FRIEDE GOLDMAN INTERNATIONAL INC
8-K, 1998-01-16
OIL & GAS FIELD MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
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<PAGE>
 
    ======================================================================


                                 UNITED STATES

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                           _________________________

                                   
                                   FORM 8-K


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


       DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED): JANUARY 1, 1998

                       FRIEDE GOLDMAN INTERNATIONAL INC.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)



          DELAWARE                        0-22595               72-1362492
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF   (COMMISSION FILE NUMBER)   (I.R.S. EMPLOYER  
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                               IDENTIFICATION NO.)


 
                      502 EAST CAPITOL STREET,  SUITE 402
                          JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI  39201
                             (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL
                               EXECUTIVE OFFICES
                                 AND ZIP CODE)
 
                                (601) 352-1107
                        (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                             INCLUDING AREA CODE)
 

 
                           _________________________
 
    ======================================================================
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2.   ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS

          The Acquisition

          Effective as of  January 1, 1998, Friede Goldman International Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"),  through its wholly owned subsidiary,
Friede Goldman Canada Inc., a Newfoundland corporation ("FGCI" or the
"Purchaser"), acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock
of Friede Goldman Marystown  Ltd., a Newfoundland corporation (the "Acquiree")
from (i) Marystown Shipyard Limited, a Newfoundland corporation wholly owned by
Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province of Newfoundland ("MSL") and (ii)
Newfoundland Ocean Enterprises Ltd., a Newfoundland corporation wholly owned by
Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province of Newfoundland ("NOEL", and with
MSL, the  "Sellers").  The acquisition was effected  pursuant to a Share
Purchase Agreement, dated January 1, 1998 (the "Share Purchase Agreement"), by
and among MSL, NOEL, Aquiree, FGCI and the Company.    Under the terms of the
Share  Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser paid a purchase price of C$1 (one
dollar).  However, the Share Purchase Agreement  also provides that, among other
things, the Purchaser (i) maintain a minimum of 1.2 million employee manhours
(including manhours for management, labor, salaried and hourly employees) with
respect to the shipyard operations acquired by the Purchaser for each of the
1998, 1999 and 2000 calender years, (ii) undertake certain capital improvements
at the acquired shipyards and invest C$5 million to C$15 million to maintain and
expand the Acquiree's business and  (iii) pay to the Sellers fifty percent (50%)
of net after-tax profit of  MSL and Acquiree for the twelve-month period ending
March 31, 1998.   The Share Purchase Agreement provides that Purchaser will pay
to the Sellers liquidated damages of C$10 million for 1998 and C$5 million in
1999 and 2000 if  the minimum number of manhours described above is not attained
for such year.   Prior to entering into the Share Purchase Agreement, the
Sellers transferred two shipyard facilities and related assets to the Acquiree
pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement, dated  December 22, 1997, by and among
MSL, NOEL, Acquiree and Her Majesty the Queen, in right of the Province of
Newfoundland.

          The Financing

          The Company financed the acquisition with existing working capital.
 
          Friede Goldman Newfoundland Limited

          The Acquiree owns two deepwater, ice-free shipyard and fabrication
facilities located in  Marystown, Newfoundland, Canada.   On January 6, 1998,
the corporate name of the Acquiree was changed to "Friede Goldman Newfoundland
Limited."

ITEM 7.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS

          (A-B) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BUSINESSES ACQUIRED AND PRO FORMA
          FINANCIAL INFORMATION

          The financial statements and pro forma financial information required
pursuant to this Item 7 with respect to the acquisition as described in Item 2
above will be filed by amendment hereto within the time period required by Item
7 of Form 8-K.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          (C)   EXHIBITS

          Exhibit 99.1  --   Press Release issued by Friede Goldman
                             International Inc. on January 5, 1998.

          Exhibit 99.2  --   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 1, 1998, by
                             and among Marystown Shipyard Limited, Newfoundland
                             Ocean Enterprises Ltd., Friede Goldman Canada Inc.,
                             Friede Goldman International Inc. and Friede
                             Goldman Marystown Ltd.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


                                     FRIEDE GOLDMAN INTERNATIONAL INC.
 

Date:  January 16, 1998

                                     By:     /S/ JAMES A. LOWE, III       
                                        ----------------------------------
                                         James A. Lowe, III
                                         General Counsel and Secretary

<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.                                                             Page No.
- -----------                                                             --------

Exhibit 99.1  --   Press Release issued by Friede Goldman International Inc. on
                   January 5, 1998.

Exhibit 99.2  --   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 1, 1998, by and among
                   Marystown Shipyard Limited, Newfoundland Ocean Enterprises
                   Ltd., Friede Goldman Canada Inc., Friede Goldman
                   International Inc. and Friede Goldman Marystown Ltd.


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1
NEWS RELEASE


                                                   FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                            NATALIE PHARR, DIR. OF COMMUNICATION
                                                  601-352-1107/FAX: 601-352-0588


                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIEDE GOLDMAN INTERNATIONAL COMPLETES
ACQUISITION OF CANADIAN SHIPYARDS

     JACKSON, MISS. (Jan. 5, 1998)--Friede Goldman International Inc.
(Nasdaq: FGII) announced today the completion of the Marystown Shipyard Limited 
(MSL) acquisition, effective January 1, 1998.

     J.L. Holloway, chairman and CEO of Friede Goldman International, said, 
"This acquisition gives us additional shipyard capacity and closer proximity to 
developments in the North Sea and off the coast of Canada.  It also provides 
year-round production capability and the additional capability to construct 
semisubmersibles, as well as other vessels.  Friede Goldman has been using these
facilities for subcontracting work since early 1997, and we anticipate a smooth 
transition."

     Friede Goldman International purchased the two shipyard facilities that 
form MSL from the government in St. John's Newfoundland, for $1 and a guarantee 
of 1.2 million man hours a year for three years.  Marystown Shipyard Limited, 
renamed Friede Goldman Newfoundland, is the largest fabricator in Newfoundland, 
operating two well-equipped and efficient deepwater, ice free facilities.
<PAGE>
 
                                                              COMPLETION--PAGE 2

     "We are very pleased to welcome Friede Goldman Newfoundland to our family 
of companies," said Holloway.  "This is a first class operation, with an 
experienced and skilled workforce.  Friede Goldman's backlog continues to grow, 
and we are extremely pleased with our position within the industry."

     Friede Goldman International also recently announced plans to expand its 
new shipyard, Friede Goldman Offshore, still under construction on the 
Mississippi Gulf Coast.

     Friede Goldman International is a leading provider of offshore drilling 
services, including design and engineering, new construction, financing, repair,
retrofit, and modification.  The Company's outstanding Common Stock is quoted on
the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "FGII".

*Note:  This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be 
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of The Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included
in this press release that address activities, events or developments that 
Friede Goldman International Inc. expects, believes or anticipates will or may 
occur in the future, are forward-looking statements.  These statements are based
on certain assumptions and analyses made by Friede Goldman International Inc. in
light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current 
conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are 
appropriate in the circumstances.  Such statements are subject to a number of 
assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of 
Friede Goldman International Inc. and which are discussed in Friede Goldman 
International Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1.  Investors are 
cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and 
that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected 
in the forward-looking statements.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2

                           SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT



BETWEEN:

                          MARYSTOWN SHIPYARD LIMITED


AND:

                      NEWFOUNDLAND OCEAN ENTERPRISES LTD.


AND:

                          FRIEDE GOLDMAN CANADA INC.


AND:

                       FRIEDE GOLDMAN INTERNATIONAL INC.


AND:

                         FRIEDE GOLDMAN MARYSTOWN LTD.



WITNESSETH that in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto respectively covenant and agree as
hereinafter set forth.



                                         DATED: January 1, 1998
<PAGE>
 
WHEREAS Newfoundland Ocean Enterprises Ltd. is a Corporation, all issued and
outstanding shares of which are beneficially owned by Government;

AND WHEREAS Newfoundland Ocean Enterprises Ltd. owns all of the issued and
outstanding shares of Marystown Shipyard Limited;

AND WHEREAS Marystown Shipyard Limited and/or Newfoundland Ocean Enterprises
Ltd. own all of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital stock of
Friede Goldman Marystown Ltd. (collectively the "SHARES");

AND WHEREAS Friede Goldman Canada Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Friede
Goldman International Inc.

AND WHEREAS the Vendors are desirous of selling and Friede Goldman Canada Inc.
is desirous of purchasing the Shares for the consideration and upon the terms
herein contained;

NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH  that for and in consideration of the
sum of $1.00 and other good and valuable consideration now paid by the Purchaser
to the Vendors (the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged) the
parties do hereby agree as follows:

1.   DEFINITIONS

     a)   "BUSINESS" shall mean the business of shipbuilding and metal
          fabrication carried on by FGML in the Town of Marystown and at the Cow
          Head Facility at Spanish Room, Province of Newfoundland;

     b)   "CLOSING DATE" shall mean 5 o'clock p.m. on the 1st day of 
          January, 1998;

     c)   "CONTRACTS" shall mean all contracts for shipbuilding, repair, or
          fabrication subcontracted or assigned by MSL to and assumed by FGML;

     d)   "FGI" shall mean Friede Goldman International Inc., owner of all of
          the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of the
          Purchaser;

     e)   "FGML" shall mean Friede Goldman Marystown Ltd., a body corporate,
          duly incorporated and existing under the laws of the Province of
          Newfoundland;

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     f)   "GOVERNMENT" shall mean Her Majesty the Queen in Right of the Province
          of Newfoundland;

     g)   "MARYSTOWN ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT" shall mean an Asset Purchase
          Agreement pursuant to which MSL and NOEL have transferred, assigned
          and conveyed to FGML substantially all of the assets used in the
          Business;

     h)   "MSL" shall mean Marystown Shipyard Limited, a body corporate, duly
          incorporated and existing under the laws of the Province of
          Newfoundland;

     i)   "NOEL" shall mean Newfoundland Ocean Enterprises Ltd., a body
          corporate, duly incorporated and existing under the laws of the
          Province of Newfoundland;

     j)   "PURCHASER" shall mean Friede Goldman Canada Inc., a body corporate,
          duly incorporated and existing under the laws of the Province of
          Newfoundland;

     k)   "VENDORS" shall mean MSL and NOEL;

     l)   "SHARES" shall mean all of the issued and outstanding shares of FGML.

PURCHASE OF SHARES

2.   The Purchaser shall purchase and the Vendors shall sell all, and not less
     than all, of the Shares on the Closing Date.

PURCHASE CONSIDERATION

3.   The purchase consideration paid by the Purchaser to the Vendors upon the
     sale of the Shares shall be the sum of $1.00 to each of the Vendors.

4.   In further consideration of the transfer of the Shares to the Purchaser,
     the Purchaser does hereby represent, warrant, covenant and agree to and for
     the benefit of the Vendors and Government that, effective on the Closing
     Date:

     a)   It shall aggressively pursue the operation of the Business as a viable
          shipbuilding and fabrication facility.

     b)   It shall forthwith cause FGML to be incorporated into the business
          plans of FGI for the 

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
          establishment of new product lines, with the intention of maintaining
          a steady level of employment for the Business.

     c)   That in respect of Guarantees by Government relative to the Contracts
          (excluding any contracts with HAM Marine, Inc.) it will indemnify
          Government by way of performance bonds or otherwise as acceptable to
          Government, and it shall cause the Government guarantees of contracts
          between MSL and HAM Marine, Inc. to be released.

     d)   It shall cause FGML to maintain a minimum of 1,200,000 man hours
          (management and labour, salaried and hourly) per year for the calendar
          years 1998, 1999 and 2000 (the "MINIMUM MAN HOURS").  In default
          thereof the Purchaser shall cause FGML to pay to the Vendors (or at
          their discretion, Government) collectively liquidated damages in the
          amount of $10,000,000.00, $5,000,000.00, and $5,000,000.00 (Canadian)
          respectively, for any year in which the minimum level of man hours is
          not achieved.

     e)   It shall cause FGML, within three (3) months following the Closing
          Date, to upgrade the existing computer system, repair the synchro-lift
          and provide other equipment such as an NC burning machine, and it
          shall invest from $5,000,000.00 to $15,000,000.00 (Canadian) in
          capital improvements, as industry growth requires, to maintain and
          expand the status of the Business as a leading fabricator.

     f)   It shall cause FGML to pay to the Vendors (or at their direction,
          Government) collectively 50% of the combined net after tax profit of
          MSL and FGML for the twelve (12) months ending March 31, 1998.  This
          combined net after tax profit (the "NET AFTER TAX PROFIT") shall be
          calculated in accordance with Schedule "A" annexed hereto.

     g)   Without prejudice to the unfettered right of FGML, subject to all
          applicable laws, to cease operating the Business, FGCI agrees to cause
          FGML, should it decide to cease operations, to provide to Government
          at least ninety (90) days notice in writing of the earliest date of
          such cessation of operations. During such notice period FGCI will
          ensure that a senior executive is reasonably available to consult with
          Government relative to the overall impact of such cessation and future
          plans for the Business.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     h)   It shall cause FGML to carry out its obligations and undertakings
          under and comply with the requirements of the Marystown Asset Purchase
          Agreement and the agreements entered thereunder.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

5.   The Vendors jointly and severally represent, warrant and covenant to the
     Purchaser that, effective the Closing Date:

     a)   The Shares represent all of the issued and outstanding shares in the
          capital stock of FGML;

     b)   The Shares are now and will at the Closing Date be owned by the
          Vendors as beneficial owners thereof free and clear of all liens,
          charges and encumbrances whatsoever;

     c)   No person, firm or corporation now has or at the Closing Date will
          have any agreement or right capable of becoming an agreement for the
          purchase, subscription or issuance of any of the issued or unissued
          shares in the capital stock of FGML other than as provided for in this
          Agreement;

     d)   No dividends or other distributions on any of the Shares have been
          declared;

     e)   No payment to any officer, director or shareholder of FGML has been
          made; and

     f)   FGML does not own directly or indirectly any shares or interest in any
          other company or entity.

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

6.   The obligations of the Vendors to transfer the Shares to the Purchaser are
     conditional upon performance of or compliance with the following
     conditions:

     a)   FGI shall have executed and delivered to the Vendors and Government a
          guarantee of the representations, warranties, agreements and
          obligations of each of the Purchaser hereunder and FGML pursuant to
          the Marystown Asset Purchase Agreement in substantially the form
          annexed hereto as Schedule "B", or in such other form as is agreeable
          to Government and FGI.

     b)   The Vendors shall be satisfied that the requirements of clause 4(c)
          hereof have been met; and

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
     c)   All necessary steps and corporate proceedings as approved by the
          Vendors' legal counsel, acting reasonably, shall have been taken by
          the Purchaser to permit the transactions contemplated by this
          Agreement to be duly completed.

7.   The obligations of the Purchaser under this Agreement are conditional upon
     the performance of or compliance with the following conditions, each of
     which is inserted for the sole benefit of the Purchaser and which may be
     waived in writing, in whole or in part, by the Purchaser without limiting
     the rights of the Purchaser to rely on any of such conditions that are not
     so waived by the Purchaser or any subsequent breach thereof concerning
     which a prior breach had been so waived.

     a)   The representations, warranties and covenants of each of the Vendors
          contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct at the Closing
          Date and the Purchaser shall be furnished with such further evidence
          or assurances reasonably requested, including, without restriction, a
          statutory declaration of the Vendors in form reasonably satisfactory
          to the Purchaser's legal counsel that the representations, warranties
          and covenants of the Vendors are true and correct as of the Closing
          Date;

     b)   The title of  FGML to its assets and undertaking, the legality of the
          incorporation and organization of FGML, the due creation and issuance
          as fully paid and non-assessable of the Shares and other corporate
          proceedings of FGML, its shareholders and directors, and all other
          matters which, in the opinion of the Purchaser acting reasonably, are
          material in connection with the transactions contemplated in this
          Agreement shall be subject to the favourable opinion of the
          Purchaser's legal counsel, and relevant records and information shall
          be supplied to the Purchaser for such purpose;

     c)   All necessary steps and corporate proceedings as approved by the
          Purchaser's legal counsel shall have been taken by FGML to permit the
          transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be duly completed.

CLOSING

8.   The closing shall take place on the Closing Date, or the first business day
     thereafter, at such time and place as shall be mutually agreed by the
     Vendors and the Purchaser.  The parties hereto agree that notwithstanding
     that the actual exchange of documentation to accomplish the closing
     hereunder shall take place other than on the actual Closing Date, the
     effective closing of this transaction is agreed to be 5 o'clock p.m. on the
     1st day of January, 1998.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
9.   At closing, the Vendors shall deliver to the Purchaser the following
     documents:

     a)   Evidence satisfactory to the Purchaser's legal counsel, acting
          reasonably, that the Vendors have taken all corporate steps necessary
          or in the reasonable opinion of the Purchaser's legal counsel
          desirable to authorize and effect the sale and other transactions
          provided for in this Agreement including, without restricting the
          generality of the foregoing, an opinion of the Vendors' legal counsel
          in a form satisfactory to the Purchaser's legal counsel, acting
          reasonably;

     b)   Such assignments, transfers, assurances, consents and other documents
          as the Purchaser's legal counsel may reasonably require for the
          purpose of vesting in the Purchaser good title to the Shares free and
          clear of all liens, charges, pledges, claims and encumbrances or
          restrictions of any kind whatsoever. Such documents shall be in such
          form as the Purchaser's legal counsel shall reasonably require and, in
          particular, the Vendors will deliver share certificates representing
          the Shares duly endorsed for transfer to the Purchaser;

     c)   Such evidence, if any, as the Purchaser may reasonably require, that
          all warranties, representations and covenants for the benefit of the
          Purchaser contained in this Agreement are true and correct to the
          Closing Date and that all conditions precedent to the closing
          contained in this Agreement for the benefit of the Purchaser have been
          met, complied with, or waived, as the case may be;

     d)   The resignations of all directors and officers of FGML effective on
          closing. The Vendors shall take such corporate steps as may be
          necessary to elect the nominees of the Purchaser as directors and
          officers of FGML;

     e)   The corporate records and books of FGML and the seal of FGML;

     f)   A certificate or certificates for the Shares in the name of the
          Purchaser.

10.  At closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Vendors the following
     documents:

     a)   Duly executed copies of Schedule "B" hereto or such other form thereof
          as finally agreed upon;

     b)   Satisfactory evidence to the solicitors for the Vendors that the
          Performance Bonds referenced in clause 4(c) hereof have been provided;

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
     c)   A duly executed release of any guarantees by Government respecting
          performance of any contracts between MSL and HAM Marine, Inc., as
          referenced in clause 4(c) hereof;

     d)   An executed copy of a Notice of Change of Directors and an undertaking
          from the solicitors for the Purchaser to file the same at the
          Newfoundland Registry of Corporations immediately subsequent to
          closing; and

     e)   Evidence as the Vendors may reasonably require, if any, that all
          warranties, representations and covenants for the benefit of the
          Vendors contained in this Agreement are true and correct to the
          Closing Date and that all conditions precedent to the closing
          contained in this Agreement for the benefit of the Vendors have been
          met, complied with or waived, as the case may be.

     f)   Evidence satisfactory to the Vendor's legal counsel acting reasonably,
          that the Purchaser and FGI have taken all corporate steps necessary or
          in the reasonable opinion of the Vendor's legal counsel desirable to
          authorize and effect the purchase and other transactions provided for
          in this agreement including, without restricting the generality of the
          foregoing, an opinion of legal counsel for the Purchaser and FGI in a
          form satisfactory to the Vendor's legal counsel, acting reasonably.

GENERAL/OTHER

11.  If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal, or
     incapable of being enforced by reason of any rule of law or public policy,
     all other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and
     effect and no provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to be dependent
     upon any other provision unless so expressed herein. In the event that any
     provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal or incapable of
     being enforced, it shall be deemed to be amended and modified so that it is
     valid, legal and capable of being enforced to the greatest extent possible
     to the benefit of the parties hereto.

12.  FGI, FGCI, and FGML agree that no change in their corporate structure shall
     be permitted with the intention or objective of permitting them, or any of
     them, to avoid the undertakings, agreements and obligations undertaken
     herein.

13.  Within ninety (90) days after March 31, 1998 FGML shall deliver to
     Government a statement in writing, signed and verified by FGML and audited
     by the auditors for FGML, setting forth the net after tax profit of FGML
     calculated in accordance with Schedule "A" hereto.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
14.  Within sixty (60) days after each calendar year end for the years 1998,
     1999 and 2000, FGML shall report to Government in writing setting forth the
     actual man hours for the immediately preceding calendar year. If the number
     of man hours so reported is less than the Minimum Man Hours, payment of the
     amount set forth in clause 4(d) shall be made with such report.

15.  FGML shall keep or cause to be kept at its offices in Marystown,
     Newfoundland, full, true and accurate records of its financial statements
     and of the number of man hours paid for by FGML for the years 1998, 1999,
     and 2000 from which the Net After Tax Profit and actual man hours may be
     determined. Government and its representatives shall have access to such
     information upon reasonable request and on reasonable notice. All such
     information shall remain confidential and shall not be disclosed by
     Government to any other party unless otherwise required by law.

16.  FGML has joined in this Agreement for the purpose of acknowledging notice
     of the existence and contents of this Agreement, and confirming its
     obligations as provided herein, and FGML hereby covenants and agrees to do
     and carry out each of those obligations and commitments as more
     particularly set forth in sub-clauses 4(a), 4(b), 4(d), 4(e), 4(f) and 4(g)
     hereof, and to otherwise do all things necessary to carry out and comply
     with the provisions of this Agreement.

17.  Should any dispute or disagreement arise between the Vendors and Government
     of the one part and the Purchaser, FGML and FGI of the other part with
     respect to any matter herein dealt with which the parties are unable to
     resolve, the same shall be referred to a single arbitrator, if the parties
     can agree on one, and if they cannot, then to an arbitration board
     consisting of three arbitrators with each party nominating one arbitrator
     and the two so nominated, within seven days of their nomination, selecting
     a third arbitrator who shall be the chairman whereupon the arbitration
     board shall, within a further seven days, proceed to arbitrate the matters
     in dispute pursuant to the provisions of the Arbitration Act, R.S.N. 1990,
     c. A-14 and the decision of a majority of the arbitrators shall be the
     decision of the board.

18.  The parties mutually covenant each to the other that they shall from time
     to time hereafter upon every reasonable request so to do, make, do, execute
     and deliver, cause to be made, done, executed and delivered all such
     further acts, deeds, assurances and things as may be necessary in the
     reasonable opinion of either of them or their respective legal counsel in
     order to effectively implement and carry out the true intent and meaning of
     this Agreement.

19.  Time shall be of the essence of this Agreement.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
20.  All representations, warranties, covenants, obligations and agreements made
     herein shall survive completion of the purchase and sale of the Shares.

NOTICES

21.  Any notice, demand or request herein provided or permitted to be given by
     any party hereto to another may be served by personal service, by telefax
     or by prepaid registered mail, delivered, telefaxed or addressed as
     follows:

     (a)  To the Vendors:

               Province of Newfoundland
               Department of Industry, Trade & Technology
               Deputy Minister, Max Ruelokke
               Telephone Number: (709) 729-2787
               Fax Number: (709) 7295936


          With copies to:

               O'Reilly, Noseworthy
               Attention: Thomas J. O'Reilly and/or Randall W. Smith
               Telephone Number: (709) 726-3321
               Fax Number: (709) 726-2992


     (b)  To the Purchaser at:



               FRIEDE GOLDMAN MARYSTOWN LTD.
               C/O Friede Goldman International Inc.
               Suite 402
               525 E. Capitol St.
               Jackson, MS, 39201


               Attention: James A. Lowe III, General Counsel

               Fax: (601) 352-0588
               Ph..  (601) 352-1107


     with copies to:


               WHITE, OTTENHEIMER & BAKER
               Barristers & Solicitors
               P.O. Box 5457
               10 Fort William Place
               St. John's, Newfoundland
               A1C 5W4

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
          Attention: Charles W. White and/or Gregory W. Dickie
          Telephone Number: (709) 722-9210
          Fax Number: 709-722-9210

22.  Service of any such notice, demand or request shall be deemed complete on
     the day of actual delivery evidenced in the case of telefax by
     acknowledgment of receipt or in the case of mail by the addressee's
     registry receipt.

23.  Any party may at any time give notice in writing to the others of any
     change of address of the party giving such notice and the address therein
     specified shall be deemed to be the address of such party for the giving of
     notices hereunder.

24.  This Agreement and the Schedules referred to herein constitute the entire
     agreement between the parties hereto and supersede all prior agreements,
     representations, warranties, statements, promises, information,
     arrangements and understandings, whether oral or written, express or
     implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof. None of the parties
     hereto shall be bound or charged with any oral or written agreements,
     representations, warranties, statements, promises, information,
     arrangements or understandings not specifically set forth in this Agreement
     or in the Schedules, documents or instruments to be delivered on or before
     the Closing Date pursuant to this Agreement. The parties hereto further
     acknowledge and agree that, in entering into this Agreement and in
     delivering the Schedules, documents and instruments to be delivered on or
     before the Closing Date, they have not in any way relied, and will not in
     any way rely, on any oral or written agreements, representations,
     warranties, statements, promises, information, arrangements, or
     understanding, expressed or implied, not specifically set forth in this
     Agreement or such Schedules, documents or instruments.

25.  This Agreement is not assignable in whole or in part by any party without
     the prior written consent of the other parties.

26.  This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
     parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

27.  This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with and governed by the
     laws of the Province of Newfoundland, and the parties hereto irrevocably
     attorn to the jurisdiction of the St. John's division of the Supreme Court
     of Newfoundland.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
EXECUTION


IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly and
properly executed as of the day and year first before written.


SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED       )     MARYSTOWN SHIPYARD LIMITED
IN THE PRESENCE OF:                )
                                   )
                                   )     __________________________________
_______________________________    )
WITNESS                            )     __________________________________

 
                                   )     NEWFOUNDLAND OCEAN ENTERPRISES
                                   )     LTD.
                                   )
                                   )     __________________________________
                                   )
_______________________________    )     __________________________________
WITNESS

 
                                   )     FRIEDE GOLDMAN CANADA INC.
                                   )
                                   )     __________________________________
                                   )
                                   )
_______________________________    )     __________________________________
WITNESS


SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED       )     FRIEDE GOLDMAN INTERNATIONAL INC.
IN THE PRESENCE OF:                )
                                   )     __________________________________
                                   )
                                   )     __________________________________
_____________________________      )
WITNESS

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
                                   )     FRIEDE GOLDMAN MARYSTOWN
                                   )     LTD.
                                   )
                                   )     __________________________________
                                   )
_______________________________    )     __________________________________
WITNESS

                                      -13-


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