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EDGE PETROLEUM CORP
|
8-K
Oct 2, 9:06 AM ET
EDGE PETROLEUM CORP 8-K
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Contents
261
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS
“Employee Benefit Plans” means any employment, compensation, pension, welfare, healthcare, bonus, incentive compensation, sick leave and other leave, vacation pay, expense, reimbursement, dependent care, retirement, savings, deferred compensation, supplemental pension, retention, workers compensation, life insurance, disability, dependent care, dependent healthcare, education, severance or other compensation or benefit plan, agreement or arrangement for the benefit of the current or former directors, offices or employees (whether salaries or hourly, active or retired) of a Sub.
ARTICLE II SALE AND PURCHASE OF EQUITY INTERESTS
(a) Sale of Equity Interests. Subject to the entry of the Confirmation Order and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan, at the Closing Seller shall cause the Subs to issue, sell and transfer the Equity Interests of the reorganized Subs to Buyer, free and clear of all Liens and Claims and Buyer shall purchase and acquire from the Subs at the Closing the Equity Interests. The liabilities to be assumed by the reorganized Seller shall be subject to the terms of the Plan and the Confirmation Order, and the reorganized Seller and each Sub shall have no liabilities other than those expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Sale Order, the Plan and the Confirmation Order.
(b) Assets & Liabilities of Each Sub at the Closing Date. As of the Closing, the Subs will own:
(i) cash equal to the amount of Prepaid JOA Funds and Suspense Funds; and
(ii) the Properties save and except the Retained Properties, the Affected Property, the Affected Seller Properties retained by Seller, and the Non-Transferred Properties.
(a) Notwithstanding any conflicting or inconsistent provision of this Agreement, Seller’s obligations under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby are subject to and contingent upon the approval and authorization of the Bankruptcy Court. Within five (5) Business Days of the date hereof (the “Petition Date”), each of the Seller and the Subs shall commence the Bankruptcy Cases. Within two (2) Business Days following the Petition Date, Seller shall file the Bidding Procedures and Sale Motion pursuant to Sections 105, 363, 365 and 1123(b) of the Bankruptcy Code seeking entry of the Bidding Procedures Order containing, among other things, (i) the bidding procedures described therein, (ii) the Break Up Fee, the Expense Reimbursement, and the No-Shop Provisions, (iii) the scheduling of an auction (the “Auction”) and a hearing to consider the approval of the sale to Buyer or the Winning Bidder of (A) the Equity Interests or (B) substantially all of the assets (other than the Equity Interests) of Seller and the Subs (which in any event shall include all of Seller’s and Subs’ interest in the Lands, Leases, Wells, Facilities, Easements, Hydrocarbons, Permits, Records, Fee Interests, partnership interests of any Sub affecting any of the Properties and specifically including its proprietary 3D seismic, license agreements and operating systems that may be assigned without the payment of a fee, but which shall not be required to include Retained Properties, Affected Properties, or Affected Seller Properties, to the extent retained by the Seller in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, or the Non-Transferred Properties) (the “Sale Hearing”), and (iv) the form and manner of notice of the Sale Hearing.
(b) Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain entry of the Bidding Procedures Order, but in no event shall the hearing on the Bidding Procedures Order be held later than thirty (30) days after the Petition Date. The Bidding Procedures Order shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit F (as may be amended or the date therein extended from time to time with the prior written consent of Seller and Buyer).
(c) Seller agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain entry of the Confirmation Order, to be entered within 90 days after the Petition Date.
(d) In the event the Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court with respect to the Bidding Procedures Order is appealed, Seller shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to defend such appeal.
ARTICLE III PURCHASE PRICE
ARTICLE IV ADJUSTMENTS TO PURCHASE PRICE
4.1.1 the amount of any direct costs and expenses incurred and actually paid or to be paid by Seller or the Subs (including, without duplication, charges properly payable under any applicable joint operating agreement or other agreement providing for joint interest billings) that are attributable to acquiring, owning, operating, producing and maintaining the Properties during the period of time from the Effective Time through the Closing Date (excluding any such costs and expenses to be paid which are excused, rejected or otherwise no longer payable by Seller or the Subs pursuant to an Order of the Bankruptcy Court), including capital expenditures (but excluding any capitalized (i) interest or (ii) general and administrative expenses) and general and
administrative costs reimbursements not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$500,000) per month;
4.1.2 to the extent such proceeds were not received by Seller or Subs as of the Closing Date or were received by Subs before the Closing Date and were not distributed to Seller in accordance with Section 7.8, the value of the following items, net of any applicable severance taxes and royalties which are the obligation of Buyer: (a) all oil and other Hydrocarbons in pipelines or in tanks above the pipelines or in tanks above the pipeline sales connection, which value shall be determined by multiplying $50/bbl times the volume, in each case at the Effective Time that is credited to the Properties, (b) all unsold inventory of gas plant products attributable to the Properties at the Effective Time, each such value to be the market value or, if applicable, the contract price in effect as of the Effective Time, and (c) all gas imbalance volumes related to the Properties owed to Seller or Subs by a third party as of the Effective Time multiplied by $3.00 MMBtu;
4.1.3 without duplication of 4.1.2, the amount of all proceeds (i) paid to Buyer, (ii) which are paid to Subs after the Closing Date, or (iii) which were paid to Subs prior to the Closing Date but which were not distributed to Seller pursuant to Section 7.8, including proceeds from the sale of production, net of all applicable Ad Valorem Taxes and applicable severance taxes and royalties paid by Buyer, attributable to the Properties for periods of time prior to the Effective Time;
4.1.4 the amount of the Benefit Values for all Title Benefits as finally determined in accordance with the terms of Article X; and
4.1.5 any other amount expressly denominated as an increase in the Purchase Price as provided for in this Agreement.
4.2.1 the amount of all proceeds paid or to be paid to Seller or to the Subs and distributed to the Seller (excluding proceeds which relate to the items set forth in Section 4.1.2 and proceeds to which Section 4.2.8 relates), including proceeds from the sale of production, net of all applicable taxes and royalties paid by Seller or the Subs, attributable to the Properties for periods of time after the Effective Time through the Closing Date;
4.2.2 an amount equal to all Ad Valorem Taxes that are attributable to periods of time prior to the Effective Time and which have either (i) not been paid by Seller or a Sub prior to the Closing Date or (ii) which have not otherwise been taken into account as a downward adjustment to the Purchase Price (or as an offset to an upward adjustment to the Purchase Price);
4.2.3 the amounts, if any, relating to the aggregate of all the Allocated Values of all Retained Properties.
4.2.4 the amount of the Defect Values for all Title Defects;
4.2.5 with respect to each Adverse Environmental Condition (other than any Adverse Environmental Condition relating to any Retained Properties), the Final Remediation Amount;
4.2.6 all gas imbalance volumes related to the Properties owed by Seller or the Subs to a third party as of the Effective Time which are to be paid by Buyer pursuant to Sections 15.1 and 15.4 multiplied by $3.00 MMBtu;
4.2.7 the amount of the Gas Pricing Downward Adjustment, if applicable;
4.2.8 the amount of the Closing Date Hedge Values; and
4.2.9 any other amount expressly denominated as a decrease in the Purchase Price as provided for in this Agreement.
4.3.1 To adjust the Purchase Price for the apportionment of Taxes, the parties agree to adjust the Purchase Price, downward or upward, as appropriate, pursuant to the provisions of Section 19.11.5 to the extent not otherwise taken into account in Sections 4.1 or 4.2.
4.3.2 For purposes of the making adjustments to the Purchase Price, to the extent not otherwise provided for under Article IV, those other items of expenses and accounts payable in relation to the Properties or that constitute Assumed Obligations and are paid or payable before and after the Effective Time on an annual, quarterly, monthly or other regular periodic basis (“Prorated Expense Items”) shall be prorated as of the Effective Time and apportioned, such that (i) Buyer, through its acquisition of the Subs, will receive the economic benefit or burden, as applicable, of all such items on and after the Effective Time and (ii) Seller shall receive the economic benefit or burden, as applicable, of all such items for the period prior to the Effective Time. After the Closing Date, (x) if Buyer receives any bills or accounts or any reimbursement for prepaid expenses in relation to Prorated Expense Items that are attributable in whole to the period prior to the Effective Time, then Buyer shall promptly forward the same to Seller (for payment, in the case of any such bills or accounts), (y) if Seller receives any bills or accounts or any reimbursement for prepaid expenses in relation to the Prorated Expense Items that are attributable in whole to the period on or after the Effective Time, then Seller shall promptly forward the same to Buyer (for payment, in the case of any such bills or accounts) and (z) if Buyer or Seller receive any bills or accounts or any reimbursements for prepaid expenses in relation to the Prorated Expense Items that are attributable in part to the period prior to the Effective Time, and in part to the period on and after the Effective Time, the amount thereof shall be apportioned between Seller, on the one hand, and Buyer, on the other hand, respectively, as of the Effective Time, based on the number of days in such period falling prior to the Effective Time, on the one hand, and on and after the Effective Time, on the other hand. In the case of bills or accounts referred to in clause (z), the party receiving the same shall be required to pay
only such portion of such bill or account for which it is responsible in accordance with this Section 4.3.2.
4.3.3 Seller will include in the Preliminary Purchase Price Seller’s good faith calculation of the prorations provided for in Section 4.3.2. If final bills or accounts in relation to any Prorated Expense Items or rent receivable referred to in Section 4.3.2 are not available or have not been issued prior to that date for any Prorated Expense Item, the Seller shall estimate the amount of each such item in good faith, and such estimate shall be reflected in the Preliminary Purchase Price. The amount payable by Buyer at the Closing will be increased or decreased to reflect the net amount owing between the parties as shown on such Preliminary Purchase Price, using such estimates where necessary. Final adjustment between the Parties as to any estimated item used in the preparation of the Closing Statement in accordance with this Section 4.3.3 shall be made pursuant to Article XIV.
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER AND THE SUBS
(b) EPEC owns 100% of the issued and outstanding equity of EPOC and EPPC, and Miller owns 100% of the issued and outstanding equity of Miller Oil.
(c) Seller is an Affiliate of each Sub. Each Sub is an Affiliate of Seller. Other than the other Subs and the Seller, no Sub has any Affiliate. Other than the Subs, the Seller has no Affiliate.
(d) Except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 5.1(d), Seller does not own directly any interest in the Properties.
(a) Schedule 5.5(a) describes, with respect to a Contract to which a Seller or Sub is a party, (a) all existing area of mutual interest agreements and agreements that include non-competition restrictions or other similar restrictions on doing business, all existing purchase or sale agreements (other than with
respect to production of Hydrocarbons and the disposition of field equipment in the ordinary course), partnership (other than tax partnerships), joint venture and/or exploration or development program Contracts relating to the Wells, Leases or Fee Interests included within the definition of the Properties, or by which the Properties are bound; (b) all of the existing production sales, transportation, marketing and processing agreements relating to the Wells, Leases or Fee Interests, other than such agreements which are terminable by the respective Sub without penalty on sixty (60) or fewer days’ notice without the payment of money or delivery of other consideration; (c) any existing contracts or agreements between any Sub and Seller that relate to the Properties or by which the Properties are bound; (d) any contracts or agreements burdening the Properties which could reasonably be expected to obligate a Sub to expend in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$100,000) in any calendar year; (e) any contracts or agreements related to the Properties under which a Sub has received in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$100,000) of revenues net of direct expenses within two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement; (f) all contracts of insurance maintained by Seller or a Sub at any time within the two (2) year period prior to the execution date of this Agreement; (g) any Contract to sell, lease (other than the Leases) or otherwise dispose of any of a Sub’s interest in any of the Properties; (h) any existing tax partnership or joint venture Contract to which a Sub is a party; (i) any material operating agreement that is in effect as of the date hereof and to which any of the Sub’s interest in any of the Properties is subject; (j) any existing Contract to which a Sub is a party providing for forced or voluntary pooling, forced or voluntary unitization, a carry, a backin, earnout, reversionary Working Interests in favor of third parties, or other contingent payment or obligation; (k) any Contract to which a Sub is a party for drilling or well workover services or other well services that is in effect as of the date hereof or the Closing Date; (l) any Contract to which a Seller or Sub is a party for the providing, use, processing and/or analysis of seismic or geophysical data or similar Contract that is in effect as of the date hereof or the Closing Date; (m) any Contract to which a Sub is a party relating to indebtedness for borrowed money, letter of credit or guarantee of the indebtedness for borrowed money of Persons that is in effect as of the date hereof or the Closing Date; (n) any lease (other than a Lease) under which any Seller or Sub is the lessor or lessee of real or personal property, which lease (i) cannot be terminated by such Sub without penalty upon not more than one hundred and eighty (180) days notice, and (ii) involves an annual base rental in excess of US$100,000; (o) any Contract to which a Seller or Sub is a party that expressly limits in any material respect the ability of any Sub to (i) currently engage in any of its existing lines of business or to conduct currently any such business in any particular geographic area, or (ii) compete with any other Person in any such business; (p) any employment or consulting Contract for employees, officers, directors or consultants of a Sub whose guaranteed annual compensation thereunder is in excess of US$100,000 annually for either of the calendar years 2008 or 2009 and that cannot be terminated on sixty (60) days or less notice without penalty or other future obligation; (q) any Contract for the pending purchase by or sale of real or personal property of a Sub (other than sales
of Hydrocarbons or items of inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business) for an amount in excess of US$100,000; (r) any firm transportation Contract to which a Seller or Sub is a party that requires, in accordance with its terms, payments by such Seller or Sub in excess of US$100,000 within the twelve (12) month period ending December 31, 2009, and any interruptible transportation Contract that Seller reasonably anticipates will, in accordance with its terms, involve payments by a Seller or Sub in excess of US$100,000 within the twelve (12) month period ending December 31, 2009 (collectively, the “Transportation Contracts”); (s) any Contract not in the Ordinary Course of Business and requiring expenditures by a Sub in excess of $100,000 annually; (t) any partnership or joint venture Contract between a Sub and any other Person (other than Seller or another Sub) containing a commitment to fund, loan or pay amounts in excess of US$100,000; (u) any existing partnership or joint venture Contract to which a Seller or Sub is a party for the purchase or sale of any assets of such Sub for a consideration in excess of US$100,000; and (v) any Tax-Sharing Agreement ((a) — (v) collectively, the “Material Contracts”).
(b) Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.5(a), (i) neither Seller nor Sub has received written notice of its default under any of the Material Contracts to which it is a party, and (ii) the Material Contracts have not been modified or amended in any material respect. To the Knowledge of Seller, EPEC, Miller, EPOC, EPPC and Miller Oil, each Sub has complied with the material terms of all Material Contracts to which it is a party and that apply to it.
(c) Set forth on Schedule 5.5(c) is a list of each Contract that a Sub has with the Seller or another Sub, as of the date hereof (collectively, the “Affiliate Contracts”).
(d) All of the Material Contracts are in full force and effect and are the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Seller or Sub thereto, and, to the Knowledge of Seller, EPEC, Miller, EPOC, EPPC and Miller Oil, each of the other parties thereto, except (i) to the extent that such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Laws relating to creditors’ rights generally, subject to general principles of equity, and (ii) to the extent such Material Contract has expired by its terms. In addition, (x) neither Seller nor any of the Subs is in default under any Material Contract, which default has not been waived or which default is enforceable under the Bankruptcy Code and which default will be cured prior to and in connection with Closing as provided in Section 7.6, and (y) except as disclosed in Schedule 5.5(d), to the Knowledge of Seller, EPEC, Miller, EPOC, EPPC and Miller Oil, no other party to any Material Contract is in default under any Material Contract.
(a) All Ad Valorem Taxes and Taxes on production or removal of Hydrocarbons from the Properties that the Subs operate have been timely paid. All renditions or other filings regarding the value of the Properties for Ad Valorem Taxes were true and correct. To Seller’s Knowledge, EPEC’s Knowledge, Miller’s Knowledge, EPOC’s Knowledge, EPPC’s Knowledge and Miller Oil’s Knowledge, there is no Lien for Taxes (other than Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable) on any Property, nor to the Knowledge of Seller, EPEC, Miller, EPOC, EPPC and Miller Oil is any Taxing Authority in the process of imposing, or threatening to impose, any Lien for Taxes on any Property, other than (in each instance) Permitted Encumbrances.
(b) All income and franchise Tax Returns, Ad Valorem Tax reports and renditions and all other material Tax Returns required to be filed by, or with respect to, Seller and the Subs (i) have been filed, (ii) were and continue to be true and correct in all material respects, and (iii) all Taxes that were shown to be due on such Tax Returns have been paid.
(c) Seller has given, or otherwise made available to Buyer, copies of those portions of all Tax Returns, examination reports and statements of deficiencies relating to the Subs for tax years 2006 and 2007, and has provided to Buyer a draft of the federal income tax return for 2008.
(d) There are no outstanding agreements extending or waiving the statutory period of limitation applicable to any claim for, or the period for the collection or assessment or reassessment of, Taxes due from the Subs for any taxable period that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) no power of attorney is currently in force with respect to any matter relating to the Taxes of any of the Subs. The period for assessment for federal income Taxes of Seller and the Subs is closed for Tax periods beginning before January 1, 2005.
(e) Except as set forth in Schedule 5.14(e), none of the Subs has been a member of a group which files a consolidated federal income tax return other than a group in which Seller is the parent.
(f) Except as set forth in Schedule 5.14(f), none of the Subs has elected to be a disregarded entity prior to the Conversion Transaction and none of the Subs has any liability for the Taxes of any Person as defined in Section 7701(a)(1) of the Code (other than the Seller or another Sub) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise.
(g) As of the effective time of any Conversion Transaction, each of the Subs is disregarded as an entity from Seller for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Treas. Reg § 301.7701-3(c)(iv).
(h) No Tax Return of the Seller and Subs is under audit or examination by any Tax authority, and no written notice of such an audit or examination has been received by the Seller and Subs. Each material assessed deficiency resulting from any audit or examination relating to Taxes by any Governmental Authority has been timely paid and there is no assessed deficiency, refund litigation, proposed adjustment or matter in controversy with respect to any Taxes due and owing by the Seller and Subs.
(i) Except for the election to capitalize certain intangible drilling and development costs, since December 31, 2005, the Seller and Subs have not made or rescinded any material election relating to Taxes or settled or compromised any claim, action, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit or controversy relating to any Taxes, or, except as may be required by applicable Law, made any change to any of their methods of reporting income or deductions for federal income Tax purposes from those employed in the preparation of their most recently filed federal Tax Returns.
(j) Except for statutory Liens for Taxes not yet due, no Liens for Taxes exist with respect to any assets or properties of the Seller or any Sub.
(k) The Seller and Subs have complied with all applicable Laws relating to the collection, withholding, deposit and payment of Taxes and have, within the time and the manner prescribed by applicable Law, withheld or collected, and timely paid over to the proper Tax authorities, all amounts required to be so withheld and paid over under applicable Tax Law.
(l) None of the Seller nor any Sub shall be required to include in a Taxable period ending after the Closing Date any item of income that accrued in a prior Taxable period but was not recognized in any prior Taxable period as a result of the installment method of accounting, the long-term contract method of accounting, the cash method of accounting or Sections 108(i) or 481 of the Code or comparable provisions of any other Tax Law.
(m) None of the Seller nor any Sub has participated in any “reportable transaction” as defined in Section 6707A of the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4.
(n) None of the Properties are subject to tax partnership reporting requirements under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or any foreign, state or local Law. In the event any Property is the subject of tax partnership reporting requirements, Seller and Subs shall, at the request of the Buyer insofar as Seller or the applicable Sub is the tax matters partner for the tax partnership, effect a Section 754 election under the Code and any comparable elections under foreign, state or local tax Law with respect to any such tax partnerships and in those instances where Seller or the applicable Sub is not the tax matters partner for the tax partnership, Seller and the
applicable Sub shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the elections to be made.
(o) Except as disclosed in Section 5.1 and Schedule 5.14(o), to the Knowledge of Seller, EPEC, Miller, EPOC, EPPC and Miller Oil, the Properties do not include any interest in any partnership, limited liability company, corporation or other entity formed under state Law.
5.25 Equipment and Personal Property.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.25, all currently producing Wells and all Facilities operated by Seller or any of the Subs and to the Knowledge of Seller, EPEC, Miller, EPOC, EPPC and Miller Oil those Wells and Facilities not operated by Seller or any of the Subs, are in an operable state of repair adequate to maintain normal operations in accordance with past practices, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Seller or each of the Subs have all Easements and Permits necessary to access, construct, operate, maintain and repair the Wells and Facilities operated by Seller or any of the Subs.
(b) With respect to Facilities and inventory, Seller’s or Subs’ title to such Facilities and inventory as of the date hereof is, and as of the Closing Date shall be transferred to the Subs or retained by such Subs, as applicable, free and clear of Liens and Claims other than Permitted Encumbrances.
(a) Schedule 5.26(a) sets forth a list of all “material employee benefit plans”, as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), sponsored or maintained by Seller or Subs or to which Seller or Subs contribute or is obligated to contribute thereunder with respect to current or former officers, directors or employees of Seller or any of the
Subs or with respect to which Seller or Subs may have material liability (the “Material Employee Benefit Plans”).
(b) Except as already listed on Schedule 5.26(a), Schedule 5.26(b) sets forth a list of all material bonus plans, employment, change in control, consulting or other compensation agreements, incentive, equity or equity-based compensation, deferred compensation arrangements, stock purchase, fringe benefit, severance pay, sabbatical or paid time off, sick leave, vacation pay, salary continuation, disability, hospitalization, medical insurance, life, dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment or other insurance benefits, scholarship programs or any other employee benefit plan, program or arrangement sponsored or maintained by Seller or the Subs or to which Seller or the Subs contributes or is required to contribute thereunder with respect to current or former officers, directors or employees of Seller or current or former officers, directors, or employees of any of the Subs or with respect to which Seller or the Subs may have material liability (together with the Material Employee Benefit Plans, the “Benefit Arrangements”).
(c) True and correct copies of the following documents, to the extent applicable, with respect to each of the Benefit Arrangements, have been made available or delivered to Buyer: (i) any plans and related trust documents, and all amendments thereto and, with respect to any Benefit Arrangements sponsored or maintained by Seller or the Subs, all material contracts or material agreements related to such plans, (ii) the Forms 5500 for the most recent three (3) years and schedules thereto, (iii) financial statements and actuarial valuations for the current year, to the extent available, and for the most recent three (3) years, (iv) the most recent IRS determination letter, (v) the most recent summary plan descriptions and material modifications, and (vi) written descriptions of all non-written Benefit Arrangements.
(d) Each of the Benefit Arrangements has been maintained in accordance with its terms and all provisions of Applicable Law.
(e) No Benefit Arrangement (i) is a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, or (ii) is a “multiple employer welfare arrangement” as defined in Section 3(40)(A) of ERISA. During the six (6) years immediately prior to the Closing, neither Seller nor the Subs has incurred or experienced an event that has given rise, or could reasonably be expected to give rise, to a withdrawal liability under Section 4201, 4063 or 4064 of ERISA or any actual or contingent liability under Section 4201 of ERISA.
(f) No Benefit Arrangement is a foreign plan governed by the Laws of a foreign jurisdiction.
(g) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.26(g), the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (either alone or together with another event), will not entitle any Person to any material benefit under any
Benefit Arrangement or materially accelerate vesting, payment or materially increase the amount of compensation due to any Person.
(h) With respect to each Benefit Arrangement that is sponsored by Seller or the Subs or any such plan or arrangement or portion thereof which after the Closing Date will be sponsored or maintained by Seller or Subs, (i) there are no material claims pending (other than routine claims for benefits), (ii) no prohibited transaction involving the assets of any such plan or arrangement have occurred and (iii) all contributions required to have been made have been made or properly accrued.
(a) Seller is the record and beneficial owner, either directly or indirectly, of the common stock of the Subs as of the date hereof and as of Closing Date (until cancellation thereof in accordance with the Plan) the Equity Interests of the Subs as constituted after the Conversion Transaction will be owned by the Seller, either directly or indirectly. Such common stock constitutes one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding common stock of the Subs and as of Closing the Equity Interests to be issued to the Buyer will constitute one hundred percent (100%) of the membership interests of the Subs.
(b) Subject to receipt of approval of the Bankruptcy Court, Seller and the Subs each has the requisite power and authority to issue or sell and transfer ownership of the equity owned by each of them as provided in this Agreement and, subject to the entry of the Confirmation Order, the issuance of new equity by the Subs as contemplated hereby, will convey to Buyer good and marketable title to such equity, free and clear of any and all Liens and Claims to the extent permitted under the Bankruptcy Code.
(a) Schedule 5.28(a) sets forth, as of the date hereof, the name of each Sub and, with respect to each such Sub, the number of shares of its authorized capital stock or other equity interests, the number and class of shares or equity interests thereof duly issued and outstanding, the names of all stockholders and the number of shares of stock owned by each equity owner thereof. The outstanding shares of capital stock of each Sub are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and all such shares represented as being owned by the relevant Sub are owned by it free and clear of any and all Liens and Claims; and
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.28(b), (i) there is no existing option, warrant, right, call, commitment or other agreement to which any Sub is a party requiring, and there are no securities of any Sub outstanding which, upon conversion, would require, the issuance, sale or transfer of any additional shares of capital stock or other equity interests of any Sub or other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or evidencing the right to subscribe for or purchase shares
of capital stock or other equity interests of any Sub and (ii) no Sub has any obligation to repurchase, acquire or redeem any capital stock or other equity securities of any Sub.
(a) Seller has made available to Buyer (i) copies of the audited Balance Sheet as at the Balance Sheet Date, and the related audited consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Seller and the Subs for the twelve (12) month period then ended together with the consolidated balance sheet of Seller and the Subs as of and the related statement of income and cash flows for such period, and the unaudited consolidated Balance Sheet of Seller and the Subs and the related statements of income and cash flows for the period ended May 31, 2009 (collectively, the “Financial Statements”).
(b) The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with (A) the books and records of Seller and the Subs as at the date and for the period indicated, and, (B) in accordance with GAAP and (ii) present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Seller and the Subs as at the date and for the period indicated (in each case subject, as to unaudited Financial Statements, to year-end audit adjustments and full footnote disclosure).
(a) Neither Seller nor the Subs have any indebtedness, obligation or liability of any kind (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, and whether due or to become due) that would have been required to be reflected in, reserved against or otherwise described on the Balance Sheet in the notes thereto in accordance with GAAP which (i) is not shown on the Balance Sheet or the notes thereto, or (ii) was not incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business since the Balance Sheet Date, except for any indebtedness, obligation or liability arising after the date of this Agreement which is permitted by the terms hereof.
(b) Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, since the Balance Sheet Date, the business of the Subs has been conducted in the Ordinary Course of Business and, to the Knowledge of Seller, EPEC, Miller, EPOC, EPPC and Miller Oil, no event has occurred that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
(a) Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the title to the Properties is held by one or more of the Seller or the Subs, free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Encumbrances.
(b) Except for the Leases, with respect to each material parcel of real property that is leased by a Sub as tenant (the “Leased Real Property”), to the Knowledge of Seller, EPEC, Miller, EPOC, EPPC and Miller Oil (i) none of the Subs has received any notice of default under any lease pertaining to any of the Leased Real Property in the twelve (12) month period prior to the date hereof, and (ii) there are no uncured defaults under any Leased Real Property that would give the counterparty the right to terminate such Leased Real Property.
(c) Each of the Subs has good and marketable title to its ownership interest in all personal property (whether tangible or intangible) reflected in the Financial Statements that is owned by it, or is acquired by it after the Balance Sheet Date, but not including any personal property disposed of in the Ordinary Course of Business since the Balance Sheet Date, in each case free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Encumbrances.
ARTICLE VI REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
6.1.1 Organization. Pool No. 3 is a limited liability company validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Georgia. Pool No. 3 is in good standing and duly qualified to do business in each other jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification or registration necessary, and, as of Closing, will be qualified to do business and be in good standing under the laws of each applicable jurisdiction if so required in order to hold and operate the business of the Subs.
6.1.2 Authority. Pool No. 3 has the power to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and has taken all proper limited liability company action to authorize it entering into this Agreement and performing its obligations hereunder.
6.1.3 Noncontravention. Neither the execution and the delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, by Pool No. 3 will (i) conflict with, result in a violation, default, acceleration or breach of the terms of (with or without notice or passage of time), or create in any Person the right to accelerate, terminate, modify or cancel (A) the organizational documents of Pool No. 3, or (B) any material contract of Pool No. 3, or (ii) conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any Law applicable to the Pool No. 3.
6.1.4 Enforceability. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of Pool No. 3 and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Pool No. 3, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by bankruptcy or other similar Laws applicable generally to creditor’s rights and as limited by general equitable principles.
6.1.5 Investment Representation. Pool No. 3 has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Equity Interests contemplated hereby, and is able to bear the economic risk of such investment indefinitely.
6.1.6 Knowledgeable Investor. Pool No. 3 is an experienced and knowledgeable investor in the oil and gas business. Prior to entering into this Agreement, Pool No. 3 was advised by and has relied solely on its own expertise and legal, tax, engineering, and other professional counsel concerning this Agreement, the Properties and the value thereof.
6.1.7 Closing Funds. Pool No. 3 has, as of the date hereof, access to sufficient committed funds, and, will have at the Closing, sufficient funds to enable the payment to Seller by wire transfer of the Purchase Price in accordance with Article XIII and otherwise to perform Pool No. 3’s obligations under this Agreement. Pool No. 3 has submitted written evidence of available cash or a commitment for financing, or other evidence of ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby that is satisfactory to Seller’s advisors and such written evidence is true, complete and accurate in all respects and there has not been and there will not be any modifications thereto prior to the Closing.
6.1.8 No Further Distribution. Pool No. 3 is acquiring the Equity Interests for its own account and not for distribution or resale in any manner that would violate any state or federal securities Law.
6.1.9 Pool No. 3’s Ability to Take Title. Subject to Bankruptcy Court approval, Pool No. 3 is unaware of any fact or circumstance that would preclude or inhibit unconditional approval of Seller’s sale and Buyer’s purchase of the Equity Interests by any Governmental Authority, including meeting existing or increased bonding requirements.
6.1.10 Litigation. There are no (i) suits, actions, investigations, proceedings or litigation before or by any Governmental Authority that are pending or, to Pool No. 3’s knowledge, threatened, or (ii) judgments, orders or decrees outstanding, in each case of subparts (i) and (ii) of this paragraph, against Pool No. 3 or any Affiliate of Pool No. 3 that would materially hinder or impede the consummation by Pool No. 3 of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6.1.11 Finder’s Fees. Pool No. 3 has not incurred any liability, contingent or otherwise, for brokers’ or finders’ fees in respect to this transaction for which any member of the Seller Group shall have any responsibility whatsoever.
ARTICLE VII COVENANTS
7.1.1 not (a) act in any manner with respect to the Properties other than in the normal, usual and customary manner, consistent with prior practice or in accordance with Seller’s current limited operating budget, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement; (b) dispose of, encumber or relinquish any of the Properties (other than relinquishment resulting from the expiration of a non-producing Lease still in its primary term or the abandonment of a Lease not operated by a Sub); (c) waive, compromise or settle any material right or claim with respect to any of the Properties; (d) except with respect to those matters identified in Schedule 5.17, without prior written approval of Buyer (which approval will not be unreasonably withheld) make capital or workover expenditures with respect to the Properties in excess of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$400,000) (net to the respective Sub’s interest), except when required by an emergency when there shall have been insufficient time to obtain advance consent (provided, that Seller will promptly notify Buyer of any such emergency expenditures); (e) except in connection with Alternative Transactions, enter into any Material Contract included in the definition of Properties or make a material change or modification to any existing Material Contract included in the definition of Properties, except for agreements relating to sales of inventory and purchases of inventory from suppliers in the Ordinary Course of Business and consistent with past practices; (f) except in connection with Alternative Transactions, sell, lease, dispose of or otherwise distribute any material portion of the Properties, except for sales, leases, dispositions and distributions of Hydrocarbons and inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business and consistent with past practices; (g) mortgage or pledge any of the Properties or subject any Properties to any Lien other than Permitted Encumbrances; (h) take or omit to take any action that would result in a breach of any of the representations, warranties or covenants made by Seller, EPEC and Miller in this Agreement; (i) with respect to a Property operated by such Sub, take any action or omit to take any action which act or omission would reasonably be anticipated to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Properties; or (j) agree in writing or otherwise to take any of the foregoing actions;
7.1.2 promptly after the Auction, send out all notices and make all filings required to obtain the approvals, consents or waivers listed on Schedule 5.3 and thereafter use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve relationships with all third parties having business dealings with respect to the Properties;
7.1.3 until Closing continue to maintain all insurance with respect to the Properties currently in force with the same coverages and limits as are in effect at the date hereof;
7.1.4 promptly after the Auction, use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the approvals, consents or waivers listed on Schedule 5.3 if required in connection with the sale and purchase of the Equity Interests as contemplated hereby;
7.1.5 perform and comply in all material respects with all covenants and conditions contained in agreements relating to the Properties to which such Sub owns an interest;
7.1.6 pay all Taxes and assessments or cause the payment of all Taxes and assessments with respect to the Properties that are owed by such Sub that becomes due and payable prior to the Closing Date;
7.1.7 promptly notify Buyer of the receipt of any written notice received by Seller or the Subs after the date hereof under any Contract, including any necessary elections to participate in any proposed operations, promptly consult with Buyer about any material matters concerning the Properties, and with Buyer’s prior written approval, participate in such operations, make such elections or take such actions necessary to preserve and maintain Seller’s or Subs’ interests in the Properties; provided, however, in the event Buyer and Seller disagree with respect to any decision to participate or not participate, as the case may be, in such operations, such disagreement shall be referred to the Bankruptcy Court to be resolved by the Bankruptcy Court on an expedited basis. Buyer’s approval of any action restricted by Section 7.1.1 or this Section 7.1.7 shall be considered granted within ten (10) days (unless a shorter time is reasonably required by the circumstances and such shorter time is specified in Seller’s written notice) of Seller’s notice to Buyer requesting such consent unless Buyer notifies Seller to the contrary in writing during that period. In the event any action taken pursuant to this Section 7.1.7 results in a change in any Net Revenue Interest or Working Interest set forth on Exhibit B-1, Buyer and Seller shall promptly supplement Exhibit B-1 to reflect such change. In the event of an emergency, Seller may take such action as a prudent operator would take and shall notify Buyer of such action promptly thereafter;
7.1.8 prior to the Closing Date, at Seller’s sole discretion, either (i) transfer all employees and Employee Benefit Plans of each Sub to Seller or (ii) terminate all employees and Employee Benefit Plans of such Sub in accordance with all applicable provisions of such Employee Benefit Plans, state and federal Law and the Plan;
7.1.9 prior to the Closing Date, pay all outstanding and undisputed invoices approved by the Bankruptcy Court that are associated with the Properties arising solely with respect to those costs and expenses for which the Seller shall receive a Purchase Price adjustment pursuant to Section 4.1.1;
7.1.10 prior to the Closing Date, transfer each Sub’s accounts payable and long term liabilities not attributable to any Property, including, without limitation, to the
extent such Agreement has not already been rejected in the Bankruptcy Case the liabilities arising under the Gas Gathering and Compression Services Agreement with the Frontier Midstream, LLC, to Seller; and
7.1.11 comply in all material respects with all Applicable Laws effective as of the date hereof.
7.1.12 For a period equal to sixty (60) days immediately preceding the Closing Date, Seller shall provide access to Seller’s office to a designee of Buyer for the purpose of converting Seller’s accounting and land systems to those compatible with the systems of Buyer. Seller shall provide reasonable cooperation and assistance to such designee in connection with such initial conversion. In consideration of such assistance by Seller, Buyer shall indemnify the Seller Group pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.2(c) for damages sustained by any member of the Seller Group in connection with such Seller’s assistance provided pursuant to this Section 7.1.12.
7.1.13 On the Business Day prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall, if not previously terminated, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the termination of the Hedge Contracts in effect on May 14, 2009.
7.1.14
(a) Pursuant to the El Sauz 3D Agreement, if EPEC receives a notice from Stephens with regard to an election to acquire and/or to exercise a Lease/ Seismic Option (as defined in the El Sauz 3D Agreement), to acquire a “Lease” (as defined in the El Sauz 3D Agreement) or to participate in a Prospect (as defined in the El Sauz 3D Agreement) or a “well” (as used in the El Sauz 3D Agreement), to the extent permitted by the Bankruptcy Court and by applicable Law, EPEC shall provide notice thereof to Buyer and consult with Buyer with respect to such proposal. In the event EPEC elects to participate in such proposal, EPEC shall participate in such proposal, and fund its share of the cash call for such participation out of its available cash flow. Buyer shall respond to EPEC within two (2) Business Days after receiving notice from EPEC of any proposal. Failure of Buyer to respond to EPEC within two (2) Business Days shall constitute an election by Buyer not to consult with EPEC with respect to any proposal.
(b) Following EPEC’s notice to Buyer of its receipt of a proposal, EPEC shall be free to elect to participate or not participate at its election. If Buyer desires that EPEC participate in such proposal and EPEC does not, EPEC shall, if permitted by the terms of the El Sauz 3D Agreement and in accordance with an Order of the Bankruptcy Court, assign to Buyer all of EPEC’s rights and obligations with respect to such proposal. Buyer hereby agrees that it shall, concurrently with any such assignment, ratify the terms and conditions of the El Sauz 3D Agreement along with any operating agreement for such proposed operation.
(a) Prior to Closing, Seller shall and shall cause the Subs to, permit Buyer and its Representatives (including its legal advisors and accountants), in each case at its and their sole cost, risk and expense, to have reasonable access, during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice, to the books and records of the Subs and of the Seller insofar as they relate to the Subs (collectively, the “Data”); provided, that in no event shall Seller or any Sub be obligated to provide (i) access or information in violation of Applicable Law, (ii) bids, letters of intent, expressions of interest or other proposals received from others in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and information and analysis relating to such communications, or (iii) any information, the disclosure of which would jeopardize any privilege available to Seller or any of the Subs relating to such information or would cause Seller or any of the Subs to breach a confidentiality obligation to which it is bound. In connection with such access, Buyer’s Representatives shall cooperate with Seller’s and Subs’ Representatives and shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any disruption of the business of Seller and the Subs. Buyer agrees to abide by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement with respect to the Data, and any safety rules or rules of conduct reasonably imposed by Seller or Subs with respect to such access and any information furnished to them or their Representatives pursuant to this Section 7.2(a).
(b) Seller shall afford to Buyer and its authorized Representatives reasonable access, at Buyer’s sole cost, risk and expense, from the date hereof until the Closing Date during normal business hours, to the Leases, Wells and Fee Interests operated by a Sub.
(c) BUYER SHALL RELEASE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE SELLER GROUP FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND LOSSES TO THE EXTENT ARISING FROM BUYER’S INSPECTION OF THE DATA AND THE PROPERTIES, AND BUYER’S CONVERSION OF SELLER’S ACCOUNTING AND LAND SYSTEMS AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 7.1.12 (INCLUDING CLAIMS AND LOSSES FOR DEATH, PERSONAL INJURIES, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ AND EXPERTS’ FEES), AND SPECIFICALLY TO THE EXTENT OF CLAIMS AND LOSSES ARISING OUT OF OR PARTIALLY OR FULLY CAUSED BY THE PRIOR NEGLIGENCE OF SELLER OR ANY SUB.
(d) Except as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Plan or with the prior written consent of Buyer (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), Seller shall not, and shall not cause, authorize or permit any of the Subs to:
(i) declare, set aside, make or pay any non cash dividend or other non-cash distribution in respect of the capital stock of any Sub or
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for non-cash consideration any outstanding shares of the capital stock or other securities of, or other ownership interests in, any Sub;
(ii) transfer, issue, sell or dispose of any shares of capital stock or other securities of any Sub or grant options, warrants, calls or other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire shares of the capital stock or other securities of the Subs;
(iii) effect any recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, or like change in the capitalization of any Sub;
(iv) amend the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of any of the Subs;
(v) except for (1) trade payables, (2) indebtedness under existing lines of credit, (3) any extension, renewal or refinancing of existing indebtedness, and (4) indebtedness for borrowed money incurred or guarantees issued in the Ordinary Course of Business borrow monies for any reason, draw down on any line of credit or debt obligation, or become the guarantor, surety, endorser or otherwise liable for any debt, obligation or liability (contingent or otherwise) of any other Person;
(vi) subject any of the Properties to any Lien, except for (A) Permitted Encumbrances, or (B) Liens arising in the Ordinary Course of Business or by operation of Law, or subject the Equity Interests to any Lien;
(vii) repurchase, discharge or satisfy any claim, debt or obligation of any of the Subs other than (1) in the Ordinary Course of Business, or (2) pursuant to the terms of any Contract as in effect on the date of this Agreement or permitted to be entered into thereafter;
(viii) subject to Section 7.3, permit any of the Subs to enter into, or agree to enter into, any merger or consolidation with, any corporation or other Person;
(ix) fail to maintain, in full force and effect, to the extent commercially reasonably available, insurance coverage that is equivalent in all material respects to the insurance coverage currently in effect for Seller and the Subs; or
(x) authorize, or commit or agree to take, any of the actions referred to in subsections (i) through (xii) above.
(a) From the date of this Agreement and until the Bankruptcy Court approves the Bidding Procedures Order or the termination of this Agreement (whichever shall first occur), Seller shall not, and shall not cause, authorize or permit any of the Subs, and their respective Representatives to, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate, negotiate, or encourage the submission of, or accept or agree to, any offer for the purchase of the Properties or the Equity Interests by any Person other than Buyer, (ii) furnish any non-public information to any Person other than Buyer, its Affiliates or their Representatives relating to any Sub or the Properties, except (A) as may be required by Law or legal process, or (B) in connection with (x) unsolicited requests for information from Persons who have signed a confidentiality agreement, and (y) providing notices of the Bidding Procedures and Sale Motion and responding to inquiries and objections with respect thereto, or (iii) enter into any negotiations or substantive discussions or agreement or arrangement in connection with any asset sale, stock sale, merger, debt for equity swap, joint venture, financing, reorganization, recapitalization or transfer (including the filing of a plan of reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court) of any convertible debt, convertible equity or warrants the effect of which, individually or in the aggregate, would be the direct or indirect transfer of a material portion of the Equity Interests or the Properties or the direct or indirect transfer of the ability to effectuate a change of control of the ownership of all or a substantial portion of the Equity Interests or the Properties, or any similar transaction that does not involve, or delays or deters, a sale of the Equity Interests to Buyer (an “Alternative Transaction”). The provisions of the immediately preceding sentence are referred to herein as the “No-Shop Provisions”. Any statements made by Seller in the Bidding Procedures and Sale Motion, the notice thereof or in the hearing in connection therewith shall not be deemed to be a solicitation for purposes of this Agreement or a violation of the No-Shop Provisions. Nothing in this Section 7.3(a) shall prohibit or restrict Seller and its Affiliates and Representatives from providing information about the Bidding Procedures and Sale Motion or the Bidding Procedures Order to any Person (or information about Seller or any of the Subs to Persons who have signed a confidentiality agreement consistent with the requirements of the Bidding Procedures Order) which was not solicited after the date of this Agreement in violation of this Section 7.3(a).
(b) Following the entry of the Bidding Procedures Order and until the Auction, Seller and the Subs and their respective Representatives shall be permitted to market and solicit inquiries, proposals, offers or bids from, any Person other than Buyer regarding an Alternative Transaction, and may take any other action in connection therewith (including (i) entering into any definitive agreement or letter-of-intent with respect thereto, (ii) issuing press releases, placing advertisements or making other releases or disclosures in connection therewith, or (iii) seeking approval of the Bankruptcy Court for any Alternative Transaction), and nothing in this Agreement will, or is intended to, in any way be deemed to restrict such actions or efforts. Neither Seller nor any of the Subs or their respective Representatives shall have any liability to Buyer or any of its Affiliates or Representatives, either under or relating to this Agreement or any
Applicable Law, by virtue of entering into or seeking Bankruptcy Court approval of such a definitive agreement for an Alternative Transaction provided that Buyer is paid the Break Up Fee and Expense Reimbursement that may be required to be paid pursuant to Section 7.3(d) at the time provided for therein.
(c) If Buyer is selected as Winning Bidder, from the date of the Auction until the earlier of (i) the Closing Date and (ii) the valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 17.1, Seller shall not, and shall cause each of the Subs not to, directly or indirectly, pursue or facilitate any Alternative Transaction, or solicit, accept, facilitate, review, cooperate with, discuss, or provide information in connection with any offer, inquiry, proposal, bid, or indication of interest from any Person, or respond to any inquiries from or engage in any negotiations with any Person, or share any information regarding Buyer, Seller, the Subs or the Properties with respect to or in possible contemplation of any Alternative Transaction, and Seller shall not assist, cooperate with or help to facilitate any other Person in taking or effecting any such actions.
(d) Upon entry of the Bidding Procedures Order and in accordance with the penultimate sentence of this subsection (d), Buyer shall (subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Bidding Procedures Order) be entitled to a fee of Six Million Dollars (US$6,000,000) (the “Break Up Fee”) and shall be entitled to an amount equal to the lesser of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$500,000) or Buyer’s reasonable documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses owed or paid to third parties (including investment adviser fees and expenses, investment banking and financing fees and expenses, attorneys’ fees and expenses, consulting fees and expenses, accounting fees and expenses and Buyer’s out-of-pocket expenses) actually incurred in the evaluation of a bid for the Equity Interests, the negotiations and execution of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents, and efforts related to consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (the “Expense Reimbursement”). The Break Up Fee and Expense Reimbursement shall be payable to Buyer if, and to the extent, so provided in Section 17.3 and the Bidding Procedures Order. Any dispute regarding the reasonableness of the Expense Reimbursement shall be resolved by the Bankruptcy Court.
(a) At the election of Buyer pursuant to written notice given to Seller at any time prior to the date that is two (2) Business Days prior to the Plan Supplement Filing Date and pursuant to the Plan, Seller shall cause the applicable Sub to assume or reject, as directed by Buyer, any executory Contracts or unexpired Leases to which any Sub is a party or is otherwise bound including the rejection of the Gas Gathering and Compression Services Agreement with Frontier Midstream, LLC. Seller shall give written notice to Buyer prior to the submission of any motion in their Bankruptcy Cases with respect to the assumption or rejection by any Sub of any executory Contracts or unexpired Leases, and, without the prior consent of Buyer, Seller shall not cause any Sub to assume or reject any executory Contract or unexpired Lease. Promptly, but, in any event, no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Auction Date, Seller shall provide Buyer with a written schedule containing Seller’s best estimate of the Costs of Cure for each executory Contract or unexpired Lease to which each Sub is a party or is otherwise bound.
(b) Any monetary amount by which any of the executory Contracts or unexpired Leases is in default shall be satisfied, in accordance with section 365(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, by the Seller’s or the applicable Sub’s payment of such amount in cash, on or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing Date, or the effective date of the Plan, as applicable, or upon such other terms as the applicable Sub (with the consent of Buyer), and the non-debtor party to such executory Contract or unexpired Lease may otherwise agree. In the event of a dispute regarding (i) Cure or (ii) the ability of Buyer or Seller to provide “adequate assurance of future performance” (within the meaning of section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code) under the Contract or Lease to be assumed, the assumption of such executory Contract or unexpired Lease shall be conditioned upon resolution of such dispute by the Bankruptcy Court. Seller (with the consent of Buyer) or Buyer, as applicable, reserves the right either to reject or nullify the assumption of an executory Contract or unexpired Lease no later than ten (10) days after a Final Order determining Cure or any request for adequate assurance of future performance.
(a) Seller shall, on the Closing Date (1) cause each of the Subs to be converted to a single member limited liability company organized under the Laws of the State of Delaware (the “Conversion Transaction”), and (2) cause each such
limited liability company to elect to be continuously treated as a disregarded entity from its owner for United States federal income tax purposes.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that the Conversion Transaction causes Seller to breach any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement of Seller contained in this Agreement, such breach shall be given no effect, and Buyer shall have no right to terminate this Agreement due to such breach by Seller as a result of the Conversion Transactions. The documents affecting the Conversion Transaction shall be approved in writing by the Buyer prior to delivery. Seller shall provide a certificate of the filing and effectiveness of such Conversion Transaction and the elections described above to the Buyer at the Closing.
(c) To the extent that any of the Properties are held by Seller, Seller shall, prior to the Closing Date, except as set forth in Section 9.9, assign the same to the appropriate Sub.
(d) The federal, state and local income tax consequences of each Conversion Transaction shall be reported as a liquidation under Code Section 332 by the Seller (unless the converted Sub is insolvent in which case Code Section 331 shall apply) and Seller shall not make or permit an election to be made to treat any such limited liability company as an association taxable as a corporation. The sale of the membership interests of each limited liability company resulting from a Conversion Transaction shall be reported by the parties to this Agreement as a sale of assets by the Seller. Seller shall bear all tax liability, if any, of the Subs arising from such conversion.
(e) The covenants set forth in Section 7.7(d) shall survive the Closing.
ARTICLE VIII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER
ARTICLE IX CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF BUYER
ARTICLE X TITLE MATTERS
(a) At any time on or prior to the Defect Notification Deadline, Buyer may provide Seller with one or more written notices (each, a “Title Defect Notice”) of any fact that renders a Sub’s title to any Lease, Well or Fee Interest less than Good and Defensible Title (each, a “Title Defect”). Each Title Defect Notice shall include, in reasonable detail, a description of (i) the Lease, Well or Fee Interest with respect to which any Title Defect(s) has been identified, (ii) the nature of each such Title Defect(s) and all supporting documents necessary for Seller (as well as any title attorney or examiner) to verify the existence of the alleged Title Defects, and (iii) Buyer’s commercially reasonable good faith estimate of the Defect Value for each such Title Defect calculated in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Sections 10.3.1 — 10.3.6.
(b) Any Title Defect that is not identified in a timely delivered Title Defect Notice shall thereafter be forever waived and expressly assumed by Buyer and shall be deemed to have become a Permitted Encumbrance.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, none of the following matters shall constitute a Title Defect in the event of a change in Net Revenue Interest or Working Interest with respect to the
Wells, Leases and Fee Interests as set forth in Exhibit B after the date hereof: (1) a change in drilling units, spacing or pooling units, or tract allocations or changes in participating areas, or integration orders occurring after the date hereof, (2) an after-payout change in Net Revenue Interest or Working Interest pursuant to a farmout, farmin, consent election, nonconsent election, integration order or other Contract or event if the effect of such change is set forth in Exhibit B-1; (3) defects based on failure to record Leases issued by any state, or any assignments of record title or operating rights in such Leases, in the real property, conveyance or other records of the county or parish in which such Property is located; (4) defects that have been cured by Applicable Laws of limitations or prescription; (5) any delay in delivering an assignment earned under a farmout, participation or similar agreement unless it is determined that the farmout party or other third party record title holder has refused to deliver such assignment; and (6) defects in the chain of title consisting of the failure to recite marital status or omissions of successors or heirship proceedings, unless it is determined that such failure or omission has resulted in a third party’s actual and superior claim of title to the Property.
10.2.1 Within ten (10) Business Days after Seller’s receipt of a Title Defect Notice, Seller shall notify Buyer in writing if Seller disagrees with the Title Defects claimed therein and/or the Defect Values set forth therein. If Seller fails to provide written objection(s) within such ten (10) Business Day period, Seller shall be deemed to have agreed with such Title Defects and Defect Values and the Purchase Price shall be reduced by such Defect Values as set forth in Article IV. If Seller provides written notice of any disagreement with respect to any such claimed Title Defect and/or Defect Values, then Seller and Buyer shall promptly enter into good faith negotiations for ten (10) days, and shall attempt to agree in writing on such matters. If Seller and Buyer reach written agreement, the value agreed by such parties shall be the Defect Values for such Title Defects and the Purchase Price shall be reduced by an amount equal to such agreed Defect Values as set forth in Article IV.
10.2.2 If Seller and Buyer cannot reach agreement concerning either the existence of a Title Defect or the Defect Value within ten (10) days after Seller’s notice to Buyer of any disagreement with respect to any claimed Title Defects and/or Defect Value, then such parties shall submit such dispute to a mutually acceptable attorney licensed to practice law in the state in which such Lease, Well or Fee Interest is located and having at least ten (10) years experience in oil and gas title matters for prompt resolution; provided, however, that if at any time any attorney so chosen fails or refuses to perform hereunder, a new attorney shall be chosen by Seller and Buyer. In the event Seller and Buyer cannot agree upon such mutually acceptable attorney within five (5) Business Days of the receipt of such written request, Seller and Buyer hereby agree that the attorney shall be selected by the Senior Chaired Professor of Oil and Gas Law at the University of Texas School of Law or the next most Senior Chaired Professor of Oil and Gas Law at the University of Texas School of Law in the event the most Senior Chaired Professor is unable or unwilling to serve. The cost of any such attorney shall be borne
50% by Seller and 50% by Buyer. For any such dispute resolution process, Seller and Buyer shall present a written statement of their respective positions on the dispute to the attorney within three (3) Business Days after the selection of the attorney is confirmed pursuant to the terms hereof, and within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of such statements the attorney shall make a determination of all points of disagreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The determination by the attorney shall be conclusive and binding on the parties hereto and shall be enforceable against either Seller or Buyer in any court of competent jurisdiction, and the value, if any, determined by the attorney with respect to a Title Defect shall be the Defect Value for such Title Defect. If necessary to complete such determination, the Closing Date shall be deferred until the attorney has made a determination of the disputed issues with respect thereto and all subsequent dates and required activities having reference to the Closing Date shall be correspondingly deferred; provided, however, that unless the parties mutually agree to the contrary, the Closing Date shall not be deferred pursuant to this Section 10.2.2 for more than ten (10) Business Days.
10.2.3 If the determination has not been made by the attorney by the Closing Date, the procedures set forth in Section 10.5.3 shall govern.
10.2.4 Notwithstanding any other provision hereof to the contrary, in the event that any Title Defect is not waived in writing by Buyer, or cured on or before the Closing Date to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction, then Seller and Buyer hereby agree that Seller shall cause the applicable Sub to assign to Seller the affected Lease, Well and/or Fee Interest, as applicable, to which the Title Defect relates or pertains (the “Affected Property”), in which case the Affected Property shall, subject as hereinafter provided, be deleted from this Agreement and the Purchase Price shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Allocated Value of such Affected Property; provided, however, that if the Title Defect affecting the Affected Property is cured within sixty (60) days of the Closing Date, and Seller gives notice to Buyer of its election within such time period, Seller shall have the right to sell and reassign the Affected Property to the applicable Sub by executing and delivering to the applicable Sub a recordable reassignment of such Affected Property substantially in the form of the Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Assignment”), with the required revisions and necessary changes, and Buyer hereby agrees that it shall cause the applicable Sub to purchase and accept the reassignment of the Affected Property for the Allocated Value thereof, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement as if the Affected Property had not been assigned from the applicable Sub to the Seller. Seller shall receive the Allocated Value for such Affected Property simultaneously with the reassignment thereof to the applicable Sub.
10.3.1 If, because of the Title Defect, title to a particular Lease, Well or Fee Interest fails completely with the effect that the respective Sub has no ownership interest in the relevant Lease, Well or Fee Interest, the Defect Value shall be the Allocated Value of such Lease, Well or Fee Interest assigned specifically to it on Exhibit B.
10.3.2 If a Title Defect exists because a Sub owns a Net Revenue Interest in a Lease, Well or Fee Interest that is less than the NRI for such Lease, Well or Fee Interest as set forth on Exhibit B, then the Defect Value with respect to such Title Defect shall be the amount equal to the product of (i) the Allocated Value for such Lease, Well or Fee Interest multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the difference between (x) the NRI for such Lease, Well or Fee Interest set forth on Exhibit B minus (y) the NRI for such Lease, Well or Fee Interest agreed or determined to be owned by such Sub and the denominator of which is the NRI for such Lease, Well or Fee Interest set forth on Exhibit B.
10.3.3 If a Title Defect that is not specifically extinguished by the Confirmation Order is a Lien upon a Lease, Well or Fee Interest then Seller shall either (a) instruct Buyer to pay at Closing out of the Purchase Price the sum necessary to be paid to the obligee to remove the Title Defect from such Lease, Well or Fee Interest (the aggregate of all such amounts, the “Liquidated Title Defect Payment”), or (b) retain the obligation of such Title Defect and elect to challenge the validity thereof (or of any portion thereof), in which case Buyer shall extend reasonable cooperation to Seller in such efforts at no risk or expense to Buyer; provided, however, that if such Title Defect is not cured by three (3) Business Days prior to Closing, it shall constitute a Title Defect.
10.3.4 If a Title Defect represents an obligation or burden upon a Lease, Well or Fee Interest for which the economic detriment to Buyer is not liquidated but can be estimated with reasonable certainty, the Defect Value with respect to such Title Defect shall be the sum Seller and Buyer mutually agree upon in writing in good faith as the present value of the adverse economic effect such Title Defect will have on such Lease, Well or Fee Interest. If Seller and Buyer cannot reach such written agreement as to such Defect Value, then such dispute shall be resolved in the manner set forth in Section 10.2.
10.3.5 The Defect Value shall take into consideration all of the applicable guidelines as are set forth in Sections 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3 and 10.3.4 above.
10.3.6 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, (i) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies provided by Seller for individual Title Defects that have a Defect Value that does not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$100,000) (“Individual Title Deductible”); and (ii) in no event shall there be any adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies provided by Seller for all Title Defects unless the sum of the Defect Values with respect to all such Title Defects, in the aggregate, excluding any Title Defects cured by Seller, exceeds a threshold equal to One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$1,500,000) (“Aggregate Title Deductible”), after which point Buyer shall be entitled to adjustments to the Purchase Price or other remedies equal to the sum of Defect Values with respect to Title Defects that exceed the Aggregate Title Deductible.
10.5.1 Within ten (10) days after Buyer’s receipt of a Title Benefit Notice, Buyer shall notify Seller in writing if Buyer disagrees with the Title Benefits claimed therein and/or the Benefit Values set forth therein. If Buyer fails to provide written objection(s) within such ten (10) day period, Buyer shall be deemed to have agreed with such Title Benefits and Benefit Values and such Benefit Values will be credited as an offset against any Defect Values for Title Defects, if any, with the remaining Benefit Value after offset being an increase to the Purchase Prices as set forth in Article IV. If Buyer provides written notice of any disagreement with respect to any such claimed Title Benefit and/or Benefit Values, then Seller and Buyer shall promptly enter into good faith negotiations for ten (10) days and shall attempt to agree in writing on such matters. If Seller and Buyer reach written agreement, the value agreed by Seller and Buyer shall be the Benefit Values for such Title Benefits and will be credited as an offset against any Defect Values for Title Defects, if any, with the remaining Benefit Value after offset being an increase to the Purchase Price as set forth in Article IV.
10.5.2 If Seller and Buyer cannot reach written agreement concerning either the existence of a Title Benefit or the Benefit Value within ten (10) days after Buyer’s notice of any disagreement with respect to any claimed Title Benefits and/or Benefit Value, then Seller and Buyer shall submit such dispute to a mutually acceptable attorney licensed to practice law in the state in which such Lease, Well or Fee Interest is located and having at least ten (10) years experience in oil and gas title matters for prompt resolution; provided, however, that if at any time any attorney so chosen fails or refuses to perform hereunder, a new attorney shall be chosen by Seller and Buyer. In the event Seller and Buyer cannot agree upon such mutually acceptable attorney within five (5) Business Days of the receipt of such written request, Seller and Buyer hereby agree that the attorney shall be selected by the Senior Chaired Professor of Oil and Gas Law at the University of Texas School of Law or the next most Senior Chaired Professor of Oil and Gas Law at the University of Texas School of Law in the event the most Senior Chaired Professor is unable or unwilling to serve. The cost of any such attorney shall be borne 50% by Buyer and 50% by Seller. For any such dispute resolution process, Buyer and Seller shall present a written statement of their respective positions on the dispute to the attorney within three (3) Business Days after the attorney is selected pursuant to the terms hereof, and within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of such statements the attorney shall make a determination of all points of disagreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The determination by the attorney shall be
conclusive and binding on the parties and shall be enforceable against either Seller or Buyer in any court of competent jurisdiction, and the value determined by the attorney with respect to a Title Benefit shall be the Benefit Value for such Title Benefit.
10.5.3 If the attorney does not make a determination of the disputed issues prior to the Closing Date, the Closing will proceed and such determination shall be made by such attorney after the Closing Date and prior to the determination of the Final Purchase Price unless the amount in dispute with respect to the matters set forth in this Article X would meet the threshold for a termination right of either Seller or Buyer as set forth in Section 17.1.5, in which case the Closing Date shall be deferred and all subsequent dates and required activities having reference to the Closing Date shall be correspondingly deferred; provided, however, that unless the parties mutually agree to the contrary, the Closing Date shall not be deferred pursuant to this Section 10.5.3 for more than ten (10) Business Days, and the Agreement may thereafter be terminated pursuant to Section 17.1.5.
ARTICLE XI ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
(a) Subject as hereinafter provided, Buyer shall have the opportunity to conduct at its expense an environmental assessment of the Leases, Wells and Fee Interests, which may include invasive testing of the soil, groundwater, surface water, air and other environmental media and of building materials, equipment or facilities which would be conducted by a reasonable and prudent operator under the same or similar circumstances; provided, however, that Buyer shall not conduct any such invasive testing prior to providing Seller with a written description of the proposed invasive testing and a reasonable period of time to provide comments, which Buyer agrees to consider in good faith. Seller or the respective Sub will provide reasonable access for this purpose to such Leases, Wells ands Fee Interests operated by such Sub. For any Wells not operated by a Sub, Seller will reasonably cooperate with Buyer in contacting the operators of any such non-operated Wells directly to attempt to arrange for access for the purposes of environmental assessment. While performing any environmental assessment, Buyer and any of its Representatives shall comply with Seller’s and the respective Sub’s environmental and safety rules and policies with respect to the Leases and Sub operated Wells, and with the operator’s environmental and safety rules and policies on all other Wells, and permit Seller to observe all
aspects of each environmental assessment. Buyer shall be responsible, at its sole cost, risk and expense, for the management and disposal of any wastes generated during any environmental assessment in compliance with all Applicable Laws and for restoring the condition of any part of the Leases, Wells and Fee Interests that are disturbed as a result of any environmental assessment.
(b) Buyer will notify Seller in advance of any disclosure of the results of its environmental assessment to any Governmental Authority and will furnish Seller copies of all materials to be disclosed prior to any disclosure thereof and will not disclose any such information unless such disclosure is expressly required by Applicable Law or is required pursuant to legal process of any court or Governmental Authority subsequent to the exhaustion of all appeals. As soon as possible after Buyer’s receipt thereof, Buyer shall forward to Seller copies of all data and test results, and, if subject to an Adverse Environmental Condition Notice, of Buyer’s remediation cost estimates and recommended remediation procedures. Buyer’s remediation cost estimates and recommended remediation procedures shall be based upon the most economically reasonable response action, if any, required under Environmental Laws to bring the Adverse Environmental Condition into compliance with standards applicable to industrial properties under the same or similar circumstances, that does not materially impair the existing business use of the Properties, assuming the Leases, Wells and Fee Interests remain in operation as currently operated (the “Remediation Amount”).
(c) BUYER HEREBY AGREES TO RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND THE SELLER GROUP FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND LOSSES INCURRED OR SUFFERED BY THE SELLER GROUP, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY: (I) FROM DAMAGE TO THE PROPERTIES AND ANY OTHER PROPERTY AND PHYSICAL INJURY AND DEATH TO PERSONS IN CONNECTION WITH, OR ARISING OUT OF, OR ATTRIBUTABLE TO, BUYER’S ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, AND (II) AS A RESULT OF THE BREACH BY BUYER OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES OF ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 11.2.
11.4.1 Within ten (10) Business Days after Seller’s receipt of an Adverse Environmental Condition Notice, Seller shall notify Buyer in writing if Seller disagrees with any Adverse Environmental Condition or Buyer Remediation Amount set forth therein. If Seller fails to provide such notice, (a) Seller shall be deemed to have agreed with such Adverse Environmental Condition, and such Buyer Remediation Amount set forth with respect to the relevant Adverse Environmental Condition, and the Buyer Remediation Amount shall become the “Final Remediation Amount” for such Adverse Environmental Condition, and (b) the Purchase Price shall be reduced by such Final Remediation Amount as set forth in Section 4.2.5. If Seller provides such notice of disagreement, then Seller and Buyer shall promptly enter into good faith negotiations and shall attempt to agree in writing on the Remediation Amount, if any, with respect to each relevant Adverse Environmental Condition agreed in writing by Seller and Buyer (such agreed amount, the “Agreed Remediation Amount” which shall become the “Final Remediation Amount” for such Adverse Environmental Condition), and the Purchase Price shall be reduced by any such Final Remediation Amount as set forth in Section 4.2.5.
11.4.2 If Seller and Buyer cannot reach agreement as to whether an Adverse Environmental Condition exists and/or as to the Remediation Amount for any Adverse Environmental Condition agreed in writing by Seller and Buyer, in each case within twenty (20) days after Seller’s notice of its disagreement with an Adverse Environmental Condition Notice, then Buyer and Seller may agree to (a) elect to have the subject Lease, Well of Fee Interest (and any integrally related Facilities, as agreed in writing between Seller and Buyer) assigned from the applicable Sub to Seller, and removed from the list of Leases, Wells and Fee Interests in exchange for a reduction of the Purchase Price by an amount equal to the Allocated Value of such Retained Properties; provided, however, that the aggregate reduction in the Purchase Price for all Retained Properties, if any, shall be limited to ten percent (10%) of the Purchase Price; (b) permit Seller to fully remove, remediate and resolve such Adverse Environmental Condition, at Seller’s sole cost, provided that, if feasible, Seller shall (i) complete such removal, remediation and resolution prior to Closing, and (ii) provide, at its sole cost, evidence reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, acting in a commercially reasonable good faith manner, that no Adverse Environmental Condition existed, or that the Adverse Environmental Condition that did exist has been fully removed, remediated and resolved; or, if neither of the preceding subsections (a) and (b) resolves the issues between Buyer and Seller; or (c) submit the questions as to whether an Adverse Environmental Condition exists and, if so, the Remediation Amount for such Adverse Environmental Condition to the Bankruptcy Court for final resolution (if it determines that an Adverse Environmental Condition exists, its determination of the Remediation Amount therefor being the “Bankruptcy Court Remediation Amount” which shall become the “Final Remediation Amount” for such Adverse Environmental Condition),
in which case the Purchase Price shall be reduced by such Final Remediation Amount for such Adverse Environmental Condition. If necessary, the calculation of the Final Remediation Amount shall be deferred unless the amount in dispute with respect to the matters set forth in this Article XI would meet the threshold for a termination right of Seller or Buyer, in which case the Closing Date shall be deferred and all subsequent dates and required activities having reference to the Closing Date shall be correspondingly deferred until the Bankruptcy Court has made a determination of the disputed issues with respect thereto; provided, however, that unless the parties mutually agree to the contrary, the Closing Date shall not be deferred pursuant to this Section 11.4.2 for more than ten (10) Business Days and the Agreement may thereafter be terminated pursuant to Section 17.1.6.
11.4.3
(a) If Buyer and Seller agree in writing to permit Seller to remove, remediate and resolve any Adverse Environmental Condition prior to Closing pursuant to the terms of Section 11.4.2 above, and such actions cannot be accomplished prior to the Closing Date, Seller may notify Buyer of Seller’s intention to diligently pursue and complete such actions within sixty (60) days of the Closing Date. In such event, Seller shall cause the affected Lease, Well or Fee Interest, as applicable, to be assigned from the appropriate Sub to Seller and such Lease, Well or Fee Interest, as applicable, shall be, as hereinafter provided, Retained Properties on the Closing Date and the Allocated Value of such Retained Properties shall be withheld from the Preliminary Purchase Price otherwise payable by Buyer.
(i) If, within fifteen (15) days prior to the date the final settlement of the Purchase Price adjustment is completed pursuant to Section 14.1 and within sixty (60) days of the Closing Date, Seller has provided to Buyer evidence satisfactory to Buyer, acting in a commercially reasonable good faith manner, that the Adverse Environmental Condition has been fully removed, remediated and resolved, such Lease, Well or Fee Interest shall no longer be Retained Properties, and Seller shall assign to the applicable Sub, by an assignment in substantially the form of the Assignment, with the required revisions and necessary changes, the Lease, Well or Fee Interest, as applicable, and Buyer hereby agrees to cause the applicable Sub to accept the assignment of such Lease, Well or Fee Interest, and to pay to the Seller the Allocated Value (concurrently with such assignment) for such Lease, Well or Fee Interest in accordance with this Agreement.
(ii) As to any Retained Properties still subject to Adverse Environmental Conditions, Buyer, at its option may (A) offer Seller an extension of the remediation period on such terms and conditions as Buyer may, in its sole discretion, elect to impose, and Seller may accept or reject such extension; (B) waive the relevant Adverse Environmental Condition, in which case such Lease, Well or Fee Interest shall no longer be Retained
Properties, and Seller shall assign to the appropriate Sub by an assignment in substantially the form of the Assignment, with the required revisions and necessary changes, the Lease, Well or Fee Interest, as applicable and Buyer hereby agrees to cause the applicable Sub to accept the assignment of such Lease, Well or Fee Interest, and to pay to Seller the Allocated Value (concurrently with such assignment) for such Lease, Well or Fee Interest in accordance with this Agreement; or (C) eliminate the affected Lease, Well or Fee Interest from the application of this Agreement, and retain the previously withheld portion of the Preliminary Purchase Price related to such Lease, Well or Fee Interest, free and clear of any claim by Seller with respect thereto, and thereupon any and all rights of Buyer in or to such Lease, Well or Fee Interest shall terminate.
(b) During the post-Closing period specified in subsection (a) above (as the same may be extended) and through the date the affected Leases, Wells or Fee Interests are assigned and purchased hereunder, with respect to any such Leases, Wells or Fee Interests subject to Adverse Environmental Conditions that Seller is attempting to cure, Seller shall remain the record owner thereof and shall continue to conduct its operations thereof or with respect thereto pursuant to the provisions of Article VII and any other applicable provision of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XII SUSPENSE FUNDS HELD BY SELLER OR SUBS
ARTICLE XIII CLOSING
13.3.1 Seller shall deliver a certified copy of the Confirmation Order, which Order shall not have been reversed or modified on appeal or, if such appeal is pending, such Order shall not have been stayed;
13.3.2 Seller shall deliver to Buyer a certificate signed by an officer of Seller certifying that all of the conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the Plan have been satisfied or waived in writing in accordance with the Plan;
13.3.3 Seller shall cause each reorganized Sub to execute and deliver to Buyer (or to an Affiliate of Buyer designated in writing by Buyer pursuant to written notice delivered to Seller no less than five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date) the original certificates representing the limited liability company interests of such Sub, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by transfer powers and with all requisite transfer tax stamps attached;
13.3.4 The Deposit shall, together with the interest earned thereon, be paid over to Seller or to Seller’s designee or designees;
13.3.5 Buyer shall deliver via wire transfer to an account specified by Seller, in immediately available funds, the Preliminary Purchase Price, less the Deposit, and less the Liquidated Title Defect Payment;
13.3.6 Buyer shall deliver via wire transfer to account(s) specified by the applicable payee(s) the Liquidated Title Defect Payment;
13.3.7 Seller shall deliver to Buyer documentation of the consummation of the Conversion Transactions pursuant to Section 7.7(a) and Property transfers pursuant to Section 9.9 which documentation shall be reasonably satisfactory to Buyer.
13.3.8 Seller shall deliver to Buyer written resignations or evidence of removal of each of the directors and officers of the Subs;
13.3.9 Seller shall deliver to Buyer the executed Lender Release referred to in Section 9.6;
13.3.10 Seller shall deliver to Buyer the Non-Foreign Affidavit; and
13.3.11 Seller shall transfer to a Sub designated by Buyer the Suspense Funds in Seller’s and the Subs’ possession.
(a) If a preferential purchase right or right of first offer with respect to any Property is triggered by the sale and purchase of the Equity Interests as contemplated hereby, and is exercised and paid for by a third Person prior to the Closing, such Property shall be excluded from the transactions contemplated hereby, the Purchase Price shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Allocated Value of such Property, and Seller shall be entitled to retain all proceeds received, directly or from the applicable Sub, for such affected Property from the Person exercising such preferential right to purchase or right of first offer;
(b) If a preferential purchase right or right of first offer with respect to any Property is triggered by the sale and purchase of the Equity Interests as contemplated hereby, and is exercised but not paid for by a third Person prior to the Closing, such Property shall not be excluded from the transactions contemplated hereby, the Purchase Price shall not be reduced, and the respective Sub shall, as applicable, be entitled either to retain the Property or all proceeds ultimately received, if any, for such Property from the Person exercising such preferential right to purchase or right of first offer.
(c) At the Closing, no reduction of the Purchase Price paid at the Closing shall be made with respect to a Property burdened by a preferential purchase right or right of first offer that has not been exercised as of the Closing Date, if the time period for the exercise of such right has expired. If, for any reason, such preferential purchase right or right of first offer is successfully exercised by the holder thereof after the Closing, the applicable Sub shall be entitled to retain all proceeds paid for the Property by the holder of the relevant preferential purchase right or right of first offer, and Seller shall have no liability with respect to such affected Property and no adjustment to the Purchase Price shall be made with respect thereto.
ARTICLE XIV POST-CLOSING ADJUSTMENTS
(a) all production of Hydrocarbons from or attributable to the Properties (and all products and proceeds attributable thereto) and all other income, proceeds and receipts earned with respect to the Properties from and after the Effective Time shall be the sole property and entitlement of Buyer, and, to the extent received by Seller, Seller shall fully disclose, account for and remit the same promptly to Buyer; and
(b) all production of Hydrocarbons from or attributable to the Properties (and all products and proceeds attributable thereto) and all other income, proceeds and receipts earned with respect to the Properties prior to the Effective Time and all amounts referenced under Section 4.2.1 which are not paid until after the Closing Date shall be the sole property and entitlement of Seller, and, to the extent received by Buyer or a Sub, Buyer shall fully disclose, account for and remit the same promptly to Seller.
14.6.1 From and after the Closing Date, Buyer will cause each Sub to, and each Sub hereby agrees to, receive the Subs A/R, the Severance Tax Abatement Amount and the New Mexico Withholding Tax Amount (collectively, the “Accounts Receivable”) reflected in the books and records of each applicable Sub generally in accordance with the billing and receipt practices presently applied by each such Sub in the receipt of its Accounts Receivable. In connection with such receipts by a Sub, if a payment is received from an account debtor who has not designated the invoice being paid thereby, such payment will be applied to the earliest invoice outstanding with respect to indebtedness of such account debtor, except for those invoices which are subject to a dispute to the extent of such dispute.
14.6.2 Buyer will, on or before the tenth (10) Business Day of each calendar month commencing with the second complete calendar month following the Closing Date, deliver to Seller a written report (“Collection Report”) of the following information with respect to the Accounts Receivable:
(a) The aggregate amount of the Accounts Receivable (and the number of accounts comprising such Accounts Receivable); and
(b) The aggregate amount of cash received that relates to the Accounts Receivable during the period from the Closing Date through the date of each Collection Report.
14.6.3 If, after the Closing Date, any Sub or Buyer receives any remittance from any account debtors with respect to the Accounts Receivable, Buyer will cause the applicable Sub to, and such Sub hereby agrees to, endorse such remittance to the order of Seller and forward it to Seller upon receipt thereof.
14.6.4 In the event Seller receives any remittance from or on behalf of any account debtor with respect to accounts receivable arising from invoices issued by any Sub subsequent to the Closing for services rendered and/or Hydrocarbons sold subsequent to the Closing Date, Seller agrees to endorse such remittance to the order of the applicable Sub and forward it to such Sub immediately upon receipt thereof.
(a) all expenses with respect to the Properties incurred prior to the Effective Time shall be the sole obligation of Seller and Seller shall promptly pay, or, if any Claims underlying such expenses are not discharged by the Confirmation Order and are paid by Buyer, promptly reimburse Buyer or such Sub for such amounts; and
(b) all expenses with respect to the Properties incurred after the Effective Time shall be the sole obligation of Buyer and Buyer shall promptly pay, or if paid by Seller, promptly reimburse Seller for such amounts.
ARTICLE XV ASSUMPTION BY BUYER
ARTICLE XVI RISK OF LOSS
ARTICLE XVII TERMINATION AND REMEDIES
17.1.1 The parties hereto may terminate this Agreement by mutual written consent at any time prior to the Closing Date.
17.1.2 Either Buyer or Seller may terminate this Agreement by written notice to the other if (i) subject to the provisions of Section 10.2.2, Section 10.5.3 and Section 11.4.2, the transactions contemplated hereby do not close on or before the Scheduled Closing Date; provided, however, that neither Seller nor Buyer may terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 17.1.2(i) if such party’s failure to comply with its obligations under this Agreement caused the Closing not to occur on or before the Scheduled Closing Date or (ii) the Bankruptcy Court approves an Alternative Transaction that was entered into in accordance with the Bidding Procedures Order.
17.1.3 Buyer may terminate this Agreement by delivery of written notice to Seller at any time prior to the Scheduled Closing Date if: (a) the Bankruptcy Court has not entered the Confirmation Order by the Petition Date plus One Hundred Five (105) days, or the Confirmation Order is entered by such date but is stayed by order of the Bankruptcy Court or by some other federal district or appeals court (and such stay is not
terminated by the Petition Date plus One Hundred Five (105) days; (b) the Bankruptcy Court denies the motion for entry of the Bidding Procedures Order, fails to approve the Break Up Fee or the Expense Reimbursement, or fails to enter the Bidding Procedures Order (in form reasonably satisfactory to both Seller and Buyer) by the Petition Date plus thirty (30) days; (c) Seller has breached any representation, warranty or covenant in this Agreement in any material respect and such breach results in a Material Adverse Effect and Seller has failed to cure such breach within a reasonable time period after receiving written notice from Buyer of such breach; (d) the Bankruptcy Cases have been converted to cases under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code; (e) the Bankruptcy Cases have been dismissed; (f) the Bankruptcy Court has entered an Order for the appointment of a trustee or examiner with managerial powers, other than at the request of Buyer, under Bankruptcy Code Section 1104 and such trustee or examiner takes any action to interfere with or impair the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (g) Seller executes an Alternative Agreement; (h) Seller takes affirmative steps to effect an Alternative Transaction pursuant to an Alternative Agreement except as otherwise provided for in the Bidding Procedures Order; (i) any event, circumstance, condition, fact, effect or other matter has occurred or exists which would, or would be reasonably likely to, give rise to the failure of any of the conditions to the obligations of Buyer set forth in Article IX of this Agreement and cannot be cured within five (5) Business Days prior to the Scheduled Closing Date; or (j) Seller and Subs have not filed the Bankruptcy Cases by the Petition Date, provided that Buyer gives written notice of termination prior to the commencement of the Bankruptcy Cases.
17.1.4 Seller may terminate this Agreement by delivery of written notice to Buyer at any time prior to the Closing Date if Buyer has breached any representation, warranty or covenant in this Agreement in any material respect and Buyer has failed to cure such breach within five (5) Business Days after receiving written notice from Seller of such breach.
17.1.5 Either Seller or Buyer, as applicable, may terminate this Agreement by delivery of written notice to the other if the aggregate of (a) the sum of all Defect Values plus, (b) the sum of all Final Remediation Amounts plus, (c) the sum of the Allocated Values of all Retained Properties plus, (d) the sum of all Casualty Losses (to the extent not covered by insurance or condemnation award), less (e) the sum of all Title Benefits, exceeds twenty percent (20%) of the Unadjusted Purchase Price.
17.1.6 Either Seller or Buyer, as applicable, may terminate this Agreement by delivery of written notice to the other, if the aggregate of (a) all Final Remediation Amounts, and (b) the Allocated Value of all Retained Properties exceeds twenty percent (20%) of the Unadjusted Purchase Price.
(a) upon written request therefor, each party shall redeliver all documents, work papers and other material of any other party relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, whether obtained before or after the execution hereof, to the party furnishing the same; and
(b) no party hereto shall have any liability or further obligation under this Agreement, except that the provisions of this Section 17.2 and those of Sections 17.3, 17.4, 19.2, 19.8, the first sentence of Section 19.11.1, and Section 19.14 shall survive any termination and remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE XVIII ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
18.3.1 After the Closing, Buyer shall cause EPEC, and EPEC hereby agrees to, promptly pursue the certification of additional areas and Wells for severance tax abatement, where applicable, in the Flores/Bloomberg area in Starr County, Texas, in accord with subparts (a) and (b) below.
(a) Prior to the Closing, Seller shall cause EPEC to, and EPEC hereby agrees to, promptly (i) file amended reports with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for the time period between August 2007 and April 2008 in connection with the exemption granted to EPEC for severance taxes on the Chapman Ranch #23 Well located in Nueces County, Texas, (ii) seek refunds of existing severance tax credits for tax years 2005 and 2006 that require corrections and/or confirmation by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and (iii) seek
severance tax refunds for the period between February 2007 and November 2008 (the “Bloomberg/Slick/Garcia Refund”).
(b) From and after the Closing Date, Buyer shall cause EPEC to, and EPEC hereby agrees to, promptly pay to Seller, upon receipt of such refunds from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, EPEC’s proportional interest in the items set forth in (i), (ii) and (iii) of subpart (a) above, and pay to the other owners of such property their respective proportional interests thereunder.
18.3.2 After the Closing, Buyer shall cause EPEC, and EPEC hereby agrees to, promptly pursue the certification of additional areas and Wells for severance tax abatement, where applicable, in the Properties other than the Flores/Bloomberg area in Starr County, Texas, in accord with subparts (a) and (b) below.
(a) Prior to the Auction, Seller may cause a Sub to (i) file amended reports with one or more agencies having authority or jurisdiction over severance taxes for the time period prior to the Effective Time and (ii) seek severance tax refunds for the period prior to the Effective Time (the “Other Property Filings”).
(b) From and after the Closing Date, Buyer shall cause EPEC to, and EPEC hereby agrees to, promptly pay to Seller, upon receipt of any refunds arising from the Other Property Filings, EPEC’s proportional interest in the items set forth in subparts (i) and (ii) above, and pay to the other owners of such property their respective proportional interests thereunder.
18.3.3 From and after the Closing Date, Buyer shall cause EPEC to, and EPEC hereby agrees to, file with the appropriate taxing authority of the State of Texas claims for sales tax refunds relating to purchases made by Seller or EPEC prior to the Effective Time, which in each case have not been received or paid over to Seller or EPEC as of the Closing Date.
ARTICLE XIX MISCELLANEOUS
19.11.1 Except as set forth in this Agreement or the Bidding Procedures Order, each of the parties hereto shall pay its own fees and expenses incident to the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including brokers’ fees. Buyer shall be responsible for the cost of all fees for the recording of transfer documents. All other costs shall be borne by the party incurring them. Unless otherwise provided by this Agreement, all Taxes imposed by Taxing Authorities are the obligation of and shall be borne by the party incurring such Taxes. Buyer and Seller will use commercially reasonable efforts and cooperate in good faith to exempt the sale by Seller and the purchase by Buyer of the Equity Interests from any sales, use, stamp, real estate transfer, documentary, registration, recording and other similar taxes (collectively, “Transfer Taxes”) and to minimize any such Transfer Taxes. If a determination is ever made that a Transfer Tax applies, Buyer shall be liable for such tax. BUYER SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD SELLER GROUP HARMLESS WITH RESPECT TO THE PAYMENT OF ANY OF SUCH TAXES, INCLUDING ALL INTEREST, FINES AND PENALTIES ASSESSED THEREON. THE INDEMNITY AND HOLD HARMLESS OBLIGATION CONTAINED IN THE PRECEDING SENTENCE SHALL SURVIVE THE CLOSING.
19.11.2 Intentionally Omitted.
19.11.3 Tax Information. Buyer and Seller agree to furnish or cause to be furnished to each other, upon written request, as promptly as practicable, such information and assistance relating to the Subs, the Equity Interests and the Properties (including access to books and records) as is reasonably necessary for the filing of all Tax Returns, the making of any election, rendition or protest relating to Taxes, the preparation for any audit by any Taxing Authority, and the prosecution or defense of any claim, suit or proceeding relating to any Tax.
19.11.5 Responsibility and Proration of Taxes, Preparation of Tax Returns; Payment of Taxes.
(a) Responsibility for Taxes.
(i) Consistent with the Purchase Price adjustments of Article IV, Seller shall be liable for all Ad Valorem Taxes which shall be accrued
up to and including the Effective Time. The Buyer shall be liable for all Ad Valorem Taxes accrued after the Effective Time.
(ii) Seller shall file a combined report that includes the Subs’ information through the Closing Date and shall be liable for all Texas franchise Taxes of the Subs through the Closing Date, including any Texas franchise Tax liability attributable to the sale of the Equity Interests by Seller. Buyer shall be responsible for Texas franchise Taxes of the Subs for periods after the Closing Date.
(iii) Seller shall be liable for all income and other Taxes of the Subs attributable to income, production or activity through the Closing Date, including any Tax liability attributable to the sale of the Equity Interests by Seller. Buyer shall be responsible for income and other Taxes of the Subs attributable to income, production or activity for periods occurring after the Closing Date.
(iv) With respect to Ad Valorem Taxes, in the case of any taxable period that includes (but does not end on) the Effective Time (the “Straddle Period”), the Ad Valorem Taxes accrued as of the Effective Time shall be equal to the amount of such Ad Valorem Taxes for the entire Straddle Period multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the Straddle Period up to and including the Effective Time, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the Straddle Period. The party liable for any Ad Valorem Tax shall have all available rights to legally contest the Tax, provided, however, that the Buyer shall control, but shall allow the Seller (at Seller’s request and expense) to participate in, any contest with respect to Ad Valorem Taxes for a Straddle Period).
(v) In the case of Straddle Periods for all other Taxes any allocation and responsibility for such Taxes shall be based on the actual revenue and expenses before and after the Effective Time or if the Tax cannot be calculated on that basis, then such Taxes shall be pro rated as provided in (iv) immediately above. Seller shall be responsible for such Taxes that are attributable to periods before the Effective Time and Buyer shall be responsible for such Taxes that are attributable to periods from and after the Effective Time.
(b) Any Tax Return required to be filed with respect to Ad Valorem Taxes shall be prepared and timely filed, or caused to be prepared and timely filed, by the party liable hereunder for the payment of such Taxes, provided, however, that in the case of any such Tax Return with respect to a Straddle Period, the Seller shall cause to be prepared and timely filed any Tax Return required to be filed prior to the Closing Date, and the Buyer shall cause to be prepared and timely filed any Tax Return that is not required to be filed until after the Closing Date. If the Buyer or the Seller receives any invoice for any Ad
Valorem Tax which is allocable to any other party in part or in full hereunder, the recipient shall forward a copy of the invoice promptly to the other party. In the case of any Tax Return with respect to a Straddle Period, the party responsible for filing such Tax Return shall request the appropriate reimbursement for the other party’s allocable portion of the Ad Valorem Taxes due, and the party owing such reimbursement shall pay such reimbursement within the later of the day such Taxes are due or 10 days after receipt of the reimbursement request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever time permits, each party will make every reasonable effort to determine each party’s appropriate allocable share of any Ad Valorem Tax due and to pay the allocable share to the party responsible under this paragraph for paying the Tax in a timely fashion in order to avoid any late payment penalty.
(c) Seller shall prepare and cause to be filed the combined Texas franchise Tax Return including the Subs for periods through and including the Closing Date. Buyer shall prepare and cause to be filed the Texas franchise Tax Returns of the Subs for periods beginning after the Closing Date.
(d) Except as set forth in Section 19.11.5(b) and (c), Buyer shall prepare and cause to be filed all other Tax Returns for the Subs relating solely to periods commencing after the Closing Date.
(e) Except as set forth in Sections 19.11.5(b), (c) and (d) and consistent with Section 19.11.5(a), Seller shall prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and timely filed, all other Tax Returns of or which include any of the Subs that are required to be filed (after giving effect to any valid extension of time in which to make such filing). Seller shall cause the Subs to timely pay all Taxes shown due on Tax Returns described in this Section 19.11.5(e). However, Buyer shall reimburse Seller for any Taxes on such Tax Returns for which Buyer is responsible under Section 19.11.5(a) within twenty (20) Business Days after receiving a copy of the Tax Return and the calculation of Buyer’s share of Taxes from Seller. Further, Buyer and Seller may agree in writing for Buyer to prepare and file such other Tax Returns when in the best interest of both parties.
(f) All Tax Returns described in Section 19.11.5 for taxable periods ending on or before or which include the Closing Date shall be prepared in a manner reasonably consistent with past practice unless a past practice has been finally determined to be incorrect by the applicable Taxing Authority or a contrary treatment is required by applicable Tax laws (or the judicial or administrative interpretations thereof).
(g) Seller will provide Buyer with copies of all Tax Returns (other than the consolidated federal income tax return and the combined Texas franchise tax return of Seller and the Subs) described in Section 19.11.5(e) and filed after the Closing Date at least twenty (20) Business Days prior to the filing date. Buyer shall be provided an opportunity to review such returns and all supporting workpapers, schedules and information, and to propose changes, not later than ten
(10) Business Days prior to the filing date of such Tax Returns. Seller shall make such revisions to the Tax Returns as are reasonably and properly requested by Buyer, provided that such changes do not increase the Tax liability of Seller or the Subs. The failure of Buyer to propose any changes to any such Tax Returns prior to the expiration of such ten (10) Business Day period shall be deemed to be an indication of their approval thereof. The Seller shall have the same rights with respect to any Tax Returns prepared by Buyer for any Straddle Period.
19.11.6 Certain Other Taxes. All Transfer Taxes (including any penalties and interest) incurred in connection with this Agreement, if any, shall be paid by Seller when due, and Seller shall file all necessary Tax Returns and other documentation with respect to any such transfer Taxes, and, if required by Applicable Law, Buyer will, and will cause Subs to, join in the execution of any such Tax Returns and other documentation and will cooperate with Seller to take such commercially reasonable actions as will minimize or reduce the amount of such Taxes.
19.11.7 Tax Audits.
(a) Except for Ad Valorem Taxes as set forth in Sections 19.11.5(a) and (b): Seller shall have the sole right (but not the obligation) to represent the interests of the Subs in any audit or administrative or court proceeding (a “Tax Proceeding”) relating to Taxes for taxable periods of the Subs which end on or before the Closing Date and to employ counsel of its choice at its expense. Buyer agrees that, at Seller’s cost, it will cooperate fully, and shall cause the Subs to cooperate fully, with Seller and its counsel in the defense against or compromise of any claim in any said proceeding.
(b) Seller at its sole cost has the right, but not the obligation, to jointly represent the interests of the Subs with the Buyer in any Tax Proceeding relating to Taxes for any Straddle Period of the Subs. Any disputes regarding the conduct or resolution of any such audit or proceeding shall be resolved pursuant to Section 19.11.8.
(c) Buyer shall have the sole right to represent the interests of the Subs in all Tax Proceedings other than Tax Proceedings described in clauses (a), (b) and (d) of this Section 19.11.7.
(d) Neither Buyer nor any Affiliate or successor of Buyer or any such Affiliate shall (or shall cause or permit any of the Subs to) amend, refile or otherwise modify any Tax Return relating in whole or in part to any Sub with respect to any taxable year or period ending on or before the Closing Date without the prior written consent of the Seller.
(e) If any Taxing Authority asserts a claim, makes an assessment or otherwise disputes or affects any Taxes for which Seller is responsible hereunder, Buyer shall, promptly upon receipt by Buyer and/or the Subs of notice thereof, inform Seller thereof.
19.11.8 Resolution of Certain Disputes. In the event that Seller or Buyer disputes the application or interpretation of any provision of Sections 19.11.5, 19.11.7 and 19.11.12 hereof, or the amount, allocation or calculation, payment or reimbursement of Taxes, if any, owed by such party thereunder, such party shall deliver to the other a statement setting forth, in reasonable detail, the nature of and/or the dollar amount of any disagreement so asserted. Seller and Buyer shall attempt in good faith to resolve such dispute within twenty (20) days following the commencement of such dispute. If Seller and Buyer are unable to resolve such dispute within such twenty (20) day period, the dispute shall be resolved by the Accounting Referee. The Accounting Referee shall determine, only with respect to the specific disagreements submitted in writing by Seller and Buyer, the manner in which such item or items in dispute should be resolved; provided, however, that the dollar amount of any such item or items shall be determined within the range of dollar amounts proposed by Seller, on the one hand, and Buyer, on the other hand. The Accounting Referee shall be directed to make such determination promptly, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after acceptance of its appointment. Any finding by the Accounting Referee shall be a reasoned award stating the findings of fact and conclusions of law (if any) on which it is based, shall be final and binding upon the parties and shall be the sole and exclusive remedy between the parties regarding the disputed items so presented. The fees and expenses of the Accounting Referee shall be shared by Seller and Buyer (A) in proportion to each party’s respective liability for Taxes which are the subject of the dispute as determined by the Accounting Referee, or (B) in equal proportions if the subject of the dispute involves Tax Returns for which no Taxes are due. The parties shall otherwise bear their own expenses incurred in any dispute resolution pursuant to this Section 19.11.8.
19.11.9 Refunds and Tax Benefits. Any refunds of Taxes (together with any interest with respect thereto) paid to or in respect of the Subs (including any amounts credited against income tax to which Buyer, its Affiliates or any of the Subs becomes entitled) and that relate to Tax periods or portions thereof ending on or before the Effective Time for Ad Valorem Taxes and the Closing Date for all other Taxes shall be for the account of Seller. Buyer shall pay over to Seller any such refund or the amount of any such credit (in each case, together with any interest with respect thereto) within fifteen (15) days after receipt or entitlement thereto. Any refunds or credits of Taxes (together with any interest with respect thereto) of the Subs for any Straddle Period shall be apportioned between Seller and Buyer consistent with Section 19.11.5(c). Buyer shall, if Seller so requests and at Seller’s expense, prepare, execute and file any claims for refunds or credits, or cause the Subs to prepare, execute and file any claims for refunds or credits, to which Seller is entitled under this Section 19.11.9. Buyer shall permit Seller to control the prosecution of any such refund at Seller’s sole cost.
19.11.10 Certain Elections. To the extent permitted by Law, Buyer shall not permit the Subs to carry back any loss, deduction or credit to any taxable period that ends on, prior to or which includes the Closing Date.
19.11.11 FIRPTA. Seller shall furnish to Buyer on or before the Closing Date a certification of its non-foreign status consistent with the requirements set forth in Section 1445 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations.
19.11.12 Allocation of Purchase Price. As soon as reasonably practicable following the Closing Date, Buyer and Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to agree upon an allocation of the Purchase Price among the Properties of the Subs.
19.14.1 Without limiting any party’s right to appeal any Order of the Bankruptcy Court, the parties agree that the Bankruptcy Court will have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising under this Agreement.
19.14.2 In the event the Bankruptcy Court does not have jurisdiction over a dispute that arises under this Agreement, or for whatever reason fails or refuses to take jurisdiction over any other dispute arising hereunder then, except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, the parties hereby agree, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, to submit all controversies, disputes and claims arising hereunder and not otherwise resolved by the parties in writing to the exclusive jurisdiction of the appropriate State of Texas court located in Harris County, Texas or, to the extent permitted by Law, the federal courts in the Southern District of Texas (to whose jurisdiction the parties hereby irrevocably, unqualifiedly and unconditionally submit), and to any appellate court from any therefrom, in any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, and each party hereby irrevocably, unqualifiedly and unconditionally agrees that all claims and Losses in respect of any such dispute may be heard and determined in such State of Texas court, or to the extent permitted by Law, in such federal court. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably, unqualifiedly and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, any defense of any inconvenient forum or improper venue to the maintenance of any such dispute in any such court and any right of jurisdiction on account of its place of residence or domicile. Each of the parties irrevocably, unqualifiedly and unconditionally consents to the service of any and all process in any such dispute in such State of Texas or federal court by the sending of such process to each of the applicable parties at the addresses and in the manner
specified in Section 19.1, or as otherwise may be permitted or required by Applicable Law. Each of the parties agrees that the final judgment in any such dispute, following exhaustion of all remedies by appeal, shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law.
19.14.3 EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY DISPUTE ARISING HEREUNDER AND CONSENTS TO TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AS EVIDENCED BY ITS EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT.