UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
(Mark One)
[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1999
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______________ to ______________
Commission file number 0-8609
Bargo Energy Company
(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in charter)
Texas 87-0239185
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
700 Louisiana, Suite 3700
Houston, Texas 77002
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(713)236-9792
(Issuer's telephone number, including area code)
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes [x ] No [ ]
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
The Company had approximately 92,173,596 shares of common stock, par value
$0.01 per share, issued and outstanding as of August 13, 1999.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (Check One): Yes No X
<PAGE>
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have
been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain
information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles have been condensed or omitted. However, in the opinion of
management, all adjustments (which consist only of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position and results
of operations for the periods presented have been made. These condensed
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with
financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's
Form 10-KSB filing for the year ended December 31, 1998.
<PAGE>
BARGO ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY FUTURE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
JUNE 30, 1999
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
<TABLE>
CURRENT ASSETS
<S> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,081,921
Trade accounts receivable, no allowance for
doubtful accounts considered necessary:
Joint interest billings 70,483
Accrued oil and gas sales 3,298,549
Advance to related party 55,421
---------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 4,506,374
---------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Oil and gas properties, full cost method 56,425,047
Other 675,135
----------
TOTAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 57,100,182
----------
Less accumulated depletion, depreciation
and amortization (3,639,197)
----------
NET PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 53,460,985
OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $108,333 1,891,667
Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization of $125,796 945,345
Mining properties held for sale 39,977
Other 1,306
---------
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS 2,878,295
---------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 60,845,654
==========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current portion of long-term debt $ 427,282
Trade accounts payable 2,710,651
Accrued oil and gas proceeds payable 548,265
Accrued interest payable 476,874
Advance from related party 52,968
----------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 4,216,040
----------
LONG TERM DEBT, less current portion 2,083,333
----------
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY 214,000
----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock (10% cumulative redeemable);
$.01 par value(liquidation preference of $50,000,000 plus
accrued and unpaid dividends);5,000,000 shares authorized,
issued and outstanding 50,000
Common stock, $.01 par value; 120,000,000 shares authorized,
91,830,544 shares issued and outstanding 918,104
Additional paid-in capital 53,600,068
Treasury stock (30,874)
Retained earnings (deficit) (205,017)
-----------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 54,332,281
-----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 60,845,654
===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
BARGO ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY FUTURE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
Three Months Ended
June 30,
----------------------------
1999 1998
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES
Oil and gas sales $ 3,014,631 $ 574,187
--------- -------
TOTAL REVENUES 3,014,631 574,187
--------- -------
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Lease operations and production taxes 1,382,534 352,720
General and administrative 804,269 142,786
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 1,181,526 100,616
--------- -------
TOTAL EXPENSES 3,368,329 596,122
--------- -------
OTHER INCOME
Interest expense (537,871) (116,232)
Interest income 1,181 609
Miscellaneous income -0- 6,556
--------- ---------
TOTAL OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSE) (536,690) (109,067)
--------- ---------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (890,388) (131,002)
DEFERRED INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE) 302,000 -0-
---------- ---------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (588,388) $ (131,002)
========== =========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE -
BASIC AND DILUTED (.01) (.02)
---------- ---------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING 71,478,458 6,033,000
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
BARGO ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY FUTURE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
Six Months Ended
June 30,
----------------------------
1999 1998
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES
Oil and gas sales $ 5,216,181 $ 1,090,529
--------- ---------
TOTAL REVENUES 5,216,181 1,090,529
--------- ---------
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Lease operations and production taxes 2,318,004 643,448
General and administrative 1,667,506 220,653
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 2,172,568 202,314
--------- --------
TOTAL EXPENSES 6,158,078 1,066,415
--------- ---------
OTHER INCOME
Interest expense (1,409,134) (282,126)
Interest income 5,014 2,717
Miscellaneous income -0- 10,961
--------- ---------
TOTAL OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSE) (1,404,120) (268,448)
--------- ---------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (2,346,017) (244,334)
DEFERRED INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE) 797,000 0
---------- ---------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (1,549,017) $ (244,334)
========== =========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE -
BASIC AND DILUTED (.03) (.04)
---------- --------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING 59,842,374 6,033,000
---------- ---------
<PAGE>
BARGO ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY FUTURE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
--------------------------
1999 1998
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ (1,549,017) $(244,334)
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depletion, depreciation, and
amortization 2,172,568 202,314
Amortization of debt issue costs 100,352 -0-
Deferred income taxes (797,000) -0-
Change in working capital items:
Decrease (increase) in
accounts receivable (733,032) 95,107
Increase in advances to
related parties (47,421) -0-
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
and accrued liabilities 1,334,790 (44,119)
Decrease in advances from
related parties (513,032) -0-
Other (7,877) (11,471)
--------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES (39,669) (2,503)
--------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of oil and gas properties (10,433,047) (1,080,887)
Additions to property and equipment (27,135) -0-
--------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES (10,460,182) (1,080,887)
--------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of debt 655,262 660,000
Purchase of treasury stock (34,305) -0-
Repayment of long-term debt (38,003,647) (5,216)
Proceeds from issuance of stock 50,000,000 191,649
Stock issuance costs (2,205,468) -0-
Loan costs (81,141) -0-
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 10,071 -0-
--------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES 10,340,772 846,433
--------- --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH (159,079) (263,957)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
BEGINNING OF PERIOD 1,241,000 292,931
--------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $1,081,921 $ 55,974
========== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period
for interest $1,253,002 $ 282,126
========== ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
BARGO ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY FUTURE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE PERIODS INDICATED
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
Preferred Stock Common Stock
Shares Amount Shares Amount
-------- -------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1997 -0- $ -0- 5,678,779 $ 57,000
Shares issued for oil and gas
properties 100,000 1,000 5,163,192 52,000
Shares issued for fixed assets -0- -0- 2,414,776 24,000
Shares issued for retirement
of debt -0- -0- 8,495,683 85,000
Shares issued for options
exercised -0- -0- 110,000 1,000
Shares issued for payment
of interest -0- -0- 267,400 2,000
Shares issued for services -0- -0- 190,236 2,000
Net income -0- -0- -0- -0-
--------- ------- --------- ---------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1998 100,000 $ 1,000 22,320,066 $ 223,000
Stock issuance costs -0- -0- -0- -0-
Shares issued for options
exercised -0- -0- 37,720 377
Preferred shares converted to
Common (100,000) (1,000) 26,000,000 260,000
Series B preferred shares
(with detachable warrants)
issued for cash 5,000,000 50,000 -0- -0-
Shares issued in exchange for
Detachable warrants -0- -0- 43,815,810 438,158
Treasury shares acquired for cash -0- -0- (343,052) (3,431)
Net income (loss) -0- -0- -0- -0-
--------- ------- ---------- ---------
BALANCES, JUNE 30, 1999 5,000,000 $50,000 91,830,544 $ 918,104
========= ======== ========== =========
</TABLE>
BARGO ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY FUTURE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE PERIODS INDICATED
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
Total
Additional Retained Stock-
Paid-In Treasury Earnings holders'
Capital Stock (Deficit) Equity
-------- -------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1997 $4,413,000 $ -0- $(64,000) $4,406,000
Shares issued for oil and gas
properties 21,000 -0- -0- 74,000
Shares issued for fixed assets 593,000 -0- -0- 617,000
Shares issued for retirement
of debt 1,312,000 -0- -0- 1,397,000
Shares issued for options
exercised 57,000 -0- -0- 58,000
Shares issued for payment
of interest 66,000 -0- -0- 68,000
Shares issued for services 81,000 -0- -0- 83,000
Net income -0- -0- 1,408,000 1,408,000
--------- ------- --------- ---------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1998 $6,543,000 $ -0- $1,344,000 $8,111,000
Stock issuance costs (2,205,468) -0- -0- (2,205,468)
Shares issued for options
exercised 9,694 -0- -0- 10,071
Preferred shares converted to
Common (259,000) -0- -0- -0-
Series B preferred shares
(with detachable warrants)
issued for cash 49,950,000 -0- -0- 50,000,000
Shares issued in exchange for
Detachable warrants (438,158) -0- -0- -0-
Treasury shares acquired for cash -0- (30,874) -0- (34,305)
Net income (loss) -0- -0- (1,549,017) (1,549,017)
--------- ------- ---------- ---------
BALANCES, JUNE 30, 1999 $53,600,068 $ (30,874) $(205,017) $54,332,281
========== ======== ========= ==========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATIONS
THE COMPANY
Bargo Energy Company (the "Company" or "Bargo") is engaged through its
subsidiaries and subsidiary partnerships in the development of oil and natural
gas properties located onshore primarily in the Gulf Coast Region(Texas and
Louisiana) and California. The Company's principal business strategies include
(i) maximizing the value of its existing high-quality, long-life reserves
through efficient operating and marketing practices, (ii)conducting detailed
field studies using the newest technology to identify additional reserves and
exploration potential, and (iii) seeking acquisitions of producing properties,
with exploration and development potential in areas where the Company has
operating experience and expertise. In 1998, through a change in management and
the establishment of a credit facility with Bank of America, the Company was
able to implement an aggressive acquisition program. Going forward, the Company
intends to continue to actively acquire producing oil and gas reserves along
with the exploitation of its existing properties.
As of December 31, 1998, the Company owned estimated net proved reserves of
approximately 15,145,000 barrels of oil equivalent. Approximately 54% of the
Company's reserves are proved developed producing reserves. Quantities stated
as equivalent barrels of oil reserves are based on a factor of six mcf of
natural gas per barrel of oil.
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS
On April 26, 1999 (the "Effective Date"), Future Petroleum Corporation, a Utah
corporation ("Future"), merged with Bargo Energy Company, a Texas corporation
("Bargo"). Bargo was incorporated under the name FPT Corporation on
January 26, 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Future solely for the purpose
of reincorporating Future in Texas.
The reincorporation occurred pursuant to a merger agreement dated April 6, 1999
entered into between Future and Bargo ("Merger Agreement"). In accordance with
the terms of the Merger Agreement, Future merged into Bargo, with Bargo as the
surviving corporation. On the Effective Date, each of the 22,320,066 shares of
common stock of Future outstanding were converted into one share of Bargo's
common stock and each of the 100,000 shares of preferred stock of Future
outstanding were converted into one share of Bargo preferred stock. The
Company's symbol on the OTC Bulletin Board was changed from FUPT to BARG to
reflect the change in the Company's name from Future Petroleum Corporation to
Bargo Energy Company.
The reincorporation merger increased the Company's authorized capital stock from
30,200,000 shares to 125 million shares. The articles of incorporation of Bargo
authorize 125 million shares of capital stock, of which 120 million shares are
common stock and 5 million shares are preferred stock. Future's articles of
incorporation authorized 30 million shares of common stock and 200,000 shares of
preferred stock.
On May 14, 1999, the Company closed a transaction pursuant to which it
issued and sold to Kayne Anderson Energy Fund, L.P. ("Kayne"),
BancAmerica Capital Investors SBIC I, L.P. ("BancAmerica"), Eos
Partners, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC II, L.P.
(collectively, "Eos"), Energy Capital Investment Company PLC, EnCap
Energy Captial Fund III-B, L.P., BOCP Energy Partners, L.P., EnCap
Energy Capital Fund III, L.P. (collectively, "EnCap") and SGC Partners
II LLC ("SGC" and together with Kayne, BancAmerica, Eos, EnCap and SGC,
the "Investors") shares of a newly created class of preferred stock.
Five million shares of the Company's Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Stock, Series B ("Preferred Stock") were issued in exchange for an
aggregate purchase price of $50 million. As additional consideration,
the Company issued an aggregate of 43,815,810 shares of its common stock
to the Investors equal to 40% of the outstanding common stock (on a
fully diluted basis). If the Company redeems all of the outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock prior to May 14, 2001, the Investors must sell
back to the Company 12.5% of the shares of Common Stock originally
issued to the Investors.
<PAGE>
Dividends on the Preferred Stock equal to 10% per annum are payable
quarterly. The dividend rate is subject to increase (but in no event to
more than 16%) or decrease (but in no event to less than 10%) based upon
the Company's ratio of assets to liabilities which is calculated on
January 1 and July 1 of each year or at such other time as requested by
the Investors. The Preferred Stock may be redeemed at any time by the
Company and must be redeemed upon the occurrence of certain events,
including upon the fifth anniversary of the issue date or upon a change
of control. A change of control is deemed to occur upon any merger,
reorganization, purchase or sale of more than 50% of the Company's
voting securities, the sale of substantially all of the assets of the
Company or at any time Tim Goff ceases to serve as the Company's Chief
Executive Officer. The Company is prohibited from taking certain
actions, including authorizing, creating or issuing any shares of
capital stock, amending the articles of incorporation of the Company and
authorizing a merger or change of control, without the consent of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock.
In connection with the transaction, the Company, Bargo Energy Resources,
Ltd., TJG Investments, Inc., Bargo Energy Company, Tim J. Goff, Thomas
Barrow, James E. Sowell and Bargo Operating Company, Inc. (collectively,
the "Bargo Group"), B. Carl Price, Don Wm. Reynolds (Mr. Price and Mr.
Reynolds are referred to as the "Price Group"), EnCap Equity 1994
Limited Partnership and the Investors entered into a Second Amended and
Restated Shareholders' Agreement ("Shareholders' Agreement"). Under the
Shareholders' Agreement, the holders of the Preferred Stock have the
right, for so long as the Preferred Stock is outstanding and until the
occurrence of certain other events, to appoint there designated nominees
to the Board of Directors. In Addition, the EnCap entities have the right
to appoint two nominees to the Board of Directors and the members of the
Bargo Group have the right to appoint two nominee to the Board of Directors.
The Price Group no longer has the right to appoint nominees to the Board of
Directors. The Shareholders' Agreement also sets forth certain rights of
first refusal and tag along rights among the parties thereto.
The Company, the Investors and EnCap Equity 1994 Limted Partnership also
entered into a Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated
May 14, 1999 providing for registration rights for the shares of common
stock of the Company issued to the Investors.
In connection with the transaction, the Company amended its Bylaws to
provide that for so long as each of (i) EOS and SGC (jointly), (ii)
Kayne, (iii) BancAmerica, (iv) EnCap and (v) the Bargo Group (each, a
"Nominee Group") is entitled to nominate one or more persons to the
Board of Directors of the Company as provided in the Shareholders'
Agreement, no act shall be deemed to be an act of the Board of Directors
or to be authorized and approved by the Board of Directors without the
approval of at least three directors that are nominated by at least
three separate Nominee Groups. In addition, Article VIII of the Bylaws
providing certain voting rights to the nominee of the Bargo Group, was
deleted.
<PAGE>
GENERAL
The Company's revenues, profitability and future growth and the carrying value
of its oil and gas properties are substantially dependent on prevailing prices
of oil and gas and its ability to find, develop and acquire additional oil and
gas reserves that are economically recoverable. The Company's ability to
maintain or increase its borrowing capacity and to obtain additional capital on
attractive terms is also influenced by oil and gas prices.
The Company's properties are located onshore principally in Texas, New
Mexico and Oklahoma. As of August 13, 1999, the Company owns interests
in a total of 459 gross (323 net) producing wells, of which 209 wells
are operated by the Company. As of that date, the Company had oil and
gas rights in leases comprising 29,111 gross (25,822-net) acres.
Prices for oil and gas are subject to large fluctuations in response to
relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for oil and gas, market
uncertainty and a variety of additional factors beyond the control of the
Company. These factors include weather conditions in the United States, the
condition of the United States economy, the actions of the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries, governmental regulation, political stability in
the Middle East and elsewhere, the foreign supply of crude oil and natural gas,
the price of foreign imports and the availability of alternate fuel sources. Any
substantial and extended decline in the price of crude oil or natural gas would
have an adverse effect on the Company's carrying value of its proved reserves,
borrowing capacity, revenues, profitability and cash flows from operations.
The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for the Company's investment
in oil and gas properties. Under the full cost method of accounting, all costs
of acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves are
capitalized into a "full cost pool." Oil and gas properties in the pool, plus
estimated future expenditures to develop proved reserves and future abandonment,
site remediation and dismantlement costs, are depleted and charged to operations
using the unit of production method based on the portion of current production
to total estimated proved recoverable oil and gas reserves. To the extent that
such capitalized cost (net of depreciation, depletion and amortization) exceed
the discounted future net cash flows on an after-tax basis of estimated proved
oil and gas reserves, such excess costs are charged to operations. Once
incurred, the write down of oil and gas properties is not reversible at a later
date even if oil or natural gas prices increase.
The Company does not have a specific acquisition budget because of the
unpredictability of the timing and size of forthcoming acquisition activities.
There is no assurance that the Company will be able to identify suitable
acquisition candidates in the future, or that the Company will be successful in
the acquisition of producing properties. In order to finance any possible future
acquisitions, the Company will either use borrowings available under the its
credit facility or the Company may seek to obtain additional debt or equity
financing in the public or private capital markets. Further, there can be no
assurances that any future acquisitions made by the Company will be integrated
successfully into the Company's operations or will achieve desired profitability
objectives.
On May 14, 1999 the Company acquired the Raccoon Bend field located in Austin
and Waller Counties, Texas from Exxon Corporation. The Company utilized funds
from its equity financing closed on the same day to acquire the properties.
Bargo owns a 100% Working Interest and a 80% Net Revenue Interest in this
field which has 65 active wells which produce over 600 barrels of oil per day.
In June 1998 the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 133"
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This standard is
effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999 (January 1, 2000 for
the Company). SFAS 133 requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on
the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives
are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income,
depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction
and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. The Company has not yet completed
its evaluation of the impact of the adoption of this new standard.
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's primary sources of capital are its cash flows from operations,
borrowings and issuance of debt and equity securities.
The Company reported a consolidated net loss of $588,388 for the quarter ended
June 30, 1999 compared to a consolidated net loss of $131,002 for the quarter
ended June 30, 1998. At June 30, 1999, the Company had working capital of
$290,000, which was a $247,000 increase from the $43,000 of working capital
that the Company had as of June 30, 1998. This increase in working capital was
due primarily to the increased oil and gas sales resulting from the acquisition
of proved reserves referred to above.
Effective August 14, 1998, the Company entered into a credit agreement with Bank
of America ("Credit Agreement"). Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are
secured by mortgages covering substantially all of the Company's producing oil
and gas properties as well as by certain pledges of the Company's Common Stock.
See "Strategic Developments." The Credit Agreement initially
provided for a commitment amount of $20 million and a $10.5 million borrowing
base ("Borrowing Base"). This Credit Agreement was amended and increased to
$27.5 million on November 15, 1998. In December 1998, the Company amended and
restated the Credit Agreement to increase the commitment amount to $50 million
subject to a borrowing base as determined by Bank of America on an acquisition
by acquisition basis. The Credit Agreement is comprised of two Tranches, Tranche
A and Tranche B.
At June 30, 1999, the Tranche A loan commitment amount was $35 million, of
which $2.5 million had been borrowed. The Company has a choice of two different
interest rates under the Tranche A loan, the Base Rate or the LIBO Rate. The
debt bears interest under the Base Rate at the higher of the lender's "Reference
Rate" or the Federal Funds Rate plus .5%. The debt bears interest under the LIBO
Rate at the LIBO rate (reserve adjusted) plus 2%. The Company may convert any
portion of the outstanding debt from one interest rate type to another in
increments of $50,000 with a minimum transfer amount of $250,000. The Company
may borrow, pay, reborrow and repay under the Credit Facility until December 4,
1999, on which date the revolving credit line converts to a four-year term loan
with quarterly principal installments.
At December 31, 1998, the Tranche B loan commitment amount was $12 million,
of which $8.945 million had been borrowed. In connection with the May 4,
1999 equity transaction on May 17, 1999, the Company repaid $9.6 million,
the full amount outstanding under Tranche B.
On May 14, 1999, the Company issued Preferred Stock and Common Stock for an
aggregate purchase price of $50 million as described under "Strategic
Developments."
CASH FLOW TO OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Operating activities of the Company during the three months ended June 30,1999
used net cash of $253,992. In the same period during 1998, operations
used net cash of $21,493. Investing activities in the three months ended June
30, 1999, used net cash of $9,895,763, primarily due to the acquisition of oil
and gas properties. Financing activities in the three months ended June 30, 1999
provided net cash of $9,968,236 primarily due to proceeds from the equity
transaction described above net of debt repayments.
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of Quarters Ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
Total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 1999 increased to
$3,014,631 from $574,187 for the same period in 1998, primarily due to
the acquisition of oil and gas properties. Production costs increased from
$352,720 in the three months ended June 30, 1998 to $1,382,534 in the three
months ended June 30, 1999 due to the purchase of proved reserves. General
and administrative expenses increased to $804,269 from $142,786 in 1998 due
to overhead associated with the Company's increased acquisition activity.
The Company had a net loss of $588,388 for the three months ended June 30,
1999 compared to a net loss of $131,002 for the same period in 1998,
primarily due to the acquisition of proved reserves. The majority of the
cash flow generated from these additional reserves was primarily used to
pay interest costs incurred in acquiring the reserves. Interest expense
for the three months ended June 30, 1999 was $537,871 compared to $116,232
for the same period in 1998. Depreciation, depletion and amortization for
the three months ended June 30, 1999 was $1,181,526. For the same period
in 1998, the total was $100,616. This increase is primarily a result of
increased production volumes.
Comparison of Six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 1999 increased to $5,216,181
from $1,090,529 for the same period in 1998, primarily due to the acquisition
of oil and gas properties. Production costs increased from $643,448 in the
six months ended June 30, 1998 to $2,318,007 in the six months ended June 30,
1999 due to the purchase of proved reserves. General and administrative
expenses increased to $1,667,506 from $220,653 in 1998 due to increased
overhead associated with the Company's increased acquisition activity. The
Company had a net loss of $1,549,017 for the six months ended June 30,1999
compared to a net loss of $244,334 for the same period in 1998,primarily
due to the acquisition of proved reserves. The majority of the cash flow
generated from these additional reserves was primarily used to pay
interest costs. Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 1999
was $1,409,134 compared to $282,126 for the same period in 1998.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization for the first six months of 1999
was $2,172,568. For the same period in 1998, the total was $202,314.
This increase is primarily a result of increased production volumes.
INFLATION
The Company's activities have not been, and in the near term are not
expected to be, materially affected by inflation or changing prices in
general. The Company's oil exploration and production activities are
generally affected by prevailing prices for oil, however.
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
Year 2000 issues result from the inability of computer programs or computerized
equipment to accurately calculate, store or use a date subsequent to December
31, 1999. The erroneous date can be interpreted in a number of different ways;
typically the Year 2000 is interpreted as the year 1900. This could result in a
system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including,
among other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices
or engage in similar normal business. Because the Company's software systems are
relatively new, the Company was aware of and considered Year 2000 issues at the
time of purchase or development of such systems. In addition, the Company has
recently completed an assessment of its core financial and operational software
systems to ensure compliance. The licensor of the Company's core financial
software system has certified that such software is Year 2000 compliant.
Additionally, other less critical software systems and various types of
equipment have been assessed and are believed to be compliant.
The Company believes that the potential impact, if any, of these less critical
systems not being Year 2000 compliant will at most require employees to manually
complete otherwise automated tasks or calculations and it should not impact the
Company's ability to continue exploration, drilling, production or sales
activities. The Company has initiated and will continue to have formal
communications with its significant suppliers, business partners and customers
to determine the extent to which the Company is vulnerable to those third
parties' failure to correct their own Year 2000 issues. There can be no
guarantee, however, that the systems of other companies on which the Company's
systems rely will be timely converted, or that a failure to convert by another
company, or a conversion that is incompatible with the Company's systems would
not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company has determined it has no exposure to contingencies related to the
Year 2000 issue with respect to products sold to third parties. The Company has
and will utilize both internal and external resources to complete tasks and
perform testing necessary to address the Year 2000 issue. The Company has
substantially completed the Year 2000 project. The Company has not incurred, and
does not anticipate that it will incur, any significant costs relating to the
assessment and remediation of Year 2000 issues.
<PAGE>
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Pursuant to an Information Statement distributed to stockholders of the
Company on March 10, 1999, stockholders representing 94.3% of the voting
power of the Company on January 31, 1999 consented to:
. the reincorporation of the Company as a Texas corporation;
. a change to the Company's Articles of Incorporation increasing
the authorized capital stock to 125 million shares, of which
120 million shares are Common Stock and 5 million are preferred
stock; and
. the change of the Company's name to Bargo Energy Company.
The consenting stockholders owned or were entitled to vote 45,565,562
shares of the Company's common stock, including shares of common stock
the consenting stockholders were entitled to vote as a result of ownership
of preferred stock. All of the actions consented to by the stockholders
of the Company were effected pursuant to Articles of Merger filed with
the Texas and Utah Secretary of State on April 26, 1999.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits.
Exhibit
Number Title of Document Location
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Plan of acquisition, reorganization, (1)
arrangement, liquidation of succession
2.1 Purchase and Sale Agreement between (4)
Exxon Corporation and Future Acquisition
1995, Ltd., et al
3. Articles of Incorporation and By-laws
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Bargo Energy Company (2)
3.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of (2)
April 6, 1999 between Future Petroleum Corporation
and FPT Corporation
3.3 By-laws of Bargo Energy Company (2)
3.4 Amendment to Bargo Energy Company By-laws (3)
4. Instruments defining the rights of security
holders
4.1 Certificate of Designations of Cumulative (3)
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series B
10 Material Contracts
10.1 Second Amended and Restated Shareholders' (3)
Agreement, dated May 14, 1999, by and among Bargo
Energy Company, B. Carl Price, Don Wm. Reynolds,
Energy Capital Investment Company PLC, EnCap
Equity 1994 Limited Partnership, Bargo Energy
Resources, Ltd., TJG Investments, Inc., Bargo
Energy Company, Tim J. Goff, Thomas Barrow,
James E. Sowell, Bargo Operating Company, Inc.,
EnCap Energy Capital Fund III-B, L.P., BOCP
Energy Partners, L.P., EnCap Energy Capital Fund
III, L.P., Kayne Anderson Energy Fund, L.P.,
BancAmerica Capital Investors SBIC I, L.P., Eos
Partners, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC, L.P., Eos
Partners SBIC II, L.P., and SGC Partners II LLC.
<PAGE>
10.2 Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (3)
dated May 14, 1999 between Energy Capital
Investment Company PLC, EnCap Equity 1994
Limited Partnership, EnCap Energy Capital Fund III-B,
L.P., BOCP Energy Partners, L.P., EnCap Energy
Capital Fund III, L.P., Kayne Anderson Energy
Fund, L.P., BancAmerica Capital Investors SBIC I,
L.P., Eos Partners, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC,
L.P., Eos Partners SBIC II, L.P., and SGC
Partners II LLC.
10.3 Consent to Amendment to Registration Rights (3)
Agreement by TJG Investments, Inc., Bargo Energy
Company, Bargo Energy Resources, Ltd., Bargo
Operating Company, Inc., Tim J. Goff, Thomas
Barrow, James E. Sowell, B. Carl Price, Don Wm.
Reynolds, Christie Price, Robert Price and
Charles D. Laudeman
10.4 Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Credit (3)
Agreement dated May 14, 1999 between Bargo
Energy Company and Bank of America National
Trust and Savings Association
10.5 Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note (3)
dated May 14, 1999 between Bar Bargo Energy
Company and Bank of America National Trust
and Savings Association
10.6 Consent and Agreement dated May 14, 1999 (3)
be between Bargo Energy Company and Bank of America
National Trust and Savings Association
10.7 SBA Side Letter dated May 14, 1999 between Bargo (3)
Energy Company and BancAmerica Capital
Investors SBIC I, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC, L.P.,
Eos Partners SBIC II, L.P., and SGC Partners
II LLC.
10.8 SBA Side Letter dated May 14, 1999 between (3)
Bargo Energy Company, EnCap Equity 1994 Limited
Partnership, TJG Investments, Inc. Bargo
Energy Company, Bargo Energy Resources, Ltd., Bargo
Operating Company, Inc., Tim J. Goff and
BancAmerica Capital Investors SBIC I, L.P., Eos
Partners SBIC, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC II, L.P.,
and SGC Partners II LLC.
10.9 Stock Purchase Agreement dated May 14, 1999 (3)
between Bargo Energy Company and Energy Capital
Investment Company PLC, EnCap Energy Capital
Fund III-B, L.P., BOCP Energy Partners, L.P.,
EnCap Energy Capital Fund III, L.P., Kayne
Anderson Energy Fund, L.P., BancAmerica Capital
Investors SBIC I, L.P., Eos Partners, L.P., Eos
Partners SBIC, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC II,
L.P., and SGC Partners II LLC.
10.10 Bargo Energy Company 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (3)
10.11 Confidentiality and Non-compete Agreement dated (3)
May 14, 1999 between Bargo Energy Company and
Tim J. Goff
11. Statement regarding computation of per share (1)
earnings
15. Letter on unaudited interim financial information (1)
18. Letter on change in accounting principles (1)
19. Report furnished to security holders (1)
22. Published report regarding matters submitted to vote (1)
24. Power of attorney (1)
27. Financial data schedule (4)
99. Additional exhibits
___________________________________
(1) Inapplicable to this filing.
(2) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current report on
Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
April 29, 1999. (file no. 000-08609)
(3) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly report on
Form 10-QSB for the period ended March 31, 1999, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 21, 1999.
(file no. 000-08609)
(4) Filed herewith.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
The following reports on From 8-K were filed during the quarterly period ended
June 30, 1999:
1) Amendment No. 1 to Current Report on From 8-K dated November 19, 1998,
filed May 27, 1999 reporting Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
The financial statements included the Historical Summaries of Revenues
and Direct Operating Expenses of the Cody Properties and the notes
thereto and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information of the Company
reflecting the acquisition of the Cody Properties and the notes
thereto.
2) Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 14, 1999, filed May 21, 1999
reporting Item 5. Other Events and Item 7. Financial Statements
and Exhibits.
3) Amendment No. 1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 15, 1998,
filed May 4, 1999 reporting Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
The financial statements included Bargo Resources, Ltd.'s Financial
Statements and the notes thereto and Future Petroleum Corporation's
and Bargo Energy Resources, Ltd.'s Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
Statements of Operations and the notes thereto.
4) Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 1999, filed April 29, 1999
reporting Item 5. Other Events and Item 7. Financial Statements and
Exhibits.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BARGO ENERGY COMPANY
(Registrant)
Dated: August 16, 1999 By: /s/ Kimberly G. Seekely
Kimberly G. Seekely,
Chief Financial Officer
<PAGE>
The following exhibits are included as part of this report:
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Title of Document Location
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Plan of acquisition, reorganization, (1)
arrangement, liquidation of succession
2.1 Purchase and Sale Agreement between (4)
Exxon Corporation and Future Acquisition
1995, Ltd., et al
3. Articles of Incorporation and By-laws
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Bargo Energy Company (2)
3.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of (2)
April 6, 1999 between Future Petroleum Corporation
and FPT Corporation
3.3 By-laws of Bargo Energy Company (2)
3.4 Amendment to Bargo Energy Company By-laws (3)
4. Instruments defining the rights of security
holders
4.1 Certificate of Designations of Cumulative (3)
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series B
10 Material Contracts
10.1 Second Amended and Restated Shareholders' (3)
Agreement, dated May 14, 1999, by and among Bargo
Energy Company, B. Carl Price, Don Wm. Reynolds,
Energy Capital Investment Company PLC, EnCap
Equity 1994 Limited Partnership, Bargo Energy
Resources, Ltd., TJG Investments, Inc., Bargo
Energy Company, Tim J. Goff, Thomas Barrow,
James E. Sowell, Bargo Operating Company, Inc.,
EnCap Energy Capital Fund III-B, L.P., BOCP
Energy Partners, L.P., EnCap Energy Capital Fund
III, L.P., Kayne Anderson Energy Fund, L.P.,
BancAmerica Capital Investors SBIC I, L.P., Eos
Partners, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC, L.P., Eos
Partners SBIC II, L.P., and SGC Partners II LLC.
<PAGE>
10.2 Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (3)
dated May 14, 1999 between Energy Capital
Investment Company PLC, EnCap Equity 1994
Limited Partnership, EnCap Energy Capital Fund III-B,
L.P., BOCP Energy Partners, L.P., EnCap Energy
Capital Fund III, L.P., Kayne Anderson Energy
Fund, L.P., BancAmerica Capital Investors SBIC I,
L.P., Eos Partners, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC,
L.P., Eos Partners SBIC II, L.P., and SGC
Partners II LLC.
10.3 Consent to Amendment to Registration Rights (3)
Agreement by TJG Investments, Inc., Bargo Energy
Company, Bargo Energy Resources, Ltd., Bargo
Operating Company, Inc., Tim J. Goff, Thomas
Barrow, James E. Sowell, B. Carl Price, Don Wm.
Reynolds, Christie Price, Robert Price and
Charles D. Laudeman
10.4 Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Credit (3)
Agreement dated May 14, 1999 between Bargo
Energy Company and Bank of America National
Trust and Savings Association
10.5 Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note (3)
dated May 14, 1999 between Bar Bargo Energy
Company and Bank of America National Trust
and Savings Association
10.6 Consent and Agreement dated May 14, 1999 (3)
be between Bargo Energy Company and Bank of America
National Trust and Savings Association
10.7 SBA Side Letter dated May 14, 1999 between Bargo (3)
Energy Company and BancAmerica Capital
Investors SBIC I, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC, L.P.,
Eos Partners SBIC II, L.P., and SGC Partners
II LLC.
10.8 SBA Side Letter dated May 14, 1999 between (3)
Bargo Energy Company, EnCap Equity 1994 Limited
Partnership, TJG Investments, Inc. Bargo
Energy Company, Bargo Energy Resources, Ltd., Bargo
Operating Company, Inc., Tim J. Goff and
BancAmerica Capital Investors SBIC I, L.P., Eos
Partners SBIC, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC II, L.P.,
and SGC Partners II LLC.
10.9 Stock Purchase Agreement dated May 14, 1999 (3)
between Bargo Energy Company and Energy Capital
Investment Company PLC, EnCap Energy Capital
Fund III-B, L.P., BOCP Energy Partners, L.P.,
EnCap Energy Capital Fund III, L.P., Kayne
Anderson Energy Fund, L.P., BancAmerica Capital
Investors SBIC I, L.P., Eos Partners, L.P., Eos
Partners SBIC, L.P., Eos Partners SBIC II,
L.P., and SGC Partners II LLC.
10.10 Bargo Energy Company 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (3)
10.11 Confidentiality and Non-compete Agreement dated (3)
May 14, 1999 between Bargo Energy Company and
Tim J. Goff
11. Statement regarding computation of per share (1)
earnings
15. Letter on unaudited interim financial information (1)
18. Letter on change in accounting principles (1)
19. Report furnished to security holders (1)
22. Published report regarding matters submitted to vote (1)
24. Power of attorney (1)
27. Financial data schedule (4)
99. Additional exhibits
___________________________________
(1) Inapplicable to this filing.
(2) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current report on
Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
April 29, 1999. (file no. 000-08609)
(3) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly report on
Form 10-QSB for the period ended March 31, 1999, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 21, 1999.
(file no. 000-08609)
(4) Filed herewith.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 2.1
P U R C H A S E A N D S A L E A G R E E M E N T
BETWEEN
EXXON CORPORATION
AND
FUTURE ACQUISTION 1995, LTD., ET AL
EFFECTIVE TIME: JANUARY 1, 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS 5
1.01. Additional Instruments 5
1.02. Allocation 5
1.03. Associated Parties 5
1.04. Base Purchase Price 5
1.05. Business Day 5
1.06. Claim or Claims 5
1.07. Closing 5
1.08. Closing Date 5
1.09. Code 5
1.10. Condition 5
1.11. Effective Time 5
1.12. Environmental Laws 5
1.13. Execution Date 6
1.14. Exxon-operated 6
1.15. Interest or Interests 6
1.16. Liability or Liabilities 7
1.17. Material Difference 7
1.18. NORM 7
1.19. Oil 7
1.20. Occurrence 7
1.21. Operator 7
1.22 Produced Water in Shallow Sands Recommendations 7
1.23. Produced Water in Shallow Sands Facilities 7
1.24. Property or Properties 8
1.25. Real Property Taxes 8
1.26. Related Agreements 8
1.27. Strict Liability 8
1.28. Well or Wells 8
ARTICLE 2. PURCHASE AND SALE 8
ARTICLE 3. PURCHASE PRICE 8
3.01. Base Purchase Price 8
3.02. Performance Deposit and Payment 8
3.03. Additional Consideration: Retained Royalty Interest 8
3.04. Allocation of Base Purchase Price 11
ARTICLE 4. ASSET CLASSIFICATION 11
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 5. BUYER'S REVIEW 11
5.01. Buyer's Review before Signing this Agreement 11
5.02. Access to Exxon-Operated Interests 12
5.03. Environmental Assessment 12
5.04. Access to Interests Operated by Others 12
5.05. Materials, Facilities, Platforms and Equipment 12
5.06. No Warranty of Accuracy; Disclaimer 13
5.07. Buyer's Confidentiality Obligations 13
ARTICLE 6. TITLE AND TITLE DEFECTS 13
6.01. Title Defect 13
6.02. Adjustments to Allocations 14
6.03. Description and Other Errors 15
ARTICLE 7. PRE-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS 15
7.01. Preferential Rights 15
7.02. Related Agreements 16
7.03. Third-Party Notifications and Approvals 16
7.04. Change of Operator 16
ARTICLE 8. CLOSING 16
8.01. Closing Date 16
8.02. Buyer's Request to Delay Closing 16
8.03. Exxon's Right to Delay Closing 17
8.04. Closing Obligations 17
8.05. Offset of Amounts Owed to Exxon 19
8.06. Condition Precedent 19
8.07 Buyer's Representation by Closing 19
8.08 Insurance 19
ARTICLE 9. POST-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS 19
9.01. Filing and Recording 19
9.02. Copies 19
9.03. Further Assurances 19
9.04. Post-Closing Third Party Consents 19
9.05. Reassignment 20
9.06. Buyer's Compliance 20
9.07. Property Sales Accounting Agreement 20
9.08. Plugging and Abandoning Wells; Remediation 20
9.09. Surrender or Abandonment of Interests 21
9.10. Exxon's Retained Deep Rights Subject to Exploitation
Agreement 21
ARTICLE 10. TAXES 22
10.01. Real Property Taxes 22
10.02. Production Taxes 22
10.03. Other Taxes 22
ARTICLE 11. OIL IN STORAGE, PROCEEDS, COSTS, EXPENSES, CLAIMS,
AND DISBURSEMENTS 22
11.01. Oil in Storage 22
11.02. Proceeds, Costs, and Expenses 23
11.03. Notice to Remitters of Proceeds 23
11.04. Reservation of Claims 24
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 12. EXXON-OPERATED INTERESTS 24
12.01. Operation by Exxon 24
12.02. Charges Paid by Buyer 24
12.03. Risk of Loss 24
12.04. Removal of Signs 25
ARTICLE 13. INTERESTS OPERATED BY OTHERS 25
ARTICLE 14. PREFERENTIAL RIGHT TO PURCHASE OIL 25
ARTICLE 15. PREFERENTIAL RIGHT TO PURCHASE GAS 25
ARTICLE 16. BUYER'S RELEASE DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE;
BUYER'S OBLIGATIONS TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS;
DISPUTE RESOLUTION 25
16.01. Buyer's Release of Exxon and its Associated
Parties 25
16.02. Buyer's Covenant Not to Sue Exxon or its Associated
Parties 25
16.03. Buyer's Obligations to Indemnify, Defend, and Hold
Exxon and its Associated Parties Harmless 26
16.04. Buyer's Obligations 26
16.05. Buyer's Duty to Defend 28
16.06. Alternate Dispute Resolution and Arbitration 29
16.07. Buyer's Waiver of Consumer Protection Laws 29
16.08. Retroactive Effect 29
16.09. Inducement to Exxon 29
ARTICLE 17. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS 29
17.01. Buyer's Acknowledgment Concerning Possible Contamination
of the Interests and Property 30
17.02. Adverse Environmental Conditions 30
17.03. Remediation 31
17.04. Produced Water in Shallow Sands 32
17.05. Disposal of Materials, Substances, and Wastes; Compliance
with Law 34
ARTICLE 18. BUYER'S REPRESENTATIONS 34
18.01. Representations Not Exclusive 34
18.02. Security Laws 34
18.03. Basis of Buyer's Decision 34
18.04. Material Factor 35
ARTICLE 19. GAS IMBALANCES 35
ARTICLE 20. FINAL SETTLEMENT STATEMENT 35
ARTICLE 21. BROKER'S AND FINDER'S FEES 35
ARTICLE 22. COMMUNICATIONS 35
ARTICLE 23. BUYER'S DEFAULT 36
ARTICLE 24. HART-SCOTT-RODINO ANTITRUST IMPROVEMENTS
ACT OF 1976 36
ARTICLE 25. DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES 36
ARTICLE 26. MISCELLANEOUS 36
26.01. Entire Agreement 36
26.02. Successors and Assigns; Amendment; Survival 37
26.03. Choice of Law 37
26.04. Assignment 37
26.05. No Admissions 37
26.06. No Third-Party Beneficiaries 37
26.07. Public Communications 37
26.08. Headings and Titles 37
26.09. Exhibits 37
26.10. Includes 37
26.11. Severability 37
26.12. Counterparts 37
26.13. Conflicts 37
26.14. Not to Be Construed against Drafter 38
26.15. No Waiver 38
26.16. Express Negligence Rule; Conspicuousness 38
26.17. Execution by the Parties 38
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A -- DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERESTS 40
EXHIBIT A-1 -- DESCRIPTION OF EXXON PIPELINE FACILITIES AND
EQUIPMENT 76
EXHIBIT B -- DESCRIPTION OF EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY 77
EXHIBIT C -- FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND BILL OF SALE 83
EXHIBIT D -- PROPERTY SALES ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT 93
EXHIBIT E -- ALERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ARBITRATION 95
EXHIBIT F -- ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TESTING
CONFIDENTIALITY 103
<PAGE>
P U R C H A S E A N D S A L E A G R E E M E N T
This Purchase and Sale Agreement ("Agreement") is between Exxon Corporation, a
New Jersey corporation with an address of P. O. Box 2180, Houston, Texas 77252-
2180 ("Exxon"), as seller, Future Acquisition 1995, Ltd., a Texas limited
partnership, and Future Petroleum Corporation, a Texas corporation, with
an address of 700 Louisiana, Suite 3700, Houston, Texas 77002 (collectively,
"Buyer"), as buyer, effective on the Execution Date.
Buyer desires to purchase certain Interests from Exxon, and Exxon desires to
sell them to Buyer, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. It
is the parties' intent that Buyer have responsibility and liability for all
matters relating to the Interests assigned, whether related to events occurring
before or after closing this transaction, except to the limited extent provided
in this Agreement.
In consideration of their mutual promises under this Agreement, the benefits to
be derived by each party, and other good and valuable consideration, Buyer and
Exxon agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS
The following terms, when used in this Agreement, will have the following
definitions:
1.01. Additional Instruments. The instruments executed by Buyer
before Closing and delivered to Exxon in connection with this transaction,
including Buyer's investigation of and bid for the Interests.
1.02. Allocation. The amount allocated by Buyer to each individual
part of the Interests.
1.03. Associated Parties. Successors, assigns, directors, officers,
employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors, and affiliates.
1.04. Base Purchase Price. The amount set forth in Section 3.01.
1.05. Business Day. Any day that the headquarters offices of Exxon
Company, U.S.A., in Houston, Texas, are scheduled to be and are open for
business.
1.06. Claim or Claims. Collectively, claims, demands, causes of
action, and lawsuits asserted or filed by any person, including an
artificial or natural person; a local, state, or federal governmental
entity; a person holding rights under any Related Agreement; an
Associated Party of Buyer or Exxon; or a third party.
1.07. Closing. The delivery of the conveyancing instruments and
funds by the parties to close the purchase and sale of the Interests.
1.08. Closing Date. The date on which Closing is scheduled to
and does occur.
1.09. Code. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.10. Condition. Defined in Section 17.02.
1.11. Effective Time. 7 a.m. local time where the Interests are
located, on January 1, 1999.
1.12. Environmental Laws. Applicable federal, state, and local
laws, including statutes, regulations, orders, ordinances, and common
law, currently enacted or enacted in the future and relating to
protection of public health, welfare, and the environment, including
those laws relating to storage, handling, and use of chemicals and
other hazardous materials; those relating to the generation, processing,
treatment, storage, transport, disposal, cleanup, remediation, or other
management of waste materials or hazardous substances of any kind; and
those relating to the protection of environmentally sensitive or protected
areas. "Environmental Laws" includes the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act of 1976, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water
Act, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, the Toxic Substance
Control Act, and the Clean Air Act, as each is amended from time to time.
<PAGE>
1.13. Execution Date. The date on which the last of the parties
executes this Agreement.
1.14. Exxon-operated. The interests and facilities of which Exxon is
Operator.
1.15. Interest or Interests. Exxon's interest in the oil and gas
leasehold estates or other interests from the surface down to the
stratigraphic equivalent of the base of the Cockfield formation as
found at 4,997' MD in the Humble Oil & Refining Co. Diemar #Y-12,
API #42015 4400, set forth on Exhibit A, together with the following:
(a) Exxon's interest in each Well located on the leases
and land described on Exhibit A.
(b) the easements, permits, licenses, surface and subsurface
leases, rights-of-way, servitudes, and other surface and
subsurface rights affecting the land and leases described
on Exhibit A, including those set forth on Exhibit B.
(c) Exxon's ownership interest in material, equipment, and
facilities in and on the land and used solely in
connection with the use or operation of the leasehold
estates and other interests described on Exhibit A for
oil or gas purposes.
(d) applicable interests in the facilities and pipelines
located pursuant to the rights described in (b) above
and necessary to market the production from the Interests,
but excluding all facilities and pipelines owned by Exxon
Pipeline Company, as described in Exhibit A-1.
(e) Exxon's interest in contracts affecting the Interests,
including agreements for sale or purchase of oil,
gas, and other hydrocarbons; processing agreements;
division orders; unit agreements; operating agreements;
and other contracts and agreements arising out of,
connected with, or attributable to production from the
Interests.
(f) Exxon's Raccoon Bend field office and Raccoon Bend
field well files.
The Interests do not include the reservations, exceptions, and exclusions
listed on Exhibits A and B or the following:
(A) pipelines, fixtures, equipment, and interests in land owned by
third parties such as lessors, purchasers, or transporters of
oil or gas, including Exxon's affiliates, specifically Exxon
Pipeline Company.
<PAGE>
(B) computer and telecommunications equipment located at the Raccoon
Field office, vehicles, boats, tools, pulling machines, and other
equipment and material temporarily located on the Property.
(C) items excluded in information or correspondence provided to Buyer
before the Execution Date.
(D) Exxon's interest in a gas processing plant not listed on Exhibit A.
(E) Exxon's interest in personal property, fixtures, equipment, pipelines,
facilities, and buildings located on the Property, but currently in
use in connection with the ownership or operation of other property
not included in the Interests.
(F) Exxon's interest in Produced Water in Shallow Sands Facilities, as
these facilities are described in Section 1.23 below. Exxon will
be responsible for the operation and maintenance of these Facilities.
1.16. Liability or Liabilities. Collectively, all damages (including
consequential and punitive damages), including those for personal injury,
death, or damage to personal or real property (both surface and subsurface)
and costs for remediation, restoration, or clean up of contamination,
whether the injury, death, or damage occurred or occurs on or off the
Property by migration, disposal, or otherwise; losses; fines; penalties,
xpenses; costs to remove or modify facilities on or under the Property;
plugging liabilities for all Wells; attorneys' fees; court and other
costs incurred in defending a Claim; liens; and judgments; whether these
damages and other costs are foreseeable or unforeseeable.
1.17. Material Difference. Defined in Section 19.02.
1.18. NORM. Naturally occurring radioactive material.
1.19. Oil. Crude oil, distillate, drip gasoline, condensate, and
other liquid hydrocarbons.
1.20. Occurrence. Defined in Section 17.03.
1.21. Operator. The person, company, or other entity recognized as
operator of an Interest by the applicable regulatory agency.
1.22. Produced Water in Shallow Sands Recommendations. The
recommendations for the remediation of the Evangeline aquifer shallow
water sands (Recommendations) Exxon has committed to the Railroad
Commission of Texas (TRRC) to perform (until such time as Exxon acquires
all of the water rights underlying a 72-acre surface area, hereinafter
called the "Remediation Tract", delineated on map number 225 as shown in
Exxon's Data Room and labeled as the "Extent of Salt Water Charging of
Blue Sand Aquifer"), and the periodic monitoring by Exxon to confirm the
containment of the ground water plume (reference Exxon's letter to the
dated June 13, 1994 regarding "Complaint #03-02680"). Exxon has
recommended that the remediation cease upon Exxon's acquisition of all
of the water rights underlying the Remediation Tract ("Water Rights").
By letter dated August 12, 1994, TRRC approved Exxon's Recommendations,
subject to Exxon's acquisition of all the Water Rights, to ensure that
no water wells will be completed in the affected aquifer.
1.23. Produced Water in Shallow Sands Facilities. The equipment and
facilities that Exxon is currently using and that will be retained by
Exxon under this Agreement and used in the future to conduct the
remediation described in Section 1.22. above, including the monitor
wells, recovery wells, pumps, and flowlines that gather the ground water
from the monitor wells and recovery wells and the flowline to the Raccoon
Bend Woodley Station Salt Water Disposal System (SWDS). After Closing,
Exxon's ownership and control of the Produced Water in Shallow Sands
Facilities will extend to, but not beyond, and Buyer's ownership will
commence, at the first inlet flange past the inlet meter, where the
Produced Water in Shallow Sands Facilities' flowline enters the Woodley
Station SWDS, which System is located on the Property and is included in
the Interests.
1.24. Property or Properties. The real property in which and on which
the Interests exist or are located, whether in whole or in part.
1.25. Real Property Taxes. Defined in Section 10.01.
1.26. Related Agreements. Defined in Section 7.02.
1.27. Strict Liability. Includes strict statutory liability and
strict products liability.
1.28. Well or Wells. All wellbores, both abandoned and unabandoned,
including oil wells, gas wells, injection wells, disposal wells,
and water wells.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 2. PURCHASE AND SALE
Pursuant to Buyer's offer, Exxon agrees to sell the Interests to Buyer,
and Buyer agrees to buy them from Exxon, for the consideration recited
in and subject to the terms of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 3. PURCHASE PRICE
3.01. Base Purchase Price. The Base Purchase Price is Ten Million
Dollars ($10,000,000.00) subject to adjustment only as provided in this
Agreement.
3.02. Performance Deposit and Payment. As evidence of good faith, Buyer
has deposited with Exxon a performance deposit of $500,000.00. The performance
deposit will be credited to the Base Purchase Price at Closing, will not
bear interest, and is not refundable except as provided in this Agreement.
If Closing does not occur as to any Interest, and this Agreement provides that
the performance deposit allocable on a pro rata basis to that Interest is to
be refunded for any reason, Exxon will deduct any amounts due to it under this
Agreement and remit the remainder of the performance deposit to Buyer, without
interest. The performance deposit is not an earnest money deposit or
liquidated damages, and forfeiture of the performance deposit as provided
in this Agreement will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the rights and
remedies Exxon may have under law or in equity for Buyer's failure to perform
as provided in this Agreement.
3.03. Additional Consideration: Retained Royalty Interest.
In addition to the cash consideration offered for the purchase of the
Interests, Buyer will pay Exxon a royalty interest ("RRI") from the oil
(called "product") produced from the Interests which will be calculated
and paid, on a yearly basis, according to the following formula:
([A - B] x C) x 50 % = amount due to Exxon each year for the product
A = average unit price, weighted by volume, received for the product
B = Base Price, as specified below, for the product
C = volume of the product allocated to the Interests
<PAGE>
If the resulting amount for the product in a given year is zero or less,
no amount will be due for that product for that year, but any resulting
negative number will not be used to offset amounts due for that product
in any future years.
The "volume of the product allocated to the Interests" will be the volume
of that product allocated to the net revenue interest to be conveyed to
Buyer.
The initial "Base Price" for the product will be $17.50/bbl. The initial
Base Price will be effective from the Effective Time through the year
1999. Thereafter, the Base Price will be escalated, beginning with
2000. amounts due in 2000, by three percent (3%) per year.
The unit price of each product will be deemed to be the greater of:
a) the amount actually received by Buyer in an arms-length sale of the
product; or b) the amount published by Exxon for West Texas Intermediate,
less $0.25, and gravity adjusted, for the year of the calculation, provided
that, if Exxon ceases to establish a price for the product in question,
Exxon and Buyer will negotiate in good faith to agree upon an alternative
source for the price of such product. If the parties cannot agree, the
dispute will be resolved under the terms of Exhibit "E" of the Purchase and
Sale Agreement. The unit price of each product will be calculated at the
well, and will include any deductions (except those expressly excluded
below) required to yield the wellhead price.
The RRI will: (i) not bear any of the expenses of exploring, developing,
or operating the Interests, nor any of the expenses of marketing
production therefrom, including gathering, compression, treating, processing
and transportation costs; (ii) not be subject to any ad valorem taxes (any
such tax liability imposed will be paid by Buyer); and (iii) be exclusive
of, and in addition to, any royalties, overriding royalties or payments out
of production affecting the Interests.
All amounts due hereunder will be paid yearly, to be posted no later than
the 30th of January for the previous year's production. If payment is not
made within the time prescribed, the unpaid amount will bear interest at
the rate of one percent (1%) for each month, or fraction of a month, by
which payment is delayed, or the maximum lawful rate, whichever is less.
Each payment will be accompanied by a statement detailing the calculation
of the amount due, containing at least the following information for the
product on which an interest is retained: (i) the volume produced; (ii)
the volume allocated to Buyer; (iii) the average unit price, including
any adjustment made to determine the average unit price at the well; (iv)
if the average unit price was determined using method (b), above, an
explanation of why that method was used. Buyer's statements will be due
each year, whether or not a payment is due. Exxon, upon notice to Buyer,
will have the right to audit Buyer's accounts and records relating to
the revenues from the Interests, and any other records relating to the
determination of the amounts due Exxon, for any calendar year within the
twenty-four (24) month period following the end of the calendar year.
If Buyer does not pay to Exxon any amounts due within fifteen (15) days
of receipt of a written demand for payment from Exxon, or if Buyer files
for protection, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, under the bankruptcy
laws of the United States, then Exxon will have the right to (i) collect
from the purchaser of the product any amounts due Exxon (including interest)
and not paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, each purchaser
being entitled to rely on Exxon's written statement regarding the amount
due Exxon hereunder; and (ii) take in kind up to fifty percent (50%) of any
or all of the product allocated to the Interests (with the specific
percentage taken to be determined by Exxon) until Exxon has received in
kind an amount of production equal in value to all amounts due Exxon
(including interest). The average unit price of the product taken by Exxon
will be determined utilizing the mechanism provided in this section. Exxon
will not incur any liability for the expenses of operating the Interests
as a result of its taking of any product pursuant to the right granted
herein. The rights of Exxon under this section are and will be rights in
and to the Interests.
In addition, in order to secure the payment of any and all amounts due
Exxon, Buyer will grant to Exxon a subordinated lien upon Buyer's share
of: (1) the product when produced; (2) all accounts receivable accruing
or arising as a result of the sale of the product; and (3) all cash or
other proceeds from the sale of the product once produced. Such lien in
favor of Exxon shall be subordinate and inferior to the liens and security
interests securing Buyer's purchase money financing from Bank of America
National Trust and Savings for the Interests and all renewals, extensions,
modifications and rearrangements thereof. Exxon agrees to execute whatever
documents may be necessary to evidence the subordination of its lien to
the liens securing such financing to the reasonable satisfaction of counsel
for Buyer's lender. Buyer will execute whatever documents may be necessary
to perfect or otherwise render effective the lien, including, but not limited
to any financing statements that may be required for such purpose.
Notwithstanding any assignment of the Interests, Buyer will remain liable
for payments of all amounts provided for in this section, and for all
obligations related to payment, unless and until the assignment has been
approved by Exxon, with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.
Any method used to measure the production of the product from the Interests
in order to determine the amounts due Exxon must be approved by Exxon, with
approval not to be unreasonably withheld. In addition, Exxon will have
the right to require that the meters and/or other equipment utilized for
measurement be tested at reasonable intervals and the right to witness
the testing, all in accordance with procedures to be agreed upon by the
parties acting in good faith.
The interests reserved herein will be a permanent burden on the leases
that are included in the Interests, and will continue in effect as to each
lease for so long as the lease remains in effect. In addition, if Buyer
secures a renewal or extension of any such lease, covering all or any part
of the land previously covered thereby, then the interests reserved will
apply to the renewed or extended lease. A "renewal" or "extension" of a
lease will mean any lease or leases covering all or a part of the land
covered by the leases that are included in the Interests that is or are
executed within one (1) year from the termination of any lease included
in the Interests.
The undersigned acknowledges that Exxon makes no warranty, express or
implied, with respect to title to the properties. Exxon shall sell all
equipment "AS IS WHERE IS" and makes no warranty, express or implied,
including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. Exxon makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy,
correctness or completeness of any of the information, data or other
materials provided by Exxon in this offering or as to the amount of
reserves or ability of the properties to produce. Such information,
data or other materials provided by Exxon in this offering is done so
as a matter of convenience and any reliance or use of such information,
data, or other materials is done so at Buyer's sole risk.
The undersigned expressly waives the provisions of Chapter XVII, Subchapter
E, Sections 17.41 through 17.63, inclusive (other than Section 17.555,
which is not waived), Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated, Business and
Commerce Code (The "Deceptive Trade Practices Act"). The undersigned also
acknowledges that Exxon has made no statements or representations concerning
the present or future value of the anticipated income, cost, or profits, if
any, to be derived from the interests offered for sale.
3.04. Allocation of Base Purchase Price. Within five business days
after receipt of an allocation form from Exxon, Buyer will deliver to Exxon
an Allocation of the Base Purchase Price to each individual part of the
Interests listed on the form (including an Allocation for non-investment
account balances such as gas-production-imbalance accounts and, as required
for compliance with applicable law, for equipment or other items). Buyer
will make reasonable allocations, in good faith, and Exxon may rely on the
Allocations for all purposes. The Allocations will be used (a) to notify
holders of preferential rights of Buyer's offer; (b) to collect taxes, to
the extent required by law and as provided in Article 10; (c) as a basis
for adjustments to the Base Purchase Price; and (d) as otherwise provided
in this Agreement.
If Buyer allocates a negative amount to any Interest, and the basis of the
negative Allocation is for a reason other than a gas-production-imbalance
account in favor of Exxon as the overproduced party, Exxon may withdraw
the Interest from this Agreement, and the Base Purchase Price will be
increased by the absolute value of the negative dollar Allocation for that
Interest.
Additionally, Exxon reserves the right, at any time before Closing, to withdraw
any Interest from this Agreement and close as to the remaining Interests for
the respective Allocations for those Interests.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 4. ASSET CLASSIFICATION
If reporting requirements under Section 1060 of the Code and applicable
regulations apply to this transaction, the parties will classify the
Interests as Class III assets. If either party files an Asset Acquisition
Statement (Form 8594) with respect to this transaction with its federal tax
return, that party will give advance written notice to the other party,
deliver a copy of the form to the other party not less than fifteen days
before filing it with the Internal Revenue Service, and incorporate the
other party's reasonable comments into the form before it is filed.
ARTICLE 5. BUYER'S REVIEW
5.01. Buyer's Review before Signing this Agreement. Exxon gathered data
relating to the Interests and the Property for Buyer's review before Buyer
submitted a bid and signed this Agreement. The data included files in
Exxon's possession concerning the Interests and the Property (for example,
uninterpreted geological, geophysical, production, engineering, and other
technical data and records; contract, land, lease, and permit records;
files concerning petroleum, produced water, wastes and other materials that
may have leaked, spilled, or been disposed of on-site, pits and pit closures,
burial, landfarming, landspreading, underground injection, and solid waste
disposal sites; and files concerning Claims, if any, relating to the
Interests and the Property). Buyer must notify Exxon in writing if it
wishes to review any additional files or data, but Exxon's obligation
to provide additional data is limited to data that are reasonably available
to it. Exxon has no obligation to provide access to, and Buyer waives all
claims to inspect, Exxon's interpretive, predictive, confidential, private,
proprietary, or privileged information (including personnel records), or
information whose dissemination is restricted by agreements between Exxon
and third parties. Exxon has no obligation to provide any information to
Buyer that is available to the general public, whether in the public
records or from a governmental entity or agency on request. By entering
into this Agreement, Buyer acknowledges and represents that it has reviewed
the Interests and Property to its satisfaction to enable it to make its
bid and execute this Agreement. Buyer may request adjustments
to the Allocations and the Base Purchase Price after the Execution Date
only for Title Defects, Conditions, and Material Differences, as provided
in this Agreement. Buyer has undertaken all appropriate inquiry, to its
satisfaction, and has made an informed decision to acquire the Interests
on the basis of its own investigations and without reliance on statements
or investigations by any other person, including Exxon and its Associated
Parties.
5.02. Access to Exxon-Operated Interests. Buyer had the opportunity
to inspect and inventory the Exxon-operated Interests and Property before
signing this Agreement. On Buyer's request, Exxon will provide additional
access to the Exxon-operated Interests and Property and associated
facilities, at any reasonable time before Closing. If this Agreement is
terminated as to any Interest, Buyer must restore the premises of that
Interest to their pre-entry condition. All visits to the premises and
facilities by Buyer and on Buyer's behalf will be scheduled by mutual
consent of the parties, subject to Buyer's providing Exxon at least
five days written notice of the locations that it wishes to visit and
the proposed times. Exxon may accompany Buyer and its Associated Parties
during their site visits. Entry onto the Exxon-operated Interests,
Property, and facilities will be subject to third-party restrictions,
if any, and to Exxon's safety, industrial hygiene, and drug and alcohol
equirements and at Buyer's sole risk and expense.
5.03. Environmental Assessment. Buyer and its Associated Parties may
inspect the premises and conduct an environmental assessment of the
Interests and Property, including investigations to identify wetlands and
sensitive and protected habitats, but Buyer must execute Exxon's form of
environmental testing and confidentiality agreement before performing an
assessment attached as Exhibit "F". If Buyer undertakes an environmental
assessment, both the consultant (if consultants are employed) and the
scope of the proposed assessment, including testing protocols, must be
acceptable to Exxon before the work may begin. If Buyer and Exxon cannot
agree on Buyer's proposed environmental assessment plan, then Exxon may,
at its sole option, withdraw from this Agreement any of the Interests that
Buyer proposes to assess or all the Interests, and the Base Purchase Price
will be adjusted by the Allocation for each withdrawn Interest. If Exxon
withdraws all the Interests, this Agreement will terminate, and Exxon will
refund the performance deposit to Buyer. If Buyer takes samples from the
Property, Exxon may require splitting of each sample. Buyer will
deliver copies of all draft and final reports, results, data, and analyses
of the site visits, inspections, and assessments to Exxon within five days of
Buyer's receipt of them, at Buyer's cost. If Closing occurs, Exxon will keep
such information confidential, except (a) to the extent that the information
was public knowledge when Exxon received the information; (b) to the extent
that the information becomes public knowledge without breach of this Agreement
by Exxon; (c) to the extent that the information was known to Exxon before
receipt of the information from Buyer; (d) where Exxon is required by a
court or other legal, regulatory, or environmental authority to disclose
the information; or (e) Exxon may disclose the information to the working
interest owners in the Interests. If Closing does not occur, Exxon will have
no confidentiality obligation with regard to this information and may disclose
it to third parties or use it for any purpose.
5.04. Access to Interests Operated by Others. On request, Exxon will
assist Buyer by making initial contact with the Operators of the Interests that
are operated by others, but Buyer will be responsible for contacting each
Operator to arrange for review of the Interests. Exxon will provide Buyer with
access to Exxon file information relating to the Interests operated by others,
to the extent described in Section 5.01.
5.05. Material, Facilities, Platforms, and Equipment. Major items of
material, facilities, platforms, and equipment included in the Exxon-operated
Interests have been described to Buyer. By signing this Agreement, Buyer
acknowledges that it has had the opportunity to inspect and inventory
the material, facilities, platforms, and equipment and is satisfied with them.
There will be no adjustment on the basis of material, facilities, platforms,
and equipment, whether for Exxon-operated Interests or Interests operated by
others. Material, facilities, platforms, and equipment observed during
Buyer's inspection may be used or replaced before Closing as a result of
normal and customary operations.
5.06. No Warranty of Accuracy; Disclaimer. Exxon makes no warranty,
and expressly disclaims all warranties, as to the accuracy or completeness
of the files and other information that it may provide to Buyer. If Buyer
determines during its review that any files or data may be incomplete or
inaccurate, it will either notify Exxon of its conclusions in writing not
later than ten days before the Closing Date or be deemed to have waived
complaints as to the incompleteness or inaccuracy of the files or data.
5.07. Buyer's Confidentiality Obligations. Buyer will keep confidential
all information concerning the Interests, except to the extent that information
(a) was public knowledge when Buyer received the information; (b) becomes
public knowledge without breach of this Agreement by Buyer; or (c) was known to
Buyer before receipt or discovery of the information in connection with
its review of the Interests, from a source that was authorized to disclose
the information to third parties. Buyer may not use the information for
any purpose other than evaluation of the Interests and may not divulge the
information to any person except those who need to know it in order to
evaluate the Interests for Buyer under this Agreement. Buyer will enforce
this confidentiality obligation as to all persons with whom it shares the
information and is liable to Exxon for a breach of this obligation by any
person to whom Buyer has disclosed the information. If this transaction
does not close, Buyer will return to Exxon all information concerning the
Interests that it obtained from Exxon, destroy all of its work papers and
analyses that incorporate the information, and be subject to these
confidentiality obligations for five years after the Execution Date.
Buyer's confidentiality obligation will not, however, survive Closing.
ARTICLE 6. TITLE AND TITLE DEFECTS
6.01. Title Defect. "Title Defect" means any one of the following:
(a) Exxon's title at the Effective Time as to all or any part of the
Interests is subject to an outstanding mortgage, deed of trust, lien, or
other encumbrance or adverse claim not listed or referenced on
Exhibit A that would induce a reasonable and prudent purchaser to suspend
payment of proceeds for the Interest or require the furnishing of security
or indemnity. Evidence that Exxon receives its full share of proceeds
from a purchaser or third party Operator (not under a 100% or other
division order requiring Exxon to further distribute proceeds to third
parties) for an Interest creates a presumption that no Title Defect exists
with respect to the Interest.
(b) Exxon's net revenue interest for an Interest at the Effective time,
or at any time thereafter, is less than that shown on Exhibit A; or Exxon's
working interest for an Interest, at the Effective Time or at any time
thereafter, is greater than that shown on Exhibit A, unless there is a
corresponding and proportionately equal increase in Exxon's net revenue
interest.
(c) Exxon's interest would be reduced if a third party were to exercise a
reversionary, back-in, or other similar right not listed or referenced on
Exhibit A.
(d) Exxon is in material default under some material provision of a lease,
farmout agreement, or other agreement, resulting in loss of all or any part
of the Interests or a material impairment of the value or marketability of
all or any part of the Interests.
"Title Defect" does not include the loss of lease acreage between the
Effective Time and the Execution Date (whichever is earlier) and the
Closing Date if the loss of lease acreage does not result in Exxon's net
revenue interest or working interest for an Interest being reduced to less
than that shown on Exhibit A, because the lease term expires. Buyer must
notify Exxon in writing promptly if Buyer determines that Exxon's net
revenue interest or working interest for an Interest is greater than that shown
on Exhibit A.
6.02. Adjustments to Allocations.
(a) Buyer may request an adjustment to an Allocation at any time on
or before the tenth day before the Closing Date, if the adjustment is based
on a Title Defect. Exxon may request an adjustment to an Allocation at
any time before the Closing Date, if Exxon's net revenue interest or working
interest for the Interest is greater than that shown on Exhibit A. A
notice requesting an adjustment must be timely and in writing and include
appropriate documentation to substantiate the adjustment, or the claimant
will be deemed to have waived its claim to adjust the Allocation for the
matter stated in the notice.
(b) If either party gives notice under the previous section, the parties
will meet and use their best efforts to agree on the validity of the claim
and, if applicable, the amount of the adjustment, using the following
criteria:
(1) If the claim is based on Exxon's owning a different net revenue
interest than that shown on Exhibit A, then the adjustment will be the
absolute value of the number determined by the following formula:
Adjustment = A x (1-[B/C])
A = Allocation for the affected Interest
B = correct net revenue interest for the affected Interest
C = net revenue interest for the affected Interest as shown
on Exhibit A
(2) If the claim is based on an obligation or burden that is liquidated
in amount, then the adjustment will be the sum necessary to remove the
obligation or burden from the affected Interest.
(3) If the claim is based on an obligation or burden that is not
liquidated, but can be estimated with reasonable certainty, the adjustment
will be the sum necessary to compensate Buyer on the Closing Date for
the adverse economic effect on the affected Interest.
(c) If the amount of the adjustment for each Title Defect cannot be
determined based on the above criteria, and if the parties cannot
otherwise agree on the amount of an adjustment, Exxon may, at its
sole option and upon written notice to Buyer, either:
(1) terminate this Agreement and refund the performance deposit;
(2) remove the affected Interest from this Agreement and adjust the
Base Purchase Price by the Allocation for that Interest; or
(3) elect to resolve the dispute under the alternate-dispute-resolution and
arbitration provisions of this Agreement.
(d) The Base Purchase Price will be adjusted only if the sum (i.e.
offsetting of increases and decreases) of all adjustments under this section is
$100,000 or greater. If the sum of all adjustments would
result in the Base Purchase Price being reduced by more than ten percent, Exxon
may, upon written notice to Buyer, either:
(1) terminate this Agreement and refund the performance deposit; or
(2) remove the affected Interest from the Agreement and adjust the Base
Purchase Price by the Allocation for that Interest.
(e) Exxon may, at its sole option, elect by written notice to Buyer before
the Closing Date to cure some or all of the Title Defects. No price adjustment
will be made at Closing for the Title Defects that Exxon elects to cure. If
any Title Defect is not cured within ninety days after Closing, the price
adjustment will be determined under the criteria set forth in this section. If
the net amount of all adjustments based on Title Defects is greater than
$100,000, Exxon will refund the net amount to Buyer.
6.03. Description and Other Errors. If either party determines, before
the Closing Date that the description of an Interest is incorrect or that
certain Interests or certain gas-production-imbalance accounts were
erroneously included in or erroneously excluded from the bid package,
other sales information, or the conveyancing instruments, then Exxon and
Buyer will meet and use their best efforts to resolve the error. If Exxon
and Buyer cannot resolve an error discovered before the Closing Date, then
Exxon may, at its sole option, either (a) terminate this Agreement and
refund the performance deposit; (b) remove the affected Interest from this
Agreement and adjust the Base Purchase Price by the Allocation for that
Interest; or (c) elect to resolve the dispute under the alternate-dispute-
resolution and arbitration procedures of this Agreement In addition, any
oil and gas lease entered into between Exxon and Buyer at Closing will
terminate if the parties cannot resolve an error that they have discovered,
and Buyer will execute a release of the lease upon Exxon's request.
ARTICLE 7. PRE-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS
7.01. Preferential Rights.
(a) Notice. Exxon will notify the owners, if any, of preferential rights
to purchase the Interests.
(b) Adjustment to Base Purchase Price. If a third party gives notice of
its intent to exercise a preferential right to purchase any of the Interests,
the Base Purchase Price will be adjusted by the Allocation for the preferential
right property. If Buyer has allocated a positive dollar amount to the
preferential right property, the Base Purchase Price will be reduced by the
dollar amount of the positive Allocation. If Buyer has allocated a negative
dollar amount to the preferential right property, the Base Purchase Price
will be increased by the absolute value of the negative Allocation.
(c) Third-Party Failure to Purchase. If a third party gives notice of
its intent to exercise a preferential right to purchase a preferential right
property, but does not close the purchase for any reason either before or
within a reasonable time after Closing, Buyer will be obligated to acquire
the preferential right property under the terms of this Agreement, for the
positive dollar Allocation (or if the Allocation is a negative amount,
Exxon will refund the absolute value of the negative amount to Buyer,
without interest). Closing on the preferential right property will be
scheduled to occur within forty-five days after Buyer receives Exxon's
notice that the third party has not closed. The effective time for the
preferential right property will be the Effective Time under this
Agreement.
7.02. Related Agreements. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, the sale of the Interests will be subject to all oil, gas,
and mineral leases, assignments, subleases, farmout agreements, joint
operating agreements, pooling agreements, letter agreements, easements,
rights-of-way, gathering and transportation agreements, sales agreements,
and other agreements concerning or pertaining to the Interests ("Related
Agreements"), to the extent that they are binding on Exxon or its successors
or assigns. Buyer will assume all of Exxon's obligations and liabilities
under the Related Agreements as of the Effective Time, insofar as the
obligations or liabilities concern or pertain to the Interests, and the
parties will execute all documents necessary for Buyer to assume the
Related Agreements. Buyer's obligation applies to all Related
Agreements, whether recorded or not.
7.03. Third-Party Notifications and Approvals. The sale of the
Interests may require the approval or consent of lessors, joint interest
owners, farmors, sublessors, assignors, grantors, parties to agreements,
governmental bodies having jurisdiction, or other third parties. Buyer
is responsible for obtaining approvals from all applicable third parties
and will furnish Exxon with proof of each consent, approval, or waiver
before the Closing Date. Exxon agrees to cooperate with and assist Buyer
in determining the parties from whom such consents and approvals should be
requested and in sending requests for such consents and approvals in
a timely manner. Exxon will make reasonable efforts to obtain waivers of
maintenance-of-uniform interest provisions, if any, from joint-interest
owners. If Buyer does not furnish Exxon with all third-party approvals
applicable to any Interest, then Exxon may, at its option, elect to (a)
delay Closing as to any or all of the Interests, with no charge to either
party for the delay; (b) close without all third-party approvals;
(c) terminate this Agreement and refund the performance deposit; or
(d) remove the affected Interest from this Agreement and adjust the
Base Purchase Price by the Allocation for that Interest. If Exxon elects
to close without all third-party approvals, Exxon may require Buyer to
reassign the affected Interest to Exxon if the third-party refuses to
approve the assignment after Closing. The reassignment will be in the
manner described in Section 9.05.
7.04. Change of Operator. Unless prevented by applicable law,
regulation, or Related Agreement, Buyer must apply for and obtain
regulatory approvals and permits and satisfy requirements of financial
security to operate the Interests that it intends to operate and deliver
copies or other evidence of compliance to Exxon before Closing.
ARTICLE 8. CLOSING
8.01. Closing Date. The Closing Date will be on or before March 1,
1999, unless delayed as provided in this Agreement, at Exxon's offices
at 800 Bell Street, Houston, Texas, or at another place that Exxon
designates. If the parties agree, Closing may be handled by exchange
of documents (by mail or by courier). No price adjustment will be made
if Closing is delayed.
8.02. Buyer's Request to Delay Closing. If Buyer requests that Closing
be delayed, and if Exxon agrees in writing, Exxon may require Buyer to pay,
as consideration for and a condition of its agreement, either (a) an
additional performance deposit equal to ten percent of the Base Purchase Price,
as adjusted to date, due to Exxon in cash or its equivalent within five days
of Exxon's agreement to delay, or (b) interest on the Base Purchase Price
(less the performance deposit), as adjusted to date, at a rate of twelve
percent per annum or the maximum lawful rate, whichever is less,
compounded daily from the originally-scheduled Closing Date to the date
that Closing occurs, to be paid at Closing. If Buyer pays interest as
consideration to delay Closing, the interest will not be credited against
the Base Purchase Price at Closing and is not refundable for any reason.
The additional performance deposit will be treated as the performance
deposit for all purposes under this Agreement.
8.03. Exxon's Right to Delay Closing. Exxon may, at its sole option and
for any reason, delay Closing for up to thirty days after the originally-
scheduled Closing Date, upon written notice to Buyer.
8.04. Closing Obligations.
(a) Certificates of Authority. Exxon may require Buyer to deliver, at
least five days before the Closing Date, certificates in form and
substance satisfactory to Exxon, effective as of the Closing Date
and executed by Buyer's duly authorized officer, partner, or owner, as
appropriate, to the effect that (1) Buyer has all requisite corporate,
partnership, or other power and authority to purchase the Interests on the
terms of this Agreement and to perform its other obligations under this
Agreement and has fulfilled all corporate, partnership, or other
prerequisites to closing this transaction, and (2) each individual executing
the closing documents has the authority to act on behalf of Buyer.
(b) Change of Operatorship. For Exxon-operated Interests, and except to
the extent waived by Exxon, Buyer will deliver to Exxon on or before the
Closing Date the following: (1) evidence of compliance with the requirements
of all laws and regulations relating to the transfer of operatorship,
including those regarding the assumption of responsibility for the plugging
and abandoning of each Well that is included in the applicable Interests or
located on the Property; (2) evidence that the appropriate bond, surety
letter, letter of credit, or other financial security has been accepted by
the relevant regulatory agency; and (3) evidence that Buyer has, to the
extent possible under applicable regulations, obtained all necessary permits
or transfers of permits to operate the applicable Interests and Property.
(c) Closing Settlement Statement. Exxon will provide a closing
settlement statement including items such as Base Purchase Price, adjustments
to the Base Purchase Price (if any), performance deposit, revenue received,
costs and expenses as provided in this Agreement, Real Property Taxes,
severance taxes, federal excise and energy taxes, gas imbalance adjustments,
and copying and recording fees, to the extent this information is available at
Closing. Exxon will use estimates in the closing settlement statement to the
extent that estimates are necessary and may correct the estimates in the
final settlement statement.
(d) Closing Documents. The parties, as indicated, will execute the
following instruments to close this transaction:
(1) An instrument in the form of the Assignment and Bill of Sale attached
as Exhibit C, modified to the extent necessary to conform to the terms of this
Agreement. The Assignment and Bill of Sale will be effective as of the
Effective Time, be without warranty of any kind (e.g., title, fitness,
condition), and restate the indemnities, releases, and waivers
contained in this Agreement. Exhibit A to this Agreement states Exxon's
working and net revenue interests, to the best of Exxon's knowledge and
belief. The Assignment and Bill of Sale will not, however, state or warrant
the working or net revenue interests assigned to Buyer. If the Interests
include a fee simple interest in real property that has been used for oil, gas,
or other mineral operations, Exxon may elect to restrict the future use of
the land to appropriate industrial or commercial uses or open space.
After Closing, Exxon will own an interest in the Interest or Property
(including overriding royalties, deep rights, and facilities, equipment,
or pipelines) below the stratigraphic equivalent of the base of the
Cockfield formation as found at 4,997' MD in the Humble Oil & Refining Co.
Diemar #Y-12, API #42015 4400, for which Exxon will require access across
the Interests or Property in order to exercise its rights, including but
not limited to the right to explore for, develop, produce, and market Oil
and Gas from the Interests below the base of the Cockfield formation. In
the Assignment and Bill of Sale Exxon will reserve concurrent interests in
the applicable easements, rights-of-way, contracts, and other rights
relating to the retained or reserved interests. In addition, the Assignment
and Bill of Sale will include Buyer's covenant not to interfere with the
exercise of these rights by Exxon or its Assignee(s).
Exxon may require the parties to execute separate instruments for each state
or county in which the Interests are located to facilitate timely recording.
(2) Letter-in-lieu-of-transfer order (or other instrument) to give notice
of this transaction to remitters of proceeds.
(3) The Property Sales Accounting Agreement, substantially in the form
of Exhibit D, attached.
(4) Other documents reasonably required to close this transaction
and implement the terms of this Agreement, including deeds, bills of sale,
and the like and instruments necessary under operating agreements, plans
of unitization, laws, and regulations affecting the Interests to transfer
the Interests and related obligations from Exxon to Buyer.
(5) Change-of-operator forms for Exxon-operated Wells. (If, however,
the Operator of a Well must be elected and the election is after Closing,
the applicable instruments will be executed after the election.)
(6) The closing settlement statement.
(e) Third-Party Consents. Buyer will deliver proof of required third-
party consents and approvals, except to the extent waived by Exxon in writing.
(f) Financial Security. A minimum of ten days (10) prior to Closing,
Buyer will to deliver to Exxon the guaranty of Bargo Energy Company , as
described in Section 9.08, as evidence of financial security to guarantee
Buyer's obligations under this Agreement to abandon, restore, and remediate
the Interests and Property.
(g) Payment to Exxon. At Closing, Buyer will pay Exxon the net amount
shown on the closing settlement statement by certified check, cashier's
check, or funds transfer as that term is defined in Chapter 4 of the Texas
Business and Commerce Code. This amount is subject to further adjustment
after Closing as provided in this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement, Buyer must make payment by the specific means
stated, or Exxon may refuse to proceed with Closing until Exxon, in its sole
discretion, is satisfied that it has received full payment. This right is
in addition to all other rights and remedies Exxon may have under this
Agreement, at law, or in equity.
(h) Delivery of Possession. Subject to the terms of applicable joint
operating agreements, if any, the Related Agreements, and this Agreement,
Exxon will deliver possession of the Interests to Buyer as soon as
practicable after the Effective Time or the Closing Date, whichever is
later.
8.05. Offset of Amounts Owed to Exxon. Before Closing, Exxon may review
all outstanding accounts between Buyer and Exxon Company, U.S.A. and include
any amounts due to Exxon Company, U.S.A. in the closing settlement statement.
Buyer will pay the amounts due to Exxon Company, U.S.A., if any, as a
condition of Closing.
8.06. Condition Precedent. Buyer's performance of its obligations under
this article is a condition precedent to Exxon's obligation to close this
transaction.
8.07. Buyer's Representation by Closing. By closing this transaction,
Buyer will be deemed to represent to Exxon that all Buyer's representations
under this Agreement and the Additional Instruments are true as of the
Closing Date.
8.08. Insurance. Exxon will terminate all insurance that it has provided
for the Interests on the Closing Date, except to the extent that insurance
is required by or provided under a joint operating or similar agreement.
If the Effective Time is before the Closing Date, the termination will be
effective retroactive to the Effective Time. Buyer relinquishes and waives,
on its behalf and on behalf of all persons subrogated to Buyer's rights, all
rights to claim against any insurance provided by Exxon, except to the extent
that insurance is required by or provided under a joint operating or similar
agreement.
ARTICLE 9. POST-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS
9.01. Filing and Recording. Exxon will decide which party will file or
record the conveyancing documents in the appropriate governmental records.
The recording party will provide either the original or photocopies of the
filed or recorded document, including the recording data, as agreed by
the parties, to the non-recording party. Buyer will reimburse Exxon for
the filing, recording, and other reasonable fees that Exxon incurs if it
files or records the documents.
9.02. Copies. Exxon agrees to maintain the files described in Section 5.01
in the current Data Room at 800 Bell, Houston, Texas for one hundred and
eighty days (180) after the Closing Date, or until such time that Buyer
notifies Exxon that they no longer need these files, whichever is the earlier
date. During this 180-day period Buyer will have access to the files during
normal business hours, subject to Exxon's standard security procedures, so as
to copy, or have copied, the files Buyer desires. When copying these files,
Buyer and its representatives agree to exercise the highest degree of care with
the files, maintaining them in the same, or better, condition as they were
found. If Buyer requests geophysical data and if Exxon is not restricted
from releasing the data to Buyer, Buyer's execution of a licensing agreement
satisfactory to Exxon will be a condition of Exxon's delivering the data to
Buyer.
9.03. Further Assurances. Buyer and Exxon each will, from time to
time after Closing and upon reasonable request, execute, acknowledge, and
deliver in proper form any conveyance, assignment, transfer, or other
instrument reasonably necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement.
9.04. Post-Closing Third-Party Consents. If Exxon elects to close without
all third-party consents and approvals, Buyer must proceed diligently after
Closing to obtain and promptly provide evidence of them to Exxon.
If any party (including any governmental or regulatory agency) having a right
to approve or reject assignment of any Interest by Exxon to Buyer in order
for title to transfer does not approve the assignment, or if Buyer does not
meet conditions imposed for approval of the assignment, after Buyer
has made a good faith effort to obtain the approval or permits or to satisfy
the conditions, then Exxon may require reassignment of either (a) all the
Interests, or (b) those Interests for which approval or consent was not
received. The Interests and Property must be in the same condition on the
reassignment date as they were on the Closing Date, reasonable wear and
tear excepted. Upon reassignment, Exxon will refund to Buyer the Allocation
for each reassigned Interest, without interest, but adjusted for operating
expenses and revenue attributable to the period before reassignment. Buyer
will be responsible for all amounts due under contracts, including the Related
Agreements, as to any Interest that requires approval for assignment, from
the Effective Time forward. This obligation will end only if an Interest is
reassigned under this Section 9.04.
9.05. Reassignment. For reassignment of any Interest under this Agreement,
Buyer will execute and deliver to Exxon a reassignment by special warranty,
in a form satisfactory to Exxon and sufficient to place Exxon in the same
position it occupied before the assignment to Buyer. Buyer's release and
discharge of Exxon and its Associated Parties, its covenant not to sue Exxon
or its Associated Parties, and its obligations to indemnify, defend, and
hold Exxon and its Associated Parties harmless will apply to Interests that
are reassigned, and the reassignment instrument will restate Buyer's bligations.
9.06. Buyer's Compliance. Buyer will comply with all rules, regulations,
statutes, and laws applicable to Buyer's ownership or operation of the
Interests or Property.
9.07. Property Sales Accounting Agreement. Buyer will perform all its
obligations under the Property Sales Accounting Agreement, including payment
of rentals, shut-in payments, and minimum royalties.
9.08. Plugging and Abandoning Wells; Remediation. Buyer recognizes,
and will perform properly and in accordance with applicable law and the
Related Agreements, all obligations to abandon, restore, and remediate the
Interests and Property, whether arising before or after the Effective Time,
including obligations, as applicable, to:
(a) obtain plugging exceptions in Buyer's name for each Well with a
current plugging exception, or permanently plug and abandon the Well.
(b) plug, abandon, and if necessary, reabandon each Well.
(c) remove all equipment and facilities, including flowlines, pipelines,
and platforms.
(d) close all pits.
(e) restore the surface, subsurface, and offshore sites associated with
the Interests or Property.
Buyer will pay all costs and expenses associated with the obligations
assumed under this section after the Effective Time.
To further secure Buyer's obligations under this Section 9.08, Bargo Energy
Company hereby agrees with Exxon to guarantee the performance of such
obligations of Buyer to the extent the costs and expenses related to such
performance do not exceed the sum of $2, 500,000.00. On each anniversary of
the Closing Date, Exxon agrees in good faith to reevaluate Buyer's
performance to date of its obligations under this Section 9.08 and the
then current shareholders' equity of Buyer as reflected in its most
recent financial statements. At such time as Exxon, in Exxon's reasonable
opinion, determines that Buyer has sufficient equity to demonstrate financial
responsibility for the performance of Buyer's obligations under this Section
9.08, Exxon agrees to fully release and discharge Bargo Energy Company from
its guarantee of Buyer's obligations under this Section 9.08.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 9.08 or other provisions
of this Agreement to the contrary, until such time as Buyer is responsible
for the "Remediation Tract", as described in Section 1.22, as provided in
Section 17.04, Exxon shall be solely responsible and obligated for the
costs, expenses and Liabilities associated with or arising out of such
matters, and Buyer shall have no obligation, liability or responsibility
therefore.
9.09. Surrender or Abandonment of Interests. If Buyer decides to surrender
or abandon any of the Interests after Closing, Buyer must give Exxon
written notice of its intent at least sixty (60) days before surrender
or abandonment since Exxon has retained an interest in the Interests;
since Exxon and its assigns, see Section 9.10 below, have interests for
which they require access across the Interests or Property in order to
exercise their rights; and because Exxon has retained other interests that
are held by production from the Interests. Exxon will have thirty days
after receipt of Buyer's notice to notify Buyer that it elects to require
Buyer to reassign the Interests, or any part of them. Reassignment will be
in the manner described in Section 9.05.
9.10. Exxon's Retained Deep Rights Subject to an Exploitation Agreement.
As was described in Section 1.15 of this Agreement, Exxon has reserved rights
in this Agreement to all depths of the Interest below the stratigraphic
equivalent of the base of the Cockfield formation as found at 4,997' MD in
the Humble Oil & Refining Co. Diemar #Y-12, API #42015 4400 ("Deep Rights").
Exxon has previously entered into an Exploitation Agreement (EA) effective
March 30, 1998 with Synergy Oil & Gas, Inc. (Synergy) covering these Deep
Rights. In the EA Exxon has granted Synergy the exclusive right to
explore (including the right to acquire 2-D and/or 3-D seismic data),
develop and produce oil and gas from the Deep Rights; and, as an incident
of these rights, Exxon has granted Synergy the rights of ingress and egress
and the rights to use the surface of the Interests. Synergy is obligated
to conduct all its operations under the EA in a good and workmanlike manner,
and in full compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, and
in compliance with all express and implied covenants of the oil and gas
leases covering the Interests. Synergy is also obligated to advise Exxon
in writing of its intended use of roads and before conducting any operations
on the surface of the Interests. After Closing, Exxon will notify Synergy
of this purchase and sale transaction and that future notice regarding
this provision should be address to Exxon and Buyer.
After Closing, Buyer will use its best efforts to facilitate Synergy's
exercise of its rights under the EA and to not interfere with Synergy's
ingress and egress to the Property. If there are any significant
issues concerning lease maintenance of the Interest (e.g. last well on an
oil and gas lease is about to cease production), Buyer agrees to provide
Exxon and Synergy notice as soon as practical, together will all
available information regarding the lease maintenance issue. If Buyer fails
to notify Exxon under this provision and a lease subsequently expires, if
Buyer acquires a new lease on the expired interest, Buyer will offer Exxon
an opportunity to reacquire the Deep Rights of the new lease. Buyer will
notify Exxon by certified mail of the lease purchase, together with the
material terms of the new lease including the amount of landowner's lease
bonus payment. Exxon will have thirty (30) days from receipt of the notice
to reimburse Buyer for twenty five percent (25%) of the landowner lease
bonus. Upon receipt by Buyer of Exxon's share of the bonus payment, Buyer
will assign Exxon the Deep Rights to the new lease.
Buyer also agrees to provide Exxon and Synergy, on a monthly basis, on or
before the last day of the month following the month covered by the
report, copies of its Railroad Commission of Texas Producer's Monthly
Reports (P-1s and P-2s) for the Interests.
Notice under this Section will be given to:
Exxon: Synergy:
Exxon Company, U.S.A. Synergy Oil & Gas, Inc.
P. O. Box 2180 9821 Katy Freeway, Suite 800
Houston, Texas 77252-2180 Houston, Texas 77024
800 Bell, Room 2027D Attention: Eric R. Pitcher
Houston, Texas 77002 Facsimile No. 713.461.4475
Attention: DPO Land Service Coordinator
Facsimile No. 713.656.1512
ARTICLE 10. TAXES
10.01. Real Property Taxes. Ad valorem taxes (including production-based
ad valorem taxes), real property taxes, and similar obligations ("Real
Property Taxes") applicable to the Interests will be apportioned between
Exxon and Buyer as of the Effective Time. The basis of the apportionment
will be the assessment for the calendar year in which the Effective Time
occurs or, if that assessment is not known, then the basis of the
apportionment will be the assessment for the previous calendar year.
If Real Property Taxes have not been paid before Closing, Buyer will be
credited for Exxon's portion of the Real Property Taxes on the closing
settlement statement. If they have been paid before Closing, Exxon will
be credited for Buyer's portion of the taxes on the closing settlement
statement. Buyer will be responsible for all Real Property Taxes that
are applied to the Interests retroactively after the Effective Time.
10.02. Production Taxes. All taxes (other than Real Property Taxes
and income taxes) imposed on or with respect to the production of Oil, gas,
or other hydrocarbons or minerals, or the receipt of proceeds from their
sale (including severance, production, and excise taxes) will be apportioned
between the parties based on their respective shares of production. Exxon
will be responsible for paying or withholding all taxes that have accrued
before the Effective Time or as otherwise provided in the Property Sales
Accounting Agreement and for filing all statements, returns, and
documents pertinent to them. Buyer will be responsible for paying or
withholding all taxes that accrue or are applied retroactively after
the Effective Time or as otherwise provided in the Property Sales Accounting
Agreement; for filing all statements, returns, documents incident to them;
and for obtaining reimbursements, if any, relating to those taxes.
10.03. Other Taxes. At Closing, Exxon will collect, and Buyer will pay,
all applicable state and local sales taxes, use taxes, gross receipts taxes,
business license taxes, other taxes (except taxes imposed by reason of
income to Exxon), and fees. The taxes collected will be based on Buyer's
Allocations, as adjusted under this Agreement. Buyer will pay all state
and local taxes, including penalty and interest, if any, assessed after
the Effective Time against either party with respect to this transaction or,
if paid by Exxon, Buyer will promptly reimburse Exxon for amounts paid.
Buyer will pay all documentary stamp taxes.
ARTICLE 11. OIL IN STORAGE, PROCEEDS, COSTS, EXPENSES, CLAIMS, AND
DISBURSEMENTS
11.01. Oil in Storage. All Oil in storage at the Effective Time,
including working inventory, belongs to Exxon. Title to Oil in storage
for both Exxon-operated Interests and Interests operated by others will
transfer to Buyer as of the Effective Time. Exxon, at its sole option,
may include as "Oil in storage" all Oil in the system downstream of the
wellhead at the Effective Time, including Oil in stock tanks, wash tanks,
heater treaters, flowlines, and pipelines. For Exxon-operated Interests,
at the Effective Time Exxon will (a) at its sole option, either run or gauge
the Oil in storage, and (b) read and replace all gas meter charts. If the
Effective Time is after the Execution Date, Buyer may be present for
these operations. "Oil in storage" shall not include unmerchantable or
unrecoverable oil such as tank bottoms, line fill and other oil, which is
not physically available for sale in the course of the usual and customary
operation of the Interests. Exxon will use measured Oil inventories in
the closing settlement statement, if available or, if not available, then
estimated Oil inventories. The estimates will be based on the average
month-end inventories of the three most recent calendar months prior to
the Effective Time. If there is a difference between the value of the
estimated Oil in storage and the value of inventories run or gauged at the
Effective Time, Exxon may include the difference in the final settlement
statement. Oil inventories will be priced, at Exxon's option, at either
(A) Exxon's posted price at the Effective Time for Oil of like grade and
gravity in the field where the relevant Interest is located; (B) if there is
no Exxon-posted price for the field, then the average of the two highest
prices, as determined by Exxon, posted by other purchasing companies in
the field or locality where the Interest is located, for Oil of like grade
and gravity, in effect at the Effective Time; (C) the applicable posted price,
with appropriate gravity adjustments; or (D) the price received for the Oil
from the purchaser (or an estimate of the price). For Interests operated
by others, Exxon will include in the closing settlement statement the
quantity of Oil in storage at the Effective Time as represented by the
Operator or as obtained from information filed with the applicable
regulatory agency. The value of Oil in storage for Interests operated by
others will be determined on the same basis as that used to determine the
value of Oil inventories for Exxon-operated Interests.
11.02. Proceeds, Costs, and Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in
this Agreement and the Property Sales Accounting Agreement, Exxon reserves
all rights to proceeds, receipts, reimbursements, credits, and income
attributable to the Interests and accruing before the Effective Time.
All proceeds, receipts, credits, income, and charges attributable to
the Interests and accruing from and after the Effective Time will be
Buyer's property and responsibility. Exxon will, however, deliver funds
attributable to the Interests and accruing from and after the Effective
Time, and held in suspense or escrow, to Buyer when final settlement is
made under this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement
and the Property Sales Accounting Agreement, Exxon will make all
disbursements for (a) payment of charges and invoices for costs and expenses
accruing before the Effective Time and attributable to the Interests and
(b) payments necessary as the result of sales of production from the
Interests occurring before the Effective Time (including disbursements out
of proceeds held in suspense or escrow). Buyer will be responsible for all
payments and disbursements after the Effective Time or Closing, whichever
is later, but if Exxon makes any of these payments or disbursements, Buyer
will reimburse Exxon for the amounts paid.
All amounts due from one party to the other under this section may be made
by debits and credits in the closing and final settlement statements.
11.03. Notice to Remitters of Proceeds. Exxon will make reasonable
efforts to notify all remitters of proceeds from the sale of production
to advise them of this transaction. Except as otherwise provided in
the Property Sales Accounting Agreement, Exxon is responsible for
obtaining from the remitters revenues accrued before the Effective Time,
and Buyer is responsible for obtaining from the remitters revenues
accruing after the Effective Time. The parties will inform the
remitters that this transaction has closed by letter-in-lieu-of-transfer
order or other documents required by each remitter.
11.04. Reservation of Claims. Exxon reserves all Claims and rights of
any kind concerning the Interests or Property against third parties that
accrue before the Effective Time (including those against overriding
royalty owners, royalty owners, working-interest owners, and gas
purchasers), whether discovered before or after the Effective Time or
Closing, whichever is later.
ARTICLE 12. EXXON-OPERATED INTERESTS
12.01. Operation by Exxon. Exxon will operate the Exxon-operated
Interests until the later of the Closing Date, the Effective Time, or the
time that the applicable operating agreement, plan of unitization,
or law requires. As soon as practicable thereafter, operations will be
turned over to, and become the responsibility of, Exxon's successor as
Operator. Other than routine maintenance and operation of the Interests in
the ordinary course of business, Exxon shall not, without Buyer's prior
written consent, which consent shall both be timely and not unreasonably
withheld, conduct or authorize any operation or expenditure with
respect to the Interests customarily requiring authority for expenditure
approval by working interest owners under applicable operating agreements,
or any expenditure of $30,000 or more for the entire working interest, of
any single project (except emergency operations). Without the prior
written consent of Buyer, Exxon shall not enter into any new agreements
or commitments with respect to the Interests, will not modify, terminate
or settle any dispute arising out of any of the agreements relating to
the Interests, including, without limitation, the Related Agreements, and
will not encumber, sell, transfer, assign, convey, farmout or otherwise
dispose of any of the Interests other than personal property which
is replaced by equivalent property or consumed in the normal operation of
the Interests. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement,
Exxon may cancel its applicable regulatory permits at any time and for
any reason after it ceases to operate an Interest.
12.02. Charges Paid by Buyer. For the period of operation by Exxon
after the Effective Time, Buyer will pay Exxon as follows:
(a) Operation and Maintenance Expenses: a fixed monthly rate for
operation and maintenance expenses and other miscellaneous costs and
expenses incidental to the operation, protection, and maintenance of
the Interests and Property (but excluding costs under paragraph
below) based on the average operation, maintenance, and miscellaneous
costs and expenses for each Interest for the three-month period
before the Effective Time.
(b) Other Costs: reimbursement for workover costs, plugging, abandoning,
and reabandoning costs, and other major costs incurred by Exxon
incidental to the operation, protection, and maintenance of
the Interests and Property, on an actual-cost basis, if approved
by Buyer in accordance with Section 12.01.
(c) Overhead: overhead at a rate equal to 25% of the sum of the
amounts under paragraphs (a) and (b) above.
These charges will be included in the closing or final settlement statements,
as applicable.
12.03. Risk of Loss. Unless this Agreement is terminated as to an
Interest, the risk of loss for damage to or destruction of the Exxon-operated
Interests and Property associated with that Interest will pass from Exxon
to Buyer as of the earlier of Closing or the Effective Time, including damage
or destruction resulting in whole or in part from the negligence or Strict
Liability of Exxon or its Associated Parties. Damage or destruction
will not be cause for Buyer to delay Closing or terminate this Agreement.
12.04. Removal of Signs. Exxon may either remove its name and signs
from the Exxon-operated Interests and Property or require Buyer to do so
for those Interests that it will operate. Exxon reserves a right of access
to the Interests and Property after it ceases to be Operator to remove its
signs and name from all Wells, facilities, and Property, or to confirm
that Buyer has done so for the Interests operated by Buyer. If Exxon's name
or signs remain on the Property or Interests after Exxon ceases to be
Operator and Buyer has become Operator, Buyer must (a) remove any
remaining signs and references to Exxon promptly, but no later than the time
required by applicable regulations or forty-five days after Exxon ceases
to be Operator, whichever occurs first, (b) install signs complying with
applicable governmental regulations, including signs showing Buyer as
Operator of the Interests it operates, and (c) notify Exxon of the removal
and installation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Exxon agrees to cooperate
with Buyer in the removal process to preserve the information contained on
such signs such as well name, well identification number, etc. so that Buyer
is not required to recreate such information in the installation of its
own signs.
ARTICLE 13. INTERESTS OPERATED BY OTHERS
Deleted
ARTICLE 14. PREFERENTIAL RIGHT TO PURCHASE OIL
Deleted
ARTICLE 15. PREFERENTIAL RIGHT TO PURCHASE GAS
Deleted
ARTICLE 16. BUYER'S RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE;
BUYER'S OBLIGATIONS TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS;
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
16.01. Buyer's Release and Discharge of Exxon and its Associated
Parties. Buyer releases and discharges Exxon and its Associated Parties
from each Claim and Liability relating to the Interests, Property, or this
transaction, regardless of when or how the Claim or Liability arose or arises
or whether the Claim or Liability was foreseeable or unforeseeable. Buyer's
release and discharge of Exxon and its Associated Parties include Claims
and Liabilities resulting in any way from the negligence or Strict Liability
of Exxon or its Associated Parties, whether the negligence or Strict
Liability is active, passive, joint, concurrent, or sole. The only
exceptions to the obligation, convenants and agreements of Buyer under
this section are stated in Sections 16.04(c) and (d).
16.02. Buyer's Covenant Not to Sue Exxon or its Associated Parties.
Buyer covenants not to sue Exxon or its Associated Parties with regard to
any Claim or Liability relating to the Interests, Property, or this
transaction, regardless of when or how the Claim or Liability arose or
arises or whether the Claim or Liability was foreseeable or unforeseeable.
Buyer's covenant not to sue Exxon or its Associated Parties includes Claims
and Liabilities resulting in any way from the negligence or Strict Liability
of Exxon or its Associated Parties, whether the negligence or Strict
Liability is active, passive, joint, concurrent or sole. The only exceptions
to the obligation, convenants and agreements of Buyer under this section
are stated in Sections 16.04(c) and (d).
16.03. Buyer's Obligations to Indemnify, Defend, and Hold Exxon and
its Associated Parties Harmless. Buyer will indemnify, defend, and hold
Exxon and its Associated Parties harmless from each Claim and Liability
relating to the Interests, Property, or this transaction, regardless of when
or how the Claim or Liability arose or arises or whether the Claim or
Liability was foreseeable or unforeseeable. Buyer's obligations to
indemnify, defend, and hold Exxon and its Associated Parties harmless
include Claims and Liabilities resulting in any way from the negligence
or Strict Liability of Exxon or its Associated Parties, whether the negligence
or Strict Liability is active, passive, joint, concurrent or sole. The
only exceptions to the obligation, convenants and agreements of Buyer under
this section are stated in Sections 16.04(c) and (d).
16.04. Buyer's Obligations.
(a) Except as provided in Section 16.04(c) and (d), in each instance
of Buyer's obligations to release, discharge, indemnify, defend, and hold
Exxon and its Associated Parties harmless and its covenant not to sue Exxon
or its Associated Parties, the Claims and Liabilities subject to the
obligations include the following:
(1) the ownership of the Interests by Exxon, their operation by Exxon or
its Associated Parties, and the acts or omissions of Exxon or its
Associated Parties in connection with the Interests or the
Related Agreements.
(2) the ownership of the Interests by Buyer, their operation by Buyer
or its Associated Parties, and the acts or omissions of Buyer or
its Associated Parties in connection with the Interests or
under this Agreement or the Related Agreements.
(3) the acts or omissions of third parties relating to the Interests.
(b) Except as provided in Section 16.04(c) and (d), Buyer's obligations
under this Agreement to release, discharge, indemnify, defend, and
hold Exxon and its Associated Parties harmless and its covenant not
to sue Exxon or its Associated Parties include Claims and
Liabilities arising in any manner from the following:
(1) Buyer's Allocations.
(2) preferential and similar rights held by third parties
to purchase any portion of the Interests.
(3) the review, inspection, and assessment of the Interests
and Property by Buyer and its Associated Parties.
(4) an error in describing the Interests or an error in
the conveyancing instruments.
(5) rights and obligations of the parties or third parties under
the Related Agreements.
(6) closing without a third-party consent or approval.
(7) failure by third parties to approve or consent to any aspect
of this transaction after Closing.
(8) obligations to plug and abandon Wells and remediate
the Interests and Property.
(9) payment of Real Property Taxes or other taxes applicable to
the Interests and Property.
(10) payments or disbursements paid or payable by Exxon or Buyer
to third parties.
(11) a physical or environmental condition relating to the
Interests and Property, including Claims and Liabilities
under the Environmental Laws, or failure to comply with
the Environmental Laws.
(12) remediation activities, including damages incurred by Buyer
or its Associated Parties during or arising from remediation
activities.
(13) lawsuits filed before the Effective Time, but amended after
the Effective Time to include the Interests or Property or
Exxon's ownership of or activities regarding the Interests
or Property.
(c) Buyer's obligations to indemnify, defend, and hold Exxon and its
Associated Parties harmless do not apply, however, to Claims or Liabilities
that result from a judgment rendered or settlement reached in a lawsuit
filed before the Effective Time, but only to the extent that acts or
omissions that gave rise to the cause of action are attributable to the
conduct or operation or ownership of Exxon or its Associated Parties before
the Effective Time. Buyer's obligations to indemnify, defend and hold Exxon
and its Associated Parties Harmless do not apply to Claims or Liabilities
that result from or arise out of facts and circumstances which form the basis
of the pending litigation originally styled Ronald B. Woodley, Carolin
Larman Woodley and Gladys Heather Paine v. Exxon Corporation d/b/a Exxon
Company U.S.A., filed in May of 1997, and currently pending as Cause
No. 97V-040 in the 155th Judicial District Court of Austin County, Texas
(the "Woodley Litigation"). Exxon shall indemnify, defend and hold Buyer
and its Associated Parties harmless from each Claim and Liability resulting
from or arising out of the facts and circumstances which form the basis of
the Woodley Litigation and any other suit arising out of those facts and
circumstances.
Buyer's obligations to indemnify, defend, and hold Exxon and its Associated
Parties harmless do not apply to Claims or Liabilities that result from
Exxon's ownership of and operations of the Remediation Tract (Section 1.22)
and the Produced Water in Shallow Sands Facilities (Section 1.23) UNTIL
such time as Buyer assumes control and operation of, and responsibility
for future regulatory compliance matters with respect to the Remediation
Tract as is provided in Section 17.04. For the purposes of this Agreement
"future regulatory compliance matters" refers to any such matters arising
from and after Buyer assumes control and operation of, and responsibility
for the Remediation Tract and the Produced Water in Shallow Sands
Facilities.
(d) The parties recognize that certain lawsuits may have been filed
before the Effective Time, but concern activities continuing after the
Effective Time, so that after Closing Buyer may be a proper party to
the lawsuit. For these lawsuits, Buyer's obligations to indemnify, defend,
and hold Exxon and its Associated Parties harmless will apply to activities
occurring after the Effective Time. Exxon will continue, at Exxon's expense,
to defend its own interests and provide principal counsel in an action under
this paragraph for which it remains a party after the Effective Time.
16.05. Buyer's Duty to Defend. Except as provided in Sections 16.04(c)
and (d), Buyer acknowledges that its obligations to indemnify, defend, and
hold Exxon and its Associated Parties harmless under this Agreement
include obligations to pay the attorneys' fees and court and other costs
incurred by Exxon and its Associated parties in defending all Claims. As
to each Claim and Liability, Exxon, at its sole option, may elect to (a)
manage its own defense, in which event Buyer will reimburse Exxon and its
Associated Parties for all attorneys' fees and court and other costs
reasonably incurred in defending a claim, upon delivery to Buyer of invoices
for these fees and costs; or (b) tender its defense as to any Claim to Buyer,
in which event Buyer will be responsible for all aspects of defending the
Claim at issue and resulting Liabilities.
16.06. Alternate Dispute Resolution and Arbitration. This section
applies to any dispute between the parties, arising at any time, that is
not subject to Buyer's release and discharge of Exxon and its Associated
Parties or Buyer's covenant not to sue Exxon or its Associated Parties or is
not specifically excluded under this section. Whether a dispute is subject
to Buyer's release, discharge, or covenant not to sue or this section (or is
excluded from this section by its terms) and whether there is a
contract between the parties are issues that will be resolved under the
alternate dispute resolution and arbitration provisions of this section.
As to the disputes subject to this section, any Claim or controversy of
whatever nature, including an action in tort or contract or a statutory
action ("Disputed Claim"), or the arbitrability of a Disputed Claim, will
be resolved under the terms, conditions, and procedures of Exhibit E and
will be binding on both parties and their respective successors and assigns.
Neither party may prosecute or commence any suit or action against the
other party relating to any matters that are subject to this section.
Exxon will determine, at its sole option, whether a Claim filed by a third
party against Buyer or Exxon will be subject to this section. If Buyer
has notified Exxon before Closing of a Disputed Claim by Buyer before
Closing and the Disputed Claim is not resolved before Closing, the
Disputed Claim will not be subject to this section unless agreed by the
parties.
The addresses for notice under this section are:
Exxon: Buyer:
Exxon Company, U.S.A. Future Acquisition 1995 Ltd.
P. O. Box 2180 700 Louisiana, Suite 3700
Houston, Texas 77252-2180 Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Production Department Attention: Tim J. Goff
Asset Manager
16.07. Buyer's Waiver of Consumer Rights under the Texas Deceptive
Trade Practices Consumer Protection Act and Other Consumer Protection Laws.
As partial consideration to Exxon to enter into this Agreement, to the extent
that the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Consumer Protection Act is applicable
to this transaction, Buyer can and does expressly waive its rights under the
Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Consumer Protection Act, Sections 17.41
through 17.63, Texas Business and Commerce Code, a law that gives consumers
special rights and protections. After consultation with an attorney of its
own selection, Buyer voluntarily consents to this waiver. In addition,
Buyer waives its rights under all other consumer protection laws in other
states applicable to this transaction that may be waived by the parties.
16.08. Retroactive Effect. Buyer acknowledges that its obligations
to release, discharge, defend, and hold Exxon and its Associated Parties
harmless and its covenant not to sue Exxon or its Associated Parties apply
to matters occurring or arising before the Execution Date to the extent
provided in this Agreement.
16.09. Inducement to Exxon. Buyer acknowledges that it evaluated its
obligations under this article before it determined and submitted its bid
for the Interests and that its assumption of these obligations is a
material inducement to Exxon to enter into this Agreement with, and close
the sale to, Buyer.
ARTICLE 17. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
17.01. Buyer's Acknowledgment Concerning Possible Contamination of
the Interests and Property. Buyer is aware that the Interests and Property
have been used for exploration, development, and production of oil
and gas and that there may be petroleum, produced water, wastes, or other
materials located on or under the Property or associated with the Interests.
Equipment and sites included in the Interests or Property may contain
asbestos, hazardous substances, or NORM. NORM may affix or attach itself to
the inside of Wells, materials, and equipment as scale, or in other forms;
the Wells, materials, and equipment located on the Property or included in
the Interests may contain NORM and other wastes or hazardous substances;
and NORM-containing material and other wastes or hazardous substances may
have been buried, come in contact with the soil, or otherwise been disposed
of on the Property. Special procedures may be required for the remediation,
removal, transportation, or disposal of wastes, asbestos, hazardous
substances, and NORM from the Interests and the Property. Buyer will assume
all liability for the assessment, remediation, removal, transportation, and
disposal of wastes, asbestos, hazardous substances, and NORM from the
Interests and Property and associated activities and will conduct these
activities in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including
the Environmental Laws.
17.02. Adverse Environmental Conditions.
(a) Buyer will have until five (5) Business Days before Closing to
notify Exxon of any material adverse environmental condition of
the Interests or Property that Buyer finds unacceptable and
provide evidence of the condition to Exxon. An environmental
condition is a material adverse environmental condition ("Condition")
only if all the following criteria are met:
(1) The environmental condition is required to be remediated on
the Execution Date under the Environmental Laws in effect on
the Execution Date.
(2) The total of the cost to remediate all environmental conditions
identified by Buyer to levels required by the Environmental
Laws in effect on the Execution Date is reasonably estimated
to be more than $100,000.
(3) The environmental condition was not disclosed to or known
by Buyer before the Execution Date.
(b) Exxon will have ten days after receipt of Buyer's notice under the
preceding paragraph, or until five days before the Closing Date if
it determines that an adverse environmental condition (whether
material or not) may exist with respect to an Interest or Property,
to elect any of the following:
(1) adjust the Allocation for an Interest by a mutually
acceptable amount reflecting Exxon's proportionate share,
based on its working interest, of the cost reasonably
estimated to remediate a Condition affecting the Interest;
(2) remove the affected Interest from this Agreement and adjust
the Base Purchase Price by the Allocation for the affected
Interest;
(3) remedy, or agree to remedy, the Condition, as provided below;
or
(4) terminate this Agreement. Exxon may delay Closing until the
end of this thirty-day period, which delay will be in
addition to and under the same terms as Exxon's right to delay
Closing under Section 8.03.
(c) If Exxon and Buyer agree to adjust an Allocation because of a
Condition, the amount of the adjustment will be the cost to remediate
the Condition, but only to the level required by the Environmental
Laws in effect on the Execution Date. Exxon may require Buyer to
remit the full Allocation at Closing, without adjustment for the
Condition, but if it does so, it will pay the amount of the
adjustment to Buyer when the remediation is complete under
applicable law. If the cost to remediate exceeds the amount of
the adjustment, Buyer will pay the additional costs to remediate
the Condition as required by applicable law.
17.03. Remediation. If Exxon agrees with Buyer to remediate a Condition
or is required by a governmental or regulatory agency to remediate a Condition,
the following will govern the remediation:
(a) Exxon will be responsible for all negotiations and contacts with
federal, state, and local agencies and authorities with regard to
the Condition or remediation. However, Exxon will keep Buyer
informed on a timely basis of the status and progress of the
remediation and provide Buyer with copies of all reports,
correspondence and other relevant materials received or given by
Exxon concerning the Condition of the remediation thereof, except
for Exxon internal correspondence and approvals. Buyer may not make
any independent contacts with any agency, authority, or other third
party with respect to the Condition or remediation and will keep
all information regarding the Condition and remediation confidential,
except in each instance to the extent required by applicable law.
(b) Exxon will remediate the Condition to the level agreed upon by Exxon
and Buyer, but in no event will Exxon be required to remediate the
Condition beyond the level required by the Environmental Laws in
effect on the Execution Date.
(c) Buyer will grant and warrant access to the Interests and entry on
the Property after Closing to Exxon, its Associated Parties, and
third parties conducting assessments or remediation, to the extent
and as long as necessary to conduct and complete the assessment or
remediation work, to remove equipment and facilities, and to perform
any other activities reasonably necessary in connection with
assessment or remediation.
(d) Buyer will use its best efforts not to interfere with Exxon's
ingress and egress or assessment or remediation activities. Exxon
will make reasonable efforts to perform the work so as to minimize
disruption to Buyer's business activities and to the Interests and
the Property.
(e) Exxon will continue remediation of the Condition until the first of
the following occurs:
(1) the appropriate governmental authorities provide written
notice to Exxon or Buyer that no further remediation of
the Condition is required; or
(2) Exxon and Buyer agree that the Condition has been remediated
to the level required by the Environmental Laws or as agreed
by the parties. If Exxon and Buyer are unable to agree,
then the extent of remediation required will be determined
under an alternate dispute resolution and arbitration
procedure that is agreed to by Exxon and Buyer. If Exxon
and Buyer are unable to agree upon an alternate dispute
resolution and arbitration procedure after making a
reasonable effort, then the extent of remediation required
will be determined under the alternate dispute resolution
and arbitration provisions of Exhibit E. Upon the occurrence
of either (1) or (2) above, Exxon will notify Buyer that
remediation of the Condition is complete and provide a copy
of the notification described in (1) above, if applicable.
Upon delivery of Exxon's notice, Exxon will be released from
all liability and have no further obligations under any
provisions of this Agreement in connection with a
Condition.
(f) Until Exxon completes remediation of a Condition, Exxon and Buyer will
each notify the other of any pending or threatened Claim, action, or
proceeding by any authority or private party that relates to or would
affect the environmental condition, the assessment, or the remediation
of the Interests or Property.
(g) After delivery of possession or Closing (whichever occurs first) and
before Exxon has completed remediation of a Condition, if a leak,
spill, or discharge of any material or substance ("Occurrence")
occurs on the Property or Interests, or any part of them, Buyer
will promptly notify Exxon and act promptly to minimize the effects
of the Occurrence. If a spill, leak or discharge occurs and Exxon
determines that it may affect the area where Exxon is conducting
remediation or assessment, Buyer will hire a consultant (who must
be acceptable to Exxon) to assess the effect of the occurrence on
the environmental condition of the Property, Interest, and Exxon's
remediation work and the cost of the additional work required as
the result of the Occurrence. Unless the Occurrence was caused
solely by Exxon, Buyer will be responsible for the incremental cost
of remediating the impact of the Occurrence. If Exxon's remediation
is expanded to incorporate remediation of the Occurrence, Buyer
will promptly pay its share of costs and expenses to Exxon as the
work is performed, within thirty days of receipt of invoices for
the work (with supporting documentation). Payments not made timely
will bear interest at a rate of twelve percent per annum or the
maximum lawful rate, whichever is less, compounded daily from the
date of Buyer's receipt of the invoice until paid. If the cost of
the additional work equals or exceeds the cost which would have
been incurred but for the Occurrence, Exxon will pay Buyer the cost
that would have been incurred by Exxon to complete the remediation
but for the Occurrence. As consideration for this payment, Buyer
will accept the environmental condition of the Property and Interests
as they exist on the date of the payment, assume full responsibility
for remediating the Property and Interests and related off-site
contamination in accordance with this Agreement, and agree to
release, not to sue, indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Exxon and
its Associated Parties as to Claims and Liabilities arising from
the Occurrence to the same extent as described in Article 16.
(h) If Exxon will assess or remediate the Interests or Property after
Closing, the Assignment and Bill of Sale or other recordable
instrument will restate the rights and obligations of this section.
17.04. Produced Water in Shallow Sands. In the absence of a demand by the
Texas Railroad Commission (TRRC) received by Exxon on or before 180 days from
Closing, in which the TRRC requires Exxon recommence remediation on the
Remediation Tract, Buyer will assume ownership and control of, and
responsibility for the future regulatory compliance of the Remediation
Tract. Thereafter, Buyer's obligations and commitments as described in
Articles 16 and 17 of this Agreement will apply to the future regulatory
compliance of the Remediation Tract and the Produced Water in Shallow Sands
Facilities, but not to Claims or Liabilities asserted by parties other
than governmental regulatory authorities arising out of or in connection
with the facts and circumstances which form the basis of the Woodley
Litigation. After Closing and until such time, as described above, that
Buyer assumes responsibility for the future regulatory compliance of the
Remediation Tract and the Produced Water in Shallow Sands Facilities, Exxon
will retain ownership and control of the Remediation Tract and
responsibility for performing the remediation activities, if necessary and
as described in Section 1.22 of this Agreement. The following provisions
will govern Exxon's remediation and monitoring activities, and Buyer's
cooperation with Exxon's activities, on the Remediation Tract during such
period:
(a) Exxon will be responsible for the negotiations with federal, state,
and local agencies with regard to the Produced Water in Shallow
Sands Recommendations and the Remediation Tract until such
time as Buyer assumes control and operation of, and responsibility
for, the future regulatory compliance matters with respect to
the Produced Water in Shallow Sands Recommendations and the
Remediation Tract as provided above. Buyer shall have the right
to independently verify the extent and status of the regulatory
compliance issues arising out of such matters by contacting the
TRRC and other appropriate agencies, authorities and third parties,
and conducting such other due diligence activities as Buyer
reasonably deems necessary, in order to be fully informed as to
the regulatory compliance status of the Recommendations, the
Remediation Tract and related matters. Buyer agrees to keep all
information regarding the Remediation Tract confidential, except to
the extent required by applicable law. Exxon agrees to keep Buyer
informed on a timely basis of the status and progress of the
discussions and negotiations, if any, with the TRRC and provide
Buyer with copies of all reports, correspondence and other relevant
materials received or given by Exxon concerning the Recommendations
and attempts, if deemed necessary by Exxon, to obtain the approval
of the TRRC to the cessation of further remediation activities,
except for Exxon internal correspondence and approvals.
(b) Buyer grants Exxon, its Associated Parties and third parties
conducting activities pertaining to Exxon's obligations described
herein, unrestricted access to the Interests and entry onto the
Property after Closing to the extent and as long as necessary to
conduct its obligations and perform any other activities reasonably
necessary in connection thereto.
(c) Buyer will use its best efforts not to interfere with Exxon's
ingress and egress or activities. Exxon will make reasonable efforts
to perform the work so as to minimize disruption to Buyer's business
activities on the Interests and the Property.
(d) If permitted by applicable regulatory authorities, Buyer grants
Exxon the continuing right, for so long as necessary to satisfy
Exxon's obligations regarding the Remediation Tract, to dispose
of no greater than 900 barrels of water per day from the
Remediation Tract into the Raccoon Bend Saltwater Disposal System.
Exxon will pay Buyer $0.05 per barrel of water disposed. Buyer will
supply Exxon will metered volumes and an invoice on a monthly basis.
The addresses for notice and invoices under this section are:
Exxon: Buyer:
Exxon Company, U.S.A. Future Acquisition 1995 Ltd.
Houston Production Organization 700 Louisiana, Suite 3700
P. O. Box 4697 Houston, Texas 77002
Houston, Texas 77210-4697 Attention: Tim J. Goff
Attention: Operations Accounting
(e) Buyer agrees that they will not drill a water well or salt water
disposal well on the Remediation Tract. However, Exxon reserves
the rights to drill a salt-water disposal well and additional
monitoring wells on the Remediation Tract, if required by either
the landowner(s) or by the TRRC.
(f) Exxon and Buyer further agree that as soon as practical after
Closing they will designate to one another, field contacts
(name, address and telephone numbers) for use in case of
emergencies, and will agree to any other reasonable rules and
procedures deemed by either Party as reasonably necessary to
govern Exxon's activities on the Remediation Tract. If Buyer
assumes ownership and control of the Remediation Tract under the
terms of this Agreement, Buyer agrees to provide, on a timely
basis, Exxon any data about the status of the Remediation Tract
(i.e. the condition or the monitor wells) at any time in the
future, upon written request by Exxon.
17.05. Disposal of Materials, Substances, and Wastes; Compliance with
Law. Buyer will store, handle, transport, and dispose of or discharge all
materials, substances, and wastes from the Interests and Property
(including produced water, drilling fluids, NORM, and other wastes),
whether present before or after the Effective Time, in accordance with
applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Buyer will
keep records of the types, amounts, and location of materials, substances,
and wastes that are stored, transported, handled, discharged, released,
or disposed of onsite and offsite. When any lease terminates, an interest
in which has been assigned under this Agreement, Buyer will undertake
additional testing, assessment, closure, reporting, or remedial
action with respect to the Interests or Property affected by the termination
as is necessary to satisfy all local, state, or federal requirements in
effect at that time and necessary to restore the Property or Interests.
ARTICLE 18. BUYER'S REPRESENTATIONS
18.01. Representations Not Exclusive. Buyer's representations under
this article are in addition to its other representations under this
Agreement and the Additional Instruments.
18.02. Securities Laws.
(a) Buyer acknowledges that the solicitation of an offer for and the
sale of the Interests by Exxon has not been registered under any
securities laws.
(b) Buyer intends to acquire the Interests for its own benefit and
account and is not acquiring the Interests with the intent of
distributing fractional undivided interests in them or otherwise
selling them in a manner that would be subject to regulation by
federal or state securities laws. If Buyer sells, transfers, or
otherwise disposes of the Interests or fractional undivided
interests in them in the future, it will do so in compliance
with applicable federal and state laws.
(c) Buyer represents that at no time has it been presented with or
solicited by or through any public promotion or other form of
advertising in connection with this transaction.
18.03. Basis of Buyer's Decision. Buyer represents that:
(a) It has reviewed and investigated the Interests and Property to
its satisfaction in order to enter into this Agreement.
(b) It has evaluated the Interests and Property to its satisfaction
and has made an informed decision, as a prudent and knowledgeable
purchaser, to acquire the Interests and Property.
(c) It is knowledgeable and experienced in the evaluation, acquisition,
and operation of oil and gas properties.
(d) It has evaluated the merits and risks of purchasing the Interests
and has formed an opinion based solely upon its knowledge and
experience and not in reliance on any statements or actions by
Exxon or its Associated Parties.
(e) It will acquire the Interests and Property "as is, where is," and
with all faults.
18.04. Material Factor. Buyer acknowledges that its representations
under this article, the rest of this Agreement, and the Additional
Instruments are a material inducement to Exxon to enter into this Agreement
with, and close the sale to, Buyer.
ARTICLE 19. GAS IMBALANCES
Deleted
ARTICLE 20. FINAL SETTLEMENT STATEMENT
Exxon will prepare a final settlement statement and submit it to Buyer
within 150 days after the Closing Date. The final settlement statement
will deduct royalties, operating expenses, taxes, overhead, and other
amounts due to Exxon from amounts due to Buyer as provided in this
Agreement, with adjustments as necessary for items identified after
Closing. Exxon may set off any resulting amount due to Buyer against
amounts that Buyer may otherwise owe to Exxon Company, U.S.A. when the
final settlement statement is prepared.
Buyer must respond in writing with objections and proposed corrections
within thirty days of receiving the final settlement statement. If the
parties cannot resolve their differences within ninety days of Exxon's
receipt of Buyer's objections, then the alternate-dispute-resolution
and arbitration procedures of this Agreement will be triggered. If Buyer
does not respond to the final settlement statement by signing or objecting
in writing within the thirty-day period, the statement will be deemed
approved by Buyer. After approval of the final settlement statement, Exxon
will send a check or invoice to Buyer for the net amount. If payment is
not made within thirty days of Buyer's receiving the invoice, the amount due
may bear interest at a rate of twelve percent per annum or the maximum lawful
rate, whichever is less, compounded daily from the date of Buyer's receipt
of the invoice until paid. Inquiries regarding the final settlement statement
must be in writing, addressed to:
Exxon Company, U.S.A.
P. O. Box 2180
Houston, Texas 77252-2180
Attention: Production Department, Asset Management
Evaluation and Marketing Coordinator
ARTICLE 21. BROKER'S AND FINDER'S FEES
Exxon and Buyer each represents and warrants to the other that it has
incurred no liability, contingent or otherwise, for broker's or finder's
fees in connection with this Agreement or the transaction contemplated by
it for which the other party will have any responsibility.
ARTICLE 22. COMMUNICATIONS
Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, communications (including
notices) under this Agreement that must be in writing and delivered by
a specified date will be deemed to have been made when received at the
following addresses by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or
by messenger:
Exxon Company, U.S.A. Future Acquisition 1995 Ltd.
P. O. Box 2180 700 Louisiana, Suite 3700
Houston, Texas 77252-2180 Houston, Texas 77002
800 Bell, Room 241-H EB Attention: Tim J. Goff
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Production Department
Asset Manager
ARTICLE 23. BUYER'S DEFAULT
If Buyer defaults under this Agreement in a material way, including
Buyer's failure to perform its obligations to close this transaction, Exxon
may, at its sole option, terminate this Agreement and retain the performance
deposit, in addition to all of its other rights at law or in equity.
ARTICLE 24. HART-SCOTT-RODINO ANTITRUST IMPROVEMENTS
ACT OF 1976
The parties have determined that the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976 does not apply to this transaction.
ARTICLE 25. EXXON'S DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS
Exxon has not made, and will not make, any warranty or representation,
express, implied, or statutory, whatsoever in connection with this
Agreementor the transaction contemplated by it, including the accuracy
or completenessof data, information, or materials furnished at any time to
Buyer in connection with the Interests or Property, or the quality or
quantity of hydrocarbon reserves (if any) attributable to the Interests, or
the ability of the Interests to produce hydrocarbons. None of Exxon's
Associated Parties is authorized to make any warranty or representation
on Exxon's behalf. All data, information, and other materials furnished by
Exxon are provided to Buyer as a convenience, and reliance on or use of them
is at Buyer's sole risk.
ARTICLE 26. MISCELLANEOUS
26.01. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Additional Instruments
constitute the entire agreement between the parties as to the transaction
described in this Agreement. All previous negotiations and communications
between the parties as to these matters are merged into this Agreement and
the Additional Instruments.
26.02. Successors and Assigns; Amendment; Survival. This Agreement
is binding on and inures to the benefit of the parties and their
respective successors, heirs, representatives, and assigns and may be
supplemented, altered, amended, modified, or revoked only in writing signed
by both parties. Neither the assignment of this Agreement nor of the
Interests or any part of them will relieve Buyer of its obligations under
this Agreement unless and to the extent Exxon consents in writing to release
Buyer, which consent may be withheld for any reason.
All provisions of this Agreement and the Additional Instruments that cannot
be performed before Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement and
all representations, promises, releases, and indemnities under this
Agreement and the Additional Instruments will survive Closing or the
earlier termination of this Agreement.
26.03. Choice of Law. This Agreement and its performance will be
construed in accordance with, and enforced under, the internal laws of the
State of Texas, without regard to choice of law rules of any jurisdiction,
including Texas.
26.04. Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor the rights and
obligations under it may be assigned or delegated by Buyer without Exxon's
prior written consent, which consent may be withheld for any reason, and
an attempted assignment or delegation is void.
26.05. No Admissions. Neither this Agreement, nor any part of it, nor
any performance under this Agreement, nor any payment of any amount under
this Agreement will constitute or may be construed as a finding, evidence of,
or an admission or acknowledgment of any liability, fault, past or present
wrongdoing, or violation of law, rule, regulation, or policy, by either Exxon
or Buyer or their respective Associated Parties.
26.06. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. There are no third-party
beneficiaries of this Agreement.
26.07. Public Communications. Unless provided otherwise in this
Agreement, Buyer will not make any press release or public communication
concerning this transaction without Exxon's prior written consent, which
consent may be withheld for any reason.
26.08. Headings and Titles. The headings and titles in this Agreement
are for guidance and convenience of reference only and do not limit or
otherwise affect or interpret the terms or provisions of this Agreement.
26.09. Exhibits. All exhibits referenced in and attached to this
Agreement are incorporated into it.
26.10. Includes. The word "includes" and its syntactical variants
mean "includes, but is not limited to" and corresponding syntactical
variants. The rule ejusdem generis may not be invoked to restrict or limit
the scope of the general term or phrase followed or preceded by an
enumeration of particular examples.
26.11. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable
at Exxon's option. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any part of
this Agreement to be void, invalid, or otherwise unenforceable, then Exxon
may decide whether to enforce this Agreement without the void, invalid, or
unenforceable parts or to terminate this Agreement.
26.12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple
counterparts, all of which together will be considered one instrument.
26.13. Conflicts. If the text of this Agreement conflicts with the
terms of any exhibit to this Agreement, then the text of this Agreement
will control.
26.14. Not to Be Construed against Drafter. Buyer acknowledges that it
has read this Agreement, has had opportunity to review it with an attorney
of its choice, and has agreed to all of its terms. Under these circumstances,
the parties agree that the rule of construction that a contract be construed
against the drafter may not be applied in interpreting this Agreement.
26.15. No Waiver. No waiver by either party of any part of this
Agreement will be deemed to be a waiver of any other part of this Agreement
or a waiver of strict performance of the waived part in the future.
26.16. Express Negligence Rule; Conspicuousness. Buyer acknowledges
that the provisions of this Agreement that are set out in italics satisfy
the requirements of the express negligence rule and/or are conspicuous.
26.17. Execution by the Parties. Neither the submission of this
instrument or any information concerning the Interests for Buyer's
examination, nor discussions or negotiations between the parties constitute
an offer to sell, a reservation of, or an option for the Interests or
Property, and this instrument and the underlying transaction will become
enforceable and binding between the parties only upon execution and
delivery of this instrument by both Exxon and Buyer.
The parties have executed this Agreement on the date below their signatures,
to be enforceable and binding as of the Execution Date. Future Acquisition
19995, Ltd. And Future Petroleum Corporation agrees that they are
jointly and severally liable for the obligations and conditions of this
Agreement.
FUTURE ACQUISTION 1995, LTD., By: EXXON CORPORATION
FUTURE PETROLEUM CORPORATION,
Its General Partner
By:/s/ Tim J. Goff By: /s/Alan J. Hirshberg
Name: Tim J. Goff Name: Alan J. Hirshberg
Title: Title:Agent and Attorney
-in-Fact
Date: Date:
FUTURE PETROLEUM CORPORATION EXXON CORPORATION
By:/s/ Tim J. Goff By: /s/ Mark W. Albers
Name: Tim J. Goff Name: Mark W. Albers
Title: Title: Agent and Attorney
-in-Fact
Date: Date:
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
Attached to and made a part of the
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
between
EXXON CORPORATION
and
FUTURE ACQUISITION 1995, LTD.
FORM OF
ASSIGNMENT AND BILL OF SALE
STATE OF TEXAS }
.ss
COUNTIES OF AUSTIN AND WALLER }
This Assignment and Bill of Sale ("Assignment") is effective as of January
1, 1999, at 7:00 a.m. Central Time ("Effective Time"), and is from EXXON
CORPORATION, a New Jersey corporation with an address of P. O. Box 2305,
Houston, Texas 77252-2305 ("Assignor"), to FUTURE ACQUISITION 1995 LTD.,
a Texas limited partnership, with an address of 700 Louisiana, Suite 3700,
Houston, Texas 77002 ("Assignee").
I.
For ten dollars and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which Assignor acknowledges, Assignor bargains, sells,
assigns, and conveys to Assignee and its successors and assigns, subject
to the terms of this Assignment, including its exhibits, and all applicable
instruments of record in Austin and Waller Counties, Texas, all of
Assignor's right, title, and interest in and to the following real and
personal properties (collectively, "Properties"):
1. The oil and gas leasehold estates and other interests, insofar
but only insofar as set out on Exhibit A (collectively,
Interests").
Assignor excepts from this Assignment and reserves to itself all
right, title, and interest not set out on Exhibit A, including the
reservation by Assignor or its predecessors in title of any kind of
interest (including overriding royalty, depth limitations, formations,
and contractual rights) from any conveyance or agreement, whether
recorded or not, that was executed or effective before the execution
of this Assignment.
2. All enforceable contracts affecting the Interests, to the
extent each is assignable, including agreements for the sale
or purchase of oil, gas, and other hydrocarbons; processing
agreements; division orders; unit agreements; operating
agreements; and other contracts and agreements arising
out of, connected with, or attributable to production from
the Interests, including the items listed on Exhibit B.
<PAGE>
Assignor excepts from this Assignment and reserves to itself all
right, title, and interest in these contracts insofar as they pertain
to any interest not assigned in this Assignment.
3. All personal property, including material, equipment, and
facilities situated in and on the Properties and used solely
in connection with the use or operation of the Interests for
the production, treating, storing, transporting, and marketing
of oil, gas, and other hydrocarbons from the Interests.
Assignor excepts from this Assignment and reserves to itself all
personal property, wells, fixtures, pipelines, and equipment used
in Assignor's operation of any lease, well, or mineral interest
not assigned in this Assignment.
4. All easements, permits, licenses, surface and subsurface leases,
rights-of-way, servitudes, and other surface and subsurface
rights affecting the Interests, to the extent each is assignable,
including the items listed on Exhibit B.
5. Copies of certain data and records relating to the Properties
and Interests, delivered by Assignor to Assignee ("Documents").
Exclusions. The following are excluded from this Assignment:
A. Pipelines, fixtures, equipment, and interests in land owned by
third parties, including Assignor's affiliates.
B. Computer equipment (including Rosemont transmitters),
telecommunications equipment, vehicles, boats, tools, pulling
machines, and other equipment and material temporarily located
on the lands associated with the Properties.
C. Assignor's Interest in a gas processing plant not listed on
Exhibit A.
D. Assignor's interest in personal property, fixtures, equipment,
pipelines, facilities and buildings located on the land
associated with the Properties, but either currently in use
in connection with the ownership or operation of other property
not included in the Properties or excluded on Exhibit A.
E. Assignor's claims, rights, and causes of action of any kind
concerning the Properties against royalty owners, overriding-
royalty owners, working-interest owners, gas purchasers, gas
transporters, and other third parties that accrued before the
Effective Time, whether discovered before or after the
Effective Time.
F. Assignor's interest in the wells, facilities, flowlines and
equipment Assignor is currently using to remediate a 72-acre
tract described in Railroad Commission of Texas Complaint
#03-02680".
<PAGE>
Additional Consideration: Retained Royalty Interest
In addition to the cash consideration offered for the purchase of the
Interests, Assignee will pay Assignor a royalty interest ("RRI") in the
oil (called "product") which will be calculated and paid, on a yearly
basis, according to the following formula:
([A - B] x C) x 50 % = amount due to Assignor each month for the product
A = average unit price, weighted by volume, received for the
Product
B = Base Price, as specified below, for the product
C = volume of the product allocated to the Interests
If the resulting amount for the product in a given year is zero or less, no
amount will be due for the product for that year, but any resulting
negative number will not be used to offset amounts due for that product
in any future years.
The "volume of the product allocated to the Interests" will be the volume
of that product allocated to the net revenue interest to be conveyed to
Assignee.
The initial "Base Price" for the product will be $17.50/bbl. The initial
Base Price will be effective from the Effective Time through the year 1999.
Thereafter, the Base Price will be escalated, beginning with amounts
due in 2000, by three percent (3%) per year.
The unit price of the product will be deemed to be the greater of: a) the
amount actually received by Assignee in an arms-length sale of the product;
or b) the amount published by Exxon WTI for the year of the calculation,
provided that, if Exxon ceases to establish a price for the product in
question, Assignor and Assignee will negotiate in good faith to agree upon
an alternative source for the price of such product. If the parties cannot
agree, the dispute will be resolved under the terms of Exhibit "E" of the
Purchase and Sale Agreement. The unit price of each product will be
calculated at the well, and will include any deductions (except those
expressly excluded below) required to yield the wellhead price.
The RRI will: (i) not bear any of the expenses of exploring, developing,
or operating the Interests, nor any of the expenses of marketing production
therefrom, including gathering, compression, treating, processing and
transportation costs; (ii) not be subject to any ad valorem or severance
taxes (any such tax liability imposed will be paid by Assignee); and (iii)
be exclusive of, and in addition to, any royalties, overriding royalties
or payments out of production affecting the Interests.
All amounts due hereunder will be paid yearly, to be posted no later than
the 20th of the month for the previous month's production. If payment is
not made within the time prescribed, the unpaid amount will bear interest
at the rate of one percent (1%) for each month, or fraction of a month,
by which payment is delayed, or the maximum lawful rate, whichever is less.
Each payment will be accompanied by a statement detailing the calculation
of the amount due, containing at least the following information for the
product on which an interest is retained: (i) the volume produced; (ii)
the volume allocated to Assignee; (iii) the average unit price, including
any adjustment made to determine the average unit price at the well; (iv)
if the average unit price was determined using method (b), above, an
explanation of why that method was used. Assignee's statements will be
due each month, whether or not a payment is due. Assignor, upon notice to
Assignee, will have the right to audit Assignee's accounts and records
relating to the revenues from the Interests, and any other records relating
to the determination of the amounts due Assignor, for any calendar year
within the twenty-four (24) month period following the end of the calendar
year.
<PAGE>
If Assignee does not pay to Assignor any amounts due within fifteen (15)
days of receipt of a written demand for payment from Assignor, or if
Assignee files for protection, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, under
the bankruptcy laws of the United States, then Assignor will have the right
to (i) collect from the purchaser of the product any amounts due Assignor
(including interest) and not paid in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, each purchaser being entitled to rely on Assignor's written
statement regarding the amount due Assignor hereunder; and (ii) take in kind
up to fifty percent (50%) of any or all of the product allocated to the
Interests (with the specific percentage taken to be determined by Assignor)
until Assignor has received in kind an amount of production equal in value
to all amounts due Assignor (including interest). The average unit price of
the product taken by Assignor will be determined utilizing the mechanism
provided above. Assignor will not incur any liability for the expenses of
operating the Interests as a result of its taking of any product pursuant to
the right granted herein. The rights of Assignor under this section
are and will be rights in and to the Interests.
In addition, in order to secure the payment of any and all amounts due
Assignor, Assignee will grant to Assignor a lien upon Assignee's share of:
(1) the product when produced; (2) all accounts receivable accruing or
arising as a result of the sale of the product; and (3) all cash or other
proceeds from the sale of the product once produced. Assignee will execute
whatever documents may be necessary to perfect or otherwise render effective
the lien, including, but not limited to any financing statements that may
be required for such purpose.
Notwithstanding any assignment of the Interests, Assignee will remain liable
for payments of all amounts provided for in this section, and for all
obligations related to payment, unless and until the assignment has been
approved by Assignor, with such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.
Any method used to measure the production of the product from the Interests
in order to determine the amounts due Assignor must be approved by Assignor,
with approval not to be unreasonably withheld. In addition, Assignor will
have the right to require that the meters and/or other equipment utilized for
measurement be tested at reasonable intervals the right to witness the
testing, all in accordance with procedures to be agreed upon by the
parties acting in good faith.
The interests reserved herein will be a permanent burden on the leases that
are included in the Interests, and will continue in effect as to each lease
for so long as the lease remains in effect. In addition, if Assignee
secures a renewal or extension of any such lease, covering all or any part
of the land previously covered thereby, then the interests reserved will
apply to the renewed or extended lease. A "renewal" or "extension" of a
lease will mean any lease or leases covering all or a part of the land
covered by the leases that are included in the Interests that is or are
executed within one (1) year from the termination of any lease included in
the Interests.
The undersigned acknowledges that Assignor makes no warranty, express or
implied, with respect to title to the properties. Assignor shall sell all
equipment "AS IS WHERE IS" and makes no warranty, express or implied,
including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. Assignor makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the
accuracy, correctness or completeness of any of the information, data or
other materials provided by Assignor in this offering or as to the amount
of reserves or ability of the properties to produce. Such information, data
or other materials provided by Assignor in this offering is done so as a
matter of convenience and any reliance or use of such information, data, or
other materials is done so at Assignee's sole risk.
The undersigned expressly waives the provisions of Chapter XVII, Subchapter
E, Sections 17.41 through 17.63, inclusive (other than Section 17.555, which
is not waived), Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated, Business and Commerce Code
(The "Deceptive Trade Practices Act"). The undersigned also acknowledges
that Assignor has made no statements or representations concerning the
present or future value of the anticipated income, cost, or profits, if any,
to be derived from the interests offered for sale.
Documents. If originals or the last-remaining copies of the Documents have
been provided to Assignee, Assignor may have access to them at reasonable
times and upon reasonable notice during regular business hours for as long
as any Interest is in effect after the Effective Time (or for twenty-one
years in the case of a mineral fee or other non-leasehold interest or a
longer period if required by law or governmental regulation). Assignor may,
during this period and at its expense, make copies of the Documents pursuant
to a reasonable request. Without limiting the generality of the two preceding
sentences, for a period as long as any Interest is in effect after the
Effective Time (or for twenty-one years in the case of a mineral fee or other
non-leasehold interest or for a longer period if required by law or
governmental regulation), Assignee may not destroy or give up possession of
any original or last-remaining copy of the Documents without first offering
Assignor the opportunity, at Assignor's expense, to obtain the original or
a copy. After this period expires, Assignee must offer to deliver the
Documents (or copies) to Assignor, at Assignor's expense, before giving up
possession or destroying them.
<PAGE>
Reservations. To the extent that Assignor has reserved or continues to own
an interest (including overriding-royalty interests, mineral-fee or leasehold
interests, deep rights, or facilities, equipment, or pipelines) after the
Effective Time for which Assignor requires access across the land associated
with the Properties in order to exercise its rights, Assignor reserves
concurrent interests in all applicable easements, rights-of-way, contracts,
and other rights relating to the reserved interests and necessary as
reasonably required for exploring, drilling, producing, storing, or
marketing oil, gas, and other hydrocarbons from the respective zones or
interests of the parties, including rights to lay pipelines, water lines,
and power lines; dig pits; erect structures; and perform any other act
reasonably necessary to Assignor's interests.
II.
Assignee will comply with all rules, regulations, statutes, and laws
applicable to Assignee's ownership or operation of the Properties.
III.
Except to the extent specifically excepted or reserved by Assignor,
Assignee accepts this assignment and assumes all Assignor's obligations
and liabilities under all oil, gas, and mineral leases, assignments,
subleases, farmout agreements, joint operating agreements, pooling
agreements, letter agreements, easements, rights-of-way, gathering and
transportation agreements, sales agreements, and other agreements
(including compliance with express and implied covenants and payment of
costs, rentals, shut-in-payments, minimum royalties, and production
royalties), to the extent that these obligations and liabilities concern
or pertain to the Properties and are binding on Assignor or its successors
or assigns. Assignee's obligations under this Article apply to all
applicable instruments, whether recorded or not.
IV.
Assignee acknowledges that the Interests and Properties have been used
for exploration, development, and production of oil and gas and that there
may be petroleum, produced water, wastes, or other materials located on
or under the Properties or associated with the Interests. Equipment and
sites included in the Interests or Properties may contain asbestos, hazardous
substances, or naturally occurring radioactive material ("NORM"). NORM may
affix or attach itself to the inside of wells, materials, and equipment
as scale, or in other forms; the wells, materials, and equipment located on
the Properties or included in the Interests may contain NORM and other
wastes or hazardous substances; and NORM-containing material and other wastes
or hazardous substances may have been buried, come in contact with the soil,
or otherwise been disposed of on the Properties. Special procedures may be
required for the remediation, removal, transportation, or disposal of wastes,
asbestos, hazardous substances, and NORM from the Interests and Properties.
<PAGE>
Assignee will store, handle, transport, and dispose of or discharge all
material, substances, and wastes from the Properties (including produced
water, drilling fluids, NORM, and other wastes), whether present before
or after the Effective Time, in accordance with applicable local, state,
and federal laws and regulations. Assignee will keep records of the types,
amounts, and location of materials, substances, and wastes that are stored,
transported, handled, discharged, released, or disposed of onsite and offsite.
When any lease terminates, an interest in which has been assigned under this
Assignment, Assignee will take additional testing, assessment, closure,
reporting, and remedial action with respect to the Properties as is
necessary to satisfy all local, state, and federal requirements directed
in effect at that time and necessary to restore the Properties.
V.
Assignee recognizes, and will perform properly and in accordance with
applicable law and the obligations and liabilities described in Article
III, all obligations to abandon, restore, and remediate the Properties
and the Interests, whether arising before or after the Effective Time,
including obligations, as applicable, to:
(a) obtain plugging exceptions in Assignee's name for each well
located on the Properties (abandoned and unabandoned) with a
current plugging exception or permanently plug and abandon
each well.
(b) plug, abandon, and if necessary, reabandon each well located
on the Properties (abandoned and unabandoned).
(c) remove all equipment and facilities, including flowlines,
pipelines and platforms.
(d) close all pits.
(e) restore the surface, subsurface, and offshore sites associated
with the Interests and Properties.
Assignee will take all necessary steps to ensure that Assignee is recognized
as the owner and, if applicable, operator of the Properties by all appropriate
parties, including any regulatory commission, body or board with jurisdiction.
If Assignor is the principal on any financial assurance (including a bond)
relating to the Properties, which financial assurance is required by any law,
rule, or regulation, then Assignee will secure new financial assurance in the
required amount and supply it to the regulatory body requiring the financial
assurance, to the end that Assignor's financial assurance is released and
discharged.
Assignee will pay all costs and expenses associated with the obligations
assumed under this article. Assignor may require Assignee to maintain a
letter of credit, establish an escrow account, or obtain a performance bond
or other financial security, in an amount, in a form, and from an institution
acceptable to Assignor, to guarantee Assignee's obligations.
VI.
Assignor makes no warranty of any type in this Assignment, whether express,
statutory, or implied. Assignee has inspected and has satisfied itself as
to the condition of the Properties. This Assignment is made by Assignor
and accepted by Assignee on an "as is, where is" basis. Assignor
disclaims all warranties, including:
(a) as to the fitness or condition or merchantability of the
materials, equipment, or facilities conveyed.
(b) as to the physical, operational, or environmental condition of
the Properties.
(c) as to the oil, gas, and other hydrocarbon operations of the
Properties covered by the terms and conditions of any leases
or other agreements that are a part of the Properties.;
(d) as to the issuance, reissuance, or transfer of any permits
relating to any of the Properties.
(e) as to any consent or approval required under any instrument
described in Article III.
(f) as to title, either express, implied, or statutory.
<PAGE>
VII.
The terms Claim or Claims mean, collectively, claims, demands, causes of
action, and lawsuits asserted or filed by any person, including an artificial
or natural person, a local, state, or federal governmental entity; a person
holding rights under any instrument described in Article III; an Associated
Party of Assignor or Assignee; or a third party. The term Liability or
Liabilities means, collectively, all damages (including consequential and
punitive damages), including those for personal injury, death, or damage to
personal or real properties (both surface and subsurface) and costs for
remediation, restoration, or clean up of contamination, whether the injury,
death, or damage occurred or occurs on or off the Properties by migration,
disposal, or otherwise; losses; fines; penalties; expenses; costs to remove
or modify facilities on or under the Properties; plugging liabilities for
all wells; attorneys' fees; court and other legal costs incurred in defending
a Claim; liens; and judgments; whether these damages and other costs are known
or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable on the Effective Time. The term
Associated Parties means successors, assigns, directors, officers, employees,
agents, contractors, subcontractors, and affiliates.
Assignee releases and discharges Assignor and its Associated Parties from
each Claim and Liability relating to the Interests, Properties, or this
transaction, regardless of when or how the Claim or Liability arose or arises
or whether the Claim or Liability is foreseeable or unforeseeable.
ASSIGNEE'S RELEASE OF ASSIGNOR AND ITS ASSOCIATED PARTIES INCLUDES CLAIMS
AND LIABILITIES RESULTING IN ANY WAY FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY
OF ASSIGNOR OR ITS ASSOCIATED PARTIES, WHETHER THE NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT
LIABILITY IS ACTIVE, PASSIVE, JOINT, CONCURRENT, OR SOLE. There are no
exceptions to Assignee's release and discharge of Assignor and its Associated
Parties, and this release and discharge are binding on Assignee and its
successors and assigns.
Assignee covenants not to sue Assignor or its Associated Parties with regard
to any Claim or Liability relating to the Interests, Properties, or this
transaction, regardless of when or how the Claim or Liability arose or arises
or whether the Claim or Liability is foreseeable or unforeseeable.
ASSIGNEE'S COVENANT NOT TO SUE ASSIGNOR OR ITS ASSOCIATED PARTIES INCLUDES
CLAIMS AND LIABILITIES RESULTING IN ANY WAY FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT
LIABILITY OF ASSIGNOR OR ITS ASSOCIATED PARTIES, WHETHER THE NEGLIGENCE OR
STRICT LIABILITY IS ACTIVE, PASSIVE, JOINT, CONCURRENT, OR SOLE. There are
no exceptions to Assignee's covenant not to sue Assignor or its Associated
Parties, and this covenant is binding on Assignee and its successors
and assigns.
Assignee will indemnify, defend, and hold Assignor and its
Associated Parties harmless from each Claim or Liability relating to the
Interests, Property, or this transaction, regardless of when or how the
Claim or Liability arose or arises or whether the Claim or Liability is
foreseeable or unforeseeable. ASSIGNEE'S OBLIGATIONS TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND,
AND HOLD ASSIGNOR AND ITS ASSOCIATED PARTIES HARMLESS INCLUDE CLAIMS AND
LIABILITIES RESULTING IN ANY WAY FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY OF
ASSIGNOR OR ITS ASSOCIATED PARTIES, WHETHER THE NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY
IS ACTIVE, PASSIVE, JOINT, CONCURRENT, OR SOLE. The only exception to
Assignee's obligations to indemnify, defend, and hold Assignor and its
Associated Parties harmless is a judgment rendered or settlement reached in
a lawsuit filed before the Effective Time, but only to the extent that the
acts or omissions that gave rise to the cause of action are attributable to
the conduct or operations or ownership of Assignor or its Associated Parties
before the Effective Time.
Assignee's duty to release, discharge, not to sue, indemnify, defend, and hold
Assignor and its Associated Parties harmless includes Claims or Liabilities
arising in any manner from the physical or environmental condition of the
Interests and Properties, including Claims or Liabilities under applicable
laws and regulations now enacted or that may be enacted in the future,
including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act of 1980, as amended from time to time.
VIII.
Assignee represents that it has acquired the Properties for its own
benefit and account and has not acquired the Properties with the intent
of distributing fractional undivided interests in them or otherwise selling
them in a manner that would be subject to regulation by federal or state
securities laws. If Assignee sells, transfers, or otherwise disposes of
the Properties or fractional undivided interests in them in the future, it
will do so in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.
IX.
This Assignment is subject to the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement
effective January 1, 1999 between Assignor and Assignee. The Purchase and
Sale Agreement provides, in part, that the parties will correct errors that
may have been made in the conveyancing instruments; that Assignor may require
that all or a part of the Interests be reassigned under certain circumstances;
and that disputes concerning the Properties or the transaction will be resolved
by alternate dispute resolution, to the extent, if any, that Assignee has not
released, discharged, or covenanted not to sue Exxon or its Associated Parties.
The provisions of this Assignment are severable. If a court of competent
jurisdiction finds any part of this Assignment to be void, invalid, or
otherwise unenforceable (except for the release, waiver, defense, and
indemnity provisions), this holding will not affect other portions that can
be given effect without the invalid or void portion.
All covenants and agreements in this Assignment (except Article VIII) bind
and inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors, and assigns of Assignor
and Assignee; are covenants running with the land; and are effective as
stated, whether or not the covenants and agreements are memorialized in
assignments and other conveyances executed and delivered by the parties
and their respective heirs, successors, and assigns from time to time.
Recitation of or reference to any agreement or other instrument in
this Assignment, including its exhibits, does not operate to ratify,
confirm, revise, or reinstate the agreement or instrument if it has lapsed
or expired.
This Assignment and its performance will be construed in accordance with,
and governed by, the internal laws of the State of Texas, without regard
to the choice of law rules of any jurisdiction, including Texas.
The word includes and its syntactical variants mean "includes, but not
limited to" and its corresponding syntactical variants. The rule of
ejusdem generis may not be invoked to restrict or limit the scope of the
general term or phrase followed or preceded by an enumeration of particular
examples.
All exhibits referenced in and attached to this Assignment are incorporated
into it.
This instrument may be executed in counterparts, all of which together will
be considered one instrument.
Executed on the dates indicated below, but effective as of the Effective Time.
FUTURE ACQUISITION 1995, LTD. EXXON CORPORATION
By FUTURE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, Its
General Partner
By: /s/ Tim J. Goff By:/s/ Alan J. Hirshberg
Name: Tim J. Goff Name: Alan J. Hirshberg
Title: Title:Agent and Attorney
-in-Fact
Date: Date:
EXXON CORPORATION
By: /s/ Mark W. Albers
Name: Mark W. Albers
Title: Agent and Attorney-in-Fact
Date:
STATE OF TEXAS }
.ss
COUNTY OF HARRIS }
This instrument was acknowledged before me on ______________ by
________________________ , Agent and Attorney in Fact for Exxon Corporation,
a New Jersey corporation, on behalf of said corporation.
Notary Public, State of Texas
STATE OF TEXAS }
.ss
COUNTY OF HARRIS }
This instrument was acknowledged before me on ____________ by
____________________________ , Agent and Attorney in Fact for Exxon
Corporation, a New Jersey corporation, on behalf of said corporation.
Notary Public, State of Texas
STATE OF TEXAS }
.ss
COUNTY OF HARRIS }
This instrument was acknowledged before me on ___________ by
______________, of FUTURE PETROLEUM CORPORATION, General Partner for
FUTURE ACQUISTION 1995, LTD., a Texas limited partnership, on behalf
of said limited partnership.
Notary Public, State of Texas
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT D
Attached to and made a part of the
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
between
EXXON CORPORATION
and
FUTURE ACQUISITION 1995, LTD.
PROPERTY SALES ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
Seller: EXXON CORPORATION Buyer: FUTURE ACQUISITION 1995, LTD.
Properties: Raccoon Bend
- ----- Buyer agrees to work with Exxon operations personnel to disconnect
from any Exxon owned electrical system and provide own electrical
arrangements at Buyer's expense within sixty days of the actual
closing of the subject Exxon property(ies). Seller will bill Buyer
for any electricity used after the Effective Time and paid for by
Exxon.
- ----- Buyer will notify utility companies to effect a change in ownership
and billing responsibility.
- ----- Buyer will work with Exxon operations personnel to disconnect from
applicable facilities within that sixty days or negotiate any contract
as appropriate with Exxon. Exxon may charge $50.00 per well per
month for salt-water disposal as long as Buyer stays connected to
Exxon's system or has not executed a contract with Exxon in salt-
water disposal.
- ----- Exxon will notify operator of change in ownership as soon as possible
after the closing and will request that future billings be addressed
to Buyer.
- ----- Buyer will obtain a gas contract, or if applicable, oil contract,
effective on ________, or will notify the operator to begin storing
gas on that date until a contract can be obtained if Exxon's gas
contract is not valid.
- ----- Exxon will continue to pay royalties and severance taxes for sales
through the production month of __________. If any revenue is
received by Exxon for later months, it will be credited 100 percent
to Buyer in the final settlement. However, Exxon will not pay any
royalties or severance taxes, out of that revenue. Buyer will be
responsible for the payment of royalties and severance taxes, if
applicable, after the production month of ________.
<PAGE>
- ----- Exxon will continue to bill the joint owners for expenses through
the accounting month of ______________. All later expenses will
either be accumulated and charged 100 percent to Buyer in the final
settlement or the invoices will be returned to the vendor for
rebilling to Buyer.
- ----- Exxon will continue to pay the operator for joint billings for
the billing month of __________. All subsequent bills will either
be returned to the operator for rebilling to Buyer or forwarded to
Buyer for payment, or if already paid by Exxon, will be charged
against Buyer in the final settlement.
- ----- Exxon will continue to prepare all regulatory and other monthly
production reports through the production month of _________.
Copies after the Effective Time will be provided to Buyer, along
with the final ending inventory balance.
- ----- Buyer will file all appropriate documents of record at the
appropriate courthouses and agencies.
- ----- Buyer will pay current year Ad Valorem taxes. Any statements received
by Exxon will be forwarded promptly to the Buyer for payment. Proration
of taxes through the Effective Time will be handled in the final
settlement.
- ----- Exxon will continue to pay all shut-in royalties, minimum royalties,
delay rentals and other lease obligations through the month of
__________.
This Agreement will be completed at Closing.
FUTURE ACQUISITION 1995, LTD. EXXON CORPORATION
By: /s/ Tim J. Goff By: /s/ J. A. Demases
Name: Tim J. Goff Name: J.A. Demases
Title: Title: Asset Management
Coordinator
Date: Date:
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT E
Attached to and made a part of the
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
between
EXXON CORPORATION
and
FUTURE ACQUISITION 1995, LTD.
ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ARBITRATION
I. NEGOTIATION PHASE
A. A party (referred to as "plaintiff" on occasion) may initiate
negotiation proceedings by delivery of a certified or registered letter to
the opposing party, referring to this Exhibit E and describing the dispute
("Claim" or "Claims"), a list of documents, data, and information relied upon
in support of its contentions (copies of which must be attached), the terms
(if any) of the Agreement and/or Closing or post-Closing documents that
are relevant, and a proposed resolution of the dispute.
B. The opposing party (referred to as "defendant" on occasion) must respond
within thirty working days to the address set forth in Section 16.05, setting
out its contentions, a list of documents, data, and information in support of
its position (copies of which must be attached), and its response to the
proposed resolution, including any counterclaims. Each party will then have
ten working days to amend, alter, or supplement its correspondence with further
contentions and further documentation.
If the opposing party does not respond, the party initiating the negotiation
will send a second notice and, after a reasonable time, may proceed to
submitting a written settlement offer as provided in I.D. of this Exhibit.
C. If the parties are unable to resolve a dispute with correspondence,
then within twenty working days (or any agreed period) following the
completion of all supplements, alterations, or amendments, representatives
of the parties will meet at least once and attempt to negotiate a resolution
of all Claims. Each party may be represented at any meeting by persons of
its choice, but at least one representative must be a line manager of
the party. The meeting will occur at a place selected by the parties or,
if they cannot agree, in the place Exxon designates.
D. If a Claim is not resolved within thirty working days (or any agreed
period) of the first meeting for informal negotiation, then the plaintiff
will, within five working days, submit a final written offer for settling
all Claims (including defendant's counterclaims, if any) or a notice that
it will not offer to settle the dispute. Within five working days of its
receipt of the offer or notice, the defendant must either accept or reject
the offer, if any, or submit its own settlement offer as to all Claims
(including defendant's counterclaims, if any). Within five working days of
its receipt of the defendant's response plaintiff must accept or reject
defendant's offer as to all Claims. Failure to respond shall be deemed a
rejection of the outstanding settlement offer. If the Claims are not
settled within five working days of the last settlement offer, either
party may submit the Claims to binding arbitration under this Exhibit E
by notice to the other party within thirty days.
<PAGE>
If neither party submits any remaining Claim to binding arbitration within
thirty days, then the Claim may not be submitted to binding arbitration
without beginning the Negotiation Phase again.
E. If the parties have settled any Claim, they will immediately execute
settlement agreements and releases.
II. BINDING ARBITRATION PHASE
A. ARBITRATORS
1. NUMBER OF ARBITRATORS. Unless the parties otherwise agree, three
arbitrators will decide the Claims.
2. QUALIFICATION OF ARBITRATORS. Each arbitrator will be an attorney
admitted to practice in Texas, actively engaged in the practice of law on
behalf of oil and gas producers for not less than ten years before selection
and experienced with arbitration proceedings.
If a Claim involves material factual issues concerning any science or
engineering, one of the three arbitrators may, however, be a registered
professional in Texas in the most relevant discipline, actively engaged in
his or her profession on behalf of oil and gas producers for not less than
ten years.
In addition, each arbitrator will disclose to the parties, before selection, the
details of his or her previous representation or work for either party and
any financial or personal interest in, or bias with respect to, either party
or the Property or Interests, or in or with respect to the result of the
arbitration proceeding.
3. SELECTION OF ARBITRATORS. Each party may nominate for the other
party's consideration a candidate for each arbitrator position by giving
notice to the other party. A party receiving a nomination must accept or
reject the nomination in writing.
If after forty working days after the notice of arbitration, the parties
have failed to select the arbitrators who must be attorneys, then
application will be made to the American Arbitration Association ("AAA")
to provide a list of five qualified nominees. Each party will have five
working days after receiving the list to strike one nominee. If two or
more nominees remain for any one position after each party makes its strikes,
AAA will select the remaining arbitrator from the remaining nominees.
A similar procedure will be followed for the selection of the technical
arbitrator, except that the two arbitrators who are attorneys will propose
a list of three nominees for strikes and select the arbitrator from the
nominees, if necessary.
If either party fails to respond to nominations or fails to vote on
nominations, the opposing party may select the arbitrators and proceed with
the arbitration proceedings as provided in these Arbitration terms.
To avoid prejudice toward either party, either a neutral third party will
be engaged to contact the nominees regarding availability, qualifications,
and fees or the parties will make all contacts with potential arbitrators
jointly.
<PAGE>
4. GENERAL DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF THE ARBITRATORS. Throughout
the proceedings, the arbitrators will promptly provide the parties with
copies of all documents filed by a party and not provided to the other
party or prepared by the arbitrators relating to the proceedings.
The arbitrators will decide by majority vote all Claims and other issues
in dispute, including whether any Claim may be arbitrated, conduct of
the arbitration, discovery issues, admissibility of evidence, and
interpretation and application of these Arbitration Terms will be decided
by majority vote of the arbitrators.
5. PROCEEDING EX PARTE. The arbitrators have authority and power
to proceed ex parte if either party fails, after reasonable notice, to strike
proposed arbitrators, attend hearings or conferences with the arbitrators,
furnish the arbitrators with required papers, information, or briefs, or
take any action required by these Arbitration Terms.
6. RESIGNATION. If an arbitrator becomes unwilling or unable to
serve or proceed with the arbitration, a replacement arbitrator will be
selected under II.A.3. of this Exhibit; provided, however, nominations must
be made within fifteen days of the arbitrator's notice to the parties of his
or her resignation or the parties' becoming aware of the arbitrator's
inability to proceed.
B. REPRESENTATION. The parties may be represented by legal counsel or
other technical or professional persons.
C. PRE-HEARING PROCEDURES
1. PRELIMINARY HEARING. Unless the parties agree otherwise, a
preliminary hearing with the arbitrators will be held within ten working days
of the selection of the arbitrators, to assist the arbitrators in
establishing procedures and setting the hearing date and for other purposes
necessary or desirable for the efficient and expedient disposition of the
proceedings.
Unless the parties agree otherwise, the maximum length of the arbitration
hearing will be five consecutive and mutually convenient working days.
The arbitrators will select the dates if the parties cannot agree. The
arbitrators will send a notice of the arbitration hearing to each party,
stating the procedures to be followed, including the order of testimony.
2. DISCOVERY.
a. The parties intend that there be a good faith, but limited,
exchange of information, but only that information relevant to a disputed
issue, without duplicating the costly, time-consuming, and burdensome
procedures available in civil litigation.
b. The parties will promptly designate and exchange the names
and addresses of all witnesses who may be called at the arbitration hearing;
a brief statement of each witness's expected testimony; and lists and copies
of exhibits that may be presented at the hearing. A witness may be
designated as a fact witness, an expert witness, or both.
c. The parties may depose any persons who may be called to testify
at the hearing.
d. Each party may submit to the arbitrators one set of requests
for production of relevant documents, one set of interrogatories containing
not more than thirty questions (including subparts) soliciting relevant
information, and requests for depositions of individuals with relevant
information who are not identified by the opposing party as witnesses. The
arbitrators may order responses if the discovery requests are reasonable
in scope. Each party requesting documents, interrogatories, or depositions
of persons who will not testify at the hearing will reimburse the opposing
party for the opposing party's reasonable costs to respond to the requests,
including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees, reproduction costs, staff time,
and travel expenses. These costs are deemed to be the requesting party's costs
under III.D. of this Exhibit.
e. The time limit for each deposition is eight hours. The arbitrators
may allow additional time if it can be shown that the deposition cannot
reasonably be completed within eight hours. Each deposition will be held at
a location convenient for the deponent.
f. The arbitrators may subpoena persons designated as witnesses,
representatives of the parties, and persons with information relevant to
the dispute to appear for oral deposition.
g. The arbitrators will establish a procedure to resolve discovery
disputes and rule on dispositive motions promptly and efficiently. The
procedure may include presenting motions by letter, as opposed to formal
pleadings, and resolution by telephone conferences.
h. The arbitrators may impose sanctions that they deem appropriate
(including, but not limited to, awarding costs and attorneys' fees) for
a party's failure to identify witnesses and the substances of their
testimonies, to provide copies of exhibits, or to respond timely and in
good faith to discovery requests. The arbitrators may extend any deadline
in the interest of fairness if a party fails to comply with the Arbitration
Terms.
<PAGE>
3. PRE-HEARING STATEMENTS. At least thirty working days before the
hearing, the parties will jointly prepare and file with the arbitrators an
agreed pre-hearing statement setting out the disputed issues to be decided
by the arbitration, a statement of agreed facts, the identity of witnesses,
a list of exhibits that will be used, and copies of the documents concerning
the disputed issues that the parties agree should be provided to the
arbitrators.
4. PRE-HEARING BRIEFS. Each party will also submit pre-hearing briefs.
Unless the parties agree otherwise, the plaintiff's brief as to all Claims
(including defendant's counterclaims) will be due twenty working days before
the arbitration hearing; defendant's brief as to all Claims (including
defendant's counterclaims) will be due ten working days before the hearing.
D. HEARING
1. Site of Hearing. The arbitration hearing will be held in Houston,
Texas, at a location designated by Exxon, unless the parties agree otherwise.
2. CONDUCT OF HEARING. The hearing will begin on a Monday no later
than seventy working days after the preliminary hearing. The maximum length
of the hearing is five consecutive working days. Each party will have one-half
of the scheduled hearing time for its case including direct, redirect, and
rebuttal testimony, cross-examination of the opposing parties witnesses, and
opening and closing statements, but excluding time attributable to the
opposing party's objections during the hearing and questions. The
arbitrators will preside at the hearing and rule on the admission and
exclusion of evidence and procedural questions and may exercise all other
powers conferred by statute on arbitrators. The hearing will be conducted
as if it were an informal court trial. The arbitrators may question any
witness appearing at the arbitration hearing. The parties may change these
provisions by agreement.
3. ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES AND PRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE.
a. The arbitrators may subpoena witnesses and require production of
documents.
b. In addition to presenting evidence at the arbitration hearing through
the testimony of qualified witnesses, either party may submit testimony by
affidavit as follows. Testimony offered by affidavit must be submitted to
the opposing party and the arbitrators at least thirty working days before
the arbitration hearing. Either the opposing party or any arbitrator
may, by written notice at least fifteen working days before the
arbitration hearing, request that an individual affiant appear at the
arbitration hearing for cross-examination. If the affiant was not
previously identified as a witness, the opposing party will also have
a reasonable opportunity to depose the affiant and to require that the
affiant appear at the hearing. If, after notice within five working days of
the deposition, the affiant is unable to appear at the hearing, the hearing
will be rescheduled. If an affiant does not appear as requested either for
the arbitration hearing or the deposition for whatever reason after timely
request by a party, the testimony of the affiant will be disregarded by the
arbitrator for all purposes.
A party may not advance an issue at the arbitration hearing unless the party
identified the issue in writing to the opposing party and the arbitrators
at least thirty working days before the hearing. A party may not introduce
or advance documentary evidence at the arbitration hearing unless it furnished
a copy and identified it as an exhibit to the opposing party as provided in
II.C.2.b. of this Exhibit and to the arbitrators at least thirty working
days before the hearing. A party may not call a witness unless the opposing
party has had an opportunity to depose the witness and the nature of
the testimony was previously disclosed in writing to the opposing party as
provided in II.C.2.b. of this Exhibit and to the arbitrators at least thirty
working days before the hearing.
c. If a witness (or affiant who is required to appear) is unable for good
cause to appear at the hearing, the arbitrators may extend or postpone the
hearing if reasonably necessary in the interest of fairness.
d. All witnesses will give oral testimony of at the hearing under oath
administered by a court reporter, and all arbitrators must be present when
evidence is adduced and admitted.
4. PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE. The arbitrators will be guided by
common sense and justice in allowing evidence to be presented. No federal
or state rule relating to the order of proof, the conduct of the hearing,
or the presentation and admissibility of evidence will be applicable in the
arbitration hearing, except that the arbitrators must recognize and apply
the attorney-client privilege and the work-product-immunity doctrine during
pre-hearing discovery and at the hearing. Any relevant evidence, including
hearsay, may be admitted by the arbitrators if responsible persons would
reasonably rely on it in the conduct of serious affairs, regardless of the
admissibility of the evidence in a court of law.
5. COMPLETION OF HEARING. The arbitrators will declare the hearing
closed after the parties have presented their evidence and made their closing
arguments. The time limit within which the arbitrators are required to
make their decision will begin on the date the hearing closes.
Unless expressly requested by the arbitrators, no briefs or other documents
may be submitted by any party after the arbitration hearing concludes.
<PAGE>
6. EXTENSION OF TIME. The parties acknowledge that they have agreed
to this arbitration provision to expedite settlement of their disputes, and the
arbitrators are instructed that any extension of time must be reasonable and
of the shortest length of time necessary to accommodate the reason for the
delay.
E. AWARD AND ENFORCEMENT
1. TIME, BOUNDS, AND FORM OF DECISION. Unless the parties agree
otherwise, the arbitrators will decide each Claim and disputed issue within
twenty working days after the date the hearing closes, based on applicable
law and the testimony, documents, and other materials the parties submit
before and during the arbitration hearing. The decision must be within
the bounds set by the contentions of the parties. The decision must be
in writing, including findings of fact and conclusions of law. Each
arbitrator must sign the opinion, and each must indicate whether he or
she supports the decision on each Claim and disputed issue.
2. DECISION OF ARBITRATORS. The decision of the arbitrators is
final and binding on the parties and nonappealable.
3. AWARD. The arbitrators may award compensatory damages only.
The arbitrators may not award, and the parties specifically waive their
rights to, multiple damage awards that may be allowed by statute, punitive
or exemplary damages, specific performance, rescission, or any other legal
or equitable remedy.
4. ENFORCEMENT. Judgment may be entered on the award, and the
award may be judicially enforced. The award is final and binding, and no
appeal from the award may be taken on the grounds of error in the application
of the law or the findings of fact. After the arbitrators issue their
decision, an aggrieved party may request an appropriate court to vacate the
decision only under the circumstances set out in Section 10 of the U.S.
Arbitration Act.
III. GENERAL TERMS
A. EXTENSIONS OF TIME. The parties may modify any time period provided
in the Arbitration Terms Agreement.
B. LAW. The substantive law (including time bars) applicable to all Claims
and disputed issues is the law of the Texas, without regard to the choice of
law rules of Texas or any other jurisdiction. The substantive law applicable
to these arbitration provisions is the United States (Federal) Arbitration
Act. The arbitration will be held in accordance with these Arbitration Terms
and, for matters not specifically addressed in these Arbitration Terms in
accordance with the U.S. (Federal) Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. 1, et seq.
This Agreement, in which these Arbitration Terms are referenced, is a contract
involving commerce within the meaning of the United States Arbitration Act,
and, accordingly, the arbitrators are vested with all powers and authorities
conferred under the Act and under these Arbitration Terms.
<PAGE>
C. EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS. Except as expressly provided in II.A.5.
of this Exhibit, no party may have any ex parte communication with the
arbitrators. For the purposes of these Arbitration Terms, "ex parte
communications" means both oral communications without the participation
of a representative from the opposing party (or the written consent of the
opposing party) and written communications unless a complete copy of the
communication is provided to the representative of the opposing party
simultaneously with service on the arbitrators.
D. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. If the arbitrators' award as to all Claims
equals or exceeds plaintiff's final settlement offer as to all Claims as
provided in I.D. of this Exhibit (or the total amount claimed if plaintiff
declined or failed to make a settlement offer), the arbitrators will award
the plaintiff an additional sum equal to its reasonable costs. If the
arbitrators' award as to all Claims equals or is less than the defendant's
settlement offer as to all Claims as provided in I.D. of this Exhibit
(or zero if defendant declined or failed to make a settlement offer),
the arbitrators will award the defendant a sum equal to its reasonable
costs. If the arbitrators' award for all Claims is greater than the
defendant's final settlement offer as to all Claims (or zero if the
defendant declined or failed to make a settlement offer), but less than
the plaintiff's final settlement offer as to all Claims (or the total
amount claimed if the plaintiff declined or failed to make a settlement
offer), each party will pay its own costs and its one-half share of the
arbitrators' fees and expenses and the other arbitration costs.
"Costs" as used in this III.D. of this Exhibit includes a party's
attorneys' fees and expenses, staff time, and expenses, including the
party's discovery costs under II.C.2.d. of this Exhibit and the party's
one-half share of the arbitrators' fees and expenses and other arbitration
costs.
E. STENOGRAPHIC RECORD. Subject to III.F. of this Exhibit, either party
may hire a court reporter to produce a stenographic record at depositions,
the hearing, or other proceedings. The requesting party must notify the
other party of the arrangements in advance and must pay the costs incurred.
If the opposing party wants a copy of the record, that party will be provided
a copy upon payment of one-half of the cost of the stenographic record.
F. CONFIDENTIALITY. All proceedings and all information obtained during
discovery or the proceedings, and the settlement agreement, if any, or
arbitrators' award will be kept confidential and may not be disclosed or
used by either party for a period of seven years from the date of the
arbitrators' award, except as provided in these Arbitration Terms and except
in connection with an action to enforce or challenge the arbitrators' award,
if any, or as may be required by law or court order.
G. TIME. In computing any period prescribed or allowed by these
Arbitration Terms, the day of the act, event, or default from which the
designated period begins to run will not be included. The last day of the
period is included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday
(including a Texas state holiday), in which event the period runs until the
end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. The
last day of the period will end for purposes of compliance with this Agreement
at 5 p.m. Central Standard Time (or Central Daylight Savings Time when
applicable).
H. DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES/NOTICE. Whenever these Arbitration Terms
provide for notice, exchange of information, or other communications between
the parties, notice will be delivered to the representatives designated in
Section 16.05 of the Agreement.
Notice to or service on any person other than a party's designated
representative will not constitute notice or service on a party for purposes
of these Arbitration Terms. Written notice to a party may be accomplished
by personal service, overnight courier, facsimile, or U.S. mail. Service is
accomplished upon receipt at the business office of the designated
representative. Notices, exchanges of information, and other communications
must also be delivered to designated counsel, if any, for each party, in the
same manner as notice or service is provided a party's designated
representative.
I. VENUE. An action to enforce or challenge these Arbitration Terms,
including an action to confirm or vacate an arbitration award, must be
brought in the U.S. federal district court in Houston, Texas.
J. WAIVER OF RULES. Any party that proceeds under these Arbitration Terms
after it knows or should have known that a party or arbitrator has not
complied with any provision or requirement of these Arbitration Terms and
that fails to file a written objection with the arbitrators within five
calendar days after it knows or should have known of that noncompliance will
be deemed to have waived its right to object.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT F
Attached to and made a part of the
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
between
EXXON CORPORATION
and
FUTURE ACQUISITION 1995, LTD.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TESTING
CONFIDENTIALITY, RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
In connection with the possible sale by EXXON CORPORATION ("Exxon") to
_____________________ ("Buyer") of certain properties located in __________
County, Texas, more fully described in the Purchase and Sale Agreement
between Exxon and Buyer effective __________________ (the "Properties"), and
in consideration for and as a condition of Buyer's and its Representatives'
(as hereinafter defined) being allowed:
i) to examine and copy certain non-public, confidential, and
proprietary information provided by Exxon relating to the
environmental and physical condition of the Properties, and
ii) access to the Properties to conduct an environmental assessment
thereon, Exxon and Buyer agree as follows:
1. As used herein, the term "Information" refers to all environmental data
and reports provided by Exxon to Buyer and all information and data obtained
by, taken, or discovered from Exxon or the Properties as a result of
Buyer's and its Representatives' environmental assessment and due diligence,
including, but not limited to, soil samples and water samples. All reports,
analyses, compilations, data, studies, or other materials prepared by Buyer
or its Representatives that are based, in whole or in part, on any
Information shall also be included in the term "Information". The
following will not constitute Information for purposes of this Agreement:
(a) information which is available to the public at the time of receipt
by Buyer;
(b) information which becomes available to the public subsequently
without breach of this Agreement by Buyer; and
(c) information which is known to Buyer before receipt or discovery
of Information in connection with this Agreement in circumstances
not involving breach of a confidentiality obligation.
2. Buyer hereby agrees that:
(a) Should Buyer undertake an environmental assessment, both the
consultant (if consultants are employed) and the scope of the
proposed assessment, including test protocols, must be
acceptable to Exxon before the work may begin.
(b) it shall use the Information solely for the purpose of
environmental evaluation of the Properties and for no other
purpose;
(c) it shall keep the Information confidential and shall not divulge
any of the Information to any party except those of its
Representatives who need to know the information in order to
carry out Buyer's evaluation of the Properties;
(d) subject to the provisions of Paragraph 10 of this Agreement,
it shall be responsible for enforcing the maintenance of
confidentiality of the Information and shall take such action,
legal or otherwise, to the extent necessary to prevent or remedy
any disclosure through Buyer or its Representatives.
Buyer shall be responsible for any breach of this Agreement by its
Representatives.
3. Without the other party's written consent, no public announcement or
statement with respect to any potential transaction between Exxon and Buyer,
or with respect to Buyer's or its Representatives' participation in an
environmental assessment, shall be made unless, in the opinion of Exxon's
or Buyer's counsel, Exxon or Buyer is required to make a disclosure under
the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any
other law or regulation.
4. Buyer will provide Exxon with at least five (5) days written notice
before its desired date for testing the Properties and at least twenty-
four (24) hours written notice before its desired date for assessing the
Properties and will specify in the notice the desired locations to be
tested or assessed. Exxon will have the right to be present during any
testing or other assessments and will have the right to require splitting
of all samples.
5. Buyer and its Representatives will provide Exxon with a preliminary
report and access to drafts of all other reports, data, and other
information produced or obtained by Buyer or its Representatives as a
result of the environmental assessment and testing before a final version
of any report is written. After receiving the preliminary report and
reviewing any other reports, data, and other information, it desires,
Exxon shall have the opportunity to provide Buyer and its Representatives
with comments and additional information. Buyer and its Representatives
agree to review the comments and information before a final version of
any report is written. Upon completion of the final reports, Buyer and
its Representatives will provide Exxon with copies of all reports, data,
and other information produced or obtained by Buyer or its Representatives
as a result of the environmental assessment and testing.
6. Except for Buyer's due diligence efforts, which are solely of an
information-gathering nature, Exxon retains all rights to contact, discuss,
and notify any governmental and regulatory bodies in connection with any
Information, including any public information, disclosed under this Agreement
or discovered in the preparation of Buyer's environmental assessment.
Except for Buyer's due diligence efforts, which are solely of an information-
gathering nature, neither Buyer nor its Representatives may make any
governmental contacts not specifically authorized by Exxon unless the
failure to make that contact is a violation of law or regulation, in which
case, Buyer will give Exxon ten (10) days' notice before the contact.
7. Buyer agrees that Exxon would be irreparably injured by a breach of
this Agreement and that Exxon is entitled to equitable relief by way of
injunction if Buyer breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions
of this Agreement. This remedy will not be deemed to be the exclusive
remedy for breach, but will be in addition to all other remedies available
to Exxon at law or in equity.
8. Exxon makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to
the accuracy or completeness of the Information. Exxon will have no
liability to Buyer from Buyer's use of the Information. Buyer will rely
upon its own investigation and evaluation with respect to the
environmental condition of the Properties.
9. If Buyer does not acquire the Properties for any reason, then upon
Exxon's request to Buyer, Buyer and its Representatives shall return all
Information to Exxon and shall destroy all materials prepared by it
or its Representatives that incorporate the Information pertaining to the
Properties.
10. If Buyer or any of its Representatives is requested or required by
oral questions, documents, subpoena, civil investigative demands,
interrogatories, requests for information, or other similar process to
disclose any Information supplied or discovered in connection with this
Agreement, Buyer agrees that it will provide Exxon with notice of the
request(s) so Exxon may seek an appropriate protective order or waive
Buyer's compliance with the provision of this Agreement. The parties
agree that, if in the absence of a protective order or the receipt of a
waiver under this Agreement, Buyer or any of its Representatives is
nevertheless, in the opinion of that party's counsel, required to disclose
the information or portion of it to any tribunal or agency having
jurisdiction or else stand liable for contempt or suffer other censure or
penalty, Buyer or its Representatives may disclose the Information or
portion of it to the tribunal or agency having jurisdiction without
liability under this Agreement.
11. Buyer assumes all responsibility for and all risk of damage or
injury that may occur to Buyer and its Representatives in the course of
any visit to the Properties and in conducting the environmental
assessment whether caused by Exxon's:
(i) active or passive, joint, concurrent, or sole negligence, or
(ii) strict liability.
Buyer hereby releases Exxon from any liability resulting in the course
of the visit and environmental assessment whether that liability is caused
by Exxon's:
(i) active or passive, joint, concurrent, or sole negligence, or
(ii) strict liability.
Buyer will defend, protect, indemnify, and hold Exxon harmless from
and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, demands, and causes
of action of every kind on account of personal injuries, illnesses, or death
of persons or damage to or loss of property (including, but not limited to,
damage to Exxon's property) resulting directly or indirectly from the use
of, occupancy of, visitation to, or environmental assessment of the
Properties by Buyer and its Representatives, even if the personal
injuries, illnesses, death of persons, or damage to or loss of property
is caused by Exxon's:
(i) active or passive, joint, concurrent, or sole negligence, or
(ii) strict liability.
Buyer agrees to comply fully with all rules, regulations, and
instructions issued by Exxon regarding the actions of Buyer and its
Representatives while upon, entering, or leaving the premises of Exxon's
property.
The provisions of this Paragraph 11 do not apply to Exxon's gross
negligence or willful misconduct.
12. As used here, the term "Representatives" shall mean: the
officers, directors, employees, legal counsel, accountants, financial
advisors, consultants, agents, and representatives of Buyer, its partners,
subsidiaries, and affiliates.
13. This Agreement is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other
confidentiality, release, or indemnification agreements signed by Buyer
or its Representatives relating to the proposed transaction or the
Properties.
14. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
Exxon and Buyer and their respective successors and assigns.
15. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the internal laws of the State of Texas.
16. If Buyer does not purchase the Properties, this Agreement shall
expire five (5) years after the date the Information is returned to Exxon
or Buyer certifies that all materials prepared by Buyer or its
Representatives incorporating the Information have been destroyed,
whichever is later.
FUTURE ACQUISITION 1995, LTD. EXXON CORPORATION
By: /s/ Tim J. Goff By:
Name: Tim J. Goff Name:
Title: Title:
Agent and Attorney-in-Fact
Date: Date:
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