KCS ENERGY INC
8-K, 1995-11-22
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<PAGE>   1





                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549


                                    FORM 8-K


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


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) November 8, 1995  
                                                 ----------------


                                KCS Energy, Inc.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


        Delaware                      1-11698                22-2889587      
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction        (Commission            (IRS Employer
 of incorporation)                  File Number)          Identification No.)


 379 Thornall Street, Edison, New Jersey             08837         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)           (Zip Code)



                                 (201) 632-1770                          
               --------------------------------------------------
               Registrant's telephone number, including area code





                                 NOT APPLICABLE                  
         -------------------------------------------------------------        
         (Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
<PAGE>   2
Item 2.  Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

                 On November 8, 1995, a closing was held pursuant to a Purchase
and Sale Agreement (the "Agreement") dated September 8, 1995 between Natural
Gas Processing Co., a Wyoming corporation ("NGPC"), and KCS Resources, Inc.
("KCS Resources"), a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the
registrant, KCS Energy, Inc. ("KCS").  The effective date of the transaction is
July 1, 1995.

                 Pursuant to the Agreement, KCS Resources paid to NGPC $33
million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments (the "Purchase Price"), in
consideration for which KCS Resources acquired substantially all of the assets
(the "Acquired Assets") used in NGPC's exploration, production and gathering
businesses (the "Acquisition"), including: (i) varying interests in 531 oil
and/or natural gas wells located in over 30 different fields, principally in
six major producing basins in Wyoming, Colorado and Montana; (ii) approximately
197,000 gross (160,000 net) acres of largely underdeveloped properties; and
(iii) a significant inventory of oil and gas equipment and supplies, vehicles
and buildings as well as natural gas gathering systems consisting of
approximately 200 miles of pipeline.

                 The principles followed by KCS Resources in determining the
amount of the consideration to be paid to NGPC included management's
determination of the fair market value of the net assets purchased, utilizing
among other things, reserve reports of independent reserve engineers, and the
rate of return the investment is expected to generate.

                 KCS Resources financed the Purchase Price principally through
borrowings under its existing Master Note Facility with Bank One Texas,
National Association, and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.  The balance of
the Purchase Price was paid out of cash flow from KCS Resources' operations.

                 KCS Resources intends to continue utilizing the Acquired
Assets in the operation of its oil and gas exploration, production and
gathering businesses.  The Acquisition also provides KCS Resources with an
existing operation and infrastructure in a new geographic area with high
percentage working interests in many of the acquired properties that KCS
Resources believes contain a significant number of development drilling,
workover and recompletion opportunities, as well as additional exploratory
opportunities.





<PAGE>   3
Item 7.  Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and
Exhibits.

                 (a)  It is impractical to file financial statements and pro
forma financial information at this time.  KCS will file such statements and
information as soon as practicable.  It is expected that such statements and
information will be filed by amendment to this Form 8-K on or before January
21, 1996.

                 (b)  Exhibits.

                          (2.1)  Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 8,
1995 by and between Natural Gas Processing Co., a Wyoming corporation, and KCS
Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (without exhibits).

                   (23.1)*  Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

*To be filed by amendment.





                                     -3-
<PAGE>   4
                                   SIGNATURES

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

                                           KCS ENERGY, INC.




Dated:  November 22, 1995                  By:/s/ Henry A. Jurand   
                                              --------------------------
                                              Henry A. Jurand, Secretary






                                     -4-
<PAGE>   5
                                EXHIBIT INDEX
                                -------------



Exhibit No.                           Description
- -----------                           -----------

   (2.1)               Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 8, 1995 by 
                       and between Natural Gas Processing Co., a Wyoming 
                       corporation, and KCS Resources, Inc., a Delaware 
                       corporation (without exhibits).

  (23.1)*               Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

*To be filed by amendment.





<PAGE>   1
                          PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT



         This Purchase and Sale Agreement ("Agreement") dated September 8, 1995
is between NATURAL GAS PROCESSING CO., a Wyoming corporation of P. O. Box 541,
Worland, Wyoming 82401 ("Seller") and KCS RESOURCES, INC., a Delaware
corporation of 5555 San Felipe, Suite 1200, Houston, Texas 77056.

                                R E C I T A L S

         A.      Seller is the owner of interests in the oil and gas leases
described in Exhibit A, the Wells described in Exhibit B, the vehicles
described in Exhibit C, the miscellaneous equipment described in Exhibit D, the
rights of way, surface lease agreements, gathering systems, compressors and
compressor sites described in Exhibit E, the real property described in Exhibit
F and other assets and properties related to its exploration, production and
gathering businesses; and

         B.      Seller desires to sell to Buyer and Buyer desires to purchase
from Seller all of Seller's interests in the assets and properties which are
specifically described in Section 1 on the terms and conditions hereinafter
provided.

                               A G R E E M E N T

         In consideration of the foregoing recitals and the terms, covenants
and conditions contained herein, it is agreed as follows:

         1.      Sale and Purchase of Assets.

                 (a)      Properties to be Conveyed.  Subject to the terms and
                          conditions of this Agreement, Seller shall sell and
                          convey and Buyer shall purchase and pay for all of
                          Seller's interests in the assets and properties
                          (other than the Excluded Properties, as hereinafter
                          defined) described in the exhibits





                                      -1-
<PAGE>   2
                          referred to in Recital A and including those items
                          listed in clauses (i) through (vi) below (the
                          "Properties").  The Properties shall include without
                          limitation the following:

                          (i)     Seller's rights, titles and interests,
                                  including without limitation after-acquired
                                  titles and reversionary and other similar
                                  interests in and to all the oil, gas and
                                  mineral interests of every nature in the
                                  leasehold interests described on Exhibit A
                                  attached hereto and in any other oil and gas
                                  lease or mineral interest omitted from
                                  Exhibit A, by error, or misdescribed therein,
                                  it being the intention of Seller to exclude
                                  no oil and gas lease or mineral interest
                                  owned or claimed by Seller in the United
                                  States of America (except Excluded
                                  Properties) on the date of Closing (the
                                  "Leases");

                          (ii)    All of Seller's rights, titles and interests
                                  in and to the wells described on Exhibit B
                                  attached hereto or omitted from Exhibit B by
                                  error or misdescribed therein (the "Wells")
                                  and the lease and well equipment, spare parts
                                  and inventory and facilities (and rights
                                  thereto) located on the Leases or on land
                                  pooled or unitized therewith and used or
                                  useful in connection therewith, including
                                  without limitation, tanks, tank batteries,
                                  gas plants, disposal facilities, storage
                                  facilities, field separators and liquid
                                  extractors, compressors, pumps and related
                                  materials and equipment (the "Equipment");

                          (iii)   All of Seller's rights, titles and interests
                                  in the vehicles, trailers and heavy equipment
                                  described in Exhibit C, the miscellaneous
                                  equipment used exclusively in Seller's
                                  exploration, production and gathering
                                  businesses, described in Exhibit D and any
                                  miscellaneous nuts, bolts, fittings or hand
                                  tools not listed in Eshibit D shall be
                                  delivered to Buyer in the exercise of good
                                  faith by Seller, the rights of way, surface
                                  lease agreements, gathering systems, gas
                                  processing plants, compressors and compressor
                                  sites described in Exhibit E (the "Gathering
                                  Systems") and the real estate described in
                                  Exhibit F (the "Real Property");

                          (iv)    All oil and condensate in storage, natural
                                  gas, casinghead gas, petroleum, natural gas
                                  liquids, products and other hydrocarbons and
                                  minerals of every kind and description
                                  produced in association therewith
                                  ("Hydrocarbons") that are owned by Seller and
                                  are in any way attributable to the Leases and
                                  that at the Effective Time (as hereinafter
                                  defined) were severed from the ground but
                                  were not





                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
                                  theretofore sold and delivered to a third
                                  party unaffiliated with the Seller;

                          (v)     All of the following, regardless of whether
                                  in hard copy form or electronically stored:
                                  (A) abstracts, title opinions, title reports,
                                  curative information, title policies, lease
                                  and land files, well files, easement and
                                  right-of-way files, surveys, analyses and
                                  compilations (but only to the extent related
                                  exclusively to the Properties),
                                  correspondence, filings with regulatory
                                  agencies, tax returns (other than income tax
                                  returns), financial compilations (but only to
                                  the extent related exclusively to the
                                  Properties), other documents and instruments
                                  that may in any way relate to the Properties;
                                  (B) geophysical, geological, engineering,
                                  exploration, production and other technical
                                  data, magnetic field recordings, digital
                                  processing tapes, field prints, summaries,
                                  reports, maps, interpretations, studies and
                                  other analyses that are in the possession of
                                  Seller, or to which Seller has a right to
                                  possession, and in any manner relates to the
                                  Properties except for those items of
                                  geological, geophysical or other data the
                                  transfer of which is prohibited under the
                                  terms of an agreement with a third party and
                                  the release of such prohibition cannot be
                                  obtained by Seller with reasonable efforts;
                                  and (C) all other books, records and files
                                  containing financial, title or other
                                  information that are in the possession of
                                  Seller and related exclusively to the
                                  Properties (the "Data"); and

                          (vi)    All of Seller's rights, titles and interests
                                  in, to and under all agreements and
                                  contractual rights which relate to the
                                  Leases, Wells, Equipment, Miscellaneous
                                  Equipment, Gathering Systems, Real Property,
                                  Crude Oil in Tanks, Pipeline Equipment or
                                  Data (the "Agreements") including without
                                  limitation all rights in, to and under
                                  production purchase or sales contracts,
                                  operating agreements, unitization agreements,
                                  farmout agreements, farmin agreements, areas
                                  of mutual interest, saltwater disposal
                                  agreements, water injection agreements,
                                  surface use agreements, gathering agreements,
                                  rights-of-way, pooling agreements, pooling
                                  designations, orders of governmental
                                  authorities with jurisdiction attributable to
                                  the Leases, Wells or Equipment, or to
                                  production, storage, treatment,
                                  transportation, processing or sale or
                                  disposal of oil, gas, other hydrocarbons,
                                  minerals, or substances therefrom.

                 (b)      Effective Time; Additions and Exclusions.  The
                          purchase and sale of the Properties shall be
                          effective as of July 1, 1995, at 7:00 a.m. local time
                          where the Properties are located (the "Effective
                          Time").  The purchase





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
                          and sale contemplated by this Agreement shall also
                          apply to replacements of Property and new property
                          acquired by Seller after the Effective Time of the
                          type described in clauses (a)(iii) above.  Buyer
                          acknowledges that the inventory of the items
                          described on Exhibit D was conducted prior to the
                          Effective Time and that certain of such items may
                          have been put to use in the ordinary course of
                          Seller's business or lost.  None of the used or lost
                          inventory described in Exhibit D shall be replaced by
                          Seller provided the value of any such item is less
                          than $1,000.  The Parties acknowledge that Seller
                          will except and reserve from the purchase and sale
                          contemplated by this Agreement (i) all financial
                          information that does not relate exclusively to the
                          Properties, (ii) the assets related to Seller's
                          utility businesses and (iii) those certain pipelines,
                          easements, rights-of-way, lands, items of equipment
                          and facilities listed on Schedule V (all of the
                          foregoing being referred to herein as the "Excluded
                          Properties").  Seller will also except and reserve
                          from the purchase and sale contemplated by this
                          Agreement any assets not conveyed pursuant to clause
                          (a) above.

         2.      Purchase Price:

                 (a)      Down Payment.  Buyer agrees to provide a cash down
                          payment of $3,300,000 or before September 13, 1995,
                          5:00 p.m. MDT (the "Escrowed Payment").  This
                          contract shall be terminated, without liability on
                          the part of Seller or Buyer, if said Escrowed Payment
                          is not received on or before such date and time.  The
                          Escrowed Payment will be deposited into escrow with
                          Norwest Bank Colorado N.A. pursuant to an Escrow
                          Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit H
                          hereto and will be released to Seller at Closing or,
                          if the Closing does not occur, will be released in
                          accordance with the terms of Section 11 hereof.

                 (b)      Closing Payment.  Subject to fulfillment of the terms
                          and conditions of this Agreement, in full
                          consideration for the Properties, Buyer shall pay to
                          the Seller, at Closing, THIRTY-THREE MILLION DOLLARS
                          ($33,000,000.00), including the Escrowed Payment
                          referred to above, which amount shall be subject to
                          offsets and adjustments as provided herein.

                 (c)      Adjustment to Purchase Price.  (i) The purchase price
                          shall be adjusted upward by the following:

                                  (A)      The amount of cost and expenses paid
                                           by Seller attributable to operation
                                           of the Properties in the ordinary
                                           course of business (including all
                                           employees' salary and benefit
                                           expenses, reasonable general
                                           administrative and overhead





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
                                           expenses, taxes (except income and
                                           franchise taxes), assessments,
                                           duties, rentals, royalties, lease
                                           bonuses, fees, levies or other
                                           governmental charges) with respect
                                           to the period of time between the
                                           Effective Time and the Closing; and

                                  (B)      The value of all oil and condensate
                                           in storage ("Crude Oil in Tanks")
                                           determined by reference to the
                                           applicable previous month's average
                                           contract price for such Crude Oil in
                                           Tanks as determined at the Effective
                                           Time and after appropriate deduction
                                           for royalties, overriding royalties,
                                           other burdens on production and
                                           production taxes.

                          (ii)    The purchase price shall be adjusted downward
                                  by the following:

                                  (A)      Proceeds received by Seller or any
                                           other person (except Buyer) that are
                                           in any way attributable to the
                                           Properties (including sales of Crude
                                           Oil in Tanks) for the period of time
                                           between the Effective Time and the
                                           Closing;

                                  (B)      The aggregate Defect Amounts, as
                                           determined pursuant to Section 3(c);
                                           and

                                  (C)      Liabilities for accrued vacation
                                           existing as of the Effective Time
                                           with respect to those employees of
                                           Seller who are offered and accept
                                           employment with Buyer, as
                                           contemplated by Section 17 hereof.

         3.      Title and Other Matters:

                 (a)      General Access:  Prior to the Closing, Seller will
                          provide Buyer, at the offices of Seller, during
                          normal business hours, access to all of Seller's
                          records relating to the Properties, and shall permit
                          Buyer, at Buyer's expense, to copy:

                          (1)     All of the books (other than books that
                                  relate in any way to Seller's utility
                                  businesses), files, computer data files and
                                  ad valorem, net proceeds, severance and
                                  property tax and financial records directly
                                  applicable to the Properties, contracts,
                                  correspondence, maps, data, reports, plats,
                                  and other documents of Seller pertaining to
                                  the Properties; and

                          (2)     All title opinions, supplemental title
                                  opinions and title curative material of
                                  Seller relating to the Properties; and





                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
                          (3)     All other information possessed by Seller
                                  with respect to the Properties as Buyer may
                                  from time to time reasonably request.  Seller
                                  shall not be obligated to acquire any updated
                                  abstracts, title opinions or other additional
                                  title information but shall cooperate with
                                  Buyer in endeavoring to obtain such
                                  additional title or other information at
                                  Buyer's expense.  Any other provision of this
                                  Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding,
                                  Seller shall not provide Buyer with copies of
                                  any records or data or access to any records
                                  or data which consist in whole or in part of
                                  information regarding Seller's utility
                                  businesses and which Seller considers to be
                                  proprietary or confidential to it.

                          In addition, Seller will provide Buyer with all
                          information and access to such records (including
                          accounting work papers) and individuals (including
                          Seller's independent public accountants) as may be
                          reasonably necessary to permit Buyer to conduct an
                          audit of the Properties sufficient to enable Buyer to
                          prepare, at Buyer's expense, audited and unaudited
                          financial statements with respect to the Properties
                          that will satisfy the requirements of Form 8-K under
                          the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as
                          they apply to Buyer.

                 (b)      Good and Marketable Title.  As used herein, the term
                          "good and marketable title" shall mean:

                          (1)     with respect to ownership of Leases
                                  attributable to a Well, a record title that
                                  (a) entitles Seller to receive, throughout
                                  the life of a Well or Unit, at least the net
                                  revenue interest for such Well shown in
                                  Exhibit B; (b) obligate Seller to bear,
                                  throughout the life of a Well (and the
                                  plugging, abandonment and salvage thereof),
                                  no greater working interest for such Well
                                  than the working interest shown for such Well
                                  in Exhibit B; and (c) is free and clear of
                                  all liens and encumbrances except a mortgage
                                  lien in favor of Norwest Bank Colorado N.A.
                                  which will be released at Closing and liens
                                  for taxes not delinquent, utility easements
                                  and encumbrances or restrictions which do not
                                  affect materially and adversely the value of
                                  the Properties.

                          (2)     with respect to ownership of Leases not
                                  attributable to a Well, a record title that
                                  is free from reasonable doubt as to all
                                  matters of law and fact such that a
                                  reasonably prudent person, engaged in the
                                  ownership, development and operation of oil
                                  and gas properties or assets (including
                                  pipelines and gas plants), with knowledge of
                                  all the facts and appreciation of their legal
                                  significance, would be willing to accept
                                  title to such Properties without a reduction
                                  in the




                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
                                  portion of the purchase price
                                  allocated to such Property in the Schedule to
                                  be prepared pursuant to Section 21 hereof.

                          (3)     with respect to all of the Properties other
                                  than the Leases and Wells, good and valid
                                  title that is free and clear of all liens and
                                  encumbrances other than those described in
                                  clause (1)(c) above.

                 (c)      Defects and Adjustment of Purchase Price.

                          (1)     The term "Title Defect", as used herein,
                                  shall mean any material encumbrance, defect
                                  in, or objection to Seller's title to the
                                  Properties, which based upon petroleum
                                  industry standards in the areas where the
                                  Properties are located, alone or in
                                  combination with other defects, would cause
                                  Seller's title to any of the Properties to be
                                  other than good and marketable title.  Any
                                  Title Defect for which Buyer does not deliver
                                  notice to Seller by five (5) working days
                                  before the Closing Date shall be deemed
                                  waived.

                          (2)     Any environmental degradation reported to
                                  Seller pursuant to Section 10(b) shall
                                  constitute an "Environmental Defect" and be
                                  subject to the provisions of clauses (c)(4)
                                  through (c)(9) below.

                          (3)     Prior to the Closing, Seller shall bear or
                                  assume all of the risk of any change in the
                                  condition of the Properties and Seller shall
                                  maintain, and make prompt payment of any
                                  insurance premiums under any insurance
                                  policies relating to the Properties from the
                                  Effective Date until the Closing.  Should any
                                  of the Properties be subjected to a bona fide
                                  threat of condemnation by an entity having
                                  the power of eminent domain, be included in
                                  whole or in part in a governmental plan or
                                  proposal that might result in the taking of
                                  all or part of the Properties, be taken by
                                  eminent domain or condemnation or be
                                  destroyed, lost or cease to produce because
                                  of blowout, fire, storm or casing collapse,
                                  Act of God or other casualty prior to the
                                  Closing, such event shall constitute a
                                  "Casualty Defect" and be subject to the
                                  provisions of clauses (c)(4) through (c)(9)
                                  below.

                          (4)     If, on or before five (5) business days prior
                                  to Closing, Buyer determines that one or more
                                  Title Defects or Environmental Defects exist,
                                  Buyer shall give notice to Seller of the
                                  existence of said defects together with
                                  sufficient details to inform Seller of the
                                  nature and extent of each of the defects and
                                  Buyer's estimate of the reduction in value of
                                  the Properties by reason of each of such
                                  defects.  In addition, if Buyer becomes aware
                                  of a Casualty Defect





                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
                                  prior to Closing, Buyer shall furnish to
                                  Seller in writing its estimate of the
                                  reduction in value of the Properties by
                                  reason of such Casualty Defect (the Title
                                  Defects, Environmental Defects and Casualty
                                  Defects being herein called "Defects" and the
                                  reduction in value of the Properties
                                  attributable to such Defects being herein
                                  called "Defect Amount").

                          (5)     In the event Seller receives notice of
                                  Defects prior to Closing, then prior to or
                                  contemporaneously with the Closing it shall
                                  give written notice to Buyer with respect to
                                  each Defect as to whether it agrees with the
                                  existence of the Defect and the Defect Amount
                                  ascribed thereto, and whether it intends to
                                  cure such Defect prior to Closing.  If Seller
                                  fails to deliver a written response to a
                                  notice of Defect prior to Closing or if
                                  Seller fails to cure the Defect by the
                                  Closing, then Seller shall be deemed to have
                                  admitted the existence of the Defect and
                                  accepted Buyer's estimate of the Defect
                                  Amount.

                          (6)     If, in response to Buyer's notice of Defect,
                                  Seller elects to attempt to cure the Defect,
                                  Seller shall have the period between receipt
                                  of Buyer's notice and the Closing to effect
                                  such cure to the reasonable satisfaction of
                                  Buyer.

                          (7)     If, at the time of Closing, the parties are
                                  unable to resolve all disputes as to the
                                  existence of Defects or the value of Defect
                                  Amounts, the Closing shall proceed and the
                                  disputed portion of the purchase price shall
                                  be placed in an interest bearing escrow
                                  account distributable to the parties by
                                  mutual agreement or, in the absence of
                                  agreement, then in accordance with the award
                                  after arbitration as provided in clause
                                  (c)(8) below.

                          (8)     If the parties are unable to resolve all
                                  disputes as to the existence of Defects or
                                  reduction in value attributable to such
                                  Defects within the thirty days after Closing,
                                  then on the business day next following
                                  thirty days after Closing, the remaining
                                  disputes shall be submitted to binding
                                  arbitration.  Within fifteen days after
                                  submission to arbitration, Seller and Buyer
                                  agree to jointly select an arbitrator
                                  experienced in the U.S. oil and gas business,
                                  who shall be the sole arbitrator (the
                                  "Arbitrator") to hear and decide all
                                  remaining disputes regarding Defects and
                                  Defect Amounts.  The Arbitrator so chosen
                                  shall be impartial and independent of all
                                  parties to this Agreement and shall be
                                  experienced and knowledgeable about the
                                  subject matter (generally and not as to the
                                  express facts concerning the Properties) of
                                  the remaining disputes.





                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
                                  If the parties are unable to agree upon the
                                  designation of a person as Arbitrator, then
                                  Seller or Buyer may in writing request the
                                  managing partner of the law firm of Holland &
                                  Hart in Denver, Colorado (or, if such
                                  managing partner is unable or unwilling to so
                                  act, the currently sitting presiding judge of
                                  the United States District Court of the
                                  District of Wyoming) to appoint the
                                  Arbitrator and such Arbitrator shall hear all
                                  matters submitted to arbitration under this
                                  section.

                          (9)     In the event the total of all Defect Amounts
                                  (after agreement, admission or arbitration of
                                  the existence and amount thereof) equals less
                                  than $200,000.00, no adjustment of the
                                  purchase price shall occur.  In the event
                                  such total exceeds $200,000.00 the purchase
                                  price shall be reduced by the total of Defect
                                  Amounts as finally agreed upon, admitted or
                                  arbitrated.

         4.      Seller's Covenants and Representations.  Seller covenants,
                 represents and warrants to Buyer that:

                 (a)      The Seller is a corporation which is validly existing
                          and in good standing under the laws of its state of
                          formation, and has all requisite corporate power and
                          authority to own or lease its assets and properties
                          and carry on its business as such business is
                          conducted, to hold record title to the Properties, to
                          enter into this Agreement and the documents and
                          instruments contemplated hereby, and to perform its
                          obligations under this Agreement and the documents
                          and instruments contemplated hereby. Seller is duly
                          licensed or qualified to do business as a foreign
                          corporation, if applicable, and is in good standing
                          in all jurisdictions (other than North Dakota)
                          wherein the Properties lie or the nature of the
                          business conducted by it requires it to be so
                          licensed or qualified.  Neither the execution and
                          delivery of this Agreement or the documents and
                          instruments contemplated hereby nor the consummation
                          of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
                          and the documents and instruments contemplated hereby
                          will violate or be in conflict with, require any
                          consent, approval or notice under or result in
                          acceleration of performance required under (i)
                          Seller's charter or bylaws or any agreements or
                          instruments to which Seller is a party or by which
                          Seller or any of the Properties are bound, or (ii)
                          any judgment, decree, order, statute, ordinance,
                          rule, regulation or permit applicable to Seller or
                          any of the Properties, nor will such consummation
                          result in the creation or imposition of any lien or
                          encumbrance on the Properties or upon the oil, gas or
                          other minerals produced from the Properties.





                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
                 (b)      Due Authorization and Execution; Enforceability.
                          This Agreement and all documents and instruments
                          required hereunder to be executed and delivered by
                          Seller have been duly authorized by Seller and
                          Seller's shareholders.  This Agreement has been, and
                          such documents and instruments by the Closing will
                          have been, duly executed and delivered by Seller, and
                          this Agreement constitutes and such other documents
                          and instruments will constitute valid, legal and
                          binding obligations of Seller enforceable in
                          accordance with their terms.

                 (c)      No Brokers Fees.  Seller has incurred no liability,
                          contingent or otherwise, for broker's or finder's
                          fees in connection with this transaction for which
                          Buyer shall have any responsibility whatsoever.

                 (d)      No Litigation or Audit.  No suit, action,
                          investigation, arbitration or other alternative
                          dispute resolution proceeding, or other proceeding
                          (other than valuation or other royalty audits) is
                          pending or, to the best of Seller's knowledge,
                          threatened before any Tribe of Indians, court or
                          governmental agency, and to the best of Seller's
                          knowledge, no cause of action exists, that might
                          materially, adversely affect the Properties or
                          Seller's authority to convey the same, including,
                          without limitation, Seller's title thereto,
                          operations thereon, and the marketing of production
                          therefrom.  No suit, action, investigation,
                          arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution
                          proceeding, or other proceeding is pending or, to the
                          best of Seller's knowledge, threatened before any
                          Tribe of Indians, court or governmental agency that
                          questions the validity of this Agreement.

                 (e)      Gas Imbalances.  Seller has no knowledge of any gas
                          imbalances in the Wells other than as disclosed in
                          Schedule I.  Buyer shall assume the benefit or
                          burden, as the case may be, of any gas imbalances in
                          the Wells not disclosed on Schedule I.

                 (f)      Taxes.  All ad valorem, property, production, net
                          proceeds, severance, and similar taxes, assessments,
                          duties, fines or other governmental charges (together
                          with any interest thereon or any penalties, additions
                          to tax or additional amounts with respect thereto)
                          based on, measured by or imposed with respect to the
                          ownership or operation of the Properties or the
                          production of hydrocarbons or the receipt of proceeds
                          therefrom that have become due and payable with
                          respect to the Properties have been paid timely and,
                          to the best of Seller's knowledge, in the correct
                          amounts and all tax and information returns to tax
                          authorities required to be filed with respect to the
                          Properties have been timely and, to the best of
                          Seller's knowledge, properly filed.  Except for the
                          federal income tax audit for Seller's fiscal year
                          ended June 30, 1993, there are no tax audits in
                          progress, scheduled, or threatened.  Current
                          production taxes shall be





                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11
                          prorated as of the Effective Time and incorporated
                          into the adjustments at Closing as stated in Section
                          7.  As of the time of Closing, the Properties will
                          not be subject to any liens or encumbrances imposed
                          or arising out of non-payment of all or any portion
                          of any taxes, assessments, duties, fines or other
                          governmental charges of any kind (or any penalties or
                          interest with respect thereto) except for the lien
                          for ad valorem taxes created by state statute.

                 (g)      Operating Costs.  All operating costs and expenses
                          chargeable to the Properties under applicable
                          Operating Agreements, as of the Effective Time, have
                          been paid in full by Seller or arrangements have been
                          made for payment if the amounts thereof are unknown
                          or disputed.  Seller shall be responsible for the
                          settlement of all joint billing audits which relate
                          to accounting periods prior to the Effective Time.
                          Buyer shall be responsible for the settlement of all
                          joint billing audits which relate to accounting
                          periods after the Effective Time.

                 (h)      Compliance with Applicable Law.  To the best of
                          Seller's knowledge, Seller in the conduct of its
                          business and with respect only to the period during
                          which Seller has owned any of the Properties is in
                          substantial compliance with all laws, statutes,
                          ordinances, decrees, requirements, orders, judgments,
                          rules and regulations of any governmental authority,
                          the failure to comply with which would materially
                          adversely affect the operation of or revenues
                          attributable to any of the Properties.  Neither
                          Seller nor any of its businesses, operations, assets
                          or properties is subject to regulation under the
                          Interstate Commerce Act, as amended, nor does Seller
                          own or operate any common or contract carrier within
                          the meaning of the Interstate Commerce Act that is
                          subject to the jurisdiction of the Interstate
                          Commerce Commission or the Federal Energy Regulatory
                          Commission ("FERC").

                 (i)      Title to Properties.  Seller represents and warrants
                          title to all of the Properties as to claims made or
                          encumbrances created by, through and under Seller but
                          not otherwise.

                 (j)      Contracts. (i)  The contracts and agreements
                          identified by type below and further identified in
                          Exhibit I are agreed by the parties to be the only
                          contracts affecting the Properties which are material
                          to this sale and purchase, excepting only oil and gas
                          leases, unit agreements, pooling agreements, joint
                          operating agreements, division orders and transfer
                          orders.  The excepted contracts have been made
                          available to Buyer's representatives heretofore and
                          Seller represents and warrants that none of such
                          files or contracts were unavailable or in any manner
                          removed from





                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12
                          the normal storage locations to which Buyer's
                          representatives were given access.

                          The types of contracts which the parties agree are
                          material to this sale and purchase, other than the
                          excepted contracts, are the following:

                                  (A)      oil purchase and sale contracts
                                           other than spot sale contracts or
                                           contracts with 30-day cancellation
                                           provisions;

                                  (B)      gas purchase and sale contracts
                                           other than spot sale contracts or
                                           contracts with 30-day cancellation
                                           provisions;

                                  (C)      liquids purchase and sale contracts
                                           other than spot contracts or
                                           contracts with 30-day cancellation
                                           provisions;

                                  (D)      contract pumping agreements;

                                  (E)      equipment lease agreements; and

                                  (F)      farmout agreements.

                          (ii)    To the best of Seller's knowledge, all of the
                                  contracts, those excepted as well as those
                                  identified in Exhibit I are valid, binding
                                  and enforceable by Seller and will be valid,
                                  binding and enforceable by Buyer upon
                                  assignment to Buyer.  In the event assignment
                                  of any contract requires consent of a third
                                  party, Seller will endeavor to secure such
                                  consents; failing in which Buyer may elect to
                                  consider the failure a Title Defect or waive
                                  the non-consent and in such event Seller
                                  agrees to hold the contractual right or
                                  rights in trust for Buyer to the extent
                                  Seller lawfully may do so.

                                  To the best of Seller's knowledge, it (A) is
                                  not in breach or default due to any actions
                                  or failure to perform, in any material
                                  respect under any of the contracts referred
                                  to in this section and (B) has neither
                                  received nor given any notice of action to
                                  terminate, cancel, rescind or procure
                                  judicial reformation of any of said
                                  contracts, and no such action has been
                                  threatened.

                          (iii)   With respect to the material Agreements that
                          are gas purchase and sales agreements:

                                  (A)      Payments for gas sold or transported
                                           pursuant to each of such Agreements
                                           are current (subject to adjustment
                                           in





                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13
                                           accordance with their terms) within
                                           thirty (30) days, except for items
                                           being contested in good faith, and
                                           in accordance with the prices or
                                           rates set forth therein.

                                  (B)      Except for a presently ongoing
                                           renegotiation with Montana Power
                                           which will trigger renegotiation of
                                           dependent gas purchase and sale
                                           agreements relating to Montana gas
                                           sales, no party under any of such
                                           Agreements has communicated to
                                           Seller (or to the best knowledge of
                                           Seller, to the operator of any of
                                           the Properties), directly or
                                           indirectly, its intent to cancel,
                                           terminate or renegotiate any of such
                                           Agreements or otherwise to fail or
                                           refuse to perform its obligations
                                           under such Agreements whether such
                                           failure or refusal was pursuant to
                                           any force majeure, market-out or any
                                           other provision contained in any of
                                           such Agreements or otherwise.

                 (k)      Current Commitments.  Schedule II contains a true and
                          complete list as of the date of this Agreement of all
                          drilling or reworking Wells and all executed,
                          approved or outstanding authorities for expenditure
                          ("AFE's") and written commitments to drill or rework
                          any of the Wells.

                 (l)      Production Burdens, Taxes, Expenses and Revenues.  To
                          the best of Seller's knowledge, all rentals,
                          royalties, shut-in royalties, overriding royalty
                          interests and other payments due under or with
                          respect to the Properties have been paid.

                 (m)      Production Balances.  None of the purchasers under
                          any production sales contracts is entitled, and
                          Seller is not obligated under such contracts to
                          permit any person to receive deliveries of petroleum
                          substances at any time after the Effective Time
                          without paying at such time the full contract price
                          therefor.

                 (n)      Tax Partnerships.  Except as disclosed on Schedule
                          III to this Agreement, none of the Properties are
                          subject to a tax partnership.

                 (o)      Wells.  To the best of Seller's knowledge, all of the
                          Wells have been drilled and completed within the
                          boundaries of the Leases or within the limit
                          otherwise permitted by contract, pooling or unit
                          agreement and by laws; and all drilling and
                          completion, and plugging and abandonment, of
                          previously plugged wells and the Wells and all
                          development and operations on the Properties have
                          been conducted in compliance with all applicable
                          laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and permits, and
                          judgments, orders and decrees of any governmental
                          authority.  To the best





                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14
                          of Seller's knowledge, none of the Wells is subject
                          to penalty or allowable after the date hereof because
                          of any overproduction or other violation of
                          applicable laws, rules, regulations or permits or
                          judgments, orders or decrees of any governmental
                          authority which would prevent any of such Wells from
                          being entitled to its full legal and regular
                          allowable from and after the date hereof as
                          prescribed by any governmental authority.

                 (p)      Gathering Systems.  The Gathering Systems and the
                          operation thereof are subject to rules, regulations
                          and orders of regulatory agencies or authorities
                          having jurisdiction over Seller's operations and
                          activities.  Such rules, regulations or orders do not
                          presently cover gathering or processing charges.
                          Seller is not a party to or, to the best of its
                          knowledge, the subject of any regulatory action,
                          investigation or proceeding that concerns the
                          transportation of gas in any part of the Gathering
                          Systems.

                 (q)      Employee Benefit Matters.  Neither Seller nor any
                          Commonly Controlled Entity (as hereinafter defined)
                          maintains or contributes to any "employee pension
                          benefit plan", as such term is defined in Section
                          3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
                          of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), which is covered by
                          Title I of ERISA.  Seller and each Commonly
                          Controlled Entity has made, or caused to be made, all
                          contributions, if any, required to be made by Seller
                          or such Commonly Controlled Entity pursuant to law or
                          under the terms of all employee pension benefit
                          plans, profit sharing plans or other "employee
                          benefit plans" (as such latter term is defined in
                          Section 3(3) of ERISA) currently or previously
                          maintained by Seller or any Commonly Controlled
                          Entity or to which Seller or any Commonly Controlled
                          Entity contributes or has in the past contributed,
                          and there exists no condition or set of circumstances
                          that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
                          constitute a default with respect to any such
                          contributions.  No portion of the Properties is, or
                          by this transaction shall become, burdened by any
                          liability or contingent liability under any such
                          employee benefit plan, the Internal Revenue Code of
                          1986, as amended (the "Code"), ERISA or the
                          Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, as
                          amended ("MEPPA") and the purchase and sale
                          contemplated herein shall not cause any loss or
                          liability under any such employee benefit plan, the
                          Code, ERISA or MEPPA for Seller or Buyer.  As used
                          herein the term "Commonly Controlled Entity" shall
                          mean any entity, whether or not incorporated, which
                          is deemed to be under common control (as defined in
                          Section 414 of the Code) with Seller.

                 (r)      Credit for Production of Fuels from a Nonconventional
                          Source.  Except for the Wiskey Butte Unit Wells in
                          Sweetwater and Lincoln Counties, Wyoming, there are
                          no Wells the production from which is eligible for
                          the credit provided by Section 29 of the Code (the
                          "Section 29 Wells").  With





                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15
                          respect to the Section 29 Wells, the gas produced
                          from each Section 29 Well has been finally determined
                          by the applicable jurisdictional agency to be
                          "natural gas produced from a designated tight
                          formation" in accordance with 18 C.F.R. Section
                          274.205(e).

                 (s)      Operation of Business.  To the best of its knowledge,
                          since the Effective Time, Seller has (i) carried on
                          its business in a good and workmanlike manner in the
                          usual and ordinary course, and (ii) maintained all
                          insurance that was in effect as of the Effective Time
                          with respect to Seller's business and the Properties.

                 (t)      Employment Matters.  Seller is not a party to any
                          collective bargaining or union contract applicable to
                          any of its employees and, to Seller's knowledge,
                          there does not exist any current union organizational
                          effort with respect to such employees.

                 (u)      Environmental Degradation.  To the best of Seller's
                          knowledge, no environmental degradation exceeding
                          state or federal minimums existed prior to Seller's
                          acquisition of the Properties and none have occurred
                          in relation to the Properties during the period the
                          Properties have been owned by Seller.

         5.      Buyer's Representation.  Buyer represents and warrants to
                 Seller that:

                 (a)      Buyer is a corporation which is validly existing and
                          in good standing under the laws of its state of
                          formation, and has all requisite corporate power and
                          authority to own its assets and properties and carry
                          on its business as such business is conducted, to
                          hold record title to the Properties from and after
                          the Closing, to enter into this Agreement and the
                          documents and instruments contemplated hereby, and to
                          perform its obligations under this Agreement and the
                          documents and instruments contemplated hereby.  By
                          the time of Closing, Buyer will be duly licensed or
                          qualified to do business as a foreign corporation, if
                          applicable, and will be in good standing in all
                          jurisdictions (other than North Dakota) wherein the
                          Properties lie or the nature of the business
                          conducted by it requires it to be so licensed or
                          qualified.  Neither the execution and delivery of
                          this Agreement or the documents and instruments
                          contemplated hereby nor the consummation of the
                          transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
                          documents and instruments contemplated hereby will
                          violate or be in conflict with, require any consent,
                          approval or notice under or result in acceleration of
                          performance required under (i) Buyer's charter or
                          by-laws or any agreements or instruments to which
                          Buyer is a party or by which Buyer is bound or (ii)
                          any judgment, decree, order, statute, ordinance,
                          rule, regulation or permit applicable to Buyer.





                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16
                 (b)      This Agreement and all documents and instruments
                          required hereunder to be executed and delivered by
                          Buyer have been duly authorized by Buyer's Board of
                          Directors.  This Agreement has been, and such
                          documents and instruments by the Closing will have
                          been, duly executed and delivered by Buyer through
                          its duly constituted and authorized officers, and
                          this Agreement constitutes and such other documents
                          and instruments will constitute valid, legal and
                          binding obligations of Buyer enforceable in
                          accordance with their terms.

                 (c)      Buyer has incurred no liability, contingent or
                          otherwise for broker's or finder's fees in connection
                          with this transaction for which Seller shall have any
                          responsibility whatsoever.

                 (d)      Buyer will comply with all laws and governmental
                          regulations with respect to abandonment of wells
                          and/or abandonment of the leasehold property
                          including, where applicable, the plugging of wells,
                          the compliance with laws or rules regarding inactive
                          or unplugged wells, including bonding requirements,
                          and surface work as specified in the Leases or
                          applicable law or regulation.

                 (e)      Buyer's bonding coverage as of the Closing adequately
                          will cover all bonding requirements of applicable
                          conservation or regulatory agencies.  Buyer shall
                          furnish Seller with copies of such bonds or
                          acceptance letters by the agencies prior to Closing.

         6.      Conditions to Closing.  The obligations of each party to close
                 this sale and purchase is subject to the conditions precedent
                 that at Closing (i) all covenants and agreements of the other
                 party have been kept and performed in all material respects,
                 (ii) all representations and warranties of the other party are
                 true and correct in all material respects as of the date of
                 Closing as though made on the date of Closing, and (iii) each
                 of Seller and Buyer will have furnished the other with (A) a
                 certificate of their respective presidents or chief executive
                 officers, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that, to the
                 best of their knowledge and belief, the conditions described
                 in clauses (i) and (ii) have been satisfied and (B) copies,
                 certified by their respective secretaries, of all resolutions
                 of their respective boards of directors and Seller's
                 shareholders with respect to authorization and approval of the
                 transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         7.      Preliminary Settlement and Closing.  At least five (5) working
                 days prior to Closing, Seller shall prepare and furnish to
                 Buyer by telefax transmission a preliminary settlement
                 statement (the "Preliminary Settlement Statement") that shall
                 set forth all adjustments provided for herein, together with
                 the calculations of all such adjustments, effective as near to
                 the Closing Date as possible.  The





                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17
                 amount stated therein as the adjusted purchase price shall
                 constitute the aggregate payments to be made by Buyer both to
                 Seller and into escrow at the Closing.

                 Unless extended pursuant to Section 9(a) or otherwise by
                 mutual agreement, the Closing shall be held at 10:00 a.m.  at
                 Seller's offices in Worland, Wyoming on September 29, 1995, or
                 at such other time and place as the parties may mutually agree
                 on in writing (the "Closing Date").  Regardless of when the
                 Closing shall occur, it shall be effective as of the Effective
                 Time.  At the Closing, the following events shall occur, each
                 being a condition precedent to the others and each being
                 deemed to have occurred simultaneously with the others.

                 (a)      Seller shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to
                          Buyer at the Closing an assignment or assignments in
                          a form substantially as set forth in Exhibit G
                          attached hereto conveying the Properties effective as
                          of the Effective Time to Buyer, together with any
                          conveyance forms required by applicable law as to
                          Indian, federal or state leases.

                 (b)      Seller shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to
                          Buyer at the Closing, transfer orders or letters in
                          lieu prepared by Buyer directing all purchasers of
                          production to make payment to Buyer of proceeds
                          attributable to production from the Properties
                          effective with production occurring from and after
                          the Effective Time.

                 (c)      Buyer shall take over operations of Seller's
                          interests in the Properties and Seller shall provide
                          Buyer with any change of operator forms required by
                          governmental rules or regulations.

                 (d)      Buyer shall pay the adjusted purchase price (the
                          "Initial Closing Amount") to Seller as set forth in
                          the Preliminary Settlement Statement.

         8.      Effects of Closing.

                 (a)      All oil, gas and hydrocarbons produced and sold or
                          otherwise disposed of prior to the Effective Time
                          (irrespective of whether payment for the same has
                          been made or received), which are attributable to
                          Seller's interest in the Properties, shall be and
                          remain the property of Seller.  All oil, gas and
                          hydrocarbons produced and not sold or otherwise
                          disposed of after the Effective Time, which are
                          attributable to the Seller's interests in the
                          Properties, shall be the property of Buyer.

                 (b)      All proceeds from sales of production, accounts
                          receivable, and other monies,income and benefits,
                          with respect to Seller's interest in the Properties,
                          which relate to the period prior to the Effective
                          Time shall belong to and be assumed by Seller, and
                          those which relate to the period





                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18
                          commencing with the Effective Time shall belong to 
                          and be paid over to Buyer.
 
                 (c)      Ad valorem, net proceeds, property, severance,
                          conservation, and similar taxes assessed against
                          production for the Properties shall be prorated to
                          the Effective Time based on actual production, and
                          each party shall pay its prorated amount thereof.  If
                          the amount of said tax for the current year has not
                          been determined, the proration shall be based upon
                          the estimated current assessed valuation and previous
                          year's mill levy.

                 (d)      Except for Crude Oil in Tanks, all royalties,
                          accounts payable and other fees, costs and expenses
                          with respect to the Seller's interest in the
                          Properties which relate to the period prior to the
                          Effective Time shall be the obligation of and be paid
                          by Seller.  Those royalties, accounts payable, fees,
                          costs and expenses which relate to the period
                          commencing with the Effective Time, including Crude
                          Oil in Tanks, shall be the obligation of and be paid
                          by Buyer. Suspense accounts containing undistributed
                          revenues shall be transferred to Buyer at the Closing
                          and Buyer shall indemnify Seller against any claims
                          made by third parties for the suspense account to the
                          extent of the fund.

                 (e)      All liabilities for employees' accrued vacation
                          existing as of the Effective Time shall be retained
                          and, with respect to employees who are offered and
                          accept employment with Buyer as contemplated by
                          Section 17 hereof, paid by Seller to Buyer at
                          Closing.  Such payment shall be made by adjustment of
                          the purchase price pursuant to Section 2(c).

         9.      Post-Closing Matters.

                 (a)      On the Closing Date, the parties shall either close
                          or either party may upon delivery of at least five
                          (5) days prior notice to the other party, extend the
                          closing for any period of time not exceeding ten (10)
                          days.  In the event this transaction is closed, then
                          as soon as practicable after the Closing Date, but in
                          no event later than 45 days thereafter, Seller shall
                          prepare and deliver to Buyer, in accordance with
                          generally accepted accounting principles, a final
                          settlement statement (the "Final Settlement
                          Statement") setting forth each adjustment or payment
                          that was not finally determined as of the Closing and
                          showing the calculation of such adjustments and the
                          resulting final Closing Amount (the "Final Closing
                          Amount").  As soon as practicable after receipt of
                          the Final Settlement Statement, but in no event later
                          than 15 days thereafter, Buyer shall deliver to
                          Seller a written report containing any changes that
                          Buyer proposes to make to the Final Settlement
                          Statement.  The parties shall agree with respect to
                          the changes proposed by Buyer, if any, no later than





                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19
                          fifteen (15) days after Seller receives from Buyer
                          the written report described above containing Buyer's
                          proposed changes.  The date upon which such agreement
                          is reached or upon which the Final Closing Amount is
                          established, shall be herein called the "Settlement
                          Date".  In the event that:

                          (1)     The Final Closing Amount is more than the
                                  Initial Closing Amount, Buyer shall pay to
                                  Seller the amount of such difference; or

                          (2)     The Final Closing Amount is less than the
                                  Initial Closing Amount, Seller shall pay to
                                  Buyer the amount of such difference, in
                                  either event by wire transfer in immediately
                                  available funds or, by cashier's check.
                                  Payment by Buyer or Seller, as the case may
                                  be, shall be within five (5) days of the
                                  Settlement Date.  Such payment shall
                                  constitute final settlement of the
                                  adjustments for revenues, expenses, and taxes
                                  attributable to the Properties.

                 (b)      If this transaction closes, Seller shall deliver to
                          Buyer on the Closing Date, possession of the
                          Properties and all files and records of Seller
                          relating to the Properties to the extent not
                          previously delivered.  Seller may retain copies of
                          such files and records and shall have the right to
                          review and copy the originals thereof at Seller's
                          expense, during business hours upon reasonable
                          notice.

         10.     Other Covenants and Indemnification.

                 (a)      Seller covenants and agrees with Buyer that from the
                          date hereof until the Closing Date, it shall (i)
                          carry on its business in a good and workmanlike
                          manner in the usual and ordinary course, and (ii)
                          maintain all insurance now in force with respect to
                          Seller's business and the Properties.

                 (b)      Buyer has undertaken, or prior to the Closing will
                          undertake, an environmental assessment of such of the
                          Properties as it deems necessary.  All environmental
                          degradations exceeding state or federal minimums of
                          which Buyer becomes aware shall be reported to Seller
                          as "Defects" and be subject to the provisions of
                          Section 3.  Buyer's report to Seller shall include an
                          estimate of the reasonable cost of remediation of the
                          applicable Properties, and Seller shall have the
                          right to conduct such remediation prior to Closing.
                          After Closing, Buyer shall be solely responsible for
                          all past and future environmental degradation which
                          may have occurred or will occur with respect to such
                          portion of the Properties.





                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20
                 (c)      Buyer agrees to and shall indemnify and hold Seller,
                          its affiliates, and their respective officers,
                          directors, employees, and agents free and harmless
                          from all claims, demands, obligations and liabilities
                          (including attorney's fees) (collectively, "Costs")
                          relating to or arising from a breach of Buyer's
                          covenants, representations and warranties herein.

                 (d)      Seller agrees to and shall indemnify and hold Buyer,
                          its affiliates, and their respective officers,
                          directors, employees and agents free and harmless
                          from all Costs relating to or arising from a breach
                          of Seller's covenants, representations and warranties
                          herein, including the environmental representation in
                          Section 4(u) hereof, irrespective of environmental
                          remediation by Buyer.  The above indemnification is
                          personal to Buyer and its affiliates (and their
                          respective officers, directors, employees and agents)
                          and may not be assigned by them.

         11.     Termination of Agreement.

                 (a)      Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, this
                          Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
                          may be terminated and abandoned as follows at any
                          time on or before the Closing Date:

                          (1)     By mutual consent of Seller and Buyer;

                          (2)     By Buyer if, at any time fifteen or more days
                                  after the Closing Date, Seller has not
                                  fulfilled the conditions to Closing set forth
                                  in Section 6 to be fulfilled by it;

                          (3)     By Seller if, at any time fifteen or more
                                  days after the Closing Date, Buyer has not
                                  fulfilled the conditions to Closing set forth
                                  in Section 6 to be fulfilled by it; or

                          (4)     By Seller or Buyer, if the Defect Amounts, as
                                  determined pursuant to Section 3(c) exceed,
                                  in the aggregate, $3,300,000.

                 (b)      In the event of termination of this Agreement, each
                          party shall return all books, contracts, records,
                          reports, maps, files, papers and other property of
                          the other then in its possession, and each party
                          shall bear all legal and other expenses and costs
                          incurred by such party in connection with the
                          negotiation or implementation of this Agreement.
                          Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer acknowledges
                          that Seller would be damaged if any confidential
                          information relating to Seller or the Properties were
                          used or disclosed.  Accordingly, in the event this
                          Agreement is terminated, Buyer and its respective
                          affiliates shall maintain the confidentiality of all





                                      -20-
<PAGE>   21
                          nonpublic information relating to Seller or the
                          Properties and shall not make any use whatsoever of
                          such information.

                 (c)      In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
                          clause (a)(1) or (a)(4) above, the Escrowed Payment
                          will be returned to Buyer.  In the event Buyer has
                          performed all of its obligations hereunder, and has
                          tendered performance of all conditions to Closing to
                          be performed by it, and the Seller fails to perform
                          this Agreement and Close, then Buyer may, at its
                          option and discretion, (i) insist upon specific
                          performance of this Agreement (in which event the
                          Escrowed Payment shall be retained in escrow and
                          released to Seller if this Agreement is specifically
                          performed) or (ii) terminate this Agreement pursuant
                          to clause (a)(2) above and pursue any other remedy,
                          legal or equitable, which it may have (in which event
                          the Escrowed Payment shall be returned to Buyer).  In
                          the event Seller has performed all of its obligations
                          hereunder, and has tendered performance of all
                          conditions to closing to be performed by it, and the
                          Buyer fails to perform this Agreement and Close, then
                          Seller shall be entitled as its sole and exclusive
                          remedy to terminate this Agreement pursuant to clause
                          (a)(3) above and to require the Escrowed Payment be
                          paid over to Seller as liquidated damages.

         12.     Further Assurances.  After the Closing, each of the parties
                 will execute, acknowledge and deliver to the other such other
                 further instruments, and take such other action, as may be
                 reasonably requested, in order to more effectively assure to
                 said party all of the respective Properties, rights, titles,
                 interests, estates, remedies, powers and privileges intended
                 to be assigned and delivered in consummation of the
                 transactions contemplated hereby.

         13.     Notices.  All communications required or permitted under this
                 Agreement shall be in writing and any communications or
                 delivery hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly made if
                 actually delivered in hand or by telefax, addressed as
                 follows:

                 If to Seller:

                          Natural Gas Processing Company
                          P. O. Box 541
                          Worland, Wyoming  82401

                          Attention:   Janeen Capshaw, Vice President

                          Telefax:  307-347-3160





                                      -21-
<PAGE>   22
                 If to Buyer:

                          KCS Resources, Inc.
                          5555 San Felipe, Suite 1200
                          Houston, Texas  77056

                          Attention:       C. R. Devine

                          Telefax:  713-964-9463

                 With a copy to:

                          Orloff, Lowenbach, Stifelman & Siegel, P.A.
                          101 Eisenhower Parkway
                          Roseland, New Jersey  07068

                          Attention:       Ralph Lowenbach


         14.     Incidental Expenses.  Buyer shall pay the cost of all sales,
                 documentary, transfer and other taxes incident to the transfer
                 of the Properties.  Each party shall pay its own income or
                 franchise taxes.  Buyer shall pay all filing, recording and
                 registration fees for any assignment or conveyance delivered
                 hereunder.  Each of Seller and of Buyer shall bear its own
                 respective expenses incurred in connection with the Closing of
                 this transaction including its own consultants' fees,
                 attorneys' fees, accountant's fees, and other similar costs
                 and expenses.

         15.     Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.  The parties covenant and agree that,
                 prior to Closing, they shall prepare and submit, in a timely
                 manner, all necessary filings in connection with the
                 transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the HSR Act,
                 and the rules and regulations thereunder.  The parties shall
                 request expedited treatment of such filings by the Federal
                 Trade Commission, shall promptly make any appropriate or
                 necessary subsequent or supplemental filings, and shall
                 furnish each other with copies of all such filings made under
                 the HSR Act at the same time as they are filed with the
                 government.

         16.     Entire Agreement.  This instrument embodies the entire
                 agreement between the Parties and may be supplemented,
                 altered, amended, modified, or revoked by writing only, signed
                 by both parties.  The headings herein are for convenience only
                 and shall have no significance in the interpretation hereof.





                                      -22-
<PAGE>   23
         17.     Employment and Employee Rights.

                 (a)      Buyer represents that it intends to offer employment
                          to all employees of Seller described in Schedule IV
                          who are employed on the Closing Date, provided such
                          employees desire to be employed by Buyer and provided
                          further that Buyer shall not be required to extend an
                          offer of employment to any of such employees that, in
                          the exercise of Buyer's reasonable discretion, do not
                          satisfy the conditions or meet the qualifications
                          Buyer applies with respect to its other employees
                          having comparable positions.  All such employment
                          shall be at will and for no fixed period of time.
                          Buyer will provide to Seller a list of the employees
                          to whom it proposes to offer employment not less than
                          ten (10) days prior to Closing.

                 (b)      Those employees of Seller who accept employment with
                          Buyer shall be eligible to participate in health
                          insurance, life insurance, vacation and other
                          benefits on the same basis as is provided to Buyer's
                          present employees giving credit for past service in
                          Seller's employ except that in the case of Buyer's
                          401K and profit sharing plan no credit shall be
                          accorded for past service.

                 (c)      Buyer does not assume responsibility for termination
                          of (or any obligation under) any pension plan or any
                          other employee benefit plan maintained by Seller.

         18.     Non-Compete Clause.  In consideration of the mutual promises
                 and agreements set forth herein and the payment of $100 to
                 David L. Hamilton (which payment is to be made at the
                 Closing), Seller and its president, David L.  Hamilton, agree
                 that, except as permitted in advance in writing by Buyer,
                 neither of them will compete with Buyer in the exploration for
                 and production of oil and gas nor in the gathering or
                 processing thereof in an area embracing the Leases and the
                 Gathering Systems and two miles from the border of any Leases
                 or the Gathering Systems (the "AMI").  Notwithstanding the
                 foregoing, Seller and David Hamilton shall be entitled to
                 construct and operate gathering lines connected to Seller's
                 utility operations.  Any oil and gas lease, mineral interest,
                 gathering system or gas processing plant owned or hereafter
                 acquired by Seller or David L. Hamilton within the AMI and not
                 connected to Seller's utility assets or operations shall be
                 deemed to have been acquired in trust for Buyer and shall be
                 assigned to Buyer upon written request following payment of
                 the consideration paid for such lease, mineral interest or
                 gathering system or gas processing plant and shall be subject
                 to a 2% overriding royalty in favor of David L. Hamilton, as
                 described on Exhibits J and K hereto.  The overriding royalty
                 relating to oil and gas leases shall be applicable only to the
                 extent that Buyer's net revenue interest in any lease shall
                 not be reduced by deduction of the overriding royalty to less
                 than 80%; provided, however, that no overriding royalty
                 assignment made by Buyer shall





                                      -23-
<PAGE>   24
                 be included in its net revenue interest computation.  It is
                 specifically agreed that any oil and gas lease, mineral
                 interest, gathering system or gas processing plant hereafter
                 acquired by Buyer within the AMI shall be burdened by the same
                 2% overriding royalty referred to above and Buyer shall assign
                 same to David L. Hamilton within 30 days of acquisition of
                 such oil and gas lease, mineral interest, gathering system or
                 gas processing plant.  It also is specifically acknowledged
                 and agreed that David L. Hamilton has reached a tentative
                 agreement with Montana Power Company for acquisition of six
                 gathering systems in Montana, subject to due diligence.  If
                 such acquisition is closed, the gathering systems so acquired
                 shall be transferred to Buyer on payment to Mr. Hamilton of
                 the total consideration paid and shall be subject to the 2%
                 overriding royalty referred to above.  This clause shall have
                 no effect on royalties, overriding royalties, production
                 payments or leases or mineral interests acquired by
                 inheritance, sheriff's sale involving Seller or Mr. Hamilton
                 as mortgagee or deed in lieu of foreclosure.  This clause
                 shall terminate in all respects (except the obligation to
                 assign and pay the overriding royalty interest) on or after
                 October 1, 1997, unless continued by mutual written consent.

         19.     Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by the law of
                 the State of Wyoming. The parties agree that if a controversy
                 or claim between or among them arises out of or in relation to
                 this Agreement and results in litigation, the courts of the
                 State of Wyoming or the courts of the United States of America
                 located in the State of Wyoming shall have jurisdiction to
                 hear and decide such matter.

         20.     Assignment: Successors.  Neither party may assign this
                 Agreement without the prior written consent of the other
                 party; provided, however, that Buyer shall be entitled to
                 assign this Agreement to any company that is wholly- owned,
                 directly or indirectly, by Buyer or any parent of Buyer.  This
                 Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
                 the parties hereto and their respective legal representatives,
                 successors, and permitted assigns, and no other person shall
                 have any right, benefit or obligation hereunder.

         21.     Exhibits; Schedules.  All exhibits and schedules which are
                 referred to herein are hereby made a part hereof and
                 incorporated herein by reference.  Seller and Buyer
                 acknowledge that Exhibits A, B, E and F include descriptions
                 of the Properties to be conveyed to Buyer but do not include
                 valuation information with respect thereto.  Commencing as
                 soon as practicable after the date hereof, Buyer shall
                 endeavor to prepare a schedule to be attached to and form a
                 part of this Agreement, which schedule shall ascribe values to
                 the Properties in sufficient detail to permit adjustment of
                 the purchase price for any Defects.  In accordance with the
                 guidelines set forth in Internal Revenue Service regulations
                 and revenue rulings, Seller and Buyer shall allocate the
                 purchase price (as adjusted) among the





                                      -24-
<PAGE>   25
                 Properties in a manner that is consistent with the values to
                 be ascribed to the Properties in such schedule.

         22.     Bulk Sales.  Seller and Buyer each agree to take all action as
                 may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Bulk
                 Sales Law of any applicable jurisdiction.

         23.     Attorney's Fees.  In the event of any litigation between
                 Seller and Buyer with respect to a breach or alleged breach of
                 this Agreement or seeking enforcement of this Agreement, the
                 defendant in such litigation shall be entitled to have its
                 reasonable attorney's fees included in any judgment or other
                 award if it is the prevailing party.

         24.     Knowledge.  As used herein, the term "knowledge" shall refer
                 to the knowledge of the applicable party obtained after due
                 inquiry of its officers and directors.

         25.     Like Kind Exchange.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions
                 of this Agreement, Seller shall have the right to elect to
                 consummate the transaction contemplated by this Agreement in
                 whole or in part as a tax-deferred exchange pursuant to
                 Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
                 In the event Seller so elects, Buyer shall deliver to the
                 Qualified Intermediary (as such term is defined in Treasury
                 Regulation and the Internal Revenue Code) designated in
                 writing by Seller, all the amount provided for in Section 2.a.
                 of this Agreement or such portion thereof as specified by
                 Seller.  After delivery of the amount specified by Seller to
                 the Qualified Intermediary, Buyer shall have no further
                 obligation regarding the tax-deferred exchange except the
                 obligation to execute such tax-related statements or forms as
                 may be required or necessary in order to designate or qualify
                 the exchanges as tax-free transactions under applicable tax
                 statutes, rules or regulations; provided, however, Seller
                 shall bear all costs and expenses relating to the preparation
                 and filing of any such additional statements, forms and
                 filings.

         26.     Representations Survive.  The representations and warranties
                 of the parties herein shall survive the Closing.

         27.     Counterpart Execution.  This Agreement may be executed
                 simultaneously, in two or more counterparts, including telefax
                 counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to constitute an
                 original.





                                      -25-
<PAGE>   26
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be duly executed the day and year first above written.


ATTEST:                                            NATURAL GAS PROCESSING CO.


By:   /s/ Philip Caines                            /s/ David L. Hamilton
   ----------------------------------------        ----------------------------
Its      Secretary/Treasurer                         President
   ----------------------------------------        ----------------------------




ATTEST:                                            KCS RESOURCES, INC.


By:  /s/ Ronald Wilson                             /s/ C. R. Devine
   ----------------------------------------        ----------------------------
Its      Vice-President - Controller                  President
   ----------------------------------------        ----------------------------





The undersigned joins in the execution hereof for the purpose of agreeing to
the provisions of the non-competition provision herein.



                                                     /s/ DAVID L. HAMILTON 
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                         David L. Hamilton 
                                                   




                                      -26-


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