions - Class B preferred units

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

(14,012)

 

 

(14,012)

Net loss (March 6th - December 31st)

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

(136,133)

 

 

(136,133)

Partner's Capital, December 31, 2015

 —

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

11,694,364

 

$

17,112

 

3,240,813

 

$

(45,285)

 

$

(28,173)

Units tendered by employees for tax withholding

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

(12,227)

 

 

(140)

 

 

(140)

Units forfeited by employees

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

(2,000)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Unit-based compensation programs

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

67,627

 

 

1,952

 

 

1,952

Issuance of common units

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

58,363

 

 

771

 

 

771

Class A Preferred Units converted to common units

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

(11,694,364)

 

 

(17,112)

 

1,169,441

 

 

17,112

 

 

 —

Common units retired via unit buyback program

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

(242,500)

 

 

(2,948)

 

 

(2,948)

Cash distributions to common unit holders

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

(3,025)

 

 

(3,025)

Distributions - Class B preferred units

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

(30,408)

 

 

(30,408)

Net income

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

3,325

 

 

3,325

Partner's Capital, June 30, 2016

 —

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

4,279,517

 

$

(58,646)

 

$

(58,646)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTE S TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

Organization

Sanchez Production Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership ( together with our consolidated subsidiaries “SPP”, “we”, “us”, “our” or the “Partnership”), is a publicly-traded limited partnership focused on the acquisition, development, ownership and operation of midstream and other energy production assets. SPP completed its initial public offering on November 20, 2006, as Constellation Energy Partners LLC (“CEP” or the “Company”). We have entered into a shared services agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with SP Holdings, LLC (the “Manager”), the sole member of our general partner, pursuant to which the Manager provides services that the Partnership requires to operate its business, including overhead, technical, administrative, marketing, accounting, operational, information systems, financial, compliance, insurance and acquisition, disposition and financing services.  On March 6, 2015, the Company’s unitholders approved the conversion of Sanchez Production Partners LLC to a Delaware limited partnership and the name was changed to Sanchez Production Partners LP. The Manager owns the general partner of SPP and all of SPP’s incentive distribution rights.  Our common units are currently listed on the NYSE MKT under the symbol “SPP.”

Historically, our operations have consisted of the exploration and production of proved reserves located in the Cherokee Basin in Oklahoma and Kansas, the Woodford Shale in the Arkoma Basin in Oklahoma, the Central Kansas Uplift in Kansas, the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas and in other areas of Texas and Louisiana.  In October 2015, we consummated the acquisition of midstream assets in the Eagle Ford Shale from Sanchez Energy Corporation (“SN”) and entered into a 15 -year gathering and processing agreement with SN.  In July 2016, we sold a significant portion of our oil and gas properties in the Mid-Continent region. 

As a result of the acquisition of midstream assets from SN and the disposition of our oil and gas properties located in the Mid-Continent region, our historical financial statements (including those in this Form 10-Q) will differ substantially from our future financial statements beginning with the quarter ending December 31, 2015, principally because a significant portion of our revenues now come from the long-term, fee-based gathering and processing agreement with SN rather than from oil and natural gas production.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SPP and our wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  We conduct our business activities as two operating segments: (1) the exploration and production of oil and natural gas and (2) the midstream business, which includes the Catarina gathering system.  Our management evaluates performance based on these two business segments.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations.  We believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows with respect to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been included.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year. 

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of the Company and our subsidiaries included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on March 30, 2016.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), which are adopted by us as of the specified effective date.  Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards, which are not effective, will not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09 “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” effective for annual and interim periods for public companies beginning after December 15, 2016, with a cumulative-effect and prospective approach to be used for implementation. ASU 2016-09 changes several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions including accounting for income taxes, classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, forfeitures, minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and classification of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842),” effective for annual and interim periods for public companies beginning after December 15, 2018, with a modified retrospective approach to be used for implementation. ASU 2016-02 updates the previous lease guidance by requiring the recognition of a right-to-use asset and lease liability on the statement of financial position for those leases previously classified as operating leases under the old guidance. In addition, ASU 2016-02 updates the criteria for a lessee’s classification of a finance lease. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments,” effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement for an acquirer to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is consummated. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2015-16.  Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. ASU 2015-11 changes the inventory measurement principle for entities using the first-in, first out (FIFO) or average cost methods. For entities utilizing one of these methods, the inventory measurement principle will change from lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, but do not expect the impact to be material.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This guidance is intended to more closely align the presentation of debt issuance costs under U.S. GAAP with the presentation requirements under International Financial Reporting Standards.  Under this new standard, debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability will be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, similar to the presentation of debt discounts, rather than as a separate asset as previously presented.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements.”  The guidance in ASU 2015-03 does not address debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements.  ASU 2015-15 states given the absence of authoritative guidance within ASU 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement.  During the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 retrospectively to the comparable periods in this Form 10-Q. Adoption of this guidance affected the balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 as follows (in thousands):

Decrease in Long term debt, net of debt issuance costs of approximately $2,091

Decrease in Debt issuance costs (Other Assets) of approximately $2,091

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” to improve consolidation guidance for certain types of legal entities. The guidance modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships, and provides a scope exception from consolidation guidance for certain money market funds. These provisions are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company

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adopted ASU 2015-02.  Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).”  This guidance outlines a new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance.  This new revenue recognition model provides a five-step analysis in determining when and how revenue is recognized.  The new model will require revenue recognition to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods and services.  The new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  Early adoption is not permitted.  The guidance may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application.  We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, but do not expect the impact to be material.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period to conform to the current period presentation.  These reclassifications had no effect on total unitholders’ equity, net income or net cash provided by or used in operating, investing or financing activities.  In accordance with ASU No. 2015-03 and ASU No. 2015-15, debt issuance costs are to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, similar to the presentation of debt discounts, rather than as a separate asset as previously presented.  As such, debt issuance costs, net of amortization, at December 31, 2015 of $2.1   million have been reclassified from other assets to other liabilities, effectively eliminating the debt issuance cost line and reducing long-term debt in the balance sheet.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes.  These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities and reported amounts of revenues and expenses.  The estimates that are particularly significant to our financial statements include estimates of our reserves of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”); future cash flows from oil and natural gas properties; depreciation, depletion and amortization; asset retirement obligations; certain revenues and operating expenses; fair values of commodity derivatives and fair values of assets and liabilities.  As fair value is a market-based measurement, it is determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use.  These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment.  Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an on-going basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Such estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate.  As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from the estimates.  Any changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

Significant Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are consistent with those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash.  Checks-in-transit are included in our consolidated balance sheets as accounts payable or as a reduction of cash, depending on the type of bank account the checks were drawn on.  There were no checks-in-transit reported in accounts payable as of June 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015. 

Restricted Cash

As of June 30, 2016 , we had no restricted cash. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $0.6 million of restricted cash held in escrow that related to a vendor dispute that remained in the escrow account until the dispute was resolved in March 2016. 

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Accounts Receivable, Net

Our accounts receivable are primarily from purchasers of oil and natural gas, gathering and transportation sales, and counterparties to our financial instruments.  Oil receivables are generally collected within 30 days after the end of the month.  Natural gas receivables are generally collected within 60 days after the end of the month.  We review all outstanding accounts receivable balances and record a reserve for amounts that we expect will not be fully recovered.  Actual balances are not applied against the reserves until substantially all collection efforts have been exhausted.  As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. 

3. ACQUISITIONS

Eagle Ford Acquisition

On March 31, 2015, we completed an acquisition of wellbore interests in certain producing oil and natural gas properties in Gonzales County, Texas (the “Eagle Ford properties,” and such acquisition, the “Eagle Ford acquisition”) located in the Eagle Ford Shale in Gonzales County, Texas from SN for a purchase price of $85 million, subject to normal and customary closing adjustments.  The effective date of the transaction was January 1, 2015. The acquisition included initial conveyed working interests and net revenue interests for each property that escalate on January 1 for each year from 2016 through 2019, at which point, SPP’s interests in the Eagle Ford properties will stay constant for the remainder of the respective lives of the assets. 

The adjusted purchase price of $83.4 million was funded at closing with net proceeds from the private placement of 10,625,000 newly created Class A Preferred Units , which were issued for a cash purchase price of $1.60 per unit, resulting in gross proceeds to SPP of $17.0 million, the issuance of 1,052,632 common units (approximately 105,263 common units after adjusting for  a reverse unit split) to SN, borrowings under the Partnership’s Credit Agreement (as defined in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt”), and available cash. The total purchase price was allocated to the assets purchased and liabilities assumed based upon their fair values on the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved developed reserves

    

$

72,889

 

Facilities

 

 

8,002

 

Fair value of hedges assumed

 

 

3,408

 

Fair value of assets acquired

 

 

84,299

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

 

(877)

 

Ad valorem tax liability

 

 

(44)

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

 

$

83,378

 

 

Western Catarina Midstream Acquisition

On October 14, 2015, we completed an acquisition   of midstream assets located in Western Catarina, in the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas from SN for a purchase price of $345.8 million, subject to normal and customary closing adjustments (the “Western Catarina Midstream acquisition”).  The purchase price was funded at closing with net proceeds from the sale of Class B Preferred Units to Stonepeak Catarina Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners (“Stonepeak”) and available cash. Additionally, as a result of the Western Catarina Midstream acquisition, we repurchased 105,263 common units previously held by a subsidiary of SN.

The total purchase price was allocated to the assets purchased and liabilities assumed based upon their fair values on the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed assets

    

$

142,887

 

Contractual customer relationships

 

 

201,888

 

Purchase of SPP common units from SN

 

 

1,065

 

Fair value of assets acquired

 

$

345,840

 

Pro Forma Operating Results (Unaudited)

The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 reflect the consolidated results of operations of the Partnership as if the Western Catarina Midstream and Eagle Ford acquisitions and related

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financings had occurred on January 1, 2015. The pro forma information includes adjustments primarily for revenues and expenses from the acquired properties, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, interest expense and debt issuance cost amortization for acquisition debt, amortization of customer contract intangible assets acquired and paid-in-kind units issued in connection with the Class A Preferred Units.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements give effect to the events set forth below:

·

The Western Catarina Midstream acquisition completed on October 14, 2015.

·

Issuance of Class B Preferred Units to finance the Western Catarina Midstream acquisition.

·

Repurchase of common units issued to finance a portion of the Eagle Ford acquisition as a part of the Western Catarina Midstream acquisition, and the related effect on net income (loss) per common unit.

·

The Eagle Ford acquisition completed on March 31, 2015.

·

The increase in borrowings under the Credit Agreement to finance a portion of the Eagle Ford acquisition, and the related adjustments to interest expense.

·

Issuance of common units to finance a portion of the Eagle Ford acquisition and the related effect on net income (loss) per common unit (in thousands, except per unit amounts).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

June 30, 

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

Revenues

 

$

12,346

 

$

15,375

 

$

35,515

 

$

41,121

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders

 

$

(17,630)

 

$

(23,087)

 

$

(27,923)

 

$

(124,982)

 

Net income (loss) per unit prior to conversion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A units - Basic and diluted

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

(23.87)

 

Class B units - Basic and diluted

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

(18.99)

 

Net income (loss) per unit after conversion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common units - Basic and diluted

 

$

(4.48)

 

$

(5.39)

 

$

(7.13)

 

$

(15.37)

 

 

The unaudited pro forma combined financial information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent or to be indicative of the combined results of operations that the Partnership would have reported had the Western Catarina Midstream and Eagle Ford acquisitions and related financings been completed as of the date set forth in this unaudited pro forma combined financial information and should not be taken as indicative of the Partnership’s future combined results of operations. The actual results may differ significantly from that reflected in the unaudited pro forma combined financial information for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, differences in assumptions used to prepare the unaudited pro forma combined financial information and actual results.

 

Post-Acquisition Operating Results

The amounts of revenue and excess of revenues over direct operating expenses included in the Partnership’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, for the Eagle Ford and Western Catarina Midstream acquisitions are shown in the table that follows.  Direct operating expenses include lease operating expenses and production and ad valorem taxes (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three

 

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30, 2016

    

June 30, 2016

 

Revenues

$

16,485

 

$

32,157

 

Excess of revenues over direct operating expenses

$

12,324

 

$

23,822

 

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4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Measurements of fair value of derivative instruments are classified according to the fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1:     Measured based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. Active markets are considered those in which transactions for the assets or liabilities occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2:     Measured based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. This category includes those derivative instruments that can be valued using observable market data. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the term of the derivative instrument, can be derived from observable data, or supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.

Level 3:     Measured based on prices or valuation models that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and less observable from objective sources (i.e., supported by little or no market activity). The valuation models used to value derivatives associated with the Partnership's oil and natural gas production are primarily industry standard models that consider various inputs including: (a) quoted forward prices for commodities, (b) time value, and (c) current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Although third party quotes are utilized to assess the reasonableness of the prices and valuation techniques, there is not sufficient corroborating evidence to support classifying these assets and liabilities as Level 2.

Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement . Management's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

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The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2016

 

 

 

Active Markets for

 

Observable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical Assets

 

Inputs

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

Netting Cash and

 

Fair Value at

 

 

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

    

Collateral

    

June 30, 2016

 

Derivative assets

 

$

 —

 

$

14,704

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

14,704

 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

Embedded derivative

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(179,885)

 

 

 

 

 

(179,885)

 

Total net assets

 

$

 —

 

$

14,704

 

$

(179,885)

 

$

 —

 

$

(165,181)

 

 

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015

 

 

 

Active Markets for

 

Observable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical Assets

 

Inputs

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

Netting Cash and

 

Fair Value at

 

 

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

    

Collateral

    

December 31, 2015

 

Derivative assets

 

$

 —

 

$

31,018

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

31,018

 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

Embedded derivative

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(193,077)

 

 

 

 

 

(193,077)

 

Total net assets

 

$

 —

 

$

31,018

 

$

(193,077)

 

$

 —

 

$

(162,059)

 

As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets and current liabilities approximated their carrying value due to their short-term nature.

Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Partnership follows the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820-10 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on inputs that are not observable in the market and therefore represent Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of oil and natural gas properties and asset retirement obligations were measured using valuation techniques that convert future cash flows to a single discounted amount. Significant inputs to the valuation of oil and natural gas properties include estimates of: (i) reserves; (ii) future operating and development costs; (iii) future commodity prices; (iv) estimated future cash flows; and (v) a market-based weighted average cost of capital rate. These inputs require significant judgments and estimates by the Partnership’s management at the time of the valuation and are the most sensitive and subject to change. Our purchase price allocation for the Eagle Ford acquisition is presented in Note 3, ‘‘Acquisitions.” Fair value of oil and natural gas properties are presented in Note 7, “Oil and Natural Gas Properties.”  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Partnership’s asset retirement obligations is presented in Note 8 , ‘‘Asset Retirement Obligation .’’

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value guidance requires certain fair value disclosures, such as those on our debt and derivatives, to be presented in both interim and annual reports.  The estimated fair value amounts of financial instruments have been determined using available market information and valuation methodologies described below.

Credit Agreement – We believe that the carrying value of long-term debt for our Credit Agreement approximates its fair value because the interest rates on the debt approximate market interest rates for debt with similar terms.  The debt is classified as a Level 2 input in the fair value hierarchy and represents the amount at which the instrument could be valued in an exchange during a current transaction between willing parties.  Our Credit Agreement is discussed further in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt.”

Derivative Instruments – The income valuation approach, which involves discounting estimated cash flows, is primarily used to determine recurring fair value measurements of our derivative instruments classified as Level 2 inputs.  Our commodity derivatives are valued using the terms of the individual derivative contracts with our counterparties, expected future levels of oil and natural gas prices and an appropriate discount rate.  Our interest rate derivatives are valued using the terms of the individual derivative contracts with our counterparties, expected future levels of the LIBOR interest rates and an appropriate discount rate.  We did not have any interest rate derivatives as of June 30, 2016. We prioritize the use of the highest level inputs available in determining fair value such that fair value

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measurements are determined using the highest and best use as determined by market participants and the assumptions that they would use in determining fair value.

Embedded Derivative – The Partnership consummated a   contract for the sale of preferred units in October 2015 which contained provisions that must be bifurcated from the contract and valued as a derivative. The embedded derivative is valued through the use of a Monte Carlo model which utilizes observable inputs, the Partnership’s unit prices at various timelines, as well as unobservable inputs related to the weighted probabilities of certain redemption scenarios. As a result, we have classified the fair value measurements of our embedded derivative as Level 3 inputs. The Partnership has marked this derivative to market as of June 30 , 2016, and incurred an approximate $13. 2 million gain as a result.   The gain is the result in the reduction in fair value of the embedded derivative due to the decrease in unit price.

The fair value of the Partnership’s embedded derivative classified as Level 3 as of June 30 , 2016 was $179.9 million. Changes in the unobservable inputs will impact the fair value measurement of the Partnership's embedded derivative contract.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of the Partnership's embedded derivative classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

 

Beginning balance

 

$

(193,077)

 

$

 —

 

   Initial fair value of embedded derivative - bifurcated from mezzanine equity

 

 

 —

 

 

(183,095)

 

   Gain (loss) on embedded derivative

 

 

13,192

 

 

(9,982)

 

Ending balance

 

$

(179,885)

 

$

(193,077)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (loss) included in earnings related to derivatives still held as of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015

 

$

13,192

 

$

(9,982)

 

 

 

5. DERIVATIVE AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

To reduce the impact of fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices on our revenues, we periodically enter into derivative contracts with respect to a portion of our projected oil and natural gas production through various transactions that fix or modify the future prices to be realized.  These transactions are normally price swaps whereby we will receive a fixed price for our production and pay a variable market price to the contract counterparty.  These hedging activities are intended to support oil and natural gas prices at targeted levels and to manage exposure to oil and natural gas price fluctuations.  It is never our intention to enter into derivative contracts for speculative trading purposes.

Under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging , all derivative instruments are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value as either short-term or long-term assets or liabilities based on their anticipated settlement date.  We will net derivative assets and liabilities for counterparties where we have a legal right of offset.  Changes in the derivatives’ fair values are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.  We have not elected to designate any of our current derivative contracts as hedges; however, changes in the fair value of all of our derivative instruments are recognized in earnings and included in natural gas sales and oil and liquids sales in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

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As of June 30 , 2016, we had the following derivative contracts in place for the periods indicated, all of which are accounted for as mark-to-market activities:

Fixed Price Basis Swaps–West Texas Intermediate (WTI)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2016 (volume in Bbls)

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

June 30, 

 

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

106,483

 

$

73.95

 

100,525

 

$

74.10

 

207,008

 

$

74.03

 

2017

 

57,953

 

$

64.80

 

54,554

 

$

64.80

 

51,570

 

$

64.80

 

48,926

 

$

64.80

 

213,003

 

$

64.80

 

2018

 

56,798

 

$

65.40

 

54,197

 

$

65.40

 

51,851

 

$

65.40

 

49,709

 

$

65.40

 

212,555

 

$

65.40

 

2019

 

52,760

 

$

65.65

 

50,784

 

$

65.65

 

48,960

 

$

65.65

 

47,264

 

$

65.65

 

199,768

 

$

65.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

832,334

 

 

 

 

Fixed Price Swaps—NYMEX (Henry Hub)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2016 (volume in Mcfs)

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

June 30, 

 

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

998,394

 

$

4.14

 

963,327

 

$

4.14

 

1,961,721

 

$

4.14

 

2017

 

80,563

 

$

3.52

 

75,829

 

$

3.52

 

71,672

 

$

3.52

 

67,984

 

$

3.52

 

296,048

 

$

3.52

 

2018

 

79,042

 

$

3.58

 

75,404

 

$

3.58

 

72,115

 

$

3.58

 

69,122

 

$

3.58

 

295,683

 

$

3.58

 

2019

 

73,432

 

$

3.62

 

70,648

 

$

3.62

 

68,088

 

$

3.62

 

65,720

 

$

3.62

 

277,888

 

$

3.62

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,831,340

 

 

 

 

 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the changes in fair value of the Partnership’s commodity derivatives for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

 

Beginning fair value of commodity derivatives

 

$

31,018

 

$

22,829

 

  Net gains (losses) on crude oil derivatives

 

 

(3,568)

 

 

22,410

 

  Net gains (losses) on natural gas derivatives

 

 

(168)

 

 

6,148

 

Net settlements on derivative contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Crude oil

 

 

(8,052)

 

 

(13,191)

 

  Natural gas

 

 

(4,526)

 

 

(7,178)

 

Ending fair value of commodity derivatives

 

$

14,704

 

$

31,018

 

 

 

The effect of derivative instruments on our condensed consolidated statements of operations was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss) in Income

 

 

Location of Gain

 

For the Three Months Ended June 30,

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

Derivative Type

 

in Income

 

2016

 

2015

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity – Mark-to-Market

 

Oil sales

 

$

(6,260)

 

$

(5,555)

 

$

(3,568)

 

$

(2,912)

Commodity – Mark-to-Market

 

Natural gas sales

 

 

(1,466)

 

 

(342)

 

 

(168)

 

 

1,848

 

 

 

 

$

(7,726)

 

$

(5,897)

 

$

(3,736)

 

$

(1,064)

Derivative instruments expose us to counterparty credit risk.  Our commodity derivative instruments are currently contracted with three counterparties.  We generally execute commodity derivative instruments under master agreements which allow us, in the event of default, to elect early termination of all contracts with the defaulting counterparty.  If we choose to elect early termination, all asset and liability positions with the defaulting counterparty would be net cash settled at the time of election. We include a measure of counterparty credit risk in our estimates of the fair values of derivative instruments. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the impact of non-performance credit risk on the valuation of our derivative instruments was not significant.

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Hedges Novated in the Eagle Ford Acquisition

As a part of the Eagle Ford acquisition, we received by novation from the seller certain hedges covering approximately 90% ,   85% ,   85% and 80% of estimated 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 oil and natural gas production from the acquired assets, respectively.  The counterparty for the hedges is a lender in the Partnership’s Credit Agreement. The Partnership is responsible for all future periodic settlements of these transactions.  As of June 30 , 2016, the fair value of the hedges assumed resulted in an $8.9   million asset in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. 

Embedded Derivative

The Partnership consummated a contract for the sale of preferred units in October 2015 which contained provisions that must be bifurcated from the contract and valued as a derivative. The embedded derivative is valued through the use of a Monte Carlo model which utilizes observable inputs, the Partnership’s unit prices at various timelines, as well as unobservable inputs related to the weighted probabilities of certain redemption scenarios. The Partnership has marked this derivative to market as of June 30 , 2016, and incurred an approximate $13.2 million gain as a result.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the changes in fair value of the Partnership’s embedded derivative for the quarters ended June 30 , 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

 

Beginning fair value of embedded derivative

 

$

(193,077)

 

$

 —

 

   Initial fair value of embedded derivative - bifurcated from mezzanine equity

 

 

 —

 

 

(183,095)

 

   Gain (loss) on embedded derivative

 

 

13,192

 

 

(9,982)

 

Ending fair value of embedded derivative

 

$

(179,885)

 

$

(193,077)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. LONG-TERM DEBT

We have entered into a credit facility with Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto.  The credit facility provides a maximum commitment of $500,000,000 and has a maturity date of March 31, 2020.   Borrowings under the credit facility are secured by various mortgages of oil and natural gas properties that we own as well as various security and pledge agreements among the Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries and the administrative agent.  

The amount available for borrowing at any one time under the credit facility is limited to the borrowing base for our oil and natural gas properties and our midstream assets.  Borrowings under the credit facility are available for direct investment in oil and gas properties, acquisitions, and working capital and general business purposes.  The credit facility has a sub-limit of $15,000,000 which may be used for the issuance of letters of credit.  The initial borrowing base under the credit facility was $200,000,000 .  The borrowing base for the credit available for the upstream oil and gas properties is re-determined semi-annually in the second and fourth quarters of the year, and may be re-determined at our request more frequently and by the lenders, in their sole discretion, based on reserve reports as prepared by petroleum engineers, using, among other things, the oil and natural gas pricing prevailing at such time.  The borrowing base for the credit available for our midstream properties is equal to the rolling four quarter EBITDA of our midstream operations multiplied by 4.75 for the second quarter of 2016 and 4.5 thereafter.  Outstanding borrowings in excess of our borrowing base must be repaid or we must pledge other oil and natural gas properties as additional collateral.  We may elect to pay any borrowing base deficiency in three equal monthly installments such that the deficiency is eliminated in a period of three months.  Any increase in our borrowing base must be approved by all of the lenders. 

On May 19, 2016, and June 1, 2016, respectively, SPP received notification that its lenders completed a semi-annual review of the RBL Component and quarterly review of the Midstream Component of the partnership ’s borrowing base pursuant to the terms of its credit facility.  Based on these review s , the borrowing base has been established at $ 195.7 million.

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At our election and as of June 30, 2016 , interest for borrowings under the credit facility are determined by reference to (i) the London interbank rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin between 1.75 % and 2.75 % per annum based on utilization or (ii) a domestic bank rate (“ABR”) plus an applicable margin between 0.75 % and 1.75 % per annum based on utilization plus (iii) a commitment fee between 0.375% and   0.500% per annum based on the unutilized borrowing base.  Interest on the borrowings for ABR loans and the commitment fee are generally payable quarterly.  Interest on the borrowings for LIBOR loans are generally payable at the applicable maturity date.  

The credit facility contains various covenants that limit, among other things, our ability to incur certain indebtedness, grant certain liens, merge or consolidate, sell all or substantially all of our assets, make certain loans, acquisitions, capital expenditures and investments, and pay distributions.  

In addition, we are required to maintain the following financial covenants: 

 

·

current assets to current liabilities of at least 1.0 to 1.0 at all times;

·

senior secured net debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the last twelve months, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, of not greater than 4.5 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations equals or exceeds one-third of total Adjusted EBITDA or 4.0 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations is less than one-third of total adjusted EBITDA; and

·

minimum interest coverage ratio of at least 2.5 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations is greater than one-third of our total adjusted EBITDA.

 

The credit facility also includes customary events of default, including events of default relating to non-payment of principal, interest or fees, inaccuracy of representations and warranties when made or when deemed made, violation of covenants, cross-defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events, certain unsatisfied judgments, loan documents not being valid and a change in control. A change in control is generally defined as the occurrence of one of the following events:  (i) our existing general partner ceases to be our sole general partner or (ii) certain specified persons shall cease to own more than 50% of the equity interests of our general partner or shall cease to control our general partner. If an event of default occurs, the lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of the credit facility and exercise other rights and remedies.  

The credit facility limits our ability to pay distributions to unitholders. We have the ability to pay distributions to unitholders from available cash, including cash from borrowings under the credit facility, as long as no event of default exists and provided that no distributions to unitholders may be made if the borrowings outstanding, net of available cash, under the credit facility exceed 90% of the borrowing base, after giving effect to the proposed distribution. Our available cash is reduced by any cash reserves established by the board of directors of our general partner for the proper conduct of our business and the payment of fees and expenses.

At June 30, 2016, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the credit facility. We monitor compliance on an ongoing basis. If we are unable to remain in compliance with the financial covenants contained in our credit facility or maintain the required ratios discussed above, the lenders could call an event of default and accelerate the outstanding debt under the terms of the credit facility, such that our outstanding debt could become then due and payable. We may request waivers of compliance for   any violat ion of a financial covenant from the lenders, but there is no assurance that such waivers would be granted.

During the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2015-03 retrospectively to the comparable periods in this Form 10-Q. Adoption of this guidance affected the balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 as follows (in thousands):

Decrease in Long term debt, net of debt issuance costs of approximately $2,091

Decrease in Debt issuance costs, net (Other Assets) of approximately $2,091

Debt Issuance Costs

As of June 30, 2016, our unamortized debt issuance costs were $1.9 million. These costs are amortized to interest expense in our consolidated statement of operations over the life of our credit facility.  At December 31, 2015, our unamortized debt issuance costs were $2.1 million.

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7. OIL AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES

Oil and Natural Gas Properties We follow the successful efforts method of accounting for our oil and natural gas exploration, development and production activities. Leasehold acquisition costs, property acquisition and the costs of development of proved areas are capitalized. If proved reserves are found on an undeveloped property, leasehold cost is transferred to proved properties. Under this method of accounting, costs relating to the development of proved areas are capitalized when incurred. 

Oil and natural gas properties consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

June 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

 

Oil and natural gas properties and related equipment (successful efforts method)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved property

 

$

731,435

 

$

731,548

 

Unproved property

 

 

41

 

 

39

 

Land

 

 

501

 

 

501

 

Total property costs

 

 

731,977

 

 

732,088

 

Materials and supplies

 

 

1,056

 

 

1,056

 

Total

 

 

733,033

 

 

733,144

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairments

 

 

(657,259)

 

 

(652,167)

 

Oil and natural gas properties and equipment, net

 

$

75,774

 

$

80,977

 

 

Gathering and transportation assets consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

June 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

 

Gathering and transportation assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catarina midstream assets

 

$

147,695

 

$

147,479

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization

 

 

(4,840)

 

 

(1,402)

 

Total gathering and transportation assets

 

$

142,855

 

$

146,077

 

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization .  Depreciation and depletion of producing oil and natural gas properties is recorded at the field level, based on the units-of-production method. Unit rates are computed for unamortized drilling and development costs using proved developed reserves and for unamortized leasehold costs using all proved reserves. Acquisition costs of proved properties are amortized on the basis of all proved reserves, developed and undeveloped, and capitalized development costs (including wells and related equipment and facilities) are amortized on the basis of proved developed reserves.

All other properties, including the gathering and transportation assets, are stated at historical acquisition cost, net of any impairments, and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets, which range from  3  to  15 years for furniture and equipment, and up to  36 years for gathering facilities.

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Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairments consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30, 

 

June 30, 

 

    

2016

    

2015

 

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DD&A of oil and natural gas-related assets

 

$

942

 

$

3,079

 

$

2,962

 

$

6,199

DD&A of gathering and transportation related assets

 

 

1,729

 

 

 —

 

 

3,438

 

 

 —

Total DD&A

 

 

2,671

 

 

3,079

 

 

6,400

 

 

6,199

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

862

 

 

1,309

 

 

83,727

Total

 

$

2,671

 

$

3,941

 

$

7,709

 

$

89,926

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment of Oil and Natural Gas Properties and Other Non-Current Assets.   Oil and natural gas properties are rev iewed for impairment on a field-by- field basis when facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. We assess impairment of capitalized costs of proved oil and natural gas properties by comparing net capitalized costs to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows using expected prices. If net capitalized costs exceed estimated undiscounted future net cash flows, the measurement of impairment is based on estimated fair value, which would consider estimated future discounted cash flows. The cash flow estimates are based upon third- party reserve reports using future expected oil and natural gas prices adjusted for basis differentials. Other significant inputs, besides reserves, used to determine the fair values of proved properties include estimates of: (i) future operating and development costs; (ii) future commodity prices; and (iii) a market-based weighted average cost of capital rate. These inputs require significant judgments and estimates by the Partnership’s management at the time of the valuation and are the most sensitive and subject to change.  Cash flow estimates for impairment testing exclude derivative instruments.

For the three months ended June 30, 2016, we did not record non-cash impairment charges.   For the six months ended June 30, 2016, we recorded non- cash charges of $1.3 million to impair our producing oil and natural gas properties in Texas and Louisiana acquired prior to the Eagle Ford acquisition. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, we recorded non-cash charges of $0.9 million and $83.7 million, respectively, to impair the value of our Cherokee Basin properties, Woodford Shale properties and our Texas and Louisiana properties acquired prior to the Eagle Ford acquisition . The carrying values of the impaired proved properties were reduced to fair value of $75 . 8 million as of June 30, 2016 , estimated using inputs characteristic of a Level 3 fair value measurement. 

Asset Retirement Obligation.   As described in Note 8, estimated asset retirement costs are recognized when the asset is acquired or placed in service, and are amortized over proved developed reserves using the units-of-production method. Asset retirement costs are estimated by our engineers using existing regulatory requirements and anticipated future inflation rates.

Exploration and Dry Hole Costs.   Exploration and dry hole costs represent abandonments of drilling locations, dry hole costs, delay rentals, geological and geophysical costs and the impairment, amortization and abandonment associated with leases on our unproved properties. All such costs on oil and natural gas properties relating to unsuccessful exploratory wells are charged to expense as incurred. We recorded no exploration or dry hole costs for the six months ended June 30, 2016 or 2015.

 

8. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

We recognize the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Each period, we accrete the ARO to its then present value. The associated asset retirement cost (“ARC”) is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of our oil and natural gas properties, equipment and facilities. Subsequently, the ARC is depreciated using a systematic and rational method over the asset’s useful life. The AROs recorded by us relate to the plugging and abandonment of oil and natural gas wells, and decommissioning of oil and natural gas gathering and other facilities.

Inherent in the fair value calculation of ARO are numerous assumptions and judgments including the ultimate settlement amounts, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, timing of settlement and changes in the legal, regulatory, environmental and political environments. To the extent future revisions to these assumptions result in adjustments to the recorded fair value of the existing ARO, a corresponding adjustment is made to the ARC capitalized as part of the oil and natural gas property balance.

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The following table is a reconciliation of the ARO (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

 

Asset retirement obligation, beginning balance

 

$

20,364

 

$

17,031

 

Liabilities added from acquisitions

 

 

 —

 

 

3,634

 

Liabilities added from drilling

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Sold

 

 

 —

 

 

(58)

 

Revisions to cost estimates

 

 

(1,393)

 

 

(1,156)

 

Settlements

 

 

(86)

 

 

(186)

 

Accretion expense

 

 

630

 

 

1,099

 

Asset retirement obligation, ending balance

 

$

19,515

 

$

20,364

 

Additional AROs increase the liability associated with new oil and natural gas wells and other facilities as these obligations are incurred. Actual expenditures for abandonments of oil and natural gas wells and other facilities reduce the liability for AROs. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no significant expenditures for abandonments and there were no assets legally restricted for purposes of settling existing AROs.  During the year ended December 31, 2015, revisions were made to the ARO liability based on recent costs incurred on abandoned wells, which were lower on average than originally projected.

9.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets are comprised of customer and marketing contracts.  The intangible assets balance includes $192.3 million related to the customer contract with SN that was agreed to as part of the Western Catarina Midstream a cquisition. Pursuant to the 15 -year agreement, SN tenders all of its crude petroleum, natural gas and other hydrocarbon-based product volumes on 35,000 dedicated acres in the Western Catarina of the Eagle Ford Shale in Texas for processing and transportation through the gathering system, with a right to tender additional volumes outside of the dedicated acreage.  These intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over the 15 year life of the agreement. The remaining $0.5 million of the intangible assets balance is comprised of marketing contracts from the 2007 New field a cquisition which are being amortized using the straight-line method over the 10 year life of the agreement.

Amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $6.9 million and $0.2 million , respectively .   Intangible assets as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are detailed below (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

2016

    

2015

Beginning balance

 

$

199,741

 

$

1,033

   Additions

 

 

 —

 

 

201,888

   Amortization

 

 

(6,917)

 

 

(3,180)

Ending balance

 

$

192,824

 

$

199,741

 

 

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We did not have any material commitments and contingencies as of June 30 , 2016.

11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

We are controlled by our general partner.  The sole member of our general partner is Manager, which has no officers. In May 2014, we entered into the Services Agreement with Manager pursuant to which Manager provides services that we require to operate our business, including overhead, technical, administrative, marketing, accounting, operational, information systems, financial, compliance, insurance, professionals and acquisition, disposition and financing services.  In connection with providing services under the Services Agreement, Manager receives compensation consisting of: (i) a quarterly fee equal to 0.375% of the value of our properties other than our assets located in the Mid-Continent region, (ii) reimbursement for all allocated overhead costs as well as any direct third-party costs incurred and (iii) for each asset acquisition, asset disposition and financing, a fee not to exceed 2% of the value of such transaction.  Each of these fees, not including the reimbursement of costs, is paid in cash unless Manager elects for such fee to be paid in our equity.     The Services Agreement has a ten-year term and will be automatically renewed for an additional ten years unless both Manager and the Company provide notice to terminate the agreement.  During the six months ended June 30, 2016, we expensed $3.0

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million to Manager pursuant to the Services Agreement.  During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we paid $2.4 million to Manager under the Services Agreement, which included a prepayment of $0.5 million that was applied to the third quarter of 2015.

Manager utilizes SOG to provide the services under the Services Agreement.  In May 2014, we entered into a Contract Operating Agreement with SOG pursuant to which SOG either provides services to operate, develop and produce our oil and natural gas properties or engages a third-party operator to do so, other than with respect to our properties in the Mid-Continent Region.  We also have entered into the Geophysical Seismic Data Use License Agreement with SOG pursuant to which SOG provides us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use seismic, geophysical and geological information relating to our oil and natural gas properties that is proprietary to SOG and not restricted by agreements that SOG has with landowners or seismic data vendors.

The Partnership has entered into a Firm Gathering and Processing Agreement with SN for an initial term of 15 years under which production from approximately 35,000 acres in Dimmit County and Webb County, Texas will be dedicated for gathering by Catarina Midstream, LLC (“Catarina Midstream”). In addition, for the first five years of the Gathering Agreement, SN Catarina, LLC will be required to meet a minimum quarterly volume delivery commitment of 10,200 barrels per day of crude oil and condensate and 142,000 Mcf per day of natural gas, subject to certain adjustments. 

As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Partnership had a net receivable from related parties of $7.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which are included in “Accounts receivable – related entities” in the condensed consolidat ed balance sheets. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Partnership also had a net payable from related parties of $3.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The net receivables/payable as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consist primarily of revenues receivable from oil and natural gas production, offset by costs associated with that production and obligations for general and administrative costs. 

On March 31, 2015, the Partnership and SN entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Eagle Ford acquisition for total consideration of $85.0 million. After $1.4 million in normal and customary closing adjustments, consideration paid at closing consisted of $81.6 million cash paid by us to SN and 105,263 of our common units issued to SN with an aggregate consideration value of $2,000,000 . All 105,263 common units issued as consideration for the Eagle Ford acquisition were repurchased in connection with the Western Catarina Midstream acquisition in October 2015. See further discussion of the transaction in Note 3, “Acquisitions.”

In October 2015, the Partnership and SN consummated the Western Catarina Midstream acquisition for total consideration of approximately $345.8 million in cash, subject to closing and post-closing adjustments. Concurrently with the signing of the Western Catarina Midstream acquisition purchase and sale agreement, we entered into a 15-year gas gathering and processing agreement with SN. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, SN paid us appro ximately $23.2 mil lion pursuant to the terms of the gathering and processing agreement. See further discussion of the transaction in Note 3, “Acquisitions .”

On July 5, 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement with SN and SN Midstream, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SN, to purchase 50% of the issued and outstanding membership interests in Carnero Gathering, LLC (see further discussion in Note 16, “Subsequent Events”).

12. UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION

Prior to our conversion to a Delaware limited partnership on March 6, 2015, we granted restricted common unit awards to certain employees in Texas under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”).  The Omnibus Plan provided for a variety of unit-based and performance-based awards, including unit options, restricted units, unit grants, notional units, unit appreciation rights, performance awards and other unit-based awards.  Additionally, prior to March 6, 2015, we granted restricted common unit awards to certain field employees in Kansas and Oklahoma and to certain employees in Texas under our previous Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Previous LTIP”).

After our conversion to a limited partnership, both the Omnibus Plan and the Previous LTIP had no outstanding units remaining.  Effective March 6, 2015, the Omnibus Plan was amended and restated and renamed the Sanchez Production Partners LP Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) and the Previous LTIP was merged into the LTIP.   Restricted unit activity under the Omnibus Plan, the Previous LTIP, and the LTIP during the period, after adjusting for the   1 -for-10 reverse split completed on August 3, 2015 , is presented in the following table:

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Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Number of

 

Grant Date

 

 

 

Restricted

 

Fair Value

 

 

    

Units

    

Per Unit

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

 

361,357

 

$

14.18

 

Granted

 

67,627

 

 

10.35

 

Vested

 

(86,041)

 

 

11.54

 

Returned/Cancelled

 

(14,227)

 

 

15.81

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2016

 

328,716

 

$

14.01

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Partnership issued 346,925 restricted common units ( 34,693 restricted common units after adjusting for reverse unit split) pursuant to the LTIP to the directors of the Partnership’s general partner that vested immediately on the date of the grant.  The unit based compensation expense for the awards were based on their grant date fair values.  In March 2015, officers were granted a total of 1,025,641 restricted common units ( 102,564 restricted common units after adjusting for the reverse unit split) that were due upon request, of which 769,231 restricted common units ( 76,923 restricted common units after adjusting for reverse unit split) were vested and delivered at the request of the officers, net of 322,692 restricted common units ( 32,269 restricted common units after adjusting for reverse unit split) that were returned to the plan for settlement of taxes associated with the vesting . Furthermore, on December 1, 2015, the board of directors of our general partner approved the grant of 335,715 restricted units pursuant to the LTIP to employees, service providers, and executive officers that which are set to vest pro-rata over a three -year period. In April 2016, officers were granted a total of 67,627 restricted common units that were vested and delivered.

As of June 30, 2016, 213,273 common units remain available for future issuance to participants under the LTIP.

13. DISTRIBUTIONS TO UNITHOLDERS

From the second quarter of 2009 through the second quarter of 2015, we did not pay distributions on our common units.  Starting in the third quarter of 2015, the board of directors of our general partner declared distributions of Class A Preferred Units on August 10, 2015 and November 10, 2015 to holders as of August 14, 2015 and November 16, 2015, respectively. A total of 549,756 paid-in-kind units were distributed for the year ended December 31, 2015.  On November 30, 2015, we paid a cash distribution with respect to the quarter ended September 30, 2015 in the amount of $0.400 per common unit.  On February 9, 2016, we announced that the board of directors of our general partner approved a cash distribution of $0.406 per common unit for the fourth quarter of 2015.  The Partnership also declared a fourth quarter 2015 paid-in-kind distribution of 2.5% on its Class A preferred units and a fourth quarter prorated cash distribution of $0.3815 on its Class B preferred units.  The distributions were paid on February 29 ,   2016 to unitholders of record on February 19, 2016.  On May 10, 2016, we announced that the board of directors of our general partner approved a cash distribution of $0.4121 per common unit and $0.450 per Class B preferred unit for the first quarter of 2016.  The distributions were paid on May 31, 2016 to unitholders of r e cord on May 20, 2016.  All Class A preferred Units were converted to common units on a one to one basis at March 31, 2016; as such, no paid-in-kind distributions were made on Class A Preferred Units for the second quarter of 2016.   On August 10, 2016, we announced that the board of directors of our general partner approved a cash distribution of $0.4183 per common unit and $0.450 per Class B preferred unit for the second quarter of 2016. The distributions are payable on August 31, 2016 to unitholders of record on August 22 , 2016 .

14. MEMBERS’ EQUITY/PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

Outstanding Units 

As of June 30, 2016, we had no Class A Preferred Units outstanding, 19,444,445 Class B Preferred Units outstanding, and 4,279,51 7 common units outstanding.

Common Unit Issuances

On March 31, 2016, the Partnership converted all remaining outstanding Class A Preferred Units into common units of the Partnership on a one for one basis, adjusted for the 1-for-10 unit split in August 2015.

In April 2015, we entered into an at-the-market sales agreement with MLV & Co. LLC to sell from time-to-time up to $100 million of our common units, with any proceeds from such sales to be used for general limited partnership purposes. We did not sell any common units during the six months ended June 30 , 2016.

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On August 3, 2015, the Partnership effected a 1 -for-10 reverse split on its common units, pursuant to which common unitholders received one common unit for every ten common units held at the close of trading on August 3, 2015. All fractional units created by the reverse split were rounded to the nearest whole unit.  Each unitholder received at least one unit. Post-split units of the Partnership began trading on August 4, 2015. Immediately prior to the reverse unit split, there were  31,495,506  common units of the Partnership issued and outstanding , with a per unit closing trading price on the NYSE MKT on August 3, 2015 of $1.55 .  Immediately after the reverse unit split, the number of issued and outstanding common units of the Partnership decreased to  3,149,551 , not inclusive of common units required by DTCC due to the rounding up of fractional units at the beneficial level, and the per unit opening trading price on the NYSE MKT was $15.50

Preferred Unit Issuance

Class A Preferred Unit Offerings: On March 31, 2015, the Partnership entered into a Class A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement with the purchasers named on Schedule A thereto (collectively, the “March Purchasers”), pursuant to which the Partnership sold, and the March Purchasers purchased, 10,625,000 of the Partnership’s newly created Class A Preferred Units (the “Class A Preferred Units”) in a privately negotiated transaction for an aggregate cash purchase price of $1.60 per Class A Preferred Unit resulting in gross proceeds to the Partnership of $17 million.  The Partnership used the net proceeds of $17 million from this transaction, together with common units issued to SN, borrowings under our credit facility, and available cash on hand, to pay the consideration for the Eagle Ford acquisition.

Additionally, on April 15, 2015, the Partnership entered into a Class A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement with the purchasers named on Schedule A thereto (collectively, the “April Purchasers”), pursuant to which the Partnership sold, and the April Purchasers purchased, 234,375 of the Partnership’s Class A Preferred Units in a privately negotiated transaction for an aggregate cash purchase price of $1.60 per Class A Preferred Unit resulting in gross and net proceeds to the Partnership of $375,000 .  The Partnership used the proceeds for general working capital purposes.

On March 31, 2016, the Partnership converted all remaining outstanding Class A Preferred Units into common units of the Partnership on a one for one basis, adjusted for 1-for-10 unit split in August 2015.

Class B Preferred Unit Offering: On October 14, 2015, pursuant to that certain Class B Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement dated September 25, 2015 between the Partnership and Stonepeak Catarina Holdings LLC (the “October Purchaser”), the Partnership sold and the October Purchaser purchased 19,444,445 of the Partnership’s newly created Class B Preferred Units (the “Class B Preferred Units”) in a privately negotiated transaction for an aggregate cash purchase price of $18.00 per Class B Preferred Unit, which resulted in gross proceeds to the Partnership of $350,000,010 .  The Partnership used the net proceeds to pay a portion of the consideration for the Western Catarina Midstream acquisition, along with the payment to the October Purchaser of a fee equal to 2.25% of the consideration paid for the Class B Preferred Units. 

Under the terms of our partnership agreement, commencing with the quarter ended on December 31, 2015, the Class B Preferred Units will receive a quarterly distribution, at the election of the board of directors of our general partner, of 10.0% per annum if paid in full in cash or 12.0% per annum if paid in part cash ( 8.0% per annum) and in part paid-in-kind units ( 4.0% per annum).  In the event the Partnership does not raise at least $75,000,000 through the issuance of additional common units prior to September 30, 2016 (with the conversion of the Class A Preferred Units of the Partnership counting toward such amount), the cash portion of the distribution rate will increase by 4.0% per annum until the end of the quarter in which such issuance is consummated.  Distributions are to be paid on or about the last day of each of February, May, August and November after the end of each quarter. 

The holders of Class B Preferred Units have the right at any time to request conversion in whole or in part of their Class B Preferred Units at the Conversion Rate, subject to the requirement to convert a minimum of $17,500,000 of Class B Preferred Units.  The “Conversion Rate” is equal to the quotient of (i) the aggregate purchase price for the Class B Preferred Units plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon, divided by (ii) the lesser of (a) the purchase price for the Class B Preferred Units and (b) the volume weighted average price for which common units are issued by the Partnership during the period beginning on the private placement closing date and ending on the date on which the Partnership has issued common units (other than issuances pursuant to the LTIP) in exchange for cash in an aggregate amount equal to at least $75 million.

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The Class B Preferred Units are accounted for as mezzanine equity in the consolidated balance sheet consisting of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

June 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mezzanine equity beginning balance

 

$

172,111

 

$

 —

Private placement of Class B Preferred Units

 

 

 —

 

 

350,000

Discount

 

 

(87)

 

 

(191,901)

Amortization of discount

 

 

12,908

 

 

6,594

Distributions

 

 

17,500

 

 

7,418

Distributions paid

 

 

(16,168)

 

 

 —

Total mezzanine equity

 

$

186,264

 

$

172,111

Earnings per Unit

For the period prior to our conversion, the basic net income per unit was computed from the two-class method by dividing net income (loss) attributable to unitholders by the weighted average number of units outstanding during each period.  To determine net income (loss) allocated to each class of ownership (Class A and Class B), we first allocated net income (loss) in accordance with the amount of distributions made for the period by each class, if any.  The remaining net income (loss) was allocated to each class in proportion to the class weighted average number of units outstanding for the period, as compared to the weighted average number of units for all classes for the period.

Post conversion, net income (loss) per common unit for the period is based on any distributions that are made to the unitholders (common units) plus an allocation of undistributed net income based on provisions of the partnership agreement, divided by the weighted average number of common units outstanding. The two-class method dictates that net income for a period be reduced by the amount of distributions and that any residual amount representing undistributed net income be allocated to common unitholders and other participating unitholders to the extent that each unit may share in net income as if all of the net income for the period had been distributed in accordance with the partnership agreement. Unit-based awards granted but unvested are eligible to receive distributions. The underlying unvested restricted unit awards are considered participating securities for purposes of determining net income per unit. Undistributed income is allocated to participating securities based on the proportional relationship of the weighted average number of common units and unit-based awards outstanding. Undistributed losses (including those resulting from distributions in excess of net income) are allocated to common units based on provisions of the partnership agreement. Undistributed losses are not allocated to unvested restricted unit awards as they do not participate in net losses. Distributions declared and paid in the period are treated as distributed earnings in the computation of earnings per common unit even though cash distributions are not necessarily derived from current or prior period earnings.

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Our general partner does not have an economic interest in the Partnership and, therefore, does not participate in the Partnership’s net income.  The following table presents the weighted average basic and diluted units outstanding for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 

June 30, 

June 30, 

March 6 - June 30

 

January 1 - March 6

 

 

    

2016

2015

 

2016

2015

    

2015

    

Class A units - Basic and Diluted

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

48,451

 

Class B Common units - Basic and Diluted

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

2,879,163

 

Common units - Basic and Diluted

 

3,935,297

 

3,113,428

 

3,333,482

 

3,087,431

 

 —

 

Weighted Common units - Basic and Diluted

 

3,935,297

 

3,113,428

 

3,333,482

 

3,087,431

 

2,927,613

 

At June 30, 2016, we had 328,715  common units that were restricted unvested common units granted and outstanding.  No losses were allocated to participating restricted unvested units because such securities do not have a contractual obligation to share in the Partnership’s losses.

The following table presents our basic and diluted loss per unit for the six months ended June 30, 2016 (in thousands, except for per unit amounts):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Total

    

Common Units

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed net loss to be allocated

 

$

(27,947)

 

$

(27,947)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per unit

 

 

 

 

$

(8.38)

 

 

The following table presents our basic and diluted loss per unit for the three months ended June 30, 2016 (in thousands, except for per unit amounts):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Total

    

Common Units

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed net loss to be allocated

 

$

(17,207)

 

$

(17,207)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per unit

 

 

 

 

$

(4.37)

 

 

The following table presents our basic and diluted loss per unit for the period from January 1, 2015 to March 6, 2015 (the date of conversion to a limited partnership) (in thousands, except for per unit amounts):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Total

    

Class A Units

    

Class B Units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed net loss to be allocated January 1 - March 6

 

$

(923)

 

$

(18)

 

$

(905)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per unit

 

 

 

 

$

(0.38)

 

$

(0.31)

 

 

The following table presents our basic and diluted loss per unit for the period from March 6, 2015 through June 30, 2015 (the period after conversion to a limited partnership) (in thousands, except for per unit amounts):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Total

    

Common Units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed net loss attributable to common unitholders to be allocated March 6 - June 30

 

$

(99,928)

 

$

(99,928)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per unit

 

 

 

 

$

(3.23)

 

Net loss per unit increased significantly for the period from March 6, 2015 through June 30 , 2015 as compared to the period from January 1, 2015 through March 5, 2015 as it included a non-cash impairment charge of $83.7 million. There was no impairment charge recorded for the period from January 1, 2015 through March 5, 2015.  

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15. REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

The operating segments, reported separately herein, are best defined as: (1) Exploration and Production and (2) Midstream. The factors used to identify these reportable segments are based on the nature of the operations that are undertaken by each segment. The Exploration and Production segment operates to explore for and produce crude oil and natural gas. The Midstream segment operates the gathering, processing and transportation of crude oil, natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) and natural gas.   We completed the Western Catarina Midstream Acquisitions during the fourth quarter of 2015. As such, there were no midstream results for the three and six monthes ended June 30, 2015. These segments are broadly understood across the petroleum and petrochemical industries.

These functions have been defined as the operating segments of the Partnership because they are the segments (1) that engage in business activities from which revenues are earned and expenses are incurred; (2) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Partnership’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance; and (3) for which discrete financial information is available.  Operating segments are evaluated for their contribution to the Partnership’s consolidated results based on operating income, which is defined as segment operating revenues less expenses.

The following tables set forth our segment information for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Three Months Ended June 30, 2016

    

 

    

Exploration & Production

 

Midstream

    

Total

    

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

 

$

600

 

$

 —

 

$

600

 

Oil sales

 

 

(2,756)

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,756)

 

Natural gas liquids sales

 

 

244

 

 

 —

 

 

244

 

Gathering and transportation sales

 

 

 —

 

 

14,258

 

 

14,258

 

Total operating revenues

 

 

(1,912)

 

 

14,258

 

 

12,346

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

3,904

 

 

274

 

 

4,178

 

Transportation operating expenses

 

 

 —

 

 

3,014

 

 

3,014

 

Cost of sales

 

 

63

 

 

 —

 

 

63

 

Production taxes

 

 

326

 

 

 —

 

 

326

 

General and administrative

 

 

3,550

 

 

1,428

 

 

4,978

 

Unit compensation expense

 

 

1,091

 

 

 —

 

 

1,091

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

1,036

 

 

5,093

 

 

6,129

 

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Accretion expense

 

 

253

 

 

62

 

 

315

 

Total operating expenses  

 

 

10,223

 

 

9,871

 

 

20,094

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    

$

(12,135)

 

$

4,387

 

$

(7,748)

 

 

 

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Three Months Ended June 30, 2015

    

 

    

Exploration & Production

    

Midstream

    

Total

    

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

 

$

3,642

 

$

 —

 

$

3,642

 

Oil sales

 

 

639

 

 

 —

 

 

639

 

Natural gas liquids sales

 

 

500

 

 

 —

 

 

500

 

Gathering and transportation sales

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Total operating revenues

 

 

4,781

 

 

 —

 

 

4,781

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

5,358

 

 

 —

 

 

5,358

 

Cost of sales

 

 

125

 

 

 —

 

 

125

 

Production taxes

 

 

583

 

 

 —

 

 

583

 

General and administrative

 

 

3,351

 

 

 —

 

 

3,351

 

Unit compensation expense

 

 

395

 

 

 —

 

 

395

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

(54)

 

 

 —

 

 

(54)

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

3,079

 

 

 —

 

 

3,079

 

Asset impairments

 

 

862

 

 

 —

 

 

862

 

Accretion expense

 

 

264

 

 

 —

 

 

264

 

Total operating expenses  

 

 

13,963

 

 

 —

 

 

13,963

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

$

(9,182)

 

$

 —

 

$

(9,182)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Six Months Ended June 30, 2016

 

    

Exploration & Production

 

Midstream

    

Total

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

 

$

4,275

 

$

 —

 

$

4,275

Oil sales

 

 

2,587

 

 

 —

 

 

2,587

Natural gas liquids sales

 

 

520

 

 

 —

 

 

520

Gathering and transportation sales

 

 

 —

 

 

28,133

 

 

28,133

Total operating revenues

 

 

7,382

 

 

28,133

 

 

35,515

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

8,780

 

 

371

 

 

9,151

Transportation operating expenses

 

 

 —

 

 

6,068

 

 

6,068

Cost of sales

 

 

193

 

 

 —

 

 

193

Production taxes

 

 

547

 

 

 —

 

 

547

General and administrative

 

 

7,984

 

 

2,713

 

 

10,697

Unit compensation expense

 

 

1,529

 

 

 —

 

 

1,529

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

3,149

 

 

10,168

 

 

13,317

Asset impairments

 

 

1,309

 

 

 —

 

 

1,309

Accretion expense

 

 

507

 

 

123

 

 

630

Total operating expenses  

 

 

23,998

 

 

19,443

 

 

43,441

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    

$

(16,616)

 

$

8,690

 

$

(7,926)

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Six Months Ended June 30, 2015

 

    

Exploration & Production

    

Midstream

    

Total

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

 

$

10,216

 

$

 —

 

$

10,216

Oil sales

 

 

5,603

 

 

 —

 

 

5,603

Natural gas liquids sales

 

 

886

 

 

 —

 

 

886

Gathering and transportation sales

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Total operating revenues

 

 

16,705

 

 

 —

 

 

16,705

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

10,258

 

 

 —

 

 

10,258

Cost of sales

 

 

330

 

 

 —

 

 

330

Production taxes

 

 

953

 

 

 —

 

 

953

General and administrative

 

 

10,906

 

 

 —

 

 

10,906

Unit compensation expense

 

 

2,387

 

 

 —

 

 

2,387

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

(113)

 

 

 —

 

 

(113)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

6,199

 

 

 —

 

 

6,199

Asset impairments

 

 

83,727

 

 

 —

 

 

83,727

Accretion expense

 

 

517

 

 

 —

 

 

517

Total operating expenses  

 

 

115,164

 

 

 —

 

 

115,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

$

(98,459)

 

$

 —

 

$

(98,459)

The following table summarizes the total assets by operating segment as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

 

December 31, 

Segment Assets

    

 

2016

 

 

2015

Exploration & Production

 

$

59,920

 

$

118,083

Midstream

 

 

380,137

 

 

353,217

Total assets  

 

$

440,057

 

$

471,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On June 15, 2016, certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership entered into an agreement with Gateway Resources U.S.A., Inc. to sell substantially all of the Partnerships’ operated oil and gas wells, leases and other associated assets and interests in Oklahoma and Kansas (other than those arising under or related to a concession agreement with the Osage Nation) for cash consideration of $7,120 , subject to adjustment for title and environmental defects, effective as of August 1, 2016 (the “Effective Time”).  In addition, Gateway Resources U.S.A., Inc. agreed to assume all obligations relating to the assets arising after the Effective Time and all plugging and abandonment costs relating to the assets arising prior to the Effective Time. The Partnership closed the sale of this transaction on July 15, 2016. There is no remaining book value of the assets to be sold. Therefore, the Partnership does not expect to record a loss on the transaction.

On July 5, 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement with SN and SN Midstream, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SN , to purchase 50% of the issued and outstanding membership interests in Carnero Gathering, LLC for total consideration of approximately $37.0 million, plus the assumption of approximately $7.4 million of remaining capital contribution commitments , of which $1.7 million was paid in July 2016 . In addition, the Partnership is required to pay an earnout based on gas received at the delivery points from SN Catarina, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SN , and other producers. The membership interests acquired

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constitute 50% of the outstanding membership interests in Carnero Gathering, LLC, with the other 50% of the membership interests being owned by TPL SouthTex Processing Company LP. Carnero Gathering, LLC is developing and constructing a gas gathering pipeline from an interconnection in Webb County, Texas to interconnection(s) with a gas processing facility being developed and constructed by Carnero Processing, LLC.

On July 5, 2016, the Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries entered into that certain Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2015 among the Partnership, the guarantors party thereto, each of the lenders party thereto, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent. Pursuant to the Amendment, the following amendments to the Credit Agreement were made: pricing table was increased; certain covenants were amended to permit the Partnership to own equity interests in joint ventures (including Carnero Gathering, LLC); the Midstream Adjusted EBITDA definition was amended to include in the calculation thereof any distributions received in cash from a joint venture so long as such amount does not exceed 20% of the Midstream Adjusted EBITDA and so long as a “Trigger Event” has not occurred. A “Trigger Event” is defined to be: (i) the ownership and control of less than all of the equity interests initially owned in a joint venture, (ii) the incurrence by the joint venture of any debt other than certain permitted debt, (iii) the disposition by the joint venture of a material portion of its assets, (iv) the incurrence by the joint venture of any liens other than certain permitted liens, (v) the modification of any gathering, compressing, processing, transportation, services or other commercial agreement to which the primary revenues of the joint venture are attributable if the effect of such modification is to reduce in any material respect any minimum committed volumes or minimum committed service level thereunder, or (vi) the joint venture voluntarily filing bankruptcy; a new repayment event was added with respect to any cash or cash equivalents held by the Partnership in excess of $10,000,000 (other than cash set aside to pay distributions in the next 90 days); the title requirement with respect to proved reserves was increased from 80% to 90%; the Partnership is required to pledge its equity interests in any joint venture as collateral under the Credit Agreement; the Partnership, and any of its designees to the board of a joint venture, are restricted from voting on any matter set forth in clauses (ii) through (v) of the definition of “Trigger Event” without the consent of the majority lenders; 10% availability on the entire credit facility (rather than just the RBL component) is required before the Partnership can make distributions; and certain technical revisions were made.

On August 10, 2016, the board of directors of the general partner of the Partnership declared cash distributions of $0.4183 per common unit and $0.450 per Class B preferred unit for the second quarter of 2016.  The distributions are payable on August 31, 2016 to unitholders of record on August 22, 2016 .  

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the summary of significant accounting policies and notes included herein and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains “Forward-Looking Statements” that reflect our future plans, estimates, forecasts, guidance, beliefs and expected performance. Please read “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Overview

Sanchez Production Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (together with our consolidated subsidiaries “SPP”, “we”, “us”, “our” or the “Partnership”), is a publicly-traded limited partnership focused on the acquisition, development, ownership and operation of midstream and other energy production assets.  We have entered into a shared services agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with the sole member of our general partner (the “Manager”) pursuant to which the Manager provides services that the we require to operate our business, including overhead, technical, administrative, marketing, accounting, operational, information systems, financial, compliance, insurance, professionals and acquisition, disposition and financing services.  Our common units are currently listed on the NYSE MKT under the symbol “SPP.”

Historically, our operations have consisted of the exploration and production of proved reserves located in the Cherokee Basin in Oklahoma and Kansas, the Woodford Shale in the Arkoma Basin in Oklahoma, the Central Kansas Uplift in Kansas, the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas and in other areas of Texas and Louisiana.  In October 2015, we consummated the acquisition of midstream assets in the Eagle Ford Shale from Sanchez Energy Corporation (“SN”) and entered into a 15-year gathering and processing agreement with SN.  In July 2016, we sold a significant portion of our oil and gas properties in the Mid-Continent region. 

As a result of the acquisition of midstream assets from SN and the disposition of our oil and gas properties located in the Mid-Continent region , our historical financial statements (including those in this Form 10-Q) differ substantially from our past financial statements beginning with the quarter ending December 31, 2015 principally because a significant portion of our revenues will now from the long-term, fee-based gathering and processing agreement with SN rather than from oil and natural gas production.  

How We Evaluate our Operations

We evaluate our business on the basis of the following key measures:

·

our throughput volumes on the gathering system upon acquiring those assets;

·

our operating expenses; and

·

our Adjusted EBITDA.

 

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Throughput Volumes

Upon acquisition of the Western Catarina gathering system, our management began to analyze our performance based on the aggregate amount of throughput volumes on the Western Catarina gathering system. We must connect additional wells or well pads within the dedicated areas in order to maintain or increase throughput volumes on the Western Catarina gathering system. Our success in connecting additional wells is impacted by successful drilling activity by SN on the acreage dedicated to the Western Catarina gathering system, our ability to secure volumes from SN from new wells drilled on non-dedicated acreage, our ability to attract hydrocarbon volumes currently gathered by our competitors and our ability to cost-effectively construct or acquire new infrastructure.

Operating Expenses

Our management seeks to maximize Adjusted EBITDA in part by minimizing operating expenses. These expenses are or will be comprised primarily of field operating costs (lease operating expenses, labor, vehicle, supervision, transportation, minor maintenance, tools and supplies expenses, among other items), compression expense, ad valorem taxes and other operating costs, some of which will be independent of our oil and gas production or the throughput volumes on the gathering system but fluctuate depending on the scale of our operations during a specific period.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures—Adjusted EBITDA

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted by:

·

interest (income) expense, net which includes:

·

interest expense

·

interest expense net (gain) loss on interest rate derivative contracts

·

interest (income)

·

income tax expense (benefit);

·

depreciation, depletion and amortization;

·

asset impairments;

·

accretion expense;

·

(gain) loss on sale of assets;

·

(gain) loss from equity investment;

·

unit-based compensation programs; 

·

unit-based asset management fees;

·

(gain) loss on mark-to-market activities; and

·

(gain) loss on embedded derivatives.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is a significant performance metric used by our management to indicate (prior to the establishment of any cash reserves by the board of directors of our general partner) the distributions that we would expect to pay to our unitholders.  Specifically, this financial measure indicates to investors whether or not we are generating cash flow at a level that can sustain or support a quarterly distribution or any increase in our quarterly distribution rates.  Adjusted EBITDA is also used as a quantitative standard by our management and by external users of our financial statements such as investors, research analysts, our lenders and others to assess:

·

the financial performance of our assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;

·

the ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest costs and support our indebtedness; and

·

our operating performance and return on capital as compared to those of other companies in our industry, without regard to financing or capital structure. 

 

We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. The generally accepted accounting principle (“GAAP”) measures most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA are net income and net cash provided by operating activities. Our non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP net income or net cash provided by operating activities. Adjusted EBITDA has important limitations as an analytical tool because it excludes some but not all items that affect net income and net cash provided by operating

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activities. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA may be defined differently by other companies in our industry, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, our most directly comparable U.S. GAAP performance measure, for each of the periods presented (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For the Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

June 30, 

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

    

Net income (loss)

 

$

(1,952)

 

$

(10,341)

 

$

3,325

 

$

(100,327)

 

Adjusted by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

1,103

 

 

1,122

 

 

2,002

 

 

1,768

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

6,129

 

 

3,079

 

 

13,317

 

 

6,199

 

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

862

 

 

1,309

 

 

83,727

 

Accretion expense

 

 

315

 

 

264

 

 

630

 

 

517

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

 —

 

 

(54)

 

 

 —

 

 

(113)

 

Unit-based compensation programs

 

 

1,091

 

 

396

 

 

1,529

 

 

2,388

 

Unit-based asset management fees

 

 

1,627

 

 

 —

 

 

2,912

 

 

 —

 

Loss on mark-to-market activities

 

 

13,210

 

 

9,902

 

 

16,314

 

 

10,634

 

Gain on embedded derivatives

 

 

(6,898)

 

 

 —

 

 

(13,192)

 

 

 —

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

14,625

 

$

5,230

 

$

28,146

 

$

4,793

 

Significant Operational Factors

·

Production. Our production for the six months ended June 30,   201 6 ,   was 607 MBOE , or an average of 3, 334 BOE   per day, compared with approximately 725 MBOE, or an average of 4,007 BOE per day, for the six months ended June 30 , 201 5

·

Capital Expenditures .   For the six months ended June 30,   201 6, we spent approximately $2. 3 million in capital expenditures, consisting of $1.8 million related to the development of Western Catarina midstream assets and $0.5 related to the development of oil and natural gas properties in the Palmetto Field in Gonzales County, Texas.  For the six months ended June 30,   201 5, we spent approximately $84 .2 million in capital expenditures, consisting of $83.4 million for the purchase of oil and natural gas properties in the Palmetto Field in Gonzales County, Texas (the “Eagle Ford properties” and such acquisition, the “Eagle Ford acquisition”),   $0.5 million in development expenditures focused on properties in Texas and Louisiana and $0.3  million in development expenditures focused on oil completions in the Cherokee Basin.  These expenditures were funded with cash on hand, borrowings under our credit facility and the issuance of common units as part of our consideration given in the Eagle Ford acquisition.

·

Hedging Activities . For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the non-cash mark-to-market loss for our commodity derivatives was approximately $1 6.3 million, compared to a loss of $10.6 million for the same period in 2015 .

Recent Developments

On June 15, 2016, we entered into an agreement with Gateway Resources U.S.A., Inc. to sell substantially all of the Partnerships’ operated oil and gas wells, leases and other associated assets and interests in Oklahoma and Kansas (other than those arising under or related to a concession agreement with the Osage Nation) for cash consideration of $7,120, subject to adjustment for title and environmental defects, effective as of August 1, 2016. The partnership closed the sale of this transaction on July 15, 2016.

On July 5, 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement with SN and SN Midstream, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SN , to purchase 50% of the issued and outstanding membership interests in Carnero Gathering, LLC for total consideration of approximately $37.0 million, plus the assumption of approximately $7.4 million of remaining capital contribution commitments , of which $1.7 million was paid in July 2016 . In addition, the Partnership is required to pay an earnout based on gas received at the delivery points from SN Catarina, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SN , and other producers. The membership interests acquired constitute 50% of the outstanding membership interests in Carnero Gathering, LLC, with the other 50% of the membership interests being owned by TPL SouthTex Processing Company LP. Carnero Gathering, LLC is developing and constructing a gas gathering pipeline from an interconnection in Webb County, Texas to interconnection(s) with a gas processing facility being developed and constructed by Carnero Processing, LLC.

 

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  Results of Operations by Segment

Three months ended June 30 , 2016 compared to three months ended June 30 ,   2015

Exploration & Production Operating Results

The following table s sets forth the selected financial and operating data for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands , except for net production and average sales and costs ):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

 

Variance

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

 

 

    

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales at market price

 

$

2,398

 

$

3,618

 

$

(1,220)

 

(34)

%

Natural gas hedge settlements

 

 

2,287

 

 

1,877

 

 

410

 

22

%

Natural gas mark-to-market activities

 

 

(3,753)

 

 

(2,219)

 

 

(1,534)

 

69

%

Natural gas total

 

 

932

 

 

3,276

 

 

(2,344)

 

(72)

%

Oil sales

 

 

3,505

 

 

6,194

 

 

(2,689)

 

(43)

%

Oil hedge settlements

 

 

3,196

 

 

2,128

 

 

1,068

 

50

%

Oil mark-to-market activities

 

 

(9,457)

 

 

(7,683)

 

 

(1,774)

 

23

%

Oil total

 

 

(2,756)

 

 

639

 

 

(3,395)

 

(531)

%

Natural gas liquids sales

 

 

244

 

 

500

 

 

(256)

 

(51)

%

Miscellaneous income

 

 

(332)

 

 

366

 

 

(698)

 

(191)

%

Total revenues

 

 

(1,912)

 

 

4,781

 

 

(6,693)

 

(140)

%

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

3,904

 

 

5,358

 

 

(1,454)

 

(27)

%

Cost of sales

 

 

63

 

 

125

 

 

(62)

 

(50)

%

Production taxes

 

 

326

 

 

583

 

 

(257)

 

(44)

%

General and administrative

 

 

3,550

 

 

3,351

 

 

199

 

6

%

Unit compensation expense

 

 

1,091

 

 

395

 

 

696

 

176

%

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

 —

 

 

(54)

 

 

54

 

(100)

%

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

1,036

 

 

3,079

 

 

(2,043)

 

(66)

%

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

862

 

 

(862)

 

(100)

%

Accretion expenses

 

 

253

 

 

264

 

 

(11)

 

(4)

%

Total operating expenses

 

 

10,223

 

 

13,963

 

 

(3,740)

 

(27)

%

Operating income (loss):

 

 

(12,135)

 

 

(9,182)

 

 

(2,953)

 

32

%

 

(a)     Not Meaningful “NM”

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

Variance

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas production (MMcf)

 

 

1,209

 

 

1,553

 

 

(344)

 

(22)

%

Oil production (MBbl)

 

 

82

 

 

112

 

 

(29)

 

(26)

%

Natural gas liquids production (MBbl)

 

 

20

 

 

31

 

 

(10)

 

(34)

%

Total production (MBOE)

 

 

304

 

 

402

 

 

(98)

 

(24)

%

Average daily production (BOE/d)

 

 

3,335

 

 

4,414

 

 

(1,079)

 

(24)

%

Average sales prices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas price per Mcf with hedge settlements

 

$

3.88

 

$

3.54

 

$

0.34

 

10

%

Natural gas price per Mcf without hedge settlements

 

$

1.98

 

$

2.33

 

$

(0.35)

 

(15)

%

Oil price per Bbl with hedge settlements

 

$

81.72

 

$

74.43

 

$

7.28

 

10

%

Oil price per Bbl without hedge settlements

 

$

42.74

 

$

55.40

 

$

(12.65)

 

(23)

%

Liquid price per Bbl without hedge settlements

 

$

12.20

 

$

16.18

 

$

(3.98)

 

(25)

%

Total price per BOE with hedge settlements

 

$

38.32

 

$

35.65

 

$

2.67

 

7

%

Total price per BOE without hedge settlements

 

$

20.25

 

$

25.68

 

$

(5.42)

 

(21)

%

Average unit costs per BOE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field operating expenses (a)

 

$

13.94

 

$

14.79

 

$

(0.87)

 

(6)

%

Lease operating expenses

 

$

12.86

 

$

13.34

 

$

(0.47)

 

(5)

%

Production taxes

 

$

1.07

 

$

1.45

 

$

(0.38)

 

(26)

%

General and administrative expenses

 

$

15.29

 

$

9.33

 

$

5.96

 

64

%

General and administrative expenses without unit-based compensation

 

$

11.70

 

$

8.34

 

$

3.36

 

40

%

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

$

3.41

 

$

7.67

 

$

(4.25)

 

(55)

%

 

(a)

Field operating expenses include lease operating expenses (average production costs) and production taxes.

Production.  For the three months ended June 30 , 2016 ,   27% of our production was oil, 6 % was NGLs and 6 7 % was natural gas as compared to the three months ended June 30 , 2015 , where 28 % of our production was oil, 8 % was NGLs and 64 % was natural gas. The production mix between the periods has remained fairly consistent and   w e expect this product mix to remain relatively consistent for the remainder of 201 6 .

Oil, NGL and natural gas sales. Unhedged oil sales decreased $2.7 million, or 43%, to $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 , compared to $6.2 million for the same period i n 2015. NGL sales decreased $0.3 million, or 51%, to $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $ 0.5 million for the same period in 2015. Unhedged natural gas sales decreased $1. 2 million, or 3 4%, to $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 , c ompared to $ 3.6 million for the same period in 2015.

Including hedges and mark-to-market activities, our total revenue decreased $6.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015.  This decrease was the result of a $3.3 million increase in losses on mark-to-market activities, a   $2. 5 million decrease related to lower sales volumes and a $1. 9 million decrease attributable to lower market prices for all products, offset by a $1. 5 million increase   in settlements on commodity derivatives .  

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The following tables provide an analysis of the impacts of changes in average realized prices and production volumes between the periods on our unhedged revenues from the three months ended June 30 , 2016 to the three months ended June 30 , 2015 (dollars in thousands , except average sales price ):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Q2 2016

    

Q2 2015

    

Production

    

Q2 2015

    

Revenue

 

 

 

Production

 

Production

 

Volume

 

Average

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

Volume

 

Volume

 

Difference

 

Sales Price (a)

 

due to Production

 

Natural gas (Mcf)

 

1,209

 

1,553

 

(344)

 

$

2.33

 

$

(802)

 

Oil (MMBbl)

 

82

 

112

 

(30)

 

$

55.40

 

$

(1,651)

 

Natural gas liquids (MMbl)

 

20

 

31

 

(11)

 

$

16.18

 

$

(176)

 

   Total oil equivalent (Mboe)

 

304

 

402

 

(98)

 

$

25.68

 

$

(2,629)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

 

Average sales prices presented represent on a per BOE basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

Q2 2016

    

 

Q2 2015

    

 

 

    

 

    

Revenue

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Average

 

Average Sales

 

Q2 2016

 

Decrease

 

 

 

 

Sales Price (a)

 

 

Sales Price (a)

 

Price Difference

 

Volume

 

due to Price

 

Natural gas (Mcf)

 

$

1.98

 

$

2.33

 

$

(0.35)

 

1,209

 

$

(418)

 

Oil (MMBbl)

 

$

42.74

 

$

55.40

 

$

(12.66)

 

82

 

$

(1,038)

 

Natural gas liquids (MMbl)

 

$

12.20

 

$

16.18

 

$

(3.98)

 

20

 

$

(80)

 

   Total oil equivalent (Mboe)

 

$

20.25

 

$

25.68

 

$

(5.42)

 

304

 

$

(1,536)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

 

Average sales prices presented represent on a per BOE basis.

 

A 10% increase or decrease in our average realized sales prices, excluding the impact of derivatives, would have increased or decreased our revenues for the three months ended June 30 , 2016 by $ 0.6 million .

  Hedging activities. We apply mark-to-market accounting to our derivative contracts; therefore, the full volatility of the non-cash change in fair value of our outstanding contracts is reflected in oil and gas revenues.  For the three months ended June 30 , 2016 , the non-cash mark-to-market loss   was $13.2 million, compared to a loss of $ 9.9 million for the same period in 2015. The 2016 and 2015 non-cash losses   were the result of the impact of higher future expected oil and natural gas prices on these derivative transactions . Cash settlements, including settlements receivable, for our commodity derivatives were $5.5 million for the three months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $ 4.0 million for the three months ended June 30 , 2015 .

Field operating expenses.   Our field operating expenses generally consist of lease operating expenses, labor, vehicles, supervision, transportation, minor maintenance, tools and supplies expenses, as well as production and ad valorem taxes.

Lease operating expenses decreased $1.4 million , or 27%, to $4.0 million for the three months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $5.4 million during the same period in 2015.  On a per unit basis, lease operating expenses were $ 12.86 per BOE, for the three months ended June 30 , 201 6, and $13.34 per BOE as compared to the same period in 201 5 .   The decreased lease operating expenses per BOE for the comparative periods were primarily the result of workovers performed in our Woodford Shale properties during the second quarter of 2015 .

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses include the costs of our employees, related benefits, field office expenses, professional fees, direct and indirect costs billed by the Manager in connection with the Services Agreement and other costs not directly associated with field operations. General and administrative expenses , inclusive of unit compensation expense,   increased $0. 9 million, or 2 4 %, to $4. 6 million for the three months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $ 3.8 million for the same period in 2015. Our general and administrative expenses were higher in 2016 primarily due to a $ 0.7 million increase in executive unit compensation expense during the three months ended June 30 , 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 .  

Our general and administrative expenses were $15.29 per BOE for the three months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $ 9.33 per BOE for the same period in 2015.  Excluding unit-based compensation, our general and administrative costs were $11 .70 per BOE for the three months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $ 8.34 per BOE for the same period in 2015.  This increase resulted from the increased costs noted above.

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Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense includes the depreciation, depletion and amortization of acquisition costs and equipment costs. Depletion is calculated using units-of-production under the successful efforts method of accounting. Assuming other variables remain constant, as oil, NGL and natural gas production increases or decreases, our depletion expense would increase or decrease as well.

Our depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for the three months ended June 30 , 2016 was $ 1.0 million ,   or $ 3.41 per BOE, compared to $3.1 million, or $ 7.67 per BOE, for the same period in 2015. This decrease is the result of lower property values due to non-cash impairment charges previously recorded as well as increases to total proved reserves between the periods impacting the depletion rate.  The overall expense decrease, combined with the decreased production between periods, resulted in the decrease in the per BOE expense. Our non-oil and gas properties are depreciated using the straight-line basis.

Impairment expense. For the three months ended June 30 , 2016 ,   no impairment was recorded.  During the same period in 2015, our non-cash impairment charges were $ 0.9 million related to our oil and natural gas fields located in the Cherokee Basin properties, Woodford Shale properties and our Texas and Louisiana properties.  The impairment expense recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2016   resulted from decreases in expectations for oil and natural gas prices in the future as well as changes to our expected future production estimates in certain areas.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the three months ended June 30 , 2016 de creased by a de minimis amount to $1.1 million, compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2015 .  

Midstream Operating Results

The following table sets forth the selected financial and operating data pertaining to the Midstream segment for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

 

Variance

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

 

 

    

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gathering and transportation sales

 

$

14,258

 

$

 —

 

$

14,258

 

NM

(a)

Total gathering and transportation sales

 

 

14,258

 

 

 —

 

 

14,258

 

NM

(a)

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

274

 

 

 —

 

 

274

 

NM

(a)

Gathering and transportation operating expenses

 

 

3,014

 

 

 —

 

 

3,014

 

NM

(a)

General and administrative

 

 

1,428

 

 

 —

 

 

1,428

 

NM

(a)

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

 

5,093

 

 

 —

 

 

5,093

 

NM

(a)

Accretion expenses

 

 

62

 

 

 —

 

 

62

 

NM

(a)

Total operating expenses

 

 

9,871

 

 

 —

 

 

9,871

 

NM

(a)

Operating income (loss):

 

 

4,387

 

 

 —

 

 

4,387

 

NM

(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

 

Variances deemed to be Not Meaningful “NM .

 

Items Affecting the Comparability of Our Financial Results.  Historical results of operations for the periods presented for the Midstream segment are deemed to be not meaningful as this segment was acquired and placed into service in October 2015.  As a result, year - over - year variances are not applicable as any revenues or expenses generated from the gathering and transportation of hydrocarbons relate exclusively to the current quarter .  See Note 3. “Acquisitions” for additional information relating to the Western Catarina Midstream acquisition.

Gathering and transportation sales.  We consummated the acquisition of the Western Catarina gathering system from SN and entered into the Western Catarina gathering and processing agreement with SN in October   2015.  During the three months ended June 30, 2016 ,   SN transported average daily production through the gathering system of approximately 1,414 MBbls/d of crude oil and 19,325 MMcf/d of natural gas. 

T ransportation operating expenses .   Our operating expenses generally consist of equipment rentals, chemicals, treating, metering fees, permit and regulatory fees, labor , minor maintenance, tools, supplies, and integrity management expenses.  Our transportation operating expense for the three months ended June 30, 2016 was $3.0 million.

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G eneral and administrative expenses .      General and administrative expenses include the costs of our employees, related benefits, field office expenses, professional fees, direct and indirect costs billed by the Manager in connection with the Services Agreement and other costs not directly associated with field operations. Our general and administrative expenses totaled $1. 4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense    Gathering and transportation assets are stated at historical acquisition cost, net of any impairments, and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets, which range from 12 to 15 years for equipment, and up to 36 years for gathering facilities. Our depreciation, amortization and accretion expense for the three months ended June 30, 2016 was $5.1 million.

Six months ended June 30 , 2016 compared to six months ended June 30 ,   2015

Exploration & Production Operating Results

The following table s sets forth the selected financial and operating data for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands , except net production and average sales and costs ):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

 

Variance

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

 

 

    

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales at market price

 

$

4,508

 

$

6,837

 

$

(2,329)

 

(34)

%

Natural gas hedge settlements

 

 

4,526

 

 

3,418

 

 

1,108

 

32

%

Natural gas mark-to-market activities

 

 

(4,694)

 

 

(1,570)

 

 

(3,124)

 

199

%

Natural gas total

 

 

4,340

 

 

8,685

 

 

(4,345)

 

(50)

%

Oil sales

 

 

6,155

 

 

8,515

 

 

(2,360)

 

(28)

%

Oil hedge settlements

 

 

8,052

 

 

6,152

 

 

1,900

 

31

%

Oil mark-to-market activities

 

 

(11,620)

 

 

(9,064)

 

 

(2,556)

 

28

%

Oil total

 

 

2,587

 

 

5,603

 

 

(3,016)

 

(54)

%

Natural gas liquid sales

 

 

520

 

 

886

 

 

(366)

 

(41)

%

Miscellaneous income

 

 

(65)

 

 

1,531

 

 

(1,596)

 

(104)

%

Total revenues

 

 

7,382

 

 

16,705

 

 

(9,323)

 

(56)

%

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

8,780

 

 

10,258

 

 

(1,478)

 

(14)

%

Cost of sales

 

 

193

 

 

330

 

 

(137)

 

(42)

%

Production taxes

 

 

547

 

 

953

 

 

(406)

 

(43)

%

General and administrative

 

 

7,984

 

 

10,906

 

 

(2,922)

 

(27)

%

Unit compensation expense

 

 

1,529

 

 

2,387

 

 

(858)

 

(36)

%

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

 —

 

 

(113)

 

 

113

 

NM

(a)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

3,149

 

 

6,199

 

 

(3,050)

 

(49)

%

Asset impairments

 

 

1,309

 

 

83,727

 

 

(82,418)

 

(98)

%

Accretion expenses

 

 

507

 

 

517

 

 

(10)

 

(2)

%

Total operating expenses

 

 

23,998

 

 

115,164

 

 

(91,166)

 

(79)

%

Operating income (loss):

 

 

(16,616)

 

 

(98,459)

 

 

81,843

 

(83)

%

 

(a)     Not Meaningful “NM.”

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

Variance

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas production (Mcf)

 

 

2,381

 

 

3,124

 

 

(743)

 

(24)

%

Oil production (MBbl)

 

 

168

 

 

156

 

 

12

 

8

%

Natural gas liquids production (MBbl)

 

 

42

 

 

48

 

 

(6)

 

(12)

%

Total production (MBOE)

 

 

607

 

 

725

 

 

(118)

 

(16)

%

Average daily production (BOE/d)

 

 

3,334

 

 

4,007

 

 

(673)

 

(17)

%

Average sales prices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas price per Mcf with hedge settlements

 

$

3.79

 

$

3.28

 

$

0.52

 

16

%

Natural gas price per Mcf without hedge settlements

 

$

1.89

 

$

2.19

 

$

(0.29)

 

(13)

%

Oil price per Bbl with hedge settlements

 

$

84.57

 

$

93.94

 

$

(9.37)

 

(10)

%

Oil price per Bbl without hedge settlements

 

$

36.64

 

$

54.54

 

$

(17.90)

 

(33)

%

Liquid price per Bbl without hedge settlements

 

$

12.38

 

$

18.31

 

$

(5.94)

 

(32)

%

Total price per BOE with hedge settlements

 

$

39.16

 

$

35.59

 

$

3.57

 

10

%

Total price per BOE without hedge settlements

 

$

18.43

 

$

22.39

 

$

(3.96)

 

(18)

%

Average unit costs per BOE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field operating expenses (a)

 

$

15.37

 

$

15.46

 

$

(0.09)

 

(1)

%

Lease operating expenses

 

$

14.47

 

$

14.14

 

$

0.32

 

2

%

Production taxes

 

$

0.90

 

$

1.31

 

$

(0.41)

 

(31)

%

General and administrative expenses

 

$

15.68

 

$

15.04

 

$

0.64

 

4

%

General and administrative expenses without unit-based compensation

 

$

13.16

 

$

11.75

 

$

1.41

 

12

%

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

$

5.19

 

$

8.55

 

$

(3.36)

 

(39)

%

 

(a)

Field operating expenses include lease operating expenses (average production costs) and production taxes.

Production.  For the six months ended June 30 , 2016 ,   28% of our production was oil, 7% was NGLs and 65% was natural gas as compared to the six months ended June 30 , 2015 , where 22 % of our production was oil, 7 % was NGLs and 71 % was natural gas . The amount of oil as a percentage of total production has increased during the six months ended June 30, 2016 due to the addition of production from the Eagle Ford properties acquired on March 31, 2015, which are significantly more weighted towards oil than our previous asset base. We expect this product mix to remain relatively consistent for the remainder of 201 6 .

Oil, NGL and natural gas sales. Unhedged oil sales decreased $2.4 million, or 28%, to $6.2 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $ 8.5 million for the same period in 2015. NGL sales decreased $0.4 million, or 41%, to $0. 5 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $ 0.9 million for the same period in 2015. Unhedged natural gas sales decreased $2.3 million, or 34%, to $4.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 , com pared to $ 6.8 million for the same period in 2015.

Including hedges and mark-to-market activities, our total revenue decreased $9.3 million   for the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015.  This decrease was the result of a $5.7 million increase in losses on mark-to-market activities, a $4.0 million decrease attributable to lower market prices for all products and a $1.1 million decrease related to lower sales volumes, offset by a $3.0 million increase in settlements on commodity derivatives.

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The following tables provide an analysis of the impacts of changes in average realized prices and production volumes between the periods on our unhedged revenues from the six months ended June 30 , 2016 compared to the six months ended June 30 , 2015 (dollars in thousands , except average sales price ):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

YTD 2016

    

2015

    

Production

    

2015

    

Revenue

 

 

 

Production

 

Production

 

Volume

 

Average

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

Volume

 

Volume

 

Difference

 

Sales Price (a)

 

due to Production

 

Natural gas (Mcf)

 

2,381

 

3,124

 

(743)

 

$

2.19

 

$

(1,627)

 

Oil (MBbl)

 

168

 

156

 

12

 

$

54.54

 

$

647

 

Natural gas liquids (Mbl)

 

42

 

48

 

(6)

 

$

18.31

 

$

(117)

 

   Total oil equivalent (Mboe)

 

607

 

725

 

(118)

 

$

22.39

 

$

(1,097)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

 

Average sales prices presented represent on a per BOE basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

 

Average 

    

 

    

Revenue

 

 

 

Average

 

Average

 

Sales Price

 

2016

 

Decrease

 

 

 

Sales Price (a)

 

Sales Price (a)

 

Difference

 

Volume

 

due to Price

 

Natural gas (Mcf)

 

$

1.89

 

$

2.19

 

$

(0.29)

 

2,381

 

$

(702)

 

Oil (MBbl)

 

$

36.64

 

$

54.54

 

$

(17.90)

 

168

 

$

(3,007)

 

Natural gas liquids (Mbl)

 

$

12.38

 

$

18.31

 

$

(5.94)

 

42

 

$

(249)

 

   Total oil equivalent (Mboe)

 

$

18.43

 

$

22.39

 

$

(3.96)

 

607

 

$

(3,958)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

 

Average sales prices presented represent on a per BOE basis.

 

A 10% increase or decrease in our average realized sales prices, excluding the impact of derivatives, would have increased or decreased our revenues for the six months ended June 30 , 2016 by $ 1.1 million.

  Hedging activities. We apply mark-to-market accounting to our derivative contracts; therefore, the full volatility of the non-cash change in fair value of our outstanding contracts is reflected in oil and gas revenues.  For the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the non-cash mark-to-market loss was $16.3 million, compared to a loss of $10.6 million for the same period in 2015. The 2016 and 2015 non-cash losses were the result of the impact of higher future expected oil and natural gas prices on these derivative transactions . Cash settlements, including settlements receivable, for our commodity derivatives were $12 .6 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $ 9.6 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2015 .

Field operating expenses.   Our field operating expenses generally consist of lease operating expenses, labor, vehicles, supervision, transportation, minor maintenance, tools and supplies expenses, as well as production and ad valorem taxes.

Lease operating expenses decreased $1. 5 million , or 14%,  t o $8.8 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $10.3 million during the same period in 2015.  On a per unit basis, lease operating expenses were $14. 47 per BOE, for the six months ended June 30 , 201 6, and $14.14 per BOE as compared to the same period in 201 5 .   The increased lease operating expenses per BOE for the comparative periods were primarily the result of a full six months of ownership in 2016 of our oil and gas properties in the Eagle Ford, which we acquired on March 31, 2015.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses include the costs of our employees, related benefits, field office expenses, professional fees, direct and indirect costs billed by the Manager in connection with the Services Agreement and other costs not directly associated with field operations. General and administrative expenses , inclusive of unit compensation expense,   decreased   $ 3.8 million, or 29 %, to $ 9.5 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $ 13.3 million for the same period in 2015. Our general and administrative expenses were lower in 2016 due to a $3.9 million decrease in executive termination costs.

Our general and administrative expenses were $ 15.68 per BOE for the six months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $ 15.04 per BOE for the same period in 2015.  Excluding unit-based compensation, our general and administrative costs were $ 13.16 per BOE for the six months ended June 30 , 2016 , compared to $ 11.75 per BOE for the same period in 2015.  This decrease resulted from the decreased costs noted above.

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Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense includes the depreciation, depletion and amortization of acquisition costs and equipment costs. Depletion is calculated using units-of-production under the successful efforts method of accounting. Assuming other variables remain constant, as oil, NGL and natural gas production increases or decreases, our depletion expense would increase or decrease as well.

Our depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30 , 2016 was $ 3.2 million ,   or $ 5.19 per BOE, compared to $ 6.2 million, or $ 8.55 per BOE, for the same period in 2015. This overall decrease is the result of lower property values due to non-cash impairment charges previously recorded as well as increases to total proved reserves between the periods impacting the depletion rate.  The overall expense decrease, combined with the decreased production between periods, resulted in the decrease in the per BOE expense. Our non-oil and gas properties are depreciated using the straight-line basis.

Impairment expense. For the six months ended June 30 , 2016 , we recorded non-cash charges of $1.3 million to impair the value of our oil and na tural gas fields located in Texas and Louisiana.  During the same period in 2015, our non-cash impairment charges were $ 83.7 million related to our Cherokee Basin properties, Woodford Shale properties and our Texas and Louisiana properties acquired prior to the Eagle Ford acquisition . The impairment expense recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2016   resulted from decreases in expectations for oil and natural gas prices in the future as well as changes to our expected future production estimates in certain areas.

Midstream Operating Results

The following table sets forth the selected financial and operating data pertaining to the Midstream segment for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30, 

 

 

Variance

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

 

 

    

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gathering and transportation sales

 

$

28,133

 

$

 —

 

$

28,133

 

NM

(a)

Total gathering and transportation sales

 

 

28,133

 

 

 —

 

 

28,133

 

NM

(a)

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

371

 

 

 —

 

 

371

 

NM

(a)

Gathering and transportation operating expenses

 

 

6,068

 

 

 —

 

 

6,068

 

NM

(a)

General and administrative

 

 

2,713

 

 

 —

 

 

2,713

 

NM

(a)

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense

 

 

10,168

 

 

 —

 

 

10,168

 

NM

(a)

Accretion expenses

 

 

123

 

 

 —

 

 

123

 

NM

(a)

Total operating expenses

 

 

19,443

 

 

 —

 

 

19,443

 

NM

(a)

Operating income (loss):

 

 

8,690

 

 

 —

 

 

38,515

 

NM

(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

 

Variances deemed to be Not Meaningful “NM .

 

Items Affecting the Comparability of Our Financial Results.  Historical results of operations for the periods presented for the Midstream segment are deemed to be not meaningful as this segment was acquired and placed into service in O ctober 2015.  As a result, year- over - year variances are not applicable as any revenues or expenses generated from the gathering and transportation of hydrocarbons relate exclusively to the current quarter .  See Note 3. “Acquisitions” for additional information relating to the Western Catarina Midstream acquisition.

Gathering and transportation sales.  We consummated the acquisition of the Western Catarina gathering system from SN , and we entered into the Western Catarina gathering and processing agreement with SN , in October 2015.  During the six months ended June 30, 2016 ,   SN transported average daily production through the gathering system of approximately 2,804 MBbls/d of crude oil and 38,080 MM cf /d of natural gas. 

T ransportation operating expenses .   Our operating expenses generally consist of equipment rentals, chemicals, treating, metering fees, permit and regulatory fees, labor , minor maintenance, tools, supplies, and integrity management expenses.  Our transportation operating expense for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $6.1 million.

G eneral and administrative expenses .      General and administrative expenses include the costs of our employees, related benefits, field office expenses, professional fees, direct and indirect costs billed by the Manager in connection with the Services Agreement and

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other costs not directly associated with field operations.   Our general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $ 2.7 million .

Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense    Gathering and transportation assets are stated at historical acquisition cost, net of any impairments, and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets, which range from 12 to 15 years for equipment, and up to 36 years for gathering facilities. Our depreciation, amortization and accretion expense for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $10.2 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of June 30, 2016 , we had approximately $ 1.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and $ 86.7 million available under the $195.7 million borrowing base of our credit facility in effect on such date. During the three months ended June 30 , 2016, we paid approximately $ 0.8 million in cash for interest on borrowings under our credit facility and approximately $0.1 million in cash for the commitment fee on undrawn commitments. During the six months ended June 30 , 2016, we paid approximately $1.5 million in cash for interest on borrowings under our credit facility and approximately $0.2 million in cash for the commitment fee on undrawn commitments.

Our capital expenditures during the six months ended June 30 , 2016 were funded with cash on hand and borrowings under our c redit facility .  In the future, capital and liquidity are anticipated to be provided by operating cash flows, borrowings under our c redit facility and proceeds from the issuance of additional limited partner units.  We expect that the combination of these capital resources will be adequate to meet our short-term working capital requirements, long-term capital expenditures program and expected quarterly cash distributions.

We intend to distribute at least the quarterly distribution of $0. 5 0 per unit ($ 2.00 per unit on an annualized basis) on all of our common units to the extent we have sufficient cash after the establishment of cash reserves and the payment of our expenses. We expect that our future cash requirements relating to working capital, maintenance capital expenditures and quarterly cash distributions to our partners will be funded from cash flows internally generated from our operations.  Our expansion capital expenditures will be funded by borrowings under our c redit facility or from potential capital market transactions.  However, there can be no assurance that operations and other capital resources will provide cash in sufficient amounts to maintain our current debt level, planned levels of capital expenditures, operating expenses or any cash distributions that we may make to unitholders.

On June 15, 2016, we entered into an agreement with Gateway Resources U.S.A., Inc. to sell substantially all of the Partnerships’ operated oil and gas wells, leases and other associated assets and interests in Oklahoma and Kansas (other than those arising under or related to a concession agreement with the Osage Nation) for cash consideration of $7,120, subject to adjustment for title and environmental defects, effective as of August 1, 2016.  The Partnership closed this transaction on July 15, 2016. As a result of this sale, we anticipate minimal drilling activities in the Mid-Continent region during 2016, which will reduce our capital expenditures and result in a continued decline of our production during the remainder of the year.

Credit Facility

We have entered into a credit facility with Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto.  The credit facility provides a maximum commitment of $500,000,000 and has a maturity date of March 31, 2020.   Borrowings under the credit facility are secured by various mortgages of oil and natural gas properties that we own as well as various security and pledge agreements among the Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries and the administrative agent.  

The amount available for borrowing at any one time under the credit facility is limited to the borrowing base for our oil and natural gas properties and our midstream assets.  Borrowings under the credit facility are available for direct investment in oil and gas properties, acquisitions, and working capital and general business purposes.  The credit facility has a sub-limit of $15,000,000 , which may be used for the issuance of letters of credit.  The initial borrowing base under the credit facility was $200,000,000.  The borrowing base for the credit available for the upstream oil and gas properties is re-determined semi-annually in the second and fourth quarters of the year, and may be re-determined at our request more frequently and by the lenders, in their sole discretion, based on reserve reports as prepared by petroleum engineers, using, among other things, the oil and natural gas pricing prevailing at such time.  The borrowing base for the credit available for our midstream properties is equal to the rolling four quarter EBITDA of our mid stream operations multiplied by 4.75 for the second quarter of 2016 and 4.5 thereafter.  Outstanding borrowings in excess of our borrowing base must be repaid or we must pledge other oil and natural gas properties as additional collateral.  We may elect to pay any borrowing base deficiency in three equal monthly installments such that the deficiency is eliminated in a period of three months.  Any increase in our borrowing base must be approved by all of our lenders. 

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Prior to July 5, 2016 , interest for borrowings under the credit facility were determined by reference to (i) the London interbank rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin between 1.75% and 2.75% per annum based on utilization or (ii) a domestic bank rate (“ABR”) plus an applicable margin between 0.75% and 1.75% per annum based on utilization plus (iii) a commitment fee between 0.375% and 0.500% per annum based on the unutilized borrowing base.    

From and after July 5, 2016 , interest for borrowings under the credit facility are determined by reference to (i) the London interbank rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin between 2.25 % and 3.25 % per annum based on utilization or (ii) a domestic bank rate (“ABR”) plus an applicable margin between 1.25 % and 2.25 % per annum based on utilization plus (iii) a commitment fee of 0.500% per annum based on the unutilized borrowing base.  Interest on the borrowings for ABR loans and the commitment fee are generally payable quarterly.  Interest on the borrowings for LIBOR loans are generally payable at the applicable maturity date.  

The credit facility contains various covenants that limit, among other things, our ability to incur certain indebtedness, grant certain liens, merge or consolidate, sell all or substantially all of our assets, make certain loans, acquisitions, capital expenditures and investments, and pay distributions.  

In addition, we are required to maintain the following financial covenants: 

·

Current assets to current liabilities for at least 1.0 to 1.0 at all times ;

·

Senior secured net debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the last twelve months, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, of not greater than 4.5 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations equals or exceeds one-third of total Adjusted EBITDA or 4.0 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations is less than one-third of total adjusted EBITDA; and

·

minimum interest coverage ratio of at least 2.5 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations is greater than one-third of our total adjusted EBITDA.

 

 The credit facility also includes customary events of default, including events of default relating to non-payment of principal, interest or fees, inaccuracy of representations and warranties when made or when deemed made, violation of covenants, cross-defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events, certain unsatisfied judgments, loan documents not being valid and a change in control. A change in control is generally defined as the occurrence of one of the following events:  (i) our existing general partner ceases to be our sole general partner or (ii) certain specified persons shall cease to own more than 50% of the equity interests of our general partner or shall cease to control our general partner. If an event of default occurs, the lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of the credit facility and exercise other rights and remedies.  

The credit facility limits our ability to pay distributions to unitholders. We have the ability to pay distributions to unitholders from available cash, including cash from borrowings under the credit facility, as long as no event of default exists and provided that no distributions to unitholders may be made if the borrowings outstanding, net of available cash, under the credit facility exceed 90% of the borrowing base, after giving effect to the proposed distribution. Our available cash is reduced by any cash reserves established by the board of directors of our general partner for the proper conduct of our business and the payment of fees and expenses.

At June 30 , 2016, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the credit facility. We monitor compliance on an ongoing basis. If we are unable to remain in compliance with the financial covenants contained in our credit facility or maintain the required ratios discussed above, the lenders could call an event of default and accelerate the outstanding debt under the terms of the credit facility, such that our outstanding debt could become then due and payable. We may request waivers of compliance from the violated financial covenants from the lenders, but there is no assurance that such waivers would be granted.

On July 5, 2016, we entered into an amendment to our credit facility. For further information on this amendment please see Part 1. Item 1. Note 16. “Subsequent Events.”

Sources of Debt and Equity Financing

As of June 30 , 2016 ,   the borrowing base under our credit facility was set at $ 195.7 million and we had $109 million of debt outstanding under the facility, leaving us with $ 86.7 million in unused borrowing capacity. Our credit facility matures on March 31, 2020.

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In May 2015, we executed an at-the-market facility that allows us to sell up to $18.6 million of common units , with any proceeds from such sales to be used for general limited partnership purposes. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 , there were no at-the market-sales of common units.  

Open Commodity Hedge Position

We enter into hedging arrangements to reduce the impact of oil and natural gas price volatility on our operations. By removing the price volatility from a significant portion of our oil and natural gas production, we have mitigated, but not eliminated, the potential effects of changing prices on our cash flow from operations. While mitigating the negative effects of falling commodity prices, these derivative contracts also limit the benefits we might otherwise receive from increases in commodity prices. These derivative contracts also limit our ability to have additional cash flows to fund higher severance taxes, which are usually based on market prices for oil and natural gas. Our operating cash flows are also impacted by the cost of oilfield services. In the event of inflation increasing service costs or administrative expenses, our hedging program will limit our ability to have increased operating cash flows to fund these higher costs. Increases in the market prices for oil and natural gas will also increase our need for working capital as our commodity hedging contracts cash settle prior to our receipt of cash from our sales of the related commodities to third parties.

It is our policy to enter into derivative contracts only with counterparties that are creditworthy financial institutions deemed by management as competent and competitive market makers. All of our derivatives are currently collateralized by the assets securing our credit facility and therefore currently do not require the posting of cash collateral.  This is significant since we are able to lock in sales prices on a substantial amount of our expected future production without posting cash collateral based on price changes prior to the hedges being cash settled.

The following tables as of June 30 , 2016, summarize, for the periods indicated, our hedges currently in place through December 31, 2019. All of these derivatives are accounted for as mark-to-market activities.

MTM Fixed Price Swaps—NYMEX (Henry Hub)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2016 (volume in Mcfs)

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

June 30, 

 

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

998,394

 

$

4.14

 

963,327

 

$

4.14

 

1,961,721

 

$

4.14

 

2017

 

80,563

 

$

3.52

 

75,829

 

$

3.52

 

71,672

 

$

3.52

 

67,984

 

$

3.52

 

296,048

 

$

3.52

 

2018

 

79,042

 

$

3.58

 

75,404

 

$

3.58

 

72,115

 

$

3.58

 

69,122

 

$

3.58

 

295,683

 

$

3.58

 

2019

 

73,432

 

$

3.62

 

70,648

 

$

3.62

 

68,088

 

$

3.62

 

65,720

 

$

3.62

 

277,888

 

$

3.62

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,831,340

 

 

 

 

 

MTM Fixed Price Basis Swaps–West Texas Intermediate (WTI)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2016 (volume in Bbls)

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

June 30, 

 

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

106,483

 

$

73.95

 

100,525

 

$

74.10

 

207,008

 

$

74.03

 

2017

 

57,953

 

$

64.80

 

54,554

 

$

64.80

 

51,570

 

$

64.80

 

48,926

 

$

64.80

 

213,003

 

$

64.80

 

2018

 

56,798

 

$

65.40

 

54,197

 

$

65.40

 

51,851

 

$

65.40

 

49,709

 

$

65.40

 

212,555

 

$

65.40

 

2019

 

52,760

 

$

65.65

 

50,784

 

$

65.65

 

48,960

 

$

65.65

 

47,264

 

$

65.65

 

199,768

 

$

65.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

832,334

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operations

We had net cash flows provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 of $ 17.3 million, compared to net cash flow provided by operating activities of $4.9 million for the same period in 2015.  This increase was primarily related to the midstream segment which contributed $11.4 million toward net income.  Cash flows provided by operations were also benefitted by a $4.1 million increase in settlements on commodity derivatives.  These increase in cash flows provided by operations was mitigated by a decrease in accrued liabilities of $ 5.9   million and an increase in prepaid expenses of $1.8 million, both relating to the midstream segment.

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One of the primary sources of variability in our cash flows from operating activities is fluctuations in commodity prices, the impact of which we mitigate by entering into commodity derivatives.  Sales volumes also impact cash flow.  Our cash flows from operating activities are also dependent on the costs related to continued operations and debt service. Our future cash flow from operations will depend on our ability to maintain and increase production through our development program, acquisitions and successful execution of our hedging program.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

We had net cash flows used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 of $2.3 million, consisting of $1.8 million related to the development of Western Catarina midstream assets, and $0.5 million related to the development of oil and natural gas properties in the Palmetto Field in Gonzales County.

During the six months ended June 30 , 2015 ,   we had net cash flows used in investing activities of $ 82.1 million, which included $81.4 million provided as cash consideration paid in the Eagle Ford acquisition, as well as $0.3 million in development expenditures focused on oil completions in the Cherokee Basin and $0.7 million in development expenditures focused on properties in Texas and Louisiana, offset by $0. 3 million in proceeds from the sale of assets during the period.

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

Net cash flows used in financing activities was $ 20.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 .  During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , we had borrowings under our credit facility of $2.0 million.  We distributed $16.2 million and $3.0 million to Class B preferred unit holders and common unit holders respectively during the same period.  As part of our unit repurchase program, we used $2.9 million to repurchase and cancel 242,500 common units. Additionally , we paid $0.1 million in offering costs and $0.1 million related to units tendered by employees for tax withholding.

Net cash flows provided by financing activities was $78. 2 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2015 .   During the six months ended June 30 , 2015, we had borrowings under our credit facility of $106.0 million, $42.5 million of which was paid to satisfy amounts due under our prior credit facility , which was refinanced on March 31, 2015.  We received $17. 4 million from the private placement of Class A Preferred Units during the period.  We also incurred $1. 3 million in debt issuance costs associated with the modification of our Credit Agreement on March 31, 2015. We used $0.6 million to fund the cost of units tendered by employees for tax withholdings related to the vesting of units during the period.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of June 30 , 201 6, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements with third parties, and we maintained no debt obligations that contained provisions requiring accelerated payment of the related obligations in the event of specified levels of declines in credit ratings.

Credit Markets and Counterparty Risk

We actively monitor the credit exposure and risks associated with our counterparties. Additionally, we continue to monitor global credit markets to limit our potential exposure to credit risk where possible. Our primary credit exposures result from the sale of oil and natural gas and our use of derivatives. Through June 30 , 201 6, we have not suffered any significant losses with our counterparties as a result of non-performance.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Certain accounting policies involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could have been reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions had been used. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions. The results of these estimates and assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our financial statements.

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As of June 30 , 2016 , there were no changes with regard to the critical accounting policies disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on March 30, 2016. The policies disclosed included the accounting for oil and natural gas properties, oil and natural gas reserve quantities, revenue recognition and hedging activities. Please read Part 1. Item 1. Note 2. “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of additional accounting policies and estimates made by management.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Part 1. Item 1. Note 2. “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report for information on new accounting pronouncements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are not required to provide this disclosure as a smaller reporting company.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, with SPP have been detected. These inherent limitations include error by personnel in executing controls due to faulty judgment or simple mistakes, which could occur in situations such as when personnel performing controls are new to a job function or when inadequate resources are applied to a process. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons or by collusion of two or more people.

The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no absolute assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or personnel, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer of the general partner of SPP have evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of June 30 , 2016 (the Evaluation Date). Based on such evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the three months ended June 30 , 2016, there were no changes in SPP’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, SPP’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Table of Contents

Part II—Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time we may be the subject of lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of such lawsuits or claims. Management does not currently expect the outcome of any of the known claims or proceedings to individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Item 1A. Risk Factor s  

Consider carefully the risk factors under the caption "Risk Factors" under Part I, Item 1A in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K , together with all of the other information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; in our 2015 Annual Report; and in our other public filings, press releases, and public discussions with our management . Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In connection with providing services under the Services Agreement for the fourth quarter of 2015, the Partnership issued 58,363 common units to SP Holdings, LLC on April 1, 2016.  See Note 11, "Related Party Transactions" for additional information related to the Services Agreement (in thousands, except unit amounts). The issuance of these common units was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to section 4(2) thereof as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.

 

 

 

 

The following table provides information relating to the purchase of our common units in the second quarter of 201 6 .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

Total Number of Common Units Purchased

 

Average Price Paid

 

Total Number of Common Units Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan (1)

 

Approximate Dollar Value of Common Units that may yet be Purchased under the Plan (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 1, 2016 - April 30, 2016

 

4,300

 

$
12.00

 

4,300

 

$
4,829

May 1, 2016 - May 31, 2016

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

4,829

June 1, 2016 - June 30, 2016

 

 -

 

 -

 

 -

 

4,829

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

4,300

 

$
12.00

 

4,300

 

$
4,829

 

(1)

On November 10, 2015, the board of directors of our general partner approved a $10 million common unit repurchase plan (the “Unit Repurchase Plan”).  Under the new Unit Repurchase Plan, we may repurchase up to $10 million of our common units.  We may repurchase our common units from time to time, in amounts and at prices that we deem appropriate, subject to market conditions and other considerations.  Our repurchase may be executed using open market purchases, privately negotiated agreements or other transactions.  The repurchases will be funded from cash on hand or available borrowings.  The Unit Repurchase Plan may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice .  

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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Item 5. Other Information  

None.

Item 6. Exhibit s  

The exhibits required to be filed pursuant to the requirements of Item 601 of Regulation S-K are set forth in the exhibit index accompanying this form 10-Q and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

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SIGNATURE S  

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sanchez Production Partners LP, the Registrant, has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP

(REGISTRANT)

BY: Sanchez Production Partners GP LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

Date: August 1 2 , 2016

 

By

/s/ Charles C. Ward

 

 

 

Charles C. Ward

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

 

10.1* , ***

Purchase and Sale Agreement between certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sanchez Production Partners LP and Gateway Resources U.S.A., Inc., dated June 15, 2016, as amended, by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated June 15, 2016.

 

 

10.2* , ***

Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Sanchez Energy Corporation, SN Midstream, LLC and Sanchez Production Partners LP, dated July 5, 2016.

 

 

10.3*

Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Sanchez Production Partners LP, the guarantors party thereto, each of the lenders party thereto, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, dated July 5, 2016.

 

 

31.1*

Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Sanchez Production Partners GP LLC pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

31.2*

Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Sanchez Production Partners GP LLC pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1**

Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Sanchez Production Partners GP LLC pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.2**

Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Sanchez Production Partners GP LLC pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.INS*

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

101.SCH*

XBRL Schema Document

 

 

101.CAL*

XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

101.LAB*

XBRL Label Linkbase Document

 

 

101.PRE*

XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

101.DEF*

XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

 


*        Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

*** The exhibits and schedules to the se a greement s have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish copies of such omitted exhibits and schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. Descriptions of such exhibits and schedules , as applicable, are set forth on page iii of each a greement.

 

 

 

51


Exhibit 10.1

Execution Version

PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

 

between

 

CEP MID-CONTINENT LLC,

MID-CONTINENT OILFIELD SUPPLY, L.L.C.,

and

NORTHEAST SHELF ENERGY, L.L.C.,

 

as Sellers

 

and

 

GATEWAY RESOURCES U.S.A, INC.,

 

as Buyer

 

Dated as of June   15 , 2016

 

{00239086.2}


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

 

 

Section 1.1           Definitions

Section 1.2           Rules of Construction

11 

 

 

ARTICLE II. PURCHASE AND SALE

11 

 

 

Section 2.1           Purchase and Sale of Company Assets

11 

 

 

ARTICLE III. CONSIDERATION

11 

 

 

Section 3.1           Consideration

11 

Section 3.2           Adjustments to the Base Purchase Price

12 

Section 3.3          Closing Statement

12 

Section 3.4          Closing Payment

12 

Section 3.5           Post-Closing Adjustment

12 

Section 3.6           Payments and Reimbursements

14 

Section 3.7           Purchase Price Allocation

14 

 

 

ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO SELLERS

15 

 

 

Section 4.1           Organization of Seller

15 

Section 4.2           Authorization; Enforceability

15 

Section 4.3          No Conflict; Consents

15 

 

 

ARTICLE V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE COMPANY ASSETS

16 

 

 

Section 5.1           No Conflict; Consents

16 

Section 5.2           Litigation

16 

Section 5.3          Taxes

16 

Section 5.4          Material Contracts

17 

Section 5.5           Compliance with Laws; Permits

17 

Section 5.6           Preferential Purchase Rights

17 

Section 5.7           Payment of Royalties

17 

Section 5.8           Current Commitments

18 

Section 5.9           Brokers’ Fees

18 

 

 

ARTICLE VI. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO BUYER

18 

 

 

Section 6.1           Organization of Buyer

18 

Section 6.2            Authorization; Enforceability

18 

Section 6.3           No Conflict; Consents

18 

Section 6.4           Litigation

19 

Section 6.5           Brokers’ Fees

19 

Section 6.6           Financing; Resources and Other Capabilities

19 

Section 6.7          Buyer’s Independent Investigation

19 

Section 6.8           Independent Evaluation

19 

Section 6.9           Regulatory

19 

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ARTICLE VII. TITLE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

20 

 

 

Section 7.1           Access

20 

Section 7.2           Environmental and Title Review

20 

Section 7.3          Indemnity

20 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII. INTERIM OPERATIONS

20 

 

 

Section 8.1           Operations Prior to Closing

20 

Section 8.2           Restricted Activities

21 

Section 8.3          Casualty Loss

21 

Section 8.4          Casualty Loss Limitation

22 

 

 

ARTICLE IX. OTHER PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS

22 

 

 

Section 9.1           Third-Party Approvals

22 

Section 9.2           Insurance

22 

Section 9.3          Replacement of Bonds, Letters of Credit and Guarantees

22 

 

 

ARTICLE X. CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

 

 

 

Section 10.1         Conditions to Obligations of Buyer to Closing

23 

Section 10.2        Conditions to the Obligations of Sellers to Closing

23 

 

 

ARTICLE XI. CLOSING

24 

 

 

Section 11.1         Closing Date

24 

Section 11.2         Closing Deliverables

24 

 

 

ARTICLE XII. TERMINATION

25 

 

 

Section 12.1         Termination

25 

Section 12.2         Effect of Termination

25 

Section 12.3         Other Provisions

26 

 

 

ARTICLE XIII. ASSUMPTION; INDEMNIFICATION AND WAIVERS

26 

 

 

Section 13.1         Assumed Obligations

26 

Section 13.2         Sellers’ Indemnity

26 

Section 13.3         Buyer’s Indemnity

27 

Section 13.4         Express Negligence Rule

27 

Section 13.5         Limitations on Liability

27 

Section 13.6         Procedures

30 

Section 13.7         Waiver of Consequential Damages

31 

Section 13.8         Waivers and Disclaimers

31 

Section 13.9         Exclusive Remedy and Release

33 

 

 

ARTICLE XIV. TAX MATTERS

33 

 

 

Section 14.1         Responsibility for Filing Tax Returns and Paying Taxes

33 

Section 14.2         Responsibility for Tax Audits

34 

Section 14.3         Tax Refunds

35 

Section 14.4        Transfer Taxes

35 

Section 14.5        Tax Treatment of Indemnities

35 

Section 14.6         Survival and Conflict

35 

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ARTICLE XV. OTHER POST-CLOSING COVENANTS

35 

 

 

Section 16.1         Notices

36 

Section 16.2         Further Assurances

37 

Section 16.3         Fees and Expenses

37 

Section 16.4         Assignment

37 

Section 16.5         Rights and Obligations of Third Parties

38 

Section 16.6        Counterparts

38 

Section 16.7        Entire Agreement

38 

Section 16.8        Disclosure Schedules

38 

Section 16.9        Amendments

39 

Section 16.10      Publicity

39 

Section 16.11      Severability

39 

Section 16.12      Certain Remedies

39 

Section 16.13      Governing Law; Jurisdiction

40 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

Exhibits:

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A            -       Title and Environmental Defects Procedures

 

Exhibit B          -       Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement

 

Exhibit C            -       Leases

 

Exhibit D           -       Wells

 

Exhibit E            -         Surface Interests

 

Exhibit F              -         Gathering Systems

 

Exhibit G          -       Owned Real Property

 

Exhibit H          -       Allocated Values

 

Exhibit I              -       Form of Deed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedules:

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule 1.1        -       Knowledge

 

Schedule 4.3        -       No Conflict; Consents -- Seller

 

Schedule 5.1        -       No Conflict; Consents -- Company Assets

 

Schedule 5.2        -       Litigation

 

Schedule 5.3        -       Taxes

 

Schedule 5.4        -       Material Contracts

 

Schedule 5.5(a)        Compliance With Laws;

 

Schedule 5.5(b)        Permits

 

Schedule 5.6        -       Preferential Purchase Rights

 

Schedule 5.7        -       Payment of Royalties

 

Schedule 5.8        -       Current Commitments

 

Schedule 9.2        -       Insurance

 

Schedule 9.3         -       Bonds, Letters of Credit and Guarantees

 

 

 

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PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

This PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of June   15 , 2016, is by and between (i) CEP Mid-Continent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), (ii) Mid-Continent Oilfield Supply, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company (“ Midcon ”), (iii) Northeast Shelf Energy, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company (“ Northeast ” and collectively with the Company and Midcon, the “ Sellers ”) and (iv) Gateway Resources U.S.A., Inc., an Oklahoma corporation (“ Buyer ”).  Each Seller and Buyer is sometimes referred to herein individually as a “ Party ” and they are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “ Parties .”

Recitals:

The Sellers own and/or operate, certain oil and gas wells, leases and other associated assets and interests in Washington County, Nowata County, Rogers County, Tulsa County and Craig County , Oklahoma (collectively, the “ Oklahoma Counties ”) and in Montgomery County and Labette County , Kansas (collectively, the “ Kansas Counties ”).

Sellers desire to sell to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase from Sellers, the Company Assets (as defined below), on and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

Section 1.1 Definitions .  Capitalized terms used throughout this Agreement and not defined in this Section 1.1 have the meanings ascribed to them elsewhere in this Agreement or in the Schedules or Exhibits, including Section 1 of Exhibit A .  As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Adjustment Amount ” is defined in Section 3.2 .

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such specified Person through one or more intermediaries or otherwise.  For the purposes of this definition, “control” means, where used with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have correlative meanings.

Agreement ” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

Assignment and Assumption Agreement ” means an Assignment and Assumption Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B .  

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Assumed Obligations ” means (A) all obligations and liabilities of any kind whatsoever of Sellers arising from or relating to the Company Assets, whether known or unknown, liquidated or contingent, which are deemed to have arisen, accrued or are attributable to periods on or after the Effective Time, including obligations and liabilities concerning:  (i) the use, ownership or operation of the Company Assets; (ii) any obligations under or relating to any Contracts; (iii) paying all obligations owed to working interest, royalty, overriding royalty, net profits and other interest owners and operators relating to the Company Assets, including their share of any revenues or proceeds attributable to production or sales of Hydrocarbons; (iv) properly plugging, re-plugging and abandoning the Wells; (v) any obligation or liability for the dismantling, decommissioning, abandoning and removing of the Wells or Equipment; (vi) any obligation or liability for the cleaning up, restoration and/or remediation of the premises covered by or related to the Company Assets in accordance with applicable Contracts and Laws, including all Environmental Laws; (vii) furnishing makeup Hydrocarbons and/or settling and paying for Imbalances according to the terms of applicable operating agreements, gas balancing agreements, Hydrocarbons sales, processing, gathering or transportation Contracts; and (viii) any obligation or liability regarding Permits and (B) all obligations and liabilities of any kind whatsoever of Sellers arising from or relating to the Company Assets, whether known or unknown, liquidated or contingent, which are deemed to have arisen, accrued or are attributable to periods prior to the Effective Time concerning:  (y) properly plugging, re-plugging and abandoning the Wells; and (z) any obligation or liability for the dismantling, decommissioning, abandoning and removing of the Wells or Equipment .

Base Purchase Price ” is defined in Section 3.1 .

Burden ” is defined in Section 5.7 .

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday in the State of Texas and that is not otherwise a federal holiday in the United States.

Buyer ” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

Buyer Indemnified Parties ” is defined in Section 13.2 .

Buyer’s Credits ” means (without duplication) the sum of (i) proceeds received by the Sellers and distributed to the Sellers prior to Closing that are attributable to the sale of Hydrocarbons produced from the Company Assets on or after the Effective Time and less amounts payable as royalties, overriding royalties and other burdens measured by or payable out of such production, and less severance taxes applicable to such production; (ii) the Resolved Defect Amount; (iii) the amount of any reduction of the Base Purchase Price under Sections 3(e)(i)(C) and 3(e)(ii)(D) of Exhibit A ; (iv) an amount equal to the Suspended Funds; and (v) except as expressly provided otherwise herein, any other amount provided for elsewhere in this Agreement or otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties.

Casualty Loss ” is defined in Section 8.3 .

Central Time ” means Central Standard Time or Central Daylight Saving Time, as applicable.

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Claim ” means both Direct Claims and Third-Party Claims, collectively and individually.

Claim Notice ” is defined in Section 13.6(a) .

Closing ” is defined in Section 11.1 .

Closing Date ” is defined in Section 11.1 .

Closing Statement ” is defined in Section 3.3 .

Closing Statement Arbitrator ” is defined in Section 3.5(b) .

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

Company ” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

Company Assets ” means:

(a) the oil and gas leases, oil, gas and mineral leases, fee mineral interests, royalty interests, non-working and carried interests, operating rights and other interests in land described or referred to in Exhibit C (collectively, the “ Leases ”), together with all oil and gas pooling and unitization agreements, declarations, designations and order relating to the Leases (such pooled or unitized areas being, collectively, the “ Units ”);

(b) any and all oil and gas wells, salt water disposal wells, injection wells and other wells and wellbores, whether abandoned, not abandoned, plugged or unplugged, located on the Leases and in existence as of the Effective Date (collectively, the “ Wells ”), that are identified on Exhibit D ;

(c) all easements, rights-of-way, servitudes, surface and subsurface lease agreements, surface use agreements and other rights or agreements related to the use of the surface and subsurface, in each case to the extent used directly relating to the operation of the Leases, Wells, Units and Gathering Systems, including, without limitation, the interests described on Exhibit E (the “ Surface Interests ”);

(d) the gathering systems described on Exhibit F (collectively, the “ Gathering Systems ”);

(e) the owned real property described on Exhibit G (collectively, the “ Owned Real Property ”);

(f) all Hydrocarbons produced and saved from, or allocable to, the Leases and the Wells from and after the Effective Time (collectively, the “ Sale Hydrocarbons ”);

(g) all structures, facilities, wellheads, tanks, pumps, compressors, separators, equipment, machinery, fixtures, flowlines, gathering lines, materials, improvements, SCADA hardware and software, rolling stock and vehicles and any other personal property used solely in the operation of the Leases, Units, Wells, Gathering Systems or Surface Interests or otherwise

3


 

located on the Owned Real Property (collectively, the “ Personal Property ”);

(h) all licenses, permits, contracts, pooling, unitization and communitization agreements, operating agreements, processing agreements, division orders, farm-in and farm-out agreements, rental agreements, equipment lease agreements and all other agreements of any kind or nature, whether recorded or unrecorded, set forth on Schedule 5.4 , but insofar and only insofar as the foregoing solely relate to the Leases, Units, Wells, Gathering Systems, Surface Interests or Personal Property, the ownership and operation thereof, or the production, treatment, sale, transportation, gathering, storage, sale or disposal of Sale Hydrocarbons, water or other substances produced therefrom or associated therewith (collectively, the “ Specified Contracts ”); and

(i) records that solely relate to the Leases, Surface Interests, Wells, Gathering Systems, Sale Hydrocarbons, Contracts and Personal Property in the possession of the Sellers (the “ Records ”).

Confidentiality Agreement ” means that certain confidentiality agreement, dated as of April 20, 2016, between Buyer and the Company .

Contracts ” means any written and legally binding agreement, commitment, lease, license or other written and legally binding contractual undertaking.

Deed ” means a Deed in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I .  

Defect Deductible ” means an amount equal to three percent (3.0%) of the Base Purchase Price.

Direct Claim ” is defined in Section 13.6(d) .

Disclosure Schedules ” means the schedules attached hereto.

Dollars ” and “ $ ” mean the lawful currency of the United States.

Effective Date ” means August 1, 2016.

Effective Time ” means 7:00 a.m. Central Time on August 1, 2016.

Environmental Laws ” means all applicable Laws relating to health, safety, the protection of the environment, natural resources, or threatened or endangered species, pollution, or its impacts on human health, including those Laws relating to the storage, handling and use of chemicals and other Hazardous Substances and those relating to the generation, processing, treatment, storage, transportation, disposal or other management thereof.

Environmental Permits ” means all Permits of Governmental Authorities required by Environmental Laws for the conduct of the business of the Sellers relating to the Company Assets.

Estimated Adjustment Amount ” is defined in Section 3.3 .

Estimated Purchase Price ” is defined in Section 3.4 .

4


 

Excluded Assets ” means (i) all trade credits and all accounts, accounts receivable, checks, funds, promissory notes, instruments and general intangibles attributable to the Company Assets with respect to any period of time prior to the Effective Time; (ii) all rights and interests of Sellers in respect of any deposits, bonds, letters of credit or other type of security or credit support posted by Sellers (including the right to request and receive any refunds thereof); (iii) all rights and interests in and to any hedges or other derivative contracts relating to Sellers; (iv) all of the Sellers’ and their respective Affiliates’ proprietary computer software, technology, patents, and trade secrets, proprietary or licensed copyrights, names, trademarks, logos and other intellectual property; (v) claims of the Sellers for refund of or loss carry forwards with respect to Taxes attributable to any period prior to the Effective Time or Taxes attributable to Excluded Assets; (vi) furniture, fixtures, computer equipment and other office furnishings owned by the Sellers and/or their Affiliates; (vii) all documents and instruments of Sellers that may be protected by an attorney-client privilege or that relate to any other Excluded Asset, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any transactions between any Seller or any of its Affiliates; (viii) data and other information that cannot be disclosed or assigned to Buyer as a result of confidentiality or similar arrangements; (ix) any and all research, valuation or pricing information prepared by the Sellers or their respective Representatives in connection with efforts to sell the Company Assets, including, but not limited to bids received and information and correspondence in connection therewith; and (x) any assets that are retained by Sellers pursuant to Sections 3(e)(i)(C) and 3(e)(ii)(B) of Exhibit A .  

Final Settlement ” is defined in Section 3.5(c)

Fundamental Representations ” means those representations and warranties of Sellers set forth in Article IV and in Section 5.1 ,   Section 5.3 and Section 5.9 .

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles of the United States, consistently applied.

Gathering Systems ” is defined in the definition of Company Assets.

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, municipal, local or similar governmental authority, regulatory or administrative agency or court.

Hazardous Substances ” means any chemicals, constituents, fractions, derivatives, compounds or other substances that are defined or regulated as pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, hazardous materials, radioactive materials or radioactive wastes or that may form the basis of liability or obligations under any Environmental Laws.  Hazardous Substances shall also expressly include petroleum substances (and any components, fractions or derivatives thereof) and exploration and production wastes.

Hydrocarbons ” means oil, gas, natural gas liquids, casinghead gas, coal bed methane, condensate and other gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons or any combination thereof.

Imbalance ” means over-production or under-production or over-deliveries or under-deliveries on account of (a) any imbalance at the wellhead between the amount of Hydrocarbons produced from a Well constituting part of the Company Assets and allocable to the interests of the Sellers, and the shares of production from the relevant Well that are actually taken by or delivered

5


 

to or for the account of the Sellers and (b) any marketing imbalance between the quantity of Hydrocarbons constituting part of the Company Assets and required to be delivered by or to the Sellers under any Contracts relating to the purchase and sale, gathering, transportation, storage, treating, processing, or marketing of Hydrocarbons and the quantity of Hydrocarbons actually delivered by or to the Sellers pursuant to the applicable Contracts.

Indebtedness for Borrowed Money ” means all obligations, including the principal amount, plus any related accrued and unpaid interest, fees and prepayment premiums or penalties, to any Person for borrowed money.  In addition, for the avoidance of doubt, Indebtedness for Borrowed Money includes: (i) any obligations, contingent or otherwise, under banker’s acceptance credit or similar facilities (other than any letters of credit, performance bonds or similar obligations entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices); (ii) any obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services, except trade accounts payable and other current liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business; (iii) any obligations with respect to hedging, swaps or similar arrangements; (iv) any obligations to pay rent or other payment amounts under leases that would be required to be classified as a capital lease on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP; and (v) any guaranty of any of the foregoing.

Indemnified Party ” is defined in Section 13.6(a) .

Indemnifying Party ” is defined in Section 13.6(a) .

Indemnity Cap ” means an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the Base Purchase Price.

Indemnity Deductible ” means an amount equal to three percent (3.0%) of the Base Purchase Price.

Individual Indemnity Threshold ” is defined in Section 13.5(a) .

IRS ” means the Internal Revenue Service of the United States.

Kansas Counties ” is defined in the recital of this Agreement.

Knowledge ” means, as to Sellers, the actual knowledge of those Persons listed in Schedule 1.1 as of the date of this Agreement.

Law ” means any applicable statute, writ, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, Order, judgment, injunction, award, determination or decree of a Governmental Authority, in each case as in effect on and as interpreted on the date of this Agreement.

Leases ” is defined in the definition of Company Assets.

Legal Proceeding ” means any and all proceedings, suits and causes of action by or before any Governmental Authority and all arbitration proceedings.

Liens ” means liens, pledges, options, mortgages, deeds of trust and security interests.

Losses ” is defined in Section 13.2 .

6


 

Material Adverse Effect ” means, with respect to the Company Assets (as currently owned and operated), any circumstance, change, or effect that is materially adverse to the business, operations, assets or financial condition of the Company Assets, taken as a whole, but shall exclude any circumstance, change or effect resulting or arising from:  (i) any general change in conditions in the industries or markets where the Company Assets are located; (ii) seasonal reductions in revenues and/or earnings attributable to the Company Assets in the ordinary course of its business; (iii) any adverse change, event or effect on the global, national or regional energy industry as a whole, including those impacting energy prices or the value of oil and gas assets and properties or other commodities, goods or services, or the availability or costs of hedges; (iv) changes in the prices of oil, gas or other hydrocarbon products; (v) national or international political conditions, including any engagement in hostilities, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence of any military or terrorist attack; (vi) changes in Law, GAAP or the interpretation thereof; (vii) the entry into or announcement of this Agreement, actions contemplated by this Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; (viii) any failure to meet internal or third-party projections or forecasts or revenue or earnings or reserve predictions; (ix) changes or developments in financial or securities markets or the economy in general; (x) effects of weather, meteorological events, natural disasters or other acts of God; (xi) natural declines in well performances; (xii) the existence of a preferred right as to any of the Company Assets; or (xiii) actions taken or omitted to be taken by or at the request of Buyer.

Material Contracts ” means any of the following Contracts to which any of the Company Assets are bound or subject:

(a) Contracts that can reasonably be expected to involve obligations of, or payments with respect to the Company Assets after the date hereof , in excess of ten thousand Dollars ($10,000) in any given calendar year;

(b) Contracts evidencing Indebtedness for Borrowed Money or the granting of a Lien securing any such indebtedness;

(c) Contracts for the sale, gathering, processing, storage or transportation of production, or otherwise relating to the marketing of production from the Company Assets, other than Contracts which are subject to cancellation on not more than sixty (60) days’ notice without penalty or other detriment to the Sellers;

(d) Contracts that contain calls upon or options to purchase production;

(e) Contracts that constitute a partnership or joint venture agreement (excluding any tax partnership); and

(f) Contracts that constitute a pending farmout agreement, exploration agreement, participation agreement or other similar Contract where the primary obligation thereunder has not fully been performed.

Midcon ” is defined in the preamble.

  NORM ” means naturally occurring radioactive material, including technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material.

7


 

Northeast ” is defined in the preamble.

Notice of Disagreement ” is defined in Section 3.5(a) .

Notices ” is defined in Section 16.1 .

Oil and Gas Properties ” means, collectively, the Leases, Wells and Units.

Oklahoma Counties ” is defined in the recital to this Agreement.

Order ” means any order, judgment, injunction, ruling, decree, consent decree, sentence, charge, subpoena, plea agreement, diversion agreement, writ or award issued, made, entered, rendered or approved by any court, administrative agency, or other Governmental Authority or by any arbitrator.

Organizational Documents ” means any charter, certificate of incorporation, certificate or articles of formation, articles of association, partnership agreements, limited liability company agreements, bylaws, operating agreement or similar formation or governing documents and instruments.

Overhead Rate ” means the rate charged by an operator to the joint interest owners for one hundred percent (100%) of the interests under an operating agreement.

Party ” and “ Parties ” are defined in the preamble of this Agreement.

Permits ” means authorizations, licenses, permits or certificates issued by any Governmental Authority.

Permitted Encumbrances ” is defined in Exhibit A .

Person ” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint-stock company, Governmental Authority or other entity of any kind.

Personal Property ” is defined in the definition of Company Assets.

Pre-Closing Tax Period ” means any Tax period ending on or before the Closing Date. 

Pre-Effective Date Tax Period ” means any Tax period ending on or before the Effective Date. 

Proceeding ” means any action, suit, litigation, arbitration, lawsuit, claim, proceeding, hearing, inquiry, investigation, or dispute commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before or otherwise involving, any Governmental Authority or any arbitrator.

Property Costs ” means the Sellers or any of their Affiliates’ obligation for any expenses or costs (including lease operating expense, drilling and completion costs, seismic costs, workover costs, capital expenditures, joint interest billings and overhead charges under applicable operating agreements) which relate to the Company Assets or are otherwise incurred by the Sellers or any of

8


 

their Affiliates in connection with the ownership, operation, development or maintenance of the Company Assets, but excluding (in all cases) costs and expenses attributable to (i) obligations to pay an owner of any working interest, royalty, overriding royalty, net profits interests or other similar burdens on or measured by production any revenues or proceeds attributable to sales of Hydrocarbons relating to the Company Assets, including those held in suspense; (ii) Losses for personal injury or death, property damage or loss (other than damage to structures, fences, irrigation systems and other fixtures, crops, livestock and other personal property in the ordinary course of business), torts, breach of Contract (other than failure to make payments due under the terms of a Contract) or violation of any Lease or Law (or private rights of action under any Law); (iii) obligations to plug wells (including the Wells), dismantle or decommission facilities, close pits and restore the surface around such wells, facilities and pits; (iv) environmental liabilities, including obligations to remediate any contamination of groundwater, surface water, soil, sediments or personal property under applicable Environmental Laws; (v) obligations with respect to Imbalances; and (vi) claims for indemnification or reimbursement from any third party with respect to costs of the type described in preceding clauses (i) through (v), whether such claims are made pursuant to Contract or otherwise.

Purchase Price ” is defined in Section 3.1 .

Records ” is defined in the definition of Company Assets.

Representatives ” means a Person’s directors, officers, partners, members, managers, employees, agents or advisors (including attorneys, accountants, consultants, bankers, financial advisors, and any Representatives of those advisors).

Resolved Defect Amount ” means the amount by which the sum of all Defect Amounts determined in accordance with the procedures in Exhibit A exceeds the Defect Deductible. 

Response Date ” is defined in Section 3.5(a) .

Restricted Period ” is defined in Section 8.1 .

Sale Hydrocarbons ” is defined in the definition of Company Assets.

Seller ” and “ Sellers ” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

Seller Indemnified Parties ” is defined in Section 13.3 .

Seller Marks ” means all trademarks, service marks, and trade names owned by any Seller or its Affiliates, including, without limitation, the rights of each Seller and its Affiliates to the name “Sanchez Production Partners” or any trade names, trademarks, service marks, corporate names or logos, or any derivative or combination thereof, that are confusingly similar thereto.

Sellers’ Credits ” means (without duplication) (i) proceeds received by Buyer that are attributable to the sale of Hydrocarbons produced from the Company Assets prior to the Effective Time and less amounts payable as royalties, overriding royalties and other burdens measured by or payable out of such production, and less severance taxes applicable to such production; (ii) any Property Costs payable by Sellers that are attributable to the ownership or operation of the

9


 

Company Assets from and after the Effective Time; (iii) the value of all Hydrocarbons produced prior to the Effective Time but in tanks or upstream of the applicable sales meter as of the Effective Time; (iv) the amount of any increase to the Base Purchase Price with respect to Title Benefits pursuant to Section 3(g) of Exhibit A ; (v) for each of the Oil and Gas Properties operated by Sellers and as to which there are one or more Non-Parties that is a joint interest owner in such property, a monthly amount for the period commencing as of the Effective Time through the Closing Date equal to the Overhead Rate (proportionately reduced to the percentage interest conveyed, and prorated for the month in which the Closing Date occurs based on the number of Days in such month through the Closing Date); and (vi) (vii) except as expressly provided otherwise herein, any other amount provided for elsewhere in this Agreement or otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties.

Settlement Date ” is defined in Section 3.5(b) .

Specified Contracts ” is defined in the definition of Company Assets.

Straddle Period ” means any Tax period that includes but does not end at the Effective Time.

Suspended Funds ” is defined in Section 5.7 .

Surface Interests ” is defined in the definition of Company Assets.

Target Formation ” is defined in Exhibit D with respect to each corresponding Well.

Tax Allocation ” is defined in Section 3.7(b) .

Tax Audit ” means any audit, adjustment, claim, examination, assessment, contest or other Proceeding with respect to Taxes.

Tax Returns ” means any report, return, election, document, estimated tax filing, declaration, claim for refund, information returns or other filing provided to any Governmental Authority with respect to Taxes, including any schedules or attachments thereto and any amendment thereof.

Taxes ” means all taxes, assessments, charges, duties, fees, levies, imposts or other similar charges imposed by a Governmental Authority, including all income, franchise, profits, margins, capital gains, capital stock, transfer, gross receipts, sales, use, transfer, service, occupation, ad valorem, real or personal property, excise, severance, production, windfall profits, customs, premium, stamp, license, payroll, employment, social security, unemployment, disability, environmental, alternative minimum, add-on, value-added, withholding and other taxes, and assessments, charges, duties, fees, levies, imposts or other similar charges of any kind, and all estimated taxes, deficiency assessments, additions to tax, penalties and interest with respect to taxes, whether disputed or otherwise.

Third-Party Claim ” is defined in Section 13.6(a) .

United States ” means United States of America.

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Units ” is defined in the definition of Company Assets.

Wells ” is defined in the definition of Company Assets.

Section 1.2 Rules of Construction .

 

(a) All article, section, schedule, and Exhibit references used in this Agreement are to articles and sections of, and schedules and exhibits to, this Agreement unless otherwise specified.  The schedules and exhibits attached to this Agreement constitute a part of this Agreement and are incorporated herein for all purposes.

(b) If a term is defined as one part of speech (such as a noun), it shall have a corresponding meaning when used as another part of speech (such as a verb).  Terms defined in the singular have the corresponding meanings in the plural, and vice versa.  Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neutral genders and vice versa.  The term “includes” or “including” shall mean “including without limitation.”  Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, the words “hereof,” “hereto,” “hereby,” “herein,” “hereunder” and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or Article in which such words appear.

(c) The Parties acknowledge that each Party and its attorney have reviewed this Agreement and that any rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party, or any similar rule operating against the drafter of an agreement, shall not be applicable to the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

(d) 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.

(e) All references to currency herein shall be to, and all payments required hereunder shall be paid in, Dollars.

ARTICLE II.

PURCHASE AND SALE

Section 2.1 Purchase and Sale of Company Assets .  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Sellers shall sell, assign, transfer, and convey to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase and acquire from Sellers, at the Closing, the Company Assets free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Encumbrances). Sellers shall transfer the Company Assets to Buyer by delivery of the Assignment and Assumption Agreement at Closing.

 

ARTICLE III.

CONSIDERATION

Section 3.1 Consideration In consideration for the purchase of the Comp any Assets, Buyer agrees to pay to Sellers at Closing the sum of Seven Thousand One Hundred Twenty Dollars ($ 7, 120 .00 ) (the “ Base Purchase Price ”), as adjusted by the Adjustment Amount (the Base Purchase Price as so adjusted, the “ Purchase Price ”) .  

 

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Section 3.2 Adjustments to the Base Purchase Price .  The Base Purchase Price shall be adjusted by an amount (which could be a positive or negative number) equal to the Sellers’ Credits minus the Buyer’s Credits (such amount being referred to herein as the “ Adjustment Amount ”).  For purposes of clarity, a positive Adjustment Amount will increase the Base Purchase Price and a negative Adjustment Amount will decrease the Base Purchase Price It is acknowledged that because of the negligible Allocated Value for Wells or L eases, any adjustments pursuant to Exhibit A wil l be similarly negligible.  An “ adjustment of any kind or nature that is equal to or is less than $100 is hereby waived by all Parties hereto.

 

Section 3.3 Closing Statement .  Not later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, Sellers shall prepare and deliver to Buyer a statement (the “ Closing Statement ”) showing the estimated Adjustment Amount (using actual numbers and amounts where available, and using Sellers’ good faith estimate of other amounts, where actual amounts are not available, in each case showing the associated calculations in reasonable detail) (the “ Estimated Adjustment Amount ”).  Within three (3) Business Days after receipt of the Closing Statement, Buyer will deliver to Sellers a written report containing all changes with the explanation therefor that Buyer proposes to be made to the Closing Statement.  The Closing Statement, as agreed upon by the Parties, will be used to determine the Estimated Adjustment Amount at Closing.  If the Parties are unable to reach agreement, the Closing Statement as prepared by Sellers will be used to determine the Estimated Adjustment Amount at Closing, absent manifest error.

 

Section 3.4 Closing Payment .  At Closing, Buyer shall pay to Sellers, in cash by wire transfer of immediately available Dollar funds to the account or accounts designated by Sellers, an amount equal to the Base Purchase Price, with such amount increased or decreased, as the case may be, by the Estimated Adjustment Amount (the “ Estimated Purchase Price ”).

 

Section 3.5 Post-Closing Adjustment .

 

(a) Revised Closing Statement .  On or before the date that is ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, Sellers shall prepare and deliver to Buyer a revised Closing Statement setting forth the Adjustment Amount as of the Closing Date.  Sellers shall provide to Buyer such data and information as Buyer may reasonably request supporting the amounts reflected on the Closing Statement (and reasonable access to Sellers’ personnel, including internal accountants) to permit Buyer to perform or cause to be performed an audit of the Closing Statement, at Buyer’s expense.  The Closing Statement shall become final and binding upon the Parties on the date that is thirty (30) days following receipt thereof by Buyer (the “ Response Date ”) unless Buyer gives Notice of its disagreement (“ Notice of Disagreement ”) to Sellers on or before such Response Date.  Any Notice of Disagreement shall specify in reasonable detail the Dollar amount, nature and basis of any disagreement so asserted.  If a Notice of Disagreement is not received by Sellers on or before the Response Date, then the Response Date shall be deemed the “ Settlement Date .”  If a Notice of Disagreement is received by Sellers by the Response Date, then the Closing Statement (as revised in accordance with paragraph (b) below) shall become final and binding on the Parties on the date upon which the Arbitrated Closing Statement (defined below) is delivered to the Parties , unless the Parties come to a mutual agreement in writing before the delivery of the Arbitrated Closing Statement, in which case the Settlement Date will be deemed to be the date on which such a mutual agreement is executed by the Parties.

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(b) Arbitrated Closing Statement .  During the sixty (60) days following the date upon which Sellers receive a Notice of Disagreement, Sellers and Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to attempt to resolve in writing any differences that they may have with respect to all matters specified in the Notice of Disagreement.  If at the end of such sixty (60) day period (or earlier by mutual agreement), Buyer and Sellers have not reached agreement on such matters, the matters that remain in dispute (and only such matters) shall promptly be submitted to BDO USA, LLP   (the “ Closing Statement Arbitrator ”) for review and final and binding resolution.  If BDO USA, LLP is unable or unwilling to serve as an arbitrator hereunder, then Sellers and Buyer shall, in good faith, mutually agree upon an independent national accounting firm that has not represented any Party at any time during the five (5) year period of time immediately preceding its designation hereunder, to serve as the Closing Statement Arbitrator.  Buyer and Sellers shall, not later than seven (7) days prior to the hearing date set by the Closing Statement Arbitrator, each submit a written brief to the Closing Statement Arbitrator (and a copy thereof to the other Party on the same day) with Dollar figures for settlement of the disputes as to the Adjustment Amount (together with a proposed Closing Statement that reflects such figures) consistent with their respective calculations delivered pursuant to Section 3.5(a) .  The hearing shall be conducted on a confidential basis.  The Closing Statement Arbitrator shall consider only those items or amounts in the Closing Statement which were identified in the Notice of Disagreement and which remain in dispute and the Closing Statement Arbitrator’s decision resolving the matters in dispute shall be based upon and be consistent with the terms and conditions in this Agreement.  In deciding any matter, the Closing Statement Arbitrator (i) shall be bound by the provisions of this Section 3.5 and the related definitions and (ii) may not assign a value to any disputed item greater than the greatest value for such item claimed by either Sellers or Buyer or less than the smallest value for such item claimed by Sellers or Buyer in their respective calculations delivered pursuant to Section 3.5(a) . The Closing Statement Arbitrator shall render a decision (the “ Arbitrated Closing Statement ”) resolving the matters in dispute (which decision shall include a written statement of findings and conclusions) promptly after the conclusion of the hearing, unless the Parties reach agreement prior thereto and withdraw the dispute from arbitration.  The Closing Statement Arbitrator shall provide to the Parties explanations in writing of the reasons for its decisions regarding the adjusted Adjustment Amount and shall issue a Closing Statement reflecting such decision.  The decision of the Closing Statement Arbitrator shall be (i) final and binding on the Parties and (ii) final and non-appealable for all purposes hereunder ; provided, however , that such decision may be reviewed, corrected or set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction, but only if and to the extent that such court of competent jurisdiction finds that (A) the Closing Statement Arbitrator made mathematical errors with respect to its decision or (B) fraud was committed by any Party in connection with the matters in dispute.  The cost of any arbitration (including the fees and expenses of the Closing Statement Arbitrator) under this Section 3.5(b) shall be borne entirely by the Party awarded the smaller percentage of the disputed amount by the Closing Statement Arbitrator.  The fees and disbursements of Sellers’ independent auditors and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with the services performed with respect to the Closing Statement shall be borne by Sellers and the fees and disbursements of Buyer’s independent auditors and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with their preparation of the Notice of Disagreement shall be borne by Buyer.

(c) Final Settlement .  If the amount of the Purchase Price as set forth on the Closing Statement (or Arbitrated Closing Statement) exceeds the amount of the Estimated Purchase Price paid at Closing, then, within five (5) days after the Settlement Date (or within five

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(5) days after the Closing Statement Arbitrator delivers the Arbitrated Closing Statement), Buyer shall pay to Sellers the amount of such difference.  If the amount of the Purchase Price as set forth on the Closing Statement (or Arbitrated Closing Statement) is less than the Estimated Purchase Price paid at Closing, then Sellers shall pay to Buyer, within five (5) days after the Settlement Date (or within five (5) days after the Closing Statement Arbitrator delivers the Arbitrated Closing Statement), the amount of such difference.  Any post-Closing payment made pursuant to this Section 3.5(c) shall be made by means of a wire transfer of immediately available Dollar funds to a bank account designated by the Party receiving the funds .

Section 3.6 Payments and Reimbursements .  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, from the Closing Date until ninety   (90) days following the Settlement Date, any proceeds, costs or expenses that would constitute a Buyer’s Credit or a Sellers’ Credit (and other proceeds, costs or expenses attributable to the Company Assets on or after the Closing Date) but that are not reflected in the Closing Statement shall be treated as follows:

 

(a) Sellers will promptly forward, or cause to be forwarded, to Buyer any payments received by the Sellers or any Affiliates thereof after the Closing Date with respect to proceeds attributable to the sale of Hydrocarbons produced from the Company Assets on or after the Effective Time but that are not reflected in the Closing Statement;

(b) Sellers will be responsible pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for Property Costs prior to the Effective Time that would constitute a Buyer’s Credit but that are not reflected in the Closing Statement and shall promptly pay, or, if paid by Buyer, promptly reimburse Buyer for such costs or expenses;

(c) Buyer will promptly forward, or cause to be forwarded, to Sellers any payments received by Buyer or any Affiliates thereof with respect to proceeds attributable to the sale of Hydrocarbons produced from the Company Assets prior to the Effective Time but that are not reflected in the Closing Statement; and

(d) Buyer will be responsible pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for Property Costs that would constitute a Sellers’ Credit (or that are attributable to the Company Assets on or after the Closing Date) but that are not reflected in the Closing Statement and shall promptly pay, or, if paid by Sellers, promptly reimburse Sellers for and hold Sellers harmless from and against, such costs or expenses.

Section 3.7 Purchase Price Allocation .

 

(a) Adjustment Allocation .  Pursuant to the terms of Exhibit A , Buyer and Sellers have allocated the Purchase Price among the Company Assets as set forth on Exhibit  H and such values shall be used for purposes of calculating adjustments to the Base Purchase Price under the procedures set forth on Exhibit A .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Party shall be bound for Tax purposes by the Allocated Values (as defined in Exhibit A ) set forth on Exhibit  H to this Agreement.

(b) Tax Allocation .  The Parties agree that the transactions contemplated hereby will be treated for U.S. federal income Tax purposes and applicable state income Tax purposes as a sale by Sellers and a purchase by Buyer of the Company Assets.  All Parties hereto agree to file

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all Tax Returns consistent with the foregoing and shall not take any position inconsistent with the foregoing for Tax purposes.  Within ninety (90) days after the Final Settlement the Parties shall allocate the Purchase Price for Tax purposes among the Company Assets affected thereby in accordance with Section 1060 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (the “ Tax Allocation ”).

(c) Adjustment .  If an adjustment is made to the Purchase Price pursuant to this Agreement, the Tax Allocation shall be adjusted accordingly in accordance with Section 1060 of the Code and as mutually agreed by Buyer and Sellers based solely on such adjustment.

 

(d) Reporting .  Sellers and Buyer shall report consistently with the Tax Allocation in all Tax Returns, including IRS Form 8594, and neither Sellers nor Buyer shall take any position in any Tax Return that is inconsistent with the Tax Allocation, as adjusted, in each case, unless required to do so by a final determination as defined in Section 1313 of the Code, or otherwise with the written consent of the other Party.

ARTICLE IV.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO SELLER S

Each Seller, severally and not jointly, hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:

Section 4.1 Organization of Seller .  Such Seller is duly formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the Laws of its state of formation and has the requisite organizational power and authority to own its assets and conduct its business as presently conducted.  Such Seller is duly qualified to do business, and in good standing, in each jurisdiction in which it is required to be so qualified, except where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 4.2 Authorization; Enforceability .  Such Seller has full capacity, power, and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.  The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement, and the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly and validly authorized on the part of such Seller, and no other proceeding on the part of such Seller is necessary to authorize this Agreement or performance of the transactions contemplated hereby.  This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Seller (and all documents required hereunder to be executed and delivered by such Seller at the Closing will be duly executed and delivered by such Seller), and this Agreement constitutes, and at the Closing each such document will constitute, a valid and binding obligation of such Seller, enforceable against such Seller in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium, and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.

 

Section 4.3 No Conflict; Consents .  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.3 , the execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Seller and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do not and shall not:

 

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(a) violate any Law applicable to such Seller or, with respect to such Seller, require any material filing with, consent, approval, or authorization of or notice to, any Person;

(b) violate any Organizational Document of such Seller; or

(c) (i) breach any material contract to which such Seller is a party; (ii) result in the termination of any such Material Contract; or (iii) constitute an event that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in the creation or imposition of a Lien.

ARTICLE V.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE COMPANY   ASSETS

Each Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:

Section 5.1 No Conflict; Consents .  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.1 , the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Sellers and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do not and shall not:

 

(a) violate any Law applicable to the Company Assets that are owned or leased by them or require any filing with or Permit, consent, approval, or authorization of or notice to, any Person, except where such violation or failure to make or obtain such filing, consent or approval would not have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(b) (i) breach any Material Contract to which any Company Assets that are owned or leased by them may be bound; (ii) result in the termination of any such Material Contract; (iii) result in the creation of any Lien under any Material Contract; or (iv) constitute an event that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in any such breach, termination or creation of a Lien, except where such breach, termination, Lien or event would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.2 Litigation Schedule 5.2 sets forth all material Legal Proceedings pending against Sellers or, to Sellers’ Knowledge, threatened in writing, against Sellers, in each case in respect of any of the Company Assets that are owned or leased by Sellers.

 

Section 5.3 Taxes .  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.3 , (i) all Tax Returns required to be filed prior to the date hereof with respect to the Company Assets have been timely filed and all of such Tax Returns are complete and correct in all material respects; (ii) all Taxes shown as due on such Tax Returns have been timely paid; (iii) there is no claim pending by any Governmental Authority in connection with any Tax or any Tax Return described in clause (i) or (ii); (iv) no Tax Returns described in clause (i) are under audit or examination by any Governmental Authority and Sellers know of no basis for any such audit or examination; (v) there are no agreements or waivers currently in effect or pending that provide for an extension of time with respect to the filing of any such Tax Return or the assessment or collection of any material Tax from or payment with respect to the Company Assets; (vi) no written claim has been made by any Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where Sellers do not file a Tax Return that they are or may be subject to material taxation in that jurisdiction with respect to the Company Assets; and (vii) no Seller is a foreign person within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Code .

 

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Section 5.4 Material Contracts .  As of the date hereof, Schedule 5.4 lists each Material Contract.  Each Material Contract constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Sellers that are a party thereto and, to Sellers’ Knowledge, the counterparties thereto, and is enforceable in accordance with its terms, except, in each case, as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Sellers are not in breach or default in any material respect of their obligations under any of the Material Contracts.  Except as set forth in Schedule 5.4 , or as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) to Sellers’ Knowledge, no breach or default by any third-party exists under any Material Contract and (ii) no counterparty to any Material Contract of Sellers has canceled, terminated, or modified, or, to Sellers’ Knowledge, threatened to cancel, terminate or modify, any Material Contract.  Except for any such Contract identified on Schedule 5.4 as confidential, true, correct and complete copies of all Material Contracts have been made available to Buyer.

 

Section 5.5 Compliance with Laws; Permits .

 

(a) Laws .  Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.5(a) , Sellers are in compliance in all material respects with, all applicable Laws relating to the ownership, use and operation of the Company Assets.  Notwithstanding any provision in this Section 5.5 (or any other provision of this Agreement) to the contrary, Section 5.3 and Exhibit A shall be the exclusive representations, warranties and covenants with respect to Tax and environmental issues (including Environmental Permits) and no other representations or warranties are made with respect to such matters, including under this Section 5.5 .  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the representation and warranty contained in this   Section 5.5(a) will not apply to (and will exclude) any liability arising out of or related to facts, events, transactions, or actions or inactions, the category of which is the subject of another representation or warranty set forth in this Article V , whether or not the existence of such liability would constitute a breach or inaccuracy of such representation or warranty. 

(b) Permits .  Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.5(b) , (i) Sellers possess all material Permits which are necessary to own the applicable Company Assets owned by them and to operate their business as currently conducted; (ii) all such material Permits of Sellers are in full force and effect; and (iii) there are no Proceedings pending against Sellers or, to Sellers’ Knowledge, threatened before any Governmental Authority that seeks the revocation, cancellation, suspension or adverse modification of any such material Permit.  True, correct and complete copies of all such material Permits have been made available to Buyer.  Notwithstanding any provision in this Section 5.5 (or any other provision of this Agreement) to the contrary, Section 5.3 and Exhibit A shall be the exclusive representations, warranties and covenants with respect to Tax and environmental issues (including Environmental Permits) and no other representations or warranties are made with respect to such matters, including under this Section 5.5 .

Section 5.6 Preferential Purchase Rights .  Except as set forth in Schedule 5.6 , with respect to Sellers, there are no (i) preferential purchase rights, rights of first refusal or similar rights and (ii) rights of first offer, tag-along rights, drag-along rights or other similar rights, in each case of clause (i) and (ii) above, that are applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 5.7 Payment of Royalties .  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.7 , with respect to Sellers, and except for such amounts that are being held in suspense as permitted pursuant to applicable Law (“ Suspended Funds ”), all royalties (including lessor’s royalties), overriding

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royalties and other burdens upon, measured by or payable out of production (each, a “ Burden ”) due by the Sellers with respect to the Company Assets have been paid in all material respects or, if not paid, is contesting such Burden in good faith in the ordinary course of business.

 

Section 5.8 Current Commitments Schedule 5.8 sets forth, as of the date of this Agreement, all authorizations for expenditures and other capital commitments approved by Sellers relating to the Company Assets that relate to activities that have not been completed by the date of this Agreement, and/or which could be considered Seller s’   C redits.

 

Section 5.9 Brokers’ Fees .  Sellers have not entered into any Contract with any Person that would require the payment by Buyer or its Affiliates of any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE VI.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO BUYER

Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Sellers as follows:

Section 6.1 Organization of Buyer .  Buyer is an Oklahoma Corporation, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Oklahoma.

 

Section 6.2 Authorization; Enforceability .  Buyer has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.  The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement, and the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by Buyer, and no other proceeding on the part of Buyer is necessary to authorize this Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Buyer (and all documents required hereunder to be executed and delivered by Buyer at the Closing will be duly executed and delivered by Buyer), and this Agreement constitutes, and at the Closing each such document will constitute, a valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.

 

Section 6.3 No Conflict; Consents .  Except as would not reasonably be expected to prevent, impede, or materially delay the ability of Buyer to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by Buyer do not and shall not:

 

(a) violate any Law applicable to Buyer or require any filing with, consent, approval or authorization of, or, notice to, any Governmental Authority;

(b) violate any Organizational Document of Buyer; or

(c) require any filing with, or permit, consent or approval of, or the giving of any notice to, any Person.

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Section 6.4 Litigation .  Except as would not reasonably be expected to prevent, impede, or materially delay the ability of Buyer to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, Buyer (i) is not subject to any outstanding Order; (ii) is not a party to a Proceeding; and (iii) to the knowledge of Buyer, has not been threatened with any Proceeding.

 

Section 6.5 Brokers’ Fees .  Buyer and its Affiliates have not entered into any Contract with any Person that would require the payment by Sellers or their Affiliates of any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 6.6 Financing; Resources and Other Capabilitie s .  Buyer has, and shall have as of the Closing Date, sufficient funds with which to pay the Adjusted Purchase Price and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  Buyer has the financial, technical and other capabilities to perform all of Buyer’s other obligations under this Agreement and all of the obligations assumed from Sellers with respect to the Company Assets.

 

Section 6.7 Buyer’s Independent Investigation .  Buyer and its Representatives have undertaken an independent investigation and verification of the Company Assets.  Except for the representations and warranties made by Sellers in Article IV and Article V , Buyer acknowledges that there are no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the Company Assets.

 

Section 6.8 Independent Evaluation .  Buyer is sophisticated in the evaluation, purchase, ownership and operation of oil and gas properties and related facilities.  Buyer acknowledges and agrees that Sellers have not made any representations or warranties as to the Company Assets except as expressly and specifically provided in Article IV and Article V and that Buyer may not rely on any other representations or warranties made by Sellers or their representatives or on any of Sellers’ estimates with respect to reserves or the value of the Company Assets, or any projections as to future events or other analyses or forward looking statements.  In making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transaction contemplated herein, subject to the express representations of Sellers set forth in this Agreement, Buyer (i) has relied or shall rely solely on its own independent investigation and evaluation of the Company Assets and the express provisions of this Agreement and (ii) has satisfied or shall satisfy itself as to the environmental and physical condition of and contractual arrangements affecting the Company Assets.  Buyer has no Knowledge of any fact that results in the breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of Sellers made hereunder.

 

Section 6.9 Regulatory .  Buyer is now, and hereafter shall continue to be, qualified to own and assume operatorship of all Leases, Wells and Company Assets comprising of a part of the Oil and Gas Properties, including federal oil, gas and mineral leases and Leases with Governmental Authorities, and the consummation of the transaction contemplated in this Agreement will not cause Buyer to be disqualified as such an owner or operator.  To the extent required by any applicable Laws, Buyer currently has, and will hereafter continue to maintain, lease bonds, area-wide bonds or any other surety bonds as may be required by, and in accordance with, all applicable Laws governing the ownership and operation of such Leases, Wells and Company Assets and has filed any and all required reports necessary for such operations with all Governmental Authorities having jurisdiction over such operations.

 

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ARTICLE VII.

TITLE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION .

Section 7.1 Access .  From the date hereof through the Closing, Sellers shall afford Buyer and its Representatives reasonable access, during normal business hours and in such manner as not to unreasonably interfere with normal operation of Sellers’ business, to the properties, books, contracts and records of Sellers and to the appropriate officers and employees of Affiliates of Sellers and shall furnish such Representatives with all financial and operating data and employment data with respect to the employees of the Sellers who are located in the Oklahoma Counties and Kansas Counties and whose job responsibilities encompass the Company Assets and other information concerning the Company Assets as Buyer and such Representatives may reasonably request.  Sellers shall have the right to have a Representative present at all times during any such inspections, interviews and examinations.  Buyer shall hold in confidence all such information on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Confidentiality Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer shall have no right of access to, and Sellers shall have no obligation to provide to Buyer, information relating to: (i) bids received from others in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (or similar transactions) and information and analyses (including financial analyses) relating to such bids; (ii) any information the disclosure of which would jeopardize any privilege available to Sellers relating to such information or would cause Sellers to breach a confidentiality obligation; or (iii) any information the disclosure of which would result in a violation of Law.

 

Section 7.2 Environmental and Title Review .  Buyer shall have the right to examine the environmental condition of and title to the Company Assets in accordance with the procedures in Exhibit A .  Sellers shall provide access to the Company Assets during regular business hours that Sellers operate, and Sellers shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain permission for Buyer to gain access to the Company Assets operated by third parties.  Buyer shall have no right to perform or conduct any environmental sampling or other invasive environmental investigation on or about any of the Company Assets without the prior written consent of Sellers, which may be withheld for any reason.

 

Section 7.3 Indemnity .  Buyer shall indemnify the Seller Indemnified Parties from and against Losses arising out of, or in connection with, any site visits or inspections of the Company Assets or any other properties of any Seller Indemnified Party by Buyer and its Representatives, EVEN IF CAUSED BY THE SOLE, JOINT AND/OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHER FAULT OF THE SELLER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES, EXCEPTING ONLY LOSSES CAUSED BY THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF A MEMBER OF THE SELLER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES .

 

ARTICLE VIII.

INTERIM OPERATIONS

Section 8.1 Operations Prior to Closing .  Except as provided in this Agreement, during the period from and including the date hereof until and including the Closing Date (the “ Restricted Period ”), without the prior written consent of Buyer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, Sellers shall:

 

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(a) operate the Company Assets operated by Sellers in all material respects in (i) the ordinary course consistent with past practices and (ii) compliance with all applicable Laws;

(b) pay all expenses incurred with respect to the Company Assets owned or operated by Sellers in the usual, regular and ordinary manner consistent with past practice;

(c) collect the accounts receivable attributable to the Company Assets owned or operated by Sellers in the usual, regular and ordinary manner consistent with past practice;

(d) maintain the books of account and records relating to the Company Assets owned or operated by Sellers in the usual, regular and ordinary manner, in accordance with the usual accounting practices of each such Person; and

(e) give prompt Notice to Buyer of any written notice received by Sellers of any material claim asserting any breach of contract, tort or violation of Law or any investigation, suit, action or litigation by or before a Governmental Authority or otherwise, that (in each case) relates to the Company Assets.

Section 8.2 Restricted Activities .  Without the prior written consent of Buyer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, Sellers shall not take any action during the Restricted Period to:

 

(a) sell, transfer, abandon, lease (other than oil and gas leasehold interests acquired by Sellers in the Restricted Period), encumber (other than Permitted Encumbrances), exchange or otherwise dispose of any of the Company Assets except in the ordinary course of business;

(b) merge or consolidate with any Person;

(c) incur any Indebtedness for Borrowed Money to the extent secured by Company Assets, whether or not evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument (nor enter into any guarantees with respect to any such indebtedness), except any such indebtedness that will be paid in full at or prior to the Closing;

(d) enter into any Contract that would have been a Material Contract if it had been in effect on the date hereof;

(e) amend, modify or terminate any Material Contract or otherwise waive, release or assign any material rights, Claims or benefits of Sellers under any Material Contract;

(f) propose or agree to participate in or authorize enter into any authorization for expenditure or other approved capital expenditure in excess of ten thousand Dollars ($10,000) to the extent relating to the Company Assets; or

(g) agree, whether in writing or otherwise, to do any of the foregoing.

Section 8.3 Casualty Loss .  If, between the Execution Date and the Closing, any substantial portion of the Company Assets are materially damaged or destroyed by fire or other

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casualty (not including normal wear and tear, downhole mechanical failure or reservoir changes) or if any substantial portion of the Company Assets are taken by condemnation or under the right of eminent domain (all of which are herein called “ Casualty Loss ” and are limited to property damage or taking only), Sellers shall notify Buyer promptly after Sellers learn of such event. Sellers shall have the right, but not the obligation, to cure a Casualty Loss that consists of property damage by repairing the affected Company Asset no later than the Closing Date. If any uncured Casualty Loss exists at the Closing, Buyer shall proceed to purchase the Company Asset affected thereby, and upon receipt of the Purchase Price, Sellers shall pay to Buyer all sums paid to Sellers by third Persons by reason of the damage or taking of such Company Asset, and to the extent Sellers are not contractually prohibited from doing so, Sellers shall assign, transfer and set over unto Buyer all of the right, title and interest of Sellers in and to any claims, unpaid proceeds or other payments or rights to receive payments from third Persons arising out of such damage or taking. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN SCHEDULE 9.2 , EACH SELLER DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO THE EXISTENCE OF INSURANCE COVERING CASUALTY LOSS TO THE ASSETS, AND DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION, COVENANT OR DUTY TO BUYER TO ASSERT OR PURSUE ANY CLAIM AGAINST ANY INSURER OR OTHER PERSON FOR CASUALTY LOSS TO THE COMPANY ASSETS.

 

Section 8.4 Casualty Loss Limitation .  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, Buyer’s recourse with respect to a Casualty Loss shall be limited to the proceeds of Sellers’ casualty insurance coverage actually recovered by Sellers in respect thereof or other sums paid to Sellers by third Persons (or an assignment of claims related thereto). If such sums are received by Sellers prior to Closing, such sums will be paid to Buyer at Closing, and if such sums are received after Closing, such sums will be paid to Buyer promptly after receipt thereof by the Sellers. Sellers shall have no other liability or responsibility to Buyer with respect to a Casualty Loss, EVEN IF SUCH CASUALTY LOSS SHALL HAVE RESULTED FROM OR SHALL HAVE ARISEN OUT OF THE SOLE OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE, FAULT, BREACH OF STATUTE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SELLERS .

 

ARTICLE IX.

OTHER PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS

Section 9.1 Third-Party Approvals .  Buyer and Sellers shall (and shall each cause their respective Affiliates to) use reasonable efforts to obtain all material consents and approvals of third parties and releases of Liens that any of Buyer, Sellers, or their Affiliates are required to obtain to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 9.2 Insurance .  At or prior to the Closing, Sellers shall be entitled to terminate or modify the insurance policies described in Schedule 9.2 to exclude coverage of the Company Assets, and Buyer will obtain its own insurance coverage with respect to the Company Assets.

 

Section 9.3 Replacement of Bonds, Letters of Credit and Guarantees .  The Parties understand that none of the bonds, letters of credit, and guarantees, posted by Sellers with any Governmental Authority or third Person and relating to the Company Assets will be transferred to Buyer.  On or before the Closing Date, Buyer shall obtain, or cause to be obtained in the name of Buyer, replacements for the bonds and guarantees listed on Schedule 9.3 to the extent such replacement are permitted under the terms thereof, and to the extent permitted under the terms

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thereof shall cause, effective as of the Closing Date, the cancellation or return to Sellers of such bonds and guarantees posted (or supported) by Sellers with respect to the Company Assets.

 

ARTICLE X.

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

Section 10.1 Conditions to Obligations of Buyer to Closing .  The obligation of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Buyer) of the following conditions:

 

(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants .  (i) The representations and warranties of Sellers made in this Agreement (disregarding all materiality and Material Adverse Effect qualifications contained therein) will be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct as of such earlier date) except where all such breaches taken collectively would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) Sellers shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by Sellers on or before the Closing; and (iii) Buyer shall have received a certificate of an executive officer of each Seller, dated the Closing Date, to such effect.

(b) No Proceeding or Injunction .  No Proceeding instituted by a third-party shall be pending before any Governmental Authority or arbitral body seeking to restrain, prohibit, enjoin or declare illegal, or seeking substantial damages in connection with, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  No provision of any applicable Law and no Order shall be in effect that prohibits or makes illegal the consummation of the Closing.

(c) Consents and Approvals .  All material consents and approvals, if any, required by applicable Law or otherwise necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, shall have been obtained and shall not have been withdrawn or revoked, and all Liens on the Company Assets, other than Permitted Encumbrances, shall have been released.

Section 10.2 Conditions to the Obligations of Sellers to Closing .  The obligation of Sellers to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Seller) of the following conditions:

 

(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants .  (i) The representations and warranties of Buyer made in this Agreement (disregarding all materiality qualifications contained therein) will be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct as of such earlier date), (ii) Buyer shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by Buyer on or before the Closing and (iii) Sellers shall have received a certificate of an executive officer of Buyer, dated the Closing Date, to such effect.

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(b) No Proceeding or Injunction .  No Proceeding instituted by a Third-Party shall be pending before any Governmental Authority or arbitral body seeking to restrain, prohibit, enjoin or declare illegal or seeking substantial damages in connection with, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  No provision of any applicable Law and no Order shall be in effect that prohibits or makes illegal the consummation of the Closing.

(c) Consents and Approvals .  All material consents and approvals, if any, required by applicable Law or otherwise necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, shall have been obtained and shall not have been withdrawn or revoked, and all Liens on the Company Assets, other than Permitted Encumbrances, shall have been released.

ARTICLE XI.

CLOSING

Section 11.1 Closing Date .  Subject to the conditions set forth in Article X , the closing of the sale and transfer of the Company Assets to Buyer as contemplated by this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at the offices of Andrews Kurth LLP at 600 Travis, Suite 4200, Houston, Texas 77002 on August 1, 2016, or such other date as Buyer and Sellers may mutually determine (the date on which the Closing occurs is referred to herein as the “ Closing Date ”), subject to Sellers’ right to extend the Closing Date under Section 3(d) of Exhibit A .

 

Section 11.2 Closing Deliverables .  At Closing, the following events shall occur, each being a condition precedent to the others and each being deemed to have occurred simultaneously with the others:

 

(a) Closing Payment .  Buyer shall pay to Sellers the Closing Payment.

(b) Assignment and Assumption Agreement .  Each Seller and Buyer shall execute and deliver the Assignment and Assumption Agreement.

(c) Buyer’s Certificate .  Buyer shall deliver the certificate required pursuant to Section 10.2(a) .

(d) Sellers’ Certificate .  Sellers shall deliver the certificate required pursuant to Section 10.1(a) .

(e) Certification of Non-Foreign Status .  Sellers shall deliver a certification of non-foreign status in accordance with U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(b)(2).

(f) Deed .  Sellers shall execute and deliver the Deed with respect to the Owned Real Property.

(g) Other Matters .  Sellers and Buyer shall execute and deliver any other appropriate assignments, bills of sale, or other instruments necessary to effect or support the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

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ARTICLE XII.

TERMINATION

Section 12.1 Termination .  At any time prior to the Closing, this Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby abandoned:

 

(a) by the mutual written consent of Buyer and Seller s;

(b) by Buyer, (i) if any Seller shall have breached or failed to perform in any material respect any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 10.1 or (ii) if all of the conditions set forth in Article X have been satisfied or waived, as applicable, and any Seller nevertheless refuses or fails to Close the transactions contemplated in this Agreement; provided, Sellers shall first be entitled to ten (10) days’ notice and the opportunity to cure and provided furthermore that Buyer shall not be in breach at such time ;

(c) by Sellers, (i) if Buyer shall have breached or failed to perform in any material respect any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 10.2 or (ii) if all of the conditions set forth in Article X have been satisfied or waived, as applicable, and Buyer nevertheless refuses or fails to Close the transactions contemplated in this Agreement; provided, Buyer shall first be entitled to ten (10) days’ notice and the opportunity to cure and provided furthermore that Sellers shall not be in breach at such time ;

(d) by either Buyer or Sellers, upon Notice to the other Party, if any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction has issued a final, non-appealable Order, decree, ruling or injunction (other than a temporary restraining order) or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and such injunction shall have become final and non-appealable ;

(e) by either Buyer or Sellers, upon Notice to the other Party, if the transactions contemplated at the Closing have not been consummated by August 10, 2016, provided that neither Buyer nor Sellers shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 12.1(e) if such Person’s breach of this Agreement has prevented the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement ; or

(f) by either Buyer or Sellers, upon Notice to the other Party, if Buyer claims any Defect Amounts (as defined in Exhibit A ) validly asserted in any Defect Notice (as defined in Exhibit A ) that exceed by more than $250,000 the sum of all Title Benefit Amounts (as defined in Exhibit A ) validly claimed by Sellers under Exhibit A .

Section 12.2 Effect of Termination (a) .

 

(a) If Closing does not occur because Buyer wrongfully failed to tender performance at Closing, or otherwise breached this Agreement prior to Closing, and all of the conditions to Closing under Section 10.2 have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions involving deliveries at Closing) and Sellers are ready to close, Sellers shall be entitled to pursue

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any and all rights and remedies to which Sellers may be entitled at law or in equity and shall be entitled to recover court costs and attorney’s fees in addition to any other relief to which Sellers may be entitled. In lieu of termination of this Agreement, Sellers shall be entitled to specific performance of this Agreement without a requirement to post a bond or other security, it being specifically agreed that monetary damages may not be sufficient to compensate Sellers.

(b) If Closing does not occur because Sellers wrongfully failed to tender performance at Closing, or otherwise breached this Agreement prior to Closing, and all of the conditions to Closing under Section 10.1 have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions involving deliveries at Closing) and Buyer is ready to close, Buyer shall be entitled to pursue any and all rights and remedies to which Buyer may be entitled at law or in equity and shall be entitled to recover court costs and attorney’s fees in addition to any other relief to which Buyer may be entitled.  In lieu of termination of this Agreement, Buyer shall be entitled to specific performance of this Agreement without a requirement to post a bond or other security, it being specifically agreed that monetary damages may not be sufficient to compensate Buyer.

Section 12.3 Other Provisions .  Except for   Section 12.2 ,   Section 7.3 ,   Section 13.7 and Article XVI (excluding Section 16.12 ) (and the definitions related to any of the foregoing), this Agreement shall, upon termination hereof pursuant to Section 12.1 , become of no further force or effect.  Nothing in Section 12.2   will relieve any Party to this Agreement of liability for breach of this Agreement occurring prior to any termination, or for breach of any provision of this Agreement that specifically survives termination hereunder.  The Confidentiality Agreement shall not be affected by a termination of this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE XIII.

ASSUMPTION; INDEMNIFICATION AND WAIVERS

Section 13.1 Assumed Obligations .  Without limiting Buyer’s rights to indemnity under this Agreement and Buyer’s rights under any Title Indemnity Agreement (as defined in Exhibit A ), from and after the Closing Date, Buyer shall assume and hereby agrees to fulfill, perform, pay and discharge (or cause to be fulfilled, performed, paid or discharged) the Assumed Obligations.

 

Section 13.2 Sellers’ Indemni ty  From and after Closing, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, Sellers shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Buyer, its Affiliates and each of their respective officers, members, managers, partners, directors, employees and representatives (the “ Buyer Indemnified Parties ”) against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, losses, costs, debts, penalties, fines, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ and consultants’ fees and expenses), claims, causes of actions, payments, charges, judgments and  assessments (collectively “ Losses ”) incurred or suffered by the Buyer Indemnified Parties as a result of, relating to or arising out of :

 

(a) any breach of any representation or warranty contained in Article IV and Article V of this Agreement made by Sellers as though such representation or warranty were made as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been made as of such earlier date) ;

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(b) the breach of any covenant or agreement made or to be performed by Seller s under this Agreement; and

(c) the Excluded Assets ; and

(d) obligations and liabilities of any kind whatsoever of Sellers arising from or relating to the Company Assets, whether known or unknown liquidated or contingent, which are not Assumed Obligations.

In no event shall Sellers have any obligation to provide indemnification for any matters to the extent accounted for in the Closing Statement or any revised Closing Statement.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Buyer acknowledges that it has had the opportunity to conduct due diligence and investigation with respect to the Company Assets, and in no event shall Sellers have any liability to the Buyer with respect to any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant under this Agreement to the extent that the Buyer was aware of such breach as of the Closing Date.

Section 13.3 Buyer’s Indemni ty .  From and after Closing, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless each Seller, its Affiliates, and each of their respective officers, members, managers, partners, directors, employees and representatives (the “ Seller Indemnified Parties ”) against any and all Losses incurred or suffered by the Seller Indemnified Parties as a result of, relating to or arising out of:

 

(a) any breach of any representation or warranty made by Buyer in this Agreement as though such representation or warranty were made as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been made as of such earlier date) ;

(b) the breach of any covenant or agreement made or to be performed by Buyer under this Agreement ; and

(c) the Assumed Obligations .

Section 13.4 Express Negligence Rule .  THE INDEMNIFICATION AND WAIVER PROVISIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE ENFORCEABLE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ANY PERSON (INCLUDING THE PERSON FROM WHOM INDEMNIFICATION IS SOUGHT) ALLEGES OR PROVES THE SOLE, CONCURRENT, CONTRIBUTORY OR COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE OF THE PERSON SEEKING INDEMNIFICATION OR THE SOLE OR CONCURRENT STRICT LIABILITY IMPOSED UPON THE PERSON SEEKING INDEMNIFICATION, EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT BY SUCH PERSON.

 

Section 13.5 Limitations on Liability .

 

(a) Except as set forth below, a Buyer Indemnified Party will not be entitled to indemnity under Section 13.2(b) of this Agreement for Losses with respect to any individual Claim that does not equal or exceed one hundred thousand Dollars ($100,000) (the “ Individual Indemnity Threshold ”) and all such Claims that equal or exceed the Individual Indemnity Threshold must collectively also exceed the Indemnity Deductible, and thereafter, the Buyer Indemnified Parties

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shall only be entitled to indemnity for the amount in excess of the Indemnity Deductible, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement.  Except as set forth below, the maximum aggregate liability of Sellers under Section 13.2(b) of this Agreement shall not exceed the Indemnity Cap.  The Indemnity Deductible and the Indemnity Cap shall not apply to any claim for indemnification under Section 13.2(a) with respect to any breach of the Fundamental Representations.

(b) Survival .

(i) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the representations, warranties and covenants of the Parties under this Agreement shall survive the Closing; provided, however, that:

(a) except for the Fundamental Representations, all other representations and warranties of Sellers shall survive the Closing for a period of six (6) months;

(b) the Fundamental Representations shall survive the Closing for the period of the applicable statute of limitations;

(c) all covenants and agreements of Sellers in this Agreement shall survive the Closing for a period of six (6) months, except for (i) Sellers’ covenants in Section 3.7 and Article XIV , which shall survive for the applicable statute of limitations; and (ii) Sellers’ covenants in this Article XIII , which shall survive the Closing for the period specified in this Article XIII ;  

(d) Buyer’s representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing forever; and

(e) all covenants and agreements of Buyer in this Agreement shall survive the Closing for a period of twelve (12) months, except for (i) Buyer’s covenants in Section 3.7 ,   Section 7.3 and Article XIV , which shall survive for the applicable statute of limitations plus ninety (90) days; (ii) Buyer’s covenants in Section 15.1 , which shall survive for a period of seven (7) years; (iii) Buyer’s covenants in Section 15.2 , which shall survive without limitation as to duration; and (iv) Buyer’s covenants in this Article XIII , which shall survive the Closing for the period specified in this Article XIII ;

(ii) Subject to Section 13.5(b)(iii) below, the Parties’ respective indemnity obligations under this Article XIII shall survive as follows:

(a) Sellers’ indemnities in Section 13.2(a) and Buyer’s indemnities in Section 13.3(a) shall terminate as of the termination date of each respective representation or warranty that is subject to indemnification; provided that if there is no termination date for a representation or warranty, then the indemnities provided with respect thereto shall survive the Closing without time limit;

(b) Sellers’ indemnities in Section 13.2(b) and Buyer’s indemnities in Section 13.3(b) shall terminate as of the termination date of each respective covenant that is subject to indemnification; provided that if there is no termination date for a

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covenant, then the indemnities provided with respect thereto shall survive the Closing without time limit;

(c) Sellers’ indemnities in Section 13.2(c) shall survive the Closing for a p eriod of twelve (12) months;

(d) Buyer’s indemnities in Section 13.3(c) shall survive the Clo sing without time limit; and

(e) Sellers’ indemnities in Section 13.2(d) shall survive the Closing for a period of six (6) months.

(iii) Any assertion by any Indemnified Party of Losses under this Article XIII must be made in a Notice delivered to the Indemnifying Party (or not at all) on or prior to the end of the survival period applicable to such indemnity as provided above, and the Indemnified Parties’ right to indemnification under this Article XIII shall be deemed waived and released if not made on or prior to the end of such survival period.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, there shall be no termination of any bona fide claim asserted pursuant to the indemnities in this Article XIII if such bona fide claim is asserted prior to the date of termination for the applicable indemnity, and with respect to a timely asserted bona fide claim for indemnification, the Indemnifying Party’s indemnity covenants under this Article XIII shall survive until performed.

(c) Reductions .  The amount of any Losses subject to indemnification under this Article XIII shall be reduced or reimbursed, as the case may be, by any third-party insurance proceeds and third-party recoveries actually received by the Indemnified Parties with respect to such Losses (net of any expenses or costs incurred in connection with the claim or collection relating thereto and any increase in premiums as a result thereof).  The Indemnified Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to collect any amounts available under such insurance coverage and from such other third-party alleged to have responsibility.  If an Indemnified Party receives an amount under insurance coverage or from such third-party with respect to Losses that were the subject of indemnification under this Article XIII at any time subsequent to indemnification provided thereunder, then such Indemnified Party shall promptly reimburse the Indemnifying Party for such amount (net of any expenses or costs incurred in connection with the claim or collection relating thereto and any increase in premiums as a result thereof).

(d) Mitigation . Each Indemnified Party shall make reasonable efforts to mitigate or minimize Losses under this Agreement upon and after becoming aware of any event or condition which would reasonably be expected to give rise to any Losses that are indemnifiable under this Article XIII .  If an Indemnified Party fails to so mitigate an indemnifiable loss under the preceding sentence, the Indemnifying Party shall have no liability for any portion of such loss that reasonably could have been avoided had the Indemnified Party made such efforts.

(e) Payment .  Subject to Section 13.5(a) , all amounts for which indemnification is provided under Section 14.1(b) and this Article XIII will be paid in cash in immediately available Dollar funds upon (i) agreement of Buyer and Sellers with respect to the amount thereof or (ii) a final, binding and non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction concerning same.

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Section 13.6 Procedures .  Claims for indemnification under this Agreement shall be asserted and resolved as follows:

 

(a) Third-Party Claim .  If any Person entitled to seek indemnification under Article XIII (an “ Indemnified Party ”) receives written notice of the assertion or commencement of any claim asserted against an Indemnified Party by a third-party (“ Third-Party Claim ”) in respect of any matter that is subject to indemnification under Article XIII , the Indemnified Party shall promptly (i) notify the Party obligated to the Indemnified Party pursuant to this Article XIII (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) of the Third-Party Claim and (ii) transmit to the Indemnifying Party a Notice (a “ Claim Notice ”) describing in reasonable detail the nature of the Third-Party Claim, a copy of all papers served with respect to the Third-Party Claim (if any), the Indemnified Party’s best estimate of the amount of Losses attributable to the Third-Party Claim and the basis of the Indemnified Party’s request for indemnification under this Agreement.  Failure to timely provide such Claim Notice shall not affect the right of the Indemnified Party’s indemnification hereunder, except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is prejudiced by such delay or omission.

(b) Indemnifying Party .  Except with respect to Tax Audits described in Section 14.2 , the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend the Indemnified Party against such Third-Party Claim.  If the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party elects to assume the defense of the Third-Party Claim (such election to be without prejudice to the right of the Indemnifying Party to dispute whether such claim is an indemnifiable Loss under this Agreement), then the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend such Third-Party Claim with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party (who shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party), by all appropriate proceedings, to a final conclusion or settlement at the discretion of the Indemnifying Party in accordance with this Section 13.6(b) .  The Indemnifying Party shall have full control of such defense and proceedings, including any compromise or settlement thereof; provided that the Indemnifying Party shall not enter into any settlement agreement or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect thereto without the written consent of the Indemnified Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed) that (i) does not result in a final resolution of the Indemnified Party’s liability to the third-party with respect to the Third-Party Claim (including, in the case of a settlement, an unconditional written release of the Indemnified Party from all further liability in respect of such Third-Party Claim) or (ii) may materially and adversely affect the Indemnified Party (other than as a result of money damages covered by the indemnity).  If requested by the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party agrees, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, to cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and its counsel in contesting any Third-Party Claim which the Indemnifying Party elects to contest pursuant to this Section 13.6(b) , including the making of any related counterclaim against the Person asserting the Third-Party Claim or any cross complaint against any Person.  The Indemnified Party may participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement of any Third-Party Claim controlled by the Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Section 13.6(b) , and the Indemnified Party shall bear its own costs and expenses with respect to such participation.

(c) Indemnified Party .  Except with respect to Tax Audits described in Section 14.2 , if the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party elects to defend the Indemnified Party pursuant to Section 13.6(b) , then the Indemnified Party shall have the right to defend, and be reimbursed for its reasonable cost and expense (but only if the

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Indemnified Party is actually entitled to indemnification hereunder) in regard to the Third-Party Claim with counsel selected by the Indemnified Party (who shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnifying Party), by all appropriate proceedings, which proceedings shall be prosecuted diligently by the Indemnified Party.  In such circumstances, the Indemnified Party shall defend any such Third-Party Claim in good faith and have full control of such defense and proceedings; provided, however, that the Indemnified Party may not enter into any compromise or settlement of such Third-Party Claim if indemnification is to be sought hereunder, without the Indemnifying Party’s consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).  The Indemnifying Party may participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement controlled by the Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section 13.6(c) , and the Indemnifying Party shall bear its own costs and expenses with respect to such participation.

(d) Direct Claim .  Any claim by the Indemnified Party on account of Losses that do not result from a Third-Party Claim (a “ Direct Claim ”) will be asserted by giving the Indemnifying Party reasonably prompt Notice thereof, but in any event not later than thirty (30) days after the Indemnified Party becomes aware of the events that gave rise to such Direct Claim.  Such Notice by the Indemnified Party will describe the Direct Claim in reasonable detail, will include copies of all available material written evidence thereof and will indicate the estimated amount, if reasonably practicable, of Losses that have been or may be sustained by the Indemnified Party.  The Indemnifying Party will have a period of ten (10) Business Days within which to respond in writing to such Direct Claim.  If the Indemnifying Party does not so respond within such ten (10) Business Day period, the Indemnifying Party will be deemed to have rejected such Direct Claim, in which event the Indemnified Party will be free to pursue such remedies as may be available to the Indemnified Party on the terms and subject to the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 13.7 Waiver of Consequential Damages .  WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL LOSSES FOR WHICH INDEMNIFICATION MAY BE AVAILABLE HEREUNDER, NO INDEMNIFYING PARTY SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR SPECIAL DAMAGES WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM FOR WHICH SUCH INDEMNIFYING PARTY MAY HAVE LIABILITY PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THIS WAIVER SHALL NOT APPLY TO THE EXTENT SUCH CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR SPECIAL DAMAGES ARE AWARDED IN A PROCEEDING BROUGHT OR ASSERTED BY A THIRD-PARTY AGAINST AN INDEMNIFIED PARTY.

 

Section 13.8 Waivers and Disclaimers .

 

(a) NO RELIANCE .  BUYER HAS REVIEWED AND HAS ACCESS TO ALL CONTRACTS, DOCUMENTS, RECORDS AND INFORMATION WHICH IT HAS DESIRED TO REVIEW IN CONNECTION WITH ITS DECISION TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, AND TO CONSUMMATE THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.  BUYER HAS NOT RELIED UPON ANY REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, STATEMENT, ADVICE, DOCUMENT, PROJECTION OR OTHER INFORMATION OF ANY TYPE PROVIDED BY ANY SELLER, OR ITS AFFILIATES, OR ANY OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.  IN DECIDING TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, AND TO CONSUMMATE THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED

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HEREBY, BUYER HAS RELIED SOLELY UPON ITS OWN KNOWLEDGE, INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS (AND THAT OF ITS REPRESENTATIVES) AND NOT ON ANY DISCLOSURE OR REPRESENTATION MADE BY, OR ANY DUTY TO DISCLOSE ON THE PART OF SELLERS OR THEIR AFFILIATES, OR ANY OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, OTHER THAN THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.  NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT, NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL RESTRICT OR IN ANY WAY LIMIT CLAIMS BY THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO BREACHES OR CLAIMS BASED UPON FRAUD, AS TO WHICH THE PARTIES SHALL HAVE ALL OF THEIR RIGHTS OR REMEDIES AT LAW.

(b) LIMITED DUTIES .  ANY AND ALL DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS WHICH ANY PARTY MAY HAVE TO THE OTHER PARTY WITH RESPECT TO OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMPANY ASSETS, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY ARE LIMITED TO THOSE IN THIS AGREEMENT.  THE PARTIES DO NOT INTEND (i) THAT THE DUTIES OR OBLIGATIONS OF ANY PARTY, OR THE RIGHTS OF ANY PARTY, SHALL BE EXPANDED BEYOND THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ON THE BASIS OF ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE PRINCIPLE OR ON ANY OTHER BASIS WHATSOEVER OR (ii) THAT ANY EQUITABLE OR LEGAL PRINCIPLE OR ANY IMPLIED OBLIGATION OF GOOD FAITH OR FAIR DEALING OR ANY OTHER MATTER REQUIRES ANY PARTY TO INCUR, SUFFER, OR PERFORM ANY ACT, CONDITION, OR OBLIGATION CONTRARY TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT IT WOULD BE UNFAIR, AND THAT THEY DO NOT INTEND, TO INCREASE ANY OF THE OBLIGATIONS OF ANY PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT ON THE BASIS OF ANY IMPLIED OBLIGATION OR OTHERWISE.

(c) DISCLAIMER .  THE COMPANY ASSETS BEING TRANSFERRED TO BUYER ARE BEING ACCEPTED BY BUYER IN THEIR “AS IS, WHERE IS” CONDITION AND STATE OF REPAIR, AND WITH ALL FAULTS AND DEFECTS, WITHOUT, SUBJECT TO THE EXCEPTION BELOW, ANY REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY OR COVENANT OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF MARKETABILITY, QUALITY, CONDITION, CONFORMITY TO SAMPLES, MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ALL OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED BY SELLERS AND WAIVED BY BUYER, EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.  BUYER RECOGNIZES THAT THE COMPANY ASSETS HAVE BEEN USED FOR OIL AND GAS DRILLING, COMPLETING, FRACTURING, PRODUCTION, GATHERING, PIPELINE, TRANSPORTATION, STORAGE AND RELATED OPERATIONS.  PHYSICAL CHANGES IN THE COMPANY ASSETS AND IN THE LANDS INCLUDED THEREIN MAY HAVE OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF SUCH USES.  THE COMPANY ASSETS ALSO MAY INCLUDE BURIED PIPELINES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT, THE LOCATIONS OF WHICH MAY NOT BE KNOWN BY SELLERS OR READILY APPARENT BY A PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF THE COMPANY ASSETS.  IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT BUYER SHALL HAVE INSPECTED PRIOR TO CLOSING (OR SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE WAIVED ITS RIGHT TO INSPECT) THE LEASES, EQUIPMENT, PIPELINES AND THE ASSOCIATED PREMISES INCLUDED IN THE COMPANY ASSETS AND SATISFIED ITSELF AS TO THEIR PHYSICAL AND

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION, BOTH SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE, AND THAT BUYER SHALL ACCEPT ALL OF THE SAME IN THEIR “AS IS, WHERE IS” CONDITION AND STATE OF REPAIR, AND WITH ALL FAULTS AND DEFECTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE PRESENCE OF NORM AND MAN-MADE MATERIAL FIBERS, SUBJECT TO THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.

(d) ADDITIONAL DISCLAIMERS .  SELLERS MAKE NO REPRESENTATION, COVENANT OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, (i) AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY DATA OR RECORDS DELIVERED TO BUYER WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPANY ASSETS (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY PROCESSING, REPROCESSING OR OTHER INTERPRETATION OR ANALYSIS BY SELLERS OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES OF ANY SEISMIC DATA INCLUDED IN THE COMPANY ASSETS) OR (ii) CONCERNING THE QUALITY OR QUANTITY OF HYDROCARBON RESERVES, IF ANY, ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY ASSETS, OR THE ABILITY OF THE COMPANY ASSETS TO PRODUCE HYDROCARBONS, OR THE PRODUCT PRICES WHICH ANY PERSON IS OR WILL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE FROM THE SALE OF ANY SUCH HYDROCARBONS.

Section 13.9 Exclusive Remedy and Release .  The indemnification and remedies set forth in Section 7.3 ,   Article XIV , this Article XIII ,   Exhibit A and any Title Indemnity Agreement (as defined in Exhibit A ) shall constitute the sole and exclusive post-Closing remedies of the Parties with respect to any breach of representation or warranty or non-performance of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement.  Except as provided in this Agreement or any Title Indemnity Agreement (as defined in Exhibit A ), if the Closing occurs, each of Buyer and Sellers hereby waives, releases, acquits, and forever discharges the other, and all of the Buyer Indemnified Parties or Seller Indemnified Parties, as applicable, or any other Person acting on behalf of the other, of and from any and all Losses whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, which such party, as applicable, may have or which may arise in the future directly or indirectly arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby, including any of the foregoing that is from or relating to the possession, use, handling, management, disposal, investigation, remediation, cleanup, or release of any Hazardous Substances or any Environmental Law applicable thereto.

 

ARTICLE XIV.

TAX MATTERS

Section 14.1 Responsibility for Filing Tax Returns and Paying Taxes .

 

(a) Filing .  Sellers shall, to the extent it has the legal right to, file all Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to the Company Assets for a Pre-Closing Tax Period that are required to be filed prior to or on the Closing Date and any Tax Returns that are required to be filed as a result of the sale of the Company Assets .  If Closing occurs, Buyer shall file all other Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to the Company Assets.

(b) Payment .  Subject to the limitations of Section 14.4 and Section 14.6 , Sellers shall pay Taxes owed and payable by Sellers and the assets and operations of Sellers at any

33


 

time prior to or on the Closing Date.  Sellers shall indemnify and hold harmless Buyer and its Affiliates from and against all Taxes (except Taxes that are included in the calculation of the Buyer’s Credit) with respect to (i)  the Company Assets attributable to any Pre-Effective Date Tax Period or portion of any Straddle Period prior to and including the Effective Date; (ii)  the Excluded Assets; and (iii)  the sale of the Company Assets.  If Closing occurs, Buyer shall pay all other Taxes owed with respect to any of Company Assets.  Buyer shall, with respect to any Tax Return for which the Buyer is responsible for preparing and filing, make the Tax work papers for such Tax Return available for review by Sellers if the Tax Return is with respect to Taxes for which Sellers may be liable (in whole or in part) hereunder or under applicable law.  Buyer shall make such work papers available for review sufficiently in advance of the due date for filing such Tax Returns to provide Sellers with a meaningful opportunity to analyze and comment on such Tax Returns and have such Tax Returns modified before filing.  Any Tax Return which includes or is based on the Company Assets for any taxable period beginning before and ending after the Closing Date, and any Tax Return in respect of any Taxes for which Sellers may be liable (in whole or in part) hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with past Tax accounting practices used with respect to the Tax Returns in question (unless such past practices are no longer permissible under the applicable law), and to the extent any items are not covered by past practices (or in the event such past practices are no longer permissible under the applicable tax law), in accordance with reasonable tax accounting practices selected by the filing party with respect to such Tax Return under this Agreement with the consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of the non-filing party.

(c) Straddle Period .  For purposes of this Agreement, liability for Taxes with respect to the Company Assets with respect to any Straddle Period shall be apportioned as follows:  property, ad valorem and similar Taxes assessed with respect to any Straddle Period shall be apportioned between the Sellers and the Buyer on a ratable daily basis, and Sellers shall pay any such Taxes for any Pre-Effective Date Tax Period or portion of the Straddle Period prior to and including the Effective Date.  All other Taxes shall be apportioned based on an interim closing of the books of the Company Assets as of the end of the Effective Time, provided that exemptions, allowances or deductions that are calculated on an annual basis (including depreciation and amortization deductions) shall be allocated between the period ending on and including the Effective Date and the period beginning after the Effective Date in proportion to the number of days in each period .  If Closing occurs, Buyer and Sellers shall each timely provide the other with all information and cooperation reasonably requested by the other to prepare any Tax Return relating to the Company Assets or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(d) Texas Franchise Taxes .   Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the responsibility for Texas franchise Taxes with respect to the operations of the Company Assets shall be prorated between Sellers and Buyer as of the Effective Date, with the Sellers responsible for such Texas franchise Taxes for all periods on or prior to the Effective Date, and such proration based on a closing of the books and the operational results of the Company Assets for the year of the Effective Date, notwithstanding that such Texas franchise Taxes are payable in a subsequent year.  Parties acknowledge this transaction is not subject to Texas Franchise Taxes.

Section 14.2 Responsibility for Tax Audits .  Sellers shall control any Tax Audit relating to Taxes for which Sellers are liable pursuant to Section 14.1 , and if Closing occurs, Buyer shall

34


 

control any other Tax Audit relating to Taxes for which Buyer is liable pursuant to Section 14.1 ; provided, however, that if a Tax Audit relates to Taxes for which both Parties could be liable under this Agreement, to the extent practicable, the Tax items with respect to such Tax Audit will be distinguished and each Party will have the option to control the defense and settlement of those Taxes for which it could be so liable, but if any Tax item cannot be identified as being a liability of only one Party or cannot be separated from a Tax item for which the other Party is liable, Buyer, at its expense, shall have the option to control the defense and settlement of the Tax Audit, provided that Buyer shall keep Sellers notified of any developments in such Tax Audit and Sellers shall have the right to participate in such Tax Audit at its own expense; and provided further that no such matter shall be settled without the written consent of Sellers, not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.  Buyer and Sellers shall each timely provide the other with all information and cooperation reasonably requested to defend a Tax Audit with respect to Taxes relating to the Company Assets or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  Each Party shall provide the other with notice of any pending or threatened Tax Audits that could adversely affect the other.

 

Section 14.3 Tax Refunds .  The Parties shall be entitled to any refund, offset or credit with respect to Taxes for which the Party is responsible pursuant to Section 14.1 or Section 14.4 .  If a Party receives a refund, offset or credit to which the other Party is entitled, the Party receiving the refund, offset or credit shall pay it to the Party entitled to the refund within ninety (90) Business Days after receipt and usage thereof.

 

Section 14.4 Transfer Taxes .  Buyer shall be responsible for and indemnify Sellers against any state or local transfer, sales, use, stamp, registration or other similar Taxes resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  The Parties shall reasonably cooperate in good faith to minimize, to the extent permissible under applicable Law, the amount of any such Taxes.

 

Section 14.5 Tax Treatment of Indemnities .  Any indemnity paid by a Party to another Party pursuant to this Article XIV or Article XIII shall be treated for federal, state and local income Tax purposes, as an adjustment to the Purchase Price, unless otherwise required by Law or as agreed by the Parties.

 

Section 14.6 Survival and Conflict .  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the obligations set forth in Article XIV shall survive Closing for the applicable statute of limitations plus 90 days.  Further, in the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Article XIV and any other provision of this Agreement, this Article XIV shall control.

 

ARTICLE XV.

OTHER POST-CLOSING COVENANTS

Section 15.1 Books and Records .

 

(a) Delivery of Records .  Sellers shall deliver the Records to Buyer at or as soon as practicable after the Closing.

(b) Retention .  Sellers may retain copies of any or all of the Records.

35


 

(c) Record Preservation .  Buyer shall preserve and keep a copy of all Records in Buyer’s possession for a period of at least seven (7) years after the Closing Date.  After such seven (7) years year period, before Buyer shall dispose of any such Records, Buyer shall give Sellers at least sixty (60) days’ Notice to such effect, and Sellers shall be given an opportunity during such period, at its cost and expense, to remove and retain all or any part of such Records as Sellers may select.  Buyer shall provide to Sellers, at no cost or expense to Sellers, full access to such Records as remain in Buyer’s possession and full access to the properties and employees of Buyer in connection with matters relating to the business or operations of the Company Assets on or before the Closing Date and any disputes relating to this Agreement.

Section 15.2 Use of Seller Marks .  Buyer acknowledges and agrees that it obtains no right, title, interest, license or any other right whatsoever to use the Seller Marks.  Buyer shall, within sixty (60) days after the Closing Date, remove the Seller Marks from the Company Assets, including signage, and provide written verification thereof to Sellers promptly after completing such removal.  Buyer agrees never to challenge Sellers’ (or their Affiliates’) ownership of the Seller Marks or any application for registration thereof or any registration thereof or any rights of Sellers or their Affiliates therein as a result, directly or indirectly, of its ownership of the Company Assets.  Buyer will not do any business or offer any goods or services under the Seller Marks.  Buyer will not send, or cause to be sent, any correspondence or other materials to any Person on any stationery that contains any Seller Marks or otherwise operate the Company Assets in any manner which would or might reasonably be expected to confuse any Person into believing that Buyer has any right, title, interest, or license to use the Seller Marks.

 

ARTICLE XVI.

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 16.1 Notices .  Any notice, communication, request, instruction or other document by any party to another required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and addressed as set forth below.  Any such notice, communication, request, instruction or other document shall be deemed to have been duly made or given and the receiving Party charged with notice as follows:  (a) if personally delivered, when received; (b) if sent by facsimile, with electronic confirmation of delivery, if sent during normal business hours on a Business Day, and if not sent during normal business hours on a Business Day, on the next subsequent Business Day; (c) if mailed certified mail, return receipt requested, on the day such notice is received, and if such day is not a Business Day, on the next subsequent Business Day, or (d) if sent by overnight courier, the next Business Day after placement into the custody of the overnight courier.  All notices shall be addressed as follows:

 

If to Buyer, to:

A. Blaine Hanks

Gateway Resources U.S.A., Inc.

1821 Arbor Dr.

Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006

Attention:  A. Blaine Hanks

E-Mail:  gateres@aol.com

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with a copy (which shall not constitute Notice) to:

SEK Energy Operating, LLC.

P.O. Box 55

Benedict, Kansas 66714

Attention :  Douglas L. Lamb

Fax:  620-698-2180

E-Mail:  doug@sekenergy.com

If to Sellers, to:

c/o Sanchez Production Partners LP

1000 Main St., Suite 3000

Houston, Texas  77002

Attention:  Mr. Charles C. Ward, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

Fax:  (832) 308 - 3720

E-Mail:  Chuck.Ward@sanchezpp.com

with a copy (which shall not constitute Notice) to:

Andrews Kurth LLP

600 Travis, Suite 4200

Houston, Texas  77002

Attention:  Scott Olson

Fax:  (713) 238-7410

E-Mail:  solson@andrewskurth.com

A Party may, by written notice so delivered to the other Parties, change its address for notice purposes hereunder.

Section 16.2 Further Assurances .  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Party will use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary or desirable, under applicable Law or otherwise, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  The Parties agree to execute and deliver such other documents, certificates, agreements and other writings and to take such other actions as may be necessary or desirable in order to consummate or implement expeditiously the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

Section 16.3 Fees and Expenses .  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all fees and expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, financial advisors, and accountants, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Party incurring such fee or expense.

 

Section 16.4 Assignment .  No Party shall assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other Party.  Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

 

37


 

Section 16.5 Rights and Obligations of Third Parties .  Except for the provisions of Article XIII , which are intended to be enforceable by the Indemnified Parties, nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the Parties, any rights, remedies or obligations under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

Section 16.6 Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Any counterpart of this Agreement may be delivered by fax or an emailed PDF or other image of the executed signature page hereof.

 

Section 16.7 Entire Agreement .  This Agreement (together with the Disclosure Schedules and exhibits to this Agreement), the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, and the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter herein and therein and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the Parties or any of their respective Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 16.8 Disclosure Schedule s .

 

(a) Prior to Closing, Sellers shall have the right to correct, supplement or amend the Disclosure Schedules with respect to any matter hereafter arising or discovered which, if existing or known at the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in the Disclosure Schedules.  Any such correction, supplement or amendment shall be delivered to Buyer as promptly as practicable after Sellers obtains Knowledge of such matter or makes such discovery and in any event no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.  For all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of determining whether the conditions set forth in Article X have been fulfilled, the Disclosure Schedules shall be deemed to include only that information contained therein on the date of this Agreement and shall be deemed to exclude all information contained in any such correction, supplement, or amendment thereto; provided, however, that if Closing shall occur, then all matters set forth on any such addition, supplement or amendment at or prior to Closing shall be waived and Buyer shall not be entitled to make a claim with respect thereto pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise.

(b) Unless the context otherwise requires, all capitalized terms used in the Disclosure Schedules shall have the respective meanings assigned in this Agreement.  No reference to or disclosure of any item or other matter in the Disclosure Schedules shall be construed as an admission or indication that such item or other matter is material or that such item or other matter is required to be referred to or disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule.  No disclosure in the Disclosure Schedules relating to any possible breach or violation of any agreement or Law shall be construed as an admission or indication that any such breach or violation exists or has actually occurred. The inclusion of any information in the Disclosure Schedules shall not be deemed to be an admission or acknowledgment by Seller, in and of itself, that such information is material to or outside the ordinary course of the business of the Company or required to be disclosed on the Disclosure Schedules.

38


 

Section 16.9 Amendments .  This Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, and terms and conditions may be waived, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing that makes reference to this Agreement and is executed by each Party.

 

Section 16.10 Publicity .  Buyer and Sellers may make a press release or other public communication or announcement in connection with the execution of this Agreement, provided that the Person making such release, communication, or announcement provides the other Party reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any such release, communication, or announcement.  Except for the foregoing, all press releases or other public communications of any nature whatsoever relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the method of the release for publication thereof, shall be subject to the prior written consent of Buyer and Sellers, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed by such Party.  Nothing herein shall prevent a Party from publishing such press releases or other public communications as is necessary to satisfy such Party’s obligations at Law or under the rules of any stock or commodities exchange after consultation with the other Party.  If a Party believes it is required to issue or make any press release or announcement, such Party shall (i) give prompt notice thereof to the other Party; (ii) allow such other Party reasonable opportunity to review and provide comments with respect to the content of such press release or announcement; and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to incorporate any reasonable comment from any other Party prior to any release or announcement.

 

Section 16.11 Severability .  If any court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.  The Parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the Parties to the greatest extent legally permissible.

 

Section 16.12 Certain Remedies .  Sellers agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed by Sellers prior to Closing or in connection with the consummation of Closing in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached by Seller.  It is accordingly agreed that Buyer will be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement by Sellers prior to Closing or in connection with the consummation of Closing and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof against Sellers in any court having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which Buyer is entitled at law or in equity, without posting any bond or other undertaking.  Prior to Closing, Sellers’ remedies for any breach by Buyer of this Agreement will be limited to those set forth in Section 12.1 and Section 12.2 .  After Closing, the Parties will be entitled to any remedy available at law or in equity for breaches of this Agreement.

 

39


 

Section 16.13 Governing Law; Jurisdiction .

 

(a) Law .  This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Oklahoma, without regard to the Laws that might be applicable under conflicts of laws principles.

(b) Forum .  The Parties agree that the appropriate, exclusive and convenient forum for any disputes between any of the Parties hereto arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in any state or federal court in any of the Oklahoma Counties, and each of the Parties hereto irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts solely in respect of any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement.  The Parties further agree that the Parties shall not bring suit with respect to any disputes arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any court or jurisdiction other than the above specified courts.  The Parties further agree, to the extent permitted by Law, that a final and nonappealable judgment against a Party in any action or proceeding contemplated above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction within or outside the United States by suit on the judgment, a certified or exemplified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such judgment.  Except to the extent that a different determination or finding is mandated due to the applicable Law being that of a different jurisdiction, the Parties agree that all judicial determinations or findings by a state or federal court in Harris County, Texas, with respect to any matter under this Agreement shall be binding, subject to applicable appeal rights.

(c) Jurisdiction .  To the extent that any Party has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from the jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, each such Party hereby irrevocably (i) waives such immunity in respect of its obligations with respect to this Agreement and (ii) submits to the personal jurisdiction of any court described in Section 16.13(b) .

(d) Waiver of Jury Trial .  The Parties hereto agree that they hereby irrevocably waive the right to trial by jury in any action to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Agreement.

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of the Parties as of the date first above written.

 

 

SELLERS:

 

 

 

CEP MID-CONTINENT LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

MID-CONTINENT OILFIELD SUPPLY, L.L.C.

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

NORTHEAST SHELF ENERGY, L.L.C.

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

BUYER:

 

 

 

Gateway Resources U.S.A., Inc.

 

 

 

By:

/s/  A. Blaine Hanks

 

Name:

A. Blaine Hanks

 

Title:

President

 

Signature Page


 

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

This AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”), effective as of June 15, 2016, is by and between (i) CEP Mid-Continent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), (ii) Mid-Continent Oilfield Supply, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company (“ Midcon ”), (iii) Northeast Shelf Energy, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company (collectively with the Company and Midcon, the “ Sellers ”) and (iv) Gateway Resources U.S.A., Inc., an Oklahoma corporation (“ Buyer ”).  Each Seller and Buyer is sometimes referred to herein individually as a “ Party ” and they are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “ Parties .”

Recitals:

Sellers and Buyer entered into that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2016 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Parties agreed that Sellers would sell the Company Assets (as defined therein) to Buyer on the terms set forth therein.

The Parties desire to amend the descriptions of the Company Assets contained in the Purchase Agreement to more accurately reflect the Company Assets being transferred by the Sellers to the Buyer at the Closing, as more fully set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

Section 16.14 Definitions .  Capitalized terms used throughout this Amendment and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement. 

 

Section 16.15 Amendments .  Exhibits C, D, E, F and G to the Purchase Agreement are hereby amended and replaced in their entirety with the corresponding exhibits included in Annex A attached hereto.

Section 16.16 Continuation .     Except as amended hereby, the Purchase Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Section 16.17 Governing Law .  This Amendment shall be governed and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Oklahoma, without regard to the Laws that might be applicable under conflicts of laws principles.

 

Section 16.18 Severability .  If any court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision of this Amendment invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions of this Amendment shall remain in full force and effect.  The Parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Amendment, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Amendment valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Amendment to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the Parties to the greatest extent legally permissible.

 

Signature Page


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by each of the Parties on July 15, 2016, effective as of the date first above written.

 

SELLERS:

 

 

 

CEP MID-CONTINENT LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

MID-CONTINENT OILFIELD SUPPLY, L.L.C.

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

NORTHEAST SHELF ENERGY, L.L.C.

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

BUYER:

 

 

 

Gateway Resources U.S.A., Inc.

 

 

 

By:

/s/  A. Blaine Hanks

 

Name:

A. Blaine Hanks

 

Title:

President

 

 

Signature Page


Exhibit 10.2

 

Execution Version

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

AMONG

Sanchez energy corporation

(“SN”),

SN MIDSTREAM, LLC

(“SELLER”)

AND

SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP

(“BUYER”)

DATED AS OF JULY 5, 2016

 

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article I . DEFINED TERMS

 

 

Section 1.1      Defined Terms

 

 

Article II. PURCHASE AND SALE

 

 

Section 2.1      Purchase and Sale of Interests

Section 2.2      Consideration

Section 2.3      Earnout Payment

 

 

Article III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE SN PARTIES

10 

 

 

Section 3.1      Organization of the SN Parties

10 

Section 3.2      Authorization; Enforceability

10 

Section 3.3      Ownership of Interests.

10 

Section 3.4      No Conflict; Consents

11 

 

 

Article IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE Company and the interests

11 

 

 

Section 4.1      Organization

11 

Section 4.2      No Conflict; Consents

11 

Section 4.3      Capitalization

12 

Section 4.4      Absence of Litigation; Compliance with Law

12 

Section 4.5      Bankruptcy

13 

Section 4.6      Brokers and Finders

13 

Section 4.7      Tax Matters

13 

Section 4.8      Environmental Matters

13 

Section 4.9      Material Contracts

14 

Section 4.10    Employees

14 

Section 4.11    Preferential Rights

14 

Section 4.12    Permits

14 

Section 4.13    Affiliate Transactions

14 

Section 4.14    Projections and Budgets.

14 

 

 

Article V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

15 

 

 

Section 5.1      Organization of Buyer

15 

Section 5.2      Authorization; Enforceability

15 

Section 5.3      No Conflict; Consents

15 

Section 5.4      Absence of Litigation

15 

Section 5.5      Brokers and Finders

15 

Section 5.6      Buyer’s Independent Investigation

16 

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Section 5.7      Independent Evaluation

16 

Section 5.8      Acquisition as Investment

16 

Section 5.9      Sufficiency of Funds

16 

 

 

Article VI. PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS

16 

 

 

Section 6.1      General

16 

Section 6.2      Notices, Consents and Books and Records

17 

Section 6.3      Operations of the Company

17 

Section 6.4      Reasonable Access

17 

Section 6.5      Insurance

18 

Section 6.6      LLC Agreement; Securities; Subsidiaries

18 

 

 

Article VII. POST-CLOSING COVENANTS

18 

 

 

Section 7.1      Further Assurances

18 

Section 7.2      Tax Matters

18 

Section 7.3      Cooperation for Litigation and Other Actions

19 

Section 7.4      Retention of and Access to Books and Records.

19 

Section 7.5      Post-Closing Collection and Payment Matters

20 

 

 

Article VIII. CONDITIONS TO CLOSE

20 

 

 

Section 8.1      Condition to Close of Both Parties

20 

Section 8.2      Conditions to Obligations of Buyer

20 

Section 8.3      Conditions to Obligations of the SN Parties

21 

 

 

Article IX. CLOSING

21 

 

 

Section 9.1      Closing

21 

Section 9.2      Deliveries by the SN Parties

21 

Section 9.3      Deliveries by Buyer

22 

Section 9.4      Deliveries to the Company

22 

 

 

Article X. TERMINATION

22 

 

 

Section 10.1    Termination of Agreement

22 

Section 10.2    Effect of Termination.

23 

 

 

Article XI. INDEMNIFICATION

23 

 

 

Section 11.1    Indemnification

23 

Section 11.2    Defense of Third-Party Claims

23 

Section 11.3    Direct Claims

25 

Section 11.4    Limitations

25 

Section 11.5    Tax Treatment of Payment of Indemnity Costs

26 

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Section 11.6    Express Negligence Rule

26 

 

 

Article XII. MISCELLANEOUS

26 

 

 

Section 12.1    WAIVERS AND DISCLAIMERS

26 

Section 12.2    Expenses

27 

Section 12.3    Severability

27 

Section 12.4    Notice

27 

Section 12.5    Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Enforcement

28 

Section 12.6    Confidentiality.

29 

Section 12.7    Parties in Interest

30 

Section 12.8    Assignment of Agreement

30 

Section 12.9    Captions

30 

Section 12.10  Counterparts

30 

Section 12.11  Integration

30 

Section 12.12  Amendment; Waiver

31 

Section 12.13  Mitigation

31 

Section 12.14  Privileged Information

31 

 

 

Article XIII. INTERPRETATION

31 

 

 

Section 13.1    Interpretation

31 

Section 13.2    References, Gender, Number

32 

 

 

 

Schedules:

Schedule 1.1  —  Knowledge

Schedule 2.1  —  Capital Contributions; Earnout

Schedule 3.4  —  No Conflicts; Consents - SN Parties

Schedule 4.2  —  No Conflicts; Consents - the Company

Schedule 4.9  —  Material Contracts

Schedule 4.11 —  Preferential Rights

Schedule 6.3  —  Operations of the Company

 

 

 

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PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

THIS PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into on July 5, 2016 (the “ Execution Date ”), by and among Sanchez Energy Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ SN ”), SN Midstream, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Seller ” and, together with SN, the “ SN Parties ”), and Sanchez Production Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Buyer ”). The above-named entities are sometimes referred to in this Agreement each as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .”

WHEREAS, SN is the parent of Seller.

WHEREAS, Seller owns 50% of the issued and outstanding membership interests (the “ Interests ”) in Carnero Gathering, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”).

WHEREAS, the Company is developing and constructing a gas gathering pipeline (the “ Gas Gathering Pipeline ”) from an interconnection in Webb County, Texas to interconnection(s) with a gas processing facility being developed and constructed by Carnero Processing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ CP ”).

WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase from Seller, the Interests, on and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.
DEFINED TERMS

Section 1.1 Defined Terms .  Unless the context expressly requires otherwise, the respective terms defined in this 0 shall, when used in this Agreement, have the respective meanings herein specified, with each such definition to be equally applicable both to the singular and the plural forms of the term so defined.

 

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such specified Person through one or more intermediaries or otherwise.  For the purposes of this definition, “control” means, where used with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have correlative meanings; provided, however , that (i) the Company is not an Affiliate of either Buyer or the SN Parties or their subsidiaries and (ii) Buyer and its subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be Affiliates of the SN Parties or any of their subsidiaries.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Applicable Law ” means any applicable statute, law, regulation, ordinance, rule, judgment, rule of law, decree, Permit, requirement, or other governmental restriction or any similar form of decision of, or any provision or condition issued under any of the foregoing by, or any

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determination by any Governmental Authority having or asserting jurisdiction over the matter or matters in question, whether now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended (including all of the terms and provisions of the common law of such Governmental Authority), as interpreted and enforced at the time in question, including Environmental Law.

Assignment Document ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .

Assumed Obligations ” means all obligations and liabilities of any kind whatsoever arising from or relating to the Company, whether known or unknown, liquidated or contingent, but only to the extent such obligations and liabilities arise on or after the Effective Date or  relate to or are otherwise attributable to the period commencing on the Effective Date.  The Assumed Obligations shall not include the Retained Obligations.

Books and Records ” means all of the records and files of the Company and other records and files in control of or maintained by the SN Parties prior to the Closing primarily related to the Company or the ownership of the Interests (that, in the case of the Company at or prior to the Closing, the SN Parties have the Legal Right to provide to Buyer), including the minute books and other limited liability company records of the Company and any plans, drawings, instruction manuals, operating and technical data and records, whether computerized or hard copy, Tax files, books, records, Tax Returns and Tax work papers, supplier lists, surveys, engineering records, maintenance records and studies, environmental records, environmental reporting information, emission data, testing and sampling data and procedures, construction, inspection and operating records, and any and all information necessary to meet compliance obligations with respect to Applicable Law.

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday in the State of Texas and that is not otherwise a federal holiday in the United States.

Buyer Indemnified Costs ” means all Losses incurred or suffered by the Buyer Indemnified Parties as a result of, relating to or arising out of, (i) any breach of any representation or warranty contained in 0 or 0 made by the SN Parties as though such representation or warranty were made as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that such representation and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been made as of such earlier date); (ii) the breach of any covenant or agreement made or to be performed by the SN Parties under this Agreement and (iii) the Retained Obligations.

Buyer Indemnified Parties ” means Buyer, its Affiliates and, from and after the Closing, the Company, and each of their respective officers, members, managers, partners, directors, employees and representatives.

Claim ” means any existing or threatened future claim, demand, suit, action, investigation, proceeding, inquiry, condemnation, audit or cause of action of any kind or character (in each case, whether civil, criminal, investigative or administrative) before any court or other Governmental Authority or any arbitration proceeding, known or unknown, under any theory, including those based on theories of contract, tort, statutory liability, strict liability, employer liability, premises liability, products liability, breach of warranty or malpractice.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .  

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Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Company Gathering Agreement ” means that certain Amended and Restated Transportation Services Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2016, by and between the TPL Member and the Company, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

Confidential Information ” means any proprietary or confidential information that is competitively sensitive material or otherwise of value to a Party (including, with respect to the SN Parties prior to the Closing Date and Buyer after the Closing Date, the Company) or its Affiliates and not generally known to the public, including trade secrets, scientific or technical information, design, invention, process, procedure, formula, improvements, product planning information, marketing strategies, financial information, information regarding operations, consumer and/or customer relationships, consumer and/or customer identities and profiles, sales estimates, business plans, and internal performance results relating to the past, present or future business activities of a Party (including, with respect to the SN Parties prior to the Closing Date and Buyer after the Closing Date, the Company) or its Affiliates and the consumers, customers, clients and suppliers of any of the foregoing. Confidential Information includes such information as may be contained in or embodied by documents, substances, engineering and laboratory notebooks, reports, data, specifications, computer source code and object code, flow charts, databases, drawings, pilot plants or demonstration or operating facilities, diagrams, specifications, bills of material, equipment, prototypes and models, and any other tangible manifestation (including data in computer or other digital format) of the foregoing; provided ,   however , that Confidential Information does not include information that a receiving Party can show (i) has been published or has otherwise become available to the general public as part of the public domain without breach of this Agreement; (ii) has been furnished or made known to the receiving Party without any obligation to keep it confidential by a third party under circumstances which are not known to the receiving Party to involve a breach of the third party’s obligations to a Party or its Affiliates; (iii) was developed independently of information furnished or made available to the receiving Party as contemplated under this Agreement; or (iv) has been published or otherwise disclosed as required by Applicable Law.  From and after the Closing Date, Confidential Information disclosed by the SN Parties to Buyer that relates to the Company shall become, and be treated as, Confidential Information of Buyer disclosed to the SN Parties (other than Books and Records to the extent utilized or intended to be utilized for purposes specified in clauses (i) through (v) of 0 ).

Consents ” means all notices to, authorizations, consents, orders or approvals of, or registrations, declarations or filings with, or expiration of waiting periods imposed by, any Governmental Authority, and any notices to, consents or approvals of any other third party.

Contract ” means any written contract, agreement, indenture, instrument, note, bond, loan, lease, easement, mortgage, franchise, license agreement, purchase order, binding bid or offer, binding term sheet or letter of intent or memorandum, commitment, letter of credit or any other legally binding arrangement, including any amendments or modifications thereof and waivers relating thereto.

CP ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

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CP   LLC Agreement ” means that certain Limited Liability Company Agreement of CP, dated as of October 2, 2015, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

CP Processing Agreement ” means that certain Firm Gas Processing Agreement, dated as  of October 2, 2015, by and among the TPL Member and CP, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

Earnout ” means an amount, if positive, equal to (i) the Earnout Payment Amount, multiplied by (ii) (A) the aggregate quantity of Producer’s Gas, stated in Mcf, delivered to the Receipt Points for the immediately preceding month (as reflected in the invoice for such month used in the calculation of the Gathering Fee under Section 5.5(a)(iv) of the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement), plus (B) the aggregate quantity of Gas, stated in Mcf, delivered through the Gas Gathering Pipeline to the Raptor Plant and subsequently processed at the Raptor Plant for the immediately preceding month on behalf of Persons other than Producer or Buyer at a rate per MMBtu equal to or greater than the Gathering Fee in effect during such month, less (C) the number of days in the applicable month used to determine the quantity in clause (A) multiplied by 125,000.

Earnout Payment Amount ” means $0.06.

Effective Date ” means 12:01 a.m. Houston, Texas time on the Closing Date.

Encumbrance ” means any mortgage, pledge, charge, hypothecation, easement, right of purchase, security interest, deed of trust, conditional sales agreement, encumbrance, interest, option, lien, right of first refusal, right of way, defect in title, encroachments or other restriction, whether or not imposed by operation of Applicable Law, any voting trust or voting agreement, stockholder agreement or proxy.

Environmental Laws ” means all Applicable Laws relating to health, safety, the protection of the environment, natural resources, or threatened or endangered species, pollution, or its impacts on human health, including those Laws relating to the storage, handling and use of chemicals and other Hazardous Substances and those relating to the generation, processing, treatment, storage, transportation, disposal or other management thereof.

Environmental Permit ” means all Permits of Governmental Authorities required by Environmental Laws for the conduct of the business of the Company.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Execution Date ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Force Majeure ” has the meaning therefor set forth in the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement.

Fundamental Representations ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles of the United States, consistently applied.

4

 


 

Gas ” has the meaning therefor set forth in the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement.

Gathering Fee ” has the meaning therefor set forth in the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement.

Gas Gathering Pipeline ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Gathering System ” has the meaning therefor set forth in the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement.

General Partner ” means Sanchez Production Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local, tribal, or foreign government, or any court of competent jurisdiction, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, or other governmental authority that exercises jurisdiction over Buyer, the SN Parties or the Company, as applicable.

Hazardous Substance ” means any chemicals, constituents, fractions, derivatives, compounds or other substances that are defined or regulated as pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, hazardous materials, radioactive materials or radioactive wastes or that may form the basis of liability or obligations under any Environmental Laws.  Hazardous Substances shall also expressly include petroleum substances (and any components, fractions or derivatives thereof) and exploration and production wastes.

Hydrocarbons ” means oil, gas, natural gas liquids, casinghead gas, coal bed methane, condensate and other gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons or any combination thereof.

In-Service Date ” means the first day on which the Gathering System receives Producer’s Gas.

Indemnified Costs ” means Buyer Indemnified Costs and Seller Indemnified Costs, as applicable.

Indemnified Party ” means Buyer Indemnified Parties and Seller Indemnified Parties.

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .

Indemnity Cap ” means an amount equal to 20% of the Purchase Price.

Indemnity Deductible ” means an amount equal to 1% of the Purchase Price.

Individual Indemnity Threshold ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .

Interests ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Knowledge ” means, (i) as to the SN Parties, the actual knowledge of those Persons listed in Schedule 1.1 as of the date of this Agreement and (ii) as to Buyer, the actual knowledge of Charles Ward, Patricio Sanchez and Gerald Willinger.

5

 


 

Legal Right ” means, to the extent arising from, or in any way related to the Company (including the assets and operations associated with the Company), the legal authority and right (without risk of liability, criminal, civil or otherwise), including through the exercise of voting, managerial or other similar authority or right, if any; provided, however , that the Legal Right shall be deemed not to exist with respect to any contemplated conduct unless the SN Parties reasonably determine that such conduct would not constitute a violation, termination or breach of, or require any payment under, or permit any termination under, any: contract or agreement; arrangement; Applicable Law; fiduciary, quasi-fiduciary or similar duty; or any other obligation.

LLC Agreement ” means that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated as of June 23, 2016, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

Losses ” means any and all losses, damages, liabilities, claims, demands, causes of action, judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees) of any and every kind or character.

Material Contracts ”   means the following Contracts to which the SN Parties, the Company or any of their Affiliates is a party and which relate to the Interests or the “Company Business” (as defined in the LLC Agreement as in effect on the date hereof)   but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any (i) Contracts relating to the Silver Oak II Gas processing facility located in Bee County, Texas, (ii) Contracts relating to CP, including the CP LLC Agreement and the CP Processing Agreement and (iii) any Contracts to which the TPL Group (as defined in the LLC Agreement) is a party that the SN Parties do not have Knowledge of:

(a) the LLC Agreement;

(b) the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement;

(c) the Company Gathering Agreement;

(d) a non-competition agreement or any agreement that purports to restrict, limit or prohibit the Company from engaging in any line of business or the manner in which, or the locations at which the Company conducts business;

(e) a Contract for the gathering, treatment, processing, storage, or transportation of Hydrocarbons which is not cancellable without penalty upon 30 or less days’ notice;

(f) a Contract for the construction and installation or rental of equipment, fixtures, or facilities with guaranteed production throughput requirements or demand charges or which cannot be terminated without penalty on no more than 30 days’ notice;

(g) an option, swap, hedge, collar or other derivative contract, including any master agreement and confirmation thereunder;

6

 


 

(h) a Contract that involves performance of services or delivery of goods or materials (other than Hydrocarbons) by or to Seller or the Company of an amount or value in excess of $1,000,000 determined on an annual basis;

(i) a Contract that involves expenditures or receipts of Seller or the Company in excess of $1,000,000 determined on an annual basis; or

(j) a material software license or other license agreement related to intellectual property involving expenditures of Seller or the Company in excess of $100,000 determined on an annual basis.

Mcf ” has the meaning therefor set forth in the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement.

MMBtus ” has the meaning therefor set forth in the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement.

New Seller Information ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .  

Organizational Documents ” means any charter, certificate of incorporation, certificate or articles of formation, articles of association, partnership agreements, limited liability company agreements, bylaws, operating agreement or similar formation or governing documents and instruments.

Outside Date ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .

Party ” and “ Parties ” have the meanings set forth in the Preamble.

Permits ” means all permits, licenses, approvals and Consents from appropriate Governmental Authorities necessary for the Company to construct, own and operate its assets and business.

Person ” means an individual or a corporation, firm, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Preferential Rights ” means any right or agreement that enables any Person to purchase or acquire any Interests or any interest therein or portion thereof as a result of or in connection with (i) the sale, assignment or other transfer of any Interest or any interest therein or portion thereof or (ii) the execution or delivery of this Agreement or the consummation or performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Producer ” has the meaning therefor set forth in the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement.

Producer’s Gas ” has the meaning therefor set forth in the SN  Catarina Gathering Agreement.

Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .

Raptor Plant ” has the meaning therefor set forth in the LLC Agreement.

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Receipt Point ” has the meaning therefor set forth in the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement.

Receiving Party Personnel ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .

Retained Obligations ” means all obligations and liabilities of any kind whatsoever arising from or relating to the Company, whether known or unknown, liquidated or contingent, but only to the extent such obligations and liabilities arose prior to the Effective Date or relate to or are otherwise attributable to the period prior to the Effective Date.  The Retained Obligations shall not include the Assumed Obligations.

Securities Act ” mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Seller Indemnified Costs ” means all Losses incurred or suffered by the Seller Indemnified Parties as a result of, relating to or arising out of, (i) any breach of any representation or warranty contained in 0 made by Buyer as though such representation or warranty was made as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that such representation and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been made as of such earlier date); (ii) the breach of any covenant or agreement made or to be performed by Buyer under this Agreement; and (iii) the Assumed Obligations.

Seller Indemnified Parties ” means the SN Parties, each of their respective Affiliates and, prior to the Closing, the Company, and each of their respective officers, members, managers, partners, directors, employees and representatives.

SN ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

SN   Catarina Gathering Agreement ” means that certain Firm Gas Gathering Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2015, by and among SN, SN Catarina, LLC and the TPL Member, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

SN Credit Agreement ” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2014 among SN, as borrower, SN Palmetto, LLC (f/k/a SEP Holdings III, LLC), SN Marquis LLC, SN Cotulla Assets, LLC, SN Operating, LLC, SN TMS, LLC and SN Catarina, LLC, as loan parties, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, Capital One, National Association, as syndication agent, Compass Bank and SunTrust Bank as co-documentation agents, RBC Capital Markets as sole lead arranger and sole book runner, and the lenders party thereto, as may be amended, supplemented, restated, refinanced, replaced or otherwise modified from time to time.

SN Indentures ” means (i) that certain Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2013 (as amended or supplemented from time to time), among SN, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and (ii) that certain Indenture, dated as of June 27, 2014 (as amended or supplemented from time to time), among SN, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

SN Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

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Tax ” or “ Taxes ” means any federal, state, local or foreign income tax, ad valorem tax, excise tax, sales tax, use tax, franchise tax, real or personal property tax, transfer tax, gross receipts tax or other tax, assessment, duty, fee, levy or other governmental charge, together with and including, any and all interest, fines, penalties, assessments, and additions to Tax resulting from, relating to, or incurred in connection with any of those or any contest or dispute thereof.

Tax Authority ” means any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the payment or reporting of any Tax.

Tax Return ” means any report, statement, form, return or other document or information required to be supplied to a Tax Authority in connection with Taxes.

third-party action ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .

TPL Member ” has the meaning therefor set forth in the LLC Agreement.

Transaction Taxes ” has the meaning set forth in 0 .

ARTICLE II.

PURCHASE AND SALE

Section 2.1 Purchase and Sale of Interests .  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Seller shall sell, assign, transfer and convey to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase and acquire from Seller, at the Closing, the Interests. Seller shall transfer the Interests to Buyer by delivery of the Assignment Document at Closing.

 

Section 2.2 Consideration In consideration for the purchase of the Interests, Buyer agrees to pay to Seller at Closing the sum of (a) $11,000,000, plus (b) the amount of all “Capital Contributions” (as defined in the LLC Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) made by Seller to the Company on or prior to the Closing Date (or for which Seller is obligated to make as of the Closing Date to the extent not constituting an Assumed Obligation) (collectively, the “ Purchase Price ”). A schedule of such Capital Contributions through the date hereof, and an estimate of such additional Capital Contributions until the In-Service Date, is attached as Schedule 2.1 .

 

Section 2.3 Earnout Payment .  In consideration for the purchase of the Interests, commencing from and after the Effective Date, Buyer agrees to pay to Seller, within 30 days of the end of each calendar month thereafter until such time as either the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement is terminated or SN no longer retains (directly or indirectly through its subsidiaries) the Dedicated Acreage (as defined in the SN Catarina Gathering Agreement), the Earnout earned in the immediately preceding calendar month (or portion thereof following the Effective Date).  SN agrees to cause the Producer to provide Buyer sufficient invoice details to calculate the Earnout. An example of the Earnout payment is included in Schedule 2.1 .

 

ARTICLE III.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE SN PARTIES

The SN Parties hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to Buyer that, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing:

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Section 3.1 Organization of the SN Parties .  Seller is a limited liability company duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware and has the requisite organizational power and authority to own the Interests.  Seller is duly qualified to do business, and in good standing, in the State of Texas. SN is a corporation duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware and is duly qualified to do business, and in good standing, in each state where failure to be so qualified could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 3.2 Authorization; Enforceability .  Each of the SN Parties has full capacity, power, and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.  The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement, and the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly and validly authorized on the part of each of the SN Parties, and no other proceeding on the part of either of the SN Parties is necessary to authorize this Agreement or performance of the transactions contemplated hereby.  This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of the SN Parties (and all documents required hereunder to be executed and delivered by the SN Parties at the Closing will be duly executed and delivered by the SN Parties), and this Agreement constitutes, and at the Closing each such document will constitute, a valid and binding obligation of each of the SN Parties, enforceable against each of the SN Parties in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.

 

Section 3.3 Ownership of Interests.  

 

(a) Seller holds of record and owns beneficially the Interests, free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than restrictions under federal and state securities laws and in the Organizational Documents of the Company).

(b) Neither of the SN Parties is a party to any option, warrant, purchase right or other contract or commitment (other than this Agreement or the Organizational Documents of the Company) that could require Seller to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Interests, and other than this Agreement, the Interests are not subject to any voting agreement or other contract, agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding (other than the Organizational Documents of the Company) restricting or otherwise relating to the voting, dividend rights, or disposition of the Interests.

(c) Upon the occurrence of the Closing, the delivery of the Interests to Buyer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement will transfer good and marketable title to the Interests free and clear of any Encumbrance (but subject to applicable restrictions on transferability under federal and state securities laws and in the Organizational Documents of the Company).

(d) Upon the occurrence of the Closing, none of the Interests will be subject in any respect to any indebtedness (other than customary bonds posted with Governmental Authorities), including the terms and conditions of the documents and instruments governing the

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indebtedness of the SN Parties or their Affiliates, including the SN Credit Agreement, the SN Indentures or any related security agreements, guarantees, documents and instruments.

Section 3.4 No Conflict; Consents .  Except as set forth on Schedule  0 , the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the SN Parties and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do not and shall not:

 

(a) violate any Applicable Law applicable to either of the SN Parties or, to the Knowledge of the SN Parties with respect to either of the SN Parties or their Affiliates, require any material filing with, consent, approval, or authorization of or notice to, any Person except as required by the Organizational Documents of the Company; or

(b) violate any Organizational Document of either of the SN Parties.

ARTICLE IV.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE COMPANY AND THE INTERESTS

The SN Parties hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to Buyer that, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing:

Section 4.1 Organization .  The Company is a limited liability company, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the requisite organizational power and authority to own or lease its assets and conduct its business as currently conducted.  The Company is duly qualified to do business, and in good standing, in the State of Texas.

 

Section 4.2 No Conflict; Consents .  Except as set forth on Schedule 0 , the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the SN Parties and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do not and shall not:

 

(a) violate any Applicable Law applicable to the Company or, to the Knowledge of the SN Parties with respect to the Company, require any material filing with, Permit, consent, approval, or authorization of or notice to, any Person except as required by the Organizational Documents of the Company;

(b) upon the effectiveness of the LLC Agreement, violate any Organizational Document of the Company; or

(c) to the Knowledge of the SN Parties (i) breach any Material Contract (other than any Organizational Documents of the Company); (ii) result in the termination of or the right of any party to terminate any Material Contract; (iii) result in the creation of any Encumbrance under any Material Contract; or (iv) constitute an event that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in any such breach, termination or creation of an Encumbrance.

Section 4.3 Capitalization

 

(a) Interests .  The Interests (i) are duly authorized, validly issued and, except as contemplated by the Organizational Documents of the Company, fully paid and nonassessable

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(except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 18-607 and 18-804 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act); (ii) are free of preemptive rights; (iii) were issued in accordance with the registration or qualification provisions of the Securities Act and any relevant state securities laws or pursuant to valid exemptions therefrom; and (iv) are uncertificated.  Seller has timely paid each Capital Call (as defined in the LLC Agreement) that it has received from the Company.

(b) No Other Rights .  Except as set forth in the Organizational Documents of the Company (including with respect to the TPL Member), to the Knowledge of the SN Parties, as of the date hereof there are no (i) outstanding securities of the Company other than the Interests and the membership interests of the Company owned by the TPL Member, and no outstanding securities which are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, membership interests, equity interests or other securities of the Company; (ii) authorized or outstanding options, warrants, stock or other rights to purchase or acquire from the Company, or obligations of the Company to issue, any equity interests, stock or other securities, including securities convertible into or exchangeable for membership interests, stock or other securities of the Company; (iii) preemptive rights related to any membership interests, equity interests, stock or other securities of the Company; (iv) contractual arrangements giving any Person a right to receive any benefits or rights similar to the rights enjoyed by or accruing to the holders of any equity or other interest in the Company; or (v) authorized or outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness that entitles the holders to vote (or convertible or exercisable for or exchangeable into securities that entitle the holders to vote) with holders of units or interests of the Company on any matter.

(c) Subsidiaries .  To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, as of the date hereof the Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital stock or equity interests of any other Person.

Section 4.4 Absence of Litigation; Compliance with Law .  Except with respect to any Claims under any Environmental Laws which are addressed exclusively in 0 , to the Knowledge of the SN Parties, there is no material Claim pending or threatened against the Company or the Interests that, if adversely determined, would be material to the Interests.  To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, the operations and business of the Company have been conducted by the Company in substantial compliance in all material respects with all Applicable Laws except with respect to Environmental Laws, which are addressed exclusively in 0 .

 

Section 4.5 Bankruptcy .  To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, there are no bankruptcy, reorganization or rearrangement proceedings under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Applicable Laws with respect to creditors pending against, being contemplated by, or threatened, against the Company.

 

Section 4.6 Brokers and Finders .  Other than Johnson Rice & Company, L.L.C., the financial advisor to the audit committee of the board of directors of SN, no investment banker, broker, finder, financial advisor or other intermediary has been (directly or indirectly) retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of the SN Parties or their Affiliates who is entitled to receive from Buyer any fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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Section 4.7 Tax Matters  

(a) All Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to the Interests have been duly filed on a timely basis (taking into account all extensions of due dates), and such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete.

(b) To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, all Taxes owed by the Company which are or have become due have been timely paid in full.

(c) To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, there are no Encumbrances for Taxes on the Interests or the Company’s assets, other than Taxes not yet due and payable.

(d) To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, there is not in force any extension of time with respect to the due date for the filing of any Tax Return of or with respect to the Company or the Company’s assets nor is there any outstanding agreement or waiver by or with respect to the Company or the Company’s assets extending the period for assessment or collection of any Tax.

(e) To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, there is no pending or threatened action, audit, required for ruling, proceeding or investigation for assessment or collection of Tax and no Tax assessment, deficiency or adjustment has been asserted or proposed in writing with respect to the Company or the Company’s assets that has not been resolved.

(f) To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, the Company is not a party to any Tax allocation or Tax sharing agreement that will be binding on such entity after Closing.

(g) Since the date of its formation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company has been validly classified as a partnership   and has in effect an election pursuant to Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Section 4.8 Environmental Matters .  To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, the Company (i) is in substantial compliance in all material respects with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; (ii) is not the subject of any outstanding administrative or judicial order, judgment, agreement or arbitration award from any Governmental Authority under any Environmental Law relating to the Company or its assets and requiring remediation or the payment of a fine or penalty; and (iii) is not subject to any material pending Claims under any Environmental Laws with respect to which the SN Parties or the Company have been notified in writing by or on behalf of a plaintiff or claimant.

 

Section 4.9 Material Contracts .  To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, all Material Contracts in effect as of the date hereof are specified in the definition thereof or otherwise listed on Schedule 0 .  To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, each Material Contract (except for the LLC Agreement, the Company Gathering Agreement, the Services Agreement (as defined in Schedule 4.9 ) and the Omnibus Amendment (as defined in Schedule 4.9 ), which will be effective (other than as specified in the Omnibus Amendment) upon satisfaction of the conditions in Section 8.3(d) ) is in full force and effect and represents the legal, valid and binding obligation of the parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and

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subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.  Neither the SN Parties nor, to the Knowledge of the SN Parties, the Company and, to the Knowledge of the SN Parties, no other party, is in breach of any Material Contract.  Neither the SN Parties nor, to the Knowledge of the SN Parties,  the Company has received or delivered notice of a default or breach with respect to any Material Contract.  To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, the SN Parties have made available to Buyer or its representatives correct and complete copies of each Material Contract and all amendments and other modifications thereto.

 

Section 4.10 Employees .  To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, except as contemplated by the Services and Secondment Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2016, between the TPL Member and the Company, the Company does not have any employees.

 

Section 4.11 Preferential Rights .  Except as set forth on Schedule 0 or the Organizational Documents of the Company, to the Knowledge of the SN Parties, there are no Preferential Rights attributable to or with respect to any part of the Interests.

 

Section 4.12 Permits .  To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, the Company has maintained all material Permits necessary for it to construct the facilities constructed or being constructed by it, as the case may be.  To the Knowledge of the SN Parties, no event has occurred (including the execution and delivery of this Agreement) which permits, or after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would permit, the revocation or termination of any Permit or the imposition of any (i) restrictions of such a nature as may limit any of the operations of the Company as historically conducted by it or (ii) material fines, costs or penalties under any Permit.

 

Section 4.13 Affiliate Transactions .  Other than any such Contracts identified as Material Contracts, there are no Contracts between Seller or an Affiliate of Seller, on the one hand, and the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, on the other hand, that will continue to be binding upon or directly affect the Company from and after the Closing.

 

Section 4.14 Projections and Budgets .  The projections and budgets provided to Buyer (including those provided to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, the financial advisor to the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner) by the SN Parties and their Affiliates as part of Buyer’s review of the Company in connection with this Agreement have a reasonable basis, were prepared in good faith and are consistent with the expectations of the management of the SN Parties and their Affiliates.

 

ARTICLE V.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

Buyer hereby represents and warrants to the SN Parties that, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing:

Section 5.1 Organization of Buyer .  Buyer is a limited partnership, duly formed and validly existing and in good standing under the Applicable Laws of the State of Delaware.

 

Section 5.2 Authorization ; Enforceability .  Buyer has all requisite limited partnership power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.  The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement, and the performance of

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the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by Buyer, and no other limited partnership proceeding on the part of Buyer is necessary to authorize this Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Buyer (and all documents required hereunder to be executed and delivered by Buyer at the Closing will be duly executed and delivered by Buyer), and this Agreement constitutes, and at the Closing each such document will constitute, a valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.

 

Section 5.3 No Conflict; Consents .  Except as would not reasonably be expected to prevent, impede, or materially delay the ability of Buyer to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by Buyer do not and shall not:

 

(a) violate any Applicable Law applicable to Buyer or, to the Knowledge of Buyer, require any filing with, consent, approval or authorization of, or, notice to, any Governmental Authority;

(b) violate any Organizational Document of Buyer; or

(c) to the Knowledge of Buyer, require any filing with, or permit, consent or approval of, or the giving of any notice to, any Person except as required by the Organizational Documents of the Company.

Section 5.4 Absence of Litigation .  There is no Claim pending or, to the Knowledge of Buyer, threatened against Buyer relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to materially impair the ability of Buyer to perform its obligations and agreements under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 5.5 Brokers and Finders .  Other than Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, the financial advisor to the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner, no investment banker, broker, finder, financial advisor or other intermediary has been (directly or indirectly) retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of Buyer or its Affiliates who is entitled to receive from Seller any fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 5.6 Buyer’s Independent Investigation .  Buyer has undertaken an independent investigation and verification of the business, operations and financial condition of the Company.  Except for the representations and warranties made by the SN Parties in 0 and 0 , Buyer acknowledges that there are no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, operations, business or prospects of the Company.

 

Section 5.7 Independent Evaluation .  Buyer is sophisticated in the evaluation, purchase, ownership and operation of midstream properties and related facilities.  Buyer acknowledges and agrees that the SN Parties have not made any representations or warranties as to the Company

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except as expressly and specifically provided in 0 and 0 and that Buyer may not rely on any other representations or warranties made by the SN Parties or their representatives or, except as expressly provided in 0 and 0 , on any of the SN Parties’ estimates with respect to the value of the Company or any projections as to future events or other analyses or forward looking statements.  In making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein, subject to the express representations of the SN Parties set forth in this Agreement, Buyer (i) has relied or shall rely solely on its own independent investigation and evaluation of the Company and the express provisions of this Agreement and (ii) has satisfied or shall satisfy itself as to the environmental and physical condition of and contractual arrangements affecting the Company. 

 

Section 5.8 Acquisition as Investment .  Buyer (i) is acquiring the Interests for its own account and not with a view to distribution in violation of applicable securities laws; (ii) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be able to evaluate the merits and risk of an investment in the Interests and is able financially to bear the risks thereof; (iii) understands that the Interests will, upon purchase, be characterized as “restricted securities” under state and federal securities Laws and that under such Laws the Interests may be resold without registration under such Laws only in certain limited circumstances; and (iv) is an “accredited investor” as defined under Rule 501 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Section 5.9 Sufficiency of Funds .  On the Closing Date, Buyer will have sufficient funds to fund the payment of the Purchase Price. The Buyer’s obligation to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not subject to any condition or contingency with respect to financing.

 

ARTICLE VI.

PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS

Section 6.1 General .  Until the Closing, Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take all action and to do all things necessary, proper or advisable in order to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including satisfying Seller’s conditions to Closing in 0 .  Until the Closing, the SN Parties shall (and, until the Closing, to the extent they have the Legal Right, shall cause the Company to) use commercially reasonable efforts to take all action and to do all things necessary, proper or advisable in order to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including satisfying Buyer’s conditions to Closing in 0 .

 

Section 6.2 Notices, Consents and Books and Records .

 

(a) Until the Closing, the SN Parties shall (and, until the Closing, to the extent they have the Legal Right, shall cause the Company to) give any notices to, make any filings with, and use their commercially reasonable best efforts to obtain any authorizations, Consents and approvals of Governmental Authorities and third parties that are required in connection with the matters referred to in 0 and 0 including the corresponding Schedules.  Until the Closing, each of Buyer and the SN Parties shall give the other Party prompt notice of the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any event the occurrence or nonoccurrence of which would be reasonably likely to (i) cause a breach of any of the representations, warranties or covenants of such Party under this Agreement or (ii) cause any of the conditions of the other Party to consummate the

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transactions contemplated by this Agreement not to be satisfied.  If Buyer has a right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to 0 , without taking into consideration any new information provided by the SN Parties pursuant to this 0 (the “ New Seller Information ”) for purposes of qualifying any of the representations and warranties of the SN Parties set forth in this Agreement, but Buyer elects to proceed with the Closing, then each of the applicable Schedules shall be deemed to have been amended to include the New Seller Information, the New Seller Information shall be deemed to be waived by Buyer and Buyer shall not be entitled to make a Claim thereon under this Agreement.    

(b) Until the Closing, the SN Parties agree to (and, until the Closing, to the extent they have the Legal Right, shall cause the Company to) provide access to its Books and Records to allow Buyer and Buyer’s outside auditing firm to prepare (at Buyer’s expense) any information required to be filed with or furnished to the SEC by Buyer pursuant to applicable securities Laws.

Section 6.3 Operations of the Company .  Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as contemplated by Schedule 0 , until the Closing, to the extent they have the Legal Right, the SN Parties will cause the Company and (to the extent related to the Company) Affiliates of the SN Parties not to engage in any practice, take any action or enter into any transaction outside the ordinary course of business without the prior written consent of Buyer except in case of emergency or as may otherwise be required to prevent injury or damage to Persons, property or the environment.

 

Section 6.4 Reasonable Access .  Unless prohibited by Applicable Law, to the extent the SN Parties have the Legal Right, the SN Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause, until the Closing, the Company to permit Buyer and representatives of Buyer to have reasonable access at reasonable times, and in a manner so as not to interfere with the normal business operations of the SN Parties or the Company and their Affiliates, to all premises, properties, personnel, books, records (including Tax records), contracts and documents of or pertaining to the Company, subject to 0 and 0 .  Buyer shall abide by the SN Parties’ and any lessors’ safety rules, regulations and operating policies while conducting its due diligence evaluation of the Company including any environmental or other inspection or assessment of the Company.  Buyer does hereby RELEASE, DEFEND, INDEMNIFY and HOLD HARMLESS the   Seller Indemnified Parties from and against any and all Claims arising out of, resulting from or relating to the acts or omissions of Buyer or any of the Buyer Indemnified Parties in connection with any field visit, environmental assessment or other due diligence activity conducted by Buyer or any of its representatives with respect to the Company conducted prior to Closing .  Such Obligations of Buyer shall apply even if such Claims arise out of or result from the sole, joint or concurrent negligence, strict liability or other fault of the Seller Indemnified Parties; provided, however , the aforementioned Obligations shall not apply to any Claim to the extent actually resulting on account of the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Seller Indemnified Parties.

 

Section 6.5 Insurance .  To the extent the SN Parties have the Legal Right, the SN Parties shall cause the Company’s insurance policies of the Company to remain in force and effect or to be renewed and maintained in full force and effect through (but not after) the Closing Date.

 

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Section 6.6 LLC Agreement ; Securities; Subsidiaries .   Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, until the Closing, the SN Parties, to the extent they have the Legal Right, will not cause, or allow to be caused, except with the prior written consent of  Buyer, (i) the amendment, amendment and restatement, modification or supplement of the LLC Agreement as in effect on the date hereof, (ii) the issuance or creation of any securities or other rights contemplated by Section 4.3(b) not set forth in the Organizational Documents of the Company as of the date hereof, and (iii) the acquisition of any capital stock or equity interest of any other Person by the Company after the date hereof. 

 

ARTICLE VII.

POST-CLOSING COVENANTS  

Section 7.1 Further Assurances .  After the Closing, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to take such further actions, including obtaining or transferring to the other Party all necessary Permits, Consents, orders and Contracts and executing and causing its Affiliates to execute such further documents, as may be necessary or reasonably requested by another Party in order to effectuate the intent of this Agreement and to provide such other Party with the intended benefits of this Agreement.

 

Section 7.2 Tax Matters .  

 

(a) Taxes .  The Parties agree that the income related to the Interests for the period up to and including the Closing Date will be reflected on the federal income Tax Return of Seller and that Seller shall bear the liability for any Taxes associated with such income.  The Parties further agree that the income related to the Interests for the period after the Closing Date will be reflected on the federal income Tax Return of Buyer and that the partners of Buyer shall bear the liability for any Taxes associated with such income.

(b) Transaction Taxes .  All sales, use, transfer, filing, recordation, registration and similar Taxes arising from or associated with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement other than Taxes based on income (“ Transaction Taxes ”), shall be borne 50% by Seller and 50% by Buyer.  To the extent under Applicable Law the transferee is responsible for filing Tax Returns in respect of Transaction Taxes, Buyer shall prepare and file all such Tax Returns.  The Parties shall provide such certificates and other information and otherwise cooperate to the extent reasonably required to minimize Transaction Taxes.  The Party that is not responsible under Applicable Law for paying the Transaction Taxes shall pay its share of the Transaction Taxes to the responsible Party prior to the due date of such Taxes.

(c) Cooperation on Tax Matters .  Following the Closing Date, the Parties shall cooperate fully with each other and shall make available to the other, as reasonably requested and at the expense of the requesting Party, and to any Governmental Authority responsible for the administration of any Tax, all information, records or documents relating to Tax liabilities or potential Tax liabilities of the Company for all periods at or prior to the Effective Date and any information which may be relevant to determining the amount payable hereunder, and shall preserve all such information, records and documents at least until the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations or extensions thereof.

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Section 7.3 Cooperation for Litigation and Other Actions .  Each Party shall cooperate reasonably with each other Party, at the requesting Party’s expense (but including only out-of-pocket expenses to unaffiliated third parties, photocopying and delivery costs and not the costs incurred by any Party for the wages or other benefits paid to its officers, directors or employees), in furnishing reasonably available information, testimony and other assistance in connection with any Claims or other disputes involving any of the Parties hereto (other than in connection with Claims or disputes between the Parties).

 

Section 7.4 Retention of and Access to Books and Records .  

(a) Buyer agrees to afford the SN Parties and their Affiliates and their respective accountants, counsel and other designated individuals, during normal business hours, upon reasonable request, at a mutually agreeable time, full access to and the right to make copies of the Books and Records at no cost to the SN Parties or their Affiliates (other than for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses); provided that such access will not be construed to require the disclosure of Books and Records that would cause the waiver of any attorney-client, work product or like privilege; provided, further , that in the event of any litigation, nothing herein shall limit any Party’s rights of discovery under Applicable Law. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentences, Buyer agrees to provide SN Parties and their Affiliates reasonable access to and the right to make copies of the Books and Records after the Closing for the purposes of assisting SN Parties and their Affiliates (i) in complying with the SN Parties’ obligations under this Agreement, Applicable Laws (including securities laws) or applicable stock exchange requirements; (ii) in preparing Tax Returns; (iii) in responding to or disputing any tax audit; (iv) in asserting, defending or otherwise dealing with any Claim or dispute, known or unknown, under this Agreement; and (v) in asserting, defending or otherwise dealing with any third-party Claim or dispute by   or against SN Parties and their Affiliates relating to the Company.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section or anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, with respect to any Books and Records the transfer or other disclosure of which to Buyer would waive (or would reasonably risk the waiver of) any attorney/client, work product, tax practitioner, audit or other privilege relating to the Retained Obligations, the SN Parties shall not be required to transfer such Books and Records (or any copies thereof) to Buyer until the appropriate Parties enter into a mutually-agreed joint defense agreement to allow for the sharing of common defense privileged materials.

Section 7.5 Post-Closing Collection and Payment Matters

 

(a) If the transfer of any of the Interests pursuant hereto is not effective against the Company as of the Effective Date, then (i) the Parties shall nevertheless proceed to Closing and such effectiveness shall not be a condition to Closing, (ii) Seller, to the extent it has the Legal Right, shall provide Buyer with the economic benefits and risks thereof, and Buyer hereby assumes such risks at and after the Effective Date (including the Assumed Obligations and the Seller Indemnified Costs), and (iii) Seller shall, at the request and expense of Buyer, until the transfer of Interests is effective against the Company, enforce in a reasonable manner as directed by Buyer, any and all rights of Seller under the Interests.

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(b) From time to time after the Closing, as promptly as practical (but not less than once each calendar month), the Parties shall settle any then outstanding obligations under this 0 , including the first Party reimbursing the other Party for benefits received by the first Party that should accrue to the other Party (such as the first Party’s receipt of a distribution that the other Party was entitled to or the other Party’s payment of a capital contribution that was an obligation of the first Party).

ARTICLE VIII.

CONDITIONS TO CLOSE

Section 8.1 Condition to Close of Both Parties .  The respective obligations of Buyer and the SN Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of the following condition:

 

(a) that there must not be any pending or threatened injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling or charge in effect preventing consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any suit or action pending or threatened by a Governmental Authority to enjoin the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,

Section 8.2 Conditions to Obligations of Buyer .  The obligation of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(a) the representations and warranties of the SN Parties contained in 0 and 0 must be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing (except for those which refer to another specific date, which must be true and correct as of such date) ;

(b) the SN Parties must have performed and complied in all material respects with each of their covenants hereunder through the Closing; and

(c) the SN Parties must have timely delivered all items required to be delivered at Closing pursuant to 0 .

Buyer may waive any condition specified in this 0 if it executes and delivers to the SN Parties a writing so stating at or before the Closing.

Section 8.3 Conditions to Obligations of the SN Parties .  The obligation of the SN Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(a) the representations and warranties of Buyer contained in 0 must be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing;

(b) Buyer must have performed and complied in all material respects with each of its covenants hereunder through the Closing;

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(c) Buyer must have timely delivered all items required to be delivered at Closing pursuant to 0 ; and

(d) Buyer shall have posted a letter of credit pursuant to Section 3.9(b) of the LLC Agreement so as to cause SN’s guaranty thereunder to be released pursuant to the terms thereof.

The SN Parties may waive any condition specified in this 0 if either SN or Seller executes and delivers to Buyer a writing so stating at or before the Closing.

ARTICLE IX.

CLOSING

Section 9.1 Closing .  The closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at the offices of Seller, 1000 Main Street, Suite 3000, Houston, Texas 77002 within five days after the conditions set forth in 0 have been satisfied or waived, or such other date as may be mutually agreed to by the Parties (the “ Closing Date ”), and the Closing is deemed to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

Section 9.2 Deliveries by the SN Parties .  At the Closing, the SN Parties shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Buyer the following:

 

(a) a counterpart of the Assignment of Membership Interests and Adoption Agreement, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D to the LLC Agreement (the “ Assignment Document ”), duly executed by Seller;

(b) an executed statement described in Treasury Regulation § 1.1445-2(b)(2) certifying that Seller (or such affiliate of Seller as required under Treasury Regulations § 1.1445-2(c)(3) to the extent that Seller is disregarded for federal income tax purposes) is not a foreign person within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder ;  

(c) the Books and Records that are in the possession or control of the SN Parties or their Affiliates, subject to 0 and 0 ; and

(d) a certificate of an executive officer of SN, dated as of the Closing Date, stating that the SN Parties are in compliance with 0 and 0 .  

Section 9.3 Deliveries by Buyer .  At the Closing, Buyer shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Seller the following:

 

(a) the Purchase Price by wire transfer to one or more accounts designated in writing by Seller no later than two Business Days prior to Closing;

(b) a counterpart of the Assignment Document, duly executed by Buyer; and

(c) a certificate of an executive officer of Buyer, dated as of the Closing Date, stating that Buyer is in compliance with 0 and 0 .

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Section 9.4 Deliveries to the Compan y .  On the day of Closing, Seller shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Company the Assignment Document pursuant to Section 3.5 and Section 3.8 of the LLC Agreement.

 

ARTICLE X.

TERMINATION

Section 10.1 Termination of Agreement .  The Parties may terminate this Agreement, as provided below:

 

(a) Buyer and the SN Parties may terminate this Agreement by mutual written consent at any time before the Closing;

(b) by Buyer, (i) if the SN Parties shall have breached or failed to perform in any material respect any of their representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in 0 or (ii) if all of the conditions set forth in 0 have been satisfied or waived, as applicable, and the SN Parties nevertheless refuse or fail to Close the transactions contemplated in this Agreement; provided, the SN Parties shall first be entitled to 10 days’ notice and the opportunity to cure and provided furthermore that Buyer shall not be in breach at such time ;

(c) by the SN Parties, (i) if Buyer shall have breached or failed to perform in any material respect any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in 0 or (ii) if all of the conditions set forth in 0 have been satisfied or waived, as applicable, and Buyer nevertheless refuses or fails to Close the transactions contemplated in this Agreement; provided, Buyer shall first be entitled to 10 days’ notice and the opportunity to cure and provided furthermore that the SN Parties shall not be in breach at such time ;

(d) by either Buyer or the SN Parties, upon notice to the other Party, if the transactions contemplated at the Closing have not been consummated by July 31, 2016   (the “ Outside Date ”), provided that neither Buyer nor the SN Parties shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this 0 if such Person’s breach of this Agreement has prevented the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement ; or

(e) by either Buyer or the SN Parties, if any Governmental Authority shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or shall have taken any other action permanently enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated hereby and such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable.

Section 10.2 Effect of Termination .  

 

(a) Except for the provisions of this 0 ,   0 and 0 , if the Parties terminate this Agreement pursuant to 0 , all rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall terminate without any liability of any Party to the other Party and except that termination of this Agreement will not affect any liability of either Party for any breach of this Agreement prior to termination, or any breach at any time of the provisions hereof surviving termination. 

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(b) If the SN Parties terminate this Agreement pursuant to 0 due to a material breach of this Agreement by Buyer, then the SN Parties shall be entitled to seek all rights and remedies at law or in equity against Buyer or its Affiliates. Each of Buyer and the SN Parties agree to waive any requirement for the posting of a bond in connection with any such equitable relief in favor of the other Party.    

(c) If Buyer terminates this Agreement pursuant to 0 due to a material breach of this Agreement by the SN Parties, then Buyer shall be entitled to seek all rights and remedies at law or in equity against the SN Parties or their Affiliates. Each of Buyer and the SN Parties agree to waive any requirement for the posting of a bond in connection with any such equitable relief in favor of the other Party. 

ARTICLE XI.

INDEMNIFICATION  

Section 11.1 Indemnification .  From and after the Closing and subject to the provisions of this Article 0 , (i) the SN Parties agree to indemnify and hold harmless Buyer Indemnified Parties from and against any and all Buyer Indemnified Costs and (ii) Buyer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Seller Indemnified Parties from and against any and all Seller Indemnified Costs.

 

Section 11.2 Defense of Third-Party Claims .  An Indemnified Party shall give prompt written notice to the SN Parties or Buyer, as applicable (the “ Indemnifying Party ”), of the commencement or assertion of any Claim by a third party (collectively, a “ third-party action ”) in respect of which such Indemnified Party seeks indemnification hereunder. Any failure so to notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability that it, he, or she may have to such Indemnified Party under this Article 0 unless and to the extent the failure to give such notice materially and adversely prejudices the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume control of the defense of, settle, or otherwise dispose of such third-party action on such terms as it deems appropriate; provided, however , that:

 

(a) The Indemnified Party shall be entitled, at its own expense, to participate in the defense of such third-party action ( provided, however , that the Indemnifying Party shall pay the attorneys’ fees of the Indemnified Party if (i) the employment of separate counsel shall have been authorized in writing by the Indemnifying Party in connection with the defense of such third-party action; (ii) the Indemnifying Party shall not have employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party to have charge of such third-party action; (iii) the Indemnified Party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses available to such Indemnified Party that are different from or additional to those available to the Indemnifying Party; or (iv) the Indemnified Party’s counsel shall have advised the Indemnified Party in writing, with a copy delivered to the Indemnifying Party, that there is a material conflict of interest that could violate applicable standards of professional conduct to have common counsel);  

(b) The Indemnifying Party shall obtain the prior written approval of the Indemnified Party before entering into or making any settlement, compromise, admission or acknowledgment of the validity of such third-party action or any liability in respect thereof if, pursuant to or as a result of such settlement, compromise, admission, or acknowledgment, injunctive or other equitable relief would be imposed against the Indemnified Party or if, in the

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opinion of the Indemnified Party, such settlement, compromise, admission or acknowledgment could have a material adverse effect with respect to the Indemnified Party;

(c) The Indemnifying Party shall not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement without the consent of the Indemnified Party that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by each claimant or plaintiff to the Indemnified Party of a release from all liability in respect of such third-party action; and

(d) 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 action (i) as to which the Indemnifying Party fails to assume the defense within a reasonable length of time (except to the extent (A) the Indemnifying Party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses available to such Indemnifying Party that are different from or additional to those available to the Indemnified Party or (B) the Indemnifying Party’s counsel shall have advised the Indemnifying Party in writing, with a copy delivered to the Indemnified Party, that there is a material conflict of interest that could violate applicable standards of professional conduct to have common counsel) or (ii) to the extent the third-party action seeks an order, injunction, or other equitable relief against the Indemnified Party which, if successful, would materially adversely affect the business, operations, assets, or financial condition of the Indemnified 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.

The Parties shall extend reasonable cooperation in connection with the defense of any third-party action pursuant to this Article 0 and, in connection therewith, shall furnish such records, information, and testimony and attend such conferences, discovery proceedings, hearings, trials, and appeals as may be reasonably requested.

Section 11.3 Direct Claims .  In any case in which an Indemnified Party seeks indemnification hereunder which is not subject to 0 because no third-party action is involved, the Indemnified Party shall notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of any Indemnified Costs which such Indemnified Party claims are subject to indemnification under the terms hereof.  Subject to the limitations set forth in 0 , the failure of the Indemnified Party to exercise promptness in such notification shall not amount to a waiver of such claim unless and to the extent the resulting delay materially prejudices the position of the Indemnifying Party with respect to such claim.

 

Section 11.4 Limitations .  The following provisions of this 0 shall limit the indemnification obligations hereunder:

 

(a) The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any Indemnified Costs pursuant to this Article 0 unless a written claim for indemnification in accordance with 0 or 0 is given by the Indemnified Party to the Indemnifying Party with respect thereto on or before 5:00 p.m., Houston, Texas time, on or prior to the date that is eighteen (18) months after of the Closing Date; provided, however , that written claims for indemnification (i) for Indemnified Costs arising out of a breach of any representation or warranty contained in 0 ,   0 ,   0 ,   0 ,   0 ,   0 ,   0 ,   0 and 0 (the

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Fundamental Representations ”) may be made at any time and (ii) for Indemnified Costs arising out of a breach of any covenant may be made at any time.  

(b) Except as set forth in this Agreement, an Indemnified Party will not be entitled to any Indemnified Costs with respect to any individual Claim that does not equal or exceed 0.05% of the Purchase Price (the “ Individual Indemnity Threshold ”), and all such Claims that equal or exceed the Individual Indemnity Threshold must collectively also exceed the Indemnity Deductible, and thereafter, the Indemnified Party shall only be entitled to indemnity for the amount in excess of the Indemnity Deductible, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement.  Except as set forth below, the maximum aggregate liability of the SN Parties under 0 shall not exceed the Indemnity Cap.  Except as set forth below, the maximum aggregate liability of Buyer under 0 shall not exceed the Indemnity Cap.

(c) The limitations set forth above in this 0 shall not apply to any claim for indemnification under 0 with respect to any breach of (i) the Fundamental Representations or (ii) the indemnification obligations set forth in this 0 .

(d) With respect to Buyer Indemnified Costs incurred by the Company for which indemnification by the SN Parties is required hereunder, the SN Parties shall be obligated to indemnify the Buyer Indemnified Parties only for such Buyer Indemnified Costs only to the extent of Buyer’s 50% responsibility for such Buyer Indemnified Costs (with the other 50% of such Buyer Indemnified Costs being the obligation of the LLC Agreement’s counterparty).  With respect to Seller Indemnified Costs incurred by the Company for which indemnification by Buyer is required hereunder, Buyer shall be obligated to indemnify the Seller Indemnified Parties only for such Seller Indemnified Costs only to the extent of Seller’s 50% responsibility for such Seller Indemnified Costs (with the other 50% of such Seller Indemnified Costs being the obligation of LLC Agreement’s counterparty).

(e) Each Party acknowledges and agrees that, after the Closing Date, except as otherwise set forth in 0 and 0 , Buyer’s and the other Buyer Indemnified Parties’ and the SN Parties’ and the other Seller Indemnified Parties’ sole and exclusive remedy with respect to the Indemnified Costs shall be in accordance with, and limited by, the provisions set forth in this Article 0 .  

(f) For purposes of determining any Losses resulting from a breach of any of the SN Parties’ representations and warranties contained in 0 or 0 for which Buyer Indemnified Parties would be entitled to indemnification, any dollar or materiality qualifications in the SN Parties’ representations and warranties shall be disregarded.

Section 11.5 Tax Treatment of Payment of Indemnity Costs .  The SN Parties and Buyer agree that any payment of Indemnified Costs made hereunder will be treated by the Parties on their Tax Returns as an adjustment to the Purchase Price.

 

Section 11.6 Express Negligence Rule .  THE FOREGOING INDEMNITIES ARE INTENDED TO BE ENFORCEABLE AGAINST THE PARTIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXPRESS TERMS AND SCOPE THEREOF NOTWITHSTANDING ANY EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE RULE OR ANY SIMILAR DIRECTIVE THAT WOULD PROHIBIT OR

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OTHERWISE LIMIT INDEMNITIES BECAUSE OF THE SOLE, CONCURRENT, ACTIVE OR PASSIVE NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR FAULT OF ANY OF THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES.

 

ARTICLE XII.

MISCELLANEOUS  

Section 12.1 WAIVERS AND DISCLAIMERS .  NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND OTHER COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS MADE BY THE PARTIES IN THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES HERETO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT NONE OF THE PARTIES HAVE MADE, DOES NOT MAKE, AND EACH SUCH PARTY SPECIFICALLY NEGATES AND DISCLAIMS, ANY REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, PROMISES, COVENANTS, AGREEMENTS OR GUARANTIES OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, ORAL OR WRITTEN, PAST OR PRESENT, REGARDING (A) THE VALUE, NATURE, QUALITY OR CONDITION OF THE COMPANY OR ITS ASSETS, INCLUDING THE WATER, SOIL, GEOLOGY OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF THE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY GENERALLY, THE PRESENCE OR LACK OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES OR OTHER MATTERS ON THE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY; (B) THE INCOME TO BE DERIVED FROM THE COMPANY OR ITS ASSETS; (C) THE SUITABILITY OF THE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY FOR ANY AND ALL ACTIVITIES AND USES THAT MAY BE CONDUCTED THEREON; (D) THE COMPLIANCE OF OR BY THE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY OR ITS OPERATION WITH ANY APPLICABLE LAWS (INCLUDING ANY ZONING, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, POLLUTION OR LAND USE LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS, ORDERS OR REQUIREMENTS); OR (E) THE HABITABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY, MARKETABILITY, PROFITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, NONE OF THE PARTIES IS LIABLE OR BOUND IN ANY MANNER BY ANY ORAL OR WRITTEN STATEMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS OR INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE COMPANY OR ITS ASSETS FURNISHED BY ANY AGENT, EMPLOYEE, SERVANT OR THIRD PARTY. THIS SECTION 0 SHALL SURVIVE THE PURCHASE OF THE INTERESTS OR THE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 0 HAVE BEEN NEGOTIATED BY THE PARTIES AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION AND ARE INTENDED TO BE A COMPLETE EXCLUSION AND NEGATION OF ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPANY OR ITS ASSETS THAT MAY ARISE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW NOW OR HEREAFTER IN EFFECT, OR OTHERWISE, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.

 

Section 12.2 Expenses .  Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred by the Parties in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be borne solely and entirely by the Party which has incurred such expense. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) Buyer shall be responsible for all costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein and (ii) the SN Parties and their Affiliates shall be responsible for all costs

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and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by the audit committee of the board of directors of SN in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

Section 12.3 Severability .  Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be valid and effective under Applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement or the application of any such provision to any person or circumstance will be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision hereof, and the Parties will negotiate in good faith with a view to substitute for such provision a suitable and equitable solution in order to carry out, so far as may be valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision.

 

Section 12.4 Notice .  Any notice, communication, request, instruction or other document by any party to another required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and addressed as set forth below.  Any such notice, communication, request, instruction or other document shall be deemed to have been duly made or given and the receiving Party charged with notice as follows: (i) if personally delivered, when received; (ii) if sent by facsimile, with electronic confirmation of delivery, if sent during normal business hours on a Business Day, and if not sent during normal business hours on a Business Day, on the next subsequent Business Day; (iii) if mailed certified mail, return receipt requested, on the day such notice is received, and if such day is not a Business Day, on the next subsequent Business Day; or (iv) if sent by overnight courier, the next Business Day after placement into the custody of the overnight courier.  All notices shall be addressed as follows:

 

SN Parties:

Sanchez Energy Corporation

1000 Main Street, Suite 3000

Houston, Texas 77002

Attn: President

Fax: (713) 756 - 2784

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

1111 Louisiana St., 44th Floor

Houston, Texas  77002

Attention:  David Elder

Fax:  (713) 236 - 0822

 

Buyer:

Sanchez Production Partners LP

1000 Main Street, Suite 3000

Houston, Texas 77002

Attn: Chief Financial Officer

Fax: (832) 308 - 3720

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with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Andrews Kurth LLP

600 Travis, Suite 4200

Houston, Texas  77002

Attention:  Scott Olson

Fax:  (713) 238 - 7410

 

A Party may, by written notice so delivered to the other Parties, change its address for notice purposes hereunder.

Section 12.5 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Enforcement

 

 

(a) This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state.

(b) The Parties hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the State of Texas over any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, and each Party irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such dispute or proceeding shall be brought, heard and determined only in such courts. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the venue of any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute. Each Party agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Applicable Law.

(c) The Parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, each of the Parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, including an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any state or federal court located in the State of Texas, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Each of the Parties hereto further hereby waives (i) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (ii) any requirement under any law to post security as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.

Section 12.6 Confidentiality .

(a) Obligations . Each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to retain the other Party’s Confidential Information in confidence and not disclose the same to any third party nor use the same, except as authorized by the disclosing Party in writing or as expressly permitted in this 0 .  Each Party further agrees to take the same care with the other Party’s Confidential Information as it does with its own, but in no event less than a reasonable degree of care.  

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(b) Required Disclosure . Notwithstanding 0 above, if the receiving Party becomes legally compelled to disclose the Confidential Information by a court, Governmental Authority or Applicable Law, including the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or is required to disclose pursuant to the rules and regulations of any national securities exchange upon which the receiving Party or its parent entity is listed, any of the disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, the receiving Party shall promptly advise the disclosing Party of such requirement to disclose Confidential Information as soon as the receiving Party becomes aware that such a requirement to disclose might become effective, in order that, where possible, the disclosing Party may seek a protective order or such other remedy as the disclosing Party may consider appropriate in the circumstances.  The receiving Party shall disclose only that portion of the disclosing Party’s Confidential Information that it is required to disclose and shall cooperate with the disclosing Party in allowing the disclosing Party to obtain such protective order or other relief.

(c) Return of Information . Upon written request by the disclosing Party, all of the disclosing Party’s Confidential Information in whatever form shall be returned to the disclosing Party upon termination of this Agreement or destroyed with destruction certified by the receiving Party, without the receiving Party retaining copies thereof except that one copy of all such Confidential Information may be retained by a Party’s legal department for purposes of resolving any dispute that may arise hereunder or for complying with Applicable Law or the rules of any securities exchange applicable to the Party, and the receiving Party shall be entitled to retain any Confidential Information in electronic form stored on automatic computer back-up archiving systems during the period such backup or archived materials are retained under such Party’s customary procedures and policies; provided, however , that any Confidential Information retained by the receiving Party shall be maintained subject to confidentiality pursuant to the terms of this 0 , and such archived or back-up Confidential Information shall not be accessed except as required by Applicable Law.

(d) Receiving Party Personnel . The receiving Party will limit access to the Confidential Information of the disclosing Party to those of its employees, attorneys, representatives and contractors that have a need to know such information in order for the receiving Party to exercise or perform its rights and obligations under this Agreement (the “ Receiving Party Personnel ”).  The Receiving Party Personnel who have access to any Confidential Information of the disclosing Party will be made aware of the confidentiality provision of this Agreement, and will be required to abide by the terms thereof.    

(e) Survival . The obligation of confidentiality under this 0 shall survive until the second anniversary the Closing Date.

Section 12.7 Parties in Interest .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party hereto and their successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any other Person (other than the Indemnified Parties with respect to Article 0 ) any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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Section 12.8 Assignment of Agreement .  Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests, or obligations hereunder may be assigned by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party hereto.

 

Section 12.9 Captions .  The captions in this Agreement are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the interpretation hereof.

 

Section 12.10 Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including by facsimile or portable document format (pdf)) for the convenience of the Parties hereto, each of which counterparts will be deemed an original, but all of which counterparts together will constitute one and the same agreement.

 

Section 12.11 Integration .  This Agreement supersedes any previous understandings or agreements among the Parties, whether oral or written, with respect to their subject matter. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. No understanding, representation, promise or agreement, whether oral or written, is intended to be or shall be included in or form part of this Agreement unless it is contained in a written amendment hereto or thereto and executed by the Parties hereto or thereto after the date of this Agreement.

 

Section 12.12 Amendment; Waiver .  This Agreement may be amended only in a writing signed by all Parties. Any waiver of rights hereunder must be set forth in writing. A waiver of any breach or failure to enforce any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not in any way affect, limit or waive any Party’s rights at any time to enforce strict compliance thereafter with every term or condition of this Agreement. Any amendment or waiver executed by any of the Parties or their respective subsidiaries shall not be effective unless and until the execution of such amendment or waiver has been approved by, with respect to Buyer, the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner, and with respect to the SN Parties, the audit committee of the board of directors of SN.

 

Section 12.13 Mitigation .  Each Party shall take all reasonable steps, and shall reasonably cooperate with the other Parties in good faith, to mitigate damages in respect of any Claim under Article 0 for which it or another Buyer Indemnified Party or Seller Indemnified Party, as applicable, is seeking indemnification and shall use reasonable efforts to avoid any costs or expenses associated with such Claim and, if such costs and expenses cannot be avoided, to minimize the amount thereof.  Further, no Party shall take nor fail to take any action, which action or inaction induces, incentivizes or otherwise is reasonably likely to lead a third party to make a Claim against a Buyer Indemnified Party or Seller Indemnified Party, for which it seeks indemnification under Article 0 .

 

Section 12.14 Privileged Information  The SN Parties and Buyer and its and their respective successors and assigns, hereby acknowledge and agree that all attorney-client privileged communications between or among the Company’s members (involving the SN Parties), the Company and their respective counsel, including, without limitation, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP, made in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and closing under, or any dispute or proceeding arising solely in connection with, this Agreement which, immediately prior to the Closing, would be deemed to be privileged communications of the

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Company, its members and/or their counsel and would not be subject to disclosure to Buyer in connection with any process relating to a dispute arising under or in connection with this Agreement, shall continue after the Closing to be privileged communications with such counsel, and neither Buyer, the Company, nor any Person purporting to act on behalf of or through Buyer or the Company, shall seek to obtain the same by any process on the grounds that the privilege attaching to such communications belongs to the Company, and not the Company members (it being understood that the foregoing shall not apply to any communications between the Company and its counsel not made in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and closing under, or any dispute or proceeding arising solely in connection with, this Agreement). 

 

ARTICLE XIII.

INTERPRETATION  

Section 13.1 Interpretation .  It is expressly agreed that this Agreement shall not be construed against any Party, and no consideration shall be given or presumption made, on the basis of who drafted this Agreement or any particular provision hereof or who supplied the form of Agreement. Each Party agrees that this Agreement has been purposefully drawn and correctly reflects its understanding of the transaction that this Agreement contemplates. In construing this Agreement:

 

(a) examples shall not be construed to limit, expressly or by implication, the matter they illustrate;

(b) the word “includes” and its derivatives means “includes, but is not limited to” and corresponding derivative expressions;

(c) a defined term has its defined meaning throughout this Agreement and each Exhibit to this Agreement, regardless of whether it appears before or after the place where it is defined;

(d) each Exhibit to this Agreement is a part of this Agreement, but if there is any conflict or inconsistency between the main body of this Agreement and any Exhibit, the provisions of the main body of this Agreement shall prevail;

(e) the term “cost” includes expense and the term “expense” includes cost;

(f) the headings and titles herein are for convenience only and shall have no significance in the interpretation hereof;

(g) currency amounts referenced herein, unless otherwise specified, are in U.S. Dollars;

(h) unless the context otherwise requires, all references to time shall mean time in Houston, Texas;

(i) whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified; and

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(j) if a term is defined as one part of speech (such as a noun), it shall have a corresponding meaning when used as another part of speech (such as a verb).

Section 13.2 References, Gender, Number .  All references in this Agreement to an “ Article ,” “ Section ,” “ subsection ” or “ Exhibit ” shall be to an Article, Section, subsection or Exhibit of this Agreement, unless the context requires otherwise. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the words “this Agreement,” “hereof,” “hereunder,” “herein,” “hereby,” or words of similar import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to a particular Article, Section, subsection, clause or other subdivision hereof. Cross references in this Agreement to a subsection or a clause within a Section may be made by reference to the number or other subdivision reference of such subsection or clause preceded by the word “Section.” Whenever the context requires, the words used herein shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter gender, and the singular and the plural.

 

[ Signature page follows. ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

SANCHEZ ENERGY CORPORATION

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Chris Heinson

 

Name:

Chris Heinson

 

Title:

Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

SN MIDSTREAM, LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Chris Heinson

 

Name:

Chris Heinson

 

Title:

Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

 

 

SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP

 

 

 

By:

Sanchez Production Partners GP LLC, as General Partner

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Chuck Ward

 

Name:

Chuck Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 


Exhibit 10.3

 

Execution Version

 

FOURTH AMENDMENT
TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

This FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”), dated as of July 5, 2016, is among SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), the guarantors party hereto (the “ Guarantors ”), each of the Lenders party hereto, and ROYAL BANK OF CANADA , as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”), and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ Collateral Agent ”), and relates to that certain Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2015 (as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “ Existing Credit Agreement ”; and as amended hereby, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, and ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, as letter of credit issuer.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Borrower intends to enter into that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement between Sanchez Energy Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ SN ”), SN Midstream, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ SN Midstream ”), and the Borrower on or about July 5, 2016 (the “ Carnero PSA ”), pursuant to which the Borrower intends to acquire from SN Midstream fifty percent (50%) of the equity of Carnero Gathering, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Carnero Gathering ”), which owns certain midstream oil and gas assets located in Webb County, Texas, as more particularly described in the Carnero PSA, for approximately $37,000,000 (such acquisition, the “ Carnero Acquisition ”);

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to make certain amendments to the Existing Credit Agreement to allow the Borrower to acquire Carnero Gathering and make investments in certain other joint ventures on the terms and conditions provided herein;

WHEREAS, the parties hereto also desire to correct certain scrivener’s errors in the Existing Credit Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Section 12.02 of the Existing Credit Agreement provides that the Borrower and the Lenders may amend the Existing Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents for certain purposes;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

Section 1.     Definitions .  Unless otherwise defined in this Amendment, each capitalized term used in this Amendment has the meaning assigned to such term in the Credit Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Section 2.     Amendments to the Credit Agreement .  The Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

(a)     The fourth paragraph in the Recitals of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to replace the reference to “[_______], 2015” therein with “September 25, 2015” and to replace the reference to “$[320,000,000]” therein with“$348,840,250”.

(b)     Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating the definition of “First Amendment Effective Date” therein with the definition below of “Second Amendment Effective Date”, and inserting such term in the appropriate alphabetical order:

Second Amendment Effective Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in that certain Joinder, Assignment and Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 14, 2015, among the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.

Each reference in the Credit Agreement to the defined term “First Amendment Effective Date” shall hereby be amended and replaced with the defined term “Second Amendment Effective Date”.

(c)     Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting the following defined terms therein in the appropriate alphabetical order:

Carnero Gathering Agreement ” means that certain Firm Gas Gathering Agreement by and among SN, SN Catarina and TPL SouthTex Processing Company dated as of October 2, 2015.

Carnero Services Agreement ” means that certain Services and Secondment Agreement between Carnero Gathering LLC, as owner, and TPL SouthTex Processing Company, as service provider, dated as of June 23, 2016.

Carnero Transportation Services Agreement ” means that certain Amended and Restated Transportation Services Agreement between Carnero Gathering LLC, as owner, and TPL SouthTex Processing Company LP, as shipper, dated as of June 23, 2016.

Excess Cash ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.03(c)(iv) .

Joint Venture ” means, as to any Person, any other Person (a) in which such Person owns fifty percent (50%) or less of an interest in the profits or capital of such other Person or lacks sufficient Equity Interests or other voting ownership interest to enable such Person ordinarily to elect a majority of the directors of such other Person and (b) the business purpose of which is to engage in Midstream Activities by acquiring or constructing, and thereafter owning and operating, Midstream Properties that are related by project type or class, geography or other similar characteristics, of the same type conducted by the Borrower or a Subsidiary.  The definition of “Joint Venture” shall include Carnero Gathering, LLC.

Midstream Activities ” means with respect to any Person, collectively, (i) gathering, compressing, treating, processing and transporting natural gas, crude, condensate and

 

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natural gas liquids, (ii) fractionating and transporting natural gas, crude, condensate and natural gas liquids, (iii) marketing natural gas, crude, condensate and natural gas liquids, and (iv) water distribution, supply, treatment and disposal services, and all other similar activities.

Permitted Joint Venture Debt ” means, with respect to any Joint Venture, its accounts payable and other accrued expenses, liabilities or obligations to pay for the deferred purchase price of Property or services from time to time incurred in the ordinary course of business with respect to which no more than 90 days have elapsed since the date of invoice therefor or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP.

Trigger Event ” means, with respect to any Joint Venture from which the Borrower has included any dividends or distributions actually received in cash for purposes of calculating Midstream Adjusted EBITDA of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, the occurrence of any of the following:

(a) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall cease to own and control directly or indirectly at least the amount of Equity Interests or other voting ownership of such Joint Venture that the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries initially owned;

(b) the incurrence, creation, assumption or existence of any Debt by such Joint Venture other than Permitted Joint Venture Debt;

(c) the sale, distribution or other disposition by such Joint Venture of a material portion of its assets or properties outside the ordinary course of business such that the approval or consent of a specified percentage of the members or other holders of voting Equity Interests of such Joint Venture or, if applicable, the board or other applicable managing body of such Joint Venture, is required under the terms of such Joint Venture’s organizational documents;

(d) the incurrence, creation, assumption or existence of any Lien on the assets or properties of such Joint Venture other than Excepted Liens;

(e) the amendment, waiver or other modification of any gathering, compressing, processing, transportation, services or other commercial agreement (including, without limitation, the Carnero Transportation Services Agreement and the Carnero Gathering Agreement) to which the primary revenues of such Joint Venture are attributable if the effect of such amendment, waiver or other modification is to reduce (or could reasonably be expected to reduce) in any material respect any minimum committed volumes or minimum committed service level thereunder; or

(f) such Joint Venture shall voluntarily declare bankruptcy, or file a petition or otherwise seek protection under any federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization law, or commence liquidation, winding up, dissolution, recapitalization or reorganization.

 

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(d)     Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending the definition of “Applicable Margin” to replace the pricing table therein with the following:

 

 

 

 

Borrowing Base Utilization Percentage

Eurodollar Loan

ABR Loan

Commitment Fee Rate

> 90%

3.25%

2.25%

0.500%

> 75% < 90%

3.00%

2.00%

0.500%

> 50% < 75%

2.75%

1.75%

0.500%

> 25% < 50%

2.50%

1.50%

0.500%

< 25%

2.25%

1.25%

0.500%

 

 

 

 

 

(e)     Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending the definition of “Catarina Gathering Agreement” to replace the reference to “[____________]” therein with “October 14, 2015”.

(f)     Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending the definition of “Midstream Adjusted EBITDA” to add the following paragraph at the end thereof:

“For purposes of computing Midstream Adjusted EBITDA for any period, so long as no Trigger Event has occurred and is continuing, Adjusted EBITDA shall be increased by the aggregate amount of dividends or distributions actually received in cash during such period by the Borrower or any Consolidated Subsidiaries from any Joint Venture for which the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent the financial statements thereof in accordance with Section 8.01(r) , provided that the aggregate amount attributable to such dividends or distributions actually received from such Joint Venture shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the Midstream Adjusted EBITDA (as increased by such dividends or distributions received from such Joint Venture) of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for such period.”

(g)     Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending the definition of “Midstream Properties” to replace the instance of the “the Borrower and its Subsidiaries” therein with “the Borrower, the Borrower’s Subsidiaries, and any Joint Venture”.

(h)     Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending the definition of “Subsidiary” to add the following sentence at the end thereof:

“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the definition of Subsidiary shall not include Carnero Gathering, LLC or any other Joint Venture.”

(i)     Section 2.07(h) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to renumber “clause (ii)” therein as “clause (i)” and to renumber “clause (iii)” therein to “clause (ii)”.

(j)     Each reference in the Credit Agreement to “ Section 2.07(h)(iii) ” shall be amended and replaced with “ Section 2.07(h)(ii) ”.

 

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(k)     Section 3.03(c) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i) renumbering “clause (iv)” therein to “clause (v)” and (ii) inserting the following as “clause (iv)” therein:

“(iv)    Excess Cash Balances. If at any time while there are any Borrowings outstanding, the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries have any cash or cash equivalents (other than cash in Cash Collateral Accounts) in excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate at any time (other than any cash set aside to pay dividends or distributions to the Borrower’s Equity Interest holders and its Consolidated Subsidiaries’ Equity Interest holders in the next ninety (90) days) (the " Excess Cash "), then the Borrower shall prepay the Borrowings in an amount equal to the Excess Cash within three (3) Business Days after such Excess Cash exists; provided that to the extent that any Excess Cash results from the receipt of the proceeds of any sale or disposition of Property, then the Borrower shall not be required to prepay such Excess Cash until the fifth Business Day following the receipt of such proceeds. Each prepayment of Borrowings pursuant to this Section 3.03(c)(iv) shall be applied as directed by the Borrower, provided that if the Borrower does not provide instructions for the application of such prepayment, such prepayment shall be applied, first, ratably to any ABR Borrowings then outstanding, and, second, to any Eurodollar Borrowings then outstanding, and if more than one Eurodollar Borrowing is then outstanding, to each such Eurodollar Borrowing in order of priority beginning with the Eurodollar Borrowing with the least number of days remaining in the Interest Period applicable thereto and ending with the Eurodollar Borrowing with the most number of days remaining in the Interest Period applicable thereto. Each prepayment of Borrowings pursuant to this Section 3.03(c)(iv) shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowings.”

(l)     Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting a new clause (f) therein immediately after clause (e) therein, to read as follows:

“(f)      At the time of, and immediately after giving effect to, such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries shall not have any cash or cash equivalents (other than cash in Cash Collateral Accounts) in excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate (other than any cash set aside to pay dividends or distributions to the Borrower’s Equity Interest holders and its Consolidated Subsidiaries’ Equity Interest holders in the next ninety (90) days ).”

(m)     Section 7.17(a) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the instance of “80%” therein with “90%”.

(n)     Section 7.18(c) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to replace the reference therein to “80%” to “90%”.

(o)     Section 7.22 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the reference to “[_________]” in the first line thereof with “the Second Amendment Effective Date”, and replacing the word “hereof” in the second sentence therein with the word “thereof”.

(p)     Section 7.23 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i) adding immediately after the term “Palmetto Acquisition” therein the phrase “and investments in Joint Ventures

 

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permitted under Section 9.05(i) ”, and (ii) replacing the reference to the term “RBL Component” in clause (b) therein with the term “Loan Limit” .  

(q)     Section 8.01(j) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to delete the footnote reference at the end of thereof.

(r)     Section 8.01(p) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating the parenthetical therein to read as follows:

“(including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice given by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under Section 3.3 ,   3.6 ,   5.2 ,   9.1 ,   10.1 or 11.4 )”

(s)     Section 8.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting a new clause (r) therein immediately after the existing clause (q) therein, to read as follows:

“(r)      Joint Venture Financial and Other Notice Information . If Borrower has included any dividends or distributions actually received in cash from any Joint Venture for purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for the most recently ended fiscal quarter, then simultaneously with the delivery of the financial statements and certificates required to be delivered pursuant to Section 8.01(a) or Section 8.01(b) , the Borrower shall deliver unaudited quarterly financial statements (with respect to the first three (3) fiscal quarters) and audited year-end financial statements provided to the Borrower by any Joint Venture.  For any Joint Venture that the Borrower has included the amount of dividends or distributions actually received in cash from such Joint Venture for purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, the Borrower shall promptly furnish to the Administrative Agent, copies of any material notices, reports or other information about the business affairs and financial condition of such Joint Venture that the Joint Venture is required to deliver to its equityholders, after the Joint Venture delivers such information to the holders of its Equity Interests.”

(t)     Section 8.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting a new clause (s) therein, to read as follows:

“(s)    Excess Cash Reporting .  No later than one (1) Business Day following the date that the Borrower determines that the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries shall hold Excess Cash, written notice thereof together with, in reasonable detail, the aggregate amount of cash and cash equivalents then held by the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, account information with respect to each deposit bank account (or, if applicable, securities account) in which such cash and cash equivalents are then held, the amount of the Excess Cash, the anticipated payment date of any repayment required pursuant to Section 3.02(c)(iv) , and information concerning any cash or cash equivalents held by the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries that is excluded from the definition of “Excess Cash”.”

 

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(u)     Section 8.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting a new clause (t) therein, to read as follows:

“(t)    Promptly but in any event within one (1) Business Day following request therefor, such information as the Administrative Agent shall have requested with respect to the cash and cash equivalents then held by the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, information of the types described in the foregoing clause (s) of this Section 8.01 .”

(v)     Section 8.12(a)(i) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the instance of “80%” therein with “90%”.

(w)     Section 8.12(b)(x) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the instance of “80%” therein with “90%”.

(x)     Section 8.12(c) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by replacing each instance of “80%” therein with “90%”.

(y)     Section 8.13 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i) replacing each instance of “80%” in clause (a) therein with “90%”, and (ii) inserting new clauses (c) and (d) therein immediately after the existing clause (b) therein, to read as follows:

“(c)    In the event that the Borrower or any Subsidiary acquires Equity Interest or other ownership interest in any Joint Venture, then the Borrower shall, or shall cause such Subsidiary to, promptly pledge all of its Equity Interest in such Joint Venture (including, without limitation, delivering any original stock or membership interest certificates (if such interests are certificated) evidencing all of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of such Joint Venture to the Collateral Agent, together with appropriate undated stock powers, or other equivalent instruments of transfer reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent, for each certificate duly executed in blank by the owner thereof) and execute and deliver such other additional closing documents, certificates and legal opinions as shall reasonably be requested by the Administrative Agent or its designee, including without limitation,   the execution and delivery of a supplement to the Pledge and Security Agreement in the form of Annex 1 to the Pledge and Security Agreement.

(d)     The Borrower shall, and shall cause each Guarantor to, do all things reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent in accordance with the Pledge and Security Agreement in order to enable the Collateral Agent to have and maintain “control” (as defined in the UCC) pursuant to an account control agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent over the each of the Borrower’s and such Guarantor’s deposit accounts (as listed in Item G of Schedule II to the Pledge and Security Agreement).”

(z)     Section 8.16 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the instance of “80%” therein with “90%”.

(aa)   Clause (iii) of Section 9.04 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the reference to “RBL Component” therein and replacing it with “Loan Limit”.

 

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(bb)   Section 9.05 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the “or” at the end of clause (g) therein, replacing the period at the end of clause (h) therein with “; or” and adding a new clause (i) therein to read as follows:

“(i)     Investments in any Joint Venture so long as  (i) prior to making such Investment, the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent a certificate from a Responsible Officer giving notice of its proposed investment in such Joint Venture and acknowledging its undertaking to pledge the Equity Interests of such Joint Venture and deliver such other additional closing documents and certificates in compliance with Section 8.13 of this Agreement, (ii)  there shall remain at least 20% of unused borrowing capacity that can be accessed under the Borrowing Base after giving effect thereto, and (iii) no Default or Event of Default shall exist or result therefrom.”

(cc)   Article IX of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to insert a new Section 9.23 therein immediately after the existing Section 9.22 therein, to read as follows:

“Section 9.23     Joint Ventures .  (a) With respect to any Joint Venture, if the Borrower or a Subsidiary is the voting party on any matter with respect to the management and operations of such Joint Venture, neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall, without the consent of the Majority Lenders, vote in favor of, approve or consent to (i) the incurrence, creation, assumption or existence of any Debt by such Joint Venture other than Permitted Joint Venture Debt, (ii) the sale, distribution or other disposition of any material portion of the assets or properties by such Joint Venture outside the ordinary course of business such that the approval or consent of a specified percentage of the members or other holders of voting Equity Interests of such Joint Venture or, if applicable, the board or other applicable managing body of such Joint Venture, is required under the terms of such Joint Venture’s organizational documents, (iii) the incurrence, creation, assumption or existence of Liens by such Joint Venture other than Excepted Liens, or (iv) the amendment, waiver or other modification of any material gathering, compressing, processing, transportation, services or other commercial agreement (including, without limitation, the Carnero Transportation Services Agreement and the Carnero Gathering Agreement) to which the primary revenues of such Joint Venture are attributable if the effect of such amendment, waiver or modification is to reduce (or could reasonably be expected to reduce) in any material respect any minimum committed volumes or minimum committed service level thereunder.

(b) If a Joint Venture is managed by a board of directors or other managing body, then (x) neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall, without the consent of the Majority Lenders, instruct its representative(s) on the board or other managing body to vote for (i) the incurrence, creation, assumption or existence of any Debt by such Joint Venture other than Permitted Joint Venture Debt, (ii) the sale, distribution or other disposition of any material portion of the assets or properties by such Joint Venture outside the ordinary course of business such that the approval or consent of a specified percentage of the members or other holders of voting Equity Interests of such Joint Venture or, if applicable, the board or other applicable managing body of such Joint Venture, is required under the terms of such Joint Venture’s organizational documents, (iii) the incurrence, creation, assumption or existence of Liens by such Joint Venture other than Excepted Liens, or (iv) the amendment, waiver or other modification of any material gathering, compressing,

 

8

 

 


 

processing, transportation, services or other commercial agreement (including, without limitation, the Carnero Transportation Services Agreement and the Carnero Gathering Agreement) to which the primary revenues of such Joint Venture are attributable if the effect of such amendment, waiver or modification is to reduce (or could reasonably be expected to reduce) in any material respect any minimum committed volumes or minimum committed service level thereunder and (y) the Borrower and each Subsidiary shall expressly instruct its representative(s) on the board or other managing body to oppose any proposal to vote in favor of, consent to or approve any of the foregoing actions or events.

Section 3.     Ratification .  Except as expressly amended, modified or waived herein, each of the Borrower and the Guarantors hereby ratifies and confirms all of the Obligations under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, and all references to the Credit Agreement, the Mortgages and the Notes in any of the Loan Documents shall be deemed to be references to the Credit Agreement, the Mortgages and the Notes as amended, modified or waived hereby.

Section 4.     Effectiveness .  This Amendment shall become effective on the date (the “ Amendment Effective Date ”) on which each of the following conditions is satisfied:

(a)     the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts of this Amendment executed by the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Borrower, the Guarantors and the Lenders;

(b)     the Administrative Agent shall have received: (A) reasonably satisfactory evidence that, upon the consummation of the Carnero Acquisition, the Borrower has (or contemporaneously with the Amendment Effective Date, shall have) acquired, pursuant to the Carnero PSA, the equity interest of Carnero Gathering described therein, free of any Liens other than Excepted Liens and Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent; (B) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the General Partner (1) certifying that, upon the consummation of the Carnero Acquisition, the Borrower has (or will have) consummated the acquisition contemplated by the Carnero PSA substantially in accordance with its terms and all conditions to the obligations of the parties set forth in the Carnero PSA (other than the payment of the purchase price thereunder) shall have been satisfied or waived, and no provision thereof shall have been waived, amended, supplemented or otherwise modified to the extent such waiver, amendment, supplement or other modification would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Lenders (except as otherwise agreed by the Lenders), (2) certifying that the equity interest described in the Carnero PSA has been (or is to be) acquired pursuant to the Carnero PSA, (3) certifying as to the final purchase price paid (or to be paid) under the Carnero PSA after giving effect to all adjustments as of the closing date for such acquisition, and specifying, by category, the amount of such adjustment, and (4) certifying that attached thereto is a true and complete executed copy of the Carnero PSA pursuant to which the Borrower has acquired (or will acquire) such equity interests, together with true and complete copies of the Services and Secondment Agreement between Carnero Gathering and TPL SouthTex Processing Company LP (“ TPL SouthTex ”) dated as of June 23, 2016, the Amended and Restated Transportation Services Agreement between Carnero Gathering and TPL SouthTex dated as of June 23, 2016, and the Firm Gas Gathering Agreement by and among Sanchez Energy Corporation, SN Catarina, LLC and TPL SouthTex Processing Company dated as of October 2, 2015; and (C)   duly executed releases

 

9

 

 


 

and/or terminations of any financing statements or other encumbrances specifically referencing and burdening such equity interest, if any;

(c)     the Collateral Agent shall have received (i) from the Borrower duly executed counterparts (in such number as may be requested by the Administrative Agent) of a supplement to the Pledge and Security Agreement (with respect to its Equity Interests in Carnero Gathering), and (ii) one or more original membership interest certificates evidencing all of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Carnero Gathering acquired by the Borrower, together with the appropriate undated stock powers, or other equivalent instruments of transfer reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, for each certificate duly executed in blank by the owner of such Equity Interests;

(d)     the Borrower and each Guarantor shall have confirmed and acknowledged to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and by its execution and delivery of this Amendment the Borrower and each Guarantor do hereby confirm and acknowledge to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, that (i) the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment has been duly authorized by all requisite limited partnership or limited liability company action, as applicable, on the part of the Borrower or such Guarantor, as applicable, (ii) the Credit Agreement and each other Loan Document to which it is a party constitute valid and legally binding agreements enforceable against the Borrower or such Guarantor, as applicable, in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or other similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity, (iii) the representations and warranties of the Borrower or such Guarantor, if any, set forth in the Credit Agreement and in each other Loan Document to which it is a party, shall be true and correct on and as of the Amendment Effective Date, except to the extent any such representations and warranties are expressly limited to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct as of such specified earlier date, (iv) no Default or Event of Default exists under the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents and (v) since December 31, 2014, there has been no event, development or circumstance that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(e)     the Borrower shall have paid all agreed fees to the extent due and payable in connection with this Amendment and paid or reimbursed the Administrative Agent for all its reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and execution and delivery of this Amendment (including the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of Mayer Brown LLP), in each case, to the extent provided in Section 12.03 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 5.     Authorization of Collateral Agent .  The Lenders hereby authorize the Collateral Agent to supplement or otherwise amend that certain Pledge and Security Agreement to include the Borrower’s Equity Interest in Carnero Gathering as Collateral and to make other conforming changes related thereto.

Section 6.     Governing Law .  THIS AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND

 

10

 

 


 

CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 7.     Miscellaneous .

(a)     On and after the Amendment Effective Date, each reference in the Credit Agreement to “this Agreement”, “hereunder”, “hereof” or words of like import, referring to the Credit Agreement, and each reference in each other Loan Document to “the Credit Agreement”, “thereunder”, “thereof” or words of like import referring to the Credit Agreement, shall mean and be a reference to the Existing Credit Agreement as amended or otherwise modified by this Amendment.  This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document for purposes of the Credit Agreement.

(b)     The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not, except as expressly provided herein, operate as a waiver of any default of the Borrower  or any Guarantor or any right, power or remedy of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under any of the Loan Documents, nor constitute a waiver of any provision of any of the Loan Documents.

(c)     Each of the Borrower and each Guarantor represents and warrants that as of the date hereof (i) it has the limited partnership or limited liability company power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the terms and provisions of this Amendment, has taken all necessary limited partnership or limited liability company action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment, delivery and performance of this Amendment does not and will not contravene the terms of the Borrower’s or such Guarantor’s, as applicable, organizational documents; (ii) it has duly executed and delivered this Amendment and this Amendment constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower or such Guarantor enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or law); (iii) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and (iv) no action, suit, investigation or other proceeding is pending or threatened before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority seeking to restrain, enjoin or prohibit or declare illegal, or seeking damages from the Borrower in connection with this Amendment or which could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 8.     Severability .  Any provisions of this Amendment held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable shall not impair or invalidate the remainder of this Amendment and the effect thereof shall be confined to the provisions so held to be invalid.

Section 9.     Successors and Assigns .  This Amendment is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the Issuer, the Borrower and each Guarantor and their respective successors and assigns.

Section 10.     Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one agreement, and any of the parties hereto may execute this Amendment by signing any such counterpart.  Delivery of an executed

 

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counterpart of a signature page to this Amendment by telecopier or electronically by .pdf shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment.

Section 11.     Headings .  The headings, captions and arrangements used in this Amendment are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Amendment or any other Loan Document.

Section 12.     Integration .  This Amendment represents the final agreement of the Borrower, each Guarantor, the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent, the Issuer, and the Lenders with respect to the subject matter hereof, and there are no promises, undertakings, representations or warranties by the Borrower, any Guarantor, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Issuer, nor any Lender relative to subject matter hereof not expressly set forth or referred to herein.

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Amendment to be executed by its officer(s) thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above written.

 

SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP, as Borrower

 

 

 

By:

SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS GP LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

CEP MID-CONTINENT LLC,

 

as a Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

NORTHEAST SHELF ENERGY, L.L.C.,

 

as a Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

MID-CONTINENT OILFIELD SUPPLY, L.L.C.,

 

as a Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

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SEP HOLDINGS IV, LLC,

 

as a Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

CATARINA MIDSTREAM, LLC,

 

as a Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles C. Ward

 

Name:

Charles C. Ward

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

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ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

 

as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Yvonne Brazier

 

Name:

Yvonne Brazier

 

Title:

Manager, Agency

 

 

 

 

 

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

 

as a Lender and the Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Mark Lumpkin, Jr.

 

Name:

Mark Lumpkin, Jr.

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

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CIT BANK, N.A. (f/k/a OneWest Bank, N.A.),

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Zachary Holly

 

Name:

Zachary Holly

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

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COMPASS BANK,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Mark H. Wolf

 

Name:

Mark H. Wolf

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

 

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SUNTRUST BANK,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  John Kovarik

 

Name:

John Kovarik

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

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CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Matthew Brice

 

Name:

Matthew Brice

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

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CITIBANK, N.A.,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Cliff Vaz

 

Name:

Cliff Vaz

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

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COMERICA BANK,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Jeff Treadway

 

Name:

Jeff Treadway

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

S - 9


 

 

 

 

CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Nupur Kumar

 

Name:

Nupur Kumar

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Max Wallins

 

Name:

Max Wallins

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

 

 

S - 10


 

 

 

 

ING CAPITAL LLC,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Josh Strong

 

Name:

Josh Strong

 

Title:

Director

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Charles Hall

 

Name:

Charles Hall

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

 

S - 11


 

Exhibit 31.1

Sanchez Production PARTNERS L P  

CERTIFICATION

I, Gerry F. Willinger , certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q   of Sanchez Production Partners L P ;  

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Managers (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 12 , 201 6  

 

/s/ Gerry F. Willinger

 

Gerry F. Willinger

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

Sanchez Production Partners GP, LLC, as general partner of Sanchez Production Partners LP

(Principal Executive Officer)

 


Exhibit 31.2

SANCHEZ PRODUCTION PARTNERS L P  

CERTIFICATION

I, Charles C. Ward, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q of Sanchez Production Partners L P ;  

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Managers (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 12 , 201 6  

 

 

 

/s/ Charles C. Ward

 

Charles C. Ward

 

Chief Financial Officer , Treasurer and Secretary

 

Sanchez Production Partners GP, LLC, as general partner of Sanchez Production Partners LP

(Principal Financial Officer)

 


 

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Gerry F. Willinger ,   Chief Executive Officer of Sanchez Production Partners GP, LLC, as general partner of Sanchez Production Partners LP , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that to my knowledge:

(i) The accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q for the quarter ended June 30 , 201 6 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(ii) The information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Sanchez Production Partners L P .  

 

 

 

/s/ Gerry F. Willinger

 

Gerry F. Willinger

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

Sanchez Production Partners GP, LLC, as general partner of Sanchez Production Partners LP

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

Date: August 12, 201 6

 

 


Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Charles C. Ward, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of Sanchez Production Partners GP, LLC, as general partner of Sanchez Production Partners LP , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that to my knowledge:

(i) The accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q for the quarter ended June 30 , 201 6 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(ii) The information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Sanchez Production Partners L P .  

 

 

 

/s/ Charles C. Ward

 

Charles C. Ward

 

Chief Financial Officer,   Treasurer and Secretary

 

Sanchez Production Partners GP, LLC, as general partner of Sanchez Production Partners LP

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

Date: August 12 , 201 6