EDGE PETROLEUM CORP, S-4, 1996-12-05

EDGE PETROLEUM CORP
S-4, 1996-12-05

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<PAGE>

AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 4, 1996
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

----------------

FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

----------------

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
76-0511037
DELAWARE 1311 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
(STATE OR OTHER (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL IDENTIFICATION NO.)
JURISDICTION OF CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
INCORPORATION OR
ORGANIZATION)

TEXACO HERITAGE PLAZA, 1111 BAGBY, SUITE 2100, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002; (713)
654-8960
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

----------------

JAMES D. CALAWAY
PRESIDENT
EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
TEXACO HERITAGE PLAZA
1111 BAGBY, SUITE 2100
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002
(713) 654-8960
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

----------------

COPIES TO:
GENE J. OSHMAN J. MICHAEL GOTTESMAN
BAKER & BOTTS, L.L.P. 477 MADISON AVENUE
3000 ONE SHELL PLAZA NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-4995 (212) 308-2320
(713) 229-1234

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APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

----------------

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [_]
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance
with General Instruction G, check the following box. [_]

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED
PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF MAXIMUM AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE OFFERING REGISTRATION
REGISTERED REGISTERED(1) PER SHARE(1) PRICE(2) FEE
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, par value
$0.01 per share........ -- -- $2,745,957 $833
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</TABLE>
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(1) In accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the number of shares being registered and the proposed maximum
offering price per share are not included in this table.
(2) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(f)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee and
based upon the book value as of September 30, 1996, of the securities to
be received and/or canceled by the Registrant in exchange for the shares
of Common Stock registered hereunder.

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.

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<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

TEXACO HERITAGE PLAZA
1111 BAGBY, SUITE 2100
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002
(713) 654-8960

, 1997

Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of shareholders of
Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation ("Old Edge"), which will be
held at , Houston, Texas on , 1997 at a.m., Houston time. A
notice of the special meeting, a proxy card and a Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus containing important information about the
matters to be acted upon at the Special Meeting are enclosed.

At the Special Meeting, you will be asked to approve and adopt a Combination
Agreement that provides for the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by Edge
Petroleum Corporation, a recently formed Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
of substantially all of the interests in Edge Joint Venture II (the "Joint
Venture"), through which Old Edge conducts substantially all of its
exploration and production operations. Consummation of the Combination
Agreement is conditioned on the simultaneous closing of an initial public
offering of the common stock of the Company.

If the Combination Agreement is approved and adopted and the transactions
contemplated thereby (whereby the Company proposes to acquire the direct and
indirect interests in the Joint Venture in exchange for shares of common stock
of the Company) are consummated, (i) each outstanding share of common stock of
Old Edge will be converted into the right to receive 22.307862 shares of
common stock of the Company, (ii) Old Edge will be merged with Edge Mergeco,
Inc. and will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, (iii) the
Company will succeed to the ownership, directly or indirectly, of
substantially all of the interests in the Joint Venture and (iv) the Company
will become an independent, publicly held company.

Your Board of Directors believes that the proposed Combination Agreement and
the plan of merger included therein are in the best interests of Old Edge and
its shareholders and recommends that you vote FOR approval and adoption of
this matter.

You are urged to read carefully the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus and the appendices thereto in their entirety for a
complete description of the transactions. Whether or not you plan to attend
the Special Meeting, please be sure to date, sign and return the proxy card in
the enclosed postage paid envelope as promptly as possible so that your shares
may be represented at the meeting and voted in accordance with your wishes.

Sincerely,

John E. Calaway
Chairman of the Board
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
TEXACO HERITAGE PLAZA
1111 BAGBY, SUITE 2100
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002
(713) 654-8960

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON , 1997

TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of shareholders (together with
any adjournment or postponement thereof, the "Special Meeting") of Edge
Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation ("Old Edge"), will be held at
, Houston, Texas on , , 1997 at a.m., Houston time, for
the following purposes:

1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt a
Combination Agreement dated December 2, 1996 among Old Edge, Edge Group II
Limited Partnership, a Connecticut limited partnership, Edge Group
Partnership, a Connecticut general partnership, Gulfedge Limited
Partnership, a Texas limited partnership, Edge Mergeco, Inc., a Texas
corporation that is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company ("Mergeco"),
and Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and
the plan of merger (the "Plan of Merger") included therein, pursuant to
which Mergeco will merge with and into Old Edge. Pursuant to the
Combination Agreement, among other things, (i) each issued and outstanding
share of common stock of Old Edge would be converted into 22.307862 shares
of common stock of the Company, (ii) Mergeco would merge with and into Old
Edge and (iii) Old Edge would become a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company. The terms of the Combination Agreement are described in detail in
the attached Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus, and
the full text of the Combination Agreement is included as Appendix A
thereto.

2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Special Meeting.

Holders of record of shares of common stock of Old Edge at the close of
business on , 1997, the record date for the Special Meeting, are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting. The affirmative vote
of the holders of record of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of
common stock of Old Edge entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is necessary
to approve and to adopt the Combination Agreement and the Plan of Merger
included therein.

To assure that your interests will be represented at the Special Meeting,
regardless of whether you plan to attend in person, please complete, date and
sign the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed return
envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in the United States. This
action will not limit your right to vote in person if you wish to attend the
Special Meeting and vote personally.

By Order of the Board of Directors

Richard S. Dale
Controller, Treasurer and Secretary

Houston, Texas
, 1997

PLEASE EXECUTE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY PROMPTLY, WHETHER OR NOT
YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.
<PAGE>

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF +
+ANY SUCH STATE. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PRELIMINARY JOINT PROXY AND CONSENT SOLICITATION STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 4, 1996

-----------

PROXY STATEMENT OF EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION,
A TEXAS CORPORATION

-----------

CONSENT SOLICITATION STATEMENT OF EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
A CONNECTICUT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

-----------

PROSPECTUS OF EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION,
A DELAWARE CORPORATION

-----------

This Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus is being
furnished to (i) shareholders of Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas
corporation ("Old Edge"), (ii) the general and limited partners of Edge Group
II Limited Partnership, a Connecticut limited partnership ("Edge Group II"),
(iii) the limited partners of Gulfedge Limited Partnership, a Texas limited
partnership ("Gulfedge"), and (iv) Edge Group Partnership, a Connecticut
general partnership ("Edge Group"). This Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus relates to the proposed acquisition, directly or
indirectly, by Edge Petroleum Corporation, a recently formed Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), of substantially all the interests in Edge Joint
Venture II, a Texas general partnership (the "Joint Venture"), pursuant to the
terms of the Combination Agreement dated December 2, 1996 (the "Combination
Agreement") by and among the Company, Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and
Edge Group. The Combination Agreement provides for (i) a merger (the "Merger")
of Edge Mergeco, Inc., a Texas corporation that is a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company organized for this purpose ("Mergeco"), with and into Old Edge,
(ii) an exchange offer (the "Edge Group II Exchange Offer") to the general and
limited partners of Edge Group II, (iii) an exchange offer (the "Gulfedge
Exchange Offer") to the limited partners of Gulfedge and (iv) a purchase offer
(the "Edge Group Purchase Offer") to Edge Group. The Merger, the Edge Group II
Exchange Offer, the Gulfedge Exchange Offer and the Edge Group Purchase Offer
are collectively referred to herein as the "Combination Agreement
Transactions." See "The Combination Agreement." Contemporaneously with the
consummation of the Combination Agreement Transactions, the Company intends to
complete an initial public offering (the "Offering") of shares of its common
stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock").
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 21 OF THIS JOINT PROXY AND CONSENT
SOLICITATION STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMBINATION AGREEMENT TRANSACTIONS.
This Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus serves as the
Proxy Statement of Old Edge for the special meeting of shareholders of Old Edge
to be held on , 1997 (the "Special Meeting"). At the Special Meeting, the
shareholders of Old Edge will be asked to approve and adopt the Combination
Agreement and the Plan of Merger included therein. If the Combination
Agreement, including the Plan of Merger, is approved and adopted and the Merger
becomes effective, each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of Old Edge ("Old Edge Common Stock") will be converted into 22.307862
shares of Common Stock of the Company, and Old Edge will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company. In the Merger, the shareholders of Old Edge will be
entitled to receive in the aggregate 2,334,085 shares of Common Stock (subject
to adjustment to eliminate fractional shares) of the Company in exchange for
all the issued and outstanding shares of Old Edge Common Stock. See "The Merger
and the Special Meeting." This Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus, together with the accompanying form of proxy, is first
being mailed to shareholders of Old Edge on or about , 1997.
Under the terms of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, the limited and general
partners will be entitled to receive in the aggregate 2,209,306 shares of
Common Stock (subject to adjustment to eliminate fractional shares) in exchange
for all the outstanding limited and general partner interests in Edge Group II.
The Company hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth herein and in the Edge Group II Letter of
(continued on following page)
-----------

THE SECURITIES TO WHICH THIS JOINT PROXY AND CONSENT SOLICITATION STATEMENT/
PROSPECTUS RELATES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS JOINT PROXY AND CONSENT SOLICITATION
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

The date of this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus is
, 1997.
<PAGE>

Acceptance furnished herewith to the general and limited partners of Edge
Group II, to exchange for all of the general partner interests in Edge Group
II a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the whole number nearest to the
sum of (i) the GP's Before Payout Shares (which shares are attributable to the
general partners' 1% interest in distributions before Edge Group II
distributes to its partners $20,188,636 (the "Payout Amount")), (ii) the GP's
Management Fee Shares (which shares are attributable to the general partners'
accrued but unpaid and future cash flow-based management fees), and (iii) the
GP's After Payout Shares (which shares are attributable to the general
partners' 25% interest in distributions after Edge Group II distributes to its
partners the Payout Amount) (such shares are collectively referred to herein
as the "GP Exchange Shares"). The "GP's Before Payout Shares" are a number of
shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) $201,886 (which equals 1%
of the Payout Amount) divided by (ii) the initial public offering price in the
Offering per share of Common Stock (the "IPO price"). The "GP's Management Fee
Shares" are a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i)
the sum of (A) $1,332,450 (which equals the general partners' accrued but
unpaid management fees) plus (B) 3% multiplied by 2,209,306 (which equals the
total number of shares of Common Stock being offered for all limited and
general partner interests in Edge Group II) multiplied by the IPO price (which
product in (B) is attributable to the general partners' future cash flow-based
management fees) (such sum in (i) is referred to herein as the "Management Fee
Amount") divided by (ii) the IPO price. The "GP's After Payout Shares" are a
number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) 25% of the
difference between (A) the product of the IPO price multiplied by 2,209,306
and (B) the sum of (1) the Payout Amount plus (2) the Management Fee Amount
divided by (ii) the IPO price. The Company hereby offers, upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Edge Group II Letter of
Acceptance furnished herewith to the general and limited partners of Edge
Group II, to exchange for each unit that represents a limited partner interest
attributable to an original capital contribution of $70,500 in Edge Group II
(each, an "Edge Group II Unit"), a number of shares of Common Stock equal to
the quotient of (i) the difference between (A) 2,209,306 (the aggregate number
of shares of Common Stock being offered in exchange for all limited and
general partner interests in Edge Group II) and (B) the aggregate number of
the GP Exchange Shares, divided by (ii) 189 (the total number of Edge Group II
Units outstanding). The number of shares being offered respectively for the
limited and general partner interests in Edge Group II, which will vary
depending on the IPO price, is more fully described elsewhere in this Joint
Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus under "The Combination
Transactions--Background of and Reasons for the Combination Transactions."
Assuming an IPO price of $16.00 per share of Common Stock, the limited
partners of Edge Group II would be entitled to receive in the aggregate
1,847,641 shares of Common Stock (9,776 shares for each Edge Group II Unit
tendered), and the general partners of Edge Group II would be entitled to
receive in the aggregate 361,665 shares of Common Stock, in exchange for all
of the outstanding interests in Edge Group II.

This Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus serves as the
Consent Solicitation Statement of Edge Group II in connection with the
solicitation by the general partners of Edge Group II of written consents from
partners of Edge Group II approving the transfer of the general partner
interests in Edge Group II to the Company or its permitted assigns and the
withdrawal of the current general partners as general partners of Edge Group
II (the "Change of Edge Group II General Partners"). A partner's tender of his
or her interests in Edge Group II will not be accepted unless he or she also
consents to the Change of Edge Group II General Partners unless such
requirement with respect to a specific partner's tender is waived by the
Company, which waiver will only be given if other partners of Edge Group II
whose aggregate contributions to capital of Edge Group II represent at least
60% of the aggregate contributions to capital of all partners of Edge Group II
have consented to the Change of Edge Group II General Partners. See "The Edge
Group II Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation--The Consent Solicitation."
Those limited partners of Edge Group II who tender their respective Edge Group
II Units in exchange for shares of Common Stock will by so tendering have
consented to, approved and ratified the terms of the Edge Group II Exchange
Offer and the other Combination Transactions, including the number of shares
of Common Stock that will be issued to the general partners of Edge Group II.
Accordingly, by tendering Edge Group II Units, limited partners of Edge Group
II will approve the overall terms and structure of the Edge Group II Exchange
Offer and will give up any right to challenge any aspect of the general
partners' and their affiliates' (including Old Edge and its management)
actions regarding the Combination Transactions, including, without limitation,
the allocation of shares among any parties receiving shares in the Combination
Transactions and further specifically including any decisions regarding the
shares of Common Stock being offered by the Company for the general partner
interests in Edge Group II. See "Risk Factors--Risks Associated

ii
<PAGE>

with the Combination Transactions--Effect of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer
on Exchanging Limited Partners of Edge Group II" and "The Edge Group II
Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation--Description."

The Company hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth herein and in the Gulfedge Letter of Acceptance furnished herewith to
the limited partners of Gulfedge, to exchange for each unit that represents a
limited partner interest attributable to an original capital contribution of
$64,500 in Gulfedge (each, a "Gulfedge Unit") 10,617 shares of Common Stock,
which number is equal to the whole number nearest to the quotient of (i)
74,317 (the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment
to eliminate fractional shares) being offered hereby in exchange for all the
outstanding Gulfedge Units) divided by (ii) 7 (the total number of Gulfedge
Units outstanding). Old Edge will continue as the general partner of Gulfedge.
Those limited partners of Gulfedge who tender their respective Gulfedge Units
in exchange for shares of Common Stock will by so tendering have consented to,
approved and ratified the terms of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer and the other
Combination Transactions. Accordingly, by tendering Gulfedge Units, limited
partners of Gulfedge will approve the overall terms and structure of the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer and will give up any right to challenge any aspect of
Old Edge's and its officers', directors' and other affiliates' actions
regarding the Combination Transactions, including, without limitation, the
allocation of shares among any parties receiving shares in the Combination
Transactions. See "Risk Factors--Risks Associated with the Combination
Transactions--Effect of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer on Exchanging Limited
Partners of Gulfedge" and "The Gulfedge Exchange Offer."

The Company hereby offers, upon the terms and conditions set forth herein
and in the Edge Group Letter of Acceptance furnished herewith to Edge Group,
to purchase all of Edge Group's general partner interest in the Joint Venture
("Edge Group's Joint Venture Interest") for consideration consisting of an
aggregate of 42,896 shares of Common Stock. See "The Edge Group Purchase
Offer."

Consummation of the Combination Agreement Transactions is subject to certain
conditions, including, among other things: (i) the approval of the Plan of
Merger by the shareholders of Old Edge, (ii) the acceptance of the Edge Group
II Exchange Offer by the general partners and by limited partners holding at
least 70% of the outstanding Edge Group II Units (which will thereby include
the requisite approval of the Change of Edge Group II General Partners by
partners of Edge Group II whose aggregate contributions to capital of Edge
Group II represent at least 60% of the aggregate contributions to capital of
all partners of Edge Group II) and (iii) the closing of the Offering at an IPO
price of at least $15.00 per share. See "The Combination Agreement--
Conditions." Assuming that the foregoing conditions are satisfied and that all
parties accept shares of Common Stock in the Combination Agreement
Transactions, upon consummation of the Combination Agreement Transactions and
the Offering, (i) the Company will become an independent, publicly held
company, (ii) holders of Old Edge Common Stock will become stockholders of the
Company rather than shareholders of Old Edge, (iii) the partners of Edge Group
II and Gulfedge who exchange their interests for shares of Common Stock will
become stockholders of the Company rather than partners of Edge Group II and
Gulfedge, respectively, (iv) the Company will become the general partner of
and own all of the partner interests in Edge Group II, (v) the Company will
own all of the limited partner interests in Gulfedge, (vi) Edge Group will
become a stockholder of the Company and (vii) direct and indirect ownership of
all of the interests in the Joint Venture will be combined in the Company.
This Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus constitutes a
prospectus of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock to be
issued in the Combination Agreement Transactions.

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iii
<PAGE>

No persons have been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this
Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus in connection with
the solicitation of proxies and consents or the offering of the securities
made hereby and, if given or made, such information or representation should
not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company, Old Edge or Edge
Group II. This Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus does
not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase,
any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy or consent, in any jurisdiction
in which, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or
solicitation of an offer or proxy or consent solicitation. Neither the
delivery of this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus nor
any distribution of the securities offered hereby shall, under any
circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the
affairs of the Company, Old Edge or Edge Group II since the date hereof or
that the information set forth or incorporated by reference herein is correct
as of any time subsequent to its date.

Until , 1997 (25 days after the date of this Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in the
registered securities, whether or not participating in this distribution, may
be required to deliver a Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to
deliver a Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus when
acting as soliciting dealers.

iv
<PAGE>

TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
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<S> <C>
Summary................................................................... 1
The Companies........................................................... 1
The Combination Transactions............................................ 2
Background of and Reasons for the Combination Transactions.............. 3
Recommendation of Old Edge's Board of Directors......................... 4
Recommendation of the General Partners of Edge Group II................. 5
Recommendation of the General Partner of Gulfedge....................... 5
Risk Factors............................................................ 5
The Merger and the Special Meeting of Old Edge.......................... 8
The Edge Group II Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation............... 9
The Gulfedge Exchange Offer............................................. 11
The Edge Group Purchase Offer........................................... 11
Accounting Treatment.................................................... 12
Principal Federal Income Tax Consequences............................... 12
Interests of Certain Persons and Affiliates in the Combination
Transactions........................................................... 13
Summary Historical Combined Financial and Operating Data of the Company. 15
Ownership of the Joint Venture; Current Structure....................... 18
Ownership of the Company; Post-Combination.............................. 19
Ownership of the Joint Venture; Post-Combination........................ 20
Risk Factors.............................................................. 21
Risks Associated with the Combination Transactions...................... 21
Risks Associated with the Business of the Company....................... 25
Dividend Policy........................................................... 30
The Combination Transactions.............................................. 30
General................................................................. 30
Background of and Reasons for the Combination Transactions.............. 30
Effects of the Combination Transactions................................. 34
Consequences of the Dissolution of the Joint Venture if the Combination
Transactions Are Not Consummated....................................... 36
Conflicts of Interest; Interests of Certain Persons and Affiliates in
the Combination Transactions........................................... 36
Accounting Treatment.................................................... 40
Dissenters' Rights...................................................... 40
Inclusion on Nasdaq National Market..................................... 43
Restrictions on Resale by Affiliates.................................... 43
Expenses................................................................ 43
The Combination Agreement................................................. 44
General................................................................. 44
Effective Time of the Combination Agreement Transactions................ 44
Representations and Warranties.......................................... 44
Conditions.............................................................. 44
Conduct of Business Prior to the Combination............................ 45
Termination or Amendment of the Combination Agreement................... 45
Indemnification......................................................... 45
The Merger and the Special Meeting........................................ 46
General................................................................. 46
Recommendation of the Board of Directors................................ 46
Record Date; Quorum..................................................... 46
Vote Required........................................................... 47
Counting of Votes....................................................... 47
Proxies................................................................. 47
Other Matters to be Considered.......................................... 47
</TABLE>

v
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
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<S> <C>
Solicitation of Proxies................................................. 47
Procedure to Exchange Certificates in the Merger........................ 48
The Edge Group II Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation................. 49
Description............................................................. 49
The Consent Solicitation................................................ 50
Recommendation of the General Partners of Edge Group II................. 50
Procedure for Tendering Interests; Consent Procedure.................... 51
Acceptance of Tenders; Delivery of Shares............................... 51
Revocation of Tenders and Consents...................................... 51
Representations and Covenants........................................... 51
Expiration Date, Amendments, Etc........................................ 52
Validity of Tenders..................................................... 52
Solicitation of Letters of Acceptance................................... 52
The Gulfedge Exchange Offer............................................... 53
General................................................................. 53
Recommendation of the General Partner of Gulfedge....................... 53
Procedure for Tendering Interests....................................... 54
Acceptance of Tenders; Delivery of Shares............................... 54
Revocation of Tenders................................................... 54
Representations and Covenants........................................... 54
Expiration Date, Amendments, Etc........................................ 54
Validity of Tenders..................................................... 55
Solicitation of Letters of Acceptance................................... 55
The Edge Group Purchase Offer............................................. 56
General................................................................. 56
Procedure for Acceptance................................................ 56
Purchase; Delivery of Shares............................................ 56
Revocation of Acceptance................................................ 56
Representations and Covenants........................................... 56
Expiration Date, Amendments, Etc........................................ 57
Validity of Acceptance.................................................. 57
Solicitation of Letter of Acceptance.................................... 57
Capitalization............................................................ 58
Selected Historical Financial and Operating Data.......................... 59
The Company............................................................. 59
The Joint Venture....................................................... 60
Old Edge................................................................ 61
Edge Group II........................................................... 62
Gulfedge................................................................ 63
Edge Group's Joint Venture Interest..................................... 64
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations............................................................... 65
The Company............................................................. 65
Old Edge................................................................ 72
The Joint Venture, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group............... 77
Business of the Company................................................... 84
Management................................................................ 105
Information Concerning the Joint Venture.................................. 113
Information Concerning Old Edge........................................... 116
Information Concerning Edge Group II...................................... 117
Information Concerning Gulfedge........................................... 117
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management............ 118
The Company............................................................. 118
Old Edge................................................................ 120
</TABLE>

vi
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Edge Group II........................................................... 122
Gulfedge................................................................ 123
Certain Transactions...................................................... 124
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences................................... 128
Introduction............................................................ 128
Holders of Interests in Edge Group II................................... 128
Holders of Gulfedge Units............................................... 131
Edge Group.............................................................. 133
Holders of Old Edge Common Stock........................................ 134
The Company............................................................. 135
Foreign Exchanging Holders.............................................. 136
Other Taxation.......................................................... 136
Comparison of Securityholder Rights....................................... 137
Introduction............................................................ 137
Federal Income Taxation................................................. 137
Management.............................................................. 137
Voting Rights........................................................... 139
Special Meetings........................................................ 140
Amendments to Organizational Documents.................................. 140
Mergers and Other Fundamental Transactions.............................. 141
Dividends and Distributions............................................. 142
Liquidation Rights...................................................... 143
Limited Liability....................................................... 143
Continuity of Existence................................................. 143
Financial Reporting..................................................... 143
Redemption.............................................................. 144
Conversion Rights....................................................... 144
Right to Compel Dissolution............................................. 144
Liquidity, Marketability and Restrictions on Transfer................... 144
Certain Legal Rights of Securityholders and Limitations on Liability of
Management............................................................. 144
Right to List of Holders; Inspection of Books and Records............... 146
Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal......................................... 147
Description of Capital Stock of the Company............................... 148
Plan of Distribution...................................................... 151
Legal Matters............................................................. 152
Experts................................................................... 152
Available Information..................................................... 153
Glossary of Certain Industry Terms........................................ 154
Financial Statements...................................................... F-1
The Company............................................................. F-3
The Joint Venture....................................................... F-29
Old Edge................................................................ F-46
Edge Group II........................................................... F-62
Gulfedge................................................................ F-79
Appendices
The Combination Agreement............................................... A
Edge Group II Letter of Acceptance...................................... B
Gulfedge Letter of Acceptance........................................... C
Edge Group Letter of Acceptance......................................... D
Ryder Scott Report...................................................... E
Rights of Dissenting Shareholders, Articles 5.11, 5.12 and 5.13 of the
Texas Business Corporation Act......................................... F
</TABLE>

vii
<PAGE>

SUMMARY

The following summary is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere
in this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus. This summary
is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information and financial
statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Joint
Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus and the appendices hereto.
Offerees are urged to carefully read this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus and the appendices hereto in their entirety. Unless
otherwise indicated, the information in this Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus relating to the Company (i) gives effect to
the Combination Transactions (as defined below under "--The Combination
Transactions") and assumes that all interests that are the subject of those
transactions are acquired by the Company in exchange for the issuance of
approximately 4,682,000 shares of Common Stock, and (ii) assumes that the over-
allotment option of the underwriters for the Offering will not be exercised.
Unless otherwise indicated by the context, references herein to the "Company"
mean Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation that is the issuer of
the Common Stock offered hereby, and its corporate and partnership subsidiaries
and predecessors. Certain terms used herein relating to the oil and natural gas
industry are defined in the Glossary of Certain Industry Terms included
elsewhere in this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.

THE COMPANIES

The Joint Venture. The Joint Venture is a Texas general partnership that
engages in oil and gas exploration and production operations primarily along
the onshore United States Gulf Coast. The general partners of the Joint Venture
are Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group. The initial sharing
ratio, which determines the allocation of net income and other items, as well
as the allocation of distributable cash, is approximately 29.1%, 67.3%, 2.3%
and 1.3%, respectively. This sharing ratio is subject to adjustment when the
value of cash and carried interests and other property distributed to each
venturer reaches certain levels. See "--Ownership of the Joint Venture; Current
Structure." The mailing address and telephone number of the Joint Venture's
executive offices are c/o Edge Petroleum Corporation, Texaco Heritage Plaza,
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002, (713) 654-8960.

Old Edge. Old Edge is a Texas corporation and, as managing venturer of the
Joint Venture, generally directs and exercises control over all activities of
the Joint Venture. Immediately following consummation of the Merger, Old Edge
will change its name to "Edge Petroleum Corporation of Texas." The mailing
address and telephone number of Old Edge's executive offices are Texaco
Heritage Plaza, 1111 Bagby, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002, (713) 654-8960.

Edge Group II. Edge Group II is a Connecticut limited partnership whose
assets consist solely of its interest in the Joint Venture. Edge Group II's
consent is required prior to certain actions of the Joint Venture, including
its acquisition of leases, purchase of capital, incurrence of debt and adoption
of budgets. The general partners of Edge Group II are Mr. John Sfondrini and
Napamco, Ltd. ("Napamco"), a company wholly owned by Mr. Sfondrini. The mailing
address and telephone number of Edge Group II's executive offices are 36
Catoonah Street, Unit #16, P.O. Box 1248, Ridgefield, Connecticut 06875, (203)
894-8244.

Gulfedge. Gulfedge is a Texas limited partnership whose assets consist solely
of its interest in the Joint Venture. Old Edge is the general partner of
Gulfedge. There are two limited partners of Gulfedge. The mailing address and
telephone number of Gulfedge's executive offices are Texaco Heritage Plaza,
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002, (713) 654-8960.

Edge Group. Edge Group is a Connecticut general partnership whose assets
include, among other things, an interest in the Joint Venture. The three
partners of Edge Group are partnerships of which Mr. Sfondrini and

1
<PAGE>

Napamco are the general partners. The mailing address and telephone number of
Edge Group's executive offices are 36 Catoonah Street, Unit #16, P.O. Box 1248,
Ridgefield, Connecticut 06875, (203) 894-8244.

The Company. The Company is a Delaware corporation formed in August 1996 that
has not conducted any significant activities to date other than those incident
to its formation, its activities in connection with the Offering, its execution
of the Combination Agreement and of the Purchase Agreement (as defined below
under "--The Combination Transactions") and its participation in the
preparation of this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.
As a result of the Combination Transactions, Old Edge will become a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company and the ownership of substantially all the
interests in the Joint Venture will, directly or indirectly, be combined in the
Company. Initially, the business of the Company will be substantially the same
business currently conducted by Old Edge and the Joint Venture, and the
description of the business and the operations of the Company in this Joint
Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus includes the business and
operations of the Joint Venture and Old Edge that are directly and indirectly
being acquired in the Combination Transactions. The mailing address and
telephone number of the Company's executive offices are Texaco Heritage Plaza,
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002, (713) 654-8960.

Mergeco. Mergeco, a recently formed Texas corporation, is a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company that was formed solely to effect the Merger. The
mailing address and telephone number of Mergeco's executive offices are Texaco
Heritage Plaza, 1111 Bagby, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002, (713) 654-8960.

THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS

General. In the Combination Transactions, the Company plans to complete (i)
the Merger, (ii) the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, (iii) the Gulfedge Exchange
Offer, (iv) the Edge Group Purchase Offer and (v) the James C. Calaway Exchange
(as defined below). Upon consummation of the Combination Transactions, the
Company expects to acquire directly or indirectly substantially all of the
interests in the Joint Venture. See "--Ownership of the Joint Venture; Post-
Combination." The Company does not expect to seek to consummate any of the
Combination Transactions unless the Merger, the Edge Group II Exchange Offer
(with at least a 70% acceptance level) and the Offering are each closed. The
number of shares of Common Stock to be issued in the Combination Transactions
will depend on (i) the number of shareholders of Old Edge who exercise
dissenters' rights in connection with the Merger, (ii) the number of partners
who elect to retain their current interests in Gulfedge and Edge Group II in
lieu of receiving Common Stock, (iii) whether Edge Group accepts the Edge Group
Purchase Offer and (iv) the number of shares issued in the James C. Calaway
Exchange.

Conditions. Consummation of the Combination Transactions is subject to
certain conditions, including, among other things: (i) the approval of the Plan
of Merger by the shareholders of Old Edge, (ii) the acceptance of the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer by the general partners and by limited partners holding
at least 70% of the outstanding Edge Group II Units (which will thereby include
the requisite approval of the Change of Edge Group II General Partners by
partners of Edge Group II whose aggregate contributions to capital of Edge
Group II represent at least 60% of the aggregate contributions to capital of
all partners of Edge Group II) and (iii) the closing of the Offering at an IPO
price to the public of at least $15.00 per share. See "The Combination
Agreement--Conditions."

The James C. Calaway Exchange. Mr. James C. Calaway acquired a 1%
reversionary working interest and a .2% overriding royalty interest
(collectively, the "J.C. Calaway Interests") in certain undrilled prospects and
subsequently acquired properties of the Joint Venture effective December 20,
1994. In connection with the Combination Agreement Transactions and the
Company's proposed acquisition of substantially all the interests in the Joint
Venture, the Company and Mr. James C. Calaway entered into a Purchase Agreement
dated December 2, 1996 (the "Purchase Agreement") pursuant to which Mr. James
C. Calaway has agreed to exchange (the "James C. Calaway Exchange") certain of
the J.C. Calaway Interests for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to
the whole number nearest to the higher of (i) the quotient of (a) $346,697
(which is the

2
<PAGE>

estimated future net revenues as of September 30, 1996 attributable to the J.C.
Calaway Interests being exchanged as determined by Ryder Scott Company) divided
by (b) the IPO price (such quotient in (i) is referred to herein as the "1996
Valuation Shares") and (ii) the quotient of (a) the estimated future net
reserves attributable to the J.C. Calaway Interests being exchanged as
determined by Ryder Scott Company in a reserve report as of a date subsequent
to September 30, 1996 but prior to the closing of the Purchase Agreement (such
date is hereinafter referred to as the "1997 Determination Date") and for which
the results of such reserve report are included in the final prospectus for the
Offering and (b) the IPO price (such quotient in (ii) is referred to herein as
the "1997 Valuation Shares"). Assuming an IPO price of $16.00 per share and
that the 1996 Valuation Shares are higher in number than the 1997 Valuation
Shares, Mr. James C. Calaway would be entitled to receive 21,669 shares of
Common Stock. Mr. James C. Calaway has also agreed to pay the Company the
dollar amount of any revenues attributable to the J.C. Calaway Interests
received by him for income for production after either September 30, 1996 (if
the 1996 Valuation Shares are higher in number) or the 1997 Determination Date
(if the 1997 Valuation Shares are higher in number) and prior to the closing of
the Purchase Agreement. Closing of the Purchase Agreement is conditioned upon
the closing of both the Offering and the Combination Agreement Transactions.
See "The Combination Agreement--Conditions." The James C. Calaway Exchange and
the Combination Agreement Transactions are collectively referred to as the
"Combination Transactions."

Shares to be Issued. The following table sets forth the number of shares to
be issued in the Combination Transactions and the Offering, assuming all
parties accept Common Stock in the Combination Transactions (excluding any
restricted stock and stock options and assuming that the over-allotment option
of the underwriters for the Offering is not exercised) and the percentages of
shares issued prior to and after giving effect to the Offering (subject to
adjustment to eliminate fractional shares):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE OF PERCENTAGE OF
SHARES TO BE SHARES TO BE
NUMBER OF ISSUED PRIOR TO ISSUED AFTER
SHARES TO GIVING EFFECT GIVING EFFECT
TRANSACTION BE ISSUED TO THE OFFERING TO THE OFFERING
----------- --------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares to be issued in the Merger.... 2,334,085 49.8% 34.9%
Shares to be issued in the Edge Group
II Exchange Offer................... 2,209,306 47.2 33.1
Shares to be issued in the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer...................... 74,317 1.6 1.1
Shares to be issued in the Edge Group
Purchase Offer...................... 42,896 0.9 0.7
Shares to be issued in the James C.
Calaway Exchange (1)................ 21,669 0.5 0.3
Shares to be issued in the Offering.. 2,000,000 -- 29.9
--------- ---- ----
Total................................ 6,682,273 100% 100%
========= ==== ====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Calculated based on the 1996 Valuation Shares and assuming an IPO price of
$16.00 per share.

BACKGROUND OF AND REASONS FOR THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS

Background of the Joint Venture. The Joint Venture was formed on April 8,
1991 by Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group. Old Edge is managing
venturer of the Joint Venture. The sharing ratios for the participants in the
Joint Venture are described in "--Ownership of the Joint Venture; Current
Structure" and "Information Concerning the Joint Venture." The term of the
Joint Venture originally was to have expired on April 8, 1996. For information
concerning the rights of the venturers upon the dissolution of the Joint
Venture under its original terms, see "The Combination Transactions--Background
of and Reasons for the Combination Transactions." At the time of its formation,
the Joint Venture was primarily involved in the generation of drilling
prospects for major, large independent and other energy participants.

Determination to Postpone the Dissolution of the Joint Venture. By 1992, as a
result of the decrease in drilling risks made possible by certain technological
advances, the Joint Venture began to acquire or retain working interests in the
prospects generated by Old Edge on behalf of the Joint Venture and to drill for
the

3
<PAGE>

account of the Joint Venture, while de-emphasizing the prospect generation
portion of its business. During 1995, the venturers began to consider the
approaching dissolution date of the Joint Venture in April 1996. The venturers
recognized that, given the change in the nature of the Joint Venture's
operations, both the proposed dissolution date and the terms of the dissolution
of the Joint Venture were no longer appropriate. See "The Combination
Transactions--Background of and Reasons for the Combination Transactions."
During the fourth quarter of 1995, the venturers agreed that the Joint Venture
would dissolve on December 31, 1996 and began discussions regarding the
modification of certain provisions in the Joint Venture Agreement, primarily
regarding distributions and the parties' post-dissolution rights. These changes
were formalized in the Extension Agreement dated as of April 8, 1996. For a
description of the amended dissolution provisions, see "Information Concerning
the Joint Venture."

The Combination Transactions. In early 1996, the venturers began to discuss
the structure of a transaction in which they would each have the opportunity to
participate in the future potential of Old Edge's business through the
formation of a combined company, while giving an option to the partnership
investors of electing not to participate in the transaction and thereby
retaining, indirectly, the right to a proportionate interest in distributions
upon the dissolution of the Joint Venture. At this time, management of Old Edge
was also considering the feasibility of an initial public offering involving
the combined company. The parties recognized that the increased asset base that
would be achieved by retaining the assets of the Joint Venture under common
ownership would increase the chances of a successful initial public offering
and assure continuity in the exploitation of prospects that Old Edge believed
had significant potential.

The predominant issue in connection with the discussions regarding the
formation of the combined company was the percentage interest in the combined
company that would be allocated to the investors in each of the venturers.
Although Old Edge's initial sharing ratio in the Joint Venture was 29.1%, the
parties recognized that Old Edge should be allocated a higher percentage
because of (i) Old Edge's claimed rights under the original and amended terms
of the Joint Venture Agreement to retain certain of the Joint Venture's
prospects and the Joint Venture's regional data base and technology, including
seismic data, (ii) the "going concern value" of Old Edge's business, in
particular its position within the industry and the expertise of its management
and technical team and (iii) the fact that the parties projected that a sharing
ratio shift would take place prior to the end of the wind-down period of the
Joint Venture. Based on these factors the parties concluded that the
appropriate percentage interest in the combined company that would be allocated
to the investors in each of the venturers would be as follows: Old Edge--50%,
Edge Group II--47.5%, Gulfedge--1.6% and Edge Group--0.9%. As among Edge Group
II, Gulfedge and Edge Group, the allocation of the remaining 50% of the
combined company was based upon relative sharing ratios under the Joint Venture
Agreement. As a result of a subsequent adjustment relating to the assumption by
the combined company of certain payables of Edge Group II, the final relative
percentage interest in the combined company among the venturers is: Old Edge--
50.1%, Edge Group II--47.4%, Gulfedge--1.6%, and Edge Group--0.9%.

Following the initial determination of shares allocable to the venturers, Old
Edge met with its legal and accounting advisers to determine the structure of
the transaction. See "The Combination Transactions--Background of and Reasons
for the Combination Transactions" for a description of the factors that were
considered in determining the relative number of shares to be issued to the
general partners and limited partners of Edge Group II.

Beginning in July 1996, the venturers finalized the terms of the Combination
Agreement Transactions and began to prepare definitive documentation. At this
time, management of Old Edge also began preparations for the initial public
offering of the Company. On December 2, 1996, the Combination Agreement was
agreed to by the venturers.

RECOMMENDATION OF OLD EDGE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
OLD EDGE HAS DETERMINED THAT THE COMBINATION AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN OF

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<PAGE>

MERGER INCLUDED THEREIN ARE ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF OLD EDGE AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF OLD EDGE VOTE FOR THE
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AND TO ADOPT THE COMBINATION AGREEMENT AND THE PLAN OF
MERGER INCLUDED THEREIN. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATION IS BASED UPON A
NUMBER OF FACTORS DISCUSSED IN THIS JOINT PROXY AND CONSENT SOLICITATION
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. SEE "THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS--BACKGROUND OF AND
REASONS FOR THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS" AND "THE MERGER AND THE SPECIAL
MEETING-- RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS."

RECOMMENDATION OF THE GENERAL PARTNERS OF EDGE GROUP II. THE GENERAL PARTNERS
OF EDGE GROUP II HAVE DETERMINED THAT ACCEPTANCE OF THE EDGE GROUP II EXCHANGE
OFFER IS ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PARTNERS OF EDGE GROUP II
AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE PARTNERS OF EDGE GROUP II ACCEPT THE EDGE GROUP II
EXCHANGE OFFER AND GIVE THE RELATED APPROVALS CONCERNING THE COMBINATION
TRANSACTIONS INCLUDING THOSE RELATING TO THE CHANGE OF EDGE GROUP II GENERAL
PARTNERS AND THOSE RELATING TO APPROVAL OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES BEING OFFERED
TO ALL PARTIES IN THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS INCLUDING THE GENERAL PARTNERS
OF EDGE GROUP II AND THEIR AFFILIATES. THE GENERAL PARTNERS' RECOMMENDATION IS
BASED UPON A NUMBER OF FACTORS DISCUSSED IN THIS JOINT PROXY AND CONSENT
SOLICITATION STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. SEE "THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS--
BACKGROUND OF AND REASONS FOR THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS" AND "THE EDGE GROUP
II EXCHANGE OFFER AND CONSENT SOLICITATION-- RECOMMENDATION OF THE GENERAL
PARTNERS OF EDGE GROUP II."

RECOMMENDATION OF THE GENERAL PARTNER OF GULFEDGE. OLD EDGE, IN ITS CAPACITY
AS GENERAL PARTNER OF GULFEDGE, HAS DETERMINED THAT ACCEPTANCE OF THE GULFEDGE
EXCHANGE OFFER IS ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE LIMITED PARTNERS OF
GULFEDGE AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE LIMITED PARTNERS OF GULFEDGE ACCEPT THE
GULFEDGE EXCHANGE OFFER AND GIVE THE RELATED APPROVAL CONCERNING THE
COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS. OLD EDGE'S RECOMMENDATION IS BASED UPON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS DISCUSSED IN THIS JOINT PROXY AND CONSENT SOLICITATION
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. SEE "THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS--BACKGROUND OF AND
REASONS FOR THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS" AND "THE GULFEDGE EXCHANGE OFFER--
RECOMMENDATION OF THE GENERAL PARTNER OF GULFEDGE."

RISK FACTORS

Risks Associated with the Combination Transactions

Conflicts of Interest. Management of Old Edge and the general partners of
Edge Group II had inherent conflicts of interest in structuring and approving
the terms of the Combination Transactions and in recommending acceptance of
such transactions. See "The Combination Transactions--Conflicts of Interest;
Interests of Certain Persons and Affiliates in the Combination Transactions."
Certain members of management of Old Edge negotiated the terms of the
Combination Transactions on behalf of Old Edge. Mr. Sfondrini negotiated the
terms of the Combination Agreement Transactions on behalf of Edge Group II and
Edge Group. Old Edge did not negotiate on behalf of Gulfedge, because it
recognized that once an agreement had been reached with Edge Group II and Edge
Group, Gulfedge would participate in the Combination Agreement Transactions in
the same manner as Edge Group II and Edge Group, but on the basis of its
relative sharing ratio. Old Edge viewed these procedures as appropriate because
it believes Gulfedge is in a similar position to Edge Group II and Edge Group
under the Joint Venture Agreement. In negotiating and approving the Combination
Agreement Transactions, management of Old Edge had conflicting duties to the
shareholders of Old Edge and the limited partners of Gulfedge, and Mr.
Sfondrini, as a director of Old Edge, a general partner of Edge Group II and as
general partner

5
<PAGE>

of each of the three partners of Edge Group, had conflicting duties to the
shareholders of Old Edge, the limited partners of Edge Group II and the
partners of Edge Group. The allocation in the Combination Transactions of
shares of Common Stock among the equity holders of the venturers involved
inherent conflicts of interest. Because the number of shares of Common Stock
being offered in exchange for all of the partner interests in Edge Group II was
initially determined based on a percentage of the aggregate number of shares of
Common Stock being offered in connection with the Combination Agreement
Transactions, the issuance of shares of Common Stock in exchange for the
general partner interests in Edge Group II reduced the number of shares of
Common Stock being offered in exchange for the limited partner interests in
Edge Group II. Management of Old Edge, the general partners of Edge Group II
and their affiliates and family members will receive substantial benefits if
the Combination Transactions are consummated, including the issuance of an
aggregate of 2,759,382 shares of Common Stock and the granting of 250,585
restricted shares of Common Stock and of options to purchase an aggregate of
395,135 shares of Common Stock, the liquidity for their respective investments
through the creation of a public market for the Common Stock pursuant to the
Offering, and, in certain cases, new employment and compensation arrangements
with the Company. See "Management--Director Compensation"; "--Employment
Agreements" and "--Incentive Plans."

No Independent Representation of Unaffiliated Parties. The terms of the
Combination Transactions were determined through negotiations between
affiliated parties. No attempt was made to solicit offers for any of the
respective interests in the Joint Venture or other entities being acquired in
the Combination Transactions and no independent representative or counsel has
acted on behalf of Edge Group, the unaffiliated shareholders of Old Edge and
the unaffiliated limited partners of Edge Group II or Gulfedge. There is a
possibility that, if such representatives or unaffiliated shareholders or
limited partners had taken part in such determination or negotiations, the
terms of the Combination Transactions might have been different and, perhaps,
more favorable to the unaffiliated shareholders or limited partners.

No Fairness Opinion Obtained. Neither the board of directors of Old Edge nor
the general partners of Edge Group II obtained an opinion as to the fairness of
the terms of the Combination Agreement Transactions from a financial point of
view to the shareholders of Old Edge, to the limited partners of Edge Group II
or Gulfedge or to Edge Group. If such a fairness opinion had been sought and
obtained, the management of Old Edge and Mr. Sfondrini would have received an
independent judgement as to whether or not the transactions were fair to their
respective parties; if such a fairness opinion had been sought and not
obtained, the terms of the Combination Agreement Transactions might have been
renegotiated.

Change in Nature of Investment. If the Combination Agreement Transactions are
consummated, investors who elect to receive shares of Common Stock will
experience a change in the nature of their investment. An investment in shares
of Common Stock would constitute a fundamental change in the nature of the
investment of the limited partners of Edge Group II and Gulfedge and of Edge
Group, including the change from an investment in a partnership with limited
duration to an investment in a corporation with perpetual duration and
including changes relating to marketability of securities, voting rights and
other equityholder rights. See "Comparison of Securityholder Rights."

Effect of the Combination Agreement Transactions on Nonexchanging Limited
Partners. Upon consummation of the Combination Agreement Transactions,
conflicts of interest may arise between the stockholders of the Company and
nonexchanging partners as a result of the Company's position as the general
partner of Edge Group II and Old Edge's position as the managing venturer of
the Joint Venture, including conflicts relating to the dissolution and
liquidation of the Joint Venture, the distribution of assets from the Joint
Venture during and/or following its two-year windup period beginning in
December 1996, the distribution of assets received from the Joint Venture by
Edge Group II and Gulfedge, elections to be made in respect of assets to be
held outside the Joint Venture and continuing decisions regarding oil and gas
operations. Nonexchanging limited partners will generally not participate in
new prospects or operations unrelated to the Joint Venture's current
operations.

6
<PAGE>

Effect of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer on Exchanging Limited Partners of
Edge Group II. Those limited partners of Edge Group II who tender their
respective Edge Group II Units in exchange for shares of Common Stock will by
so tendering have consented to, approved and ratified the terms of the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer and the other Combination Transactions, including the
number of shares of Common Stock that will be issued to the general partners of
Edge Group II. Accordingly, by tendering Edge Group II Units, limited partners
of Edge Group II will approve the overall terms and structure of the Edge Group
II Exchange Offer and will give up any right to challenge any aspect of the
general partners' and their affiliates' (including Old Edge and its management)
actions regarding the Combination Transactions, including without limitation,
the allocation of shares among any parties receiving shares in the Combination
Transactions and further specifically including any decisions regarding the
shares of Common Stock being offered by the Company for the general partner
interests in Edge Group II. See "The Edge Group II Exchange Offer and Consent
Solicitation--Description."

Effect of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer on Exchanging Limited Partners of
Gulfedge. Those limited partners of Gulfedge who tender their respective
Gulfedge Units in exchange for shares of Common Stock will by so tendering have
consented to, approved and ratified the terms of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer
and the other Combination Transactions. Accordingly, by tendering Gulfedge
Units, limited partners of Gulfedge will approve the overall terms and
structure of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer and will give up any right to
challenge any aspect of Old Edge's and its officers', directors' and other
affiliates' actions regarding the Combination Transactions, including, without
limitation the allocation of shares among any parties receiving shares in the
Combination Transactions. See "The Gulfedge Exchange Offer."

No Assurance as to Offering Price. Although the Combination Agreement
provides for the sale by the Company of shares in the Offering at a $15.00
minimum public offering price per share of Common Stock as a condition to
closing, there can be no assurance as to what price will be achieved in the
public offering or as to what price the Common Stock will trade thereafter.

Restrictions on Resale. The holders of all of the shares of Common Stock
issued in the Combination Transactions will be restricted from disposing of any
shares of Common Stock for a period of 180 days from the date of the final
prospectus relating to the Offering without the prior consent of the
representatives of the underwriters for the Offering and the Company. Following
such 180-day period, substantially all of the shares of Common Stock issued in
the Combination Agreement Transactions will be eligible for resale without
restriction other than pursuant to Rules 144 and 145, which place certain
restrictions on the resale of Common Stock received in the Combination
Transactions by persons who are "affiliates" of Old Edge or the Company.

Risks Associated with the Business of the Company

Dependence on Exploratory Drilling Activities. The success of the Company
will be materially dependent upon the continued success of its exploratory
drilling program, which involves numerous risks.

Volatility of Natural Gas and Oil Prices. The Company's revenues,
profitability, future growth and ability to borrow funds to obtain additional
capital, as well as the carrying value of its properties, are substantially
dependent on prevailing prices of natural gas and oil. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--The
Company" and "Business of the Company--Marketing."

Reserve Replacement Risk. In general, the volume of production from natural
gas and oil properties declines as reserves are depleted, with the rate of
decline depending on reservoir characteristics. Except to the extent the
Company acquires properties containing proved reserves or conducts successful
exploration and development activities, or both, the proved reserves of the
Company will decline as reserves are produced.

Operating Risks of Natural Gas and Oil Operations. The natural gas and oil
business involves certain operating hazards, any of which could result in
substantial losses to the Company. See "Business of the Company--Operating
Hazards and Insurance."

7
<PAGE>

Dependence on Key Personnel. The Company depends to a large extent on the
services of certain key management personnel and on its ability to employ and
retain skilled technical personnel. See "Business of the Company--Exploration
Technology."

Reliance on Technological Development and Possible Technological
Obsolescence. The Company's business is dependent upon utilization of changing
technology. As a result, the Company's ability to adapt to evolving
technologies, obtain new products and maintain technological advantages will be
important to its future success. See "Business of the Company--Exploration
Technology."

Significant Capital Requirements. Due to its active exploration and
development and technology development programs, the Company has experienced
and expects to continue to experience substantial working capital needs. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations-- The Company--Liquidity and Capital Resources."

Government Regulation and Environmental Matters. Oil and natural gas
operations are subject to various federal, state and local government
regulations which may be changed from time to time in response to economic or
political conditions. See "Business of the Company--Regulation."

Ability to Manage Growth and Achieve Business Strategy. The Company's ability
to continue its growth will depend on a number of factors, including its
ability to continue to retain and attract skilled personnel, the results of its
drilling program, hydrocarbon prices, access to capital and other factors.

Competition. The Company encounters competition from other oil and natural
gas companies in all areas of its operations, including the acquisition of
exploratory prospects and proven properties. The Company's ability to explore
for oil and natural gas prospects and to acquire additional properties in the
future will be dependent upon its ability to conduct its operations, to
evaluate and select suitable properties and to consummate transactions in this
highly competitive environment. See "Business of the Company--Competition."

Uncertainty of Reserve Information and Future Net Revenue Estimates. There
are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating natural gas and oil reserves
and their estimated values, including many factors beyond the control of the
producer. The reserve data set forth in this Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus are only estimates. See "Business of the
Company--Oil and Natural Gas Reserves."

Acquisition Risks. The Company generally seeks to explore for oil and natural
gas rather than to purchase producing properties. There can be no assurances
that any acquisition of property interests by the Company will be successful
and, if unsuccessful, that such failure will not have an adverse effect on the
Company's future results of operations and financial condition.

Absence of Dividends on Common Stock. The Company currently intends to retain
any earnings for the future operation and development of its business and does
not currently anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. Any
future dividends also may be restricted by the Company's then-existing loan
agreements. See "Dividend Policy," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations; The Company--Liquidity and
Capital Resources" and Note 3 to the Company's Combined Financial Statements.

Recent Losses. The Company has incurred net losses in three of the last five
years of its operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
profitable in the future. See "Selected Historical and Pro Forma Combined
Financial and Operating Information--The Company."

THE MERGER AND THE SPECIAL MEETING OF OLD EDGE

The Special Meeting; Time, Date, Place and Purpose. The Special Meeting will
be held on , , 1997 at a.m., Houston time, at , Houston,
Texas. At the Special

8
<PAGE>

Meeting, holders of shares of Old Edge Common Stock will be asked to consider
and to vote upon a proposal to approve and to adopt the Combination Agreement
and the Plan of Merger included therein. See "The Merger and the Special
Meeting."

Record Date and Vote Required. Only holders of record of Old Edge Common
Stock at the close of business on , 1996 (the "Record Date") are entitled
to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting. As of the Record Date, there
were 104,630.6 shares of Old Edge Common Stock outstanding held by 28 holders
of record. Holders of record on the Record Date are entitled to one vote per
share on any matter which may properly come before the Special Meeting.
Approval of the proposal to approve and adopt the Combination Agreement and the
Plan of Merger included therein requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of
the shares of Old Edge Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date. As of the
Record Date, Old Edge's executive officers and directors and their affiliates
(as a group) had, with respect to such proposal, the right to vote an aggregate
of 89,180 shares of Old Edge Common Stock, representing approximately 85% of
the shares of Old Edge Common Stock then outstanding and have indicated that
they expect to vote in favor of the proposal and, subject to their fiduciary
duties as directors of Old Edge, that they will use their reasonable efforts to
cause the Combination Agreement Transactions to be consummated.

Description of the Merger; Merger Consideration. If the Merger is
consummated, Mergeco will be merged with and into Old Edge, the separate
corporate existence of Mergeco will cease and Old Edge, as the surviving
corporation in the Merger, will continue its corporate existence under the name
"Edge Petroleum Corporation of Texas." Upon consummation of the Merger, each
outstanding share of Old Edge Common Stock (other than shares owned by Old Edge
as treasury stock, all of which shares will be canceled, and other than shares
held by shareholders who perfect their appraisal rights under Texas law) will
be converted into the right to receive 22.307862 shares of Common Stock of the
Company. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued in the Merger.
Each shareholder of Old Edge otherwise entitled to a fractional share will
receive a whole share of Common Stock in lieu thereof.

Effective Time of the Merger. The Merger will become effective upon the
issuance of a Certificate of Merger by the Secretary of State of the State of
Texas (the "Effective Time"). It is presently contemplated that such issuance
will occur following the Special Meeting and at the time of the closing of the
Offering. See "The Merger and the Special Meeting."

Exchange of Old Edge Stock Certificates. Assuming the Merger is consummated,
a letter of transmittal will be sent to all current holders of Old Edge Common
Stock, who will then be deemed to be holders of Common Stock of the Company,
with instructions for surrendering their certificates evidencing shares of Old
Edge Common Stock in exchange for certificates representing the applicable
number of shares of Common Stock of the Company. HOLDERS OF CERTIFICATES FOR
SHARES OF OLD EDGE COMMON STOCK SHOULD NOT SUBMIT THOSE CERTIFICATES FOR
EXCHANGE UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED SUCH INSTRUCTIONS AND LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

Appraisal Rights. In accordance with the Texas Business Corporation Act, as
amended (the "TBCA"), dissenting shareholders of Old Edge will be entitled to
appraisal rights in connection with the Merger. See "The Combination
Transactions--Dissenters' Rights."

THE EDGE GROUP II EXCHANGE OFFER AND CONSENT SOLICITATION

General. The Company hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein and in the Edge Group II Letter of Acceptance
furnished herewith to the general and limited partners of Edge Group II, to
exchange for all of the general partner interests in Edge Group II the GP
Exchange Shares, which are a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the
whole number nearest to the sum of (i) the GP's Before Payout Shares (which
shares are attributable to the general partners' 1% interest in distributions
before Edge Group II

9
<PAGE>

distributes to its partners the Payout Amount, which equals $20,188,636), (ii)
the GP's Management Fee Shares (which shares are attributable to the general
partners' accrued but unpaid and future cash flow-based management fees) and
(iii) the GP's After Payout Shares (which shares are attributable to the
general partners' 25% interest in distributions after Edge Group II distributes
to its partners the Payout Amount). The GP's Before Payout Shares are a number
of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) $201,886 (which equals
1% of the Payout Amount) divided by (ii) the IPO price. The GP's Management Fee
Shares are a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the
Management Fee Amount, which is equal to the sum of (A) $1,332,450 (which
equals the general partners' accrued but unpaid management fees) plus (B) 3%
multiplied by 2,209,306 (which equals the total number of shares of Common
Stock being offered for all limited and general partner interests in Edge Group
II) multiplied by the IPO price (which product in (B) is attributable to the
general partners' future cash flow-based management fees) divided by (ii) the
IPO price. The GP's After Payout Shares are a number of shares of Common Stock
equal to the quotient of (i) 25% of the difference between (A) the product of
the IPO price multiplied by 2,209,306 and (B) the sum of (1) the Payout Amount
plus (2) the Management Fee Amount divided by (ii) the IPO price. The Company
is offering hereby to exchange for each Edge Group II Unit a number of shares
of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the difference between (A)
2,209,306 and (B) the aggregate number of the GP Exchange Shares divided by
(ii) 189 (the total number of Edge Group II Units outstanding). The limited and
general partners of Edge Group II will be entitled to receive in the aggregate
2,209,306 shares of Common Stock, in exchange for all of the outstanding
interests in Edge Group II. See "The Combination Transactions--Background of
and Reasons for the Combination Transactions." Assuming an IPO price of $16.00
per share of Common Stock, the limited partners of Edge Group II would be
entitled to receive in the aggregate 1,847,641 shares of Common Stock (9,776
shares for each Edge Group II Unit tendered), and the general partners of Edge
Group II would be entitled to receive in the aggregate 361,665 shares of Common
Stock, in exchange for all the outstanding interests in Edge Group II. If the
IPO price is greater than $16.00 per share, the limited partners of Edge Group
II would be entitled to receive fewer than such number of shares of Common
Stock, and the general partners would be entitled to receive more than such
number of shares of Common Stock, in exchange for their respective interests in
Edge Group II. If the IPO price is less than $16.00 per share, the limited
partners of Edge Group II would be entitled to receive more than such number of
shares of Common Stock, and the general partner of Edge Group II would be
entitled to receive fewer than such number of shares of Common Stock, in
exchange for their respective interests in Edge Group II. See "The Edge Group
II Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation--Description."

Exchanging Limited Partners. Those limited partners of Edge Group II who
tender their respective Edge Group II Units in exchange for shares of Common
Stock will by so tendering have consented to, approved and ratified the terms
of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer and the other Combination Transactions,
including the number of shares of Common Stock that will be issued to the
general partners of Edge Group II. Accordingly, by tendering Edge Group II
Units, limited partners of Edge Group II will approve the overall terms and
structure of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer and will give up any right to
challenge any aspect of the general partners' and their affiliates' (including
Old Edge and its management) actions regarding the Combination Transactions,
including, without limitation, the allocation of shares among any parties
receiving shares in the Combination Transactions and further specifically
including any decisions regarding the shares of Common Stock being offered by
the Company for the general partner interests in Edge Group II. See "The Edge
Group II Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation--Description" and "Risk
Factors--Risks Associated with the Combination Transactions--Effect of the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer on Exchanging Limited Partners of Edge Group II."

Nonexchanging Limited Partners. A limited partner may decline to exchange his
or her interest in Edge Group II for shares of Common Stock. Under such
circumstances neither the Edge Group II Partnership Agreement nor Connecticut
law provides for appraisal or similar rights for such nonexchanging partners.
See "The Combination Transactions--Dissenters' Rights" and "Risk Factors--Risks
Associated with the Combination Transactions--Effect of the Combination
Agreement Transactions on Nonexchanging Limited Partners of Edge Group II or
Gulfedge."

10
<PAGE>

Consent Solicitation. This Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus is also being furnished to the partners of Edge Group II
in connection with the solicitation by the general partners of Edge Group II of
written consents approving the Change of Edge Group II General Partners. A
partner's tender of his or her interest in Edge Group II will not be accepted
unless he or she also consents to the Change of Edge Group II General Partners
unless such requirement with respect to a specific partner's tender is waived
by the Company, which waiver will only be given if other partners of Edge Group
II whose aggregate contributions to capital of Edge Group II represent at least
60% of the aggregate contributions to capital of all partners of Edge Group II
have consented to the Change of Edge Group II General Partners. Receipt of the
consent to the Change of Edge Group II General Partners is a condition to the
consummation of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. See "The Combination
Agreement--Conditions" and "The Edge Group II Exchange Offer and Consent
Solicitation--The Consent Solicitation."

Expiration Date; Amendments. The Edge Group II Exchange Offer and the
solicitation of consent to the Change of General Partner will be held open for
days (20 business days) from the date of this Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus and will expire at p.m., Houston time on
, 1997, unless extended by the Company. The Company expressly
reserves the right to delay, terminate or amend the Edge Group II Exchange
Offer at any time or from time to time as described in "The Edge Group II
Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation--Expiration Date, Amendments, Etc."

THE GULFEDGE EXCHANGE OFFER

General. The Company is offering hereby, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein and in the Gulfedge Letter of Acceptance furnished
to the limited partners of Gulfedge, to exchange for each Gulfedge Unit 10,617
shares of Common Stock, which number is equal to the whole number nearest the
quotient of (i) 74,317 (the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock (subject
to adjustment to eliminate fractional shares) being offered hereby in exchange
for all the outstanding Gulfedge Units) divided by (ii) 7 (the total number of
Gulfedge Units outstanding). Old Edge will continue as the general partner of
Gulfedge.

Exchanging Limited Partners. Those limited partners of Gulfedge who tender
their respective Gulfedge Units in exchange for shares of Common Stock will by
so tendering have consented to, approved and ratified the terms of the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer and the other Combination Transactions. Accordingly, by
tendering Gulfedge Units, limited partners of Gulfedge will approve the overall
terms and structure of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer and will give up any right
to challenge any aspect of Old Edge's and its officers', directors' and other
affiliates' actions regarding the Combination Transactions, including, without
limitation, the allocation of shares among any parties receiving shares in the
Combination Transactions. See "The Gulfedge Exchange Offer" and "Risk Factors--
Risks Associated with the Combination Transactions--Effect of the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer on Exchanging Limited Partners of Gulfedge."

Nonexchanging Limited Partners. A limited partner may decline to exchange his
or her interest in Gulfedge for shares of Common Stock. Under such
circumstances neither the Gulfedge Partnership Agreement nor Texas law provides
for appraisal or similar rights for such nonexchanging partners. See "The
Combination Transactions--Dissenters' Rights" and "Risk Factors--Risks
Associated with the Combination Transactions--Effect of the Combination
Agreement Transactions on Nonexchanging Limited Partners of Edge Group II or
Gulfedge."

Expiration Date; Amendments. The Gulfedge Exchange Offer will be held open
for days (20 business days) from the date of this Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus and will expire at p.m., Houston time on
, 1997, unless extended by the Company. The Company expressly
reserves the right to delay, terminate or amend the Gulfedge Exchange Offer at
any time or from time to time as described in "The Gulfedge Exchange Offer--
Expiration Date, Amendments, Etc."

11
<PAGE>

THE EDGE GROUP PURCHASE OFFER

General. The Company is offering hereby, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein and in the Edge Group Letter of Acceptance
furnished to Edge Group, to purchase Edge Group's Joint Venture Interest for
consideration consisting of an aggregate of 42,896 shares of Common Stock.

Expiration Date; Amendments. The Edge Group Purchase Offer will be held open
for days (20 business days) from the date of this Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus and will expire at p.m., Houston time on
, 1997, unless extended by the Company. The Company expressly
reserves the right to delay, terminate or amend the Edge Group Purchase Offer
at any time or from time to time as described in "The Edge Group Purchase
Offer--Expiration Date, Amendments, Etc."

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

The Combination Transactions will be accounted for as a reorganization of
entities under common control because of the common control of the stockholders
of the Company and by virtue of their direct ownership of the entities and
interests exchanged. Accordingly, the net assets acquired in the Combination
Transactions will be recorded at the historical cost basis of the affiliated
predecessor owners.

PRINCIPAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The Edge Group II Exchange Offer. Holders of limited partner interests in
Edge Group II who receive shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Edge Group II
Exchange Offer will not recognize any gain or loss in connection with such
exchange, subject to the assumptions and exceptions described under "Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences." Any losses previously allocated to an
exchanging holder of Edge Group II Units that such holder has not been able to
use because of the at-risk limitation or the basis limitation will disappear,
and any loss previously allocated to such holder that he or she has not been
able to use because of the passive loss limitation may be used upon the sale of
all of his or her shares of Common Stock to an unrelated person in an arm's
length transaction in which all realized gain or loss is otherwise recognized.

The Gulfedge Exchange Offer. Holders of Gulfedge Units who receive shares of
Common Stock pursuant to the Gulfedge Exchange Offer will not recognize any
gain or loss in connection with such exchange, subject to the assumptions and
exceptions described under "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences." Any
losses previously allocated to an exchanging holder of Gulfedge Units that such
holder has not been able to use because of the at-risk limitation or the basis
limitation will disappear, and any loss previously allocated to such holder
that he or she has not been able to use because of the passive loss limitation
may be used upon the sale of all of his or her shares of Common Stock to an
unrelated person in an arm's length transaction in which all realized gain or
loss is otherwise recognized.

The Edge Group Purchase Offer. Edge Group will not recognize any gain or loss
in connection with its receipt of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Edge
Group Purchase Offer, subject to the assumptions and exceptions described under
"Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences." If Edge Group participates in the
Edge Group Purchase Offer, any losses previously allocated to an individual
holder of an indirect interest in Edge Group that such holder has not been able
to use because of the at-risk limitation or the basis limitation will
disappear, and any loss previously allocated to such holder that he or she has
not been able to use because of the passive loss limitation may be used upon
the sale by Edge Group of all of its shares of Common Stock, or upon the sale
by the individual holder of all of his or her indirect interest in Edge Group,
to an unrelated person in an arm's length transaction in which all realized
gain or loss is otherwise recognized.

12
<PAGE>

The Merger. No gain or loss will be recognized by Old Edge, the Company, or
the holders of Old Edge who receive shares of Common Stock pursuant to the
Merger, subject to the assumptions and exceptions described under "Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences."

The Company. The Company will not recognize any gain or loss pursuant to the
Combination Transactions. After the Combination Transactions, the Company will
be subject to tax on any net taxable income subsequently derived. Shareholders
of the Company will realize taxable income from the ownership of stock in the
Company to the extent the Company makes distributions to shareholders that are
out of the Company's current or accumulated earnings and profits or that are in
excess of the shareholders' basis in their stock. See "Certain Federal Income
Tax Consequences."

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS AND AFFILIATES IN THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS

Interests in Transfer of Edge Group II General Partner Interests. In exchange
for the general partner interests in Edge Group II, Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco
will receive the GP Exchange Shares, which are partially attributable to (i)
management fees that have been deferred to date because no cash was available
for payment and (ii) the estimated value of future management fees that have
not been earned to date. The allocation of Common Stock attributable to those
management fees reduces the amount otherwise allocable to the limited partners
of Edge Group II. Notwithstanding the value of Edge Group II's interest in the
Joint Venture, it is unlikely Edge Group II would receive cash distributions
from the Joint Venture that would, in the near term, have allowed it to pay any
of the accrued management fees or distributions. Similarly, because of the
uncertainty of the level of future distributions from the Joint Venture, there
can also be no assurance as to what amount of such future management fees that
the general partners would have ever become entitled to receive. Pursuant to
loan agreements and prior assignments by Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco of a portion
of their rights to distributions and management fees from Edge Group II,
certain persons, including Mr. James C. Calaway and Ms. Marlin Geiger (the
parents of Mr. John E. Calaway, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and
Mr. James D. Calaway, the President of the Company) and Mr. David Benedict, a
director of the Company, will receive a portion of the GP Exchange Shares and
will receive repayment of borrowings under those agreements with the proceeds
of a margin loan to be entered into between Mr. Sfondrini and a representative
of the underwriters for the Offering. See "The Combination Transactions--
Conflicts of Interest, Interests of Certain Persons and Affiliates in the
Combination Transactions" and "Plan of Distribution."

As a general partner of Edge Group II, Mr. Sfondrini is personally liable for
its obligations. If the Change of the Edge Group II Partners is approved and
consummated, Mr. Sfondrini will not be liable for any future obligations of
Edge Group II. Upon becoming the general partner of Edge Group II, the Company
will succeed to the general partners' rights to accrued, but unpaid prior
management fees and receive future management fees and distributions, as
provided for in the Edge Group II Partnership Agreement.

Interests With Respect to Certain Employee Benefit Matters. In connection
with Combination Transactions and the Offering, the Company will enter into
employment agreements with each of Mr. James D. Calaway and Mr. John E. Calaway
and will adopt a 401(k) savings plan, and an incentive plan. Each executive
officer and director of the Company will receive compensation under one or more
of those plans. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability
of directors to the Company and its stockholders and the Company anticipates
entering into indemnification agreements with the directors and officers of the
Company and purchasing directors' and officers' liability insurance. See
"Management--Director Compensation"; "--Officer and Director Indemnification";
"--Employment Agreements" and "--Incentive Plans."

Registration Rights. Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco are the general partners of
Edge Holding Company Limited Partnership ("Edge Holding Company"), which owns
approximately 36.8% of the outstanding shares of Old Edge Common Stock. In
connection with the Offering and the Combination Transactions, the Company

13
<PAGE>

will enter into a registration rights agreement which will provide for the
registration of shares of Common Stock acquired by Edge Holding Company
pursuant to the Merger for the purpose of distributing those shares to its
partners.

Interests of Mr. James C. Calaway. Upon consummation of the Offering, Mr.
James C. Calaway will receive shares of Common Stock pursuant to the James C.
Calaway Exchange. The Company intends to loan a portion of the proceeds from
the Offering to the Joint Venture, which will retire a $1.3 million loan to the
Joint Venture from Mr. James C. Calaway. Until such repayment occurs, Mr. James
C. Calaway will continue to accrue interests in the Joint Venture's prospects.
Following the date of repayment, he will accrue interests in wells drilled by
the Company in certain specified areas of mutual interest. Additionally, Mr.
James C. Calaway has retained certain of the J.C. Calaway Interests accrued to
date in many of the Joint Venture's existing exploratory projects. As a result,
Mr. James C. Calaway will benefit from the Company's continuing development of
these projects.

Interests in Obtaining Publicly Traded Stock. The consummation of the
Offering and the Combination Transactions will result in the creation of a
public market for the Common Stock. Directors and executive officers of Old
Edge and the Company, including John Sfondrini, who serves as a general partner
of Edge Group II and of each of the partners of Edge Group, will benefit from
the increased liquidity (including marginability) of their investment, with
respect to their holdings of Old Edge Common Stock and interests in Edge Group
II and Edge Group that are exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the
Combination Agreement Transactions as will current holders of options to
purchase Old Edge Stock.

Indemnification. The Combination Agreement provides that the Company will
indemnify the general partners of the partners of Edge Group, the general
partners of Edge Group II and Gulfedge and the directors and officers of Old
Edge and will hold each of them harmless from and against certain losses,
damages, liabilities, claims, demands, deficiencies, judgments and settlements
resulting from or arising out of the Combination Agreement Transactions, and
expressly provides for such indemnification regardless of any acts of
negligence or gross negligence on the part of any of the parties indemnified
thereby.

14
<PAGE>

SUMMARY HISTORICAL COMBINED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA OF THE COMPANY

The following table sets forth summary historical combined financial
information of the Company as of September 30, 1996 (unaudited), for the five
years ended December 31, 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1995
and 1996 (unaudited). The financial information presented below, as of
September 30, 1996 (unaudited) and for the nine months ended September 30, 1995
and 1996 (unaudited), reflects all adjustments, consisting of normal and
recurring adjustments, that in the opinion of management are necessary for a
fair presentation of the Company's combined results of operations and financial
position for such periods. The information shown for the nine-month periods is
not necessarily indicative of full-year results. The following table also sets
forth pro forma net income (loss) per share for the Combination Transactions.
The following financial information should be read in conjunction with
"Capitalization," "Selected Historical Combined Financial and Operating Data--
The Company," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--The Company" and the audited Combined Financial
Statements of the Company and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in
this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS
ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------------------------- ----------------
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 1996
------- ------- ------- -------- ------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Oil and natural gas
revenue............... $ 423 $ 572 $ 1,455 $ 1,994 $ 2,040 $ 1,377 $ 5,105
------- ------- ------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Costs and expenses:
Oil and natural gas
operating expenses.. 52 76 167 305 686 502 711
Depreciation,
depletion and
amortization........ 325 467 442 593 813 525 1,213
General and
administrative...... 1,577 2,228 1,734 2,026 2,484 2,070 2,126
------- ------- ------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Total operating
expenses.......... 1,954 2,771 2,342 2,924 3,983 3,097 4,050
------- ------- ------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income
(loss)................ (1,531) (2,199) (887) (930) (1,943) (1,721) 1,055
Interest expense and
other, net............ (448) (679) (636) (385) (315) (195) (657)
Gain on sale of oil
and gas property...... 115 -- 247 2,284 3,337 3,134 --
------- ------- ------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)...... $(1,864) $(2,878) $(1,275) $ 969 $ 1,079 $ 1,219 $ 398
======= ======= ======= ======== ======= ======= =======
Pro forma net income
(loss) per share (1).. $ (0.40) $ (0.61) $ (0.27) $ 0.21 $ 0.23 $ 0.26 $ 0.09
======= ======= ======= ======== ======= ======= =======
Pro forma weighted
average shares
outstanding........... 4,682 4,682 4,682 4,682 4,682 4,682 4,682
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
EBITDA (2)............. $(1,091) $(1,732) $ (197) $ 1,946 $ 2,207 $ 1,939 $ 2,268
Operating cash flow
(3)................... (1,654) (2,261) (1,080) (723) (1,445) (1,390) 1,611
Capital expenditures... 6,597 3,823 3,660 6,809 8,512 5,407 7,881
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
------------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED(4)
------------ --------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.................................. $ (1,601) $ 19,543
Property and equipment, net...................... 12,384 12,384
Total assets..................................... 18,435 37,247
Long-term debt, including current maturities..... 10,449 499
Equity........................................... 1,412 31,756
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Pro forma net income (loss) per share has been computed assuming the
estimated 4,682,000 shares of Common Stock which may be issued in
connection with the Combination Transactions were outstanding since the
beginning of each period presented. See "Certain Transactions--The
Combination Transactions."
(2) EBITDA represents earnings before interest expense and other, net, income
taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization. EBITDA is presented to
provide additional information about the Company's ability to meet its
future requirements for debt service, capital expenditures and working
capital. EBITDA is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure and should
not be construed as an alternative to net income, operating income, cash
flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial
performance presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
(3) Operating cash flow represents cash flows from operating activities prior
to changes in assets and liabilities. Operating cash flow is presented
solely as a supplemental disclosure and should not be construed as an
alternative to net income, operating income, cash flows from operating
activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
(4) Assumes the issuance in the Offering of 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock at
$16.00 per share and the application of the net proceeds therefrom.

15
<PAGE>

SUMMARY HISTORICAL COMBINED OPERATING DATA OF THE COMPANY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------------------- -----------------
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 1996
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION VOLUMES:
Oil and condensate
(MBbls)................ 5 5 26 61 66 47 81
Natural gas (MMcf)...... 189 273 457 588 565 337 1,557
Natural gas equivalent
(MMcfe)................ 217 301 611 952 959 616 2,044
AVERAGE SALES PRICES:
Oil and condensate ($
per Bbls).............. $18.75 $19.52 $17.52 $17.66 $16.43 $ 16.61 $ 19.49
Natural gas ($ per Mcf). 1.69 1.77 2.20 1.57 1.70 1.79 2.26
Natural gas equivalent
($ per Mcfe)........... 1.95 1.90 2.38 2.09 2.13 2.23 2.50
AVERAGE COSTS ($ PER
MCFE):
Oil and natural gas
operating expenses..... $ 0.24 $ 0.25 $ 0.27 $ 0.32 $ 0.72 $ 0.81 $ 0.35
Depreciation, depletion
and amortization....... 0.08 0.09 0.24 0.27 0.35 0.19 0.40
Oil and natural gas
operating profit....... 1.63 1.56 1.89 1.50 1.06 1.23 1.75
NUMBER OF WELLS DRILLED:
Gross................... -- 6 12 13 35 19 34
Net(1).................. -- 0.54 0.27 0.42 13.51 4.61 14.67
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Wells in which the Company holds an after payout working interest are not
included because such interests had not been earned at the time of
drilling. The percentage of the Company's wells in which it holds solely an
after payout working interest has substantially decreased in the last two
years.

16
<PAGE>

SUMMARY OIL AND NATURAL GAS RESERVE DATA OF THE COMPANY

The following table sets forth summary data with respect to the Company's
estimated historical proved oil and natural gas reserves as of the dates
indicated and the estimated future net cash flows attributable thereto. Such
estimates are prepared on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the
Combination Transactions. See "The Combination Transactions." All information
in this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus relating to
estimated net proved oil and natural gas reserves and the estimated future net
revenues attributable thereto is based upon the reserve report (the "Ryder
Scott Report") prepared by Ryder Scott Company, independent petroleum engineers
("Ryder Scott"). A summary of the Ryder Scott Report as of September 30, 1996
is included as Appendix E to this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus. All calculations of estimated net proved reserves have
been made in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and, except as otherwise indicated, give
no effect to federal or state income taxes otherwise attributable to estimated
future net revenues from the sale of oil and natural gas. There are numerous
uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and in
projecting future rates of production and timing of development expenditures,
including many factors beyond the control of the Company. See "Risk Factors--
Risks Associated with the Business of the Company--Uncertainty of Reserve
Information and Future Net Revenue Estimates" and "Business of the Company--Oil
and Natural Gas Reserves."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
----------------------
AS OF
SEPTEMBER 30,
1993 1994 1995 1996(1)
------ ------- ------- -------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET PROVED RESERVES:
Oil (MBbls)............................. 170 368 709 831
Natural gas (MMcf)...................... 2,550 3,673 8,821 13,564
Total (MMcfe)........................... 3,570 5,882 13,075 18,552
NET PROVED DEVELOPED RESERVES:
Oil (MBbls)............................. 170 261 653 789
Natural gas (MMcf)...................... 2,550 3,548 6,992 10,985
Total (MMcfe)........................... 3,570 5,116 10,909 15,719
Estimated future net revenues before
income taxes............................. $7,927 $10,561 $24,463 $35,281
Present value of estimated future net
revenues before income taxes(2).......... $6,702 $ 7,946 $17,443 $25,656
Standardized measure of discounted future
net cash flows(3)........................ $5,266 $ 6,872 $13,945 $19,984
</TABLE>
- --------
(1)The prices used as of September 30, 1996 averaged $21.17 per Bbl of oil and
$2.01 per Mcf of natural gas.
(2) The present value of estimated future net revenues attributable to the
Company's reserves was prepared using constant prices as of the calculation
date, discounted at 10% per annum on a pre-tax basis.
(3) The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows represents the
present value of estimated future net revenues after income taxes
discounted at 10% per annum.

For financial and operating data concerning the Joint Venture, Old Edge, Edge
Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group's Joint Venture Interest, see "Selected
Historical Financial and Operating Data--The Joint Venture"; "--Old Edge"; "--
Edge Group II"; and "--Edge Group's Joint Venture Interest."

17
<PAGE>

OWNERSHIP OF THE JOINT VENTURE; CURRENT STRUCTURE*

[Description of Diagram]

Diagram depicting organizational structure and percentage
interests owned in the Joint Venture setting forth the
following information.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE INTEREST HELD BY
------------------- -------
<C> <S>
2.3% Gulfedge, which is owned by limited partners and Old
Edge as its general partner
29.1% Old Edge, which is owned by Old Edge Shareholders
67.3% Edge Group II, which is owned by general partners and
limited partners
1.3% Edge Group, which is owned by general partners
</TABLE>

- --------
* This illustration shows the initial sharing ratio of the Joint Venture, which
determines the allocation of net income and other items, as well as the
allocation of distributable cash. Such sharing ratio is applicable until the
value of cash and carried interests and other property distributed by the
Joint Venture to Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group is equal to
$5,750,000, $13,324,500, $451,500 and $258,000, respectively (the "Sharing
Ratio Shift A Amounts"), which has not yet occurred. At such time, the
sharing ratio shifts to 50%, 47.5%, 1.6% and 0.9%, respectively, which
continues until the value of cash and carried interests and other property
distributed by the Joint Venture to each venturer is six times the Sharing
Ratio Shift A Amounts (the "Sharing Ratio Shift B Amounts"). If the Sharing
Ratio Shift B Amounts were to be met, the applicable sharing ratio for the
duration of the Joint Venture would be 55%, 42.7%, 1.5% and 0.8%,
respectively.

18
<PAGE>

OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY; POST-COMBINATION*

[Description of Diagram]

Diagram depicting percentage interests owned in the
Company and setting forth the following information.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE INTEREST HELD BY
------------------- -------
<C> <S>
1.1% Former Gulfedge Partners
35.1% Former Old Edge Shareholders
30.1% Public
32.7% Former Edge Group II Partners
0.7% Edge Group
0.3% J.C. Calaway
</TABLE>

- --------
* This illustration assumes that 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock are issued in
the Offering, that 98% of the Edge Group II partners accept the Edge Group II
Exchange Offer and that all of the other offerees accept their respective
offers. The 98% acceptance level is shown only to illustrate a post-
Combination Transactions structure in which the Company does not acquire all
the limited partner interests in Edge Group II. If all offerees accept their
respective offers, the percentage ownership in the Company will be as
follows: Former Old Edge Shareholders: 34.9%; Former Edge Group II Partners:
33.1%; Former Gulfedge Partners: 1.1%; Edge Group 0.7%; J.C. Calaway: 0.3%
(assuming an IPO price of $16.00 per share); and Public: 29.9%.

19
<PAGE>

OWNERSHIP OF THE JOINT VENTURE; POST-COMBINATION*

[Description of Diagram]

Diagram depicting organizational structure and percentage
interests owned in the Joint Venture setting forth the
following information.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE INTEREST HELD BY
------------------- -------
<C> <S>
29.1% Old Edge
2.3% Gulfedge, which is owned 1% by Old Edge and 99% by
the Company
1.3% Company
67.3% Edge Group II, which is owned 2% by non-exchanging
limited partners and 98% by the Company
</TABLE>

- --------
* This illustration shows the initial sharing ratio of the Joint Venture and
assumes that 98% of the Edge Group II partners accept the Edge Group II
Exchange Offer and that all of the other offerees accept their respective
offers.

20
<PAGE>

RISK FACTORS

The risk factors set forth below, as well as the other information contained
in this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus, should be
considered carefully in evaluating whether to (i) vote for or against approval
of the Merger by shareholders of Old Edge, (ii) accept or reject the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer by the limited partners of Edge Group II, (iii) accept
or reject the Gulfedge Exchange Offer by the limited partners of Gulfedge and
(iv) accept or reject the Edge Group Purchase Offer by Edge Group. This Joint
Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus contains certain forward-
looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of any number of
factors, including the risk factors set forth below.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS

Conflicts of Interest

Management of Old Edge and the general partners of Edge Group II had
inherent conflicts of interest in structuring and approving the terms of the
Combination Transactions and in recommending acceptance of such transactions.
These are generally described in "The Combination Transactions--Conflicts of
Interest; Interests of Certain Persons and Affiliates in the Combination
Transactions."

The exchange in the Combination Agreement Transactions of shares of Common
Stock among the four venturers and their equityholders involved inherent
conflicts of interest, as any increase in the number of shares of Common Stock
allocated to one group of investors proportionally decreased the number of
shares allocated to the other groups of investors. Moreover, because the
number of shares of Common Stock being offered in exchange for all of the
partner interests in Edge Group II was initially determined based on a
percentage of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock being offered in
connection with the Combination Agreement Transactions, the exchange of shares
of Common Stock for the general partner interests in Edge Group II reduced the
number of shares of Common Stock being offered in exchange for the limited
partner interests in Edge Group II. The Combination Agreement Transactions
will allow the general partners of Edge Group II to receive Common Stock in
respect of both management fees that have been deferred to date because no
cash was available for payment, as well as the estimated value of future
management fees that have not been earned to date. The exchange of Common
Stock in respect of such management fees reduces the amount otherwise
allocable to the limited partners of Edge Group II. Notwithstanding the value
of Edge Group II's interest in the Joint Venture, it is unlikely Edge Group II
would receive cash distributions from the Joint Venture that would, in the
near term, have allowed it to pay any of the accrued management fees or
distributions. Similarly, because of the uncertainty of the level of future
distributions from the Joint Venture, there can also be no assurance as to
what amount of such future management fees that the general partners would
have ever become entitled to receive.

Management of Old Edge, the general partners of Edge Group II and their
affiliates and family members will receive substantial benefits if the
Combination Transactions are consummated, which benefits are described in "The
Combination Transactions--Conflicts of Interest; Interests of Certain Persons
and Affiliates in the Combination Transactions." The members of management of
Old Edge that negotiated on its behalf will also benefit from the Combination
Transactions as a result of their positions as executive officers and
directors of the Company. Mr. Sfondrini will also benefit from the Combination
Transactions as a result of his position as a director of the Company. See "--
No Independent Representation of Unaffiliated Parties," "The Combination
Transactions--Background of and Reasons for the Combination Transactions" and
"The Combination Transactions--Conflicts of Interest; Interests of Certain
Persons and Affiliates in the Combination Transactions."

No Independent Representation of Unaffiliated Parties

The terms of the Combination Agreement Transactions were determined through
negotiations between management of Old Edge and Mr. Sfondrini. As a result of
the affiliated relationship among the parties, such

21
<PAGE>

negotiations may not be viewed as arm's-length negotiations. No attempt was
made to solicit offers for any of the respective interests in the Joint
Venture or other entities being acquired in the Combination Transactions. No
independent representative or counsel has acted on behalf of Edge Group, the
unaffiliated shareholders of Old Edge and the unaffiliated limited partners of
Edge Group II or Gulfedge in connection with determining the terms of the
Combination Agreement Transactions, nor did management of Old Edge or Mr.
Sfondrini negotiate the terms of the Combination Transactions with any such
unaffiliated shareholders or limited partners. Gulfedge was not represented in
the negotiations. The shareholders of Old Edge on the one hand and Edge Group
and the limited partners of Edge Group II on the other hand are therefore
relying on management of Old Edge and Mr. Sfondrini, respectively, to fairly
establish the terms of the Combination Transactions. There is a possibility
that, if such representatives or unaffiliated shareholders or limited partners
had taken part in such determination or negotiation, the terms of the
Combination Transactions might have been different and, perhaps, more
favorable to the unaffiliated shareholders or limited partners. See "--
Conflicts of Interest," "The Combination Transactions--Background of and
Reasons for the Combination Transactions" and "The Combination Transactions--
Conflicts of Interest; Interests of Certain Persons and Affiliates in the
Combination Transactions."

No Fairness Opinion Obtained

Although management of Old Edge and Mr. Sfondrini had inherent conflicts of
interest in structuring the terms of the Combination Agreement Transactions,
neither the board of directors of Old Edge nor the general partners of Edge
Group II obtained an opinion as to the fairness of the terms of the
Combination Agreement Transactions from a financial point of view to the
shareholders of Old Edge, to the limited partners of Edge Group II or Gulfedge
or to Edge Group. Management of Old Edge and Mr. Sfondrini decided not to
obtain a fairness opinion because of their belief that the transactions were
fair to their respective parties and because of the costs associated with
obtaining a fairness opinion. If such a fairness opinion had been sought and
obtained, the management of Old Edge and Mr. Sfondrini would have received an
independent judgement as to whether or not the transactions were fair to their
respective parties; if such a fairness opinion had been sought and not
obtained, the terms of the Combination Transactions might have been
renegotiated. See "--Conflicts of Interest," "--No Independent Representation
of Unaffiliated Parties," "The Combination Transactions--Background of and
Reasons for the Combination Transactions," "The Merger and the Special
Meeting--Recommendation of the Board of Directors," "The Edge Group II
Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation--Recommendation of the General
Partners of Edge Group II" and "The Gulfedge Exchange Offer--Recommendation of
the General Partner of Gulfedge."

Change in Nature of Investment; Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions; No Prior
Public Market

If the Combination Agreement Transactions are consummated, investors who
elect to receive shares of Common Stock will experience a change in the nature
of their investment. An investment in shares of Common Stock would constitute
a fundamental change in the nature of the investment of the limited partners
of Edge Group II and Gulfedge and of Edge Group, including the change from an
investment in a partnership with a limited duration to an investment in a
corporation with perpetual duration. These changes also include significant
modifications to the rights of the limited partners of Edge Group II and
Gulfedge and of Edge Group with respect to voting, meetings of holders,
dissolution and liquidation and access to investor lists and other books and
records. Also, for each entity, there will be changes with respect to the
management, taxation of the entity and its investors and marketability and
transferability of the equity interests. If the Combination Agreement
Transactions are consummated, shareholders of Old Edge, which is a Texas
corporation, would become stockholders of the Company, which is a Delaware
corporation, and would therefore experience a change in their rights from
those of shareholders of a Texas corporation to those of stockholders of a
Delaware corporation. In addition, the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
and Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law differ from those of Old
Edge, including provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change of control of the Company. These provisions, among other
things, provide for a classified board of directors with staggered terms,
restrict the ability of stockholders to take action by written consent,
authorize the

22
<PAGE>

board of directors to set the terms of preferred stock and impose restrictions
on business combinations with certain interested parties. See "Comparison of
Securityholder Rights."

Although stockholders of the Company are entitled to vote on more matters
than limited partners of Edge Group II and Gulfedge, upon completion of the
Offering and the Combination Transactions, members of the Company's board of
directors and their affiliates will own approximately 41% (39% if the
Underwriters' over-allotment option in connection with the Offering is
exercised in full) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. As a result,
those stockholders will be able to significantly influence and possibly
control the outcome of certain matters requiring a stockholder vote, including
the election of directors. Such ownership of Common Stock may have the effect
of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the Company and
may adversely affect the voting and other rights of other stockholders. See
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."

Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the shares of
Common Stock to be issued in the Combination Transactions. The completion of
the Offering provides no assurance that an active trading market for the
Common Stock will develop or, if developed, that it will be sustained. The
market price of the Common Stock could also be subject to significant
fluctuation and may be influenced by many factors, including variations in
results of operations, variations in natural gas and oil prices, investor
perceptions of the Company and its industry and general economic and other
conditions.

Effect of the Combination Agreement Transactions on Nonexchanging Limited
Partners of Edge Group II or Gulfedge

Upon consummation of the Combination Agreement Transactions, the Company, as
general partner of Edge Group II, and Old Edge, as general partner of
Gulfedge, will owe fiduciary duties to any limited partners of Edge Group II
or Gulfedge, respectively, that do not elect to exchange their limited partner
interests for shares of Common Stock (such nonexchanging limited partners are
collectively referred to as the "Nonexchanging Partners"). If the Edge Group
Purchase Offer is not consummated, Old Edge, as managing venturer of the Joint
Venture, will owe fiduciary duties to Edge Group, as well as to Gulfedge and
Edge Group II. Management of the Company will also owe fiduciary duties to the
stockholders of the Company and will themselves be stockholders and/or option
holders of the Company. Conflicts of interest may arise between the Company
and its stockholders on one hand and such nonexchanging partners on the other
hand.

Nonexchanging Partners will continue as limited partners of Edge Group II or
Gulfedge, as applicable. In such event, both entities would continue in
existence following the Combination Agreement Transactions and would retain
their interest in the Joint Venture. If Edge Group rejects the Edge Group
Purchase Offer, it will retain its interest in the Joint Venture. Certain
aspects of the expected distribution of assets of the Joint Venture following
its dissolution in December 1996 are described in "The Combination
Transactions--Effect of the Combination Transactions" and "Information
Concerning the Joint Venture."

The Company and Old Edge as the general partner of Edge Group II and
Gulfedge, respectively, and Mr. Sfondrini as the general partner of each of
the partners of Edge Group, will have conflicts of interest with respect to
decisions regarding oil and gas operations of the Joint Venture, including
whether to participate in certain opportunities. See "The Combination
Transactions--Conflicts of Interest; Interests of Certain Persons and
Affiliates in the Combination Transactions--Conflicts of Interest With Respect
to the Future Operation and Liquidation of the Joint Venture." The Company and
Old Edge currently contemplate that Edge Group II and Gulfedge, and Mr.
Sfondrini currently contemplates that Edge Group, would retain any non-cash
assets distributed by the Joint Venture, and only distribute any cash received
that is in excess of operating and development expenses. However, Edge Group
II, Gulfedge or Edge Group could determine to distribute such non-cash assets,
including working interests in oil and gas properties. Limited partners to
whom working interests in oil and gas properties are distributed will lose
their limited liability status with respect to such interests, and operation
of such properties may involve substantial risks, including the risk of
incurring costs of reimbursement to operators of general and administrative
costs that may represent a proportionately greater share of the revenues

23
<PAGE>

attributable to such properties than the general and administrative expenses
reimbursed by the Joint Venture prior to its dissolution. The Company will
receive its proportionate interest in any such distribution as general partner
and limited partner with respect to all partner interests exchanged for shares
of Common Stock pursuant to the Combination Agreement Transactions.

After December 1996, the Company expects that it will generally continue to
develop the Joint Venture's existing properties and identified prospects of
the Joint Venture. New projects in new areas would generally be conducted in
Old Edge or another wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and not through
the Joint Venture. To the extent they do not exchange in the Combination
Agreement Transactions, limited partners and Edge Group generally will not
participate in new prospects or operations unrelated to the Joint Venture's
operations as of December 1996, except as provided for in the provisions of
the Joint Venture Agreement with respect to 150 square miles in the Belco
Project Area (the "Belco Right") and another 50 square miles of 3-D seismic
data to be selected following dissolution (the "Fifty Square Mile Right"). See
"Information Concerning the Joint Venture."

Effect of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer on Exchanging Limited Partners of
Edge Group II

Those limited partners of Edge Group II who tender their respective Edge
Group II Units in exchange for shares of Common Stock will by so tendering
have consented to, approved and ratified the terms of the Edge Group II
Exchange Offer and the other Combination Transactions, including the number of
shares of Common Stock that will be issued to the general partners of Edge
Group II. Accordingly, by tendering Edge Group II Units, limited partners of
Edge Group II will approve the overall terms and structure of the Edge Group
II Exchange Offer and will give up any right to challenge any aspect of the
general partners' and their affiliates' (including Old Edge and its
management) actions regarding the Combination Transactions, including without
limitation, the allocation of shares among any parties receiving shares in the
Combination Transactions and further specifically including any decisions
regarding the shares of Common Stock being offered by the Company for the
general partner interest in Edge Group II. See "The Edge Group II Exchange
Offer and Consent Solicitation--Description."

Effect of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer on Exchanging Limited Partners of
Gulfedge

Those limited partners of Gulfedge who tender their respective Gulfedge
Units in exchange for shares of Common Stock will by so tendering have
consented to, approved and ratified the terms of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer
and the other Combination Transactions. Accordingly, by tendering Gulfedge
Units, limited partners of Gulfedge will approve the overall terms and
structure of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer and will give up any right to
challenge any aspect of Old Edge's and it's officers', directors' and other
affiliates' actions regarding the Combination Transactions, including, without
limitation the allocation of shares among any parties receiving shares in the
Combination Transactions. See "The Gulfedge Exchange Offer."

No Assurance as to Offering Price

Although the Combination Agreement provides for the sale by the Company of
shares in the Offering at a $15.00 minimum public offering price per share of
Common Stock as a condition to closing, there can be no assurance as to what
price will be achieved in the public offering or as to what price the Common
Stock will trade thereafter. As of the date of this Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus, the Company has not entered into any
agreement with the underwriters for the Offering and the price achieved in the
Offering will be dependent upon market conditions and other factors beyond the
control of the Company.

Restrictions on Resale; Shares Eligible for Future Sale

The holders of all of the shares of Common Stock issued in the Combination
Transactions will be restricted from disposing any shares of Common Stock for
a period of 180 days from the date of the final prospectus relating to the
Offering without the prior consent of the representatives of the underwriters
for the Offering and

24
<PAGE>

the Company. In addition, Rule 145 under the Securities Act places certain
restrictions on the resale of Common Stock received in the Merger by persons
who are "affiliates" of Old Edge or the Company. An affiliate of a party is
any person who controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such
party. These restrictions on resale prohibit any party or affiliate from
reselling stock except in accordance with the volume restrictions of Rule 144.
The volume restrictions of Rule 144 permit a person to sell, during any three-
month period, no more than the greater of one percent of the outstanding class
of securities or the average weekly trading volume of such class of security
for four weeks prior to the sale. Additionally, there are restrictions on the
manner of sale, which generally require the securities be sold in open market
transactions without prior solicitations of buyers or payment of consideration
other than customary brokerage commissions. These restrictions terminate for
sales made two years or more after the effective date of the Merger with
respect to parties and affiliates who are not also affiliated with the Company
(and have not been affiliated with the Company for three months preceding any
such sale). All persons who are affiliates of parties to the Merger will
receive shares of Common Stock bearing a restrictive legend against sales that
are not in compliance with Rule 145. Affiliates of the Company that receive
Common Stock in the other Combination Transactions will also generally be
restricted from resales other than in accordance with the volume, manner of
sale and notice provisions of Rule 144.

Following the 180-day period referred to in the preceding paragraph,
substantially all of the shares of Common Stock issued in the Combination
Agreement Transactions will be eligible for resale without restriction other
than pursuant to Rules 144 and 145. The representatives of the underwriters
for the Offering may also give their consent to sales prior to the end of such
180-day period at any time and without public notice. In addition, 97,844
shares of Common Stock may be issued pursuant to currently outstanding options
that will be assumed by the Company from a predecessor at a weighted average
exercise price of $3.06 per share, 350,000 shares of Common Stock may be
issued pursuant to options that will be issued in connection with the
Combination Transactions at an exercise price equal to the IPO price and
250,585 shares of Common Stock will be issued pursuant to restricted stock
awards granted in connection with the Combination Transactions. There has
previously been no source of liquidity for the investments in respect of which
shares are being issued in the Combination Transactions. Future sales of
substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market following the
Offering could adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY

Dependence on Exploratory Drilling Activities

The success of the Company will be materially dependent upon the continued
success of its exploratory drilling program, which will be funded in part with
the proceeds of the Offering. Exploratory drilling involves numerous risks,
including the risk that no commercially productive natural gas or oil
reservoirs will be encountered. The cost of drilling, completing and operating
wells is often uncertain, and drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or
cancelled as a result of a variety of factors, including unexpected drilling
conditions, pressure or irregularities in formations, equipment failures or
accidents, adverse weather conditions, compliance with governmental
requirements and shortages or delays in the availability of drilling rigs and
the delivery of equipment. Although the Company believes that its use of 3-D
seismic data and other advanced technology should increase the probability of
success of its exploratory wells and should reduce average finding costs
through elimination of prospects that might otherwise be drilled solely on the
basis of 2-D seismic data and other traditional methods, exploratory drilling
remains a speculative activity. Even when fully utilized and properly
interpreted, 3-D seismic data and visualization techniques only assist
geoscientists in identifying subsurface structures and do not allow the
interpreter to know if hydrocarbons will in fact be present in such structures
if they are drilled. In addition, the use of 3-D seismic data and such
technologies requires greater predrilling expenditures than traditional
drilling strategies and the Company could incur losses as a result of such
expenditures. The Company's future drilling activities may not be successful
and, if unsuccessful, such failure will have an adverse effect on the
Company's future results of operations and financial condition. Prospects may
initially be identified through a number of methods, some of which do not
include interpretation of 3-D or other seismic data, and in which prospects
the Company may not have any option or lease rights. Although the Company has
identified numerous drilling prospects, there can be no assurance that such
prospects will be drilled

25
<PAGE>

or that natural gas or oil will be produced from any such identified prospects
or any other prospects. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--The Company."

Volatility of Natural Gas and Oil Prices

The Company's revenues, profitability, future growth and ability to borrow
funds or obtain additional capital, as well as the carrying value of its
properties, are substantially dependent upon prevailing prices of natural gas
and oil. Historically, the markets for natural gas and oil have been volatile,
and such markets are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. Prices
for natural gas and oil are subject to wide fluctuation in response to
relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for natural gas and oil,
market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond the
control of the Company. These factors include the level of consumer product
demand, weather conditions, domestic and foreign governmental regulations, the
price and availability of alternative fuels, political conditions in the
Middle East, the foreign supply of natural gas and oil, the price of foreign
imports and overall economic conditions. It is impossible to predict future
natural gas and oil price movements with certainty. Declines in natural gas
and oil prices may materially adversely affect the Company's financial
condition, liquidity, ability to finance planned capital expenditures and
results of operations. Lower natural gas and oil prices also may reduce the
amount of natural gas and oil that the Company can produce economically. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--The Company" and "Business of the Company--Marketing."

The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of its oil and natural
gas properties under the full cost accounting rules of the Commission. Under
these rules, capitalized costs of proved oil and natural gas properties may
not exceed the present value of estimated future net revenues from proved
reserves, discounted at 10%. Application of this "ceiling" test generally
requires pricing future revenue at the unescalated prices in effect as of the
end of each fiscal quarter and requires a write down for accounting purposes
if the ceiling is exceeded, even if prices declined for only a short period of
time. The Company may be required to write down the carrying value of its oil
and natural gas properties when oil and natural gas prices are depressed or
unusually volatile. If a write down is required, it would result in a charge
to earnings and would not impact cash flow from operating activities.

In order to reduce its exposure to short-term fluctuations in the price of
natural gas, the Company periodically enters into hedging arrangements. The
Company's hedging arrangements apply to only a portion of its production and
provide only partial price protection against declines in natural gas prices.
Such hedging arrangements may expose the Company to risk of financial loss in
certain circumstances, including instances where production is less than
expected, the Company's customers fail to purchase contracted quantities of
oil or natural gas or a sudden, unexpected event materially impacts oil or
natural gas prices. In addition, the Company's hedging arrangements limit the
benefit to the Company of increases in the price of natural gas. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--The Company--General" and "Business of the Company--Marketing."

Reserve Replacement Risk

In general, the volume of production from natural gas and oil properties
declines as reserves are depleted, with the rate of decline depending on
reservoir characteristics. Except to the extent the Company acquires
properties containing proved reserves or conducts successful exploration and
development activities, or both, the proved reserves of the Company will
decline as reserves are produced. The Company's future natural gas and oil
production is, therefore, highly dependent upon its level of success in
finding or acquiring additional reserves. The business of exploring for,
developing or acquiring reserves is capital-intensive. To the extent cash flow
from operations is reduced and external sources of capital become limited or
unavailable, the Company's ability to make the necessary capital investment to
maintain or expand its asset base of natural gas and oil reserves would be
impaired. As of September 30, 1996, the Company had participated in a
substantial percentage of its wells as non-operator pursuant to various
agreements. The failure of an operator of the Company's wells to adequately
perform operations, or such operator's breach of the applicable agreements,
could adversely impact the

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Company. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company's future
exploration, development and acquisition activities will result in additional
proved reserves or that the Company will be able to drill productive wells at
acceptable costs. See "Management's Discussion of Analysis and Financial
Condition and Results of Operation--The Company."

Operating Risks of Natural Gas and Oil Operations

The natural gas and oil business involves certain operating hazards such as
well blowouts, craterings, explosions, uncontrollable flows of oil, natural
gas or well fluids, fires, formations with abnormal pressures, pollution,
releases of toxic gas and other environmental hazards and risks, any of which
could result in substantial losses to the Company. The availability of a ready
market for the Company's natural gas and oil production also depends on the
proximity of reserves to, and the capacity of, natural gas and oil gathering
systems, pipelines and trucking or terminal facilities. In addition, the
Company may be liable for environmental damages caused by previous owners of
property purchased and leased by the Company. As a result, substantial
liabilities to third parties or governmental entities may be incurred, the
payment of which could reduce or eliminate the funds available for
exploration, development or acquisitions or result in the loss of the
Company's properties. In accordance with customary industry practices, the
Company maintains insurance against some, but not all, of such risks and
losses. The Company does not carry business interruption insurance. The
occurrence of an event not fully covered by insurance could have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company. See "Business of the Company--Operating Hazards and Insurance."

Dependence on Key Personnel

The Company depends to a large extent on the services of certain key
management personnel, the loss of any of which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's operations. The Company intends to enter into
employment agreements with certain of its executive officers prior to the
completion of the Offering. The Company believes that its success is also
dependent upon its ability to continue to employ and retain skilled technical
personnel. See "Business of the Company--Exploration Technology."

Reliance on Technological Development and Possible Technological Obsolescence

The Company's business is dependent upon utilization of changing technology.
As a result, the Company's ability to adapt to evolving technologies, obtain
new products and maintain technological advantages will be important to its
future success. The Company believes that its ability to utilize state of the
art technologies currently gives it an advantage over many of its competitors.
This advantage, however, is based in part upon technologies developed by
others, and the Company may not be able to maintain this advantage. As new
technologies develop, the Company may be placed at a competitive disadvantage,
and competitive pressures may force the Company to implement such new
technologies at substantial cost. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to successfully utilize, or expend the financial resources
necessary to acquire, new technology, that others will not either achieve
technological expertise comparable to or exceeding that of the Company or that
others will not implement new technologies before the Company. One or more of
the technologies currently utilized by the Company or implemented in the
future may become obsolete. In such case, the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. If
the Company is unable to utilize the most advanced commercially available
technology, the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations could be materially and adversely affected. See "Business of the
Company--Exploration Technology."

Significant Capital Requirements

Due to its active exploration and development and technology development
programs, the Company has experienced and expects to continue to experience
substantial working capital needs. While the Company believes that the net
proceeds from the Offering, cash flow from operations and its existing credit
arrangements should allow the Company to successfully implement its present
business strategy, additional financing may be

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required in the future to fund the Company's growth and developmental and
exploratory drilling and continued technological development. No assurances
can be given as to the availability or terms of any such additional financing
that may be required or that financing will continue to be available under the
existing or new credit facilities. In the event such capital resources are not
available to the Company, its drilling and other activities may be curtailed.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations--The Company--Liquidity and Capital Resources."

Government Regulation and Environmental Matters

Oil and natural gas operations are subject to various federal, state and
local government regulations which may be changed from time to time in
response to economic or political conditions. Matters subject to regulation
include discharge permits for drilling operations, drilling bonds, reports
concerning operations, the spacing of wells, unitization and pooling of
properties and taxation. From time to time, regulatory agencies have imposed
price controls and limitations on production by restricting the rate of flow
of oil and natural gas wells below actual production capacity in order to
conserve supplies of oil and natural gas. In addition, the development,
production, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of oil and natural
gas, by-products thereof and other substances and materials produced or used
in connection with oil and natural gas operations are subject to regulation
under federal, state and local laws and regulations primarily relating to
protection of human health and the environment. The Company is also subject to
changing and extensive tax laws, the effects of which cannot be predicted. The
implementation of new, or the modification of existing, laws or regulations
could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "Business of the
Company--Regulation."

Ability to Manage Growth and Achieve Business Strategy

The Company has experienced significant growth in the recent past through
the expansion of its drilling program. The Company's rapid growth has placed,
and is expected to continue to place, a significant strain on the Company's
financial, technical, operational and administrative resources. As the Company
enlarges the number of projects it is evaluating or in which it is
participating, there will be additional demands on the Company's financial,
technical and administrative resources. The Company's ability to continue its
growth will depend upon a number of factors, including its ability to identify
and acquire new exploratory sites, its ability to develop existing sites, its
ability to continue to retain and attract skilled personnel, the results of
its drilling program, hydrocarbon prices, access to capital and other factors.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving
growth or any other aspect of its business strategy.

Competition

The Company encounters competition from other oil and natural gas companies
in all areas of its operations, including the acquisition of exploratory
prospects and proven properties. The Company's competitors include major
integrated oil and natural gas companies and numerous independent oil and
natural gas companies, individuals and drilling and income programs. Many of
its competitors are large, well-established companies with substantially
larger operating staffs and greater capital resources than the Company's and
which, in many instances, have been engaged in the oil and natural gas
business for a much longer time than the Company. Such companies may be able
to pay more for exploratory prospects and productive natural gas and oil
properties and may be able to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater
number of properties and prospects than the Company's financial or human
resources permit. In addition, such companies may be able to expend greater
resources on the existing and changing technologies that the Company believes
are and will be increasingly important to the current and future success of
oil and natural gas companies. The Company's ability to explore for oil and
natural gas prospects and to acquire additional properties in the future will
be dependent upon its ability to conduct its operations, to evaluate and
select suitable properties and to consummate transactions in this highly
competitive environment. See "Business of the Company--Competition."

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Uncertainty of Reserve Information and Future Net Revenue Estimates

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating natural gas and oil
reserves and their estimated values, including many factors beyond the control
of the producer. The reserve data set forth in this Prospectus represent only
estimates. Reservoir engineering is a subjective process of estimating
underground accumulations of natural gas and oil that cannot be measured in an
exact manner. Estimates of economically recoverable natural gas and oil
reserves and of future net cash flows necessarily depend upon a number of
variable factors and assumptions, such as historical production from the area
compared with production from other producing areas, the assumed effects of
regulations by governmental agencies and assumptions concerning future natural
gas and oil prices, future operating costs, severance and excise taxes,
development costs and workover and remedial costs, all of which may in fact
vary considerably from actual results. For these reasons, estimates of the
economically recoverable quantities of natural gas and oil attributable to any
particular group of properties, classifications of such reserves based on risk
of recovery, and estimates of the future net cash flows expected therefrom
prepared by different engineers or by the same engineers but at different
times may vary substantially and such reserve estimates may be subject to
downward or upward adjustment based upon such factors. Actual production,
revenues and expenditures with respect to the Company's reserves will likely
vary from estimates, and such variances may be material. In addition, the 10%
discount factor, which is required by the Commission to be used in calculating
discounted future net cash flows for reporting purposes, is not necessarily
the most appropriate discount factor based on interest rates in effect from
time to time and risks associated with the Company or the oil and natural gas
industry in general. See "Business of the Company--Oil and Natural Gas
Reserves."

Acquisition Risks

The Company generally seeks to explore for oil and natural gas rather than
to purchase producing properties. As a result, the Company's experience in the
acquisition of such properties is limited. The successful acquisition of
producing properties requires an assessment of recoverable reserves, future
oil and natural gas prices, operating costs, potential environmental and other
liabilities and other factors. Such assessments are necessarily inexact and
their accuracy inherently uncertain. In connection with such an assessment,
the Company performs a review of the subject properties that it believes to be
generally consistent with industry practices, which generally includes on-site
inspections and the review of reports filed with various regulatory entities.
Such a review, however, will not reveal all existing or potential problems nor
will it permit a buyer to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to
fully assess their deficiencies and capabilities. Inspections may not always
be performed on every well, and structural and environmental problems are not
necessarily observable even when an inspection is undertaken. Even when
problems are identified, the seller may be unwilling or unable to provide
effective contractual protection against all or part of such problems. There
can be no assurances that any acquisition of property interests by the Company
will be successful and, if unsuccessful, that such failure will not have an
adverse effect on the Company's future results of operations and financial
condition.

Absence of Dividends on Common Stock

The Company currently intends to retain any earnings for the future
operation and development of its business and does not currently anticipate
paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future dividends also may
be restricted by the Company's then-existing loan agreements. See "Dividend
Policy," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--The Company--Liquidity and Capital Resources" and Note
3 to the Company's Combined Financial Statements.

Recent Losses

The Company has incurred net losses in three of the last five years of its
operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be profitable in
the future. See "Selected Historical Combined Financial and Operating Data of
the Company."

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DIVIDEND POLICY

The Company has not paid any dividends in the past and does not intend to
pay cash dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The Company
currently intends to retain any earnings for the future operation and
development of its business, including exploration, development and
acquisition activities. Any future dividends also may be restricted by the
Company's then-existing loan agreements. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--The Company--
Liquidity and Capital Resources."

THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS

GENERAL

In the Combination Transactions, the Company plans to complete (i) the
Merger, (ii) the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, (iii) the Gulfedge Exchange
Offer, (iv) the Edge Group Purchase Offer and (v) the James C. Calaway
Exchange. Upon consummation of the Combination Transactions, the Company
expects to acquire directly or indirectly substantially all of the interests
in the Joint Venture. See "Summary--Ownership of the Joint Venture; Post-
Combination." The Company does not expect to seek to consummate any of the
Combination Transactions unless the Merger, the Edge Group II Exchange Offer
(with at least a 70% acceptance level) and the Offering are each closed.

BACKGROUND OF AND REASONS FOR THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS

Background of the Joint Venture. The Joint Venture was formed on April 8,
1991 by Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group. On that date the
Joint Venture purchased substantially all of the assets and assumed
substantially all of the liabilities of a related entity, Edge Group Joint
Venture, which had been engaged in oil and gas exploration and production
operations since 1987. Old Edge and its predecessors had acted as managing
venturers of Edge Group Joint Venture since its formation and had been engaged
in oil and gas exploration and production operations since 1983. Edge Group II
and Gulfedge were each created in connection with the formation of the Joint
Venture to enable certain investors to invest in the Joint Venture. Edge Group
was formed in July 1987 in connection with the formation of Edge Group Joint
Venture and was a party to such joint venture. In connection with the
formation of the Joint Venture, Edge Group contributed to the Joint Venture a
portion of the funds it received from the sale of the assets and liabilities
of Edge Group Joint Venture. In addition to its interest in the Joint Venture,
Edge Group holds certain properties that were distributed to it as a result of
the dissolution of Edge Group Joint Venture.

As managing venturer of the Joint Venture, Old Edge through its management,
staff of geologists, geophysicists and engineers generally directs and
exercises control over all activities of the Joint Venture. However, under the
terms of the Joint Venture Agreement, Old Edge must obtain the consent of Edge
Group II to make lease acquisitions, to make capital purchases, to approve the
Joint Venture's budget, to incur debt or mortgages and to sell all or
substantially all of the Joint Venture's assets.

The initial sharing ratio for the participants in the Joint Venture, which
determines the allocation of net income and other items, as well as the
distribution of allocable cash, was approximately 29.1%, 67.3%, 2.3% and .3%,
respectively (the "Initial Sharing Ratio"), for Old Edge, Edge Group II,
Gulfedge and Edge Group. Such sharing ratio is applicable until the value of
cash and carried interests and other property distributed to each venturer is
equal to the initial contributions of the venturers (the "Sharing Ratio Shift
A Amounts"). At such time, the sharing ratio shifts to 50.0%, 47.5%, 1.6% and
0.9% (the "Shift A Sharing Ratio"), respectively, which continues until the
value of cash and carried interests and other property distributed to each
venturer is six times the Sharing Ratio Shift A Amounts (the "Sharing Ratio
Shift B Amounts"). When the Sharing Ratio Shift B Amounts are met, the
applicable sharing ratio for the duration of the Joint Venture is 55%, 42.7%,
1.5% and 0.8%, respectively. The Joint Venture has followed a strategy of
retaining assets, and to date there have been no

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distributions to the venturers. As a result, there has been no valuation under
the Joint Venture Agreement to determine whether the value of the Joint
Venture's assets, if distributed, would cause a shift from the Initial Sharing
Ratio. If (i) all the shares of Common Stock to be received by the partners in
the Joint Venture (i.e., 4,660,604 shares) were received by and attributable
solely to the net assets of the Joint Venture (which would give no value to
any assets of Old Edge other than its Joint Venture interest), (ii) those
shares were instead sold at an assumed IPO price of $16.00 per share and (iii)
the proceeds (i.e., $74,569,664) were distributed under the Joint Venture
Agreement, then the allocation of the proceeds would have been in the
following percentages: Old Edge--44.4%, Edge Group II--52.8%, Gulfedge--1.8%
and Edge Group--1%. The foregoing is presented solely by way of illustration
and no such distribution is available to the venturers.

The term of the Joint Venture originally was to have expired on April 8,
1996. Under the original terms of the Joint Venture Agreement, upon the
dissolution of the Joint Venture, Old Edge was entitled to purchase prospects
on which less than 50% of the lease acreage had been acquired by the Joint
Venture by paying an amount equal to the costs incurred in connection with
such prospect. For prospects on which 50% or more of the lease acreage had
been acquired, Old Edge was required for a two-year period to use its best
efforts to sell the prospect, and thereafter also had the right to purchase
such prospects on a costs-incurred basis. Old Edge was also entitled to
receive all non-proprietary seismic data (generally, seismic data obtained
from third parties which the Joint Venture was not entitled to sell to others)
and to receive all other components of the Joint Venture's regional
information database without payment to the other venturers. Old Edge was
required to attempt to license all proprietary seismic data (generally,
seismic data obtained from third parties which the Joint Venture was entitled
to sell to others), but was entitled to use all such data and was entitled to
refrain from licensing any data by making a payment to the Joint Venture equal
to the fair value of such data. These provisions did not apply to a situation
in which seismic data was to be conveyed incidental to a transaction where the
seismic data was not the sole or principal item sold or licensed. Carried
Interests (generally defined to be interests in leases, reversionary
interests, reserves and other interests in oil and gas properties) were to be
distributed to the venturers in accordance with the sharing ratio. All other
assets were to be sold, with the proceeds being distributed to the venturers
in accordance with the sharing ratio.

Determination to Postpone the Dissolution of the Joint Venture. When the
Joint Venture was formed in April 1991, it was primarily involved in the
generation of drilling prospects for major, large independent and other energy
industry participants. At that time, given the uncertainties of drilling based
on 2-D seismic information and because of the substantial drilling costs of
the projects, the Joint Venture's limited financial resources and the less
favorable risk/reward ratio for exploratory drilling at the time, the Joint
Venture generally sold prospects for cash while retaining a reversionary
working interest. By 1992, management of Old Edge perceived a shift in the
economics of oil and gas drilling as a result of the advent of economic
onshore 3-D seismic surveys and the improvement and increased affordability of
data interpretation technologies. As a result of the decrease in drilling
risks made possible by these technological advances, the Joint Venture began
to acquire or retain working interests in the prospects generated by Old Edge
on behalf of the Joint Venture and to drill for the account of the Joint
Venture, while de-emphasizing the prospect generation portion of its business.

During 1995, the venturers began to consider the approaching dissolution
date of the Joint Venture in April 1996. The venturers recognized that, given
the change in the nature of the Joint Venture's operations, both the proposed
dissolution date and the terms of the dissolution of the Joint Venture were no
longer appropriate. When the Joint Venture was formed, the venturers
contemplated that upon its dissolution the primary assets would be (i)
reversionary interests that would be distributed to the venturers, and (ii)
prospects that upon sale to a third party or to Old Edge would result in a
distribution of proceeds to the venturers. The venturers recognized that a
substantial amount of the value of the Joint Venture was, by 1995,
attributable to the large 3-D project areas that Old Edge on behalf of the
Joint Venture had identified and intended to develop. By the second half of
1995, all of the venturers agreed that a dissolution in April 1996 should be
postponed because of (i) the then-recent expansion in the Joint Venture's
drilling program and the intermediate stage of development of various projects
of the Joint Venture, (ii) concern that a dissolution would impair the value
of the Joint Venture's operations by diverting the attention of management
from normal operations and by disrupting the then-recently achieved

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growth and momentum of the Joint Venture's operations, (iii) the recognition
that by extending the term of the Joint Venture, all of the venturers would be
given the opportunity to benefit from additional development of the Joint
Venture's assets and (iv) the belief that maintaining assets and cash flow in
the Joint Venture was important in such development. Although Old Edge took
the position that under the dissolution provisions of the Joint Venture
Agreement it was entitled both to obtain many of the Joint Venture's most
valuable prospects by paying the accumulated costs incurred by the Joint
Venture and to utilize the Joint Venture's seismic data, it nevertheless
concurred in the decision to extend the Joint Venture because of the factors
discussed above and because Old Edge also desired to avoid any disputes among
the venturers that might have arisen had it attempted to exercise the rights
it claimed under the original provisions of the Joint Venture Agreement.

Because of these factors, during the fourth quarter of 1995, the venturers
agreed that the Joint Venture would dissolve on December 31, 1996 and began
discussions regarding the modification of certain provisions of the Joint
Venture Agreement, primarily regarding distributions and the parties' post-
dissolution rights. Subsequently, the parties to the Joint Venture entered
into a definitive agreement modifying the Joint Venture Agreement. Under the
terms of the Joint Venture Agreement as amended, after December 31, 1996, the
Joint Venture will enter a windup period that will generally last for up to
two years. It is currently expected that during this time, most of the
existing oil and gas properties of the Joint Venture will continue to be held
by the Joint Venture. The Joint Venture's primary activities will involve the
development of (i) projects in existence as of December 31, 1996 and (ii)
subsequent projects that are based on 3-D seismic work firmly committed as of
December 31, 1996 (the projects referred to in (i) and (ii) being hereafter
referred to as the "Existing JV Projects"). By the end of the windup period,
the Joint Venture will distribute substantially all of the assets of the Joint
Venture, including working interests, in accordance with the applicable
sharing ratios or, in accordance with specified ratios in the case of
interests acquired in leases or other interests in all prospects within the
areas subject to (a) the Belco Right, (b) the Fifty Square Mile Right and (c)
the areas described herein under "Business of the Company--Significant Project
Areas--Everest Project" and "--Cameron Project," that are acquired after
December 31, 1996 (the "Western Assets"). The Western Assets shall be owned
and the related costs of development borne, 50% by Old Edge and 50% by the
other venturers (in accordance with their relative sharing ratios) (the
"Western Allocation"). Upon dissolution, Old Edge will generally own all 3-D
seismic data, provided that the other venturers will have the right to access
and use such data. If such data is later sold, Old Edge will pay a portion of
the proceeds to the other venturers. All or a portion of each of the areas
subject to the Western Assets, the Belco Right and the Fifty Square Mile Right
will be developed outside of the Joint Venture. The venturers will have
certain rights to participate, pursuant to the Belco Right and the Fifty
Square Mile Right, on a limited basis in interests developed within 150 and 50
square miles, respectively, of post-dissolution 3-D seismic data shot by Old
Edge. With respect to the Existing JV Projects, the amended Joint Venture
Agreement provides for the creation of areas of mutual interest ("AMIs"),
which will allow each venturer to acquire a portion of any interest acquired
subsequent to the dissolution of the Joint Venture by any other venturer in
such AMI. For a description of the amended dissolution provisions, see
"Information Concerning the Joint Venture." The amendment of the Joint Venture
Agreement was not conditioned upon any agreement upon the Combination
Agreement Transactions or the Offering, as the venturers determined that such
amendment was appropriate without regard to any other transaction.

The Combination Transactions. In early 1996, the venturers began to discuss
the structure of a transaction in which they would each have the opportunity
to participate in the future potential of Old Edge's business through the
formation of a combined company, while giving an option to the partnership
investors of electing not to participate in the transaction and thereby
retaining, indirectly, the right to a proportionate distribution upon the
dissolution of the Joint Venture. At this time, management of Old Edge was
also considering the feasibility of an initial public offering involving the
combined company. The parties recognized that the increased asset base that
would be achieved by retaining the assets of the Joint Venture under common
ownership would increase the chances of a successful initial public offering
and assure continuity in the exploitation of prospects that Old Edge believed
had significant potential.

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The discussions regarding a combination involved a transaction in which Old
Edge, and either Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group or those partners of
the partnerships that desired to participate, would contribute their interests
to form a combined company which would simultaneously raise capital from the
public. During these discussions, Mr. John Sfondrini, as a general partner of
Edge Group II and each of the partners of Edge Group, negotiated on behalf of
those entities. Mr. John E. Calaway, Chief Executive Officer of Old Edge, and
Mr. James D. Calaway, director of Old Edge, negotiated on behalf of Old Edge.
Old Edge did not negotiate on behalf of Gulfedge, because it recognized that
once an agreement had been reached with Edge Group II and Edge Group, Gulfedge
would participate in the Combination Agreement Transactions in the same manner
as Edge Group II and Edge Group, but on the basis of its relative sharing
ratio. Old Edge viewed these procedures as appropriate because it believes
Gulfedge is in a similar position to Edge Group II and Edge Group under the
Joint Venture Agreement.

The predominant issue in connection with the discussions regarding the
formation of the combined company was the percentage interest in the combined
company that would be allocated to the investors in each of the venturers. As
described above, Old Edge's share of revenues under the Joint Venture
Agreement is currently, and was at the time of these discussions, 29.1%. Old
Edge was unwilling to accept an allocation based on such a sharing ratio
because of (i) Old Edge's claimed rights under the original and amended terms
of the Joint Venture Agreement to retain certain of the Joint Venture's
prospects and the Joint Venture's regional data base and technology, including
seismic data, (ii) the "going concern value" of Old Edge's business, in
particular its position within the industry and the expertise of its
management and technical team and (iii) the fact that the parties projected
that a sharing ratio shift would take place prior to the end of the wind-down
period of the Joint Venture. The parties estimated that by the end of 1997
this sharing ratio shift would have resulted in an equity allocation of
approximately 40% to Old Edge and approximately 60% allocated to the other
venturers, based upon (a) proven properties being valued according to their
estimated future net revenues as of June 30, 1996, (b) properties under
development being valued according to their estimated future net revenues as
of June 30, 1996 on a risk adjusted basis and (c) the Joint Venture not
undertaking any new projects beyond those already planned in the spring of
1996. Although the venturers recognized these factors warranted Old Edge's
being allocated a greater percentage of the combined company than 29.1%, the
parties initially disagreed as to the exact allocation. Negotiations as to the
appropriate allocations continued throughout the first half of 1996. In June
1996, the parties concluded that the appropriate percentage interest in the
combined company that would be allocated to the investors in each of the
venturers would be as follows: Old Edge--50%; Edge Group II--47.5%; Gulfedge--
1.6%; and Edge Group--0.9%. As among Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group,
the allocation of the remaining 50% of the combined company was based upon
relative sharing ratios under the Joint Venture Agreement. Subsequently, the
number of shares that would otherwise have been allocable to Edge Group II was
reduced by 6,063 shares to take into account $97,000 in payables of Edge Group
II that will become payables of the Company following the completion of the
Combination Agreement Transactions.

Following this determination, Old Edge met with its legal and accounting
advisors to determine the structure of the transaction. At this time,
management of Old Edge was also continuing its discussions with investment
banking firms regarding an initial public offering of the combined company.
After a series of discussions, management made the determination to structure
the transaction as a merger of Old Edge into a subsidiary of the Company that
would close simultaneously with separate exchange offers to the partners of
Edge Group II and Gulfedge in which such partners would have the opportunity
to exchange their interests for shares of Common Stock and the purchase of
Edge Group's interest in the Joint Venture in exchange for shares of Common
Stock. Such structure was chosen (i) to allow for a transaction in which
participants would receive Common Stock on a tax-free basis, (ii) to allow
Edge Group and the limited partners of Edge Group II and Gulfedge the option
of whether to participate in the combined company or continue their current
investment and (iii) to comply with regulatory requirements in a manner so as
to achieve the timing goals of the venturers.

As a result of the determination to structure the transaction to include an
exchange offer to the partners of Edge Group II, the parties were required to
determine the appropriate percentage of shares of Common Stock which had
previously been decided would be allocated to Edge Group II (47.5% prior to
taking into account a

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subsequent adjustment) that would be issued to the general partners of Edge
Group II. Under the Edge Group II Partnership Agreement, its general partners
(John Sfondrini and Napamco, a corporation of which Mr. Sfondrini is the sole
shareholder) are entitled to receive 1% of the distributions of Edge Group II
until distributions to the limited partners equal 150% of their initial
contributions, at which time the general partners are entitled to receive 25%
of subsequent distributions. Mr. Sfondrini informed the Company that in
determining the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that he would
accept in exchange for the general partner interests in Edge Group II, he
employed the following methodology: the market value of the aggregate number
of shares of Common Stock offered to the partners of Edge Group II in exchange
for their partner interests should be calculated and a determination should be
made as to the percentage interest to which the general partners would be
entitled if such shares were distributed to the partners of Edge Group II. In
addition, Mr. Sfondrini informed the Company that the general partners of Edge
Group II were entitled to (i) deferred and accumulated annual management fees
of $1,332,450 by Edge Group II, attributable to an annual management fee of 2%
of the aggregate capital commitments of the limited partners for five years;
plus (ii) an amount attributable to the general partner management fee
commencing after the fifth year (i.e., beginning in April 1996) equal to 3% of
cash flow of Edge Group II (which amount was based on estimated future cash
flow rather than on any cash flow to date and was deemed to be equal to the
assumed value of the Common Stock attributable to Edge Group II in the
Combination Agreement Transactions). See "The Edge Group II Exchange Offer and
Consent Solicitation--Description." Using this methodology, Mr. Sfondrini
informed the Company that, assuming an IPO price of $16.00 per share of Common
Stock and an aggregate of 2,209,306 shares of Common Stock offered to the
partners of Edge Group II in exchange for their partner interests, the number
of shares of Common Stock that he would accept in exchange for the general
partner interests in Edge Group II would be 361,665, or 16.4% of the aggregate
number of shares of Common Stock offered to the partners of Edge Group II in
exchange for their partner interests. If the IPO price is greater than $16.00
per share, the limited partners of Edge Group II would be entitled to receive
fewer than such number of shares of Common Stock, and the general partners
would be entitled to receive more than such number of shares of Common Stock,
in exchange for their respective interests in Edge Group II. If the IPO price
is less than $16.00 per share, the limited partners of Edge Group II would be
entitled to receive more than such number of shares of Common Stock, and the
general partners of Edge Group II would be entitled to receive fewer than such
number of shares of Common Stock, in exchange for their respective interests
in Edge Group II.

Beginning in July 1996, the venturers began to prepare definitive
documentation relating to the Combination Transactions. At this time,
management of Old Edge also began preparations for the initial public offering
of the Company. On December 3, 1996, the Combination Agreement was executed by
the venturers, presented for consideration by the board of directors of Old
Edge and approved by the board.

EFFECTS OF THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS

Assuming that all parties accept shares of Common Stock in the Combination
Transactions, upon consummation of the Combination Transactions and the
Offering (i) the Company will become an independent, publicly held company,
(ii) holders of Old Edge Common Stock will become stockholders of the Company
rather than shareholders of Old Edge, (iii) the partners of Edge Group II and
Gulfedge who exchange their interests for shares of Common Stock will become
stockholders of the Company rather than partners of Edge Group II and
Gulfedge, respectively, (iv) the Company will become the general partner of
and own all of the partner interests in Edge Group II, (v) the Company will
own all of the limited partner interests in Gulfedge, (vi) Edge Group will
become a stockholder of the Company and (vii) direct and indirect ownership of
all of the interests in the Joint Venture will be combined in the Company. In
the event that any limited partner of Edge Group II or Gulfedge does not
exchange his or her interests in Edge Group II or Gulfedge, such limited
partner and the Company will continue as the limited partners of such
partnership. In the event that the Edge Group Purchase Offer is not
consummated, Edge Group will continue as a general partner of the Joint
Venture.

The Joint Venture will continue in existence following consummation of the
Combination Agreement Transactions and the Offering. Under the terms of the
amended Joint Venture Agreement, after its dissolution in

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December 1996 the Joint Venture will enter a windup period that will generally
last for up to two years. It is currently expected that during this time, most
of the existing oil and gas properties of the Joint Venture will continue to
be held by the Joint Venture. All or a portion of each of the areas subject to
the Western Assets, the Belco Right and the Fifty Square Mile Right will be
developed outside of the Joint Venture. By the end of the windup period, the
Joint Venture will distribute substantially all of the assets of the Joint
Venture. Upon dissolution, Old Edge will own all 3-D seismic data, provided
that the other venturers will have the right to access and use such data. With
respect to the Existing JV Projects, the amended Joint Venture Agreement
provides for the creation of AMIs, which will allow each venturer to acquire a
portion of any interest acquired by any other venturer in such AMI. For a
description of the amended dissolution provisions, see "Information Concerning
the Joint Venture."

After December 1996, the Company expects to continue to develop existing
properties and identified prospects of the Joint Venture. New projects in new
areas would generally be conducted in Old Edge or another wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, and not through the Joint Venture. To the extent
they do not exchange in the Combination Agreement Transactions, limited
partners and Edge Group generally will not participate in new prospects or
operations unrelated to the Joint Venture's operations as of December 1996,
except as provided for by the Belco Right and the Fifty Square Mile Right. See
"Information Concerning the Joint Venture."

The Company and Old Edge will owe fiduciary duties to any limited partners
of Edge Group II or Gulfedge, respectively, that do not elect to exchange
their limited partner interests for shares of Common Stock. Management of the
Company will also owe fiduciary duties to the stockholders of the Company and
will themselves be stockholders and/or option holders of the Company.
Conflicts of interest may arise between the stockholders of the Company and
such non-exchanging limited partners. Although Mr. Sfondrini, as a general
partner of Edge Group II and sole shareholder of Napamco, a general partner of
Edge Group II, is currently presented with conflicts of interest because he is
also a director of Old Edge, the conflicts of interest that will arise as a
result of the Company's becoming the general partner of Edge Group II will be
more direct.

The Company and Old Edge as the general partner of Edge Group II and
Gulfedge, respectively, following the Combination Agreement Transactions, will
be entitled to determine whether or not to distribute any assets received by
Edge Group II and Gulfedge pursuant to the dissolution of the Joint Venture or
otherwise to the partners of Edge Group II and Gulfedge in accordance with the
terms of their respective partnership agreements. As general partner of each
of the partners of Edge Group, Mr. Sfondrini will be entitled to determine
whether or not to distribute any assets received by Edge Group pursuant to the
dissolution of the Joint Venture or otherwise to the partners of Edge Group in
accordance with the terms of the Edge Group Partnership Agreement.

As a result of the distribution of certain working interests to, the terms
of certain AMIs relating to, and the treatment of the Specially Allocated
Assets, and certain other future exploration prospects, the venturers of the
Joint Venture, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group will each be required to
make decisions regarding oil and gas operations, including whether to
participate in certain opportunities. The Company and Old Edge as the general
partner of Edge Group II and Gulfedge, respectively, and Mr. Sfondrini as
general partner of each of the three partners of Edge Group, will have
conflicts of interest with respect to such decisions. The Company and Old Edge
currently contemplate that Edge Group II and Gulfedge, and Mr. Sfondrini
currently contemplates that Edge Group, would retain any non-cash assets
distributed by the Joint Venture, and only distribute any cash received that
is in excess of operating and development expenses. However, Edge Group II,
Gulfedge or Edge Group could determine to distribute such non-cash assets,
including working interests in oil and gas properties. Limited partners to
whom working interests in oil and gas properties are distributed will lose
their limited liability status with respect to such interests, and operation
of such properties may involve substantial risks, including the risk of
incurring costs of reimbursement to operators of general and administrative
costs that may represent a proportionately greater share of the revenues
attributable to such properties than the general and administrative expenses
reimbursed by the Joint Venture prior to its dissolution. The Company will
receive its proportionate interest in any such distribution as general partner
and limited partner with respect to all partner interests exchanged for shares
of Common Stock pursuant to the Combination Agreement Transactions. See "Risk
Factors--Risks Associated with the Combination Transactions--Conflicts of
Interest" and "--Conflicts

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of Interest; Interests of Certain Persons and Affiliates in the Combination
Transactions--Conflicts of Interest with Respect to the Future Operation and
Liquidation of the Joint Venture."

CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISSOLUTION OF THE JOINT VENTURE IF THE COMBINATION
TRANSACTIONS ARE NOT CONSUMMATED

It is currently expected that the Joint Venture will dissolve in accordance
with its terms in December 1996 and begin a two-year period during which the
Existing JV Projects would continue to be developed until their distribution
to the venturers during and at the end of such period. As a result of the
dissolution, Old Edge will be entitled to and would expect to conduct
operations independently of the Joint Venture. Initially, substantially all of
Old Edge's (and if the Combination Agreement Transactions are consummated, the
Company's) operations will consist of such continued operations and will be
conducted either through the Joint Venture or outside the Joint Venture, or
with the partners in the Joint Venture pursuant to the provisions of the Joint
Venture Agreement as amended. Old Edge (and if the Combination Agreement
Transactions are consummated, the Company) expects that it will initiate new
operations outside the Joint Venture as it begins operations other than
Existing JV Projects. Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group will not be
entitled to participate in any of these new operations that are unrelated to
the Joint Venture's operations other than pursuant to the Belco Right and the
Fifty Square Mile Right. See "Information Concerning the Joint Venture." No
other transaction is currently being considered by the venturers as an
alternative to the Combination Transactions, although the venturers could
explore other alternatives. However, there can be no assurance that, if the
Combination Transactions are not consummated, any alternative transaction will
occur.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS AND AFFILIATES IN THE
COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS

Conflicts of Interest in the Negotiation of the Combination Agreement. As a
result of certain relationships, management of Old Edge and the general
partners of Edge Group II had inherent conflicts of interest in structuring
and approving the terms of the Combination Agreement Transactions and in
recommending acceptance of such transactions. The management of Old Edge and
the management of the Company are largely the same. Members of the board of
directors and executive officers of the Company have beneficial ownership of
approximately 100% of the Old Edge Common Stock, in part because of certain
voting agreements which have been waived with respect to the shareholders'
vote on the Merger. Old Edge is the general partner of Gulfedge. Mr. John
Sfondrini, a director of each of Old Edge and the Company and a general
partner, along with Napamco, of Edge Holding Company, which is a 36.8%
shareholder of Old Edge, is also a general partner, along with Napamco, of
Edge Group II, and serves as managing partner of Edge Group (whose three
general partners are all limited partnerships of which Mr. Sfondrini is a
general partner). In addition to his general partner interest in Edge Group
II, Mr. Sfondrini owns one Edge Group II Unit (representing approximately a
.5% limited partner interest in Edge Group II). Other members of the board of
directors of Old Edge and the Company may also be deemed to have beneficial
ownership of limited partner interests in Edge Group II as follows: six Edge
Group II Units with respect to Mr. Raphael, approximately 1.48 Edge Group II
Units with respect to Mr. Andrews, 1.5 Edge Group II Units with respect to Mr.
Peterson and 3.5 Edge Group II Units with respect to Mr. Benedict. Mr.
Benedict also has rights to receive certain proceeds in respect of Mr.
Sfondrini's general partner interest in Edge Group II as described below. See
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."

Management of Old Edge owes fiduciary duties to the shareholders of Old
Edge, and Old Edge, as general partner of Gulfedge, owes fiduciary duties to
the limited partners of Gulfedge. Mr. Sfondrini, as a director of Old Edge,
owes fiduciary duties to the shareholders of Old Edge, and Mr. Sfondrini and
Napamco, as general partners of Edge Group II, owe fiduciary duties to the
limited partners of Edge Group II, and Mr. Sfondrini, as a general partner of
each of the three partners of Edge Group, owes fiduciary duties to the general
partners of Edge Group, and Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco, as general partners of
Edge Holding Company, owe fiduciary duties to the limited partners of such
partnership. Certain members of management of Old Edge negotiated the terms of
the Combination Transactions on behalf of Old Edge. Mr. Sfondrini negotiated
the terms of the

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Combination Agreement Transactions on behalf of Edge Group II and Edge Group.
No party acted on behalf of Gulfedge in these negotiations. Accordingly, each
of the parties responsible for negotiating and approving the Combination
Agreement Transactions had conflicting duties.

As part of the negotiation process for the Combination Transactions, the
parties used objective measures of value, including a reserve report audited
by Ryder Scott, in assessing the value of the relevant assets of the parties
to such transactions for purposes of determining the number of shares of
Common Stock to be issued in the Combination Transactions. However, the
negotiation process also involved assumptions as to future outcomes and
subjective judgments (e.g., the "going concern" value to be attributed to Old
Edge's business), for which no objective criteria were available.
Additionally, no degree of reliance on objective criteria can eliminate the
inherent conflict of interests.

The allocation in the Combination Agreement Transactions of shares of Common
Stock among the shareholders of Old Edge, on the one hand, and the general and
limited partners of Edge Group II, the limited partners of Gulfedge and Edge
Group, on the other hand, involved inherent conflicts of interest, as any
increase in the number of shares of Common Stock allocated to one group of
investors proportionally decreased the number of shares allocated to the other
groups of investors. Moreover, because the number of shares of Common Stock
being offered in exchange for all of the partner interests in Edge Group II
was initially determined based on a percentage of the aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock being offered in connection with the Combination
Agreement Transactions, the issuance of shares of Common Stock in exchange for
the general partner interests in Edge Group II reduced the number of shares of
Common Stock being offered in exchange for the limited partner interests in
Edge Group II.

The terms of the Combination Agreement were determined through negotiations
between the management of Old Edge and Mr. Sfondrini. As a result of the
affiliated relationship among the parties, such negotiations may not be viewed
as arm's-length negotiations. No attempt was made to solicit offers for the
respective interests in the Joint Venture. No independent representative or
counsel has acted on behalf of Edge Group, the unaffiliated shareholders of
Old Edge and the unaffiliated limited partners of Edge Group II or Gulfedge in
connection with determining the terms of the Combination Agreement
Transactions, nor did management of Old Edge or the general partners of Edge
Group II negotiate the terms of the Combination Agreement Transactions with
any such unaffiliated shareholders or limited partners. Gulfedge was not
represented in the negotiations. The shareholders of Old Edge, on the one
hand, and Edge Group and the limited partners of Edge Group II, on the other
hand, are therefore relying on management of Old Edge and Mr. Sfondrini,
respectively, to fairly establish the terms of the Combination Agreement
Transactions. There is a possibility that, if such representatives or
unaffiliated shareholders or limited partners had taken part in such
determination or negotiation, the terms of the Combination Agreement
Transactions might have been different and, perhaps, more favorable to the
unaffiliated shareholders or limited partners. See "Risk Factors--Risks
Associated with the Combination Transactions--Conflicts of Interest" and "The
Combination Transactions--Background of and Reasons for the Combination
Transactions."

Transfer of Edge Group II General Partner Interests. The closing of the
Combination Transactions is conditioned on, among other things, the approval
of the transfer to the Company of the general partner interests of Mr.
Sfondrini and Napamco by holders of 60% of the limited partner interests in
Edge Group II. In exchange for such general partner interests, Mr. Sfondrini
will receive the GP Exchange Shares. Neither Edge Group II nor any of its
limited partners will share in the proceeds of such exchange. The Combination
Agreement Transactions will allow the general partners of Edge Group II to
receive Common Stock in respect of both management fees that have been
deferred to date because no cash was available for payment, as well as the
estimated value of future management fees that have not been earned to date.
The allocation of Common Stock in respect of such management fees reduces the
amount otherwise allocable to the limited partners of Edge Group II and there
can be no assurance that the general partners would have ever become entitled
to receive the amount of such future management fees. Pursuant to certain
prior loan agreements, Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco assigned a portion of their
management fee with respect to Edge Group II and the right to a percentage of
their distributions as its general partners, to, among others, Mr. James C.
Calaway and Ms. Marlin Geiger (the parents

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of Mr. John E. Calaway, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Mr.
James D. Calaway, the President of the Company) and to Mr. David Benedict, who
is a director of the Company. As a result, assuming an IPO price of $16.00 per
share, Mr. James C. Calaway will receive 12,830 (including 6,992 shares to be
received by entities owned by him) of the GP Exchange Shares, an entity
controlled by Ms. Geiger will receive 995 of the GP Exchange Shares and Mr.
Benedict will receive 2,122 of the GP Exchange Shares. See "Plan of
Distribution." In the absence of the Combination Agreement Transactions and
the Offering, notwithstanding the value of Edge Group II's interest in the
Joint Venture, it is unlikely Edge Group II would receive cash distributions
from the Joint Venture that would, in the near term, have allowed it to pay
any of the accrued management fees or distributions. Similarly, because of the
uncertainty of the level of future distributions from Joint Venture, there can
also be no assurance as to what amount of such future management fees that the
general partners would have ever become entitled to receive.

Following the consummation of the Offering, Mr. Sfondrini expects to enter
into a margin loan arrangement with a representative of the underwriters for
the Offering. Under this arrangement, Mr. Sfondrini expects to make borrowings
in an approximate amount of at least $500,000 at an interest rate equal to a
bank's prime rate. The loan will be secured by Common Stock with an initial
market value of $1.2 million. Mr. Sfondrini expects to use a portion of the
proceeds of such borrowings to repay the indebtedness under the above
described loan agreements.

As general partner of Edge Group II, Mr. Sfondrini is personally liable for
its obligations. If the transfer of such general partner interest is approved
and consummated, Mr. Sfondrini will not be liable for any future obligations
of Edge Group II.

Upon becoming the general partner of Edge Group II, the Company will succeed
to the general partners' rights to accrued, but unpaid prior management fees,
receive a management fee equal to 3% of Edge Group II's cash flow, receive 1%
of distributions until limited partners have received distributions equivalent
to 150% of their initial capital contributions and thereafter receive 25% of
the distributions of Edge Group II, as provided for in the Edge Group II
Partnership Agreement. See "Information Concerning Edge Group II."

Conflicts of Interest With Respect to the Future Operation and Liquidation
of the Joint Venture. Upon consummation of the Combination Transactions, Old
Edge will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and will continue as
managing venturer of the Joint Venture, and the Company will become the
general partner of Edge Group II. The Company and Old Edge will owe fiduciary
duties to any limited partners of Edge Group II or Gulfedge, respectively,
that do not elect to exchange their limited partner interests for shares of
Common Stock. If the Edge Group Purchase Offer is not consummated, Old Edge,
as managing venturer of the Joint Venture will owe fiduciary duties to Edge
Group, as well as to Gulfedge and Edge Group II as participants in the Joint
Venture. Management of the Company will also owe fiduciary duties to the
stockholders of the Company and will themselves be stockholders and/or option
holders of the Company. Conflicts of interest may arise between the
stockholders of the Company and such non-exchanging limited partners.

The Company currently expects to use a portion of the proceeds of the
Offering to make a loan to the Joint Venture that will allow the Joint Venture
to repay its currently outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit
Facility and the J.C. Calaway Loan. See "--Certain Interests of Mr. James C.
Calaway" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--The Company--Liquidity and Capital Resources." The
Company currently expects that the terms of such loan to the Joint Venture
will be substantially the same as those available to the Company after the
Offering. There will be conflicts of interest in the Company's role as a
lender to the Joint Venture including those related to determining the actual
terms of such loan, the timing of any repayments and decisions regarding
security interests and covenants relating to such loan.

Subsequent to the dissolution of the Joint Venture in December 1996, the
Company expects to continue to develop the Existing JV Projects through the
Joint Venture. The description of the plan for the Joint Venture is described
elsewhere under "Information Concerning the Joint Venture." New projects in
new areas would

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<PAGE>

generally be conducted in Old Edge or another wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company, and not through the Joint Venture. To the extent they do not exchange
in the Combination Agreement Transactions, limited partners and Edge Group
generally will not participate in new prospects or operations unrelated to the
Existing JV Projects as of December 31, 1996, except as provided for by the
Belco Right and the Fifty Square Mile Right. See "Information Concerning the
Joint Venture."

The Joint Venture will continue in existence following the Combination
Agreement Transactions following which most of the Joint Venture's assets will
be retained for a two-year windup period ending in December 1998. Because Old
Edge will act as liquidating agent pursuant to the terms of the Joint Venture
Agreement, the Company may encounter conflicts of interest in administering
such windup, including conflicts relating to the allocation of management and
other Company resources, the allocation of costs, the determination of the
timing of operations and the distribution of assets.

The Company and Old Edge as the general partner of Edge Group II and
Gulfedge, respectively, following the Combination Agreement Transactions, will
be entitled to determine whether or not to distribute any assets received by
Edge Group II and Gulfedge pursuant to the dissolution of the Joint Venture or
otherwise to the partners of Edge Group II and Gulfedge in accordance with the
terms of their respective partnership agreements. As a general partner of each
of the partners of Edge Group, Mr. Sfondrini will be entitled to determine
whether or not to distribute any assets received by Edge Group pursuant to the
dissolution of the Joint Venture or otherwise to the partners of Edge Group in
accordance with the terms of the Edge Group Partnership Agreement.

As a result of the distribution of certain working interests to the
venturers, the terms of AMIs to be created pursuant to the Joint Venture
Agreement, the Belco Right, the Fifty Square Mile Right and certain other
future exploration prospects, the venturers will be required to make decisions
regarding oil and gas operations, including whether to participate in certain
opportunities. The Company and Old Edge as the general partner of Edge Group
II and Gulfedge, respectively, and Mr. Sfondrini as a general partner of the
partners of Edge Group, will have conflicts of interest with respect to such
decisions. See "Risk Factors--Risks Associated With the Combination
Transactions--Effect of the Combination Agreement Transactions on
Nonexchanging Limited Partners of Edge Group II or Gulfedge."

Interests With Respect to Certain Employee Benefit Matters. In connection
with Combination Agreement Transactions and the Offering, the Company will
enter into employment agreements with each of Mr. James D. Calaway and Mr.
John E. Calaway. These agreements are described in "Management--Employment
Agreements." Subject to the occurrence of the Public Offering, the Company has
approved a 401(k) savings plan, a stock option plan and a director stock
option plan. Each executive officer and director of the Company will receive
compensation with respect to one or more of such plans. See "Management--
Director Compensation" and "--Executive Compensation."

For a discussion of the limitation of directors' liability to the Company
and its stockholders, indemnification agreements with the directors and
officers of the Company, and the purchase of directors' and officers'
liability insurance policies that will take effect at closing, see
"Management--Officer and Director Indemnification."

At the Effective Time, each outstanding option to purchase shares of Old
Edge Common Stock (each, an "Old Edge Stock Option") granted pursuant to the
Edge Petroleum Corporation 1994 Stock Option Plan (the "Old Edge Plan"), will
be assumed by the Company. Messrs. James D. Calaway and Richard Dale, officers
of the Company, each have an Old Edge Stock Option for the purchase of 2,193
shares of Old Edge Common Stock. Each such Old Edge Stock Option will be
deemed to constitute an option to acquire, on the same terms and conditions as
were applicable under such Old Edge Stock Option, the number of shares of
Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Old Edge Common Stock
purchasable pursuant to such Old Edge Stock Option, multiplied by the Merger
Exchange Ratio, at a price per share equal to (i) the per share exercise price
for the shares of Old Edge Common Stock subject to such stock option divided
by (ii) the Merger Exchange Ratio. The creation of a public market for Common
Stock as a result of the Public Offering would likely result in an increase in
the total unrealized value of Old Edge Stock Options. Following the Merger,
Messrs. J.D. Calaway and Dale

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<PAGE>

will each hold options for the purchase of 48,922 shares of Common Stock, at a
per share exercise price of $4.09 and $2.04, respectively. Assuming an IPO
price of $16.00 per share, the aggregate unrealized value of such options
would be $582,661.02 and $682,951.12, respectively.

Certain Interests of Mr. James C. Calaway. The Company intends to loan a
portion of the proceeds from the Offering to the Joint Venture, which will
retire a $1.3 million loan to the Joint Venture from Mr. James C. Calaway. See
"Certain Transactions--James C. Calaway Loan Agreement." Until such repayment
occurs, Mr. James C. Calaway will continue to accrue new J. C. Calaway
Interests in the Joint Venture's prospects. Following the date of repayment,
Mr. James C. Calaway will accrue interests in wells drilled by the Company in
certain specified areas of mutual interest. Additionally, Mr. James C. Calaway
has retained certain of the J.C. Calaway Interests accrued to date in many of
the Joint Venture's existing exploratory prospects. As a result, Mr. James C.
Calaway will benefit from the Company's continuing development of these
prospects. See "Certain Transactions--James C. Calaway Loan Agreement."

Interests in Obtaining Publicly Traded Stock. The consummation of the
Offering, which is conditioned upon the consummation of certain aspects of the
Combination Agreement Transactions, will result in the creation of a public
market for the Common Stock. Directors and executive officers of Old Edge (who
hold the same positions with the Company) including John Sfondrini, who serves
as a general partner of Edge Group II and Edge Group, will benefit from the
increased liquidity (including marginability) of their investment, with
respect to their holdings of Old Edge Common Stock and interests in Edge Group
II and Edge Group that are exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the
Combination Agreement Transactions as will current holders of options to
purchase Old Edge Stock.

Registration Rights. Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco are the general partners of
Edge Holding Company, which owns 38,500 shares of Old Edge Common Stock, which
will, pursuant to the Merger, be converted into 858,853 shares of Common Stock
(the "Registrable Shares"). At the Effective Time, the Company will enter into
a registration rights agreement with Edge Holding Company which will provide
for the registration of the Registrable Securities for the purpose of
distributing such shares to the partners of Edge Holding Company. This demand
registration right may be exercised only once by Edge Holding Company. See
"Certain Transactions--Registration Rights Agreement of Edge Holding Company
Limited Partnership."

Indemnification. The Combination Agreement provides that the Company will
indemnify the general partners of the partners of Edge Group and the general
partners of Edge Group II and Gulfedge and the directors and officers of Old
Edge and will hold each of them harmless from and against certain losses,
damages, liabilities, claims, demands, deficiencies, judgments and settlements
resulting from or arising out of the Combination Agreement Transactions, and
expressly provides for such indemnification regardless of any acts of
negligence or gross negligence on the part of any of the parties indemnified
thereby.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

The Combination Transactions will be accounted for as a reorganization of
entities under common control because of the common control of the
stockholders of the Company and by virtue of their direct ownership of the
entities and interests exchanged. Accordingly, the net assets acquired in the
Combination Transactions will be recorded at the historical cost basis of the
affiliated predecessor owners.

DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

Old Edge Shareholders. Any shareholder of record of Old Edge may exercise
dissenters' rights in connection with the Merger by properly complying with
the requirements of Articles 5.11, 5.12 and 5.13 of the Texas Business
Corporation Act ("TBCA"). By exercising dissenters' rights, any such
shareholder would have the "fair value" of his shares of Old Edge Common Stock
determined by a court and paid to him in cash, instead of receiving shares of
Common Stock.

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The following is a summary of the statutory procedures that a shareholder of
a Texas corporation must follow in order to exercise his dissenters' rights
under Texas law. This summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to Articles 5.11, 5.12 and 5.13 of the TBCA, the text of which is
set forth in full in Appendix F to this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus.

Any shareholder of a Texas corporation who objects to a merger of the
corporation may exercise the rights and remedies of a dissenting shareholder
under Articles 5.11, 5.12 and 5.13 of the TBCA. Article 5.11 of the TBCA
provides that each shareholder of a Texas corporation has the right to dissent
from certain mergers. Any shareholder desiring to exercise his right of
dissent to a merger must (i) file a written objection to the merger with the
corporation, prior to the date of the meeting of shareholders called to
consider the merger, and (ii) not vote his shares in favor of the adoption of
the merger. Neither a proxy nor a vote against the merger is sufficient to
constitute a written objection as required under the statute. Failure to vote
against approval of the merger (i.e., abstention from voting) will not
constitute a waiver of a shareholder's dissenters' rights.

The written objection must state that the shareholder's right to dissent
will be exercised if the merger becomes effective and give the address to
which notice of the effectiveness of the merger should be delivered or mailed.
Any written communications that may be required to be given with respect to
the exercise by a shareholder of dissenters' rights should be addressed to the
principal executive offices of the corporation marked to the attention of the
corporation's secretary.

The corporation surviving the merger must deliver or mail notice of the
effectiveness of the merger to each dissenting shareholder that has not voted
in favor of the merger within ten days of the effectiveness of the merger. Any
dissenting shareholder that has not voted in favor of the merger may then make
a written demand on the surviving corporation for the payment of the fair
value of his shares within ten days of the delivery or mailing of the notice
by the surviving corporation. Such demand must state the number and class of
the shares of stock owned by the dissenting shareholder and the dissenting
shareholder's estimate of the fair value of his shares. Any shareholder
failing to make such a demand within the ten-day period will lose the right to
dissent and will be bound by the terms of the merger. In order to preserve his
dissenters' rights, a dissenting shareholder must also submit his stock
certificates to the surviving corporation for the appropriate notation within
twenty days of making a demand for payment. Failure of a dissenting
shareholder to submit such stock certificates will, at the option of the
surviving corporation, terminate such shareholder's rights under Article 5.12
unless a court of competent jurisdiction, for good and sufficient cause shown,
otherwise directs.

Any shareholder who has properly demanded payment for his shares of stock
will not have any rights as a shareholder, except the right to receive payment
for his shares and the right to claim that the merger and the related
transactions were fraudulent, and the respective shares for which payment has
been demanded shall not thereafter be considered outstanding for the purposes
of any subsequent vote of the shareholders.

Within twenty days of receipt of the demand for payment, the surviving
corporation must deliver or mail to the dissenting shareholder written notice
that either (i) agrees to pay the amount of the shareholder's demand within 90
days after the effectiveness of the merger upon receipt of the dissenting
shareholder's duly endorsed share certificates or (ii) offers to pay the
surviving corporation's estimate of the fair value of the shares within ninety
days after the effectiveness of the merger upon both the receipt of notice
from the shareholder within sixty days after the effectiveness of the merger
that the shareholder agrees to accept that amount and the receipt of the
dissenting shareholder's duly endorsed share certificates. If the dissenting
shareholder and the surviving corporation agree upon the value of the
dissenting shareholder's shares within sixty days after effectiveness of the
merger, the surviving corporation shall pay the amount of the agreed value to
the dissenting shareholder upon receipt of the dissenting shareholder's duly
endorsed share certificates within ninety days of the effectiveness of the
merger. Upon payment of the agreed value, the dissenting shareholder will
cease to have any interest in such shares.

If the dissenting shareholder and the surviving corporation do not agree
upon the value of the dissenting shareholder's shares within sixty days after
the effectiveness of the merger, then either the dissenting shareholder

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<PAGE>

or the surviving corporation may, within sixty days thereafter, file a claim
in a court of competent jurisdiction in the county of Texas in which the
principal office of the corporation is located, seeking a determination of the
fair value of the shares. The surviving corporation shall file with the court
a list of all shareholders who have demanded payment for their shares with
whom an agreement as to value has not been reached upon receipt of such a
claim filed by a dissenting shareholder or upon the filing of such a claim by
the surviving corporation. The clerk of the court will give notice of the
hearing of any such claim to the surviving corporation and to all of the
dissenting shareholders on the list provided by the surviving corporation. The
surviving corporation and all dissenting shareholders notified in this manner
will be bound by the final judgment of the court.

After the hearing of the claim, the court will determine which of the
dissenting shareholders have complied with the provisions of the TBCA and are
entitled to the payment of the fair value of their shares and will appoint one
or more qualified appraisers to assist in the determination of the fair value
of the shares upon such investigation as the appraisers consider proper. The
appraisers will also allow the dissenting shareholders and the surviving
corporation to submit to them pertinent evidence as to the fair value of the
shares.

Upon receipt of the appraisers' report, the court will determine the fair
value of the shares of the dissenting shareholders and will direct the payment
by the surviving corporation to the dissenting shareholders of the amount of
the fair value of their shares, with interest thereon, beginning 91 days after
the effectiveness of the merger to the date of the judgment, upon receipt of
the dissenting shareholders' share certificates. Upon payment of the judgment,
the dissenting shareholders will cease to have any interest in the surviving
corporation. The court will allow the appraisers a reasonable fee as court
costs, and all court costs will be allotted between the parties in such manner
as the court determines to be fair and equitable.

Under Texas law, "fair value" of shares for purposes of the exercise of
dissenters' rights is defined as the value of the shares as of the day
immediately preceding the day the vote is taken authorizing the merger,
excluding any increase or decrease in value of the shares in anticipation of
the proposed merger. Such "fair value" is determined in the first instance by
appraisers appointed by the court, who are directed to make such determination
"upon such investigation as to them may seem proper." Any valuation techniques
or methods may be employed which are generally acceptable to the financial
community.

Any dissenting shareholder may withdraw his demand at any time before
receiving payment for his shares or before a claim has been filed seeking
determination of the fair value of his shares. No such dissenting shareholder
may withdraw his demand after payment has been made or where a claim has been
filed, unless the surviving corporation consents to the withdrawal.

If neither the dissenting shareholder nor the corporation files a claim with
an appropriate court within the permitted period of time, the dissenting
shareholder will be bound by the terms of the merger.

Shareholders of Old Edge considering appraisal rights should consider that
the payment which they eventually receive in exchange for their shares in a
dissenters' rights proceeding under Texas law could be less than, equal to or
greater than the eventual market value of the consideration they would receive
in the Merger.

An Old Edge shareholder who exercises his appraisal rights and receives cash
in exchange for his shares of Old Edge Common Stock will recognize taxable
gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of such
cash received and (ii) the basis of the shares of Old Edge Common Stock so
exchanged. Any such gain or loss recognized would be long-term capital gain or
loss if the shares of Old Edge Common Stock constitute capital assets in the
hands of the dissenting Old Edge shareholder and have been held by such
shareholder for more than one year at the Effective Time.

SHAREHOLDERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING DISSENTING FROM THE MERGER ARE URGED TO
CONSULT THEIR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL.

Edge Group II Exchange Offer, Gulfedge Exchange Offer and Edge Group
Purchase Offer. Pursuant to the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, a partner of
Edge Group II may decline to exchange such partner's interest in

42
<PAGE>

Edge Group II for shares of Common Stock. Under such circumstances, neither
the Edge Group II Partnership Agreement nor Connecticut law provides for
appraisal or similar rights for such non-exchanging partners. Pursuant to the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer, a partner of Gulfedge may decline to exchange such
partner's interest in Gulfedge for shares of Common Stock. Under such
circumstances, neither the Gulfedge Partnership Agreement nor Texas law
provides for appraisal or similar rights for such nonexchanging partners.
Pursuant to the Edge Group Purchase Offer, Edge Group may decline to exchange
the Edge Group Joint Venture Interest for shares of Common Stock. Under such
circumstances, neither the Joint Venture Agreement nor Texas law provides for
appraisal or similar rights.

INCLUSION ON NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET

The Company anticipates applying for the inclusion of shares of Common Stock
on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "EPEX."

RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE BY AFFILIATES

Rule 145 under the Securities Act places certain restrictions on the resale
of Common Stock received in the Merger by persons who are "affiliates" of Old
Edge or the Company. An affiliate of a party is any person who controls, is
controlled by or is under common control with such party. These restrictions
on resale prohibit any party or affiliate from reselling stock except in
accordance with the volume restrictions of Rule 144. The volume restrictions
of Rule 144 permit a person to sell, during any three-month period, no more
than the greater of one percent of the outstanding class of securities or the
average weekly trading volume of such class of security for four weeks prior
to the sale. Additionally, there are restrictions on the manner of sale, which
generally require the securities be sold in open market transactions without
prior solicitations of buyers or payment of consideration other than customary
brokerage commissions. These restrictions terminate for sales made two years
or more after the effective date of the Merger with respect to parties and
affiliates who are not also affiliated with the Company (and have not been
affiliated with the Company for three months preceding any such sale). All
persons who are affiliates of parties to the Merger will receive shares of
Common Stock bearing a restrictive legend against sales that are not in
compliance with Rule 145. Affiliates of the Company that receive Common Stock
in the other Combination Agreement Transactions will also generally be
restricted from resales other than in accordance with the volume, manner of
sale and notice provisions of Rule 144.

EXPENSES

The Joint Venture will initially pay all of the expenses incurred in the
Offering and the Combination Transactions. If the Combination Transactions are
not consummated, Old Edge shall pay 20% of any and all such expenses paid by
the Joint Venture to Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group in proportion to
their relative sharing ratios under the Joint Venture Agreement. If the
Offering and the Combination Transactions are consummated, the Company shall
reimburse the Joint Venture for any such expenses previously paid by it.

It is estimated that the expenses of the Combination Agreement Transactions
(assuming 100% acceptance) will be as set forth below:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Filing fees.........................................................
Legal fees and expenses.............................................
Accounting fees and expenses........................................
Engineering fees and expenses.......................................
Printing costs......................................................
Nasdaq listing fee..................................................
Miscellaneous expenses..............................................
Total.............................................................
</TABLE>

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<PAGE>

THE COMBINATION AGREEMENT

GENERAL

The Combination Agreement provides for (i) the Merger, (ii) the Edge Group
II Exchange Offer, (iii) the Gulfedge Exchange Offer and (iv) the Edge Group
Purchase Offer. The detailed terms and conditions relating to the consummation
of the Combination Agreement Transactions are contained in the Combination
Agreement, which is attached hereto as Appendix A and incorporated herein by
reference. The following discussion sets forth a description of certain
material terms and conditions of the Combination Agreement. The description in
this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus of the terms
and conditions of the Combination Agreement Transactions is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the Combination Agreement.

EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE COMBINATION AGREEMENT TRANSACTIONS

The Combination Agreement provides that the Merger will become effective at
the time (the "Effective Time") when the Secretary of State of the State of
Texas has issued a certificate of merger in respect of the Merger. It is
anticipated that, if the Combination Agreement and the Plan of Merger are
approved and adopted at the Special Meeting and all other conditions to the
Combination have been satisfied or waived, such issuance will occur following
the Special Meeting and at the time of the closing of the Offering.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

In the Combination Agreement, the Company, Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge
and Edge Group have made various representations and warranties relating to,
among other things, their respective ownership interests in the Joint Venture,
their respective capitalization, the satisfaction of certain legal
requirements for the Combination, the existence of certain litigation matters
and compliance of information provided in connection with this Joint Proxy and
Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus with the requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder. The representations and
warranties of each of the parties to the Combination Agreement will expire at
the Effective Time.

CONDITIONS

The respective obligations of the Company, Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge
and Edge Group to consummate the Combination Agreement Transactions are
subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(i) the Company shall have consummated the Offering and the IPO price
will have been at least $15.00 per share of Common Stock;

(ii) the Combination Agreement and the Plan of Merger shall have been
approved and adopted by the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of Old Edge Common Stock entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting and no more than 15% of the shareholders of Old Edge shall have
exercised their dissenters' rights with respect to the Merger;

(iii) the general partners of Edge Group II and the limited partners of
Edge Group II holding at least 70% of the outstanding Edge Group II Units
shall have tendered their partnership interests in Edge Group II to the
Company pursuant to the Edge Group II Exchange Offer;

(iv) the partners of Edge Group II whose aggregate capital contributions
represent at least 60% of the aggregate capital contributions of all the
partners of Edge Group II shall have consented to the Change of Edge Group
II General Partners;

(v) the Merger, the Edge Group II Exchange Offer and the Offering shall
close simultaneously;

(vi) each party to the Combination Agreement shall have performed in all
material respects its respective agreements thereunder required to be
performed at or prior to the Effective Time and the

44
<PAGE>

representations and warranties of each party shall be true as of the
Closing Date or such earlier date as appropriate; and

(vii) no order restraining, prohibiting or delaying consummation of the
transactions by the Combination Agreement shall be issued and in effect.

CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE COMBINATION

Pursuant to the Combination Agreement, the Company, Old Edge, Edge Group II,
Gulfedge and Edge Group (solely with respect to its interest in the Joint
Venture, as applicable) have agreed that prior to the Effective Time, and
except as otherwise contemplated by the Combination Agreement or consented to
in writing by the other parties, each shall (i) conduct its business in the
ordinary course and shall use reasonable efforts to preserve intact its
present business organization, maintain the services of its present officers
and employees and preserve the relations with its customers, suppliers and
others having business relations with it; (ii) except as explicitly provided
in the Combination Agreement, not pay or declare dividends or other
distributions, split, combine or otherwise reclassify its capital stock or
partnership interest or directly or indirectly repurchase or otherwise acquire
shares of its capital stock; (iii) not issue any capital stock, partnership
interest or debt securities having voting rights for directors or any rights,
options, securities convertible or exchangeable therefor, except under
existing employee stock option plans or presently outstanding convertible or
exchangeable securities; and (iv) not amend or modify its certificates or
articles of incorporation, by-laws, partnership agreements or other governing
documents.

TERMINATION OR AMENDMENT OF THE COMBINATION AGREEMENT

The Combination Agreement provides that it may be terminated at any time
prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the Plan of
Merger by the shareholders of Old Edge or approval of any other matter by any
equityholder of the parties thereto, as follows:

(i) by the mutual consent of the Company, Old Edge, Edge Group II,
Gulfedge and Edge Group;

(ii) by either the Company, Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge or Edge
Group, (a) if the Effective Time has not occurred by July 30, 1997 unless
the Effective Time has not occurred due to the failure of the party seeking
termination to perform its agreements and covenants under the Combination
Agreement required to be performed by it at or prior to the Effective Time
or (b) if a court of competent jurisdiction or governmental, regulatory or
administrative agency or commission shall have issued an order, decree or
ruling or taken any other action, in each case permanently restraining,
enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by the
Combination Agreement; or

(iii) by the Company, if the Company determines that there is a
reasonable probability that the Offering will not be completed at an IPO
price of at least $15.00 per share of Common Stock, which determination
must be based upon written advice of the underwriters for the Offering to
all the venturers.

INDEMNIFICATION

The Company has agreed to indemnify the general partners of the partners of
Edge Group, the general partners of Edge Group II and Gulfedge, and the
directors and officers of Old Edge for certain liabilities incurred in
connection with the Combination Agreement Transactions.

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<PAGE>

THE MERGER AND THE SPECIAL MEETING

GENERAL

The Special Meeting will be held at , Houston, Texas on , 1997
at a.m., Houston time, to consider and to vote upon a proposal to approve
and adopt the Combination Agreement and the Plan of Merger included therein.

At the Effective Time, (i) each share of Old Edge Common Stock outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than the shares referred to in
(iii) below and shares held by holders who exercise their dissenters' rights)
will be converted into the right to receive 22.307862 (the "Old Edge Exchange
Ratio") shares of Common Stock (the "Merger Consideration") from the Company,
(ii) each share of common stock of Mergeco outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time will be converted into and become 100 shares of common
stock of the Surviving Corporation and shall constitute the only outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation, (iii) each share of Old
Edge Common Stock that is held by Old Edge or any subsidiary thereof as
treasury stock immediately prior to the Effective Time will be canceled, and
no payment shall be made with respect thereto, (iv) each share of Common Stock
of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (all of
which shares are owned by Old Edge) will be canceled, and no payment shall be
made with respect thereto, and (v) each unexpired option to purchase Old Edge
Common Stock that is outstanding at the Effective Time, whether or not
exercisable, will automatically and without any action on the part of the
holder thereof be converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of
Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Old Edge Common Stock that could
be purchased under such option multiplied by the Old Edge Exchange Ratio at a
price per share of Common Stock equal to the per share exercise price of such
option divided by the Old Edge Exchange Ratio.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF OLD EDGE HAS APPROVED THE COMBINATION AGREEMENT
AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND HAS DETERMINED THAT SUCH
TRANSACTIONS ARE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF OLD EDGE AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS. THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF OLD EDGE RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF OLD EDGE
VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE COMBINATION AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THE
PLAN OF MERGER.

In reaching the conclusion that the Merger is in the best interests of Old
Edge and its shareholders, the Board of Directors of Old Edge considered a
number of factors, including the following: (i) the shares of Common Stock
issued in the Merger will be quoted on the NASDAQ National Market, as
contrasted with their shares of Old Edge Common Stock for which no public
market exists, (ii) the Merger will entitle shareholders of Old Edge to
receive Common Stock in a tax-free transaction, (iii) consummation of the
Combination Agreement Transactions will enable shareholders of Old Edge to
participate in the continued development of the Joint Venture's projects, as
well as new projects developed by the Company, (iv) the Merger will allow Old
Edge shareholders to participate in an entity with a larger asset base than
that of Old Edge alone, (v) the failure to approve the Merger could result in
a distribution of most of the Joint Venture's assets to parties other than Old
Edge both during and after the Joint Venture's windup period, thereby
diverting the attention of Old Edge management from normal operations and
disrupting the growth and momentum of such operations and (vi) the Merger and
the other Combination Transactions will facilitate the Offering, which will
provide the new entity with a significant source of liquidity. The
consequences of the Merger will differ for each shareholder of Old Edge,
however, and the Board of Directors of Old Edge urges each shareholder to
review carefully the information in this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus to evaluate the Merger in the context of his or her
personal financial and tax position and to consult with her or her own
business and tax advisors. See "The Combination Transactions--Restrictions on
Resale by Affiliates."

RECORD DATE; QUORUM

Only shareholders of record of Old Edge at the close of business on the
Record Date, , 1996, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
Special Meeting. On the Record Date, there were 104,630.6 shares

46
<PAGE>

of Old Edge Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting. Each holder of shares of Old Edge Common Stock on the Record Date is
entitled to one vote for each such share of Old Edge Common Stock so held,
exercisable in person or by properly executed and delivered proxy, at the
Special Meeting. The presence of the holders of at least a majority of the
shares of Old Edge Common Stock entitled to vote, whether present in person or
by properly executed and delivered proxy, will constitute a quorum for
purposes of the Special Meeting.

VOTE REQUIRED

The affirmative vote of the holders of record of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of Old Edge Common Stock entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting is necessary to approve and to adopt the Combination Agreement,
including the Plan of Merger. As of the Record Date, Old Edge's executive
officers and directors and their affiliates (as a group) had, with respect to
the Merger, the right to vote an aggregate of 89,180 shares of Old Edge Common
Stock, representing approximately 85% of the shares of Old Edge Common Stock
then outstanding and have indicated that they expect to vote for approval and
adoption of the Combination Agreement, including the Plan of Merger.

COUNTING OF VOTES

All matters that are to be voted on at the Special Meeting will be by
written ballot. An inspector of election, who may be an employee of Old Edge,
will be appointed, among other things, to determine the number of shares
outstanding and the voting power of each, the shares represented at the
Special Meeting, the existence of a quorum and the authenticity, validity and
effect of proxies, to receive votes or ballots, to hear and determine all
challenges and questions in any way arising in connection with the right to
vote, to count and tabulate all votes and to determine the result. Abstentions
will be included for purposes of establishing a quorum, will be tallied as
votes having been made, will not be treated as affirmative votes and will
therefore have the effect of a vote cast against the proposal to approve and
adopt the Combination Agreement, including the Plan of Merger.

PROXIES

OLD EDGE'S SHAREHOLDERS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE
ACCOMPANYING FORM OF PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY TO OLD EDGE IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. When the accompanying form of proxy is returned
properly executed, the shares of Old Edge Common Stock represented thereby
will be voted at the Special Meeting in accordance with the instructions
contained therein. If a proxy is executed and returned without an indication
as to how the shares of Old Edge Common Stock represented thereby are to be
voted, such shares will be voted to approve and to adopt the Combination
Agreement, including the Plan of Merger.

Any shareholder of Old Edge giving a proxy pursuant to this solicitation has
the power to revoke it at any time before it is voted at the Special Meeting.
A later-dated proxy or written notice of revocation given prior to the vote at
the Special Meeting to the Secretary of Old Edge will serve to revoke such
proxy. By attending the Special Meeting in person, a shareholder of Old Edge
may, if he or she wishes, vote by ballot at the Special Meeting, thereby
canceling any proxy previously given. Mere presence at the Special Meeting
will not revoke any proxy previously given.

OTHER MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED

The Board of Directors of Old Edge is not aware of any other matter which
will be brought before the Special Meeting. If, however, other matters are
presented, proxies will be voted in accordance with the discretion of the
holders of such proxies.

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

The cost of soliciting proxies from holders of Old Edge will initially be
borne by the Joint Venture and Old Edge as described under "The Combination
Transactions--Expenses." Upon the consummation of the

47
<PAGE>

Combination Agreement Transactions and the Offering, the Company will
reimburse the Joint Venture for any such expenses previously paid by it. In
addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by persons
regularly employed by Old Edge by personal interview, telephone and telegraph.
Such persons will receive no additional compensation for such services, but
will be reimbursed by Old Edge for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them
in connection with such services.

PROCEDURE TO EXCHANGE CERTIFICATES IN THE MERGER

Promptly after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation will send to
each record holder of shares of Old Edge Common Stock immediately prior to the
Effective Time, other than holders who exercise their dissenters' rights, (i)
a letter of transmittal for use in exchanging certificates representing shares
of Old Edge Common Stock for the Merger Consideration and (ii) instructions
for use in effecting the surrender of the certificates representing shares of
Old Edge Common Stock in exchange for certificates representing shares of
Common Stock. From and after the Effective Time, there shall be no further
registration of transfers on the books of Old Edge of shares of Old Edge
Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.
SHARE CERTIFICATES SHOULD NOT BE SURRENDERED FOR EXCHANGE BY SHAREHOLDERS OF
OLD EDGE PRIOR TO THE RECEIPT OF A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued in the Merger. Each
shareholder of Old Edge otherwise entitled to a fractional share will receive
a whole share of Common Stock in lieu of any fractional share interest to
which such holder would otherwise be entitled. For purposes of determining the
number of shares of Common Stock to be issued in the Merger, Old Edge Common
Stock held by one person in multiple accounts will be aggregated.

Until such time as a shareholder of Old Edge submits the letter of
transmittal and his or her outstanding share certificate, each certificate for
shares of Old Edge Common Stock will after the Effective Time represent for
all purposes only the right to receive the Merger Consideration. Until so
surrendered, no dividends or other distributions payable to the holders of
Common Stock, as to any time on or after the Effective Time, will be paid to
the holders of such outstanding certificates. Upon surrender of certificates
for Old Edge Common Stock for cancellation to the Surviving Corporation,
together with a duly executed letter of transmittal and such other documents
as the Surviving Corporation reasonably requires, the holder of such
certificates will be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a certificate
representing that number of whole shares of Common Stock into which the shares
of Old Edge Common Stock theretofore represented by the certificates for Old
Edge Common Stock so surrendered have been converted.

48
<PAGE>

THE EDGE GROUP II EXCHANGE OFFER AND CONSENT SOLICITATION

DESCRIPTION

General Partner Interests. The Company hereby offers, upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Edge Group II Letter of
Acceptance furnished herewith to the general and limited partners of Edge
Group II, to exchange for all of the general partner interests in Edge Group
II the GP Exchange Shares, which are a number of shares of Common Stock equal
to the whole number nearest to the sum of (i) the GP's Before Payout Shares
(which shares are attributable to the general partners' 1% interest in
distributions before Edge Group II distributes to its partners the Payout
Amount (which equals $20,188,636)), (ii) the GP's Management Fee Shares (which
shares are attributable to the general partners' accrued but unpaid and future
cash flow-based management fees) and (iii) the GP's After Payout Shares (which
shares are attributable to the general partners' 25% interest in distributions
after Edge Group II distributes to its partners the Payout Amount). The GP's
Before Payout Shares are a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the
quotient of (i) $201,886 (which equals 1% of the Payout Amount) divided by
(ii) the IPO price. The GP's Management Fee Shares are a number of shares of
Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the sum of (A) the Management Fee
Amount (which equals $1,332,450, which equals the general partners' accrued
but unpaid management fees) plus (B) 3% multiplied by 2,209,306 (which equals
the total number of shares of Common Stock being offered for all limited and
general partner interests in Edge Group II) multiplied by the IPO price (which
product in (B) is attributable to the general partners' future cash flow-based
management fees) divided by (ii) the IPO price. The GP's After Payout Shares
are a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) 25% of the
difference between (A) the product of the IPO price multiplied by 2,209,306
and (B) the sum of (1) the Payout Amount plus (2) the Management Fee Amount
divided by (ii) the IPO price. Assuming an IPO price of $16.00 per share, the
number of shares of Common Stock offered in exchange for all of the general
partner interests in Edge Group II would be 361,665. The general partners of
Edge Group II must jointly tender all of their general partner interests if
they tender any of their general partner interests. The aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock to be offered in exchange for the general partner
interests in Edge Group II has been determined as set forth under "The
Combination Transactions--Background of and Reasons for the Combination
Transactions."

Limited Partner Interests. The Company hereby offers, upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Edge Group II Letter of
Acceptance furnished herewith to the general and limited partners of Edge
Group II, to exchange for all of the outstanding Edge Group II Units, which
represent limited partner interests in Edge Group II, the number of shares of
Common Stock equal to the whole number nearest to the difference between (A)
2,209,306 and (B) the aggregate number of GP Exchange Shares. Assuming an IPO
price of $16.00 per share, the number of shares of Common Stock offered in
exchange for all of the outstanding Edge Group II Units would be 1,847,641 and
for each Edge Group II Unit would be 9,776. The number of shares of Common
Stock to be issued in exchange for each Edge Group II Unit will be determined
by dividing (i) the difference between (A) 2,209,306 ( the aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock offered in exchange for all outstanding limited and
general partner interests in Edge Group II) and (B) the aggregate number of
the GP Exchange Shares by (ii) 189 (the total number of Edge Group II Units
outstanding).

Each limited partner of Edge Group II must tender all of his or her Edge
Group II Units if her or she tenders any of his or her Edge Group Units. The
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock offered in exchange for the Edge
Group II Units has been determined as set forth under "The Combination
Transactions--Background of and Reasons for the Combination Transactions."
Pursuant to the Combination Agreement, the general partners of Edge Group II
have consented to the transfer of the Edge Group II Units pursuant to the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer. Those limited partners of Edge Group II who tender
their respective Edge Group II Units in exchange for shares of Common Stock
will by so tendering have consented to, approved and ratified the terms of the
Edge Group II Exchange Offer and the other Combination Transactions, including
the number of shares of Common Stock that will be issued to the general
partners of Edge Group II. Accordingly, by tendering Edge Group II Units,
limited partners of Edge Group II will approve the overall terms and structure
of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer and will give up any right to challenge
any aspect of the general partners' and their affiliates' (including Old Edge
and its management) actions regarding the Combination Transactions, including
without

49
<PAGE>

limitation, the allocation of shares among any parties receiving shares in the
Combination Transactions and further specifically including any decisions
regarding the shares of Common Stock being offered by the Company for the
general partner interest in Edge Group II. See "Risk Factors--Effect of the
Edge Group II Exchange Offer on Exchanging Limited Partners of Edge Group II."

No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued. Instead, the number of
shares of Common Stock to be issued to each limited partner of Edge Group II
in exchange for his or her Edge Group II Units will be rounded to the nearest
whole number of shares of Common Stock.

THE CONSENT SOLICITATION

General. This Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus is
also being furnished to partners of Edge Group II in connection with the
solicitation by the general partners of Edge Group II of written consents
approving the transfer of the general partner interest in Edge Group II to the
Company or its permitted assigns and the withdrawal of the current general
partners as general partners of Edge Group II (the "Change of Edge Group II
General Partners"). A partner's tender of his or her interest in Edge Group II
will not be accepted unless he or she consents to the Change of Edge Group II
General Partners unless such requirement with respect to a specific partner's
tender is waived by the Company, which waiver will only be given if other
partners of Edge Group II whose aggregate contributions to capital of Edge
Group II represent at least 60% of the aggregate contributions to capital of
all partners of Edge Group have consented to the Change of Edge Group II
General Partners.

Consent Required. The consent of partners of Edge Group II whose aggregate
contributions of capital to Edge Group II represent at least 60% of the
aggregate contributions of all partners of Edge Group II is necessary for the
consent to the Change of Edge Group II General Partners. As of the date of
this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus, the Company's
executive officers and directors and their affiliates, including the general
partners of Edge Group II (as a group), held partner interests in Edge Group
II with respect to which contributions of capital to Edge Group II represented
approximately 6.6% of the aggregate contributions of all partners of Edge
Group II. All of such parties have indicated to the Company that they intend
to consent to the Change of Edge Group II General Partners, including the
general partners of Edge Group II who have agreed to consent to the Change of
Edge Group II Partners pursuant to the Combination Agreement. Only partners of
record on the date of this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus may give or withhold consent to the Change of Edge Group
II General Partners, and assignees of interest who are not partners on that
date have no voting rights. Receipt of the consent to the Change of Edge Group
II General Partners is a condition to consummation of the Edge Group II
Exchange Offer. See "The Combination Agreement--Conditions."

RECOMMENDATION OF THE GENERAL PARTNERS OF EDGE GROUP II

NAPAMCO, LTD. AND MR. JOHN SFONDRINI, AS THE GENERAL PARTNERS OF EDGE GROUP
II, ARE OF THE VIEW THAT ACCEPTANCE OF THE EDGE GROUP II EXCHANGE OFFER AND
CONSENT TO THE CHANGE OF EDGE GROUP II GENERAL PARTNERS IS ADVISABLE AND IN
THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PARTNERS OF EDGE GROUP II AND RECOMMEND THAT THE
PARTNERS OF EDGE GROUP II ACCEPT THE EDGE GROUP II EXCHANGE OFFER AND GIVE THE
RELATED APPROVALS CONCERNING THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS INCLUDING THOSE
RELATING TO THE CHANGE OF EDGE GROUP II GENERAL PARTNERS AND THOSE RELATING TO
APPROVAL OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES BEING OFFERED TO ALL PARTIES IN THE
COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS INCLUDING THE GENERAL PARTNERS OF EDGE GROUP II AND
THEIR AFFILIATES.

In reaching the conclusion that the Edge Group II Exchange Offer was in the
best interest of the limited partners, Napamco, Ltd. and Mr. John Sfondrini
considered a number of factors including the following: The shares of Common
Stock issued in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer will be publicly traded as
contrasted with the limited partner interests of the limited partners for
which no public market exists, the Edge Group II Exchange Offer will entitle
the limited partners to receive Common Stock in a tax-free transaction,
consummation of the Combination Transactions will enable the limited partners
to participate not only in pending Joint Venture projects, but also in
continued operations of the Company, the Edge Group II Exchange Offer will

50
<PAGE>

allow the limited partners to participate in an entity with a larger asset
base than Edge Group II, failure to effectuate the Edge Group II Exchange
Offer would result in the limited partners' not participating in the Company's
going concern value and technological competence and/or any future growth of
the Company.

PROCEDURE FOR TENDERING INTERESTS; CONSENT PROCEDURE

Partners of Edge Group II may tender their interests and consent to the
Change of Edge Group II General Partners by properly completing and executing
the Letter of Acceptance accompanying this Joint Proxy and Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus in accordance with the instructions contained therein,
and delivering it, together with any requisite supporting documents indicated
in the Letter of Acceptance, prior to the Expiration Date to the Company at
the following address:

Edge Petroleum Corporation
Texaco Heritage Plaza
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002

Delivery of a Letter of Acceptance is at the risk of the partner of Edge
Group II. To ensure receipt of the Letter of Acceptance and any other required
documents when sent by U.S. Mail, it is suggested that partners use certified
or registered mail with a return receipt requested.

Interests in Edge Group II will not be validly tendered unless the Letter of
Acceptance has been completely and fully executed in accordance with the
instructions thereto and accompanied by all other required documents in form
and substance satisfactory to the Company. If a Letter of Acceptance is
returned without an indication as to whether the partner of Edge Group II
consents to the Change of Edge Group II General Partners or withholds such
consent, such partner will be deemed to have consented to the Change of Edge
Group II General Partners. All questions concerning the validity, form and
eligibility (including time of receipt of tenders) will be determined by the
Company, whose determination will be final and binding. See "--Validity of
Tenders" below.

ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS; DELIVERY OF SHARES

On the Closing Date, subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to
the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, including the receipt of the consent to the
Change of Edge Group II General Partners, the Company will accept all
interests properly tendered pursuant to the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. See
"The Combination Agreement--Conditions." The Company will cause delivery of
the shares of Common Stock of the Company issuable in exchange for the
interests in Edge Group II to be made as soon as practicable after the Closing
Date.

REVOCATION OF TENDERS AND CONSENTS

Tenders of partner interests in Edge Group II and consents to the Change of
Edge Group II General Partners may be revoked at any time prior to the
Expiration Date by sending notice of revocation to the Company, which notice
will be effective upon receipt by the Company. This notice should identify the
partner and indicate an intention to revoke a prior tender and withhold
consent to the Change of Edge Group II General Partners.

REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS

Each partner represents in the Letter of Acceptance that he or she has and,
as of the Closing Date, will have, the right and authority to transfer his or
her partner interests in Edge Group II, and that his or her partner interests
in Edge Group II are free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and adverse
claims. The Letter of Acceptance also contains a covenant by the partner to
execute any additional documents and instruments that may reasonably be
required to more effectively transfer to and vest in the Company the tendered
partner interests in Edge Group II and a power of attorney to the Company to
permit the Company, as general partner of Edge Group II, to execute on his or
her behalf any additional documents necessary to consummate the Edge Group II
Exchange Offer.

51
<PAGE>

EXPIRATION DATE, AMENDMENTS, ETC.

The Edge Group II Exchange Offer and the solicitation of consent to the
Change of Edge Group II General Partners will be held open for days (20
business days) from the date of this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus and will expire at p.m., Houston time, on the
Expiration Date. The Expiration Date will be , 1997, unless extended by
the Company. Notice of extension of the Expiration Date, if made, will be
given by press release or other public announcement and may be given by mail
to each partner of Edge Group II. An extension will be effective upon notice
to the general partners of Edge Group II.

The Company expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion at any time
or from time to time by oral or written notice to the general partners of Edge
Group II, (i) to delay acceptance for exchange of or, regardless of whether
such partner interests in Edge Group II were theretofore accepted for
exchange, exchange of any partner interests in Edge Group II pursuant to the
Edge Group II Exchange Offer, (ii) to terminate the Edge Group II Exchange
Offer and not accept for exchange any partner interests in Edge Group II not
theretofore accepted for exchange upon the non-satisfaction or non-waiver of
any of the conditions referred to under "The Combination Agreement--
Conditions," (iii) to waive any condition to its obligations to accept partner
interests for exchange and (iv) at any time and from time to time, to amend
the terms of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer in any respect. Upon any such
delay, termination or amendment, the partners of Edge Group II will be so
notified promptly.

VALIDITY OF TENDERS

All questions concerning the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance of tendered partner interests in Edge Group II will be
determined by the Company, whose determination will be final and binding. The
interpretation by the Company of the terms and conditions of the Edge Group II
Exchange Offer (including the instructions to the Letter of Acceptance) will
also be final and binding. The Company reserves the right to waive any
irregularities or conditions regarding the manner of tender. Any
irregularities in connection with tenders must be cured within such time as
the Company determines unless waived by it.

Tenders will be deemed not to have been made until any irregularities have
been cured or waived. Any Letter of Acceptance not properly completed and
executed will be returned by the Company to the tendering partner as soon as
practicable unless the irregularities are cured or waived. The Company is not
under any duty to give notification of defects in tenders and will not incur
any liability for failure to give notification. Delivery of the Letter of
Acceptance is at the risk of the partner. A tender will be effective only when
the Letter of Acceptance is actually received by the Company. See "--Procedure
for Tendering Interests; Consent Procedure."

SOLICITATION OF LETTERS OF ACCEPTANCE

The cost of soliciting Letters of Acceptance (including consents to the
Change of Edge Group II General Partners) from partners of Edge Group II will
initially be paid as described under "The Combination Transactions--Expenses."
Upon the consummation of the Combination Agreement Transactions and the
Offering, the Company will reimburse the Joint Venture for any such expenses
previously paid by it. In addition to the use of the mails, consents may be
solicited by persons regularly employed by the Company by personal interview,
telephone and telegraph. Such persons will receive no additional compensation
for such services, but will be reimbursed by the Company for any out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by them in connection with such services.

52
<PAGE>

THE GULFEDGE EXCHANGE OFFER

GENERAL

The Company hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth herein and in the Gulfedge Letter of Acceptance, to exchange an
aggregate of 74,317 shares of Common Stock for all of the outstanding Gulfedge
Units. Each limited partner of Gulfedge must tender all of his or her Gulfedge
Units if he or she tenders any of his or her Gulfedge Units. The aggregate
number of shares of Common Stock offered in exchange for the Gulfedge Units
has been determined as set forth under "The Combination Transactions--
Background of and Reasons for the Combination Transactions." Pursuant to the
Combination Agreement, the general partner of Gulfedge has consented to the
transfer of limited partner interests pursuant to the Gulfedge Exchange Offer.
Those limited partners of Gulfedge who tender their respective Gulfedge Units
in exchange for shares of Common Stock will by so tendering have consented to,
approved and ratified the terms of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer and the other
Combination Transactions. Accordingly, by tendering Gulfedge Units, limited
partners of Gulfedge will approve the overall terms and structure of the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer and will give up any right to challenge any aspect of
Old Edge's and its officers', directors' and other affiliates' actions
regarding the Combination Transactions, including, without limitation the
allocation of shares among any parties receiving shares in the Combination
Transactions. See "Risk Factors--Risks Associated with the Combination
Transactions--Effect of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer on Exchanging Limited
Partners of Gulfedge."

The number of shares of Common Stock to be issued in exchange for each
Gulfedge Unit will be determined by dividing 74,317 (the aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock offered in exchange for the Gulfedge Units) by 7 (the
total number of Gulfedge Units outstanding), which would result in the
issuance of 10,617 shares of Common Stock for each tendered Gulfedge Unit. No
fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued. Instead, the number of
shares of Common Stock issued to each limited partner of Gulfedge in exchange
for his or her Gulfedge Units will be rounded to the nearest whole number of
shares of Common Stock.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE GENERAL PARTNER OF GULFEDGE

OLD EDGE, AS GENERAL PARTNER OF GULFEDGE, HAS DETERMINED THAT ACCEPTANCE OF
THE GULFEDGE EXCHANGE OFFER IS ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE
LIMITED PARTNERS OF GULFEDGE AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE LIMITED PARTNERS OF
GULFEDGE ACCEPT THE GULFEDGE EXCHANGE OFFER AND GIVE THE RELATED APPROVAL
CONCERNING THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS.

In reaching the conclusion that acceptance of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer is
in the best interests of the limited partners of Gulfedge, Old Edge considered
a number of factors, including the following: (i) the shares of Common Stock
issued in exchange for the Gulfedge Units will be quoted on the NASDAQ
National Market, as contrasted with their Gulfedge Units for which no public
market exists, (ii) the Gulfedge Exchange Offer will entitle limited partners
of Gulfedge to receive Common Stock in a tax-free transaction, (iii) the
consummation of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer will enable limited partners of
Gulfedge to participate in the continued development of the Joint Venture's
projects, as well as new projects developed by the Company, (iv) the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer will allow limited partners of Gulfedge to participate in an
entity with a larger asset base than that of Gulfedge alone and (v) the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer and the other Combination Transactions will facilitate
the Offering, which will provide the new entity with a significant source of
liquidity. See "Comparison of Securityholder Rights." The consequences of the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer will differ for each limited partner, however, and Old
Edge urges each limited partner to review carefully the information in this
Joint Proxy and Solicitation Statement/Prospectus to evaluate the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer in the context of his or her personal financial and tax
position and to consult with his or her own business and tax advisors. See
"The Combination Transactions--Conflicts of Interests; Interests of Certain
Persons and Affiliates in the Combination Transactions" and "The Combination
Transactions--Restrictions on Resale by Affiliates."

53
<PAGE>

PROCEDURE FOR TENDERING INTERESTS

Limited partners of Gulfedge may tender their Gulfedge Units by properly
completing and executing the Letter of Acceptance accompanying this Joint
Proxy and Solicitation Statement/Prospectus in accordance with the instruction
contained therein, and delivering it, together with any requisite supporting
documents indicated in the Letter of Acceptance, prior to the Expiration Date
to the Company at the following address:

Edge Petroleum Corporation
Texaco Heritage Plaza
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002

Delivery of a Letter of Acceptance is at the risk of the limited partner of
Gulfedge. To ensure receipt of the Letter of Acceptance and any other required
documents when sent by U.S. Mail, it is suggested that limited partners use
certified or registered mail with a return receipt requested.

Gulfedge Units will not be validly tendered unless the Letter of Acceptance
has been completely and fully executed in accordance with the instructions
thereto and accompanied by all other required documents in form and substance
satisfactory to the Company. All questions concerning the validity, form and
eligibility (including time of receipt of tenders) will be determined by the
Company, whose determination will be final and binding. See "--Validity of
Tenders" below.

ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS; DELIVERY OF SHARES

On the Closing Date, subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to
the Gulfedge Exchange Offer, the Company will accept all Gulfedge Units
properly tendered pursuant to the Gulfedge Exchange Offer. See "The
Combination Agreement--Conditions." The Company will cause delivery of the
shares of Common Stock of the Company issuable in exchange for the Gulfedge
Units to be made as soon as practicable after the Closing Date.

REVOCATION OF TENDERS

Tenders of Gulfedge Units may be revoked at any time prior to the Expiration
Date by sending notice of revocation to the Company, which notice will be
effective upon receipt by the Company. This notice should identify the limited
partner and indicate an intention to revoke a prior tender.

REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS

Each limited partner represents in the Letter of Acceptance that he or she
has and, as of the Closing Date, will have, the right and authority to
transfer his or her Gulfedge Units, and that his or her Gulfedge Units are
free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and adverse claims. The Letter of
Acceptance also contains a covenant by the limited partner to execute any
additional documents and instruments that may reasonably be required to more
effectively transfer to and vest in the Company the tendered Gulfedge Units
and a power of attorney to Old Edge to permit Old Edge, as general partner of
Gulfedge, to execute on his or her behalf any additional documents necessary
to consummate the Gulfedge Exchange Offer.

EXPIRATION DATE, AMENDMENTS, ETC.

The Gulfedge Exchange Offer will be held open for days (20 business
days) from the date of this Joint Proxy and Solicitation Statement/Prospectus
and will expire at p.m., Houston Time on the Expiration Date. The
Expiration Date will be , 1997 unless extended by the Company. Notice of
extension of the Expiration Date, if made, will be given by press release or
other public announcement and may be given by mail to each limited partner. An
extension will be effective upon the giving of notice.

54
<PAGE>

The Company expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion at any time
or from time to time by oral or written notice to the limited partners of
Gulfedge, (i) to delay acceptance for exchange of or, regardless of whether
such Gulfedge Units were theretofore accepted for exchange, exchange of any
Gulfedge Units pursuant to the Gulfedge Exchange Offer, (ii) to terminate the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer and not accept for exchange any Gulfedge Units not
theretofore accepted for exchange upon the non-satisfaction or non-waiver of
any of the conditions referred to under "The Combination Agreement--
Conditions," (iii) to waive any condition to its obligations to accept
Gulfedge Units for exchange and (iv) at any time and from time to time, to
amend the terms of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer in any respect. Upon any such
delay, termination or amendment, the limited partners of Gulfedge will be so
notified promptly.

VALIDITY OF TENDERS

All questions concerning the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance of tendered Gulfedge Units will be determined by the
Company, whose determination will be final and binding. The interpretation by
the Company of the terms and conditions of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer
(including the instructions to the Letter of Acceptance) will also be final
and binding. The Company reserves the right to waive any irregularities or
conditions regarding the manner of tender. Any irregularities in connection
with tenders must be cured within such time as the Company determines unless
waived by it.

Tenders will be deemed not to have been made until any irregularities have
been cured or waived. Any Letter of Acceptance not properly completed and
executed will be returned by the Company to the tendering partner as soon as
practicable unless the irregularities are cured or waived. The Company is not
under any duty to give notification of defects in tenders and will not incur
any liability for failure to give notification. Delivery of the Letter of
Acceptance is at the risk of the limited partner. A tender will be effective
only when the Letter of Acceptance is actually received by the Company. See
"--Procedure for Tendering Interests."

SOLICITATION OF LETTERS OF ACCEPTANCE

The cost of soliciting Letters of Acceptance from limited partners of
Gulfedge will initially be paid as described under "The Combination
Transactions--Expenses." Upon the consummation of the Combination Agreement
Transactions and the Offering, the Company will reimburse the Joint Venture
for any such expenses previously paid by it. In addition to the use of the
mails, letters of transmittal may be solicited by persons regularly employed
by the Company by personal interview, telephone and telegraph. Such persons
will receive no additional compensation for such services, but will be
reimbursed by the Company for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in
connection with such services.

55
<PAGE>

THE EDGE GROUP PURCHASE OFFER

GENERAL

The Company hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth herein and in the Edge Group Letter of Acceptance, to purchase Edge
Group's Joint Venture Interest for consideration consisting of an aggregate of
42,896 shares of Common Stock. Edge Group must sell all of its Joint Venture
Interest if it sells any of its Joint Venture Interest. The number of shares
of Common Stock offered as consideration for Edge Group's Joint Venture
Interest has been determined as set forth under "The Combination
Transactions--Background of and Reasons for the Combination Transactions."
Pursuant to the Combination Agreement, the other general partners of the Joint
Venture have consented to the transfer of Edge Group's Joint Venture Interest
pursuant to the Edge Group Purchase Offer. In transferring its Joint Venture
Interest, Edge Group must similarly transfer any rights or assets distributed
to it or relating to its interest as a venturer in the Joint Venture.

PROCEDURE FOR ACCEPTANCE

Edge Group may accept the Edge Group Purchase Offer by properly completing
and executing the Letter of Acceptance accompanying this Joint Proxy and
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus in accordance with the instructions
contained therein, and delivering it, together with any requisite supporting
documents indicated in the Letter of Acceptance, prior to the Expiration Date
to the Company at the following address:

Edge Petroleum Corporation
Texaco Heritage Plaza
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002

Delivery of a Letter of Acceptance is at the risk of Edge Group. To ensure
receipt of the Letter of Acceptance and any other required documents when sent
by U.S. Mail, it is suggested that Edge Group use certified or registered mail
with a return receipt requested.

The Edge Group Purchase Offer will not be validly accepted unless the Letter
of Acceptance has been completely and fully executed in accordance with the
instructions thereto and accompanied by all other required documents in form
and substance satisfactory to the Company. All questions concerning the
validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt of such acceptance)
will be determined by the Company, whose determination will be final and
binding. See "--Validity of Acceptance" below.

PURCHASE; DELIVERY OF SHARES

On the Closing Date, subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to
the Edge Group Purchase Offer, the Company will purchase Edge Group's Joint
Venture Interest if Edge Group has properly accepted the Edge Group Purchase
Offer. See "The Combination Agreement--Conditions." The Company will cause
delivery of the shares of Common Stock of the Company issuable as payment for
the Edge Group Joint Venture Interest to be made as soon as practicable after
the Closing Date.

REVOCATION OF ACCEPTANCE

Edge Group's acceptance of the Edge Group Purchase Offer may be revoked at
any time prior to the Expiration Date by sending notice of revocation to the
Company. This notice should identify Edge Group and indicate an intention to
revoke such acceptance.

REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS

Edge Group represents in the Letter of Acceptance that it has and, as of the
Closing Date, will have, the right and authority to sell and transfer its
Joint Venture Interest, and that Edge Group's Joint Venture Interest is

56
<PAGE>

free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and adverse claims. The Letter of
Acceptance also contains a covenant by Edge Group to execute any additional
documents and instruments that may reasonably be required to more effectively
transfer to and vest in the Company the purchased Joint Venture Interest and a
power of attorney to the Company to permit the Company, as a general partner
of the Joint Venture, to execute on its behalf any additional documents
necessary to consummate the Edge Group Purchase Offer.

EXPIRATION DATE, AMENDMENTS, ETC.

The Edge Group Purchase Offer will be held open for days (20 business
days) from the date of this Joint Proxy and Solicitation Statement/Prospectus
and will expire at p.m., Houston Time on the Expiration Date. The
Expiration Date will be , 1997 unless extended by the Company. Notice of
extension of the Expiration Date, if made, will be given by press release or
other public announcement and may be given by mail to each partner of Edge
Group. An extension will be effective upon the giving of notice.

The Company expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion at any time
or from time to time by oral or written notice to the partners of Edge Group,
(i) to delay acceptance for purchase of or, regardless of whether Edge Group's
Joint Venture Interest was theretofore accepted for purchase, purchase of Edge
Group's Joint Venture Interest pursuant to the Edge Group Purchase Offer, (ii)
to terminate the Edge Group Purchase Offer and not accept for purchase Edge
Group's Joint Venture Interest upon the non-satisfaction or non-waiver of any
of the conditions referred to under "The Combination Agreement--Conditions",
(iii) to waive any condition to its obligations to accept Edge Group's Joint
Venture Interest for purchase and (iv) at any time and from time to time to
amend the terms of the Edge Group Purchase Offer in any respect. Upon any such
delay, termination or amendment, the partners of Edge Group will be so
notified promptly.

VALIDITY OF ACCEPTANCE

All questions concerning the validity, form and eligibility (including time
of receipt) of Edge Group's acceptance of the Edge Group Purchase Offer will
be determined by the Company, whose determination will be final and binding.
The interpretation by the Company of the terms and conditions of the Edge
Group Purchase Offer (including the instructions to the Letter of Acceptance)
will also be final and binding. The Company reserves the right to waive any
irregularities or conditions regarding the manner of acceptance. Any
irregularities in connection with acceptance of the Edge Group Purchase Offer
must be cured within such time as the Company determines unless waived by it.

Acceptance of the Edge Group Purchase Offer by Edge Group will be deemed not
to have been made until any irregularities have been cured or waived. Any
Letter of Acceptance not properly completed and executed will be returned by
the Company to Edge Group as soon as practicable unless the irregularities are
cured or waived. The Company is not under any duty to give notification of any
such defects and will not incur any liability for failure to give
notification. Delivery of the Letter of Acceptance is at the risk of Edge
Group. Acceptance of the Edge Group Purchase Offer by Edge Group will be
effective only when the Letter of Acceptance is actually received by the
Company. See "Procedure for Acceptance."

SOLICITATION OF LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE

The cost of soliciting the Letter of Acceptance from Edge Group will
initially be paid as described under "The Combination Transactions--Expenses."
Upon the consummation of the Combination Agreement Transactions and the
Offering, the Company will reimburse the Joint Venture for any such expenses
previously paid by it. In addition to the use of the mails, the Letter of
Acceptance may be solicited by persons regularly employed by the Company by
personal interview, telephone and telegraph. Such persons will receive no
additional compensation for such services, but will be reimbursed by the
Company for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with
such services.

57
<PAGE>

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth (i) the historical combined capitalization of
the Company as of September 30, 1996, (ii) the pro forma capitalization of the
Company as of September 30, 1996 after giving effect to the issuance of
approximately 4,682,000 shares of Common Stock in connection with the
Combination Transactions and (iii) the pro forma capitalization of the Company
as of September 30, 1996 as adjusted to give effect to the sale of 2,000,000
shares of Common Stock in the Offering at an assumed IPO price of $16.00 per
share and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom. This table
should be read in conjunction with the Combined Financial Statements of the
Company and notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--The Company" included elsewhere
in this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
----------------------------------
PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL FOR PRO FORMA
COMBINED COMBINATION AS ADJUSTED
---------- ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents................... $ 930 $ 931 $20,492
======= ======= =======
Current portion of long-term debt........... 316 316 316
======= ======= =======
Long-term debt.............................. 10,133 10,133 183
Stockholders' equity(1):
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value,
$10,000,000
shares authorized; none outstanding...... -- -- --
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 40,000,000
shares authorized; 4,682,000 shares
issued
and outstanding pro forma; 6,682,000
shares issued and outstanding pro forma
as adjusted.............................. -- 47 67
Additional paid in capital................ -- 2,699 31,689
Retained earnings......................... -- -- --
Combined equity........................... 1,315 -- --
------- ------- -------
Total stockholders' equity.................. 1,315 2,746 31,756
------- ------- -------
Total capitalization........................ $11,448 $12,879 $31,929
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Does not include (i) 250,585 shares of Common Stock that will be issued
pursuant to restricted stock awards that will be granted to officers of the
Company upon completion of the Offering, (ii) approximately 350,000 shares
of Common Stock issuable pursuant to options at an exercise price per share
equal to the IPO price in the Offering that will be granted to directors,
officers and employees of the Company upon completion of the Offering and
(iii) 97,844 shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to
outstanding options that will be assumed by the Company from Old Edge at a
weighted average exercise price of $3.06 per share.

58
<PAGE>

SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

THE COMPANY

The following table sets forth selected historical combined financial
information of the Company as of September 30, 1996 (unaudited), for the five
years ended December 31, 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1995
and 1996 (unaudited). The financial information presented below, as of
September 30, 1996 (unaudited) and for the nine months ended September 30, 1995
and 1996 (unaudited), reflects all adjustments, consisting of normal and
recurring adjustments, that in the opinion of management are necessary for a
fair presentation of the Company's combined results of operations and financial
position for such periods. The information shown for the nine-month periods is
not necessarily indicative of full-year results. The following table also sets
forth pro forma net income (loss) per share for the Combination Transactions.
The following financial information should be read in conjunction with
"Capitalization," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations--The Company" and the audited Combined Financial
Statements of the Company and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in
this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------------------------- ------------------
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 1996
------- ------- ------- ------ ------ -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Oil and natural gas
revenue............... $ 423 $ 572 $ 1,455 $1,994 $2,040 $ 1,377 $ 5,105
------- ------- ------- ------ ------ -------- --------
Costs and expenses:
Oil and natural gas
operating expenses.. 52 76 167 305 686 502 711
Depreciation,
depletion and
amortization........ 325 467 442 593 813 525 1,213
General and
administrative...... 1,577 2,228 1,734 2,026 2,484 2,070 2,126
------- ------- ------- ------ ------ -------- --------
Total operating
expenses.......... 1,954 2,771 2,342 2,924 3,983 3,097 4,050
------- ------- ------- ------ ------ -------- --------
Operating income
(loss)................ (1,531) (2,199) (887) (930) (1,943) (1,721) 1,055
Interest expense and
other, net............ (448) (679) (636) (385) (315) (195) (657)
Gain on sale of oil
and gas property...... 115 -- 247 2,284 3,337 3,134 --
------- ------- ------- ------ ------ -------- --------
Net income (loss)...... $(1,864) $(2,878) $(1,275) $ 969 $1,079 $ 1,219 $ 398
======= ======= ======= ====== ====== ======== ========
Pro forma net income
(loss) per share (1).. $ (0.40) $ (0.61) $ (0.27) $ 0.21 $ 0.23 $ 0.26 $ 0.09
======= ======= ======= ====== ====== ======== ========
Pro forma weighted
average shares
outstanding........... 4,682 4,682 4,682 4,682 4,682 4,682 4,682
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
EBITDA (2)............. $(1,091) $(1,732) $ (197) $1,946 $2,207 $ 1,939 $ 2,268
Operating cash flow
(3)................... (1,654) (2,261) (1,080) (723) (1,445) (1,390) 1,611
Capital expenditures... 6,597 3,823 3,660 6,809 8,512 5,407 7,881
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
AS OF
SEPTEMBER 30,
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital........... $4,593 $1,699 $ (168) $ (973) $ (947) $ (1,601)
Property and equipment,
net...................... 2,724 2,475 2,622 4,136 7,911 12,384
Total assets.............. 9,666 6,388 5,190 6,128 9,858 18,435
Long-term debt, including
current maturities....... 4,597 4,627 4,240 4,177 6,124 10,449
Equity (deficit).......... 3,162 285 (991) (34) 1,031 1,413
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Pro forma net income (loss) per share has been computed assuming the
estimated 4,682,000 shares of Common Stock which may be issued in
connection with the Combination Transactions were outstanding since the
beginning of each period presented.
(2) EBITDA represents earnings before interest expense and other, net, income
taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization. EBITDA is presented to
provide additional information about the Company's ability to meet its
future requirements for debt service, capital expenditures and working
capital. EBITDA is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure and should
not be construed as an alternative to net income, operating income, cash
flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial
performance presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
(3) Operating cash flow represents cash flows from operating activities prior
to changes in assets and liabilities. Operating cash flow is presented
solely as a supplemental disclosure and should not be construed as an
alternative to net income, operating income, cash flows from operating
activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

59
<PAGE>

THE JOINT VENTURE

The following table sets forth selected historical financial information of
the Joint Venture as of September 30, 1996 (unaudited), for the five years
ended December 31, 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and
1995 (unaudited). The financial information presented below, as of September
30, 1996 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, reflects
all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments that in the
opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation of the Joint
Venture's results of operations and financial position for such periods. The
information shown for the nine month periods is not necessarily indicative of
full-year results. The following financial information should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations--The Joint Venture, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge
Group" and the audited financial statements and the related notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------------------ -------------------
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 1996
------- ------- ------- ------ ------- --------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Oil and natural gas
revenue............... $ 408 $ 559 $ 1,438 $1,977 $ 2,016 $ 1,363 $ 5,084
------- ------- ------- ------ ------- --------- --------
Costs and expenses:
Oil and natural gas
operating expenses.. 52 94 164 300 683 500 710
Depreciation,
depletion and
amortization........ 292 426 402 557 792 517 1,207
General and
administrative...... 1,272 1,972 1,498 1,827 2,312 1,934 2,234
------- ------- ------- ------ ------- --------- --------
Total operating
expenses.......... 1,616 2,492 2,064 2,684 3,787 2,951 4,151
------- ------- ------- ------ ------- --------- --------
Operating income
(loss)................ (1,208) (1,933) (626) (707) (1,771) (1,588) 933
Interest expense and
other, net............ (444) (700) (637) (400) (317) (196) (665)
Gain on sale of oil
and gas property...... 115 -- 247 2,284 3,337 3,134 --
------- ------- ------- ------ ------- --------- --------
Net income (loss)...... $(1,537) $(2,633) $(1,016) $1,177 $ 1,249 $ 1,350 $ 268
======= ======= ======= ====== ======= ========= ========
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
EBITDA (1)............. $ (801) $(1,507) $ (225) $ (150) $ (979) $ 2,434 $ 2,943
Operating cash flow
(2)................... (1,360) (2,207) (861) (550) 2,543 3,967 1,475
Capital expenditures... 6,582 3,656 3,656 6,804 8,496 5,545 7,880
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------
AS OF
SEPTEMBER 30,
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital............. $3,848 $1,588 $1,046 $1,670 $1,563 $ 3,240
Property and equipment, net. 554 988 1,418 4,115 7,895 12,374
Total assets................ 8,965 6,273 4,986 5,896 9,513 16,384
Long-term debt, including
current maturities......... 4,541 4,627 4,240 3,234 5,945 10,133
Equity (deficit)............ 3,480 848 (168) 1,009 2,257 2,526
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) EBITDA represents earnings before interest expense and other, net, income
taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization. EBITDA is presented to
provide additional information about the Joint Venture's ability to meet
its future requirements for debt service, capital expenditures and working
capital. EBITDA is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure and
should not be construed as an alternative to net income, operating income,
cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial
performance presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
(2) Operating cash flow represents cash flows from operating activities prior
to changes in assets and liabilities. Operating cash flow is presented
solely as a supplemental disclosure and should not be construed as an
alternative to net income, operating income, cash flows from operating
activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

60
<PAGE>

OLD EDGE

The following table sets forth selected historical financial information of
Old Edge as of September 30, 1996 (unaudited), for the five years ended
December 31, 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995
(unaudited). The financial information presented below, as of September 30,
1996 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, reflects all
adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments that in the
opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation of Old Edge's
results of operations and financial position for such periods. The information
shown for the nine month periods is not necessarily indicative of full-year
results. The following financial information should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations--Old Edge" and the audited financial statements and the related
notes thereto included elsewhere in this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------ ------------------
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 1996
----- ----- ----- ---- ---- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Oil and natural gas
revenue................... $ 15 $ 13 $ 18 $ 17 $ 24 $ 13 $ 21
Representation fees........ 5 25 23 24 24 18 23
Management fees............ 37 60 80 120 90 150
----- ----- ----- ---- ---- -------- --------
Total revenue............ 20 75 101 121 168 121 194
----- ----- ----- ---- ---- -------- --------
Costs and expenses:
Oil and natural gas
operating expenses...... 0 3 3 4 3 2 2
Depreciation, depletion
and amortization........ 33 41 39 37 21 9 6
General and
administrative.......... 28 17 39 25 41 37 59
----- ----- ----- ---- ---- -------- --------
Total operating
expenses.............. 61 61 81 66 65 48 67
----- ----- ----- ---- ---- -------- --------
Operating income (loss).... (41) 14 20 55 103 73 127
Interest expense and
other, net................ (24) 18 (1) 15 1 1 8
Income (loss) from Joint
Venture Investment........ (447) (765) (295) 342 363 392 78
----- ----- ----- ---- ---- -------- --------
Net income (loss)--before
income taxes.............. (512) (733) (276) 412 467 466 213
Income tax expense--
deferred.................. 87 87 74
----- ----- ----- ---- ---- -------- --------
Net income (loss).......... $ 512 $ (33) $(276) $412 $380 $ 379 $ 139
===== ===== ===== ==== ==== ======== ========
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
EBITDA (1)................. $(455) $(710) $(236) $464 $487 $ 474 $ 211
Operating cash flow (2).... (32) 73 58 107 125 (83) (140)
Capital expenditures....... 15 6 4 6 16 12 0
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------
AS OF
SEPTEMBER 30,
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
------ ---- ---- ---- ----- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.................. $ (117) $(66) $ 9 $129 $ 193 $ 283
Property and equipment, net...... 123 87 52 21 16 10
Total assets..................... 1,273 487 228 595 1,050 3,530
Long-term debt, including current
maturities...................... 33 26 47 78 46 12
Equity (deficit)................. 982 250 (26) 374 741 863
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) EBITDA represents earnings before interest expense and other, net, income
taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization. EBITDA is presented to
provide additional information about the Old Edge's ability to meet its
future requirements for debt service, capital expenditures and working
capital. EBITDA is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure and
should not be construed as an alternative to net income, operating income,
cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial
performance presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
(2) Operating cash flow represents cash flows from operating activities prior
to changes in assets and liabilities. Operating cash flow is presented
solely as a supplemental disclosure and should not be construed as an
alternative to net income, operating income, cash flows from operating
activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

61
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II

The following table sets forth selected historical financial information of
Edge Group II as of September 30, 1996 (unaudited), for the five years ended
December 31, 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995
(unaudited). The financial information presented below, as of September 30,
1996 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, reflects all
adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments that in the
opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation of Edge Group II's
results of operations and financial position for such periods. The information
shown for the nine month periods is not necessarily indicative of full-year
results. The following financial information should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations--The Joint Venture, Edge Group II, Gulfedge, and Edge Group" and
the audited financial statements and the related notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, (UNAUDITED)
----------------------------------------- ------------------
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 1996
------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Oil and natural gas
revenue............... $ 275 $ 377 $ 968 $ 1,331 $ 1,358 $ 918 $ 3,424
------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- --------
Costs and expenses:
Oil and natural gas
operating expenses.. 35 63 111 202 460 337 478
Depreciation,
depletion and
amortization........ 197 287 271 375 534 348 813
General and
administrative...... 875 1,348 1,027 1,248 1,504 1,312 1,516
Management fees...... 266 266 266 266 266 200 67
------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- --------
Total operating
expenses.......... 1,373 1,964 1,675 2,091 2,764 2,197 2,874
------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- --------
Operating income
(loss)................ (1,098) (1,587) (707) (760) (1,406) (1,279) 550
Interest expense and
other, net............ (280) (469) (427) (269) (213) (132) (448)
Gain on sale of oil
and gas property...... 77 0 167 1,538 2,247 2,111 0
------- ------- ----- ------- ------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
income taxes.......... $(1,301) $(2,056) $(967) $ 509 $ (628) $ 700 $ 103
======= ======= ===== ======= ======= ======== ========
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
EBITDA (1)............. $(1,099) $(1,588) $(436) $(1,835) $ (872) $ (1,783) $ (1,993)
Operating cash flow
(2)................... (916) (1,486) (863) (705) (1,086) (1,063) 916
Capital expenditures... 4,433 2,563 2,462 4,583 5,284 (3,735) (5,308)
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
AS OF
SEPTEMBER 30,
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
------ ------ ------- ------ ------ -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital............ $2,333 $2,950 $ 1,472 $1,021 $ 812 $ 1,378
Property and equipment,
net....................... 373 665 955 2,771 5,317 8,334
Total assets............... 6,038 4,225 3,380 3,970 6,407 11,035
Long-term debt, including
current maturities........ 3,058 3,116 2,856 2,814 4,124 7,038
Equity (deficit)........... 2,343 571 (1,465) 462 166 269
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) EBITDA represents earnings before interest expense and other, net, income
taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization. EBITDA is presented to
provide additional information about the Edge Group II's ability to meet
its future requirements for debt service, capital expenditures and working
capital. EBITDA is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure and
should not be construed as an alternative to net income, operating income,
cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial
performance presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
(2) Operating cash flow represents cash flows from operating activities prior
to changes in assets and liabilities. Operating cash flow is presented
solely as a supplemental disclosure and should not be construed as an
alternative to net income, operating income, cash flows from operating
activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

62
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE

The following table sets forth selected historical financial information of
Gulfedge as of September 30, 1996 (unaudited), for the five years ended
December 31, 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995
(unaudited). The financial information presented below, as of September 30,
1996 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, reflects all
adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments that in the
opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation of Gulfedge's
results of operations and financial position for such periods. The information
shown for the nine month periods is not necessarily indicative of full-year
results. The following financial information should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations--The Joint Venture, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group" and
the audited financial statements and the related notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS
ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------------- --------------
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Oil and natural gas revenue...... $ 9 $ 13 $ 33 $45 $ 46 $ 31 $ 116
---- ---- ---- --- ---- ------ ------
Oil and natural gas operating
expenses...................... 1 2 4 7 16 11 16
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization.................. 7 10 10 12 18 12 28
General and administrative..... 29 45 34 42 53 44 51
---- ---- ---- --- ---- ------ ------
Total operating expenses..... 37 57 48 61 87 67 95
---- ---- ---- --- ---- ------ ------
Operating income (loss).......... (28) (44) (15) (16) (41) (36) 21
Interest expense and other, net.. (10) (16) (15) (9) (7) (4) (15)
Gain on sale of oil and gas
property........................ 3 -- 7 52 76 71 --
---- ---- ---- --- ---- ------ ------
Income (loss) before income
taxes........................... $(35) $(60) $(23) $27 $ 28 $ 31 $ 6
==== ==== ==== === ==== ====== ======
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
EBITDA (1)....................... $(18) $(34) $ 2 $48 $ 53 $ 47 $ 49
Operating cash flow (2).......... (31) (50) (20) (13) (30) (28) 34
Capital expenditures............. 150 83 83 155 194 127 180
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
AS OF
SEPTEMBER 30,
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.............. $ 88 $ 36 $ 24 $ 35 $ 27 $ 47
Property and equipment, net.. 12 23 32 94 180 282
Total assets................. 205 143 114 135 217 374
Long-term debt, including
current maturities.......... 104 106 97 74 136 231
Equity....................... 79 19 (4) 23 52 58
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) EBITDA represents earnings before interest expense and other, net income
taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization. EBITDA is presented to
provide additional information about Gulfedge's ability to meet its future
requirements for debt service, capital expenditures and working capital.
EBITDA is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure and should not be
construed as an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flows
from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance
presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
(2) Operating cash flow represents cash flows from operating activities prior
to changes in assets and liabilities. Operating cash flow is presented
solely as a supplemental disclosure and should not be construed as an
alternative to net income, operating income, cash flows from operating
activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

63
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP'S JOINT VENTURE INTEREST

The following table sets forth selected historical financial information of
the Edge Group's interest in the joint venture as of September 30, 1996
(unaudited), for the five years ended December 31, 1995 and for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited). The financial
information presented below, as of September 30, 1996 and for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, reflects all adjustments, consisting of
normal and recurring adjustments that in the opinion of management are
necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations and financial
position for such periods. The information shown for the nine month periods is
not necessarily indicative of full-year results. The following financial
information should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--The Joint Venture,
Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group" and the audited financial statements
and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------------- --------------------
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- --------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Oil and natural gas
revenue................... $ 5 $ 7 $ 19 $26 $ 26 $ 18 $ 66
---- ---- ---- --- ---- --------- ---------
Costs and expenses:
Oil and natural gas
operating expenses...... 1 1 2 4 9 7 9
Depreciation, depletion
and amortization........ 4 6 5 7 10 7 16
General and
administrative.......... 17 25 20 24 30 25 29
---- ---- ---- --- ---- --------- ---------
Total operating
expenses.............. 22 32 27 35 49 39 54
---- ---- ---- --- ---- --------- ---------
Operating income (loss).... (17) (25) (8) (9) (23) (21) 12
Interest expense and
other, net................ (6) (9) (8) (5) (4) (3) (9)
Gain on sale of oil and
gas property.............. 2 -- 3 30 44 41 --
---- ---- ---- --- ---- --------- ---------
Net income (loss).......... $(21) $(34) $(13) $16 $ 17 $ 17 $ 3
==== ==== ==== === ==== ========= =========
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
EBITDA (1)................. $(10) $(19) $ (3) $(2) $(13) $ 32 $ 38
Operating cash flow (2).... (18) (29) (11) (7) 33 52 19
Capital expenditures....... 86 48 48 89 111 72 103
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
AS OF
SEPTEMBER 30,
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital........................ $ 50 $21 $14 $22 $ 20 $ 38
Property and equipment, net............ 7 13 18 54 103 162
Total assets........................... 117 82 65 77 124 214
Long-term debt, including current
maturities............................ 60 60 55 55 78 132
Equity (deficit)....................... 45 11 (2) 13 29 33
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) EBITDA represents earnings before interest expense and other, net, income
taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization. EBITDA is presented to
provide additional information about Edge Group's ability to meet its
future requirements for debt service, capital expenditures and working
capital. EBITDA is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure and
should not be construed as an alternative to net income, operating income,
cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial
performance presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
(2) Operating cash flow represents cash flows from operating activities prior
to changes in assets and liabilities. Operating cash flows is presented
solely as a supplemental disclosure and should not be construed as an
alternative to net income, operating income, cash flows from operating
activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

64
<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

THE COMPANY

GENERAL OVERVIEW

The Company began operations in 1983 and until 1992 generated exploratory
drilling prospects based on 2-D seismic data for sale to other exploration and
production companies. During 1992, as a result of the advent of economic
onshore 3-D seismic surveys and the improvement and increased affordability of
data interpretation technologies, the Company changed its exploration strategy
to emphasize the acquisition of 3-D seismic data covering certain of its
existing 2-D based project areas. From 1992 to 1995, the Company reduced its
inventory of 2-D based prospects, began limited drilling for its own account
of certain existing 2-D based prospects and began developing prospects based
on 3-D seismic data. Since early 1995, the Company has almost exclusively
drilled prospects generated from 3-D seismic data, while accelerating its
drilling activity and increasing its working interests in new project areas.
This shift in the Company's business strategy is reflected in a number of
changes in the Company's financial results. A majority of the income in 1993
and 1994 was attributable to gains on sales of unproved oil and gas
properties. The Company expects in the future to retain and develop a majority
of its oil and gas properties. Similarly, the Company expects depreciation,
depletion and amortization and oil and gas operating expenses will continue to
increase. The Company expects to continue retaining all or the majority of its
interests in prospects with normally pressured and generally shallow
reservoirs and selling a portion of its interests in deeper over-pressured 3-D
seismic prospects, which generally require greater capital expenditures, to
industry participants in order to fund the capital expenditures for the
interests it retains.

The Company uses the full-cost method of accounting for its oil and gas
properties. Under this method, all acquisition, exploration and development
costs, including certain general and administrative costs that are directly
attributable to the Company's acquisition, exploration and development
activities, are capitalized in a "full-cost pool" as incurred. The Company
records depletion of its full-cost pool using the unit of production method.
To the extent that such capitalized costs in the full cost pool (net of
depreciation, depletion and amortization and related deferred taxes) exceed
the present value (using a 10% discount rate) of estimated future net after-
tax cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves, such excess costs are charged
to operations. Once incurred, a write-down of oil and gas properties is not
reversible at a later date.

During 1991, the Joint Venture was formed by Old Edge, Edge Group II,
Gulfedge and Edge Group to conduct the business of a predecessor partnership.
The Joint Venture purchased approximately $5.2 million in net assets (on a
historical financial statement basis) and assumed substantially all of the
liabilities of the predecessor, which had been engaged in oil and gas
exploration and production operations since 1983. A substantial portion of the
annual cash flows generated by the predecessor partnership had been
distributed to its partners resulting in a low level of equity accumulation
prior to the formation of the Joint Venture.

Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group were not required to pay federal
income taxes due to their status as partnerships, which are "pass through"
entities that are not subject to federal income taxation. Instead, taxes
relating to the Joint Venture interests for such periods were paid by the
partners of such entities. Old Edge was required to pay such taxes on its
share of Joint Venture income. Accordingly, the Combined Financial Statements
of the Company set forth elsewhere in this Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus are prepared on the basis of a combination
of the Joint Venture, Old Edge, Edge Group II and Gulfedge. Upon the
consummation of the Combination Transactions, the Company will be required to
record its deferred taxes, if any, in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes." If the Combination Transactions had been
consummated at September 30, 1996 a deferred tax asset of approximately $1.2
million would have been available for future use to offset future tax
liabilities of the Company subject to any limitations imposed by the
Combination Transactions. The ultimate amount of the deferred tax asset and
its future utilization is dependent upon a number of factors and cannot be
determined until consummation of the Combination Transactions.

65
<PAGE>

The Company's revenues, profitability, future growth and ability to borrow
funds or obtain additional capital, and the carrying value of its properties,
are substantially dependent on prevailing prices of natural gas and oil. It is
impossible to predict future natural gas and oil price movements with
certainty. Declines in prices received for natural gas and oil may have an
adverse affect on the Company's financial condition, liquidity, ability to
finance capital expenditures and results of operations. Lower prices may also
impact the amount of reserves that can be produced economically by the
Company.

Due to the instability of oil and natural gas prices, in 1995 the Company
began utilizing, from time to time, certain hedging instruments (e.g., swaps)
for a portion of its gas production to achieve a more predictable cash flow,
as well as to reduce the exposure to price fluctuations. The Company accounts
for all these transactions as hedging activities and, accordingly, gains and
losses are included in oil and gas revenues during the period the hedged
transactions occur. Historically, gains and losses have not been material. The
Company expects that the amount of hedges that it has in place will vary from
time to time. Outstanding hedges at December 31, 1995 were not material and
the Company had no existing hedging positions as of September 30, 1996.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1995

Oil and natural gas revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1996
increased 271% from $1.4 million to $5.1 million as compared to the same
period in 1995. Production volumes for oil increased 74% from 47 MBbls in the
1995 period to 81 MBbls in the 1996 period. The increase in oil production
increased revenues $573,000. In addition, a 17% increase in average oil prices
increased revenue by $233,000. Production volumes for natural gas increased
362% from 337 MMcf in 1995 to 1,557 MMcf in 1996. The increase in natural gas
production increased revenues by $2.2 million. In addition, a 26% increase in
average gas prices increased revenues by $732,000. The increase in oil and
natural gas production was due to new wells being successfully drilled and
completed during 1996, which was partially offset by normal production
declines from existing wells. Increases in average oil and gas prices were
directly attributable to the general improved market conditions.

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and
operating revenues for the Company's oil and natural gas operations for the
nine months ended September 30, 1995 and 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED 1996 PERIOD COMPARED
SEPTEMBER 30, TO 1995 PERIOD
----------------- ---------------------
INCREASE % INCREASE
1995 1996 (DECREASE) (DECREASE)
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION VOLUMES:
Oil and condensate (MBbls)............ 47 81 34 74%
Natural gas (MMcf).................... 337 1,557 1,220 362%
AVERAGE SALES PRICES:
Oil and condensate ($ per Bbl)........ $ 16.61 $ 19.49 $ 2.88 17%
Natural gas ($ per Mcf)............... 1.79 2.26 0.47 26%
OPERATING REVENUES:
Oil and condensate (in thousands)..... $ 773 $ 1,582 $ 809 105%
Natural gas (in thousands)............ 604 3,523 2,919 484%
-------- -------- ------
Total (in thousands)................ $ 1,377 $ 5,105 $3,728 271%
======== ======== ======
</TABLE>

Oil and natural gas operating expenses for the nine months ended September
30, 1996 increased 42% from $502,000 to $711,000 as compared to the same
period in 1995. Oil and natural gas operating expenses increased due to
increased production generated from new oil and gas wells drilled and
completed since September 30, 1995.

66
<PAGE>

Depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") expense for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 increased 131% from $525,000 to $1.2 million
as compared to the same period in 1995. This increase was due to the increase
in oil and gas production as well as a 110% increase in the depletion rate.
The increased DD&A rate was primarily caused by the amortization of increased
exploration costs attributable to new wells drilled and completed since
September 30, 1995. Exploration costs increased due to the Company's retaining
larger working interests in its 3-D prospects, as the Company increasingly
drilled for its own account. Prior to September 30, 1995, a significant
portion of the Company's well costs were carried by other owners, resulting in
a lower historical DD&A rate.

General and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 remained constant at $2.1 million as compared to the same period in 1995.
An increase in salary expense of $187,000 due to the addition of new employees
was offset by decreases in various other direct expenses.

Interest expense and other, net for the nine months ended September 30, 1996
increased 237% from $195,000 to $657,000 as compared to the same period in
1995. The weighted average debt was $8.1 million for the nine month period
ended September 30, 1996 as compared to $2.4 million for the comparable period
in 1995. This increase was primarily due to the establishment in July 1995 of,
and borrowings under, the Revolving Credit Facility and the repayment of a
promissory note in March 1995, which was offset slightly by a lower average
interest rate.

There were no gains on the sale of oil and gas property for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996 as compared to a gain of $3.1 million in 1995. The
majority of the gain recorded in 1995 was attributable to the sale of a
property for $3.4 million that resulted in a gain of $2.8 million.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 was $398,000 as
compared to $1.2 million for the 1995 period, as a result of the factors
described above.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

Oil and natural gas revenues remained relatively unchanged at approximately
$2.0 million in both 1994 and 1995. Production volumes for oil increased 8%
from 61 MBbls in 1994 to 66 MBbls in 1995. Increased production was partially
offset by a 7% decrease in average oil prices. Production volumes for natural
gas decreased 4% from 588 MMcf in 1994 to 565 MMcf in 1995. The decrease in
natural gas production was offset by an 8% increase in average natural gas
prices. Oil and natural gas revenues were impacted by the addition of four new
wells, the sale of a property and declining production experienced at South
Mermentau and one other property caused by workovers that required the wells
to be shut in for a portion of the year.

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and
operating revenues for the Company's oil and natural gas operations for the
years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO 1994
------------- ---------------------
INCREASE % INCREASE
1994 1995 (DECREASE) (DECREASE)
------ ------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION VOLUMES:
Oil and condensate (MBbls)................ 61 66 5 8%
Natural gas (MMcf)........................ 588 565 (23) (4%)
AVERAGE SALES PRICES:
Oil and condensate ($ per Bbl)............ $17.66 $16.43 $(1.23) (7%)
Natural gas ($ per Mcf)................... 1.57 1.70 0.13 8%
OPERATING REVENUES:
Oil and condensate (in thousands)......... $1,071 $1,079 $ 9 1%
Natural gas (in thousands)................ 923 961 38 4%
------ ------ ------
Total (in thousands).................... $1,994 $2,040 $ 47 2%
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>

67
<PAGE>

Oil and gas operating expenses increased 125% from $305,000 in 1994 to
$686,000 in 1995. The increase was primarily attributable to increased
operating expenses of approximately $216,000 on a property that was acquired
during November 1994 and nonrecurring expenses of approximately $120,000 on
another property. The remaining net increase experienced in 1995 was caused by
increased production from new wells which was offset by the sale of a property
in March 1995.

DD&A expense increased 37% from $593,000 in 1994 to $813,000 in 1995, as a
result of increased production and a higher depletion rate. The higher
depletion rate was primarily due to costs relating to a prospect that resulted
in a dry hole. These increases were offset by a decrease in amortization of
regional seismic costs of approximately $149,000 in 1995, compared to 1994,
due to certain regional seismic costs that became fully amortized in 1995.

General and administrative expense increased 23% from $2.0 million in 1994
to $2.5 million in 1995. Approximately $241,000 of the increase was
attributable to the hiring of additional geologist and land department
employees as well as salary increases for existing employees. The remaining
increase was due to other general expenses that were directly attributable to
increased 3-D prospect generation and drilling activity.

Interest expense and other, net decreased 18% from $385,000 in 1994 to
$315,000 in 1995. This decrease in 1995 was due to a lower weighted average
outstanding debt balance and a lower effective interest rate. The weighted
average outstanding debt balance decreased from approximately $4.0 million in
1994 to approximately $2.7 million in 1995. The decrease in the weighted
average outstanding debt balance and effective interest rate was due to the
repayment of $3.4 million of promissory notes during March 1995 which bore
interest at a rate of 10%. The Company subsequently entered into the Revolving
Credit Facility in July 1995 which had an effective interest rate of 9.25% at
December 31, 1995.

The gains on sales of oil and gas properties in 1995 and 1994 represented
sales of unproved properties and proved properties. The majority of the gains
recorded in 1995 was the result of the sale of a property for approximately
$3.4 million, resulting in a gain of approximately $2.8 million. A majority of
income recorded in 1994 was attributable to the sale of a property for
approximately $1.5 million, resulting in a gain of approximately $1.3 million.

Net income in 1995 was approximately $1.1 million, compared to $969,000 in
1994, as a result of the factors described above.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

Oil and natural gas revenues increased 37% from $1.5 million in 1993 to $2.0
million in 1994. Production volumes for oil increased 136% from 26 MBbls in
1993 to 61 MBbls in 1994. The increase in oil production increased revenues by
$612,000 which were further increased slightly due to a 1% increase in average
oil prices. Production volumes for natural gas increased 29% from 457 MMcf in
1993 to 588 MMcf in 1994. This increase in natural gas production contributed
$288,000 to revenues which was offset by a 29% decrease in average natural gas
prices which decreased revenues by $371,000. A portion of the overall increase
in oil and natural gas production in 1994 was due to certain prospects in
which the Company had a reversionary interest reaching payout during the year
and two other prospects in which the Company had a reversionary interest that
reached payout in 1993 but did not contribute a full year of production in
that year. These two prospects contributed an additional $451,000 in revenues
in 1994. Additionally, the Company successfully drilled and completed several
new natural gas wells in the fourth quarter of 1994, which contributed
approximately $272,000 in revenues. The increases were offset by the shutting
in of a well on the South Maurice Field during 1993 and normal declining
production on various properties.

68
<PAGE>

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and
operating revenues for the Company's oil and natural gas operations for the
years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO 1993
------------- ---------------------
INCREASE % INCREASE
1993 1994 (DECREASE) (DECREASE)
------ ------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION VOLUMES:
Oil and condensate (MBbls)................ 26 61 35 136%
Natural gas (MMcf)........................ 457 588 131 29%
AVERAGE SALES PRICE:
Oil and condensate ($ per Bbl)............ $17.52 $17.66 $ 0.14 1%
Natural gas ($ per Mcf)................... 2.20 1.57 (0.63) (29%)
OPERATING REVENUES:
Oil and condensate (in thousands)......... $ 450 $1,071 $ 621 138%
Natural gas (in thousands)................ 1,005 923 (82) (8%)
------ ------ ------
Total (in thousands).................... $1,455 $1,994 $ 539 37%
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>

Oil and natural gas operating expenses increased 83% from $167,000 in 1993 to
$305,000 in 1994. The increase was primarily attributable to increased oil and
gas production and a higher average severance rate in 1994 as well as higher
working interests on new wells drilled in 1994.

DD&A expense increased 34% from $442,000 in 1993 to $593,000 in 1994, largely
as a result of increased production. Additionally, amortization of seismic
costs increased approximately $126,000 in 1994 from 1993 as a result of the
purchase of regional seismic data in 1994.

General and administrative expense increased 17% from $1.7 million in 1993 to
$2.0 million in 1994. Approximately $280,000 of the increase was attributable
to hiring additional geologists and land department employees during 1994 as
well as salary increases for existing employees.

Interest expense and other, net decreased 39% from $636,000 in 1993 to
$385,000 in 1994 due to a lower effective interest rate and a lower weighted
average outstanding debt balance in 1994. The weighted average outstanding debt
balance decreased from approximately $4.5 million in 1993 to approximately $4.0
million in 1994 due to scheduled debt payments on a promissory note.

The gain on sale of oil and gas property in 1994 primarily represented the
sale of an unproved property for $1.5 million that resulted in a gain of $1.3
million. There was no such significant sale of unevaluated properties during
1993.

Net income increased from a net loss of $1.3 million in 1993 to a net income
of $969,000 in 1994, as a result of the factors described above.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's primary sources of liquidity have included funds generated by
operations, the sale of prospects and producing properties, equity capital from
private sources and borrowings, primarily at the Joint Venture level under the
Revolving Credit Facility and a subordinated secured loan (the "Subordinated
Loan") from Mr. James C. Calaway, the father of both the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and its President. A portion of the proceeds from the
Offering will be loaned to the Joint Venture to repay the amounts outstanding
under both the Revolving Credit Facility and the Subordinated Loan. The
Revolving Credit Facility will remain outstanding for future borrowings and the
Subordinated Loan will be terminated. The Joint Venture is required to comply
with various operating and financial covenants under the Revolving Credit
Facility. The continued

69
<PAGE>

availability to the Joint Venture of funds borrowed under the Revolving Credit
Facility is subject to continued compliance with such covenants.

Cash flows (used) provided by operations were $1.0 million, ($604,000) and
($927,000) in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively. The increase in cash flows
used in 1995 as compared to 1994 was due primarily to the increase in gains on
sale of oil and gas property, which was offset by various changes in balance
sheet accounts. The increase in cash used from operations from 1993 to 1994
was due to an increase in gains on the sale of unproved oil and gas property
in 1994, which was offset by increased oil and gas property and equipment
purchases.

The Company expects capital expenditures in 1997 to be at least $20 million.
A substantial portion of capital expenditures will be invested in the
Company's portfolio of 3-D prospects to fund drilling activities and expand
its reserve base. In addition, the Company will continue to expand and improve
its technological and 3-D seismic interpretation capabilities. Based on its
existing business plan, the Company expects to drill 50 gross (21.4 net) wells
in 1996 and has budgeted for 120 gross (46.3 net) wells in 1997. The actual
number of wells drilled may differ significantly from such estimate. See
"Business of the Company--Significant Project Areas." In addition to its
existing leased acreage prospects, the Company has acquired various 3-D
seismic options which will allow it to lease approximately 59,562 gross
(29,781 net) undeveloped acres.

During the first nine months of 1996, the Company continued to reinvest a
substantial portion of its cash flows into increasing its 3-D prospect
portfolio, improving its 3-D seismic interpretation technology and funding its
drilling program. Capital expenditures during the first nine months of 1996
were $7.9 million. The Company expects to incur additional capital
expenditures of $3.3 million in the fourth quarter of 1996 for the drilling of
approximately 16 new wells. Capital expenditures were $3.7 million, $6.8
million and $8.5 million in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively. The Company's
drilling efforts resulted in the successful completion of four wells in 1993,
nine wells in 1994 and 22 wells in 1995 that increased pretax present value of
reserves by $2.5 million, $1.6 million and $10.2 million, respectively. In
1995 the Company sold one of its proved producing properties and received
total cash proceeds from such sale of $3.4 million. These proceeds were used
to pay down debt and fund general working capital and corporate needs. The
Company also sold several undeveloped oil and gas properties receiving cash
proceeds of $3.7 million, $7.1 million and $4.0 million in 1993, 1994 and
1995, respectively.

Due to the Company's active exploration and development and technology
enhancement programs, the Company has experienced and expects to continue to
experience substantial working capital requirements. While the Company
believes that the net proceeds from the Offering, cash flow from operations
and borrowings by the Joint Venture under the Revolving Credit Facility should
allow the Company to successfully implement its present business strategy,
additional financing may be required in the future to fund the Company's
growth, development and exploration drilling and continued technological
enhancement. In the event such capital resources are not available to the
Company, its drilling and other activities may be curtailed.

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

In July 1995, the Joint Venture entered into the two year Revolving Credit
Facility with Compass Bank-Houston ("Compass"), which provides a maximum loan
amount of $20 million, subject to borrowing base limitations. Under the
Revolving Credit Facility, principal outstanding is due and payable upon
maturity in June 1998 with interest due monthly. At November 30, 1996, the
borrowing base was $11.5 million and borrowings outstanding under the
Revolving Credit Facility were $8.7 million. Beginning on December 1, 1996 and
on the first day of each month thereafter, the borrowing base is required to
be reduced by $325,000. The Revolving Credit Facility is without recourse to
Old Edge and the other participants in the Joint Venture. The Company will
loan a portion of the proceeds of the Offering to the Joint Venture for the
purpose of repaying all outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit
Facility. See "Certain Transactions--The Combination Transactions--Description
of Joint Venture." However, the Revolving Credit Facility will be available
for future borrowings

70
<PAGE>

by the Joint Venture during its wind-down period. The Joint Venture may seek
to adjust the terms and availability of the Revolving Credit Facility in the
future.

Semi-annually, Compass makes, in its sole discretion, the borrowing base
determination based upon the Joint Venture's proved oil and gas properties
determined in accordance with Compass' normal and customary procedures for
evaluating oil and gas reserves and other related assets. The Joint Venture
may request two additional borrowing base redeterminations per annum, provided
that Compass will not be obligated to perform a redetermination more than one
time per quarter, including quarters that contain a scheduled redetermination.

The interest rate for borrowings is either the Base Rate plus 0.5% or LIBOR
plus 2.5%. The Base Rate is the higher of (i) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%
or (ii) the prime rate. The Joint Venture also pays a quarterly commitment fee
of 0.5% per annum for the unused portion of the borrowing base and a fee of
$5,000 for each regularly scheduled and borrower requested borrowing base
redetermination.

The Joint Venture is subject to certain covenants under the terms of the
Revolving Credit Facility, including, but not limited to (i) tangible
venturer's capital (total assets exclusive of certain intangibles minus total
liabilities) must be at least equal to $2.0 million plus 50% of positive net
income and 100% of equity raised for all quarterly periods subsequent to June
30, 1996; (ii) the ratio at the end of any quarter of cash flow (net income
plus depreciation, depletion, amortization and other non-cash expenses less
non-cash net income for such quarter) to debt service coverage (cash payments
made for principal on debt or capital leases for such quarter) must be at
least 1.25 to 1.00; and (iii) the dividends and distributions to the
venturers, among other things, may not exceed 50% of the cash flow in excess
of the cash flow required to maintain the ratio referred to in (ii) above. The
Revolving Credit Facility also places restrictions on additional indebtedness,
liens, sales of properties, amendment of the Joint Venture Agreement and other
matters. The Joint Venture's obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility
are secured by substantially all of the oil and gas properties of the Joint
Venture.

SUBORDINATED LOAN

In December 1994, the Joint Venture entered into an agreement providing for
the Subordinated Loan ("The Subordinated Loan Agreement"). Such agreement
provides for a $1 million term loan and a $1 million line of credit. Drawdowns
under the line of credit require 30 days' notice. At September 30, 1996, the
aggregate amount outstanding under the Subordinated Loan was $1.3 million,
including $300,000 outstanding under the line of credit. The principal is due,
unless earlier retired by the Joint Venture, upon the earlier of April 8, 1998
or the conclusion of the Joint Venture's wind up period. Interest at 10% per
annum is due monthly. The Subordinated Loan is secured by certain oil and gas
properties, equipment and other assets of the Joint Venture, but is
subordinate to the Revolving Credit Facility. The mortgage and security
agreement restricts the transfer of properties, creation of liens and other
matters. The Subordinated Loan is without recourse to the participants in the
Joint Venture. Under the Subordinated Loan Agreement, Mr. James C. Calaway has
a right to receive specified reversionary and overriding royalty interests on
prospects of the Joint Venture and certain rights to convert such interests
into shares of Common Stock, which shares are expected to be issued in
connection with the Combination Transactions. See "Summary--The Combination
Transactions--The James C. Calaway Exchange." A portion of the proceeds from
the Offering will retire the Subordinated Loan.

In addition to the financing arrangements referred to above, the Company has
historically had other subordinate credit arrangements with certain
shareholders and related parties. Following the Offering these credit
arrangements will not be available.

EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND CHANGES IN PRICE

The Company's results of operations and cash flows are affected by changing
oil and gas prices. If the price of oil and gas increases (decreases), there
could be a corresponding increase (decrease) in the operating cost that the
Company is required to bear for operations, as well as an increase (decrease)
in revenues. Inflation has had a minimal effect on the Company.

71
<PAGE>

OTHER

In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS No. 121") regarding accounting
for the impairment of long-lived assets. The Company adopted SFAS No. 121
effective January 1, 1996. However, its provisions are not applicable to the
Company's oil and gas properties as they are accounted for under the full cost
method of accounting. The effect of adopting SFAS No. 121 was not material for
any period presented.

In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 ("SFAS No. 123"). SFAS No. 123 is a
new standard of accounting for stock-based compensation and establishes a fair
value method of accounting for awards granted after December 31, 1995 under
stock compensation plans. SFAS No. 123 encourages, but does not require,
companies to adopt the fair value method of accounting in place of the
existing method of accounting for stock-based compensation whereupon
compensation costs are recognized only in situations where stock compensation
plans award intrinsic value to recipients at the date of grant.

The Company has elected not to adopt the fair value accounting of SFAS No.
123 and continues to account for these plans under APB Opinion No. 25, under
which no compensation costs have been recognized.

OLD EDGE

GENERAL OVERVIEW

During 1991, Old Edge was formed and became the managing venturer of the
newly formed Joint Venture. The Joint Venture was formed for the purpose of
conducting the business of a predecessor partnership, the assets of which were
transferred to the Joint Venture at their historical costs. A substantial
portion of the annual cash flows generated by the predecessor partnership were
distributed to its partners resulting in a low level of equity accumulation
prior to the formation of the Joint Venture. The interest of Old Edge in the
Joint Venture represents substantially all of its assets. Substantially all of
Old Edge's operations consist of its activities as managing venturer of the
Joint Venture. Subsequent to the dissolution of the Joint Venture, Old Edge
anticipates (i) continuing its oil and gas operations in the Joint Venture
with respect to the Existing JV Projects and (ii) conducting new exploration
and production activities (similar to those it has managed on behalf of the
Joint Venture) through Old Edge or a subsidiary. See "Information Concerning
Old Edge." Old Edge records the income or losses of the Joint Venture using
the equity method of accounting. For financial statement purposes, Old Edge
reflects an initial ownership interest of approximately 29.064% of the Joint
Venture.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1995

Income from investment in the Joint Venture for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 decreased from $392,457 to $78,026, compared to the same
period in 1995. This decrease is primarily attributable to an unusually large
gain recognized by the Joint Venture in March 1995, of approximately $814,000
net to Old Edge's interest, from the sale of a proved oil and gas property
which was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses. There was no
such gain recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 1996. The
following information (other than net income (loss)) relates to Old Edge's
operations conducted outside of the Joint Venture.

Oil and natural gas revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1996
increased 57% from $13,400 to $20,999 as compared to the same period in 1995.
Production volumes for oil decreased 26% from 453 Bbls in the 1995 period to
333 Bbls in the 1996 period. The decrease in oil production decreased revenues
$1,993 which were further increased by a 17% increase in average oil price
which increased revenue by $959. Production volumes for natural gas increased
95% from 3,282 Mcf in the 1995 period to 6,406 Mcf in the 1996 period. The
increase in natural gas production increased revenues by $5,592. In addition a
26% increase in average gas prices

72
<PAGE>

increased revenues by $3,011. Increases in average oil and gas prices were
directly attributable to the general improved market conditions.

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and
operating revenues for Old Edge's oil and natural gas operations for the nine
months ended September 30, 1995 and 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1996 COMPARED TO 1995
--------------- ---------------------
INCREASE % INCREASE
1995 1996 (DECREASE) (DECREASE)
------- ------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION VOLUME:
Oil and condensate (Bbls)............... 453 333 (120) (26%)
Natural gas (MMcfs)..................... 3,282 6,406 3,124 95%
AVERAGE SALES PRICE:
Oil and condensate ($ per MBbls)........ 16.61 19.49 2.88 17%
Natural gas ($ per MMcfs)............... $ 1.79 $ 2.26 $ 0.47 26%
OPERATING REVENUES:
Oil and condensate...................... 7,526 6,521 (1,003) (13%)
Natural gas............................. $ 5,874 $14,478 $8,604 146%
------- ------- ------ ---
Total................................. $13,400 $20,999 $7,601 57%
</TABLE>

Representation fees for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased
25.0% from $18,000 to $22,500, compared to the same period in 1995. The
increase was due to increase in the number of wells that are being managed for
outside owners.

Management fees and other increased for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 from $90,000 to $150,118 as compared to the same period in 1995. The
increase was attributable to well maintenance fees of $60,118 that is billed
to joint interest owners by Old Edge as an operator. Old Edge did not operate
any wells in 1995.

Oil and natural gas operating expenses for the nine months ended September
30, 1996 decreased 13% from $1,952, in the 1995 period to $1,695 in the 1996
period.

General and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 increased 59% from $37,365 to $59,429, compared to the same period in
1995. This increase was attributable an increase in accounting fees and to the
general growth of Old Edge.

Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 decreased
38% from $8,525 to $6,171, compared to the same period in 1995. This decrease
was primarily due to certain office equipment becoming fully depreciated in
1996.

Net income (loss) decreased from $380,075, for the 1995 period to $(32,083),
for the 1996 period as a result of the factors discussed above.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

Income from the Company's investment in the Joint Venture increased from
$342,068 in 1994 to $362,957 in 1995. This increase was primarily attributable
to a large gain recognized by the Joint Venture in March 1995, approximately
$814,000 net to Old Edge's interest, from the sale of a proved oil and gas
property which was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses.
There was also a significant amount of gain, approximately $664,000 net to Old
Edge's interest, recorded in 1994 from the sale of undeveloped oil and gas
properties but there was no one gain as significant as that recorded in 1995.
The following information (other than net income (loss)) relates to Old Edge's
operations conducted outside of the Joint Venture.

73
<PAGE>

Oil and natural gas revenues increased 37% from $16,554 in 1994 to $24,216
in 1995. Production volumes for oil increased 55% from 503 Bbls in 1994 to 779
Bbls in 1995. The increase in oil production increased revenues $4,874 which
was decreased by a 7% decrease in average oil prices which decreased revenue
by $958. Production volumes for natural gas increased 37% from 4,884 Mcf in
1994 to 6,708 Mcf in 1995. The increase in natural gas production increased
revenue by $2,864 which was further increased by an 8% increase in average gas
prices which increased sales by $872.

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and
operating revenues for Old Edge's oil and natural gas operations for the years
ended December 30, 1994 and 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 30, 1995 COMPARED TO 1994
--------------- ---------------------
INCREASE % INCREASE
1994 1995 (DECREASE) (DECREASE)
------- ------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION VOLUME:
Oil and condensate (Bbl)................ 503 779 276 55%
Natural gas (Mcf)....................... 4,884 6,708 1,824 37%
AVERAGE SALES PRICE:
Oil and condensate ($ per Bbls)......... 17.66 16.43 (1.23) (7%)
Natural gas ($ per Mcf)................. $ 1.57 $ 1.70 $ 0.13 8%
OPERATING REVENUES:
Oil and condensate...................... 8,887 12,813 3,926 44%
Natural gas............................. $ 7,667 $11,403 $3,736 49%
------- ------- ------ ---
Total................................. $16,554 $24,216 $7,662 46%
</TABLE>

Representation fees remained constant for 1995 as compared to 1994.

Management fees increased 50% from $80,000 in 1994 to $120,000 in 1995. The
increase in management fees was due to an escalation clause in the management
fee agreements with the Essex Joint Ventures. The fee to be assessed in the
future will remain constant at $30,000 for both of the Essex Joint Ventures,
in the aggregate, for each quarter in which Old Edge acts as manager.

Oil and natural gas operating expenses decreased 25.1% from $4,169 in 1994
to $3,123 in 1995. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower operating
expense on certain wells.

General and administrative expense increased 67.3% from $24,520 in 1994 to
$41,014 in 1995. This increase was attributable to an increase of $22,555 in
the consulting fees that were incurred by Old Edge that were not allocable to
the Joint Venture.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
</TABLE>
Depreciation expense decreased by 42.7% from $36,500 in 1994 to $20,927 in
1995. This decrease was attributable to certain office equipment becoming
fully depreciated in 1995.

Net income decreased from $412,414 in 1994 to $380,485 in 1995 because of
the factors discussed above.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

Income (loss) from investment in the Joint Venture increased from a loss of
$295,426 in 1993 to income of $342,068 in 1994. The significant increase was
partially attributable to a large gain recorded by the Joint Venture on a sale
of an undeveloped oil and gas property in 1994, resulting in a net gain of
approximately $377,000, net to Old Edge's interest, as well a significant
increase in gain recorded on other undeveloped oil and gas property sales in
the fourth quarter of 1994. There was no significant gain recorded in 1993 as
compared to 1994. The following information (other than net income (loss))
relates to Old Edge's operations conducted outside of the Joint Venture.

74
<PAGE>

Oil and natural gas revenues decreased 6% from $17,601 in 1993 to $16,554 in
1994. Production volumes for oil increased 62% from 310 Bbls in 1993 to 503
Bbls in 1996. The increase in oil production increased revenues $3,381 which
were further increased by a 1% increase in average oil prices which increased
revenue by $70. Production volumes for natural gas decreased 12% from 5,528
Mcf in 1993 to 4,884 Mcf in 1994. The decrease in natural gas production
decreased revenue by $1,417 which was further decreased by a 29% decrease in
average gas prices which decreased sales by $3,077. Fluctuations in average
oil and gas price were directly attributable to conditions experienced in the
overall oil and gas market.

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and
operating revenues for Old Edge's oil and natural gas for operations for the
years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 30, 1994 COMPARED TO 1993
--------------- ---------------------
INCREASE % INCREASE
1993 1994 (DECREASE) (DECREASE)
------- ------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION VOLUME:
Oil and condensate (Bbls)............... 310 503 193 62%
Natural gas (Mcfs)...................... 5,528 4,884 (644) (12%)
AVERAGE SALES PRICE:
Oil and condensate ($ per Bbls)......... $ 17.52 $ 17.66 $ 0.14 1%
Natural gas ($ per Mcfs)................ 2.20 1.57 (0.63) (29%)
OPERATING REVENUES:
Oil and condensate ..................... $ 5,439 $ 8,887 $ 3,448 44%
Natural gas............................. 12,162 7,667 (4,495) (37%)
------- ------- ------- ---
Total................................. $17,601 $16,554 $(1,047) (6%)
</TABLE>

Oil and natural gas operating expenses increased 56% from $2,677 in 1993 to
$4,169 in 1994. The increase was primarily attributable to higher expenses
being incurred on certain wells in 1994.

General and administrative expense decreased 38% from $39,432 in 1993 to
$24,520 in 1994. The decrease was attributable certain direct expenses
incurred that were not reimbursable by the Joint Venture in 1993.

Depreciation expense decreased 7% from $39,386 in 1993 to $36,500 in 1994.
The decrease was due to certain equipment that became fully depreciated in
1994.

Other income increased during 1994 to $13,749 due to a tax refund that was
received in 1994. There was no other income in 1993.

Net income increased from a net loss of $276,460 in 1993 to net income of
$413,444 in 1994 as a result of the factors discussed above.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Old Edge's primary sources of liquidity has been reimbursements of expenses
allocated to the Joint Venture and the assessment of certain representation
and maintenance fees. Old Edge's future operations are largely dependent on
the financial stability of the Joint Venture.

EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND CHANGES IN PRICE

Old Edge's results of operations and cash flows are affected by changing oil
and gas prices. If the price of oil and gas increases (decreases), there could
be a corresponding increase (decrease) in the operating cost that Old Edge is
required to bear for operations, as well as an increase (decrease) in
revenues. Inflation has had a minimal effect on Old Edge.

75
<PAGE>

OTHER

Old Edge has elected not to adopt the fair value accounting of SFAS No. 123
and continues to account for these plans under APB Opinion No. 25, under which
no compensation costs have been recognized.

76
<PAGE>

THE JOINT VENTURE, EDGE GROUP II, GULFEDGE AND EDGE GROUP

GENERAL OVERVIEW

During 1991, the Joint Venture was formed by Old Edge, Edge Group II,
Gulfedge and Edge Group to conduct the business of a predecessor partnership.
The Joint Venture purchased approximately $5.2 million in net assets (on a
historical financial statement basis) and assumed substantially all of the
liabilities of such predecessor, which had been engaged in oil and gas
exploration and production operation since 1983. A substantial portion of the
annual cash flows generated by the predecessor partnership had been
distributed to its partners resulting in a low level of equity accumulation
prior to the formation of the Joint Venture.

The Joint Venture began operations in 1991, and until 1992 generated
exploratory drilling prospects based on 2-D seismic data for sale to other
exploration and production companies. During 1992, as a result of the advent
of economic onshore 3-D seismic surveys and the improvement and increased
affordability of data interpretation technologies, the Joint Venture changed
its exploration strategy to emphasize the acquisition of 3-D seismic data
covering certain of its existing 2-D based project areas. From 1992 to 1995,
the Joint Venture reduced its inventory of 2-D based prospects, began limited
drilling for its own account of certain existing 2-D based prospects and began
developing prospects based on 3-D seismic data. Since early 1995, the Joint
Venture has almost exclusively drilled prospects generated from 3-D seismic
data, while accelerating its drilling activity and increasing its working
interest in new project areas. This shift in the Joint Venture's business
strategy is reflected in a number of changes in the Joint Venture's financial
results. A majority of the Joint Venture's revenues in 1993 and 1994 were
attributable to the sales of undeveloped oil and gas properties. As the Joint
Venture continues to retain and develop working interests, revenue
attributable to oil and gas sales are expected to increase. Similarly, the
Joint Venture expects depreciation, depletion and amortization and oil and gas
operating expenses to continue to increase. The Joint Venture expects to
continue retaining all or the majority of its interests in prospects with
normally pressured and generally shallow reservoirs and selling a portion of
its interests in deeper over-pressured 3-D seismic prospects, which generally
require greater capital expenditures, to industry participants in order to
fund the capital expenditures for the interests it retains. The Joint Venture
dissolves on December 31, 1996 and will enter into a windup period that will
generally last two years during which its activities will primarily involve
the Existing JV Projects. See "Information Concerning the Joint Venture."

The Joint Venture uses the full-cost method of accounting for its oil and
gas properties. Under this method, all acquisition, exploration and
development costs, including certain general and administrative costs that are
directly attributable to the Joint Venture's acquisition, exploration and
development activities, are capitalized in a "full-cost pool" as incurred. The
Joint Venture records depletion of its full-cost pool using the unit of
production method. To the extent that such capitalized costs in the full-cost
pool (net of depreciation, depletion and amortization and related deferred
taxes) exceed the present value (using a 10% discount rate) of estimated
future net after-tax cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves, such excess
costs are charged to operations. Once incurred, a write-down of oil and gas
properties is not reversible at a later date.

The Joint Venture, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group were not required
to pay federal income taxes due to their status as partnerships, which are
"pass-through" entities that are not subject to federal income taxation.
Instead, taxes relating to the Joint Venture interests for such periods were
paid by the partners of such entities.

The Joint Venture's revenues, profitability, future growth and ability to
borrow funds or obtain additional capital, and the carrying value of its
properties, are substantially dependent on prevailing prices of natural gas
and oil. It is impossible to predict future natural gas and oil price
movements with certainty. Declines in prices received for natural gas and oil
may have an adverse affect on the Joint Venture's financial condition,
liquidity, ability to finance capital expenditures and results of operations.
Lower prices may also impact the amount of reserves that can be produced
economically by the Joint Venture.

77
<PAGE>

Due to the instability of oil and natural gas prices, in 1995 the Joint
Venture began utilizing, from time to time, certain hedging instruments (e.g.
swaps) for a portion of its gas production to achieve a more predictable cash
flow, as well as to reduce the exposure to price fluctuations. The Joint
Venture accounts for all these transactions as hedging activities and,
accordingly, gains and losses are included in oil and gas revenues during the
period the hedged transactions occur. Historically, gains and losses have not
been material. The Joint Venture expects that the amount of hedges that it has
in place will vary from time to time. Outstanding hedges at December 31, 1995
were not material and the Joint Venture had no existing hedging positions as
of September 30, 1996.

Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group are general partners in the Joint
Venture with initial sharing ratios of 67.3%, 2.3% and 1.3%, respectively.
Edge Group II and Gulfedge account for their general partnership interests
using the proportionate consolidation method of accounting. Edge Group has
other operations in addition to its direct 1.3% Joint Venture interest and has
not separately included financial statements attributable to such interest in
this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus because the
financial statements of the Joint Venture are included herein. The discussion
in this section relating to the results of operations of the Joint Venture is
applicable to each of Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group on a
proportionate basis equal to such entities' respective proportionate share in
the Joint Venture. Additionally, Edge Group II was subject to a management fee
of 2% of capital contributions (approximately $266,000 per year) through April
1996 which is included in its general and administrative expense (and,
therefore, in determining its net income (loss) as well). None of such fees
have been paid to date and at September 30, 1996, such unpaid management fees
aggregated approximately $1.3 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED TO THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

Oil and natural gas revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1996
increased 273% from $1.4 million to $5.1 million as compared to the same
period in 1995. Production volumes for oil increased 75% from 46 MBbls in the
1995 period to 81 MBbls in the 1996 period. The increase in oil production
increased revenues $575,000. In addition, a 17% increase in average oil prices
increased revenue by $232,000. Production volumes for gas increased 364% from
334 MMcf in 1995 to 1,551 MMcf in 1996. The increase in natural gas production
increased revenues by $2.2 million. In addition, a 26% increase in average gas
prices increased revenues by $729,000. The increase in oil and natural gas
production was due to new wells being successfully drilled and completed
during 1996, which was partially offset by normal production declines from
existing wells. Increases in average oil and gas prices were directly
attributable to the general improved market conditions.

The following table summarizes production volumes average sales prices and
operating revenues for the Joint Venture's oil and natural gas operations for
the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED 1996 PERIOD COMPARED
SEPTEMBER 30, TO 1995 PERIOD
--------------------- ---------------------
INCREASE % INCREASE
1995 1996 (DECREASE) (DECREASE)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION VOLUME:
Oil and condensate
(Mbbls).................. 46,083 80,693 34,610 75%
Natural gas (MMcfs) ...... 333,918 1,550,972 1,217,054 364%
AVERAGE SALES PRICE:
Oil and condensate ($ per
MMbls)................... 16.61 19.49 2.88 17%
Natural gas ($ per MMcfs). $ 1.79 $ 2.26 $ 0.47 26%
OPERATING REVENUES:
Oil and condensate........ 765,792 1,578,883 813,091 106%
Natural gas............... $ 597,713 $3,505,197 $2,907,484 486%
---------- ---------- ----------
Total................... $1,363,505 $5,084,080 $3,720,575 273%
</TABLE>

78
<PAGE>

Oil and natural gas operating expenses for the nine months ended September
30, 1996 increased 42% from $500,000 to $710,000 as compared to the same
period in 1995. Oil and natural gas operating expenses increased due to
increased production generated from new oil and gas wells drilled and
completed since September 30, 1995. As a percentage of oil and gas revenues,
operating expenses were 14% and 37% for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 and 1995, respectively. This decrease is primarily attributable to a non-
recurring expense of $120,000 in 1995 on proved oil and gas property which
accounts for 57% of the overall decrease.

DD&A expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased 113%
from $517,000 to $1.2 million as compared to the same period in 1995. This
increase was primarily due to the increase in oil and gas production which
increased DD&A by $426,000, further increased by a 14% increase in the overall
oil and gas DD&A rate. The increased DD&A rate was primarily caused by the
amortization of increased exploration costs attributable to several new wells
drilled and completed since September 30, 1995. Exploration costs increased
due to the Joint Venture's retaining larger working interests in its 3-D
prospects, as the Joint Venture increasingly drilled for its own account.
Prior to September 30, 1995, a significant portion of the Joint Venture's well
costs were carried by other owners, resulting in a lower historical DD&A rate.
The remaining increase is due to the depreciation of newly purchased computer
equipment in 1995 and 1996.

General and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 increased 16% from $1.9 million to $2.2 million, compared to the same
period in 1995. This increase was attributable to the hiring of additional
geologist and land department employees to support the Joint Venture's
increased drilling activities. General and administrative expense are expected
to continue increasing as more wells are drilled and the Joint Venture
increases the number of wells that it operates.

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased 238%
from $200,000 to $675,000 as compared to the same period in 1995. The weighted
average outstanding debt balance was $8.1 million for the nine month period
ended September 30, 1996 as compared to $2.4 million for the comparable period
in 1995. This increase was primarily due to the establishment in July 1995 of,
and borrowings under, the Revolving Credit Facility and the repayment of a
promissory note in March 1995, which was offset slightly by a lower average
interest rate.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 was $268,000 as
compared to $1.4 million for the 1995 period, as a result of the factors
described above.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

Oil and natural gas revenues remained relatively unchanged at approximately
$2.0 million in both 1994 and 1995. Production volumes for oil increased 8%
from 60 MBbls in 1994 to 65 MBbls in 1995. Increased production was partially
offset by a 7% decrease in average oil prices. Production volumes for natural
gas decreased 4% from 583 MMcf in 1994 to 558 MMcf in 1995. The decrease in
natural gas production was offset by an 8% increase in average natural gas
price. Oil and natural gas revenues were impacted by the addition of four new
wells, the sale of a property and declining production experienced at South
Mermentau and one other property caused by workovers that required the wells
to be shut in for a portion of the year.

79
<PAGE>

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and
operating revenues for the Joint Venture's oil and natural gas operations for
the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
30, 1995 COMPARED TO 1994
--------------------- ---------------------
INCREASE % INCREASE
1994 1995 (DECREASE) (DECREASE)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION VOLUME:
Oil and condensate (MBbl). 60,105 64,900 4,795 8%
Natural gas (MMcf)........ 583,329 558,481 (24,848) (4%)
AVERAGE SALES PRICE:
Oil and condensate ($ per
MBbls)................... 17.66 16.43 (1.23) (7%)
Natural gas ($ per MMcfs). $ 1.57 $ 1.70 $ 0.13 8%
OPERATING REVENUES:
Oil and condensate........ 1,061,415 1,066,812 5,397 1%
Natural gas............... $ 915,827 $ 949,418 $33,591 4%
---------- ---------- -------
Total................... $1,977,242 $2,016,230 $38,988 2%
</TABLE>

Oil and gas operating expenses increased 128% from $300,000 in 1994 to
$683,000 in 1995. The increase was primarily attributable to increased
operating expenses of approximately $216,000 on a property that was acquired
during November 1994 and nonrecurring expenses of approximately $120,000 on
another property. The remaining net increase experienced in 1995 was caused by
increased production from new wells that was offset by the sale of a property
in March 1995.

DD&A expense increased 14% from $557,000 in 1994 to $792,000 in 1995, as a
result of increased production and a higher depletion rate. The higher
depletion rate was primarily due to costs relating to a prospect which
resulted in a dry hole. These increases were offset by a decrease in
amortization of regional seismic costs of approximately $149,000 in 1995,
compared to 1994, due to certain regional seismic costs that became fully
amortized in 1995.

General and administrative expense increased 28% from $1.8 million in 1994
to $2.3 million in 1995. Approximately $241,000 of the increase was
attributable to the hiring of additional geologist and land department
employees as well as salary increases for existing employees. The remaining
increase was due to other general expenses that were directly attributable to
increased 3-D prospect generation and drilling activity.

Interest expense decreased 20% from $400,000 in 1994 to $317,000 in 1995.
This decrease in 1995 was due to a lower weighted average outstanding debt
balance and a lower effective interest rate. The weighted average outstanding
debt balance decreased from approximately $4.0 million in 1994 to
approximately $2.7 million in 1995. The decrease in weighted average
outstanding debt balance and effective interest rate was due to the repayment
of $3.4 million of promissory notes during March 1995 which bore interest at a
rate of 10%. The Joint Venture subsequently entered into a Revolving Credit
Facility in July 1995 which had an effective interest rate of 9.25% at
December 31, 1995.

The gains on sale of oil and gas properties increased from $2.3 million in
1994 to $3.4 million in 1995. The majority of the gains recorded in 1995 was
the result of the sale of a property for approximately $3.4 million resulting
in a gain of approximately $2.8 million. A majority of income recorded in 1994
was attributable to the sale of a property for approximately $1.5 million
resulting in a gain of approximately $1.3 million.

Net income in 1995 was $1.2 million, compared to $1.2 in 1994, as a result
of the factors described above.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

Oil and natural gas revenues increased 43% from $1.4 million in 1993 to $2.0
million in 1994. Production volumes for oil increased 137% from 26 MBbls in
1993 to 60 MBbls in 1994. The increase in oil production

80
<PAGE>

increased revenues by $609,000 which were further increased slightly due to a
1% increase in average oil prices. Production volumes for natural gas
increased 29% from 452 MMcf in 1993 to 583 MMcf in 1994. This increase in
natural gas production contributed $290,000 to revenues which was offset by a
29% decrease in average natural gas prices which decreased revenues by
$367,000. A portion of the overall increase in oil and natural gas production
in 1994 was due to certain prospects in which the Joint Venture had a
reversionary interest reaching payout during the year and two other prospects
in which the Joint Venture had a reversionary interest that reached payout in
1993 but did not contribute a full year of production in that year. These two
prospects contributed an additional $451,000 in revenues in 1994.
Additionally, the Joint Venture successfully drilled and completed several new
natural gas wells in the fourth quarter of 1994 which contributed
approximately $272,000 in revenues. The increases were offset by the shutting
in of a well on the South Maurice Field during 1993 and normal declining
production on various properties.

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and
operating revenues for the Joint Venture's oil and natural gas operations for
the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
30, 1994 COMPARED TO 1993
--------------------- ---------------------
INCREASE % INCREASE
1993 1994 (DECREASE) (DECREASE)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION VOLUME:
Oil and condensate (MBbl)......... 25,360 60,105 34,745 137%
Natural gas (MMcf)................ 451,556 583,329 131,773 29%
AVERAGE SALES PRICE:
Oil and condensate ($ per Bbls)... 17.52 17.66 0.14 1%
Natural gas ($ per MMcf).......... $ 2.20 $ 1.57 $ (0.63) (29%)
OPERATING REVENUES:
Oil and condensate................ 444,414 1,061,415 617,001 39%
Natural gas....................... $ 993,423 $ 915,827 $(77,596) (8%)
---------- ---------- --------
Total........................... $1,437,837 $1,977,242 $539,405 38%
</TABLE>

Oil and natural gas operating expenses increased 83% from $164,000 in 1993
to $300,000 in 1994. Lease operating expense increased 67% from approximately
$94,000 in 1993 to $157,000 in 1994 due to increased oil and gas production in
1994 as well as higher working interests on new wells drilled in 1994.
Production taxes increased approximately 101% from $71,000 in 1993 to $143,000
in 1994, primarily attributable to an increase in oil sales in 1994 which had
a higher average severance tax rate.

DD&A expense increased 39% from $402,000 in 1993 to $557,000 in 1994,
largely as a result of increased production. Additionally amortization of
seismic cost increased approximately $126,000 in 1994 from 1993 as a result of
a large purchase of regional seismic data in 1994.

General and administrative expense increased 20% from $1.5 million in 1993
to $1.8 million in 1994. Approximately $280,000 of the increase was
attributable to hiring additional geologists and land department employees
during 1994 as well as salary increases for existing employees.

Interest expense and other, net, decreased 37% from $637,000 in 1993 to
$400,000 in 1994 due a lower effective interest rate and a lower weighted
average outstanding debt balance in 1994. The decrease in the effective
interest rate was primarily attributable to the Joint Venture's October 1993
renegotiation of the interest rate on the RIMCO note from 15.5% to 10% in
exchange for a .4% after payout royalty interest on all prospects sold through
September 1995. The weighted average outstanding debt balance decreased from
approximately $4.5 million in 1993 to approximately $4.0 million in 1994 due
to scheduled debt payments on the RIMCO note.

The gain on sale of oil and gas property increased from $247,000 in 1993 to
$2.3 million in 1994. The majority of the gain in 1994 was the result of the
sale of a unproved property for $1.5 million, that resulted in a gain of $1.3
million. There was no such significant sale of unevaluated properties in 1993.

81
<PAGE>

Net income increased from a net loss of $1 million in 1993 to a net income
of $1 million in 1994 because of the factors described above.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Joint Venture's primary sources of liquidity have included funds
generated by operations, the sale of prospects and producing properties,
equity capital from private sources, and borrowings, primarily at the Joint
Venture level under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Subordinated Loan. A
portion of the proceeds from the Offering will be loaned to the Joint Venture
to repay the amounts outstanding under both the Revolving Credit Facility and
the Subordinated Loan. In such event, the Revolving Credit Facility will
remain outstanding for future borrowings and the Subordinated Loan will be
terminated. The Joint Venture is required to comply with various operating and
financial covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility. The continued
availability to the Joint Venture of funds borrowed under the Revolving Credit
Facility is subject to continued compliance with such covenants. For a
description of the Revolving Credit Facility and the Subordinated Loan, see
("--The Company--Liquidity and Capital Resources").

Edge Group II and Gulfedge were formed to manage their respective
investments in the Joint Venture and currently have no readily available
liquidity as capital resources. Edge Group II's and Gulfedge's future
operations are largely dependent on the financial stability of the Joint
Venture.

Cash flows (used) provided by operations were $1.1 million, ($613,000) and
($1.0) million in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively. The increase in cash
flows used in 1995 as compared to 1994 was due primarily to the increase in
gains on sales of oil and gas property, which was offset by various changes in
balance sheet accounts. The increase in cash used from operations from 1993 to
1994 was due to an increase in gains on the sale of unproved oil and gas
property in 1994, which was offset by increased oil and gas property and
equipment purchases.

The Joint Venture expects capital expenditures in 1997 to be at least $20
million. A substantial portion of capital expenditures will be invested in the
Joint Venture's portfolio of 3-D prospects to Fund drilling activities and
expand its reserve base. In addition, the Joint Venture will continue to
expand and improve its technological and 3-D seismic interpretation
capabilities. Based on its existing business plan, the Joint Venture expects
to drill 50 gross (21.4 net) wells in 1996 and has budgeted for 124 gross
(50.3 net) wells in 1997. The actual number of wells drilled may differ
significantly from such estimate. In addition to its existing prospects, the
Joint Venture has acquired various 3-D seismic options which will allow it to
lease approximately 59,562 gross (29,781 net) undeveloped acres.

During the first nine months of 1996, the Joint Venture continued to
reinvest a substantial portion of its cash flows into increasing its 3-D
prospect portfolio, improving its 3-D seismic interpretation technology and
funding its drilling program. Capital expenditures during the first nine
months of 1996 were $7.9 million. The Joint Venture expects to incur
additional capital expenditures of $3.4 million in the fourth quarter of 1996
for the drilling of approximately 16 new wells. Capital expenditures were $3.7
million, $6.8 million and $8.5 million in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
The Joint Venture's drilling efforts resulted in the successful completion of
four wells in 1993, nine wells in 1994 and 22 wells in 1995 that increased
pretax present value of reserves by $2.5 million, $1.6 million and $9.8
million, respectively. In 1995 the Joint Venture sold one of its proved
producing properties and received total cash proceeds from such sale of $3.4
million. These proceeds were used to pay down debt and fund general working
capital and corporate needs. The Joint Venture also sold several undeveloped
oil and gas properties receiving cash proceeds of $3.4 million, $7.1 million
and $4.0 million in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.

Due to the Joint Venture's active exploration and development and technology
enhancement programs, the Joint Venture has experienced and expects to
continue to experience substantial working capital requirements. While the
Joint Venture believes that the net proceeds from the offering, cash flow from
operations and borrowings by the Joint Venture under the Revolving Credit
Facility should allow the Joint Venture to

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successfully implement its present business strategy, additional financing may
be required in the future to fund the Joint Venture's growth, development and
exploration drilling and continued technological enhancement. In the event
such capital resources are not available to the Joint Venture, its drilling
and other activities may be curtailed.

EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND CHANGES IN PRICE

The Joint Venture's results of operations and cash flows are affected by
changing oil and gas prices. If the price of oil and gas increases
(decreases), there could be a corresponding increase (decrease) in the
operating cost that the Company is required to bear for operations, as well as
an increase (decrease) in revenues. Inflation has had a minimal effect on the
Company.

OTHER

In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS No. 121") regarding accounting
for the impairment of long-lived assets. The Joint Venture adopted SFAS No.
121 effective January 1, 1996. However, its provisions are not applicable to
the Joint Venture's oil and gas properties as they are accounted for under the
full cost method of accounting. The effect of adopting SFAS No. 121 was not
material for any period presented.

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BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY

OVERVIEW

The Company explores for oil and natural gas by emphasizing the integrated
application of highly advanced data visualization and computerized 3-D seismic
data analysis to identify potential hydrocarbon accumulations. The Company
believes its approach to processing and analyzing geophysical data
differentiates it from other independent exploration and production companies
and is more effective than conventional 3-D seismic data interpretation
methods. The Company utilizes a fully integrated, client-server environment
including nine workstation nodes with a high performance Silicon Graphics
server. This hardware configuration enables the Company to utilize advanced
interpretation software, including both Earth Cube and Voxel Geo technology.
The Company also believes that it maintains one of the largest databases of
onshore South Texas Gulf Coast 3-D seismic data of any independent oil and gas
company, and is continuously acquiring substantial additional data within this
core region.

The Company acquires 3-D seismic data by organizing and designing regional
data acquisition surveys for its proprietary use, as well as through selective
participation in regional non-proprietary 3-D surveys. The Company negotiates
seismic options for a substantial majority of the areas encompassed by its
proprietary surveys, thereby allowing it to later secure identified prospect
leasehold interests on a non-competitive, pre-arranged basis. In the Company's
non-proprietary 3-D survey areas, the Company's technical capabilities allow
it to rapidly and comprehensively evaluate large volumes of regional 3-D
seismic data, facilitating its ability to identify attractive prospects within
a surveyed region and to secure the corresponding leasehold interests ahead of
other industry participants.

The Company's extensive technical expertise has enabled it to internally
generate all of its 3-D prospects drilled to date and to assemble a large
portfolio of 3-D based drilling prospects. The Company pursues drilling
opportunities that include a blend of shallower, normally pressured reservoirs
that generally involve moderate costs and risks as well as deeper, over-
pressured reservoirs that generally involve greater costs and risks, but have
higher economic potential. The Company mitigates its exposure to exploration
costs and risk by conducting its operations with industry partners, including
major oil companies and large independents, that generally pay a
disproportionately greater share of seismic acquisition and, in many
instances, leasing and drilling costs than the Company.

The Company has experienced rapid increases in reserves, production and cash
flow since early 1995 due to the growth of its 3-D based drilling activities
and the retention of progressively larger interests in its exploration
projects. From January 1, 1995 to September 30, 1996, reserves discovered from
Company-generated prospects totaled 91.1 Bcfe, while the Company's net proved
reserves more than tripling from 5.9 Bcfe to 18.6 Bcfe at an average finding
cost to the Company of $.51 per Mcfe. The Company drilled 13 gross (0.42 net)
wells in 1994, 35 gross (13.5 net) wells in 1995 and 34 gross (14.7 net) wells
in the nine months ended September 30, 1996. For the period from January 1,
1995 through September 30, 1996, the Company's commercial well success rate
was approximately 67% for the 69 gross (28.2 net) exploratory wells drilled
(of which 62 were based on its interpretation of 3-D seismic data).

The Company's future growth will be driven by the drilling and development
of existing opportunities from its prospect portfolio as well as new 3-D based
prospects that are continually being identified by the Company's exploration
team. The Company anticipates drilling 16 gross (7.4 net) wells in the fourth
quarter of 1996 and has budgeted for drilling 120 gross (46.3 net) wells in
1997. The Company currently anticipates increasing its capital expenditure
budget to at least $20.0 million in 1997 from $11.2 million in 1996. The
Company believes the proceeds of the Offering will enable it to increase the
number and size of additional 3-D seismic acquisition projects in which it
participates, accelerate its drilling activities and retain a greater share of
the reserves it discovers.

The address of the Company's principal executive offices is Texaco Heritage
Plaza, 1111 Bagby, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002, and its telephone number
is (713) 654-8960.

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BUSINESS STRATEGY

The Company's business strategy is to expand its reserves, production and
cash flow through a disciplined, integrated technology-based program of
exploring for oil and natural gas, which emphasizes the following key
components:

FOCUSED EXPLORATION. The Company intends to maintain its exploration
focus along the onshore Gulf Coast with continued emphasis in South Texas
because of its 3-D seismic expertise in this region. The Company believes,
based on the results of its recent exploration activities, that significant
undiscovered reserves remain in this region. The Company also plans to
utilize its existing database consisting of 567 square miles of 3-D seismic
and geologic data (509 square miles of which are in South Texas) and its
knowledge of the region's producing fields and trends to further expand its
operations within this core region. The Company is currently in the process
of acquiring an additional 459 square miles of 3-D seismic data in South
Texas, which the Company believes will generate a significant number of
additional prospects in 1997 and beyond.

TECHNOLOGICAL EXPERTISE. The Company seeks to explore for and add oil and
natural gas reserves through its advanced 3-D seismic data visualization
and interpretation techniques. These techniques enable its exploration team
to analyze large amounts of 3-D seismic information and to rapidly identify
important patterns or attributes in the data which may indicate hydrocarbon
traps. The Company's technical abilities have allowed it to discover oil
and natural gas reservoirs in existing producing trends with geological
complexities that have eluded conventional interpretation. The Company
plans to continue to enhance its visualization and interpretation strengths
as new technologies and processes are developed.

SOPHISTICATED AND EXPERIENCED TECHNICAL TEAM. The Company has assembled a
team of highly talented geoscientists and other technical personnel who are
experienced in the use of advanced exploration methodologies, and it
actively seeks to identify and attract new members to its exploration team.
The Company provides its personnel with a technologically advanced work
environment, training and results-oriented compensation, including
participation in the Company's stock option plan. The Company believes that
the use of advanced technology by its technical personnel together with
increased capital resources will be critical components to implementing its
business strategy.

PROSPECTS WITH ATTRACTIVE RISK/REWARD BALANCE. The Company typically
retains all or the majority of its interests in prospects with normally
pressured and generally shallow reservoirs. Such prospects are often
located in areas with existing pipelines and production infrastructure,
which facilitate and expedite the commencement of production and cash flow.
The Company typically sells to industry partners, on a promoted basis, a
portion of its interests in prospects that involve higher costs and greater
risks, or consist of deep, over-pressured and often larger reservoirs, in
order to mitigate its exploration risk and fund the anticipated capital
requirements for the portion of those prospects it retains.

CONTROL OVER CRITICAL EXPLORATION FUNCTIONS. In its participation
agreements with industry partners, the Company generally seeks to exercise
control over what it believes to be the most critical functions in the
exploration process. These functions include determining the area to
explore; managing the land permitting and optioning process; determining
seismic survey design; overseeing data acquisition and processing;
preparing, integrating and interpreting the data; and identifying each
prospect and drill site. The Company seeks operator status and control over
the remaining aspects of field operations when it believes its expertise
can add value to these functions.

EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY

Since 1992, as a result of the advent of economic onshore 3-D seismic surveys
and the improvement and increased affordability of data interpretation
technologies, the Company had relied almost exclusively on the interpretation
of 3-D seismic data in its exploration strategy. The principal advantage of 3-D
seismic data over 2-D seismic data is that it affords a geoscientist the
ability to investigate the entire prospective area using a 3-D

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seismic data volume, as compared to the limited number of two dimensional
profiles covering a small percentage of the prospective area that are
available using 2-D seismic data. As a consequence, a geoscientist using 3-D
seismic data is able to more fully evaluate prospective areas and produce more
accurate interpretations. The use of structural maps based upon 3-D seismic
data can significantly improve the probability of drilling commercially
successful wells, since this data allows structurally advantageous positions
to be more accurately located in highly drilled exploration plays where only
2-D seismic data was used in the past.

The Company's methodology for interpreting 3-D seismic data has advanced
beyond traditional 3-D interpretation techniques which consist of interpreting
multiple closely spaced 2-D profiles extracted from 3-D seismic volumes to
generate 3-D structural maps. The Company's advanced visualization and data
analysis techniques and resources enable its geoscientists to view
collectively large volumes of information contained within the 3-D seismic
data. This improves the geoscientist's ability to recognize certain important
patterns or attributes in the data which may indicate hydrocarbon traps and
which, if viewed incorrectly or with the application of improper techniques,
could go undetected. Visualization techniques also enable the geoscientist to
quickly identify and prioritize key areas from the large volumes of data
reviewed in order to realize the greatest early benefit. The Company's
sophisticated computing resources and unique visualization and data analysis
techniques allow its geoscientists to more easily identify features such as
shallow amplitude anomalies, complex channel systems, sharp structural details
and fluid contacts, which might have been overlooked using less sophisticated
3-D seismic data interpretation techniques.

The application of advanced 3-D exploration technology requires large scale
information processing and graphic visualization, made possible by the rapid
improvements in computing technology. The Company has made a significant
investment in its 3-D seismic data visualization technology, which is closely
linked with the Company's well-log database and other geoscience application
software. Additionally, the Company has developed a fully integrated, client-
server environment utilizing nine scientific workstation nodes. For large
scale visualization, the Company uses a Silicon Graphics Onyx R10000 server
with the SGI Reality Engine-2. The Company uses a comprehensive suite of
Landmark Graphics geoscience applications in its interpretation environment,
including Landmark's EarthCube software, which is designed specifically to
integrate visualization and 3-D geologic interpretation. In addition, the
Company utilizes Cogniseis' Voxel Geotechnology in its visualization efforts.

The Company's technological success is dependent in part upon hiring and
retaining highly skilled technical personnel. The Company has assembled a
technical team that it believes has the capacity to adapt to the rapidly
changing technological demands in the field of oil and natural gas
exploration. This team consists of seven geoscientists with an average of 15
years industry experience, most of which have had extensive experience with
major oil companies. The Company provides its technical team with a
sophisticated work environment and enables these employees to participate in
the upside potential of prospects by assigning them overriding royalty
interests in prospects they identify. See "Management--Other Compensatory
Arrangements." With its technical capabilities and personnel, the Company
believes that it will be able to analyze increasingly large quantities of data
without a commensurate increase in the number of employees. Additionally, the
expertise of the Company's team of geoscientists reduces its dependence on
outside technical consultants and enables the Company to internally generate
substantially all of its prospects.

EXPLORATION AND OPERATING APPROACH

The Company's exploration approach is to acquire large 3-D seismic data sets
along prolific, producing trends of the onshore Gulf Coast and to utilize
advanced visualization and interpretation techniques to identify or evaluate
prospects and then drill the prospects which it believes provide the potential
for significant returns. The Company typically seeks to explore in areas with
(i) numerous accumulations of normally pressured reserves at shallow depths
and in geologic traps that are difficult to define without the use of advanced
3-D data visualization and interpretation and (ii) the potential for large
accumulations of deeper, over-pressured reserves. The Company typically sells
a portion of its interest in the deep, over-pressured prospects in order to
mitigate its

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exploration risk and fund the anticipated capital requirements for the
interests it retains in such prospects, while retaining all or the majority of
its interest in the prospects with normally pressured reservoirs.

The Company emphasizes preplanning in project development to lower capital
and operational costs and to efficiently integrate potential well locations
into the existing and planned infrastructure, including gathering systems and
other surface facilities. In constructing surface facilities, the Company
seeks to use reliable, high quality, used equipment in place of new equipment
to achieve cost savings. The Company also seeks to minimize cycle time from
drilling to hook-up of wells, thereby accelerating cash flow and improving
ultimate project economics.

An important component of the Company's exploration approach is the
acquisition of large 3-D seismic data sets at the lowest possible cost. The
Company has sought to obtain large 3-D data sets either by participating in
large seismic data acquisition programs through joint venture arrangements
with other energy companies or "group shoots" in which the Company shares the
costs and results of seismic surveys. The Company believes its technical
capabilities allow it to rapidly evaluate these large 3-D datasets and
identify and secure drilling opportunities prior to the other participants in
these group shoots. In both the joint ventures and the group shoots, the
Company's partners have borne a disproportionate share of the up-front costs
of seismic data acquisition and interpretation in return for the Company's
expertise in the management of seismic surveys, interpretation of 3-D seismic
data, development of prospects and acquisition of exploration rights.
Substantially all of the Company's operations are conducted through joint
operations with industry participants. The Company is currently actively
involved in 14 joint project areas based on 3-D seismic surveys with, among
others, Belco Oil and Gas Corp., Carrizo Oil and Gas Inc., Chevron
Corporation, Cheyenne Petroleum Company, IP Petroleum Company, Inc., KCS
Energy, Inc., Pennzoil Company, Phillips Petroleum Company and Texaco Inc.
Following the Offering, the Company intends to increase the number and size of
seismic data acquisitions and interpretation projects it manages to accelerate
its prospect generation activities and capture a greater share of the oil and
natural gas properties discovered as a result of its technological expertise.

Under the participation agreements on its recent projects, the Company is
generally responsible for determining the area to explore; managing the land
permitting and optioning process; determining seismic survey design;
overseeing data acquisition and processing; preparing, integrating and
interpreting the data; identifying the drill site; and in selected instances,
managing drilling and production operations. The Company is therefore
responsible for exercising control over what it believes are the critical
functions in the exploration process. The Company seeks to obtain lease
operator status and control over field operations, including decisions
regarding drilling and completion methods and accounting and reporting
functions, only when its expertise and planning capabilities indicate that
meaningful value can be added through its performance of these functions.
Typically, in cases when the Company does not have field operator status, the
Company is primarily responsible for identifying prospects for the operator
and, when necessary, asserts its rights under its joint operating agreements
to ensure drilling of such prospects. The Company began field operations of
wells in 1995 and currently operates producing oil and natural gas wells in
South Texas and Alabama. These wells range in depth from 3,000 feet to greater
than 14,000 feet.

The Company has developed extensive experience in the development and
management of projects along the Gulf Coast. Over the past 13 years, the
Company has generated and assembled approximately 130 prospects within the
onshore Gulf Coast area. The Company believes that the ability to develop
large scale 3-D projects in this area on an economic basis requires experience
in obtaining the rights to explore and is a source of competitive advantage
for the Company.

The Company's primary strategy for acreage acquisition is to obtain leasing
options covering large geographic areas prior to conducting its 3-D seismic
surveys. The Company, therefore, typically seeks to acquire seismic permits
that include options to lease, thereby reducing the cost and the level of
competition for leases on drilling prospects that may result upon completing a
successful seismic data acquisition program over a project area.

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SIGNIFICANT PROJECT AREAS

Set forth below are descriptions of the Company's key project areas where it
is actively exploring for potential oil and natural gas prospects and in many
cases currently has production. The 3-D surveys the Company is using to
analyze its project areas range from regional non-proprietary group shoots to
single field proprietary surveys. The Company has participated in these
project areas with industry partners under agreements that typically provide
for the industry partners to bear a disproportionately greater share of the
up-front costs associated with obtaining option arrangements with landowners,
seismic data acquisition and related data interpretation than the costs
incurred by the Company.

Although the Company is currently pursuing prospects within the project
areas listed below, there can be no assurance that these prospects will be
drilled at all or within the expected timeframe. The final determination with
respect to the drilling of any scheduled or budgeted wells will be dependent
on a number of factors, including (i) the results of exploration efforts and
the acquisition, review and analysis of the seismic data, (ii) the
availability of sufficient capital resources by the Company and the other
participants for the drilling of the prospects, (iii) the approval of the
prospects by other participants after additional data has been compiled, (iv)
economic and industry conditions at the time of drilling, including prevailing
and anticipated prices for natural gas and oil and the availability of
drilling rigs and crews, (v) the financial resources and results of the
Company and (vi) the availability of leases on reasonable terms and permitting
for the prospect. There can be no assurance that these projects can be
successfully developed or that the scheduled or budgeted wells discussed will,
if drilled, encounter reservoirs of commercially productive natural gas or
oil. The reserve data set forth below for the various prospects is based upon
the Ryder Scott Report. There are numerous uncertainties in estimating
quantities of proved reserves, including many factors beyond the control of
the Company. See "Risk Factors--Risks Associated with the Business of the
Company--Dependence on Exploratory Drilling Activities," "--Reserve
Replacement Risk" and "--Uncertainty of Reserve Information and Future Net
Revenue Estimates."

TEXAS

Encinitas/Kelsey Project Area: Frio-Vicksburg Trend

The Encinitas/Kelsey Project Area is located in Brooks County, Texas in the
geologically complex Frio-Vicksburg trend. The Company acquired 9,110 acres in
this project area in December 1994 to re-develop the property. Upon
acquisition of its interests in this project area, the Company undertook a
comprehensive petrophysical study and a 32 square mile 3-D survey over the
area which has resulted in the identification of numerous prospects. Four of
these prospects were drilled between January and June 1996, resulting in four
new field discoveries. During the quarter ended September 30, 1996, the
Company's share of production from wells in this project area was 54 Bbls/d of
oil and 2.6 MMcf/d of gas. As of September 30, 1996, the Company's net
estimated proved reserves in the fields were 1.8 Bcf of gas and 23 MBbls of
oil. The Company has identified eight drill sites, two of which it has
scheduled to drill in the last quarter of 1996, with the remaining six to be
drilled in the first half of 1997. Two additional wells may be drilled in
1997, depending upon the results of the eight wells scheduled to be drilled.
The Company believes that continuing interpretation of the 3-D seismic data
will result in additional prospects and drilling locations. The Company has a
22.5% working interest and an 18.8% net revenue interest in the properties in
this project area.

Everest Project Area: Frio-Vicksburg Trend

The Everest Project Area is located in Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Texas in
the prolific Frio-Vicksburg Trend. The Company and a partner licensed
approximately 340 square miles of non-proprietary 3-D seismic data in this
project area in August 1995 and June 1996. Through its data processing,
analysis and interpretation techniques, the Company has identified 58
prospects in the shallow Frio trend and the deeper structurally complex
Vicksburg Trend, and two potentially large prospects in the relatively
unexplored Eocene Trend. The Company and its partner currently control 18 of
these prospects (ten Frio, seven Vicksburg and one Eocene). Seven of these
prospects have been drilled (five Frio prospects and two Vicksburg), resulting
in six new field

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discoveries and one field extension. These discoveries have resulted in
additional net proved reserves to the Company of 3.8 Bcf of gas and 47 MBbls
of oil. A portion of the Company's interest in the Vicksburg prospects was
sold to industry partners, the proceeds of which were used to finance the
drilling costs of the Company's retained working interest. For 1997, the
Company has scheduled two development wells on previous discoveries and six
exploratory wells. The Company has also budgeted for drilling 11 additional
exploratory prospects to be selected from the remaining inventory of 42
prospects. The Company also believes that continuing interpretation of the
Everest Project 3-D data will result in additional prospects and drilling
locations. The Company is entitled to 50% of any interests acquired by the
Company and its partner in prospects developed in this project area.

Cameron Project Area: Wilcox and Jackson-Yegua Trends

The Cameron Project Area is located in Webb and Duval Counties, Texas in the
prolific structurally complex Wilcox trend and the highly stratigraphic
Jackson-Yegua trend. The Company and a partner have underwritten approximately
325 square miles of non-proprietary 3-D seismic data in this project area. The
first 100 square miles of the data is expected to be received by the Company
in March 1997, with the remainder expected to be delivered to the Company over
the remainder of 1997. As in the Everest Project, the Company's strategy is to
drill all shallow, normally pressured prospects and to sell portions of the
deeper over-pressured prospects using the resulting proceeds to finance the
drilling costs of the retained interests in such prospects. The Company
believes that, given the geologic similarities of the Everest and Cameron
Project areas, the Company's experience in the Everest Project Area will
assist it in its exploration efforts in the Cameron Project. The Company is
entitled to 50% of any interests acquired by the Company and its partner in
prospects developed in this project area.

Nita/Austin Project Area

Nita/Austin Project Area: Wilcox Formation. The Nita/Austin Project Area is
located along the Gulf Coast of South Texas in Goliad County. The Company has
identified two large Wilcox prospects in this project area. The first of these
prospects was discovered by the Company and is called the Bego Field. An
initial test well drilled in 1991 based on 2-D seismic data resulted in a new
field discovery. A second well in the Bego Field was drilled in 1994 and
experienced mechanical failure. In early 1995 the Company acquired a 42 square
mile 3-D seismic survey covering this project area. A third Bego Field well
was drilled in 1995 using the 3-D seismic data and is currently in the
developmental stage. Currently, two delineation wells are also being drilled.
Given the early stage of development and current uncertainty as to the
commerciality of the field, the Company has not attempted to make any estimate
of reserves from these wells. The second of the two large Wilcox prospects was
identified using 3-D seismic data and is scheduled to be drilled in the first
quarter of 1997. The Company has an average 1.7% working interest and an
average 6% after payout working interest in its properties in the Wilcox
formation portion of this project area.

Nita/Austin Project Area: Shallow Frio Trend. In mid-1995, the Company,
through its analysis of the Nita/Austin 3-D seismic survey, identified 26
prospects in the shallow Frio trend. During the second half of 1995 and the
first nine months of 1996, 22 of these prospects were drilled, resulting in 17
commercial wells. For the quarter ended September 30, 1996, these wells
produced 2.8 MMcf/d of natural gas net to the Company. The estimated net
proved reserves to the Company for these wells were 4.6 Bcf of natural gas as
of September 30, 1996. The Company currently expects to drill one additional
well in the shallow Frio trend portion of this project area during the first
quarter of 1997. The Company has also budgeted two additional shallow Frio
wells for the end of 1997. The Company has an average 80% working interest and
an average 60% net revenue interest in the properties in the shallow Frio
trend portion of this project area.

Spartan Project Area: Frio Trend

The Spartan Project Area is a 23 square mile 3-D seismic project area
located adjacent to the Nita/Austin Project Area in Goliad and Victoria
Counties, Texas. The Company currently has approximately 5,855 acres

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under lease or option in this project area. The objective for this project
area is primarily the shallow Frio trend, with additional potential in the
deeper Yegua and Wilcox formations. The Company began interpreting the 23
square miles of seismic data in August 1996, and has identified three Frio
drill sites, one deep Wilcox prospect and one Yegua prospect to date. The
Company expects to spud the first Frio well in the fourth quarter of 1996,
with the remaining scheduled wells to be drilled in 1997. The Company has also
budgeted for 1997 two additional wells that are currently being evaluated. The
Company's primary exploration leases and options, if exercised, provide for a
50% working interest and an average 39.5% net revenue interest in its
properties in this project area.

Belco Project Area: Frio Trend and Yegua and Wilcox Formations

The Belco Project Area is located in Goliad, Bee and Victoria Counties,
Texas where the Company controls 38,476 acres through lease or option. The
primary exploration objectives for this project area, like the Nita/Austin
Project Area and the Spartan Project Area, are the shallow Frio gas
accumulations, with the secondary objectives being the deeper Yegua and Wilcox
formations. The Company and its partner on this project area, Belco Oil & Gas
Corp. ("Belco"), are currently in the initial phase of this project which
involves acquiring a total of 250 square miles of proprietary 3-D seismic
data. The first 114 square miles of the seismic data area are currently being
shot, and the seismic data is expected to be available for interpretation
during the first quarter of 1997. If the Company is successful in the
development of this initial phase, the project is expected to expand to a
total of 750 square miles of data acquisition. The Company's agreement with
Belco provides for the Company to manage all aspects of the project's
development, with Belco performing field operations for the deep prospects
developed and the Company operating any shallow Frio wells. The Company has
budgeted to drill 41 wells in this project area in 1997 based upon statistical
results of drilling activities in the adjoining Nita/Austin and Spartan
Project Areas that the Company believes are geologically similar. The Company
is entitled to 50% of any interests acquired by the Company and Belco in
prospects developed in this project area.

Tyler Project Area: Wilcox, Hockley, Pettus and Yegua Formations

The Tyler Project Area is located in Live Oak County, Texas where the
Company currently has approximately 3,750 gross acres under lease. The
exploration objectives are the deep, over-pressured zones of the expanded
Upper Wilcox formation and the shallow zones of the Hockley, Pettus and Yegua
formations. A 25 square mile proprietary 3-D seismic survey over the project
area was shot in 1994, from which an approximately 3,500 acre Wilcox prospect
was identified. An initial well drilled on the project area in 1995 was
temporarily abandoned for mechanical reasons, but the Company reentered and
completed the well and it was flowing at a rate of 1.0 MMcf/d of gas as of
September 30, 1996. An additional deep well has been drilled and is currently
being completed and one additional deep prospect is anticipated to be drilled
in the first half of 1997. The Company has a 1.5% working interest and a 15.2%
after payout working interest in these wells. In addition, in the shallow
zones of the Hockley and Pettus formations, the Company has drilled and
developed six producing wells which are currently producing approximately 130
Bbls/d and 180 Mcf/d net to the Company's interest. These six discoveries have
resulted in additional reserves of 0.5 Bcf of gas and 150 MBbls of oil net to
the Company as of September 30, 1996. The Company has working interests
ranging from 56% to 100% in the shallow producing wells.

Buckeye Project Area: Wilcox, Hockley, Pettus and Yegua Formations

The Buckeye Project Area is located in Live Oak County, Texas adjacent to
the Company's Tyler Project Area. The Company currently holds approximately
12,000 acres under option and is acquiring an approximately 20 square mile 3-D
seismic survey of the area during the fourth quarter of 1996. As with the
Tyler Project Area, the exploration objectives for the Buckeye Project Area
are the shallow zones of the Hockley, Pettus and Yegua formations and the deep
zones of the expanded upper Wilcox formation. The Company plans to drill any
prospects it identifies in the shallow formations and to seek to promote any
deep Wilcox prospects identified to other energy companies for cash and a
reversionary interest. The Company has budgeted to drill 11 wells in this

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project area in 1997 based upon statistical results of drilling activities in
the adjoining Tyler Project Area that the Company believes is geologically
similar. The Company's lease options, if exercised, provide for a 50% working
interest and an average of approximately 39% net revenue interest in the
acreage in this project area.

Hiawatha Project Area: Pettus and Yegua Formations

The Hiawatha Project Area is located in Duval County, Texas. The majority of
past drilling and production activity occurred in the 1940s, with the most
recent well in the area being drilled in the 1970s. Although the area has
experienced limited recent exploration due to complex landowner and leasehold
owner problems, the Company has leased 11,754 acres and has options on an
additional 3,231 acres in this project area. A 23 square mile proprietary 3-D
seismic survey was obtained by the Company in August 1996 and is currently
being interpreted with multiple prospect leads under evaluation. Four wells
are currently scheduled to be drilled during the fourth quarter of 1996. The
Company has identified at least 12 additional prospects in various stages of
development which it has budgeted for drilling in 1997. Some of these wells
are dependent upon the results of the first four scheduled wells. The Company
has an average 50% working interest and an average 38.5% net revenue interest
in the acreage under lease in this project area.

East McFaddin Project Area: Frio Formation

The East McFaddin Project Area is located in Victoria County, Texas. In
1995, the Company obtained a 40% working interest in a 4,680 acre lease in the
project area by agreeing to conduct and pay for a 3-D seismic survey of the
project area. Subsequently, the Company expanded its leasehold acreage and
purchased options for 1,760 acres. The Company then obtained a partner to fund
an approximately 11 square mile 3-D seismic survey in exchange for 50% of the
Company's 40% interest. Two successful wells and three dry holes have been
drilled on the lease since acquisition of the 3-D seismic data. The two
successful wells produced an average of over 1.9 MMcf/d of gas during the
third quarter of 1996. The two producing wells are currently awaiting hook-up
from a low-pressure to a high-pressure pipeline, in order to increase
production rates. The 3-D seismic data was recently reprocessed and four
prospects are currently being evaluated and are scheduled to be drilled in
1997. Three additional wells have been budgeted to be drilled in 1997.

Triple "A" Project Area: Frio Formation

The Triple "A" Project Area involves the redevelopment of a mature field
located in San Patricio County, Texas. All of the prospects in this project
area are located in the normally pressured Frio trend. In 1995 the Company
acquired a 2,230 acre lease in the Triple "A" Project Area by conducting a 13
square mile 3-D seismic survey over the field area. An additional 600 acres
has been acquired by the Company to cover what the Company believes to be the
prospective areas around the field. The Company has recently drilled and
completed the first of two identified prospects. The well is currently
producing 470 Mcf/d of gas and 10 Bbls/d of oil net to the Company's interest
with net proved reserves of 0.4 Bcf of gas and 7.0 MBbls of oil as of
September 30, 1996. Should the Company identify any additional drill sites, it
would expect to drill the normally pressured prospects and, like in the Starr-
Hidalgo Project Area, it would seek to develop and sell deeper prospects for
up-front cash and an after payout working interest. The Company has an average
25% working interest and an average 18.8% net revenue interest in the acreage
under lease in this project area.

MISSISSIPPI

Tallahala Creek Field: Cotton Valley and Smackover Formation

The Tallahala Creek Field is located in Smith County, Mississippi, and
approximately 3,240 acres are under lease. Following acquisition of the field,
improvements in operations of producing wells and several recompletions
identified by the Company in a detailed petrophysical study of the existing
wells resulted in a production increase from 180 Bbls/d of oil at the time of
acquisition in November 1994 to 370 Bbls/d of oil during the quarter ended
September 30, 1996. As of September 30, 1996, the estimated proved reserves of
this

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<PAGE>

field were 1.2 MMBbls of oil and 1.5 Bcf of natural gas. In the fourth quarter
of 1995 the Company acquired a 28 square mile 3-D seismic survey over the
field. Interpretation of the 3-D data has revealed five prospects within the
field. The Company is currently drilling the first of these locations to a
depth of approximately 16,200 feet. The Company has an 18% to 23.5% working
interest and a 10.6% to 17.4% net revenue interest in the properties in this
field.

Quito Prospect: Cotton Valley and Smackover Formation

The Quito Prospect is located in Wayne County, Mississippi, and
approximately 2,760 acres are under lease. The Company identified the prospect
using 2-D seismic data and acquired 3-D seismic data in November 1996 to
better delineate the prospect. The Company believes the 3-D seismic data
indicates a structure that could potentially support four producing wells. The
Company has an average 50% working interest and an average 36.3% net revenue
interest in the acreage under lease.

ALABAMA

Barnett Project Area: Smackover Formation

The Barnett Project Area is located in Escambia County, Alabama, and
approximately 578 acres are under lease. A 20 square mile 3-D seismic survey
was acquired and interpreted in 1994, resulting in the identification of six
prospects in the Smackover Formation. Four of these prospects have been
drilled, resulting in the completion of three producing wells. Production from
the first two producing wells averaged 730 Bbls/d of oil and 825 Mcf/d of gas
during the quarter ended September 30, 1996. The third well began production
in the fourth quarter of 1996. The two remaining prospects are scheduled to be
drilled during 1997. The Company has an average 18.5% after payout working
interest and an average 13.6% after payout net revenue interest in the acreage
under lease in this project area.

LOUISIANA

South Mermentau Field

The South Mermentau Field is located in Acadia Parish, Louisiana. The
Company discovered a new natural gas reservoir in this field by drilling an
initial exploration well. A second well was drilled on an offset fault block
and was also found to be productive. The field produced approximately 9.8
MMcf/d of natural gas and 575 Bbls/d of oil during the third quarter of 1996.
The Company's net estimated proved reserves are 0.8 Bcf of gas and 44 Mbls of
oil as of September 30, 1996. The Company is currently attempting to permit a
3-D survey over this project area. The Company has a 15.8% working interest
and an 11.3% net revenue interest in its properties in this field.

SIGNIFICANT FULLY DEVELOPED PROPERTIES

In addition to its exploration project areas, the Company has interests in
the following significant development properties. No exploration is expected
to be conducted on such properties. The reserve data set forth below for the
properties is based on the Ryder Scott Report. There are numerous
uncertainties in estimating quantities of proved reserves, including many
factors beyond the control of the Company. See "Risk Factors--Risks Associated
with the Business of the Company--Uncertainty of Reserve Information and
Future Net Revenue Estimates."

South Maurice Field

South Maurice Field is located in Vermillion Parish, Louisiana, and is the
largest single discovery made to date by the Company. The field has produced
approximately 80 Bcf of gas since its discovery by the Company in 1987 and was
producing 21.4 MMcf/d of gas and 120 Bbls/d of oil as of September 30, 1996.
The Company

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<PAGE>

distributed most of its interests in this field to its former equity holders,
but still retains a 2.7% working interest and a 2.0% average net revenue
interest with proved reserves of 0.4 Bcfe attributable to the Company as of
September 30, 1996.

North Excel Field

The North Excel Field is located in Monroe County, Alabama, and
approximately 769 acres are under lease. The North Excel Field was discovered
by the Company in November 1994. During 1994, a 3-D seismic survey was
acquired and interpreted within the Frisco City Sands and the Norphlet Sands.
Four producing wells have been completed in the field, which produced 790
Bbls/d of oil and 4,700 Mcf/d of gas during the quarter ended September 30,
1996 with estimated proved reserves of 188 MBbls of oil and 0.5 Bcf of gas as
of September 30, 1996. The Company believes that the North Excel Field is
fully drilled and offers the potential for increased reserves solely from
operational and engineering improvements. The Company has a 13% after payout
working interest in the acreage under lease in this field, with approximately
$700,000 remaining until payout as of September 30, 1996.

ESSEX ROYALTY PROPERTIES

The Company is the managing venturer of two joint ventures (the "Essex
Royalty Joint Ventures") that have acquired royalty, overriding royalty, net
profits and other non-operating interests with respect to producing and non-
producing properties located in Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, New
Mexico and Oklahoma.

Pursuant to the joint venture agreements for the Essex Royalty Joint
Ventures, the Company, as managing venturer, receives certain management fees.
In addition, after the other participants in each of the two Essex Royalty
Joint Ventures receive distributions equivalent to 110% and 111.3%,
respectively, of their capital contributions, the Company will receive 40% and
25%, respectively, of the profits, losses and distributions of the Essex
Royalty Joint Ventures. As of September 30, 1996, approximately $1.2 million
and $2.4 million remained until payout with respect to the two Essex Royalty
Joint Ventures. The Company is currently in the process of attempting to cure
title defects with respect to a property with accrued revenue in suspense of
approximately $325,000 as of September 30, 1996 with respect to the Essex
Royalty Joint Venture with $2.4 million remaining until payout. For a more
extensive discussion of the joint venture agreements with respect to the Essex
Royalty Joint Ventures, see "Certain Transactions--Essex Royalty Joint
Ventures."

From its inception in 1992 through September 30, 1996, in addition to the
payment of management fees, the Essex Royalty Joint Ventures made
distributions of $2.2 million, all of which, pursuant to the sharing ratios
described above, were distributed to the other participants in the Essex
Royalty Joint Ventures.

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<PAGE>

OIL AND NATURAL GAS RESERVES

The following table sets forth estimated net proved oil and natural gas
reserves of the Company and the present value of estimated future pretax net
cash flows related to such reserves as of September 30, 1996. The reserve data
and the present value as of September 30, 1996 were prepared by Ryder Scott.
For further information concerning Ryder Scott's estimate of the proved
reserves of the Company at September 30, 1996, see Ryder Scott's letter
included as Annex A to this Prospectus. The present value of estimated future
net revenues before income taxes was prepared using constant prices as of the
calculation date, discounted at 10% per annum on a pretax basis, and is not
intended to represent the current market value of the estimated oil and
natural gas reserves owned by the Company. For further information concerning
the present information concerning the present value of future net revenue
from these proved reserves, see Note 9 of Notes to Combined Financial
Statements of the Company. Also see "Risk Factors--Risks Associated with the
Business of the Company--Uncertainty of Reserve Information and Future Net
Revenue Estimates."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROVED RESERVES
-----------------------------
DEVELOPED UNDEVELOPED TOTAL
--------- ----------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Oil and condensate (MBbls).................... 789 42 831
Natural gas (MMcf)............................ 10,985 2,579 13,564
Total proved reserves (MMcfe)................. 15,719 2,831 18,550
Present value of estimated future net revenues
before income taxes(1)....................... $19,444 $6,212 $25,656
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The present value of estimated future pretax net cash flows as of
September 30, 1996 was determined by using the September 30, 1996 weighted
average sales prices of $21.17 per Bbl of oil and $2.01 per Mcf of natural
gas. By comparison, the present value of estimated future pretax net cash
flows as of December 31, 1995 was determined by using the weighted average
sales prices that were being realized as of that date of $17.77 per Bbl of
oil and $2.12 per Mcf of natural gas.

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved
oil and natural gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production and
timing of development expenditures, including many factors beyond the control
of the producer. The reserve data set forth herein represents estimates only.
Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground
accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact way,
and the accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of
available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment.
As a result, estimates made by different engineers often vary from one
another. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production subsequent
to the date of an estimate may justify revision of such estimates, and such
revisions may be material. Accordingly, reserve estimates are generally
different from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately
recovered. Furthermore, the estimated future net revenues from proved reserves
and the present value thereof are based upon certain assumptions, including
future prices, production levels and costs, that may not prove correct.

No estimates of proved reserves comparable to those included herein have
been included in reports to any federal agency other than the Commission.

The prices used in calculating the estimated future net revenue attributable
to proved reserves do not necessarily reflect market prices for oil and
natural gas production subsequent to September 30, 1996. There can be no
assurance that all of the proved reserves will be produced and sold within the
periods indicated, that the assumed prices will actually be realized for such
production or that existing contracts will be honored or judicially enforced.

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<PAGE>

VOLUMES, PRICES AND OIL & GAS OPERATING EXPENSE

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the production
volumes of, average sales prices received for and average production costs
associated with the Company's sales of oil and natural gas for the periods
indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED
1993 1994 1995 SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
------- ------- ------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION:
Oil and condensate (MBbls)..... 26 61 66 81
Gas (MMcf)..................... 457 588 565 1,557
Total (MMcfe).................. 611 952 959 2,044
AVERAGE SALES PRICE:
Oil and condensate ($ per
MBbl)......................... $ 17.52 $ 17.66 $ 16.43 $19.49
Gas ($ per MMcf)............... 2.20 1.57 1.70 2.26
Average Oil & Gas Operating
Expense ($ per MMcfe)(1)...... 0.27 0.32 0.72 0.35
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes direct lifting costs (labor, repairs and maintenance, materials
and supplies), workover costs and the administrative costs of production
offices, insurance and property and severance taxes.

FINDING AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the costs
associated with finding, acquiring and developing the Company's proved oil and
natural gas reserves.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COST TO
FIND AND
RESERVES DEVELOP
CAPITALIZED ADDED (PER
COSTS(1) (MCFE)(2) MCFE)
----------- --------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1993...................................... $ 555 1,497 $0.37
1994...................................... 935 1,081 0.86
1995...................................... 3,883 7,916 0.49
1996 (through September 30)............... 3,792 7,071 0.54
------ ------ -----
January 1, 1993 through September 30,
1996..................................... $9,164 17,565 $0.53
====== ====== =====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Capitalized costs represent all capitalized expenditures of the Company
excluding acquisition costs for unproved prospects as shown in the table
under the caption "--Development, Exploration and Acquisition Capital
Expenditures."
(2) Reserves added equals the extensions and discoveries on an Mcfe basis. See
Note 8 to the unaudited Combined Financial Statements of the Company.

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<PAGE>

DEVELOPMENT, EXPLORATION AND ACQUISITION CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the capitalized
costs incurred in the purchase of proved and unproved properties and in
development and exploration activities.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------- -----------------
1993 1994 1995 1995 1996
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Acquisition Costs:
Unproved prospects............ $ 2,914 $ 5,497 $ 3,659 $ 3,695 $ 3,309
Proved properties............. 7 26 91 91 36
Exploration..................... 527 670 2,642 1,122 2,052
Development..................... 21 238 1,150 297 1,714
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Total capitalized costs..... $ 3,469 $ 6,431 $ 7,542 $ 5,205 $ 7,111
======= ======= ======= ======== ========
</TABLE>

DRILLING ACTIVITY

The following table sets forth the drilling activity of the Company for the
years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996. In the table, "gross" refers to the total wells in which
the Company has a working interest and "net" refers to gross wells multiplied
by the Company's working interest therein. Wells in which the Company holds a
reversionary interest are not included in the following table because such
interests had not been earned at the time of drilling. The percentage of the
Company's wells in which it holds solely a reversionary interest has decreased
in the last two years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
NINE MONTHS
ENDED
1993 1994 1995 SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
--------- --------- ----------- --------------------
GROSS NET GROSS NET GROSS NET GROSS NET
----- --- ----- --- ----- ----- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Exploratory Wells
Productive........... 3 .07 4 .09 17 8.66 24 11.92
Nonproductive........ 8 .20 4 .10 12 4.64 9 2.55
--- --- --- --- --- ----- -------- ----------
Total.............. 11 .27 8 .19 29 13.30 33 14.47
Development Wells
Productive........... 1 -- 5 .23 5 .20 -- --
Nonproductive........ -- -- -- -- 1 .01 1 .20
--- --- --- --- --- ----- -------- ----------
Total.............. 1 -- 5 .23 6 .21 1 .20
</TABLE>
- --------
* An additional 1 gross (.004 net) exploratory well drilled in 1996 was
awaiting completion at September 30, 1996 and could not yet be classified
as productive or nonproductive.

Since September 30, 1996, the Company has drilled 6 gross productive
exploratory wells (3.47 net). The Company is currently drilling or evaluating
1 gross exploratory well (.25 net) and 1 gross development well (.22 net).

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<PAGE>

PRODUCTIVE WELLS

The following table sets forth the number of productive oil and natural gas
wells in which the Company owned an interest as of September 30, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY-
OPERATED OTHER TOTAL
----------- ----------- -----------
GROSS NET GROSS NET GROSS NET
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Oil................................... 3 1.66 31 5.57 34 7.23
Natural gas........................... 19 13.27 32 5.95 51 19.22
--- ----- --- ----- --- -----
Total............................. 22 14.93 63 11.52 85 26.45
</TABLE>

ACREAGE DATA

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's
developed and undeveloped lease acreage as of September 30, 1996. Developed
acres refers to acreage within producing units and undeveloped acres refers to
acreage that has not been placed in producing units.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEVELOPED ACRES UNDEVELOPED ACRES
---------------- -----------------
GROSS NET GROSS NET
-------- ------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alabama................................ 2,925 157 7,712 1,262
Louisiana.............................. 2,841 315 117 97
Mississippi............................ 2,660 87 6,041 747
Texas.................................. 30,486 7,740 50,512 14,451
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total.............................. 38,912 8,299 64,382 16,557
======== ======= ======== ========
</TABLE>

Leases covering approximately 11,828 gross (1,754 net), 16,524 gross (5,140
net), 22,707 gross (4,316 net), 1,822 gross (196 net) and 1,604 gross (161 net)
undeveloped acres are scheduled to expire in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000,
respectively.

The table does not include 59,562 gross (29,781 net) acres that the Company
has a right to acquire pursuant to various seismic option agreements. In
addition, the Company is expected to acquire options on an additional 37,900
acres pursuant to various seismic option agreements by December 31, 1997.

MARKETING

The Company's production is marketed to third parties consistent with
industry practices. Typically, oil is sold at the wellhead at field-posted
prices and natural gas is sold under contract at a negotiated price based upon
factors normally considered in the industry, such as distance from the well to
the pipeline, well pressure, estimated reserves, quality of natural gas and
prevailing supply/demand conditions.

The Company's marketing objective is to receive the highest possible wellhead
price for its product. The Company is aided by the presence of multiple outlets
near its production in the Gulf Coast. The Company takes an active role in
determining the available pipeline alternatives for each property based upon
historical pricing, capacity, pressure, market relationships, seasonal
variances and long-term viability.

There are a variety of factors which affect the market for oil and natural
gas, including the extent of domestic production and imports of oil and natural
gas, the proximity and capacity of natural gas pipelines and other
transportation facilities, demand for oil and natural gas, the marketing of
competitive fuels and the effects of state and federal regulations on oil and
natural gas production and sales. The Company has not experienced any
difficulties in marketing its oil and natural gas. The oil and natural gas
industry also competes with other industries in supplying the energy and fuel
requirements of industrial, commercial and individual customers.

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<PAGE>

The Company markets its own production where feasible with a combination of
market-sensitive pricing and forward-fixed pricing. Forward pricing is
utilized to take advantage of anomalies in the futures market and to hedge a
portion of the Company's production deliverability at prices exceeding
forecast. All of such hedging transactions provide for financial rather than
physical settlement. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--The Company--General Overview."

Despite the measures taken by the Company to attempt to control price risk,
the Company remains subject to price fluctuations for natural gas sold in the
spot market due primarily to seasonality of demand and other factors beyond
the Company's control. Domestic oil prices generally follow worldwide oil
prices, which are subject to price fluctuations resulting from changes in
world supply and demand. The Company continues to evaluate the potential for
reducing these risks by entering into, and expects to enter into, additional
hedge transactions in future years. In addition, the Company may also close
out any portion of existing hedges as determined to be appropriate by
management.

COMPETITION

REGULATION

The availability of a ready market for oil and gas production depends upon
numerous factors beyond the Company's control. These factors include
regulation of natural gas and oil production, federal and state regulations
governing environmental quality and pollution control, state limits on
allowable rates of production by well or proration unit, the amount of natural
gas and oil available for sale, the availability of adequate pipeline and
other transportation and processing facilities and the marketing of
competitive fuels. For example, a productive natural gas well may be "shut-in"
because of an oversupply of natural gas or lack of an available natural gas
pipeline in the areas in which the Company may conduct operations. State and
federal regulations generally are intended to prevent waste of natural gas and
oil, protect rights to produce natural gas and oil between owners in a common
reservoir, control the amount of natural gas and oil produced by assigning
allowable rates of production and control contamination of the environment.
Pipelines are subject to the jurisdiction of various federal, state and local
agencies. The following discussion summarizes the regulation of the United
States oil and gas industry and is not intended to constitute a complete
discussion of the various statutes, rules, regulations and governmental orders
to which the Company's operations may be subject.

REGULATION OF NATURAL GAS AND OIL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION. The Company's
operations are subject to various types of regulation at the federal, state
and local levels. Such regulation includes requiring permits for

98
<PAGE>

the drilling of wells, maintaining bonding requirements in order to drill or
operate wells and regulating the location of wells, the method of drilling and
casing wells, the surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells
are drilled in, the plugging and abandoning of wells and the disposal of
fluids used in connection with operations. The Company's operations are also
subject to various conservation laws and regulations. These include the
regulation of the size of drilling and spacing units or proration units and
the density of wells which may be drilled in and the unitization or pooling of
oil and gas properties. In this regard, some states allow the forced pooling
or integration of tracts to facilitate exploration while other states rely
primarily or exclusively on voluntary pooling of lands and leases. In areas
where pooling is voluntary, it may be more difficult to form units, and
therefore, more difficult to develop a project if the operator owns less than
100% of the leasehold. In addition, state conservation laws establish maximum
rates of production from oil and natural gas wells, generally prohibit the
venting or flaring of natural gas and impose certain requirements regarding
the ratability of production. The effect of these regulations may limit the
amount of oil and natural gas the Company can produce from its wells and may
limit the number of wells or the locations at which the Company can drill. The
regulatory burden on the oil and gas industry increases the Company's costs of
doing business and, consequently, affects its profitability. Inasmuch as such
laws and regulations are frequently expanded, amended and reinterpreted, the
Company is unable to predict the future cost or impact of complying with such
regulations.

FEDERAL REGULATION OF SALES AND TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL GAS. Historically,
the transportation and sale for resale of natural gas in interstate commerce
have been regulated pursuant to the Natural Gas Act of 1938 (the "NGA"), the
Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (the "NGPA") and the regulations promulgated
thereunder by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the "FERC"). Maximum
selling prices of certain categories of natural gas sold in "first sales,"
whether sold in interstate or intrastate commerce, were regulated pursuant to
the NGPA. On July 26, 1989, the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act (the
"Decontrol Act") was enacted, which removed, as of not later than January 1,
1993, all remaining federal price controls from natural gas sold in "first
sales." The FERC's jurisdiction over natural gas transportation was unaffected
by the Decontrol Act.

Historically, producers typically sold their production to intrastate and
interstate pipelines, which then functioned as the wholesalers selling to the
local distributors and other end-use customers. However, in April 1992, the
FERC issued Order No. 636, a rule designed to restructure the interstate
natural gas transportation and marketing system and remove various barriers
and practices that have historically limited non-pipeline natural gas sellers,
including producers, from effectively competing with interstate pipelines for
sales to local distribution companies and large industrial and commercial
customers. The most significant provisions of Order No. 636: (a) require that
interstate pipelines provide firm and interruptible transportation solely on
an "unbundled" basis, separate from their sales service, and convert each
pipeline's bundled firm sales service into unbundled firm transportation
service; (b) provide for the issuance of blanket certificates to pipelines to
provide unbundled sales service, giving all customers a chance to purchase
their firm supplies from nonpipeline merchants (see the discussion of Order
No. 547 below); (c) require that pipelines provide firm and interruptible
transportation service on a basis that is equal in quality for all natural gas
supplies, whether purchased from the pipeline or elsewhere; (d) require that
pipelines provide new, nondiscriminatory "no-notice" transportation for
certain of their traditional sales customers that largely replicates the
"bundled" sales service previously provided by pipelines; (e) establish two
new generic programs for the reallocation of firm pipeline capacity; (f)
require that all pipelines offer access to their storage facilities on a firm
and interruptible basis; (g) provide for pregranted abandonment of pipeline
sales agreements, interruptible and short-term (defined as one year or less)
transportation agreements and conditional pregranted abandonment of long-term
transportation service; (h) modify transportation rate design by requiring
that all fixed costs related to transportation be recovered through the
reservation charge; and (i) provide mechanisms for the recovery by pipelines
of certain types of costs likely to occur from implementation of Order No.
636. The restructuring process has been implemented on a pipeline-by-pipeline
basis through negotiations in individual pipeline proceedings. All of the
interstate pipelines have filed their Order No. 636 compliance plans with the
FERC and most have had those plans approved, subject to certain conditions and
subject to appeals to the reviewing court respecting various issues. Since the
issuance of Order No. 636, the FERC has issued two orders making relatively
minor modifications to Order No. 636. Numerous parties have filed for judicial
review of Order No. 636 as well as for judicial review of the FERC's orders

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<PAGE>

approving restructuring plans for various individual pipelines. The United
States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (the "Court")
recently issued its decision in the appeal of Order No. 636. The Court largely
upheld the basic tenets of Order No. 636, including the requirements that
interstate pipelines "unbundle" their sales of gas from transportation and
that pipelines provide open-access transportation on a basis that is equal for
all gas supplies. The Court remanded five relatively narrow issues for further
explanation by the FERC. In doing so, the Court made it clear that the FERC's
existing rules on the remanded issues would remain in effect pending further
consideration. The Court's decision is still subject to rehearing and parties
could potentially petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme
Court. It is not possible to predict what effect, if any, the ultimate outcome
of this judicial review process or the other appeals still pending in
individual pipeline restructuring proceedings will have on the FERC's open-
access regulations or on the Company.

For decades, the principal methodology used to set pipeline rates has been
based on the actual cost to provide that service. In recent years, regulators
have concluded that sufficient competition may exist in certain markets to
allow a relaxation of this historic approach. In January 1996, the FERC issued
a statement of policy and a request for comments concerning alternatives to
its traditional cost-of-service ratemaking methodology to establish the rates
interstate pipelines may charge for their services. The policy statement
articulates the criteria that the FERC will use to evaluate proposals to
charge market-based rates for the transportation of natural gas. The policy
statement also provides that the FERC will consider proposals for negotiated
rates for individual shippers of natural gas, so long as a cost-of-service-
based rate is available to the customer to protect against abuse. The FERC
requested comments on whether it should allow gas pipelines the flexibility to
negotiate the terms and conditions of transportation service with prospective
shippers. The Company cannot predict what further action the FERC will take on
these matters; however, the Company does not believe that it will be affected
by any action taken materially differently than other natural gas producers,
gatherers and marketers with which it competes.

The FERC recently issued a notice of proposed rulemaking ("NOPR") pursuant
to which it proposes to substantially revise its regulations regarding
releases of firm interstate pipeline capacity. In the NOPR, the FERC proposes
to (i) require pipelines to have comparable procedures for capacity release
transactions and interruptible transportation transactions; (ii) allow
replacement shippers to release capacity in segments and change primary
receipt and delivery points; (iii) eliminate the requirement to bid on release
transactions; and (iv) lift the price cap for released capacity, interruptible
transportation, and short-term firm pipeline capacity in markets where the
shipper or the pipeline demonstrates a lack of market power. Simultaneously
with the issuance of the NOPR, the FERC issued an order establishing an
experimental pilot program that would implement certain provisions of the NOPR
during the 1996-97 winter heating season. The FERC intends the pilot programs
to help in determining whether the criteria in the NOPR is indicative of a
lack of market power. The Company cannot predict what further action the FERC
will take on these matters; however, the Company does not believe that it will
be affected by any action taken materially differently than other natural gas
producers, gatherers and marketers with which it competes.

In May 1995, the FERC issued a policy statement on how interstate gas
pipelines can recover the costs of new pipeline facilities. While this policy
statement affects the Company only indirectly, in its present form the new
policy should enhance competition in natural gas markets and facilitate
construction of gas supply laterals. However, requests for rehearing of this
policy statement are currently pending. The Company cannot predict what action
the FERC will take on these requests.

Commencing in May 1994, the FERC issued a series of orders in individual
cases that delineate a new gathering policy in light of the interstate
pipeline industry's restructuring under Order No. 636. As a general matter,
gathering is exempt from the FERC's jurisdiction; however, the courts have
held that where the gathering is performed by the interstate pipelines in
association with the pipeline's jurisdictional transportation activities, the
FERC retains regulatory control over the associated gathering services to
prevent abuses. Among other matters, the FERC slightly narrowed its statutory
tests for establishing gathering status and reaffirmed that, except in
situations in which the gatherer acts in concert with an interstate pipeline
affiliate to frustrate the FERC's transportation policies, the FERC does not
generally have jurisdiction over natural gas gathering

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facilities and services. In the FERC's opinion, such facilities and services
are more properly regulated by state authorities. In addition, the FERC has
approved several transfers proposed by interstate pipelines of gathering
facilities to unregulated independent or affiliated gathering companies.
Certain of the FERC's orders delineating its new gathering policy recently
were the subject of an opinion issued by the Court. That opinion generally
upheld the FERC's policy of approving the interstate pipeline's proposed
"spindown" of its gathering facilities to an unregulated affiliate company,
but reversed and remanded to the FERC that portion of the FERC's orders
imposing so-called "default contracts" by which the unregulated affiliate was
obligated to continue existing gathering services to customers under "default
contracts" for up to two years after spindown. It remains unclear whether the
FERC will attempt to reimpose such conditions or will otherwise act in
response to producer requests for additional protection against perceived
monopolistic action by pipeline-related gatherers. In addition, in February
1996, the FERC issued a policy statement that, among other matters,
reaffirmed, with some clarifications, its long-standing test for determining
whether particular pipeline facilities perform a jurisdictional transmission
function or non jurisdictional gathering function. While changes to the FERC's
gathering policy affect the Company only indirectly, such changes could affect
the price and availability of capacity on certain gathering facilities, and
thus access to certain interstate pipelines, which, in turn, could affect the
price of gas at the wellhead and in markets in which the Company competes.
However, the Company does not believe that it will be affected by these
changes to the FERC's gathering policy materially differently than other
natural gas producers with which it competes.

In December 1992, the FERC issued Order No. 547, governing the issuance of
blanket marketer sales certificates to all natural gas sellers other than
interstate pipelines. The order applies to non-first sales that remain subject
to the FERC's NGA jurisdiction. Among other things, the order eliminates the
need for natural gas producers and marketers to seek specific authorization
under Section 7 of the NGA from the FERC to make sales of natural gas for
resale. Instead, effective January 7, 1993, these natural gas sellers, by
operation of the order, were issued blanket certificates of public convenience
and necessity allowing them to make jurisdictional natural gas sales for
resale at negotiated rates without seeking specific FERC authorization, thus
allowing such sellers to compete with sellers making deregulated first sales.
The FERC intends Order 547, in tandem with Order No. 636, to foster a
competitive market for natural gas by giving natural gas purchasers access to
multiple supply sources at market-driven prices. Order No. 547 may increase
competition in markets in which the Company's natural gas is sold.

In October 1992, the Energy Policy Act of 1992 was enacted. This Act
streamlined the permitting process necessary to import Canadian natural gas
and altered the treatment of such gas under the NGPA, eliminating the FERC's
jurisdiction over the price of non-pipeline sales of natural gas imported from
Canada. Canadian natural gas imports still require import authorizations from
the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy under Section 3 of the NGA
and construction and siting authorizations, where applicable, from the FERC.
These changes could enhance the ability of Canadian producers to export
natural gas to the United States and increase competition in the domestic
natural gas market.

Commencing in October 1993, the FERC has modified its regulation of oil
pipeline rates and services in order to comply with the Energy Policy Act of
1992. That Act mandated the FERC to streamline oil pipeline ratemaking by
abandoning its old, cumbersome procedures. It also grandfathered certain
existing rates. To respond to the statute, the FERC issued a series of rules
(Order Nos. 561 and 561-A) establishing an indexing system under which oil
pipelines will be able to change their transportation rates, subject to
prescribed ceiling levels. The indexing system, which allows or may require
pipelines to make rate changes to track changes in the Producer Price Index
for Finished Goods, minus one percent, became effective January 1, 1995. The
FERC's decision in these matters was recently affirmed by the Court. The
Company is not able at this time to predict the effects of Order Nos. 561 and
561-A, if any, on the transportation costs associated with oil production from
the Company's oil producing operations.

Additional proposals and proceedings that might affect the natural gas
industry are pending before Congress, the FERC and the courts. The natural gas
industry historically has been very heavily regulated; therefore, there

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<PAGE>

is no assurance that the less stringent regulatory approach recently pursued
by the FERC and Congress will continue.

OIL PRICE CONTROLS AND TRANSPORTATION RATES. Sales of crude oil, condensate
and gas liquids by the Company are not currently regulated and are made at
market prices. The FERC has issued an order establishing an indexing system
for transportation rates for oil that could increase the cost of transporting
oil to the purchaser. Because this order is subject to administrative and
judicial review, the Company is not able to predict what effect, if any, this
order will have on it.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS. The Company's operations are subject to numerous
laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment
or otherwise relating to environmental protection. Public interest in the
protection of the environment has increased dramatically in recent years. The
trend of more expansive and stricter environmental legislation and regulations
could continue. To the extent laws are enacted or other governmental action is
taken that restricts drilling or imposes environmental protection requirements
that result in increased costs to the oil and gas industry in general, the
business and prospects of the Company could be adversely affected.

The Company generates wastes, including hazardous wastes, that are subject
to the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") and comparable
state statutes. The EPA and various state agencies have limited the approved
methods of disposal for certain hazardous and nonhazardous wastes.
Furthermore, certain wastes generated by the Company's oil and natural gas
operations that are currently exempt from treatment as "hazardous wastes" may
in the future be designated as "hazardous wastes," and therefore be subject to
more rigorous and costly operating and disposal requirements.

The Company currently owns or leases numerous properties that for many years
have been used for the exploration and production of oil and gas. Although the
Company believes that it has utilized good operating and waste disposal
practices, prior owners and operators of these properties may not have
utilized similar practices, and, hydrocarbons or other wastes may have been
disposed of or released on or under the properties owned or leased by the
Company or on or under locations where such wastes have been taken for
disposal. In addition, many of these properties have been operated by third
parties whose treatment and disposal or release of hydrocarbons or other
wastes was not under the Company's control. These properties and the wastes
disposed thereon may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA and analogous state laws.
Under such laws, the Company could be required to remove or remediate
previously disposed wastes (including wastes disposed of or released by prior
owners or operators) or property contamination (including groundwater
contamination) or to perform remedial plugging operations to prevent future
contamination.

The Company's operations may be subject to the Clean Air Act ("CAA") and
comparable state and local requirements. Amendments to the CAA were adopted in
1990 and contain provisions that may result in the gradual imposition of
certain pollution control requirements with respect to air emissions from the
operations of the Company. The EPA and states have been developing regulations
to implement these requirements. The Company may be required to incur certain
capital expenditures in the next several years for air pollution control
equipment in connection with maintaining or obtaining operating permits and
approvals addressing other air emissionrelated issues. However, the Company
does not believe its operations will be materially adversely affected by any
such requirements.

Federal regulations require certain owners or operators of facilities that
store or otherwise handle oil, such as the Company, to prepare and implement
spill prevention, control, countermeasure and response plans relating to the
possible discharge of oil into surface waters. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990,
as amended ("OPA"), contains numerous requirements relating to the prevention
of and response to oil spills into waters of the United States. The OPA
subjects owners of facilities to strict joint and several liability for all
containment and cleanup costs and certain other damages arising from a spill,
including, but not limited to, the costs of responding to a release of oil to
surface waters. The OPA also requires owners and operators of offshore
facilities that could be the source of an oil spill into waters of the United
States, including wetlands, to post a bond, letter of credit or

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<PAGE>

other form of financial assurance in the amount of $35 million, subject to
later increase to as much as $150 million if a formal risk assessment
indicates that the increase is warranted, to cover costs that could be
incurred by governmental authorities in responding to an oil spill. In
addition to OPA, other federal and state laws for the control of water
pollution also provide varying civil and criminal penalties and liabilities in
the case of releases of petroleum or its derivatives into surface waters or
into the ground. Regulations are currently being developed under OPA and state
laws concerning oil pollution prevention and other matters that may impose
additional regulatory burdens on the Company. In addition, the CWA and
analogous state laws require permits to be obtained to authorize discharge
into surface waters or to construct facilities in wetland areas. With respect
to certain of its operations, the Company is required to maintain such permits
or meet general permit requirements. The EPA recently adopted regulations
concerning discharges of storm water runoff. This program requires covered
facilities to obtain individual permits, participate in a group permit or seek
coverage under an EPA general permit. The Company believes that it will be
able to obtain, or be included under, such permits, where necessary, and minor
modifications to existing facilities and operations that would not have a
material effect on the Company.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
("CERCLA"), also known as the "Superfund" law, and similar state laws impose
liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on
certain classes of persons that are considered to have contributed to the
release of a "hazardous substance" into the environment. These persons include
the owner or operator of the disposal site or sites where the release occurred
and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous
substances found at the site. Persons who are or were responsible for releases
of hazardous substances under CERCLA may be subject to joint and several
liability for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been
released into the environment and for damages to natural resources, and it is
not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims
for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the hazardous
substances released into the environment.

The Company also is subject to a variety of federal, state and local
permitting and registration requirements relating to protection of the
environment. Management believes that the Company is in substantial compliance
with current applicable environmental laws and regulations and that continued
compliance with existing requirements will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company.

OPERATING HAZARDS AND INSURANCE

The oil and natural gas business involves a variety of operating risks,
including the risk of fire, explosion, blow-out, pipe failure, casing
collapse, abnormally pressured formations and environmental hazards such as
oil spills, gas leaks, ruptures and discharges of toxic gases, the occurrence
of any of which could result in substantial losses to the Company due to
injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property, natural
resources and equipment, pollution or other environmental damage, cleanup
responsibilities, regulatory investigation and penalties and suspension of
operations.

In accordance with customary industry practice, the Company maintains
insurance against some, but not all, of the risks described above. The
Company's insurance does not cover business interruption or protect against
loss of revenues. There can be no assurance that any insurance obtained by the
Company will be adequate to cover any losses or liabilities. The Company
cannot predict the continued availability of insurance or the availability of
insurance at premium levels that justify its purchase. The occurrence of a
significant event not fully insured or indemnified against could materially
and adversely affect the Company's financial condition and operations.

TITLE TO PROPERTIES

The Company believes it has satisfactory title to all of its producing
properties in accordance with standards generally accepted in the oil and
natural gas industry. The Company's properties are subject to customary
royalty interests, liens incident to operating agreements, liens for current
taxes and other burdens which the Company

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<PAGE>

believes do not materially interfere with the use of or affect the value of
such properties. As is customary in the industry in the case of undeveloped
properties, little investigation of record title is made at the time of
acquisition (other than a preliminary review of local records).
Investigations, including a title opinion of local counsel, are generally made
before commencement of drilling operations. The Revolving Credit Facility is
secured by substantially all of the Company's oil and natural gas properties.

EMPLOYEES

At September 30, 1996, the Company had approximately 27 full-time and three
part-time employees, primarily professionals, including five
geologists/geophysicists, two data visualization geoscientists and two
engineers. The Company believes that its relationships with its employees are
good. None of the Company's employees are covered by a collective bargaining
agreement. From time to time, the Company utilizes the services of independent
consultants and contractors to perform various professional services,
particularly in the areas of construction, design, well site surveillance,
permitting and environmental assessment. Field and on-site production
operation services, such as pumping, maintenance, dispatching, inspection and
testing, are generally provided by independent contractors.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time the Company is a party to various legal proceedings
arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not currently a
party to any litigation that it believes could have a material adverse effect
on the financial position of the Company.

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MANAGEMENT

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND OTHER KEY EMPLOYEES

Following the completion of the Combination Transactions and the Offering,
the officers, directors and key employees of the Company will be substantially
the same as those of Old Edge, immediately prior to such events. The following
table sets forth certain information with respect to directors, executive
officers and certain employees of the Company, together with their ages (as of
November 1, 1996) and positions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR'S
TERM
NAME AGE POSITION ENDING
---- --- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Executive Officers and
Directors:
John E. Calaway........ 39 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the 1999
Board
James D. Calaway....... 39 President and Director 1999
Richard S. Dale........ 41 Controller, Treasurer and Secretary
Vincent Andrews........ 56 Director 1998
David B. Benedict...... 57 Director 1998
Paul McCollam.......... 52 Director 1997
Nils P. Peterson....... 60 Director 1998
Stanley S. Raphael..... 61 Director 1997
John Sfondrini......... 48 Director 1999
Robert W. Shower....... 59 Director* 1997
Other Key Employees:
David L. Blake......... 35 Director of Exploration
Mark J. Gabrisch....... 36 Director of Land
John O. Hastings, Jr... 36 Director of Exploration
John O. Tugwell........ 33 Director of Production Engineering
</TABLE>
- --------
*Mr. Shower will become a director of the Company following the completion of
the Offering.

The Company's Board of Directors is divided into three classes with
staggered terms of office, initially ending as set forth above. Thereafter,
the term for each class will expire on the date of the third annual
stockholders' meeting for the election of directors following the most recent
election of directors for such class. Each director holds office until the
next annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors of his class
and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified. Officers serve at
the discretion of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors will have three standing committees: the Audit
Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee.

JOHN E. CALAWAY is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
the Company. He was a founder of the predecessor of Old Edge and has served as
the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Old Edge or its
predecessor since 1986. Mr. John E. Calaway has more than 20 years of
experience in the oil and natural gas exploration and production business.

JAMES D. CALAWAY is the President and a director of the Company. He served
as a director of Old Edge since April 1991. Since January 1994, Mr. James D.
Calaway has served as Special Advisor to Old Edge. From 1989 to January 1994,
Mr. James D. Calaway was primarily engaged in the organization and
capitalization of several high technology companies, including The Forefront
Group, Inc. Prior thereto, he served as Vice President of Business Development
for Space Industries International, Inc., a company he co-founded in 1982 that
develops, fabricates, integrates and operates spacecraft and spaceflight
equipment. Mr. James D. Calaway received a B.A. in Economics from the
University of Texas and an M.A. in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from
Oxford University.

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<PAGE>

RICHARD S. DALE is the Controller, Treasurer and Secretary of the Company.
He has held the same positions with Old Edge and its predecessor since 1986.
Prior thereto, Mr. Dale was a Senior Accountant at the public accounting firm
of Kares & Cihlar and a staff accountant with Texaco Inc. He is a Certified
Public Accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of
Mississippi.

VINCENT ANDREWS is a director of the Company and has served as a director of
Old Edge since April 1991. Mr. Andrews has, for more than five years, served
as President of Vincent Andrews Management Corporation, a privately held
investment company primarily involved in personal financial management. He
received a B.S. in Business Administration from Georgetown University. In
1994, Mr. Andrews and Vincent Andrews Management Corporation, a company of
which Mr. Andrews is the President, each filed a voluntary petition for
reorganization pursuant to Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

DAVID B. BENEDICT is a director of the Company. He was appointed a director
of Old Edge in March 1995, and has been an active investor in Old Edge and its
predecessor since 1983. Since 1987, Mr. Benedict has served as Managing
Director of Capital Markets for First Albany Corporation, an investment
banking and brokerage firm. Prior thereto, he served in various capacities
with other investment banking firms, including Dillon Read & Company, Bear
Stearns Companies Inc. and Oppenheimer Capital L.P. Mr. Benedict holds a B.A.
and a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Lehigh University.

PAUL MCCOLLAM is a director of the Company and was appointed a director of
Old Edge in June 1996. Since 1985, he has been a managing director of Resource
Investors Management Company Limited Partnership ("RIMCO"), a full-service
investment company specializing in the energy industry. Mr. McCollam serves as
a director of Dawson Petroleum Services, Inc.

NILS P. PETERSON is a director of the Company and has served as a director
of Old Edge since March 1995. Since January 1991 he has been primarily engaged
as a private investor and formerly served as a director of the Eastern
Bancorp, Inc. and the Boston Mutual Life Insurance Co. Prior thereto, he was
Chief Investment Officer of the Harvard Management Company, investment manager
of the Harvard University endowment funds.

STANLEY S. RAPHAEL is a director of the Company and has served as a director
of Old Edge since April 1991. For more than five years, Mr. Raphael has been
primarily engaged as a private investor and is presently a director of
American Polymers Inc., a polystyrene manufacturer, Big City Bagels Inc., a
publicly held bagel store franchisor, and Trade Consultants, Inc., a
management consulting firm. Previously, he was active in trading crude oil,
petroleum products, LPG, petrochemicals, and plastics worldwide. Mr. Raphael
received a B.B.A. in Foreign Trade and Economics from the City College of New
York.

JOHN SFONDRINI is a director of the Company and has served as a director of
Old Edge or its predecessor since 1986, when he arranged for the
capitalization of the Joint Venture's predecessor. For more than five years,
he has managed various general and limited partnerships that invest primarily
in the oil and natural gas industry. He holds a B.S. in Economics from the
Wharton School of Finance. Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco, a corporation wholly
owned by Mr. Sfondrini of which he is the President, are the general partners
of certain partnerships that are affiliates of Old Edge.

ROBERT W. SHOWER will become a director of the Company following the
completion of the Offering. Mr. Shower served as Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of Seagull Energy Corporation from 1994 until his
retirement in April 1996. From March 1992 to 1994 he served as such company's
Senior Vice President. From 1991 to 1992 Mr. Shower served as Senior Vice
President, Corporate Development for Albert Fisher, Inc. Prior thereto, he
served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ameriserv. Mr.
Shower also serves as a director of Lear Corporation and Highlands Insurance
Group, Inc.

There are no family relations, of first cousin or closer, among the
Company's directors or executive officers, by blood, marriage or adoption,
except that Mr. John E. Calaway and Mr. James D. Calaway are twin brothers.

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<PAGE>

OTHER KEY EMPLOYEES

DAVID L. BLAKE is a Director of Exploration for the Company and served as a
geophysicist/geologist with Old Edge since July 1989. From 1984 to July 1989,
he held the position of geophysicist for Mobil Exploration and Production
Company. Mr. Blake holds a B.S. in Geophysics from Texas A&M University.

MARK J. GABRISCH is the Director of Land for the Company. Since November
1994, he served in a similar capacity with Old Edge. From 1985 to October
1994, he was a land man, most recently a Senior Land man, for Shell Oil
Company. Mr. Gabrisch holds a B.S. in Petroleum Land Management from the
University of Houston.

JOHN O. HASTINGS, JR. is a Director of Exploration for the Company and
served in a similar capacity with Old Edge since February 1994. From 1984 to
February 1994, he was an exploration geologist with Shell Oil Company, serving
as Senior Geologist before his departure. Mr. Hastings holds a B.A. from
Dartmouth in Earth Sciences and an M.S. in Geology from Texas A&M University.

JOHN O. TUGWELL is the Director of Production Engineering for the Company
and served as Senior Petroleum Engineer of Old Edge since May 1995. From 1986
to May 1995, he held various reservoir/production engineering positions with
Shell Oil Company, most recently that of Senior Reservoir Engineer. Mr.
Tugwell holds a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Louisiana State University.
Mr. Tugwell is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Directors who are employees of the Company are not entitled to receive
additional compensation for serving as directors. Following the Offering, each
director who is not an employee of the Company or a subsidiary (a "Nonemployee
Director") will receive, subject to attending a minimum of 75% of Board
meetings, an annual retainer consisting of (i) $7,000 in cash and (ii) 7,700
shares of restricted Common Stock (the "Director Restricted Stock") pursuant
to the Long-Term Incentive Plan of Edge Petroleum Corporation (the "Long-Term
Incentive Plan"). The Director Restricted Stock will vest ratably, subject to
continued service as a director, over five years beginning on the first
anniversary of the date of grant. All directors will be reimbursed for out-of-
pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or Board
committees and for other expenses incurred in their capacity as directors. In
addition, "Nonemployee Directors" will receive options for the purchase of
Common Stock pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan. See "--Incentive
Plans--Long-Term Incentive Plan."

OFFICER AND DIRECTOR INDEMNIFICATION

The Company's Bylaws provide for the indemnification of its officers and
directors, and the advancement to them of expenses in connection with
proceedings and claims, to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware
General Corporation Law. The Bylaws include related provisions meant to
facilitate the indemnitee's receipt of such benefits. These provisions cover,
among other things: (i) specification of the method of determining entitlement
to indemnification and the selection of independent counsel that will in some
cases make such determination; (ii) specification of certain time periods by
which certain payments or determinations must be made and actions must be
taken; and (iii) the establishment of certain presumptions in favor of an
indemnitee. The benefits of certain of these provisions are available to an
indemnitee only if there has been a change in control (as defined therein).
The Company intends to enter into indemnification agreements with its
directors and officers that provide for similar protections. In addition, the
Company expects to purchase directors' and officers' liability insurance
policies that will take effect upon the closing of this Offering.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth certain summary information concerning the
compensation provided by Old Edge to its Chief Executive Officer and each of
the other persons that will serve as executive officers of the

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<PAGE>

Company who earned more than $100,000 in combined salary and bonus from Old
Edge during the year ended December 31, 1995 (collectively, the "Named
Executive Officers").

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL
COMPENSATION(1)
---------------- ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION(2)
--------------------------- -------- ------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
John E. Calaway.............................. $322,666 -- $48,124
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board
James D. Calaway............................. 150,000 -- 30,302
Special Advisor(3)
Richard S. Dale.............................. 90,000 $10,000 32,535
Controller, Treasurer and Secretary
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Other annual compensation for the named individuals during 1995 did not
exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the annual compensation earned by
such individual.
(2) Represents the value of overriding royalty interests granted in 1995 in
respect of certain arrangements described under "--Other Compensatory
Arrangements" and in the case of Mr. John E. Calaway, $1,180 paid by Old
Edge for life insurance premiums. Substantially all of such overriding
royalty interests were sold shortly after the grant thereof. Accordingly,
such valuation is based primarily on the proceeds received from the sales
of such interests, and in cases where such interests have not been sold,
on sales of comparable interests.
(3) Mr. James D. Calaway served as Special Advisor of Old Edge during fiscal
1995. He currently serves as President of the Company.

No options were granted to any of the Named Executive Officers in 1995
pursuant to the Edge Petroleum Corporation 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan
(the "Old Edge Plan"). In connection with the Combination Transactions, all
options previously granted under the Old Edge Plan will be converted into
options for the purchase of Common Stock. See "--Incentive Plans--Old Edge
Plan." The following table summarizes the number and value of the outstanding
options granted under the Old Edge Plan with respect to the Named Executive
Officers, adjusted for such conversion into options for the purchase of Common
Stock. None of the Named Executive Officers exercised any stock options during
1995. There are no outstanding stock appreciation rights, shares of restricted
stock or long-term incentive plans with respect to Old Edge.

1995 YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
DECEMBER 31, 1995 DECEMBER 31, 1995
NAME EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE(1) EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE(2)
- ---- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John E. Calaway...... -- --
James D. Calaway..... 48,922/0 $582,661/--
Richard S. Dale...... 48,922/0 $682,951/--
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Represents the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued
pursuant to options outstanding at December 31, 1995 that will be assumed
by the Company from Old Edge in connection with the Combination
Transactions.
(2) Prior to this Offering, there was no public market for common stock of Old
Edge and, therefore, the value of each unexercised in-the-money stock
option is calculated as the difference between an estimated initial public
offering price of $16.00 per share and the exercise price of the stock
option, as adjusted for the conversion of shares of common stock of Old
Edge into shares of Common Stock. See "--Incentive Plans--Old Edge Plan."

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<PAGE>

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

Prior to the completion of the Offering, the Company expects to enter into
employment agreements with each of Mr. John E. Calaway and Mr. James D.
Calaway. The following summary of these agreements, which will be effective on
the closing of this Offering, does not purport to be complete and is qualified
by reference to them, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. Each of these
agreements provides for an annual base salary in an amount not less than
$295,000 in the case of Mr. John E. Calaway and $200,000 in the case of Mr.
James D. Calaway and entitles the employee to participate in all the Company's
compensation plans (as defined) in which other executive officers of the
Company participate. The agreement for Mr. John E. Calaway's employment
provides for the award of an annual cash bonus of $55,000 if the Company's
audited annual net cash flow increases by 15% or more relative to the audited
net cash flow of the prior calendar year, which bonus will be increased by
$50,000 to $105,000 if such increase in audited net cash flow is 25% or more.
The agreements of each of Mr. John E. Calaway and Mr. James D. Calaway provide
for restricted stock awards pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan of (a)
66,823 and 58,470 shares of Common Stock, respectively, that will vest ratably
over five years beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant and
(b) 66,822 and 58,470 shares of Common Stock, respectively (together, the
"Performance Shares"), that will vest on the earlier to occur of ten years or
the achievement of certain performance milestones. If the average closing
price per share for the Common Stock for the month of December for any given
year, as compared with the month of January for that same year (the "Annual
Growth"), has increased by 25% or more, then 20% of the Performance Shares
will vest. If the Annual Growth for a particular year is not at least 25% and
as a result none of the Performance Shares vest for such year (a "Nonachieving
Year"), then a deficit equal to 25% less the Nonachieving Year Annual Growth
shall exist. In the year subsequent to a Nonachieving Year, an additional 20%
of the Performance Shares will vest if the Annual Growth for such subsequent
year is at least 25% plus the deficit of the Nonachieving Year. Upon
completion of the Offering, Mr. John E. Calaway and Mr. James D. Calaway will
also each receive option grants, pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan, to
purchase 133,645 and 116,940 shares of Common Stock, respectively. See "--
Incentive Plans--Long-Term Incentive Plan." Each of the Employment Agreements
has an initial five-year term provided that beginning at the end of the second
year of such initial term and every anniversary thereafter, the term of each
such employment agreement will automatically be extended for one year, such
that the remaining term of the agreement shall never be less than three years.
Each agreement is subject to the right of the Company and the employee to
terminate the employee's employment at any time. Upon termination of
employment on account of death, disability or if employment is terminated by
the Company without cause (as defined) or by the employee with good reason (as
defined), the employee will be entitled to (i) payment(s) equal to his annual
base salary and, in the case of Mr. John E. Calaway his cash bonuses (in the
case of performance bonuses, payment shall be made in the amount of the
projected bonus for subsequent periods based on the average of the applicable
performance measure for the prior two years), for the remainder of the term of
the applicable agreement, (ii) continued participation in all the Company's
compensation plans (other than the granting of new awards under the Long-Term
Incentive Plan or any other performance-based plan) and (iii) the immediate
vesting of any stock options or restricted stock previously granted to such
employee and outstanding as of the time immediately prior to the date of his
termination.

Old Edge and Mr. John E. Calaway entered into an employment agreement as of
April 1991 that expired in April 1996. This agreement will be superseded by
the new employment agreement described above. Such agreement provided that Mr.
John E. Calaway was to receive base compensation of at least $295,000 per
year, subject to automatic upward adjustment based on certain price index
changes and discretionary upward adjustment upon the vote of two-thirds of the
board of directors of Old Edge. Pursuant to such agreement, Mr. John E.
Calaway was also entitled to receive a .3% overriding royalty interest in new
prospects of Old Edge or the Joint Venture during the term of the agreement.
Such overriding royalty interest was assigned to Mr. John E. Calaway as
described under "--Other Compensatory Arrangements." The agreement also
provides that Old Edge will provide at its expense a $1 million life insurance
policy payable to Mr. John E. Calaway or his designated beneficiaries.

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INCENTIVE PLANS

Long-Term Incentive Plan. Prior to the completion of the Offering, the
Company expects to adopt the Long-Term Incentive Plan. The objectives of the
Long-Term Incentive Plan are to (i) attract and retain the services of key
employees, qualified independent directors and qualified consultants and other
independent contractors and (ii) encourage the sense of proprietorship in and
stimulate the active interest of those persons in the development and
financial success of the Company by making awards ("Awards") designed to
provide participants in the Long-Term Incentive Plan with proprietary interest
in the growth and performance of the Company.

The Company plans to reserve 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock for use in
connection with the Long-Term Incentive Plan. Persons eligible for Awards are
(i) employees holding positions of responsibility with the Company or any of
its subsidiaries and whose performance can have a significant effect on the
success of the Company, (ii) Nonemployee Directors and (iii) certain
nonemployee consultants and other independent contractors providing, or who
will provide, services to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

The Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the
"Committee") will administer the Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Committee has
the exclusive power to administer the Long-Term Incentive Plan, to take all
actions specifically contemplated thereby or necessary or appropriate in
connection with the administration thereof, to interpret the Long-Term
Incentive Plan and to adopt such rules, regulations and guidelines for
carrying out its purposes as the Committee may deem necessary or proper in
keeping with the objectives of such plan. The Committee may, in its
discretion, among other things, extend or accelerate the exercisability of,
accelerate the vesting of or eliminate or make less restrictive any
restrictions contained in any Award, waive any restriction or other provision
of the Long-Term Incentive Plan or in any Award or otherwise amend or modify
any Award in any manner that is either (i) not adverse to that participant
holding the Award or (ii) consented to by that participant. The Committee also
may delegate to the chief executive officer and other senior officers of the
Company its duties under the LongTerm Incentive Plan.

The Board of Directors may amend, modify, suspend or terminate the Long-Term
Incentive Plan for the purpose of addressing any changes in legal requirements
or for any other lawful purpose, except that no change that would impair the
rights of any holder of an Award with respect to that Award may be made
without the consent of that holder. The Board of Directors may make certain
adjustments in the event of any subdivision, split or consolidation of
outstanding shares of Common Stock, any declaration of a stock dividend
payable in shares of Common Stock, any recapitalization or capital
reorganization of the Company, any consolidation or merger of the Company with
another corporation or entity, any adoption by the Company of any plan of
exchange affecting the Common Stock or any distribution to holders of Common
Stock of securities or property (other than normal cash dividends).

Awards may be in the form of (i) rights to purchase a specified number of
shares of Common Stock at a specified price ("Options") which may be
denominated in one or both of Common Stock or units denominated in Common
Stock, (ii) rights to receive a payment, in cash or Common Stock, equal to the
fair market value or other specified value of a number of shares of Common
Stock on the rights exercise date over a specified strike price, (iii)
restricted or unrestricted grants of Common Stock or units denominated in
Common Stock, (iv) grants denominated in cash and (v) grants denominated in
cash, Common Stock, units denominated in Common Stock or any other property
which are made subject to the attainment of one or more performance goals
("Performance Awards"). An Option may be either an incentive stock option
("ISO") that qualifies, or a nonqualified stock option ("NSO") that does not
qualify, with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. The Committee will
determine the recipients of Awards and the terms, conditions and limitations
applicable to each Award, which conditions may, but need not, include
continuous service with the Company, achievement of specific business
objectives or goals, increases in specified indices or other comparable
measures of performance. Performance Awards may include more than one
performance goal, and a performance goal may be based on one or more business
criteria applicable to the grantee, the Company as a whole or one or more of
the Company's business units and may include any of the following: increased
revenue, net income, stock price, market share, earnings per share, return on
equity or assets or decreased costs or other liabilities.

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On the date the Offering closes, Options under the Plan will be granted to
approximately 16 employees of the Company to purchase a total of approximately
350,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price per share equal to the
initial public offering price per share set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus. These awards include options to be granted to Messrs. John E.
Calaway, James D. Calaway and Richard S. Dale to purchase 133,645, 116,940 and
16,706 shares of Common Stock, respectively. All such options will have a term
of ten years and become exercisable in cumulative annual increments of one-
fifth of the total number of shares of Common Stock subject thereto, beginning
on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

On the date the Offering closes, each of the current Nonemployee Directors:
Messrs. Andrews, Benedict, McCollam, Peterson, Raphael and Sfondrini,
automatically will be granted NSOs (based on years of service) to purchase
8,000, 2,000, 2,000, 2,000, 8,000 and 8,000 shares of Common Stock,
respectively. In addition, on the first business day following the date on
which each annual meeting of the Company's stockholders is held, each
Nonemployee Director then serving will automatically be granted NSOs to
purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock. Any person who first becomes a
Nonemployee Director after the date this Offering closes automatically will be
granted, on the date of his or her election, NSOs to purchase 5,000 shares of
Common Stock. Each NSO granted to Nonemployee Directors will (i) have a ten
year term, (ii) have an exercise price per share equal to the fair market
value of a Common Stock share on the date of grant (the IPO price in the case
of NSOs granted on the closing of the Offering) and (iii) become exercisable
in cumulative annual increments of one-fifth of the total number of shares of
Common Stock subject thereto, beginning on the first anniversary of the date
of grant. If a Nonemployee Director resigns from the Board without the consent
of a majority of the other directors, such director's NSOs may be exercised
only to the extent they were exercisable on the resignation date.

The foregoing description summarizes the principal terms and conditions of
the Long-Term Incentive Plan, does not purport to be complete and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the Long-Term Incentive Plan, a copy of which
has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part.

401(K) Plan. Prior to the completion of the Offering, the Company expects to
adopt a 401(k) Employee Savings Plan (the "401(k) Plan") for its employees.
Under the 401(k) Plan, eligible employees will be permitted to defer receipt
of up to 15% of their compensation (subject to certain limitations imposed
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")). The 401(k)
Plan will provide that a discretionary match of employee deferrals may be made
by the Company in cash. Pursuant to the 401(k) Plan, the Company currently
expects to elect to match 50% of the first 6% of employee deferral, with the
Company's contribution not to exceed $9,000, subject to limitations imposed by
the Internal Revenue Service. The amounts held under the 401(k) Plan will be
invested among various investment funds maintained under the 401(k) Plan in
accordance with the directions of each participant, except that matching
contributions will be invested in securities of the Company. Salary deferral
contributions under the 401(k) Plan will be 100% vested. Matching
contributions will vest at the rate of 20% after two years of service and 20%
for each year thereafter. Participants or their beneficiaries will be entitled
to payment of vested benefits upon termination of employment.

Old Edge Plan. Old Edge adopted the Old Edge Plan pursuant to which, in
1994, all of the options held by Messrs. James D. Calaway and Dale were
granted. The Old Edge Plan was administered by nonemployee members of the
Board of Directors of Old Edge. In connection with the Combination
Transactions, such options will be converted into incentive stock options for
the purchase of such number of shares of Common Stock as each of Messrs. James
D. Calaway and Dale would have received in the Combination Transactions if
such options had been exercised immediately prior to the Combination
Transactions. After adjustment for such conversion, the option exercise price
per share of Common Stock will be approximately $4.09 and $2.04 for Messrs.
James D. Calaway and Dale, respectively.

OTHER COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS

Overriding Royalty Income. Overriding royalty interests are assigned to
certain employees of Old Edge to reward such employees with incentive
compensation based on the results of the oil and natural gas drilling
activities conducted through the Joint Venture. Pursuant to the Joint Venture
Agreement, Old Edge as managing

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joint venturer has the right to cause the Joint Venture to grant overriding
royalty interests on prospects sold by the Joint Venture to geologists,
scientists or other persons who originate prospects and to grant up to a .8%
overriding royalty interest to any of certain Old Edge executives. In the
past, Old Edge has caused the Joint Venture to assign overriding royalty
interests in certain oil and natural gas leases pursuant to this arrangement
to certain employees employed at the time of the execution of the lease. The
percentage of overriding royalty interest assigned to employees as a group for
a given lease typically has ranged from 2.6% to 3.8% of the Joint Venture's
total interest in such lease. An individual employee's overriding royalty
interest in a lease was determined in the discretion of Old Edge's management.
Employees receiving overriding royalty interests were entitled to receive
revenues immediately upon the assignment thereof, and such interests were not
subject to forfeiture.

The Company intends to assign overriding royalty interests on a more limited
basis with respect to leases entered into by the Joint Venture or otherwise by
the Company following the completion of the Offering. Only members of the
generating geological team for a given lease will receive overriding royalty
interests, and the Company currently does not expect such interests in the
aggregate to exceed 1.5% of the Company's total interest in such lease.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

Prior to the Offering, the Company expects to establish a Compensation
Committee. In the past, matters with respect to the compensation of executive
officers of Old Edge were determined by the nonemployee members of the Board
of Directors, as a whole.

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INFORMATION CONCERNING THE JOINT VENTURE

Substantially all of the activities described above under "Business of the
Company" are currently conducted through the Joint Venture, of which Old Edge,
Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group are the venturers. All of the reserves,
oil and gas properties and 2-D and 3-D seismic data described under "Business
of the Company" are owned by the Joint Venture, other than reserves and
interests attributable to the J.C. Calaway Interests (which reserves had
estimated future net revenues of $346,697 as of September 30, 1996). See
"Summary--The Combination Transactions--The James C. Calaway Exchange" for a
description of the J.C. Calaway Interests. Under the terms of the Joint
Venture Agreement, the Joint Venture is a limited purpose entity organized to
engage in oil and gas exploration and production and the management of oil and
gas interests.

Pursuant to the Joint Venture Agreement, Old Edge serves as the managing
venturer and generally directs and exercises control over all of the day-to-
day activities of the Joint Venture. The Joint Venture itself has no
employees; all employees associated with the operations of the Joint Venture
are employees of Old Edge. Old Edge also provides office space, office
equipment and furnishings used in the operations of the Joint Venture.
Pursuant to the Joint Venture Agreement, Old Edge prepares and delivers to
Edge Group II quarterly reports, a yearly budget and a budget for each
prospect. Old Edge is reimbursed for all costs incurred by it in connection
with the operations of the Joint Venture, subject to certain limitations based
on the budgeted amounts. Old Edge also has the right to cause the Joint
Venture to grant overriding royalty interests to geologists and others who
originate prospects and certain executive officers of Old Edge. Old Edge
receives no other form of management fee in respect of its management of the
Joint Venture.

Although Old Edge is the managing venturer, Edge Group II has the right to
approve, among other things, all oil and gas lease acquisitions, all capital
purchases, certain aspects of the budget of the Joint Venture and significant
variations therefrom. Without first obtaining the consent of Edge Group II,
Old Edge is restricted from, among other things, causing the Joint Venture to
incur debt, granting mortgages on the Joint Venture's assets or selling all or
substantially all of the Joint Venture's assets. In addition, Old Edge may
not, without the consent of Edge Group II, assign any explorationist who was
hired and assigned substantially to Joint Venture operations to any other
business activity of Old Edge. Edge Group II does not have any right to
receive reimbursement for any costs incurred by it in connection with the
Joint Venture or to any form of management fee.

The Joint Venture was formed with approximately $5.2 million in net assets,
on a historical financial statement basis (reflecting the assets purchased
from a predecessor at historical cost). Upon formation, the Joint Venture
purchased substantially all of the assets and assumed substantially all of the
liabilities of a related entity, Edge Group Joint Venture, which had been
engaged in oil and gas exploration and production operations since 1983. The
initial sharing ratio, which determines the allocation of net income and other
items, as well as the allocation of distributable cash, was approximately
29.1%, 67.3%, 2.3% and 1.3% for Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge
Group, respectively. Such sharing ratio is applicable until the value of cash
and carried interests and other property distributed to each venturer is equal
to $5,750,000, $13,324,500, $451,500 and $258,000, respectively (the "Sharing
Ratio Shift A Amounts"), which has not yet occurred. At such time, the sharing
ratio shifts to 50%, 47.5%, 1.6% and 0.9 %, respectively, which continues
until the value of cash and carried interests and other property distributed
to each venturer is six times the Sharing Ratio Shift A Amounts (the "Sharing
Ratio Shift B Amounts"). When the Sharing Ratio Shift B Amounts are met, the
applicable sharing ratio for the duration of the Joint Venture will be 55%,
42.7%, 1.5% and 0.8%, respectively. The Joint Venture Agreement provides that,
subject to restrictions on distributions provided for in debt instruments of
the Joint Venture, the managing venturer shall, upon the demand of Edge Group
II, as soon as practicable, but no less frequently than annually, make
distributions of one-half of the "excess net cash flow," which is the annual
net income of the Joint Venture less (i) 20% of the book value of intangible
assets and (ii) any amounts paid or anticipated to be paid within the twelve
months subsequent to the most recent determination of net income. There have
been no distributions to date and the covenants of the Revolving Credit
Facility restrict such distributions of excess net cash flow.

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During the term of the Joint Venture, venturers are prohibited from engaging
in the prospect generation business in the United States or its offshore
waters, with certain exceptions. The Joint Venture Agreement also prohibits
the sale, assignment, transfer, pledge or encumbrance of any venturer's
interest without the consent of the other venturers. The proposed transfer of
Edge Group's interest in the Joint Venture pursuant to the Purchase Offer has
been approved by each of the other venturers.

The term of the Joint Venture originally was to have expired on April 8,
1996; however, the parties to the Joint Venture extended the dissolution date
to December 31, 1996. Prior to the amendment of the Joint Venture Agreement in
April 1996, such agreement required Old Edge to sell certain prospects of the
Joint Venture during windup and distribute the proceeds therefrom. Due to
changes in the nature of the Joint Venture's operations described herein under
"The Combination Transactions--Background of and Reasons for the Combination
Transactions--Determination to Postpone the Dissolution of the Joint Venture,"
the Joint Venture Agreement was amended to provide that Old Edge, as
liquidating agent, have the discretion to distribute substantially all of the
Joint Venture's assets in-kind which, prior to such amendment, it would have
been required to sell.

Under the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement, as amended, after December
31, 1996, the Joint Venture will enter a windup period that will generally
last for up to two years. It is currently expected that during this time, most
of the existing oil and gas properties of the Joint Venture will continue to
be held by the Joint Venture. By the end of the windup period, the Joint
Venture will distribute substantially all of the assets of the Joint Venture,
including working interests, in accordance with the applicable sharing ratios
or as specifically provided for in the case of each of the Belco Right, the
Fifty Square Mile Right and the Western Assets. The valuation of the interests
so distributed will be determined as follows. With respect to prospects
already drilled as of the end of the windup period and carried interests on
producing properties, the valuation shall be based on 100% of the present
value of future net revenues (discounted at 10%) of proved reserves and 40% of
the present value of future net revenues (discounted at 10%) of probable
reserves. With respect to all other assets to be distributed, the valuation
will be determined through an auction process involving only venturers. At the
conclusion of the bidding process, any venturer other than the highest bidder
shall advise the successful bidder that the bid is either (a) accepted, in
which case, the asset will be transferred to the successful bidder in return
for payment of the bid price in cash or (b) that the bid is not accepted, in
which event, all venturers will retain their interests in such asset. In any
event, the high bid with respect to each such asset shall serve as the
valuation of the asset for purposes of the sharing ratios. The Joint Venture
Agreement, as amended, generally requires the Joint Venture and Old Edge to
give any bidder who acquires assets pursuant to such auction process, a non-
transferable license to use the relevant 3-D data for the specific property
sold. Prior to liquidating distributions, the Joint Venture will pay or make
provision for all expenses of liquidation and debt of the Joint Venture;
provided that amounts owed to the lender under the Revolving Credit Facility
will be assumed by the venturers according to their sharing ratios and that
equipment loans and leases will be assumed by Old Edge in consideration of the
transfer of such assets to Old Edge. In the event that the fair market value
of such equipment is lower or higher than the debt assumed by Old Edge,
liquidating distributions to Old Edge will be increased or decreased,
respectively, by the amount of such difference.

The Western Allocation, as set forth in the Joint Venture Agreement, as
amended, provides that the Western Assets shall be owned and the related costs
of development borne, 50% by Old Edge and 50% by the other venturers (in
accordance with their relative sharing ratios). At such time as the venturers'
interests in the Western Assets have been sufficiently developed such that
their interests can be pledged by the venturers to obtain secured non-recourse
loans on terms comparable to other loans secured by similar property, the
venturers are required to use their best efforts to obtain such loans and to
utilize borrowings therefrom to the fullest extent possible to fund their
share of the acquisition and development of the Western Assets.

With respect to 2-D seismic data, the Joint Venture Agreement, as amended,
provides that as of December 31, 1996, Old Edge is entitled to receive all
non-proprietary 2-D seismic data (generally, seismic data obtained from third
parties which the Joint Venture is not entitled to sell to others) and to
receive all other components of the Joint Venture's regional information
database without payment to the Joint Venture or the other venturers. Old Edge
is required to put up for non-exclusive license all proprietary 2-D seismic
data (generally, seismic data

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obtained from third parties which the Joint Venture is entitled to sell to
others), but is entitled to use all such data and may refrain from licensing
any data by making a payment to the Joint Venture equal to the fair value of
such data. Proceeds generated before December 1998 from the sale or license of
such proprietary 2-D seismic data are to be used by the Joint Venture in
operations, while proceeds generated after windup are generally to be
distributed to the venturers in accordance with their sharing ratios. These
provisions do not apply to a situation in which seismic data is conveyed
incidental to a transaction where the seismic data is not the sole or
principal item sold or licensed.

Under the amended Joint Venture Agreement, as of December 31, 1996, Old Edge
will own all 3-D seismic data and all related maps, interpretations and work
product based thereon and shall have the right to sell or license such 3-D
seismic data and related information to third parties on such terms and for
such consideration as it deems appropriate; provided that the Joint Venture
and the other venturers shall have the right to access and use such data.
Proceeds from such sales or licensing received after dissolution will be
distributed 50% to Old Edge and 50% to the other venturers (in accordance with
their relative sharing ratios).

The Joint Venture Agreement, as amended, provides that AMIs are to be
established with respect to the Existing JV Projects, which are areas with
respect to which, as of December 31, 1996, the Joint Venture or Old Edge
directly or indirectly through an industry partner either (i) has acquired a
seismic option, lease or other interest or (ii) has acquired, permitted, shot
or commenced to permit or shoot a 3-D seismic survey, lease or other interest
or (iii) has a firm contractual commitment to acquire, permit or shoot a 3-D
seismic survey or acquire a seismic option, lease or other interest. Each such
AMI will be bounded according to the applicable option, lease or outline of
the proposed or actual survey, as the case may be. Prior to liquidation, the
Joint Venture will continue to develop the Existing JV Projects, including
through the acquisition of leases, seismic data, interests in land and other
interests and rights. During such time, none of the venturers may acquire for
its own account any leases, seismic data or other interests with respect to
any such AMI. Subsequent to the liquidating distributions to the venturers of
the interests relative to such AMIs, each venturer shall have a right to
acquire a portion of any interest acquired by any other venturer in such an
AMI, the size of such interest to be based on their sharing ratios. The Joint
Venture Agreement, as amended, provides that in the event such a right is
exercised, the participating venturers will enter into a specified form of
joint operating agreement under which Old Edge (or a designated affiliate)
will act as operator or if a joint operating agreement is already in existence
with respect to such property, the venturers will use their best efforts to
have Old Edge (or a designated affiliate) designated as operator thereunder.

Generally under the Joint Venture Agreement, as amended, prospects arising
as a result of 3-D seismic work performed or acquired by Old Edge after
December 31, 1996 and not arising in connection with a lease or option entered
into before, or not at least firmly committed to before, December 31, 1996 (in
other words, prospects not within an Existing JV Project), will be the
exclusive property of Old Edge, in which the Joint Venture and the other
venturers have no interest or rights. However, the amendment to the Joint
Venture Agreement does provide for certain post-dissolution rights on the part
of the venturers (other than Old Edge) pursuant to the Fifty Square Mile Right
and the Belco Right. The venturers, other than Old Edge, have the right to
participate, based on their relative sharing ratios, in 25% of Old Edge's
rights and interests in up to 50 square miles of 3-D seismic data acquired or
committed to be acquired by Old Edge during 1997, 1998 or 1999, excluding the
3-D seismic data within an AMI with respect to an Existing JV Project, the
Western Assets, the Belco Right or any other AMI already in existence as of
such date, and seismic data acquired by Old Edge over a producing property or
existing oilfield. The Joint Venture Agreement, as amended, provides with
respect to the Belco Project Area (see "Business of the Company--Significant
Project Areas--Belco Project Area") that the venturers, other than Old Edge,
have the right to participate, based on their relative sharing ratios, in 25%
of Old Edge's rights and interests in any 150 square miles committed to be
developed and permitted and acquired subsequent to December 31, 1996. In the
case of the areas developed pursuant to the Fifty Square Mile Right and the
Belco Right, the participating venturers shall pay a pro rata share, based on
their respective ownership interests, of Old Edge's share of costs and fees.
In addition, in the case of the Belco Right, each participating venturer
agrees to pay to Old Edge a pro rata share of a one-time administrative fee of
$18,750, in the aggregate. Decisions regarding whether to participate pursuant
to the Belco Right and the Fifty Square Right and in the event of

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participation, decisions regarding the selection of any specific square
mileage, will be made by Edge Group II on behalf of itself, Gulfedge and Edge
Group. The Joint Venture Agreement, as amended, provides that, at the request
of Edge Group II, Old Edge, as liquidating agent, shall cause the Joint
Venture to distribute funds to Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group for the
purpose of funding the acquisition or development of their respective shares
of the Western Assets, the Belco Right and the Fifty Square Mile Right. Upon
such event, funds will also be distributed to Old Edge based on the applicable
sharing ratios. Old Edge may in its reasonable business judgment and upon
notice to the venturers, decline to make such requested distributions with
respect to the Belco Right and the Fifty Square Mile Right, but shall make
reasonable efforts to obtain other financing for the venturers. For additional
information regarding certain terms of the Joint Venture Agreement and
applicable law, see "Comparison of Securityholder Rights."

The Joint Venture Agreement, as amended, is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus is a part, and is publicly available as described herein
under "Available Information." In addition, a copy of such agreement is
available free of charge from the Company upon request directed to its
executive offices at Texaco Heritage Plaza, 1111 Bagby, Suite 2100, Houston,
Texas 77002, (713) 654-8960.

INFORMATION CONCERNING OLD EDGE

The interest of Old Edge in the Joint Venture represents substantially all
of its assets. Substantially all of Old Edge's operations consist of its
activities as managing venturer of the Joint Venture. Subsequent to the
dissolution of the Joint Venture, Old Edge anticipates (i) continuing its oil
and gas operations in the Joint Venture with respect to the Existing JV
Projects and (ii) conducting new exploration and production activities
(similar to those it has managed on behalf of the Joint Venture) through Old
Edge or a subsidiary. Pursuant to the Joint Venture Agreement, the Joint
Venture's equipment, including sophisticated computer software and hardware,
will be distributed to Old Edge, subject to Old Edge's assumption of the debt
associated with such equipment. Other than its Joint Venture interest, the
assets of Old Edge consist primarily of minor oil and gas interests
contributed by a predecessor and office equipment and related assets used in
the conduct of the Joint Venture. The management and technical team
responsible for the operations of the Joint Venture are employees of Old Edge.
For additional information regarding certain terms of the charter and bylaws
of Old Edge and applicable law, see "Comparison of Securityholder Rights."

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INFORMATION CONCERNING EDGE GROUP II

Edge Group II conducts no operations and its interest in the Joint Venture
constitutes its only substantial asset. As described above, Edge Group II has
certain rights with respect to the management of the Joint Venture. Edge Group
II was formed pursuant to an agreement of limited partnership in 1991 (the
"Edge Group II Partnership Agreement"). John Sfondrini and Napamco are the
general partners of Edge Group II. Pursuant to the Edge Group II Partnership
Agreement, Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco, as general partners, contributed, in the
aggregate, $100. Each limited partner made a capital contribution of $70,500
per Edge Group II Unit. 189 such units were sold, resulting in aggregate
limited partner capital contributions to Edge Group II of $13,342,500. The
Edge Group II Partnership Agreement provides initially for the general
partners (in the aggregate) to be allocated 1% of all income, gains, losses,
deductions and distributions, with the remaining 99% of such items to be
allocated to the limited partners based on their relative capital accounts.
Such agreement further provides that, at such time as the limited partners, in
the aggregate, have recovered 150% of their capital contribution, the general
partners (in the aggregate) are to be allocated 25% of such items, with the
remaining 75% being allocated to the limited partners.

The general partners have the right to be reimbursed for all costs and
expenses incurred in connection with Edge Group II. In addition, the general
partners, in the aggregate, have the right to a management fee for each of the
first five years of the partnership equal to 2% of the aggregate capital
contributions of the limited partners (which amount has not been paid to
date). Thereafter, the general partners, in the aggregate, are entitled to 3%
of the cash flow of the partnership as a management fee. The Edge Group II
Partnership Agreement prohibits the transfer of a general partner's interest
without first obtaining the consent of partners of Edge Group II whose capital
contributions, in the aggregate, represent at least 60% of the aggregate
capital contributions of all partners to Edge Group II. The consent of the
limited partners of Edge Group II with respect to the proposed transfer to the
Company of the general partner interests of Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco is
sought pursuant to this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus. For additional information regarding certain terms of
the Edge Group II Partnership Agreement and applicable law, see "Comparison of
Securityholder Rights."

INFORMATION CONCERNING GULFEDGE

Gulfedge conducts no operations and its interest in the Joint Venture
represents substantially all of its assets. Pursuant to the Agreement of
Limited Partnership dated as of April 1, 1991 (the "Gulfedge Partnership
Agreement"), Old Edge, as general partner, made a capital contribution of $100
and each limited partner made a capital contribution of $64,500 per Gulfedge
Unit. Seven such units were sold, resulting in aggregate limited partner
capital contributions to Gulfedge of $451,500. The Gulfedge Partnership
Agreement provides that items of income, gain, losses, deductions and
distributions be allocated 1% to the general partner, with the remaining 99%
of such items to be distributed to the limited partners, based on their
relative capital accounts. Such agreement also provides that Gulfedge
reimburse Old Edge for all reasonable expenses and costs incurred in
connection with the business of Gulfedge. Old Edge does not have the right to
receive any management fees or other form of compensation. For additional
information regarding certain terms of the Gulfedge Partnership Agreement and
applicable law, see "Comparison of Securityholder Rights."

117
<PAGE>

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

THE COMPANY

The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock of the Company both after giving effect to the
Combination Transactions but before giving effect to the Offering and after
giving effect to the Combination Transactions and the Offering by: (i) all
persons, assuming 100% conversion of the interests in the Limited
Partnerships, who will be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the
outstanding Common Stock; (ii) each director; (iii) each executive officer of
the Company; and (iv) all officers and directors of the Company as a group,
assuming in each case, the issuance of Common Stock to all parties to the
Combination Transactions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY OWNED PERCENT OF COMMON STOCK
AS A RESULT OF THE BENEFICIALLY OWNED
COMBINATION AS A RESULT OF THE
TRANSACTIONS COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS
------------------ ------------------------------
PRIOR TO THE AFTER THE
NAME(1) NUMBER OF SHARES OFFERING OFFERING
------- ------------------ ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
John E. Calaway(2)...... 481,541 10.28% 8.87%
James D. Calaway(3)..... 181,394 3.83% 4.27%
Richard S. Dale(4)...... 48,922 1.03% *
Vincent Andrews(5)...... 206,814 4.42% 2.98%
David B. Benedict(6).... 36,338 * *
Paul McCollam(7)........ 117,406 2.51% 1.69%
Nils Peterson(8)........ 14,664 * *
Stanley S. Raphael(9)... 265,452 5.67% 3.83%
John Sfondrini(10)...... 1,254,110 26.78% 18.09%
Robert W. Shower........ -- -- --
Edge Holding Company.... 858,853 18.34% 12.39%
36 Catoonah St., #16
Ridgefield, Connecticut
06877
All directors and
executive officers as a
group (10
persons)(1)(11)........ 2,606,641 54.53% 40.64%
</TABLE>
- --------
*Less than one percent.
(1) Except as otherwise noted, each stockholder has sole voting and investment
power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.
(2) Shares shown represent (i) 364,938 shares of Common Stock that could be
acquired through the Merger by Calaway Oil and Gas Corporation ("COG"), a
company wholly owned by Mr. John E. Calaway and his wife, (ii) 116,603
shares that could be acquired through the Merger by Calaway Partners, a
Texas general partnership of which COG is a partner and, in the case of
After this Offering, (iii) 133,645 shares of restricted Common Stock to be
issued concurrent with the Offering. Pursuant to the partnership agreement
for Calaway Partners, COG has the exclusive right to vote such 116,603
shares.
(3) Shares shown include (i) 118,366 shares of Common Stock that could be
acquired through the Merger by KPC Interests, Inc., a company owned by Mr.
James D. Calaway, (ii) 48,922 shares of Common Stock that could be
acquired pursuant to immediately exercisable stock options and, in the
case of After the Offering, (iii) 116,940 shares of restricted Common
Stock to be issued concurrent with the Offering.

118
<PAGE>

(4) Shares shown represent 48,922 shares of Common Stock that could be
acquired pursuant to immediately exercisable stock options.
(5) Shares shown represent 146,757 shares of Common Stock that could be
acquired through the Merger by Bama Edge Limited Partnership, the general
partner of which is Andex Energy Corp., a company owned by members of Mr.
Andrews' family and of which Mr. Andrews is an officer; 45,598 shares of
Common Stock that could be acquired through the Merger by Texedge Energy
Corporation, of which Mr. Andrews is an officer; and 14,460 shares that
could be acquired through the Edge Group II Exchange Offer by a
partnership owned in part by Mr. Andrews' wife. Mr. Andrews may be deemed
the beneficial owner of the shares of Common Stock held by Bama Edge
Limited Partnership, Texedge Energy Corporation and the shares that may be
acquired through the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. Mr. Andrews disclaims
such beneficial ownership.
(6) Shares shown represent shares of Common Stock that could be acquired
through the Edge Group II Exchange Offer.
(7) Shares shown represent 117,406 shares of Common Stock that could be
acquired through the Merger by the RIMCO Partnerships. The general partner
of each of the RIMCO Partnerships is RIMCO, and its general partner is
RIMCO Associates, Inc. Voting and investment power over the shares held by
the RIMCO Partnerships is exercised by the managing directors of RIMCO,
and by the officers and directors of RIMCO Associates, Inc. Mr. McCollam,
a director of the Company, is a managing director of RIMCO.
(8) Shares shown represent shares of Common Stock that could be acquired
through the Edge Group II Exchange Offer.
(9) Shares shown represent 147,673 shares of Common Stock (of which 19,552
could be acquired through the Edge Group II Exchange Offer and the
remainder through the Merger) owned by the Trade Consultants, Inc. Pension
Plan, of which Mr. Raphael is the trustee, 33,659 shares of Common Stock
that could be acquired by Mr. Raphael's wife (of which 19,552 could be
acquired through the Edge Group II Exchange Offer and the remainder
through the Merger), and 84,120 shares that could be acquired directly by
Mr. Raphael (of which 19,552 shares could be acquired through the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer and the remainder through the Merger). Mr. Raphael
may be deemed the beneficial owner of shares of Common Stock held by the
Trade Consultants, Inc. Pension Plan and his wife. Mr. Raphael disclaims
such beneficial ownership.
(10) Shares shown represent (i) 858,853 shares of Common Stock that could be
acquired through the Merger by Edge Holding Company, a limited
partnership of which Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco are the general partners,
(ii) 42,896 shares of stock which could be acquired in the Purchase Offer
by Edge Group, whose partners are certain limited partnerships, each of
which Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco are the general partners of and (iii)
352,361 shares which could be acquired pursuant to the Edge Group II
Exchange Offer. Mr. Sfondrini may be deemed the beneficial owner of the
shares which could be acquired by Edge Holding Company and Edge Group.
Mr. Sfondrini disclaims such beneficial ownership. Mr. Sfondrini's
address is the same as for Edge Holding Company.
(11) Shares shown include 97,844 shares of Common Stock that may be acquired
pursuant to immediately exercisable stock options.

119
<PAGE>

OLD EDGE

The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial
ownership of the Old Edge Common Stock as of November 1, 1996 by: all persons
who are the beneficial owners of 5% or more of the outstanding Old Edge Common
Stock; each director of Old Edge; each executive officer of Old Edge; and all
officers and directors of Old Edge as a group.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OLD EDGE COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY OWNED
---------------------
NUMBER OF
NAME (1) SHARES PERCENTAGE
- -------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
John E. Calaway (2)...................................... 92,407.20 88.32%
James D. Calaway (3)..................................... 9,153.40 8.57
Richard S. Dale (4)...................................... 2,193.00 2.05
Vincent Andrews (5)...................................... 8,622.73 8.24
David B. Benedict........................................ -- --
Paul McCollam (6)........................................ 5,263.00 5.03
Nils Peterson............................................ -- --
Stanley S. Raphael (7)................................... 9,270.13 8.86
John Sfondrini (8)....................................... 92,407.20 88.32
Bama Edge Limited Partnership (9)........................ 6,578.73 6.29
c/o Vincent Andrews Management Corp.
16 West Avenue
Darien, Connecticut 06820
Nell Calaway (10)........................................ 5,227.00 5.00
Calaway Partners
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
Calaway Oil and Gas Corporation (2)...................... 92,407.20 88.32
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
Calaway Partners (10).................................... 5,277.00 5.00
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
Joel Davis (11).......................................... 5,269.00 5.04
825 One Energy Square
4925 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75206
Edge Holding Company (8)................................. 92,407.20 88.32
36 Catoonah St., #16
Ridgeville, Connecticut 06877
KPC Interests, Inc. (12)................................. 5,306.00 5.07
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
Northedge Corp. (11)..................................... 5,269.00 5.04
P. O. Box 5409A8
Houston, Texas 77254
RIMCO Associates, Inc. (6)............................... 5,263.00 5.03
22 Waterville Road
Avon, Connecticut 06001
All directors and executive officers as a group (9
persons)(13)............................................ 109,016.60 100.00
</TABLE>
- --------
See "Comparison of Securityholder Rights--Management" for a discussion of
voting agreements with respect to Old Edge Common Stock. All outstanding
shares of Old Edge Common Stock owned by shareholders other

120
<PAGE>

than RIMCO are subject to an obligation under a shareholders' agreement dated
April 16, 1991 among the initial Old Edge shareholders and certain other
persons (the "Shareholders' Agreement"), to vote for one person nominated by
RIMCO for director of Old Edge.
(1) Except as otherwise noted, each shareholder has sole voting and
investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.
(2) Shares shown represent (i) 16,359.14 shares of Old Edge Common Stock
owned by Calaway Oil and Gas, a company wholly owned by Mr. John E.
Calaway, (ii) 5,227 shares held by Calaway Partners, a Texas general
partnership whose partnership agreement provides for the exclusive right
of Calaway Oil and Gas (a partner therein) to vote all such shares but
not to dispose of such shares, (iii) 32,321.06 shares owned by other
persons subject to various voting agreements, including the Shareholders'
Agreement and certain other agreements, some of which are described
herein under "Comparison of Securityholder Rights--Management--Old Edge,"
providing Calaway Oil and Gas with voting rights with respect to such
stock and as to which Calaway Oil and Gas has waived any right to vote
with respect to the Merger and (iv) 38,500 shares held by Edge Holding
Company with respect to which Calaway Oil and Gas has the right to direct
the vote of such stock in the election of directors. All of such
89,462.20 shares are subject to certain voting agreements between Calaway
Oil and Gas and Edge Holding Company with respect to the election of
directors and other matters contained in the Shareholders' Agreement. In
addition, pursuant to certain other voting agreements, Calaway Oil and
Gas has agreed to vote all shares of Old Edge Common Stock owned or
controlled by it for Mr. Raphael as a director of Old Edge.
(3) Shares shown represent (i) 5,306 shares of Old Edge Common Stock owned by
KPC Interests, Inc., a company wholly owned by Mr. James D. Calaway, (ii)
1,022 shares owned by Jamtex, Inc. subject to the Shareholders' Agreement
providing KPC Interests, Inc. with voting rights with respect to such
stock and as to which KPC Interests, Inc. has waived any right to vote
with respect to the Merger, (iii) 2,193 shares that could be acquired
pursuant to immediately exercisable stock options and (iv) 632.4 shares
that Mr. James D. Calaway owns that are subject to voting rights in favor
of Calaway Oil and Gas as to which Calaway Oil and Gas has waived any
right to vote with respect to the Merger.
(4) Shares shown represent 2,193 shares of Old Edge Common Stock that could
be acquired pursuant to immediately exercisable stock options.
(5) Shares shown represent 6,578.73 shares of Old Edge Common Stock owned by
Bama Edge Limited Partnership ("Bama Edge"), of which Andex Energy, a
company owned by Mr. Andrews, is the general partner; and 2,044 shares
owned by Texedge Energy Corporation ("Texedge"), of which Mr. Andrews is
an officer. Mr. Andrews may be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares
of Old Edge Common Stock held by Bama Edge and Texedge. Mr. Andrews
disclaims such beneficial ownership. All of the shares held by Texedge
and Bama Edge are subject to voting agreements in favor of Calaway Oil
and Gas as to which Calaway Oil and Gas has waived any right to vote with
respect to the Merger.
(6) Shares owned represent 5,263 shares of Old Edge Common Stock owned by the
RIMCO Partnerships. The general partner of each of the RIMCO Partnerships
is RIMCO, and its general partner is RIMCO Associates, Inc. Voting and
investment power over the shares held by the RIMCO Partnerships is
exercised by the managing directors of RIMCO, and by the officers and
directors of RIMCO Associates, Inc. Mr. McCollam, a director of Old Edge,
is a managing director of RIMCO. All outstanding shares of Old Edge
Common Stock owned by shareholders other than RIMCO are subject to an
obligation under the Shareholders' Agreement to vote for one person
nominated by RIMCO for director of Old Edge.
(7) Shares shown include 3,420.73 shares of Old Edge Common Stock owned by
Trade Consultants, Inc. Pension Plan, of which Mr. Raphael is the
trustee, and 632.40 shares of Old Edge Common Stock held by Mr. Raphael's
wife. Mr. Raphael may be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares of Old
Edge Common Stock held by Trade Consultants, Inc. Pension Plan and his
wife. Mr. Raphael disclaims such beneficial ownership. All of such shares
are subject to one or more voting agreements in favor of Calaway Oil and
Gas as to which Calaway Oil and Gas has waived any right to vote with
respect to the Merger.
(8) Shares shown represent 38,500 shares of Old Edge Common Stock owned by
Edge Holding Company, a limited partnership of which Mr. Sfondrini and
Napamco are the general partners, and 50,962.2 shares with respect to
which Edge Holding Company has the right to direct the vote of such
shares with respect to the

121
<PAGE>

election of directors. Mr. Sfondrini may be deemed the beneficial owner of
such shares. Mr. Sfondrini disclaims such beneficial ownership. All of
such shares are subject to certain voting agreements between Calaway Oil
and Gas and Edge Holding Company with respect to the election of directors
and other matters contained in the Shareholders' Agreement.
(9) Voting of all shares shown is subject to certain voting agreements in
favor of Calaway Oil and Gas, with respect to which Calaway Oil and Gas
has waived any right to vote on the Merger.
(10) Shares shown are owned by Calaway Partners, a Texas general partnership,
of which Ms. Nell Calaway is a partner. Pursuant to the partnership
agreement for Calaway Partners, Calaway Oil and Gas has the exclusive
right to vote such shares and Ms. Calaway has the exclusive right to
require the disposition of such shares by the partnership.
(11) Shares shown are owned by Northedge Corp., a company wholly owned by Mr.
Davis. All of such shares are subject to the Shareholders' Agreement that
provides for voting rights in favor of Calaway Oil and Gas as to which
Calaway Oil has waived any right to vote with respect to the Merger.
(12) Shares shown represent (i) 5,306 shares of Old Edge Common Stock owned by
KPC Interests, Inc., a company wholly owned by Mr. J.D. Calaway and (ii)
1,022 shares owned by Jamtex, Inc. subject to the Shareholders' Agreement
providing voting rights in favor of KPC Interests, Inc. With respect to
the latter, KPC Interests, Inc. has waived any right to vote on the
Merger.
(13) Shares shown include 4,386 shares of Old Edge Common Stock that could be
acquired pursuant to immediately exercisable stock options.

EDGE GROUP II

The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial
ownership of the units representing limited partner interests in Edge Group II
("Edge Group II Units") as of November 1, 1996 by all persons who are the
beneficial owner of 5% or more of the outstanding Edge Group II Units and the
general partners of Edge Group II, Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco, a corporation
wholly owned by Mr. Sfondrini.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EDGE GROUP II
UNITS
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED
-----------------
NUMBER
OF
NAME (1) UNITS PERCENTAGE
-------- ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Charles Slanetz, Jr..................................... 10 5.29%
107 Ayer Road
Locust Valley, New York 11560
John Sfondrini (2)...................................... 1 *
Napamco (2)............................................. -- --
</TABLE>
- -------
* Less than one percent.
(1) Except as otherwise noted, each holder of Edge Group II Units has sole
voting and investment power with respect to such units beneficially owned.
(2) In addition to his general partner interest in Edge Group II, Mr.
Sfondrini owns one Edge Group II Unit, as set forth above. Napamco does
not own any Edge Group II Units. Pursuant to the Edge Group II Partnership
Agreement, Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco, as general partners, contributed, in
the aggregate, $100. Each limited partner contributed $70,500 per Edge
Group II Unit. The Edge Group II Partnership Agreement provides initially
for the general partners (in the aggregate) to be allocated 1% of all
income, gains, losses, deductions and distributions, with the remaining
99% of such items to be allocated to the limited partners based on their
relative capital accounts. Such agreement further provides that, at such
time as the limited partners, in the aggregate, have recovered 150% of
their capital contribution, the general partners (in the aggregate) are to
be allocated 25% of such items, with the remaining 75% being allocated to
the limited partners. See "Information Concerning Edge Group II" and
"Comparison of Securityholder Rights."

122
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE

The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial
ownership of the units representing limited partner interests in Gulfedge
("Gulfedge Units") as of November 1, 1996 by all persons who are the
beneficial owners of 5% or more of the outstanding Gulfedge Units and Old
Edge, the general partner of Gulfedge.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GULFEDGE UNITS
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED
-----------------
NUMBER
OF
NAME (1) UNITS PERCENTAGE
-------- ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Orion Investors, L.L.C.................................. 6 71%
412 Edwards St., Suite 1805
Shreveport, LA 71101
Bela J. Garet........................................... 1 29
210 Harwick Road
Woodside, CA 94062
Old Edge (2)............................................ -- --
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Except as otherwise noted, each holder of Gulfedge Units has sole voting
and investment power with respect to such units beneficially owned.
(2) Old Edge does not own any limited partner interest in Gulfedge. Pursuant
to the Gulfedge Partnership Agreement, Old Edge, as general partner, made
a capital contribution of $100 and each limited partner contributed
$64,500 per Gulfedge Unit. The Gulfedge Partnership Agreement provides
that items of income, gain, losses, deductions and distributions be
allocated 1% to the general partner, with the remaining 99% of such items
to be distributed to the limited partners based on their relative capital
accounts. See "Information Concerning Gulfedge" and "Comparison of
Securityholder Rights."

123
<PAGE>

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS

For a description of the Combination Transactions, see "The Combination
Transactions."

TRANSFER OF EDGE GROUP II GENERAL PARTNER INTERESTS

For a description of certain transactions relating to the transfer of the
Edge Group II General Partner Interests, see "The Combination Transactions--
Conflicts of Interests; Interests of Certain Persons and Affiliates in the
Combination Transactions" and "Plan of Distribution."

CERTAIN AFFILIATE RELATIONSHIPS

The Joint Venture is owned by Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge
Group, as described above. John Sfondrini and Napamco, a company Mr. Sfondrini
owns and is the President of, are the general partners of Edge Group II and
each of the three limited partnerships that are the general partners in Edge
Group. Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco are also the general partners of Edge Holding
Company, which owns, prior to the Combination Transactions, approximately 37%
of the common stock of Old Edge. In the case of Edge Group II, in the event of
the death, incapacity or withdrawal of Mr. Sfondrini from his position as
general partner, Mr. Andrews would, if he so chose, serve as a general partner
of Edge Group II. Old Edge is the general partner of Gulfedge. Napamco is the
general partner of each of Essex Royalty Limited Partnership ("Essex I L.P.")
and Essex Royalty Limited Partnership II ("Essex II L.P."). RIMCO, of which
Paul McCollam is an officer, is the general partner of each of two limited
partnerships (the "RIMCO Partnerships") that, in the aggregate own, prior to
the Combination Transactions, approximately 5% of the common stock of Old
Edge.

Mr. James D. Calaway and Mr. John E. Calaway are twin brothers and their
father is Mr. James C. Calaway.

ESSEX ROYALTY JOINT VENTURES

In April 1992, the Joint Venture and Essex I L.P. entered into a Joint
Venture Agreement (the "Essex I Joint Venture") with respect to the purchase
of certain royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties. The initial
term of the Essex I Joint Venture was four years, but by consent of both
parties to such agreement, it has been extended until April 1997. Under the
terms of the Essex I Joint Venture Agreement, Essex I L.P. made capital
contributions aggregating $3 million and the Joint Venture made no capital
contributions. The Essex I Joint Venture Agreement provides that quarterly
distributions of cash be made, in accordance with the sharing ratios, in an
amount, subject to certain adjustments, not less than that equal to revenues
received from royalties less the management fee paid to the Joint Venture, as
managing venturer. Initially, Essex I L.P. receives 100% of all cash
distributions pursuant to the sharing ratios. At such time as the cash and
value of property distributed to Essex I L.P. is equal to 110% of its capital
contribution, the sharing ratio shifts to 40% for the Joint Venture and 60%
for Essex I L.P. Such 40% is to be allocated directly to the venturers of the
Joint Venture, and does not affect the sharing ratio calculations with respect
to the Joint Venture. As managing venturer of the Essex I Joint Venture, the
Joint Venture receives reimbursement for costs incurred to acquire royalty
interests, certain administrative costs, a portion of the payroll costs
attributable to the Essex II Joint Venture and, prior to the sharing ratio
shift, a management fee (allocated directly to Old Edge) equal to 1% of the
capital contributions of Essex I L.P.

In May 1994, the Joint Venture and Essex II L.P. entered into a Joint
Venture Agreement (the "Essex II Joint Venture") effective until December 1997
and similar in nature to the Essex I Joint Venture. Essex II L.P. made capital
contributions aggregating approximately $2.8 million and the Joint Venture
made no capital contributions. Initially, Essex II L.P. receives 100% of all
cash distributions pursuant to the sharing ratios. At such time as the cash
and property distributed to Essex II L.P. is equivalent to 111.3% of its
capital contribution, the Joint Venture will thereafter receive 25% of
distributions. Provisions with respect to mandatory distributions

124
<PAGE>

and dissolution are similar to those described for the Essex I Joint Venture.
As managing venturer of the Essex II Joint Venture, the Joint Venture receives
reimbursement for costs incurred to acquire royalty interests, certain
administrative costs, a portion of the payroll costs attributable to the Essex
II Joint Venture and, prior to the earlier of the expenditure by the Essex II
Joint Venture of its capital or the sharing ratio shift, a management fee
(allocated directly to Old Edge) of $30,000 every six months.

The management fees earned by Old Edge pursuant to the Essex I and II Joint
Ventures (combined), in 1995, 1994 and 1993 were $120,000, $80,000 and
$60,000, respectively. Old Edge invoiced the Essex I and II Joint Ventures
(combined) for reimbursement for expenses in 1995, 1994 and 1993 in the
amounts of $40,250, $18,750 and $36,750, respectively. At December 31, 1995
and 1994, Old Edge had accrued receivables for such management fees and
reimbursements of $115,000 and $63,600, respectively.

In May 1993, the Joint Venture received a short-term $1 million loan from
the Essex I Joint Venture secured by the Joint Venture's interests in certain
prospects. In addition to interest of 10% per annum, the loan agreement
provided for an assignment to the Essex I Joint Venture of overriding royalty
interests in the collateral. In October 1993, the Joint Venture borrowed
$125,000 on a short-term basis from the Essex I Joint Venture. Such note
carried interest of 11% per year and was unsecured. In August 1994, the Joint
Venture borrowed $125,000 on a short-term basis from the Essex II Joint
Venture at an interest rate of 10% per year. In December 1993, the Essex I
Joint Venture borrowed $30,000 on a short-term basis from the Joint Venture.
Such note carried interest of 11% per year and was unsecured. In May 1994, the
Joint Venture loaned, on a short-term basis, $46,800 to the Essex II Joint
Venture. No loans between the Joint Venture and either of the Essex I Joint
Venture or the Essex II Joint Venture are presently outstanding.

RIMCO INTERESTS

In April 1991, the Joint Venture borrowed, in the aggregate, $4,500,000 from
the RIMCO Partnerships and another partnership of which RIMCO is the general
partner, at an annual interest rate of 15.5% (the "RIMCO Note"). The Joint
Venture and such partnerships agreed to reduce the interest rate of the RIMCO
Note from 15.5% to 10% for the period from October 1, 1993 through September
30, 1995. Pursuant to such agreement, the Joint Venture conveyed to such
partnerships a 0.4% after-payout royalty interest, in the aggregate, in all
prospects sold by the Joint Venture during such period. The RIMCO Note was
repaid in March 1995.

PURCHASES OF TREASURY STOCK FROM AFFILIATES

In July 1994 Old Edge entered into an agreement with Mr. Raphael's wife,
pursuant to which Old Edge has the option to purchase a total of 2,107.6
shares of its common stock in specified installments, the last of which is
scheduled to occur in January 1997. During 1994 through 1996, Old Edge
purchased 1,264.8 of such shares for a cash purchase price, in the aggregate,
of $84,000. Old Edge expects to exercise its option to purchase the remaining
842.8 shares prior to the consummation of the Offering at a cash purchase
price of $114,000.

SUBORDINATED LOAN AGREEMENT

In December 1994, the Joint Venture and Mr. James C. Calaway entered into
the Subordinated Loan Agreement, which has since been amended as described
below. A portion of the proceeds from the Offering will be used to pay the
amounts outstanding on such loan, which will be terminated. The Subordinated
Loan Agreement provides for a $1 million term loan and a $1 million line of
credit. At September 30, 1996, the aggregate amount outstanding under the
Subordinated Loan was $1.3 million, which includes $300,000 outstanding under
the line of credit. The principal is due, unless earlier retired by the Joint
Venture, upon the earlier of April 8, 1998 or the conclusion of the Joint
Venture's windup period. Interest at 10% per annum is due monthly. Mr. James
C. Calaway also has the option, pursuant to the Subordinated Loan, to
participate in certain future debt financing of the Joint Venture to the
extent of the amount outstanding under the Subordinated Loan. The Subordinated
Loan is secured by certain oil and natural gas properties, equipment and other
assets of the Joint Venture, but is subordinated to the Revolving Credit
Facility. The mortgage and security agreement restricts

125
<PAGE>

the transfer of properties, creation of liens and other matters. The
Subordinated Loan is without recourse to the venturers.

The Subordinated Loan provides that Mr. James C. Calaway will receive, with
respect to prospects of the Joint Venture which were undrilled as of December
20, 1994 and any acquisition subsequent to such date by the Joint Venture of
interests in existing production or proven reserves, (i) a Calaway RWI of 1%
and (ii) on all prospects that had not been marketed as of such date, a
Calaway ORRI of .2%, each of which is subject to proportionate reduction under
certain circumstances. The Calaway ORRI is reduced to .1% with respect to any
well located in certain specified 3-D areas that is proposed after August 1,
1996 but prior to the later of the repayment in full of the Subordinated Loan
or the dissolution of the Joint Venture (the "Change of Interest Date").
Effective upon the Change of Interest Date AMIs will be created consisting of
all acreage in which the Joint Venture has, as of such date, shot or acquired
or has a commitment to shoot or acquire 3-D geophysical data. The Calaway ORRI
and the Calaway RWI will be reduced to .1% and .05%, respectively, with
respect to each well and lease proposed after the Change of Interest Date
located within such an AMI. After the Change of Interest Date, Mr. Calaway is
not entitled to receive any additional interests in any Joint Venture
prospects or 3-D areas other than those situated within such AMIs or as
provided for originally in the Subordinated Loan Agreement.

The Subordinated Loan Agreement provides for certain rights, on the part of
Mr. James C. Calaway, to exchange the Calaway Interests for Common Stock.
Accordingly, the portion of the Calaway Interests consisting of producing
properties is being purchased by the Company pursuant to the Calaway Exchange
by valuing such interests at $346,697. See "Summary--The Combination
Transactions--The James C. Calaway Exchange."

A portion of the Subordinated Loan replaced an unsecured loan in the
aggregate principal amount of $400,000 made by Mr. James C. Calaway to the
Joint Venture in June 1994. Interest at 10% per annum was due monthly. As
additional consideration for such loan, Mr. James C. Calaway received a .5%
RWI and a .05% ORRI in five prospects generated by the Joint Venture
subsequent to the date of such note. Prior to the loan of June 1994, Mr. James
C. Calaway had made loans of $350,000 and $400,000 to the Joint Venture, which
were repaid in 1994 and 1993, respectively. Each of such loans provided for an
interest rate of 10% and the granting of interests in certain specified oil
and natural gas properties to Mr. James C. Calaway.

JAMES C. CALAWAY CONSULTING AGREEMENT

Old Edge is obligated to pay Mr. James C. Calaway $40,000 annually for the
remainder of his natural life pursuant to a March 1989 consulting agreement,

SALES OF PROSPECTS TO AFFILIATES

In 1993 and 1994, the Joint Venture sold certain drilling prospects to
partnerships owned by Mr. James D. Calaway for $32,095 and $241,395,
respectively, and, in 1994, to an affiliate of the RIMCO Partnerships for
$60,000. No sales of prospects to affiliates of the Company took place in
1995. The cost to develop such prospects was $16,652, $153,520 and $39,593,
respectively. The purchase price was based on the amounts paid for interests
in such prospects by energy industry participants.

Napamco and another corporation of which Mr. Andrews is an officer, are the
general partners of each of two limited partnerships that have invested, on
the same basis as outside parties, in two wells that the Company acts as
operator for. Such partnerships, in the aggregate, have a working interest of
7.5% in a well in the Barnett Project Area and a working interest of
approximately 30% in a well in the Tyler Project Area. The partnerships have
paid to the Company, in the aggregate, approximately $105,000 with respect to
the Barnett Project Area well and $600,000 with respect to the Tyler Project
Area well, which represents, in the aggregate such partnerships' share of the
costs to develop each such well proportionate to their relative working
interests therein.

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REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT OF EDGE HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

In connection with the Offering, the Company will enter into a registration
rights agreement with Edge Holding Company (the "Registration Rights
Agreement"). The Registration Rights Agreement will provide that, upon the
request of Edge Holding Company, the Company will file a registration
statement under the Securities Act to register the Common Stock being issued
to Edge Holding Company pursuant to the Merger for distribution to the
partners of Edge Holding Company. Such request may not be made before six
months after the closing of the Offering. Registration Rights Agreement will
terminate on the one year anniversary of the closing of the Offering, or
earlier in certain circumstances. An aggregate of 858,853 outstanding shares
of Common Stock will be subject to the Registration Rights Agreement.

The Company is required to pay all costs associated with such registration
other than underwriting commissions and transfer taxes attributable to the
shares distributed. The Company will indemnify Edge Holding Company, and Edge
Holding Company will indemnify the Company, against certain liabilities in
respect of any registration statement or offering covered by the Registration
Rights Agreement.

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CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

INTRODUCTION

This section summarizes the federal income tax consequences of general
application that should be considered by holders of interests in Edge Group
II, holders of Gulfedge Units, Edge Group and holders of Old Edge Common Stock
resulting from their participation in the proposed Combination Agreement
Transactions. It does not, however, comment on all tax matters that may affect
Edge Group II, Gulfedge, Edge Group, the Company or holders of interests in
Edge Group II, holders of Gulfedge Units, and holders of Old Edge Common
Stock, and it does not consider various facts or limitations applicable to any
particular participant that may modify or alter the results described herein.
It may not be applicable to certain classes of taxpayers, including, without
limitation, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial
institutions, securities dealers, broker-dealers, and foreign persons.

Except as otherwise indicated, statements of legal conclusion regarding tax
treatments, tax effects or tax consequences reflect the opinions of counsel
for the Company, based on laws, regulations, rulings, practice, and judicial
decisions in effect at the date of this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus. However, legislative, judicial, or administrative
changes or interpretations may be forthcoming that could alter or modify the
statements and conclusions set forth herein. Any such changes or
interpretations may or may not be retroactive and could affect the tax
consequences to stockholders as described herein. No rulings have been
requested from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), and the IRS may disagree
with some of the conclusions set forth below, particularly those as to which
tax counsel's opinion is qualified. Further, the IRS has announced generally
that it will not issue rulings regarding the tax consequences of transactions
similar to the Combination Agreement Transactions. Accordingly, each
participant is urged to consult his own tax advisor as to the consequences to
him of the Combination Agreement Transactions.

HOLDERS OF INTERESTS IN EDGE GROUP II

Pre-Edge Group II Exchange Offer Operations. The income and deductions of
Edge Group II incurred during 1996 and during 1997 prior to the closing of the
Edge Group II Exchange Offer will be allocated among the holders of interests
in Edge Group II, and each holder's basis in his interest in Edge Group II
will be adjusted by such allocations, in essentially the same manner as they
would have been allocated and adjusted apart from the closing of the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer. Each holder of an interest in Edge Group II will
receive a Schedule K-1 for 1996 reflecting the income and deductions allocated
to him during 1996 and for 1997 reflecting the income and deductions allocated
to him during the period in 1997 he owned such interest.

The Edge Group II Exchange Offer--Effect on Limited Partners. The tax
consequences to a holder of Edge Group II Units who receives shares of Common
Stock in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer will be as follows:

(a) General Nonrecognition. Except as otherwise provided below, a holder
of Edge Group II Units will not recognize gain or loss as a result of the
closing of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer.

(b) Low-Basis Units. A holder who has a tax basis in his Edge Group II
Units that is significantly less than the tax basis of an original holder
of such Units may recognize gain on the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, but
any such gain will be offset by otherwise suspended losses.

(c) Tax Basis. A holder of Edge Group II Units will have an aggregate tax
basis in all shares of Common Stock received in the Edge Group II Exchange
Offer equal to his aggregate basis in his Edge Group II Units, as adjusted
for 1996 and 1997 operations, increased by any gain recognized on the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer, but such basis will exclude his share of any Joint
Venture or Edge Group II debts. Such basis will be prorated among all
shares of Common Stock received.

(d) Holding Period. The holding period required for long-term capital
gains treatment is one year. For holding period purposes, each share of
Common Stock will be divided into two parts. One part will be the portion
of the value of the share that is attributable to ordinary income assets
transferred to the Company in

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the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. Its holding period will begin on the day
following the closing of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. The remaining
part will have a holding period that includes the holding period of the
Edge Group II Units in the hands of the holder.

(e) Suspended Deductions. Any loss previously allocated to a holder of
Edge Group II Units in prior years or during 1997 that he has not been able
to use because of the at-risk limitations can be used only to the extent of
any income or gain recognized on the Edge Group II Exchange Offer pursuant
to paragraph (b) above. A holder of Edge Group II Units will also be
entitled to deduct suspended passive losses to the extent of a portion of
any gain realized on the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. Such portion will be
approximately equal to a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of
net passive income and gain that would have been allocated to the holder if
Edge Group II had sold all its trade or business assets for their fair
market value, and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of
income and gain that would have been allocated to the holder if Edge Group
II had sold all of its assets in only those activities in which Edge Group
II would have realized gain. Any passive losses not so used may
subsequently be used only as provided below under "--Sale of Shares." Any
suspended at-risk loss not so used, and any suspended basis limitation
loss, will disappear.

(f) Reporting Requirements. Each holder who receives shares in the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer will be required to file with his federal income
tax return a statement that provides details relating to the property
transferred, the stock and securities received and his share of any
liabilities assumed by the Company in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. The
Company will provide shareholders with information to assist them in
preparing such statement.

(g) Control Assumption. The above conclusions are based on the assumption
that not more than 20% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock
issued in the Offering and shares of Common Stock transferred to holders of
interests in Edge Group II, holders of Gulfedge Units, Edge Group, the
holder of the J.C. Calaway Interests and holders of Old Edge Common Stock
pursuant to the Combination Transactions will be subsequently sold pursuant
to contracts entered into prior to the Combination Transactions (the
"Control Assumption"). None of the Company, Old Edge, Edge Group, Edge
Group II or Gulfedge is aware of any contracts that have been or will be
entered into prior to the Combination Transactions which would make the
Control Assumption incorrect. If the Control Assumption were not correct,
each holder of Edge Group II Units would recognize gain or loss on the
transfer of his Edge Group II Units to the Company as if the holder had
sold the Edge Group II Units for an amount equal to the value of the Common
Stock received in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, plus his share of the
Joint Venture's or Edge Group II's nonrecourse liabilities assumed by the
Company in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. Moreover, each holder's basis
in the Common Stock received would be increased (or reduced) by the gain
(or loss) recognized, and each holder's holding period in the shares of
Common Stock received would begin on the day after the closing of Edge
Group II Exchange Offer.

The Edge Group II Exchange Offer--Effect on General Partners. The tax
consequences to the holder of a general partner interest in Edge Group II who
receives shares of Common Stock in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer will be as
follows:

(a) General Nonrecognition. Except as otherwise provided below, a holder
of a general partner interest in Edge Group II will not recognize gain or
loss as a result of the closing of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer.

(b) Tax Basis. A holder of a general partner interest in Edge Group II
will have an aggregate tax basis in his shares of Common Stock (other than
the GP's Management Fee Shares) received in the Edge Group II Exchange
Offer equal to his aggregate basis in his general partner interest in Edge
Group II, as adjusted for 1996 and 1997 operations, increased by any gain
recognized on the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, but such basis will exclude
his share of any Joint Venture or Edge Group II debts. Such basis will be
prorated among such shares of Common Stock received.

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(c) Holding Period. The holding period required for long-term capital
gains treatment is one year. For holding period purposes, each share of
Common Stock (other than the GP's Management Fee Shares) will be divided
into two parts. One part will be the portion of the value of the share that
is attributable to ordinary income assets transferred to the Company in the
Edge Group II Exchange Offer. Its holding period will begin on the day
following the closing of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. The remaining
part will have a holding period that includes the holding period of the
general partner interest in Edge Group II in the hands of the general
partner.

(d) Reporting Requirements. Each holder of a general partner interest in
Edge Group II who receives shares in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer will
be required to file with his federal income tax return a statement that
provides details relating to the property transferred, the stock and
securities received and his share of any liabilities assumed by the Company
in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. The Company will provide shareholders
with information to assist them in preparing such statement.

(e) Control Assumption. The above conclusions are based on the assumption
that not more than 20% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock
issued in the Offering and shares of Common Stock transferred to holders of
interests in Edge Group II, holders of Gulfedge Units, Edge Group, the
holder of the J.C. Calaway Interests and holders of Old Edge Common Stock
pursuant to the Combination Transactions will be subsequently sold pursuant
to contracts entered into prior to the Combination Transactions (the
"Control Assumption"). None of the Company, Old Edge, Edge Group, Edge
Group II or Gulfedge is aware of any contracts that have been or will be
entered into prior to the Combination Transactions which would make the
Control Assumption incorrect. If the Control Assumption were not correct,
each holder of a general partner interest in Edge Group II would recognize
gain or loss on the transfer of his general partner interest in Edge Group
II to the Company as if the holder had sold the general partner interest in
Edge Group II for an amount equal to the value of the Common Stock received
in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer (other than the GP's Management Fee
Shares), plus his share of the Joint Venture's or Edge Group II's
liabilities assumed by the Company in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer.
Moreover, each holder's basis in the Common Stock received would be
increased (or reduced) by the gain (or loss) recognized, and each holder's
holding period in the shares of Common Stock received would begin on the
day after the closing of Edge Group II Exchange Offer.

(f) Issuance of GP's Management Fee Shares. A general partner of Edge
Group II may recognize ordinary income equal to the value of the GP's
Management Fee Shares received in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. A
general partner of Edge Group II will have a tax basis in his GP's
Management Fee Shares equal to the value of such shares received, and the
general partner's holding period in such shares will begin on the day after
the Edge Group II Exchange Offer.

Sale of Shares. A holder of an interest in Edge Group II who receives shares
of Common Stock in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer and thereafter sells such
shares will recognize gain or loss measured by the difference between the
amount realized on such sale and his tax basis in the shares sold. Although
definitive Treasury Regulations have not yet been issued concerning
dispositions, a shareholder probably will not be able to use any part of a
suspended passive loss on a sale of only some of his shares, not even to the
extent of any gain realized on the sale; however, all of a suspended passive
loss can be used if the shareholder sells all his shares to an unrelated
person in an arm's length transaction in which all realized gain or loss is
otherwise recognized.

Ownership of Shares. After the closing of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer,
a shareholder will be taxable only on distributions received from the Company,
if any. Such distributions will be taxable as dividends to the extent of any
current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Company. See "--The
Company" below. Any other distributions will be treated as a tax-free return
of capital to the extent of the holder's basis in the shares and as capital
gain to the extent of the balance. Except on the sale of all shares, a
shareholder probably will not be entitled to use any passive loss, even to
offset any dividends thereafter received from the Company (see "--Sale of
Shares" above).

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Nonexchanging Holders. A holder who does not participate in the Edge Group
II Exchange Offer will not recognize any gain on the consummation of the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer, unless he has a basis in his Edge Group II Units that
is significantly less than the basis of an original holder of such Units.

A nonexchanging holder could have adverse federal income tax consequences if
the Edge Group II Exchange Offer is accepted by partners holding Edge Group II
Units which, when added to other sales or exchanges of Edge Group II Units
occurring during any 12-month period that includes the Closing Date, comprise
Edge Group II Units which represent 50% or more of the total interests in Edge
Group II's capital and profits. In such a case, there would be a constructive
termination ("Constructive Termination"), and then a reconstitution by the
remaining partners of Edge Group II for federal income tax purposes. The
Combination Agreement Transactions are conditioned upon acceptance of the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer by at least 70% of the Edge Group II limited partners.

A Constructive Termination and reconstitution of Edge Group II would cause a
nonexchanging holder to recognize gain to the extent cash constructively
distributed exceeds the adjusted tax basis of his Edge Group II Units. The
gain would be treated as ordinary income to the extent attributable to such
holder's share of the ordinary income that would be recognized by Edge Group
II if the Joint Venture sold all of its assets and the balance of such gain
would be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of the Edge Group II Units
and, provided that the Edge Group II Units are capital assets in the hands of
the holder, such gain would be capital gain. The Company estimates that a
nonexchanging holder would not recognize gain as a result of a Constructive
Termination of Edge Group II unless he has a basis in his Edge Group II Units
that is significantly less than the basis of an original holder of such Units,
but any such gain would be offset by otherwise suspended losses.

Edge Group II's taxable year ends December 31. Edge Group II's taxable year
would terminate upon its Constructive Termination and, if a holder's taxable
year does not also end on December 31, the Constructive Termination could
result in the bunching of more than one year of the holder's share of Edge
Group II's income or loss in such holder's income tax return for the taxable
year in which Edge Group II is terminated.

HOLDERS OF GULFEDGE UNITS

Pre-Gulfedge Exchange Offer Operations. The income and deductions of
Gulfedge incurred during 1996 and during 1997 prior to the closing of the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer will be allocated among the holders of the Gulfedge
Units, and each holder's basis in the Gulfedge Units will be adjusted by such
allocations, in essentially the same manner as they would have been allocated
and adjusted apart from the closing of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer. Each
holder of Gulfedge Units will receive a Schedule K-1 for 1996 reflecting the
income and deductions allocated to him during 1996 and for 1997 reflecting the
income and deductions allocated to him during the period in 1997 he owned such
Units.

The Gulfedge Exchange Offer. The tax consequences to a holder of Gulfedge
Units who receives shares of Common Stock in the Gulfedge Exchange Offer will
be as follows:

(a) General Nonrecognition. Except as otherwise provided below, a holder
of Gulfedge Units will not recognize gain or loss as a result of the
closing of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer.

(b) Low-Basis Units. A holder who has a tax basis in his Gulfedge Units
that is significantly less than the tax basis of an original holder of such
Units may recognize gain on the Gulfedge Exchange Offer, but any such gain
will be offset by otherwise suspended losses.

(c) Tax Basis. A holder of Gulfedge Units will have an aggregate tax
basis in all shares of Common Stock received in the Gulfedge Exchange Offer
equal to his aggregate basis in his Gulfedge Units, as adjusted for 1996
and 1997 operations, increased by any gain recognized on the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer, but such basis will exclude his share of any Joint Venture
or Gulfedge debts. Such basis will be prorated among all shares of Common
Stock received.

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portion of the value of the share that is attributable to ordinary income
assets transferred to the Company in the Gulfedge Exchange Offer. Its
holding period will begin on the day following the closing of the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer. The remaining part will have a holding period that includes
the holding period of the Gulfedge Units in the hands of the holder.

(e) Suspended Deductions. Any loss previously allocated to a holder of
Gulfedge Units in prior years or during 1997 that he has not been able to
use because of the at-risk limitations can be used only to the extent of
any income or gain recognized on the Gulfedge Exchange Offer pursuant to
paragraph (b) above. A holder of Gulfedge Units will also be entitled to
deduct suspended passive losses to the extent of a portion of any gain
realized on the Gulfedge Exchange Offer. Such portion will be approximately
equal to a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of net passive
income and gain that would have been allocated to the holder if Gulfedge
had sold all its trade or business assets for their fair market value, and
the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of income and gain that
would have been allocated to the holder if Gulfedge had sold all of its
assets in only those activities in which Gulfedge would have realized gain.
Any passive losses not so used may subsequently be used only as provided
below under "--Sale of Shares." Any suspended at-risk loss not so used, and
any suspended basis limitation loss, will disappear.

(f) Reporting Requirements. Each holder who receives shares in the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer will be required to file with his federal income
tax return a statement that provides details relating to the property
transferred, the stock and securities received and his share of any
liabilities assumed by the Company in the Gulfedge Exchange Offer. The
Company will provide shareholders with information to assist them in
preparing such statement.

(g) Control Assumption. The above conclusions are based on the assumption
that not more than 20% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock
issued in the Offering and shares of Common Stock transferred to holders of
interests in Edge Group II, holders of Gulfedge Units, Edge Group, the
holder of the J.C. Calaway Interests and holders of Old Edge Common Stock
pursuant to the Combination Transactions will be subsequently sold pursuant
to contracts entered into prior to the Combination Transactions (the
"Control Assumption"). None of the Company, Old Edge, Edge Group, Edge
Group II or Gulfedge is aware of any contracts that have been or will be
entered into prior to the Combination Transactions which would make the
Control Assumption incorrect. If the Control Assumption were not correct,
each holder of Gulfedge Units would recognize gain or loss on the transfer
of his Gulfedge Units to the Company as if the holder had sold the Gulfedge
Units for an amount equal to the value of the Common Stock received in the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer, plus his share of the Joint Venture's or
Gulfedge's nonrecourse liabilities assumed by the Company in the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer. Moreover, each holder's basis in the Common Stock received
would be increased (or reduced) by the gain (or loss) recognized, and each
holder's holding period in the shares of Common Stock received would begin
on the day after the closing of Gulfedge Exchange Offer.

Sale of Shares. A holder of Gulfedge Units who receives shares of Common
Stock in the Gulfedge Exchange Offer and thereafter sells such shares will
recognize gain or loss measured by the difference between the amount realized
on such sale and his tax basis in the shares sold. Although definitive
Treasury Regulations have not yet been issued concerning dispositions, a
shareholder probably will not be able to use any part of a suspended passive
loss on a sale of only some of his shares, not even to the extent of any gain
realized on the sale; however, all of a suspended passive loss can be used if
the shareholder sells all his shares to an unrelated person in an arm's length
transaction in which all realized gain or loss is otherwise recognized.

Ownership of Shares. After the closing of the Gulfedge Exchange Offer, a
shareholder will be taxable only on distributions received from the Company,
if any. Such distributions will be taxable as dividends to the extent of any
current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Company. See "--The
Company" below. Any other distributions will be treated as a tax-free return
of capital to the extent of the holder's basis in the shares and as capital
gain to the extent of the balance. Except on the sale of all shares, a
shareholder probably will not be entitled to use any passive loss, even to
offset any dividends thereafter received from the Company (see "--Sale of
Shares" above).

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Nonexchanging Holders. A holder who does not participate in the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer will not recognize any gain on the consummation of the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer, unless he has a basis in his Gulfedge Units that is
significantly less than the basis of an original holder of such Units.

A nonexchanging holder could have adverse federal income tax consequences if
the Gulfedge Exchange Offer is accepted by partners holding Gulfedge Units
which, when added to other sales or exchanges of Gulfedge Units occurring
during any 12-month period that includes the Closing Date, comprise Gulfedge
Units which represent 50% or more of the total interests in Gulfedge's capital
and profits. In such a case, there would be a constructive termination
("Constructive Termination"), and then a reconstitution by the remaining
partners of Gulfedge for federal income tax purposes.

A Constructive Termination and reconstitution of Gulfedge would cause a
nonexchanging holder to recognize gain to the extent cash constructively
distributed exceeds the adjusted tax basis of his Gulfedge Units. The gain
would be treated as ordinary income to the extent attributable to such
holder's share of the ordinary income that would be recognized by Gulfedge if
the Joint Venture sold all of its assets and the balance of such gain would be
treated as gain from the sale or exchange of the Gulfedge Units and, provided
that the Gulfedge Units are capital assets in the hands of the holder, such
gain would be capital gain. The Company estimates that a nonexchanging holder
would not recognize gain as a result of a Constructive Termination of Gulfedge
unless he has a basis in his Gulfedge Units that is significantly less than
the basis of an original holder of such Units, but any such gain would be
offset by otherwise suspended losses.

Gulfedge's taxable year ends December 31. Gulfedge's taxable year would
terminate upon its Constructive Termination and, if a holder's taxable year
does not also end on December 31, the Constructive Termination could result in
the bunching of more than one year of the holder's share of Gulfedge's income
or loss in such holder's income tax return for the taxable year in which
Gulfedge is terminated.

EDGE GROUP

Pre-Edge Group Purchase Offer Operations. The income and deductions of the
Joint Venture incurred during 1996 and during 1997 prior to the closing of the
Edge Group Purchase Offer will be allocated among the holders of interests in
the Joint Venture, and Edge Group's basis in Edge Group's Joint Venture
Interest will be adjusted by such allocations, in essentially the same manner
they would have been allocated and adjusted apart from the closing of the Edge
Group Purchase Offer. Edge Group will receive a Schedule K-1 for 1996
reflecting the income and deductions allocated to it during 1996 and for 1997
reflecting the income and deductions allocated to it during the period in 1997
it owned such Joint Venture Interest.

The Edge Group Purchase Offer. The tax consequences to Edge Group from the
receipt of shares of Common Stock in the Edge Group Purchase Offer will be as
follows:

(a) General Nonrecognition. Except as otherwise provided below, Edge
Group will not recognize gain or loss as a result of the closing of the
Edge Group Purchase Offer.

(b) Tax Basis. Edge Group's aggregate tax basis in all shares of Common
Stock received in the Edge Group Purchase Offer will equal its aggregate
basis in the Edge Group Joint Venture Interest, as adjusted for 1996 and
1997 operations, but will exclude Edge Group's share of any Joint Venture
debts. Such basis will be prorated among all shares of Common Stock
received.

(c) Holding Period. The holding period required for long-term capital
gains treatment is one year. For holding period purposes, each share of
Common Stock will be divided into two parts. One part will be the portion
of the value of the share that is attributable to ordinary income assets
transferred to the Company in the Edge Group Purchase Offer. Its holding
period will begin on the day following the closing of the Edge Group
Purchase Offer. The remaining part will have a holding period that includes
Edge Group's holding period in the Edge Group Joint Venture Interest.

(d) Suspended Deductions. Any loss previously allocated to an individual
holder of an indirect interest in Edge Group in prior years or during 1997
that he has not been able to use because of the at-risk

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limitations or because of the basis limitations will disappear. Any loss
previously allocated to an individual holder of an indirect interest in
Edge Group in prior years or during 1997 that has not been able to be used
because of the passive loss limitations may subsequently be used only as
provided below under "--Sale of Shares."

(e) Reporting Requirements. If Edge Group accepts the Edge Group Purchase
Offer, it will be required to file with its federal income tax return a
statement that provides details relating to the property transferred, the
stock and securities received and its share of any liabilities assumed by
the Company in the Edge Group Purchase Offer. The Company will provide
shareholders with information to assist them in preparing such statement.

(f) Control Assumption. The above conclusions are based on the assumption
that not more than 20% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock
issued in the Offering and shares of Common Stock transferred to holders of
interests in Edge Group II, holders of Gulfedge Units, Edge Group, the
holder of the J.C. Calaway Interests and holders of Old Edge Common Stock
pursuant to the Combination Transactions will be subsequently sold pursuant
to contracts entered into prior to the Combination Transactions (the
"Control Assumption"). None of the Company, Old Edge, Edge Group, Edge
Group II or Gulfedge is aware of any contracts that have been or will be
entered into prior to the Combination Transactions which would make the
Control Assumption incorrect. If the Control Assumption were not correct,
Edge Group would recognize gain or loss on the transfer of Edge Group's
Joint Venture Interest to the Company as if Edge Group had sold its Joint
Venture Interest for an amount equal to the value of the Common Stock
received in the Edge Group Purchase Offer, plus its share of the Joint
Venture's liabilities assumed by the Company in the Edge Group Purchase
Offer. Moreover, Edge Group's basis in the Common Stock received would be
increased (or reduced) by the gain (or loss) recognized, and Edge Group's
holding period in the shares of Common Stock received would begin on the
day after the closing of Edge Group Purchase Offer.

Sale of Shares. If Edge Group receives shares of Common Stock in the Edge
Group Purchase Offer and thereafter sells such shares, it will recognize gain
or loss measured by the difference between the amount realized on such sale
and its tax basis in the shares sold. Although definitive Treasury Regulations
have not yet been issued concerning dispositions, an individual holder of an
indirect interest in Edge Group probably will not be able to use any part of a
suspended passive loss on a sale of only some of the shares by Edge Group, not
even to the extent of any gain realized on the sale; however, all of a
suspended passive loss can be used if Edge Group sells all its shares, or if
the individual holder sells all of his indirect interest in Edge Group, to an
unrelated person in a transaction in which all realized gain or loss is
otherwise recognized.

Ownership of Shares. After the closing of the Edge Group Purchase Offer,
Edge Group will only include in its income distributions received from the
Company, if any. Such distributions will be includible as dividends to the
extent of any current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Company. See
"--The Company" below. Any other distributions will be treated as a tax-free
return of capital to the extent of Edge Group's basis in its shares and as
capital gain to the extent of the balance. Except on the sale by Edge Group of
all shares or on the sale by the individual holder of his entire indirect
interest in Edge Group, an individual holder of an indirect interest in Edge
Group probably will not be entitled to use any passive loss, even to offset
his share of any dividends thereafter received by Edge Group from the Company
(see "--Sale of Shares" above).

Failure to Accept the Edge Group Purchase Offer. If Edge Group does not
participate in the Edge Group Purchase Offer, it will not recognize any gain
on the consummation of the Combination Agreement Transactions.

HOLDERS OF OLD EDGE COMMON STOCK

Pre-Merger Operations. Any distribution paid with respect to the Old Edge
Common Stock prior to the Merger will be included in the income of the holders
of the Old Edge Common Stock to the extent of the current or accumulated
earnings and profits of Old Edge. Any other distributions will be treated as
tax-free return of capital to the extent of the holder's basis in the shares
and as capital gain to the extent of the balance.

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The Merger. The tax consequences to a holder of Old Edge Common Stock who
receives shares of Common Stock in the Merger will be as follows:

(a) General Nonrecognition. Except as otherwise provided below, a holder
of Old Edge Common Stock will not recognize gain or loss as a result of the
Merger.

(b) Tax Basis. A shareholder of Old Edge will have a tax basis in all
shares of Common Stock received in the Merger equal to his aggregate basis
in the Old Edge Common Stock. Such basis will be prorated among all shares
of Common Stock received.

(c) Holding Period. For holding period purposes, each share of Common
Stock will have a holding period that includes the holding period of the
Old Edge Common Stock in the hands of the holder, assuming the Old Edge
Common Stock was held as a capital asset.

(d) Continuity Assumption. The above conclusions are based on the
assumption that there is no plan or intention on the part of the Old Edge
shareholders to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of a number of shares
of Common Stock received in the Merger that would reduce the Old Edge
shareholders' ownership of Common Stock to a number of shares of Common
Stock that is less than 50% of the number of shares of Common Stock issued
in the Merger (the "Continuity Assumption"). If the Continuity Assumption
were not correct, each holder of Old Edge Common Stock would recognize gain
or loss on the transfer of its Old Edge Common Stock to the Company as if
the holder had sold the Old Edge Common Stock for an amount equal to the
value of the Common Stock received in the Merger. Moreover, each holder's
basis in the Common Stock received would be increased (or reduced) by the
gain (or loss) recognized, and each holder's holding period in the shares
of Common Stock received would begin on the day after the Merger.

Sale of Shares. A holder who receives shares of Common Stock in the Merger
and thereafter sells such shares will recognize gain or loss measured by the
difference between the amount realized on such sale and his tax basis in the
shares sold.

Ownership of Shares. After the closing of the Merger, a shareholder will be
taxable only on distributions received from the Company, if any. Such
distributions will be taxable as dividends to the extent of any current or
accumulated earnings and profits of the Company. See "--The Company" below.
Any other distributions will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the
extent of the holder's basis in the shares and as capital gain to the extent
of the balance.

Dissenting Holders. A holder of Old Edge Common Stock who exercises his
dissenters' rights and receives cash from Old Edge in exchange for such shares
will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the cash
received and the holder's tax basis in the shares, assuming the Old Edge
Common Stock was held as a capital asset.

THE COMPANY

The Combination Transactions. Following the Combination Transactions, the
interests in Edge Group II, the Gulfedge Units, Edge Group's Joint Venture
Interest, the Old Edge Common Stock and the exchanged J.C. Calaway Interests
held by the exchanging holders will be owned by the Company. Assuming the
validity of the Control Assumption and the Continuity Assumption, the tax
consequences to the Company of the Combination Transactions will be as
follows:

(a) Gain or Loss. The Company will not recognize any gain or loss on the
Combination Transactions.

(b) Tax Basis. The Company will have a tax basis in the interests in Edge
Group II, the Gulfedge Units, the Edge Group Joint Venture Interest, the
Old Edge Common Stock and the exchanged J.C. Calaway Interests equal to the
tax bases that all exchanging holders have in the interests in Edge Group
II, the Gulfedge Units, the Edge Group Joint Venture Interest, the Old Edge
Common Stock and the exchanged J.C. Calaway Interests, plus the amount of
any gain recognized by such exchanging holders (other than

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income recognized in respect of the receipt of the GP's Management Fee
Shares). The Company will have a tax basis in the management fee agreement
that it acquires from the general partners of Edge Group II equal to the
value of the GP's Management Fee Shares issued to such general partners in
exchange for such management fee agreement. The Company's basis in its
assets and the Joint Venture's basis in its assets will not be affected by
the Combination Transactions. On the liquidation of the Joint Venture
pursuant to its winding up, the Company and Old Edge will obtain a tax
basis in the assets distributed to them equal to the tax basis that the
Company and Old Edge have in their interests in the Joint Venture. The tax
basis will be allocated among the various Joint Venture assets in
proportion to the tax basis to the Joint Venture of such assets.

(c) Holding Period. The holding period of each asset held by the Joint
Venture will not be affected by the Combination Transactions. On the
liquidation of the Joint Venture pursuant to its winding up, the Company
and Old Edge will have a holding period in the Joint Venture assets
distributed that includes the holding period of the Joint Venture.

(d) Control Assumption and Continuity Assumption. If the Control
Assumption were not valid, the Company still would not recognize gain or
loss, but the Company's tax basis in the interests in Edge Group II, the
Gulfedge Units, the Edge Group Joint Venture Interest, and the exchanged
J.C. Calaway Interests acquired from the exchanging holders would equal the
value of the shares issued to such exchanging holders plus the amount of
the exchanging holder's liabilities assumed by the Company. If the
Continuity Assumption were not valid, the Company still would not recognize
gain or loss, but the Company's tax basis in the Old Edge Common Stock
acquired from the Old Edge shareholders would equal the value of the shares
of Common Stock issued in the Merger.

Post-Transaction Operations. Following the Combination Transactions, the
income and deductions attributable to the assets and liabilities held by the
Joint Venture will be included in the tax return filed by the Company, and the
Company will pay taxes on any taxable profits it recognizes from time to time.

FOREIGN EXCHANGING HOLDERS

An exchanging holder who is not a U.S. person will generally recognize gain
on the exchange of his Edge Group II Units, the Gulfedge Units or Old Edge
Common Stock for Common Stock; loss will not be recognized. If an exchanging
holder who is not a U.S. person receives shares of Common Stock in exchange
for his interest in Edge Group II, Gulfedge Units or Old Edge Common Stock,
the Company will be required to deduct and withhold an amount of tax equal to
ten percent (10%) of the sum of the fair market value of the Common Stock
transferred to the holder, plus the amount of the holder's share of
liabilities assumed by the Company.

OTHER TAXATION

None of Edge Group II, Gulfedge, Edge Group, Old Edge or the Company is
expected to incur any significant state or local tax incident to the
Combination Agreement Transactions. After the Combination Agreement
Transactions, however, the Company will be subject to state franchise taxes
and probably other state and local taxes to which the income of the Joint
Venture allocable to Edge Group and the holders of interests in Edge Group II
and the Gulfedge Units has not been subject. Apart from federal income taxes,
no attempt has been made to determine any tax that may be imposed on a holder
by the country, state or other jurisdiction in which he resides or is a
citizen.

THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS INTENDED TO
BE A SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS OF THE
COMBINATION AGREEMENT TRANSACTIONS. EACH HOLDER OF INTERESTS IN EDGE GROUP II,
HOLDERS OF GULFEDGE UNITS, EDGE GROUP, AND HOLDERS OF OLD EDGE COMMON STOCK
SHOULD CONSULT HIS OWN TAX ADVISOR CONCERNING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND
OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HIM OF THE COMBINATION AGREEMENT TRANSACTIONS.

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COMPARISON OF SECURITYHOLDER RIGHTS

INTRODUCTION

Upon completion of the Merger, the shareholders of Old Edge, a Texas
corporation, will become stockholders of the Company, a Delaware corporation.
Partners, both limited and general, in Edge Group II, a Connecticut limited
partnership, who elect to exchange their interests in such partnership
pursuant to the Edge Group II Exchange Offer will become stockholders of the
Company. Limited partners of Gulfedge, a Texas limited partnership, who elect
to exchange their interests in such partnership pursuant to the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer will become stockholders of the Company. Upon completion of the
transactions contemplated by the Edge Group Purchase Offer, Edge Group will
become a stockholder of the Company instead of an owner of an interest in the
Joint Venture, a Texas general partnership. Accordingly, the rights of the
former shareholders of Old Edge, the former partners of Edge Group II and
Gulfedge and of Edge Group will be governed by Delaware law, as well as the
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company.

The following summary compares a number of differences between the rights of
stockholders of the Company and the rights of shareholders in Old Edge,
partners of Edge Group II, limited partners of Gulfedge and the Joint Venture
interest held by Edge Group. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the
more complete legal description of the Common Stock contained under
"Description of Capital Stock of the Company" and the information contained in
the Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, the Bylaws and the
Articles of Incorporation of Old Edge, the partnership agreements of each of
Edge Group II and Gulfedge and the Joint Venture Agreement, all of which are
included as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Joint Proxy
and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus is a part.

FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION

The Company will be classified as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes, and as such, will be taxed with respect to its income after
allowable deductions and credits. Stockholders will not be taxed with respect
to the Company's income, but will generally be taxed with respect to dividends
received from the Company. Old Edge is classified as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes and is subject to federal income tax on the same basis as
the Company. Edge Group II, Gulfedge and the Joint Venture are not taxpaying
entities. Rather, each partner includes his share of the income and, subject
to certain limitations, the losses of such partnership in computing such
partner's taxable income without regard to the cash distributed to the
partner. Generally, cash distributions to partners are not taxable, except to
the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds such partner's adjusted
basis in his partnership interest.

MANAGEMENT

The Company. The business and affairs of the Company will be managed by or
under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company's
Board of Directors is divided into three classes with staggered terms of
office, initially ending in 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. Thereafter, the
term for each class will expire on the date of the third annual stockholders'
meeting for the election of directors following the most recent election of
directors for such class. Each director holds the office until the next annual
meeting of stockholders for the election of directors of his class and until
his successor has been duly elected and qualified. A director may only be
removed for cause and then only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least a majority of all outstanding capital stock entitled to vote. Any newly
created directorships or vacancies on the Company's Board of Directors
resulting for any reason shall be filled by affirmative vote of the remaining
directors. Cumulative voting is prohibited by the Certificate of Incorporation
of the Company.

Old Edge. The business and affairs of Old Edge are managed by or under the
direction of the Board of Directors of Old Edge. Since its inception, the
directors of Old Edge have been selected pursuant to the Shareholders'
Agreement entered into in connection with the formation of Old Edge and a May
1991 agreement between Calaway Oil and Gas, a company wholly owned by Mr. John
E. Calaway, and Mr. Stanley Raphael

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wherein Calaway Oil and Gas agreed to vote shares of Old Edge Common Stock
owned or controlled by it for Mr. Raphael as a director (the "Raphael Voting
Agreement" and, together with the Shareholders' Agreement, the "Voting
Agreements").

The Shareholders' Agreement provides that, among other things, Edge Holding
Company agrees to vote the shares of Old Edge Common Stock issued to it in
connection with such agreement, or acquired by it thereafter, for the election
of five nominees for director of Old Edge to be designated by Calaway Oil and
Gas. Calaway Oil and Gas agrees that at least one of such five designees will
be an independent director. Calaway Oil and Gas also agrees, pursuant to the
Shareholders' Agreement, to vote the shares of Old Edge Common Stock issued to
it in connection with such agreement, or acquired by it thereafter, for the
election of three nominees for director of Old Edge to be designated by Edge
Holding Company. These voting agreement provisions between Edge Holding
Company and Calaway Oil and Gas terminate on the earlier of April 8, 2001 or
such time as any Old Edge Common Stock is publicly traded. In addition,
Calaway Oil and Gas' obligation to vote for Edge Holding Company's three
designees terminates if Edge Holding Company distributes its Old Edge Common
Stock to its partners without the reservation of voting rights in Edge Holding
Company's favor. Finally, on the occurrence of any of (i) the death or
incompetence of Mr. John E. Calaway, (ii) Calaway Oil and Gas ceases to own
either through itself or affiliates (as defined therein) at least 40,000
shares of Old Edge Common Stock, or (iii) Old Edge merges or consolidates and
Mr. James D. Calaway and Mr. John E. Calaway, in the aggregate, do not have
"control" as defined in the Securities Exchange Act, of the resulting entity;
then for a period of ten days from the occurrence of any such event and notice
thereof to Mr. Sfondrini, as the general partner of Edge Holding Company, Edge
Holding Company shall have the right to terminate, among others, the
provisions of the Shareholders' Agreement described above. Calaway Oil and Gas
has informed the Company that no notice of any of the events described in (i),
(ii) or (iii) above has been provided to Mr. Sfondrini and that it believes
that none of such events has occurred.

The Shareholders' Agreement provides that each subscriber of Old Edge Common
Stock in connection therewith agrees to vote all of the shares of Old Edge
Common Stock issued to such subscriber under such agreement or acquired
thereafter for one nominee for director of Old Edge designated by RIMCO.

The Shareholders' Agreement also contains several voting agreements between
Calaway Oil and Gas and other subscribers, providing in each case for voting
rights in favor of Calaway Oil and Gas with respect to all matters presented
for action to the shareholders of Old Edge. Each such provision terminates on
the earliest to occur of (i) the death or incompetence of Mr. John E. Calaway,
(ii) Mr. John E. Calaway shall cease to be the President of the Company for a
period longer than six months, (iii) Calaway Oil and Gas shall cease to own
(either through itself or affiliates (as defined therein)) at least 40,000
shares of Old Edge Common Stock, (iv) Old Edge merges or consolidates and Mr.
James D. Calaway and Mr. John E. Calaway, in the aggregate, do not have
control, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act, of the resulting entity,
or (v) any common stock of Old Edge is publicly traded. At least one
shareholder has previously taken the position that there has been a
termination of such provisions. Solely with respect to the shareholders' vote
on the Merger, Calaway Oil and Gas has agreed to waive its rights, if any,
under such provisions.

The Shareholders' Agreement also provides that KPC Interests, Inc., a
company wholly owned by Mr. James D. Calaway, has the right, under similar
circumstances, to direct the vote of Jamtex, Inc. The rights, if any, under
the Shareholders' Agreement of KPC Interests, Inc. to vote the shares held by
Jamtex, Inc. are waived solely with respect to the shareholders' vote on the
Merger.

The Raphael Voting Agreement provides that, with respect to 6578.73 shares
of Old Edge Common Stock transferred, in the aggregate, to Mr. Raphael and the
Trade Consultants, Inc. Pension Plan, Calaway Oil and Gas will retain voting
rights with respect to all matters presented to shareholders of Old Edge. Such
voting agreement terminates upon the occurrence of any of the events described
in (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), immediately above. The Raphael Voting
Agreement also provides that, for as long as legally permissible, Calaway Oil
and Gas will vote all shares owned by it, or with respect to which it holds
voting powers, for the election of Mr. Raphael as a

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director of Old Edge. Solely with respect to the shareholders' vote on the
Merger, Calaway Oil and Gas has agreed to waive its rights, if any, under the
Raphael Voting Agreement.

In several instances, shares of Old Edge Common Stock were transferred from
Calaway Oil and Gas, subject to the reservation of voting rights with respect
to such shares in favor of Calaway Oil and Gas. Solely with respect to the
shareholders' vote on the Merger, Calaway Oil and Gas has agreed to waive its
rights under all such agreements.

In several other instances, shares of Old Edge Common Stock have been
transferred from one holder of record to another, subject to the reservation
of voting rights. Consequently, in some cases, a holder of record of Old Edge
Common Stock may not have the right to vote on the Merger, notwithstanding the
waiver of voting rights, if any, by Calaway Oil and Gas and KPC Interests,
Inc. solely with respect to the shareholders' vote on the Merger. See
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management--Old Edge."

In the absence of voting agreements and the reservation of voting rights,
each director of Old Edge is elected annually by the shareholders and may be
removed and replaced, with or without cause, by shareholders holding a
majority of the Old Edge Common Stock. The Voting Agreements will terminate
following the Merger. Cumulative voting is prohibited by the Articles of
Incorporation of Old Edge.

Edge Group II. The business and affairs of Edge Group II are managed by the
general partners of Edge Group II, currently Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco. Unless
Mr. Andrews agrees to serve as general partner, Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco may
not withdraw without the consent of the partners whose capital contributions,
in the aggregate, represent at least 60% of the capital contributions made to
Edge Group II. A general partner may not sell, assign or otherwise transfer
such interest without receiving such consent. In connection with the Edge
Group II Exchange Offer, Mr. Sfondrini and Napamco seek the consent of the
partners of Edge Group II to the transfer to the Company of each of their
general partner interests in Edge Group II. Assuming such consent is received,
the Company will thereafter serve as the general partner of Edge Group II. The
limited partners of Edge Group II do not have the right to remove a general
partner.

Gulfedge. The business and affairs of Gulfedge are managed by Old Edge, the
general partner of Gulfedge. Old Edge may not withdraw as general partner
without the consent of the partners whose capital contributions, in the
aggregate, represent at least 60% of the capital contributions made to
Gulfedge and may not sell, assign or otherwise transfer its interest without
receiving such consent. The limited partners of Gulfedge do not have the right
to remove the general partner.

Edge Group. As provided for in the Joint Venture Agreement, the business and
affairs of the Joint Venture are managed by Old Edge, as managing venturer,
subject to obtaining the consent of Edge Group II with respect to certain
actions. See "Information Concerning the Joint Venture." The Joint Venture
Agreement does not provide for the removal of the managing venturer.

VOTING RIGHTS

The Company. Under Delaware law and the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation, stockholders have voting rights with respect to (i) the
election of the relevant class of directors at annual stockholders' meetings,
(ii) the removal of directors for cause, (iii) certain mergers, consolidations
and exchanges involving the Company, (iv) the sale of all or substantially all
of the Company's assets other than in the ordinary course of business, (v)
certain business combinations involving related parties, (vi) the dissolution
of the Company and (vii) amendments to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws. Each share of Common Stock entitles its holder to
cast one vote on each matter presented to stockholders. Stockholders may not
act by written consent. With respect to (i) and (ii), see "--Management"; with
respect to (iii), (iv) and (v), see "--Mergers and Other Fundamental
Transactions"; with respect to (vi), see "--Mergers and Other Fundamental
Transactions" and "--Right to Compel Dissolution"; and with respect to (vii),
see "--Amendments to Organizational Documents."

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Old Edge. Under Texas law and Old Edge's Articles of Incorporation, and
subject to the various voting agreements described under "--Management,"
shareholders have voting rights with respect to (i) the annual election of
directors, (ii) the removal, with or without cause, and replacement of
directors, (iii) certain mergers and share exchanges involving Old Edge, (iv)
the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Old Edge other than in
the regular course of business, (v) the dissolution of Old Edge and (vi)
amendments to Old Edge's Articles of Incorporation and bylaws. Each share of
Old Edge Common Stock entitles its holder to cast one vote on each matter
presented to shareholders. Shareholders of Old Edge may act without a meeting
only by unanimous written consent. With respect to (i) and (ii), see "--
Management"; with respect to (iii) and (iv), see "--Mergers and Other
Fundamental Transactions"; with respect to (v), see "--Mergers and Other
Fundamental Transactions" and "--Right to Compel Dissolution"; and with
respect to (vi), see "Amendments to Organizational Documents."

Edge Group II. Under Connecticut law and the Edge Group II Partnership
Agreement, limited partners have voting rights with respect to (i) certain
transfers of a general partner's interest, (ii) the merger of Edge Group II,
(iii) the dissolution of Edge Group II and (iv) amendments to the partnership
agreement. The affirmative vote of partners of Edge Group II whose aggregate
capital contributions represent at least 60% of the aggregate capital
contributions is required with respect to (i) above. A similar degree of
consent is required with respect to (iv) above, except in certain
circumstances when the consent of all of the partners is required. The
affirmative vote of all of the general partners and by limited partners who
own at least two-thirds of the interests in the profits of Edge Group II is
required with respect to (ii) above. The consent of all of the partners of
Edge Group II is required with respect to (iii) above. Partners may act by
written consent in all of the foregoing instances.

Gulfedge. Under Texas law and the Gulfedge Partnership Agreement, limited
partners have voting rights with respect to (i) certain transfers of a general
partner's interest, (ii) the dissolution of Gulfedge, and (iii) following
recommendation by the general partner, amendments to the Gulfedge Partnership
Agreement. The affirmative vote of partners of Gulfedge whose aggregate
capital contributions represent at least 60% of the aggregate capital
contributions is required with respect to (i) above. A similar degree of
consent is required with respect to (iii) above, except in certain
circumstances when the consent of all of the partners is required. The consent
of all of the partners of Gulfedge is required with respect to (iii) above.
Partners may act by written consent in all of the foregoing instances.

Edge Group. The Joint Venture Agreement provides that it may be amended with
the consent of all participants therein. The Joint Venture Agreement provides
for Old Edge, as managing venturer, to make all decisions with respect to
operations of the business, subject to obtaining the approval of Edge Group II
with respect to certain matters. The Joint Venture Agreement does not
otherwise provide for voting rights of the participants.

SPECIAL MEETINGS

The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company provides that special
meetings of the stockholders of the Company may be called only by the Chairman
of the Board of Directors, the President or a majority of the Board of
Directors of the Company. Special meetings of shareholders of Old Edge may be
called by the Company's Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, the
Board of Directors or holders of at least 10% of the shares entitled to vote
at the meeting. The laws of Connecticut and Texas, respectively, do not
provide for meetings, special or otherwise, of partners in the absence of such
a provision in the relevant partnership agreement. The Edge Group II and
Gulfedge Partnership Agreements make no provision for meetings of the
partners, special or otherwise. The Joint Venture Agreement and Texas law make
no provision for meetings, special or otherwise, of participants in the Joint
Venture.

AMENDMENTS TO ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS

Amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company must be
approved by the board of directors and by a majority of all stockholders
entitled to vote and by a majority of all outstanding shares of any class

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whose par value or number of authorized shares is increased or decreased or
the powers, preferences or special rights of the shares of such class would be
altered or changed thereby so as to affect them adversely. Amendments to the
Articles of Incorporation of Old Edge must be approved by the board of
directors and by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of
all outstanding shares. As Old Edge has only one class of stock authorized,
class voting provisions of Texas law are inapplicable. The Shareholders'
Agreement provides that, in the event that an amendment to the bylaws of Old
Edge is proposed to the shareholders thereof, Calaway Oil and Gas and Edge
Holding Company shall decide how to vote in writing ahead of time or both vote
their shares against such proposition. Amendments to each of the partnership
agreements of Edge Group II and Gulfedge must be approved by the general
partner and by partners who represent at least 60% of the aggregate capital
contributions, except for amendments to certain provisions of each such
agreement, which must be approved by all partners. Amendments to the Joint
Venture Agreement must be approved by all of the participants.

MERGERS AND OTHER FUNDAMENTAL TRANSACTIONS

The Company. Certain mergers, and a consolidation, dissolution or sale of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Company must be approved by the
holders of at least a majority of all outstanding capital stock entitled to
vote. Under Delaware law, stockholders of the surviving corporation in a
merger have no right to vote, except under limited circumstances, on the
acquisition by merger directly into the surviving corporation of companies
that are substantially smaller than the surviving corporation (i.e., where the
amount of the surviving corporation's common stock to be issued or delivered
under the plan of merger does not exceed 20% of the total shares outstanding
immediately prior to the acquisition). Dissolution of the Company must be
approved by the board of directors and holders of a majority of the
outstanding capital stock entitled to vote thereon.

Subject to certain exceptions, a publicly held Delaware corporation may not
engage in a business combination (including a merger) with any "interested
stockholder" for three years after such stockholder became an interested
stockholder unless (i) the interested stockholder acquired at least 85% of the
corporation's voting stock (excluding stock owned by directors who are also
officers and stock held in certain employee stock plans) in the transaction
that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder or (ii)
such business combination is approved by the board of directors and at least
66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested
stockholder. An "interested stockholder" is generally defined as any person or
entity that owns 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock. See
"Description of Capital Stock of the Company."

Old Edge. Mergers and share exchanges involving Old Edge, sales of all or
substantially all of its assets not in the ordinary course of business and its
dissolution must generally be approved by the board of directors and by two-
thirds of all outstanding shares entitled to vote, except for (i) mergers
between a corporation and subsidiaries owned 90% or more by such corporation
and (ii) certain mergers in which the rights of holders are not significantly
altered. The Shareholders' Agreement provides that, if a matter is presented
to the shareholders of Old Edge requiring under Texas law the consent of 66
2/3% of such shares, Calaway Oil and Gas and Edge Holding Company shall decide
how to vote in writing ahead of time or both vote their shares against such
proposition.

Edge Group II. The merger of Edge Group II with another limited partnership
requires the affirmative vote of all of the general partners and of limited
partners who own at least two-thirds of the interests in the profits of Edge
Group II. The dissolution of Edge Group II would require the consent of all of
the partners of Edge Group II.

Gulfedge. Under Texas law, a limited partnership may not merge unless the
relevant partnership agreement makes specific provision with respect thereto.
The Gulfedge Partnership Agreement has no provision concerning merger. The
dissolution of Gulfedge would require the consent of all of the partners of
Gulfedge.

Edge Group. The Joint Venture Agreement does not make any provision for the
merger or consolidation of the Joint Venture. The sale of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Joint Venture requires the consent of

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Old Edge and Edge Group II. See "Information Concerning the Joint Venture."
Dissolution under circumstances other than as provided for in the Joint
Venture Agreement would require an amendment to the Joint Venture Agreement,
to amend the term thereof, consented to by all of the participants.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The Company and Old Edge. The Company does not expect to pay dividends on
the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Dividends may be paid if, as and
when declared by the Board of Directors of the Company in its discretion,
subject to legal and contractual limitations. Old Edge does not expect to pay
dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. Dividends may be paid
if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of Old Edge in its
discretion, subject to legal and contractual limitations.

Edge Group II and Gulfedge. Neither Edge Group II nor Gulfedge has paid cash
distributions. Neither Edge Group II nor Gulfedge expect to pay distributions
in the foreseeable future, unless and until they receive net cash from the
Joint Venture. Oil and gas properties will be distributed to Edge Group II and
Gulfedge at or prior to the end of the two year windup period. It is expected
that Edge Group II and Gulfedge would continue to hold these oil and gas
properties. Some revenues would be retained by Edge Group II and Gulfedge as
necessary for the operation of these oil and gas properties, and, if
necessary, for the further development of the properties. Any remaining net
revenue would generally be distributed to the respective partners of these
partnerships.

The Edge Group II Partnership Agreement provides initially for the general
partners (in the aggregate) to be allocated 1% of all income, gains, losses,
deductions and distributions, with the remaining 99% of such items to be
allocated to the limited partners based on their relative capital accounts.
Such agreement further provides that, at such time as the limited partners, in
the aggregate, have recovered 150% of their capital contribution, the general
partners (in the aggregate) are to be allocated 25% of such items, with the
remaining 75% being allocated to the limited partners.

In the case of Edge Group II, the general partners have the right to be
reimbursed for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with such
partnership. In addition, the general partners, in the aggregate, have the
right to a management fee for each of the first five years of the partnership
equal to 2% of the aggregate capital contributions of the limited partners.
Thereafter, the general partners, in the aggregate, are entitled to 3% of the
cash flow of the partnership as a management fee. The Gulfedge Partnership
Agreement provides that items of income, gain, losses, deductions and
distributions be allocated 1% to the general partner, with the remaining 99%
of such items to be allocated to the limited partners, based on their relative
capital accounts. Such agreement also provides that Gulfedge reimburse Old
Edge for all reasonable expenses and costs incurred in connection with the
business of Gulfedge. Old Edge does not have the right to receive any
management fees or other form of compensation. Limited partners generally have
no right to compel a partnership or the general partners to make
distributions. See "--Liquidation Rights."

Edge Group. The Joint Venture's initial sharing ratio, which determines the
allocation of net income and other items, as well as the allocation of
distributable cash, was approximately 29.1%, 67.3%, 2.3% and 1.3% for Old
Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Edge Group, respectively. Such ratio is
subject to two shifts as described under "Information Concerning the Joint
Venture." The Joint Venture Agreement provides that, subject to restrictions
on distributions provided for in debt instruments of the Joint Venture, the
managing venturer, shall, upon the demand of Edge Group II, as soon as
practicable, but no less frequently than annually, make distributions of one-
half of the "excess net cash flow," which is the annual net income of the
Joint Venture less (i) 20% of the book value of intangible assets and (ii) any
amounts paid or anticipated to be paid within the twelve months subsequent to
the most recent determination of net income. There have been no distributions
to date and the covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility restricted any such
distributions of excess net cash flow. It is not anticipated that any
distributions will be made prior to the beginning of the two-year windup
period of the Joint Venture that commences with its December 1996 dissolution.
During such windup period, substantially all of the assets of the Joint
Venture will be distributed to the venturers in accordance with the applicable
sharing ratios or as provided for in the Joint Venture Agreement, as amended.
The terms of the Joint Venture Agreement,

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as amended, specifying the terms of such distributions are described under
"Information Concerning the Joint Venture."

LIQUIDATION RIGHTS

The Company and Old Edge. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
affairs of either of the Company or Old Edge, such company's assets remaining
after provision for payment of creditors are distributable pro rata among the
holders of such company's common stock.

Edge Group II. Under the Edge Group II Partnership Agreement, property and
cash remaining upon liquidation after provision for payment for the
partnership's creditors are to be allocated 99% to the limited partners on the
basis of their capital contributions and 1% (in the aggregate) to the general
partners until the value of all prior distributions and such liquidating
distributions to the limited partners is equal to 150% of the limited
partners' capital contributions. Thereafter, distributions are allocated 75%
to the limited partners on the basis of their relative capital contributions
and 25% to the general partners.

Gulfedge. In a liquidation of Gulfedge, available cash and property would be
distributed in proportion to the respective capital accounts of the partners,
following provision for the contingent and other liabilities of the
partnership.

Edge Group. The Joint Venture Agreement contains lengthy provisions
regarding the allocation of debt and assets upon its dissolution and windup,
which are described under "Information Concerning the Joint Venture."
Generally, such provisions provide for the distribution of the assets of the
Joint Venture to its participants based on applicable sharing ratios.

LIMITED LIABILITY

Shares of Common Stock will be fully paid and nonassessable. Stockholders
generally will not have personal liability for obligations of the Company.
Shares of Old Edge Common Stock are fully paid and nonassessable. Shareholders
generally do not have personal liability for obligations of Old Edge. The
limited partners of Edge Group II and Gulfedge generally do not have personal
liability for obligations of their respective partnerships. The general
partners of Edge Group II are generally jointly and severally liable for
obligations of Edge Group II. Under Texas law, Edge Group's interest in the
Joint Venture is a general partner interest and, as such, Edge Group is
jointly and severally liable, along with the other participants in the Joint
Venture, for obligations of the Joint Venture.

CONTINUITY OF EXISTENCE

Under Delaware law, the Company has perpetual existence. The Articles of
Incorporation of Old Edge provide for perpetual existence. The Edge Group II
Partnership Agreement provides for such partnership to continue in existence
until December 31, 2025, unless earlier terminated or extended in accordance
with such agreement. The Gulfedge Partnership Agreement provides for such
partnership to continue in existence until December 31, 2020, unless earlier
terminated or extended in accordance with such agreement. The Joint Venture
Agreement, as amended, provides for the Joint Venture to continue in existence
until December 31, 1996, unless earlier terminated or extended in accordance
with such agreement. A Joint Venture windup period of two years is
anticipated.

FINANCIAL REPORTING

Following the Offering, the Company will be subject to the reporting
requirements of the Exchange Act and file annual and quarterly reports
thereunder. None of Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge or the Joint Venture is
subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. Pursuant to the
Joint Venture Agreement, Old Edge prepares and delivers to Edge Group II
certain periodic and annual financial reports and budgets. In addition, the

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Joint Venture Agreement requires the Company, as the managing venturer, to
deliver annual and quarterly financial reports to all participants in the
Joint Venture.

REDEMPTION

None of the Common Stock or the partnership interests in Edge Group II,
Gulfedge or the Joint Venture are subject to mandatory redemption by either
the holder or issuer. Generally, the Old Edge Common Stock is not subject to
mandatory redemption by either the holder or Old Edge. Old Edge has an option
to purchase 842.8 shares of Old Edge Common Stock on January 15, 1997 at a
price of approximately $135.26 per share. Another shareholder of Old Edge has
the right to require Old Edge to purchase its 5,263 shares of Old Edge Common
Stock at a formula price at any time before March 31, 1998. See "Certain
Transactions--RIMCO Interests."

CONVERSION RIGHTS

None of the Common Stock, the Old Edge Common Stock or the partnership
interests in Edge Group II, Gulfedge or the Joint Venture are convertible into
any other securities.

RIGHT TO COMPEL DISSOLUTION

Stockholders of the Company may authorize dissolution without prior action
by the board of directors only by unanimous consent of all stockholders.
Shareholders of Old Edge may compel the dissolution of the corporation by
unanimous written consent. The limited partners of each of Edge Group II and
Gulfedge may not compel the dissolution of such partnership absent the consent
of all general partners of such partnership. Dissolution of the Joint Venture
would require the consent of all of its participants.

LIQUIDITY, MARKETABILITY AND RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER

The Company. The Common Stock will be freely transferrable and application
has been made for listing the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market. As
required by the Underwriters as a condition to the Offering, the Bylaws of the
Company prohibit persons receiving shares of Common Stock in the Combination
Agreement Transactions from selling any of their shares for a period of at
least 180 days after the completion of the Offering. See "Description of
Capital Stock of the Company."

Old Edge, Edge Group II and Gulfedge. There is no public market for any of
the outstanding shares of Old Edge, or the partnership interests of Edge Group
II, Gulfedge and the Joint Venture. Because such shares and partnership
interests are not registered under the Securities Act or under the laws of any
state, such shares and partnership interests may not be transferred without
registration unless an exemption from all applicable registration requirements
is available. In addition, the transfer or assignment of limited partner
interests in each of Edge Group II and Gulfedge is prohibited without the
consent of the general partner of such partnership. These consents have been
obtained for the transfers pursuant to the Combination Agreement Transactions.
A limited partner of either of Edge Group II or Gulfedge may assign its rights
to distributions pursuant to its partnership interest, without the consent of
the general partner thereof.

Edge Group. The sale, assignment, transfer or encumbrance of interests in
the Joint Venture requires the consent of all of the other participants in the
Joint Venture. However, a participant in the Joint Venture may pledge its
right to up to one-half of the revenue arising from its interest, subject to
certain conditions. The consent of each of the other members of the Joint
Venture: Edge Group II, Old Edge and Gulfedge, has been obtained with respect
to the proposed transfer of Edge Group's Joint Venture interest to the
Company.

CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS AND LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY OF
MANAGEMENT

The Company. Delaware law affords stockholders of a corporation the right to
institute legal action on behalf of the corporation (a shareholder derivative
action) to recover damages from a third party or a director

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when the board of directors of such corporation has failed to institute an
action against third parties or directors of the corporation. In addition, a
stockholder may institute legal action on behalf of himself or all other
similarly situated shareholders (a class action) to recover damages from
directors for violations of their fiduciary duties. Stockholders may also have
rights to bring actions in federal courts to enforce federal rights.

Under Delaware law, a corporation's charter or certificate of incorporation
may contain a provision which, subject to the limitations described below,
would limit or eliminate a director's personal liability to the corporation or
its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of his or her fiduciary duty.
Delaware law prohibits the limitation of liability of a director (i) for
breaches of the duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii)
for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct
or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for transactions from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit or (iv) for the payment of unlawful
dividends or expenditure of funds for unlawful stock purchase or redemptions.
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation eliminates liability for monetary
damages for breach of the director's fiduciary duty of care to the fullest
extent permitted under Delaware law.

Delaware law contains provisions setting forth conditions under which a
corporation may indemnify its directors and officers. Delaware law generally
provides for indemnification if the person acted in good faith and in a manner
he or she reasonably believed to be in, or in some cases at least not opposed
to, the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal
action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was
unlawful. Under Delaware law, indemnification of directors and officers is
permissive except that an officer or director of a corporation must be
indemnified against expenses if he or she is successful on the merits or
otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding to which he or she was
a party by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer
of the corporation. A corporation may not indemnify, except in certain cases
for expenses only, a director or officer of the corporation in connection with
a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which the director or
officer was adjudged liable to the corporation. Delaware law permits
indemnification in such a case if the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court
in which such action or suit was brought determines that the person is fairly
and reasonably entitled to indemnification ("Adjudicated Indemnification").
Reasonable expenses may be indemnified in advance under certain circumstances
under Delaware law. The Company's Bylaws provide that the Company shall
indemnify and advance expenses to its directors and executive officers to the
fullest extent permitted by law. The Bylaws include related provisions meant
to facilitate the indemnitee's receipt of such benefits. In addition, the
Company intends to enter into indemnification agreements with its directors
and executive officers and purchase directors' and officers' liability
insurance.

Old Edge. The rights of shareholders under Texas law to bring a derivative
action or an action for breach of fiduciary duty are analogous to those under
Delaware law. Texas law and the Articles of Incorporation of Old Edge prohibit
the limitation of liability of a director for (1) a breach of the director's
duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders or members; (2) an act
or omission not in good faith that constitutes a breach of duty of the
director to the corporation or an act or omission that involves intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (3) a transaction from which the
director received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted
from an action taken within the scope of the director's office; or (4) an act
or omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided by an
applicable statute.

Texas law has provisions similar to that of Delaware with respect to
permissible, mandatory and prohibited indemnification, except that no
exception analogous to Adjudicated Indemnification exists and under Texas law,
a corporation also may not indemnify a director or officer in connection with
a proceeding in which such a person was found liable on the basis that
personal benefit was improperly received by such person. Reasonable expenses
may also be indemnified for in advance under certain circumstances under Texas
law. The Old Edge Bylaws provide that Old Edge shall indemnify and advance
expenses to persons who were or are directors or officers of Old Edge under
all circumstances under which indemnification is permissible under current
Texas law.

Edge Group II and Gulfedge. Under Texas and Connecticut law, a limited
partner may bring an action against a general partner, upon a showing of the
breach of its fiduciary duty, to recover his capital contribution

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or to seek an accounting and dissolution of the partnership. Rights of action
against a general partner by or on behalf of the limited partners, seeking
damages or other relief for any breach of these duties are provided for in the
partnership agreements of each of Edge Group II and Gulfedge.

The partnership agreements of each of Edge Group II and Gulfedge provide
that the partnership will indemnify a general partner thereof against any loss
or liability resulting from good faith acts or omission to act on behalf of
the partnership and, in any event, to the extent permissible under the laws of
the State of Connecticut or Texas, as the case may be. The partnership
agreements of Edge Group II and Gulfedge provide that a general partner
thereof shall not have any liability for any failure or misfeasance on his
part, other than a willful failure or misfeasance with respect to obligations
under such agreement. Each such partnership agreement also specifically
provides that, whenever a conflict of interests exists between the general
partner and the partnership or a limited partner, the general partner shall
resolve such conflict of interest, take such action or provide such terms
considering, in each case, the relative interests of each party to such
conflict, agreement, transaction or situation and the benefits and burdens
relating to such interest, any customary or accepted industry practices, and
any applicable generally accepted accounting or engineering practices or
principles, and in the absence of bad faith by the general partner, the
resolution, action or terms so made, taken or provided by the general partner
shall not constitute a breach of such partnership agreement, or any other
agreement contemplated therein or a breach of any standard of care or duty
imposed in such partnership agreement or under Texas or Connecticut law, as
the case may be, or any other applicable law, rule or regulation.

Edge Group. Generally under Texas law, one general partner may sue another
for breach of fiduciary duty. The Joint Venture Agreement provides that no
venturer shall have any liability to the Joint Venture or to the other
venturers for its negligent conduct, and the negligence of a venturer shall
not be deemed a breach by a venturer of its fiduciary obligations to the Joint
Venture or any other venturer.

The Joint Venture Agreement provides that the Joint Venture shall indemnify
(to the extent of the assets of the Joint Venture and without recourse to any
of the venturers) any venturer with respect to any proceeding involving an
alleged cause of action for liability or damages arising out of the ordinary
and proper conduct of the business of the Joint Venture or, on a limited
basis, the conduct of another business in which the Joint Venture has an
economic interest. Such agreement provides that the use of the term "proper"
does not exclude indemnification for instances involving the negligence,
breach of trust or fiduciary duty and specifically provides that the
indemnification provision shall apply notwithstanding the negligence of the
venturer seeking indemnification. In any action in which the Joint Venture
sues any of the venturers or in which one venturer sues any other venturer or
the Joint Venture for any reason arising out of or connected with the Joint
Venture Agreement, the losing party is required to bear the fees and expenses
of the prevailing party. The Joint Venture Agreement provides for the
advancement of expenses under certain circumstances. The Joint Venture
Agreement, as amended, provides for indemnification of Old Edge in connection
with the management or operation of certain properties.

RIGHT TO LIST OF HOLDERS; INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS

Under Delaware law, any stockholder of the Company may, upon written demand
and for a proper purpose, inspect and copy the Company's stock ledger, a list
of its stockholders, and its other books and records. Under Texas law, upon
written request, at reasonable times and for a proper purpose, any person who
has been a shareholder for at least six months or is the holder of at least 5%
of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Old Edge has the right to
examine and copy relevant books of account, minutes and share transfer
records, including a list of current shareholders. Under Texas and Connecticut
law, each partner of Gulfedge or Edge Group II, respectively, has the right,
upon written request, to inspect and copy, among other things, a list of the
partners with their respective addresses and ownership interests, the limited
partnership's tax returns, and the books and records of account. Under Texas
law and the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement, the financial books and
records and tax returns are available at the Joint Venture's principal office
for inspection and copying by any venturer.

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DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL

The Company and Old Edge. Under Texas law, any shareholder may dissent from
mergers and sales of substantially all of the corporation's assets which
require shareholder consent, except that a shareholder shall not have the
right to dissent from any plan of merger in which there is a single surviving
or new domestic or foreign corporation, or from any plan of exchange, if (i)
the shares held by shareholders are listed on a national securities exchange,
or are held of record by not less than 2,000 holders, on the record date fixed
to determine the shareholders entitled to vote on the plan of merger or the
plan of exchange, and (2) the shareholder is not required by the terms of the
plan of the merger or the plan of exchange to accept for his shares any
consideration other than (a) shares of a corporation that, immediately after
the effective time of the merger or exchange, will be part of a class or
series of shares of which are (i) listed, or authorized for listing upon
official notice of issuance, on a national securities exchange or (ii) held of
record by not less than 2,000 holders, and (b) cash in lieu of fractional
shares otherwise entitled to be received. Unless otherwise provided in the
certificate of incorporation, under Delaware law stockholders are generally
not entitled to dissenters' appraisal rights upon a sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the corporation not made in the usual and
regular course of its business, as they are under Texas law. Stockholders of a
Delaware corporation are entitled to similar dissenters' rights; however, in
certain circumstances, under Delaware law no dissenters' appraisal rights are
available to the holders of shares of any class or series of stock of a
constituent corporation in a merger or consolidation that, at the record date
fixed to determine the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote
at the meeting of stockholders to act upon the merger or consolidation, were
either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or (ii) held of record by
more than 2,000 stockholders. Under Delaware law, stockholders of a
constituent corporation surviving a merger are not entitled to appraisal
rights if the merger did not require stockholder approval. In addition, under
Delaware law, a stockholder is entitled to appraisal rights under the
foregoing circumstances if such stockholder is required by the terms of an
agreement of merger or consolidation to accept for such shares anything other
than (a) shares of stock of the corporation surviving or resulting from such
merger or consolidation, (b) shares of stock of any other corporation which at
the effective date of the merger or consolidation will be either listed on a
national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000
shareholders, (c) cash in lieu of fractional shares of the corporations
described in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), or (d) any combination of the
foregoing.

Edge Group II. Neither Connecticut law nor the Edge Group II Partnership
Agreement provides a mechanism for partners of Edge Group II to seek a
judicial determination of the fair value of their interests in the event of a
merger, share exchange or sale of assets.

Gulfedge and Edge Group. None of Texas law, the Gulfedge Partnership
Agreement or the Joint Venture Agreement provides a mechanism for the partners
of Gulfedge or the Joint Venture, respectively, to seek a judicial
determination of the fair value of their interests in the event of a merger,
share exchange or sale of assets.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF THE COMPANY

The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 40,000,000 shares of
Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. Following consummation
of the Offering and the Combination Transactions there will be approximately
6,682,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding (assuming the over-allotment
option of the underwriters for the Offering is not exercised and that all
parties accept shares of Common Stock in the Combination Transactions), and no
shares of Preferred Stock will be outstanding. The following summary does not
purport to be complete, and reference is made to the more detailed provisions
of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate of
Incorporation") and Bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration
statement of which this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus is a part.

COMMON STOCK

The Common Stock possesses ordinary voting rights for the election of
directors and in respect of other corporate matters, each share being entitled
to one vote. There are no cumulative voting rights, meaning that the holders
of a majority of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect all
the directors if they choose to do so. The Common Stock carries no preemptive
rights and is not convertible, redeemable or assessable, or entitled to the
benefits of any sinking fund. The holders of Common Stock are entitled to
dividends in such amounts and at such times as may be declared by the Board of
Directors out of funds legally available therefor. See "Dividend Policy" for
information regarding dividend policy.

PREFERRED STOCK

The Board of Directors of the Company is empowered, without approval of the
stockholders, to cause shares of Preferred Stock to be issued in one or more
series, with the numbers of shares of each series to be determined by it. The
Board of Directors is authorized to fix and determine the powers,
designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
rights (including, without limitation, voting powers, full or limited,
preferential rights to receive dividends or assets upon liquidation, rights of
conversion or exchange into Common Stock, Preferred Stock of any Series or
other securities, redemption provisions and sinking fund provisions) between
series and between the Preferred Stock or any series thereof and the Common
Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such rights.

Although the Company has no present intention to issue shares of Preferred
Stock, the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock, or the issuance of rights to
purchase such shares, could be used to discourage an unsolicited acquisition
proposal. For instance, the issuance of a series of Preferred Stock might
impede a business combination by including class voting rights that would
enable the holders to block such a transaction; or such issuance might
facilitate a business combination by including voting rights that would
provide a required percentage vote of the stockholders. In addition, under
certain circumstances, the issuance of Preferred Stock could adversely affect
the voting power of the holders of the Common Stock. Although the Board of
Directors is required to make any determination to issue such stock based on
its judgment as to the best interests of the stockholders of the Company, the
Board of Directors could act in a manner that would discourage an acquisition
attempt or other transaction that some or a majority of the stockholders might
believe to be in their best interests or in which stockholders might receive a
premium for their stock over the then market price of such stock. The Board of
Directors does not at present intend to seek stockholder approval prior to any
issuance of currently authorized stock, unless otherwise required by law or
the rules of any market on which the Company's securities are traded.

OTHER MATTERS

Delaware law authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal
liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of directors' fiduciary duty of care. The duty of care
requires that, when acting on behalf of the corporation, directors must
exercise an informed business judgment based on all material information
reasonably available to them. Absent the limitations authorized by Delaware

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law, directors are accountable to corporations and their stockholders for
monetary damages for conduct constituting gross negligence in the exercise of
their duty of care. Delaware law enables corporations to limit available
relief to equitable remedies such as injunction or rescission. The Certificate
of Incorporation limits the liability of directors of the Company to the
Company or its stockholders to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.
Specifically, directors of the Company will not be personally liable for
monetary damages for breach of a director's fiduciary duty as a director,
except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to
the Company or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith
or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii)
for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or
redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.

The inclusion of this provision in the Certificate of Incorporation may have
the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against
directors, and may discourage or deter stockholders or management from
bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their duty of care, even
though such an action, if successful, might otherwise have benefited the
Company and its stockholders. The Company's Bylaws provide indemnification to
the Company's officers and directors and certain other persons with respect to
certain matters, and the Company has entered into agreements with each of its
directors providing for indemnification with respect to certain matters.

The Certificate of Incorporation provides that stockholders may act only at
an annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not act by written
consent. The Bylaws provide that special meetings of the stockholders can be
called only by the Chairman of the Board, the President or by a majority of
the Board of Directors of the Company.

The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Board of Directors shall
consist of three classes of directors serving for staggered three-year terms.
As a result, approximately one-third of the Company's Board of Directors will
be elected each year. The classified board provision could prevent a party who
acquires control of a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company
from obtaining control of the Board of Directors until the second annual
stockholders' meeting following the date the acquiror obtains the controlling
interest. See "Management."

The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the number of directors will
be no greater than 12 and no less than three. The Certificate of Incorporation
further provides that directors may be removed only for cause (as defined in
the Certificate of Incorporation), and then only by the affirmative vote of
the holders of at least a majority of all outstanding voting stock entitled to
vote. This provision, in conjunction with the provisions of the Certificate of
Incorporation authorizing the Board of Directors to fill vacant directorships,
will prevent stockholders from removing incumbent directors without cause and
filling the resulting vacancies with their own nominees. The Company's Bylaws
also provide that the Board of Directors will include at least a majority of
directors who are not employees of the Company. In addition, the Bylaws
provide that the Compensation Committee will consist solely of members who are
not employees of the Company and the Audit Committee will include at least a
majority of members who are not employees of the Company.

The Company is a Delaware corporation and is subject to Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prevents an
"interested stockholder" (defined generally as a person owning 15% or more of
a corporation's outstanding voting stock) from engaging in a "business
combination" (as defined) with a Delaware corporation for three years
following the date such person became an interested stockholder unless (i)
before such person became an interested stockholder, the board of directors of
the corporation approved the transaction in which the interested stockholder
became an interested stockholder or approved the business combination; (ii)
upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the interested
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder
owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the
time the transaction commenced (excluding stock held by directors who are also
officers of the corporation and by employee stock plans that do not provide
employees with the right to determine confidentially whether shares held
subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer); or (iii)

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following the transaction in which such person became an interested
stockholder, the business combination was approved by the board of directors
of the corporation and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by the
affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock
of the corporation not owned by the interested stockholder. Under Section 203,
the restrictions described above also do not apply to certain business
combinations proposed by an interested stockholder following the announcement
or notification of one of certain extraordinary transactions involving the
corporation and a person who had not been an interested stockholder during the
previous three years or who became an interested stockholder with the approval
of a majority of the corporation's directors, if such extraordinary
transaction is approved or not opposed by a majority of the directors who were
directors prior to any person becoming an interested stockholder during the
previous three years or were recommended for election or elected to succeed
such directors by a majority of such directors. No stockholder will be subject
to the restrictions of Section 203 with respect to the Common Stock as a
result of the Combination Transactions.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

The Company's Bylaws contain provisions requiring that advance notice be
delivered to the Company of any business to be brought by a stockholder before
an annual meeting of stockholders, and providing for certain procedures to be
followed by stockholders in nominating persons for election to the Board of
Directors of the Company. Generally, such advance notice provisions provide
that written notice must be given to the Secretary of the Company by a
stockholder (i) in the event of business to be brought by a stockholder before
an annual meeting, not less than 45 days prior to the anniversary date of the
immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders of the Company (with
certain exceptions if the date of the annual meeting is different by more than
specified amounts from the anniversary date) and (ii) in the event of
nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors by any
stockholder, (a) with respect to an election to be held at the annual meeting
of stockholders, not less than 45 days prior to the anniversary date of the
immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders of the Company (with
certain exceptions if the date of the annual meeting is different by more than
specified amounts from the anniversary date) and (b) with respect to an
election to be held at a special meeting of stockholders for the election of
directors, not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the
day on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed to
stockholders or public disclosure of the date of the special meeting was made,
whichever first occurs. Such notice must set forth specific information
regarding such stockholder and such business or director nominee, as described
in the Company's Bylaws.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is American Securities
Transfer & Trust, Inc.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

This Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus covers the
issuance of the shares of Common Stock issued in the Combination Agreement
Transactions. This Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus
also covers the transfer by the general partners of Edge Group II of a portion
of the shares of Common Stock received by the general partners of Edge Group
II in exchange for the general partner interests in Edge Group II (i) to Mr.
James C. Calaway as the lender and Southwest Minerals, Inc. Defined Pension
Plan, Calaway Petroleum Int., Inc., Mr. Michael Gottesman, Antwerp Diamond
Distributors, Inc., Geiger Energy and Technology Employee Retirement Fund and
Mr. Joel Davis as the participants (collectively with Mr. James C. Calaway,
the "1991 Loan Participants") under a Loan Agreement dated April 7, 1991
between the general partners of Edge Group II and Mr. James C. Calaway (the
"1991 Loan Agreement"); (ii) to Mr. James C. Calaway as the lender and Ms.
Toby Gottesman as the participant (collectively with Mr. James C. Calaway, the
"1993 Loan Participants") pursuant to a Loan Agreement dated October 1, 1993
between the general partners of Edge Group II and Mr. James C. Calaway, as
amended (the "1993 Loan Agreement"); (iii) to the 1993 Loan Participants
pursuant to the Addendum to Loan Agreement dated April 26, 1994 (the "Addendum
to the 1993 Loan Agreement") by and among the General Partners and Mr. James
C. Calaway as the lender thereunder; and (iv) to Mr. David B. Benedict
pursuant to a Loan Agreement dated February 17, 1993, as amended on March 4,
1996 (the "Benedict Agreement"), between the general partners of Edge Group II
and Mr. Benedict. Under the 1991 Loan Agreement, the 1991 Loan Participants
are each entitled to receive (i) one-half of the rights of the general
partners of Edge Group II to receive revenues and distributions plus one-half
of the management fee under the Edge Group II Partnership Agreement,
multiplied by (ii) a fraction (A) the numerator of which is an amount equal to
the total amount of the loan outstanding under the 1991 Loan Agreement on July
15, 1991 with respect to each 1991 Loan Participant ($80,508.92 for Mr. James
C. Calaway; $156,041.18 for Southwest Minerals Inc. Defined Pension Plan;
$286,075.49 for Calaway Petroleum Int., Inc.; $83,231.96 for Mr. Michael
Gottesman; $62,416.47 for Antwerp Diamond Distributors; $62,936.61 for Geiger
Energy and Technology Employee Retirement Fund; and $24,966.59 for Mr. Joel
Davis) divided by $60,500 (the amount initially contributed by each limited
partner of Edge Group II with respect to each Edge Group II Unit) and (B) the
denominator of which is 189 (the total number of outstanding Edge Group II
Units). In the event of a transfer of the general partner interests in Edge
Group II, the 1991 Loan Participants are each entitled to receive a portion of
the proceeds of such transfer equal to the total amount of such proceeds
multiplied by one-half of the fraction referred to in clause (ii) of the
preceding sentence. Under the 1993 Loan Agreement, the 1993 Loan Agreement
Participants are each entitled to receive an amount equal to (i) the net
income after payout of Edge Group II (i.e., after an amount equal to 150% of
the total amount contributed by all limited partners of Edge Group II has been
distributed to the limited partners of Edge Group II), payable out of the
after payout interest of the general partners of Edge Group II, multiplied by
(ii) the product of (A) an amount equal to the total amount loaned under the
1993 Loan Agreement with respect to each 1993 Loan Agreement Participant
($150,000 for Mr. James C. Calaway and $25,000 for Ms. Toby Gottesman) divided
by the total amount loaned under the 1993 Loan Agreement ($175,000),
multiplied by (B) 0.381344%. In the event of a transfer of the general partner
interests in Edge Group II, the 1993 Loan Agreement Participants are each
entitled to receive a portion of the proceeds of such transfer equal to (i)
the total amount of such proceeds, minus the Payout Amount, minus the
Management Fee Amount, multiplied by (ii) four, multiplied by (iii) the
product referred to in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence. Under the
Addendum to the 1993 Loan Agreement, Mr. James C. Calaway is entitled to
receive an amount equal to (i) the net income after payout of Edge Group II,
payable out of the after payout interest of the general partners of Edge Group
II, multiplied by (ii) 0.245196%. In the event of a transfer of the general
partner interests in Edge Group II, Mr. James C. Calaway is entitled to
receive a portion of the proceeds of such transfer equal to (i) the total
amount of such proceeds, minus the Payout Amount, minus the Management Fee
Amount, multiplied by (ii) four, multiplied by (iii) 0.245196%. Under the
Benedict Agreement, Mr. Benedict is entitled to receive an amount equal to the
product of (i) 1.063830% multiplied by (ii) the amount distributed with
respect to the general partner interest in Edge Group II with respect to their
after payout interest in Edge Group II. In the event of a transfer of the
general partner interests in Edge Group II, Mr. Benedict is entitled to
receive a portion of the proceeds of such transfer equal to (i) the total
amount of such proceeds, minus the Payout Amount, minus the Management Fee
Amount, multiplied by (ii) 1.063830%.

151
<PAGE>

Assuming an IPO price in the Offering of $16.00 per share of Common Stock,
the general partners of Edge Group II will transfer (i) 5,838 shares of Common
Stock to Mr. James C. Calaway pursuant to the 1991 Loan Agreement, the 1993
Loan Agreement and the Addendum to the 1993 Loan Agreement, (ii) 2,468 shares
of Common Stock to Southwest Minerals Inc. Defined Pension Plan pursuant to the
1991 Loan Agreement, (iii) 4,524 shares of Common Stock to Calaway Petroleum
Int., Inc. pursuant to the 1991 Loan Agreement, (iv) 1,316 shares of Common
Stock to Mr. Michael Gottesman pursuant to the 1991 Loan Agreement, (v) 987
shares of Common Stock to Antwerp Diamond Distributors pursuant to the 1991
Loan Agreement, (vi) 995 shares of Common Stock to Geiger Energy and Technology
Employees Retirement Fund pursuant to the 1991 Loan Agreement, (vii) 395 shares
of Common Stock to Mr. Joel Davis pursuant to the 1991 Loan Agreement, (viii)
435 shares of Common Stock to Ms. Toby Gottesman pursuant to the 1993 Loan
Agreement and (ix) 2,122 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Benedict pursuant to the
Benedict Agreement.

No commissions, fees or other compensation will be paid in connection with
the transfer of such shares to the lenders. The expenses of such transfer will
be paid by the Company.

The Edge Group II Exchange Offer, the Gulfedge Exchange Offer and the
Purchase Offer are not being made to, nor will tenders be accepted from or on
behalf of, partners of Edge Group II or Gulfedge or Edge Group in any
jurisdiction in which the making of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer and the Purchase Offer or the acceptance thereof would
not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. However, the Company
may, at its discretion, take such action as it may deem necessary to make the
Edge Group II Exchange Offer, the Gulfedge Exchange Offer and the Purchase
Offer in any such jurisdiction and extend the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer and the Purchase Offer to partners of Edge Group II or
Gulfedge or Edge Group in such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction where
securities or blue sky laws require the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer and the Purchase Offer to be made by a licensed broker
or dealer, the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, the Gulfedge Exchange Offer and
the Purchase Offer shall be deemed to be made on behalf of the Company by one
or more registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws of such
jurisdiction.

No person has been authorized to give any information or make any
representation on behalf of the Company not contained in this Joint Proxy and
Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus or in the Letter of Transmittal and,
if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as
having been authorized.

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with the shares of Common Stock offered
hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Baker & Botts, L.L.P., Houston,
Texas. The federal income tax consequences of the Combination Agreement
Transactions will be passed upon for the Company by .

EXPERTS

The Combined Financial Statements of Old Edge, affiliated entities and direct
interests and the Financial Statements with respect to each of Old Edge, Edge
Group II, Gulfedge and the Joint Venture as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 and the Balance
Sheet of the Company as of December 2, 1996, each of which is included in this
Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus, have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their reports
appearing herein and have been so included in reliance upon the reports of such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The letter report of Ryder Scott included as Annex E to this Joint Proxy and
Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus and certain information with respect
to the Company's, the Joint Venture's, Old Edge's, Edge Group II's, Edge
Group's and Gulfedge's oil and natural gas reserves derived therefrom have been
included herein in reliance upon such firm as experts with respect to such
matters.

152
<PAGE>

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company has not previously been subject to the reporting requirements of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company has filed a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Form S-4 Registration Statement")
under the Securities Act with the Commission with respect to the Combination
Agreement Transactions. The Company has also filed a Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (the "Form S-1 Registration Statement") under the Securities Act with
the Commission with respect to the Offering. This Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus, filed as part of the Form S-4 Registration
Statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the Form S-4
Registration Statement or the exhibits and schedules thereto in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the Commission, and reference is hereby made
to such omitted information. Statements made in this Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus concerning any document filed as an exhibit
to the Form S-4 Registration Statement are not necessarily complete, and in
each instance reference is made to such exhibit for a complete statement of
its provisions. The Form S-4 Registration Statement, the Form S-1 Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto may be inspected, without
charge, at the public reference facilities of the Commission at its principal
office at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C.
20549, and its regional offices at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661, and at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor,
New York, New York 10048. Copies of all or any portion of the Form S-4
Registration Statement and the Form S-1 Registration Statement can be obtained
at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at its
principal office at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549. The Commission maintains an Internet web site that
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission
(http://www.sec.gov).

153
<PAGE>

GLOSSARY OF CERTAIN INDUSTRY TERMS

The definitions set forth below shall apply to the indicated terms as used
in this Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus. All volumes
of natural gas referred to herein are stated at the legal pressure base of the
state or area where the reserves exist and at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and in
most instances are rounded to the nearest major multiple.

After Payout. With respect to an oil or gas interest in a property, refers
to the time period after which the costs to drill and equip a well have been
recovered.

Bbl. One stock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used herein in
reference to crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

Bbls/d. Stock tank barrels per day.

Bcf. Billion cubic feet.

Bcfe. Billion cubic feet equivalent, determined using the ratio of six Mcf
of natural gas to one Bbl of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.

Before Payout. With respect to an oil or gas interest in a property, refers
to the time period before which the costs to drill and equip a well have been
recovered.

Completion. The installation of permanent equipment for the production of
oil or gas or, in the case of a dry hole, the reporting of abandonment to the
appropriate agency.

Developed acreage. The number of acres which are allocated or assignable to
producing wells or wells capable of production.

Development well. A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or gas
reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

Dry hole or well. A well found to be incapable of producing hydrocarbons in
sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of such production
exceed production expenses and taxes.

Exploratory well. A well drilled to find and produce oil or gas reserves not
classified as proved, to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to
be productive of oil or gas in another reservoir or to extend a known
reservoir.

Farm-in or farm-out. An agreement whereunder the owner of a working interest
in an oil and natural gas lease assigns the working interest or a portion
thereof to another party who desires to drill on the leased acreage.
Generally, the assignee is required to drill one or more wells in order to
earn its interest in the acreage. The assignor usually retains a royalty or
reversionary interest in the lease. The interest received by an assignee is a
"farm-in" while the interest transferred by the assignor is a "farm-out."

Field. An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all
grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature
and/or stratigraphic condition.

Finding costs. Costs associated with acquiring and developing proved oil and
natural gas reserves which are capitalized by the Company pursuant to
generally accepted accounting principles, including all costs involved in
acquiring acreage, geological and geophysical work and the cost of drilling
and completing wells.

Gross acres or gross wells. The total acres or wells, as the case may be, in
which a working interest is owned.

154
<PAGE>

MBbls. One thousand barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

MBbls/d. One thousand barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons per
day.

Mcf. One thousand cubic feet.

Mcf/d. One thousand cubic feet per day.

Mcfe. One thousand cubic feet equivalent, determined using the ratio of six
Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.

MBbls. One thousand barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

MMcf. One million cubic feet.

MMcf/d. One million cubic feet per day.

MMcfe. One million cubic feet equivalent, determined using the ratio of six
Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids,
which approximates the relative energy content of crude oil, condensate and
natural gas liquids as compared to natural gas. Prices have historically been
higher or substantially higher for crude oil than natural gas on an energy
equivalent basis.

Net acres or net wells. The sum of the fractional working interests owned in
gross acres or gross wells.

Normally pressured reservoirs. Reservoirs with a formation-fluid pressure
equivalent to 0.465 psi per foot of depth from the surface. For example, if
the formation pressure is 4,650 psi at 10,000 feet, then the pressure is
considered to be normal.

Over-pressured reservoirs. Reservoirs subject to abnormally high pressure as
a result of certain types of subsurface formations.

Petrophysical study. Study of rock and fluid properties based on well log
and core analysis.

Present value. When used with respect to oil and natural gas reserves, the
estimated future gross revenue to be generated from the production of proved
reserves, net of estimated production and future development costs, using
prices and costs in effect as of the date indicated, without giving effect to
nonproperty-related expenses such as general and administrative expenses, debt
service and future income tax expense or to depreciation, depletion and
amortization, discounted using an annual discount rate of 10%.

Productive well. A well that is found to be capable of producing
hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of such
production exceed production expenses and taxes.

Proved developed nonproducing reserves. Proved developed reserves expected
to be recovered from zones behind casing in existing wells.

Proved developed producing reserves. Proved developed reserves that are
expected to be recovered from completion intervals currently open in existing
wells and able to produce to market.

Proved developed reserves. Proved reserves that can be expected to be
recovered from existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods.

Proved reserves. The estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and
natural gas liquids that geological and engineering data demonstrate with
reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs
under existing economic and operating conditions.

155
<PAGE>

Proved undeveloped location. A site on which a development well can be
drilled consistent with spacing rules for purposes of recovering proved
undeveloped reserves.

Proved undeveloped reserves. Proved reserves that are expected to be
recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or from existing wells where a
relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

Recompletion. The completion for production of an existing well bore in
another formation from that in which the well has been previously completed.

Reservoir. A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural
accumulation of producible oil and/or gas that is confined by impermeable rock
or water barriers and is individual and separate from other reservoirs.

Royalty interest. An interest in an oil and natural gas property entitling
the owner to a share of oil or gas production free of costs of production.

3-D seismic. Advanced technology method of detecting accumulations of
hydrocarbons identified through a three-dimensional picture of the subsurface
created by the collection and measurement of the intensity and timing of sound
waves transmitted into the earth as they reflect back to the surface.

Undeveloped acreage. Lease acreage on which wells have not been drilled or
completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities
of oil and natural gas regardless of whether such acreage contains proved
reserves.

Working interest. The operating interest that gives the owner the right to
drill, produce and conduct operating activities on the property and a share of
production.

Workover. Operations on a producing well to restore or increase production.

156
<PAGE>

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS:
Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet (Unaudited), September 30, 1996........ F-3
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements.............. F-5
EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION (A DELAWARE CORPORATION):
Independent Auditors' Report............................................ F-7
Balance Sheet, December 2, 1996......................................... F-8
Notes to Balance Sheet.................................................. F-9
EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION (A TEXAS CORPORATION), AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND
DIRECT INTERESTS:
Independent Auditors' Report............................................ F-10
Combined Balance Sheets, December 31, 1995 and 1994..................... F-11
Combined Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993.......................................................... F-12
Combined Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993.......................................................... F-13
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993.......................................................... F-14
Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................................. F-15
Combined Balance Sheets, September 30, 1996 (Unaudited) and December 31,
1995................................................................... F-25
Combined Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995............................................ F-26
Combined Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995............................................ F-27
Notes to Unaudited Combined Financial Statements........................ F-28
EDGE JOINT VENTURE II (JOINT VENTURE)
Independent Auditors' Report............................................ F-29
Balance Sheets, December 31, 1995 and 1994.............................. F-30
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
1993................................................................... F-31
Statements of Venturers' Capital (Deficit) for the Years Ended December
31, 1995, 1994 and 1993................................................ F-32
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
1993................................................................... F-33
Notes to the Financial Statements....................................... F-34
Balance Sheets, September 30, 1996 (Unaudited) and December 31, 1995.... F-42
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September
30, 1996 and 1995...................................................... F-43
Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September
30, 1996 and 1995...................................................... F-44
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements................................. F-45
EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, A TEXAS CORPORATION (OLD EDGE)
Independent Auditors' Report............................................ F-46
Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 1995 and 1994................. F-47
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31,
1995, 1994 and 1993.................................................... F-48
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended
December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993....................................... F-49
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
1995, 1994 and 1993.................................................... F-50
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.......................... F-51
Consolidated Balance Sheets, September 30, 1996 (Unaudited) and December
31, 1995............................................................... F-58
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995...................................... F-59
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995...................................... F-60
Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements.................... F-61
EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (EDGE GROUP II)
Independent Auditors' Report............................................ F-62
Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 1995 and 1994................. F-63
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31,
1995, 1994 and 1993.................................................... F-64
Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital (Deficit) for the Years
Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993................................. F-65
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
1995, 1994 and 1993.................................................... F-66
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.......................... F-67
Consolidated Balance Sheets, September 30, 1996 (Unaudited) and December
31, 1995............................................................... F-75
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995...................................... F-76
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995...................................... F-77
Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements.................... F-78
GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (GULFEDGE)
Independent Auditors' Report............................................ F-79
Balance Sheets, December 31, 1995 and 1994.............................. F-80
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
1993................................................................... F-81
Statements of Partners' Capital (Deficit) for the Years Ended December
31, 1995, 1994 and 1993................................................ F-82
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
1993................................................................... F-83
Notes to the Financial Statements....................................... F-84
Balance Sheets, September 30, 1996 (Unaudited) and December 31, 1995.... F-92
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September
30, 1996 and 1995...................................................... F-93
Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September
30, 1996 and 1995...................................................... F-94
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements................................. F-95
</TABLE>

F-1
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(A RECENTLY FORMED DELAWARE CORPORATION)

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet and notes to
unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements are presented to show the pro
forma effects of the proposed Combination (as defined in Note 2) hereto and
Offering in which Edge Petroleum Corporation, a recently formed Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), will issue up to 4,682,273 shares of its common
stock for the combined net assets of Edge Petroleum Corporation (a Texas
corporation) ("Old Edge"), affiliated entities and direct interests and will
issue 2,000,000 shares of previously unissued common stock in a public offering
of shares. For a more complete description of these transactions see Note 2
hereto.

Pro forma data are based on assumptions and include adjustments as explained
in the notes to the unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements. The
unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet of the Company was prepared
utilizing the combined historical financial statements of the combined
predecessor entities as described in Note 2 hereto. Note 3 to the unaudited Pro
Forma Combined Financial Statements discloses the pro forma effects of the
Combination and the Offering on the historical income statement of the combined
predecessor entities. The unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements are
not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations of the Company
and should be read in conjunction with the historical combined financial
statements of Old Edge, affiliated entities and direct interests appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus.

F-2
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(A RECENTLY FORMED DELAWARE CORPORATION)

PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)

SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EDGE
PETROLEUM
CORPORATION COMBINED PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
DECEMBER 2, PREDECESSOR PRO FORMA FOR THE PRO FORMA FOR THE
ASSETS 1996 ENTITIES ADJUSTMENTS COMBINATION ADJUSTMENTS OFFERING
------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash
equivalents.......... $1,000 $ 930,581 $ 931,581 $19,560,010 (4) $20,491,591
Accounts receivable,
trade................ 1,649,557 1,649,557 1,649,557
Accounts receivable,
joint interest
owners............... 2,375,953 2,375,953 2,375,953
Receivables from
related parties...... 183,288 183,288 183,288
Other current assets.. 134,967 134,967 134,967
Advance to
stockholder.......... 3,371 3,371 3,371
------ ----------- ------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total current assets. 1,000 5,277,717 5,278,717 19,560,010 24,838,727
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT,
Net--full cost method
of accounting for oil
and gas property..... 12,384,029 12,384,029 12,384,029
DEFERRED OFFERING COSTS. 750,000 750,000 (750,000)(3)
OTHER ASSETS............ 23,751 23,751 23,751
------ ----------- ------- ----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL ASSETS............ $1,000 $18,435,497 $18,436,497 $18,810,010 $37,246,507
====== =========== ======= =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

F-3
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(A RECENTLY FORMED DELAWARE CORPORATION)

PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)--(CONTINUED)

SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EDGE
PETROLEUM
CORPORATION COMBINED PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
LIABILITIES AND DECEMBER 2, PREDECESSOR PRO FORMA FOR THE PRO FORMA FOR THE
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 1996 ENTITIES ADJUSTMENTS COMBINATION ADJUSTMENTS OFFERING
-------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable,
trade................ $2,459,510 $2,459,510 $2,459,510
Accounts payable to
related party........ 1,372,450 $(1,332,450) (2) 40,000 40,000
Accrued interest
payable.............. 62,625 62,625 62,625
Accrued liabilities... 342,652 342,652 $ (250,041)(4) 92,611
Accounts payable,
joint interest
owners............... 2,325,342 2,325,342 2,325,342
Current portion of
notes payable........ 316,030 316,030 316,030
------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Total current
liabilities......... 6,878,609 (1,332,450) 5,546,159 (250,041) 5,296,118
NOTES PAYABLE........... 10,132,919 10,132,919 (9,949,949)(4) 182,970
LONG-TERM LIABILITY..... 11,462 11,462 11,462
------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Total liabilities.... 17,022,990 (1,332,450) 15,690,540 (10,199,990) 5,490,550
Common stock, $.01 par
value; 40,000,000
shares authorized;
4,682,273 shares
issued and
outstanding pro forma
for the combination;
6,682,000 shares
issued outstanding
pro forma for the
offering............. $ 10 46,820 (1) 46,830 20,000 (4) 66,830
Additional paid-in
capital.............. 990 1,365,687 (1) 2,699,127 29,740,000 (4) 31,689,127
1,332,450 (2) (750,000)(3)
Retained earnings.....
Combined equity of
predecessor entities. 1,412,507 (1,412,507)(1)
------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Total stockholders'
equity.............. 1,000 1,412,507 1,332,450 2,745,957 29,010,000 31,755,957
------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY... $1,000 $18,435,497 $ 0 $18,436,497 $18,810,010 $37,246,507
====== =========== ============ =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

F-4
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(A RECENTLY FORMED DELAWARE CORPORATION)

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The Combination will be accounted for as a reorganization of entities under
common control because of the common control of the stockholders of the
Company and by virtue of their direct ownership of the entities and interests
exchanged. Accordingly, the net assets acquired in the exchange transactions
will be recorded at the historical cost basis of the affiliate predecessor
owners.

2. BALANCE SHEET PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS

The Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet is based on the unaudited combined
balance sheet of Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation, affiliated
entities and direct interests (collectively, the "Combined Predecessor
Entities") as of September 30, 1996, and gives effect to the consummation of
the Combination and the Offering as if such transactions had occurred on
September 30, 1996 reflecting the adjustments and assumptions described below:

(1) Reflects the proposed issuance of up to 4,682,273 shares of common
stock of the Company in connection with the exchange offer, merger and
acquisition transactions for the combined net assets of the Combined
Predecessor Entities (the "Combination"). Accordingly, the combined equity
of the Combined Predecessor Entities was reclassified to common stock and
additional paid-in capital.

(2) Reflects the satisfaction of an accrued administrative fee due the
General Partner of Edge Group II, a Combined Predecessor Entity, which will
be purchased with common stock of the Company, as a component of the
exchange offer transactions.

(3) Reflects the elimination of deferred offering costs accrued by the
Predecessor Affiliated Entities which will be reimbursed by the Company
from proceeds received from the Offering.

(4) Reflects the receipt of the net proceeds from the Offering and the
application thereof to repay approximately $8.6 million of indebtedness
incurred on the revolving credit facility, approximately $1.3 million of
subordinated indebtedness and approximately $250,000 of accrued offering
costs. It is assumed the remaining proceeds will be used to increase
working capital until used for oil and gas exploration activities.

The following table shows the pro forma combined balance sheet amounts
assuming varying levels of acceptance of the exchange offer by limited
partnership unit holders in Edge Group II:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
70% 80% 90%
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Property and equipment, net.......... $ 9,440,030 $10,273,448 $11,106,865
Total assets......................... 15,282,137 16,385,596 17,489,056
Equity............................... 1,813,607 1,973,743 2,133,879
</TABLE>

The amounts shown above assume consummation of the merger transaction with
Old Edge and do not include any amounts attributable to Gulfedge, Edge Group
or the Calaway Interests, which collectively do not materially affect the
results. Holders of at least 70% of the outstanding Edge Group II limited
partnership units must tender their interests for the Combination to occur.

3. INCOME STATEMENT PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS

The net proceeds to the Company from this Offering at an assumed initial
public offering price of $16.00 per share are estimated to be approximately
$29.0 million ($33.8 million if the Underwriters' over allotment option is
exercised in full). The Company intends to use a portion of the net proceeds
to lend funds to the Joint

F-5
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(A RECENTLY FORMED DELAWARE CORPORATION)

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Venture to be used to repay approximately $8.6 million of indebtedness
incurred under the Revolving Credit Facility that currently bears interest at
8% and matures on June 1, 1998 and approximately $1.3 million of subordinated
indebtedness that currently bears interest at 10% and matures on April 8,
1998. The remainder of the net proceeds will be used to provide working
capital to the Company and for general corporate purposes, including funding
the Company's exploration, development and acquisition activities. Following
application of the proceeds of this Offering, the Company anticipates that its
only long-term indebtedness will consist of an aggregate of approximately
$441,000 principal amount of equipment loans. Assuming this Offering had been
completed at the beginning of the respective periods, interest expense would
have been reduced by $320,506 and $674,949 for the year ended December 31,
1995 and the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. As a result, pro
forma net income and earnings per share would have been $1,399,286 and $0.26,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1995 and $1,072,614 and $0.20,
respectively, for the nine month period ended September 30, 1996.

F-6
<PAGE>

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To Edge Petroleum Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Edge Petroleum
Corporation, a recently formed Delaware corporation (the "Company"), as of
December 2, 1996. This financial statement is the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this
financial statement based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet is free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the balance sheet. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

In our opinion, the balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Edge Petroleum Corporation as of
December 2, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
December 2, 1996

F-7
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(A RECENTLY FORMED DELAWARE CORPORATION)

BALANCE SHEET

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 2,
ASSETS 1996
- ------ -----------
<S> <C>
Cash............................................................... $1,000
======
<CAPTION>
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- --------------------
<S> <C>
Preferred stock; $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; no
shares issued and outstanding..................................... $ --
Common stock; $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 1,000
shares issued and outstanding..................................... 10
Additional paid-in capital......................................... 990
------
Total stockholders' equity....................................... $1,000
======
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this balance sheet.

F-8
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(A RECENTLY FORMED DELAWARE CORPORATION)

NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET

1. ORGANIZATION

Edge Petroleum Corporation (the "Company") was organized as a Delaware
corporation in August 1996 in connection with a pending combination of certain
properties and businesses (the "Combined Assets") in anticipation of the
closing of its proposed initial public offering of common stock. The Combined
Assets will consist of ownership interests in certain entities (the
"Predecessor Entities") and direct interests in oil and gas properties
currently held by Edge Joint Venture II (the "Joint Venture"). In the
"Combination Transactions," the Company plans to complete (i) a merger (the
"Merger") of Old Edge with Edge Mergeco, Inc. ("Mergeco"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company organized for this purpose, in which the
shareholders of Old Edge will receive common stock, (ii) an exchange offer
(the "Edge Group II Exchange Offer") to the general and limited partners of
Edge Group II Limited Partnership ("Edge Group II") in which such partners
will have the opportunity to exchange their interests in Edge Group II for
common stock, (iii) an exchange offer (the "Gulfedge Exchange Offer" and,
together with the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, the "Limited Partnership
Exchange Offers") to the limited partners of Gulfedge Limited Partnership, of
which Old Edge is the general partner ("Gulfedge" and, together with Edge
Group II, the "Limited Partnerships"), in which such limited partners will
have the opportunity to exchange their interests in Gulfedge for common stock;
(iv) an offer to purchase (the "Purchase Offer") from Edge Group Partnership
("Edge Group") its interest in the Joint Venture, for consideration consisting
of common stock; and (v) an exchange (the "Calaway Exchange") of interests in
certain oil and gas properties held by Mr. James C. Calaway ("Mr. J.C.
Calaway") for common stock. Upon consummation of the Combination Transactions,
the Company expects to acquire directly or indirectly substantially all of the
interests in the Joint Venture.

2. PREFERRED STOCK

The Board of Directors of the Company is empowered, without approval of the
stockholders, to cause shares of preferred stock to be issued in one or more
series, with the number of shares of each series to be determined by the
Board. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix and determine variations in
the voting power designations, preferences, and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights (including, without limitation, special
voting rights, rights to receive dividends or assets upon liquidation, rights
of conversion into common stock or other securities, redemption provisions and
sinking fund provisions) between series and between the preferred stock and
common stock.

F-9
<PAGE>

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Stockholders of
Edge Petroleum Corporation,
a Texas corporation

We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Edge Petroleum
Corporation, a Texas corporation ("Old Edge"), affiliated entities and direct
interests (collectively, the "Company") as of December 31, 1994 and 1995, and
the related combined statements of operations, equity and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the entities' management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the combined financial position of the Company at December 31, 1994
and 1995, and the combined results of their operations and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
December 2, 1996

F-10
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------
ASSETS 1994 1995
------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents............................. $ 348,919 $ 200,831
Accounts receivable, trade............................ 1,228,018 1,167,920
Accounts receivable, joint interest owners............ 120,252 333,552
Accounts receivable from related parties.............. 95,035 118,515
Advances to stockholders.............................. 30,982 30,826
Other current assets.................................. 53,732 36,954
---------- ----------
Total current assets................................ 1,876,938 1,888,598
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net--full cost method of
accounting for oil and gas property.................... 4,135,959 7,911,068
OTHER ASSETS............................................ 115,041 58,541
---------- ----------
TOTAL................................................... $6,127,938 $9,858,207
========== ==========
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade............................... $ 724,151 $1,144,408
Accounts payable to related party..................... 1,039,337 1,305,827
Accrued interest payable.............................. 33,422 46,418
Accrued liabilities................................... 109,675 160,493
Current portion of notes payable...................... 943,767 178,898
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities........................... 2,850,352 2,836,044
NOTES PAYABLE........................................... 3,233,722 5,945,076
LONG-TERM LIABILITY..................................... 77,802 46,245
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES........................... -- --
---------- ----------
Total liabilities................................... 6,161,876 8,827,365
EQUITY (DEFICIT)........................................ (33,938) 1,030,842
---------- ----------
TOTAL................................................... $6,127,938 $9,858,207
========== ==========
</TABLE>

See notes to combined financial statements.

F-11
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
----------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OIL AND NATURAL GAS SALES................ $ 1,455,438 $1,993,796 $ 2,040,446
----------- ---------- -----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Oil and natural gas operating expenses. 166,817 304,627 686,438
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization.......................... 441,710 593,398 813,402
General and administrative............. 1,733,949 2,026,499 2,483,560
----------- ---------- -----------
Total operating expenses............. 2,342,476 2,924,524 3,983,400
----------- ---------- -----------
OPERATING LOSS........................... (887,038) (930,728) (1,942,954)
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Interest expense and other, net........ (635,538) (384,927) (315,342)
Gain on sale of oil and gas property... 247,321 2,284,419 3,337,076
----------- ---------- -----------
NET INCOME (LOSS)........................ $(1,275,255) $ 968,764 $ 1,078,780
=========== ========== ===========
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA INFORMATION (Note 1).
Net income (loss) per share............ $ .27 $ .21 $ .23
=========== ========== ===========
Average common shares outstanding (in
thousands)............................ 4,682 4,682 4,682
=========== ========== ===========
</TABLE>

See notes to combined financial statements.

F-12
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1993............................................ $ 284,553
Net loss.......................................................... (1,275,255)
----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993.......................................... (990,702)
Net income........................................................ 968,764
Treasury stock acquired........................................... (24,000)
Treasury stock reissued........................................... 12,000
----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994.......................................... (33,938)
Net income........................................................ 1,078,780
Treasury stock acquired........................................... (28,000)
Treasury stock reissued........................................... 14,000
----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995.......................................... $1,030,842
==========
</TABLE>

See notes to combined financial statements.

F-13
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
----------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)....................... $(1,275,255) $ 968,764 $1,078,780
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash used by operating
activities:
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization.......................... 441,710 593,398 813,402
Gain on sale of oil and gas property... (247,321) (2,284,419) (3,337,076)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade............. (323,787) (268,785) 60,098
Accounts receivable, working interest
owners................................ (104,821) 54,302 (213,300)
Accounts receivable from related
parties............................... (17,185) (62,196) (23,480)
Advance to stockholders................ (13,500) (14,111) 156
Other current assets................... 3,621 (4,724) 16,778
Refundable federal income taxes........ 10,429
Other assets........................... (41,133)
Accounts payable, trade................ 135,954 145,424 420,257
Accounts payable to related parties.... 291,104 258,066 266,490
Accrued interest payable............... (23,551) 32,199 12,996
Accrued liabilities.................... 53,524 (32,345) 50,818
Deferred management fee revenues....... 1,400 (20,000)
Long-term liability.................... 21,226 30,413 (31,557)
----------- ---------- ----------
Net cash (used) by operating
activities............................ (1,046,452) (604,014) (926,771)
----------- ---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Oil and gas property and equipment
purchases.............................. (3,660,054) (6,809,437) (8,511,991)
Proceeds from the sale of oil and gas
properties............................. 3,403,067 7,071,025 7,358,189
Proceeds from notes receivable.......... 154,250
Issue of notes receivable............... (30,000) (125,000)
Certificate of deposit redemption....... 15,000
----------- ---------- ----------
Net cash (used) provided by investing
activities............................ (271,987) 290,838 (1,153,802)
----------- ---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable............. 495,000 105,000 313,131
Payment on notes payable................ (475,000) (475,000) (83,691)
Proceeds from long-term notes payable... 590,000 5,300,000
Payment on long-term notes payable...... (422,769) (652,696) (3,582,955)
Accounts receivable, subscriptions...... 1,823,917 20,000
Net treasury stock transactions......... (12,000) (14,000)
----------- ---------- ----------
Net cash (used) provided by financing
activities............................ 1,421,148 (424,696) 1,932,485
----------- ---------- ----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS.............................. 102,709 (737,872) (148,088)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF
YEAR..................................... 984,082 1,086,791 348,919
----------- ---------- ----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR.... $ 1,086,791 $ 348,919 $ 200,831
=========== ========== ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES--Cash
paid for interest........................ $ 669,116 $ 381,833 $ 307,510
</TABLE>

See notes to combined financial statements.

F-14
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS--Edge Petroleum Corporation, a recently formed
Delaware corporation ("New Edge"), was incorporated in August 1996. In the
"Combination Transactions," New Edge plans to complete (i) a merger (the
"Merger") of Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation ("Old Edge"),
with Edge Mergeco, Inc. ("Mergeco"), a wholly owned subsidiary of New Edge
organized for this purpose, in which the shareholders of Old Edge will receive
common stock, (ii) an exchange offer (the "Edge Group II Exchange Offer") to
the general and limited partners of Edge Group II Limited Partnership ("Edge
Group II") in which such partners will have the opportunity to exchange their
interests in Edge Group II for common stock (iii) an exchange offer (the
"Gulfedge Exchange Offer") and, together with the Edge Group II Exchange Offer
(the "Limited Partnership Exchange Offers") to the limited partners of
Gulfedge Limited Partnership, of which Old Edge is the general partner
("Gulfedge" and, together with Edge Group II, the "Limited Partnerships"), in
which such limited partners will have the opportunity to exchange their
interests in Gulfedge for common stock, (iv) an offer to purchase (the
"Purchase Offer") from Edge Group Partnership ("Edge Group") its interest in
the Edge Joint Venture II (the "Joint Venture"), for consideration consisting
of common stock and (v) an exchange (the "Calaway Exchange") of interests in
certain oil and gas properties held by Mr. James C. Calaway ("Mr. J.C.
Calaway") for common stock. Upon consummation of the Combination Transactions,
New Edge expects to acquire directly or indirectly substantially all of the
interest in the Joint Venture.

PRINCIPLES OF COMBINATION--The accompanying combined financial statements
include the accounts of Old Edge and the combined affiliated interests of the
limited partnerships in the Joint Venture all of which share common ownership
and management (collectively, the "Company"). The Combination Transactions
allows Limited Partnership holders and Edge Group the option to "stand pat";
therefore, all of the interests may not be acquired in the Combination
Transaction. Consequently, these financial statements may not reflect the
financial results or financial condition of the Company. The combined accounts
are prepared using the historical costs and results of operations of the
affiliated entities as if such entities had always been combined. All
intercompany balances have been eliminated.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS--The Company is an independent oil and gas exploration
and production company with operations primarily along the onshore United
States Gulf Coast. In its exploration efforts the Company emphasizes an
integrated geologic interpretation method incorporating 3-D seismic technology
and advanced visualization and data analysis techniques utilizing state-of-
the-art computer hardware and software. The Company is focusing a majority of
its resources toward the development of its South Texas projects.

The term of the Joint Venture was to have expired on April 8, 1996 according
to the Joint Venture Agreement; however, the venturers extended the
dissolution date to December 31, 1996. The Joint Venture will continue to
operate under the terms of the Joint Venture, as amended.

OIL AND GAS PROPERTY--During 1996, the Company changed its method of
accounting from the successful efforts method to the full cost method of
accounting for oil and gas property and adjusted all historical periods to
reflect the change in accounting. Management believes that the full cost
method of accounting better reflects the results of its oil and natural gas
exploration activities.

Investments in oil and gas properties are accounted for using the full cost
method of accounting. All costs associated with the acquisition, exploration
and development of oil and gas properties are capitalized.

F-15
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
amortizable base includes estimated future development costs and, where
significant, dismantlement, restoration and abandonment costs, net of
estimated salvage values. The depletion rate per Mcfe for 1993, 1994 and 1995
was $0.43, $0.42 and $0.49, respectively.

Sales of proved and unproved properties are accounted for as adjustments of
capitalized costs with no gain or loss recognized, unless such adjustments
would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and
proved reserves. Abandonments of properties are accounted for as adjustments
of capitalized costs with no loss recognized.

In addition, the capitalized costs of proved oil and gas properties are
subject to a "ceiling test," which limits such costs to the estimated present
value, discounted at a 10 percent interest rate, of future net cash flows from
proved reserves, based on current economic and operating conditions. If
capitalized costs exceed this limit, the excess is charged to depreciation,
depletion and amortization. For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
1993, no write-down of the Company's oil and gas assets was necessary.

Depreciation of other property and equipment is provided using the straight-
line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from five to ten years.

DEFERRED LOAN AND ORGANIZATION COSTS--Deferred loan costs are capitalized as
deferred assets and amortized over five years or the term of the loan.
Organization costs have been capitalized and are amortized on a straight-line
basis over five years.

HEDGING ACTIVITIES--The Company periodically uses derivative financial
instruments to manage price risk related to natural gas sales and not for
speculative purposes. For book purposes, gains and losses related to the
hedging of anticipated transactions are recognized in income when the hedged
transaction occurs. The natural gas swap agreements generally provide for the
Company to receive or make counterparty payments on the differential between a
fixed price and a variable indexed price for natural gas. Gains and losses
realized by the Company under such swap arrangements were immaterial in 1995.
There was no hedging activity in 1994 or 1993.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS--The statements of cash flows are presented using
the indirect method and consider all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS--The Company's financial instruments consist of cash,
receivables, payables, long-term debt and natural gas commodity hedges. The
carrying amount of cash, receivables and payables approximates fair value
because of the short-term nature of these items. The carrying amount of long-
term debt approximates fair value as the individual borrowings were negotiated
or renegotiated during or after 1993 and/or bear interest at floating market
interest rates. The carrying amount of natural gas commodity hedges
approximates fair value based on the expected settlement amounts of these
transactions in 1996.

USE OF ESTIMATES--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the
reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Significant estimates include depreciation, depletion and amortization of
proved producing oil and gas properties; estimates of proved oil and gas
reserve volumes; and discounted future net cash flows (see Note 8).

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK--Substantially all of the Company's accounts
receivable result from oil and natural gas sales or joint interest billings to
third parties in the oil and gas industry. This concentration of

F-16
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
customers and joint interest owners may impact the Company's overall credit
risk in that these entities may be similarly affected by changes in economic
and other conditions. Historically, the Company has not experienced credit
losses on such receivables.

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE--The unaudited pro forma net income (loss) per
share and weighted average shares outstanding are based upon the estimated
shares to be issued in connection with the Combination Transactions at an
estimated market price of $16.00 per share.

2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, property and equipment consisted of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Oil and gas property.... $ 4,934,737 $ 9,029,777
Computer equipment...... 601,183 1,004,509
Other property and
equipment.............. 166,523 184,018
----------- -----------
Total property and
equipment.............. 5,702,443 10,218,304
Accumulated
depreciation, depletion
and amortization....... (1,566,484) (2,307,236)
----------- -----------
Property and equipment,
net.................... $ 4,135,959 $ 7,911,068
=========== ===========
</TABLE>

Oil and natural gas properties not subject to amortization consist of the
cost of undeveloped leaseholds, exploratory and developmental wells in
progress, and secondary recovery projects before the assignment of proved
reserves. These costs are reviewed periodically by management for impairment,
with the impairment provision included in the cost of oil and natural gas
properties subject to amortization. Factors considered by management in its
impairment assessment include drilling results by the Company and other
operators, the terms of oil and gas leases not held by production, production
response to secondary recovery activities and available funds for exploration
and development. The following table summarizes the cost of the properties not
subject to amortization by year the cost was incurred.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1994 1995
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Year cost incurred:
Remainder........................................ $ 280,335 $ 226,979
1993............................................. 341,445 276,411
1994............................................. 1,214,255 744,744
1995............................................. -- 696,677
---------- ----------
$1,836,035 $1,944,811
========== ==========
</TABLE>

During 1994 the Joint Venture issued a note payable for $91,695 to the
seller of certain seismic data. Subsequently, the Joint Venture entered into a
sales agreement with the same entity to sell the Joint Venture's interest in
an undeveloped oil and gas property for $1,491,695 resulting in a gain of
$1,288,363. As a component of the sales agreement, the note payable was used
to reduce the proceeds from the sale.

3. LONG-TERM DEBT

On April 8, 1991, the Joint Venture borrowed $4,500,000 from RIMCO, a
shareholder of Old Edge, at an annual interest rate of 15.5%. The interest
rate was reduced to 10% effective October 1, 1993 and the debt owed to RIMCO
was repaid in March 1995.

F-17
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

During July 1995, the Joint Venture entered into a revolving credit facility
(the "Revolving Credit Facility") with a bank to finance temporary working
capital requirements. The Revolving Credit Facility provides up to $20,000,000
in available borrowings limited by a borrowing base (as defined by the
Revolving Credit Facility) which was $4,500,000 at December 31, 1995. At
December 31, 1995, borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility
totaled $4,500,000. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for interest at the
lender's prime rate plus 0.75% (9.25% at December 31, 1995). The borrowing
base is subject to review by the bank on a quarterly basis and may be adjusted
subject to the provisions of the Revolving Credit Facility. At September 30,
1996, the borrowing base increased to $10,225,000 under similar terms.

In January 1995, the Joint Venture entered into a Subordinated Loan
Agreement (the "Subordinated Loan") with a shareholder of Old Edge. Such
agreement provides for a $1 million term loan and a $1 million line of credit.
Drawdowns under the line of credit require 30 days' notice. At December 31,
1995, the aggregate amount outstanding under the Subordinated Loan was $1.3
million, including $0.3 million outstanding under the line of credit. The
principal is due, unless earlier retired by the Joint Venture, upon the
earlier of April 8, 1998 or the conclusion of the Joint Venture's wind-up
period. Interest at 10% per annum is due monthly. The Subordinated Loan is
secured by certain oil and gas properties, equipment and other assets of the
Joint Venture, but is subordinate to the Revolving Credit Facility. The
mortgage and security agreement restricts the transfer of properties, creation
of liens and other matters. The Subordinated Loan is without recourse to the
venturers. Under the Subordinated Loan Agreement, the shareholder has a right
to receive specified reversionary and overriding royalty interests on
prospects of the Joint Venture and certain rights to convert such interests
into common stock which is triggered by the execution of certain transactions
by the Joint Venture as defined within the Subordinated Loan Agreement.

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, notes payable and long-term debt consisted of
the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Revolving credit facility, lenders' prime rate plus
0.75%, interest payable monthly, maturing June 1,
1997................................................. $4,500,000
RIMCO note payable, 10% interest, interest payable
monthly, repaid in 1995.............................. $3,300,000
RIMCO deferred interest notes payable, 10% interest,
interest payable quarterly, repaid in 1995........... 282,955
Note payable to bank, lenders' prime rate plus 0.75%,
payable in monthly principal installments of $7,500
plus accrued interest, matures March 1, 1997......... 180,000
Note payable to bank, lenders' prime rate plus 1.5%,
payable in monthly principal installments of $5,547
plus accrued interest, matures March 1, 1997......... 83,207
Note payable, 9% interest, payable in quarterly
installments of $13,750 plus interest, repaid in
1995................................................. 13,750
Note payable, 10.996% interest, payable in monthly
installments of principal and interest of $2,326,
matures June 22, 1998................................ 80,784 60,767
Subordinated note payable to a shareholder of Old
Edge, 10% interest, interest payable monthly, matures
April 8, 1998........................................ 500,000 1,300,000
---------- ----------
Total................................................. 4,177,489 6,123,974
Current portion....................................... (943,767) (178,898)
---------- ----------
Long-term portion..................................... $3,233,722 $5,945,076
========== ==========
</TABLE>

Substantially all of the Joint Venture's property and equipment are pledged
as collateral on certain notes payable.

F-18
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

At December 31, 1995, notes payable require minimum principal payments as
follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1996........................................................... $ 178,898
1997........................................................... 4,631,557
1998........................................................... 1,313,519
----------
Total........................................................ $6,123,974
==========
</TABLE>

The Revolving Credit Facility and certain other note agreements provide for
certain financial covenants and restrictions on the Joint Venture including,
but not limited to, limitations on additional borrowings, sales of its oil and
gas properties or other collateral, a prohibition of dividends and certain
distributions of cash or properties, a prohibition on certain liens, a
limitation on annual lease payments, and a requirement to maintain minimum
tangible net worth and other financial ratios. For the quarters ending March
31, 1996 and June 30, 1996 the Joint Venture was not in compliance with the
original cash flow/debt service ratio covenant. The Joint Venture has received
a waiver for such non-compliance, and the provisions of the covenants were
subsequently amended in August 1996 to be less stringent.

4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is, from time to time, party to certain lawsuits and claims
arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of lawsuits and
claims cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not expect these
matters to have a materially adverse effect on the financial condition,
results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

At December 31, 1995, Old Edge was obligated under a noncancelable operating
lease for office space. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1993,
1994 and 1995 was $156,207, $164,436 and $165,317, respectively.

Following is a schedule of the remaining future minimum lease payments under
this lease:

5.PRO FORMA INCOME TAXES (UNAUDITED)

The following pro forma (provision) benefit in lieu of income tax amounts
have been presented for disclosure purposes only. These amounts represent the
companies' estimated provision for income taxes under the assumption that the
Company has been a taxpaying entity since inception of the Joint Venture
(April 8, 1991). The Joint Venture is not a taxpaying entity, and the
applicable taxes are directly taxable to the individual affiliate owners of
the Joint Venture. Old Edge is a taxpaying entity and, accordingly, the
applicable taxes were paid by Old Edge.

Under SFAS No. 109, deferred income taxes are recognized based on the
estimated future tax effect of differences between the financial statement and
tax bases of assets and liabilities given the provisions of enacted laws. At
December 31, 1995, the estimated tax basis of the Company's net assets is
approximately $3.8 million above the recorded financial statement amounts. In
addition, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately
$1.9 million. Had the combined companies been a tax paying entity a deferred
tax asset of approximately $2.0 million would be available for future use to
offset future tax liabilities of the Company, subject to any limitations
imposed by the Combination. Upon consummation of the Combination Transactions,
the Company will become a taxable corporation. Due to the uncertainty of
future earnings, a valuation allowance may be used to offset the net tax
asset.

F-19
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

The difference between the statutory federal income taxes and the Company's
pro forma effective taxes is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory federal income taxes.......... $ -- $ 339,067 $ 377,573
Unrecognized net operating loss
carryforward........................... -- (339,067) (377,573)
---------- --------- ---------
Pro forma (provision) benefit in lieu of
income taxes........................... $ -- $ -- $ --
========== ========= =========
</TABLE>

The ultimate tax basis and related difference from financial basis cannot be
ultimately determined until consummation of the Combination Transactions and
such basis difference will change depending upon the level and nature of
operations and the amount of taxable income and deductions allocated to the
individual owners, limited partners and interests of the affiliated entities
through the date of the Combination. Such basis differences could vary
materially from the estimate.

6. EQUITY

In 1991, Old Edge entered into an agreement with a related party to
repurchase 5,263 shares of its outstanding common stock. The repurchase
obligation is effective if holders of such shares demand repurchase between
January 1995 and January 1998. However, Old Edge will have no obligation to
repurchase these shares if it has registered common stock under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1933 prior to demand for repurchase. The amount to be paid for
these shares equals the percentage obtained by dividing 5,263 shares by the
total number of outstanding shares of Old Edge and multiplying this percentage
by the greater of (1) the net cash flow of Old Edge (as defined in the
agreement) or (2) the adjusted net worth of Old Edge (as defined in the
agreement). As of December 31, 1995, this repurchase obligation approximated
$174,000.

During 1994, a third party entered into an agreement to acquire shares of
Old Edge's outstanding common stock from a shareholder. These shares are held
in escrow as security for a nonrecourse promissory note issued to the third
party by the shareholder. The final payment is due January 15, 1997. Upon
payment of each annual principal amount, a proportionate number of shares will
be released by the shareholder from escrow to the third party. A stock
repurchase agreement gives Old Edge the option of participating in these
annual principal payments. Upon participation, Old Edge would take possession
of its pro rata share of the stock acquired. Should Old Edge elect not to
participate in a principal payment, Old Edge shall be deemed to have forfeited
the ownership rights in the stock for which the payment pertains. As of
December 31, 1995, approximately 844 shares had been repurchased by Old Edge
through the agreement.

In 1994, Old Edge adopted the 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan which
provides for the granting of options to certain key employees to purchase up
to 6,000 shares of Old Edge common stock. The recipient, timing and number of
shares are determined by the Board of Directors of Old Edge. The exercise
price of any options granted may not be less than 110% of the fair market
value of Old Edge's stock at the date of grant. In 1994 options to acquire
4,386 shares of Old Edge common stock were granted at prices ranging from
$45.60 to $91.20 per share. No options were granted in 1995. The options
expire in April 2004. No options were exercised or forfeited during 1994 or
1995.

F-20
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
method of accounting for stock-based compensation whereupon compensation costs
are recognized only in situations where stock compensation plans award
intrinsic value to recipients at the date of grant. Companies that do not
adopt the fair value method of accounting prescribed in SFAS No. 123 must,
nonetheless, make annual pro forma disclosures of the estimated effects on net
income and earnings per share in their year-end 1996 financial statements as
if the fair value method had been used for grants after December 31, 1994.

7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

At December 31, 1994, the Joint Venture owed shareholders of Old Edge
$2,965.

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, certain of its directors owed Old Edge
$30,982 and $27,455, respectively, included in advances to stockholders. At
December 31, 1994 and 1995, employees owed Old Edge $3,492, which was included
in receivables from related parties. At December 31, 1994, Old Edge owed
$2,488 to one of its directors which was included in payables to related
parties.

Edge Group II incurred management fees from the General Partner of $266,490
for each of the three years ended December 31, 1995. Included in accounts
payable to related party at December 31, 1994 and 1995 is $999,337 and
$1,265,827, respectively, representing accrued management fees due the General
Partner.

During 1994 the Joint Venture sold $241,395 in undeveloped oil and gas
prospects to a partnership of which an officer of Old Edge is a partner and
sold $60,000 in undeveloped oil and gas prospects to a stockholder of Old
Edge.

During 1991, Old Edge entered into a consulting agreement with a stockholder
whereby Old Edge is obligated to pay $40,000 annually for the remainder of
this individual's life in exchange for consulting services.

Old Edge receives revenue from various related parties for maintaining
certain oil and gas properties. Representation fees amounted to $23,372,
$24,000 and $24,000, for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995,
respectively. At December 31, 1994 and 1995, included in receivables from
related parties, was $10,492 and $3,306, respectively, of representation fees
due Old Edge.

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, the Joint Venture was liable to a shareholder
for $500,000 and $1,300,000, respectively, of notes payable and $3,205 and
$33,758, respectively, of accrued interest (see Note 3).

In May 1992, the Joint Venture became the managing venturer of the Essex
Royalty Joint Venture ("Essex") and Old Edge entered into a management
agreement with Essex. In September 1994, the Joint Venture became the managing
venturer of the Essex Royalty Joint Venture II ("Essex II") and Old Edge
entered into a management agreement with Essex II. During 1993, the Joint
Venture issued a $30,000 note receivable to Essex which was collected in 1994.
During 1994, the Joint Venture loaned $125,000 to Essex II. This loan, plus
accrued interest, was repaid during 1994. Under the management agreements with
Essex and Essex II (collectively, the "Essex Joint Ventures"), Old Edge
receives a monthly management fee for managing oil and gas joint ventures. For
the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, Old Edge recorded management
fee proceeds totaling $60,000, $80,000 and $120,000, respectively, and have
netted these amounts within general and administrative expense. In addition,
these agreements stipulate that Old Edge is entitled to be reimbursed for
certain general and administrative expenses. Such expenses invoiced by Old
Edge to the Essex Joint Ventures for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994
and 1995 amounted to $36,750, $18,750 and $40,250, respectively. At December
31, 1994 and 1995, Old Edge had a receivable from the Essex Joint Ventures of
$63,600 and $115,000, respectively, relating to these expenses and management
fees.

F-21
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

8. SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT
AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES (UNAUDITED)

This footnote provides unaudited information required by SFAS No. 69,
"Disclosures About Oil and Gas Producing Activities."

CAPITALIZED COSTS--Capitalized costs and accumulated depreciation, depletion
and amortization relating to the Company's oil and gas producing activities,
all of which are conducted within the continental United States, are
summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31,
-----------------------
1994 1995
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Proved producing oil and gas properties......... $3,098,692 $ 7,084,966
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization................................... (806,757) (1,364,414)
---------- -----------
Net capitalized costs........................... $2,291,935 $ 5,720,552
========== ===========
</TABLE>

COSTS INCURRED--Costs incurred in oil and gas property acquisition,
exploration and development activities are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Property acquisition costs:
Unproved.............................. $2,914,010 $5,496,613 $3,658,573
Proved................................ 6,873 26,236 91,025
Exploration cost...................... 527,194 670,270 2,642,025
Development costs..................... 20,569 238,341 1,149,548
---------- ---------- ----------
Total costs incurred.................. $3,468,646 $6,431,460 $7,541,171
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>

RESERVES--Proved reserves are estimated quantities of oil and natural gas
which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to
be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic
and operating conditions. Proved developed reserves are proved reserves that
can reasonably be expected to be recovered through existing wells with
existing equipment and operating methods.

Proved oil and natural gas reserve quantities and the related discounted
future net cash flows before income taxes for the periods presented are based
on estimates prepared by Ryder Scott Company, independent petroleum engineers.
Such estimates have been prepared in accordance with guidelines established by
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

F-22
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

The Company's net ownership interests in estimated quantities of proved oil
and natural gas reserves and changes in net proved reserves, all of which are
located in the continental United States, are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OIL, CONDENSATE AND
NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS
(BBLS)
-------------------------
1993 1994 1995
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year.................................. 174,805 169,947 368,160
Revisions of previous estimates.................... (43,959) 28,492 158,460
Purchases of oil and gas properties................ 84,116 6,296
Extensions and discoveries......................... 64,771 146,213 278,268
Sales of oil and gas properties.................... (36,572)
Production......................................... (25,670) (60,608) (65,679)
------- ------- -------
End of year........................................ 169,947 368,160 708,933
======= ======= =======
Proved developed reserves at end of year............. 169,947 261,327 652,843
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NATURAL GAS (MCF)
--------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
--------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year.......................... 1,295,911 2,550,000 3,673,000
Revisions of previous estimates............ 603,015 1,470,213 1,163,151
Purchases of oil and gas properties........ 37,000 214,000
Extensions and discoveries................. 1,108,158 204,000 6,247,000
Sales of oil and gas properties............ (1,910,962)
Production................................. (457,084) (588,213) (565,189)
--------- --------- ----------
End of year................................ 2,550,000 3,673,000 8,821,000
========= ========= ==========
Proved developed reserves at end of year..... 2,550,000 3,548,000 6,992,000
========= ========= ==========
</TABLE>

STANDARDIZED MEASURE--The table of the Standardized Measure of Discounted
Future Net Cash Flows relating to the Company's ownership interests in proved
oil and gas reserves as of year end is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Future cash inflows...................... $7,955,845 $13,143,411 $31,011,202
Future oil and natural gas operating
expenses................................ (938,051) (2,417,571) (5,906,519)
Future development costs................. (164,894) (641,475)
Future income tax expenses............... (933,424) (1,962,963) (5,883,983)
---------- ----------- -----------
Future net cash flows.................... 6,084,370 8,597,983 18,579,225
10% annual discount for estimating timing
of cash flows........................... (818,220) (1,725,504) (4,633,593)
---------- ----------- -----------
Standardized measure of discounted future
net cash flows.......................... $5,266,150 $ 6,872,479 $13,945,632
========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

Future cash flows are computed by applying year end prices of oil and natural
gas to year end quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves. Future
operating expenses and development costs are computed primarily by the
Company's petroleum engineers by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in
developing and producing the Company's proved oil and natural gas reserves at
the end of the year, based on year end costs and assuming continuation of
existing economic conditions.

F-23
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

Future income taxes are based on year end statutory rates, adjusted for
operating loss carryforwards and tax credits. A discount factor of 10% was
used to reflect the timing of future net cash flows. The standardized measure
of discounted future net cash flows is not intended to represent the
replacement cost or fair market value of the Company's oil and gas properties.

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows does not
purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair value of the
Company's oil and natural gas reserves. An estimate of fair value would also
take into account, among other things, the recovery of reserves not presently
classified as proved, anticipated future changes in prices and costs, and a
discount factor more representative of the time value of money, and the risks
inherent in reserve estimates.

CHANGE IN STANDARDIZED MEASURE--Changes in standardized measure of future
net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Changes due to current year operations:
Sales of oil and natural gas, net of
oil and natural gas operating
expenses............................. $(1,288,621) $(1,689,169) $(1,354,008)
Sales of oil and gas properties....... (3,113,415)
Extensions and discoveries............ 2,474,136 1,612,402 10,194,038
Purchases of oil and gas properties... 485,609 540,345
Changes due to revisions in standardized
variables:
Prices and operating expenses......... 192,281 (505,924) 409,852
Revisions of previous quantity
estimates............................ 553,313 2,060,290 1,935,454
Estimated future development costs.... (573) 62,740
Income taxes.......................... (112,909) (1,029,439) (2,424,086)
Accretion of discount................. 354,143 577,807 794,640
Production rates (timing) and other... (180,370) 95,326 27,593
----------- ----------- -----------
Net change.............................. 1,991,973 1,606,329 7,073,153
----------- ----------- -----------
Beginning of year....................... 3,274,177 5,266,150 6,872,479
----------- ----------- -----------
End of year............................. $ 5,266,150 $ 6,872,479 $13,945,632
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

Sales of oil and natural gas, net of oil and natural gas operating expenses,
are based on historical pre-tax results. Sales of oil and gas properties,
extensions and discoveries, purchases of minerals in place and the changes due
to revisions in standardized variables are reported on a pre-tax discounted
basis, while the accretion of discount is presented on an after tax basis.

F-24
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1995 1996
ASSETS ------------ -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents......................... $ 200,831 $ 930,581
Accounts receivable, trade........................ 1,167,920 1,649,557
Accounts receivable, joint interest owners........ 333,552 2,375,953
Accounts receivable from related parties.......... 118,515 183,288
Advance to stockholders........................... 30,826 3,371
Other current assets.............................. 36,954 134,967
---------- -----------
Total current assets............................ 1,888,598 5,277,717
---------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net--full cost method of
accounting for oil and gas property................ 7,911,048 12,384,029
DEFERRED OFFERING COSTS............................. 750,000
OTHER ASSETS........................................ 58,541 23,751
---------- -----------
TOTAL............................................... $9,858,187 $18,435,497
========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade........................... $1,144,408 $ 2,459,510
Accounts payable to related party................. 1,305,827 1,372,450
Accrued interest payable.......................... 46,418 62,625
Accrued liabilities............................... 160,493 342,652
Accounts payable, joint interest owners........... 2,325,342
Current portion of notes payable.................. 178,898 316,030
---------- -----------
Total current liabilities....................... 2,836,044 6,878,609
---------- -----------
NOTES PAYABLE....................................... 5,945,076 10,132,919
LONG-TERM LIABILITY................................. 46,245 11,462
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.......................
---------- -----------
Total liabilities............................... 8,827,365 17,022,990
EQUITY.............................................. 1,030,842 1,412,507
---------- -----------
TOTAL............................................... $9,858,207 $18,435,497
========== ===========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited combined financial statements.

F-25
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------
1995 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
OIL AND NATURAL GAS SALES............................... $1,376,905 $5,105,079
---------- ----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Oil and natural gas operating expenses................ 502,289 711,430
Depreciation, depletion and amortization.............. 525,111 1,212,738
General and administrative expenses................... 2,069,763 2,125,827
---------- ----------
Total operating expenses............................ 3,097,163 4,049,995
---------- ----------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)................................. (1,720,258) 1,055,084
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Interest expense and other, net....................... (195,100) (657,419)
Gain on sale of oil and gas property.................. 3,134,287
---------- ----------
NET INCOME.............................................. $1,218,929 $ 397,665
========== ==========
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA INFORMATION (NOTE 2)
Net income per share.................................. $ 0.26 $ 0.08
========== ==========
Average common shares outstanding (in thousands)...... 4,682 4,682
========== ==========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited combined financial statements.

F-26
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------
1995 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income........................................... $1,218,929 $ 397,665
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows
(used) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization........... 525,111 1,212,738
Gain on sale of oil and gas property............... (3,134,287)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade......................... 619,957 (481,637)
Accounts receivable, working interest owners....... (683,838) (2,042,401)
Accounts receivable from related parties........... (66,698) (64,773)
Other current assets............................... (14,124) (98,013)
Advance to stockholders............................ 11,194 27,455
Other assets....................................... (41,129)
Accounts payable, trade............................ 1,270,405 1,315,102
Accounts payable to related party.................. 199,868 66,623
Accrued interest payable........................... (30,290) 16,207
Accrued liabilities................................ 24,924 182,159
Payable to working interest owners................. 2,325,342
Long-term liability................................ (24,240) (34,783)
---------- ----------
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities. (124,218) 2,821,685
---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Oil and gas property and equipment purchases......... (5,406,978) (7,880,777)
Proceeds from the sale of oil and gas properties..... 6,673,240 2,229,868
---------- ----------
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities. 1,266,262 (5,650,909)
---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable.......................... 2,383,101 4,487,000
Payment on notes payable............................. (3,650,296) (162,026)
Treasury stock transactions, net..................... (14,000) (16,000)
Deferred offering costs.............................. (750,000)
---------- ----------
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities. (1,281,195) 3,558,974
---------- ----------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS... (139,151) 729,750
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD......... 348,919 200,831
---------- ----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD............... $ 209,768 $ 930,581
========== ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES--Cash paid for
interest.............................................. $ 230,099 $ 658,763
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited combined financial statements.

F-27
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND DIRECT INTERESTS

NOTES TO UNAUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. GENERAL

In the opinion of management, the unaudited combined financial statements
for Edge Petroleum Corporation, affiliated entities and direct interests (the
"Company") include all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position as of
September 30, 1996, and the results of operations and cash flows for each of
the nine-month period ended September 30, 1996 and 1995. The combined balance
sheet as of December 31, 1995 is derived from the December 31, 1995 audited
combined financial statements. Although management believes the disclosures in
the financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not
misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in
annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of
operations and cash flows for the nine-month period ended September 30, 1996
are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full
year. These unaudited combined financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the audited combined financial statements of the Company as
of December 31, 1995.

2. NET INCOME PER SHARE

The unaudited pro forma net income per share and weighted average shares
outstanding are based upon the estimated shares to be issued in connection
with the Combination Transactions at an estimated market price of $16.00 per
share.

3. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SECURITIES OFFERING--In December 1996, the Company plans to file two
registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission--one for
an underwritten initial public offering of shares of common stock and one to
register shares to be issued in the Combination Transactions.

F-28
<PAGE>

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Venturers of Edge Joint Venture II:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Edge Joint Venture II
(the "Joint Venture") as of December 31, 1994 and 1995, and the related
statements of operations, venturers' capital and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Joint Venture's management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Joint Venture as of December 31, 1994
and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Houston, Texas
December 2, 1996

F-29
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
1994 1995
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents............................ $ 288,458 $ 59,318
Accounts receivable, trade........................... 1,223,517 1,142,562
Accounts receivable, working interest owners......... 120,252 333,552
Other current assets................................. 37,633 27,527
----------- -----------
Total current assets............................... 1,669,860 1,562,959
----------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net-full cost method of
accounting for oil and gas property................... 4,115,062 7,895,292
OTHER ASSETS........................................... 110,665 54,603
----------- -----------
TOTAL.................................................. $ 5,895,587 $ 9,512,854
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND VENTURERS' CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade.............................. $ 607,583 $ 1,038,696
Payable to Old Edge.................................. 68,442 46,295
Accrued interest payable............................. 33,422 46,418
Current portion of long-term debt.................... 943,767 178,898
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities.......................... 1,653,214 1,310,307
----------- -----------
LONG-TERM DEBT......................................... 3,233,722 5,945,076
VENTURERS' CAPITAL..................................... 1,008,651 2,257,471
----------- -----------
TOTAL.................................................. $ 5,895,587 $ 9,512,854
=========== ===========
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.

F-30
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
----------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OIL AND NATURAL GAS SALES................ $ 1,437,837 $1,977,242 $ 2,016,230
----------- ---------- -----------
COST AND EXPENSES:
Oil and natural gas operating
expenses.............................. 164,140 300,458 683,315
General and administrative expenses.... 1,498,381 1,827,362 2,311,936
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization.......................... 402,324 556,898 792,475
----------- ---------- -----------
Total cost and expenses.............. 2,064,845 2,684,718 3,787,726
----------- ---------- -----------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS..................... (627,008) (707,476) (1,771,496)
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Interest expense, net.................. (636,780) (399,998) (316,760)
Gain on sale of oil and gas property... 247,321 2,284,419 3,337,076
----------- ---------- -----------
NET INCOME (LOSS)........................ $(1,016,467) $1,176,945 $ 1,248,820
=========== ========== ===========
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.

F-31
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

STATEMENTS OF VENTURERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF YEAR.............. $ 848,173 $ (168,294) $ 1,008,651
NET INCOME (LOSS)......................... (1,016,467) 1,176,945 1,248,820
---------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE AT END OF YEAR.................... $ (168,294) $ 1,008,651 $ 2,257,471
========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.

F-32
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income..................... $(1,016,467) $ 1,176,945 $ 1,248,820
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)
income to net cash provided (used) by
operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization....................... 402,324 556,898 792,475
Gain on sale of oil and gas
property........................... (247,321) (2,284,419) (3,337,076)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade........ (330,051) (268,408) 80,955
Accounts receivable, working
interest owners.................. (104,821) 54,302 (213,300)
Accounts receivable from related
party............................ (19,941) 19,941
Receivable from Old Edge.......... 16,764
Other current assets.............. (697) (13,948) (31,465)
Accounts payable, trade........... 141,244 137,792 431,113
Payable to Old Edge............... 92,739 (24,297) (22,147)
Accrued interest payable.......... (23,551) 32,199 12,996
Liability to related party........ (58,639)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used by operating
activities..................... (1,148,417) (612,995) (1,037,629)
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Oil and gas property and equipment
purchases............................ (3,655,889) (6,803,716) (8,496,185)
Proceeds from the sale of oil and gas
properties........................... 3,403,067 7,071,025 7,358,189
Purchase of note receivable from
related party........................ (30,000) (125,000)
Collection of notes receivable from
related party........................ 155,000
Certificate of deposit redemption..... 15,000
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided (used) by
investing activities........... (267,822) 297,309 (1,137,996)
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable........... 475,000 105,000 313,131
Payments on notes payable............. (475,000) (455,000) (83,691)
Proceeds from long-term debt.......... 590,000 5,300,000
Payments on long-term debt............ (422,769) (652,696) (3,582,955)
Collections on subscriptions
receivable........................... 1,995,000
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided (used) by
financing activities........... 1,572,231 (412,696) 1,946,485
----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS............................ 155,992 (728,382) (229,140)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF
YEAR................................... 860,848 1,016,840 288,458
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR.. $ 1,016,840 $ 288,458 $ 59,318
=========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES TO CASH FLOW
INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest................ $ 669,116 $ 381,833 $ 307,510
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.

F-33
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations--The Joint Venture is an independent oil and natural
gas exploration and production company with operations primarily along the
onshore United States Gulf Coast. In its exploration efforts the Joint Venture
emphasizes an integrated geologic interpretation method incorporating 3-D
seismic technology and advanced visualization and data analysis techniques
utilizing state-of-the-art computer hardware and software. The Joint Venture
is focusing a majority of its resources toward the development of its South
Texas projects. These long-term projects offer the potential to add
substantial incremental reserves as the Joint Venture continues to develop its
other project-specific drilling opportunities in South Texas, South Louisiana,
the Mississippi Salt Basin, the South Alabama Smackover and Frisco City
Trends.

Organization--On April 8, 1991, the Joint Venture, a general partnership,
was formed by Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation ("Old Edge"),
Edge Group II Limited Partnership ("Edge Group II"), Edge Group Partnership
and Gulfedge Limited Partnership. The Joint Venture purchased the assets and
assumed the liabilities of a related entity, Edge Group Joint Venture I.
Certain of the partners of Edge Group II were entitled to receive the proceeds
of the sale and authorized the application of their portion of the proceeds as
their capital contribution to the Joint Venture. This flow of funds was deemed
to have occurred at closing as a part of the organization of the Joint Venture
and its acquisition of the indicated assets.

The predecessor to the Joint Venture was a partnership which conducted the
same type of business as the Joint Venture. This predecessor partnership
terminated on April 8, 1991 in accordance with the provisions of the
partnership agreement. The Joint Venture was formed in order to carry on the
business of the predecessor partnership.

Old Edge is the managing venturer of the Joint Venture. Without the approval
of Edge Group II, Old Edge is restricted from creating debt or mortgages on
the Joint Venture, selling all or substantially all of the Joint Venture's
assets or taking any additional action not in compliance with the Joint
Venture Agreement or that would restrict it from doing business. Edge Group II
has the right to approve all lease acquisitions, capital purchases and
budgets.

The term of the Joint Venture was to have expired on April 8, 1996 according
to the Joint Venture Agreement; however, the Venturers extended the
dissolution date to December 31, 1996. The Joint Venture will continue to
operate under the terms of the original Joint Venture Agreement as amended.

Property & Equipment--During 1996, the Joint Venture changed its method of
accounting from the successful efforts method to the full cost method of
accounting for oil and gas property and adjusted all historical periods to
reflect the change in accounting. Management believes that the full cost
method of accounting better reflects the results of its oil and gas
exploration activities.

Oil and gas properties are amortized on the unit-of-production method using
estimates of proved reserve quantities. Investments in unproved properties are
not amortized until proved reserves associated with the projects can be
determined or until impairment occurs. If the results of an assessment
indicate that the properties are impaired, the amount of impairment is added
to the proved oil and gas property costs to be amortized. The amortizable base
includes estimated future development costs and, where significant,
dismantlement, restoration and abandonment costs, net of estimated salvage
values. The depletion rate per Mcfe for 1993, 1994 and 1995 was $0.43, $0.42,
and $0.49, respectively.

F-34
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

In addition, the capitalized costs of proved oil and gas properties are
subject to a "ceiling test," which limits such costs to the estimated present
value, discounted at a 10 percent interest rate, of future net cash flows from
proved reserves, based on current economic and operating conditions. For the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, no write-down of the Joint
Venture's oil and gas assets was necessary. If capitalized costs exceed this
limit, the excess is charged to depreciation, depletion and amortization.

Depreciation of other property and equipment is provided using the straight-
line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from five to ten years.

Deferred Loan and Organization Costs--Deferred loan costs are capitalized as
deferred assets and amortized over the term of the loan. Organization costs
have been capitalized and are amortized on a straight-line basis over five
years.

Income Taxes--Federal and state income taxes are the liability of the
individual partners and not of the Joint Venture. Therefore, no provision or
liability for federal and state income taxes has been provided in the
financial statements.

Hedging Activities--The Joint Venture periodically uses derivative financial
instruments to manage price risk related to natural gas sales and not for
speculative purposes. For book purposes, gains and losses related to the
hedging of anticipated transactions are recognized in income when the hedged
transaction occurs. The natural gas swap agreements generally provide for the
Joint Venture to receive or make counterparty payments on the differential
between a fixed price and a variable indexed price for natural gas. Gains and
losses realized by the Company under such swap arrangements were immaterial in
1995. There was no hedging activity in 1994 or 1993.

Statements of Cash Flows--The Joint Venture has presented its cash flows
using the indirect method and considers all highly liquid investments with
original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Financial Instruments--The Joint Venture's financial instruments consist of
cash, receivables, payables, long-term debt and natural gas commodity hedges.
The carrying amount of cash, receivables and payables approximates fair value
because of the short-term nature of these items. The carrying amount of long-
term debt approximates fair value as the individual borrowings were negotiated
or renegotiated during or after 1993 and/or bear interest at floating market
interest rates. The carrying amount of natural gas commodity hedges
approximates fair value based on the expected settlement amounts of these
transactions in 1996.

Use of Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the
reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Significant estimates include depreciation, depletion and amortization,
estimates of proved oil and gas reserve volumes and discounted future net cash
flows (see Note 5).

Concentration of Credit Risk--Substantially all of the Joint Venture's
accounts receivable result from natural gas and oil sales or joint interest
billings to third parties in the oil and gas industry. This concentration of
customers and joint interest owners may impact the Joint Venture's overall
credit risk in that these entities may be similarly affected by changes in
economic and other conditions. Historically the Joint Venture has not
experienced credit losses on such receivables.

F-35
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, property and equipment consisted of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Oil and gas property.............................. $ 4,934,737 $ 9,029,797
Computer equipment................................ 601,183 1,004,509
Other property and equipment...................... 7,781 9,471
----------- -----------
Total property and equipment...................... 5,543,701 10,043,777
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization..................................... (1,428,639) (2,148,485)
----------- -----------
Property and equipment, net....................... $ 4,115,062 $ 7,895,292
=========== ===========
</TABLE>

During 1994 the Joint Venture entered into a note payable for $91,695 issued
to the seller of certain seismic data. Subsequently, the Joint Venture entered
into a sales agreement with the same entity to sell the Joint Venture's
interest in an unevaluated property for $1,491,695 resulting in a gain of
$1,288,363. As a component of the sales agreement the note payable was used to
reduce the proceeds from the sale.

3. LONG-TERM DEBT

The Joint Venture borrowed $4,500,000 on April 8, 1991 from RIMCO, a
shareholder of Old Edge. The interest rate was reduced to 10% effective
October 1, 1993 and repaid in March 1995.

During July 1995, the Joint Venture entered into a revolving credit facility
(the "Revolving Credit Facility") with a bank to finance temporary working
capital requirements. The Revolving Credit Facility provides up to $20,000,000
in available borrowings limited by a borrowing base (as defined by the
Revolving Credit Facility) which was $4,500,000 at December 31, 1995. At
December 31, 1995 the Joint Venture borrowed and has outstanding $4,500,000
under this Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility provides
for interest at the lenders' prime rate plus 0.75% (9.25% at December 31,
1995). The borrowing base is subject to review by the bank at the close of
each quarter and may be adjusted subject to the provisions of the Revolving
Credit Facility. At September 30, 1996, the borrowing base was increased to
$10,250,000 under similar terms.

F-36
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

In January 1995, the Joint Venture entered into a Subordinated Loan
Agreement (the "Subordinated Loan") with a shareholder of Old Edge. Such
agreement provides for a $1 million term loan and a $1 million line of credit.
Drawdowns under the line of credit require 30 days' notice. At December 31,
1995, the aggregate amount outstanding under the Subordinated Loan was $1.3
million, including $0.3 million outstanding under the line of credit. The
principal is due, unless earlier retired by the Joint Venture, upon the
earlier of April 8, 1998 or the conclusion of the Joint Venture's wind-up
period. Interest at 10% per annum is due monthly. The Subordinated Loan is
secured by certain oil and gas properties, equipment and other assets of the
Joint Venture, but is subordinate to the Revolving Credit Facility. The
mortgage and security agreement restricts the transfer of properties, creation
of liens and other matters. The Subordinated Loan is without recourse to the
venturers. Under the Subordinated Loan, the shareholder has a right to receive
specified reversionary and overriding royalty interests on prospects of the
Joint Venture and certain rights to convert such interests into common stock
which is triggered by the execution of certain transactions by the Joint
Venture as defined within the Subordinated Loan.

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, notes payable and long-term debt consisted of
the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Revolving credit facility payable, lenders' prime rate
plus 0.75%, interest payable monthly, maturing June
1, 1997.............................................. $4,500,000
RIMCO note payable, 10% interest, interest payable
monthly, repaid in 1995.............................. $3,300,000
RIMCO interest-deferred notes payable, 10% interest,
interest payable quarterly, repaid in 1995........... 282,955
Note payable, lenders' prime rate plus 0.75%, payable
in monthly principal installments of $7,500 plus
accrued interest, matures March 1, 1997.............. 180,000
Note payable, lenders' prime rate plus 1.5%, payable
in monthly principal installments of $5,547 plus
accrued interest, matures March 1, 1997.............. 83,207
Note payable, 9% interest, payable in quarterly
installments of $13,750 plus interest, repaid in
1995................................................. 13,750
Note payable, 10.996% interest, payable in monthly
installments of principal and interest of $2,326,
matures June 22, 1998................................ 80,784 60,767
Subordinate note payable to a shareholder of Old Edge,
10% interest, interest payable monthly, matures April
8, 1998.............................................. 500,000 1,300,000
---------- ----------
Total................................................. 4,177,489 6,123,974
Current portion....................................... (943,767) (178,898)
---------- ----------
Long-term portion..................................... $3,233,722 $5,945,076
========== ==========
</TABLE>

Substantially all of the Joint Venture's property and equipment are pledged
as collateral on certain notes payable.

In future years ending December 31, these notes payable require minimum
principal payments as follows:

F-37
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

oil and gas properties or other collateral, a prohibition of dividends and
certain distributions of cash or properties to the venturers, a prohibition on
certain liens, a limitation on annual lease payments, and a requirement to
maintain minimum tangible net worth of $4,000,000 and other financial ratios.
For the quarters ending March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996 the Joint Venture was
not in compliance with the original cash flow/debt service rates covenant. The
Joint Venture has received a waiver from the bank for such non-compliance,
which was subsequently amended to be less stringent.

4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, the Joint Venture had a receivable from a
related party of $5,000. At December 31, 1994, the Joint Venture owed a
shareholder of Old Edge $2,965.

On May 1, 1992, the Joint Venture became the managing venturer of the Essex
Royalty Joint Venture ("Essex"). On December 17, 1993 the Joint Venture issued
a $30,000 note receivable to Essex. This note receivable was collected during
1994.

On September 22, 1994, the Joint Venture became the managing venturer of
Essex Royalty Joint Venture II ("Essex II"). During 1994 the Joint Venture
loaned Essex II $125,000. This loan, plus accrued interest, was repaid during
1994.

During 1994 the Joint Venture had sales of undeveloped oil and gas property
to a partnership of which an officer of Old Edge is a partner. Such sales
amounted to $241,395 for the year ended December 31, 1994.

During 1994 the Joint Venture had sales of undeveloped oil and gas property
to a stockholder which amounted to $60,000.

F-38
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

5. SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT
AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES (UNAUDITED)

This footnote provides unaudited information required by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 69, "Disclosures About Oil and Gas
Producing Activities."

Capitalized Costs--Capitalized costs and accumulated depreciation, depletion
and amortization relating to the Company's oil and natural gas producing
activities, all of which are conducted within the continental United States,
are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1994 1995
----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Proved producing oil and gas properties.......... $ 3,098,692 $ 7,193,752
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization.................................... (806,757) (1,272,814)
----------- ------------
Net capitalized costs............................ $ 2,291,935 $ 5,920,938
=========== ============
</TABLE>

Costs Incurred--Costs incurred in oil and gas property acquisition,
exploration and development activities are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Property acquisition costs:
Unproved.................................... $2,914,010 $5,496,613 $3,658,573
Proved...................................... 6,873 26,236 91,025
Exploration cost............................ 527,194 670,270 2,642,025
Development costs........................... 20,569 238,341 1,149,548
---------- ---------- ----------
Total costs incurred.......................... $3,468,646 $6,431,460 $7,541,171
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>

Reserves--Proved reserves are estimated quantities of oil and natural gas
which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to
be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic
and operating conditions. Proved developed reserves are proved reserves that
can reasonably be expected to be recovered through existing wells with
existing equipment and operating methods.

Proved oil and natural gas reserve quantities and the related discounted
future net cash flows for the periods presented are based on estimates
prepared by Ryder Scott Company, independent petroleum engineers. Such
estimates have been prepared in accordance with guidelines established by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

F-39
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

The Joint Venture's net ownership interests in estimated quantities of proved
oil and natural gas reserves and changes in net proved reserves, all of which
are located in the continental United States, are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OIL, CONDENSATE
AND NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS
(BBLS)
--------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
--------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year........................... 174,805 169,947 368,160
Revisions of previous estimates............. (44,269) 27,989 157,681
Purchases of oil and gas properties......... 84,116 6,296
Extensions and discoveries.................. 64,771 146,213 278,268
Sales of oil and gas properties............. (36,572)
Production.................................. (25,360) (60,105) (64,900)
--------- --------- ----------
End of year................................. 169,947 368,160 708,933
========= ========= ==========
Proved developed reserves at end of year...... 169,947 261,327 652,843
========= ========= ==========
<CAPTION>
NATURAL GAS
(MCF)
--------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
--------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year........................... 1,295,911 2,550,000 3,673,000
Revisions of previous estimates............. 597,487 1,465,329 1,156,443
Purchases of oil and gas properties......... 37,000 214,000
Extensions and discoveries.................. 1,108,158 204,000 6,247,000
Sales of oil and gas properties............. (1,910,962)
Production.................................. (451,556) (583,329) (558,481)
--------- --------- ----------
End of year................................. 2,550,000 3,673,000 8,821,000
========= ========= ==========
Proved developed reserves at end of year...... 2,550,000 3,548,000 6,992,000
========= ========= ==========
</TABLE>

Standardized Measure--The table of the Standardized Measure of Discounted
Future Net Cash Flows relating to the Joint Venture's ownership interests in
proved oil and gas reserves as of year-end is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Future cash inflows..................... $ 7,995,845 $13,143,411 $31,011,202
Future oil and gas operating expenses... (938,051) (2,417,571) (5,906,519)
Future development costs................ (164,894) (641,475)
----------- ----------- -----------
Future net cash flows................... 7,057,794 10,560,946 24,463,208
10% annual discount for estimating
timing of cash flows................... (1,279,728) (2,614,551) (7,020,596)
----------- ----------- -----------
Standardized measure of discounted
future net cash flows.................. $ 5,778,066 $ 7,946,395 $17,442,612
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

Future cash flows are computed by applying year end prices of oil and natural
gas to year end quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves. Future
operating expenses and development costs are computed primarily by the Joint
Venture's petroleum engineers by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in
developing and producing the Joint Venture's proved oil and natural gas
reserves at the end of the year, based on year end costs and assuming
continuation of existing economic conditions.

F-40
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

A discount factor of 10% was used to reflect the timing of future net cash
flows. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows is not
intended to represent the replacement cost or fair market value of the Joint
Venture's oil and gas properties.

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows does not
purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair value of the Joint
Venture's oil and natural gas reserves. An estimate of fair value would also
take into account, among other things, the recovery of reserves not presently
classified as proved, anticipated future changes in prices and costs, and a
discount factor more representative of the time value of money, and the risks
inherent in reserve estimates.

Change in Standardized Measure-Changes in standardized measure of future net
cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Changes due to current year operations:
Sales of oil and natural gas, net of
oil and natural gas operating
expenses............................. $(1,273,697) $(1,676,784) $(1,332,915)
Sales of oil and gas properties....... (3,113,415)
Extensions and discoveries............ 2,474,136 1,612,402 10,194,038
Purchases of oil and gas properties... 485,609 540,345
Changes due to revisions in standardized
variables:
Prices and operating expenses......... 192,281 (505,924) 409,852
Revisions of previous quantity
estimates............................ 553,313 2,060,290 1,935,454
Estimated future development costs.... (573) 62,740
Accretion of discount................. 354,143 577,807 794,640
Production rates (timing) and other... (63,535) (384,498) 5,478
----------- ----------- -----------
Net change.............................. 2,236,641 2,168,329 9,496,217
----------- ----------- -----------
Beginning of year....................... 3,541,425 5,778,066 7,946,395
----------- ----------- -----------
End of year............................. $ 5,778,066 $ 7,946,395 $17,442,612
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

Sales of oil and natural gas, net of oil and natural gas operating expenses,
are based on historical results. Sales of oil and gas properties, extensions
and discoveries, purchases of minerals in place, and the changes due to
revisions in standardized variables are reported on a discounted basis.

* * * * * *

F-41
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1995 1996
------------ -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents......................... $ 59,318 $ 396,147
Accounts receivable, trade........................ 1,142,562 1,647,470
Accounts receivable, working interest owners...... 333,552 1,083,860
Other current assets.............................. 27,527 112,707
---------- -----------
Total current assets............................ 1,562,959 3,240,184
---------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT-Net full cost method of
accounting for oil and gas property................ 7,895,292 12,374,424
DEFERRED OFFERING COSTS............................. 750,000
OTHER ASSETS........................................ 54,603 19,813
---------- -----------
TOTAL............................................... $9,512,854 $16,384,421
========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND VENTURERS' CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade........................... $1,038,696 $ 2,353,943
Payable to Old Edge............................... 46,295 742,930
Accrued interest payable.......................... 46,418 62,625
Accrued liabilities............................... 250,041
Current portion of long-term debt................. 178,898 316,030
---------- -----------
Total current liabilities....................... 1,310,307 3,725,569
---------- -----------
LONG-TERM DEBT...................................... 5,945,076 10,132,919
VENTURERS' CAPITAL.................................. 2,257,471 2,525,933
---------- -----------
TOTAL............................................... $9,512,854 $16,384,421
========== ===========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited financial statements.

F-42
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
-----------------------
1995 1996
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
OIL AND NATURAL GAS SALES.............................. $ 1,363,505 $5,084,080
----------- ----------
COST AND EXPENSES:
Oil and natural gas operating expenses............... 500,337 709,735
General and administrative expenses.................. 1,934,440 2,234,016
Depreciation, depletion and amortization............. 516,586 1,206,567
----------- ----------
Total cost and expenses............................ 2,951,363 4,150,318
----------- ----------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS.......................... (1,587,858) 933,762
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Interest expense, net................................ (196,108) (665,300)
Gain on sale of proved oil and gas property.......... 3,134,287
----------- ----------
NET INCOME............................................. $ 1,350,321 $ 268,462
=========== ==========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited financial statements.

F-43
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------
1995 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income......................................... $ 1,350,321 $ 268,462
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization......... 516,586 1,206,562
Gain on sale of oil and gas property............. (3,134,287)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade..................... 620,112 (504,908)
Accounts receivable, working interest owner.... (683,838) (750,308)
Other current assets........................... (49,729) (85,605)
Accounts payable, trade........................ 1,278,425 1,315,247
Payable to Old Edge............................ (20,060) 696,635
Accrued interest payable....................... (30,290) 16,207
Accrued liabilities............................ 250,041
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities.... (152,760) 2,412,333
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property and equipment purchases................... (5,545,404) (7,880,347)
Proceeds from the sale of oil and gas property..... 6,823,240 2,229,868
----------- -----------
Net cash provided (used) by investing
activities.................................. 1,277,836 (5,650,479)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable........................ 2,383,101 4,487,000
Payments on notes payable.......................... (3,650,296) (162,025)
Deferred offering cost............................. (750,000)
----------- -----------
Net cash (used) provided by financing
activities.................................. (1,267,195) 3,574,975
----------- -----------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS......................................... (142,119) 336,829
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD....... 288,458 59,318
----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD............. $ 146,339 $ 396,147
=========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES TO CASH FLOW INFORMATION--
Cash paid for interest.............................. $ 230,099 $ 658,763
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited financial statements.

F-44
<PAGE>

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. GENERAL

In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial statements for Edge
Joint Venture II (the "Joint Venture") include all adjustments (consisting
solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of
the financial position as of September 30, 1996, and the results of operations
and cash flows for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and
1995. The balance sheet as of December 31, 1995 is derived from the December
31, 1995 audited financial statements. Although management believes the
disclosures in the financial statements are adequate to make the information
presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The results of operations and cash flows for the nine-month period
ended September 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
expected for the full year. These unaudited financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the audited financial statements of the Joint Venture
as of December 31, 1995.

2. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

Securities Offering--In December 1996, Edge Petroleum Corporation, a newly
formed Delaware corporation (the "Company"), plans to file two registration
statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission; one for an
underwritten initial public offering of shares of common stock and one to
register common stock to be issued in the Combination Transactions in which as
part of the Combination Transactions, the Limited Partners of the Joint
Venture will elect whether or not to participate in an exchange offer to
receive common stock of the Company for their interest in the Joint Venture.
Upon consummation of the combination transactions, the Company expects to
secure directly or indirectly substantially all the interests in the Joint
Venture

* * * * * *

F-45
<PAGE>

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Stockholders of
Edge Petroleum Corporation and Subsidiary:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Edge
Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation, and subsidiary ("Old Edge") as of
December 31, 1994 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements are the
responsibility of Old Edge's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Old Edge as of December 31, 1994
and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
December 2, 1996

F-46
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY, A TEXAS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------
1994 1995
--------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents............................. $ 60,130 $ 141,296
Accounts receivable, trade............................ 2,414 23,271
Receivable from Edge Joint Venture II................. 68,442 46,295
Receivable from related parties....................... 94,285 117,765
Advance to stockholders............................... 30,982 30,826
Other current assets.................................. 16,099 9,427
--------- ----------
Total current assets................................ 272,352 368,880
--------- ----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net............................. 20,897 15,776
INVESTMENT IN EDGE JOINT VENTURE II..................... 293,195 656,152
OTHER ASSETS............................................ 9,376 8,938
--------- ----------
TOTAL................................................... $ 595,820 $1,049,746
========= ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade............................... $ 97,714 $ 86,858
Payable to related parties............................ 40,000 40,000
Accrued liabilities................................... 6,052 48,870
--------- ----------
Total current liabilities........................... 143,766 175,728
--------- ----------
LONG-TERM LIABILITY..................................... 77,802 46,245
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES................................... 87,036
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 150,000 shares
authorized, 105,263 shares issued and outstanding;
5,263 shares redeemable.............................. 1,053 1,053
Contributed capital in excess of par value............ 634,695 634,695
Retained earnings (deficit)........................... (249,496) 130,989
Treasury stock 211 shares and 422 shares at December
31, 1994 and 1995, respectively, at cost............. (12,000) (26,000)
--------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity.......................... 374,252 740,737
--------- ----------
TOTAL................................................... $ 595,820 $1,049,746
========= ==========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-47
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY,
A TEXAS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------
1993 1994 1995
--------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Oil and natural gas sales...................... $ 17,601 $ 16,554 $ 24,216
Representation fees............................ 23,372 24,000 24,000
Management fees................................ 60,000 80,000 120,000
--------- -------- --------
Total revenue................................ 100,973 120,554 168,216
--------- -------- --------
EXPENSES:
Oil and natural gas operating expenses......... 2,677 4,169 3,123
General and administrative..................... 39,432 24,520 41,014
Depreciation................................... 39,386 36,500 20,927
--------- -------- --------
Total expenses............................... 81,495 65,189 65,064
--------- -------- --------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS........................... 19,478 55,365 103,152
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Other income................................... 13,749
Interest income................................ 956 1,255 1,412
Interest expense............................... (1,468) (23)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT IN
EDGE JOINT VENTURE II........................... (295,426) 342,068 362,957
--------- -------- --------
INCOME (LOSS)--Before incomes taxes.............. (276,460) 412,414 467,521
INCOME TAX EXPENSE--Deferred..................... 87,036
--------- -------- --------
NET INCOME (LOSS)................................ $(276,460) $412,414 $380,485
========= ======== ========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-48
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY,
A TEXAS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTRIBUTED
CAPITAL IN RETAINED
COMMON EXCESS OF EARNINGS TREASURY
STOCK PAR VALUE (DEFICIT) STOCK TOTAL
------ ----------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1993.. $1,053 $634,695 $(385,450) $ 250,298
Net loss.................. (276,460) (276,460)
------ -------- --------- -------- ---------
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1994.. 1,053 634,695 (661,910) (26,162)
Treasury stock purchase,
422 shares............... $(24,000) (24,000)
Issue of treasury stock,
211 shares............... 12,000 12,000
Net income................ 412,414 412,414
------ -------- --------- -------- ---------
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1995.. 1,053 634,695 (249,496) (12,000) 374,252
Treasury stock purchase,
422 shares............... (28,000) (28,000)
Issue of treasury stock,
211 shares............... 14,000 14,000
Net income................ 380,485 380,485
------ -------- --------- -------- ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31,
1995....................... $1,053 $634,695 $ 130,989 $(26,000) $ 740,737
====== ======== ========= ======== =========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-49
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY,
A TEXAS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)........................... $(276,460) $ 412,414 $ 380,485
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided (used) by operating
activities:
Depreciation.............................. 39,386 36,500 20,927
(Income) loss from investment in Edge
Joint Venture II......................... 295,426 (342,068) (362,957)
Deferred income taxes..................... 87,036
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade................ 6,264 (377) (20,857)
Receivable from Edge Joint Venture II..... (92,739) 24,297 22,147
Receivable from related parties........... 2,756 (82,137) (23,480)
Advances to stockholders.................. (13,500) (14,111) 156
Other current assets...................... 4,318 9,224 6,672
Other assets.............................. 438
Accounts payable, trade................... (5,290) 10,257 (10,856)
Payable to related parties................ (26,747) (8,424)
Deferred management fee revenue........... 1,400 (20,000)
Accrued liabilities....................... 43,524 (44,345) 42,818
Refundable income taxes................... 10,429
Payable to Edge Joint Venture II.......... (16,764)
Long-term liability....................... 21,226 30,413 (31,557)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided (used) by operating
activities............................. (6,771) 11,643 110,972
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES--Capital
expenditures................................. (4,165) (5,721) (15,806)
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Treasury stock purchase..................... (24,000) (28,000)
Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock.... 12,000 14,000
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash (used) by financing
activities............................. (12,000) (14,000)
--------- --------- ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS.................................. (10,936) (6,078) 81,166
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR.. 77,144 66,208 60,130
--------- --------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR........ $ 66,208 $ 60,130 $ 141,296
========= ========= =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION--
Cash received for income taxes.............. $ (10,429) $ (7,749)
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-50
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY, A TEXAS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization--Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation ("Old Edge")
was organized on April 8, 1991 when it issued 105,263 shares of its common
stock in consideration for oil and gas properties, 100% of the common stock of
Old EPC, Inc. (the "Subsidiary") and $500,000 in cash. The oil and gas
properties were contributed by related parties; these assets have been
recorded at the historical cost basis of those stockholders who made the
contribution. The common stock of the Subsidiary contributed to Old Edge has
been accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control.

Old Edge is the managing venturer of Edge Joint Venture II (the "Joint
Venture"). Under the Joint Venture Agreement (the "Agreement"), Old Edge is
restricted from creating debt or mortgages on the Joint Venture, selling all
or substantially all of the Joint Venture's assets, except in the normal
course of business, and taking any additional action not in compliance with
the Agreement or that would restrict the Joint Venture from doing business
without the approval of Edge Group II Limited Partnership ("Edge Group II").
Edge Group II has the right to approve all purchases of oil and gas leases for
Joint Venture prospects, Joint Venture purchases of capital items and Joint
Venture budgets.

The term of the Joint Venture was to have expired on April 8, 1996 according
to the Agreement; however, the venturers extended the dissolution date to
December 31, 1996. The Joint Venture will continue to operate under the terms
of the Agreement, as amended.

Consolidated Financial Statements--The accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Old Edge and its wholly owned subsidiary.
All intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investment in the Joint Venture--Old Edge records the income or losses of
the Joint Venture using the equity method of accounting.

Property and Equipment--Depreciation of property and equipment is provided
using the straight-line method of accounting based on estimated useful lives
ranging from five to ten years.

Statements of Cash Flows--Old Edge has presented its cash flows using the
indirect method and considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Concentration of Credit Risk--Substantially all of Old Edge's accounts
receivable result from natural gas and oil sales or joint interest billings to
third parties in the oil and natural gas industry. This concentration of
customers and joint interest owners may impact the Old Edge's overall credit
risk in that these entities may be similarly affected by changes in economic
and other conditions. Historically Old Edge has not experienced credit losses
on such receivables.

F-51
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY, A TEXAS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

2. INVESTMENT IN EDGE JOINT VENTURE II

Following are the balance sheets of the Joint Venture at December 31, 1994
and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents.............................. $ 288,458 $ 59,318
Accounts receivable, trade............................. 1,223,517 1,142,562
Accounts receivable, working interest owners........... 120,252 333,552
Other current assets................................... 37,633 27,527
---------- ----------
Total current assets................................. 1,669,860 1,562,959
---------- ----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET Full cost method of
accounting for oil and gas property..................... 4,115,062 7,895,292
OTHER ASSETS............................................. 110,665 54,603
---------- ----------
TOTAL.................................................... $5,895,587 $9,512,854
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND VENTURERS' CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade................................ $ 607,583 $1,038,696
Payable to Edge Petroleum Corporation.................. 68,442 46,295
Accrued interest payable............................... 33,422 46,418
Current portion of long-term debt...................... 943,767 178,898
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities............................ 1,653,214 1,310,307
LONG-TERM DEBT........................................... 3,233,722 5,945,076
VENTURERS' CAPITAL....................................... 1,008,651 2,257,471
---------- ----------
TOTAL.................................................... $5,895,587 $9,512,854
========== ==========
</TABLE>

For the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, the statements of
income were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1993 1994 1995
----------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OIL AND GAS SALES........................ $ 1,437,837 $1,977,242 $ 2,016,230
----------- ---------- -----------
COST AND EXPENSES:
Oil and gas operating expenses......... 164,140 300,458 683,315
General and administrative expenses.... 1,498,381 1,827,362 2,311,936
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization.......................... 402,324 556,899 792,475
----------- ---------- -----------
Total cost and expenses.............. 2,064,845 2,684,718 3,787,726
----------- ---------- -----------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS..................... (627,008) (707,476) (1,771,496)
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Interest expense, net.................. (636,780) (399,998) (316,760)
Gain on sale of oil and gas property... 247,321 2,284,419 3,337,076
----------- ---------- -----------
NET INCOME (LOSS)........................ $(1,016,467) $1,176,945 $ 1,248,820
=========== ========== ===========
</TABLE>

F-52
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY, A TEXAS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

Old Edge's investment in the Joint Venture is as follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Negative equity in the Joint Venture at January 1, 1994....... $ (48,873)
Net income--1994.............................................. 342,068
---------
Investment in the Joint Venture at January 1, 1995............ 293,195
Net income--1995.............................................. 362,957
---------
Investment in the Joint Venture at December 31, 1995.......... $656,152
=========
</TABLE>

The above balance sheets and statements of income represent 100% of the
Joint Venture's assets, and liabilities and operations. Old Edge has an
initial ownership interest of approximately 29.064% and as the General Partner
is contingently liable for certain debts and obligations of the Joint Venture.

3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, property and equipment consisted of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Leasehold improvements................................... $ 52,954 $ 64,527
Furniture and fixtures................................... 81,490 84,582
Office equipment......................................... 24,298 25,438
-------- --------
Total property and equipment............................. 158,742 174,547
Accumulated depreciation and amortization................ (137,845) (158,771)
-------- --------
Total.................................................. $ 20,897 $ 15,776
======== ========
</TABLE>

4. LONG-TERM LIABILITY

Old Edge received an abatement on the operating lease arrangement for its
office space, which is described in Note 6. The long-term liability relates to
the future obligations on such lease and is being amortized over the life of
the lease.

5. COMMON STOCK

In 1994, Old Edge entered into an agreement with a related party to
repurchase 5,263 shares of its outstanding common stock. The repurchase
obligation is effective if the holders of such shares demand repurchase
between January 1995 and January 1998. However, Old Edge will have no
obligation to repurchase these shares if it has registered common stock under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1933 prior to the demand for repurchase. The
amount to be paid for these shares equals the percentage obtained by dividing
5,263 shares by the total number of outstanding shares of Old Edge and
multiplying this percentage by the greater of (1) the net cash flow of Old
Edge (as defined in the agreement) times eight or (2) the adjusted net worth
of Old Edge as defined in the agreement.

During 1994, a third party entered into an arrangement to acquire shares of
Old Edge's outstanding common stock from a shareholder. These shares are held
in escrow as security for a nonrecourse promissory note issued to the third
party by the shareholder. The final payment is due January 15, 1997. Upon
payment of each annual principal amount, a proportionate number of shares will
be released by the shareholder from escrow to the third party. A stock
repurchase agreement gives Old Edge the option of participating in these
annual principal payments. Upon participation, Old Edge would take possession
of its pro rata share of the stock acquired. Should Old Edge elect not to
participate in a principal payment, Old Edge shall be deemed to have forfeited
the

F-53
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY, A TEXAS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

ownership rights in the stock for which the payment pertains. As of December
31, 1995, approximately 844 shares had been repurchased by Old Edge through
the arrangement.

In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
No. 123 ("SFAS No. 123"). SFAS No. 123 is a new standard of accounting for
stock-based compensation and establishes a fair value method of accounting for
awards granted after December 31, 1995 under stock compensation plans. SFAS
No. 123 encourages, but does not require, companies to adopt the fair value
method of accounting in place of the existing method of accounting for stock-
based compensation whereupon compensation costs are recognized only in
situations where stock compensation plans award intrinsic value to recipients
at the date of grant. Companies that do not adopt the fair value method of
accounting prescribed in SFAS No. 123 must, nonetheless, make annual pro forma
disclosures of the estimated effects on net income and earnings per share in
their year-end 1996 financial statements as if the fair value method had been
used for grants after December 31, 1994.

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

At December 31, 1995, Old Edge was obligated under a noncancelable operating
lease for office space. Following is a schedule of Old Edge's remaining future
minimum lease payments under this lease:

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 was
$156,207, $164,436 and $165,317, respectively, which is partially reimbursed
by the Joint Venture.

Under the terms of a loan agreement entered into by and between the Joint
Venture and a shareholder of Old Edge, the shareholder reserves the right to
convert his interest in certain oil and gas properties into common stock of
Old Edge which is triggered by execution of certain transactions by the Joint
Venture, as defined by the loan agreement.

7. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Old Edge is the managing general partner of the Joint Venture. Old Edge
employs geologists, landmen, draftsmen, accountants and executives and
provides office facilities and related overhead in order to manage the affairs
of the Joint Venture. The principal business of Old Edge is to manage the
affairs of the Joint Venture, and, as a result, it invoices the Joint Venture
for substantially all of its expenses. Such expenses invoiced by Old Edge for
the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 totaled $1,748,490,
$2,215,895 and $2,370,168, respectively. At December 31, 1994 and 1995, the
Joint Venture owed Old Edge $68,442 and $46,295, respectively.

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, included in advances to shareholders was
$30,982 and $27,455, respectively, due from directors of Old Edge.

In 1991, Old Edge entered into a consulting agreement with a shareholder of
Old Edge whereby Old Edge is obligated to pay $40,000 annually for the
remainder of this individual's life in exchange for consulting services.

At December 31, 1994, included in payables to related parties was $2,488,
representing an amount owed to a director of Old Edge.

Old Edge received revenue from various related parties for maintaining
certain oil and gas properties. Representation fees amounted to $23,372,
$24,000 and $24,000 for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995,
respectively. At December 31, 1994 and 1995, included in receivables from
related parties was $10,942 and $3,306, respectively, for representation fees
due Old Edge.

F-54
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY, A TEXAS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, included in receivable from related parties
was $3,492 due from an employee.

Old Edge entered into management agreements with Essex Royalty Joint Venture
I and Essex Royalty Joint Venture II (the "Essex Joint Ventures") on May 1,
1992 and September 1, 1994, respectively, whereby Old Edge will receive a
monthly management fee for managing the oil and gas joint ventures. For the
years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, Old Edge recorded management fee
income in the amount of $60,000, $80,000 and $120,000, respectively. In
addition, these agreements stipulate that Old Edge is entitled to be
reimbursed for certain general and administrative expenses. Such expenses
invoiced by Old Edge to the Essex Joint Ventures for the years ended December
31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 amounted to $36,750, $18,750 and $40,250,
respectively. At December 31, 1994 and 1995, Old Edge had a receivable from
the Essex Joint Ventures of $63,600 and $115,000, respectively, relating to
these expenses and management fees.

8. INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts calculated for income tax purposes. Significant
components of Old Edge's deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December
31, 1994 and 1995 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax liability:
Loss allowed for tax purposes in excess of book loss from
Old Edge's partnership interest in the Joint Venture..... $279,455 $784,789
Other..................................................... 651 538
-------- --------
Total....................................................... 280,106 785,327
-------- --------
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating tax loss carryforwards...................... 439,968 646,340
Other..................................................... 49,725 51,951
Less valuation allowance.................................. (209,587)
-------- --------
Total deferred tax assets................................... 280,106 698,291
-------- --------
Net deferred tax liability.................................. $ -- $ 87,036
======== ========
</TABLE>

Old Edge's provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by
applying the expected statutory rate. This difference is due to the
utilization of net operating loss carryforwards the tax benefit of which was
previously unrecognized in the financial statements.

As of December 31, 1995, Old Edge has net operating tax loss carryforwards
of $1,900,999 which will begin to expire in the year 2007.

9. STOCK OPTION PLAN

In 1994, Old Edge adopted the 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan, which
provides to certain key employees the granting of options to purchase up to
6,000 shares of Old Edge's common stock. The recipient, timing and number of
shares are determined by the Board of Directors. The exercise price of any
options granted may not be less than 110 percent of the fair market value of
Old Edge's stock at the date of grant. In 1994 options to acquire 4,386 shares
of Old Edge's common stock were granted. No options were granted during 1995.
No options were exercised or forfeited during 1995 or 1994. The options expire
April 2004 at prices ranging from $45.60 to $91.20 per share.

F-55
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY, A TEXAS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

10. SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION,
DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES (UNAUDITED)

As discussed in Note 1, Old Edge records its investment in the Joint Venture
using the equity method of accounting. This footnote provides unaudited
information of Old Edge's share of the Joint Venture resulting from its
investment. This information is required by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 69, "Disclosures About Oil and Gas Producing Activities."

Capitalized Costs--Net capitalized costs relating to oil and natural gas
producing activities, all of which are conducted within the continental United
States, are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
1994 1995
-----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net capitalized costs............................... $ 666,128 $ 1,720,861
========== ============
</TABLE>

Costs Incurred--Total costs incurred in oil and gas property acquisition,
exploration and development activities are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total costs incurred........................... $1,008,127 $1,869,240 $2,191,766
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>

Old Edge's share of the Joint Venture's net ownership interests in estimated
quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves at year-end, all of which
are located in the continental United States, are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OIL, CONDENSATE
AND NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS
(BBLS)
---------------------------
1993 1994 1995
------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves........... 49,393 107,002 206,044
======= ========= =========
Proved developed reserves........................... 49,393 75,952 189,742
======= ========= =========
<CAPTION>
NATURAL GAS
(MCF)
---------------------------
1993 1994 1995
------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves........... 741,132 1,067,521 2,563,735
======= ========= =========
Proved developed reserves........................... 741,132 1,031,191 2,032,155
======= ========= =========
</TABLE>

F-56
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY, A TEXAS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

Standardized Measure--The Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash
Flows relating to Old Edge's share of the Joint Venture's ownership interests
in proved oil and gas reserves as of year-end is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Standardized measure of discounted future net
cash flows................................... $1,679,337 $2,309,540 $5,069,521
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows does not
purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair value of Old Edge's
share of the Joint Venture's oil and natural gas reserves. An estimate of fair
value would also take into account, among other things, the recovery of
reserves not presently classified as proved, anticipated future changes in
prices and costs, and a discount factor more representative of the time value
of money, and the risks inherent in reserve estimates.

* * * * *

F-57
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY,
A TEXAS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1995 1996
------------ -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents......................... $ 141,296 $ 534,217
Accounts receivable, trade........................ 23,271 18,562
Accounts receivable, working interest owners...... 1,273,531
Receivable from Edge Joint Venture II............. 46,295 742,930
Receivable from related parties................... 117,765 182,538
Advance to stockholder............................ 30,826 3,371
Other current assets.............................. 9,427 22,260
---------- ----------
Total current assets............................ 368,880 2,777,409
---------- ----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net......................... 15,776 9,605
INVESTMENT IN EDGE JOINT VENTURE II................. 656,152 734,178
OTHER ASSETS........................................ 8,938 8,938
---------- ----------
TOTAL............................................... $1,049,746 $3,530,130
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade........................... $ 86,858 $ 86,713
Accounts payable, working interest owners......... 2,325,342
Payable to related parties........................ 40,000 40,000
Accrued liabilities............................... 48,870 42,611
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities....................... 175,728 2,494,666
---------- ----------
LONG-TERM LIABILITY................................. 46,245 11,462
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES............................... 87,036 161,316
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 150,000 shares
authorized, 105,263 shares issued and
outstanding; 5,263 shares redeemable............. 1,053 1,053
Contributed capital in excess of par value........ 634,695 634,695
Retained earnings................................. 130,989 268,938
Treasury stock: 211 shares and 422 shares at
December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively, at
cost............................................. (26,000) (42,000)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity...................... 740,737 862,686
---------- ----------
TOTAL............................................... $1,049,746 $3,530,130
========== ==========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

F-58
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY,
A TEXAS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------
1995 1996
-------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Oil and natural gas sales................................ $ 13,400 $ 20,999
Representation fees...................................... 18,000 22,500
Management fees and other................................ 90,000 150,118
-------- ---------
Total revenue.......................................... 121,400 193,617
-------- ---------
EXPENSES:
Oil and natural gas operating expenses................... 1,952 1,695
General and administrative............................... 37,365 59,429
Depreciation............................................. 8,525 6,171
-------- ---------
Total expenses......................................... 47,842 67,295
-------- ---------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS..................................... 73,558 126,322
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES--Interest income................. 1,002 7,881
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT IN EDGE JOINT VENTURE II............ 392,457 78,026
-------- ---------
NET INCOME--Before income taxes............................ 467,017 212,229
INCOME TAX EXPENSE--Deferred............................... (86,942) (74,280)
-------- ---------
NET INCOME................................................. $380,075 $ 137,949
======== =========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

F-59
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY,
A TEXAS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------
1995 1996
--------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income............................................. $ 380,075 $ 137,949
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation.......................................... 8,525 6,171
Income from investment in Edge Joint Venture II....... (392,457) (78,026)
Deferred income taxes................................. 86,942 74,280
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade............................ (155) 4,709
Accounts receivable, working interest owners.......... (1,273,531)
Receivable from Edge Joint Venture II................. 20,060 (696,635)
Receivable from related parties....................... (66,698) (64,773)
Advances to stockholders.............................. 11,194 27,455
Other current assets.................................. (5,963) (12,833)
Other assets.......................................... 439
Accounts payable, trade............................... (8,020) (145)
Accounts payable, working interest owners............. 2,325,342
Accrued liabilities................................... 18,924 (6,259)
Long-term liability................................... (24,240) (34,783)
--------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities........... 28,626 408,921
--------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES--Capital
expenditures........................................... (11,574) --
--------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Treasury stock purchase................................ (28,000) (32,000)
Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock............... 14,000 16,000
--------- ----------
Net cash used by financing activities............... (14,000) (16,000)
--------- ----------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS............... 3,052 392,921
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD.......... 60,130 141,296
--------- ----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD................ $ 63,182 $ 534,217
========= ==========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

F-60
<PAGE>

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY, A TEXAS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. GENERAL

In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial
statements for Old Edge include all adjustments (consisting solely of normal
recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial
position as of September 30, 1996, and the results of operations and cash
flows for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995.
The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1995 is derived from the
December 31, 1995 audited consolidated financial statements. Although
management believes the disclosures in the financial statements are adequate
to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and
footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. The results of operations and cash flows for the
nine-month period ended September 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of
the results to be expected for the full year. These unaudited consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements of Old Edge as of December 31, 1995.

2. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

Securities Offering--In December 1996 Edge Petroleum Corporation, a newly
formed Delaware corporation (the "Company"), wholly owned by Old Edge plans to
file two registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
one for an underwritten initial public offering of shares of common stock and
one to register common stock to be issued in the Combination Transactions. As
part of the Combination Transactions, Old Edge has entered into a merger
agreement pursuant to which it will merge with a subsidiary of the Company and
became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Simultaneously with the
public offering, Old Edge will seek shareholder approval for the merger. Upon
consummation of the Combination Transactions, the Company expects to directly
or indirectly secure substantially all the interests in the Joint Venture.

* * * * * *

F-61
<PAGE>

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Partners of Edge Group II Limited Partnership:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Edge Group II
Limited Partnership ("Edge Group II") as of December 31, 1994 and 1995, and the
related statements of operations, partners' capital (deficit) and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995. These
financial statements are the responsibility of Edge Group II's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Edge Group II as of December 31,
1994 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
December 2, 1996

F-62
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1994 1995
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents........................... $ 194,607 $ 40,167
Accounts receivable, trade.......................... 826,125 771,603
Accounts receivable, working interest owners........ 80,990 224,647
Accounts receivable from related parties............ 750 750
Other current assets................................ 25,346 18,539
----------- -----------
Total current assets.............................. 1,127,818 1,055,706
----------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net--full cost method of ac-
counting for oil and gas property.................... 2,771,494 5,317,479
OTHER ASSETS.......................................... 71,165 33,408
----------- -----------
TOTAL................................................. $ 3,970,477 $ 6,406,593
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade............................. $ 428,060 $ 718,414
Payable to related parties.......................... 1,047,065 1,298,640
Accrued expenses.................................... 144,133 99,262
Current portion of long-term debt................... 635,627 120,488
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities......................... 2,254,885 2,236,804
----------- -----------
LONG-TERM DEBT........................................ 2,177,912 4,004,009
PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)........................... (462,320) 165,780
----------- -----------
TOTAL................................................. $ 3,970,477 $ 6,406,593
=========== ===========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-63
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OIL AND GAS SALES........................ $ 968,383 $ 1,331,672 $ 1,357,931
---------- ----------- -----------
COST AND EXPENSES:
Oil and gas operating expenses......... 110,548 202,359 460,213
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization.......................... 270,965 375,070 533,732
General and administrative............. 1,027,177 1,247,855 1,503,586
Management fees........................ 266,490 266,490 266,490
---------- ----------- -----------
Total cost and expenses.............. 1,675,180 2,091,774 2,764,021
---------- ----------- -----------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS..................... (706,797) (760,102) (1,406,090)
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE:
Interest expense, net.................. (427,119) (269,308) (213,331)
Gain on sale of proved oil and gas
property.............................. 166,571 1,538,556 2,247,521
---------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME (LOSS)........................ $ (967,345) $ 509,146 $ 628,100
========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-64
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, BEGINNING OF YEAR..................... $ (4,121) $(971,466) $(462,320)
NET INCOME (LOSS).............................. (967,345) 509,146 628,100
--------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, END OF YEAR........................... $(971,466) $(462,320) $ 165,780
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-65
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income..................... $ (967,345) $ 509,146 $ 628,100
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)
income to net cash provided (used) by
operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortiza-
tion................................. 270,965 375,070 533,732
Gain on sale of oil and gas property.. (166,571) (1,538,556) (2,247,521)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade.......... (222,289) (180,772) 54,522
Accounts receivable, working inter-
est owners......................... (70,597) 36,572 (143,657)
Accounts receivable from related
parties............................ (2,139) 32,885
Other current assets................ (470) (9,394) 6,807
Other assets........................ (27,997)
Accounts payable, trade............. 95,128 90,177 290,354
Payable to related parties.......... (231,910) 230,125 251,575
Accrued liabilities................. (863) 38,686 (44,871)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used by operating activi-
ties............................. (1,296,091) (416,061) (698,956)
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Oil and gas property and equipment
purchases............................ (2,462,242) (4,582,506) (5,823,207)
Proceeds from sale of oil and gas
property............................. 2,291,966 4,762,335 5,056,765
Purchase of note receivable from re-
lated party.......................... (20,205) (84,188)
Collection of notes receivable from
related party........................ 104,393
Certificate of deposit redemption..... 10,103
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash (used) provided by in-
vesting activities............... (180,378) 200,034 (766,442)
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable........... 319,913 70,718 210,894
Payments on notes payable............. (319,913) (326,443) (56,366)
Proceeds from long-term debt.......... 397,365 3,569,550
Payments on long-term debt............ (284,735) (439,590) (2,413,120)
Accounts receivable subscriptions..... 1,823,917 20,000
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided (used) by fi-
nancing activities............... 1,539,182 (277,950) 1,310,958
----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS............................ 62,713 (493,977) (154,440)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF
YEAR................................... 625,871 688,584 194,607
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR.. $ 688,584 $ 194,607 $ 40,167
=========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES TO CASH FLOW
INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest................ $ 257,212 $ 257,165 $ 207,108
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-66
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization--On January 1, 1990, Edge Group II Limited Partnership ("Edge
Group II") was formed to enter into a joint venture agreement with Edge
Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation ("Old Edge") and two other
venturers for the purpose of generating and selling oil and gas prospects in
the continental United States. Limited partnership interests in 189 units of
$70,500 each were sold to finance Edge Group II's interest in the Edge Joint
Venture II (the "Joint Venture"). The initial objective of the Joint Venture
was to (a) recoup its costs on the sale of undeveloped oil and gas prospects,
(b) make a cash profit on the sale, and (c) retain a carried interest in the
exploratory well, and development wells, if any, drilled on the prospect.

The general partners of Edge Group II are John Sfondrini, individual general
partner, and Napamco (which is wholly owned by John Sfondrini), corporate
general partner (the "General Partners"). The Edge Group II limited partners
(the "Limited Partners") contributed 100% of the capital of Edge Group II to
the Joint Venture. Until such time as the Limited Partners have recovered 150%
of their capital contributions from distributions, income, gain, deductions,
and losses, distributions will be allocated 99% to the Limited Partners and 1%
to the General Partners. Thereafter, such distributive items will be allocated
75% to the Limited Partners and 25% to the General Partners. As stipulated
within the Limited Partnership Agreement of Edge Group II (the "Partnership
Agreement"), the General Partners are to receive an annual fee of $266,940 to
manage the activities of Edge Group II (see Note 4).

Investment in Edge Joint Venture II--On April 8, 1991, the Joint Venture, a
general partnership, was formed by Old Edge, Edge Group II, Edge Group
Partnership and Gulfedge Limited Partnership. The Joint Venture purchased the
assets and assumed the liabilities of a related entity, Edge Group Joint
Venture I. Certain partners of Edge Group II were entitled to receive the
proceeds of the sale and authorized the application of their portion of the
proceeds as their capital contribution to the Joint Venture. This flow of
funds was deemed to have occurred at closing as a part of the organization of
the Joint Venture and its acquisition of the indicated assets.

Old Edge is the managing venturer of the Joint Venture. Without the approval
of Edge Group II, Old Edge is restricted from creating debt or mortgages on
the Joint Venture, selling all or substantially all of the Joint Venture's
assets or taking additional action not in compliance with the Joint Venture
Agreement or that would restrict it from doing business. Edge Group II has the
right to approve all lease acquisitions, capital purchases and budgets of the
Joint Venture.

Edge Group II will continue in existence until December 31, 2025, unless
terminated earlier in accordance with the Partnership Agreement.

Consolidated Financial Statements--Edge Group II has an initial 67.35%
interest in the Joint Venture and exercises significant influence over its
operations. Edge Group II accounts for its investment in the Joint Venture
using the proportionate consolidation method of accounting. Accordingly, the
accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Edge
Group II and a pro-rata (67.357%) portion of the Joint Venture's assets,
liabilities and results of operations. All intercompany balances have been
eliminated in consolidation.

Property & Equipment--During 1996, Edge Group II changed its method of
accounting from the successful efforts method to the full cost method of
accounting for oil and gas properties and adjusted all historical periods

F-67
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

to reflect the change in accounting. Management believes that the full cost
method of accounting better reflects the results of its oil and gas
exploration activities.

The Joint Venture's investments in oil and gas properties are accounted for
using the full cost method of accounting. All costs associated with the
acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties are
capitalized.

Depreciation of other property and equipment is provided using the straight-
line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from five to ten years.

Deferred Loan and Organization Costs--Organization costs have been
capitalized and are amortized on a straight-line basis over five years.
Deferred loan costs have been capitalized as deferred assets and amortized
over the term of the loan. Organization costs have been capitalized and are
amortized on a straight line basis over five years.

Income Taxes--Federal and state income taxes are the liability of the
individual partners and not of the Partnership. Therefore, no provision or
liability for federal and state income taxes has been provided in the
financial statements.

Statements of Cash Flows--Edge Group II has presented its cash flows using
the indirect method and considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Financial Instruments--Edge Group II's financial instruments consist of
cash, receivables, payables, long-term debt and natural gas commodity hedges.
The carrying amount of cash, receivables and payables approximates fair value
because of the short-term nature of these items. The carrying amount of long-
term debt approximates fair value as the individual borrowings were negotiated
or renegotiated during or after 1993 and/or bear interest at floating market
interest rates. The carrying amount of natural gas commodity hedges
approximates fair value based on the expected settlement amounts of these
transactions in 1996.

Use of Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the
reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Significant estimates include depreciation, depletion and amortization of
proved producing oil and gas properties, estimates of proved oil and gas
reserve volumes; and discounted future net cash flows (see Note 5).

F-68
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

Concentration of Credit Risk--Substantially all of Edge Group II's accounts
receivable result from oil and natural gas sales or joint interest billings to
third parties in the oil and natural gas industry. This concentration of
customers and joint interest owners may impact Edge Group II's overall credit
risk in that these entities may be similarly affected by changes in economic
and other conditions. Historically Edge Group II has not experienced credit
losses on such receivables.

2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, Edge Group II's share of property and
equipment consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Oil and gas property............................... $3,323,545 $ 6,081,568
Computer equipment................................. 404,897 676,537
Other property and equipment....................... 5,241 6,379
---------- -----------
Total property and equipment....................... 3,733,683 6,764,484
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization...................................... (962,189) (1,447,005)
---------- -----------
Property and equipment, net........................ $2,771,494 $ 5,317,479
========== ===========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1994 1995
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Year cost incurred:
Remainder..................................... $ 188,806 $ 152,870
1993.......................................... 229,963 186,163
1994.......................................... 817,801 501,585
1995.......................................... -- 469,212
---------- ----------
$1,236,570 $1,309,830
========== ==========
</TABLE>

During 1994 the Joint Venture issued a note payable for $91,695 issued to
the seller of certain seismic data. Subsequently, the Joint Venture entered
into a sales agreement with the same entity to sell the Joint Venture's
interest in an unevaluated property for $1,491,695 resulting in a gain of
$1,288,363. Edge Group II's share of cash proceeds and gain was $942,900 and
$867,712, respectively. As a component of the sales agreement, the note
payable was used to reduce the proceeds from the sale.

3. LONG-TERM DEBT

The Joint Venture borrowed $4,500,000 on April 8, 1991 from RIMCO, a
stockholder of the managing venturer. The interest rate was reduced to 10%
effective October 1, 1993 and was repaid in March 1995. Edge Group II's share
of the RIMCO note was $2,222,550 at December 31, 1994.

F-69
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

During July 1995, the Joint Venture entered into a revolving credit facility
(the "Revolving Credit Facility") with a bank to finance temporary working
capital requirements. The Revolving Credit Facility provides up to $20,000,000
in available borrowings limited by a borrowing base (as defined in the
Revolving Credit Facility) which was $4,500,000 at December 31, 1995. At
December 31, 1995 the Joint Venture borrowed and has outstanding $4,500,000
under this Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility provides
for interest at the lender's prime rate plus 0.75% (9.25% at December 31,
1995). Edge Group II's share of the Revolving Credit Facility is approximately
$3,030,750 at December 31, 1995. The borrowing base is subject to review by the
bank at the close of each quarter and may be adjusted subject to the provisions
of the Revolving Credit Facility. At September 30, 1996, the Joint Venture's
borrowing base increased to $10,250,000 under similar terms.

In January 1995, the Joint Venture entered into a Subordinated Loan Agreement
(the "Subordinated Loan") with a shareholder of Old Edge. Such agreement
provides for a $1 million term loan and a $1 million line of credit. Drawdowns
under the line of credit require 30 days notice. At December 31, 1995, the
aggregate amount outstanding under the Subordinated Loan was $1.3 million,
including $0.3 million outstanding under the line of credit. The principal is
due, unless earlier retired by the Joint Venture, upon the earlier of April 8,
1998 or the conclusion of the Joint Venture's wind-up period. Interest at 10%
per annum is due monthly. The Subordinated Loan is secured by certain oil and
gas properties, equipment and other assets of the Joint Venture, but is
subordinate to the Revolving Credit Facility. The mortgage and security
agreement restricts the transfer of properties, creation of liens and other
matters. The Subordinated Loan is without recourse to the venturers. Under the
Subordinated Loan Agreement, the shareholder has a right to receive specified
reversionary and overriding royalty interests on prospects of the Joint Venture
and certain rights to convert such interests into Common Stock which is
triggered by the execution of certain transactions by the Joint Venture as
defined within the Subordinated Loan Agreement. Edge Group II's share of this
loan is $336,750 and $875,550 at December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.

F-70
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, Edge Group II's share of the Joint Venture's
notes payable and long-term debt consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Credit facility payable, 9.25% interest, interest
payable monthly, maturing June 1, 1997............... $3,030,750
RIMCO note payable, 10% interest, interest payable
monthly, repaid in 1995.............................. $2,222,550
RIMCO interest-deferred notes payable, 10% interest,
interest payable quarterly, repaid in 1995........... 190,570
Note payable, lenders' prime rate plus 0.75%, payable
in monthly principal installments of $5,051 plus
accrued interest, matures March 1, 1997.............. 121,230
Note payable, lenders' prime rate plus 1.5%, payable
in monthly principal installments of $3,736 plus
accrued interest, matures March 1, 1997.............. 56,040
Note payable, 9% interest, payable in quarterly
installments of $9,261 plus interest, repaid in
1995................................................. 9,261
Note payable, 10.996% interest, payable in monthly
installments of principal and interest of $1,567,
matures June 22, 1998................................ 54,408 40,927
Subordinate note payable to a shareholder of EPC, 10%
interest, interest payable monthly, matures April 8,
1996................................................. 336,750 875,550
---------- ----------
Total................................................. 2,813,539 4,124,497
Current portion....................................... (635,627) (120,488)
---------- ----------
Long-term portion..................................... $2,177,912 $4,004,009
========== ==========
</TABLE>

Substantially all of the Joint Venture's property and equipment are pledged
as collateral on certain notes payable.

In future years ending December 31, Edge Group II's share of these notes
payable require minimum principal payments as follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1996.......................................................... $ 120,488
1997.......................................................... 3,119,354
1998.......................................................... 884,655
----------
Total....................................................... $4,124,497
==========
</TABLE>

The Revolving Credit Facility and certain other note agreements of the Joint
Venture provide for certain financial covenants and restrictions on the Joint
Venture including, but not limited to, limitations on additional borrowings,
sales of its oil and gas properties or other collateral, a prohibition of
dividends and certain distributions of cash or properties to the venturers, a
prohibition on certain liens, a limitation on annual lease payments, and a
requirement to maintain minimum tangible net worth of $4,000,000, $2,694,000
net to Edge Group II's interest, and other financial ratios. At December 31,
1995 and for the quarters ending March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996, the Joint
Venture was not in compliance with certain Revolving Credit Facility
covenants. The bank has waived the Joint Venture's compliance with these
covenants for all periods affected.

4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Edge Group II incurred management fees of $266,490 for each of the three
years ended December 31, 1995. Included in accrued expenses at December 31,
1994 and 1995 is $999,337 and $1,265,827, respectively, representing accrued
management fees due the General Partners.

F-71
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

The Joint Venture has agreed to reimburse the expenses incurred by its
managing venturer, Old Edge. This venturer employs geologists, landmen,
draftsmen, accountants and executives and provides office facilities and
related overhead. The principal business of Old Edge is to manage the
activities of the Joint Venture, and as a result, it invoices the Joint
Venture for substantially all of its expenses. Such expenses invoiced to the
Joint Venture for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 totaled
$2,215,895 and $2,370,168, respectively. Edge Group II's share of reimbursed
expenses was $1,492,405 and $1,596,308 for the year ended December 31, 1994
and 1995, respectively. At December 31, 1994 and 1995 the Joint Venture owed
Old Edge $68,442 and $46,295, respectively. Edge Group II's share of this
payable to Old Edge was $46,096 and $31,180 for the year ended December 31,
1994 and 1995, respectively.

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, the Joint Venture had a receivable from a
related party of $5,000. At December 31, 1994, the Joint Venture owed a
shareholder of Old Edge $2,965. Edge Group II's share of this related party
receivable and payable was $3,368 and $1,997, respectively.

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, the Joint Venture was liable for $500,000 and
$1,300,000, respectively, of notes payable and $3,205 and $33,758,
respectively, of accrued interest to a shareholder of Old Edge (see Note 3).
Edge Group II's share of the notes payable was $336,750 and $875,550 at
December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively, and their share of accrued interest
was $2,159 and $22,736 at December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.

On September 22, 1994, the Joint Venture became the managing venturer of
Essex Royalty Joint Venture II ("Essex II"). During 1994 the Joint Venture
loaned Essex II $125,000. Edge Group II's share of this loan was $84,188. This
loan, plus accrued interest, was repaid during 1994.

During 1994 the Joint Venture had sales of drilling prospects to a
partnership of which an officer of Old Edge is a partner. Such sales amounted
to $241,395 for the year ended December 31, 1994. Edge Group II's share of
such sales was $162,580.

During 1994 the Joint Venture had sales of drilling prospects to a
stockholder of Old Edge which amounted to $60,000. Edge Group II's share of
such sales was $40,410.

5. SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT
AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES (UNAUDITED)

This footnote provides unaudited information required by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 69, "Disclosures About Oil and Gas
Producing Activities."

Capitalized Costs--Capitalized costs and accumulated depreciation, depletion
and amortization relating to the Partnership's oil and gas producing
activities, all of which are conducted within the continental United States,
are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1994 1995
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Proved producing oil and gas properties........... $ 2,086,969 $ 4,844,992
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortiza-
tion............................................. (543,350) (857,240)
----------- -----------
Net capitalized costs............................. $ 1,543,619 $ 3,987,752
=========== ===========
</TABLE>

F-72
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

Costs Incurred--Costs incurred in oil and gas property acquisition,
exploration and development activities are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Property acquisition costs:
Unproved prospects.......................... $1,962,586 $3,701,969 $2,464,049
Proved...................................... 4,629 17,700 61,305
Exploration costs........................... 355,065 451,427 1,779,404
Development costs........................... 13,853 160,523 774,221
---------- ---------- ----------
Total costs incurred.......................... $2,336,133 $4,331,619 $5,078,979
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>

Reserves--Proved reserves are estimated quantities of crude oil and natural
gas which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty
to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic
and operating conditions. Proved developed reserves are proved reserves that
can reasonably be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing
equipment and operating methods.

Proved oil and gas reserve quantities and the related discounted future net
cash flows before income taxes for the periods presented are based on estimates
prepared by Ryder Scott Company, independent petroleum engineers. Such
estimates have been prepared in accordance with guidelines established by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

Edge Group II's net ownership interests in estimated quantities of proved oil
and gas reserves and changes in net proved reserves, all of which are located
in the continental United States, are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OIL, CONDENSATE
AND NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS
(BBLS)
-------------------------
1993 1994 1995
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year.................................. 117,731 114,459 247,955
Revisions of previous estimates.................... (29,815) 18,851 106,198
Purchases of oil and gas properties................ 56,652 4,240
Extensions and discoveries......................... 43,623 98,474 187,413
Sales of oil and gas properties.................... (24,631)
Production......................................... (17,080) (40,481) (43,710)
------- ------- -------
End of year........................................ 114,459 247,955 477,465
======= ======= =======
Proved developed reserves at end of year............. 114,459 164,631 439,690
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NATURAL GAS
(MCF)
--------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
--------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year........................... 872,796 1,717,425 2,473,766
Revisions of previous estimates............. 402,407 986,899 778,864
Purchases of oil and gas properties......... 24,920 144,129
Extensions and discoveries.................. 746,344 137,394 4,207,355
Sales of oil and gas properties............. (1,287,033)
Production.................................. (304,122) (392,872) (376,136)
--------- --------- ----------
End of year............................... 1,717,425 2,473,766 5,940,945
========= ========= ==========
Proved developed reserves at end of year...... 1,717,425 2,389,578 4,709,112
========= ========= ==========
</TABLE>

F-73
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(CONTINUED)

Standardized Measure--The table of the Standardized Measure of Discounted
Future Net Cash Flows relating to the Partnership's ownership interests in
proved oil and gas reserves as of year end is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Future cash inflows...................... $5,385,202 $ 8,852,087 $20,886,045
Future oil and gas operating expenses.... (631,777) (1,628,234) (3,978,041)
Future development costs................. (111,056) (432,033)
---------- ----------- -----------
Future net cash flows.................... 4,753,425 7,112,797 16,475,971
10% annual discount for estimating timing
of cash flows........................... (861,897) (1,760,900) (4,728,371)
---------- ----------- -----------
Standardized measure of discounted future
net cash flows.......................... $3,891,528 $ 5,351,897 $11,747,600
========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

Future cash flows are computed by applying year end prices of oil and
natural gas to year end quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves.
Future production and development costs are computed primarily by the Joint
Venture's petroleum engineers by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in
developing and producing the Edge Group II's indirect net proved oil and
natural gas reserves at the end of the year, based on year end costs and
assuming continuation of existing economic conditions.

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows does not
purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair value of the Edge
Group II's indirect net oil and natural gas reserves. An estimate of fair
value would also take into account, among other things, the recovery of
reserves not presently classified as proved, anticipated future changes in
prices and costs, and a discount factor more representative of the time value
of money, and the risks inherent in reserve estimates.

Change in Standardized Measure--Changes in standardized measure of future
net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Changes due to current year operations:
Sales of oil and natural gas, net of
oil and natural gas operating
expenses.............................. $ (857,835) $(1,129,314) $ (897,718)
Sales of oil and gas properties........ (2,096,885)
Extensions and discoveries............. 1,659,595 1,085,953 6,865,685
Purchases of oil and gas properties.... 327,058 363,922
Changes due to revisions in standardized
variables:
Prices and operating expenses.......... 148,035 (361,010) 276,161
Revisions of previous quantity
estimates............................. 373,332 1,394,340 1,303,553
Estimated future development costs..... (386) 42,255
Accretion of discount.................. 238,515 389,153 535,190
Production rates (timing) and other.... (55,264) (245,425) 3,540
---------- ----------- -----------
Net change............................... 1,506,378 1,460,369 6,395,703
---------- ----------- -----------
Beginning of year........................ 2,385,150 3,891,528 5,351,897
---------- ----------- -----------
End of year.............................. $3,891,528 $ 5,351,897 $11,747,600
========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

Sales of oil and natural gas, net of oil and natural gas operating expenses,
are based on historical results. Sales of oil and gas properties, extensions
and discoveries, purchases of minerals in place and the changes due to
revisions in standardized variables are reported on a discounted basis.

* * * * * *

F-74
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1995 1996
------------ -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents......................... $ 40,167 $ 267,022
Accounts receivable, trade........................ 771,603 1,111,658
Accounts receivable, working interest owners...... 224,647 729,980
Accounts receivable from related parties.......... 750 750
Other current assets.............................. 18,539 75,908
---------- -----------
Total current assets............................ 1,055,706 2,185,318
---------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net--full cost method of
accounting for oil and gas property................ 5,317,479 8,334,175
DEFERRED OFFERING COSTS............................. 505,125
OTHER ASSETS........................................ 33,408 9,977
---------- -----------
TOTAL............................................... $6,406,593 $11,034,595
========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade........................... $ 718,414 $ 1,604,290
Payable to related parties........................ 1,298,640 1,834,446
Accrued expenses.................................. 99,262 289,581
Current portion of long-term debt................. 120,488 212,846
---------- -----------
Total current liabilities....................... 2,236,804 3,941,163
---------- -----------
LONG-TERM DEBT...................................... 4,004,009 6,824,521
PARTNERS' CAPITAL................................... 165,780 268,911
---------- -----------
TOTAL............................................... $6,406,593 $11,034,595
========== ===========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

F-75
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
-----------------------
1995 1996
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
OIL AND GAS SALES...................................... $ 918,321 $3,424,128
----------- ----------
COST AND EXPENSES:
Oil and gas operating expenses....................... 336,977 478,007
Depreciation, depletion and amortization............. 347,921 812,623
General and administrative........................... 1,312,655 1,515,670
Management fees...................................... 199,867 66,623
----------- ----------
Total cost and expenses............................ 2,197,420 2,872,923
----------- ----------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS.......................... (1,279,099) 551,205
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE:
Interest expense, net................................ (132,079) (448,074)
Gain on sale of proved oil and gas property.......... 2,110,942
----------- ----------
NET INCOME............................................. $ 699,764 $ 103,131
=========== ==========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

F-76
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
-----------------------
1995 1996
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income.......................................... $ 699,764 $ 103,131
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
(used) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization............ 347,921 812,623
Gain on sale of proved oil and gas property......... (2,110,942)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade........................ 417,645 (196,398)
Accounts receivable, working interest owners...... (460,565) (648,990)
Other current assets.............................. (5,496) (57,369)
Other assets...................................... (27,996)
Accounts Payable, Trade........................... 861,020 885,876
Payable to related parties........................ 186,357 535,807
Accrued liabilities............................... (10,651) 190,317
----------- ----------
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities.. (102,943) 1,624,997
----------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Oil and gas property and equipment purchases........ (3,734,827) (5,307,703)
Proceeds from sale of oil and gas property.......... 4,595,452 1,501,816
----------- ----------
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities.. 860,625 (3,805,887)
----------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable......................... 1,605,018 3,021,995
Payments on notes payable........................... (2,458,474) (109,125)
Deferred offering costs............................. (505,125)
----------- ----------
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities.. (853,456) 2,407,745
----------- ----------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.. (95,774) 226,855
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD........ 194,607 40,167
----------- ----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD.............. $ 98,833 $ 267,022
=========== ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES TO CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest.............................. $ 154,972 $ 443,677
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

F-77
<PAGE>

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. GENERAL

In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial
statements for Edge Group II Limited Partnership ("Edge Group II") and its
initial pro rata share (67.35%) of the assets, liabilities, revenues and
expenses of Edge Joint Venture II in which it is the majority owner (the
"Partnership") include all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position as of
September 30, 1996, and the results of operations and cash flows for each of
the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995. The consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 1995 is derived from the December 31, 1995
audited consolidated financial statements. Although management believes the
disclosures in the financial statements are adequate to make the information
presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The results of operations and cash flows for the nine-month period
ended September 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
expected for the full year. These unaudited consolidated financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial
statements of Edge Group II as of December 31, 1995.

2. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Securities Offering--In December 1996 Edge Petroleum Corporation, a newly
formed Delaware corporation (the "Company"), plans to file two registration
statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission; one for an
underwritten initial public offering of shares of common stock and one to
register common stock to be issued in the Combination Transactions in which
the General Partners and Limited Partners of Edge Group II may elect to
participate in an exchange offer to receive common stock of the Company for
their interest in Edge Group II. Upon consummation of the Combination
Transactions, the Company expects to secure directly or indirectly substantial
all the interests in the Joint Venture.

F-78
<PAGE>

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Partners ofGulfedge Limited Partnership:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Gulfedge Limited
Partnership ("Gulfedge") as of December 31, 1994 and 1995, and the related
statements of operations and partners' capital and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements
are the responsibility of Gulfedge's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Gulfedge as of December 31, 1994 and 1995,
and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Houston, Texas
December 2, 1996

F-79
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------
1994 1995
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents.................................. $ 6,583 $ 1,354
Accounts receivable, trade................................. 27,921 26,073
Accounts receivable, working interest owners............... 2,744 7,612
Other current assets....................................... 859 628
-------- --------
Total current assets..................................... 38,107 35,667
-------- --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net-full cost method of accounting
for oil and gas property.................................... 93,906 180,171
OTHER ASSETS................................................. 2,525 1,246
-------- --------
TOTAL........................................................ $134,538 $217,084
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, trade.................................... $ 13,865 $ 23,703
Payable to Old Edge........................................ 1,562 1,057
Accrued interest payable................................... 763 1,059
Current portion of long-term debt.......................... 21,537 4,082
-------- --------
Total current liabilities................................ 37,727 29,901
-------- --------
LONG-TERM DEBT............................................... 73,793 135,667
PARTNERS' CAPITAL............................................ 23,018 51,516
-------- --------
TOTAL........................................................ $134,538 $217,084
======== ========
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.

F-80
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1993 1994 1995
-------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OIL AND NATURAL GAS SALES........................... $ 32,811 $45,121 $46,010
-------- ------- -------
COST AND EXPENSES:
Oil and natural gas operating expenses............ 3,746 6,856 15,593
General and administrative expenses............... 34,193 41,700 52,758
Depreciation, depletion and amortization.......... 9,181 12,708 18,085
-------- ------- -------
Total cost and expenses......................... 47,120 61,264 86,436
-------- ------- -------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS................................ (14,309) (16,143) (40,426)
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Interest expense, net............................. (14,531) (9,128) (7,229)
Gain on sale of oil and gas property.............. 5,644 52,130 76,153
-------- ------- -------
NET INCOME (LOSS)................................... $(23,196) $26,859 $28,498
======== ======= =======
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.

F-81
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1993 1994 1995
-------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF YEAR........................ $ 19,355 $(3,841) $23,018
NET INCOME (LOSS)................................... (23,196) 26,859 28,498
-------- ------- -------
BALANCE AT END OF YEAR.............................. $ (3,841) $23,018 $51,516
======== ======= =======
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.

F-82
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1993 1994 1995
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income.............................. $(23,196) $ 26,859 $ 28,498
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to
net cash (used) provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization..... 9,181 12,708 18,085
Gain on sale of oil and gas property......... (5,644) (52,130) (76,153)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade................... (7,532) (6,125) 1,848
Accounts receivable, working interest
owners...................................... (2,392) 1,239 (4,868)
Accounts receivable from related party....... (455) 455
Receivable from Old Edge..................... 383
Other current assets......................... (16) (318) (718)
Accounts payable, trade...................... 3,223 3,144 9,838
Payable to Old Edge.......................... 2,116 (554) (505)
Accrued interest payable..................... (537) 735 296
Liability to related party................... (1,338)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used by operating activities...... (26,207) (13,987) (23,679)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Oil and gas property and equipment purchases... (83,427) (155,262) (193,883)
Proceeds from the sale of oil and gas
properties.................................... 77,658 161,361 167,914
Purchase of note receivable from related
party......................................... (685) (2,852)
Collection of notes receivable from related
party......................................... 3,537
Certificate of deposit redemption.............. 342
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided (used) provided by
investing activities...................... (6,112) 6,784 (25,969)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable.................... 10,840 2,396 7,146
Payments on notes payable...................... (10,840) (10,383) (1,910)
Proceeds from long-term debt................... 13,464 120,946
Payments on long-term debt..................... (9,648) (14,895) (81,763)
Collections on subscriptions receivable........ 45,526
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided (used) by financing
activities................................ 35,878 (9,418) 44,419
-------- -------- --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS..................................... 3,559 (16,621) (5,229)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR..... 19,645 23,204 6,583
-------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR........... $ 23,204 $ 6,583 $ 1,354
======== ======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES TO CASH FLOW
INFORMATION-Cash paid for interest.............. $ 15,269 $ 8,713 $ 7,017
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.

F-83
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization--On April 1, 1991, Gulfedge Limited Partnership ("Gulfedge")
was formed to enter into a joint venture with Edge Petroleum Corporation, a
Texas corporation ("Old Edge"), Edge Group II Limited Partnership ("Edge Group
II") and Edge Group Partnership ("Edge Group") for the purpose of engaging in
the business of prospect generation and sales, and activities relating
thereto, within the continental United States and offshore state waters.
Limited partnership interests in seven units of $64,500 each which includes a
$10,000 promissory note for each unit due on or before July 1, 1992, were sold
to finance Gulfedge's interest in Edge Joint Venture II (the "Joint Venture").
The initial objective of the Joint Venture was to (i) recoup its cost in the
sale of prospects; (ii) make a cash profit on the sale; and (iii) retain a
carried interest in the exploratory well, and development wells, if any,
drilled on the prospect.

Investment in Edge Joint Venture II--On April 8, 1991, the Joint Venture, a
general partnership, was formed by Gulfedge, Old Edge, Edge Group II, and Edge
Group. The Joint Venture purchased the assets and assumed the liabilities of a
related entity, Edge Group Joint Venture I. Gulfedge contributed capital into
the Joint Venture to receive a capital account of $327,000. Gulfedge accounts
for its investment in the Joint Venture using the proportionate consolidation
method of accounting.

Old Edge is the managing venturer of the Joint Venture and general partner
of Gulfedge. Without the approval of Edge Group II, Old Edge is restricted
from creating debt or mortgages on the Joint Venture, selling all or
substantially all of the Joint Venture's assets or taking any additional
action not in compliance with the Joint Venture agreement. Once the Joint
Venture reaches payout (as defined in the Joint Venture agreement), Old Edge
shall receive a 26.9% back-in interest on the other partners' interest.

The term of the Joint Venture was to have expired on April 8, 1996 according
to the Joint Venture agreement; however, the venturers extended the
dissolution date to December 31, 1996. The Joint Venture will continue to
operate under terms of the original Joint Venture agreement, as amended.

Gulfedge will continue in existence until December 31, 2020, unless sooner
terminated pursuant to any provisions of the Texas Revised Limited Partnership
Act.

Oil and Gas Property--Included in oil and gas property is Gulfedge's
proportionate share of the Joint Venture's oil and gas property. During 1996,
Gulfedge changed its method of accounting from the successful efforts method
to the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas property and adjusted
all historical periods to reflect the change in accounting. Management
believes that the full cost method of accounting better reflects the results
of its oil and gas exploration activities. Gulfedge's share of the change in
accounting increased (decreased) net income (loss) by $562, $(15,193) and
$11,263 for 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.

F-84
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

Depreciation of other property and equipment is provided using the straight-
line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from five to ten years.

Income Taxes--Federal and state income taxes are the liability of the
individual partners and not of Gulfedge. Therefore, no provision or liability
for federal and state income taxes has been provided in the financial
statements.

Statements of Cash Flows--Gulfedge has presented its cash flows using the
indirect method and considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Financial Instruments--Gulfedge's Company's financial instruments consist of
cash, receivables, payables, long-term debt and natural gas commodity hedges.
The carrying amount of cash, receivables and payables approximates fair value
because of the short-term nature of these items. The carrying amount of long-
term debt approximates fair value as the individual borrowings were negotiated
or renegotiated during or after 1993 and/or bear interest at floating market
interest rates. The carrying amount of natural gas commodity hedges
approximates fair value based on the expected settlement amounts of these
transactions in 1996.

Concentration of Credit Risk--Substantially all of Gulfedge's accounts
receivable result from natural gas and oil sales or joint interest billings to
third parties in the oil and natural gas industry. This concentration of
customers and joint interest owners may impact Gulfedge's overall credit risk
in that these entities may be similarly affected by changes in economic and
other conditions. Historically Gulfedge has not experienced credit losses on
such receivables.

2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, Gulfedge's share of property and equipment
consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Oil and gas property..................................... $112,611 $206,060
Computer equipment....................................... 13,719 22,923
Other property and equipment............................. 178 216
-------- --------
Total property and equipment............................. 126,508 229,199
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization..... (32,602) (49,028)
-------- --------
Property and equipment, net.............................. $ 93,906 $180,171
======== ========
</TABLE>

F-85
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

Oil and natural gas properties not subject to amortization consist of the
cost of undeveloped leaseholds, exploratory and developmental wells in
progress, and secondary recovery projects before the assignment of proved
reserves. These costs are reviewed periodically by management for impairment,
with the impairment provision included in the cost of oil and natural gas
properties subject to amortization. Factors considered by management in its
impairment assessment include drilling results by Gulfedge and other
operators, the terms of oil and gas leases not held by production, production
response to secondary recovery activities and available funds for exploration
and development. The following table summarizes the cost of the properties not
subject to amortization by year the cost was incurred.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1994 1995
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Year cost incurred:
Remainder........................................ $ 6,397 $ 5,180
1993............................................. 7,792 6,308
1994............................................. 27,709 16,995
1995............................................. -- 15,898
------- -------
$41,898 $44,381
======= =======
</TABLE>

3. LONG-TERM DEBT

The Joint Venture borrowed $4,500,000 on April 8, 1991 from RIMCO, a
stockholder of the managing venturer. The interest rate was reduced to 10%
effective October 1, 1993 and repaid in March 1995.

During July 1995, the Joint Venture entered into a revolving credit facility
(the "Revolving Credit Facility") with a bank to finance temporary working
capital requirements. The Revolving Credit Facility provides up to $20,000,000
in available borrowings limited by a borrowing base (as defined by the
Revolving Credit Facility) which was $4,500,000 at December 31, 1995. At
December 31, 1995 Gulfedge borrowed and has outstanding $4,500,000 under this
Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for interest
at the lenders' prime rate plus 0.75% (9.25% at December 31, 1995). Gulfedge's
share of the Revolving Credit Facility is approximately $102,690 at December
31, 1995. The borrowing base is subject to review by the bank at the close of
each quarter and may be adjusted subject to the provisions of the Revolving
Credit Facility. At September 30, 1996, the Joint Venture's borrowing base
increased to $10,250,000 under similar terms.

In January 1995, the Joint Venture entered into a Subordinated Loan
Agreement (the "Subordinated Loan") with a shareholder of Old Edge. Such
agreement provides for a $1 million term loan and a $1 million line of credit.
Drawdowns under the line of credit require 30 days' notice. At December 31,
1995, the aggregate amount outstanding under the Subordinated Loan was
approximately $37,000, including $7,000 outstanding under the line of credit.
The principal is due, unless earlier retired by the Joint Venture, upon the
earlier of April 8, 1998 or the conclusion of the Joint Venture's wind-up
period. Interest at 10% per annum is due monthly. The Subordinated Loan is
secured by certain oil and gas properties, equipment and other assets of the
Joint Venture, but is subordinate to the Revolving Credit Facility. The
mortgage and security agreement restricts the transfer of properties, creation
of liens and other matters. The Subordinated Loan is without recourse to the
venturers. Under the Subordinated Loan, the shareholder has a right to receive
specified reversionary and overriding royalty interests on prospects of the
Joint Venture and certain rights to convert such interests into common stock
which is triggered by the execution of certain transactions by the Joint
Venture as defined within the Subordinated Loan.

F-86
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, Gulfedge's share of the Joint Venture notes
payable and long-term debt consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995
------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Revolving credit facility payable, lenders' prime rate plus
0.75%, interest payable monthly, maturing June 1, 1997..... $102,690
RIMCO note payable, 10% interest, interest payable monthly,
repaid in 1995............................................. $75,306
RIMCO interest-deferred notes payable, 10% interest,
interest payable quarterly, repaid in 1995................. 6,457
Note payable, lenders' prime rate plus 0.75%, payable in
monthly principal installments of $7,500 plus accrued
interest, matures March 1, 1997............................ 4,108
Note payable, lenders' prime rate plus 1.5%, payable in
monthly principal installments of $5,547 plus accrued
interest, matures March 1, 1997............................ 1,899
Note payable, 9% interest, payable in quarterly installments
of $13,750 plus interest, repaid in 1995................... 314
Note payable, 10.996% interest, payable in monthly
installments of principal and interest of $2,326, matures
June 22, 1998.............................................. 1,843 1,386
Subordinate note payable to a shareholder of Old Edge, 10%
interest, interest payable monthly, matures April 8, 1998.. 11,410 29,666
------- --------
Total....................................................... 95,330 139,749
Current portion............................................. (21,537) (4,082)
------- --------
Long-term portion........................................... $73,793 $135,667
======= ========
</TABLE>

Substantially all of the Joint Venture's property and equipment are pledged
as collateral on certain notes payable.

In future years ending December 31, Gulfedge's share of these notes payable
require minimum principal payments as follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1996............................................................. $ 4,082
1997............................................................. 105,692
1998............................................................. 29,975
--------
Total.......................................................... $139,749
========
</TABLE>

The Revolving Credit Facility and certain other note agreements provide for
certain financial covenants and restrictions on the Joint Venture including,
but not limited to, limitations on additional borrowings, sales of its oil and
gas properties or other collateral, a prohibition of dividends and certain
distributions of cash or properties to the venturers, a prohibition on certain
liens, a limitation on annual lease payments, and a requirement to maintain
minimum tangible net worth of $4,000,000, $91,280 net to Gulfedge's interest
and other financial ratios. For the quarters ending March 31, 1996 and June
30, 1996 the Joint Venture was not in compliance with certain Revolving Credit
Facility covenants. The Bank has waived the Joint Venture's compliance with
these covenants for all periods affected.

4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

F-87
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
related overhead. The principal business of Old Edge is to manage the affairs
of the Joint Venture, and as a result, it invoices the Joint Venture for
substantially all of its expenses. Such expenses invoiced to the Joint Venture
for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 totaled $2,215,895 and
$2,370,168, respectively. Gulfedge's share of reimbursed expenses was $50,587
and $54,087 for the year ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively. At
December 31, 1994 and 1995 the Joint Venture owed Old Edge $68,442 and
$46,295, respectively. Gulfedge's share of this payable to Old Edge was $1,562
and $1,056 at December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, the Joint Venture had a receivable from a
related party of $5,000. At December 31, 1994, the Joint Venture owed a
shareholder $2,965. Gulfedge's share of this related party receivable and
payable was $114 and $68, respectively.

At December 31, 1994 and 1995, the Joint Venture was liable for $500,000 and
$1,300,000, respectively, of notes payable and $3,205 and $33,758,
respectively, of accrued interest to a shareholder of Old Edge (see Note 3).
The Joint Venture's share of the notes payable was $11,410 and $29,666 at
December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively and their share of accrued interest
was $73 and $750, respectively.

On September 22, 1994, the Joint Venture became the managing venturer of
Essex Royalty Joint Venture II ("Essex II"). During 1994 the Joint Venture
loaned Essex II $125,000. Gulfedge's share of this loan was $2,853. This loan,
plus accrued interest, was repaid during 1994.

During 1994 the Joint Venture had sales of undeveloped oil and gas property
to a partnership of which an officer of EPC is a partner. Such sales amounted
to $241,395 for the year ended December 31, 1994. Gulfedge's share of such
sales was $5,509.

During 1994 the Joint Venture had sales of undeveloped oil and gas property
to a stockholder which amounted to $60,000. Gulfedge's share of such sales was
$1,369.

5. SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT
AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES (UNAUDITED)

This footnote provides unaudited information required by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 69, "Disclosures About Oil and Gas
Producing Activities."

Capitalized Costs--Capitalized costs and accumulated depreciation, depletion
and amortization relating to the Gulfedge's indirect net oil and natural gas
producing activities, all of which are conducted within the continental United
States, are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1994 1995
----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Proved producing oil and gas properties.......... $ 70,712 $ 164,161
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization.................................... (18,410) (29,046)
----------- ------------
Net capitalized costs............................ $ 52,302 $ 135,115
=========== ============
</TABLE>

F-88
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

Costs Incurred--Gulfedge's share of the Joint Venture's costs incurred in
oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities are
summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1993 1994 1995
------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Property acquisition costs:
Unproved............................................ $66,498 $125,433 $ 83,489
Proved.............................................. 157 599 2,077
Exploration cost.................................... 12,031 15,296 60,291
Development costs................................... 469 5,439 26,233
------- -------- --------
Total costs incurred.............................. $79,155 $146,767 $172,090
======= ======== ========
</TABLE>

Gulfedge's indirect net ownership interests in estimated quantities of
proved oil and natural gas reserves and changes in net proved reserves, all of
which are located in the continental United States, are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OIL, CONDENSATE
AND NATURE GAS LIQUIDS
(BBLS)
-------------------------
1993 1994 1995
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year.................................. 3,989 3,878 8,402
Revisions of previous estimates.................... (1,010) 639 3,598
Purchases of oil and gas properties................ 1,920 144
Extensions and discoveries......................... 1,478 3,337 6,350
Sales of oil and gas properties.................... (835)
Production......................................... (579) (1,372) (1,481)
------- ------- -------
End of year........................................ 3,878 8,402 16,178
------- ------- -------
Proved developed reserves at end of year............. 3,878 5,963 14,898
------- ------- -------
<CAPTION>
NATURAL GAS (MCF)
-------------------------
1993 1994 1995
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year.................................. 29,573 58,191 83,817
Revisions of previous estimates.................... 13,635 33,439 26,390
Purchases of oil and gas properties................ 844 4,883
Extensions and discoveries......................... 25,288 4,655 142,557
Sales of oil and gas properties.................... (43,608)
Production......................................... (10,305) (13,312) (12,745)
------- ------- -------
End of year........................................ 58,191 83,817 201,294
------- ------- -------
Proved developed reserves at end of year............. 58,191 80,965 159,557
------- ------- -------
</TABLE>

F-89
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

Standardized Measure--The table of the Standardized Measure of Discounted
Future Net Cash Flows relating to Gulfedge's ownership interests in proved oil
and gas reserves as of year-end is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1993 1994 1995
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Future cash inflows.............................. $182,465 $299,933 $707,676
Future oil and gas operating expenses............ (21,406) (55,169) (134,787)
Future development costs......................... (3,763) (14,638)
-------- -------- --------
Future net cash flows............................ 161,059 241,001 558,251
10% annual discount for estimating timing of cash
flows........................................... (29,203) (59,664) (160,210)
-------- -------- --------
Standardized measure of discounted future net
cash flows...................................... $131,856 $181,337 $398,041
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

Future cash flows are computed by applying year end prices of oil and
natural gas to year end quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves.
Future operating expenses and development costs are computed primarily by the
Joint Venture's petroleum engineers by estimating the expenditures to be
incurred in developing and producing Gulfedge's indirect net proved oil and
natural gas reserves at the end of the year, based on year end costs and
assuming continuation of existing economic conditions.

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows does not
purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair value of Gulfedge's
indirect net oil and natural gas reserves. An estimate of fair value would
also take into account, among other things, the recovery of reserves not
presently classified as proved, anticipated future changes in prices and
costs, and a discount factor more representative of the time value of money,
and the risks inherent in reserve estimates.

Change in Standardized Measure--Changes in standardized measure of future
net cash flows relating to Gulfedge's indirect net proved oil and natural gas
reserves are summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1993 1994 1995
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Changes due to current year operations:
Sales of oil and natural gas, net of oil and
natural gas operating expenses................ $(29,066) $(38,264) $(30,417)
Sales of oil and gas properties................ (71,048)
Extensions and discoveries..................... 56,460 36,795 232,628
Purchases of oil and gas properties............ 11,082 12,331
Changes due to revisions in standardized varia-
bles:
Prices and operating expenses.................. 4,388 (11,545) 9,353
Revisions of previous quantity estimates....... 12,627 47,016 44,167
Estimated future development costs............. (13) 1,432
Accretion of discount.......................... 8,082 13,186 18,134
Production rates (timing) and other............ (1,450) (8,774) 125
-------- -------- --------
Net change....................................... 51,041 49,483 216,705
-------- -------- --------
Beginning of year................................ 80,815 131,856 181,339
-------- -------- --------
End of year...................................... $131,856 $181,339 $398,044
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

F-90
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

* * * * * *

F-91
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

BALANCE SHEETS

See notes to unaudited financial statements.

F-92
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------
1995 1996
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
OIL AND NATURAL GAS SALES................................... $ 31,115 $116,019
-------- --------
COST AND EXPENSES:
Oil and natural gas operating expenses.................... 11,418 16,196
General and administrative expenses....................... 44,144 50,980
Depreciation, depletion and amortization.................. 11,788 27,534
-------- --------
Total cost and expenses................................. 67,350 94,710
-------- --------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS............................... (36,235) 21,309
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Interest expense, net..................................... (4,476) (15,182)
Gain on sale of proved oil and gas property............... 71,524
-------- --------
NET INCOME.................................................. $ 30,813 $ 6,127
======== ========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited financial statements.

F-93
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------
1995 1996
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income............................................... $ 30,813 $ 6,127
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization............... 11,788 27,534
Gain on sale of oil and gas property................... (71,524)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade........................... 14,151 (11,522)
Accounts receivable, working interest owner.......... (15,605) (17,122)
Other current assets................................. (1,135) (1,954)
Accounts payable, trade.............................. 29,174 30,014
Payable to Old Edge.................................. (458) 15,897
Accrued interest payable............................. (691) 370
Accrued liabilities.................................. 5,706
-------- --------
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities... (3,487) 55,050
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property and equipment purchases......................... (126,545) (179,830)
Proceeds from the sale of oil and gas property........... 155,706 50,886
-------- --------
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities... 29,161 (128,944)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable.............................. 54,382 102,393
Payments on notes payable................................ (83,300) (3,698)
Deferred offering cost................................... (17,115)
-------- --------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities... (28,918) 81,580
-------- --------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS....... (3,244) 7,686
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD............. 6,583 1,354
-------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD................... $ 3,339 $ 9,040
======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES TO CASH FLOW INFORMATION-
Cash paid for interest................................... $ 5,251 $ 15,033
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited financial statements.

F-94
<PAGE>

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. GENERAL

In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial statements for
Gulfedge Limited Partnership ("Gulfedge") include all adjustments (consisting
solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of
the financial position as of September 30, 1996, and the results of operations
and cash flows for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and
1995. The balance sheet as of December 31, 1995 is derived from the December
31, 1995 audited financial statements. Although management believes the
disclosures in the financial statements are adequate to make the information
presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The results of operations and cash flows for the nine-month period
ended September 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
expected for the full year. These unaudited financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the audited financial statements of Gulfedge as of
December 31, 1995.

2. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

Securities Offering--In November 1996, Edge Petroleum Corporation, a newly
formed Delaware corporation (the "Company"), plans to file two registration
statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission; one for an
underwritten initial public offering of shares of common stock and one to
register common stock to be issued in a series of simultaneous transactions
(the "Combination Transactions") in which as part of the Combination
Transactions, the Limited Partners of Gulfedge will elect whether or not to
participate in an exchange offer to receive common stock of the Company for
their interest in Gulfedge. Upon consummation of the combination transactions,
the Company expects to secure directly or indirectly substantially all the
interests in the Joint Venture.

* * * * * *

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APPENDIX A

THIS COMBINATION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of December 3,
1996, is by and among (i) Edge Group II Limited Partnership, a Connecticut
limited partnership ("Edge Group II"), (ii) Gulfedge Limited Partnership, a
Texas limited partnership ("Gulfedge"), (iii) Edge Group Partnership, a
Connecticut general partnership ("Edge Group"), (iv) Edge Petroleum Corporation,
a Texas corporation ("Old Edge"), (v) Edge Mergeco, Inc., a Texas corporation
("Mergeco"), and (vi) Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Company was formed for the purpose of combining (the
"Combination") certain of the oil and gas properties and exploration and
development operations owned and conducted by Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge
and Edge Group (collectively, the "Edge Entities") at or about the time of the
closing of the initial public offering (the "Offering") of shares of the
Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), pursuant
to the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), as
will be described in the Company's registration statement on Form S-1, to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"); and

WHEREAS, the Edge Entities own substantially all of their oil and gas
properties and conduct substantially all of their exploration and development
operations through their respective interests in Edge Joint Venture II, a Texas
general partnership (the "Joint Venture"); and

WHEREAS, to effect the Combination, the Company plans to complete (i) a
merger (the "Merger") of Old Edge with Mergeco, a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company organized for this purpose, in which the shareholders of Old Edge (the
"Old Edge Shareholders") will receive Common Stock of the Company, (ii) an
exchange offer (the "Edge Group II Exchange Offer") to the general and limited
partners of Edge Group II in which such partners will have the opportunity to
exchange their interest in Edge Group II for Common Stock, (iii) an exchange
offer (the "Gulfedge Exchange Offer" and, together with the Edge Group II
Exchange Offer, the "Limited Partnership Exchange Offers") to the limited
partners of Gulfedge in which such partners will have the opportunity to
exchange their interest in Gulfedge for Common Stock, and (iv) an offer to
purchase (the "Edge Group Purchase Offer") from Edge Group its general partner
interest in the Joint Venture for consideration consisting of Common Stock
(collectively, the Edge Group Purchase Offer, the Merger and the Limited
Partnership Exchange Offers are referred to herein as the "Combination Agreement
Transactions") ; and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto intend that, if the Combination is completed
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Company will succeed to ownership,
directly or indirectly, of substantially all of the interests in the Joint
Venture; and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to set forth the terms and conditions of
the Combination and to provide for certain relationships and obligations among
the parties hereto following the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3):

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual
covenants set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be
legally bound hereby, the aforesaid parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I. THE MERGER; CLOSING; EFFECTIVE TIME

SECTION 1.1 THE MERGER. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, at the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3), Mergeco shall be
merged with and into Old Edge and the separate existence of Mergeco shall
thereupon cease. Old Edge shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger
(sometimes hereinafter referred to as the

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"Surviving Corporation") and shall continue to be governed by the laws of the
State of Texas, and the separate existence of Old Edge with all its rights,
privileges, immunities, and franchises shall continue unaffected by the Merger.
The Merger shall have the effect specified in the Texas Business Corporation Act
(the "TBCA") with respect to Mergeco and with respect to the Surviving
Corporation.

SECTION 1.2 CLOSING. The closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall take
place at the offices of Baker & Botts, L.L.P., 910 Louisiana, Houston, Texas
77002 (or at such other place as the parties hereto shall mutually agree), on
the same day (the "Closing Date") as the closing of the Offering, the Edge Group
II Exchange Offer, the Gulfedge Exchange Offer (if consummated) and the Edge
Group Purchase Offer (if consummated), provided that the conditions set forth in
Article XIII hereof shall have been fulfilled or waived in accordance with this
Agreement.

SECTION 1.3 EFFECTIVE TIME. At the Closing, Old Edge and Mergeco will
cause the articles of merger (the "Articles of Merger") attached hereto as
Exhibit A to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas as
required by, and executed in accordance with, the TBCA. The Merger shall become
effective at the time (the "Effective Time") when the Secretary of State of the
State of Texas has issued a certificate of merger in respect of the Merger.

SECTION 1.4 DEFINITIONS. As used herein, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:

"Edge Group Partnership Agreement" shall mean the Agreement of General
Partnership of Edge Group.

"The Edge Group II General Partners' Number of Shares" shall mean a
number of shares of Common Stock equal to the whole number nearest to the sum of
(i) the GP's 1% Shares (which shares are attributable to the general partners'
1% interest in distributions before Edge Group II distributes to its partners
$20,188,636 (the "Payout Amount")), (ii) the GP's Management Fee Shares (which
shares are attributable to the general partners' accrued but unpaid and future
cash flow-based management fees), and (iii) the GP's After Payout Shares (which
shares are attributable to the general partners' 25% interest in distributions
after Edge Group II distributes to its partners the Payout Amount). The GP's 1%
Shares are a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i)
$201,886 (which equals 1% of the Payout Amount) divided by (ii) the initial
public offering price in the Offering per share of Common Stock (the "IPO
price"). The GP's Management Fee Shares are a number of shares of Common Stock
equal to the quotient of (i) the sum of (A) $1,332,450 (which equals the general
partners' accrued but unpaid management fees) plus (B) 3% multiplied by
2,209,306 (which equals the total number of shares of Common Stock allocable to
Edge Group II) multiplied by the IPO price (which product in (B) is attributable
to the general partners' future cash flow-based management fees) (such sum in
(i) is referred to herein as the "Management Fee Amount") divided by (ii) the
IPO price. The GP's After Payout Shares are a number of shares of Common Stock
equal to the quotient of (i) 25% of the difference between (A) the product of
the IPO price multiplied by 2,209,306 and (B) the sum of (x) the Payout Amount
plus (y) the Management Fee Amount divided by (ii) the IPO price.

"The Edge Group II GP Transfer Consent" shall mean the Consent of the
Partners (as defined in Section 2.1(d) of the Edge Group II Limited Partnership
Agreement), which requires the written consent or approval of Partners (General
and Limited) whose aggregate Capital Contributions represent at least sixty
percent (60%) of the aggregate Capital Contributions as required for the
transfer of the general partner interest in Edge Group II.

"The Edge Group II Limited Partners' Number of Shares" shall mean a
number of shares of Common Stock equal to the difference between 2,209,306 (the
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock being offered in exchange for all
limited and general partner interests in Edge Group II) and the aggregate number
of the Edge Group II General Partners' Number of Shares.

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"Edge Group II Limited Partnership Agreement" shall mean the Agreement of
Limited Partnership of Edge Group II.

"Gulfedge Limited Partnership Agreement" shall mean the Agreement of Limited
Partnership of Gulfedge.

"Joint Venture Agreement" shall mean the Joint Venture Agreement of the Joint
Venture entered into as of April 8, 1991, as amended by the Extension of Joint
Venture Agreement dated as of April 8, 1996.

"Old Edge Common Stock" shall mean shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of Old Edge.

"Old Edge Exchange Ratio" shall mean 22.307862, which is the number of shares of
Common Stock that is received for each share of Old Edge Common Stock pursuant
to Section 3.1(c).

ARTICLE II. ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, BYLAWS,
AND DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION

SECTION 2.1 THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION. The Articles of
Incorporation of Old Edge (the "Articles") in effect at the Effective Time shall
be the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation, until duly
amended in accordance with the terms thereof and the TBCA, except for Article
One of the Articles, which shall be amended at the Effective Time to provide
that the name of the Surviving Corporation shall be Edge Petroleum Corporation
of Texas.

SECTION 2.2 BYLAWS. The Bylaws of Old Edge in effect at the Effective
Time shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, until duly amended in
accordance with the terms thereof and the TBCA, except for Article Three of the
Bylaws, which shall be amended at the Effective Time to provide that the Board
of Directors of the Surviving Corporation shall be composed of four (4) members.

SECTION 2.3 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. The directors of the Surviving
Corporation shall be James E. Calaway, John D. Calaway, John Sfondrini and
Vincent Andrews. The officers of Old Edge in office immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall thereafter continue to be the officers of the Surviving
Corporation. Each such officer and director will hold office in accordance with
the Articles and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.

ARTICLE III. THE MERGER

SECTION 3.1 CONVERSION OF SHARES. At the Effective Time, by virtue
of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder of any share of
Old Edge Common Stock:

(a) each share of Old Edge Common Stock that is held by Old Edge or
any subsidiary thereof as treasury stock immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be canceled, and no payment shall be made with respect thereto;

(b) each share of common stock of Mergeco outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become 100 shares of
common stock of the Surviving Corporation (all of which shall be held by the
Company) and shall constitute the only outstanding shares of capital stock of
the Surviving Corporation;

(c) subject to Section 3.3, each share of Old Edge Common Stock
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares referred
to in Clause (a)) shall be converted into the right to receive 22.307862 shares
of Common Stock (the "Merger Consideration"), from the Company;

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(d) each share of Common Stock of the Company outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time (all of which shares are owned by Old Edge) shall be
canceled, and no payment shall be made with respect thereto; and

(e) subject to and as more fully provided in Section 12.4 each
unexpired option to purchase Old Edge Common Stock that is outstanding at the
Effective Time, whether or not exercisable, shall automatically and without any
action on the part of the holder thereof be converted into an option to purchase
a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Old Edge
Common Stock that could be purchased under such option multiplied by the Old
Edge Exchange Ratio at a price per share of Common Stock equal to the per share
exercise price of such option divided by the Old Edge Exchange Ratio.

SECTION 3.2 SURRENDER AND EXCHANGE OF SHARES. (a) Promptly after the
Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation will send to each recordholder of
shares of Old Edge Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time, other
than Dissenting Shareholders (as defined in Section 3.3) (i) a letter of
transmittal for use in exchanging certificates representing shares of Old Edge
Common Stock for the Merger Consideration and (ii) instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of the certificates representing shares of Old Edge
Common Stock in exchange for certificates representing shares of Common Stock.
Upon surrender of certificates for Old Edge Common Stock for cancellation to the
Surviving Corporation, together with a duly executed letter of transmittal and
such other documents as the Surviving Corporation shall reasonably require, the
holder of such certificates shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a
certificate representing that number of whole shares of Common Stock into which
the shares of Old Edge Common Stock theretofore represented by the certificates
for Old Edge Common Stock so surrendered shall have been converted pursuant to
the provisions of Section 3.1, and the certificates for Old Edge Common Stock so
surrendered shall be canceled. The letter of transmittal shall (i) specify,
among other things, that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title
to the Old Edge Common Stock shall pass, only upon actual delivery of the
certificates for shares of Old Edge Common Stock to the Surviving Corporation
and (ii) include provisions ensuring the rights of each party hereunder
including customary provisions and a statement that satisfies the requirements
of Treas. Reg. (S) 1.1445-2(b)(2) certifying that the holder submitting such
letter of transmittal is not a "foreign person" and provide that if such
statement is not made, appropriate tax withholding will be made from the Merger
Consideration.

(b) Until surrendered in accordance with the terms hereof, each
certificate for shares of Old Edge Common Stock shall after the Effective Time
represent for all purposes only the right to receive the Merger Consideration.
Unless and until so surrendered, no dividends or other distributions payable to
the holders of Common Stock, as to any time on or after the Effective Time, will
be paid to the holder of such outstanding certificates.

(c) If any portion of the Merger Consideration is to be issued to a
person other than the registered holder of the shares of Old Edge Common Stock
represented by the certificate or certificates surrendered in exchange therefor,
it shall be a condition to such issuance that any certificate or certificates so
surrendered shall be properly endorsed or otherwise be in proper form for
transfer and that the person requesting such issuance shall pay to the Surviving
Corporation any transfer or other taxes required as a result of such issuance to
a person other than the registered holder of such shares of Old Edge Common
Stock or establish to the satisfaction of the Surviving Corporation that such
tax has been paid or is not payable.

(d) From and after the Effective Time, there shall be no further
registration of transfers on the books of Old Edge of shares of Old Edge Common
Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor the
Surviving Corporation shall be liable to any holder of shares of Old Edge Common
Stock for any amount paid to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned
property laws. Any amounts remaining unclaimed by holders of shares of Old Edge
Common Stock three years after the Effective Time (or such earlier date
immediately prior to such time as such amounts would otherwise escheat to or
become property of any governmental entity) shall, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, become the property of the Surviving Corporation free and clear
of any claims or interests of any person previously entitled thereto.

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SECTION 3.3 DISSENTING SHARES. Notwithstanding Section 3.1, shares
of Old Edge Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and
held by a holder who makes a written demand for the payment of the fair value of
such holder's shares in the manner provided under the TBCA (a "Dissenting
Shareholder") shall not be converted into the right to receive the Merger
Consideration, unless such holder shall have failed to perfect or shall have
effectively withdrawn or lost his right to payment of the fair value of his
shares of Old Edge Common Stock under the TBCA. If after the Effective Time
such holder shall have failed to perfect or shall have effectively withdrawn or
lost his right to payment of the fair value of his shares of Old Edge Common
Stock under the TBCA, such shares of Old Edge Common Stock shall be treated as
if they had been converted as of the Effective Time into the right to receive
the Merger Consideration. Old Edge shall give the Company prompt notice of any
objections or demands received by Old Edge from any shareholder exercising his
right to dissent, and, prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall have the
right to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with respect thereto.
Prior to the Effective Time, Old Edge shall not, except with the prior written
consent of the Company, make any payment with respect to, or settle or offer or
agree to settle, any such demands.

SECTION 3.4 NO FRACTIONAL SHARES. No fractional shares of Common
Stock shall be issued in the Merger. Each holder of Old Edge shares will be
issued a whole share of Common Stock in lieu of any fractional share interest to
which such holder would otherwise be entitled. For purposes of determining the
number of shares of Common Stock to be issued in the Merger, Old Edge Common
Stock held by one person in multiple accounts shall be aggregated.

ARTICLE IV. EDGE GROUP II EXCHANGE OFFER

SECTION 4.1 EXCHANGE OFFER. As soon as practicable after the
effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 7.6), the
Company shall make an offer (the "Edge Group II Exchange Offer") to the general
and limited partners of Edge Group II in which the limited partners will have
the opportunity to exchange their interest in Edge Group II for an aggregate
number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Edge Group II Limited Partners'
Number of Shares, and the general partners will have the opportunity to exchange
their interest in Edge Group II for an aggregate number of shares of Common
Stock equal to the Edge Group II General Partners' Number of Share. For
example, shares of Common Stock offered in exchange for all the outstanding
general and limited partner interests in Edge Group II would be allocated
between the limited and general partners of Edge Group II as follows: if the
IPO price were $15.00 per share, the limited partners would be entitled to
receive in the aggregate 1,863,666 shares and the general partners would be
entitled to receive in the aggregate 345,640 shares; If the IPO price were
$16.00 per share, the limited partners would be entitled to receive in the
aggregate 1,847,641 shares, and the general partners would be entitled to
receive in the aggregate 361,665 shares.

SECTION 4.2 CONSENT TO EDGE GROUP II EXCHANGE OFFER. By their
execution of this Agreement, John Sfondrini and Napamco, Ltd. hereby consent to
the transfer of any limited partner interest in Edge Group II to the Company or
its permitted assigns pursuant to the Edge Group II Exchange Offer.

SECTION 4.3 PAYMENT OF EDGE GROUP II PAYABLES. The Company will pay
at Closing $97,000 in payables for professional services rendered to Edge Group
II as follows: Collin Cody - $72,000 and J. Michael Gottesman - $25,000 (for
services rendered prior to April 8, 1996).

ARTICLE V. GULFEDGE EXCHANGE OFFER

SECTION 5.1 EXCHANGE OFFER. As soon as practicable after the
effective date of the Registration Statement, the Company shall make an offer
(the "Gulfedge Exchange Offer") to the limited partners of Gulfedge in which
such partners will have the opportunity to exchange their interest in Gulfedge
for an aggregate of 74,317 shares of Common Stock.

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SECTION 5.2 CONSENT TO GULFEDGE EXCHANGE OFFER. By its execution of
this Agreement, Old Edge hereby consents to the transfer of any limited partner
interest in Gulfedge to the Company or its permitted assigns pursuant to the
Gulfedge Exchange Offer.

ARTICLE VI. EDGE GROUP PURCHASE OFFER

SECTION 6.1 EXCHANGE OFFER. As soon as practicable after the
effective date of the Registration Statement, the Company shall make an offer
(the "Edge Group Purchase Offer") to purchase from Edge Group its general
partner interest (the "Joint Venture GP Interest") in the Joint Venture for
consideration consisting of an aggregate of 42,896 shares of Common Stock.
Execution of this Agreement by Edge Group does not constitute acceptance of the
Edge Group Purchase Offer.

SECTION 6.2 CONSENT TO PURCHASE OFFER. By execution of this
Agreement, each of Old Edge, Edge Group II and Gulfedge, in their capacity as
general partners of the Joint Venture, hereby consent to Edge Group's sale of
the Joint Venture GP Interest to the Company or its permitted assigns pursuant
to the terms of the Edge Group Purchase Offer.

ARTICLE VII. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to each of the other
parties hereto as follows:

SECTION 7.1 ORGANIZATION; QUALIFICATION. The Company is a corporation
duly organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") and is
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Mergeco is a corporation duly organized under the TBCA and is validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas. The Company and
Mergeco have all requisite corporate power and authority to own, operate or
lease their properties and to carry on their business as now being conducted.

SECTION 7.2 CAPITALIZATION OF THE COMPANY. As of the Closing Date,
the authorized capital stock of the Company will consist solely of 40,000,000
shares of Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01
per share. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, one share of Common Stock
and no shares of preferred stock will be outstanding. All outstanding shares of
capital stock of the Company are, and the shares of Common Stock to be issued
pursuant to this Agreement and the Offering, where issued in accordance with the
terms hereof and thereof, will be, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
and not subject to preemptive rights.

SECTION 7.3 CAPITALIZATION OF MERGECO. As of the Closing Date, the
authorized capital stock of Mergeco will consist solely of one share of common
stock, par value $0.01 per share. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, one
share of common stock will be outstanding.

SECTION 7.4 NO CONFLICTS. Consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and compliance with the terms and provisions of this
Agreement will not conflict with, result in a breach of, require notice under or
constitute a default under either the Company's or Mergeco's Charter or Bylaws
or any judgment, order, injunction, decree or ruling of any court or
governmental authority or under any material agreement, indenture or instrument
to which the Company or Mergeco is a party. No consent, approval, order or
authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any court or
governmental authority or other third party is required on the part of the
Company or Mergeco in connection with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement or for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, other than as described in this Agreement other than the filing of
the Registration Statement with the SEC, filings with any blue sky or state
regulatory authorities and filings with the Secretary of State of the State of
Texas in connection with the Merger.

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SECTION 7.5 AUTHORITY AND AUTHORIZATION; BINDING EFFECT. The Company
and Mergeco have all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of the Company and Mergeco. This Agreement has been
duly executed and delivered by the Company and Mergeco and, assuming the due
authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the other parties hereto,
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company and Mergeco
enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms, subject to laws
of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of
debtors and rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or
other equitable remedies.

SECTION 7.6 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. The Company will file a
registration statement on Form S-4 in respect of the Common Stock to be issued
in the Combination Agreement Transactions ("Registration Statement") with the
SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), which
shall include a joint proxy and consent solicitation/prospectus (the joint proxy
and consent solicitation statement/prospectus included in the Registration
Statement on its effective date is referred to herein as the "Joint Proxy and
Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus"). Such Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus shall constitute a proxy statement under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), with respect
to the Special Meeting, a consent solicitation statement under the Exchange Act
with respect to the Edge Group II GP Transfer Consent, and a prospectus under
the Securities Act with respect to the Common Stock to be issued in the
Combination Agreement Transactions. As of the effective date of the
Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, the Registration Statement
will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act
and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder. As of
the effective date of such Registration Statement, the time of mailing of the
Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus and as of the
Effective Time of the Merger, the Registration Statement and the Joint Proxy and
Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus will not contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided,
however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements
or omissions made or omitted in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished to the Company by any of the Edge Entities.

SECTION 7.7 LITIGATION, ETC. (a) There is no action, claim or
proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened to which the
Company is or would be party before any court or governmental authority acting
in an adjudicative capacity or any arbitration or arbitration tribunal with
respect to which there is a reasonable likelihood of a determination having, or
which, insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have a
material adverse effect on the Company, (b) the Company is not subject to any
outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree having, or which, insofar as
reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have a material adverse effect
on the Company, and (c) since its formation, there have been no claims made or
actions or proceedings brought against any officer or director of the Company
arising out of or pertaining to any action or omission within the scope of his
employment or position with the Company, which claim, action or proceeding is
material to the Company.

SECTION 7.8 NO OPERATIONS. The Company and Mergeco have not conducted
any operations since their respective dates of incorporation or incurred any
liabilities, except in connection with this Agreement, the Offering, the
Combination and that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of December 2,
1996 between the Company and James C. Calaway.

ARTICLE VIII. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF OLD EDGE

Old Edge hereby represents and warrants to each of the parties hereto
as follows:

SECTION 8.1 ORGANIZATION; QUALIFICATION. Old Edge is a corporation
duly organized under the TBCA and is validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the State of Texas. Old Edge has all requisite corporate power and
authority to own, operate or lease its properties and to carry on its business
as now being conducted.

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SECTION 8.2 CAPITALIZATION. As of the Closing Date, the authorized
capital stock of Old Edge will consist solely of 150,000 shares of Common Stock,
par value $0.01 per share, of which 104,630.6 shares of Common Stock will be
outstanding. Old Edge does not, and will not as of the Closing Date, have any
outstanding subscriptions, options or other arrangements or commitments
obligating it to issue any additional shares of capital stock other than (i) the
following stock options: (a) an option to purchase 2,193 shares issued to James
D. Calaway; and (b) an option to purchase 2,193 shares issued to Richard S.
Dale, and (ii) under that Stock Purchase Agreement between Old Edge and each of
Rimco Partners, L.P. II, Rimco Partners, L.P. III and Rimco/MYL, L.P., as
subscribers effective as of April 1991, which enables such subscribers to
acquire shares of Old Edge Common Stock as necessary to enable them to retain
their percentage of common stock on a fully diluted basis. All outstanding
shares of capital stock of Old Edge are validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and not subject to preemptive rights.

SECTION 8.3 NO CONFLICTS. Consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and compliance with the terms and provisions of this
Agreement will not conflict with, result in a breach of, require notice or
consent under or constitute a default under Old Edge's Articles of Incorporation
or Bylaws or any judgment, order, injunction, decree or ruling of any court or
governmental authority or under any material agreement, indenture or instrument
to which Old Edge is a party. No consent, approval, order or authorization of,
or registration, declaration or filing with, any court or governmental authority
or other third party is required on the part of Old Edge in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement other than the filing of the
Registration Statement with the SEC, filings with any blue sky or state
regulatory authorities and filings with the Secretary of State of the State of
Texas in connection with the Merger.

SECTION 8.4 AUTHORITY AND AUTHORIZATION; BINDING EFFECT. Old Edge has
all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and, subject to Old Edge Shareholder Approval (as defined in Section
12.1), to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The Board of
Directors of Old Edge has at a meeting duly called and held and at which a
quorum was present and acting throughout, by the requisite affirmative vote of
the directors of Old Edge (i) determined that the Merger is in the best
interests of Old Edge and its shareholders and (ii) approved this Agreement and
the Merger. No other corporate proceedings on the part of Old Edge are
necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement or, except
for Old Edge Shareholder Approval, the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Old
Edge and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the
other parties hereto, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Old Edge
enforceable against Old Edge in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of
general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors
and rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other
equitable remedies.

SECTION 8.5 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. To the extent that any statements
or omissions made in the Registration Statement or Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus are made in reliance on and in conformity with
information furnished to the Company by Old Edge, such Registration Statement
and Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus on the effective
date and at the Effective Time of the Merger shall conform in all material
respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, and do not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

SECTION 8.6 LITIGATION, ETC. (a) There is no action, claim, or
proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Old Edge, threatened, to which Old
Edge is or would be a party before any court or governmental authority acting in
an adjudicative capacity or any arbitrator or arbitration tribunal with respect
to which there is a reasonable likelihood of a determination having, or which,
insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have a material
adverse effect on Old Edge, (b) Old Edge is not subject to any outstanding
order, writ, injunction or decree having, or which, insofar as reasonably can be
foreseen, in the future would have a material adverse effect on Old Edge, and
(c) there have been no claims made or actions or proceedings brought against any
officer or director of Old Edge arising out of or pertaining to any action or
omission within the scope of his employment or position with Old Edge, which
claim, action or proceeding is material to Old Edge.

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SECTION 8.7 OWNERSHIP OF JOINT VENTURE INTEREST. Old Edge owns its
interest in the Joint Venture that is specified in the Joint Venture Agreement
free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects (together, "Liens") except
those Liens described in the Joint Venture Agreement.

SECTION 8.8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OLD EDGE. Each of the balance
sheets of Old Edge included in the Registration Statement (including the related
notes and schedules) fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
position of Old Edge as of its date, and each of the statements of income and
changes in financial position included in the Registration Statement (including
any related notes and schedules) fairly presents the results of operations,
stockholders' equity, retained earning and changes in financial position, as the
case may be, of Old Edge for the periods set forth therein (subject, in the case
of unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments not material in
amount of effect), in each case in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied during the periods involved, except as may be
noted therein. Since December 31, 1995, no dividends, distributions, repurchases
of interests or any other payment has been made to any equityholder of Old Edge
as such. Old Edge did not have on December 31, 1995 or the date of any
subsequent balance sheet of Old Edge, any material contingent liabilities,
liabilities for taxes, obligations, guarantees or unrealized or anticipated
losses from any unfavorable commitments, except as referred to or reflected or
provided for in the balance sheet, including the notes thereto, of Old Edge as
of said date. Since December 31, 1995, there has been no material adverse change
in the financial condition, assets or operation of the business of Old Edge from
that set forth in the preliminary joint proxy and consent solicitation
statement/prospectus to be filed with the SEC ("Preliminary Joint Proxy and
Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus").

SECTION 8.9 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The operations of Old Edge do not
violate any federal, state, local or other laws or regulations or any order or
requirement of any court or governmental agency or authority in any material
respect, including without limitation those laws, regulations, orders or
requirements relating to environment or health. Such operations are not subject
to any existing, pending or, to the knowledge of Old Edge, threatened action,
suit, investigation, inquiry or proceeding by or before any court or
governmental agency or authority under any federal, state or local environmental
law, rule or regulation, except in each case for any matter that would not have
a material adverse effect on Old Edge.

ARTICLE IX. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EDGE GROUP II

Edge Group II hereby represents and warrants to each of the parties
hereto as follows:

SECTION 9.1 FORMATION; QUALIFICATION. Edge Group II is a limited
partnership duly formed under Connecticut law and is validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Connecticut. Edge Group II has all
requisite partnership power and authority to own, operate or lease its
properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted.

SECTION 9.2 CAPITALIZATION. John Sfondrini and Napamco, Ltd. are the
sole general partners of Edge Group II and own all the general partner interests
in Edge Group II free and clear of all Liens, except those Liens described in
Schedule 9.2 hereto. All the outstanding limited and general partner interests
of Edge Group II are duly authorized, validly issued, and were issued free of
preemptive rights and not subject to requirements to make any capital
contributions that have not previously been made. There are no outstanding
subscriptions, options or other arrangements or commitments obligating Edge
Group II to issue any additional limited or general partner interests. As of
the Closing Date, 189 units (each unit representing a capital contribution of
$70,500) will be outstanding, and Edge Group II will not have any outstanding
subscriptions, options or other arrangements or commitments obligating it to
issue any additional limited or general partner interests.

SECTION 9.3 NO CONFLICTS. Except as described in Schedule 9.2 and
taking into account the consent granted in Section 4.2, and assuming receipt of
the Edge Group II GP Transfer Consent, as of the Closing Date, consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with the terms and
provisions of this Agreement will not

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materially conflict with, result in a material breach of, require notice or
consent under or constitute a material breach under the Edge Group II Limited
Partnership Agreement or Edge Group II's certificate of limited partnership or
any judgment, order, injunction, decree or ruling of any court or governmental
authority or under any material agreement, indenture or instrument to which Edge
Group or the general partners of Edge Group II is a party. No consent,
approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing
with, any court or governmental authority or other third party is required on
the part of Edge Group II or the general partners of Edge Group II in connection
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than the GP Transfer Consent
and as described in Section 4.2 of this Agreement. There are no agreements or
arrangements regarding the management or internal governance of Edge Group II or
relating to the allocation of its assets, revenues or costs other than the
Partnership Agreement of Edge Group II.

SECTION 9.4 AUTHORITY AND AUTHORIZATION; BINDING EFFECT. Edge Group
II has all requisite partnership power and authority to enter into and perform
the provisions of this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary partnership action on the part of Edge Group II,
subject to the receipt of the Edge Group II GP Transfer Consent. Subject to
such approval, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Edge Group
II and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the
other parties hereto, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Edge Group
II enforceable against Edge Group II in accordance with its terms, subject to
laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of
debtors and rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or
other equitable remedies.

SECTION 9.5 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. To the extent that any statements
or omissions made in the Registration Statement or Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus are made in reliance on and in conformity with
written information furnished to the Company by Edge Group II, such Registration
Statement and Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/ Prospectus on the
effective date and at the Effective Time of the Combination conform in all
material respects with the requirement of the Securities Act and the Exchange
Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, and do not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

SECTION 9.6 LITIGATION, ETC. (a) There is no action claim, or
proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Edge Group II, threatened, to which
Edge Group II is or would be a party before any court or governmental authority
acting in an adjudicative capacity or any arbitrator or arbitration tribunal
with respect to which there is a reasonable likelihood of a determination
having, or which, insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would
have a material adverse effect on Edge Group II, (b) Edge Group II is not
subject to any outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree having, or which,
insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have a material
adverse effect on Edge Group II, and (c) since December 31, 1995, there have
been no claims made or actions or proceedings brought against any officer or
director of the general partners of Edge Group II arising out of or pertaining
to any action or omission within the scope of his employment or position as an
officer or director of the general partner of Edge Group II, which claim, action
or proceeding is material to Edge Group II.

SECTION 9.7 OWNERSHIP OF JOINT VENTURE INTEREST. Edge Group II owns
its interest in the Joint Venture that is specified in the Joint Venture
Agreement free and clear of all Liens, except those Liens described in the Joint
Venture Agreement.

SECTION 9.8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF EDGE GROUP II. Each of the
balance sheets of Edge Group II included in the Registration Statement
(including the related notes and schedules) fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial position of Edge Group II as of its date, and each of
the statements of income and changes in financial position included in the
Registration Statement (including any related notes and schedules) fairly
presents the results of operations, partners' equity, retained earnings and
changes in financial position, as the case may be, of Edge Group II for the
periods set forth therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to
normal year-end audit adjustments not material in amount or effect), in each
case in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently

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applied during the periods involved, except as may be noted therein. Since
December 31, 1995, no dividends, distributions, repurchases of interests or any
other payment has been made to any equityholder of Edge Group II as such. Edge
Group II did not have on December 31, 1995 or the date of any subsequent balance
sheet of Edge Group II, any material contingent liabilities, liabilities for
taxes, obligations, guarantees or unrealized or anticipated losses from any
unfavorable commitments, except as referred to or reflected or provided for in
the balance sheet, including the notes thereto, of Edge Group II as of said
date. Since December 31, 1995, there has been no material adverse change in the
financial condition, assets or operation of the business of Edge Group II from
that set forth in the Preliminary Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus.

SECTION 9.9 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The operations of Edge Group II do
not violate any federal, state, local or other laws or regulations or any order
or requirement of any court or governmental agency or authority in any material
respect, including without limitation those laws, regulations, orders or
requirements relating to environment or health. Such operations are not subject
to any existing, pending or, to the knowledge of Edge Group II, threatened
action, suit, investigation, inquiry or proceeding by or before any court or
governmental agency or authority under any federal, state or local environmental
law, rule or regulation, except in each case for any matter that would not have
a material adverse effect on Edge Group II.

ARTICLE X. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GULFEDGE

Gulfedge hereby represents and warrants to each of the parties hereto
as follows:

SECTION 10.1 FORMATION; QUALIFICATION. Gulfedge is a limited
partnership duly formed under the Texas Revised Limited Partnership Act and is
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas.
Gulfedge has all requisite partnership power and authority to own, operate or
lease its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted.

SECTION 10.2 CAPITALIZATION. Old Edge is the sole general partner of
Gulfedge. All the outstanding limited or general partner interests of Gulfedge
are duly authorized, validly issued, free of preemptive rights and not subject
to requirements to make any capital contributions that have not previously been
made. There are no outstanding subscriptions, options or other arrangements or
commitments obligating Gulfedge to issue any additional limited or general
partner interests. As of the Closing Date, 7 units (each unit representing an
initial capital contribution of $64,500) will be outstanding, and Gulfedge will
not have any outstanding subscriptions, options or other arrangements or
commitments obligating it to issue any additional limited or general partner
interests.

SECTION 10.3 NO CONFLICTS. Consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and compliance with the terms and provisions of this
Agreement will not materially conflict with, result in a material breach of,
require notice or consent under or constitute a material breach under Gulfedge's
partnership agreement or certificate of limited partnership or any judgment,
order, injunction, decree or ruling of any court or governmental authority or
under any material agreement, indenture or instrument to which Gulfedge is a
party. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with, any court or governmental authority or other third
party is required on the part of Gulfedge in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement or for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, other than as described in this Agreement.

SECTION 10.4 AUTHORITY AND AUTHORIZATION; BINDING EFFECT. Gulfedge
has all requisite partnership power and authority to enter into and perform the
provisions of this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary partnership action on the part of Gulfedge. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Gulfedge and, assuming the due
authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the other parties hereto,
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Gulfedge enforceable against
Gulfedge in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general application
relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and rules of law
governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

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SECTION 10.5 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. To the extent that any
statements or omissions made in the Registration Statement or Joint Proxy and
Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus are made in reliance on and in
conformity with written information furnished to the Company by Gulfedge, such
Registration Statement and Joint Proxy and Solicitation Statement/Prospectus on
the effective date and at the Effective Time of the Combination conform in all
material respects with the requirement of the Securities Act and the Exchange
Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, and do not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

SECTION 10.6 LITIGATION, ETC. (a) There is no action, claim, or
proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Gulfedge, threatened, to which
Gulfedge is or would be a party before any court or governmental authority
acting in an adjudicative capacity or any arbitrator or arbitration tribunal
with respect to which there is a reasonable likelihood of a determination
having, or which, insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would
have a material adverse effect on Gulfedge, (b) Gulfedge is not subject to any
outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree having, or which, insofar as
reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have a material adverse effect
on Gulfedge, and (c) since December 31, 1995, there have been no claims made or
actions or proceedings brought against any officer or director of the general
partners of Gulfedge arising out of or pertaining to any action or omission
within the scope of his employment or position as an officer or director of the
general partner of Gulfedge, which claim, action or proceeding is material to
Gulfedge.

SECTION 10.7 OWNERSHIP OF JOINT VENTURE INTEREST. Gulfedge owns its
interest in the Joint Venture that is specified in the Joint Venture Agreement
free and clear of all Liens, except those Liens described in the Joint Venture
Agreement.

SECTION 10.8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF GULFEDGE. Each of the balance
sheets of Gulfedge included in the Registration Statement (including the related
notes and schedules) fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
position of Gulfedge as of its date, and each of the statements of income and
changes in financial position included in the Registration Statement (including
any related notes and schedules) fairly presents the results of operations,
partners' equity, retained earnings and changes in financial position, as the
case may be, of Gulfedge for the periods set forth therein (subject, in the case
of unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments not material in
amount or effect), in each case in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied during the periods involved, except as may be
noted therein. Since December 31, 1995, no dividends, distributions,
repurchases of interests or any other payment has been made to any equityholder
of Gulfedge as such. Gulfedge did not have on December 31, 1995 or the date of
any subsequent balance sheet of Gulfedge, any material contingent liabilities,
liabilities for taxes, obligations, guarantees or unrealized or anticipated
losses from any unfavorable commitments, except as referred to or reflected or
provided for in the balance sheet, including the notes thereto, of Gulfedge as
of said date. Since December 31, 1995, there has been no material adverse change
in the financial condition, assets or operation of the business of Gulfedge from
that set forth in the Preliminary Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus.

SECTION 10.9 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The operations of Gulfedge do not
violate any federal, state, local or other laws or regulations or any order or
requirement of any court or governmental agency or authority in any material
respect, including without limitation those laws, regulations, orders or
requirements relating to environment or health. Such operations are not subject
to any existing, pending or, to the knowledge of Gulfedge, threatened action,
suit, investigation, inquiry or proceeding by or before any court or
governmental agency or authority under any federal, state or local environmental
law, rule or regulation, except in each case for any matter that would not have
a material adverse effect on Gulfedge.

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ARTICLE XI. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EDGE GROUP

Edge Group hereby represents and warrants to each of the parties
hereto as follows:

SECTION 11.1 FORMATION; QUALIFICATION. Edge Group is a general
partnership duly formed under Connecticut law and is validly existing under the
laws of the State of Connecticut. Edge Group has all requisite partnership
power and authority to own, operate or lease its properties and to carry on its
business as now being conducted. The partners of Edge Group are Edge Limited
Partnership, a Connecticut limited partnership ("Edge I"), Edge II Limited
Partnership, a Connecticut limited partnership ("Edge II"), and Edge III Limited
Partnership, a Connecticut limited partnership ("Edge III"), as its general
partners. John Sfondrini is the Authorized Person and as such is authorized to
act for and bind Edge Group.

SECTION 11.2 CAPITALIZATION. The authorized partner interests of Edge
Group are solely owned by the persons described in Section 11.1. As of the date
hereof and the Closing Date, Edge Group does not and will not have any
outstanding subscriptions, options or other arrangements or commitments obliging
it to issue any additional partner interest.

SECTION 11.3 NO CONFLICTS. If Edge Group determines to accept the Edge
Group Purchase Offer, consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
compliance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement will not materially
conflict with, result in a material breach of, require notice or consent under
or constitute a material default under the Edge Group Partnership Agreement or
any judgment, order, injunction, decree or ruling of any court or governmental
authority or under any material agreement, indenture or instrument to which Edge
Group is a party. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or
registration, declaration or filing with, any court or governmental authority or
other third party is required on the part of Edge Group in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or, if Edge Group determines to accept
the Edge Group Purchase Offer, for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, other than as described in this Agreement.

SECTION 11.4 AUTHORITY AND AUTHORIZATION; BINDING EFFECT. Edge Group
has all requisite partnership power and authority to enter into and perform the
provisions of this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and,
if Edge Group determines to accept the Edge Group Purchase Offer, the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized
by all necessary partnership action on the part of Edge Group. This Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by Edge Group and, assuming the due
authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the other parties hereto,
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Edge Group enforceable against
Edge Group in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general application
relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and rules of law
governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

SECTION 11.5 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. To the extent that any
statements or omissions made in the Registration Statement or Joint Proxy and
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus are made in reliance on and in conformity with
information furnished to the Company by Edge Group, such Registration Statement
and Joint Proxy and Solicitation Statement/Prospectus on the effective date and
at the Effective Time of the Combination conform in all material respects with
the requirements of the Securities Act and Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations of the SEC thereunder, and do not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

SECTION 11.6 LITIGATION, ETC. (a) There is no action, claim or
proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Edge Group, threatened, to which Edge
Group is or would be a party before any court or governmental authority acting
in an adjudicative capacity or any arbitrator or arbitration tribunal with
respect to which there is a reasonable likelihood as a determination having, or
which, insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have a
material adverse effect on Edge Group, (b) Edge Group is not subject to any
outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree having, or which, insofar as
reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have a material adverse effect
on Edge Group, and (c) since December 31, 1995, there have been no claims made
or actions or proceedings brought against any officer or

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director of a partner of Edge Group arising out of or pertaining to any action
or omission within the scope of his employment or position as an officer or
director of a partner of Edge Group, which claim, action or proceeding is
material to Edge Group.

SECTION 11.7 OWNERSHIP OF JOINT VENTURE INTEREST. Edge Group owns its
interest in the Joint Venture that is specified in the Joint Venture Agreement
free and clear of all Liens, except those Liens described in the Joint Venture
Agreement.

SECTION 11.8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF EDGE GROUP. Each of the balance
sheets of Edge Group's interest in the Joint Venture included in the
Registration Statement (including the related notes and schedules) fairly
presents, in all material respects, the financial position of Edge Group's
interest in the Joint Venture as of its date, and each of the statements of
income and changes in financial position included in the Registration Statement
(including any related notes and schedules) fairly presents the results of
operations, partners' equity, retained earnings and changes in financial
position, as the case may be, of Edge Group's interest in the Joint Venture for
the periods set forth therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to
normal year-end audit adjustments not material in amount or effect), in each
case in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied during the periods involved, except as may be noted therein. Edge
Group's interest in the Joint Venture did not have on December 31, 1995 or the
date of any subsequent balance sheet of Edge Group's interest in the Joint
Venture, any material contingent liabilities, liabilities for taxes,
obligations, guarantees or unrealized or anticipated losses from any unfavorable
commitments, except as referred to or reflected or provided for in the balance
sheet, including the notes thereto, of Edge Group's interest in the Joint
Venture as of said date. Since December 31, 1995, there has been no material
adverse change in the financial condition, assets or operation of the business
of Edge Group from that set forth in the Preliminary Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.

SECTION 11.9 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The operations of Edge Group do
not violate any federal, state, local or other laws or regulations or any order
or requirement of any court or governmental agency or authority in any material
respect, including without limitation those laws, regulations, orders or
requirements relating to environment or health. Such operations are not subject
to any existing, pending or, to the knowledge of Edge Group, threatened action,
suit, investigation, inquiry or proceeding by or before any court or
governmental agency or authority under any federal, state or local environmental
law, rule or regulation, except in each case for any matter that would not have
a material adverse effect on Edge Group.

ARTICLE XII. COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

SECTION 12.1 EQUITYHOLDER APPROVAL. (a) Old Edge shall, as promptly
as practicable, submit this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
for the approval of its shareholders at a meeting of shareholders (the "Special
Meeting") and, subject to the fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors of Old
Edge under applicable law, shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain
shareholder approval and adoption (the "Old Edge Shareholder Approval") of this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Such meeting of
shareholders shall be held as soon as practicable following the date upon which
the Registration Statement becomes effective. Subject to the fiduciary duties
of the Board of Directors of Old Edge under applicable law, Old Edge shall,
through its Board of Directors, recommend to its shareholders approval of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(b) The Company has authorized and caused an officer of the Company to
vote the Company's shares of common stock of Mergeco for adoption and approval
of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and shall take all
additional actions as the sole stockholder of Mergeco necessary to adopt and
approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

(c) Subject to the fiduciary duties of the general partners under
applicable law, the general partners of Edge Group II and Gulfedge shall
recommend to their respective limited partners that they accept the Edge Group
II Exchange Offer and the Gulfedge Exchange Offer, respectively, and the Edge
Group II general partners shall vote in

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favor of the Edge Group II GP Transfer Consent. The general partners of Edge
Group II and Gulfedge, subject to the fiduciary duties of such general partners
under applicable law, shall use their reasonable best efforts to assist the
Company in obtaining such acceptance and such consent.

SECTION 12.2 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. The Company, Old Edge, Edge Group
II, Edge Group (solely with respect to its interest in the Joint Venture, as
applicable) and Gulfedge agree that prior to the Effective Time, and except as
otherwise contemplated herein or consented to in writing by the other parties,
each shall (a) conduct its business in the ordinary course and shall use
reasonable efforts to preserve intact its present business organization,
maintain the services of its present officers and employees and preserve the
relations with its customers, suppliers and others having business relations
with it; (b) except as explicitly provided herein, not pay or declare dividends
or other distributions, split, combine or otherwise reclassify its capital stock
or partnership interest or directly or indirectly repurchase or otherwise
acquire shares of its capital stock; (c) not issue any capital stock,
partnership interest or debt securities having voting rights for directors or
any rights, options, securities convertible or exchangeable therefor, except
under existing employee stock option plans or presently outstanding convertible
or exchangeable securities; and (d) not amend or modify its certificates or
articles of incorporation, by-laws, partnership agreements or other governing
documents.

SECTION 12.3 THIRD PARTY CONSENTS; SECTION 203 OF THE DGCL. Each of
the parties hereto will use its best efforts to obtain such consents of third
parties to agreements which would otherwise be violated by any provisions
hereof, to take all actions necessary to effect the transactions contemplated
hereby, and to make such filings with governmental authorities necessary to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement including, without
limitation, the execution and delivery of any additional instruments necessary
to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In connection
with and without limiting the foregoing, the Company and its Board of Directors
shall take all action necessary to insure that Section 203 of the DGCL. does not
become applicable to the Combination or to any former partner or stockholder of
Old Edge, Edge Group II, Gulfedge or Edge Group (or any of their respective
affiliates) by reason of their receipt or ownership of Common Stock received in
the Combination.

SECTION 12.4 OPTION PLANS. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company
and Old Edge shall take such action as may be necessary to cause each unexpired
and unexercised option to purchase shares of Old Edge Common Stock (each an "Old
Edge Option") to be automatically converted at the Effective Time into an option
(each a "Company Option") to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock equal
to the number of shares of Old Edge Common Stock that could have been purchased
under the Old Edge Option multiplied by the Old Edge Exchange Ratio, at a price
per share of Common Stock equal to the option exercise price determined pursuant
to the Old Edge Option divided by the Old Edge Exchange Ratio and subject to the
same terms and conditions as the Old Edge Option. The date of grant of a
substituted Option shall be the date on which the corresponding Old Edge Option
was granted. At the Effective Time, all references in the stock option
agreement to Old Edge shall be deemed to refer to the Company. The Company
shall assume all of Old Edge's obligations with respect to Old Edge Options as
so amended and shall, from and after the Effective Time, make available for
issuance upon exercise of the Company Options all shares of Common Stock covered
thereby.

SECTION 12.5 REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT. The Company hereby agrees
to enter into a registration rights agreement (the "Registration Rights
Agreement") with Edge Holding Company Limited Partnership, a Connecticut limited
partnership ("Edge Holding Company"), on reasonable and customary terms, which
terms will include a provision that, upon the request of Edge Holding Company,
the Company will file a registration statement under the Securities Act to
register the Common Stock being issued to Edge Holding Company pursuant to the
Merger for distribution to the partners of Edge Holding Company. This demand
registration may be effected at any time after six months after the Closing.
The Registration Rights Agreement will terminate on the first anniversary of the
Closing, or earlier if the securities subject to the Registration Rights
Agreement have been (i) distributed to the public pursuant to a registration
statement covering such securities that has been declared effective under the
Securities Act or (ii) distributed to the public in accordance with the
provisions of Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in force) under the
Securities Act. An aggregate of approximately 858,858 outstanding shares of
Common Stock will be subject to the Registration Rights Agreement. The Company
shall pay all costs associated with such registration (including, without
limitation, all registration, qualification, listing and filing fees, printing
expenses, fees and expenses of counsel for the

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Company, and the expense of any special audits incident to or required by any
such registration (and including the reasonable fees and expenses of one legal
counsel for any Edge Holding Company)) other than underwriting commissions and
transfer taxes, if any, attributable to the shares distributed. The Company
will indemnify Edge Holding Company, and Edge Holding Company will indemnify the
Company, against certain liabilities in respect of any registration statement or
offering covered by the Registration Rights Agreement.

ARTICLE XIII. CONDITIONS

SECTION 13.1 CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE
COMBINATION. The respective obligations of each party to effect the Combination
shall be subject to the fulfillment (or waiver) at or prior to the Effective
Time of the following conditions:

(a) INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING. The Company shall have consummated the
Offering and the IPO price shall have been at least equal to $15.00 per share.

(b) MERGER APPROVAL. The Old Edge Shareholder Approval shall have been
obtained.

(c) MINIMUM TENDER OF EDGE GROUP II PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS. The
general partners and at least that number of limited partners of Edge Group II
holding 70% of the outstanding partnership interests in Edge Group II shall have
accepted the Company's exchange offer and tendered their partnership interests
in Edge Group II to be exchanged for shares of Common Stock.

(d) EDGE GROUP II GP TRANSFER CONSENT. Edge Group II shall have
obtained the Edge Group II GP Transfer Consent.

(e) COMBINATION AGREEMENT TRANSACTIONS. The Merger, the Edge Group
II Exchange Offer and the Offering all close simultaneously, and no more than
15% of the shareholders of Old Edge shall have exercised their dissenters'
rights as provided for under the TBCA with respect to the Merger.

(f) ACCURACY OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations
and warranties of the parties contained in Articles VII, VIII, IX, X, and XI
shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective
Time as if made on and as of such time (except for representations and
warranties made of as a specified date or time, which shall be true and correct
in all material respects as of such specified date or time); at the Closing each
of the parties hereto shall deliver a certificate signed by such party, or an
officer or general partner thereof (as applicable), certifying the foregoing.

(g) PERFORMANCE OF COVENANTS. Each party hereto shall have performed
and complied in all material respect with the covenants and agreements contained
in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or
prior to the Closing.

(h) NO ORDERS. There shall not be issued and in effect at the closing
any order restraining, prohibiting or delaying consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

ARTICLE XIV. TERMINATION

SECTION 14.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated and the
Combination contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the
Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the Merger by the Old Edge
Shareholders or approval of any other matter by any equityholder of the Parties:

(a) By mutual consent of the Company, Edge Group II, Gulfedge, Edge
Group, and Old Edge;

A-16
<PAGE>

(b) By any of the parties, (i) if the Effective Time has not occurred
by July 30, 1997, unless the Combination has not occurred due to the failure of
the party seeking to terminate this Agreement to perform its agreements and
covenants under this Agreement required to be performed by it at or prior to the
Effective Time or (ii) if a court of competent jurisdiction or governmental,
regulatory or administrative agency or commission shall have issued an order,
decree or ruling or taken any other action, in each case permanently
restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement; or

(c) By the Company, if the Company determines that there is a
reasonable probability that the Offering will not be consummated on terms that
satisfy the condition to Closing contained in Section 13.1(a), which
determination must be based upon written advice of the Underwriters of the
Offering to all the Parties.

SECTION 14.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. In the event of termination of
this Agreement by a party as provided in Section 14.1, written notice thereof
shall promptly be given to the other parties and this Agreement shall forthwith
terminate without further action of the parties hereto. If this Agreement is
terminated as provided, however, there shall be no liabilities or obligations
hereunder on the part of the parties, except that nothing herein shall relieve
any party hereto from liability for any breach of this Agreement that resulted
in the termination.

ARTICLE XV. MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

SECTION 15.1 SURVIVAL. The representations and warranties in Articles
VII, VIII, IX, X and XI and any statement made in any certificate required under
Section 13.1 shall expire at the Effective Time. All other agreements contained
herein shall survive the consummation of the Combination.

SECTION 15.2 MODIFICATION OR AMENDMENT. At any time before or after
approval of the Merger by the Old Edge Shareholders, or approval of any other
matter by any equityholder of the parties, the parties hereto may modify or
amend this Agreement by written agreement executed and delivered by duly
authorized representatives of the respective parties.

SECTION 15.3 INDEMNIFICATION. (a) Whether or not any of the
Combination Agreement Transactions are consummated, the Company hereby agrees to
indemnify (i) the general partners of the partners of Edge Group and the general
partners of Edge Group II and Gulfedge (collectively, the "General Partners")
and (ii) the directors and officers of Old Edge, acting in their capacity as an
officer or director, as the case may be, of Old Edge in its corporate capacity
or in its capacity as the general partner of Gulfedge, (the "Old Edge Directors
and Officers"), and hold the General Partners and the Old Edge Directors and
Officers (each individually, an "Indemnitee") harmless from and against, and
shall reimburse them on demand for, any and all losses, damages, liabilities,
claims, demands, deficiencies, judgements, settlements, whether or not arising
out of third-party claims, including without limitation the reasonable fees and
expenses of counsel and other related costs and expenses ("Losses") resulting
from or arising out of the Combination Agreement Transactions, including but not
limited to (i) all liabilities of Edge Group, Edge Group II, Gulfedge and Old
Edge in connection with the Combination Agreement Transactions and (ii) all
liabilities to the limited partners of Edge Group II, Gulfedge or the limited
partners of the partners of Edge Group in connection with the Combination
Agreement Transactions; provided that the Company shall not be required by this
Agreement to indemnify (1) the general partners of a breaching partnership or,
if Old Edge commits a breach, the officers and directors of Old Edge for
Termination Related Losses (as defined herein) in the event that this Agreement
shall be terminated by any party pursuant to Section 14.1(b)(i) due to the
failure of the Effective Time to occur by July 30, 1997 as a result of such
breach of this Agreement by such partnership or Old Edge, as applicable or (2)
any of the General Partners or any of the Old Edge Directors and Officers for
any Losses to an Indemnitee resulting from, arising out of or in such
Indemnitee's capacity as an equityholder of any of Edge Group II, Gulfedge, Edge
Group or Old Edge (such Losses in (2) are referred to herein as "Equityholder
Losses"). "Termination Related Losses" are Losses resulting from the
termination or breach of this Agreement.

(b) If a claim by a third party is made against a party indemnified
pursuant to this Section 15.3, and if such indemnified party intends to seek
indemnity with respect thereto under this Section 15.3, the indemnified party
shall

A-17
<PAGE>

promptly notify the indemnifying party of such claim; provided that the failure
of the indemnified party to notify the indemnifying party of any such claim
shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations under this Section
15.3, except to the extent the indemnifying party is actually prejudiced by such
failure. In case any action or proceeding including any such claim is brought
against the indemnified party, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to
participate therein and to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably
satisfactory to the indemnified party to the extent it may wish: provided that
in the event the indemnifying party so assumes the defense, the indemnified
party shall still have the right to employ separate counsel at its own expense
in any such action and to participate in the defense thereof. Without the prior
written consent of the indemnified party, which consent shall not unreasonably
be withheld, the indemnifying party will not consent to the entry of any
judgment or enter into any settlement of any such claim which does not include
as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff thereof
to such indemnified party of a release from any and all liability in respect of
such claim or litigation. The indemnified party will not enter into any
settlement or pay (except pursuant to a final court order or judgment) any such
claim without the prior written consent of the indemnifying party, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
indemnified party shall have the right to pay or settle any such claim, provided
that in such event it shall waive any right to indemnity therefor by the
indemnifying party or parties.

(c) Without limiting the generality of any other provision hereunder,
it is the express intent of this Agreement that the General Partners and the Old
Edge Directors and Officers be indemnified regardless of such General Partner's
or such Old Edge Director and Officer's acts of negligence or gross negligence,
to the extent that such indemnification is allowed pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement; provided, that, notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision
hereof, the Company shall not indemnify any General Partner or any of the Old
Edge Directors and Officers under this Section 15.3 for any action taken or any
failure to act by such General Partner or such Old Edge Director and Officer,
regardless of whether acting in their individual or corporate capacity or in
their capacity as a general partner of Edge Group, Edge Group II or Gulfedge, as
the case may be, after the date of this Agreement if such action or failure to
act is in breach of any provision hereof or if such action or inaction
constituted intentional misconduct or a willful violation of law.

SECTION 15.4 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each such counterpart being deemed to be an original,
and all such counterparts taken together shall constitute the same agreement.

SECTION 15.5 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.

SECTION 15.6 FURTHER ASSURANCES. The parties hereto without
additional consideration shall execute and deliver or shall cause to be executed
and delivered such further documents and certificates and to take such further
actions as may be reasonably required or desirable to carry out the provisions
of this Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. In
particular, without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, at any
time after the Effective Time, any party hereto will execute and deliver or
shall cause to be executed and delivered any deeds, bills of sale, assignments,
assurances, or any other actions or things as are necessary or desirable to
vest, perfect, or confirm of record or otherwise in the Company or the Surviving
Corporation its rights, title, or interest in, to, or under any of the rights,
properties, or assets acquired or to be acquired by the Company or the Surviving
Corporation as a result of or in connection with the Combination Agreement
Transactions or otherwise to carry out this Agreement.

SECTION 15.7 ENTIRE AGREEMENT, ETC. This Agreement (a) constitutes
the entire agreement, and supersedes all other prior agreements and
understandings, both written and oral, among the parties, with respect to the
subject matter hereof, and (b) shall not be assignable by operation of law or
otherwise except that the Company may assign to a direct or indirect subsidiary
(including any entity that becomes a subsidiary as a result of the Combination
Agreement Transactions) its right to purchase (i) any interest in Edge Group II
or Gulfedge or (ii) Edge Group's interest in the Joint Venture; provided that
such assignment shall not relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder,
including the obligation to issue Common Stock in payment of any such interest
and (c) is not intended to create any obligations to, or rights in respect of,
any persons other than the parties hereto.

A-18
<PAGE>

SECTION 15.8 CAPTIONS. The article, section and paragraph captions
herein are for convenience of reference only, do not constitute part of this
Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect any of the
provisions hereof.

SECTION 15.9 NOTICES. Any notice or other communication required or
permitted under this Agreement shall be by facsimile actually received or in
writing and mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid. Any such notice shall be deemed given upon its receipt at the
following address:

(a) If the Company:

Edge Petroleum Corporation
Texaco Heritage Plaza
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
Tel: (713) 654-8960
Fax: (713) 654-7722

with a copy to:

Gene J. Oshman
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
3000 One Shell Plaza
910 Louisiana
Houston, Texas 77002

Tel: (713) 229-1178
Fax: (713) 229-1522

(b) If to Old Edge:

Edge Petroleum Corporation
Texaco Heritage Plaza
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002

Tel: (713) 654-8960
Fax: (713) 654-7722

with a copy to:

Gene J. Oshman
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
3000 One Shell Plaza
910 Louisiana
Houston, Texas 77002

Tel: (713) 229-1178
Fax: (713) 229-1522

A-19
<PAGE>

John Sfondrini
36 Catoonah Street, Unit #16
P.O. Box 1248
Ridgefield, Connecticut 06875

Tel: (203) 894-8244

with a copy to:

J. Michael Gottesman
477 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10002

Tel: (212) 308-2320
Fax: (212) 308-2323

(d) If to Gulfedge:

Gulfedge Limited Partnership
Texaco Heritage Plaza
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002

Tel: (713) 654-8960
Fax: (713) 654-7722

(e) If to Edge Group:

John Sfondrini
36 Catoonah Street, Unit #16
P.O. Box 1248
Ridgefield, Connecticut 06875

Tel: (203) 894-8244

with a copy to:

J. Michael Gottesman
477 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10002

Tel: (212) 308-2320
Fax: (212) 308-2323

Any party may, by notice given in accordance with this section to the other
parties, designate another address or person for receipt of notices hereunder.

A-20
<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by the parties hereto on the date first hereinabove written.

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION,
a Delaware corporation a Texas corporation

By: /s/ James D. Calaway By: /s/ John E. Calaway
--------------------------- ------------------------
Name: James D. Calaway Name: John E. Calaway
Title: President Title: President

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
PARTNERSHIP

By: /s/ John Sfondrini By: Edge Petroleum Corporation
--------------------------- a Texas corporation
Name: John Sfondrini
Title: Managing General Partner Title: General Partner

and
By: /s/ John E. Calaway
--------------------------
By: Napamco, Ltd. Name: John E. Calaway
Title: General Partner Title: President

By: /s/ John Sfondrini
--------------------------
Name: John Sfondrini
Title: President

[Signature Page to Combination Agreement between Edge Group II Limited
Partnership, a Connecticut limited partnership, Gulfedge Limited Partnership, a
Texas limited partnership, Edge Group Partnership, a Connecticut general
partnership, Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation, Edge Mergeco,
Inc., a Texas corporation and Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware
corporation.]

EDGE MERGECO, INC.

By: /s/ James D. Calaway
-------------------------
Name: James D. Calaway
Title: President

EDGE GROUP PARTNERSHIP

A-21
<PAGE>

By: /s/ John Sfondrini
-----------------------
Name: John Sfondrini
Title: Authorized Person

and

By: EDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ("Edge I"),
EDGE II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ("Edge
II") and EDGE III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
("Edge III")
Title: General Partners

By: /s/ John Sfondrini
-------------------------------------
Name: John Sfondrini
Title: General Partner of Edge I, Edge II and Edge III

and

By: Napamco, Ltd.
Title: General Partner of Edge I, Edge II and Edge III

By: /s/ John Sfondrini
------------------------------
Name: John Sfondrini
Title: President

A-22
<PAGE>

Exhibit A
---------

ARTICLES OF MERGER

MERGING

EDGE MERGECO, INC.
(A TEXAS CORPORATION)

WITH AND INTO

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(A TEXAS CORPORATION)

THE SURVIVING CORPORATION OF SUCH MERGER TO BE:

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(TO BE RENAMED EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION OF TEXAS)

A-1
<PAGE>

ARTICLES OF MERGER

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 5.04 of the Texas Business Corporation Act
(the "TBCA"), the undersigned corporations adopt the following Articles of
Merger for the purpose of effecting a merger (the "Merger") in accordance with
the provisions of Article 5.01 of the TBCA.

1. The Combination Agreement (which contains the requisite elements of a Plan
of Merger as set forth in Article 5.01 of the TBCA), adopted in accordance with
the provisions of Article 5.04 of the TBCA and providing for the combination of
Edge Petroleum Corporation and Edge Mergeco, Inc. and resulting in Edge
Petroleum Corporation (renamed in the Merger to be Edge Petroleum Corporation of
Texas) being the surviving corporation is attached hereto as Exhibit A and is
incorporated herein by reference (the "Plan of Merger").

2. The name of each of the undersigned corporations and other entity or
entities, the type of such corporation or other entity and the laws under which
such corporation or other entity was organized are:

Name of Corporation or
Other Entity Type of Entity State
----------------------- --------------- -------
Edge Petroleum Corporation corporation Texas
- ---------------------------- --------------- -------
Edge Mergeco, Inc. corporation Texas
- ---------------------------- --------------- -------

3. As to each of the undersigned domestic corporations, the approval of whose
shareholders is required, number of outstanding the shares of each class or
series of stock of such corporation entitled to vote, with other shares or as a
class, on the Plan of Merger are as follows:

Number of Shares Class or Number of Shares
Name of Corporation Outstanding Series Entitled to Vote as
------------------- ----------------- -------- a Class or Series
--------------------

Edge Petroleum Corporation 104,630.6 N/A N/A
- -------------------------- -------------- ----------- --------------------
Edge Mergeco, Inc. 1,000 N/A N/A
- -------------------------- -------------- ----------- --------------------

A-2
<PAGE>

4. As to each of the undersigned domestic corporations, the approval of whose
shareholders is required, number of shares, not the entitled to vote only as a
class, voted for and against the Plan of Merger, respectively, and, if the
shares of any class or series are entitled to vote as a class, the number of
shares of each such class or series voted for and against the Plan of Merger,
are as follows:

Number of Shares
Total Total Entitled to Vote as
Name of Voted Voted Class or Class or Series
Corporation For Against Series Voted for Voted Against
- ------------ ------ -------- ------- --------- -------------
Edge Petroleum Corporation N/A N/A N/A
- -------------------------- ------ -------- ------- ------------------------
Edge Mergeco, Inc. N/A N/A N/A
- -------------------------- ------ -------- ------- ------------------------

5. The Plan of Merger and the performance of its terms were duly authorized by
all action required by the laws under which each foreign corporation or other
entity that is a party to the Plan of Merger was incorporated or organized and
by its constituent documents.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused these Articles of
Merger to be executed this ______ day of _______________, 1997.

Edge Petroleum Corporation

By:
-------------------------
John E. Calaway
President

Edge Mergeco, Inc.

By:
-----------------------
James D. Calaway
President

A-3
<PAGE>

Schedule 9.2

Liens on General Partner Interests
in
Edge Group II

1. Loan Agreement dated April 7, 1991 between the General Partners of Edge
Group II and James C. Calaway as the lender and Southwest Minerals, Inc. Defined
Pension Plan, Calaway Petroleum, Inc., Mr. Michael Gottesman, Antwerp Diamond
Distributors, Inc., Ms. Marlin Geiger and Mr. Joel Davis as the participants;

2. Loan Agreement dated October 1, 1993 between the General Partners of Edge
Group II and James C. Calaway and the addendum thereto; and

3. Agreement between the General Partners of Edge Group II and David B.
Benedict.
<PAGE>

APPENDIX B
LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE

FOR GENERAL AND LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS

EDGE GROUP II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

A CONNECTICUT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER OF

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

A DELAWARE CORPORATION

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to
them in the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus dated
_______________, 1997, of Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), as supplemented or amended (the "Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus"). Reference to any gender herein includes a
reference to all genders and to the neuter.

This Letter of Acceptance must be received by the Company by 5:00 p.m.,
Central Time, on _______________, 1997, or if the Edge Group II Exchange Offer
is extended, by that extended time and date (the "Expiration Date"). Please
execute this Letter of Acceptance in the SIGNATURE BOX and indicate your
approval or disapproval of the Change of Edge Group II General Partners.
Exchanging Offerees who disapprove of the Change of Edge Group II General
Partners may not participate in the Edge Group II Exchange Offer unless such
requirement with respect to this Letter of Acceptance is waived by the Company.
Send or deliver the completed Letter of Acceptance to the Company at the
following address:

Edge Petroleum Corporation
Texaco Heritage Plaza
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002

DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE IS AT THE RISK OF THE OFFEREE. IF SENT
BY U.S. MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT AN OFFEREE USE REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN
RECEIPT REQUESTED.

PART I

ACCEPTANCE OF THE EDGE GROUP II EXCHANGE OFFER, REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES,
COVENANTS, APPOINTMENT OF PROXIES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY

The offeree signing in the SIGNATURE BOX below (the "Exchanging Offeree")
hereby accepts the Edge Group II Exchange Offer on the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Letter of Acceptance and in the Joint Proxy and
Consent Solicitation Statement/ Prospectus, receipt of a copy of which is hereby
acknowledged and

(a) with respect to all the Exchanging Offeree's Edge Group II Units described
in Part III below, if any, (i) tenders to the Company all those Edge Group II
Units, (ii) subject to acceptance of the tender made hereby, sells, transfers
and assigns to the Company all right, title and interest in each Edge Group II
Unit tendered hereby (including without limitation all rights to receive
distributions with respect thereto) and (iii) unless such Exchanging Offeree has
appropriately indicated his or her disapproval of the Change of Edge Group II
General Partners, consents to the Change of Edge Group II General Partners; and

B-1
<PAGE>

(b) with respect to all the Exchanging Offeree's general partner
interests in Edge Group II listed in Part III below, if any, (i) tenders to the
Company all those general partner interests in Edge Group II and (ii) subject to
acceptance of such tender, sells, transfers and assigns to the Company all
right, title and interest in all those general partner interests in Edge Group
II so tendered (including without limitation all rights to receive distributions
thereon).

The Company reserves the rights to transfer or assign, in whole or from time
to time in part, to one or more entities directly or indirectly wholly owned by
the Company the right to purchase interests in Edge Group II tendered pursuant
to the Edge Group II Exchange Offer, but any such transfer or assignment shall
not relieve the Company of its obligations under the Edge Group II Exchange
Offer, or prejudice the rights of Exchanging Offerees to receive shares of
Common Stock for interests in Edge Group II properly tendered and accepted for
exchange.

This Letter of Acceptance may be withdrawn by written notice to the Company at
any time on or before the Expiration Date.

The Exchanging Offeree, by executing this Letter of Acceptance, represents and
warrants to the Company that (a) he or she has, and as of the Closing Date will
have, the right and authority to transfer all his or her interests in Edge Group
II, (b) he or she has, and as of the Closing Date will have, the right and
authority to consent to the adoption of the Change of Edge Group II General
Partners, (c) all his or her general partner interests, if any, in Edge Group
II and all his or her Edge Group II Units, if any, are, and as of the Closing
Date will be, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges, encumbrances
and adverse claims and (d) the general partner interests and the Edge Group II
Units described in Part III below constitute all of his or her interests in Edge
Group II. THE EXCHANGING OFFEREE CONSENTS TO, APPROVES AND RATIFIES THE TERMS
OF THE EDGE GROUP II EXCHANGE OFFER AND THE OTHER COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS,
INCLUDING THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK THAT WILL BE ISSUED TO THE
GENERAL PARTNERS. ACCORDINGLY, BY TENDERING EDGE GROUP II UNITS, THE EXCHANGING
OFFEREE APPROVES THE OVERALL TERMS AND STRUCTURE OF THE EDGE GROUP II EXCHANGE
OFFER AND GIVES UP ANY RIGHT TO CHALLENGE ANY ASPECT OF THE GENERAL PARTNERS'
AND THEIR AFFILIATES' (INCLUDING OLD EDGE AND ITS MANAGEMENT) ACTIONS REGARDING
THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE ALLOCATION OF
SHARES AMONG ANY PARTIES RECEIVING SHARES IN THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS AND
FURTHER SPECIFICALLY INCLUDING ANY DECISIONS REGARDING THE SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK BEING OFFERED BY THE COMPANY FOR THE GENERAL PARTNER INTERESTS IN EDGE
GROUP II. All representations, warranties and covenants contained herein shall
survive the Closing Date and all other transactions contemplated by this Letter
of Acceptance or by the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus.

The Exchanging Offeree, by executing this Letter of Acceptance, irrevocably
appoints the Company or any designee of the Company, with full power of
substitution as his or her true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, in his or
her name, place and stead (a) to execute, acknowledge, swear to, deliver,
record, file and send (i) any instruments amending the partnership agreement or
certificate of limited partnership of Edge Group II necessary or desirable to
effect the transactions contemplated by and described in the Joint Proxy and
Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus and any other instruments, documents,
certificates, or notices that such agent and attorney-in-fact determines are
necessary or desirable under the laws of the United States of America (including
without limitation the Internal Revenue Code), any state or any political
subdivision or agency thereof to continue the valid existence of Edge Group II
as a limited partnership or to begin or continue its rights to do business in
any jurisdiction and (ii) any other instruments, documents, agreements,
certificates or notices that agent and attorney-in-fact determines are necessary
or desirable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Letter of
Acceptance or the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus and
(b) to receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial
ownership of interests in Edge Group II tendered hereby, all in accordance with
the terms of the Edge Group II Exchange Offer. The power of attorney contained
in this paragraph shall become effective upon acceptance by the Company of this
Letter of Acceptance, shall be deemed coupled with an interest, shall be
irrevocable, shall survive the death, incapacity, dissolution or termination of
existence of the Exchanging Offeree and shall be binding upon the Exchanging
Offeree's heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

The Exchanging Offeree obligates himself or herself and his or her heirs,
legal representatives, successors and assigns to execute and deliver, or procure
and furnish from third parties, all additional instruments and documents that
the Company may require to evidence his or her title to the interests in Edge
Group II described in part III hereof to transfer to and vest in the Company
the tendered partner interests in Edge Group II, and to effect any other
transaction contemplated by the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus. Without limiting or prejudicing any

B-2
<PAGE>

remedies that the Company may have hereunder at law or in equity, the
obligations of the Exchanging Offeree hereunder may be specifically enforced.

This Letter of Acceptance shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the substantive laws of the State of Texas without regard to its choice of
law rules. Any term or provision of this Letter of Acceptance that is invalid
or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the
validity, legality or enforceability by the Company of the remainder of this
Letter of Acceptance.

PART II
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEREE

Name:
-----------------------------
Address:
--------------------------

- ----------------------------------

B-3
<PAGE>

PART III
DESCRIPTION OF INTERESTS

Set forth below is the number or Edge Group II Units and the general partner
interests in Edge Group II that the Exchanging Offeree owns. An Exchanging
Offeree must execute and deliver this Letter of Acceptance with respect to all
interests he or she owns in Edge Group II.

NUMBER OF EDGE GROUP II GENERAL PARTNER
UNITS INTERESTS
- ------------------------- ----------------

B-4
<PAGE>

SIGNATURE BOX
(PLEASE ALSO COMPLETE THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
AND THE CERTIFICATION OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS BELOW)

<S> <C>
Please sign exactly as your name is printed in Part II
above, unless printed incorrectly. Signatures in ----------------------------------------------
Letters of Acceptance from trusts, joint ventures, Full Name of Exchanging Offeree (Please Print)
corporations, limited partnerships, general
partnerships and other such entities must be
accompanied by evidence or an opinion of counsel ----------------------------------------------
acceptable to the Company that the entity has met all Full Name of Co-Owner, if any
requirements of its governing instruments. Each
joint owner of a general or limited partner interest
must sign. By signing in this SIGNATURE BOX, ----------------------------------------------
the Exchanging Offeree hereby agrees to all of the Signature of Exchanging Offeree
provisions contained in Part I of this Letter of
Acceptance.
----------------------------------------------
Signature of Co-Owner, if any

Business Telephone:
( )
----------------------------------------------
Home Telephone:
( )
----------------------------------------------
Dated:____________, 1997

To approve the Change of Edge Group II General Partners (check one box):
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
IF NO BOX IS CHECKED, THE EXCHANGING OFFEREE WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE VOTED FOR THE APPROVAL OF
THE CHANGE OF EDGE GROUP II GENERAL PARTNERS.

</TABLE>

B-5
<PAGE>

*IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION*

Please be advised that, regardless of whether your have previously
furnished a taxpayer identification number (social security number for
individual, or employer identification number for corporation(s)) (a "TIN") or
the certification on Form W-9 with respect to dividend payments, you must again
furnish this number, certified to be correct under penalties of perjury, to
assure that backup withholding of 31% will not be implemented. Certification
should be made to the Company on the Substitute Form W-9 below. If the
certificates representing shares of Common Stock covered by this Letter of
Acceptance will be registered in more than one name or will not be registered in
the name of the actual holder, consult the enclosed Guidelines for Certification
of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 for additional guidance
on which number to report.

DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY PART 2 -- For payees exempt from backup withholding, see the
PAYER'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN) Form W-9
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERTIFICATION -- Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
(1) The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer Identification Number (or I am waiting for a number
to be issued to me) and
(2) I am not subject to backup withholding under the provisions of Section 3406 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
either because (i) I am exempt from backup withholding, (ii) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS")
that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends or (iii) the IRS has
notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.

CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS -- You must cross out item (2) above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup
withholding because of under reporting interest or dividends on your tax return. However, if after being notified by the IRS that
you were subject to backup withholding you received another notification from the IRS that you are no longer subject to backup
withholding, do not cross out item (2).
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART 3
SIGNATURE__________________________________ DATE ___________________, 199__ Awaiting TIN [ ]

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

B-6
<PAGE>

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU
CHECKED THE BOX IN PART 3 OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has
not been issued to me, and either (a) I have mailed an application to receive a
taxpayer identification number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service
Center or Social Security Administration Office or (b) I intend to mail or
deliver an application in the near future. I understand that, notwithstanding
that I have checked the box in Part 3 (and have completed this Certificate of
Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number), all reportable payments made to me
prior to the time I provide the Company with a properly certified taxpayer
identification number may be subject to a 31% backup withholding tax.

SIGNATURE _______________________________ DATE ________________________

NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 MAY RESULT IN
BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU.

B-7
<PAGE>

TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. Federal income tax law generally requires that the
Exchanging Offeree must provide the Company (as payor) with his correct Taxpayer
Identification Number ("TIN") on Substitute Form W-9 above, which in the case of
an Exchanging Offeree who is an individual is his or her social security number.
If the shares of Common Stock of the Company relating to this Letter of
Acceptance will be held in more than one name or will not be held in the name of
the actual owner, consult the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of
Taxpayer's Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 (the "W-9 Guidelines")
for additional instructions. If the Company is not provided with the current
TIN, or if any other information is not correctly provided, such Exchanging
Offeree may be subject to up to a $500 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue
Service (plus additional penalties if an Exchanging Offeree makes a false
certification). Backup withholding is not an additional federal income tax.
Rather, the federal income tax liability of persons subject to backup
withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If backup
withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained
provided that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue
Service.

Exempt holders of Common Stock of the Company (including, among others,
corporations and certain foreign individuals) are not subject to these backup
withholding and reporting requirements. (In order to satisfy the Company that a
foreign individual qualifies as an exempt recipient, that holder must submit a
statement, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that individual's
exempt status. Such statements can be obtained from the Company). See the
enclosed W-9 Guidelines for additional instructions.

To prevent backup withholding, each Exchanging Offeree must provide his
correct TIN by completing the Substitute Form W-9 set forth above, certifying
that the TIN provided is correct and that (i) the Exchanging Offeree is exempt
from backup withholding, (ii) the Exchanging Offeree has not been notified by
the Internal Revenue Service that Exchanging Offeree is subject to backup
withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends or
(iii) the Internal Revenue Service has notified the Exchanging Offeree that he
is no longer subject to backup withholding. Notwithstanding that the box in
Part 3 is checked (and the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification
Number is completed) the Company may withhold 31% of any dividends paid prior to
the time it is provided with a properly certified TIN. Backup withholding will
continue until such Exchanging Offeree furnishes his TIN to the Company.

B-8
<PAGE>

GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

Guidelines for Determining the Proper Identification Number to Give the Payor --
Social Security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens: i.e., 000-00-
0000. Employer identification numbers have nine digits separated by only one
hyphen: i.e., 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number to
give the payor.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Give the EMPLOYER
Give the SOCIAL IDENTIFICATION
For this type of account: SECURITY number of -- For this type of account: number of --
- ------------------------------ ----------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1. An individual's account The individual 9. A valid trust, estate, Legal entity (Do not furnish
or pension trust the identifying number of the
2. Two or more individuals The actual owner of the personal representative or
(joint account) account or, if combined trustee unless the legal entity
funds, the first individual itself is not designated in the
on the account/1/ account title.)/5/

3. Husband and wife (joint The actual owner of the 10. Corporate account The corporation
account) account or, if joint funds,
the first individual on the
account/1/

4. Custodian account of a The minor/2/ 11. Association, club, The organization
minor (Uniform Gift to religious, charitable,
Minors Act) educational, or other tax-
exempt organization

5. Adult and minor (joint The adult or, if the minor 12. Partnership account The partnership
acccount) is the only contributor, the held in the name of
minor/1/ the business

6. Account in the name of The ward, minor or 13. A broker or registered The broker or nominee
guardian or committee incompetent person/3/ nominee
for a designated ward,
minor, or incompetent
person

7. (a) The usual revocable The grantor person/1/ 14. Account with the The public entity
savings trust account Department of
(grantor is also Agriculture in the name
trustee) of a public entity (such
(b) So-called trust The actual owner/1/ as a state or local
account that is not a government, school
legal or valid trust district, or prison) that
under state law receives agricultural
program payments
- -------------------------------------

/1/ List first and circle the name of the person whose number your furnish.

/2/ Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's social security number.

/3/ Circle the ward's, minor's or incopetent person's name and furnish such person's social security number.

</TABLE>

B-9
<PAGE>

8. Sole proprietorship
account The owner/4/

</TABLE>

OBTAINING A NUMBER

If you don't have a taxpayer identification number or you don't know your
number, obtain Form SS-5, Application for Social Security Number Card, or Form
SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, at the local office of the
Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and apply
for a number.

PAYEES AND PAYMENT EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING -- The following is a
list of payees exempt from backup withholding and for which no information
reporting is required. For broker transactions, payees listed in items (1)
through (13), and a person registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940
who regularly acts as a broker are exempt. Payments subject to reporting under
sections 6041 and 6041A are generally exempt from backup withholding only if
made to payees described in items (1) through (7), except that a corporation
that provides medical and health care services or bills and collects payments
for such services is not exempt from withholding or information reporting:

(1) A corporation.
(2) An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), or an individual
retirement plan (IRA), or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7).
(3) The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
(4) A state, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or
any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities.
(5) A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies or
instrumentalities.
(6) An international organization or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
(7) A foreign central bank of issue.
(8) A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the U.S. or a
possession of the U.S.
(9) A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission.
(10) A real estate investment trust.
(11) An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.
(12) A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a).
(13) A financial institution.

Exempt payees described above should complete substitute Form W-9 to avoid
possible erroneous backup withholding. FILE THIS FORM WITH THE PAYOR, FURNISH
YOUR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER IN PART 1, WRITE "EXEMPT" ON THE FACE OF THE
FORM, AND SIGN AND DATE THE FORM.

Payments that are not subject to information reporting are also not subject
to backup withholding. For details, see the regulations under sections 6041,
6041(A)(a), 6042, 6044, 6045, 6049, 6050A, and 6050N.

- -------------------------------

/4/ Show the name of the owner.

/5/ List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension
trust.

Notes: If no name is circle when there is more than one name, the number will
be considered to be that of the first name listed.

B-10
<PAGE>

PRIVACY ACT NOTICE -- Section 6109 requires you to furnish your correct
taxpayer identification number (TIN) to persons who must file information
returns with IRS to report interest, dividends, and certain other income paid to
you, mortgage interest you paid, the acquisition or abandonment of secured
property, or contribution you made to an individual retirement arrangement
(IRA). IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes and to help verify the
accuracy of your tax return. You must provide your TIN whether or not you are
required to file a tax return. Payors must generally withhold 31% of taxable
interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not furnish a
TIN to a payor. Certain penalties may also apply.

PENALTIES

(1) PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FURNISH TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER -- If you
fail to furnish your correct taxpayer identification number to a payor, you
are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure
is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.

(2) CIVIL PENALTY FOR FALSE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO WITHHOLDING -- If you
make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no
imposition of backup withholding, you are subject to a penalty of $500.

(3) CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION -- Willfully falsifying
certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties
including fines and/or imprisonment.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR
TAX CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

B-11
<PAGE>

PART IV
CERTIFICATION OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS

Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that the Company, as
transferee of a U.S. real property interest, must withhold tax if the Exchanging
Offeree is a foreign person. In general, a foreign person is a nonresident
alien individual, foreign corporation, foreign partnership, foreign trust, or
foreign estate, but not a resident alien individual.

To inform the Company that withholding of tax is not required under Section
1445, Section 1 below must be completed by each Exchanging Offeree who is an
individual, and Section 2 below must be completed on behalf of each Exchanging
Offeree that is an entity.

SECTION 1 - CERTIFICATION BY INDIVIDUALS [to be completed ONLY by an Exchanging
Offeree who is an individual]

I, _____________________________________ [name of Exchanging Offeree]
hereby certify the following:

1. I am not a nonresident alien for purposes of U.S. income taxation;

2. My social security number is _____________________; and

3. My home address is__________________________________________________.

I understands that this certification may be disclosed to the Internal
Revenue Service by the Company and that any false statement I have made here
could be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both.

Under penalties of perjury I declare that I have examined this
certification and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct,
and complete.

_____________________________________ _______________
Signature of Exchanging Offeree Date

B-12
<PAGE>

SECTION 2 - CERTIFICATION BY ENTITIES [to be completed ONLY on behalf of an
Exchanging Offeree that is an entity]

The undersigned (who is a responsible officer in the case of a corporation,
a general partner in the case of a partnership, or a trustee, executor, or
equivalent fiduciary in the case of a trust or estate) hereby certifies the
following on behalf of ______________________ [name of Exchanging Offeree]:

1. _________________________ [name of Exchanging Offeree] is not a foreign
corporation, foreign partnership, foreign trust, or foreign estate (as those
terms are defined in the Internal Revenue Code and Income Tax Regulations);

2. The U.S. employer identification number of _________________________[name of
Exchanging Offeree] is ______________________.

3. The office address of ______________________________[name of Exchanging
Offeree] is
___________________________________________________________________________.

_____________________________[name of Exchanging Offeree] understands that
this certification may be disclosed to the Internal Revenue Service by the
Company and that any false statement contained herein could be punished by fine,
imprisonment, or both.

Under penalties of perjury I declare that I have examined this
certification and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct and
complete, and I further declare that I have authority to sign this document on
behalf of ________________________ [name of Exchanging Offeree].

_______________________________ _____________
Signature Date
_______________________________
Title

B-13
<PAGE>

APPENDIX C
LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE

FOR LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS

GULFEDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

A TEXAS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER OF

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

A DELAWARE CORPORATION

This Letter of Acceptance must be received by the Company by 5:00 p.m.,
Central Time, on _______________, 1997, or if the Gulfedge Exchange Offer is
extended, by that extended time and date (the "Expiration Date"). Please
execute this Letter of Acceptance in the SIGNATURE BOX and send or deliver the
completed Letter of Acceptance to the Company at the following address:

Edge Petroleum Corporation
Texaco Heritage Plaza
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002

DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE IS AT THE RISK OF THE OFFEREE. IF SENT
BY U.S. MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT AN OFFEREE USE REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN
RECEIPT REQUESTED.

PART I

ACCEPTANCE OF THE GULFEDGE EXCHANGE OFFER, REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES,
COVENANTS, APPOINTMENT OF PROXIES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY

The offeree signing in the SIGNATURE BOX below (the "Exchanging Offeree")
hereby accepts the Gulfedge Exchange Offer on the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Letter of Acceptance and in the Joint Proxy and
Consent Solicitation Statement/ Prospectus, receipt of a copy of which is hereby
acknowledged, and with respect to all his or her Gulfedge Units described in
Part III below, if any, (i) tenders to the Company all those Gulfedge Units and
(ii) subject to acceptance of the tender made hereby, sells, transfers and
assigns to the Company all right, title and interest in each Gulfedge Unit
tendered hereby (including without limitation all rights to receive
distributions with respect thereto).

The Company reserves the rights to transfer or assign, in whole or from time
to time in part, to one or more entities directly or indirectly wholly owned by
the Company the right to purchase interests in Gulfedge tendered pursuant to the
Gulfedge, but any such transfer or assignment shall not relieve the Company of
its obligations under the Gulfedge Exchange Offer, or prejudice the rights of
Exchanging Offerees to receive shares of Common Stock for interests in Gulfedge
properly tendered and accepted for exchange.

C-1
<PAGE>

This Letter of Acceptance may be withdrawn by written notice to the Company at
any time on or before the Expiration Date.

The Exchanging Offeree, by executing this Letter of Acceptance, represents and
warrants to the Company that (a) he or she has, and as of the Closing Date will
have, the right and authority to transfer all his or her interests in Gulfedge,
(b) all his or her Gulfedge Units are, and as of the Closing Date will be, free
and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges, encumbrances and adverse claims
and (c) the Gulfedge Units described in Part III below constitute all of his or
her interests in Gulfedge. THE EXCHANGING OFFEREE CONSENTS TO, APPROVES AND
RATIFIES THE TERMS OF THE GULFEDGE EXCHANGE OFFER AND THE OTHER COMBINATION
TRANSACTION. ACCORDINGLY, BY TENDERING GULFEDGE UNITS, THE EXCHANGING OFFEREE
APPROVES THE OVERALL TERMS AND STRUCTURE OF THE GULFEDGE EXCHANGE OFFER AND
GIVES UP ANY RIGHT TO CHALLENGE ANY ASPECT OF OLD EDGE'S AND ITS OFFICERS',
DIRECTORS', AND OTHER AFFILIATES' ACTIONS REGARDING THE COMBINATION
TRANSACTIONS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE ALLOCATION OF SHARES AMONG ANY
PARTIES RECEIVING SHARES IN THE COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS. All representations,
warranties and covenants contained herein shall survive the Closing Date and all
other transactions contemplated by this Letter of Acceptance or by the Joint
Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.

The Exchanging Offeree, by executing this Letter of Acceptance, irrevocably
appoints the Company or any designee of the Company, with full power of
substitution as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact, in his or her name,
place and stead (a) to execute, acknowledge, swear to, deliver, record, file and
send (i) any instruments amending the partnership agreement or certificate of
limited partnership of Gulfedge necessary or desirable to effect the
transactions contemplated by and described in the Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus and any other instruments, documents,
certificates, or notices that such agent and attorney-in-fact determines are
necessary or desirable under the laws of the United States of America (including
without limitation the Internal Revenue Code), any state or any political
subdivision or agency thereof to continue the valid existence of Gulfedge as a
limited partnership or to begin or continue its rights to do business in any
jurisdiction and (ii) any other instruments, documents, agreements, certificates
or notices that agent and attorney-in-fact determines are necessary or desirable
to effect the transactions contemplated by this Letter of Acceptance or the
Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus and (b) to receive all
benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of interests
in Gulfedge tendered hereby, all in accordance with the terms of the Gulfedge
Exchange Offer. The power of attorney contained in this paragraph shall become
effective upon acceptance by the Company of this Letter of Acceptance, shall be
deemed coupled with an interest, shall be irrevocable, shall survive the death,
incapacity, dissolution or termination of existence of the Exchanging Offeree
and shall be binding upon the Exchanging Offeree's heirs, legal representatives,
successors and assigns.

The Exchanging Offeree obligates himself or herself and his or her heirs,
legal representatives, successors and assigns to execute and deliver, or procure
and furnish from third parties, all additional instruments and documents that
the Company may require to evidence his or her title to the interests in
Gulfedge described in Part III hereof to transfer to and vest in the Company
the tendered partner interests in Gulfedge, and to effect any other transaction
contemplated by the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.
Without limiting or prejudicing any remedies that the Company may have hereunder
at law or in equity, the obligations of the Exchanging Offeree hereunder may be
specifically enforced.

This Letter of Acceptance shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the substantive laws of the State of Texas without regard to its choice of
law rules. Any term or provision of this Letter of Acceptance that is invalid
of unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the
validity, legality or enforceability by the Company of the remainder of this
Letter of Acceptance.

C-2
<PAGE>

PART II
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEREE

Name:
-----------------------------
Address:
--------------------------

- ----------------------------------

C-3
<PAGE>

PART III
DESCRIPTION OF INTERESTS

Set forth below is the number of Gulfedge Units the Exchanging Offeree owns.
An Exchanging Offeree must execute and deliver this Letter of Acceptance with
respect to all interests he or she owns in Gulfedge.

NUMBER OF GULFEDGE UNITS
------------------------

C-4
<PAGE>

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE BOX
(PLEASE ALSO COMPLETE THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
AND THE CERTIFICATION OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS BELOW)

Business Telephone:
( )
----------------------------------------------
Home Telephone:
( )
----------------------------------------------
Dated:_________________, 1997

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

C-5
<PAGE>

*IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION*

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C>
SUBSTITUTE PART 1 -- PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN IN THE Social Security Number or
FORM W-9 BOX AT THE RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND Employer Identification Number
Please fill in your Name DATING BELOW, OR IF A TIN HAS NOT BEEN
and Address: ISSUED TO YOU, PLEASE CHECK THE BOX IN PART
___________________ 3 BELOW.
___________________
___________________
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY PART 2 -- For payees exempt from backup withholding, see
PAYER'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN) Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CERTIFICATION -- Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
(1) The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer Identification Number (or I am waiting for a number
to be issued to me) and
(2) I am not subject to backup withholding under the provisions of Section 3406 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, either because (i) I am exempt from backup withholding, (ii) I have not been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all
interest or dividends or (iii) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.

PART 3
SIGNATURE__________________________________ DATE_________________, 199__ Awaiting TIN [ ]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

C-6
<PAGE>

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU
CHECKED THE BOX IN PART 3 OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

SIGNATURE _______________________________ DATE ________________________

NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 MAY RESULT IN
BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU.

C-7
<PAGE>

TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. Federal income tax law generally requires that a
holder of Gulfedge Units who receives shares of Common Stock of the Company must
provide the Company (as payor) with such holder's correct Taxpayer
Identification Number ("TIN") on Substitute Form W-9 above, which in the case of
an Exchanging Offeree who is an individual is his or her social security number.
If the shares of Common Stock of the Company relating to this Letter of
Acceptance will be held in more than one name or will not be held in the name of
the actual owner, consult the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of
Taxpayer's Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 (the "W-9 Guidelines")
for additional instructions. If the Company is not provided with the current
TIN, or if any other information is not correctly provided, such Exchanging
Offeree may be subject to up to a $500 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue
Service (plus additional penalties if an Exchanging Offeree makes a false
certification). Backup withholding is not an additional federal income tax.
Rather, the federal income tax liability of persons subject to backup
withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If backup
withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained
provided that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue
Service.

To prevent backup withholding, each Exchanging Offeree must provide his
correct TIN by completing the Substitute Form W-9 set forth above, certifying
that the TIN provided is correct and that (i) the Exchanging Offeree is exempt
from backup withholding, (ii) the Exchanging Offeree has not been notified by
the Internal Revenue Service that he is subject to backup withholding as a
result of a failure to report all interest or dividends or (iii) the Internal
Revenue Service has notified the Exchanging Offeree that he is no longer subject
to backup withholding. Notwithstanding that the box in Part 3 is checked (and
the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number is completed) the
Company may withhold 31% of any dividends paid prior to the time it is provided
with a properly certified TIN. Backup withholding will continue until such
Exchanging Offeree furnishes his TIN to the Company.

C-8
<PAGE>

GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

3. Husband and wife (joint The actual owner of the 10. Corporate account The corporation
account) account or, if joint funds,
the first individual on the
account/1/

4. Custodian account of a The minor/6/ 11. Association, club, The organization
minor (Uniform Gift to religious, charitable,
Minors Act) educational, or other tax-
exempt organization

5. Adult and minor (joint The adult or, if the minor 12. Partnership account The partnership
account) is the only contributor, the held in the name of
minor/1/ the business

6. Account in the name of The ward, minor or 13. A broker or registered The broker or nominee
guardian or committee incompetent person/7/ nominee
for a designated ward,
minor, or incompetent
person

- ---------------------------------------

/5/ List first and circle the name of the person whose number your furnish.

/6/ Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's social security number.

/7/ Circle the ward's, minor's or incompetent person's name and furnish such person's social security number.

</TABLE>

C-9
<PAGE>

</TABLE>

OBTAINING A NUMBER

- --------------------------------

/8/ Show the name of the owner.

/5/ List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension
trust.

Notes: If no name is circle when there is more than one name, the number will
be considered to be that of the first name listed.

C-10
<PAGE>

PENALTIES

(3) CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION -- Willfully falsifying
certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties
including fines and/or imprisonment.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR
TAX CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

C-11
<PAGE>

PART IV
CERTIFICATION OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS

SECTION 1 - CERTIFICATION BY INDIVIDUALS [to be completed ONLY by an Exchanging
Offeree who is an individual]

I, _____________________________________ [name of Exchanging Offeree]
hereby certify the following:

1. I am not a nonresident alien for purposes of U.S. income taxation;

2. My social security number is _____________________; and

3. My home address is _________________________________________________.

I understands that this certification may be disclosed to the Internal
Revenue Service by the Company and that any false statement I have made here
could be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both.

Under penalties of perjury I declare that I have examined this
certification and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct,
and complete.

____________________________________ __________________
Signature of Exchanging Offeree Date

C-12
<PAGE>

SECTION 2 - CERTIFICATION BY ENTITIES [to be completed ONLY on behalf of an
Exchanging Offeree that is an entity]

2. The U.S. employer identification number of _________________________[name of
Exchanging Offeree] is ______________________.

3. The office address of ______________________________[name of Exchanging
Offeree] is
___________________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________ ________________
Signature Date
_______________________________
Title

C-13
<PAGE>

APPENDIX D
LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE

FOR PARTNER INTERESTS

EDGE JOINT VENTURE II PARTNERSHIP

A TEXAS GENERAL PARTNERSHIP

PURSUANT TO THE PURCHASE OFFER OF

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

A DELAWARE CORPORATION

This Letter of Acceptance must be received by the Company by 5:00 p.m.,
Central Time, on _______________, 1997, or if the Edge Group Purchase Offer is
extended, by that extended time and date (the "Expiration Date"). Please
execute this Letter of Acceptance in the SIGNATURE BOX and send or deliver the
completed Letter of Acceptance to the Company at the following address:

Edge Petroleum Corporation
Texaco Heritage Plaza
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002

DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE IS AT THE RISK OF THE OFFEREE. IF SENT
BY U.S. MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT AN OFFEREE USE REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN
RECEIPT REQUESTED.

PART I

ACCEPTANCE OF THE EDGE GROUP PURCHASE OFFER, REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES,
COVENANTS, APPOINTMENT OF PROXIES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY

Edge Group, by signing in the SIGNATURE BOX below, hereby accepts the Edge
Group Purchase Offer on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Letter of Acceptance and in the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/ Prospectus, receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged, and
with respect to all Edge Group's Joint Venture Interest described in Part III
below (i) tenders to the Company all Edge Group's Joint Venture Interest and
(ii) subject to acceptance of the tender made hereby, sells, transfers and
assigns to the Company all right, title and interest in Edge Group's Joint
Venture Interest tendered hereby (including without limitation all rights to
receive distributions with respect thereto).

The Company reserves the rights to transfer or assign, in whole or from time
to time in part, to one or more entities directly or indirectly wholly owned by
the Company the right to purchase interests in the Joint Venture tendered
pursuant to the Edge Group Purchase Offer, but any such transfer or assignment
shall not relieve the Company of its obligations under the Edge Group Purchase
Offer, or prejudice the rights of Edge Group to receive shares of Common Stock
for interests in the Joint Venture properly tendered and accepted for exchange.

D-1
<PAGE>

This Letter of Acceptance may be withdrawn by written notice to the Company at
any time on or before the Expiration Date.

The Exchanging Offeree, by executing this Letter of Acceptance, represents and
warrants to the Company that (a) it has, and as of the Closing Date will have,
the right and authority to transfer all its interests in the Joint Venture, (b)
all its partner interests in the Joint Venture are, and as of the Closing Date
will be, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges, encumbrances and
adverse claims and (c) the partner interests described in Part III below
constitute all of its interests in the Joint Venture. All representations,
warranties and covenants contained herein shall survive the Closing Date and all
other transactions contemplated by this Letter of Acceptance or by the Joint
Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.

Edge Group, by executing this Letter of Acceptance, irrevocably appoints the
Company or any designee of the Company, with full power of substitution as its
true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, in its name, place and stead, (a) to
execute, acknowledge, swear to, deliver, record, file and send (i) any
instruments amending the partnership agreement or certificate of general
partnership of the Joint Venture necessary or desirable to effect the
transactions contemplated by and described in the Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus and any other instruments, documents,
certificates, or notices that such agent and attorney-in-fact determines are
necessary or desirable under the laws of the United States of America (including
without limitation the Internal Revenue Code), any state or any political
subdivision or agency thereof to continue the valid existence of the Joint
Venture as a general partnership or to begin or continue its rights to do
business in any jurisdiction and (ii) any other instruments, documents,
agreements, certificates or notices that agent and attorney-in-fact determines
are necessary or desirable to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Letter of Acceptance or the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus and (b) to receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all
rights of beneficial ownership of interests in the Joint Venture tendered
hereby, all in accordance with the terms of the Edge Group Purchase Offer. The
power of attorney contained in this paragraph shall become effective upon
acceptance by the Company of this Letter of Acceptance, shall be deemed coupled
with an interest, shall be irrevocable, shall survive the death, incapacity,
dissolution or termination of existence of the Exchanging Offeree and shall be
binding upon the Exchanging Offeree's legal representatives, successors and
assigns.

The Exchanging Offeree obligates itself and its legal representatives,
successors and assigns to execute and deliver, or procure and furnish from third
parties, all additional instruments and documents that the Company may require
to evidence its title to the interests in the Joint Venture described in Part
III hereof to transfer to and vest in the Company the tendered partner
interests in the Joint Venture, and to effect any other transaction contemplated
by the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus. Without
limiting or prejudicing any remedies that the Company may have hereunder at law
or in equity, the obligations of the Exchanging Offeree hereunder may be
specifically enforced.

This Letter of Acceptance shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the substantive laws of the State of Texas without regard to its choice of
law rules. Any term or provision of this Letter of Acceptance that is invalid
of unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the
validity, legality or enforceability by the Company of the remainder of this
Letter of Acceptance.

PART II
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEREE

Name:
-----------------------------
Address:
--------------------------

- ----------------------------------

D-2
<PAGE>

PART III
DESCRIPTION OF INTERESTS

Set forth below is the partner interests in the Joint Venture that the
Exchanging Offeree owns. Edge Group must execute and deliver this Letter of
Acceptance with respect to all interests it owns in the Joint Venture.

Partner Interests
-----------------

D-3
<PAGE>

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SIGNATURE BOX
(PLEASE ALSO COMPLETE THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
AND THE CERTIFICATION OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS BELOW)

<S> <C>
Please sign exactly as your name is printed in Part
II
above, unless printed incorrectly. Signatures in ----------------------------------------------
Letters of Acceptance from trusts, joint ventures, Full Name of Exchanging Offeree (Please Print)
corporations, limited partnerships, general
partnerships and other such entities must be
accompanied by evidence or an opinion of counsel ----------------------------------------------
acceptable to the Company that the entity has met all Full Name of Co-Owner, if any
requirements of its governing instruments. Each
joint owner of a general or limited partner interest
must sign. By signing in this SIGNATURE BOX, ----------------------------------------------
the Exchanging Offeree hereby agrees to all of the Signature of Exchanging Offeree
provisions contained in Part I of this Letter of
Acceptance.
----------------------------------------------
Signature of Co-Owner, if any

Business Telephone:
( )
----------------------------------------------
Home Telephone:
( )
---------------------------------------------
Dated:__________________________, 1997

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

D-4
<PAGE>

*IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION*

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
SUBSTITUTE PART 1 -- PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN IN THE Social Security Number or
FORM W-9 BOX AT THE RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND Employer Identification Number
Please fill in your Name DATING BELOW, OR IF A TIN HAS NOT BEEN
and Address: ISSUED TO YOU, PLEASE CHECK THE BOX IN PART
___________________ 3 BELOW.
___________________
___________________
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY PART 2 -- For payees exempt from backup withholding, see
PAYER'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN) Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERTIFICATION -- Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
(1) The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer Identification Number (or I am waiting for a number
to be issued to me) and
(2) I am not subject to backup withholding under the provisions of Section 3406 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, either because (i) I am exempt from backup withholding, (ii) I have not been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all
interest or dividends or (iii) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.

PART 3
SIGNATURE___________________________________ DATE _______________, 199__ Awaiting TIN [ ]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

D-5
<PAGE>

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU
CHECKED THE BOX IN PART 3 OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

SIGNATURE _______________________________ DATE ________________________

NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 MAY RESULT IN
BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU.

D-6
<PAGE>

TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. Federal income tax law generally requires that if
Edge Group accepts the Edge Group Purchase Offer, it must provide the Company
(as payor) with its correct Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") on Substitute
Form W-9 above. If the shares of Common Stock of the Company relating to this
Letter of Acceptance will be held in more than one name or will not be held in
the name of the actual owner, consult the enclosed Guidelines for Certification
of Taxpayer's Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 (the "W-9
Guidelines") for additional instructions. If the Company is not provided with
the current TIN, or if any other information is not correctly provided, Edge
Group may be subject to up to a $500 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue
Service (plus additional penalties if Edge Group makes a false certification).
Backup withholding is not an additional federal income tax. Rather, the federal
income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by
the amount of tax withheld. If backup withholding results in an overpayment of
taxes, a refund may be obtained provided that the required information is
furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

To prevent backup withholding, Edge Group must provide its correct TIN by
completing the Substitute Form W-9 set forth above, certifying that the TIN
provided is correct and that (i) it is exempt from backup withholding, (ii) it
has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that it is subject to
backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends
or (iii) the Internal Revenue Service has notified Edge Group that it is no
longer subject to backup withholding. Notwithstanding that the box in Part 3
is checked (and the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number is
completed) the Company may withhold 31% of any dividends paid prior to the time
it is provided with a properly certified TIN. Backup withholding will continue
until Edge Group furnishes its TIN to the Company.

D-7
<PAGE>

GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

3. Husband and wife (joint The actual owner of the 10. Corporate account The corporation
account) account or, if joint funds,
the first individual on the
account/1/

4. Custodian account of a The minor/10/ 11. Association, club, The organization
minor (Uniform Gift to religious, charitable,
Minors Act) educational, or other tax-
exempt organization

5. Adult and minor (joint The adult or, if the minor 12. Partnership account The partnership
account) is the only contributor, the held
minor/1/ in the name of the
business

6. Account in the name of The ward, minor or 13. A broker or registered The broker or nominee
guardian or committee incompetent person/11/ nominee
for a designated ward,
minor, or incompetent
person

</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------

/9/ List first and circle the name of the person whose number your furnish.

/10/ Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's social security number.

/11/ Circle the ward's, minor's or incompetent person's name and furnish such
person's social security number.

D-8
<PAGE>

</TABLE>

OBTAINING A NUMBER

- ------------------------------

/12/ Show the name of the owner.

/5/ List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension
trust.

Notes: If no name is circle when there is more than one name, the number will
be considered to be that of the first name listed.

D-9
<PAGE>

PENALTIES

(3) CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION -- Willfully falsifying
certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties
including fines and/or imprisonment.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR
TAX CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

D-10
<PAGE>

PART IV
CERTIFICATION OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS

Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that the Company, as
transferee of a U.S. real property interest, must withhold tax if Edge Group is
a foreign partnership. To inform the Company that withholding of tax is not
required under Section 1445, the undersigned (who is a general partner of Edge
Group) hereby certifies the following on behalf of Edge Group:

1. Edge Group is not a foreign corporation, foreign partnership, foreign trust,
or foreign estate (as those terms are defined in the Internal Revenue Code and
Income Tax Regulations);

2. The U.S. employer identification number of Edge Group is
______________________.

3. Edge Group's office address
is__________________________________________________.

Edge Group understands that this certification may be disclosed to the
Internal Revenue Service by the Company and that any false statement contained
herein could be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both.

_______________________________ _________________________
Signature Date

_______________________________
Title

D-11
<PAGE>

APPENDIX E

November 27, 1996

Edge Petroleum Corporation
2100 Texaco Heritage Plaza
Houston, Texas 77002

Gentlemen:

At your request, we have prepared an estimate of the reserves, future
production, and income attributable to certain combined leasehold and royalty
interests that are sought to be combined in Edge Petroleum Corporation, a
Delaware corporation, and which are currently held by Edge Joint Venture II
(Edge) and James C. Calaway as of September 30, 1996. The subject properties
are located in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The
income data were estimated using the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
guidelines for future cost and price parameters.

The estimated reserves and future income amounts presented in this report
are related to hydrocarbon prices. September 1996 hydrocarbon prices were used
in the preparation of this report as required by SEC guidelines; however,
actual future prices may vary significantly from these prices. Therefore,
volumes of reserves actually recovered and amounts of income actually received
may differ significantly from the estimated quantities presented in this
report. A summary of the results of this study is shown below.

SEC PARAMETERS
ESTIMATED NET RESERVES AND INCOME DATA
CERTAIN LEASEHOLD AND ROYALTY INTERESTS OF
EDGE JOINT VENTURE II AND JAMES C. CALAWAY
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROVED
-----------------------------------------------
DEVELOPED
-----------------------
NON- TOTAL
PRODUCING PRODUCING UNDEVELOPED PROVED
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET REMAINING RESERVES
Oil/Condensate--Barrels....... 438,829 269,232 41,961 750,022
Plant Products--Barrels....... 71,050 10,329 0 81,379
Gas--MMCF..................... 7,359 3,626 2,579 13,564
INCOME DATA
Future Gross Revenue.......... $23,669,314 $12,193,754 $5,449,802 $41,312,870
Deductions.................... 2,833,691 2,101,502 1,096,312 6,031,505
----------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Future Net Income (FNI)....... $20,835,623 $10,092,252 $4,353,490 $35,281,365
Discounted FNI @ 10%.......... $16,935,423 $ 6,088,764 $2,632,295 $25,656,482
</TABLE>

Liquid hydrocarbons are expressed in standard 42 gallon barrels. All gas
volumes are sales gas expressed in millions of cubic feet (MMCF) at the
official temperature and pressure bases of the areas in which the gas reserves
are located.

The proved developed non-producing reserves included herein are comprised of
behind-pipe and shut-in categories. A substantial portion of the proved
undeveloped reserves are associated with wells that have been drilled, but
require major expenditures for facilities, pipelines, and completions prior to
production. The various producing status categories are defined in the section
entitled "Definitions of Producing Status Categories" which is attached with
this report.

E-1
<PAGE>

The future gross revenue is after the deduction of production taxes. The
deductions are comprised of the normal direct costs of operating the wells
(including processing fees and ad valorem taxes), recompletion costs and
development costs. The future net income is before the deduction of state and
federal income taxes and general administrative overhead, and has not been
adjusted for outstanding loans that may exist nor does it include any
adjustment for cash on hand or undistributed income. No attempt was made to
quantify or otherwise account for any accumulated gas production imbalances
that may exist. Gas reserves account for approximately 61 percent and liquid
hydrocarbon reserves account for the remaining 39 percent of total future
gross revenue from proved reserves.

RESERVES INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT

The proved reserves included herein conform to the definition as set forth
in the Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation S-X Part 210.4-10(a) as
clarified by subsequent Commission Staff Accounting Bulletins. Our definition
of proved reserves is included in the section entitled "Definitions of
Reserves" which is attached with this report.

ESTIMATES OF RESERVES

In general, the reserves included herein were predominantly estimated by the
volumetric method due to the limited production history of the wells
considered in this study. However, performance methods were used in certain
cases where characteristics of the data indicated this method was more
appropriate in our opinion. The reserves estimated by the performance method
utilized extrapolations of various historical data in those cases where such
data were definitive. Reserves were estimated by the volumetric method in
those cases where there were inadequate historical performance data to
establish a definitive trend or where the use of production performance data
as a basis for the reserve estimates was considered to be inappropriate.

The reserves included in this report are estimates only and should not be
construed as being exact quantities. They may or may not be actually
recovered, and if recovered, the revenues therefrom and the actual costs
related thereto could be more or less than the estimated amounts. Moreover,
estimates of reserves may increase or decrease as a result of future
operations.

FUTURE PRODUCTION RATES

Initial production rates are based on the current producing rates for those
wells now on production. Test data and other related information were used to
estimate the anticipated initial production rates for those wells or locations
which are not currently producing. If no production decline trend has been
established, future production rates were held constant, or adjusted for the
effects of curtailment where appropriate, until a decline in ability to
produce was anticipated. An estimated rate of decline was then applied to
depletion of the reserves. If a decline trend has been established, this trend
was used as the basis for estimating future production rates. For reserves not
yet on production, sales were estimated to commence at an anticipated date
furnished by Edge.

In general, we estimate that future gas production rates will continue to be
the same as the average rate for the latest available 12 months of actual
production until such time that the well or wells are incapable of producing
at this rate. The well or wells were then projected to decline at their
decreasing delivery capacity rate. Our general policy on estimates of future
gas production rates is adjusted when necessary to reflect actual gas market
conditions in specific cases.

The future production rates from wells now on production may be more or less
than estimated because of changes in market demand or allowables set by
regulatory bodies. Wells or locations which are not currently producing may
start producing earlier or later than anticipated in our estimates of their
future production rates.

HYDROCARBON PRICES

Edge furnished us with prices in effect at September 30, 1996 and these
prices were held constant except for known and determinable escalations.
Product prices which were actually used for each property reflect

E-2
<PAGE>

adjustment for gravity, quality, local conditions, and/or distance from
market. In accordance with SEC guidelines, changes in liquid and gas prices
subsequent to September 30, 1996 were not taken into account in this report.
Future prices used in this report are discussed in more detail in the section
entitled "Hydrocarbon Pricing Parameters" which is attached with this report.

COSTS

Operating costs for the leases and wells in this report are based on the
operating expense reports of Edge and include only those costs directly
applicable to the leases or wells. When applicable, the operating costs
include a portion of general and administrative costs allocated directly to
the leases and wells under terms of operating agreements. Development costs
were furnished to us by Edge and are based on authorizations for expenditure
for the proposed work or actual costs for similar projects. The current
operating and development costs were held constant throughout the life of the
properties. At the request of Edge, their estimate of zero net abandonment
costs after salvage value was used in this report. Ryder Scott has not
performed a detailed study of the abandonment cost nor the salvage value and
makes no warranty for Edge's estimate. No deduction was made for indirect
costs such as general administration and overhead expenses, loan repayments,
interest expenses, and exploration and development prepayments that are not
charged directly to the leases or wells.

GENERAL

While it may reasonably be anticipated that the future prices received for
the sale of production and the operating costs and other costs relating to
such production may increase or decrease from existing levels, such changes
were, in accordance with the rules adopted by the SEC, omitted from
consideration in making this evaluation.

The estimates of reserves presented herein were based upon a detailed study
of the properties in which Edge owns an interest; however, we have not made
any field examination of the properties. No consideration was given in this
report to potential environmental liabilities which may exist nor were any
costs included for potential liability to restore and clean up damages, if
any, caused by past operating practices. Edge has informed us that they have
furnished us all of the accounts, records, geological and engineering data,
and reports and other data required for this investigation. The ownership
interests, prices, and other factual data furnished by Edge were accepted
without independent verification. The estimates presented in this report are
based on data available through September 1996.

Neither we nor any of our employees have any interest in the subject
properties and neither the employment to make this study nor the compensation
is contingent on our estimates of reserves and future income for the subject
properties.

This report was prepared for the exclusive use of Edge Petroleum
Corporation. The data, work papers, and maps used in the preparation of this
report are available for examination by authorized parties in our offices.
Please contact us if we can be of further service.

Very truly yours,

RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

/s/ Michael F. Stell
-------------------------------------
Michael F. Stell, P.E.
Petroleum Engineer
MFS/sw

Approved:

/s/ Don P. Roesle
- -------------------------------------
Don P. Roesle, P.E.
Senior Vice President

E-3
<PAGE>

DEFINITIONS OF RESERVES

PROVED RESERVES (SEC DEFINITION)

Proved reserves of crude oil, condensate, natural gas, and natural gas
liquids are estimated quantities that geological and engineering data
demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in the future from
known reservoirs under existing operating conditions, i.e., prices and costs
as of the date the estimate is made. Prices include consideration of changes
in existing prices provided only by contractual arrangements, but not on
escalation based on future conditions.

Reservoirs are considered proved if economic producibility is supported by
either actual production or conclusive formation test. In certain instances,
proved reserves are assigned on the basis of a combination of core analysis
and electrical and other type logs which indicate the reservoirs are analogous
to reservoirs in the same field which are producing or have demonstrated the
ability to produce on a formation test. The area of a reservoir considered
proved includes (1) that portion delineated by drilling and defined by fluid
contacts, if any, and (2) the adjoining portions not yet drilled that can be
reasonably judged as economically productive on the basis of available
geological and engineering data. In the absence of data on fluid contacts, the
lowest known structural occurrence of hydrocarbons controls the lower proved
limit of the reservoir.

Reserves that can be produced economically through the application of
improved recovery techniques are included in the proved classification when
these qualifications are met: (1) successful testing by a pilot project or the
operation of an installed program in the reservoir provides support for the
engineering analysis on which the project or program was based, and (2) it is
reasonably certain the project will proceed. Improved recovery includes all
methods for supplementing natural reservoir forces and energy, or otherwise
increasing ultimate recovery from a reservoir, including (1) pressure
maintenance, (2) cycling, and (3) secondary recovery in its original sense.
Improved recovery also includes the enhanced recovery methods of thermal,
chemical flooding, and the use of miscible and immiscible displacement fluids.

Proved natural gas reserves are comprised of non-associated, associated and
dissolved gas. An appropriate reduction in gas reserves has been made for the
expected removal of natural gas liquids, for lease and plant fuel, and for the
exclusion of non-hydrocarbon gases if they occur in significant quantities and
are removed prior to sale. Estimates of proved reserves do not include crude
oil, natural gas, or natural gas liquids being held in underground or surface
storage.

Proved reserves are estimates of hydrocarbons to be recovered from a given
date forward. They may be revised as hydrocarbons are produced and additional
data become available.

E-4
<PAGE>

RESERVE STATUS CATEGORIES

Reserve status categories define the development and producing status of
wells and/or reservoirs.

PROVED DEVELOPED (SEC DEFINITION)

Proved developed oil and gas reserves are reserves that can be expected to
be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating
methods. Additional oil and gas expected to be obtained through the
application of fluid injection or other improved recovery techniques for
supplementing the natural forces and mechanisms of primary recovery should be
included as "proved developed reserves" only after testing by a pilot project
or after the operation of an installed program has confirmed through
production response that increased recovery will be achieved.

Developed reserves may be subcategorized as producing or non-producing using
the SPE/SPEE Definitions:

Producing

Producing reserves are expected to be recovered from completion
intervals open at the time of the estimate and producing. Improved
recovery reserves are considered to be producing only after an
improved recovery project is in operation.

Non-Producing

Non-producing reserves include shut-in and behind pipe reserves.
Shut-in reserves are expected to be recovered from completion
intervals open at the time of the estimate, but which had not started
producing, or were shut-in for market conditions or pipeline
connection, or were not capable of production for mechanical reasons,
and the time when sales will start is uncertain. Behind pipe reserves
are expected to be recovered from zones behind casing in existing
wells, which will require additional completion work or a future
recompletion prior to the start of production.

PROVED UNDEVELOPED (SEC DEFINITION)

Proved undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves that are expected to be
recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a
relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion. Reserves on
undrilled acreage shall be limited to those drilling units offsetting
productive units that are reasonably certain of production when drilled.
Proved reserves for other undrilled units can be claimed only where it can be
demonstrated with reasonable certainty that there is continuity of production
from the existing productive formation. Under no circumstances should
estimates for proved undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for
which an application of fluid injection or other improved technique is
contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual
tests in the area and in the same reservoir.

E-5
<PAGE>

HYDROCARBON PRICING PARAMETERS

SEC PARAMETERS

OIL AND CONDENSATE

Edge furnished us with oil and condensate prices in effect at September 30,
1996 and these prices were held constant to depletion of the properties. In
accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines, changes in
liquid prices subsequent to September 30, 1996 were not considered in the
report.

PLANT PRODUCTS

Edge furnished us with plant product prices in effect at September 30, 1996
and these prices were held constant to depletion of the properties.

GAS

Edge furnished us with gas prices in effect at September 30, 1996 and with
its forecasts of future gas prices which take into account SEC guidelines,
current spot market prices, contract prices, and fixed and determinable price
escalations where applicable. In accordance with SEC guidelines, the future
gas prices used in this report make no allowances for future gas price
increases which may occur as a result of inflation nor do they make any
allowance for seasonal variations in gas prices which may cause future yearly
average gas prices to differ from September 1996 gas prices. For gas sold
under contract, the contract gas price including fixed and determinable
escalations, exclusive of inflation adjustments, was used until the contract
expires and then was adjusted to the current market price for the area and
held at this adjusted price to depletion of the reserves.

E-6
<PAGE>
APPENDIX F

TEXAS BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT

ART. 5.11. RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN CORPORATE
ACTIONS

A. Any shareholder of a domestic corporation shall have the right to
dissent from any of the following corporate actions:

(1) Any plan of merger to which the corporation is a party if shareholder
approval is required by Article 5.03 or 5.16 of this Act and the shareholder
holds shares of a class or series that was entitled to vote thereon as a class
or otherwise;

(2) Any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition (not including any
pledge, mortgage, deed of trust or trust indenture unless otherwise provided in
the articles of incorporation) of all, or substantially all, the property and
assets, with or without good will, of a corporation requiring the special
authorization of the shareholders as provided by this Act;

(3) Any plan of exchange pursuant to Article 5.02 of this Act in which the
shares of the corporation of the class or series held by the shareholder are to
be acquired.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section A of this Article, a
shareholder shall not have the right to dissent from any plan of merger in which
there is a single surviving or new domestic or foreign corporation, or from any
plan of exchange, if (1) the shares held by the shareholder are part of a class
shares of which are listed on a national securities exchange, or are held of
record by not less than 2,000 holders, on the record date fixed to determine the
shareholders entitled to vote on the plan of merger or the plan of exchange, and
(2) the shareholder is not required by the terms of the plan of merger or the
plan of exchange to accept for his shares any consideration other than (a)
shares of a corporation that, immediately after the effective time of the merger
or exchange, will be part of a class or series of shares of which are (i)
listed, or authorized for listing upon official notice of issuance, on a
national securities exchange, or (ii) held of record by not less than 2,000
holders, and (b) cash in lieu of fractional shares otherwise entitled to be
received.

ART. 5.12. PROCEDURE FOR DISSENT BY SHAREHOLDERS AS TO SAID CORPORATE ACTIONS

A. Any shareholder of any domestic corporation who has the right to
dissent from any of the corporate actions referred to in Article 5.11 of this
Act may exercise that right to dissent only by complying with the following
procedures:

(1)(a) With respect to proposed corporate action that is submitted to a
vote of shareholders at a meeting, the shareholder shall file with the
corporation, prior to the meeting, a written objection to the action, setting
out that the shareholder's right to dissent will be exercised if the action is
effective and giving the shareholder's address, to which notice thereof shall be
delivered or mailed in that event. If the action is effected and the
shareholder shall not have voted in favor of the action, the corporation, in the
case of action other than a merger, or the surviving or new corporation (foreign
or domestic) or other entity that is liable to discharge the shareholder's right
of dissent, in the case of a merger, shall, within ten (10) days after the
action is effected, deliver or mail to the shareholder written notice that the
action has been effected, and the shareholder may, within ten (10) days from the
delivery or mailing of the notice, make written demand on the existing,
surviving, or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case
may be, for payment of the fair value of the shareholder's shares. The fair
value of the shares shall be the value thereof as of the day immediately
preceding the meeting, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
anticipation of the proposed action. The demand shall state the number and
class of the shares owned by the shareholder and the fair value of the shares as
estimated by the shareholder. Any shareholder failing to make demand within the
ten (10) day period shall be bound by the action.

(b) With respect to proposed corporate action that is approved pursuant to
Section A of Article 9.10 of this Act, the corporation, in the case of action
other than a merger, and the surviving or new corporation (foreign or domestic)
or other entity that is liable to discharge the shareholder's right of dissent,
in the case of a merger, shall, within ten (10) days after the date the action
is effected, mail to each shareholder of record as of the effective date of the
action notice of the fact and date of the action and that the shareholder may
exercise the shareholder's right to dissent from the action. The notice shall
be accompanied by a copy of this Article and any articles or documents filed by
the corporation with the Secretary of State to effect the action. If the
shareholder shall not have consented to the taking of the action, the
shareholder may, within twenty (20) days after the mailing of the notice, make
written demand on the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or
domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, for payment of the fair value of
the shareholder's shares. The fair value of the shares shall be the value
thereof as of the date the written consent authorizing the action was delivered
to the corporation pursuant to Section A of Article 9.10 of this Act, excluding
any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the action. The demand
shall state the number and class of shares owned by the dissenting shareholder
and the fair value of the shares as estimated by the shareholder. Any
shareholder failing to make demand within the twenty (20) day period shall be
bound by the action.

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<PAGE>
(2) Within twenty (20) days after receipt by the existing, surviving, or
new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, of a
demand for payment made by a dissenting shareholder in accordance with
Subsection (1) of this Section, the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity shall deliver or mail to the shareholder a written notice that shall
either set out that the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity
accepts the amount claimed in the demand and agrees to pay that amount within
ninety (90) days after the date on which the action was effected, and, in the
case of shares represented by certificates, upon the surrender of the
certificates duly endorsed, or shall contain an estimate by the corporation
(foreign or domestic) or other entity of the fair value of the shares, together
with an offer to pay the amount of that estimate within ninety (90) days after
the date on which the action was effected, upon receipt of notice within sixty
(60) days after that date from the shareholder that the shareholder agrees to
accept that amount and, in the case of shares represented by certificates, upon
the surrender of the certificates duly endorsed.

(3) If, within sixty (60) days after the date on which the corporate action
was effected, the value of the shares is agreed upon between the shareholder and
the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity, as the case may be, payment for the shares shall be made within ninety
(90) days after the date on which the action was effected and, in the case of
shares represented by certificates, upon surrender of the certificates duly
endorsed. Upon payment of the agreed value, the shareholder shall cease to have
any interest in the shares or in the corporation.

B. If, within the period of sixty (60) days after the date on which the
corporate action was effected, the shareholder and the existing, surviving, or
new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, do
not so agree, then the shareholder or the corporation (foreign or domestic) or
other entity may, within sixty (60) days after the expiration of the sixty (60)
day period, file a petition in any court of competent jurisdiction in the county
in which the principal office of the domestic corporation is located, asking for
a finding and determination of the fair value of the shareholder's shares. Upon
the filing of any such petition by the shareholder, service of a copy thereof
shall be made upon the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, which
shall, within ten (10) days after service, file in the office of the clerk of
the court in which the petition was filed a list containing the names and
addresses of all shareholders of the domestic corporation who have demanded
payment for their shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their
shares have not been reached by the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity. If the petition shall be filed by the corporation (foreign or domestic)
or other entity, the petition shall be accompanied by such a list. The clerk of
the court shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the hearing of the
petition by registered mail to the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity and to the shareholders named on the list at the addresses therein
stated. The forms of the notices by mail shall be approved by the court. All
shareholders thus notified and the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity shall thereafter be bound by the final judgment of the court.

C. After the hearing of the petition, the court shall determine the
shareholders who have complied with the provisions of this Article and have
become entitled to the valuation of and payment for their shares, and shall
appoint one or more qualified appraisers to determine that value. The
appraisers shall have power to examine any of the books and records of the
corporation the shares of which they are charged with the duty of valuing, and
they shall make a determination of the fair value of the shares upon such
investigation as to them may seem proper. The appraisers shall also afford a
reasonable opportunity to the parties interested to submit to them pertinent
evidence as to the value of the shares. The appraisers shall also have such
power and authority as may be conferred on Masters in Chancery by the Rules of
Civil Procedure or by the order of their appointment.

D. The appraisers shall determine the fair value of the shares of the
shareholders adjudged by the court to be entitled to payment for their shares
and shall file their report of that value in the office of the clerk of the
court. Notice of the filing of the report shall be given by the clerk to the
parties in interest. The report shall be subject to exceptions to be heard
before the court both upon the law and the facts. The court shall by its
judgment determine the fair value of the shares of the shareholders entitled to
payment for their shares and shall direct the payment of that value by the
existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity,
together with interest thereon, beginning 91 days after the date on which the
applicable corporate action from which the shareholder elected to dissent was
effected to the date of such judgment, to the shareholders entitled to payment.
The judgment shall be payable to the holders of uncertificated shares
immediately but to the holders of shares represented by certificates only upon,
and simultaneously with, the surrender to the existing, surviving, or new
corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, of duly
endorsed certificates for those shares. Upon payment of the judgment, the
dissenting shareholders shall cease to have any interest in those shares or in
the corporation. The court shall allow the appraisers a reasonable fee as court
costs, and all court costs shall be allotted between the parties in the manner
that the court determines to be fair and equitable.

E. Shares acquired by the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign
or domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, pursuant to the payment of the
agreed value of the shares or pursuant to payment of the judgment entered for
the value of the shares, as in this Article provided, shall, in the case of a
merger, be treated as provided in the plan of merger and, in all other cases,
may be held and disposed of by the corporation as in the case of other treasury
shares.

F. The provisions of this Article shall not apply to a merger if, on the
date of the filing of the articles of merger, the surviving corporation is the
owner of all the outstanding shares of the other corporations, domestic or
foreign, that are parties to the merger.

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<PAGE>

G. In the absence of fraud in the transaction, the remedy provided by this
Article to a shareholder objecting to any corporate action referred to in
Article 5.11 of this Act is the exclusive remedy for the recovery of the value
of his shares or money damages to the shareholder with respect to the action.
If the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity, as the case may be, complies with the requirements of this Article, any
shareholder who fails to comply with the requirements of this Article shall not
be entitled to bring suit for the recovery of the value of his shares or money
damages to the shareholder with respect to the action.

ART. 5.13. PROVISIONS AFFECTING REMEDIES OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS

A. Any shareholder who has demanded payment for his shares in accordance
with either Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act shall not thereafter be entitled to
vote or exercise any other rights of a shareholder except the right to receive
payment for his shares pursuant to the provisions of those articles and the
right to maintain an appropriate action to obtain relief on the ground that the
corporate action would be or was fraudulent, and the respective shares for which
payment has been demanded shall not thereafter be considered outstanding for the
purposes of any subsequent vote of shareholders.

B. Upon receiving a demand for payment from any dissenting shareholder,
the corporation shall make an appropriate notation thereof in its shareholder
records. Within twenty (20) days after demanding payment for his shares in
accordance with either Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act, each holder of
certificates representing shares so demanding payment shall submit such
certificates to the corporation for notation thereon that such demand has been
made. The failure of holders of certificated shares to do so shall, at the
option of the corporation, terminate such shareholder's rights under Articles
5.12 and 5.16 of this Act unless a court of competent jurisdiction for good and
sufficient cause shown shall otherwise direct. If uncertificated shares for
which payment has been demanded or shares represented by a certificate on which
notation has been so made shall be transferred, any new certificate issued
therefor shall bear similar notation together with the name of the original
dissenting holder of such shares and a transferee of such shares shall acquire
by such transfer no rights in the corporation other than those which the
original dissenting shareholder had after making demand for payment of the fair
value thereof.

C. Any shareholder who has demanded payment for his shares in accordance with
either Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act may withdraw such demand at any time
before payment for his shares or before any petition has been filed pursuant to
Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act asking for a finding and determination of the
fair value of such shares, but no such demand may be withdrawn after such
payment has been made or, unless the corporation shall consent thereto, after
any such petition has been filed. If, however, such demand shall be withdrawn
as hereinbefore provided, or if pursuant to Section B of this Article the
corporation shall terminate the shareholder's rights under Article 5.12 or 5.16
of this Act, as the case may be, or if no petition asking for a finding and
determination of fair value of such shares by a court shall have been file
within the time provided in Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act, as the case may
be, or if after the hearing of petition filed pursuant to Article 5.12 or 5.16,
the court shall determine that such shareholder is not entitled to the relief
provided by those articles, then, in any such case, such shareholder and all
persons claiming under him shall be conclusively presumed to have approved and
ratified the corporate action from which he dissented and shall be bound
thereby, the right of such shareholder to be paid the fair value of his shares
shall cease, and his status as a shareholder shall be restored without prejudice
to any corporate proceedings which may have been taken during the interim, and
such shareholder shall be entitled to receive any dividends or other
distributions made to shareholders in the interim.

F-3

<PAGE>

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

Delaware General Corporation Law

Section 145(a) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the
"DGCL") provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative
or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation)
by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent
of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as
a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including
attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding
if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct
was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment,
order, settlement or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not
act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his
conduct was unlawful.

Section 145(b) of the DGCL states that a corporation may indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he
is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is
serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise against expenses (including action or suit if he acted in good
faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be
made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall
have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the
extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit
was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of
liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is
fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses that the Court
of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

Section 145(c) of the DGCL provides that to the extent that a director,
officer, employee or agent of a corporation has been successful on the merits
or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in
subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145, or in defense of any claim, issue or
matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys'
fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith.

Section 145(d) of the DGCL states that any indemnification under subsections
(a) and (b) of Section 145 (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the
corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that
indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the
circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth
in subsections (a) and (b). Such determination shall be made (1) by the board
of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were
not parties to such action, suit or proceeding or (2) if such a quorum is not
obtainable or, even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested directors so
directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (3) by the
stockholders.

Section 145(e) of the DGCL provides that expenses (including attorneys'
fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the
corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or
proceeding upon receipt of an

II-1
<PAGE>

undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount
if it ultimately is determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by
the corporation as authorized in Section 145. Such expenses (including
attorneys' fees) incurred by other employees and agents may be so paid upon
such terms and conditions, if any, as the board of directors deems
appropriate.

Section 145(f) of the DGCL states that the indemnification and advancement
of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of
Section 145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those
seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any
bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise, both as to action in this official capacity and as to action in
another capacity while holding such office.

Section 145(g) of the DGCL provides that a corporation shall have the power
to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving
at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such
capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation
would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the
provisions of Section 145.

Section 145(j) of the DGCL states that the indemnification and advancement
of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, Section 145 shall, unless
otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who
has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the
benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

Certificate of Incorporation

The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company provides that a director of
the Company shall not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders
for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for
liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company
or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under
Section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit. If the DGCL is amended to authorize the
further elimination or limitation of the liability of directors, then the
liability of a director of the Company, in addition to the limitation on
personal liability described above, shall be limited to the fullest extent
permitted by the amended DGCL. Further, any repeal or modification of such
provision of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation by the stockholders of
the Company shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any
limitation on the personal liability of a director of the Company existing at
the time of such repeal or modification.

Bylaws

The Bylaws of the Company provide that each person who was or is made a
party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative,
by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person of whom he or she is the
legal representative, is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer
of the Company or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of
the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation
or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including
service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such
proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director or officer
or in any other capacity while serving or having agreed to serve as a director
or officer, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the
fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as the same exists or may thereafter be
amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such
amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than
said law permitted the Company to provide prior to such amendment) against all
expense, liability and loss (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees,
judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be
paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in
connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a person
who has ceased to serve in the

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<PAGE>

capacity which initially entitled such person to indemnity thereunder, and
shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators;
provided, however, that the Company shall indemnify any such person seeking
indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by
such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the
board of directors of the Company. The Bylaws further provide that the right
to indemnification conferred thereby shall be a contract right and shall
include the right to be paid by the Company the expenses incurred in defending
any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however,
that, if the DGCL requires, the payment of such expenses incurred by a
current, former or proposed director or officer in his or her capacity as a
director or officer or proposed director or officer (and not in any other
capacity in which service was or is or has been agreed to be rendered by such
person while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to
an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding,
shall be made only upon delivery to the Company of an undertaking, by or on
behalf of such indemnified person, to repay all amounts so advanced if it
shall ultimately be determined that such indemnified person is not entitled to
be indemnified under the Bylaws or otherwise. In addition, the Bylaws provide
that the Company may, by action of its board of directors, provide
indemnification to employees and agents of the Company, individually or as a
group, with the same scope and effect as the indemnification to employees and
agents of the Company, individually or as a group, with the same scope and
effect as the indemnification of directors and officers provided for in the
Bylaws.

The Bylaws include related provisions meant to facilitate the indemnitee's
receipt of such benefits. These provisions cover, among other things: (i)
specification of the method of determining entitlement to indemnification and
the selection of independent counsel that will in some cases make such
determination; (ii) specification of certain time periods by which certain
payments or determinations must be made and actions must be taken; and (iii)
the establishment of certain presumptions in favor of an indemnitee. The
benefits of certain of these provisions are available to an indemnitee only if
there has been a change in control (as defined therein).

Indemnification Agreements

The Company has entered into Indemnification Agreements with each of its
directors. The Indemnification Agreements provide that the Company shall
indemnify the director and hold him harmless from any losses and expenses
which, in type or amount, are not insured under the directors and officers'
liability insurance maintained by the Company, and generally indemnifies the
director against losses and expenses as a result of a claim or claims made
against him for any breach of duty, neglect, error, misstatement, misleading
statement, omission or other act done or wrongfully attempted by the director
or any of the foregoing alleged by any claimant or any claim against the
director solely by reason of him being a director or officer of the Company,
subject to certain exclusions. The Indemnification Agreements also provide
certain procedures regarding the right to indemnification and for the
advancement of expenses.

Underwriting Agreement

The Underwriting Agreement to be entered into in connection with the related
public offering of the Common Stock of the Company provides for the
indemnification of the directors and officers of the Company in certain
circumstances.

Insurance

The Company intends to obtain a policy of liability insurance to insure its
officers and directors against losses resulting from certain acts committed by
them in their capacities as officers and directors of the Company.

II-3
<PAGE>

ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a) Exhibits.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
<C> <S>
2.1 --Combination Agreement by and among Edge Group II Limited
Partnership, Gulfedge Limited Partnership, Edge Group Partnership,
Old Edge, Edge Mergeco, Inc., and the Company, dated as of December
3, 1996 (included as Appendix A to the Joint Proxy and Consent
Solicitation Statement/Prospectus that constitutes a part of this
Registration Statement).
*3.1 --Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
*3.2 --Bylaws of the Company.
*4.1 --Form of certificate representing Common Stock.
*4.2 --Subordinated Promissory Note of the Joint Venture dated January 3,
1995 in the original principal amount of $2,000,000 payable to James
C. Calaway, and related agreement, as amended.
*4.3 --Credit Agreement, as amended, dated as of July 11, 1995, between
Edge Joint Venture II and Compass Bank--Houston, as lender.
*4.4 --Security Agreements, as amended, dated as of July 11, 1995 of Edge
Joint Venture II in favor of Compass Bank--Houston.
The Company is a party to several debt instruments under which the
total amount of securities authorized does not exceed 10% of the
total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis. Pursuant to paragraph 4(iii)(A) of Item 601(b) of Regulation
S-K, the Company agrees to furnish a copy of such instruments to the
Commission upon request.
*5.1 --Opinion of Baker & Botts, L.L.P.
*8.1 --Opinion of .
*9.1 --Agreement dated April 8, 1991 among the persons named therein, with
respect to the formation of Old Edge.
*10.1 --Joint Venture Agreement, as amended, dated April 8, 1991 among Edge
Group II Limited Partnership, New Edge Petroleum Corporation,
Gulfedge Limited Partnership and Edge Group Partnership.
*10.2 --Joint Venture Agreement between Edge Joint Venture II and Essex
Royalty Limited Partnership II, dated as of May 10, 1994.
*10.3 --Joint Venture Agreement between Edge Joint Venture II and Essex
Royalty Limited Partnership, dated as of April 11, 1992.
*10.4 --Agreement of Limited Partnership of Edge Group II Limited
Partnership among John Sfondrini, Napamco, Ltd. and the limited
partners named therein.
*10.5 --Agreement of Limited Partnership of Gulfedge Limited Partnership by
and among Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation, as general
partner, and the limited partners named therein, dated as of April 1,
1991.
*10.6 --Registration Rights Agreement between Edge Holding Company Limited
Partnership and the Company.
*10.7 --Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and each of
its directors.
*10.8 --Employment Agreement dated April 9, 1991 between Edge Petroleum
Corporation and John E. Calaway.
*10.9 --Employment Agreement between the Company and James D. Calaway.
*10.10 --Employment Agreement between the Company and John E. Calaway.
10.11 --Purchase Agreement between the Company and James C. Calaway dated as
of December 3, 1996.
*10.12 --Consulting Agreement of James C. Calaway dated March 18, 1989.
*10.13 --Stock Option Plan of Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas
corporation.
*10.14 --1996 Incentive Plan of Edge Petroleum Corporation.
*10.15 --Underwriting Agreement.
*11.1 --Computation of Net Income Per Common and Common Equivalent Share.
*21.1 --Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1 --Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
</TABLE>

II-4
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
<C> <S>
*23.2 --Consent of Baker & Botts, L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.3 --Consent of Ryder Scott Company.
*23.9 --Consent of Robert W. Shower, as nominee for director.
24.1 --Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this
Registration Statement).
*27.1 --Financial Data Schedule.
*99.1 --Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of Edge Petroleum
Corporation, a Texas corporation.
*99.2 --Bylaws of Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation.
*99.3 --Form of Proxy Card.
</TABLE>
- --------
* To be filed by amendment.

(b) Financial Statement Schedules.

Schedule I--Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or because
the required information is contained in the financial statements or notes
thereto included in this Registration Statement.

ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by section (a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act if,
in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more
than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in
the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
registration statement;

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a

II-5
<PAGE>

claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with securities being registered, the registrant will,
unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

(1) For the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as a
part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule
424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be
part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared
effective.

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of Form S-4, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through
the date of responding to the request.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-
effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company
being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in
the registration statement when it became effective.

II-6
<PAGE>

SIGNATURES

PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE
UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON, STATE OF
TEXAS, ON THE 4TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 1996.

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

/s/ James D. Calaway
By:__________________________________
James D. Calaway
President

POWER OF ATTORNEY

EACH PERSON WHOSE SIGNATURE APPEARS BELOW HEREBY APPOINTS MR. JOHN E.
CALAWAY AND JAMES D. CALAWAY, AND BOTH OF THEM, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT WITHOUT
THE JOINDER OF THE OTHER, AS HIS TRUE AND LAWFUL ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS,
WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION AND RESUBSTITUTION, FOR HIM AND IN HIS NAME,
PLACE AND STEAD, IN ANY AND ALL CAPACITIES TO SIGN ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS
(INCLUDING POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENTS) TO THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND ANY
REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SAME OFFERING FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 462 UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AND TO FILE THE SAME, WITH ALL EXHIBITS THERETO
AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, WITH THE COMMISSION, GRANTING
UNTO SAID ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS FULL POWER AND AUTHORITY TO DO AND
PERFORM EACH AND EVERY ACT AND THING APPROPRIATE OR NECESSARY TO BE DONE, AS
FULLY AND FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES AS HE MIGHT OR COULD DO IN PERSON,
HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING ALL THAT SAID ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS OR
THEIR SUBSTITUTE OR SUBSTITUTES MAY LAWFULLY DO OR CAUSE TO BE DONE BY VIRTUE
HEREOF.

PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES INDICATED ON DECEMBER 4, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----

<S> <C>
/s/ John E. Calaway Chief Executive Officer and
____________________________________ Director (Principal Executive
John E. Calaway Officer)

/s/ Richard S. Dale Controller, Treasurer and
____________________________________ Secretary (Principal Financial
Richard S. Dale Officer and Principal Accounting
Officer)

/s/ James D. Calaway Director
____________________________________
James D. Calaway

/s/ Vincent Andrews Director
____________________________________
Vincent Andrews

/s/ David B. Benedict Director
____________________________________
David B. Benedict

Director
____________________________________
Paul McCollam
</TABLE>

II-7
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----

<S> <C>
/s/ Nils Peterson Director
____________________________________
Nils Peterson

/s/ Stanley S. Raphael Director
____________________________________
Stanley S. Raphael

/s/ John Sfondrini Director
____________________________________
John Sfondrini
</TABLE>

II-8

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.11

This Purchase and Sale Agreement (this "Agreement"), dated as of December
3, 1996 is by and between Mr. James C. Calaway, a resident of Harris County,
Texas ("Mr. Calaway") and Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation
(the "Company").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Mr. Calaway owns certain interests as hereinafter described and
defined (the "Calaway Interests") in certain oil and gas properties (as
described in the schedule to the form of conveyance attached hereto as Exhibit
A); and

WHEREAS, the Company desires to purchase and Mr. Calaway desires to sell
the Calaway Interests at or about the time of the closing of the initial public
offering made pursuant to a registration statement filed with and declared
effective by the SEC (the "Offering") of shares of the common stock, par value
$0.01 per share ("Common Stock") of the Company; and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to set forth the terms and conditions of
the purchase and sale of the Calaway Interests;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual
covenants set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be
legally bound hereby, the aforesaid parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I. PURCHASE AND SALE

SECTION 1.1 DEFINITION OF THE CALAWAY INTERESTS. The Calaway Interests
consist of (i) all of Mr. Calaway's right, title and interest (whether oil and
gas leasehold interest, royalty interest, mineral interest or otherwise) in the
wellbores only of the wells described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and in the
production therefrom, and all of his right, title and interest in any
replacement or substitute well drilled within the applicable production unit to
replace any well described in Exhibit "A" which ceases to produce in commercial
quantities for mechanical reasons; (ii) all of Mr. Calaway's right, title and
interest (whether oil and gas leasehold interest, royalty interest, mineral
interest or otherwise) in the reservoirs within the Catahoula and Frio
formations presently producing through the wells described in Exhibit "A-1" (as
indicated by the "Selected Petroleum Corporation Reserve Report by Ryder Scott
Company" (as defined in Section 1.2 herein)), with the extent of each reservoir
determined by pressure communication between wells, and all of his right, title
and interest in the existing wells described on Exhibit "A-1" and any additional
wells drilled into such reservoirs if completed in the Frio or Catahoula
formation, as applicable; (iii) all of Mr. Calaway's right, title and interest
in all casing, tubing, wellheads, pumps, separators, tanks and other equipment
used in connection with the ownership and operation of the wells described on
Exhibit "A" and Exhibit "A-1"; and (iv) all of Mr. Calaway's right, title and
interest in leases, farmout agreements, unit agreements, operating agreements,
division orders and other agreements, and all of Mr. Calaway's

-1-
<PAGE>

right, title and interest in records, geological and geophysical data, and other
data and information, to the extent each of the foregoing relate to the wells
and reservoirs described in (i) and (ii) above and to the extent transfer is not
prohibited by third party contract or applicable law. The Calaway Interests do
not include, and there is specifically reserved to Mr. Calaway, (a) all of Mr.
Calaway's right, title and interest in zones or formations other than the Frio
and Catahoula Formations within the areas covered by the reservoirs described in
(ii) above and (b) all of Mr. Calaway's right, title and interest in the Frio
and Catahoula formation outside of the areas covered by the reservoirs described
in (ii) above.

SECTION 1.2 PURCHASE AND SALE. Subject to the terms hereof, Mr. Calaway
shall sell to the Company and the Company shall purchase from Mr. Calaway the
Calaway Interests in exchange for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to
the higher of (i) the quotient of (a) $346,697 (which is the estimated future
net revenues as of September 30, 1996 attributable to the Calaway Interests as
determined by Ryder Scott Company in its Petroleum Corporation Reserve Report
dated as of September 30, 1996 (the "1996 Ryder Scott Report")) divided by (b)
the price to the public per share of Common Stock in the Offering (the "IPO
Price") (such quotient in (i) is referred to as the "1996 Valuation Shares") and
(ii) the quotient of (a) the dollar value of the future net revenues
attributable to the Calaway Interests as determined by Ryder Scott Company in
any Edge Petroleum Corporation Reserve Report the date of which is subsequent to
September 30, 1996 but prior to the Closing Date and for which the results of
such reserve report are included in the final prospectus for the Offering (such
subsequent report is hereinafter referred to as the "1997 Ryder Scott Report")
divided by (b) the IPO Price (such quotient in (ii) is referred to as the "1997
Valuation Shares"). The higher of the 1996 Valuation Shares and the 1997
Valuation Shares shall be referred to as the "Shares." Solely by way of
illustration, if the 1996 Valuation Shares are higher in number than the 1997
Valuation Shares and the per share price of the Common Stock in the Offering is
$16.00 per share, then there shall be 21,669 Shares. In determining the number
of Shares, there shall be no fractional shares of Common Stock issued; instead,
the number of shares issued shall be rounded up to the next whole number of
shares.

Mr. Calaway shall pay to the Company (i) if the 1996 Valuation Shares are
higher in number than the 1997 Valuation Shares, the dollar amount of any
revenues attributable to the Calaway Interests received by Mr. Calaway for
income for production after September 30, 1996 through the Closing Date or (ii)
if the 1997 Valuation Shares are higher in number than the 1996 Valuation
Shares, the dollar amount of any revenues attributable to the Calaway Interests
received by Mr. Calaway for income for production after the date of the 1997
Ryder Scott Report. Such amount shall be referred to as the "Adjustment
Amount." Mr. Calaway hereby agrees to execute the instrument of conveyance (the
"Instrument of Conveyance") attached hereto as Exhibit A, which Instrument of
Conveyance shall transfer ownership of the Calaway Interests (as described
therein) to the Company.

If the 1996 Valuation Shares are higher in number than the 1997 Valuation
Shares, then the 1996 Ryder Scott Report shall be deemed the "Selected Petroleum
Corporation Reserve Report by

-2-
<PAGE>

Ryder Scott Company" for purposes of the definition of the Calaway Interests in
Section 1.1 hereof. If the 1997 Valuation Shares are higher in number than the
1996 Valuation Shares, then the 1997 Ryder Scott Report shall be deemed the
"Selected Petroleum Corporation Reserve Report by Ryder Scott Company" for
purposes of the definition of the Calaway Interests in Section 1.1 hereof.

ARTICLE II. CLOSING; DELIVERY

SECTION 2.1 CLOSING. The closing of the purchase and sale of the Calaway
Interests hereunder (the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of the
Company or such other place as the Company shall reasonably designate, on the
date of the closing of the Offering (the "Closing Date").

SECTION 2.2 DELIVERY. At the Closing, (a) Mr. Calaway shall deliver to the
Company the executed Instrument of Conveyance and a check (or such other means
of payment as is satisfactory to the Company) for the Adjustment Amount, and (b)
the Company shall deliver a certificate or certificates representing the Shares.

ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company hereby represents and warrants to Mr. Calaway as follows:

SECTION 3.1 ORGANIZATION; QUALIFICATION. The Company is a corporation duly
organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") and is validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The
Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, operate or lease
its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted.

SECTION 3.2 CAPITALIZATION OF THE COMPANY. As of the Closing Date, the
authorized capital stock of the Company will consist solely of 40,000,000 shares
of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, par value $0.01 per share. All outstanding shares of capital stock of
the Company are, and the shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this
Agreement and the Offering, where issued in accordance with the terms hereof and
thereof, will be, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject
to preemptive rights.

SECTION 3.3 NO CONFLICTS. Consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and compliance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement will not
conflict with, result in a breach of, require notice under or constitute a
default under the Company's Charter or Bylaws or any judgment, order,
injunction, decree or ruling of any court or governmental authority or under any
material agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Company is a party. No
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or
filing with, any court or governmental authority or other third party is
required on the part of the Company in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement or for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this

-3-
<PAGE>

Agreement, other than as described in this Agreement other than filings with any
blue sky or state regulatory authorities.

SECTION 3.4 AUTHORITY AND AUTHORIZATION; BINDING EFFECT. The Company has
all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action
on the part of the Company. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered
by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery
hereof by Mr. Calaway, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the
Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to
laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of
debtors and rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or
other equitable remedies.

SECTION 3.5 LITIGATION, ETC. (a) There is no action, claim or proceeding
pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened to which the Company is
or would be party before any court or governmental authority acting in an
adjudicative capacity or any arbitration or arbitration tribunal with respect to
which there is a reasonable likelihood of a determination having, or which,
insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have a material
adverse effect on the Company, (b) the Company is not subject to any outstanding
order, writ, injunction or decree having, or which, insofar as reasonably can be
foreseen, in the future would have a material adverse effect on the Company, and
(c) since its formation, there have been no claims made or actions or
proceedings brought against any officer or director of the Company arising out
of or pertaining to any action or omission within the scope of his employment or
position with the Company, which claim, action or proceeding is material to the
Company.

SECTION 3.6 NO OPERATIONS. The Company has not conducted any operations
since its date of incorporation or incurred any liabilities, except in
connection with the Offering, this Agreement and the transactions (the
"Combination Transactions") contemplated by that certain Combination Agreement
dated December 2, 1996 (the "Combination Agreement").

ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MR. CALAWAY

Mr. Calaway hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

SECTION 4.1 NO CONFLICTS. Consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and compliance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement will not
materially conflict with, result in a material breach of, require notice under
or constitute a material breach under any judgment, order, injunction, decree or
ruling of any court or governmental authority or under any material agreement,
indenture or instrument to which Mr. Calaway is a party. No consent, approval,
order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any
court or governmental authority or other third party is required on the part of
Mr. Calaway in connection with the execution and

-4-
<PAGE>

delivery of this Agreement or for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, other than as described in this Agreement.

SECTION 4.2 AUTHORITY AND AUTHORIZATION; BINDING EFFECT. Mr. Calaway has
all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform the provisions of
this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Mr.
Calaway and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by
the Company, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of Mr. Calaway
enforceable against him in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general
application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and
rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other
equitable remedies.

SECTION 4.3 LITIGATION, ETC. (a) There is no action claim, or proceeding
pending or, to the knowledge of Mr. Calaway, threatened, to which Mr. Calaway is
or would be a party before any court or governmental authority acting in an
adjudicative capacity or any arbitrator or arbitration tribunal with respect to
which there is a reasonable likelihood of a determination having, or which,
insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have a material
adverse effect on the Calaway Interests, and (b) Mr. Calaway is not subject to
any outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree having, or which, insofar as
reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have a material adverse effect
on the Calaway Interests.

SECTION 4.4 TITLE TO PROPERTIES. Mr. Calaway has not caused any lien,
encumbrance or defect to encumber the title to the Calaway Interests.

SECTION 4.5 EXPERIENCE. Mr. Calaway has experience in analyzing and
investing in companies like the Company and is capable of evaluating the merits
and risks of his investment in the Company and has the capacity to protect his
own interests.

SECTION 4.6 STATUS. Mr. Calaway is an "Accredited Investor" as that term
is defined in Rule 501(a) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act") by reason of clause (5) of such definition.

SECTION 4.7 INVESTMENT. Mr. Calaway is acquiring the Shares for investment
for his own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with the view to, or for
resale in connection with, any distribution thereof. He understands that the
Shares have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or
applicable state and other securities laws by reason of a specific exemption
from the registration provisions of the Securities Act and applicable state and
other securities laws, the availability of which depends upon, among other
things, the bona fide nature of the investment intent and the accuracy of Mr.
Calaway's representations as expressed herein.

SECTION 4.8 RULE 144. Mr. Calaway acknowledges and understands that he
must bear the economic risk of this investment for an indefinite period of time
because the Shares must be held indefinitely unless subsequently registered
under the Securities Act and applicable state and other

-5-
<PAGE>

securities laws or unless an exemption from such registration is available. He
is aware of the current provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities
Act ("Rule 144") which permit limited resale of securities purchased in a
private placement subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including,
among other things, the existence of a public market for the securities, the
availability of certain current public information about the issuer of the
securities, the resale occurring not less than two years after a party has
purchased from an issuer or its affiliate and paid the full purchase price for
the securities to be sold, the sale being effected through a "broker's
transaction" or in transactions directly with a "market maker" and the number of
securities being sold during any three-month period not exceeding specified
limitations. He understands that any transfer agent of the Company will be
issued stop-transfer instructions with respect to such Shares unless such
transfer is subsequently registered under the Securities Act and applicable
state and other securities laws or unless an exemption from such registration is
available. He understands that the Company has not agreed to and does not plan
to file a registration statement to register the resale of the Shares.

SECTION 4.9 NO PUBLIC MARKET. Mr. Calaway understands that no public
market now exists for any of the securities issued by the Company and that the
Company has made no assurances that a public market will ever exist for the
Company's securities.

SECTION 4.10 ACCESS TO DATA. Mr. Calaway has had an opportunity to discuss
the Company's business, management and financial affairs with the members of
Company's management and has had the opportunity to review the Company's
facilities. He has also had an opportunity to ask questions of the officers of
the Company, which questions were answered to his satisfaction. He acknowledges
that he is familiar with all aspects of the Company's business. Mr. Calaway has
received a draft dated November 24, 1996 of the registration statement of the
Company on Form S-1. Mr. Calaway acknowledges that such registration statement
was not written with respect to the sale of Shares contemplated by the Agreement
and that his Shares are not being registered under such registration statement
or any other registration statement. Mr. Calaway understands that information
in such registration statement is preliminary, subject to change and that he has
reviewed the information in such registration statement solely for general
background purposes, and that information with respect to the Offering and the
Combination Transactions, in particular, is expected to change. He acknowledges
that his investment decision is based primarily on his familiarity with the
assets the Company is expected to acquire and the Company's management.

SECTION 4.11 ADDITIONAL RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER. Mr. Calaway has received
a copy of the bylaws of the Company and understands that the Shares will be
subject to the restrictions on transfer contained in Article V of such bylaws.
Mr. Calaway also acknowledges the restrictions on transfer in Article VII of
this Agreement.

-6-
<PAGE>

ARTICLE V. CONDITIONS

SECTION 5.1 CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE
PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE CALAWAY INTERESTS. The respective obligations of each
party to effect the purchase and sale of the Calaway Interests shall be subject
to the fulfillment (or waiver) at or prior to the Closing Date of the following
conditions:

(a) INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING. The closing of the Offering shall have
taken place or shall take place simultaneously with the Closing under this
Agreement.

(b) ACCURACY OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations
and warranties of the parties contained in Articles III and IV shall be true and
correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date as if made on and
as of such date (except for representations and warranties made of as a
specified date or time, which shall be true and correct in all material respects
as of such specified date or time); at the Closing each of the parties hereto
shall deliver a certificate signed by such party or an officer thereof
certifying the foregoing.

(c) PERFORMANCE OF COVENANTS. Each party hereto shall have performed
and complied in all material respects with the covenants and agreements
contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with
by it on or prior to the Closing.

(d) NO ORDERS. There shall not be issued and in effect at the Closing
any order restraining, prohibiting or delaying consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

ARTICLE VI. TERMINATION

SECTION 6.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated and the
purchase and sale of the Calaway Interests contemplated hereby may be abandoned
at any time prior to the Closing Date:

(a) By either party, (i) if the Closing Date has not occurred by
August 30, 1997, unless the Closing Date has not occurred due to the failure of
the party seeking to terminate this Agreement to perform its agreements and
covenants under this Agreement required to be performed by it at or prior to the
Closing Date or (ii) if a court of competent jurisdiction or governmental,
regulatory or administrative agency or commission shall have issued an order,
decree or ruling or taken any other action, in each case permanently
restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement; or

(b) By the Company, if the Company determines at any time in its sole
discretion that the Offering may not be consummated on terms satisfactory to it.

-7-
<PAGE>

SECTION 6.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. In the event of termination of
this Agreement by the Company as provided in Section 6.1, written notice thereof
shall promptly be given to Mr. Calaway and this Agreement shall forthwith
terminate without further action of the parties hereto. If this Agreement is
terminated as provided, however, there shall be no liabilities or obligations
hereunder on the part of the parties, except that nothing herein shall relieve
any party hereto from liability for any breach of this Agreement that resulted
in the termination.

ARTICLE VII. MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

SECTION 7.1 SURVIVAL. The representations and warranties in Article
III and Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 and any statement made in any certificate
required under Section 5.1 shall expire on the Closing Date. All other
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein shall
survive the closing of the purchase and sale of the Calaway Interests.

SECTION 7.2 RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER OF SHARES; LEGENDS. Prior to any
proposed transfer (whether by sale, assignment, pledge or otherwise) of the
Shares, Mr. Calaway will give written notice to the Company of his intention to
effect such transfer. Each such notice shall describe the manner and
circumstances of the proposed transfer in sufficient detail, and shall be
accompanied by a written opinion of legal counsel who shall be reasonably
satisfactory to the Company, addressed to the Company, to the effect that the
proposed transfer of the securities in question may be effected without
registration under the Securities Act, whereupon Mr. Calaway shall be entitled
to transfer such securities in accordance with the terms of the notice delivered
by Mr. Calaway to the Company. Any such legal opinion must be reasonably
satisfactory to the Company and must state that it may also be relied upon by
any transfer agent, stock exchange or counsel to the Company. Each certificate
evidencing the Shares so transferred shall bear an appropriate restrictive
legend reasonably deemed appropriate by the Company, including any appropriate
legend relating to the restrictions and obligations under this Agreement. Mr.
Calaway will, prior to any transfer (unless such transfer is made pursuant to
Rule 144 or an effective registration statement under the Securities Act), cause
any transferee of the Shares, to enter into an agreement with the Company that
the transferee will take and hold such securities subject to the provisions and
upon the conditions specified herein. Without limiting the generality of any
other provision hereof, the provisions of this Section shall be binding on
successive transferees. The Company shall have no obligation to effect any
transfer on its books and records (and no such attempted transfer shall be
effective) unless such transfer is made in accordance with the terms hereof.
Mr. Calaway consents to the Company issuing stop transfer instructions to any
transfer agent for the Common Stock in order to implement any restriction on
transfer contemplated by this Agreement. The Shares shall contain the following
legend:

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR
INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933,
AS AMENDED. SUCH SHARES MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF
SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE

-8-
<PAGE>

COMPANY AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THAT SUCH
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED AND THAT ANY PROSPECTUS DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS
ARE NOT APPLICABLE. THE SHARES WERE PURCHASED UNDER AN AGREEMENT THAT
INCLUDES ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON THEIR TRANSFER AND COPIES OF SUCH
AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE HOLDER
OF RECORD OF THIS CERTIFICATE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY AT THE
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF THE COMPANY.

SECTION 7.3 SATISFACTION OF PRIOR OBLIGATIONS. Mr. Calaway agrees that
the purchase of the Shares as contemplated by this Agreement shall constitute
compliance with, and final and full satisfaction of, the obligations of Edge
Joint Venture II, Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation, Edge Group II
L.P. and their affiliates under paragraph 7 of that agreement entitled "Terms of
Proposed $2,000,000 Loan/Line of Credit Between James C. Calaway and Edge Joint
Venture II," as such agreement is amended by the Addendum to Memorandum of Term
Loan Agreement dated as of 1996. All such parties are expressly made third
party beneficiaries to this Agreement for purposes of establishing compliance
and satisfaction.

SECTION 7.4 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each such counterpart being deemed to be an original, and all such
counterparts taken together shall constitute the same agreement.

SECTION 7.5 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.

SECTION 7.6 FURTHER ASSURANCES. The parties hereto without additional
consideration shall execute and deliver or shall cause to be executed and
delivered such further documents and certificates and to take such further
actions as may be reasonably required or desirable to carry out the provisions
of this Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. In
particular, without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, at any
time after the Closing, Mr. Calaway will execute and deliver or shall cause to
be executed and delivered any deeds, bills of sale, assignments, assurances, or
any other actions or things as are necessary or desirable to vest, perfect, or
confirm of record or otherwise in the Company or its permitted assigns its
rights, title, or interest in, to, or under any of the rights, properties, or
assets acquired or to be acquired by the Company or its permitted assigns as a
result of or in connection with the purchase of the Calaway Interests or
otherwise to carry out this Agreement.

SECTION 7.7 ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT. This Agreement and the Instrument
of Conveyance (a) constitute the entire agreement and supersede all other prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties, with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and (b) shall not be assignable by
operation of law or otherwise except that the Company may assign

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<PAGE>

to a direct or indirect subsidiary (including any entity that becomes a
subsidiary) its right to purchase any of the Calaway Interests; provided that
such assignment shall not relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder,
including the obligation to issue Common Stock in payment of any such interest
and (c) is not intended to create any obligations to, or rights in respect of,
any persons other than the parties hereto or as otherwise provided in Section
7.3. Except as expressly provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any term
hereof may be amended, waived, discharged or terminated other than by a written
instrument signed by the party against whom enforcement of any such amendment,
waiver, discharge or termination is sought.

SECTION 7.8 CAPTIONS. The article, section and paragraph captions herein
are for convenience of reference only, do not constitute part of this Agreement
and shall not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect any of the provisions
hereof.

SECTION 7.9 NOTICES. Any notice or other communication required or
permitted under this Agreement shall be by facsimile actually received or in
writing and mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid. Any such notice shall be deemed given upon its receipt at the
following address:

(a) If to the Company:

Edge Petroleum Corporation
Texaco Heritage Plaza
1111 Bagby, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
ATTN: James D. Calaway
Tel: (713) 654-8960
Fax: (713) 654-7722

(b) If to Mr. Calaway:

Mr. James C. Calaway
1400 Hermann Drive, No. 17G
Houston, Texas 77004
Tel: (713) 524-9319

Any party may, by notice given in accordance with this section to the other
parties, designate another address or person for receipt of notices hereunder.

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<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
the parties hereto on the date first hereinabove written.

EDGE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

By /s/ James D. Calaway
--------------------
Name: James D. Calaway
Title: President

/s/ James C. Calaway
- --------------------
JAMES C. CALAWAY

[Signature page to Purchase and Sale Agreement between Edge Petroleum
Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Mr. James C. Calaway]

-11-

<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 23.1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the use in this Registration Statement of Edge Petroleum
Corporation, a Delaware corporation, on Form S-4 of our reports dated December
2, 1996, relating to the combined financial statements of Edge Petroleum
Corporation, a Texas corporation, affiliated entities and direct interests,
the consolidated financial statements of Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Texas
corporation, and subsidiary, the financial statements of Edge Group II and
Gulfedge and the balance sheet of Edge Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, appearing in the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such
Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Houston, Texas

December 3, 1996

<PAGE>

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

We hereby consent to (i) the use in the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation
Statement/Prospectus (the "Prospectus") constituting a part of the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Edge Petroleum Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), under the Securities Act of 1933, of
information contained in our reserve report that is summarized as of September
30, 1996 in our summary letter dated November 27, 1996, relating to the oil
and gas reserves and revenue, as of September 30, 1996 of certain properties
that are sought to be combined in the Company which are currently held by Edge
Joint Venture II and James C. Calaway, which summary letter is attached
thereto on Appendix E, and (ii) all references to such report letter and/or to
this firm in such Prospectus, and further consent to our being named as an
expert therein.

/s/ RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
PETROLUEM ENGINEERS

Houston, Texas
December 4, 1996