<PAGE> 1
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(amendment No.____)
Filed by the Registrant [ ]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [X]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
[ ] 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
Campney & Murphy, P.O. Box 48800
2100-1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V7X 1K9 (name
of Persons(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and
0-11.
1. Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
2. Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3. Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
4. Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
5. Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1. Amount Previously Paid:
2. Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No:
3. Filing Party:
4. Date Filed:
<PAGE> 2
----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notice is hereby given that the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Meeting") of OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION (the "Company") will be held on
Thursday, June 11, 1998 at 2100 - 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada, at the hour of 10:00 a.m. (local time in Vancouver, B.C.) for
the following purposes:
1. To receive the audited annual financial statements of the Company for
its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997;
2. To elect as directors for the ensuing year:
Robert L. Hodgkinson
William C. Leuschner
Charles T. Goodson
Alfred J. Thomas, II
Ralph J. Daigle
Robert R. Brooksher
Daniel G. Fournerat
Provided if items 4 and 5 below are not approved by shareholders,
Management will withdraw its nominations of Messrs. Goodson, Thomas,
II, Daigle, Brooksher and Fournerat and nominate instead the following
for election as directors for the ensuing year:
Ronald P. Bourgeois
Emile D. Stehelin
3. To appoint KPMG, Chartered Accountants, as the Company's auditor for
the ensuing fiscal year;
4. To approve, by a majority of disinterested shareholders, the Plan and
Agreement of Merger dated February 11, 1998 among the Company, Optima
Energy (U.S.) Corporation, Goodson Exploration Company, NAB Financial,
L.L.C., Dexco Energy, Inc. and American Explorer, L.L.C. and the
issuance of up to 7,335,001 common shares and contingent rights to
receive an additional 1,667,001 common shares pursuant to that
agreement;
5. To approve, as a special resolution, the continuation of the Company
into the State of Delaware and adoption of a new Certificate of
Incorporation;
6. To approve, as a special resolution, the change of the Company's name
to * ;
7. To approve, by a majority of disinterested shareholders, the
cancellation of all options outstanding under the Company's current
stock option plans and the replacement of the current stock option
plans with a new stock option plan authorizing the issuance of stock
options exercisable for up to 1,800,000 shares of the Company;
<PAGE> 3
8. To approve, by a majority of the disinterested shareholders, the
acquisition of a 5% working interest in the Valentine prospect;
9. To approve the transaction of such other business as may properly come
before the Meeting.
Accompanying this Notice is a Proxy Statement and Information Circular and a
Proxy. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 7, 1998 are
entitled to receive this Notice and vote or have their shares voted at their
meeting.
Take notice that pursuant to the Canada Business Corporations Act ("CBCA")
shareholders are entitled to be paid the fair value for their shares pursuant to
section 190 of the CBCA, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to the Proxy
Statement and Information Circular. Shareholders are advised to consult with
their own legal advisors respecting the dissent procedures set out in the CBCA.
Shareholders unable to attend the Meeting in person should read the notes to the
enclosed Proxy and complete and return the Proxy to the Company's Registrar and
Transfer Agent or at the Meeting within the time required by, and to the
location set out in, the notes to the Proxy.
The enclosed Proxy is solicited by Management and Board of Directors of the
Company and the shareholder may amend it, if he or she wishes, by inserting in
the space provided the name of the person the shareholder wishes to represent
the shareholder as proxyholder at the Meeting.
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia, this May 7, 1998.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
/s/ Robert L. Hodgkinson
---------------------------------
ROBERT L. HODGKINSON, PRESIDENT
<PAGE> 4
PROXY STATEMENT AND
INFORMATION CIRCULAR
FOR THE
ANNUAL AND SPECIAL
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
TO BE HELD ON
JUNE 11, 1998
<PAGE> 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
PERSONS MAKING THE SOLICITATION...................................................................................1
APPOINTMENT AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES.............................................................................1
EXERCISE OF DISCRETION............................................................................................1
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES......................................................2
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION............................................................................................3
Summary Compensation Table.....................................................................................4
Options/SARs Granted During The Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year............................................4
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises During the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year End Option/SAR
Values.........................................................................................................4
Long-Term Incentive Plans - Awards in Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year......................................5
Defined Benefit or Actuarial Plan Disclosure...................................................................5
Compensation of Directors......................................................................................5
Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements.............................6
Report on Repricing of Options/SARs............................................................................6
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation....................................................6
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation........................................................6
Performance Graph..............................................................................................7
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS..............................................................................................8
INTEREST OF INSIDERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS.....................................................................9
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON...........................................................9
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS............................................................................................10
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.....................................12
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR OFFICERS.........................................................13
APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF AUDITOR..........................................................................13
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION..................................................................................13
STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES......................................................................13
Mandate of the Board..........................................................................................13
Composition of the Board......................................................................................14
Committees....................................................................................................14
SPECIAL BUSINESS.................................................................................................15
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.............................................................................................15
THE MERGER TRANSACTION...........................................................................................17
Description of the Merger Transaction.........................................................................17
Purpose of the Merger Transaction.............................................................................17
The Plan and Agreement of Merger..............................................................................17
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 6
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Recommendation of Optima Board of Directors...................................................................18
Fairness Opinion..............................................................................................19
Interest of Insiders in the Merger............................................................................19
Optima Loan to Amex...........................................................................................20
Accounting Treatment..........................................................................................20
Conduct of Meeting and Shareholder Approval...................................................................20
Conditions....................................................................................................21
Post Merger...................................................................................................21
Securities Considerations.....................................................................................22
Shareholder Approval..........................................................................................22
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY...............................................................................22
Corporate Overview............................................................................................22
Principal Producing Properties................................................................................23
Land Holdings.................................................................................................26
Reserves......................................................................................................26
Production History............................................................................................28
Drilling Activity.............................................................................................28
Acquisition, Exploration and Development Expenditures.........................................................29
Variations in Operating Results...............................................................................29
Description of Share Capital..................................................................................35
Capitalization................................................................................................35
Price Range and Trading Volume of Shares......................................................................36
Dividend Record and Policy....................................................................................36
Prior Sales...................................................................................................37
Legal Proceedings.............................................................................................37
Material Contracts............................................................................................37
INFORMATION CONCERNING AMEX AND THE TARGET COMPANIES.............................................................38
Corporate Overview............................................................................................38
Principal Producing Properties................................................................................39
Land Holdings.................................................................................................41
Reserves......................................................................................................42
Production History............................................................................................43
Oil and Gas Wells.............................................................................................43
Drilling Activity.............................................................................................44
Acquisition, Exploration and Development Expenditures.........................................................44
Variations in Operating Results...............................................................................44
Description of Share Capital..................................................................................46
Capitalization................................................................................................46
Prior Sales...................................................................................................46
Legal Proceedings.............................................................................................46
Material Contracts............................................................................................46
Principal Shareholders........................................................................................47
Directors and Officers........................................................................................47
Executive Compensation........................................................................................47
Options to Purchase Securities................................................................................47
Interest of Management and Others in Material Transactions....................................................47
Auditors......................................................................................................48
CONTINUATION INTO THE STATE OF DELAWARE..........................................................................48
</TABLE>
-ii-
<PAGE> 7
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
General.......................................................................................................48
Principal Reasons for Continuation............................................................................48
Continuance a Condition of Merger Agreement...................................................................49
Corporate Governance Differences..............................................................................49
Regulatory Approval...........................................................................................56
Canadian Income Tax Considerations............................................................................56
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences.................................................................58
Right of Dissent..............................................................................................61
The Continuation Resolution...................................................................................63
NAME CHANGE......................................................................................................64
General.......................................................................................................64
Shareholder Resolution........................................................................................64
ADOPTION OF A NEW STOCK OPTION PLAN..............................................................................65
Current Stock Option Plan.....................................................................................65
New Stock Option Plan.........................................................................................66
Other Share Compensation Arrangements.........................................................................69
Shareholder Approval..........................................................................................69
ACQUISITION OF 5% WORKING INTEREST IN THE VALENTINE PROSPECT.....................................................71
General.......................................................................................................71
Valentine Prospect............................................................................................71
Shareholder Approval..........................................................................................71
DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1999 ANNUAL MEETING.............................................72
OTHER BUSINESS...................................................................................................72
Appendix A Section 190 of the CBCA.............................................................................1
Appendix B Fairness Opinion....................................................................................1
Appendix C Delaware Certificate of Incorporation...............................................................1
Appendix D Proforma Financial Statements of Optima.............................................................1
Appendix E Financial Statements of Amex........................................................................1
</TABLE>
-iii-
<PAGE> 8
PROXY STATEMENT AND INFORMATION CIRCULAR
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
SUITE 600 - 595 HOWE STREET
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
CANADA V6C 2T5
TEL: 604-684-6886
(all information as at May 7, 1998 unless otherwise noted)
PERSONS MAKING THE SOLICITATION
This Proxy Statement and Information Circular ("Proxy Statement") is furnished
in connection with the solicitation of proxies being made by Management and the
Board of Directors of OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION (the "Company" or "Optima")
for use at the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "AGM" or
"Meeting") to be held on Thursday, June 11, 1998 at the time and place and for
the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual and Special Meeting
of Shareholders. While it is expected that the solicitation will be made
primarily by mail, proxies may be solicited personally or by telephone by
directors, officers and employees of the Company.
All costs of this solicitation will be borne by the Company.
APPOINTMENT AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy will first be mailed to
shareholders on or about May 8, 1998.
The individuals named in the accompanying Proxy are directors and/or officers of
the Company. A SHAREHOLDER WISHING TO APPOINT SOME OTHER PERSON (WHO NEED NOT BE
A SHAREHOLDER) TO REPRESENT HIM OR HER AT THE AGM HAS THE RIGHT TO DO SO, EITHER
BY INSERTING SUCH PERSON'S NAME IN THE BLANK SPACE PROVIDED IN THE PROXY OR BY
COMPLETING ANOTHER PROXY. The Proxy will not be valid unless it is completed and
delivered to the Montreal Trust Company of Canada not less than 48 hours
(excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the AGM at which the person
named therein purports to vote in respect thereof, or deposited with the Chair
of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting prior to its commencement.
A shareholder who has given a Proxy may revoke it by an instrument in writing
delivered either to the registered office of the Company at any time up to and
including the last business day preceding the day of the AGM or an adjournment
thereof, or to the Chair of the Meeting on the day of the AGM or an adjournment
thereof.
Revocation of a Proxy does not affect any matter on which a vote has been taken
before the revocation.
EXERCISE OF DISCRETION
The individuals named in the accompanying Proxy will, if the instructions are
certain, vote the shares represented thereby on any poll, and where a choice
with respect to any matter to be acted upon has been specified in the Proxy, the
shares will be voted in accordance with the specification so made. On a poll
<PAGE> 9
they will vote such shares for the approval of each matter disclosed in the
Proxy for which no specification has been made.
A properly executed proxy marked "ABSTAIN", although counted for purposes of
determining whether there is a quorum and for purposes of determining the
aggregate voting power and number of shares represented and entitled to vote at
the Meeting, will not be voted. Accordingly, abstentions will have the same
effect as a vote against the proposal. Shares represented by "broker non-votes"
(i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees which are represented at a meeting but
with respect to which the broker or nominee is not empowered to vote on a
particular proposal) will be counted for purposes of determining the aggregate
voting power and number of shares represented at the Meeting but will
disregarded in the calculation of a plurality or of "votes cast". Accordingly,
"broker non-votes" will have no effect on the proposal as to which the broker
has no authority to vote.
The enclosed Proxy confers discretionary authority upon the person appointed
proxy thereunder with respect to amendments or variations of matters identified
in the Notice of Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders and with respect to
other matters which may properly come before the AGM. At the time of printing of
this Proxy Statement, Management of the Company knows of no such amendment,
variation or other matter to come before the AGM.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
As of May 7, 1998, the Company had outstanding 11,002,346 fully paid and
non-assessable common shares without par value, each share carrying the right to
one vote.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on May 7, 1998 will be
entitled to receive the Notice of Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders and
to vote or to have their shares voted at the AGM.
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of common shares of the
Company as at May 7, 1998 of each person (including any group as that term is
used in section 13(d)(3) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended) known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five
percent of the common shares of the Company, of each Director or nominee who
owns any such shares, of each Named Executive Officer (as defined below) and of
all officers and directors of the Company as a group:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ================
Number of
Shares
Beneficially Percentage of
Owned Class
including (not including
Title of Class Name and Address of Beneficial Owner options(1) options)
- ------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ================
<S> <C> <C>
Common Shares R.L. Hodgkinson, Vancouver, B.C., Canada 1,150,000(2) 8.6%
Common Shares Wellington Management, Boston, MA, USA 1,079,000 9.8%
Common Shares State Street Research & Management, Boston, MA, USA 572,000 5.2%
Common Shares W.C. Leuschner, Calgary, Alberta, Canada 685,225(2) 5.1%
Common Shares E.D. Stehelin, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada 572,342(2) 4.5%
Common Shares R.P. Bourgeois, Vancouver, B.C., Canada 134,151(2) *
Common Shares M.G. Abbott, Calgary, Alberta, Canada 65,656(2) *
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 10
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY PERCENTAGE OF
OWNED CLASS
INCLUDING (NOT INCLUDING
TITLE OF CLASS NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OPTIONS(1) OPTIONS)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common Shares C.T. Goodson, Lafayette, LA, USA 30,000(3) *
- ------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ================
Common Shares A.J. Thomas, II, Lafayette, LA, USA 30,000(3) *
Common Shares R.J. Daigle, Lafayette, LA, USA 0 0%
Common Shares R.R. Brooksher, Lafayette, LA, USA 11,600 *
Common Shares D.G. Fournerat, Lafayette, LA, USA 0 0%
- ------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ================
Common Shares All directors and executive officers as a group (5 persons) 4,269,974 33.2%
=================== =============================================================== ================ ================
</TABLE>
* Less than 1%
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally
includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Options
to purchase shares of Common Stock which are currently exercisable or
will become exercisable within 60 days of May 7, 1998 (the Record
Date), are deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing the
percentage of the shares held by an individual but are not outstanding
for purposes of computing the percentage of any other person. Except as
indicated otherwise in the footnotes below, and subject to community
property laws where applicable, the persons named in the table above
have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of
Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
(2) Includes options currently exercisable by these individuals as follows:
R.L. Hodginkinson 200,000; W.C. Leuschner 125,000, E. D. Stehelin
75,000, R.P. Bourgeois 75,000 and M.G. Abbott 50,000.
(3) Includes shares held indirectly in the name of American Explorer Inc.,
a company owned by Charles T. Goodson, and Alfred J. Thomas, II as to
50% each.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Set out below are particulars of compensation paid to the following persons (the
"Named Executive Officers"):
(a) the Company's chief executive officer;
(b) each of the Company's four most highly compensated executive officers,
other than the chief executive officer, who were serving as executive
officers at the end of the most recently completed financial year and
whose total salary and bonus exceed $100,000 per year; and
(c) any additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided
under (b) but for the fact that the individual was not serving as an
executive officer of the Company at the end of the most recently
completed financial year.
As at December 31, 1997, the end of the most recently completed fiscal year of
the Company, the Company had three Named Executive Officers, Robert L.
Hodgkinson, the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of the
Company, William C. Leuschner, the Chairman and a director of the Company and
Ronald P. Bourgeois, the Chief Financial Officer and a director of the Company.
-3-
<PAGE> 11
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table is a summary of compensation paid to the Named Executive
Officers and directors as a group for the three most recently completed
financial years. Specific aspects of this compensation are dealt with in further
detail in the following tables.
Unless otherwise indicated, in this Proxy Statement all references to dollars
are in Canadian currency.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long Term Compensation
------------------- ----------------------
Awards Payouts
------ -------
Securities Restricted
Fiscal Other Annual Underlying Stock LTIP All Other
Name and Year Salary Bonus Compensation Options/SARs Awards Payouts Compensation
Principal Position Ending ($) ($) ($) (#) (#) ($) ($)
- ------------------ ------ --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert L. Hodgkinson 1997 Nil Nil 150,000 (1) Nil Nil N/A Nil
CEO, President and Director 1996 Nil Nil 150,000 (1) 200,000 Nil N/A Nil
1995 Nil Nil 166,500 (2) 150,000(3) Nil N/A Nil
William C. Leuschner 1997 Nil Nil 150,000 (4) Nil Nil N/A Nil
Chairman and Director 1996 Nil Nil 150,000 (4) 125,000 Nil N/A Nil
1995 Nil Nil 149,000 (2) 150,000 (3) Nil N/A Nil
Ronald P. Bourgeois 1997 Nil Nil 118,000 (5) Nil Nil N/A Nil
CFO, Secretary and Director 1996 Nil Nil 118,000 (5) 75,000 Nil N/A Nil
1995 Nil Nil 96,000 (2) 125,000 (3) Nil N/A Nil
</TABLE>
(1) These monies were paid to Hodgkinson Equities Corporation, a private
company of which Mr. Hodgkinson is the principal shareholder, pursuant
to a consulting agreement. Refer to "Management Contracts" for further
particulars.
(2) Includes compensation paid by Roxbury Capital Corporation in 1995 prior
to the plan of arrangement.
(3) All securities under options granted prior to the grant of April 3,
1995 were cancelled pursuant to the terms and conditions of the
Company's current stock option plan.
(4) These monies were paid to Leuschner International Resources Ltd., a
private company of which Mr. Leuschner is the Chairman and principal
shareholder, pursuant to a consulting agreement. Refer to "Management
Contracts" for further particulars.
(5) These monies were paid to Mr. Bourgeois pursuant to a consulting
agreement. Refer to "Management Contracts" for further particulars.
OPTIONS/SARS GRANTED DURING THE MOST RECENTLY COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR
During the Company's most recently completed fiscal year, there were no
incentive stock options granted to the Named Executive Officers and no SARs
(stock appreciation rights) were granted during this period.
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES DURING THE MOST RECENTLY
COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION/SAR VALUES
The following table sets out incentive stock options exercised by the Named
Executive Officers during the most recently completed fiscal year as well as the
fiscal year end value of stock options held by the Named Executive Officers.
During this period, no outstanding SARs were held by Named Executive Officers.
-4-
<PAGE> 12
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
No. of Value of Unexercised
Securities Underlying In-the-Money
Securities Unexercised Options/SARs Options/SARs at Fiscal
Acquired on Value Realized at Fiscal Year-End Year-End ($)
Exercise ($) (#) Exercisable/Unexercisable
Name (#) (1) Exercisable/Unexercisable (2)
- ---- --- --- ------------------------- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert L. Hodgkinson Nil Nil 200,000 / Nil Nil / Nil
William C. Leuschner Nil Nil 200,000 / Nil Nil / Nil
Ronald P. Bourgeois Nil Nil 153,000 / Nil Nil / Nil
</TABLE>
(1) Based on the difference between the option exercise price and the
closing market price of the Company's shares, on the date of exercise.
(2) In-the-Money options are those where the market value of the underlying
securities at the fiscal year end exceeds the exercise price of the
options. The closing market price of the Company's shares as at
December 31, 1997 (ie. fiscal year end) was $1.50.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS - AWARDS IN MOST RECENTLY COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR
The Company does not have a Long-Term Incentive Plan in place and therefore
there were no awards made under any long-term plan to the Named Executive
Officers during the Company's most recently completed fiscal year. A "Long-Term
Incentive Plan" is a plan under which awards are based on performance over a
period longer than one fiscal year, other than a plan for options, SARs (stock
option appreciation rights) or restricted share compensation.
DEFINED BENEFIT OR ACTUARIAL PLAN DISCLOSURE
The Company has no defined benefit or actuarial plan, under which benefits are
determined by final compensation of years of services for the Company's officers
and key employees.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors who are Named Executive Officers are compensated as disclosed above in
their capacities as executive officers; they receive no compensation for acting
as directors.
Directors who are not executive officers of the Company are entitled a fee of
$500 for each meeting of the Board of Directors attended. Payment is made in the
form of 138 shares at a deemed price of $3.63 per share. Additionally,
non-executive officers and Directors were granted incentive stock options to
purchase an aggregate of 50,000 common shares.
During the Company's most recently completed fiscal year, the following
incentive stock options were granted to the Company's Directors, other than the
Named Executive Officers:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Date of Grant No of Options Granted Exercise Price Expiration Date
- ---- ------------- --------------------- -------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Emile D Stehelin June 2, 1997 25,000 $3.50 June 2, 1999
Martin G. Abbott June 2, 1997 25,000 $3.50 June 2, 1999
</TABLE>
-5-
<PAGE> 13
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE IN CONTROL
ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has no employment contracts with the Named Executive Officers,
however, it has entered into consulting agreements which include termination
provisions. Refer to "Management Contracts" for further particulars.
REPORT ON REPRICING OF OPTIONS/SARS
The Company has not, since October 31, 1993 and during the most recently
completed financial year, repriced downward any options or SARs held by the
Named Executive Officers.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Robert L. Hodgkinson, Emile D. Stehelin and Martin G. Abbott were members of the
Compensation Committee in 1997. Mr. Hodgkinson is the Chair of the Committee. He
has served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer since 1989.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing the Company's
compensation policies and practices and making recommendations to the Board with
respect to compensation matters. It has no formal compensation policy. However,
executive officers are compensated in a manner consistent with their respective
contributions to the overall benefit of the Company.
Executive compensation is based on a combination of factors, including a
comparative review of information provided to the Compensation Committee by
compensation consultants, recruitment agencies, and auditors, as well as
historical precedent.
The Company's executive compensation is based upon the recognition that the
Company is a young, growing company which is best served by executives who are
prepared to accept lower levels of cash compensation in return for the
potentially greater rewards which may become available if the Company proves
successful. Therefore, the compensation programs are strongly oriented towards
long-term incentives which are designed to provide the Company's executives with
substantial rewards based upon the Company's long-term success. This approach
has the further benefit of aligning the interests of the Company's executives
with those of its shareholders.
With these principles in mind, the Compensation Committee has set forth the
following guidelines:
1. Provide a total compensation package that will attract talented
individuals to the Company and provide them with motivation to excel in
their performance with a view to building long-term shareholder value;
2. limit cash compensation to amounts which are reasonable but moderate in
view of the Company's current stage of growth; and
3. provide substantial long-term incentive benefits which will reward
long-term commitment to the Company.
The Company currently pays each of its Named Executive Officers annual
consulting fees pursuant to consulting agreements. Refer to "Management
Contracts" for further particulars. Fees are fixed by the
-6-
<PAGE> 14
Board of Directors after consultation with the Compensation Committee. Fee
levels are reviewed at least annually and more often when circumstances warrant.
Stock options are granted to executive officers and other key employees whose
contributions are considered important to the long-term success of the Company.
Stock options have historically been granted by the Board of Directors on a
case-by-case basis based upon the Board's evaluation of an individual's past and
potential future contributions to the Company. Stock options are used to attract
new management personnel to the Company. In granting stock options, the Board of
Directors take into consideration the fact that compensation paid to its
executive officers and key employees may tend to be below industry averages. No
stock options were granted to executive officers in 1997.
The Compensation Committee is prepared to consider a compensation component
which is performance related. There was no compensation based on performance
paid during the most recently completed fiscal year.
The foregoing report of the Compensation Committee and the Stock Price
Performance Graph below shall not be deemed to be "soliciting material" or to be
"filed" with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or subject to
Regulations 14A or 14C of the SEC or the liabilities of Section 18 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act") and shall not be
deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of
1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, notwithstanding any general
incorporation by reference of this Proxy Statement into other documents.
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Robert L Hodgkinson
Emile D. Stehelin
Martin G. Abbott
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following chart compares the total cumulative shareholder return for $100
invested in common shares of the Company (based on change in year end stock
price and assuming reinvestment of all dividends) beginning on December 31, 1992
with the cumulative total return of The Toronto Stock Exchange Total Return
Index Value ("TRIV") and Standard & Poors, Oil Exploration and Development Index
Indices for the five most recently completed fiscal years of the Company:
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' RETURN
-7-
<PAGE> 15
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPP $ 3.25 $ 4.85 $ 5.50 $ 3.90 $ 3.30 $ 1.50
TSE TRIV (1) 6201.72 8220.23 8205.73 9397.97 12061.95 13,868.54
Standard & Poors Oil &
Exploration and Production 92.40 88.57 69.77 81.07 73.01 70.76
</TABLE>
(1) The Company's common shares were listed and trading on The Toronto
Stock Exchange in December 1993, and were delisted from the Vancouver
Stock Exchange on March 17, 1994.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
During the most recently completed financial year, the following compensation
was paid to the Company's executive officers (including the Named Executive
Officers):
1. Pursuant to a consulting agreement dated February 1, 1996 (the
"Agreement"), $12,500 per month was paid to Hodgkinson Equities
Corporation ("Hodgkinson") for services provided to the Company which
are normally expected of an executive officer. The principal
shareholder of Hodgkinson is Robert Hodgkinson, the President, Chief
Executive Officer and a director of the Company, and a Named Executive
Officer. Compensation equal to two full years of consultant fees is
payable if a change of control of the Company results in termination of
the Agreement. Subsequent to the Company's fiscal year end, the
Agreement was amended pursuant to an amending agreement between the
Company and Hodgkinson made as of the 1st day of January, 1998,
pursuant to which the term of the Agreement was extended by a further
12 month period to December 31, 1998, and compensation equal to one
year of consulting fees is payable if a change of control of the
Company results in termination of the Agreement.
2. Pursuant to a consulting agreement dated February 1, 1996 (the
"Agreement"), $12,500 per month was paid to Leuschner International
Resources Ltd. ("Leuschner") for services provided to the Company which
are normally expected of an executive officer. The Chairman and
principal shareholder of Leuschner is William Leuschner, the Chairman
and a director of the Company, and a Named Executive Officer.
Compensation equal to two full years from consultant fees is payable if
a change of control of the Company results in termination of the
consulting agreement. Subsequent to the Company's fiscal year end, the
Agreement was amended by an amending agreement between the Company and
Leuschner made as of the 1st day of January, 1998 (the "Amendment"),
pursuant to which the term of the Agreement was extended by a further
12 month period to December 31, 1998, and compensation equal to one
year of consulting fees is payable if a change of control of the
Company results in termination of the Agreement. The Amendment also
provides for costs to wind up the Calgary office.
3. Pursuant to a consulting agreement effective January 1, 1996 (the
"Agreement"), a combination of $8,000 per month was paid and 500 common
shares per month were issued to Ronald P. Bourgeois ("Bourgeois"),
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and a director of the Company, and a
Named Executive Officer, for a combined monthly compensation of $9,815,
for services provided to the Company which are normally expected of an
executive officer. Compensation equal to two full years of consultant
fees is payable if a change of control of the Company results in
termination of the consulting agreement. Subsequent to the Company's
fiscal year end, the Agreement was amended by an amending agreement
between the Company and Bourgeois (the "Amendment"), pursuant to which
the term of the Agreement was extended by a further 12 month period to
December 31, 1998 and, commencing January 1, 1998, the fees payable to
Bourgeois
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<PAGE> 16
were increased to $10,000 per month and the issuance of common shares
per month ceased. The Amendment also provides for compensation equal to
one year of consulting fees to be payable if a change of control of the
Company results in termination of the Agreement.
INTEREST OF INSIDERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Except as disclosed herein, since the commencement of the last completed fiscal
year, no Director, senior officer or insider of the Company, nominee for
director, or any associate or affiliate of a director, senior officer, insider
or nominee, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction or
any proposed transaction which has materially affected or would materially
affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
During the last fiscal year, the Company purchased back 323,100 common shares
for cancellation pursuant to an issuer's bid. Under the bid, the Company could
purchase up to 550,000 common shares of the Company in the open market through
the facilities of the TSE. The bid commenced December 20, 1996 and remained open
until December 19, 1997. As at the record date, the Company has repurchased a
total of 350,000 shares for cancellation.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
Except as disclosed herein, no Person has any material interest, direct or
indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in matters
to be acted upon at the AGM. For the purpose of this paragraph, "Person" shall
include each person: (a) who has been a director, senior officer or insider of
the Company at any time since the commencement of the Company's last fiscal
year; (b) who is a proposed nominee for election as a director of the Company;
or (c) who is an associate or affiliate of a person included in subparagraphs
(a) or (b).
Charles Goodson, Alfred J. Thomas, II and Ralph Daigle, nominees for election as
Directors of the Company, are shareholders of Goodson Exploration Company
("Goodson"), NAB Financial, L.L.C ("NAB") and Dexco Energy, Inc. ("Dexco"),
respectively. Robert R. Brooksher, also a nominee for election as a Director,
holds an option to purchase up to a 5% ownership interest in American Explorer,
L.L.C. ("Amex"). Management is seeking shareholder approval to the Plan and
Agreement of Merger dated February 11, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement") whereby
Goodson, NAB and Dexco will merge (the "Merger") with the Company's Nevada
subsidiary, Optima Energy (U.S.) Corporation and to the issuance of Optima
Shares and Contingent Stock Issue Rights pursuant to the Merger Agreement. The
only assets of Goodson, NAB and Dexco are their respective ownership interests
in Amex and as a result of the Merger, Optima will own 100% of Amex. As well,
Management is seeking shareholder approval to the replacement of the current
stock option plans with a new plan and the cancellation of all outstanding
options under the current plans. Options currently being held by optionees
exercisable into an aggregate of 500,000 shares of Optima will be cancelled and
new options will be issued for 500,000 shares under the new plan. The optionees
holding such options include William C. Leuschner as to 100,000 shares, Robert
L. Hodgkinson as to 100,000 shares, Ronald P. Bourgeois as to 100,000 shares,
Emile Stehelin as to 75,000 shares and Martin Abbott as to 25,000 shares. These
persons are Directors and/or Officers of the Company. In addition, Management is
seeking approval of disinterested shareholders to the acquisition of a total of
a 5% working interest in the Valentine prospect. The vendors of the working
interest are companies wholly owned by Emile Stehelin, Robert Hodgkinson and
William Leuschner, Directors and/or Officers of the Company.
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<PAGE> 17
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The directors of the Company are elected annually and hold office until the next
annual general meeting of the shareholders or until their successors are
appointed. In the absence of instructions to the contrary, the enclosed proxy
will be voted for the seven nominees listed herein.
The nominees for the office of director and information concerning them as
furnished by the individual nominees are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, OCCUPATION (1), FIRST DATE(S) SERVED AS A DIRECTOR COMMON SHARES HELD (3)
AND PRESENT COMPANY POSITION(2) (INCLUDING OPTIONS)
------------------------------- ---------------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ROBERT L. HODGKINSON (49) (A)(B) Since April, 1989 1,150,000(4)
President, CEO and Director
WILLIAM C. LEUSCHNER (69) (A) Since May, 1989 685,225(5)
President, Leuschner International Resources Ltd.;
Natural Resource Consultant and Investor
Chairman of the Board and Director
CHARLES T. GOODSON (42) Proposed Nominee 30,000(6)
President of American Explorer, L.C.C. and American
Explorer, Inc.
ALFRED J. THOMAS, II (61) Proposed Nominee 30,000(6)
C.E.O. of American Explorer, L.C.C. and American
Explorer, Inc.
RALPH J. DAIGLE (50) Proposed Nominee 0
Senior Vice President of Exploration for American
Explorer, L.C.C. and American Explorer, Inc.
ROBERT R. BROOKSHER (47) Proposed Nominee 11,600
Chief Financial Officer of American Explorer, L.C.C.
and American Explorer, Inc.
DANIEL G. FOURNERAT (44) Proposed Nominee 0
Attorney-at-Law
</TABLE>
(A) Member of the Company's Executive Committee.
(B) Member of the Company's Compensation Committee.
(1) Unless otherwise stated above, each of the above-named nominees has
held the principal occupation or employment indicated for at least five
years.
(2) For the purposes of disclosing positions held in the Company, "Company"
includes the Company and any parent or subsidiary thereof.
(3) Numbers of common shares beneficially owned by nominees (directly or
indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised) are based
on information furnished to the Company by the nominees. Beneficial
ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission as described in note (1) to the
table under "Voting Securities and Principal Holders of Voting Shares".
(4) Includes shares held indirectly through Hodgkinson Equities
Corporation, a company wholly-owned by Robert L. Hodgkinson and 200,000
options.
(5) Includes shares held indirectly in the name of Leuschner International
Resources Ltd., a company wholly-owned by William C. Leuschner and
125,000 options.
(6) Includes shares held indirectly in the name of American Explorer Inc.,
a company owned by Charles T. Goodson and Alfred J. Thomas II, as to
50% each.
-10-
<PAGE> 18
ROBERT L. HODGKINSON: Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company since 1989. From 1982 to November 1990, he was Vice President with
L.O.M. Western Securities Ltd., a securities firm in Vancouver, British
Columbia. From April 1993, to September 1995, Mr. Hodgkinson was a director of
Roxbury Capital Corp. From February 1996, Mr. Hodgkinson has served as Director
of Equatorial Energy Inc., formerly Australian Oilfields Pty. Ltd.
WILLIAM C. LEUSCHNER: Director and Chairman of the Company since 1989. Mr.
Leuschner is a professional geologist with a Bachelor of Geology from Texas A&M
in 1950. In 1982, he founded Leuschner International Resources Ltd., a private
hydrocarbon consulting and independent oil and gas producing firm, of which he
is President. From 1982 to 1992, he was president of Arenosa Resource
Corporation, a private oil and gas company, subsequently sold to the Company.
Between 1984 and 1995, he was a Director of Skyline Natural Resources, a
publicly-traded company on the Alberta Stock Exchange.
CHARLES T. GOODSON: Mr. Goodson is currently President of American Explorer,
L.L.C. and American Explorer, Inc. and owns 35% and 50%, respectively, of the
entities. He has served in those capacities since the formation of the entities
in 1995 and 1985, respectively. From 1980 to 1985 he worked for Callon Petroleum
Company, first as a Landman, then District Land Manager and then Regional Land
Manager. He began his career in 1978 as a Landman for Mobil Oil Corporation.
ALFRED J. THOMAS, II: Mr. Thomas is currently Chief Executive Officer of
American Explorer, L.L.C. and American Explorer, Inc. and owns 35% and 50%,
respectively, of the entities. He has served in those capacities since the
formation of the entities in 1995 and 1985, respectively. Form 1976 through 1984
he was a partner in Petitfils, Thomas and Associates, an oil and gas engineering
consulting firm. He worked for The Superior Oil Company as a petroleum engineer
from 1959 until 1976.
RALPH J. DAIGLE: Mr. Daigle is currently Senior Vice President of Exploration
for American Explorer, L.L.C. and American Explorer, Inc. and has served in
those capacities since 1995 and 1989, respectively, of the entities. He owns 30%
of American Explorer, L.L.C. From 1984 to 1989, he worked as an independent
geophysical consultant. From 1979 to 1984, he was employed by X-Plor, an
exploration and production consulting group. He worked for Texas Pacific Oil
Company as a Geophysical Interpreter of Seismic Data from 1977 until 1979 and
served in the same capacity with Union Oil Company from 1973 to 1977. He began
his career as a Field Observer, Party Manager, and Party Chief for Seismic
Delta, Inc.
ROBERT R. BROOKSHER: Mr. Brooksher is currently the Chief Financial Officer for
American Explorer, L.L.C. and American Explorer, Inc. and has served in those
capacities since the beginning of 1997. From 1994 to 1997, he served as a
financial consultant to energy related companies. From 1988 to 1994 he was Vice
President of Acquisitions and Chief Financial Officer of Espero Energy
Corporation. He was an Investment Manager with Graham Resources, Inc. from 1987
to 1988 and Chief Financial Officer of Crescent Exploration Company from 1985 to
1987. From 1983 to 1985, he was a financial consultant for an individual with
interests in oil and gas and real estate. He began his career with Arthur
Andersen & Co. in 1973 and worked in its audit division until 1983.
DANIEL G. FOURNERAT: Mr. Fournerat is an attorney-at-law practicing since 1977
with the Lafayette, Louisiana law firm of Onebane, Bernard, Torian, Diaz,
McNamara & Abell (A Professional Law Corporation) with an oil and gas
transactional practice. He has served as outside counsel to American Explorer,
Inc. since 1987.
Management does not contemplate that any of the above nominees will be unable to
serve as a director; however, in the event the Merger Transaction (see "Merger
Transaction") and the continuation into Delaware (see "Continuation into the
State Delaware") is not approved by the shareholders, it is the
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<PAGE> 19
understanding among the Company and Charles T. Goodson, Alfred J. Thomas, II,
Ralph J. Daigle, Robert R. Brooksher, and Daniel G. Fournerat (the "Amex
Nominees") that the Amex Nominees will decline to act as directors of the
Company and the Company will withdraw its nomination of such persons and
nominate the following person or persons as Directors ("Alternate Nominees"):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, OCCUPATION (1), FIRST AND PRESENT COMPANY DATE(S) SERVED AS A DIRECTOR COMMON SHARES HELD(3)
POSITION(2)
<S> <C> <C>
RONALD P. BOURGEOIS(45) (C) Since August, 1993 59,151
Prior to August, 1993: Principal of Lakewood Capital
Group, Inc., April 1989-June 1993
Secretary, CFO and Director
EMILE STEHELIN (53) (A)(B)(C) Since April, 1989 497,342
President, E.V.E.M. Limited
Director
</TABLE>
(A) Member of the Company's Executive Committee.
(B) Member of the Company's Compensation Committee.
(C) Member of the Company's Audit Committee.
(1) Unless otherwise stated above, each of the above-named nominees has
held the principal occupation or employment indicated for at least five
years.
(2) For the purposes of disclosing positions held in the Company, "Company"
includes the Company and any parent or subsidiary thereof.
(3) Numbers of common shares beneficially owned by nominees (directly or
indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised) are based
on information furnished to the Company by the nominees.
RONALD P. BOURGEOIS: Director and Chief Financial Officer since June 1993 and
Secretary since August, 1993. Mr. Bourgeois is a chartered accountant with a
Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from the University of Manitoba in 1973 and achieved
his chartered accountant designation in 1976 after articling with Coopers &
Lybrand. Prior to his employment with the Company, Mr. Bourgeois served as the
President of the General Partner of each limited partnership managed by Lakewood
Capital Group Inc. from June 1989 to June 1993. Lakewood Capital Group Inc. was
an oil and gas investment management company. From September 1994 to September
1995, Mr. Bourgeois was a direct and officer of Roxbury Capital Corp.
EMILE D. STEHELIN: Director of the Company since 1989. Since 1972, Mr. Stehelin
has been President and Director of E.V.E.M. Limited, a private holding company
with interests in real estate, property management, construction and mining.
The Company has no other executive officers other than those listed above.
For information on the committees appointed by the Board of Directors, see
"Corporate Governance".
During the 1997 fiscal year, the Board of Directors held four Board meetings.
Each director attended all meetings held by the Board of Directors and the
committees thereof on which each such director served.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE U.S. SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's directors, its
executive officers and any persons holding more than ten percent (10%) of the
Company's common shares to file reports of
-12-
<PAGE> 20
ownership and changes in ownership of the Company's common shares with the SEC
and the National Association of Securities Dealers. Such persons are also
required by the SEC rules to furnish the Company with copies of all forms filed
pursuant to section 16(a). Specific due dates for these reports have been
established and based on the reports filed during the most recent fiscal year,
the Company is required to report in this Proxy Statement any failure to file by
these dates during the most recent fiscal year or prior fiscal years. In making
these statements, the Company has relied on the written representations of its
directors and officers and its ten percent (10%) shareholders and copies of the
reports that they have filed with the SEC. To the best of the Company's
knowledge, all of the filing requirements were satisfied by the Company's
directors, executive officers and ten percent (10%) shareholders.
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR OFFICERS
During the last completed fiscal year, no director, executive officer or senior
officer or nominee for Director of the Company has been indebted to the Company
or any of its subsidiaries, nor has any of these individuals been indebted to
another entity which indebtedness is the subject of a guarantee, support in
agreement, letter of credit or other similar arrangement or understanding
provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF AUDITOR
Shareholders will be asked to approve the appointment of KPMG, Chartered
Accountants as the independent auditor of the Company to hold office until the
next annual general meeting of the shareholders at a remuneration to be fixed by
the board of directors. KPMG was first appointed on December 23, 1991. Upon the
completion of the Merger Transaction, the Company intends to appoint Arthur
Andersen LLP, Amex's auditor, as the independent auditor of the Company until
the next annual general meeting.
A representative of KPMG is expected to attend the AGM to make any statements he
or she may desire and to respond to shareholders' questions.
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION
The Company's consolidated financial statements for the three year period ended
December 31, 1997 included in the Company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Amendment No. 1) (the "Report on Form 10-K") and the discussion of the
Company's financial condition contained in Item 7 of the Report on Form 10-K,
"Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" are incorporated herein by reference. A copy of these items are
being distributed to shareholders with these proxy materials.
STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES
MANDATE OF THE BOARD
Generally speaking, the Company's Board supervises the management of the
business and affairs of the Company. More specifically, the Board has a mandate
to provide guidance to the Company's management in the following areas:
- long term strategic planning
- risk analysis and monitoring of risk management systems
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<PAGE> 21
- overseeing the appointment and training of senior management
and monitoring their performance, including succession
planning
- establishing and monitoring the Company's communications
policy as implemented by the Company's investor relations
personnel and ensuring that they address the feedback and
concerns of shareholders in particular
- ensuring the integrity of the Company's systems for internal
controls and management information
- developing the Company's approach to governance issues
- reviewing management's performance on a regular basis, being
at least four times annually
- reviewing the Company's business plan on a regular basis,
being at least four times annually
- reviewing and approving the quarterly and annual financial
statements
- calling shareholders' meetings
- reviewing and approving all major public disclosure documents
- appointing members to the various committees
- develop the description for the Board and the CEO, including
the corporate objectives to be met by the CEO
The Board is aware of the expectations of The Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSE")
regarding corporate governance and it conducts itself, to the best of its
ability, in a manner consistent with those expectations.
COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD
The Company's Board presently consists of five Directors. Two members of the
Board are outside Directors who are not members of Management. All of these
outside Directors, representing a minority of the Board, can be considered
"unrelated" directors in that they do not have any interest or business or other
relationship which could or could reasonably be perceived to materially
interfere with their ability to act with a view to the best interests of the
Company. The Company does not have a significant shareholder who is able to
elect a majority of the Company's Board.
The Company does not have the recommended majority of its Board comprised of
unrelated directors. The Board believes that the extra cost of additional
unrelated directors is not presently warranted by the Company's size, although
this matter will be kept under review in light of future developments.
COMMITTEES
The Board presently has three committees to which it has assigned specific
responsibilities.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee consists of three Directors, two of whom are outside
Directors and all of whom are unrelated directors. It carries out the following
responsibilities:
* reviewing the Company's audited financial statements
* meeting with the Company's management and auditors for that
purpose
* oversight responsibility for management reporting on internal
control
During the 1997 fiscal year, the Audit Committee held one meeting.
-14-
<PAGE> 22
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee presently consists of three Directors, two of whom
are outside Directors and all of whom are unrelated Directors. It carries out
the following responsibilities:
* considering and approving compensation of management and of
the Board and ensuring that it is commensurate with the level
of responsibility and risk involved
* assessing effectiveness of the Board, the committees and the
contribution of individual directors
* proposing new nominees for the Board and assessing directors
on an ongoing basis
* providing orientation and education for newly appointed
directors
* defining responsibilities for the Board and management
Disclosure regarding the Compensation Committee and the Report on Executive
Compensation is also made under "Executive Compensation".
During the 1997 fiscal year, the Compensation Committee held two meetings.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee presently consists of three Directors, one of which is
an outside Director and all of whom are unrelated Directors. It carries out the
following responsibilities:
* approval of business decisions involving the expenditures of
not greater than $1,000,000; expenditures in excess of this
amount require full Board approval
* examine the size of the Board with a view to determining the
impact of the number upon effectiveness, undertake where
appropriate, a program to reduce the number of directors to a
number which facilitates more effective decision making.
During the 1997 fiscal year, the Executive Committee held two meetings.
Members of each of the foregoing committees are identified under "Election of
Directors".
SPECIAL BUSINESS
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
The regulatory requirements affecting the matters proposed for approval at the
AGM require different kinds of shareholder approval, being approval by "ordinary
resolution" or by "special resolution" or "disinterested shareholders'
approval". The following is an explanation of what these terms mean and how they
apply to the voting which will occur at the AGM.
ORDINARY RESOLUTION
An ordinary resolution is one approved by a simple majority of the votes
actually cast, assuming a quorum is present. All shareholders are entitled to
vote. All items which are not Special Business matters will be passed by
ordinary resolution.
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<PAGE> 23
SPECIAL RESOLUTION
A special resolution is one approved by not less than two-thirds of the votes
actually cast, assuming a quorum is present. All shareholders are entitled to
vote. The Continuance Resolution and the resolution to change the Company's name
must be passed by special resolution.
DISINTERESTED SHAREHOLDERS' APPROVAL
Disinterested shareholders' approval will be sought for the issuance of shares
and contingent rights to the Target Corporations (as defined below) pursuant to
the Merger Transaction, the new stock option plan, and the acquisition of a 5%
working interest in the Valentine prospect. "Disinterested shareholders'
approval" for the issuance of shares and contingent rights to the Target
Corporations pursuant to the Merger Transaction means approval by a majority of
the votes cast at a shareholders' meeting other than votes attaching to
securities beneficially owned by any shareholder that directly or indirectly, on
its own or in concert with others, has an interest in both a Target Corporation
and the Company and by any of such individuals, associates, affiliates and
insiders of anyone referred to herein. "Disinterested shareholders' approval"
for the acquisition of a 5% working interest in the Valentine prospect means
approval by a majority of the votes cast at a shareholders' meeting other than
votes attaching to securities beneficially owned by any shareholder that
directly or indirectly, on its own or in concert with others, has an interest in
the Valentine prospect and by any of such individuals, associates, affiliates
and insiders of anyone referred to herein. "Disinterested shareholders'
approval" for the new stock option plan means approval by a majority of the
votes cast at a shareholders' meeting other than votes attaching to securities
beneficially owned by any insiders to whom shares may be issued pursuant to the
new stock option plan and their associates.
"Associate", where used to indicate a relationship with any person or company,
means (a) any company of which such person or company beneficially owns,
directly or indirectly, voting securities carrying more than 10 per cent of the
voting rights attached to all voting securities of the company for the time
being outstanding, (b) any partner of that person or company, (c) any trust or
estate in which such person or company has a substantial beneficial interest or
as to which such person or company serves as trustee or in a similar capacity,
(d) any relative of that person who resides in the same home as that person, (e)
any person of the opposite sex who resides in the same home as that person and
to whom that person is married or with whom that person is living in a conjugal
relationship outside marriage, or (f) any relative of a person mentioned in
clause (e) who has the same home as that person.
"Insider" means (a) every director or senior officer of an issuer, (b) every
director or senior officer of a company that is itself an insider or subsidiary
of an issuer, (c) any person or company who beneficially owns, directly or
indirectly, voting securities of an issuer or who exercises control or direction
over voting securities of a reporting issuer or a combination of both carrying
more than 10 per cent of the voting rights attached to all voting securities of
the issuer for the time being outstanding other than voting securities held by
the person or company as underwriter in the course of a distribution, and (d) an
issuer where it has purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any of its
securities, for so long as it holds any of its securities.
"Individual" means a natural person, but does not include a partnership,
unincorporated association, unincorporated syndicate, unincorporated
organization, trust, or a natural person in his or her capacity as trustee,
executor, administrator or other legal personal representative.
A company shall be deemed to be an affiliate of another company if one of them
is the subsidiary of the other or if both are subsidiaries of the same company
or if each of them is controlled by the same person or company.
-16-
<PAGE> 24
SHAREHOLDERS ARE CAUTIONED THAT THE MATTERS IN THE "SPECIAL BUSINESS" SECTION OF
THIS INFORMATION CIRCULAR ARE PRESENTED AS A PACKAGE, AND THAT IF ANY OF THE
TRANSACTIONS ARE NOT APPROVED, THEN IT IS UNLIKELY THAT ANY OF THE OTHER
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED IN THESE SECTIONS WILL PROCEED. ACCORDINGLY,
SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE MATTERS PROPOSED FOR THEIR
CONSIDERATION.
THE MERGER TRANSACTION
DESCRIPTION OF THE MERGER TRANSACTION
Optima and its Nevada subsidiary, Optima Energy (U.S.) Corporation ("Optima US")
have entered into a transaction whereby Optima US will acquire the entities that
own all of the shares of American Explorer, L.L.C. ("Amex") in exchange for the
issuance of Optima shares and rights to receive additional Optima shares (the
"Merger Transaction"). As part of this Merger Transaction, Optima US will
reincorporate as a Louisiana corporation and merge with the Target Corporations,
Optima will continue as a Delaware corporation and Amex will remain a wholly
owned Louisiana subsidiary of Optima US.
PURPOSE OF THE MERGER TRANSACTION
The purpose of the Merger Transaction is to combine the management and assets of
Optima and Amex. Optima and Amex have property interests in common (see
Valentine Prospect and Turtle Bayou prospects under "Information Concerning the
Company - Principal Producing Properties" and "Information concerning Amex and
the Target Corporation - Principal Producing Properties"). American Explorer,
Inc., a company owned by Charles T. Goodson and Alfred J. Thomas, II, is
operator of both prospects. As such, Optima Management has had the opportunity
to work with these individuals over a period of seven years and feel that they
will bring valuable industry experience to Optima's Board and Management.
THE PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER
Pursuant to a plan and agreement of merger (the "Merger Agreement") dated as of
February 11, 1998, Optima and Optima US agreed that Optima US will acquire all
of the issued and outstanding shares and membership interests of three Louisiana
corporations (the "Target Corporations"), which in turn, hold all of the issued
and outstanding membership interests of Amex. As consideration for this
acquisition, Optima has agreed to issue the Target Corporations an aggregate of
7,335,001 Optima common shares (the "Shares") and rights ("Contingent Stock
Issue Rights") to receive, subject to certain conditions, an additional
1,667,001 Optima common shares ("Rights Shares"). As at the record date, the
Company has 11,002,346 shares issued and outstanding. After the issuances of the
Shares, the Company will have 18,337,347 shares outstanding, with the Shares
representing 40% of the then outstanding stock. Upon the issuance of all the
Rights Shares, the Company will have 20,004,348 shares outstanding and the
Shares and Rights Shares will represent 45% of the then outstanding shares.
The Contingent Stock Issue Rights provide for the issue of Rights Shares if at
anytime on or before three years from the date of issue of the Contingent Stock
Issue Rights, the Fair Market Value of Optima's common shares is at or above
US$5.00 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days. The Fair Market
Value of an Optima share means, on any trading day, the closing sale price for
an Optima share on such day on the NASDAQ National Market System, or if no such
sales occur, the average of the closing bid and ask prices on The Toronto Stock
Exchange, or if no such sales occur, the closing bid and ask prices as quoted on
NASDAQ, or if not quoted on NASDAQ, the average of the closing bid and ask
prices as quoted on any recognized stock exchange on which the Optima shares are
listed.
-17-
<PAGE> 25
The following table sets out particulars of the Target Corporations, their
principals, and their portion of the Optima consideration.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TARGET CORPORATION PRINCIPALS SHARES RIGHTS SHARES
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Goodson Exploration Company Charles T. Goodson 2,567,250 583,450
NAB Financial, L.L.C. Alfred J. Thomas, II 2,567,251 583,450
Dexco Energy, Inc. Ralph J. Daigle 2,200,500 500,100
--------- -------
Total 7,335,001 1,667,001
========= =========
</TABLE>
Robert R. Brooksher, a proposed nominee for director, holds an option to acquire
up to a 5% ownership interest in Amex, which option, if not exercised prior to
the closing of the Merger Transaction, shall continue in up to 5% of the
aggregate Optima's common shares and contingent stock issue rights issued to the
stockholders and members of the Target Corporations as a result of the Merger
Transaction.
Each of the Target Corporations has granted a security interest in all of its
membership interests in Amex to Compass Bank to secure Amex's obligations under
its bank facility, which security interest is to be released on or prior to the
closing of the Merger Transaction.
RECOMMENDATION OF OPTIMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE OPTIMA BOARD BELIEVES THAT THE MERGER TRANSACTION IS FAIR AND IN THE BEST
INTERESTS OF OPTIMA AND THE OPTIMA SHAREHOLDERS, HAS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO
APPROVE THE MERGER TRANSACTION AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE OPTIMA SHAREHOLDERS
APPROVE THE MERGER TRANSACTION.
In reaching its conclusion, the Optima Board reviewed presentations from and
discussed the terms and conditions of the transaction with Optima senior
management, representatives of its legal counsel and its auditors.
The Optima Board considered a number of factors, including:
- - Fairness Opinion. R P & C International, Inc. ("RP&C") rendered an
opinion to the Optima Board to the effect that the Merger Transactions
is fair from a financial point of view to the Optima shareholders. See
"Fairness Opinion" below for particulars of matters considered by RP&C
in the course of its review. A copy of the written opinion to the
Optima Board dated as of March 7, 1998 is attached as Appendix B to
this Proxy Statement.
- - Evaluations of Interested Parties. Beginning in September, 1997,
Optima initiated discussions and negotiations with several industry
participants to initiate a transaction to enhance shareholder value.
During this process, certain of these participants evaluated Optima and
the Merger Transaction compared favourably to all other proposals.
- - Common Interests. The Merger Transaction will combine the working
interests of Optima and Amex in Optima's key Louisiana prospects. The
strategic and operational fit between the two companies is also
excellent.
-18-
<PAGE> 26
- - Complementary Reserves. Optima's reserves are primarily oil and are
short-lived while Amex's are primarily gas and long-lived.
- - Complementary Objectives. Optima is primarily a participant in
prospects generated by others, while American Explorer, Inc. is a
prospect generator. Upon completion of the Merger, Amex will become the
prospect generating entity and American Explorer, Inc. will become
inactive.
- - Amex Management. Amex's senior management, led by Charles Goodson, has
a proven track record in the U.S. oil and gas industry. Given Optima's
U.S. asset base, U.S. based management is a logical progression for
Optima.
FAIRNESS OPINION
RP&C International, Inc. has rendered to the Optima Board its opinion to the
effect that, as of the date of such opinion, based on RP&C's review and subject
to the considerations and limitations set forth insuch opinion, the
consideration to be paid pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in the Plan and Agreement of Merger, dated February 11, 1998 by and among
Optima Petroleum Corporation, Optima Energy (U.S.) Corporation and Goodson
Exploration Company, NAB Financial, L.L.C., Dexco Energy, Inc. and American
Explorer, L.L.C. was fair from a financial point of view to the holders of
Optima common stock. A copy of the full text of the written opinion of RP&C,
which sets forth the assumptions made, the procedures followed, matters
considered and limits of its review, is attached in Appendix B to this Proxy
Statement and should be read carefully in its entirety. The opinion of RP&C is
addressed to the Board of Optima and addresses only the fairness of the Merger
Transaction from a financial point of view of the Merger consideration to the
holders of Optima common stock and does not constitute a recommendation to any
holder as to how such holder should vote on this matter.
INTEREST OF INSIDERS IN THE MERGER
American Explorer, Inc., a corporation owned by Charles T. Goodson and Alfred J.
Thomas, II, owns 30,000 Optima common shares which were issued to it in 1995 in
consideration for facilitating Optima's acquisition of additional working
interests in the prospects operated by American Explorer, Inc. Mr. Robert
Brooksher owns 11,600 shares of Optima and holds an option to purchase up to a
5% ownership interest in Amex and Messrs. Goodson and Thomas are principals of
two of the Target Corporations. American Explorer, Inc. is not a party to the
Merger Transaction.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Optima has agreed to put forward five
appointees of Amex as nominees for the Optima Board to be elected at the meeting
of Optima shareholders.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Optima has agreed to enter into an agreement
to purchase a 5% working interest in the Valentine Prospect from certain Optima
insiders. As required by The Toronto Stock Exchange, Optima is seeking approval
of a majority of disinterested Optima shareholders to this acquisition. See
"Acquisition of 5% working interest in the Valentine Prospect".
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Optima will be entering into certain
severance, release and consulting agreements with the three executive officers
of Optima and employment agreements with four executive officers of Amex, which
provide for a payment in the event that an officer's employment is terminated by
Optima at any time other than for just cause.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Optima has agreed to grant incentive stock
options to certain directors, officers and employees of Optima and Amex,
pursuant to a new Stock Option Plan to be approved by Optima shareholders.
-19-
<PAGE> 27
OPTIMA LOAN TO AMEX
On February 25, 1998, Optima US entered into a loan agreement with Amex that
provides for loan advances to Amex not to exceed US$2,500,000 in the aggregate,
to be advanced in amounts not to exceed US$500,000, and to be used by Amex
solely to finance its participation in an offshore exploration program. A total
of US$ [US$600,000 to date] has been advanced to Amex to date. The loan
agreement provides for the granting of security to Optima over Amex's Louisiana
and Texas properties, subordinate only to a first charge on these properties
held by Compass Bank. All advances under the loan agreement are repayable in
full on March 1, 1999 and bear interest at a rate of ten percent per annum.
Accrued interest is payable on the first business day of the next month, with
the first interest payment due on June 1, 1998. In the event of termination of
the Merger Agreement, the advances shall thereafter bear interest at a rate of
16% per annum.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The Merger Transaction will be accounted for as a purchase of Amex by Optima for
Canadian GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) purposes. For
presentation of certain anticipated effects on the accounting treatment on the
combined financial position and results of operation of Optima after giving
effect to the purchase of Amex by Optima, see the audited pro forma financials
statements attached as Appendix D to this Proxy Statement.
CONDUCT OF MEETING AND SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
The meeting is being held on June 11, 1998 at the office of Campney & Murphy,
2100 - 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.
The TSE requires, as a condition of its acceptance of the issuance of the
consideration by Optima pursuant to the Merger Transaction, "disinterested
shareholder approval", meaning a majority of the votes cast at the shareholders'
meeting other than votes attaching to the securities beneficially owned by
Robert Brooksher, Charles T. Goodson, Alfred J. Thomas, II and by their
associates and affiliates. As at the record date, Robert Brooksher, Charles T.
Goodson, Alfred J. Thomas, II and their associates and affiliates beneficially
own 41,600 common shares of the Company. The text of this resolution is set out
under "The Merger Transaction - Shareholder Approval." MANAGEMENT WILL BE ASKING
FOR DISINTERESTED SHAREHOLDERS' APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF THE CONSIDERATION BY
OPTIMA PURSUANT TO THE MERGER TRANSACTION ONLY IF THE CONTINUATION RESOLUTION IS
APPROVED (SEE "CONTINUATION INTO THE STATE OF DELAWARE").
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Optima has agreed to continue from the
jurisdiction of the Canada Business Corporations Act to Delaware and the
Delaware General Corporation Law. This continuation must be approved by a
special resolution, which requires the vote of not less than 66 2/3% of the
votes cast by those Optima shareholders who, being entitled to do so, vote in
person or by proxy at the meeting. The text of this resolution is set out under
"Continuation Into the State of Delaware - The Continuation Resolution".
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Optima has also agreed to enter into an
agreement to acquire a 5% working interest in the Valentine Prospect for certain
insiders of Optima. This agreement must be approved by a majority of
disinterested shareholders. The text of this resolution is set out under
"Acquisition of 5% Working Interest in the Valentine Prospect - Shareholder
Approval".
-20-
<PAGE> 28
CONDITIONS
The Merger Agreement provides that the obligations of all parties to complete
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will be subject to the
satisfaction of the following conditions:
1. the receipt of all regulatory approvals, waivers, consents and orders
legally required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated
under the Merger Agreement.
2. the approval of the Merger Transaction by certain insiders of Optima
and Amex as specified in the Merger Agreement.
3. the closing of the Merger Transaction will not violate any injunction,
order or decree of any court or governmental body having competent
jurisdiction.
4. the completion of the continuation of Optima to the State of Delaware
without incurring an tax liability under Canadian law and with not more
than 1% of Optima shareholders exercising their dissent rights and
requiring repurchase of their Optima shares, and the completion of the
reincorporation of Optima US from Nevada to Louisiana.
5. the execution of severance, release and consulting agreements with
Robert L. Hodgkinson, William C. Leuschner and Ronald P. Bourgeois, the
present executive officers of Optima.
6. the execution of employment agreements with Charles T. Goodson, Alfred
J. Thomas, II, Ralph J. Daigle and Robert R. Brooksher.
7. the satisfactory completion of due diligence by the parties prior to
the date of filing the Proxy Statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
The Merger Agreement also provides for other conditions for the benefit of
specified parties, which can by waived by them prior to closing.
In addition to termination for failure to meet certain specified obligations,
the Merger Agreement provides for termination if the Merger Transaction has not
closed by June 15, 1998, which date will be automatically for up to 60 days
extended if the delay relates to, among other things, Optima obtaining
shareholder approval to the Merger Transaction. The Merger Agreement further
provides that the parties' respective representations, warranties, covenants and
indemnities contained in the Merger Agreement will not survive the closing of
the Merger Transaction.
POST MERGER
On completion of the Merger Transaction, Optima will be the parent Delaware
corporation of Optima US, which will be surviving corporation of the merger with
the Target Corporations. Amex will remain as a wholly owned Louisiana subsidiary
of Optima US. Each of Optima and Optima US will relocate its principal executive
offices to Lafayette, Louisiana with an exploration office in Houston, Texas.
Management of further operations will be taken over by Amex management. William
Leuschner will remain the chair of the Board.
-21-
<PAGE> 29
SECURITIES CONSIDERATIONS
CANADIAN SECURITIES LAWS
The Optima shares, the Contingent Stock Issue Rights and the Rights Shares to be
issued to the owners of the Target Corporations will be exempt from registration
and prospectus requirements under applicable Canadian securities laws and will
be subject to applicable resale restrictions as well as any "control block"
restrictions which may arise under the applicable securities laws.
US SECURITIES LAWS
The Optima Shares, the Contingent Stock Issue Rights and the Rights Shares to be
issued to the owners of the Target Corporation will be exempt from registration
under U.S. securities laws and will be restricted securities under SEC Rule 144
which requires a one year hold period. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, piggy
back registration rights have been granted in respect of these securities.
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
As described above, disinterested shareholders (with Robert Brooksher, Charles
T. Goodson, Alfred J. Thomas, II and their associates and affiliates abstaining)
will be asked to approve the resolutions below (collectively, the "Merger
Resolution").
"IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED THAT (with Robert Brooksher, Charles T. Goodson, Alfred
J. Thomas, II and their associates and affiliates abstaining):
1. the Company approve, ratify and adopt the plan and agreement of merger
dated February 11, 1998 ("Merger Agreement") among Goodson Exploration
Company, NAB Financial, L.L.C. and Dexco Energy, Inc. (the "Target
Corporations") and the Company and Optima Energy (U.S.) Corporation,
including the issuance of an aggregate of 7,335,001 common shares and
of rights exercisable into an additional 1,666,001 common shares of the
Company to the shareholders and members of the Target Corporations;
2. the Board of Directors, by resolution, be authorized to make such
amendments to the Merger Agreement from time to time, as may be in its
discretion be considered appropriate, provided always that such
amendments be subject to the approval of all applicable regulatory
authorities; and
3. any one or more director or senior officer of the Company be and he is
authorized and directed to perform all such acts, deeds and things and
execute under the seal of the Company if applicable, all such documents
and other writings as may be required to consummate the transaction
contemplated by the Merger Agreement to give effect to the true intent
of this resolution."
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY
CORPORATE OVERVIEW
Optima, along with its wholly owned Nevada subsidiary, Optima US, is engaged in
the business of oil and gas exploration and development in Canada and the United
States. Optima owns one other subsidiary which is currently inactive.
-22-
<PAGE> 30
Optima's corporate finance office is located at 600 - 595 Howe Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 2T5. Optima's registered office and
chief operational office is located at 1200 Bow Valley Square One, 202 - 6th
Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 2R9. The registered office of Optima
US is located at Suite 650 - 50 West Liberty Street, Reno, Nevada, 89501.
Optima's records office is located at 2100-1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada V7X 1K9.
Optima is extra-provincially registered in the Provinces of Alberta, British
Columbia and the State of Louisiana and Optima US is qualified to do business in
the States of Nevada, Louisiana, Texas, Washington and Oklahoma. Optima's common
shares are listed on The TSE and quoted on NASDAQ NMS under the symbols "OPP"
and "OPPCF" respectively. Optima is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British
Columbia and Ontario and is a registrant with the SEC and files Form 10-Ks.
Optima was incorporated under the name "Lathwell Resources Ltd.", by
registration of Memorandum and Articles pursuant to the laws of British Columbia
on April 11, 1983. On February 5, 1988, it consolidated its share capital on a 1
for 5 basis and changed its name to "Optima Energy Corporation". On July 9,
1992, Optima changed its name to "Optima Petroleum Corporation" concurrently
with a 1 for 2.5 consolidation of its share capital. On June 14, 1994, Optima
continued under the CBCA and effected an arrangement with Roxbury Capital Corp.
on September 8, 1995.
Since its incorporation, Optima has operated as a natural resource company and
has been involved in the exploration and when warranted, development of and
production from natural resource properties in Canada, Central America and the
United States.
Effective December 1, 1992, Optima US acquired from William C. Leuschner, a
director of Optima, a 100% interest in the common shares of Arenosa Resource
Corporation ("Arenosa"), a company engaged in oil and gas exploration and
production in consideration for US $1,500,000. Arenosa was acquired at fair
value as determined by a December 1, 1992 reserve evaluation prepared by
independent engineers. Arenosa was subsequently wound up after transferring all
of its assets to Optima US.
Optima participates as a working interest holder in numerous oil and gas
prospects which are operated by third parties. By funding its proportionate
share of drilling costs of a successfully completed well, Optima earns an
interest in the well and in the related acreage, based on the terms of the
applicable participation agreement.
PRINCIPAL PRODUCING PROPERTIES
The following is a brief description of the principal producing properties of
Optima:
NATURAL GAS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997(1) AVERAGE
NAME OF PROPERTY DAILY PRODUCTION(2) % OF TOTAL
- ---------------- ------------------- ----------
(mcfd)
<S> <C> <C>
Turtle Bayou, Louisiana 1,033 37.1
S.W. Holmwood, Louisiana(3) 566 20.3
Valentine, Louisiana 499 17.9
East Haynesville, Louisiana(3) 180 6.5
Other 509 18.2
------ ------
</TABLE>
-23-
<PAGE> 31
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL 3,787 100.0
===== =====
</TABLE>
CRUDE OIL AND NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997(1) AVERAGE
NAME OF PROPERTY DAILY PRODUCTION(2) % OF TOTAL
- ---------------- ------------------- ----------
(bopd)
<S> <C> <C>
Back Ridge, Louisiana 181 46.2
Valentine, Louisiana(3) 45 11.5
Lake Boeuf, Louisiana(3) 52 13.3
Other 114 29.0
--- -------
TOTAL 392 100.0
=== =====
</TABLE>
NOTES:
(1) For 12 months ended December 31, 1997.
(2) Production rates are net to Optima, before royalties to third parties.
(3) Part of the Meridian Resource Joint Venture in Southern Louisiana.
TURTLE BAYOU/KENT BAYOU PROPERTY, LOUISIANA
Gross daily field production for the month of February, 1998 averaged 7,764 MCF
of natural gas and 188 barrels of condensate per day. The Company's working
interest varies between 13.475% and 24.25% with a weighted average of barrels on
proven reserves of 13.9%. The field operator is American Explorer, Inc.
Currently, there are 5 producing wells in these fields. During December, 1997
and January, 1998 a recompletion program was undertaken on 4 wells. This program
resulted in production from previously non-producing formations in the well
bore.
A 3-D regional seismic survey is currently being shot which incorporates the
Turtle Bayou field. The operator, American Explorer, Inc. has negotiated access
to the data set which should be available later in 1998. Any further exploration
will be contingent on the interpretation of this data set identifying new deep
drilling targets
A number of voluntary production units were established with the Department of
Conservation State of Louisiana in February, 1997 and accordingly, Optima's
current leased acreage position is 2,251 gross acres.
Amex also holds a weighted average working interest of 8.5% in this prospect
(see "Information Concerning Amex and Target Corporation - Principal Producing
Properties"). After giving effect to the Merger Transaction, Optima's combined
interests will vary between 32.1% and 11.9% with a weighted average working
interest of 24%.
VALENTINE PROSPECT, LOUISIANA
The Company owns a 35% working interest (at an average 82.5% net revenue
interest) in 24 wells, of which 4 are producing at an average daily rate of 698
MCF and 149 barrels of oil. As at December 31,
-24-
<PAGE> 32
1997, Optima's gross acreage position on the prospect was 29,317 gross acres,
including 18,742 acres held under option.
As a condition to an acquisition of additional working and net revenue interests
in 1997, Optima US, along with the other working interest holders (including
Amex) was required to fund from production its pro rata share of a US$1.4
million escrow account. The proceeds from this account will be utilized for
wellsite restoration. This escrow account was fully funded as at January 31,
1997.
In 1997, a major oil and gas company entered into an agreement with Optima US
and the other working interest holders to fund a US$10 million seismic program
to identify deeper drilling targets on the Valentine salt dome. For further
particulars of this program, which requires Optima and Amex to assign 50% of
their respective working interests in the 100 square mile program over to such
oil and gas company, see "Information concerning Amex and the Target Corporation
- - Principal Producing Properties - Valentine Field, Lafourche Parish, LA".
Management is seeking disinterested shareholders' approval for the acquisition
of a further 5% working interest in the Valentine prospect, which if completed,
will increase Optima US's interests to a 40% working interest.
See "Acquisition of 5% Working Interest in the Valentine Prospect".
Amex also holds a working interest of 47.5% in this prospect (See "Information
Concerning Amex Principal Producing Properties"). After giving effect to the
Merger Transaction and the 5% acquisition discussed above, Optima US's combined
interests will result in an 87.5% working interest in the existing producing
properties.
TEXAS MERIDIAN JOINT VENTURE, LOUISIANA
Pursuant to the master participation agreement with Meridian Resource
Corporation ("TMR") dated October 1, 1993, Optima US has evaluated ten prospect
areas of which five have been drilled, four rejected pursuant to the geological
and geophysical review and one prospect at Stella is to be drilled during 1998.
Seven features have been evaluated by drilling resulting in five gas wells, four
oil wells and five dry holes.
OTHER PROPERTIES
Optima US acquired a 25% working interest in the Chrysler prospect in Lea
County, New Mexico. The target is the Devonian formation and is supported by
interpreted 3-D seismic. The first well, Savage #34-1 was spudded in December,
1996, drilled to 13,000 feet and abandoned on February 17, 1997. A second well
is scheduled to be drilled in 1998. During 1996 two more wells were drilled to
the Smackover "C" sands at East Haynesville. Both wells the Garrett #1 and
Delaney #1 are producing in the Smackover "C". Further development will occur in
this field once the Commissioner of Conservation, State of Louisiana assigns 320
acre production units in both the Smackover Lime and "C" formations. A hearing
is scheduled in mid-April, 1998. The Company holds a 28% working interest at
East Haynesville.
After the sale of substantially all of its Canadian properties in June, 1997,
Optima retains a 77% working interest in a shut-in well located at 05-10-58-23
W5M in Wildhay, Alberta. This well is the subject of litigation between Optima,
Dunhaven Energy Inc. (a co-participant), Artisan Corporation (the drilling
contractor) and TuboscopeVetco Canada Inc. (the drillpipe supplier). For further
information, see "Information concerning the Company - Legal Proceedings".
-25-
<PAGE> 33
LAND HOLDINGS
The following table summarizes Optima's petroleum and natural gas land holdings
in acres as at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Developed Lands(2) Undeveloped Lands(1) Total
Gross(3) Net(4) Gross(3) Net(4) Gross(3) Net(4)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Louisiana 5,929 829 52,592(5) 7,292 58,521 8,121
New Mexico - - 2,664 661 2,664 661
----- --- ----- --- ----- ---
Total 5,929 829 55,256 7,953 61,185 8,782
===== === ====== ===== ====== =====
</TABLE>
NOTES:
(1) "Developed Lands" refers to lands which have proved producing or proved
non-producing reserves.
(2) "Undeveloped Lands" refers to lands which have proved undeveloped or
probable reserves or lands which Optima considers prospective.
(3) "Gross Acres" refers to the total number of acres in which an interest
is held.
(4) "Net Acres" equal gross acres multiplied by the percentage working
interest held therein.
(5) Includes 18,742 acres held under option.
A report dated March 12, 1998 prepared by LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd.
values the U.S. lands (other than the Stella Prospect, Louisiana) at
US$3,855,311. The Stella Prospect has been valued at cost (US$231,859) for a
total value of US$4,087,170 or $5,846,000.
RESERVES
Substantially all of Optima's oil and gas reserves are located in Louisiana.
LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd. ("LaRoche") and Ryder Scott Company ("RS"),
both independent reservoir engineers, have evaluated Optima's reserves (the
"LaRoche Report" and the "RS Report") effective December 31, 1997. The crude oil
and natural gas reserves and revenues estimates upon which this evaluation is
based were determined in accordance with generally accepted evaluation
practices.
The following table summarizes LaRoche's and RS's evaluations. ALL EVALUATIONS
OF FUTURE NET PRODUCTION REVENUE SET FORTH IN THE TABLES ARE STATED PRIOR TO
PROVISIONS FOR INCOME TAXES AND INDIRECT COSTS. IT SHOULD NOT BE ASSUMED THAT
THE DISCOUNTED FUTURE NET REVENUES SHOWN BELOW ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FAIR
MARKET VALUE OF OPTIMA'S RESERVES. Other assumptions and qualifications relating
to costs, prices for future production and other matters are included in the
LaRoche Report and the RS Report. The LaRoche Report evaluates those prospects
operated by American Explorer, Inc. and the RS Report evaluates those prospects
operated by TMR.
-26-
<PAGE> 34
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNESCALATED PRICES AND COSTS, WORKING INTEREST SHARE(4)
LAROCHE REPORT AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
($ ,000)
DISCOUNTED AT A RATE OF
CRUDE NATURAL
OIL GAS LIQUIDS
(bls) (mmcf) (mstb) UNDISCOUNTED 10%
----- ------ ------ ------------ ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Proved Reserves(1):
Producing(2): 110,141 759,807 -- 2,286 1,728
Non-producing(2): 18,192 512,262 -- 989 627
Undeveloped(2): 765 383,377 -- 455 350
- -------------------- ---------- --------- -- ------- -------
Total proven: 129,098 1,654,446 -- 3,730 2,705
Probable reserves(3): -- -- -- -- --
- --------------------- ------------ --------- -- --------- --------
Total proven and probably reserves: 129,098 1,654,446 -- 3,730 2,705
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNESCALATED PRICES AND COSTS, WORKING INTEREST SHARE(4)
RS REPORT AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
($ ,000)
DISCOUNTED AT A RATE OF
CRUDE NATURAL
OIL GAS LIQUIDS
(bls) (mmcf) (mstb) UNDISCOUNTED 10%
----- ------ ------ ------------ ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Proved Reserves(1):
Producing(2): 161,907 337 2,543 2,987 2,345
Non-producing(2): 138,170 141 3,454 2,252 1,359
Undeveloped(2): 225,398 333 -- 3,586 2,357
- -------------------- ------- --- --------- ----- -----
Total proven: 525,475 811 5,997 8,825 6,061
Probable reserves(3): 216,711 360 4,901 3,817 2,340
- --------------------- ------- ------ ----- ----- -----
Total proven and probably reserves: 742,186 1,171 10,898 12,696 8,401
</TABLE>
(1) "Proved Reserves" are defined as those quantities of crude oil, natural
gas and natural gas by-products, which, upon analysis of drilling,
geological, geophysical and engineering data, are estimated to be
recoverable under current technology and existing economic conditions
from that portion of a reservoir which can be reasonably evaluated as
economically productive, including reserves obtainable by enhanced
recovery procedures demonstrated to be economic and technically
successful in the subject reservoir. There is relatively little
engineering and geological risk associated with these reserves.
(2) "Proved Producing Reserves" are those proved reserves that are actually
on production or if not producing, that could be recovered from
existing wells or facilities or where the reasons for the current
non-producing status is the choice of the owner rather than the lack of
markets or some other reason. "Proved Undeveloped Reserves" are
reserves that have been drilled and casing run through the zone. A
workover may be required to place these reserves on producing status.
"Proved Non-Producing Reserves" are proved reserves that are currently
not producing either due to lack of facilities and/or markets.
(3) "Probable Additional Reserves" are those reserves which analysis of
drilling, geological, geophysical and engineering data does not
demonstrate to be proved under current technology and existing economic
conditions, but where such analysis suggest the likelihood of their
existence and future recovery. Probable Additional Reserves to be
obtained by the application of enhanced recovery processes will be in
the increased recovery over and above that estimated in the proved
category. THERE IS SOME DEGREE OF GEOLOGICAL AND ENGINEERING RISK
ASSOCIATED WITH PROBABLE RESERVES. ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE TO THE FUTURE
NET PRODUCTION REVENUE FROM PROBABLE RESERVES TO ACCOUNT FOR THE
GEOLOGICAL AND ENGINEERING RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THESE RESERVES. The
risk associated with the probability of obtaining production from
probable reserves has been assessed at 50%.
(4) Constant pricing in US dollars on a property by property basis,
adjusted for quality, transportation and heating value where necessary,
have been used in the LaRoche and RS Reports. Base produce prices used
for Louisiana (varying by field) were $2.43/mcf for gas and $17.28/BBL
for oil in the LaRoche Report and $2.27 - $2.43/mcf gas and $17.53 -
$17.78/BBL oil with the RS Report.
(5) Abandonment and reclamation costs and salvage credits have not been
considered in the valuation of reserves.
-27-
<PAGE> 35
(6) Current operating costs were held constant throughout the life of the
properties. No deduction was made for indirect costs which were not
charged directly to the leases and wells.
PRODUCTION HISTORY
The following table sets forth Optima's average production of crude oil and
natural gas liquids and natural gas prior to the deduction of royalties,
together with average prices received, for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE MONTH
ENDED
JAN. 31 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Crude oil and natural gas liquids 10,155 141,210 153,699 71,122 36,337 30,134
(bbls)
Average price per bbl (US$) N/A $27.75 $ 29.86 $24.50 $19.92 $21.11
Natural gas (mcf) 32,473 1,003,147 3,309,438 2,364,489 1,311,852 977,233
Average price per mcf (US$) N/A $3.72 $ 3.58 $2.39 $2.74 $2.86
</TABLE>
OIL AND GAS WELLS
The following table summarizes Optima's working interest in oil and natural gas
wells as at January 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Oil Wells Natural Gas Wells
Producing Shut-In Producing Shut-In
Gross(1) Net(2) Gross(1) Net(2) Gross(1) Net(2) Gross(1) Net(2)
----- --- ----- --- ----- --- ----- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Louisiana(3) 8 .86 - - 23 4.52 - -
Total: 8 .86 - - 23 4.52 - -
= === = = == ==== = =
</TABLE>
Notes:
(1) "Gross Wells" are defined as the total number of wells in which Optima
has a working interest.
(2) "Net Wells" are defined as the aggregate of the numbers obtained by
multiplying each gross well by Optima's percentage working interest
therein.
DRILLING ACTIVITY
The following table sets forth the number of gross and net exploratory and
development wells in which Optima participated and which were completed, capped
or abandoned during the periods indicated:
-28-
<PAGE> 36
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OIL AND GAS DRILLING ACTIVITIES
Gross(1) Net(2)
Productive Dry(3) Total Productive Dry(3) Total
---------- ------ ----- ---------- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Exploratory Wells 1997(4) 4 2 6 .72 .33 1.05
1996 5 6 11 .60 1.28 1.88
1995 5 4 9 2.14 .33 2.47
1994 2 8 10 .16 1.91 2.07
1993 2 3 5 .45 .40 .85
2
Development Wells 1997(4) 2 0 2 .33 0 .33
1996 2 0 2 .23 0 .23
1995 6 0 2 .37 0 .37
1994 2 0 6 1.78 0 1.78
1993 0 2 .32 0 .32
</TABLE>
NOTES:
1. "Gross Wells" refers to all wells in which Optima participated.
2. "New Wells" refers to the aggregate of the percentage working interest
of Optima in Gross Wells.
3. "Dry Wells" refers to a well which is not a productive well or a
service well. A productive well is a well which is capable of producing
oil or gas in commercial quantities considered by the operator to be
sufficient to justify the costs required to complete, equip and produce
the well. A service well refers to a well such as a water or gas
injection or water-disposal well. Such wells do not have marketable
reserves of crude oil or natural gas attributed to them but are
essential to the production of the crude oil and natural gas reserves.
4. Sold in Canadian operations effective January 1, 1998.
ACQUISITION, EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURES
The expenditures by Optima on property acquisition, exploration and development
activities are set forth in the following table for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
One Month
Ended Year Ended December 31
($ ,000)
Jan 31, 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------ ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Petroleum and Natural Gas Interests $0 $5,358 $7,956 $8,559 $11,180 $6,933
Total $0 $5,358 $7,956 $8,559 $11,180 $6,933
== ====== ====== ====== ========= ========
</TABLE>
VARIATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS
The following is a summary of the variations in Optima's operating results for
the periods indicated.
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 TO TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
The Company reported a loss for the year of $4,835,220 being $0.43 per share as
compared to earnings of $228,573 in 1996 of $0.02 per share. The decline of
$5,063,793 is due to a combination of production volume decline, a $2,252,000
ceiling test writedown of U.S. resources properties and a $1,023,998 provision
for revenue dispute. The 70% reduction in natural gas volume from 3,309,000 mcf
in 1996 to
-29-
<PAGE> 37
1,003,147 mcf is primarily due to the sale of Canadian petroleum and natural gas
assets effective January 1, 1997. Canadian operations represented between 55% to
60% total entity production over the previous 12 to 18 months. Although oil
production was also impacted by the Canadian asset sale, new production at Back
Ridge, Louisiana resulted in only an 8% decline in production volume. Oil prices
declined slightly by 6% whereas natural gas prices were 48% higher than 1996.
Earnings before interest, depletion, depreciation, amortization and income taxes
("EBITDA") decreased to $2,358,229 or $0.21 per share as compared to $6,662,544
in 1996 or $0.61 per share. The weighted average number of shares used in the
calculation of earnings for the year and for EBITDA was 11,159,633 shares
whereas the 1996 calculations are based on 10,945,927 shares. The number of
issued and outstanding shares was 11,318,894 as at January 1, 1997 but due to
share repurchase program was reduced to 11,002,346 shares at December 31, 1997.
Operating Expense. Oil and natural gas operating expenses decreased from
$1,649,650 in 1996 to $1,018,211 in 1997. On a boe basis, operating expenses
increased to $3.29 as compared to $2.34 in 1996. The increase is due to
workovers at Valentine and declining gas productivity at Lake Boeuf.
Interest and Other Income. Interest revenue of $250,916 in 1997 as compared to
$26,095 a year earlier reflects the significant improvement in the Company's
cash position resulting from the sale of Canadian assets.
Interest Expense. Proceeds from the sale of Canadian assets were utilized to pay
off the Canadian bank loan. Additionally the Company reduced its U.S. bank loan
to US$100,000. As a result the interest and bank charges fell to $188,468 in
1997 as compared to $685,942 a year earlier.
Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization. Depletion and depreciation decreased
to $4,269,785 in 1997 from $5,661,205 in 1996 or 25%. On a boe basis in 1997,
the expense was $13.62 per boe versus $8.03 per boe in 1996 (this comparison is
based on an energy equivalent of 6mcf per boe). The calculation of depletion and
depreciation is based on the Evaluation Reports as at December 31, 1997 prepared
by the independent engineering consultants. These reports assume unescalated
pricing and do not recognize the results of subsequent drilling and completion
activity after December 31, 1997.
The amortization expense of $68,494 did not change from 1996 as deferred charges
are being amortized over 60 months.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense of
$1,691,779 in 1997 is an increase of $28,368 over 1996, a change of 2%. On a boe
basis, general and administrative expenses were $5.40 per boe, up 129% from
$2.36 per boe in 1996 to reflect the decline in the 1997 production, as
discussed above.
Investment Carrying Value. Pursuant to both Canadian and United States full cost
method of accounting the Company is required to meet certain ceiling tests in
respect of the carrying value of petroleum and natural gas interests on the
balance sheet as at December 31, 1997. A ceiling test writedown of $2,520,000 of
petroleum natural gas interest was reflected in the Consolidated Statement of
Operations and Deficit.
Balance Sheet. The Company's total assets as at December 31, 1997 were
$28,143,343 as compared to $41,214,668 a year earlier. The decline of 32% over
the past year is due to the combination of the sale of Canadian assets and
paydown of Canadian and U.S. bank loans.
-30-
<PAGE> 38
Petroleum and natural gas interests were reduced to $17,695,968 (being
$34,691,297 less $16,995,329) from $34,764,350 a year earlier. Canadian
petroleum and natural gas interests are $1,211,921 as at December 31, 1997 as
compared to $16,848,304 last year whereas U.S. petroleum and natural gas
interests declined by $1,431,999 from $17,916,046 as at December 31, 1996 to
$16,484,047 at the end of the current year.
In respect of liabilities and shareholders' equity, long term debt declined to
$143,050 from $6,119,670 being 98%. Shareholders' equity at December 31, 1997
decreased to $25,738,200 from $31,472,428 at the end of 1996. The decline of
$5,734,226 being 18% is a result of the net loss of $4,835,220 along with the
repurchase of common shares.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
The Company realized earnings for the year of $228,573 being $0.02 per share as
compared to a loss in 1995 of $1,155,062 or $0.13 per share. This improvement of
$1,384,235 is a result of increased oil and gas production and improved
commodity prices. Gross natural volumes increased 40% from 2,364,489 mcf to
3,309,438 mcf. The increase in oil production was 116% from 71,122 barrels to
153,699 barrels. Combined with strong oil prices, this improvement resulted in
gross oil revenue increasing by 165% from $1,719,186 in 1995 to $4,549,235 in
1996. The combined oil and gas revenue for 1996 was $12,862,701 as compared to
$6,762,407 in 1995.
Earnings before interest, depletion, depreciation, amortization and income taxes
("EBITDA") increased to $6,662,544 or $0.61 per share as compared to $2,481,057
in 1995 or $0.27 per share. The weighted average number of shares used in the
calculation of earnings for the year and for EBITDA was 10,945,927 shares
whereas the 1995 calculations are based on 9,031,583 shares. The primary reason
for this difference is the 1,374,227 shares from the plan of arrangement with
Roxbury Capital Corp. ("Roxbury") which were issued in September, 1995 and
shares issued from treasury in 1996.
Operating Expense. Oil and natural gas operating expenses increased from
$926,159 in 1995 to $1,649,650 in 1996. On a boe basis, operating expenses fell
to $2.34 in 1996 from $3.03 in 1995, an improvement of 23%. Canadian operating
costs fell from $3.49 per boe in 1995 to $2.51 in 1996. Although operating
expenses in the U.S. varied slightly, $2.22 per boe in 1996 versus $2.34 per boe
in 1995, the 110% increase in Canadian gas production accounts for the
differential.
Interest and Other Income. Interest revenue of $26,096 in 1996 did not vary
significantly from $25,784 a year earlier. Short term Canadian interest rate
averaged between 3% and 4.5% over the year.
Interest Expense. Interest expense and bank charges were $685,942 in 1996, as
compared to $461,531 in 1995. The primary reason for this increase was that the
combined bank loan and debenture principal balance for 1996 averaged $7.5
million Canadian, whereas in 1995 the average principal balance was below $5.0
million.
Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization. Depletion and depreciation increased
to $5,661,205 in 1996 from $3,207,118 in 1995, an increase of 77% on a boe basis
in 1996 expense was $8.03 per boe versus $6.84 in 1995, (this comparison is
based on an energy equivalent of 6 mcf per boe). The calculation of depletion
and depreciation is based on the Evaluation Reports as at December 31, 1996,
prepared by the independent engineering consultants. These reports assume
unescalated pricing and do not recognize the results of subsequent dividing and
completion after December 31, 1996.
-31-
<PAGE> 39
The amortization expense of $68,494 is derived from the costs of the 1995
Roxbury plan of arrangement in 1996. These deferred charges are being amortized
on a straight line basis over 60 months from the date of acquisition.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense of
$1,663,411 in 1996 is an increase of $193,328 over 1995, a change of 13%. On a
boe basis, general and administrative expenses were $2.36 down 25% from $3.16
per boe in 1995.
Investment Carrying Value. Pursuant to both Canadian and United States full cost
method of accounting, the Company is required to meet certain ceiling tests in
respect of the carrying value of petroleum and natural gas interests on the
balance as at December 31, 1996. The Company met these ceiling tests, and
accordingly, no write-down of petroleum and natural gas interests was required.
Balance Sheet. The Company's total assets as at December 31, 1996 were
$41,214,688 as compared to $39,178,076 a year earlier. This increase of 5% over
the past year is due primarily to an improvement in working interest capital of
$541,651. Whereas the increase in petroleum and natural interests to $34,764,350
(being $50,376,801 of capital costs less $15,612,451 in accumulated
depreciation, depletion and write-offs) was only $1,264,670, a reduction in the
level of year end activity reduced the advances to operators by $881,352. The
note receivable at year end of $497,692 is in respect of the sale at Elm Grove
which closed in 1996. In respect of liabilities and shareholders' equity, long
term debt (including current portion) declined slightly to $6,850,017 from
$7,390,400 a year earlier. This change is a combination of higher bank debt and
the redemption of $829,000 of convertible debentures. Shareholders' equity at
December 31, 1996 increased to $31,472,428 from $28,477,535. This change is a
combination of $228,573 in income for the year end and the net issuance of Cdn
759,452 common shares for $2,766,320.
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 TO DECEMBER 31, 1994
The Company realized a substantial increase in production as compared to 1994
which contributed to the increase in gross revenue and earnings before interest,
depletion, depreciation of taxes. Gross natural gas volumes increased 80% from
1,311,852 mcf to 2,364,489 mcf where oil production almost doubled to 71,122
barrels from 36,337. Based on a barrel of oil equivalent basis ("boe") of 10 to
1 (1 barrel equals 10 mcf) which in the Company's opinion reflects the
comparative financial value of oil and gas, production increased from 167,455
boe in 1994 to 307,571 in 1995, an increase of 82%. Gross revenue increased by
63% from $4,137,141 in 1994 to $6,762,407 in 1995. Whereas 75% of the Company's
production is in the form of natural gas, the 17% decline in the average gas
price resulted in the rate of increase in revenue to lag behind in the increase
in production.
Earnings before interest, depletion, depreciation and taxes in 1995 increased to
$2,481,057 from $1,358,079 in 1994, an increase of 83%. Loss per share in 1995
fell to $0.13 per share being $1,155,062 from $0.56 in 1994, an improvement of
77%. The weighted average number of shares used in the calculation was 9,031,583
shares in 1995 as compared to 7,625,417 shares in 1994 and reflects the issuance
of 1,374,727 shares from the Roxbury plan of arrangement.
Operating Expenses. Oil and natural gas operating expenses increased to $926,159
in 1995 from $615,477 in 1994. On a boe basis operating expense fell by 14% to
$3.03 per boe in 1995 from $3.68 per boe in 1994. This improvement results from
the benefit of economics of scale at Wildhay River and Lake Boeuf, where the
Company was realizing higher production levels.
-32-
<PAGE> 40
Interest and Other Income. Interest revenue fell from $45,628 in 1994 to $25,784
reflecting lower short-term interest rates in Canada and a lower average cash
balance throughout 1995. Other income of $47,748 is a result of the conversion
of debentures received on the sale of debenture received on the sale of marginal
properties to SLN Ventures Corporation.
Interest Expense. Interest expense and bank charges increased to $461,351 in
1995 from $126,399 in 1994 as a direct result of an increase of $5,561,400 in
bank debt.
Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization. Depletion and depreciation increased
substantially from $1,719,897 in 1994 to $3,207,118 in 1995, an increase of 86%.
On a boe basis, the 1995 expense was $6.84 per boe versus $6.74 in 1994 (this
comparison is based on 6 mcf equal to 1 barrel which is the energy equivalent).
The calculation of depreciation and depletion is based on the Evaluation Reports
as at December 31, 1995 which assumes unescalated commodity pricing and does not
recognize the results of subsequent drilling and completion after December 31,
1995.
The amortization expense of $22,587 is derived from the costs of the plan of
arrangement with Roxbury Capital Corporation. These deferred charges are being
amortized on a straight line basis over 60 months from the date of acquisition.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense of
$1,470,083 in 1995 is an increase of $362,736 over 1994, a change of 33%. The
increase is due to a combination of consultants expense and office rent absorbed
in a plan of arrangement with Roxbury as well as on an increase in the level of
remuneration. General and administrative expense were $3.16 per boe in 1995 as
compared to $4.34 per boe in 1994.
Investment Carrying Value Adjustment. There was no write down of petroleum and
natural gas interests in 1995 as compared to $4,000,000 in 1994. The Company met
the ceiling tests under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Under
the United States full cost method of accounting for petroleum and natural gas
interests, the Company, using oil and gas prices at the balance sheet date,
would have been required to write down its Canadian petroleum and natural gas
interests by approximately $800,000.
Balance Sheet. Total assets as at December 31, 1995 were $39,178,076 as compared
to $24,794,082 a year earlier. The major source of the change is in petroleum
and natural gas interest of $33,499,680 (being $43,597,549 in capital costs less
$10,097,869 in accumulated depreciation, depletion and write-offs) which
increased $11,240,175 in 1995. During 1995 the Company participated in the
drilling of 11 gross wells (2.84 net wells). Additionally, the increase in
petroleum and natural gas interests reflects the acquisition of Roxbury and
additional interests in Turtle Bayou, Louisiana. In respect of the liabilities
and shareholders' equity, long term debt increased from $1,849,000 as at
December 31, 1994 to $7,390,400 as at December 31, 1995. Shareholders' equity as
at December 31, 1995 increased to $28,477,535 from $20,837,561. The major change
is due to the issuance of 2,137,340 shares for $8,795,036 in cash and assets
combined with the loss for the year of $1,155,062.
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 TO TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 1994 was $4,305,090 as compared to a
loss of $260,732 for the previous year. The major reason for this difference is
a ceiling test write down of petroleum and natural gas interests of $4,000,000.
-33-
<PAGE> 41
Loss per share for the year ended December 31, 1994 was $0.56 compared to a loss
of $0.05 for the 1993 fiscal year.
Optima reported petroleum and natural gas sales, after royalties and production
taxes, of $3,080,903 compared with $2,486,000 in 1993. Interest revenue was
$45,628 as compared to $107,975 for the previous year.
Depreciation and depletion expense was $1,719,897 for 1994 as compared to
$815,655 for the 1993 fiscal year. The increase in these non-cash expenses is
due to the combination of increased production and the 1995 capital expenditures
program which was focused on leasehold acquisition, seismic, geological and
geophysical expenditures; specifically significant land acquisition at Wildhay,
the Texas Meridian Joint Venture and the drilling of the Vermillion State Lease
#1-28 well.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1997 to Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1996
Working capital as at December 31, 1997 was $7,856,820 as compared to $1,185,511
a year earlier. Cash and cash equivalents increased to $5,660,354 at year end
from $2,055,062 at December 31, 1996. In addition, a further $715,250 was held
in trust to fund future abandonment and site restoration work in the Valentine
field.
The increase in working capital of $6,671,609 over the fiscal year 1997 is a
result of a is primarily due to the sale of Canadian operations. Cash flow from
operations was $2,528,992 in 1997 as compared to $5,958,272 in 1996, a decline
of $3,429,280. After utilizing $1,807,809 of cash flow to reduce accounts
payable, and a further $440,586 consumed in the sale of the Canadian petroleum
and natural interests, the Company had $577,024 to finance its capital
expenditures. A year earlier discretionary cash flow was $5,348,360, which
represents a reduction of $4,771,336.
Net capital receipts for 1997 were $9,508,049 as compared to cash requirements
of $6,045,068 in 1996. Proceeds from sale of petroleum and natural interests net
petroleum and natural gas expenditures was $16,750,000 in 1996 as compared to
$1,176,849 a year earlier.
In respect of financial activities, the Company redeemed common shares in the
amount of $899,006 and reduced its bank debt by $6,707,567.
The Company as of the date of this Proxy Statement is not in a position to
forecast 1998 capital requirements. The Merger Transaction, if consummated, will
allow for a more precise determination of capital requirements.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Optima operates a growing business in a competitive market. There are a number
of risks inherent to Optima's business. There is competition from other oil and
gas exploration and development companies with operations similar to those of
Optima. Many of the oil and gas companies with which Optima competes have
operations and financial strength many times that of Optima. Nevertheless, the
market for Optima's existing and/or possible future production of petroleum and
natural gas tends to be commodity oriented, rather than company oriented.
Accordingly, Optima expects to compete by keeping its production costs low
through judicious selection of which property to develop, the practice of joint
venturing its interests, and keeping overhead charges under control.
-34-
<PAGE> 42
The business of exploration for and production of oil and gas involves a
substantial risk of investment loss. Drilling oil and gas wells involves the
risk that the wells will be unproductive or that, although productive, the wells
do not produce oil or gas in economic quantities. Other hazards, such as unusual
or unexpected geological formations, pressures, fires, blowouts, loss of
circulation of drilling fluids or other conditions may substantially delay or
prevent completion of any well. Adverse weather conditions can also hinder
drilling operations. A productive well may become uneconomic if water or other
deleterious substances are encountered, which impair or prevent the production
of oil or gas from the well. In addition, production from any well may be
unmarketable if it is impregnated with water or other deleterious substances.
The marketability of crude oil and natural gas is affected by numerous factors
beyond the control of Optima. These factors include market fluctuations, the
world price of crude oil, the proximity and capacity of crude oil and natural
gas pipelines and processing equipment and government regulations, including
regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenures, allowable
production, the import and export of crude oil and natural gas and environmental
protection. The effect of these factors cannot be predicted.
As with any oil or gas property, there can be no assurance that oil or gas will
continue to be produced from Optima's properties. Although the operators of
Optima's properties maintain insurance in amounts customary in the industry for
liability and property damage on behalf of the working interest participants,
Optima may suffer losses from uninsurable hazards or from hazards which Optima
may choose not to insure against because of high premium costs or other reasons.
As is customary with working interests in U.S. oil and gas leases, the interests
acquired by Optima are generally assigned without warranty of title or title
insurance. In most cases, drill site opinions are obtained by operators prior to
drilling rather than formal title opinions. In addition, Optima's interests are
not actually transferred to it until the wells are drilled, or in certain
prospects, until the prospects are unitized.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
The authorized share capital of Optima consists of an unlimited number of shares
of common stock without par value of which 11,002,346 are outstanding as of
December 31, 1997.
The holders of common shares are entitled: (i) to receive notice of and to
attend and vote, with one vote for each common share held, at any meeting of the
shareholders of Optima other than meetings of holders of another class of
shares; (ii) subject to the rights attached to any other class of shares, to
receive any dividend declared by Optima on the common shares; and (iii) subject
to the rights attaching to any other class of shares, to receive the remaining
property of Optima upon dissolution.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the capitalization of Optima, as at December 31,
1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Outstanding as at
Amount Authorized December 31, 1997
(audited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Long-Term Debt $ 143,050 (3)
United States Bank Indebtedness
Share Capital
Common Shares(1)(2) unlimited $ 30,891,689
(11,002,346 shares)
</TABLE>
-35-
<PAGE> 43
NOTES:
(1) Number of common shares outstanding as at December 31, 1997.
(2) As at December 31, 1997, Optima has outstanding options to purchase an
aggregate of 1,163,000 common shares (see "Compensation of Directors
and Executive Officers - Executive Compensation" and "Option to
Purchase Securities").
(3) US$100,000.
PRICE RANGE AND TRADING VOLUME OF SHARES
The Optima shares commenced trading on the TSE on December 1, 1993 under the
symbol "OPP". The shares traded on the Vancouver Stock Exchange from May 2, 1988
to March 17, 1994, when it delisted from that exchange. The Optima shares traded
on the NASDAQ market since from October 26, 1992 and on the NASDAQ National
Market since March 30, 1994 under the symbol "OPPCF".
The following table lists trading volume and high and low trading prices for the
last twelve fiscal quarters.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STOCK TRADING DATA
COMMON SHARES (OPP)
VANCOUVER STOCK EXCHANGE NASDAQ TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE
Volume
Period High Low Volume High Low Volume High Low
Ending (Cdn.$) (Cdn.$) (US $) (US $) (Cdn.$) (Cdn.$)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997
4th Quarter n/a 3,501,452 $2.88 $1.00 1,278,905 $3.85 $1.50
3rd Quarter n/a 2,252,291 $2.38 $2.31 465,172 $3.25 $2.00
2nd Quarter n/a 1,713,721 $2.56 $2.00 488,271 $3.50 $2.75
1st Quarter n/a 1,826,990 $3.06 $2.13 427,752 $4.10 $2.95
1996
4th Quarter n/a 2,282,517 $3.13 $2.31 591,581 $4.50 $3.30
3rd Quarter n/a 2,000,092 $3.37 $2.96 350,498 $5.10 $3.80
2nd Quarter n/a 2,217,462 $3.63 $2.63 777,051 $4.90 $3.60
1st Quarter n/a 1,679,407 $3.13 $2.50 344,848 $4.25 $3.50
1995
4th Quarter n/a 2,112,338 $3.25 $2.13 286,456 $4.20 $3.40
3rd Quarter n/a 2,047,898 $3.25 $2.00 427,692 $4.35 $2.90
2nd Quarter n/a 945,104 $3.63 $2.25 98,763 $4.75 $3.25
1st Quarter n/a 1,057,423 $4.00 $2.13 261,102 $5.25 $2.95
1994
4th Quarter n/a 2,316,857 $4.75 $3.38 802,150 $6.38 $4.80
3rd Quarter n/a 1,444,251 $5.50 $3.88 251,291 $7.50 $5.50
2nd Quarter n/a 2,322,254 $5.00 $3.00 636,031 $6.88 $4.25
1st Quarter n/a 2,534,871 $5.25 $3.50 540,257 $7.00 $4.75
</TABLE>
The closing trading price of the Optima shares on December 31, 1997 was $1.50 on
The Toronto Stock Exchange and US $1.125 on the NASDAQ.
DIVIDEND RECORD AND POLICY
Optima has not declared any dividends on its common shares since its
incorporation in April 1983. The payment of any future dividends on the common
shares is at the discretion of the board of directors of Optima. It is Optima's
policy to re-invest earnings in expanding oil and gas production and reserves.
As a result, there are currently no plans to pay dividends.
-36-
<PAGE> 44
PRIOR SALES
During the 12 months from December 31, 1996 to December 31, 1997, Optima has
issued common shares as set forth below:
1. The Company issued 500 common shares a month for a total of 6,500
common shares, to an officer, or his nominee, of the Company under a
consulting agreement.
2. The Company issued 138 common shares each to two directors on December
10, 1996, April 7, 1997 and June 30, 1997 for a total of 828 common
shares for attendance at directors' meetings.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Except as disclosed below, there are no material legal proceedings to which
Optima or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of their properties
is subject and no other material legal proceedings are known to be contemplated.
S.W. Holmwood
The Company is a party to litigation in the United States District Court,
Western District of Louisiana (Amoco Production Company vs. Texas Meridian
Resource Exploration, Inc.) by virtue of its master participation agreement with
Meridian Resource Corporation (formally known as Texas Meridian Resource
Corporation).
The litigation enures from a joint exploration agreement between the plaintiff
and defendant whereby adjoining petroleum and natural gas leases were pooled on
a 50%/50% joint ownership basis. Two producing oil wells have been drilled and
placed on production. The plaintiff is claiming a breach of trust and demands
surrender of 100% of the wells ownership on a retroactive basis and has received
a favourable summary judgement. The operator pending the court's granting of
damages intends to appeal the judgement.
The Company holds a beneficial 4% working interest. Since the outcome of this
litigation is not determinable, the Company has recorded 100% of the cumulative
net operating income to date aggregating to $1,023,000 as Revenue in Dispute.
Wildhay
The Company is party to a statement of claim and counterclaim with a drilling
contractor in the Judicial District of Calgary, Court of Queen's Bench, Alberta.
The nature of this litigation is based on a contract wherein the drilling
contractor drilled a well on behalf of the Company and a joint venture partner.
The working interest participants are demanding $2,738,568 in throw away costs
and expenses plus $1,001,755 for loss of the original well as well as $5,932,000
of reservoir damage from the drilling contractor. The well in question is
reflected in property and equipment at $1.1 million and an additional $1.2
million is included as a receivable from the Company's joint venture partner.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The only material contracts entered into by Optima and Optima US within the past
two years, other than in the ordinary course of business, which are presently
outstanding are as follows:
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<PAGE> 45
(1) Plan and Agreement of Merger, as disclosed under "Terms of the Plan and
Agreement of Merger";
(2) Loan Agreement dated February 28, 1998 between Amex and Optima, as
disclosed under "Terms of the Plan and Agreement of Merger";
(3) Mortgage, Collateral Assignment, Security Agreement and Financing
Statement dated June 1, 1995, from Optima US to Comerica Bank-Texas,
recorded in Mortgage Book No. 695, Folio 712, Entry No. 784055,
Lafourche Parish, Louisiana;
(4) Mortgage, Collateral Assignment, Security Agreement and Financing
Statement dated June 1, 1995, from Optima US to Comerica Bank-Texas,
recorded in Mortgage Book No. 816, Folio 22, Entry No. 595902, Bossier
Parish, Louisiana;
(5) Mortgage, Collateral Assignment, Security Agreement and Financing
Statement dated June 1, 1995, from Optima US to Comerica Bank-Texas,
recorded in Mortgage Book No. 1019 under Entry No. 957354, Terrebonne
Parish, Louisiana;
(6) First Amendment to Mortgage, Collateral Assignment, Security Agreement
and Financing Statement dated June 16, 1995, from Optima US to Comerica
Bank-Texas, recorded in Mortgage Book No. 1021 under Entry No. 958410,
Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana; and
(7) Optima has made an agreement regarding the Taylor #1 well in Lea
County, New Mexico, whereby it has acquired a working interest of 25%.
The estimated dryhole cost share is $150,000 to $175,000 for this well.
INFORMATION CONCERNING AMEX AND THE TARGET COMPANIES
CORPORATE OVERVIEW
American Explorer, L.L.C. ("Amex") is a Louisiana limited liability company
incorporated under the Louisiana Business Corporations Act ("LBCA") on March 2,
1995 and owned by Goodson Exploration Company ("Goodson") as to 35%, NAB
Financial, L.L.C. ("NAB") as to 35% and Dexco Energy, Inc. ("Dexco") as to 30%.
Goodson and Dexco are both Louisiana companies. Goodson is wholly owned by
Charles T. Goodson and Dexco is wholly owned by Ralph J. Daigle. NAB is a
Louisiana limited liability company wholly owned by Alfred J. Thomas, II and his
family.
Amex's office and registered and records office are is located at 625 East
Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508 and its business telephone
number is 318-232-7028. Goodson's office and registered and records office are
located at 625 East Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508 and its
business telephone number is 318-232-7028. Dexco's office and registered and
records office are located at 106 Running Deer, Lafayette, Louisiana, 70555 and
its business telephone number is 318-232-7028. NAB's office and registered and
records office located at 136 Tech Dr., Lafayette, Louisiana, 70503 and its
business telephone number is 318-232-7028.
Amex is qualified to do business in the State of Mississippi.
Goodson and Dexco were formed under the LBCA on September 2, 1985 and January
22, 1985 respectively.
NAB was formed under the LBCA as a limited liability companies on October 26,
1994.
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<PAGE> 46
Immediately prior to the completion of the Merger Transaction, the only assets
of Goodson, Dexco and NAB will be their respective membership interests in Amex.
Amex is an oil and gas exploration and production company. Its main focus is
exploration in the Gulf Coast region of Southern United States and offshore Gulf
of Mexico. It participates in the production of five fields, consisting in the
aggregate of 51 wells. For the month ended December 31, 1997, daily production
averages 7.6 MMCFGPD and 180 BOPD.
Amex has 25 full time employees and consultants, which include landmen (4),
geologists and geophysicists (6), petroleum engineers (3), accountants (4) and
support personnel along with 15 field personnel which work in the field
operations.
Future exploration emphasis will be primarily focused in two areas: the Onshore
Gulf Coast region and the State and Federal waters off the Louisiana and Texas
Coast.
Amex's main focus in exploration across all of the above areas will be to
generate or acquire and complement with added data, prospects that have low risk
developmental potential along with medium to high risk exploration potential.
Onshore, Amex's most successful efforts to date have been in existing fields
primarily developed by the major oil companies in the 1940's, 50's and early
60's which have exhibited steep declines in their production rates and thus
allow for farmouts or property purchases. In some cases companies have actually
allowed leases to expire, thus providing Amex the opportunity to acquire new
leases. With the advent of much improved 2-D and 3-D seismic data Amex is able
to focus on deeper objectives that remain virtually untested. As has been proven
out in the offshore, onshore 3-D will meet with states of exploration and
development success, i.e., first pass 3-D surveys will most certainly not always
correctly image all or in many cases most of the subsurface opportunities. Amex
will therefore continue to monitor the many onshore leads and opportunities that
it has developed.
In the offshore, Amex plans to focus only on areas where 3-D data is available
for future lease sales and existing leases that are available for farmout or
sale. In addition, Amex's area of interest is in the shallow to mid-depth water
where facility costs are reasonable and pipeline accessibility is readily
available, thus resulting in short term investments prior to realizing cash
flow.
PRINCIPAL PRODUCING PROPERTIES
SOUTH LOUISIANA AND ZONE 1
Turtle Bayou Field, Terrebonne Parish, LA
Amex has participated in the drilling of 10 wells in Turtle Bayou Field.
Currently, there are 5 producing wells in the field that Amex holds a working
interest. Collectively the 5 producing wells averaged 7764 MCF of natural gas
and 188 barrels of condensate per day for the month of February 1998. Amex's
working interest varies between 18.6% and 4.9% with a weighted average working
interest of 8.5%.
A 3-D regional seismic survey is currently being shot which incorporates the
Turtle Bayou Field. Amex has negotiated access to the data set which should be
available later this year. Any further exploration will be contingent on the
interpretation of this data set identifying new deep drilling targets. As of
February 28, 1998, Amex, as operator, has assembled a total of 2,251 gross acres
through farmout and lease acquisition in Turtle Bayou Field. For further
information on this property, see "Information Concerning the Company--Principal
Producing Properties".
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<PAGE> 47
Bully Camp Field, Lafourche Parish, LA
Amex acquired a 100% working interest in this property in 1993. Amex, in late
1997, drilled two (2) new field wells (one productive and one dry hole) and
continued to upgrade its field facilities. These operations increased production
by 4 MMCFGPD.
Valentine Field, Lafourche Parish, LA
Amex, for the account of all working interest owners, negotiated a Joint 3-D
Seismic Program with a major oil and gas company ("Program Partner"). The
salient points of the contract are as follows:
1. Amex and partners will reserve all existing production and existing
well bores. Amex has a 47.5% working interest and Optima has a 40%
working interest.
2. Amex and partners will assign to Program Partner 50% of their leasehold
interest within a 100 square mile area, approximately 10,576 gross
acres. This results in a combined working interest of Optima and Amex
of 43.75%.
3. Program Partner, at its cost, will option jointly approved unleased
prospective acreage, totalling approximately 18,742 acres and permit
the remaining acreage necessary to acquire the 3-D survey. Acreage
currently under option and lease totals 29,318 gross acres.
4. Program Partner at its cost will design and acquire an approximate 100
square mile 3-D survey and deliver one complete data set to Amex in the
third quarter of 1998.
5. All further cost to reprocess, interpret, exercise lease options, lease
additional acreage and drill and develop the Valentine area will be on
an actual cost basis borne by all working interest owners.
Amex will be the operator of the exploration, development and operations of the
Valentine prospect. Program Partner is to act as operator of the 3-D survey
design and acquisition.
Additional South Louisiana and Zone 1
Amex currently has under lease, seismic options or is in the process of
assembling 5 prospects in this area covering 2,328 acres. South Louisiana and
Zone 1 will continue to be a core area of exploration and development where Amex
anticipates spending 25% to 40% of its annual budget.
CENTRAL AND WESTERN GULF OF MEXICO
Eugene Island 147, Jaguar Prospect
Amex acquired a 18.75% interest in this property in 1995. Amex drilled and
logged several productive zones on this prospect in early 1996. One quarter of
the block is currently under farmout to TDC which plans a 2-3 well development
program in the first half of 1998. Should TDC not drill the planned wells, the
acreage will revert back to Amex. Amex also maintains a higher risk development
project which it expects to test in the next 18-24 months.
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<PAGE> 48
Brazos Block 446, Texas Offshore State Waters, Pompano
Amex acquired a 44% interest in this property in late 1996. It anticipates
drilling 1-2 development/exploratory wells by the end of 1999. Current
production is approximately 4.5 MMCFGPD from three wells.
High Island 494, Snapper Prospect
Amex acquired a 29% interest this property in late 1996. It anticipates the
drilling of 1-2 exploratory wells during 1998. Current production is
approximately 1 MMCFGPD from one well.
Galveston Block 303, Barracuda Prospect
Amex acquired a 21.875% interest in this property in 1996. Amex along with its
partner, Burlington Resources (Operator), has completed the initial phase of
exploration and development of this field. Current production is approximately
26 MMCFGPD from four wells. In addition to drilling and completing 3 wells, one
well and a production platform were acquired.
Other Properties
Amex has in inventory five prospects in the Central and Western Gulf of Mexico,
inclusive of the above prospects. Amex plans to continue to expand its
activities in the Gulf of Mexico where it anticipates spending 60% - 75% of its
annual budget.
LAND HOLDINGS
The following table summarizes Amex's petroleum and natural gas land holdings in
acres as of December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEVELOPED LANDS(2) UNDEVELOPED LANDS(1) TOTAL
GROSS(3) NET(4) GROSS(3) NET(4) GROSS(3) NET(4)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ONSHORE
Louisiana (Leasehold) 3,473 562 12,576 4,787 16,049 5,349
Louisiana (Options) -- -- 18,314 4,350 18,314 4,350
------ ----- ------ ------ ------ ------
TOTAL ONSHORE 3,473 562 30,890 9,137 34,363 9,669
OFFSHORE
Louisiana -- -- 5,000 1,250 5,000 1,250
Louisiana (CGOM Sale -- -- 9,995 9,995 9,995 9,995
169/High Bid)(5)
------ ----- ------ ------ ------ ------
Total 14,995 11,245 14,995 11,245
Texas 12,960 3,600 11,520 2,88 24,480 6,480
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 49
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEVELOPED LANDS(2) UNDEVELOPED LANDS(1) TOTAL
GROSS(3) NET(4) GROSS(3) NET(4) GROSS(3) NET(4)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TOTAL OFFSHORE 12,960 3,600 26,515 14,125 39,475 17,725
</TABLE>
NOTES:
(1) "Developed Lands" refers to lands which have proved producing or proved
non-producing reserves.
(2) "Undeveloped Lands" refers to lands which have proved undeveloped or
probable reserves or land which Amex considers prospective.
(3) "Gross Acres" refers to the total number of acres in which an interest
is held.
(4) "Net Acres" equal gross acres multiplied by the percentage working
interest held therein.
(5) Acquired subsequent to December 31, 1997.
RESERVES
Substantially all of Amex's oil and gas reserves are located in Onshore
Louisiana and Offshore Texas. DOR Engineering Inc. ("DOR"), petroleum
consultants have evaluated Amex's reserves effective December 31, 1997. The
crude oil and natural gas reserves and revenue estimates upon which this
evaluation is based were determined in accordance with generally accepted
evaluation practices.
The following table summarizes DOR's evaluation. All evaluations of future net
production revenue set forth in the tables are stated prior to provisions for
income taxes and indirect costs. It should not be assumed that the discounted
future net revenues shown below are representative of the fair market value of
Amex's reserves. Other assumptions and qualifications relating to costs, prices
for future production and other matters are included in the DOR's report.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unescalated Prices and Costs, Working Interest Share(4)
as of December 31, 1997
Future Net (US$,000)
Crude Oil Natural Gas Income Discounted at
(bbls) (mcf) Undiscounted rate of 10%
(US$)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Proved Reserves(1)
Producing(2) 144,655 5,643,653 $8,603,516 $8,111,516
Non-producing(2) 127,875 2,431,707 $2,886,774 $1,835,590
Undeveloped(2) 0 795,682 $382,892 $264,551
Total Proved 272,530 8,871,042 $11,873,182 $10,211,657
Probable reserves(3) 11,290 9,242,352 $15,619,075 $11,618,526
Total proved and probable reserves 283,820 18,113,394 $27,492,257 $21,830,183
</TABLE>
(1) "Proved Reserves" are defined as those quantities of crude oil, natural
gas and natural gas by-products, which, upon analysis of drilling,
geological, geophysical and engineering data, are estimated to be
recoverable under current technology and existing economic conditions
from that portion of a reservoir which can be reasonably evaluated as
economically productive, including reserves obtainable by enhanced
recovery procedures demonstrated to be economic and technically
successful in the subject reservoir. There is relatively little
engineering and geological risk associated with these reserves.
(2) "Proved Producing Reserves" are those proved reserves that are actually
on production or if not producing, that could be recovered from
existing wells or facilities or where the reasons for the current
non-producing status is the choice of the owner rather than the lack of
markets or some other reason. "Proved Undeveloped Reserves" are
reserves that have been drilled and casing run through the zone. A
workover may be required to place these reserves on producing status.
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<PAGE> 50
"Proved Non-Producing Reserves" are proved reserves that are currently
not producing either due to lack of facilities and/or markets.
(3) "Probable Additional Reserves" are those reserves which analysis of
drilling, geological, geophysical and engineering data does not
demonstrate to be proved under current technology and existing economic
conditions, but where such analysis suggests the likelihood of their
existence and future recovery. Probable Additional Reserves to be
obtained by the application of enhanced recovery processes will be in
the increased recovery over and above that estimated in proved
category. THERE IS SOME DEGREE OF GEOLOGICAL AND ENGINEERING RISK
ASSOCIATED WITH PROBABLE RESERVES. ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE TO THE FUTURE
NET PRODUCTION REVENUE FROM PROBABLE RESERVES TO ACCOUNT FOR THE
GEOLOGICAL AND ENGINEERING RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THESE RESERVES. The
risk associated with the probability of obtaining production from
probable reserves has been assessed at 50%.
(4) Constant pricing in U.S. dollars for U.S. properties, on a property by
property basis, adjusted for quality, transportation and heating value
where necessary, have been used in the DOR report. Base product prices
used were US$2.24/MMBTU for gas, US$17.00 BBL for oil and condensate.
PRODUCTION HISTORY
The following table sets forth Amex's average production of crude oil and
natural gas liquids and natural gas prior to the deduction of royalties,
together with average prices received, for periods indicated.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS (US$)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Production (mcf) Average Sales (price/mcf)
<S> <C> <C>
Jan. 31,1998 253,463 US$2.07
1997 2,307,078 US$2.45
1996 1,314,034 US$2.41
1995 1,138,770 US$1.72
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OIL AND GAS LIQUIDS (US$)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Production (bbls) Average Sales (price/mcf)
<S> <C> <C>
Jan. 31, 1998 5,607 US$15.37
1997 51,340 US$19.58
1996 63,441 US$20.02
1995 71,876 US$16.66
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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<PAGE> 51
OIL AND GAS WELLS
The following table summarizes Amex's working interest in oil and gas wells as
of January 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OIL WELLS NATURAL GAS WELLS
Producing Shut-In Producing Shut-In
Gross(1) Net(2) Gross(1) Net(2) Gross(1) Net(2) Gross(1) Net(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Onshore/Inland and State
Waterbottoms:
Louisiana 32 18.85 0 0 9 7.6821 0 0
Texas 0 0 0 0 4 2.208 0 0
Subtotal 32 18.85 0 0 13 9.8901 0 0
Offshore Gulf of Mexico:
Louisiana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Texas 0 0 0 0 6 1.38 0 0
Subtotal 0 0 0 0 6 1.38 0 0
Total All Wells 32 18.85 0 0 19 11.27 0 0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
NOTES:
(1) "Gross Wells" refers to all wells in which Amex has a working interest.
(2) "Net Wells" are defined as the aggregate of the numbers obtained by
multiplying each gross well by Amex's percentage working interest
therein.
DRILLING ACTIVITY
The following table sets forth the number of gross and net exploratory and
development wells in which Amex participated and which were completed, capped or
abandoned during the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OIL AND GAS DRILLING ACTIVITIES
Gross(1) Net(2)
Productive Dry(3) Total Productive Dry(3) Total
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Exploratory Wells 1997 2.0 1.0 3.0 0.44 0.17 0.61
1996 1.0 2.0 3.0 0.22 0.26 0.48
Development Wells 1997 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.00 2.00
1996 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.07 0.00 0.07
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
NOTES:
(1) "Gross Wells" refers to all wells in which Amex participated.
(2) "Net Wells" refers to the aggregate of the percentage working interest
of Amex in Gross Wells.
(3) "Dry Wells" refers to a well which is not a productive well or a
service well. A productive well is a well which is capable of producing
oil or gas in commercial quantities considered by the operator to be
sufficient to justify the costs required to complete, equip and produce
the well. A service well refers to a well such as a water or gas
injection or water-disposal well. Such wells do not have marketable
reserves of crude oil or natural gas attributed to them but are
essential to the production of the crude oil and natural gas reserves.
(4) As of January 31, 1998, the Jordon Oil Company, Jones No. 1 - Calcasieu
Ph., Louisiana, was drilling at a depth of 3,450 feet. Proposed total
depth is + 7,000 feet.
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<PAGE> 52
ACQUISITION, EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURES
The expenditures by Amex for property acquisition, exploration and development
activities are set forth in the following table for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended December 31 Inception (May, 1995)
Through December 31
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Acquisition costs US$ 166,626 US$ 123,786 US$ 3,657,344
Exploration costs US$ 5,215,271 US$ 1,319,389 US$ 859,119
Development costs US$ 2,323,968 US$ 1,386,859 --
----------- ------------ -----------
US$ 7,705,865 US$ 2,830,034 US$ 4,639,163
----------- ------------ -----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
VARIATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 TO DECEMBER 31, 1996
1997 oil and gas sales increased US$2,200,000 over 1996 or 50%. This was
primarily due to the drilling activity at Galveston Block 303. Three wells were
placed on production in 1997 resulting in increased gas sales of 3,900 mcf/day.
Product prices did not change significantly between years averaging US$20.02/bbl
and US$2.38/mcf in 1996 compared to US$19.58/bbl and US$2.45/mcf in 1997.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses increased from US$1,400,000 to
US$2,300,000 or 66%. This was caused by the additional wells at Galveston Block
303 as well as increased operating expenses at the Bully Camp Field due to its
age.
Production Taxes. Production taxes remained relatively constant even though
revenue and production increased because the increase was offshore in Federal
waters where no severance taxes are paid.
Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation, depletion and
amortization increased 150% in 1997 because of the production profile of
Galveston Block 303 and the lack of production history for the related wells.
Typically, an offshore well will produce at high rates. In addition, as with
most wells, there has not yet been enough production history to support
additional proved reserves. Also, the investment in oil and gas properties
increased US$6,000,000.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expenses
increased US$100,000 in 1997. This is due to an increase in the management fee
paid to American Explorer, Inc. which resulted from the addition of employees to
generate properties for Amex and manage its affairs. The increase would have
been more except the management fee was suspended for the last four months of
the year because of cash requirements for drilling commitments of Amex during
the last part of 1997.
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased for 1997 because of lower debt
levels during the year. The note at December 31, 1996 was paid down during the
beginning of the year to an insignificant amount from July though September.
Beginning in October, draws on the new line began.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working capital (before considering debt) decreased from a negative of
US$500,000 to a negative of US$800,000. This was caused by an increase in
drilling activity during the last one and one half months of 1997 partially
offset by the increase in revenues discussed above. Two wells were drilled at
the Bully Camp Field during this period for a total cost to Amex of
US$2,000,000. One well was completed as a gas well and the other was a dry hole.
In October, 1997, Amex entered into a new agreement with a bank for a reducing
revolving line of credit. The initial borrowing base was US$4,000,000 which
reduced US$220,000 per month through February,
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<PAGE> 53
1998 when it was redetermined and set at US$3,700,000 effective April 1, 1998.
This borrowing base reduces US$210,000 per month and is redetermined
semi-annually.
Cash flow from operations was US$3,700,000 in 1997. This cash flow, the
additional bank debt, and the decrease in working capital were used to add to
the evaluated oil and gas properties as well as fund an additional US$1,000,000
in unevaluated properties.
Amex presently has no commitments regarding capital expenditures and believes
that its current sources of liquidity are sufficient to fund its current
operations. However, in order to continue its exploration and development
activities, Amex will need additional financing. Assuming consummation of the
Merger Transaction, cash held by Optima of approximately $5,660,354 (as of
December 31, 1997) would be available for these activities. In addition Amex
anticipates that in the future it will need financing in addition to the cash
held by Optima to pursue its exploration and development strategy, which may
include the sale of equity and debt securities and additional bank financing.
There can be no assurances that such additional financing will be available on
acceptable terms, if at all.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
Since Amex is a Louisiana limited liability company, no stock has been issued.
Its ownership is thirty-five percent (35%) by Goodson, thirty-five percent (35%)
by NAB and thirty percent (30%) by Dexco.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the capitalization of Amex as of December 31,
1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Outstanding as of
December 31, 1997
-----------------
(audited)
<S> <C>
Long-term Debt US$1,600,000
Members' Capital US$4,033,533
</TABLE>
PRIOR SALES
In May, 1997 Goodson, Dexco and NAB contributed their interests in the Valentine
Field to Amex. As a result, the ownership in Amex changed from thirty-three and
one third percent (33.33%) for each member to thirty-five percent (35%) for each
of Goodson and NAB and thirty percent (30%) for Dexco. During 1997, Robert R.
Brooksher was granted an option to purchase five percent (5%) of the membership
interest of the members.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no suits, actions, claims, investigations, reviews, or other proceeds
pending or, to the knowledge of Amex or the Target Corporations, threatened
against Amex or any of the Target Corporations.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The following are the material contracts which Amex is party to:
(1) Promissory Note and Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Indenture, Security
Agreement, Financing Statement and Assignment of Production dated
October 16, 1997 from American Explorer, L.L.C. to Compass Bank
recorded October 22, 1997, Document #97-037546, Brazoria County, Texas;
October 22, 1997 in Book 483, Page 344, Document #97-6037, Matagorda
County, Texas.
(2) Act of Mortgage, Pledge, Assignment of Production and Security
Agreement from American Explorer, L.L.C. to Compass Bank recorded
October 23, 1997 in MOB 756, Folio 646 under Entry No. 822711,
Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.
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(3) Plan and Agreement of Merger, as disclosed under "Terms of the Plan and
Agreement of Merger";
(4) Loan Agreement dated February 28, 1998 between Amex and Optima, as
disclosed under "Terms of the Plan and Agreement of Merger".
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
Amex is wholly-owned by Goodson as to 35%, Dexco as to 30% and NAB as to 35%.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Amex, as a limited liability company, does not have a board of directors. The
officers of Amex are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Officers Title
-------- -----
<S> <C>
Charles T. Goodson President
Alfred J. Thomas, II Chief Executive Officer
Ralph J. Daigle Senior Vice President - Exploration
Robert R. Brooksher Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
None of the officers or directors of Amex presently have employment agreements
with Amex. However, the Merger Agreement provides that as a condition to
closing, Messrs. Goodson, Thomas, Daigle and Brooksher will each enter into an
employment agreement with Optima providing for annual salaries of US$210,000,
US$210,000, US$180,000 and US$180,000, respectively (the "Employment
Agreements"). The Employment Agreements provide for a three year term, with
automatic one year renewals thereafter unless terminated. The Employment
Agreements also provide for termination with or without cause (as defined), with
12 months severance provided in the event of termination without cause. Each
employment agreement also contains a non-competition agreement prohibiting the
employee from competing with Optima during his employment and for one year after
termination of the agreement for cause or by the employee for any reason.
OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES
Robert R. Brooksher holds an option to purchase up to 5% of the percentage
ownership in Amex , which option, if not exercised prior to the closing of the
Merger Transaction, shall continue in up to 5% of the aggregate Optima's common
shares and contingent stock issue rights issued to the stockholders and members
of the Target Corporations as a result of the Merger Transaction.
Each of the Target Corporations has granted a security interest in all of its
membership interests in Amex to Compass Bank to secure Amex's obligations under
its bank facility, which security interest is to be released on or prior to the
closing of the Merger Transaction.
Except as directed above, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options,
rights, warrants or other agreements or commitments of any kind obligating
Goodson and Dexco to issue any security of or equity interest in Goodson and
Dexco or obligating Amex and NAB to issue any membership interest in Amex or
NAB.
INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Amex has no employees. It is managed by American Explorer, Inc. ("AEI"), a
corporation owned by two members of Amex. In addition, AEI is the operator of
certain of the oil and gas wells in which Amex has an interest. In 1997 and
1996, AEI charged Amex management fees of US$520,000 and US$444,000,
respectively. Of these amounts US$239,200 and US$155,430 were capitalized as
part of the acquisition, exploration and
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development effort (see Note A of Amex's financial statement attached as
Appendix E to this Proxy Statement) in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
remainder is included in general and administrative expense. At December 31,
1997, and 1996 Amex owed AEI approximately US$2,458,000, and US$1,423,000,
respectively. In June, 1997, the members contributed their interests in the
Valentine Field to Amex. The contribution was recorded at the amount of the
members' cost in the Valentine Field of approximately US$53,000.
AUDITORS
Arthur Andersen LLP act as Amex's auditors.
CONTINUATION INTO THE STATE OF DELAWARE
GENERAL
Optima is presently a corporation formed and operating under the Canada Business
Corporations Act ("CBCA"). The shareholders of the Company will be asked at the
AGM to pass a Special Resolution (the "Continuation Resolution") authorizing the
Company to continue in the State of Delaware under the Delaware General
Corporation Law (the "DGCL") pursuant to section 388 thereof (the
"Continuation"), thereby continuing the Company as if it had been originally
incorporated under the DGCL as a Delaware corporation. The Continuation
Resolution also provides for approval of the Delaware Certificate of
Incorporation (substantially in the form attached as Appendix C to this Proxy
Statement) and alters the Company's authorized capital from an unlimited number
of common shares without par value to 75,000,000 shares of Common Stock and
5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, each with a par value of US$.001 per share.
Upon Continuation, the CBCA ceases to apply and the DGCL becomes applicable to
the Company as if it had been originally incorporated in Delaware.
The Continuation will not result in any change in the business of the Company or
its assets, liabilities, net worth or management. However, the Board of
Directors may increase the size of the Company's Board of Directors after the
Continuation (see "Corporate governance Differences - Size of the Board of
Directors"). A shareholder's holdings will not change. The Continuation is not a
reorganization, amalgamation or merger.
Upon consummation of the Continuation, the Company will file a Current Report on
Form 8-K with the SEC to reflect the Continuation for the purposes of Section
15(d) of the Exchange Act.
The Continuation gives rise to a Right of Dissent (see "Right of Dissent"
below). If the Right of Dissent is exercised by any of the Company's
shareholders entitled to do so, and the Company effects the Continuation, the
Company would be required to purchase for cash the dissenting shareholder's
shares in the Company at the fair value of the shares as at the close of
business on the day before the Continuation Resolution is adopted, subject to
the CBCA. This could have an adverse effect on the Company. The Continuation
Resolution will, therefore, provide authority to the Board of Directors not to
proceed with the Continuation if, in the Board's opinion, it is not in the best
interest of the Company to do so.
PRINCIPAL REASONS FOR CONTINUATION
For many years, Delaware has followed a policy of encouraging incorporation in
that State and, in furtherance of that policy, has adopted comprehensive, modern
and flexible corporate laws, which are periodically updated and revised to meet
changing business needs. As a result, many major corporations have initially
chosen Delaware for their domicile or have subsequently reincorporated in
Delaware in a manner similar to that proposed by the Company. Because of
Delaware's long standing policy of encouraging incorporation in that State, and
consequently its pre-eminence as the State of incorporation for many major
corporations, the Delaware courts have developed considerable expertise in
dealing with corporate issues and a substantial body of case law has developed
construing Delaware law and establishing public policies with respect to
Delaware corporations.
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Because the Company's business focus has shifted from Canada to the United
States, Management believes that it is preferable to be governed by the laws of
a State of the United States. For example, the CBCA requires that a majority of
the Directors of the Company must be ordinarily resident in Canada. It is a
continuing problem for the Company to find qualified individuals in Canada who
are prepared to act as Directors and assume the responsibilities, the expense
and the risk that are inherent with acting as a Director of a company whose
property interests are all in the United States. Management is, therefore, of
the opinion that it is preferable to eliminate this Canadian residency
requirement.
In addition, most of the Company's shareholders are in the United States. The
Company's shares are registered under the United States Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and the Company is subject to the Exchange Act
reporting requirements. However, as a CBCA company, the Company is also subject
to the reporting requirements under Canadian law and to Canadian tax law and
rules. The U.S. and Canadian tax and securities reporting requirements often are
in conflict. As a result, the Company must retain both United States and
Canadian securities counsel and tax accountants, which is very expensive for the
Company and very time-consuming for Management. By changing its jurisdiction of
incorporation from the CBCA to Delaware, the Company will simplify its
securities and tax reporting requirements. Consequently, the Company believes
the Continuation will result in substantial savings to the Company.
In connection with the proposed change in the Company's jurisdiction of
incorporation from the CBCA to the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors has
proposed that the par value of the shares of the Company's Common Stock be
changed from no par value to $.001 par value per share because the Delaware
franchise fees applicable to no par value shares are significantly higher than
those for $.001 par value shares. Par value represents the minimum consideration
which must be received by the Company for the issuance of a share of stock. The
change in par value will have no effect upon the rights of existing security
holders. By voting in favour of the Continuation, the shareholders are voting in
favour of the change in par value of the Company's Common Stock. If the
resolution is approved, the change will be reflected in the new Delaware
Certificate of Incorporation which will be filed with the Delaware Secretary of
State's Office.
CONTINUANCE A CONDITION OF MERGER AGREEMENT
The Merger Agreement is subject to certain conditions, including without
limitation, the receipt of all regulatory approvals required for the
consummation of the Merger Transaction, Optima shareholders' approval to the
matters set forth in this Proxy Statement requiring shareholders' approval, the
Continuation of Optima into Delaware and the holders of no more than 1% of
Optima shares, in aggregate, shall have delivered written demand for appraisal
of such shares pursuant to the dissent rights under the CBCA (see "Continuation
into the State of Delaware - Right of Dissent").
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DIFFERENCES
In approving the Continuation, shareholders of the Company will be approving the
form of Certificate of Incorporation (substantially in the form attached as
Appendix C to this Proxy Statement) and the Bylaws and will be agreeing to hold
securities in a corporation governed by Delaware law. In exercising their vote,
shareholders should consider the distinctions between Delaware law and the CBCA,
some of which are outlined below.
The DGCL and the Company's Delaware Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
differ in many respects from the CBCA and the Company's charter documents. This
Proxy Statement summarizes the principal differences that could materially
affect the rights of shareholders of the Company. The following summaries of
certain provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws do
not purport to complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety
by, reference to all of the provisions of the Company's Delaware Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws which are available for review by
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shareholders of the Company's offices at 600 - 595 Howe Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2T5 during business hours and at the AGM.
SHAREHOLDER QUORUM. Under the Company's current Articles, two shareholders (or
proxy holders representing shareholder(s)) holding shares representing in the
aggregate at least 60% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company that
are entitled to attend and vote at such meeting constitutes a quorum at any
meeting of shareholders. Under Delaware law a corporation's Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws may specify the number of shares necessary to
constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders; provided, however, that a
quorum may not consist of less than one-third of the shares entitled to vote at
the meeting. The Company's Delaware Bylaws provide that, in general, one-half of
the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote, present in person or
represented by proxy, is required for a quorum at a meeting of shareholders.
SUPERMAJORITY. Both jurisdictions permit the adoption of a higher requisite vote
for certain types of corporate action, subject to certain limitations.
Notwithstanding any provision contained in a corporation's memorandum and
articles, the CBCA provides that two-thirds of the votes present and voting at a
general meeting of shareholders on a special resolution is required to amend the
Company's charter documents, including changing the corporation's name or
altering its share capital, or any of the rights attached thereto and for
certain extraordinary corporate transactions. Under the DGCL, an amendment to a
corporation's certificate of incorporation requires the approval of a majority
of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless such level of approval is
increased by the certificate of incorporation. In addition, under the DGCL, if
an amendment to the certificate of incorporation adversely affects the rights of
a particular class of shares, that class is entitled to vote separately on the
amendment whether or not it is designated as voting shares.
AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS. The CBCA provides that directors may, subject to any
restriction in the articles, bylaws or a unanimous shareholder agreement, make,
amend or repeal any bylaws, but that any such action of the directors is subject
to the later confirmation by resolution passed by a majority of the votes cast
by the shareholders entitled to vote on the resolution. Under the DGCL,
directors of a corporation, if authorized by the certificate of incorporation,
may adopt, amend or repeal bylaws, such action not being subject to later
shareholder confirmation. The Company's Delaware Bylaws provides that any Bylaws
made by the Board of Directors may be altered, amended or repealed by the
Directors or the shareholders, provided the Bylaws shall not be altered, amended
or repealed by shareholder action without the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the then outstanding shares entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors, alter or repeal the Bylaws.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS. Under both the CBCA and DGCL, directors may generally be
removed with or without cause, by a vote of the holders of a majority of the
shares being voted. However, under the DGCL, if the board is classified,
directors may be removed only for cause, unless the certificate of incorporation
provides otherwise. Further, if a director is elected by holders of a class of
series of shares, the CBCA provides that only the shareholders of that class or
series can vote to remove that director, with or without cause, where the DGCL
provides that only the shareholders of the class or series can vote to remove
that director without cause.
BOARD VACANCIES. Under the CBCA, a quorum of directors may generally fill a
vacancy among the directors, except a vacancy resulting from an increase in the
number of directors or a failure to elect the number of directors required at
any meeting of shareholders. If there is not a quorum of directors or if there
has been a failure to elect the number of required directors, the remaining
directors are required to call a meeting of shareholders to fill the vacancy. If
any class of shareholders has the right to elect a director or
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directors and a vacancy occurs among such directors, the remaining directors
elected by such class shall fill the vacancy except a vacancy created by an
increase in the number of directors for that class or from a failure to elect
the required number of directors for that class. If there are no remaining
directors from a class entitled to fill a vacancy, any holder of shares of that
class may call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of filling the vacancy.
Under the DGCL, vacancies and newly created directorships may be filled by a
majority of the remaining directors, although less than a quorum, or by a sole
remaining director. If any class of shareholders has the right to elect one or
more directors, any vacancy or newly created directorship of such class or
series may be filled by the remaining directors elected by such class then in
office. If at any time there are no directors in office, any officer or
shareholder may call a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of
filling the vacancy.
REQUIRED APPROVALS OF SHAREHOLDERS. The CBCA requires that various extraordinary
corporate transactions, such as a merger, the sale of substantially all of a
corporation's assets or the change of jurisdiction, must be approved by
two-thirds of the votes represented and voting at the meeting called for such
purpose. Under the DGCL, mergers or consolidations require the approval of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the corporation entitled to
vote thereon except (i) for a corporation which survives the merger where the
merger requires the issuance of common shares not exceeding 20% of such
corporation's shares outstanding immediately prior to the merger, the merger
agreement does not amend in any respect the survivor's certificate of
incorporation, and shareholder approval is not specifically mandated in the
survivor's certificate of incorporation; and (ii) for both corporations where
the corporation surviving the merger was a 90% parent of the other corporation.
Unless a greater percentage is required by the charter, a sale, lease or
exchange of all or substantially all the property or assets of a corporation or
an amendment to the certificate of incorporation also require the approval of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon.
Since a quorum under the Company's current Articles is two persons holding
shares representing in the aggregate at least 60% of the issued and outstanding
shares, as compared to the quorum requirement under the Company's Delaware
Bylaws, which is a 50% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote (see
"Corporate Governance Differences - Shareholder Quorum"), shareholder action can
be taken under the Delaware Bylaws with a smaller percentage of the shareholder
vote than is required under the CBCA.
EXAMINATION OF CORPORATE RECORDS. Under the CBCA, any person is entitled to
examine a corporation's articles and bylaws and all amendments thereto, a copy
of any unanimous shareholder agreement, minutes of meetings and resolutions of
shareholders, notices of directors and change of directors, and securities
register upon payment of a reasonable fee for each document examined. In
addition, any person is entitled, on a payment of a reasonable fee, to a copy of
a list setting out the names of shareholders of the Company on filing an
affidavit with the corporation stating that the list is required for corporate
purposes. "Corporate purposes" is defined to mean any effort to influence the
voting of shareholders of the corporation, an offer to acquire shares of the
corporation, or to effect or any other matter relating to the affairs of the
corporation. Under Delaware law, shareholders have the right for any proper
purpose to inspect, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose for such
inspection, the corporation's stock
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ledger, list of shareholders, and its other books and records, and to make
copies or extracts of the same. A proper purpose means a purpose reasonably
related to a person's interest as a shareholder.
MINORITY (DISSENTERS) RIGHTS. Under the CBCA, all of the shareholders of a
corporation have the right to dissent from certain corporate acts involving (i)
certain amendments to the Company's Articles to add, change or remove any
provisions restricting or constraining the issue, transfer or ownership of
shares of a class or to add, change or remove any restrictions on the business
or businesses that the corporation may carry on, (ii) a continuation of the
corporation into another jurisdiction, (iii) various forms of corporate
amalgamations, or (iv) a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of
its property and to exercise their statutory appraisal rights after such
dissent, receiving a cash payment for the repurchase of their shares. Under
Delaware law, shareholders have the right to dissent and exercise appraisal
rights only with respect to certain forms of corporate transaction and
consolidations. In addition, under Delaware law, appraisal rights are not
available with respect to any shares of stock if, at the record date fixed to
determine the shareholders entitled to vote on such merger or consolidation, (i)
such shares were listed on a national security exchange or (ii) held of record
by more than 2,000 holders, unless, under the terms of an agreement of merger or
consolidation, the shareholders are required to accept for their stock something
other than: (i) shares of stock of the surviving corporation; (ii) shares of
stock of any other corporation which is listed on a national securities exchange
or designated as a national market system security or an interdealer quotation
system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") or which
has more than 2,000 shareholders of record; (iii) cash in lieu of fractional
shares; and/or (iv) any combination thereof. THEREFORE, IN APPROVING THE
CONTINUATION, SHAREHOLDERS WILL BE AGREEING TO FOREGO THE MORE EXTENSIVE
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS UNDER THE CBCA WITH RESPECT TO FUTURE ACTIONS.
DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS. The CBCA prohibits the following persons from
serving as a Director: (i) persons under age 18; (ii) persons who are of unsound
mind and have been so found by a court in Canada or elsewhere; (iii) persons who
are not individuals; or (iv) persons who have the status of bankrupts. Delaware
law contains no comparable direct prohibitions.
PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS. The CBCA provides that every Director, in
exercising his or her powers and discharging his or her duties, shall act
honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation
and exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person
would exercise in comparable circumstances. The CBCA also specifically imposes
joint and several personal liability upon Directors who vote for or consent to a
resolution which authorizes the issuance of shares for a consideration other
than money, to make good any amount by which the consideration received is less
than the fair equivalent of the money that the corporation would have received
if the shares had been issued for money on the date of the resolution, purchase,
redemption or other acquisition of shares, payment of a commission. As action to
enforce a liability related to the foregoing may not be commenced two years
after the date of the resolution authorizing the action complaint of.
In addition, under a number of Canadian federal statutes, Directors are
personally liable for certain of the corporation's debts such as those under the
CBCA which imposes liability for the unpaid wages of employees in an amount not
exceeding six months wages for each employee in the event that the corporation
failed to pay the wages. Other statutes impose personal liability on Directors
for corporate acts which have caused damage to third parties.
The CBCA entitles a shareholder or a Director of the corporation, with the
approval of a court, and in the name of the corporation, to commence legal
proceedings or intervene in an action to which the corporation is a party, for
the purpose of prosecuting, defending or discontinuing an action on behalf of
the corporation.
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Under Delaware law, the directors of a corporation act in a fiduciary capacity
and owe the duties of loyalty and due care to the corporation and its
shareholders.
Under Delaware law, shareholders may bring derivative actions against officers
and directors of the corporation for breach of their fiduciary duty to the
corporation and its shareholders or for other fraudulent misconduct, so long as
the shareholder was a shareholder of the corporation at the time of the
transaction in question or that he or she obtained the stock thereafter solely
by operation of law.
Delaware law permits a corporation to adopt a provision in its Certificate of
Incorporation eliminating the liability of a director to the corporation or its
shareholders for monetary damages for breach of the director's fiduciary duty of
care, except where the liability arises (i) from a breach of the Director's duty
of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders; (ii) from acts or omissions
not in good faith, involving intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
law; (iii) from unlawfully paying a dividend, approving Delaware stock
repurchases or redemptions; or (iv) from a transaction where the Director
derived an improper personal benefit. The Company's Delaware Certificate of
Incorporation eliminates the liability of its directors to the fullest extent
permissible under applicable law. The foregoing limitations on monetary damages,
however, have no effect on the standard of care to which directors must conform
or the availability of monetary damages.
INDEMNIFICATION. The Delaware General Corporation Law generally provides that a
corporation shall indemnify a Director against all costs, charges and expenses
actually and reasonably incurred by the Director, including an amount paid to
settle an action or satisfy a judgment in a civil, criminal or administrative
action to which the Director is a party by reason of his having been a Director,
provided that the Director was acting in good faith. The indemnification
permitted under Delaware law is not substantially different in nature of extent
from that permitted under CBCA and currently provided for in the constituent
documents of the Company.
CUMULATIVE VOTING. Under the CBCA and Delaware law, cumulative voting is
permitted only if provided for in a corporation's Articles or Certificate of
Incorporation, respectively. Neither the Company's Bylaws nor the Company's
Delaware Certificate of Incorporation provide for cumulative voting.
LOANS TO OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES. The CBCA provides that a corporation or any
corporation with which it is affiliated shall not, directly or indirectly, give
financial assistance by means of a loan, guarantee or otherwise, to any
shareholder, director, officer or employee of the corporation or of an
affiliated corporation or to an associate of any such person for any purpose, or
to any person for the purpose of or in connection with a purchase of a share
issued or to be issued by the corporation or affiliated corporation, where there
are reasonable grounds for believing that the corporation is or, after giving
the financial assistance, would be unable to pay its liabilities as they become
due, or the realizable value of the corporation's assets, excluding the amount
of any financial assistance in the form of a loan and in the form of assets
pledged or encumbered to secure a guarantee, after giving the financial
assistance, would be less than the aggregate of the corporation's liabilities
and stated capital of all classes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a corporation
may give financial assistance by means of a loan, guarantee or otherwise to any
person in the ordinary course of business if the lending of money is part of the
ordinary business of the corporation, to any person on account of expenditures
incurred or to be incurred on behalf of the corporation, to a holding body
corporate if the corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the holding body
corporate, to a subsidiary body corporate of the corporation; and to employees
of the corporation or any of its affiliates, (i) to enable or assist them to
purchase or erect living accommodation for their own occupation, or (ii) in
accordance with a plan for the purchase of shares of the corporation or any of
its affiliates to be held by a trustee. Under Delaware law, a corporation may
make loan subsidies (including directors who are also officers or employees)
when such action, in the judgment of the directors, may reasonably be expected
to benefit the corporation.
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REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES; DIVIDENDS. The CBCA permits a company to
purchase or redeem any redeemable shares issued by it at prices not exceeding
the redemption price stated in the Company's Articles or calculated according to
a formula stated in the Company's Articles. However, a corporation cannot make
any payment to purchase or redeem any redeemable shares issued by it if there
are reasonable grounds for believing that the corporation is, or would after the
payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or the realizable
value of the corporation's assets would after the payment be less than the
aggregate of (i) its liabilities, and (ii) the amount that would be required to
pay the holders of shares that have a right to be paid, on a redemption or in a
liquidation, rateably with or prior to the holders of the shares to be purchased
or redeemed. Delaware law permits a corporation to declare and pay dividends out
of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year in
which the dividend is declared and/or for the preceding fiscal year as long as
the amount of capital of the corporation following the declaration and payment
of the dividend is not less than the aggregate amount of the capital represented
by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the
distribution of assets. In addition, Delaware law generally provides that a
corporation may redeem or repurchase its shares only if such redemption or
repurchase would not impair the capital of the corporation.
INTERESTED DIRECTOR TRANSACTIONS. Under the CBCA, contracts or transactions in
which a director of the company has an interest are not invalid because of such
interest provided that certain conditions such as obtaining the required
approval and fulfilling the requirements of full disclosure and reasonableness,
are met. Under the CBCA, after full disclosure by the interested director or
directors, a majority of the directors at a meeting at which a quorum is present
must approve the proposed contract or transaction with the interested director
abstaining from voting but counted in the quorum if so permitted by the
company's articles; or (b) the shareholders must approve the contract or
transaction, which must be fair and reasonable at the time it was entered into.
Otherwise, a court may, on application of the company or any interested person,
set aside the contract as it sees fit. Under Delaware law, if board approval is
sought, the contract or transaction must be approved by a majority of the
disinterested directors (even though less than a majority of a quorum).
Therefore, certain transactions that the board of a CBCA company would lack the
authority to approve, because of the number of interested directors, could be
approved by a majority of the disinterested directors of the Delaware company
representing less than a majority of a quorum. The Company is not aware of any
plans to propose any transactions involving interested directors of the Company
which the Board would lack the authority under the CBCA but could approve under
Delaware law.
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT. Certain provisions of the DGCL and of the Company's
Delaware Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, summarized in the following
paragraphs, may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer
or prevent a hostile tender offer or takeover attempt that a shareholder might
consider in his or her best interest, including those attempts that might result
in the payment of a premium over the market price for the shares held by
shareholders. Despite such anti-takeover implications, this Continuation
Resolution is not intended to prevent an acquisition of the Company and
Management is not aware of any effort to accumulate the Company's securities or
to obtain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer or
solicitation in opposition to management or otherwise.
DELAWARE ANTI-TAKEOVER LAW. Section 203 of the DGCL (the "Delaware Takeover
Statute") applies to a Delaware corporation with a class of voting stock listed
on a national securities exchange, authorized for quotation on an interdealer
quotation system or held of record by 2,000 or more persons. In general, Section
203 prevents an "interested shareholder" (defined generally as any person
owning, or who is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and has owned in
the preceding three years, 15% or more of a corporation's outstanding voting
stock and affiliates and associates of such person) from engaging in a "business
combination" (as defined) with a Delaware corporation for three years following
the date such
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person became an interested shareholder unless (i) before such person became an
interested shareholder, the Board of Directors of the corporation approved
either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the
shareholder becoming an interested shareholder; (ii) the interested shareholder
owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the
time the transaction commenced (excluding stock held by Directors who are also
officers of the corporation and by employee stock plans that do not provide
employees with the rights to determine confidentially whether shares held
subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer); or (iii) on
or subsequent to the date such person became an interested shareholder, the
business combination is approved by the Board of Directors of the corporation
and authorized at a meeting of shareholders by the affirmative vote of the
holders of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation not
owned by the interested shareholder. Under Section 203, the restrictions
described above do not apply to certain business combinations proposed by an
interested shareholder following the announcement or notification of one of
certain extraordinary transactions involving the corporation and a person who
had not been an interested shareholder during the previous three years or who
became an interested shareholder with the approval of a majority of the
corporation's directors. The Delaware Certificate of Incorporation provides that
the Company has opted out of Section 203.
SIZE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The CBCA requires a public company to have no
fewer than three directors. Delaware law permits the corporation to adopt a
provision in its certificate of incorporation or bylaws authorizing the board of
directors alone to change the authorized number or the range of directors by
amendment to the bylaws. The Company's Delaware Certificate of Incorporation
provides that the number of directors of the Company will be as specified in its
Bylaws and authorizes the Board of Directors to make, alter, amend or repeal the
Bylaws. The ability of the Board of Directors to alter the size of the Board
without shareholder approval enables the Company to respond quickly to a
potential opportunity to attract the services of a qualified director or to
eliminate a vacancy for which a suitable candidate is not available. The
Company's Delaware Bylaws provide for a maximum of 12 directors.
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS. The CBCA provides that the board of directors
or the holders of five percent (5%) of the issued shares with a right to vote
can call a special meeting. Under Delaware law, a special meeting may be called
by the Board of Directors or by any other person authorized to do so in the
corporation's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws. The Delaware Bylaws of the
Company authorize (i) the Board of Directors, (ii) the Chairman of the Board,
(iii) the Chief Executive Officer (iv) the President to call a special meeting;
or by one or more stockholders holding shares in the aggregate entitled to cast
not less than two-thirds of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote.
SHAREHOLDER CONSENT IN LIEU OF MEETING. Under the CBCA, a shareholder action
without a meeting may only be taken by written resolution signed by all
shareholders who would be entitled to vote thereon at a meeting. Under the DGCL,
unless otherwise provided in the charter, action by shareholders may be taken
without a meeting if a consent in writing is signed by the holders of
outstanding shares having not less than the minimum number of votes that would
be necessary to authorize such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled
to vote were present and voted.
ADVANCE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS.
The Company's Delaware Bylaws provide that shareholders seeking to bring
business before an annual meeting of shareholders, or to nominate candidates for
election as directors at an annual or a special meeting of shareholders, must
provide timely notice thereof in writing. To be timely, a shareholder's notice
must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices
of the company (i) in the case of an annual meeting no later than the close of
business 120 days before the date specified in the company's proxy statement
released to shareholders in connection with the prior year's annual meeting of
shareholders, and (ii) in the case of a special meeting of shareholders, not
later than the close of business 60 days before the date of the meeting. The
Company's Delaware Bylaws specify certain requirements
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for a shareholder's notice to be in proper written form. These provisions may
preclude some shareholders from bringing matters before the shareholders at an
annual or special meeting or from making nominations for Directors at an annual
or special meeting.
Under the CBCA, a shareholder entitled to vote at an annual meeting of
shareholders may submit to the corporation notice of any matter that he proposes
to raise at the meeting, hereinafter referred to as a "proposal" and discuss at
the meeting any matter in respect of which he would have been entitled to submit
a proposal. A corporation that solicits proxies shall set out the proposal in
the management proxy circular or attach the proposal thereto. If so requested by
the shareholder, the corporation shall include in the management proxy circular
or attach thereto a statement by the shareholder of not more than two hundred
words in support of the proposal, and the name and address of the shareholder. A
proposal may include nominations for the election of directors if the proposal
is signed by one or more holders of shares representing in the aggregate not
less than five per cent of the shares or five per cent of the shares of a class
of shares of the corporation entitled to vote at the meeting to which the
proposal is to be presented, but this subsection does not preclude nominations
made at a meeting of shareholders. A corporation is not required to comply with
the foregoing if the proposal is not submitted to the corporation at least
ninety days before the anniversary date of the previous annual meeting of
shareholders; it clearly appears that the proposal is submitted by the
shareholder primarily for the purpose of enforcing a personal claim or
redressing a personal grievance against the corporation or its directors,
officers or security holders, or primarily for the purpose of promoting general
economic, political, racial, religious, social or similar causes; the
corporation, at the shareholder's request, included a proposal in a management
proxy circular relating to a meeting of shareholders held within two years
preceding the receipt of such request, and the shareholder failed to present the
proposal, in person or by proxy, at the meeting; substantially the same proposal
was submitted to shareholders in a management proxy circular or a dissident's
proxy circular relating to a meeting of shareholders held within two years
preceding the receipt of the shareholder's request and the proposal was
defeated; or the rights conferred by this section are being abused to secure
publicity.
REGULATORY APPROVAL
The Company will apply to the Director, CBCA for permission to continue and will
file with the Secretary of the State of Delaware to continue the Company to the
State of Delaware. Filings must also be made with the TSE and NASDAQ. Such
approval must be obtained for the continuation to take place. There are no other
regulatory approvals necessary for consummation of the continuance.
CANADIAN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following sections summarize certain provisions of Canadian federal income
tax laws that may affect the Company and its shareholders. Although this summary
discusses the principal tax considerations deemed by the Company to be material,
it does not purport to discuss all of the Canadian federal tax consequences that
may be relevant to its shareholders, nor will it apply to the same extent or in
the same way to all shareholders. No information is provided in this commentary
with respect to the effect of any state, local or provincial tax law, rule or
regulation nor is any information provided as to the effect of any foreign tax
law, other than the federal law of Canada to the extent specifically set forth
in this commentary. EACH SHAREHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT WITH HIS OR HER OWN
INDIVIDUAL TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH SHAREHOLDER
OF THE DOMESTICATION.
NO ADVANCE TAX RULING OR INTERPRETATION HAS BEEN OR WILL BE SOUGHT FROM ANY
TAX AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS DISCUSSED IN THIS
COMMENTARY.
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CANADIAN TAX IMPLICATIONS TO CANADIAN SHAREHOLDERS
The following commentary is confined to provisions of the Income Tax Act
(Canada) (the "Tax Act"), Regulations to it and amendments publicly announced at
this date and, where applicable, is based on the Company's tax advisors'
understanding of current administrative practices of Revenue Canada, Customs,
Excise and Taxation ("Revenue Canada"). No assurance can be given that the
consequences will not be altered by future changes to administrative practices,
judicial decisions or amendments to the law. This discussion addresses in a
general manner the more pertinent Canadian federal income tax consequences to
the Company and to shareholders of the Company, to whom shares of the Company
constitute "capital property" for purposes of the Tax Act, who deal at arms'
length with the Company and who (with persons not acting at arms' length) hold
less than a 10% interest in the Company. Generally speaking, shares of the
Company will be considered capital property unless the holder is a trader or
dealer in securities, has acquired the shares as part of an adventure in the
nature of trade, or holds the shares otherwise than for investment purposes.
Consequences of Optima Continuation to Canadian Shareholders
The Optima Continuation is not considered to give rise to a disposition of the
shares of the Company by its shareholders and is not considered to be a taxable
event to the shareholders. Shareholders of the Company will continue to hold
their shares in the Company following the Optima Continuation at their adjusted
cost basis of the shares immediately before the Optima Continuation. Shares of
the Company will constitute "foreign property" for purposes of deferred income
plans such as RRSP's. As such, any deferred income plans holding such shares are
advised to carefully review their foreign property limits. Depending on the
extent of the interest held, a Canadian resident shareholder may be required to
report his holdings pursuant to new foreign property reporting rules first
advanced in the 1995 Canadian Federal Budget, and pursuant to draft foreign
reporting requirements released on March 5, 1996 as subsequently revised.
Dividends received after the Optima Continuation will no longer be from a
Canadian corporation and accordingly will no longer generate a dividend tax
credit. Withholding tax imposed by the United States may give rise to a foreign
credit tax which may be applied within defined limits as a credit against
Canadian federal income tax.
Consequences of Optima Continuation to the Company
Upon the Optima Continuation, the Company will be deemed to have had a fiscal
year end immediately before the Optima Continuation and will be deemed to have
disposed of each of its properties and to have immediately reacquired them at
their then fair market values. Any resulting gains or losses from such deemed
dispositions will be taken into account in calculating the Company's taxable
income for the fiscal year thus deemed to have ended. Depreciation taken in
excess of fair market values may be "recaptured" and added into income of the
Company. Capital gains may be generated. Three-quarters of any capital gain
being the excess of deemed net proceeds (at fair market value) over cost for tax
is included in income. Three-quarters of any loss is deductible only against
taxable capital gains for that year and the three previous years. However,
income arising from these gains may be offset by net operating loss carry
forwards from the previous seven years. After the Optima Continuation, for
Canadian tax purposes, any unapplied net operating losses will be available to
offset Canadian source net income only.
The Tax Act as well imposes a special branch tax in these circumstances
calculated on the amount by which the aggregate fair market value of the
Company's property immediately before Optima Continuation exceeds the aggregate
of its liabilities (including liability for income tax for the final taxation
year) and the paid up capital of all of its issued and outstanding shares. The
general rate of tax is 25% of such amount but, pursuant to the Canada/U.S. Tax
Treaty, the rate of tax is reduced to 5%.
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Upon the Optima Continuation, the Company is deemed to have been incorporated in
Delaware and not to have been incorporated elsewhere. The Company will,
therefore, cease to be resident in Canada for purposes of the Tax Act, so long
as its "mind and management" is not exercised from Canada. In any event, for
most purposes the Canada/U.S. Tax Treaty would deem the Company to be resident
in the U.S. after the Optima Continuation. As such it would subsequently
generally only be subject to Canadian tax in respect of business income
attributable to a permanent establishment in Canada, gains realized on
disposition of taxable Canadian property and withholding tax in respect of
Canadian source passive income.
A branch tax will be imposed upon business profits realized by a branch
operation if the Company retains business operations in Canada. This tax imposed
at the reduced treaty rate of 5%, is payable upon business profits earned in
Canada minus a deduction for corporate income taxes payable upon those profits
and after the deduction of a special reserve allowed for net assets computed by
prescribed rules, invested in Canada.
It is a condition of the Merger Agreement that no tax liability shall be due and
owing by Optima under applicable Canadian law as a result of the Continuation.
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
GENERAL
The following is a summary of the material United States federal income tax
consequences of the Continuation to both U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders (as
such terms are defined below) and the material United States federal income and
estate tax consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of holding and disposing of the
stock of the Company. This discussion is based on the United States Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), existing and proposed regulations
thereunder, Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") rulings and pronouncements, reports
of congressional committees, judicial decisions and current administrative
rulings and practice, all as in effect on the date hereof. This discussion is
based on current law, which is subject to change. Any such change could be
retroactive and, accordingly, could modify the tax consequences discussed
herein. No ruling from the IRS with respect to the matters discussed herein has
been requested and there is no assurance that the IRS agree with the conclusions
set forth in this discussion. In addition, no tax opinion has been requested or
received by the Company with respect to the United States federal income tax
consequences of the Continuation.
This discussion does not address tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders
(as defined below) of 10% or more (by vote or value) of the stock of the Company
who may be required to include amounts of income as a consequence of the
Continuation. In addition, the discussion below does not address all of the
United States federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to particular
shareholders in light of their personal circumstances or to certain types of
shareholders (such as dealers in securities, insurance companies, foreign
individuals and entities, financial institutions and tax-exempt entities) who
may be subject to special treatment under the federal income tax laws. This
discussion also does not address the federal income tax consequences to
shareholders who acquired their stock of the Company through the exercise of
employee stock options or otherwise as compensation. Furthermore, this
discussion does not address any tax consequences under state, local or foreign
laws.
COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE
UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS OF
PARTICIPATING IN THE CONTINUATION AND OF HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF SHARES OF THE
COMPANY AFTER THE CONTINUATION.
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The term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of the stock of the Company that
is for United States federal income tax purposes (i) a citizen or resident of
the United States; (ii) a corporation or partnership created or organized in the
United States or under the laws of the United States or of any State thereof;
(iii) an estate or trust described in Section 7701(a)(3) of the Code; or (iv) a
person whose income is includable in gross income for United States federal
income tax purposes regardless of its source. The term "Non-U.S. Holder" means a
beneficial owner of the stock of the Company that is not a U.S. Holder.
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THE CONTINUATION TO THE COMPANY
The Continuation will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Code. The Company will recognize no U.S. gain or loss pursuant to
the Continuation provided the Company files certain information with the IRS.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONTINUATION TO U.S. HOLDERS
Generally, U.S. Holders who exchange their shares of the Company pursuant to the
Continuation will recognize no gain or loss on the exchange for United States
federal income tax purposes. Each shareholder's tax basis for the shares of the
Company after the Continuation will equal their tax basis for the shares of the
Company before the Continuation. The holding period for the shares of the
Company after the Continuation will include the holding period of the shares of
the Company before the Continuation provided such shares of Company Stock were
held as a capital asset (as such term is defined under Section 1221 of the Code)
at the effective date of the Continuation.
Cash received as a result of the exercise of dissenter's rights by a U.S. Holder
who dissents from the Continuation (a "Dissenting Shareholder") will be treated
as cash received in redemption of the Dissenting Shareholder's shares of the
Company Stock. A Dissenting Shareholder who, after the Continuation, does not
own (actually or constructively) any capital stock of the Company will generally
recognize gain or loss, measured by the difference between the cash received and
the Dissenting Shareholder's basis in his, her or its Company stock. The gain or
loss should be a capital gain or loss if the Dissenting shareholder holds his,
her or its stock as a capital asset at the effective date of the Continuation.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONTINUATION TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS
A Non-U.S. Holder who dissents and receives cash in exchange of his Common
Shares will recognize gain or loss in the manner described above for U.S.
Holders. In general, Non-U.S. Holders will not be subject to United States
federal income tax with respect to capital gains. A Non-U.S. Holder will be
subject to United States federal income tax with respect to capital gains,
however, if (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade
or business within the United States by such holder, or (ii) such holder is an
individual who has been present in the United States for at least 183 days
during the taxable year of the disposition, the Common Stock is a capital asset
and certain other tests are met.
CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF COMPANY STOCK
Dividends. In general, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to
United States withholding tax at a 30% rate of the gross amount (or a lower rate
prescribed by an applicable income tax treaty) unless the dividends are either
(i) effectively connected with a trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S.
Holder within the United States, or (ii) if certain income tax treaties apply,
attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States maintained by the
Non-U.S. Holder. Dividends effectively connected with such a United States trade
or business or attributable to such a United States permanent establishment
generally will not be subject to United States withholding tax if the Non-U.S.
Holder files
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certain forms, including Internal Revenue Service Form 4224, with the payor of
the dividend, and generally will be subject to United States federal income tax
on a net income basis, in the same manner as if the Non-U.S. Holder were a
resident of the United States. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation may be
subject to an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate
as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on the repatriation from
the United States of its "effectively connected earnings and profits," subject
to certain adjustments. Under the income tax treaty between the United States
and Canada, the withholding tax rate on dividends paid to most shareholders who
are resident in Canada will be 15%. To determine the applicability of a tax
treaty providing for a lower rate of withholding under the currently effective
United States Treasury Department regulations (the "Current Regulations"),
dividends paid to an address in a foreign country are presumed to be paid to a
resident of that country absent knowledge to the contrary. Under United States
Treasury Department regulations issued on October 6, 1997 (the "Final
Regulations") generally effective for payments made after December 31, 1998, a
Non-U.S. Holder (including, in certain cases of Non-U.S. Holders that are
fiscally transparent entities, the owner or owners of such entities) will be
required to provide to the payor certain documentation that such Non-U.S. Holder
(or the owner or owners of such fiscally transparent entities) is a foreign
person in order to claim a reduced rate of withholding pursuant to an applicable
income tax treaty.
SALE OF COMMON STOCK. In general, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to
United States federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other
disposition of such holder's shares of Common Stock unless (i) such gain either
is effectively connected with a trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S.
Holder within the United States or, if certain income tax treaties apply, is
attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States maintained by the
Non-U.S. Holder (and in either case, the branch profits tax discussed above may
also apply if the Non-U.S. Holder is a corporation); (ii) the Non-U.S. Holder is
an individual who holds shares of Common Stock as a capital asset and is present
in the United States for at least 183 days during the taxable year of the
disposition, and certain other tests are met; or (iii) the Company is or has
been a "United States real property holding corporation" for federal income tax
purposes and the Non-U.S. Holder owned directly or pursuant to certain
attribution rules at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of
disposition more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock (assuming that Common
Stock is regularly traded on an established securities market). The Company
believes the Company will be a United States real property holding corporation.
ESTATE TAX. Common Stock owned (or treated as owned) by an individual who, at
the time of death, is neither a citizen or a domiciliary of the United States
will be includable in his gross estate for United States federal estate tax
purposes and thus may be subject to United States estate tax, unless an
applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
The Company must report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to each
shareholder the amount of cash proceeds paid as a result of the Continuation and
dividends paid to, and the tax withheld with respect to, each shareholder. These
reporting requirements apply regardless of whether withholding was reduced or
eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. Copies of these information returns may
also be made available under the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement
with the tax authorities in the country in which a Non-U.S. Holder resides or is
established.
Under the Current Regulations, United States backup withholding tax (which
generally is imposed at the rate of 31% on certain payments to persons that fail
to furnish the information required under the United States information
reporting requirements) and information reporting requirements (other than those
discussed above under "Dividends") generally will not apply to dividends paid on
Common Stock to a Non-U.S. Holder at an address outside the United States.
Backup withholding and information reporting
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generally will apply, however, to dividends paid on shares of Common Stock to a
Non-U.S. Holder at an address in the United States, if such holder fails to
establish an exemption or to provide certain other information to the payor.
Under the Current Regulations, the payment of proceeds from the disposition of
Common Stock to or through a United States office of a broker will be subject to
information reporting and backup withholding unless the beneficial owner, under
penalties of perjury, certifies, among other things, its status as a Non-U.S.
Holder or otherwise establishes an exemption. The payment of proceeds from the
disposition of Common Stock to or through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker
generally will not be subject to backup withholding and information reporting
except as noted below. In the case of proceeds from a disposition of Common
Stock paid to or through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is (i) a United
States person, (ii) a "controlled foreign corporation" for United States federal
income tax purposes, or (iii) a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income
from certain periods is effectively connected with a United States trade or
business, information reporting (but not backup withholding) will apply unless
the broker has documentary evidence in its files that the owner is a Non-U.S.
Holder (and the broker has no actual knowledge to the contrary).
Under the Final Regulations, the payment of dividends or the payment of proceeds
from the disposition of Common Stock to a Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to
information reporting and backup withholding unless such recipient provides to
the payor certain documentation as to its status as a Non-U.S. Holder or
otherwise establishes an exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the
backup withholding rules from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder will be refunded or
credited against the Non-U.S. Holder's United States federal income tax
liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the
Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner.
RIGHT OF DISSENT
A dissenting shareholder's right to payment for the Company's shares under the
CBCA are available only if all applicable procedural steps are properly
followed. A dissenting shareholder's failure to vote against the Continuation
will not constitute a waiver of his or her right of dissent. A vote against
Continuation in and of itself will not be deemed to satisfy any notice
requirements under the CBCA. If the number of shareholders exercising
dissenters' rights could adversely affect the Company, the Board of Directors or
officers may abandon the Continuation. The following is a summary of a
shareholder's right to dissent to the Continuance under section 190 of the CBCA.
It is suggested that any holder of shares wishing to avail him or herself to the
right of dissent obtain independent legal advice. The full text of section 190
of the CBCA is set out in Appendix A to this Proxy Statement.
A dissenting shareholder must sent to the Company, at or before the Annual
General Meeting, a written objection to the resolution approving the
Continuation Resolution. The written objection, if mailed, must be sent by
registered mail, addressed to the Company at 600 - 595 Howe Street, Vancouver,
B.C., V6C 2T5. As a result of giving the written objection, the Company will,
within 10 days after the shareholders adopt the Continuation Resolution, send to
each such dissenting shareholder notice that the resolution has been adopted. A
dissenting shareholder shall, within 20 days after receipt of such notice or, if
the shareholder does not receive such notice, within 20 days after the
shareholder learns the Continuation Resolution has been adopted, send to the
Company a written notice containing the shareholder's name and address, the
number and class of shares in respect of which the shareholder dissents, and a
demand for payment of the fair value of such shares ("Demand Notice"). The
dissenting shareholder shall, within 30 days after sending the Demand Notice,
send the certificates representing the shares in respect of which the
shareholders dissents to the Company or its transfer agent. If the dissenting
shareholder fails to send
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the share certificate(s) to the Company or its transfer agent within the 30 day
period, the shareholder will have no right to make a claim for payment.
On sending a Demand Notice, a dissenting shareholder ceases to have any rights
as a shareholder of the Company other than the right to be paid the fair value
of the shareholder's shares except where the dissenting shareholder withdraws
his or her Demand Notice before the Company makes an Offer (as described below),
the Company fails to make an Offer and the dissenting shareholder withdraws his
or her notice, or the Directors terminate the application for Continuance. In
such case, the dissenting shareholder's rights as a shareholder are reinstated
as of the date he or she sent the Demand Notice.
The Company shall, no later than 7 days after the later of the day on which the
Continuance is effective or the day the Company receives the Demand Notice, send
to each dissenting shareholder who has sent a Demand Notice a written offer
("Offer") to pay for his or her shares in an amount considered by the Directors
to be the fair value thereof, accompanied by a statement showing how the fair
value was determined, or if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the
Company is or would after the payment be unable to pay its liabilities as they
become due or that the realizable value of the Company's assets would thereby be
less than the aggregate of its liabilities (either such grounds being referred
to as a "Limitation"), a notification that it is unable lawfully to pay
dissenting shareholders for their shares ("Limitation Notice"). Every Offer made
for shares of the same class or series shall be on the same terms.
Subject to any Limitation, the Company shall pay for the shares of a dissenting
shareholder within 10 days after the Offer is accepted. Any such Offer lapses if
the Company does not receive an acceptance within 30 days after the Offer has
been made.
Where the Company fails to make an Offer, or if a dissenting shareholder fails
to accept an Offer, the Company may, within 50 days after the Continuance is
effective or within such further period as a court may allow, apply to a court
to fix a fair value for the shares of any dissenting shareholder. If a Company
fails to apply to a court, a dissenting shareholder may apply to a court for the
same purpose within a further period of 20 days or within such further period as
a court may allow.
A dissenting shareholder, by written notice delivered to the Company within 30
days after receiving a Limitation Notice, may either withdraw his or her notice
of dissent, in which case the Company is deemed to consent to the withdrawal and
the shareholder is reinstated to his or her full rights as a shareholder, or
retain his or her status as a claimant against the Company, to be paid as soon
as the Company is lawfully able to do so or, in a liquidation, to be ranked
subordinate to the rights of creditors of the Company but in priority to its
shareholders.
The fair value of the shares will be determined as of the close of business on
the day before the Continuation Resolution was adopted. The method of
determining "fair value" will vary according to the circumstances of the case.
In reported decisions, the choice of method of valuation has generally been left
to the party appointed by the court or the court itself. It has been held in
previously reported decisions that no discount is to be made to the price of the
shares merely because a minority interest is being purchased. What is to be paid
is the fair value and not the market value. The courts have endeavoured to
determine what is most equitable in the circumstances, including the tax
consequences of the purchase.
If a shareholder elects to dissent and the Continuation Resolution is passed,
and the Company acts on the Continuation Resolution, the procedure which the
Company would propose to follow in order to determine the price to be paid to
the dissenting shareholders with respect to their shares of the Company is as
follows: the Company would attempt to reach a mutually agreed fair value in
direct negotiations
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with the dissenting shareholders; if such negotiations were unsuccessful the
Company would propose to appoint a single arbitrator, mutually agreeable to all
of the dissenting shareholders, whose decision would be final and binding on all
parties; in the event that the parties cannot agree upon an acceptable
arbitrator, the matter would be referred to the Supreme Court of British
Columbia. In the event of an arbitration or a court application, all parties
will have the opportunity to present evidence to the arbitrator or court in
order to establish the "fair value". The Company is not required to notify
shareholders of the amount it believes is the "fair value".
The cost of any arbitration or application to the Supreme Court of British
Columbia will be under the discretion of the arbitrator or court. In exercising
such discretion, the Company may be ordered to pay all of the costs incurred by
both the Company and the dissenting shareholders, or the dissenting shareholders
may be ordered to pay all of the costs incurred by the Company and the
dissenting shareholders, or the costs may be divided on some other basis between
the parties. The final decision with respect to the same would be made by the
arbitrator or the court, as the case may be.
A condition to the proposed Merger is that holders of no more than 1% of Optima
shares deliver written demand for appraisal of such shares pursuant to their
dissent rights.
THE CONTINUATION RESOLUTION
Based on the foregoing discussion, the Company's Board of Directors and
Management have approved and believe that it is in the best interests of the
Company and its shareholders to continue the Company into the State of Delaware.
To reduce the franchise fees payable to the Delaware corporate authorities by
the Company following the Continuation, the Company's Board of Directors and
Management believe that it is in the best interest of the Company and its
shareholders to alter the Company's authorized capital from an unlimited number
of common shares of without par value to 75,000,000 shares of Common Stock and
5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, each with a par value of $.001 U.S. per
share.
Accordingly, shareholders will be asked at the meeting to consider and if
thought fit, approve a Special Resolution transferring the Company's
jurisdiction of incorporation from the CBCA to Delaware and altering its
authorized share capital in substantially the terms set out below. Management
may elect not to carry out the Continuation if the Merger Resolution is not
approved:
"Resolved as a Special Resolution that:
1. the continuance of the Company's jurisdiction of incorporation from
Canada to the State of Delaware pursuant to Section 388 of the
Delaware General corporation Law be approved;
2. the Company apply pursuant to Section 188 of the Canada Business
Corporations Act for authorization to be continued into and be
registered as a "Corporation" in the State of Delaware pursuant to
the Delaware General Corporation Law;
3. the Company make application to the appropriate authorities in the
State of Delaware for consent to be domesticated into and registered
as a "Corporation" pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law;
4. effective on the date of such continuation under the Delaware
General Corporation Law, the authorized share capital of the Company
be altered from an unlimited number of common shares without par
value to 75,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, each with a par value of US $.001 per share;
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<PAGE> 71
5. effective on the date of such continuation as a Corporation under
the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Company adopt a
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws in substantially the form
submitted to the shareholders, in substitution for the existing
Articles and Bylaws of the Company;
6. the Board of Directors or officers of the Company be authorized to
perform such further acts and execute such further documents as may
be required to give effect to the foregoing; and
7. the Directors or officers may, in their sole discretion, elect not
to act on or carry out this Special Resolution."
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE CONTINUATION
OF THE COMPANY UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 388 OF THE DGCL AND RECOMMENDS
THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE CONTINUATION INTO THE STATE OF DELAWARE.
NAME CHANGE
GENERAL
In conjunction with the proposed Continuation and Merger, Management proposes to
change the name of the Company to "(diamond)". The approval of the State of
Delaware and the TSE will be required for the name change. For the form of
resolutions proposed, being special resolutions, see "Name Change Shareholder
Resolution" below. Management would like the consent of the shareholders to not
proceed with the name change, notwithstanding the fact that the name change
might be approved by the shareholders, should Management subsequently conclude
that it would not be in the best interests of the Company to proceed.
SHAREHOLDER RESOLUTION
The following special resolution approves the change of name of the Company.
"Resolved, as a Special Resolution, that the name of the Company be
changed from Optima Petroleum Corporation to (diamond) and that this name
be reflected in the Delaware Certificate of Incorporation".
The following special resolution gives management the authority to not proceed
with the name change should it feel it is not necessary. If the Continuation
Resolution and the Merger Resolution are not approved by shareholders, the
Company will not be proceeding with the name change.
"WHEREAS management proposes to present a special resolution to the
shareholders at the Meeting with respect to the change of the Company's
name and may subsequently decide that it is not in the best interests of
the Company to proceed with such name change;
Resolved, as a special resolution, that if the directors of the Company
should resolve after the passing at this Meeting of the special resolution
relating to the change of the Company's name that it would not be in the
best interests of the Company to proceed with the name change, then that
special resolution shall thereupon be rescinded and be of no further
effect."
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<PAGE> 72
ADOPTION OF A NEW STOCK OPTION PLAN
CURRENT STOCK OPTION PLAN
Pursuant to the Company's current stock option plan (the "1996 Plan"), 750,000
common shares have been allotted and reserved for future issuance. As at the
record date, there are outstanding options exercisable into 730,000 common
shares of the Company under the 1996 Plan as well as outstanding options under
the Company's previous plan (the "1995 Plan") exercisable into 52,500 common
shares of Optima. If the Merger is complete, Management proposes to cancel all
of the options currently issued under the 1995 and 1996 Plans and replace them
with options to the following, which are exercisable into 500,000 common shares
of the Company, to be issued under a new stock option plan described below,
having a term of 3 years, granted at the fair market value at the date of the
grant, and vesting immediately on granting.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTION SHARES RELATIONSHIP
OPTIONEE (1995 AND 1996 OPTION SHARES TO COMPANY
PLAN)(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
William C. Leuschner 125,000 100,000 Officer, Director
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert L. Hodgkinson 200,000 100,000 Officer, Director
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ronald P. Bourgeois 75,000 100,000 Officer, Director
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emile Stehelin 75,000 75,000 Director
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin Abbott 50,000 25,000 Director
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ted Clark 75,000 25,000 Employee
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Krista Wilson 17,500 15,000 Employee
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tanya Swanson 20,000 15,000 Employee
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marnie McBean 20,000 15,000 Employee
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starbrite Developments Ltd. 25,000 30,000 Consultant
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: 682,500 500,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The 1995 and 1996 Plans will be cancelled and replaced with the New Plan
upon the completion of the Merger.
In (diamond) of this year, Management of the Company, in conjunction with the
proposed Merger, adopted a new stock option plan (the "New Plan") to be dated
(diamond), 1998. Under the New Plan, 1,800,000 common shares have been allotted
and reserved for future issuance, representing 16% of the currently issued and
outstanding share capital of the Company and 9.8% after giving effect to the
Merger. If the Merger Resolution is not approved by shareholders, Management
will not proceed with the New Plan and proposed grants under the New Plan.
Instead, the 1996 Plan, the 1995 Plan and the presently outstanding options will
remain in place. On the closing of the Merger Transaction, the Company expects
Options to purchase a total of 1,012,300 of Common Stock will be outstanding.
The Options will be granted to the following persons to purchase the number of
shares indicated: (i) options to be granted to Optima optionees (500,000 shares
total) as disclosed above under "Current Stock Option Plan", (ii) Messrs.
Charles Goodson and Alfred Thomas, II (66,000 shares each); (iii) Mr. Ralph
Daigle (60,000 shares); (iv) Mr. Robert Brooksher (38,000 shares); (v) Mr.
Daniel Fournerat (50,000 shares); and (vi) other
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<PAGE> 73
employees as a group (232,300 shares). The options in paragraphs (ii) to (vi)
will vest one third on each of December 31, 1989, 1999 and 2000, the option
price will be the fair market value at the date of the grant, and the term of
the Options are 3 years. Options exercisable into 787,700 shares of Common Stock
will be available for further grants.
The Company expects that "insiders" (as defined in the TSE Manual) of the
Company will participate in the Company's New Plan and may acquire the majority
of shares allocated under the New Plan. In addition, the number of shares that
will be reserved for issuance under the New Plan will, together with shares
issued under other existing share compensation arrangements, exceed 10% of the
Company's outstanding issue. "Outstanding issue" is determined on the basis of
the number of shares that are outstanding immediately prior to the share
issuance in question, excluding shares issued pursuant to share compensation
arrangements over the preceding one-year period and outstanding share capital.
For these reasons, the TSE requires that the Company ask the shareholders to
approve the New Plan (see "Shareholder Approval" below).
The following is a discussion of the proposed New Plan.
NEW STOCK OPTION PLAN
GENERAL. The objectives of the New Plan are to attract and retain selected key
employees, consultants and directors, encourage their commitment, motivate their
superior performance, facilitate their obtaining ownership interests in the
Company (aligning their personal interests to those of the Company's
stockholders) and enable them to share in the long-term growth and success of
the Company.
SHARES SUBJECT TO NEW PLAN. Under the New Plan, the Company may issue Incentive
Awards (as defined below) covering 1.8 million shares of Common Stock. No more
than 1.8 million shares of Common Stock will be available for ISOs (as defined
below). As of the closing of the Merger Transaction, options covering 1,012,300
shares of Common Stock will be outstanding and 787,700 shares of Common Stock
then will be available for subsequent Incentive Awards. The number of securities
available under the New Plan and outstanding Incentive Awards are subject to
adjustments to prevent enlargement or dilution of rights resulting from stock
dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations or similar transactions or resulting
from a change in applicable laws or other circumstances.
ADMINISTRATION. The New Plan will be administered by the compensation committee
of the Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee"). Following the Merger
Transaction, the Compensation Committee will consist solely of directors each of
whom is (i) an "outside director" under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and (ii) a "non-employee director" under
Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee may delegate to
the chief executive officer or other senior officers of the Company its duties
under the New Plan, except with respect to any authority to grant Incentive
Awards or take other action with respect to persons who are subject to Section
16 of the Exchange Act or Section 162(m) of the Code. In the case of an
Incentive Award to an outside director, the Board of Directors shall act as the
Compensation Committee. Subject to the express provisions of the New Plan, the
Compensation Committee is authorized to, among other things, select grantees
under the New Plan and determine the size, duration and type, as well as the
other terms and conditions (which need not be identical), of each Incentive
Award. The Compensation Committee also construes and interprets the New Plan and
any related agreements. All determinations and decisions of the Compensation
Committee are final, conclusive and binding on all parties. The Company will
indemnify members of the Compensation Committee against any damage, loss,
liability, cost or expenses arising in connection with any claim, action, suit
or proceeding by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the New
Plan, except for any such act or omission constituting wilful misconduct or
gross negligence.
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<PAGE> 74
ELIGIBILITY. Key employees, including officers (whether or not they are
directors), and consultants of the Company and outside directors are eligible to
participate in the New Plan. A key employee generally is any employee of the
Company who, in the opinion of the Compensation Committee, is in a position to
contribute materially to the growth and development and to the financial success
of the Company.
TYPES OF INCENTIVE AWARDS. Under the New Plan, the Compensation Committee may
grant (i) incentive stock options ("ISOs"), as defined in Section 422 of the
Code, (ii) "nonstatutory" stock options ("NSOs"), (iii) stock appreciation
rights ("SARs"), (iv) shares of restricted stock, (v) performance units and
performance shares, (vi) other stock-based awards, and (vii) supplemental
payments dedicated to the payment of income taxes (collectively, "Incentive
Awards"). ISOs and NSOs are sometimes referred to collectively herein as
"Options." The terms of each Incentive Award will be reflected in an agreement
(the "Incentive Agreement") between the Company and the participant.
OPTIONS. Generally, Options must be exercised within 10 years of the grant date.
ISOs may be granted only to employees, and the exercise price of each ISO may
not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the
date of grant. The Compensation Committee will have the discretion to determine
the exercise price of each NSO granted under the New Plan. To the extent that
the aggregate fair market value of shares of Common Stock with respect to which
ISOs are exercisable for the first time by any employee during any calendar year
exceeds US$100,000, such options must be treated as NSOs.
The exercise price of each Option is payable in cash or, in the discretion of
the Compensation Committee, by the delivery of shares of Common Stock owned by
the Optionee or the withholding of shares that would otherwise be acquired on
the exercise of the Option or by any combination of the foregoing.
An employee will not recognize any income for federal income tax purposes at the
time an ISO is granted, nor on the qualified exercise of an ISO, and will
recognize capital gain or loss (as applicable) upon the subsequent sale of
shares acquired in a qualified exercise. The exercise of an ISO is qualified if
a participant does not dispose of the shares acquired by such exercise within
two years after the ISO grant date and one year after such exercise. The Company
is not entitled to a tax deduction as a result of the grant or qualified
exercise of an ISO.
An optionee will not recognize any income for federal income tax purposes, nor
will the Company be entitled to a deduction, at the time an NSO is granted.
However, when an NSO is exercised, the optionee will recognize ordinary income
in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares
received and the exercise price of the NSO, and the Company will generally
recognize a tax deduction in the same amount at the same time.
The foregoing federal income tax information is a summary only, does not purport
to be a complete statement of the relevant provisions of the Code and does not
address the effect of any state of local taxes.
SARS. Upon exercise of an SAR, the holder will receive cash, shares of Common
Stock or a combination thereof, as specified in the related Incentive Agreement,
the aggregate value of which equals the amount by which the fair market value
per share of the Common Stock on the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price
of the SAR, multiplied by the number of shares underlying the exercised portion
of the SAR. An SAR may be granted in tandem with or independently of an NSO.
SARs will be subject to such terms and conditions and will be exercisable at
such times as determined by the Compensation Committee, provided, that the
exercise price per share must equal at least 100% of the fair market value of a
share of a Common Stock on the date of grant. The value of an SAR may be paid in
cash, shares of Common Stock or a combination thereof, as determined by the
Compensation Committee.
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<PAGE> 75
RESTRICTED STOCK. Restricted stock may be subject to substantial risk of
forfeiture, a restriction on transferability or rights of repurchase or first
refusal of the Company, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Unless
otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, during the period of
restriction, the grantee will have all other rights of a stockholder, including
the right to vote the shares and receive the dividends paid thereon.
PERFORMANCE UNITS AND PERFORMANCE SHARES. Performance units and performance
shares may be granted only to employees and consultants. For each performance
period (to be determined by the Compensation Committee), the Compensation
Committee will establish specific financial or non-financial performance
objectives, the number of performance units or performance shares and their
contingent values, which values may vary depending on the degree to which such
objectives are met.
OTHER STOCK-BASED AWARDS. Other stock-based awards are awards denominated or
payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to or otherwise related to
shares of Common Stock. Subject to the terms of the New Plan, the Compensation
Committee may determine any terms and conditions of other stock-based awards,
provided that, in general, the amount of consideration to be received by the
Company shall be either (i) no consideration other than services actually
rendered or to be rendered (in the case of the issuance of shares) or (ii) in
the case of an award in the nature of a purchase right, consideration (other
than services rendered) at least equal to 50% of the fair market value of the
shares covered by such grant on the date of grant. Payment or settlement of
other stock-based awards will be in shares of Common Stock or in other
consideration related to such shares.
SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS FOR TAXES. The Compensation Committee may grant, in
connection with an Incentive Award (except for ISOs), a supplemental payment in
an amount not to exceed the amount necessary to pay the federal and state income
taxes payable by the grantee with respect to the Incentive Award and the receipt
of such supplemental payment.
OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS. Upon accelerated exercisability of Options and
accelerated lapsing of restrictions upon restricted stock or other Incentive
Awards in connection with a Change in Control (as defined in the New Plan),
certain amounts associated with such Incentive Awards could, depending upon the
individual circumstances of the participant, constitute "excess parachute
payments" under Section 280G of the Code, thereby subjecting the participant to
a 20% excise tax on those payments and denying the Company a deduction with
respect thereto. The limit on the deductibility of compensation under Section
162(m) of the Code is also reduced by the amount of any excess parachute
payments. Whether amounts constitute excess parachute payments depends upon,
among other things, the value of the Incentive Awards accelerated and the past
compensation of the participant.
Taxable compensation earned by executive officers who are subject to Section
162(m) of the Code in respect of Incentive Awards is subject to certain
limitations set forth in the New Plan generally intended to satisfy the
requirements for "qualified performance-based compensation," but no assurance
can be given that the Company will be able to satisfy these requirements in all
cases, and the Company may, in its sole discretion, determine in one or more
cases that it is in its best interest not to satisfy these requirements even if
it is able to do so.
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE IN CONTROL. Except as otherwise provided in
the applicable Incentive Agreement, if a participant's employment or other
service with the Company (or its subsidiaries) is terminated (i) other than due
to his death, Disability, Retirement or for Cause (each capitalized term as
defined in the New Plan), his then exercisable Options will remain exercisable
for 90 days after such termination, (ii) by reason of Disability or death, his
then exercisable Options will remain exercisable for one year following such
termination, (iii) due to his retirement, his then exercisable Options will
remain exercisable for one year (except for ISOs, which will remain exercisable
for one
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<PAGE> 76
year), or (iv) for Cause, all his Options will expire at the commencement of
business on the date of such termination.
Upon a Change in Control of the Company, any restrictions on restricted stock
and other stock-based awards will be deemed satisfied, all outstanding Options
and SARs will become immediately exercisable and all the performance shares and
units and any other stock-based awards will be fully vested and deemed earned in
full. These provisions could in some circumstances have the effect of an
"anti-takeover" defence because, as a result of these provisions, a Change in
Control of the Company could be more difficult or costly.
INCENTIVE AWARDS NONTRANSFERABLE. No Incentive Award may be assigned, sold or
otherwise transferred by a participant, other than by will or by the laws of
descent and distribution, or be subject to any encumbrance, pledge, lien,
assignment or charge. An Incentive Award may be exercised during the
participant's lifetime only by the participant or the participant's legal
guardian.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The Company's board of directors may amend or
terminate the New Plan at any time, except that the New Plan may not be modified
or amended, without stockholder approval, if such amendment would (i) increase
the number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued thereunder, except in
connection with a recapitalization of the Common Stock, (ii) amend the
eligibility requirements for employees to purchase Common Stock under the New
Plan, (iii) increase the maximum limits on Incentive Awards that may be issued
to executive officers who are subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, (iv) extend
the term of the New Plan or (v) decrease the authority granted to the
Compensation Committee under the New Plan in contravention of Rule 16b-3 under
the Exchange Act. No termination or amendment of the New Plan shall adversely
affect in any material way any outstanding Incentive Award previously granted to
a participant without his consent.
OTHER SHARE COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
FEES FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS. At the annual general meeting of May 24, 1996,
shareholders approved the reservation of 2,500 common shares for issuance to
outside directors for their attendance at directors' meetings. These shares
would be issued at the rate of 138 common shares per outside director per
directors' meeting at the deemed price of $3.63 per share. As at the record
date, 1,380 common shares have been issued.
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
As described above, the cancellation of the 1995 and 1996 Plans and the adoption
of the New Plan must be approved generally by the shareholders of the Company.
The rules of the TSE further provide that where a proposed share compensation
arrangement, together with all of a company's other previously established or
proposed share compensation arrangements, could result, at any time, in:
(a) the number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to stock options
granted to insiders exceeding 10% of the company's outstanding issue;
(b) the issuance to insiders, within a one-year period, of a number of shares
exceeding 10% of the company's outstanding issue; or
(c) the issuance to any one insider and such insider's associates, within a
one-year period, of a number of shares exceeding 5% of the company's
outstanding issue;
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<PAGE> 77
then the share compensation arrangement must be approved by a "disinterested
shareholder vote", meaning a majority of the votes cast at the shareholders'
meeting other than votes attaching to securities beneficially owned by insiders
to whom shares may be issued pursuant to the share compensation arrangement and
their associates. As disclosed above, the Company proposes to issue options to
current insiders and nominees for directors exercisable into 680,000 common
shares of the Company, representing 6.7% of the Company's outstanding issue and
may issue more in the future. Accordingly, the Company is seeking disinterested
shareholders' approval, with the directors and the Amex nominees and their
associates abstaining, to the New Plan. As at the record date, the directors and
the Amex nominees and their associates beneficially own [diamond] common shares
of Optima. The Company will only seek disinterested shareholders' approval to
the New Plan if the Continuation Resolution and the Merger Resolution are
approved (see "Continuation into the State of Delaware" and "The Merger
Transaction").
"IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED THAT (with Robert L. Hodgkinson, William C. Leuschner,
Ronald P. Bourgeois, Emile Stehelin, Martin Abbott, Ralph J. Daigle, Charles T.
Goodson, Alfred J. Thomas II, Robert R. Brooksher and Daniel G. Fournerat and
their associates abstaining):
1. the Company's current Stock Option Plan (the "1996 Plan") dated April 10,
1996 and Stock Option Plan of 1995 (the "1995 Plan") be replaced by a new
Stock Option Plan ("New Plan") to be dated [diamond], 1998 and the New
Plan be adopted and approved;
2. all of the options outstanding under the 1996 Plan and 1995 Plan be
cancelled and certain option holders (five of whom are insiders of the
Company) under the 1996 Plan and 1995 Plan be issued new options under the
New Plan, which options shall be exercisable into an aggregate of 500,000
common shares of the Company;
3. the Company be authorized to grant stock options pursuant and subject to
the terms and conditions of the New Plan entitling the option holders to
purchase up to 1,800,000 common shares of the Company;
4. the board of directors, by resolution, be authorized to make such
amendments to the New Plan, from time to time, as may, in its discretion,
be considered appropriate, provided always that such amendments be subject
to the approval of all applicable regulatory authorities;
5. any one director or senior officer of the Company be and he is hereby
authorized and directed to perform all such acts, deeds and things and
execute, under the seal of the Company if applicable, all such documents
and other writings as may be required to give effect to the true intent of
this resolution."
By way of summary, the total number of shares that will be reserved for issuance
pursuant to the share compensation arrangements discussed above, the New Plan
and the existing stock options will be as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Share-compensation to directors 1,120 common shares
New Plan 1,800,000 common shares
Total: 1,801,120 common shares
</TABLE>
As of the record date, the Company had a total of 11,002,346 common shares
issued and outstanding. The foregoing 1,801,120 common shares reserved for
issuance will represent 16% of the Company's currently issued and outstanding
share capital and 9.8% after giving effect to the Merger.
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<PAGE> 78
ACQUISITION OF 5% WORKING INTEREST IN THE VALENTINE PROSPECT
GENERAL
Pursuant to an agreement dated April (diamond), 1998, Optima agreed to acquire a
5% working interest in the Valentine prospect from Colima Oil Company ("Colima")
as to 2% and 7804 Yukon, Inc. ("Yukon") as to 3% (the "Acquisition"). The total
purchase price for the 5% working interest is US$675,300 (US$270,120 to Colima
and US$405,180 to Yukon). US$325,300 of the purchase price will be paid by way
of common shares of Optima at the deemed price of US$1.6265 per share. The
shares will be subject to a one year hold period pursuant to Rule 144 of the
U.S. Securities Act of 1933.
VALENTINE PROSPECT
See "The Plan and Agreement of Merger - Information concerning the Company
Principal Production Properties" for a description of the Valentine prospect.
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
Yukon is owned by Emile Stehelin, a director of Optima, as to 51% and Robert
Hodgkinson, President and director of Optima, as to 49%. Colima is wholly owned
by William Leuschner, Chairman of Optima. As such, the Acquisition is a
non-arms' length transaction.
The TSE requires, as a condition of its acceptance of this Acquisition,
"disinterested shareholder approval", meaning a majority of the votes cast at
the shareholders' meeting other than votes attaching to securities beneficially
owned by Yukon, Colima and by any of their respective individuals, associates,
affiliates and insiders. As at the record date, Yukon, Colima and their
individuals, associates, affiliates and insiders beneficially own [diamond]
common shares of the Company. Shareholders (with Yukon, Colima, and their
individuals, associates, affiliates and insiders abstaining) will be asked to
approve the resolutions below.
"IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED THAT (with Colima Oil Company, 7804 Yukon, Inc. and
their individuals, associates, affiliates and insiders abstaining):
1. the acquisition of a 5% working interest ("Acquisition") in the
Valentine property from Colima Oil Company ("Colima") as to 2% and 7804
Yukon, Inc. ("Yukon") as to 3% be approved;
2. the aggregate purchase price of US$675,300 payable to Yukon as to
US$405,180 and Colima as to US$270,120, US$325,300 of which will be
payable in common shares of Optima at the deemed price of US$1.6265 per
share for an aggregate of 200,000 common shares be approved;
3. the board of directors, by resolution, be authorized to make such
amendments to the Acquisition Agreement, from time to time, as may, in its
discretion, be considered appropriate, provided always that such
amendments be subject to the approval of all applicable regulatory
authorities;
4. any one Director or Senior Officer of the Company be and he is hereby
authorized and directed to perform all such acts, deeds and things and
execute, under the seal of the Company if applicable, all such documents
and other writings as may be required to give effect to the true intent of
this resolution."
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<PAGE> 79
DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
FOR 1999 ANNUAL MEETING
Any proposal, relating to a proper subject, which a shareholder may intend to
present for action at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 1999, and
which such shareholder may wish to have included in the proxy materials for such
meeting in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, must be received in proper form by the
Secretary of the Company not later than December 31, 1998 at Suite 600 - 595
Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 2T5, and if and when the
Continuation is effected, thereafter to 625 East Kaliste Saloom Road, Suite 400,
Lafayette, Lousiana 70508. It is suggested that any such proposal be submitted
by certified mail, return receipt requested.
OTHER BUSINESS
Management is not aware of any matters to come before the AGM other than those
set forth in the Notice of Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders. If any
other matter properly comes before the AGM, it is the intention of the persons
named in the Proxy to vote the shares represented thereby in accordance with
their best judgment on such matter.
The contents and the sending of this Proxy Statement to shareholders has been
approved by the directors of the Company.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
/s/ Robert L. Hodgkinson
------------------------------
ROBERT L. HODGKINSON, PRESIDENT
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<PAGE> 80
APPENDIX A
SECTION 190 OF THE CBCA
190. RIGHT TO DISSENT
(1) Subject to sections 191 and 241, a holder of shares of any class of a
corporation may dissent if the corporation is subject to an order under
paragraph 192(4)(d) that affects the holder or if the corporation resolves to
(a) amend its articles under section 173 or 174 to add, change or remove
any provisions restricting or constraining the issue, transfer or
ownership of shares of that class;
(b) amend its articles under section 173 to add, change or remove any
restriction on the business or businesses that the corporation may
carry on;
(c) amalgamate otherwise than under section 184; (1994, c. 24, s. 23.)
(d) be continued under section 188; or (1994, c. 24, s. 23.)
(e) sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all its property under
subsection 189(3).
(2) Further right. A holder of shares of any class or series of shares entitled
to vote under section 176 may dissent if the corporation resolves to amend its
articles in a manner described in that section.
(3) Payment for shares. In addition to any other right he may have, but subject
to subsection (26), a shareholder who complies with this section is entitled,
when the action approved by the resolution from which he dissents or an order
made under subsection 192(4) becomes effective, to be paid by the corporation
the fair value of the shares held by him in respect of which he dissents,
determined as of the close of business on the day before the resolution was
adopted or the order was made.
(4) No partial dissent. A dissenting shareholder may only claim under this
section with respect to all the shares of a class held by him on behalf of any
one beneficial owner and registered in the name of the dissenting shareholder.
(5) Objection. A dissenting shareholder shall send to the corporation, at or
before any meeting of shareholders at which a resolution referred to in
subsection (1) or (2) is to be voted on, a written objection to the resolution,
unless the corporation did not give notice to the shareholder of the purpose of
the meeting and of his right to dissent.
(6) Notice of resolution. The corporation shall, within ten days after the
shareholders adopt the resolution, send to each shareholder who has filed the
objection referred to in subsection (5) notice that the resolution has been
adopted, but such notice is not required to be sent to any shareholder who voted
for the resolution or who has withdrawn his objection.
(7) Demand for payment. A dissenting shareholder shall, within twenty days after
he receives a notice under subsection (6) or, if he does not receive such
notice, within twenty days after he learns that the resolution has been adopted,
send to the corporation a written notice containing
(a) his name and address;
(b) the number and class of shares in respect of which he dissents; and
(c) a demand for payment of the fair value of such shares.
(8) Share certificate. A dissenting shareholder shall, within thirty days after
sending a notice under subsection (7), send the certificates representing the
shares in respect of which he dissents to the corporation or its transfer agent.
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(9) Forfeiture. A dissenting shareholder who fails to comply with subsection (8)
has no right to make a claim under this section.
(10) Endorsing certificate. A corporation or its transfer agent shall endorse on
any share certificate received under subsection (8) a notice that the holder is
a dissenting shareholder under this section and shall forthwith return the share
certificates to the dissenting shareholder.
(11) Suspension of rights. On sending a notice under subsection (7), a
dissenting shareholder ceases to have any rights as a shareholder other than the
right to be paid the fair value of his shares as determined under this section
except where
(a) the dissenting shareholder withdraws his notice before the
corporation makes an offer under subsection (12),
(b) the corporation fails to make an offer in accordance with subsection
(12) and the dissenting shareholder withdraws his notice, or
(c) the directors revoke a resolution to amend the articles under
subsection 173(2) or 174(5), terminate an amalgamation agreement
under subsection 183(6) or an application for continuance under
subsection 188(6), or abandon a sale, lease or exchange under
subsection 189(9).
in which case his rights as a shareholder are reinstated as of the date he sent
the notice referred to in subsection (7).
(12) Offer to pay. A corporation shall, not later than seven days after the
later of the day on which the action approved by the resolution is effective or
the day the corporation received the notice referred to in subsection (7), send
to each dissenting shareholder who has sent such notice
(a) a written offer to pay for his shares in an amount considered by the
directors of the corporation to be the fair value thereof,
accompanied by a statement showing how the fair value was
determined; or
(b) if subsection (26) applies, a notification that it is unable
lawfully to pay dissenting shareholders for their shares.
(13) Same terms. Every offer made under subsection (12) for shares of the same
class or series shall be on the same terms.
(14) Payment. Subject to subsection (26), a corporation shall pay for the shares
of a dissenting shareholder within ten days after an offer made under subsection
(12) has been accepted, but any such offer lapses if the corporation does not
receive an acceptance thereof within thirty days after the offer has been made.
(15) Corporation may apply to court. Where a corporation fails to make an offer
under subsection (12), or if a dissenting shareholder fails to accept an offer,
the corporation may, within fifty days after the action approved by the
resolution is effective or within such further period as a court may allow,
apply to a court to fix a fair value for the shares of any dissenting
shareholder.
(16) Shareholder application to court. If a corporation fails to apply to a
court under subsection (15), a dissenting shareholder may apply to a court for
the same purpose within a further period of twenty days or within such further
period as a court may allow.
(17) Venue. An application under subsection (15) or (16) shall be made to a
court having jurisdiction in the place where the corporation has its registered
office or in the province where the dissenting shareholder resides if the
corporation carries on business in that province.
(18) No security for costs. A dissenting shareholder is not required to give
security for costs in an application made under subsection (15) or (16).
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(19) Parties. On an application to a court under subsection (15) or (16),
(a) all dissenting shareholders whose shares have not been purchased by
the corporation shall be joined as parties and are bound by the
decision of the court; and
(b) the corporation shall notify each affected dissenting shareholder of
the date, place and consequences of the application and of his right
to appear and be heard in person or by counsel.
(20) Powers of court. On an application to a court under subsection (15) or
(16), the court may determine whether any other person is a dissenting
shareholder who should be joined as a party, and the court shall then fix a fair
value for the shares of all dissenting shareholders.
(21) Appraisers. A court may in its discretion appoint one or more appraisers to
assist the court to fix a fair value for the shares of the dissenting
shareholders.
(22) Final order. The final order of a court shall be rendered against the
corporation in favour of each dissenting shareholder and for the amount of his
shares as fixed by the court.
(23) Interest. A court may in its discretion allow a reasonable rate of interest
on the amount payable to each dissenting shareholder from the date the action
approved by the resolution is effective until the date of payment.
(24) Notice that subsection (26) applies. If subsection (26) applies, the
corporation shall, within ten days after the pronouncement of an order under
subsection (22), notify each dissenting shareholder that it is unable lawfully
to pay dissenting shareholders for their shares.
(25) Effect where subsection (26) applies. If subsection (26) applies, a
dissenting shareholder, by written notice delivered to the corporation within
thirty days after receiving a notice under subsection (24), may
(a) withdraw his notice of dissent, in which case the corporation is
deemed to consent to the withdrawal and the shareholder is
reinstated to his full rights as a shareholder; or
(b) retain a status as a claimant against the corporation, to be paid as
soon as the corporation is lawfully able to do so or, in a
liquidation, to be ranked subordinate to the rights of creditors of
the corporation but in priority to its shareholders.
(26) Limitation. A corporation shall not make a payment to a dissenting
shareholder under this section if there are reasonable grounds for believing
that
(a) the corporation is or would after the payment be unable to pay
its liabilities as they become due; or
(b) the realizable value of the corporation's assets would thereby be
less than the aggregate of its liabilities.
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APPENDIX B
FAIRNESS OPINION
[LETTERHEAD OF R P & C INTERNATIONAL, INC.]
March 7, 1998
The Board of Directors
Optima Petroleum Corporation
600-595 Howe Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6C 2T5
Members of the Board:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of
view, to the holders of the common stock of Optima Petroleum Corporation
("Optima") of the consideration ("Merger Consideration") to be paid pursuant to
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan and Agreement of
Merger, dated as of February 11, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among
Optima Petroleum Corporation, Optima Energy (U.S.) Corporation and Goodson
Exploration Company, NAB Financial, L.L.C., Dexco Energy, Inc. (collectively the
"Target Corporations"), and American Explorer, L.L.C. ("American Explorer").
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, an aggregate of 7,335,001 shares of
Optima and 1,667,001 Units of Contingent Interests shall be issued to the
shareholders of the Target Corporations. (The transaction contemplated above
here and after referred to as the "Merger".)
In arriving at our opinion, we reviewed the Merger Agreement. Additionally, we
reviewed the following documents of Optima Petroleum Corporation: Reserve
Reports prepared by Ryder Scott Company and LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, dated
as of December 31, 1997; Annual Reports for 1994, 1995 and 1996; Form 10-K's for
the years 1994, 1995 and 1996; Form 10-Q's for the periods ending September 30,
1997, June 30, 1997 and March 31, 1997; management's Letter to KPMG March 26,
1997, Draft Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, the Articles of Incorporation and By Laws of Optima, Form
20-F Amendment No. 1, December 31, 1994, and a valuation of exploration
prospects and exploratory leads in which Optima owns an interest, prepared by
LaRoche Petroleum Consultants.
We also reviewed the following documents of American Explorer, L.L.C.: Reserve
Reports prepared by DOR Engineering, Inc. dated as of December 31, 1997;
unaudited Statement of Assets, Liabilities & Members' Capital as of September
30, 1997 and December 31, 1996; Statement of Assets, Liabilities & Members'
Capital as of December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, marked Tentative For
Discussion Purposes Only; Operating Agreement; the Credit Agreement Between
American Explorer, L.L.C. and Compass Bank dated October 16, 1997, and a
valuation of exploration prospects and exploratory leads in which American
Explorer owns an interest, prepared by LaRoche Petroleum Consultants (addressed
to Mr. William Leuschner, Chairman of Optima).
We met with certain members of management of American Explorer at their offices
in Lafayette, Louisiana, where we reviewed and discussed the significant oil and
gas prospects of American Explorer with management. We held discussions with
certain senior officers of Optima and certain senior officers of American
Explorer concerning the businesses, operations and prospects of Optima and
American Explorer. We discussed the strategy of Optima with its management, and
the methodology employed in determining an exchange ratio of Optima stock for
the stock of American Explorer.
<PAGE> 84
We examined certain publicly available business and financial information
relating to Optima, as well as certain financial forecasts and other information
and data for Optima and American Explorer, which were provided to or otherwise
discussed with us by the respective managements of Optima and American Explorer,
including information relating to certain strategic implications and operational
benefits anticipated to result from the Merger. We reviewed the financial terms
of the Merger as set forth in the Merger Agreement in relation to, among other
things: current and historical market prices and trading volumes of Optima
Common Stock, and the capitalization and financial condition of Optima and
American Explorer.
We considered, to the extent publicly available, the financial terms of other
transactions recently effected which we considered relevant in evaluating the
Merger and analyzed certain financial, stock market and other publicly available
information relating to the businesses of other companies whose operations we
considered relevant in evaluating those of Optima and American Explorer. We also
evaluated the potential pro forma financial impact of the Merger on Optima. In
addition to the foregoing, we conducted such other analyses and examinations and
considered such other financial, economic and market criteria as we deemed
appropriate in arriving at our opinion.
In rendering our opinion, we have assumed and relied, without independent
verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all financial and other
information and data publicly available or furnished to or otherwise reviewed by
or discussed with us. With respect to financial forecasts and other information
and data provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with us, we have been
advised by the managements of Optima and American Explorer that such forecasts
and other information and data were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the
best currently available estimates and judgments of the managements of Optima
and American Explorer as to the future financial performance of Optima and
American Explorer and the strategic implications and operational benefits
anticipated to result from the Merger.
We are not expressing any opinion as to what the value of the shares actually
will be when issued, or the price at which the shares will trade or otherwise be
transferable subsequent to the Merger. We have not made an independent
evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise)
of either American Explorer or Optima nor have we made any physical inspection
of the properties or assets of either company. Our opinion is necessarily based
upon information available to us, and financial, stock market and other
conditions and circumstances existing and disclosed to us, as of the date
hereof.
We have received a fee in connection with the delivery of this opinion. We have
had no relationship with Optima or American Explorer or their respective
affiliates in the past.
Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein are provided for the
information of the Board of Directors of Optima in its evaluation of the
proposed Merger, and our opinion is not intended to be and does not constitute a
recommendation to any stockholder as to how such stockholder should vote on the
proposed Merger. Our opinion may not be published or otherwise used or referred
to, nor shall any public reference to R P & C International, Inc. be made,
without our prior written consent.
Based upon and subject to the following, our experience as investment bankers,
our work as described above and other factors we deemed relevant, we are of the
opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Merger Consideration is fair from a
financial point of view to the holders of Optima Common Stock.
Very truly yours,
R P & C INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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APPENDIX C
DELAWARE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
[diamond]
The undersigned, a natural person acting as incorporator of a
corporation under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as the
same exists or may hereafter from time to time be amended (the "DGCL"), hereby
makes this Certificate of Incorporation for such corporation.
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of the corporation is [diamond] (the "Corporation").
ARTICLE II
REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT
The address of its registered office in the State of Delaware is The
Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, New
Castle County. The name of its registered agent at such address is The
Corporation Trust Company.
ARTICLE III
PURPOSES
The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted is to
engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized
under the DGCL.
ARTICLE IV
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
The aggregate number of shares of all classes of stock which the
Corporation shall have authority to issue is 80,000,000 shares, consisting of:
(i) 75,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Common
Stock"), and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.001 per share
(the "Preferred Stock"). Shares of any class of capital stock of the Corporation
may be issued for such consideration and for such corporate purposes as the
Board of Directors of the Corporation (the "Board of Directors") may from time
to time determine. Each share of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote.
A. Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock may be divided into and issued
from time to time in one or more series as may be fixed and determined by the
Board of Directors. The relative rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock
of each series shall be such as shall be stated in any resolution or resolutions
adopted by the Board of Directors setting forth the designation of the series
and fixing and
<PAGE> 86
determining the relative rights and preferences thereof (a "Directors'
Resolution"). The Board of Directors is hereby authorized to fix and determine
the powers, designations, preferences, and relative, participating, optional or
other rights, including, without limitation, voting powers, full or limited,
preferential rights to receive dividends or assets upon liquidation, rights of
conversion or exchange into Common Stock, Preferred Stock of any series or other
securities, any right of the Corporation to exchange or convert shares into
Common Stock, Preferred Stock of any series or other securities, or redemption
provision or sinking fund provisions, as between series and as between the
Preferred Stock or any series thereof and the Common Stock, and the
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, all as shall be
stated in a Directors' Resolution, and the shares of Preferred Stock or any
series thereof may have full or limited voting powers, or be without voting
powers, all as shall be stated in a Directors' Resolution. Except where
otherwise set forth in the Directors' Resolution providing for the issuance of
any series of Preferred Stock, the number of shares comprising such series may
be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares then outstanding)
from time to time by like action of the Board of Directors. The shares of
Preferred Stock of any one series shall be identical with the other shares in
the same series in all respects except as to the dates from and after which
dividends thereon shall cumulate, if cumulative.
B. Reacquired Shares of Preferred Stock. Shares of any series of any
Preferred Stock that have been redeemed (whether through the operation of a
sinking fund or otherwise), purchased by the Corporation, or which, if
convertible or exchangeable, have been converted into, or exchanged for, shares
of stock of any other class or classes or any evidences of indebtedness shall
have the status of authorized and unissued shares of Preferred Stock and may be
reissued as a part of the series of which they were originally a part or may be
reclassified and reissued as part of a new series of Preferred Stock or as part
of any other series of Preferred Stock, all subject to the conditions or
restrictions on issuance set forth in the Directors' Resolution providing for
the issuance of any series of Preferred Stock and to any filing required by law.
C. Increase in Authorized Preferred Stock. The number of authorized
shares of Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased by the affirmative vote
of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
without the separate vote of holders of Preferred Stock as a class.
ARTICLE V
EXISTENCE
The existence of the Corporation is to be perpetual.
ARTICLE VI
NO PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS
No stockholder shall be entitled, as a matter of right, to subscribe for
or acquire additional, unissued or treasury shares of any class of capital stock
of the Corporation whether now or hereafter authorized, or any bonds, debentures
or other securities convertible into, or carrying a right to subscribe to or
acquire such shares, but any shares or other securities convertible into, or
carrying a right to subscribe to or acquire such shares may be issued or
disposed of by the Board of Directors to such persons and on such terms as in
its discretion it shall deem advisable.
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<PAGE> 87
ARTICLE VII
NO CUMULATIVE VOTING
At each election of directors, every stockholder entitled to vote at
such election shall have the right to vote in person or by proxy the number of
shares owned by him for as many persons as there are directors to be elected and
for whose election he has a right to vote. No stockholder shall have the right
to cumulate his votes in any election of directors.
ARTICLE VIII
NO STOCKHOLDER ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING
Except as otherwise required by law, any action required or permitted to
be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at an annual or
special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by
any consent in writing by such stockholders. A special meeting of stockholders
of the Corporation may be called only by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief
Executive Officer, the President or the Board of Directors by the written order
of a majority of the entire Board of Directors, and not by the stockholders
except as otherwise provided by law or the Bylaws of the Corporation ("Bylaws").
ARTICLE IX
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under
the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the authority and powers
conferred upon the Board of Directors by the DGCL or by the other provisions of
this Certificate of Incorporation (this "Certificate of Incorporation"), the
Board of Directors is hereby authorized and empowered to exercise all such
powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the
Corporation, subject to the provisions of the DGCL, this Certificate of
Incorporation and the Bylaws; provided, however, that no Bylaws hereafter
adopted by the stockholders of the Corporation, or any amendments thereto, shall
invalidate any prior act of the Board of Directors that would have been valid if
such Bylaws or amendment had not been adopted.
A. Number, Election and Terms of Directors. The number of directors
which shall constitute the whole Board of Directors shall be fixed from time to
time by a majority of the directors then in office. Each director shall hold
office until the next annual meeting and shall serve until his successor shall
have been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or
removal. Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws
of the Corporation shall so provide.
B. Removal of Directors. No director of the Corporation shall be removed
from office as a director by vote or other action of the stockholders or
otherwise except for cause, and then only by the affirmative vote of the holders
of at least a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital
stock of the Corporation generally entitled to vote in the election of
directors, voting together as a single class. Except as may otherwise be
provided by law, cause of removal of a director shall be deemed to exist only
if: (i) the director whose removal is proposed has been convicted, or where a
director is granted immunity to testify where another has been convicted, of a
felony by a court of competent jurisdiction and such conviction is no longer
subject to direct appeal; (ii) such director has been found by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors at any regular or special
meeting of the Board of Directors called for that purpose or by a court of
competent jurisdiction to have been grossly negligent or guilty of misconduct in
the performance of his duties to the Corporation in a matter of
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<PAGE> 88
substantial importance to the Corporation; or (iii) such director has been
adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be mentally incompetent,
which mental incompetency directly affects his ability as a director of the
Corporation.
C. Vacancies. Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in
the number of directors and any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting
from death, resignation, removal or other cause shall be filled by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even
though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors. Any director elected in
accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of
the full term of the class of directors in which the new directorship was
created or the vacancy occurred and until such director's successor shall have
been elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.
No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall
shorten the term of any incumbent director.
ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION
A. Mandatory Indemnification. Each person who at any time is or was a
director or officer of the Corporation, and is threatened to be or is made a
party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative or investigative (a
"Proceeding"), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or
officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
Corporation as a director, officer, partner, venturer, proprietor, member,
employee, trustee, agent or similar functionary of another domestic or foreign
corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship, trust, employee
benefit plan or other for-profit or non-profit enterprise, whether the basis of
a Proceeding is an alleged action in such person's official capacity or in
another capacity while holding such office, shall be indemnified and held
harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, or any
other applicable law as may from time to time be in effect (but, in the case of
any such amendment or enactment, only to the extent that such amendment or law
permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law
prior to such amendment or enactment permitted the Corporation to provide),
against all expense, liability and loss (including, without limitation, court
costs and attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties, and
amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred or
suffered by such person in connection with a Proceeding, and such
indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or
officer of the Corporation or a director, officer, partner, venturer,
proprietor, member, employee, trustee, agent or similar functionary of another
domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole
proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan or other for-profit or non - profit
enterprise, and shall inure to the benefit of such person's heirs, executors and
administrators. The Corporation's obligations under this Section A include, but
are not limited to, the convening of any meeting, and the consideration of any
matter thereby, required by statute in order to determine the eligibility of any
person for indemnification.
B. Prepayment of Expenses. Expenses incurred by a director or officer of
the Corporation in defending a Proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in
advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding to the fullest extent
permitted by, and only in compliance with, the DGCL or any other applicable laws
as may from time to time be in effect, including, without limitation, any
provision of the DGCL which requires, as a condition precedent to such expense
advancement, the delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf
of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall
ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be
indemnified under Section A of this Article X or otherwise. Repayments of all
amounts so advanced shall be upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the
Corporation's Board of Directors deems appropriate.
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<PAGE> 89
C. Vesting. The Corporation's obligation to indemnify and to prepay
expenses under Sections A and B of this Article X shall arise, and all rights
granted to the Corporation's directors and officers hereunder shall vest, at the
time of the occurrence of the transaction or event to which a Proceeding
relates, or at the time that the action or conduct to which such Proceeding
relates was first taken or engaged in (or omitted to be taken or engaged in),
regardless of when such Proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or the
Bylaws of the Corporation, no action taken by the Corporation, either by
amendment of this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation
or otherwise, shall diminish or adversely affect any rights to indemnification
or prepayment of expenses granted under Sections A and B of this Article X which
shall have become vested as aforesaid prior to the date that such amendment or
other corporate action is effective or taken, whichever is later.
D. Enforcement. If a claim under Section A or Section B or both Sections
A and B of this Article X is not paid in full by the Corporation within thirty
(30) days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, the
claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit in a court of competent
jurisdiction against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim
and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall also be entitled to
be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such
suit (other than a suit brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in
defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required
undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the
claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under
the DGCL or other applicable law to indemnify the claimant for the amount
claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation. The
failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal
counsel, or stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement
of such suit as to whether indemnification is proper in the circumstances based
upon the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL or other
applicable law shall neither be a defense to the action nor create a presumption
that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct. The
termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or
upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a
presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such
person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had reasonable cause
to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
E. Nonexclusive. The indemnification provided by this Article X shall
not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which a person seeking
indemnification may be entitled under any statute, bylaw, other provisions of
this Certificate of Incorporation, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person's
official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such
office.
F. Permissive Indemnification. The rights to indemnification and
prepayment of expenses which are conferred to the Corporation's directors and
officers by Sections A and B of this Article X may be conferred upon any
employee or agent of the Corporation if, and to the extent, authorized by the
Board of Directors.
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<PAGE> 90
G. Insurance. The Corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain
insurance, at its expense, on behalf of any person who is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, venturer,
proprietor, member, employee, trustee, agent or similar functionary of another
domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole
proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan or other for-profit or non-profit
enterprise against any expense, liability or loss asserted against such person
and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such
person's status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to
indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the
provisions of this Article X, the Corporation's Bylaws, the DGCL or other
applicable law.
H. Implementing Arrangements. Without limiting the power of the
Corporation to procure or maintain insurance or other arrangement on behalf of
any of the persons as described in Section G of this Article X, the Corporation
may, for the benefit of persons eligible for indemnification by the Corporation,
(i) create a trust fund, (ii) establish any form of self-insurance, (iii) secure
its indemnity obligation by grant of a security interest or other lien on the
assets of the Corporation, or (iv) establish a letter of credit, guaranty or
surety arrangement.
ARTICLE XI
LIMITED DIRECTOR LIABILITY
No director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the
Corporation or to its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, provided that this Article XI shall not eliminate or limit
the liability of a director: (i) for any breach of the director's duty of
loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not
in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, as it may hereafter be amended from
time to time, for any unlawful payment of a dividend or unlawful stock purchase
or redemption, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit.
If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating
or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a
director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent
permitted by the DGCL, as so amended. No amendment to or repeal of this Article
XI will apply to, or have any effect on, the liability or alleged liability of
any director of the Corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of
the director occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.
ARTICLE XII
BYLAWS
The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal
the Bylaws of the Corporation, or adopt new Bylaws, without any action on the
part of the stockholders, except as may be otherwise provided by applicable law
or the Bylaws of the Corporation.
ARTICLE XIII
ARRANGEMENTS WITH CREDITORS
Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between the Corporation
and its creditors or any class of them and/or between the Corporation and its
stockholders or any class of them, any court of
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equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a
summary way of the Corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof, or on
the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under
Section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code, order a meeting of the creditors or
class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of the
Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court
directs. If the majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the
creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of
stockholders, of the Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or
arrangement and to any reorganization of the Corporation as a consequence of
such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said
reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application
has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on
all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of the Corporation, as the case
may be, and also on the Corporation.
ARTICLE XIV
INITIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The names and mailing addresses of the initial members of the Board of
Directors are:
Charles T. Goodson of [diamond], Lafayette, LA, USA
Alfred J. Thomas, II, of [diamond],Lafayette, LA, USA
Ralph J. Daigle, of [diamond],Lafayette, LA, USA
Robert R. Brooksher of [diamond], Lafayette, LA, USA
Daniel G. Fournerat of [diamond], Lafayette, LA, USA
Robert L. Hodgkinson of [diamond], Vancouver, BC, Canada
William C. Leuschner of [diamond], Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ARTICLE XV
INCORPORATOR
The name and mailing address of the incorporator, the powers and
authority of whom shall cease upon the filing of this Certificate of
Incorporation, is:
Robert G. Reedy, Esq.
Porter & Hedges, L.L.P.
700 Louisiana, 35th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002
ARTICLE XVI
DOMESTICATION
The Corporation was incorporated under the laws of British Columbia,
Canada on April 11, 1983 and continued under the laws of Canada on June 14,
1994. Simultaneously with the filing of this Certificate of Incorporation, the
Corporation has filed its Certificate of Domestication with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware in order to domesticate itself in the State of
Delaware. This Certificate of Incorporation amends and supersedes in all
respects the previously adopted Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date,
of the Corporation. The one share of the common stock of the Corporation
outstanding on the effective date of this Certificate of Incorporation is hereby
converted into one share of the Common Stock without any further action by the
Corporation or any stockholder, and the currently
- 7 -
<PAGE> 92
outstanding share certificate representing such share of common stock
outstanding on the effective date of this Certificate of Incorporation shall
represent one share of the Common Stock until such share certificate is
surrendered for transfer or reissue.
ARTICLE XVII
SECTION 203 ELECTION
The Corporation expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of
the DGCL.
ARTICLE XVIII
ARRANGEMENTS WITH CREDITORS
Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between the Corporation
and its creditors or any class of them and/or between the Corporation and its
stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within
the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of the
Corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof, or on the application of
any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under Section 291 of
Title 8 of the Delaware Code, order a meeting of the creditors or class of
creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of the
Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court
directs. If the majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the
creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of
stockholders, of the Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or
arrangement and to any reorganization of the Corporation as a consequence of
such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said
reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application
has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on
all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of the Corporation, as the case
may be, and also on the Corporation.
I, the undersigned, being the incorporator, for the purpose of forming a
corporation pursuant to the DGCL, do make this Certificate of Incorporation,
hereby declaring under the penalties of perjury that this is my act and deed and
that the facts stated herein are true, and accordingly have executed this
Certificate of Incorporation on _____________, 1998.
/s/ ROBERT G. REEDY
----------------------------
Robert G. Reedy, Esq.
- 8 -
<PAGE> 93
APPENDIX D
PROFORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OPTIMA
<PAGE> 94
[Letterhead of KPMG]
COMPILATION REPORT
The Board of Directors
Optima Petroleum Corporation
We have reviewed, as to compilation only, the accompanying pro forma
consolidated balance sheet of Optima Petroleum Corporation as at December 31,
1997 and the pro forma combined statements of operations of Optima Petroleum
Corporation and American Explorer LLC for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996. These pro forma financial statements have been prepared for inclusion in
the information circular relating to the issuance of 7,335,001 common shares of
Optima Petroleum Corporation on its merger with American Explorer LLC. In our
opinion, the pro forma consolidated balance sheet and the pro forma combined
statements of operations have been properly compiled to give effect to the
proposed transactions and assumptions described in Note 2 thereto.
/s/ KPMG
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
April 3, 1998
<PAGE> 95
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Pro Forma Balance Sheet
December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
OPC AMEX Adjustments Notes Consolidated
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,660,354 $ 246,610 $ 5,906,964
Cash in trust 715,250 -- 715,250
Accounts receivable 2,220,151 2,100,443 4,320,594
Note receivable - current portion 129,861 -- 129,861
8,725,616 2,347,053 11,072,669
OTHER
Cash held in trust 703,996 1,109,356 1,813,352
Advances to operators 547,200 -- 547,200
Note receivable - long term portion 265,077 -- 265,077
Petroleum and natural gas interests, 17,695,968 10,692,975 $6,504,228 2(a) 36,788,871
full cost method 1,895,700 2(b)
Deferred charges 205,486 -- 205,486
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 28,143,343 $14,149,384 $ 50,692,655
============================================================================================================================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 868,796 $ 3,515,714 $ 4,384,510
Current portion of long-term debt -- 2,574,900 2,574,900
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
868,796 6,090,614 6,959,410
REVENUE IN DISPUTE 1,023,998 -- 1,023,998
LONG-TERM DEBT 143,050 2,288,800 2,431,850
SITE RESTORATION AND ABANDONMENT 369,297 -- 1,895,700 2(b) 2,264,997
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital 30,891,689 -- $12,274,198 2(a) 43,165,887
Contributed surplus 608,222 -- 608,222
Deficit (5,761,709) 5,769,970 (5,769,970) 2(a) (5,761,709)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25,738,202 5,769,970 38,012,400
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 28,143,343 $14,149,384 $ 50,692,655
============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to pro forma financial statements.
<PAGE> 96
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Pro Forma Statement of Operations
December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
OPC AMEX Adjustments Notes Combined
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING INCOME
Petroleum and natural gas sales $ 7,649,415 $ 9,403,334 3,806,465 2(f) $ 20,859,214
Royalties and production taxes 2,581,196 361,396 3,806,465 2(f) 6,749,057
Operating costs 1,018,211 3,279,187 4,297,398
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4,050,008 5,762,751 9,812,759
EXPENSES
General and administrative 1,691,779 550,768 2,242,547
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST,
DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION,
AMORTIZATION AND INCOME TAXES 2,358,229 5,211,983 7,570,212
Depletion and depreciation 4,269,745 3,898,106 1,303,345 2(c) 9,471,196
Provision for revenue dispute 1,023,998 -- 1,023,998
Gain on sale of Canadian petroleum
and natural gas interests (518,025) -- (518,025)
Interest and other revenue (250,916) (62,124) (313,040)
Foreign exchange gain (259,315) (43,035) (302,350)
Interest and bank charges 188,468 77,870 266,338
Amortization of deferred
financing costs 68,494 -- 68,494
Write-down of petroleum and
natural gas interests 2,520,000 -- 2,520,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (4,684,220) 1,341,166 (4,646,399)
Income taxes 151,000 -- 480,300 2(d) 151,000
(480,300) 2(e)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR $(4,835,220) $ 1,341,166 $ (4,797,399)
======================================================================================================================
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
(Note 3) $ (0.43) N/A $ (0.26)
======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to pro forma financial statements.
<PAGE> 97
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Pro Forma Statement of Operations
December 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=================================================================================================================================
Pro Forma
OPC AMEX Adjustments Notes Combined
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING INCOME
Petroleum and natural gas sales $ 12,862,701 $ 6,169,037 2,795,460 2(f) $21,827,198
Royalties and production taxes 2,887,096 368,389 2,795,460 2(f) 6,050,945
Operating costs 1,649,650 1,940,903 3,590,553
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8,325,955 3,859,745 12,185,700
EXPENSES
General and administrative 1,663,411 391,226 2,054,637
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST,
DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION,
AMORTIZATION AND INCOME TAXES 6,662,544 3,468,519 10,131,063
Depletion and depreciation 5,661,205 1,537,791 866,821 2(c) 8,065,817
Interest and other revenue (26,095) (87,957) (114,052)
Foreign exchange gain (3,789) (9,308) (13,097)
Interest and bank charges 685,942 231,162 917,104
Amortization of deferred financing costs 68,494 -- 68,494
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 276,787 1,796,831 1,206,797
Income taxes 48,214 -- 661,400 2(d) 48,214
(661,400) 2(e)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR $ 228,573 $ 1,796,831 $ 1,158,583
=================================================================================================================================
NET INCOME PER COMMON
SHARE (Note 3) $ 0.02 N/A $ 0.06
=================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to pro forma financial statements.
<PAGE> 98
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
(CANADIAN DOLLARS)
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited pro forma financial statements of Optima
Petroleum Corporation ("OPC") have been prepared by management in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada.
The pro forma statements have been prepared from the audited
consolidated financial statements of OPC for the years ended December
31, 1997 and 1996 and from audited financial statements of American
Explorer, LLC ("AMEX") for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996,
together with other publicly available information. In the opinion of
management, these pro forma statements include all adjustments
necessary for fair representation.
The pro forma statements do not include the financial position and
results of operations of Goodson Exploration Company, NAB Financial,
L.L.C. or Dexco Energy, Inc., all of which will be acquired under the
proposed acquisition, as all assets and liabilities of these companies,
except for their investments in AMEX, will be removed immediately prior
to the acquisition.
The audited financial statements of AMEX have been translated from U.S.
dollars to Canadian dollars using the current rate method. Under this
method, the balance sheet at December 31, 1997 is translated at a
current exchange rate at this date of $1.4305 and the statements of
operations are translated at the average exchange rate for the year
presented (1997 - $1.3846; 1996 - $1.3635).
The pro forma statements are not necessarily indicative of either the
results of operations that would have occurred for the year ended
December 31, 1997, or of the results of operations expected in 1998 and
future years. In preparing these pro forma statements, no adjustments
have been made to reflect the operating synergies and general and
administrative cost savings expected to result from consolidating the
operations of OPC and AMEX.
These pro forma statements should be read in conjunction with the
audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of OPC and
the audited financial statements and notes thereto of AMEX for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.
2. PRO FORM ASSUMPTIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS
The pro forma consolidated balance sheet gives effect to the
acquisition of AMEX and the share issue as at December 31, 1997. The
pro forma combined statements of operations for the year ended December
31, 1997 gives effect to the acquisition and the share issue as of
January 1, 1997, including adjustments in respect to certain
transactions that may not occur in future years. The pro forma combined
statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 1996 gives
effect to the acquisition and the share issue as of January 1, 1996,
including adjustments in respect of certain transactions that may not
occur in future years.
These pro forma statements give effect to the following assumptions and
adjustments:
(a) Accounting for the acquisition of AMEX is by the purchase
method of accounting. The following table shows the
assumptions made with respect to the allocation of the
aggregate purchase price to AMEX's net assets and the
adjustments necessary to their historical cost carrying value.
Included as part of the adjustments is the elimination of
AMEX's shareholders' equity of $5,769,970.
NET ASSETS ACQUIRED
<PAGE> 99
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Net Assets Acquired
Current assets $ 2,347,053
Petroleum and natural gas interests, at historical cost 10,692,975
Other assets 1,109,356
Current liabilities (6,090,614)
Long term debt (2,288,800)
------------
5,769,970
Excess purchase price, attributed to petroleum and natural gas
interests 6,504,228
------------
Total consideration $ 12,274,198
============
CONSIDERATION COMPRISED OF
Share capital on issue of 7,335,001 shares at a fair value of $1.67 $ 12,274,198
============
</TABLE>
(b) Site Restoration and abandonment
This is to reallocate AMEX Site Restoration and Abandonment of
$1,895,700 from Accumulated Depletion, Depreciation and
Amortization to Site Restoration and Abandonment on the
balance sheet as required under Canadian Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Year Ended
Dec. 31/97 Dec. 31/96
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
(c) Depletion and depreciation
Increased depletion and depreciation expense
resulting from the higher cost base on acquisition
of AMEX's petroleum and natural gas interests: $1,303,345 $ 866,821
========== ==========
(d) Income taxes
To record deferred income taxes on income of AMEX. $ 480,300 $ 661,400
========== ==========
(e) Income taxes
To reduce deferred income taxes of AMEX to
reflect the utilization of OPC's losses carry forward. $ (480,300) $ (661,400)
=========== ===========
(f) Gross up to working interest
To gross-up AMEX petroleum and natural gas sales
from net revenue interest reporting to working
interest reporting in accordance with OPC's financial
statement presentation. $3,806,465 $2,795,460
========== ==========
</TABLE>
3. PER COMMON SHARE INFORMATION
Pro forma net income (loss) per common share has been calculated using
the weighted average number of OPC common shares outstanding during the
years end December 31, 1997 and 1996 plus the additional OPC common
shares that were issued pursuant to the AMEX acquisition and to be
issued pursuant to this offering, all as if the additional common
shares were outstanding at the beginning of each year.
<PAGE> 100
APPENDIX E
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMEX
<PAGE> 101
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Members and Board of Directors of American Explorer, LLC:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of American Explorer,
LLC (a Louisiana limited liability company) as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
and the related statements of operations, members' equity and cash flows for the
years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Explorer,
LLC, as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
March 17, 1998
<PAGE> 102
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND
MEMBERS' CAPITAL
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS 1997 1996
------ ---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Current Assets:
Cash $ 172,394 $ 206,119
Accrued Oil and Gas Revenues 1,468,328 600,775
Accounts Receivable From Members -- 125,000
----------- -----------
Total Current Assets $ 1,640,722 $ 931,894
----------- -----------
Property and Equipment
Oil and Gas Properties, $10,904,765 $ 4,334,033
full cost method
Unevaluated Oil and Gas Properties 1,751,067 740,834
Less Accumulated Depreciation
Depletion and Amortization (5,239,927) (2,440,813)
----------- -----------
Net Property and Equipment $ 7,415,905 $ 2,634,054
Plugging and Abandonment Escrow 775,502 1,537,912
Other Assets 59,086 20,907
----------- -----------
$ 9,891,215 $ 5,124,767
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' CAPITAL
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable $ 2,457,682 $ 1,436,219
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt 1,800,000 654,889
----------- -----------
Total Current Liabilities $ 4,257,682 $ 2,091,108
Long-term Debt 1,600,000 --
Members' Capital 4,033,533 3,033,659
----------- -----------
$ 9,891,215 $ 5,124,767
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 103
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF REVENUES AND EXPENSES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Oil and Gas Sales $6,791,372 $4,524,413
Interest Income 44,868 64,508
---------- ----------
$6,836,240 $4,588,921
---------- ----------
Expenses:
Lease Operating Expense $2,368,328 $1,423,471
Production Taxes 261,011 270,179
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 2,815,330 1,127,826
General and Administrative 397,781 286,928
Interest Expense 56,240 169,536
---------- ----------
$5,898,690 $3,277,940
---------- ----------
Net Income $ 937,550 $1,310,981
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 104
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' CAPITAL
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1995 $ 1,422,678
Contributions 300,000
Distributions --
Net Income 1,310,981
-----------
Balance, December 31, 1996 $ 3,033,659
Contributions 493,737
Distributions (431,413)
Net Income 937,550
-----------
Balance, December 31, 1997 $ 4,033,533
===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 105
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FORM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income $ 937,550 $ 1,310,981
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 2,815,330 1,104,598
Accrued oil and gas revenues (867,553) 13,626
Accounts receivable from members 125,000 (125,000)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,021,463 799,758
Plugging and abandonment escrow 762,410 (297,649)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 4,794,200 $ 2,806,314
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of oil and gas properties $(7,945,065) $(2,985,424)
Sales of oil and gas properties 364,100 1,312,290
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities $(7,580,965) $(1,673,134)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal repayments $ (654,889) $(1,899,378)
Borrowing on lines of credit 3,400,000 675,976
Capital distributions (375,000)
Capital contributions 440,527 300,000
Deferred financing costs (57,598) (11,474)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing activities $ 2,753,040 $ (934,876)
----------- -----------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH (33,725) 198,304
CASH BALANCE, beginning of year 206,119 7,815
----------- -----------
CASH BALANCE, end of year $ 172,394 $ 206,119
=========== ===========
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST $ 62,261 $ 180,906
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 106
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
NOTE A -ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
American Explorer, L.L.C. (the "Company") is a Louisiana limited
liability company headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana. The Company was formed
in March, 1995, through contributions by its members (two individual S-Corps and
a Louisiana limited liability company; collectively "the Members") of interests
in certain oil and gas properties. These initial contributions were recorded by
the Company during 1995 at each Member's respective cost in such properties. The
Company is engaged in the acquisition of and exploration for oil and natural gas
with operations onshore in South Louisiana and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Oil and Gas Properties
The Company utilizes the full-cost method of accounting, which involves
capitalizing all acquisition, exploration and development costs incurred for the
purpose of finding oil and gas reserves, including the costs of drilling and
equipping productive wells, dry hole costs, lease acquisition costs and delay
rentals. The Company also capitalizes the portion of general and administrative
costs which can be directly identified with acquisition, exploration or
development of oil and gas properties. Costs associated with unevaluated
properties are excluded from amortization. Unevaluated property costs are
transferred to evaluated property costs at such time as wells are completed on
the properties, the properties are sold, or management determines these costs to
have been impaired. Cost of properties, including future development, site
restoration, dismantlement and abandonment costs, which have proved reserves and
those which have been determined to be worthless, are depleted on the units of
production method based on proved reserves. Additionally, the capitalized costs
of oil and gas properties cannot exceed the present value of the estimated net
cash flow from its proved reserves, together with the lower of cost or estimated
fair value of its undeveloped properties (the full cost ceiling). Transactions
involving sales of reserves in place, unless extraordinarily large portions of
reserves are involved, are recorded as adjustments to accumulated depreciation,
depletion and amortization.
Upon the acquisition or discovery of oil and gas properties, management
estimates the future net costs to be incurred to dismantle, abandon and restore
the property using geological, engineering and regulatory data available. Such
cost estimates are periodically updated for changes in conditions and
requirements. Such estimated amounts are considered as part of the full cost
pool subject to amortization upon acquisition or discovery. Such costs are
capitalized as oil and gas properties as the actual restoration, dismantlement
and abandonment activities take place.
Other Assets
The Company has capitalized certain organization costs incurred in
connection with the formation of the Company and costs associated with the bank
note. Organization costs are being amortized over a sixty month period and loan
costs are amortized over the life of the loan.
<PAGE> 107
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments in overnight
securities made through its commercial bank accounts, which result in available
funds the next business day, to be cash and cash equivalents.
Certain Concentrations
During 1997 and 1996, 79% and 82% respectively, of the Company's oil
and gas production was sold to three customers. Based on the current demand for
oil and gas, the Company does not believe the loss of any of these customers
would have a significant financially disruptive effect on its business or
financial condition.
Income Taxes
The Company is not a taxable entity and incurs no liability for federal
or state income taxes. Instead, the Company's taxable income or loss and related
taxable items are allocated to the Members in accordance with the operating
agreement.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and
accounts payable approximates book value at December 31, 1997 and 1996 due to
the short-term nature of these accounts. The fair value of the note payable
approximates book value due to the variable rate of interest charged.
NOTE B - NOTE PAYABLE
At December 31, 1996 the Company's Note Payable was to a bank with
interest at prime plus 2% (10 1/4%). This note was fully repaid in August, 1997.
The note was collateralized by certain of the Company's and Members' oil and gas
properties and was further secured by personal guarantees of the Members.
In October 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with a bank for
a reducing revolving line of credit with an initial borrowing base of
$4,000,000. This borrowing base was reduced $220,000 per month through February
1998 when it was redetermined and set at $3,700,000. Beginning April 1, 1998,
the borrowing base is reduced $210,000 per month and is redetermined
semi-annually. The current portion of this note payable of $1,800,000 was
therefore determined to be the sum of the required borrowing base reductions
during 1998. If, upon redetermination, the amount outstanding under the line
exceeds the borrowing base, the Company is required to either pay down the line
of credit to the borrowing base, provide additional collateral to the lender, or
some combination of the two. The Company may borrow, pay and reborrow under the
line of credit until June 1, 2000, on which date, the Company must repay in full
all amounts then outstanding. Outstanding amounts bear interest at prime plus
3/4% (9.25% at December 31, 1997) and are secured by substantially all of the
Company's oil and gas properties. A commitment fee of .50% per annum on the
unused available borrowing base is payable quarterly.
The line of credit agreement contains various covenants including
restrictions on additional indebtedness and distributions to Members as well as
maintenance of certain financial ratios. The Company is in compliance with these
covenants at December 31, 1997.
NOTE C - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
American Explorer, L.L.C. has no employees. It is managed by American
Explorer, Inc. (AEI), a corporation owned by two Members of the Company. In
addition, AEI is the operator of certain of the oil and gas wells in which the
Company has an interest. In 1997 and 1996, AEI charged the Company management
<PAGE> 108
fees of $520,000 and $444,000, respectively. Of these amounts $239,200 and
$155,430 were capitalized as part of the acquisition, exploration and
development effort (See Note A) in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The remainder is
included in general and administrative expense. At December 31, 1997, and 1996
the Company owed AEI approximately $2,458,000, and $1,423,000, respectively.
These amounts are included in Accounts Payable.
In June, 1997, the Members contributed their interests in the Valentine
Field to the Company. The contribution was recorded at the amount of the
Members' cost in the Valentine Field of approximately $53,000.
NOTE D - ESCROWED FUNDS
At December 31, 1996, the Company had approximately $1,303,000
remaining in a restricted escrow account set up to secure the Company's plugging
and abandonment liability associated with its ownership interest in an oil and
gas field in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. In February 1997, the Company received
approval for a Site Specific Trust Account in accordance with the Louisiana
Oilfield Site Restoration Law.
Accordingly, the $1,303,000 in the escrow account became available for general
company purposes. In addition, beginning March 1, 1997, the Company is required
to deposit $10,000 per month into a trust account until the amount reaches
approximately $1,800,000 (the "Approved Amount"). As wells and/or sites are
plugged and cleaned up, the Approved Amount may be adjusted accordingly. At
December 31, 1997, the balance in the Site Specific Trust Account was $100,500.
During 1996, in connection with its acquisition of an interest in
another oil and gas field in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, the Company was
required to fund an escrow account up to approximately $235,000 for its share of
the plugging and abandonment of this oil and gas field. The account was fully
funded at December 31, 1996. During 1997, in connection with the Members'
contribution of their interest in this oil and gas field to the Company (See
Note C), the Members' interest in the related plugging and abandonment escrow of
approximately $440,000 was also contributed. At December 31, 1997, this escrow
account is fully funded with a balance of approximately $675,000.
NOTE E - INVESTMENT IN OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
The following table discloses certain financial data relative to the
Company's oil and gas producing activities, all of which are located onshore and
offshore in the continental United States.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
----------------------
1997 1996
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Costs incurred during year:
Acquisition costs $ 166,626 $ 123,786
Exploration costs 5,215,271 1,319,389
Development costs 2,323,968 1,386,859
General and administrative costs 239,200 155,430
----------- -----------
$ 7,945,065 $ 2,985,464
Less sales of oil and gas properties (364,100) (1,312,290)
----------- -----------
Net cost incurred $ 7,580,965 $ 1,673,174
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 109
NOTE F - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
As described in Note D, a Site Specific Trust Account and an
Escrow Account have been established for future plugging and abandonment
obligations on certain of the Company's oil and gas properties. The management
of the Company believes that these funds will be sufficient to offset those
future liabilities; however, the Company is responsible for any plugging and
abandonment expense in excess of the balances in these accounts. In addition,
the Company has working interest in other oil and gas properties for which it
will be responsible for its share of the cost of plugging and abandonment of
such properties. At December 31, 1997, the Company's share of total estimated
future plugging and abandonment costs was approximately $2,148,000.
NOTE G- SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On February 12, 1998, an agreement was signed to effectively merge
American Explorer, L.L.C. with Optima Petroleum Corporation (Optima). Under the
terms of the Agreement, the Members of the Company will receive shares of Optima
stock in exchange for their interests in the Company. Optima will be redomiciled
as a U.S. (Delaware) Corporation headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana. All of
the Company's officers will become officers of Optima. The transaction is
subject to approval by Optima shareholders, U.S. and Canadian regulatory
authorities, an independent fairness opinion and certain customary due
diligence.
As a result of the merger, the Company will become a taxable entity
subject to Federal and State income taxes. The Company will also be required to
establish a net deferred tax liability calculated at the applicable Federal and
State tax rates resulting primarily from financial reporting and income tax
reporting basis differences in oil and gas properties. At December 31, 1997,
such net deferred tax liability would have been approximately $500,000.
NOTE H - OIL & GAS RESERVE INFORMATION - UNAUDITED
The Company's net proved oil and gas reserves have been estimated by
independent petroleum consultants in accordance with guidelines established by
the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, the following
reserve estimates are based upon existing economic and operating conditions at
the respective dates.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of
proved reserves and in providing the future rates of production and timing of
development expenditures. The following reserve data represents estimates only
and should not be construed as being exact. In addition, the present values
should not be construed as the current market value of the Company's oil and gas
properties or the cost that would be incurred to obtain equivalent reserves.
The following table sets forth an analysis of the Company's estimated
quantities of net proved and proved developed oil (including condensate) and
gas, all located onshore and offshore in the continental United States:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Natural
Oil in Gas
MBbls in MMcf
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Proved reserves as of December 31, 1995 228.64 5,782.37
Revisions of previous estimates 46.55 9.23
Extensions, discoveries and other additions 7.44 1062.81
Purchase of producing properties 94.04 3,748.92
Sale of reserves (1.34) (156.89)
Production (63.39) (1,314.00)
---------- ---------
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 110
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Proved reserves as of December 31, 1996 311.94 9,132.44
Revisions of previous estimates 7.18 (1,125.77)
Extensions, discoveries and other additions 4.74 3,014.25
Purchase of producing properties -- 235.54
Production (51.33) (2,385.42)
----------- ---------
Proved reserves as of December 31, 1997 272.53 8,871.04
=========== =========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Natural
Oil in Gas
MBbls in MMcf
------ --------
<S> <C> <C>
Proved developed reserves:
as of December 31, 1996 310.53 7,598.82
====== ========
as of December 31, 1997 272.53 8,075.36
====== ========
</TABLE>
The following tables present the standardized measure of
future net cash flows related to proved oil and gas reserves together with
changes therein, as defined by the FASB. The oil, condensate and gas price
structure utilized to project future net cash flows reflects current prices at
each year end and has been escalated only where known and determinable price
changes are provided by contracts and law. Future production and development
costs are based on current costs with no escalations. Estimated future cash
flows have been discounted to their present values based on a 10% annual
discount rate.
Crude oil and natural gas prices have declined subsequent to
December 31, 1997. Accordingly, the discounted future net cash flows would be
reduced if the standardized measure was calculated at the latter date. As a
result of the continued volatility in oil and natural gas markets, future prices
received from oil, condensate and natural gas sales may be higher or lower than
current levels.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Standardized Measure
December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1997 1996
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
(In Thousands)
Future cash flows $ 25,535.85 $ 41,541.68
Future production and development costs 13,662.67 13,292.56
------------- -------------
Future net cash flows $ 11,873.18 $ 28,249.12
10% annual discount (1,661.52) (5,737.97)
------------- -------------
Standardized measure of discounted
future net cash flows $ 10,211.66 $ 22,511.15
============= =============
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 111
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Changes in Standardized Measure
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Standardized measure at beginning of year $ 22,511,127 $ 4,387,648
Sales and transfers of oil and gas produced,
net of production costs (4,162,033) (2,830,763)
Changes in price, net of future production
costs (13,181,241) 8,314,906
Extensions and discoveries, net of future
production and development costs 3,656,605 3,070,499
Changes in estimated future development
costs, net of development costs incurred
during the period (75,181) 87,050
Revisions of quantity estimates (128,860) 2,944,721
Accretion of discount 2,251,113 438,765
Purchase of reserves in place 34,578 7,860,501
Sale of reserves in place -- (279,105)
Changes in production rates (timing)
and other (694,451) (1,483,095)
------------ ------------
Standardized measure at end of year $ 10,211,657 $ 22,511,127
============ ============
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 112
PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER
BY AND AMONG
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION, AND
OPTIMA ENERGY (U.S.) CORPORATION, ITS WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY,
AND
GOODSON EXPLORATION COMPANY
NAB FINANCIAL, L.L.C.
DEXCO ENERGY, INC.
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
Dated as of February 11, 1998
<PAGE> 113
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
ARTICLE THE MERGERS 2
SECTION The Mergers 2
SECTION Effective Time 2
SECTION Effect of the Mergers 2
SECTION Consideration 3
SECTION Closing 4
SECTION Stockholder Consents 4
SECTION Directors of Acquiring Corporation 4
ARTICLE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TARGET CORPORATIONS 5
SECTION Organization and Qualification 5
SECTION Capitalization 5
SECTION Authority Relative to the Agreement 6
SECTION No Violation 6
SECTION Consents and Approvals 7
SECTION Financial Statements 7
SECTION Absence of Changes 7
SECTION Litigation 8
SECTION Tax Matters 8
SECTION Employee Benefit Plans 8
SECTION Compliance with Law; Environmental Matters 8
SECTION Title to Properties; Encumbrances 9
SECTION Permits and Licenses 9
SECTION Agreements, Contracts and Commitments 9
ARTICLE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ACQUIRING CORPORATION AND ACQUISITION SUB 10
SECTION Organization and Authority 10
SECTION Capitalization 10
SECTION Authority Relative to the Agreement 11
SECTION No Violation 11
SECTION Consents and Approvals 12
SECTION Financial Statements 12
SECTION Absence of Changes 13
SECTION Litigation 13
SECTION Tax Matters 13
SECTION Employee Benefit Plans 14
SECTION Compliance and Law; Environmental Matters 14
SECTION Title to Properties; Encumbrances 15
SECTION Permits and Licenses 15
SECTION Agreements, Contracts and Commitments 15
ARTICLE COVENANTS OF TARGET CORPORATIONS AND OPERATING COMPANY 15
SECTION Affirmative Covenants of Target Corporations and Operating Company 15
SECTION Negative Covenants of Target Corporations and Operating Company 16
ARTICLE COVENANTS OF THE ACQUIRING CORPORATION AND ACQUISITION SUB 17
SECTION Affirmative Covenants of Acquiring Corporation and Acquisition Sub 17
SECTION Negative Covenants of The Acquiring Corporation and Acquisition Sub 19
ARTICLE ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS 20
SECTION Access To, and Information Concerning, Target Corporations
and Operating Company Properties and Records 20
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 114
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SECTION Access To, and Information Concerning Acquiring Corporation
and Acquisition Sub Properties and Records 21
SECTION Miscellaneous Agreements and Consents 22
SECTION Good Faith Efforts 22
SECTION Exclusivity 22
ARTICLE CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGERS 23
SECTION Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect
the Mergers 23
SECTION Conditions to the Obligations of Acquiring Corporation
and Acquisition Sub to Effect the Mergers 23
SECTION Conditions to the Obligations of the Target Corporations
and Operating Company to Effect the Mergers 24
ARTICLE TERMINATION; AMENDMENT; WAIVER 26
SECTION Termination 26
SECTION Effect of Termination 26
SECTION Amendment 27
SECTION Extension; Waiver 27
ARTICLE REMEDIES 27
SECTION Remedies for Breach of Representations and Warranties 27
ARTICLE SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 27
SECTION Survival of Representations and Warranties 27
ARTICLE MISCELLANEOUS 27
SECTION Expenses 28
SECTION Public Announcements 28
SECTION Brokers and Finders 28
SECTION Entire Agreement; Assignment 28
SECTION Waiver; Consents 28
SECTION Further Assurances 28
SECTION Severability 29
SECTION Notices 29
SECTION Governing Law 30
SECTION Descriptive Headings 30
SECTION Parties in Interest; No Third Party Beneficiary 30
SECTION Counterparts 30
SECTION Incorporation by Reference 30
SECTION Pursuit of Litigation 30
SECTION Certain Definitions 30
</TABLE>
-ii-
<PAGE> 115
PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER
THIS PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER ("Agreement") is entered into as of
February 11, 1998, by and among Optima Petroleum Corporation, a corporation
constituted under the Canada Business Corporation Act ("CBCA") ("Acquiring
Corporation"), Optima Energy (U.S.) Corporation, a Nevada corporation and a
wholly owned subsidiary of Acquiring Corporation ("Acquisition Sub"), American
Explorer, L.L.C., a Louisiana limited liability company (the "Operating
Company") and Goodson Exploration Company, a Louisiana corporation ("Goodson"),
NAB Financial, L.L.C., a Louisiana limited liability company ("NAB"), Dexco
Energy, Inc., a Louisiana corporation ("Dexco") (Goodson, NAB and Dexco,
collectively own all of the membership interest of the Operating Company, and
are herein referred to collectively as the "Target Corporations").
WHEREAS, the Acquiring Corporation and the Target Corporations believe
that the Mergers (as defined herein) of the Target Corporations with and into
the Acquisition Sub in the manner provided by, and subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement, and all exhibits, schedules and
amendments hereto, is desirable and in the best interests of their respective
corporations and shareholders;
WHEREAS, the Mergers are conditional upon (i) Acquiring Corporation,
prior to the Merger, being domesticated as a Delaware corporation in accordance
with Section 388 of the Delaware General Corporation Law and Section 188 of the
CBCA (the "Optima Domestication"), pursuant to which Acquiring Corporation will,
among other things, file a certificate of domestication and certificate of
incorporation with the Secretary of the State of Delaware and (ii) subject to
the parties agreeing to a different structure prior to the Closing (as defined
below), the Acquisition Sub, prior to the Mergers, being merged into a newly
formed Louisiana corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Acquiring
Corporation in accordance with the Louisiana Business Corporation Act ("LBCA")
and applicable corporation laws of the State of Nevada, for the purpose of
changing its state of incorporation from Nevada to Louisiana (the
"Reincorporation"); and
WHEREAS, the respective boards of directors of the Acquiring
Corporation and the Acquisition Sub, the board of directors and shareholders of
the Target Corporations and the members of the Operating Company have approved
this Agreement and the proposed transactions on the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals and the respective
representations, warranties and covenants contained herein, and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto
hereby agree as follows:
<PAGE> 116
I. ARTICLE
THE MERGERS
A. SECTION The Mergers. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions hereof, and in accordance with the LBCA, Goodson, NAB and Dexco shall
be merged with and into Acquisition Sub (collectively, the "Mergers"). Prior to
the Mergers, (i) Acquiring Corporation will consummate the Optima Domestication
and (ii) Acquisition Sub will consummate the Reincorporation.
A. SECTION Effective Time. As soon as practicable following
the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI hereof, and
provided that this Agreement has not been terminated or abandoned pursuant to
Section 7.1 hereof, the Target Corporations and Acquisition Sub (the
"Constituent Corporations") will cause Articles of Merger to be filed with the
Secretary of State of Louisiana in the form required by and executed in
accordance with the relevant provisions of the LBCA. The date of such filings or
such other time and date as may be specified in the Articles of Merger shall be
the "Effective Time" of the Mergers.
A. SECTION Effect of the Mergers
The Acquisition Sub will be the surviving corporation in the Mergers
(sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Surviving Corporation") and will
continue to be governed by the laws of its state of incorporation, and the
separate corporate existence of the Target Corporations shall cease. The
corporate charter and the bylaws of Acquisition Sub in effect at the Effective
Time will be the corporate charter and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation,
until duly amended in accordance with its terms and applicable law. The
directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation immediately after the
Effective Time, to serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified,
shall be:
Officers Title
Charles T. Goodson President and Chief Executive Officer
Alfred J. Thomas, II Chief Operating Officer
Ralph J. Daigle Senior Vice President - Exploration
Robert R. Brooksher Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Directors
Robert L. Hodgkinson
William C. Leuschner Chairman of the Board
Charles T. Goodson
Alfred J. Thomas, II
-2-
<PAGE> 117
Ralph J. Daigle
Robert R. Brooksher
Daniel G. Fournerat
Upon the consummation of the Mergers, the Surviving Corporation shall thereupon
and thereafter possess all assets and property of every description and every
interest therein, wherever located, of the Constituent Corporation as in
existence immediately prior to the Effective Time, and the rights, privileges,
immunities, powers, franchises and authority of each Constituent Corporation and
all obligations belonging to and due each Constituent Corporation shall be
vested in the Surviving Corporation, without further act or deed, and the
Mergers shall have all such other effects as set forth in the LBCA. In addition,
as soon as practicable following the Effective time, each of Acquiring
Corporation and Surviving Corporation shall relocate (i) its principal executive
offices to Lafayette, Louisiana and (ii) its principal exploration office, if
any, to Houston, Texas.
A. SECTION Consideration
1. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Mergers and
without any action on the part of any holder of the capital stock of the Target
Corporations, an aggregate of 7,335,001 shares of Acquiring Corporation Common
Stock and Contingent Stock Issue Rights (as defined below) to receive, subject
to certain conditions, an additional 1,667,001 shares of Acquiring Corporation
Common Stock, as follows: (i) each share of the common stock, no par value, of
Goodson shall be converted into (x) 2,567.25 shares of the common stock, $.001
par value, of Acquiring Corporation ("Acquiring Corporation Common Stock") and
the right to receive, subject to certain conditions, 583.45 shares of Acquiring
Corporation Common Stock (a "Contingent Stock Issue Right") in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A (for a total of 2,567,250 shares and 583,450 Contingent
Stock Issue Rights), (ii) each membership interest representing 1% ownership of
NAB shall be converted into 25,672.5 shares of Acquiring Corporation Common
Stock and 5,834.5 Contingent Stock Issue Rights (for a total of 2,567,251 shares
and 583,451 Contingent Stock Issue Rights), and (iii) each share of the common
stock, no par value, of Dexco shall be converted into 22,005 shares of Acquiring
Corporation Common Stock and 5,001 Contingent Stock Issue Rights (for a total of
2,200,500 shares and 500,100 Contingent Stock Issue Rights.
1. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Mergers and
without any action on the part of Acquiring Corporation as the sole shareholder
of the Acquisition Sub, each issued and outstanding share of the common stock of
the Acquisition Sub shall remain issued and outstanding.
1. From and after the Effective Time, each holder of an
outstanding certificate of the common stock and each holder of membership
interests of the Target Corporations shall be entitled to receive, upon
surrender thereof to Acquiring
-3-
<PAGE> 118
Corporation, the shares of Acquiring Corporation Common Stock and Contingent
Stock Issue Rights to which such holder is entitled pursuant to this Section
1.4.
2. No fractional shares of Acquiring Corporation Common
Stock or Contingent Stock Issue Rights shall be issued in the Mergers. In lieu
thereof, each holder of capital stock or membership interests of the Target
Corporations who would otherwise be entitled to a fractional share of Acquiring
Corporation Common Stock or Contingent Stock Issue Right shall be rounded up to
the nearest whole share of Acquiring Corporation Common Stock or the nearest
whole Contingent Stock Issue Right, as applicable.
1. Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth therein,
each Contingent Stock Issue Right shall entitle the holder thereof to receive,
and shall automatically be converted into, shares of Acquiring Corporation
Common Stock on the basis and subject to the conditions set forth in the
Contingent Stock Issue Rights.
A. SECTION Closing. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions hereof, as soon as practicable after the satisfaction or waiver, if
permissible, of the conditions set forth in Article VII hereof, the Target
Corporations and the Acquisition Sub shall execute in the manner required by the
LBCA Articles of Merger, and the parties hereto shall take all such other and
further actions as may be required by law to make the Mergers effective. Prior
to the filings referred to in this section, a closing (the "Closing") will be
held at the office of counsel to the Target Corporations (or such other place as
the parties may agree) for the purpose of confirming all of the foregoing. The
parties acknowledge and agree that it is their mutual desire and interest to
consummate the Mergers as soon as practicable after the date hereof, and shall
use all reasonable effects to consummate the Mergers in accordance with this
Section 1.5. For purposes of this Agreement, the date on which the Closing
actually occurs shall be the "Closing Date."
A. SECTION Stockholder Consents
1. Pursuant to the LBCA, within 10 days of the execution
of this Agreement, each of the stockholders and members of the Target
Corporations will consent to and adopt this Agreement and the Mergers, and the
transactions contemplated herein, by executing the form of consent attached
hereto as Exhibit B-1.
1. Pursuant to the CBCA, within 10 days of the execution
of this Agreement certain of the stockholders of the Acquiring Corporation will
consent and adopt this Agreement and the Mergers, and the transactions
contemplated herein, by executing the form of consent attached hereto as Exhibit
B-2.
A. SECTION Directors of Acquiring Corporation. The Board of
Directors shall take such action as may be necessary to nominate for election to
the Acquiring Corporation's Board of Directors the same directors as those
designated in Section 1.3 hereof for the Acquisition Sub, such persons to be
nominated for election at
-4-
<PAGE> 119
the shareholders' meeting required to be held by the Acquiring Corporation
pursuant to Section 5.1(h) hereof.
I. ARTICLE
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TARGET CORPORATIONS
The Target Corporations hereby severally, but not jointly, make the
representations and warranties set forth in this Article II to the Acquiring
Corporation and the Acquisition Sub. The Target Corporations have delivered to
the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub the Schedules to this
Agreement referred to in this Article II on the date hereof and such Schedules
have been reviewed and accepted by the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition
Sub.
A. SECTION Organization and Qualification
1. Each of Goodson and Dexco is a corporation, and the
Operating Company and NAB are each a limited liability company, duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Louisiana.
Each of the Target Corporations and the Operating Company has all requisite
corporate or partnership power and authority to carry on its business as it is
now being conducted, and to own, lease and operate its properties and assets,
and to perform all its obligations under the agreements and instruments to which
it is a party or by which it is bound. Each of the Target Corporations and the
Operating Company is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation or
limited liability company, as the case may be, and is in good standing under the
laws of each state or other jurisdiction in which the properties and assets
owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it
make such qualification necessary. Each such jurisdiction in which the Target
Corporations and the Operating Company are so qualified is listed on Schedule
2.1(a).
1. None of the Target Corporations and the Operating
Company have a subsidiary.
1. True, correct and complete copies of the charter
documents and bylaws of each Target Corporations and the charter and member
regulations of the Operating Company, with all amendments thereto through the
date of this Agreement, have been delivered by Target Corporations to Acquiring
Corporation.
A. SECTION Capitalization. As of the date hereof, the
authorized capitalization of each of the Target Corporations and the Operating
Company are set forth on Schedule 2.2. Schedule 2.2 lists each holder of common
stock and the number of shares owned by such holders, which represent all of the
outstanding capital stock of Goodson and Dexco, and each owner of membership
interests and the amount of membership interest owned by each member of the
Operating Company and NAB. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.2, there are no
outstanding subscriptions, options, phantom stock, convertible securities,
rights, warrants, calls, irrevocable proxies or other
-5-
<PAGE> 120
agreements or commitments of any kind directly or indirectly obligating Goodson
and Dexco to issue any security of or equity interest in Goodson and Dexco or
obligating the Operating Company and NAB to issue any membership interest in the
Operating Company and NAB, or irrevocable proxies or any agreements (including
shareholder agreements) restricting the transfer of or otherwise relating to any
security or equity interest in Goodson and Dexco or membership interest in the
Operating Company and NAB. All of the shares of common stock of Goodson and
Dexco and the membership interests of the Operating Company and NAB have been
duly authorized, validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable, and are
free of preemptive rights.
A. SECTION Authority Relative to the Agreement. Each of the
Target Corporations and the Operating Company has full corporate power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, and no further corporate
proceedings on the part of the Target Corporations and the Operating Company are
necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, which have been
duly and validly authorized and approved by the board of directors and
shareholders of Goodson and Dexco and by the members and managers of the
Operating Company and NAB. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by each Target Corporations and the Operating Company, and this
Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each Target
Corporations and the Operating Company enforceable against each Target
Corporations and the Operating Company in accordance with its terms, subject to
the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other
similar laws relating to creditors' rights generally and general equitable
principles, and subject to such approval of regulatory agencies as may be
required by statute or regulation.
A. SECTION No Violation. Neither the execution, delivery nor
performance of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will, as of the Effective Time (i) violate any law, order,
writ, judgment, injunction, award, decree, rule, statute, ordinance or
regulation applicable to the Target Corporations and the Operating Company which
in each case would result in a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in Section
11.14 hereof), (ii) except as set forth on Schedule 2.4, be in conflict with,
result in a breach or termination of any provision of, cause the acceleration of
the maturity of any debt or obligation pursuant to, constitute a default (or
give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under, or
result in the creation of any security interest, lien, charge or other
encumbrance upon any property of any Target Corporations and the Operating
Company pursuant to, any terms, conditions or provisions of any note, license,
instrument, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or
understanding or any other restriction of any kind or character, to which any
Target Corporations and the Operating Company are a party or by which any of the
properties of any Target Corporations and the Operating Company are subject or
bound, and in which each case would result in a Material Adverse Effect or (iii)
conflict with or result in any breach of any provision of the charter documents
or bylaws of any Target Corporations and the Operating Company.
-6-
<PAGE> 121
A. SECTION Consents and Approvals. Except as described on
Schedule 2.5 hereto, and except for filing a Notification and Report Form
pursuant to the applicable requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), if such filing is
necessary, no prior consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration,
filing or registration with any person, domestic or foreign, is required of or
by any Target Corporations and the Operating Company in connection with the
execution, delivery and performance by the Target Corporations and the Operating
Company of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
A. SECTION Financial Statements. The Acquiring Corporation has
been provided with a true and complete copy of the unaudited statements of
assets, liabilities and members' capital of the Operating Company and NAB (as of
September 30, 1997 for Operating Company and as of November 30, 1997 for NAB),
and unaudited balance sheet of each of Goodson and Dexco, both as of December
31, 1997 and the related statements of revenues and expenses and statements of
members' capital of the Operating Company and NAB, and statements of operations
and changes in stockholders' equity of each of Goodson and Dexco, all as of and
for respective fiscal years (herein, the "Target Financial Statements"). The
Target Financial Statements fairly present, in all material respects, the
financial condition of each of the Target Corporations and the Operating Company
and the revenues and expenses, results of operations, members' capital and
stockholders' equity, as applicable, for the respective periods indicated
(subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of complete footnotes).
A. SECTION Absence of Changes. Except as set forth on Schedule
2.7, since September 30, 1997 in the case of Operating Company, November 30,
1997 in the case of NAB, and December 31, 1997 in the case of Dexco and Goodson,
neither the Target Corporations nor the Operating Company have directly or
indirectly:
1. made any amendment to its charter documents or bylaws
or regulations, as the case may be, or changed the character of its business in
any material manner;
1. suffered any Material Adverse Effect;
1. entered into or amended any agreement, commitment or
transaction, or incurred any liabilities of any kind, except in the ordinary
course of business consistent with prior practice or except in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
1. agreed, whether in writing or otherwise, to take any
action the performance of which would change the representations contained in
this Section in the future so that any such representation would not be true in
all material respects as of the Closing; or
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1. made any declaration, setting aside, or payment of
any dividend or other distribution in respect its capital stock, or any direct
or indirect redemption, purchase or other acquisition by it of such stock.
A. SECTION Litigation. There are no actions, suits, claims,
investigations, reviews or other proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of
each Target Corporations, threatened against such Target Corporations or the
Operating Company or involving any of the properties or assets of such Target
Corporations or the Operating Company, at law or in equity or before or by any
foreign, federal, state, municipal, or other governmental court, department,
commission, board, bureau, agency, or other instrumentality or person or any
board of arbitration or similar entity.
A. SECTION Tax Matters. All federal, state, county and local
tax returns and tax reports required to be filed by each Target Corporations and
Operating Company prior to the date hereof have been filed with the appropriate
governmental agencies in all jurisdictions in which such returns and reports are
required to be filed. All federal, state and county and local income and other
taxes, including interest and penalties thereon, due by each Target Corporations
and Operating Company have been fully paid or adequately provided for in the
Target Financial Statements. No sales and use tax audits by any governmental
authority are pending, and no federal or state income tax return of any Target
Corporations and Operating Company has been audited by the Internal Revenue
Service or any state governmental authority, respectively.
A. SECTION Employee Benefit Plans. Except for customary group
health, dental and life insurance plans, the Target Corporations and Operating
Company have no health, dental and life insurance plans, bonus, deferred
compensation, pension, profit sharing and retirement plans or any other employee
benefit plans, programs or arrangements providing benefits for employees of the
Target Corporations and Operating Company (the "Target Benefit Plans"). The
Target Benefit Plans have been maintained in compliance with all applicable
laws, including all contributions to and distributions made by the Target
Benefit Plans. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of such Target
Corporations, threatened claims by or on behalf of the Target Benefit Plans, the
United States Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service, or by any
current or former employee of the Target Corporations and the Operating Company
or beneficiary of such current or former employee alleging a breach of any
fiduciary duties or a violation of applicable state or federal law which could
result in a material liability on the part of the Target Corporations and the
Operating Company.
A. SECTION Compliance with Law; Environmental Matters
1. Permits, etc. To the knowledge of each Target
Corporations, each of them and the Operating Company have in full force and
effect all material environmental permits, licenses, approvals and other
authorizations required to conduct their operations and are operating in
material compliance thereunder;
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1. Compliance. To the knowledge of each Target
Corporations, its operations and Operating Company's operations and the use of
its assets and Operating Company's assets do not violate any applicable federal,
state or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, order or notice
requirement including without limitation those pertaining to (a) the
environment, including natural resources or any activity which affects the
environment, or (b) the regulation of any pollutants, contaminants, waste,
substances (whether or not hazardous or toxic), including, without limitation,
the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (42
U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq.), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49
U.S.C. Section 1801 et seq.), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42
U.S.C. Section 1609 et seq.) the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), the
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Section 7401 et seq.), the Toxic Substances Control Act
(17 U.S.C. Section 2601 et seq.), the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. Section
201 and Section 300f et seq.), the Rivers and Harbors Act (33 U.S.C. Section 401
et seq.), the Oil Pollution Act (33 U.S.C. Section 2701 et seq.) and analogous,
foreign, state and local provisions, as any of the foregoing may have been
amended or supplemented from time to time (collectively the "Applicable
Environmental Laws"), where such violation would have a Material Adverse Effect;
1. Environmental Claims. No notice has been served on
any Target Corporations or Operating Company from any entity, governmental
agency or individual regarding any existing, pending or threatened investigation
or inquiry related to alleged violations under any Applicable Environmental
Laws.
A. SECTION Title to Properties; Encumbrances. To the knowledge
of each Target Corporations, the properties and other assets of the Operating
Company and the Target Corporations are free and clear of any lien, mortgage,
pledge, security interest or other encumbrance, except as described in Schedule
2.12 and except for liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or
levies which are not delinquent.
A. SECTION Permits and Licenses. Each Target Corporations and
the Operating Company have all permits, licenses, certificates and authorities
from governmental agencies required to conduct its business as now being
conducted, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement will not constitute a violation of any permit, license, certificate or
authority from a governmental agency which would result in a Material Adverse
Effect. Such permits are in full force and effect unimpaired by any act or
omission of any Target Corporations or Operating Company, or its employees or
agents, have not been suspended or revoked, and each Target Corporations and
Operating Company have complied with their terms, except for any failure to
comply which does not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
A. SECTION Agreements, Contracts and Commitments. Neither the
Target Corporations nor the Operating Company is a party to or bound by (i) any
commitment which involves or may involve aggregate future payments by or to such
Target Corporations or the Operating Company of $100,000 or more and which is
not, by its terms, terminable by such Target Corporations or the Operating
Company without penalty or payment on 60 days notice or less or (ii) any
non-competition or secrecy
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agreement, any loan or credit agreement, security agreement, indenture,
mortgage, pledge, conditional sale or title retention agreement, lease purchase
agreement or other instrument evidencing indebtedness (other than equipment
purchases or lease agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business),
or any sales representative, partnership, joint venture, joint operating or
similar agreement.
I. ARTICLE
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
ACQUIRING CORPORATION AND ACQUISITION SUB
Acquiring Corporation and Acquisition Sub make the representations and
warranties set forth in this Article III to Target Corporations. Acquisition
Corporation and Acquisition Sub have delivered to the Target Corporations the
Schedules to this Agreement referenced to in the Article III on the date hereof
and such Schedules have been reviewed and accepted by the Target Corporations.
A. SECTION Organization and Authority. Acquiring Corporation
is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
CBCA, and Acquisition Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of Nevada. Acquiring Corporation has no
subsidiaries except for the Acquisition Sub. Each of Acquiring Corporation and
Acquisition Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted, and to own, lease and operate its
properties and assets, and to perform all its obligations under the agreements
and instruments to which it is a party or by which it is bound. Each of the
Acquiring Corporation, and the Acquisition Sub is duly qualified to do business
as a foreign corporation and is in good standing under the laws of each state or
other jurisdiction in which the properties and assets owned, leased or operated
by it or the nature of the business conducted by it make such qualification
necessary. The Acquiring Corporation has no subsidiaries other than the
Acquisition Sub.
A. SECTION Capitalization. As of the date hereof, the
authorized capital stock of each Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub
is set forth on Schedule 3.2. Schedule 3.2 lists all capital stock issued and
outstanding of the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub. Except as set
forth on Schedule 3.2, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, phantom
stock, convertible securities, rights, warrants, calls, irrevocable proxies or
other agreements or commitments of any kind directly or indirectly obligating
the Acquiring Corporation or the Acquisition Sub to issue any security of or
equity interest in such Acquiring Corporation or the Acquisition Sub, or
irrevocable proxies or any agreements (including shareholder agreements)
restricting the transfer of or otherwise relating to any security or equity
interest in the Acquiring Corporation or the Acquisition Sub. All of the shares
of capital stock of the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub have been
duly authorized, validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable, and are
free of preemptive rights. The Acquiring Corporation Common Stock is listed for
trading on the Nasdaq National Market System and the Toronto Stock Exchange, and
the Acquiring Corporation is in good standing with both such exchanges and has
received no notice of, and knows of no reason that would
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lead to, the delisting or conditional listing of the Acquiring Corporation on
such exchanges.
When issued pursuant to this Agreement, (i) the shares of Acquiring
Corporation Common Stock to be issued to the stockholders of the Target
Corporations will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of
Acquiring Corporation Common Stock, and (ii) the Contingent Stock Issue Rights
will represent the valid and enforceable right to acquire the number of validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of Acquiring Corporation Common
Stock on the terms set forth in the Contingent Stock Issue Rights, which shares
have been properly reserved for issuance by Acquiring Corporation.
A. SECTION Authority Relative to the Agreement. The Acquiring
Corporation and the Acquisition Sub have full corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement, and no further corporate proceedings on the
part of the Acquiring Corporation or the Acquisition Sub are necessary to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, other than the approval of the
shareholders of Acquiring Corporation described in Section 5.1(h) hereof, which
have been duly and validly authorized by the board of directors of Acquiring
Corporation and the board of directors and shareholders of the Acquisition Sub.
This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Acquiring
Corporation and the Acquisition Sub, and this Agreement constitutes the valid
and binding obligation of the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub
enforceable jointly and severally against the Acquiring Corporation and the
Acquisition Sub in accordance with its terms, subject to the effect of
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other similar laws
relating to creditors' rights generally and general equitable principles, and
subject to such approval of regulatory agencies as may be required by statute or
regulation.
A. SECTION No Violation. Neither the execution, delivery nor
performance of this Agreement, nor the consummation of all of the transactions
contemplated hereby will, as of the Effective Time, (i) violate any law, order,
writ, judgment, injunction, award, decree, rule, statute, ordinance or
regulation applicable to the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub which
in each case would result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) be in conflict
with, result in a breach or termination of any provision of, cause the
acceleration of the maturity of any debt or obligation pursuant to, constitute a
default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration)
under, or result in the creation of any security interest, lien, charge or other
encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Acquiring Corporation and the
Acquisition Sub pursuant to any terms, conditions or provisions of any note,
license, instrument, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or
understanding or any other restriction of any kind or character, to which the
Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub is a party or by which any of
their assets or properties are subject or bound, and which in each case would
result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) conflict with or result in any
breach of any provision of the charter documents or bylaws of the Acquiring
Corporation and the Acquisition Sub.
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A. SECTION Consents and Approvals. Except (i) the approval by
the stockholders of the Acquiring Corporation and regulatory authorities as
required by Section 5.1(h) hereof, (ii) filing a Notification and Report Form
pursuant to the applicable requirements of the HSR Act, (iii) approval by the
Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSE") and the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. ("Nasdaq") and
(iv) the Director of Corporations appointed under Section 250 of the CBCA, no
prior consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration, filing or
registration with any person, domestic or foreign, is required of or by the
Acquiring Corporation or the Acquisition Sub in connection with the execution,
delivery and performance by the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub of
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except the filing of
Articles of Merger under applicable laws.
A. SECTION Financial Statements
1. The Acquiring Corporation has filed all material forms,
statements, reports and documents (including all exhibits, amendments and
supplements thereto with (i) the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") that it has been required to make under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations hereunder (the
"Securities Act"), and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
rules and regulations thereunder (the "Exchange Act"), and (ii) all applicable
Canadian securities regulatory authorities and stock exchanges under Canadian
securities laws and the rules of such stock exchanges. The Acquiring Corporation
will make all such filings as are required, if any, in connection with this
Agreement, as well as any actions required hereunder. The Acquiring Corporation
has previously delivered to Target Corporations copies of its (x) Annual Reports
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and for each of the two
immediately preceding fiscal years, as filed with the SEC, (y) proxy and
information statements relating to all meetings of its stockholders (whether
annual or special) and actions by written consent in lieu of a stockholders'
meeting from December 31, 1992, until the date hereof, and (z) all other
reports, including quarterly reports, or registration statements filed by the
Acquiring Corporation with the SEC since December 31, 1992 (other than
registration statements filed on Form S-8) (collectively, the "SEC Documents").
Each of the SEC Documents, as amended, if applicable, has complied in all
material respects with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and all
applicable Canadian securities laws. As of their respective dates, none of the
SEC Documents contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading.
1. The financial statements of the Acquiring Corporation
included in the SEC Documents (including the related notes and schedules) comply
as to form in all material respects with applicable Canadian accounting
requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC and the
Canadian securities regulatory authorities with respect thereto, have been
prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be
indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of the unaudited
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statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q) and fairly present (subject, in the case
of the unaudited statements, to normal recurring audit adjustments) the
consolidated financial position of the Acquiring Corporation and its
consolidated subsidiaries at the dates thereof and the consolidated results of
operations and deficit and changes in financial position for the periods then
ended.
A. SECTION Absence of Changes. Except as and to the extent set
forth on Schedule 3.7, since September 30, 1997, neither the Acquiring
Corporation nor the Acquisition Sub has directly or indirectly:
1. made any amendment to its charter documents or bylaws
or changed the character of its business in any material manner;
1. suffered any Material Adverse Effect;
1. entered into or amended any agreement, commitment or
transaction, or incurred any liabilities of any kind, except in the ordinary
course of business consistent with prior practice or except in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
1. agreed, whether in writing or otherwise, to take any
action the performance of which would change the representations contained in
this Section in the future so that any such representation would not be true in
all material respects as of the Closing; or
1. made any declaration, setting aside, or payment of any
dividend or other distribution in respect its capital stock, or any direct or
indirect redemption, purchase or other acquisition by it of such stock.
A. SECTION Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8,
there are no actions, suits, claims, investigations, reviews or other
proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Acquiring Corporation and the
Acquisition Sub, threatened against the Acquiring Corporation or Acquisition Sub
or involving any of their properties or assets, at law or in equity or before or
by any foreign, federal, state, municipal, provincial or other governmental
court, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, or other instrumentality
or person or any board of arbitration or similar entity.
A. SECTION Tax Matters. All federal, state, county and local
tax returns and tax reports required to be filed by the Acquiring Corporation
and the Acquisition Sub prior to the date hereof have been filed with the
appropriate governmental agencies in all jurisdictions in which such returns and
reports are required to be filed. All federal, state, provincial and county and
local income and other taxes, including interest and penalties thereon, due from
the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub have been fully paid or
adequately provided for in the Acquiror Financial Statements. Except as
otherwise set forth in Schedule 3.9, no goods and services or sales and use tax
audits by any governmental authority are pending, and no
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federal or state or provincial income tax return of the Acquiring Corporation
and the Acquisition Sub has been audited by the Internal Revenue Service,
Revenue Canada or any state, provincial or local governmental authority,
respectively.
A. SECTION Employee Benefit Plans. The Acquiring Corporation
and the Acquisition Sub have no health, dental and life insurance plans, bonus,
deferred compensation, pension, profit sharing and retirement plans or any other
employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements providing benefits for their
employees (the "Benefit Plans"). The Acquiror Benefit Plans have been maintained
in compliance with all applicable laws, including all contributions to and
distributions made by the Acquiror Benefit Plans. There are no pending or, to
the knowledge of the Acquiring Corporation and Acquisition Sub, threatened
claims by or on behalf of the Acquiror Benefit Plans, the United States
Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service, or applicable Canadian
regulatory authorities or by any of their current or former employees or
beneficiary of such current or former employee alleging a breach of any
fiduciary duties or a violation of applicable state or federal law which could
result in a material liability on the part of the Acquiring Corporation and the
Acquisition Sub.
A. SECTION Compliance and Law; Environmental Matters. Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.11:and Law; Environmental Matters
1. Permits, etc. To the knowledge of the Acquiring
Corporation and the Acquisition Sub, each of them, have in full force and effect
all material environmental permits, licenses, approvals and other authorizations
required to conduct their operations and are operating in material compliance
thereunder;
1. Compliance. To the knowledge of the Acquiring
Corporation and the Acquisition Sub, their operations and use of their assets,
do not violate any applicable federal, state, provincial or local law, statute,
ordinance, rule, regulation, order or notice requirement including without
limitation those pertaining to (a) the environment, including natural resources
or any activity which affects the environment, or (b) the regulation of any
pollutants, contaminants, waste, substances (whether or not hazardous or toxic),
including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response
Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq.), the Hazardous
Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. Section 1801 et seq.), the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1609 et seq.) the Clean Water
Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Section 7401 et
seq.), the Toxic Substances Control Act (17 U.S.C. Section 2601 et seq.), the
Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. Section 201 and Section 300f et seq.), the
Rivers and Harbors Act (33 U.S.C. Section 401 et seq.), the Oil Pollution Act
(33 U.S.C. Section 2701 et seq.) and analogous, foreign, state and local
provisions, as any of the foregoing may have been amended or supplemented from
time to time (collectively the "Applicable Environmental Laws"), where such
violation would have a Material Adverse Affect;
1. Environmental Claims. No notice has been served on the
Acquiring Corporation or the Acquisition Sub from any entity, governmental
agency or
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individual regarding any existing, pending or threatened investigation or
inquiry related to alleged violations under any Applicable Environmental Laws.
A. SECTION Title to Properties; Encumbrances. To the knowledge
of the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub, their properties and other
assets are free and clear of any lien, mortgage, pledge, security interest or
other encumbrance, except as described in Schedule 3.12 and except for liens for
taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies which are not delinquent.
A. SECTION Permits and Licenses. Except as set forth in
Schedule 3.13, the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub have all
permits, licenses, certificates and authorities from governmental agencies
required to conduct its business as now being conducted, and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not constitute a violation
of any permit, license, certificate or authority from a governmental agency
which would result in a Material Adverse Effect. Such permits are in full force
and effect unimpaired by any act or omission of the Acquiring Corporation and
the Acquisition Sub, or their employees or agents, have not been suspended or
revoked, and the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub have complied
with, and will continue to comply with, their terms until Closing, except for
any failure to comply which would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
A. SECTION Agreements, Contracts and Commitments. Except as
described in Schedule 3.14, neither the Acquiring Corporation nor the
Acquisition Sub is a party to or bound by (i) commitment which involves or may
involve aggregate future payments by or to the Acquiring Corporation and the
Acquisition Sub of $100,000 or more and which is not, by its terms, terminable
by the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub without penalty or payment
on 60 days notice or less or (ii) any non-competition or secrecy agreement, any
loan or credit agreement, security agreement, indenture, mortgage, pledge,
conditional sale or title retention agreement, lease purchase agreement or other
instrument evidencing indebtedness (other than equipment purchases or lease
agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business), or any sales
representative, partnership, joint venture, joint operating or similar
agreement.
I. ARTICLE
COVENANTS OF TARGET CORPORATIONS AND OPERATING COMPANY
A. SECTION Affirmative Covenants of Target Corporations and
Operating Company. For so long as this Agreement is in effect, each Target
Corporations and Operating Company shall, from the date of this Agreement to the
Closing, except as specifically contemplated by this Agreement:
1. operate and conduct its business in the ordinary course
of business;
1. use reasonable efforts to preserve intact its corporate
existence, business organization, assets, licenses, permits and authorizations;
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1. use reasonable efforts to comply with all material
contractual obligations applicable to its operations;
1. use reasonable efforts to maintain all its properties
in good repair, order and condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted;
1. in good faith and in a timely manner (i) cooperate with
the Acquiring Corporation, and the Acquisition Sub in satisfying the conditions
in this Agreement, (ii) assist the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub
as promptly as possible in obtaining all consents, approvals, authorizations and
rulings whether regulatory, corporate or otherwise, as are necessary for the
Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub and Target Corporations to carry
out and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii)
furnish information concerning it not previously provided to the Acquiring
Corporation required for inclusion in any filings or application that may be
necessary in that regard and (iv) take all actions reasonably necessary to
satisfy the conditions to closing set forth in Article VII below;
1. within 20 days of the date hereof, file the
Notification and Report Form pursuant to the applicable provisions of the HSR
Act, if any is required;
1. give prompt written notice to the Acquiring Corporation
of the commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or the
assertion of any claim or threat to commence any action, suit, proceeding or
investigation that would result in a Material Adverse Effect, if adversely
decided, and keep the Acquiring Corporation promptly informed as to any
developments in any pending action, suit, proceeding or investigation.
A. SECTION Negative Covenants of Target Corporations and
Operating Company. Except with the prior written consent of the Acquiring
Corporation or as otherwise specifically permitted by this Agreement, or as set
forth in Schedule 4.2 hereto, each Target Corporations and the Operating Company
will not, from the date of this Agreement to the Closing, directly or
indirectly:
1. make any amendment to its charter documents or bylaws;
1. make any change in its accounting practices or
policies, except as may be required by applicable law or regulation;
1. make any change in the number of shares of the capital
stock issued and outstanding, or issue, reserve for issuance, grant, sell or
authorize the issuance of any shares of its capital stock or subscriptions,
options, warrants, calls, rights or commitments of any kind relating to the
issuance or sale of or conversion into shares of its capital stock;
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1. contract to create any obligation or liability, except
in the ordinary course of business or except to the extent that such obligation
or liability would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
1. contract to create any mortgage, pledge, lien, security
interest or encumbrances, restrictions, or charge of any kind (other than
capital leases and statutory liens for which the obligations secured thereby
shall not become delinquent), except to the extent that such mortgage, pledge,
lien, security interest or encumbrance, restriction or charge of any kind would
not have a Material Adverse Effect;
1. except in the ordinary course of business, waive any
right under or cancel any contract, lease, commitment, option or agreement,
except to the extent that such waiver or cancellation would not have a Material
Adverse Effect;
1. sell, transfer, distribute, or otherwise dispose of any
of its properties or assets, except in the ordinary course of business.
1. except in the ordinary course of business, grant any
increase in compensation or pay or agree to pay or accrue any bonus or like
benefit to or for the credit of any director, officer, employee or other person;
except in the ordinary course of business, enter into any employment, consulting
or severance agreement or other agreement with any director, officer or
employee; or adopt, amend or terminate any Benefit Plan or change or modify the
period of vesting or retirement age for any participant of such a plan;
1. declare, pay or set aside for payment any dividend or
other distribution or payment in respect of shares of its capital stock; or
1. dissolve, liquidate, reorganize, recapitalize, merge,
consolidate or otherwise make any change in its capital stock, capital
structure, corporate structure or existence.
I. ARTICLE
COVENANTS OF THE ACQUIRING CORPORATION AND ACQUISITION SUB
A. SECTION Affirmative Covenants of Acquiring Corporation and
Acquisition Sub. For so long as this Agreement is in effect, each of the
Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub shall, from the date of this
Agreement to the Closing, except as specifically contemplated by this Agreement:
1. operate and conduct its business in the ordinary course
of business;
1. use reasonable efforts to preserve intact its corporate
existence, business organization, assets, licenses, permits and authorizations;
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1. use reasonable efforts to comply with all material
contractual obligations applicable to its operations;
1. use reasonable efforts to maintain all its properties
in good repair, order and condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted;
1. in good faith and in a timely manner (i) cooperate with
the Target Corporations and the Operating Company in satisfying the conditions
in this Agreement, (ii) obtain as promptly as possible all consents, approvals,
authorizations and rulings whether regulatory, corporate or otherwise, as are
necessary for the Acquiring Corporation and the Target Corporations to carry out
and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) furnish
information concerning it not previously provided to the Target Corporations
required for inclusion in any filings or application that may be necessary in
that regard and (iv) take all actions reasonably necessary to satisfy the
conditions to closing set forth in Article VII below;
1. within 20 days of the date hereof, file the
Notification and Report Form pursuant to the applicable provisions of the HSR
Act, if any is required;
1. give prompt written notice to the Target Corporations
of the commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or the
assertion of any claim or threat to commence any action, suit, proceeding or
investigation that would result in a Material Adverse Effect, if adversely
decided, and keep the Target Corporations promptly informed as to any
developments in any pending action, suit, proceeding or investigation;
1. as promptly as practicable after the execution of this
Agreement, file with the SEC and applicable Canadian regulatory authorities a
proxy statement and any other required documents (the "Proxy Statement")
relating to (i) the approval and adoption of the Optima Domestication, (ii) the
approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Mergers by the stockholders of
the Acquiring Corporation, (iii) the cancellation of all outstanding options
under the Acquiring Corporation's present stock option plan, 500,000 of which
options will be replaced with options to be issued under the new stock plan
discussed below as set forth on Schedule 5.1(h) hereof, (iv) approval of a new
stock option plan covering 1,800,000 shares of Acquiring Corporation Common
Stock, (v) approval of the purchase of certain oil and gas properties as
described on Schedule 5.1(h) hereto, (vi) provide for the election of directors
as specified in Section 1.7 hereof, and (vii) approve a new name for the
Acquiring Corporation if agreed on by the parties hereto prior to the mailing of
the Proxy Statement (all such matters are herein referred to collectively as the
"Shareholder Proposals"). The Acquiring Corporation shall use its reasonable
best efforts to cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed as soon as practicable to
the stockholders of the Acquiring Corporation and to hold the stockholders
meeting (at the regularly scheduled annual stockholder's meeting or otherwise)
as soon after such mailing as is reasonably possible. The Proxy Statement will
contain the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Acquiring
Corporation that the stockholders approve the
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Shareholder Proposals, and such recommendation shall not be withdrawn. The Proxy
Statement will comply in all material respects with all U.S. and Canadian laws
(including the requirements of the SEC, Nasdaq, CBCA and the TSE), and will not
contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
A. SECTION Negative Covenants of The Acquiring Corporation and
Acquisition Sub. Except with the prior written consent of Target Corporations or
as otherwise specifically permitted by this Agreement, or as set forth in
Schedule 5.2 hereto, the Acquiring Corporation and Acquisition Sub will not,
from the date of this Agreement to the Closing, directly or indirectly:
1. make any amendment to its charter documents or bylaws;
1. make any change in its accounting practices or
policies, except as may be required by applicable law or regulation;
1. make any change in the number of shares of the capital
stock issued and outstanding, or issue, reserve for issuance, grant, sell or
authorize the issuance of any shares of its capital stock or subscriptions,
options, warrants, calls, rights or commitments of any kind relating to the
issuance or sale of or conversion into shares of its capital stock;
1. contract to create any obligation or liability, except
in the ordinary course of business or except to the extent that such obligation
or liability would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
1. contract to create any mortgage, pledge, lien, security
interest or encumbrances, restrictions, or charge of any kind (other than
capital leases and statutory liens for which the obligations secured thereby
shall not become delinquent), except to the extent that such mortgage, pledge,
lien, security interest or encumbrance, restriction or charge of any kind would
not have a Material Adverse Effect;
1. except in the ordinary course of business, waive any
right under or cancel any contract, lease, commitment, option or agreement,
except to the extent that such waiver or cancellation would not have a Material
Adverse Effect;
2. sell, transfer, distribute, or otherwise dispose of any
of its properties or assets, except in the ordinary course of business;
1. except in the ordinary course of business, grant any
increase in compensation or pay or agree to pay or accrue any bonus or like
benefit to or for the credit of any director, officer, employee or other person;
except in the ordinary course of business, enter into any employment, consulting
or severance agreement or other agreement with any director, officer or
employee; or adopt, amend or terminate any
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Benefit Plan or change or modify the period of vesting or retirement age for any
participant of such a plan;
1. declare, pay or set aside for payment any dividend or
other distribution or payment in respect of shares of its capital stock; or
1. dissolve, liquidate, reorganize, recapitalize, merge,
consolidate or otherwise make any change in its capital stock, capital
structure, corporate structure or existence.
I. ARTICLE
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
A. SECTION Access To, and Information Concerning, Target
Corporations and Operating Company Properties and Records.
1. During the pendency of the transactions contemplated
hereby, each Target Corporation shall, to the extent permitted by law, give the
Acquiring Corporation, its legal counsel, accountants and other representatives
access, upon reasonable request and at reasonable times, throughout the period
prior to the Closing, to all of such Target Corporations's and Operating
Company's properties, books, contracts and records, permit the Acquiring
Corporation and such representatives to make such inspections as they may
reasonably require and furnish to the Acquiring Corporation and such
representatives during such period all such information concerning the Target
Corporations and the Operating Company and their affairs as they may reasonably
request.
1. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement,
neither the Acquiring Corporation, the Acquisition Sub nor any of their
respective agents or representatives shall perform any investigation or study of
the real property of the Target Corporations and the Operating Company which may
involve the intrusive or destructive sampling or analysis or chemical testing of
any portion of such property or its improvements, including without limitation,
of any soil, water or groundwater on, under or about such real property ("Phase
II Investigation"), without first (a) submitting to the Target Corporations a
detailed description of (i) the work to be performed as part of the Phase II
Investigation, (ii) the persons to undertake such Phase II Investigation, and
(iii) the types and amount of insurance coverage maintained by such persons, and
(b) obtaining the prior written consent of the Target Corporations as to such
matters, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Target Corporations may grant
such consent subject to such terms, conditions or restrictions as Target
Corporations may reasonably require.
1. All information disclosed by the Target Corporations
and the Operating Company to the Acquiring Corporation or the Acquisition Sub
shall be held strictly confidential by the Acquiring Corporation, Acquisition
Sub and their representatives and used solely for purposes of evaluating the
transactions contemplated hereby. In the event this Agreement is terminated
pursuant to the provisions of Article
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VIII, upon the written request of the Target Corporations, the Acquiring
Corporation and the Acquisition Sub agree to return to the Target Corporations
all copies of such confidential information, together with all extracts or other
reproductions thereof in the possession of the Acquiring Corporation, the
Acquisition Sub or their representatives. It is understood that confidential
information shall not include the following:
a) Information that becomes generally available to the
public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Acquiring Corporation,
Acquisition Sub, their representatives or its agents;
a) Information that was in the possession of the Acquiring
Corporation, the Acquisition Sub or their representatives prior to disclosure by
the Target Corporations, the Operating Company or their representatives or
agents; or
a) Information that becomes available to the Acquiring
Corporation, the Acquisition Sub or their representatives on a non-confidential
basis from a source other than the Target Corporations, the Operating Company or
their representatives or agents.
A. SECTION Access To, and Information Concerning Acquiring
Corporation and Acquisition Sub Properties and Records.
1. During the pendency of the transactions contemplated
hereby, the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub shall, to the extent
permitted by law, give the Target Corporations, their legal counsel, accountants
and other representatives access, upon reasonable request and at reasonable
times, throughout the period prior to the Closing, to all of the Acquiring
Corporation and the Acquisition Sub properties, books, contracts and records,
permit the Target Corporations and such representatives to make such inspections
as they may reasonably require and furnish to the Target Corporations and such
representatives during such period all such information concerning the Acquiring
Corporation and the Acquisition Sub and their affairs as they may reasonably
request.
1. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement,
neither the Target Corporations, the Operating Company nor any of their
respective agents or representatives shall perform any investigation or study of
the real property of the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub which may
involve a Phase II Investigation without first (a) submitting to the Acquiring
Corporation a detailed description of (i) the work to be performed as part of
the Phase II Investigation, (ii) the persons to undertake such Phase II
Investigation, and (iii) the types and amount of insurance coverage maintained
by such persons, and (b) obtaining the prior written consent of the Acquiring
Corporation as to such matters, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. The
Acquiring Corporation may grant such consent subject to such terms, conditions
or restrictions as the Acquiring Corporation may reasonably require.
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1. All information disclosed by the Acquiring Corporation
or the Acquisition Sub to the Target Corporations shall be held strictly
confidential by the Target Corporations and their representatives and used
solely for purposes of evaluating the transactions contemplated hereby. In the
event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to the provisions of Article VIII,
upon the written request of the Acquiring Corporation, the Target Corporations
agree to return to the Acquiring Corporation all copies of such confidential
information, together with all extracts or other reproductions thereof in the
possession of the Target Corporations or their representatives. It is understood
that confidential information shall not include the following:
a) Information that becomes generally available to the
public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Target Corporations or
their representatives or agents;
a) Information that was in the possession of the Target
Corporations or their representatives prior to disclosure by the Acquiring
Corporation, any Acquisition Sub or their representatives or agents; or
a) Information that becomes available to the Target
Corporations or their representatives on a non-confidential basis from a source
other than the Acquiring Corporation, the Acquisition Sub or their
representatives or agents.
A. SECTION Miscellaneous Agreements and Consents. Subject to
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Acquiring Corporation, the
Acquisition Sub and the Target Corporations agree to use all reasonable efforts
to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all
things necessary, proper, or advisable under applicable laws and regulations, to
consummate and make effective, as soon as practicable after the date hereof, the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
A. SECTION Good Faith Efforts. All parties hereto agree that
the parties will use their reasonable good faith efforts to secure all
third-party or regulatory approvals necessary to consummate the Mergers and
other transactions provided herein and to satisfy the other conditions to
Closing contained herein as soon as reasonably practicable. Each party agrees to
make copies of its respective regulatory filings and related correspondence to
regulatory agencies available to the other parties.
A. SECTION Exclusivity. The parties to this Agreement will
not, directly or indirectly, and will cause their respective officers,
directors, employees, agents or advisors or other representatives or consultants
not to (i) directly or indirectly, solicit or initiate any proposals or offers
from any person relating to any acquisition or purchase or lease of all or a
material amount of the assets of, or any securities of, or any merger,
consolidation or business combination with, such party, or (ii) participate in
any negotiations regarding, or furnish to any other person any information with
respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with, any effort or attempt by any
other person to do or seek any of the foregoing.
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I. ARTICLE
CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGERS
A. SECTION Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the
Mergers. The respective obligations of each party to effect the Mergers are
subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions prior to the
Effective Time:
1. the receipt of all regulatory approvals, waivers,
consents and orders including those under the HSR Act, the TSE, Nasdaq and CBCA,
legally required for the consummation of the mergers and the transactions
contemplated hereby and the expiration of any applicable waiting period with
respect thereto.
1. the approval of the Shareholder Proposals by the
stockholders of the Acquiring Corporation and consummation of the matters
included in the shareholder Proposals.
1. the Closing will not violate any injunction, order or
decree of any court or governmental body having competent jurisdiction.
1. the Acquiring Corporation shall have consummated the
Optima Domestication, Acquisition Sub shall have consummated the
Reincorporation, no tax liability shall be due and owing by the Acquiring
Corporation under applicable Canadian law as a result of such continuation, and
the holders of no more than 1% of the Acquiring Corporation Common Stock, in the
aggregate, shall have delivered written demand for appraisal of such shares
pursuant to applicable provisions of the CBCA.
1. the Acquiring Corporation shall have entered into
severance and release agreements and consulting agreements with the persons and
on the terms as described on Schedule 7.1 hereto.
1. no later than the date of filing with the SEC of the
Proxy Statement, each of the Acquiring Corporation and the Target Corporations
and the Operating Company shall have completed a due diligence investigation of
the other parties satisfactory to them, and shall have notified the other party
that such investigation has been or has not been completed satisfactorily.
1. Charles T. Goodson, Alfred J. Thomas, II,
Ralph J. Daigle and Robert R. Brooksher shall have executed Employment
Agreements with the Acquiring Corporation in the form attached as Exhibit E
hereto.
A. SECTION Conditions to the Obligations of Acquiring
Corporation and Acquisition Sub to Effect . The obligations of the Acquiring
Corporation and Acquisition Sub to effect the Mergers are subject to the
satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions prior to the Effective Time:
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1. All representations and warranties of the Target Corporations
and the Operating Company shall be true and correct as of the date hereof and at
and as of the Closing, with the same force and effect as though made on and as
of the Closing.
1. The Target Corporations and Operating Company shall have
performed all obligations and agreements and complied with all covenants and
conditions contained in this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them
prior to the Effective Time.
1. since the date hereof, there shall have been no changes that
constitute, and no event or events (including, without limitation, litigation
developments) shall have occurred which have resulted in or constitute, a
material adverse change in the business, operations, properties, assets,
condition (financial or other) or results of operations of the Target
Corporations and the Operating Company, taken as a whole, except for changes
that affect the industries in which the Target Corporations and the Operating
Company operate generally.
1. On or before April 1, 1998, the Acquiring Corporation shall
have received from the Operating Company its audited financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 1997 which shall contain the unqualified opinion of
Arthur Andersen, L.L.P as independent public accountants and shall not contain
any information which would constitute a Material Adverse Effect when compared
to the Target Financial Statements.
1. The Acquiring Corporation shall have received an opinion of
counsel for the Operating Company and the Target Corporations substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.
1. The stockholders of the Target Corporations shall enter into
Investment Letters in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D.
1. The Acquiring Corporation shall have received a fairness
opinion regarding the Mergers that is reasonably acceptable to the Board of
Directors of the Acquiring Corporation.
A. SECTION Conditions to the Obligations of the Target
Corporations and Operating Company to . The obligations of the Target
Corporations and the Operating Company to effect the Mergers are subject to the
satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions prior to the Effective Time:
1. All representations and warranties of the Acquiring
Corporation and the Acquisition Sub contained herein shall be true and correct
as of the date hereof and at and as of the Closing, with the same force and
effect as though made on and as of the Closing.
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1. The Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub
shall have performed all obligations and agreements and complied with all
covenants and conditions contained in this Agreement to be performed or complied
with by them prior to the Effective Time.
1. Since the date hereof, there shall have been no changes
that constitute, and no event or events (including, without limitation,
litigation developments) shall have occurred which have resulted in or
constitute, a material adverse change in the business, operations, properties,
assets, condition (financial or other) or results of operations of the Acquiring
Corporation and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except for changes that
affect the industries in which the Acquiring Corporation and its subsidiaries
operate generally.
1. On or before April 1, 1998, the Target Corporations
shall have (i) received from the Acquiring Corporation its audited consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1997 which shall contain
the unqualified opinion of KPMG as independent public accountants and shall not
contain any information which would constitute a Material Adverse Effect when
compared to the Acquiror Financial Statements, and (ii) received Acquiring
Corporation's reservoir engineering report for the year ended December 31,1997.
1. The stockholders of the Target Corporations shall have
received the consideration described in Section 1.4 hereof and all other amounts
payable by the Acquiring Corporation hereunder.
1. The Target Corporations shall have received an opinion
of counsel to the Acquiring Corporation substantially in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit F.
1. The stockholders of the Target Corporations and the
Acquiring Corporation shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights
Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G.
1. On or before March 1, 1998, the Acquiring Corporation
shall execute a loan agreement with the Operating Company regarding the loan of
$2,500,000 U.S. on substantially the terms and conditions described in the loan
agreement attached hereto as Exhibit H.
1. The Acquiring Corporation Common Stock to be issued
pursuant to Section 1.4 hereof, and the shares of Acquiring Corporation Common
Stock issuable pursuant to the Contingent Stock Issue Rights, shall have been
listed on the TSE and the Nasdaq.
1. The persons described in Section 1.7 hereof shall have
been elected directors of the Acquiring Corporation effective as of the
Effective Time.
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I. ARTICLE
TERMINATION; AMENDMENT; WAIVER
A. SECTION Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and
the Mergers contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time, but prior to the
Effective Time:
1. by mutual written consent duly authorized by the boards
of directors of the Acquiring Corporation, the Acquisition Sub and the Target
Corporations;
2. by the Acquiring Corporation, if the Acquiring
Corporation or the Acquisition Sub learn or become aware of a breach or
inaccuracy of any representation or warranty of the Target Corporations
contained in Article II which results in or can reasonably be anticipated to
result in a Material Adverse Effect, provided that the Acquiring Corporation's
or the Acquisition Sub's right to terminate this Agreement in accordance with
this Section 8.1(b) is subject to the right of the Target Corporations to cure
any such breach or inaccuracy within 20 days after written notice thereof by the
Acquiring Corporation to the Target Corporations;
1. by the Target Corporations, if the Target Corporations
learn or become aware of a breach or inaccuracy of any representation or
warranty of the Acquiring Corporation and Acquisition Sub contained in Article
III which results in or can reasonably be anticipated to result in a Material
Adverse Effect, provided that the Target Corporations' right to terminate this
Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.1(c) is subject to the right of the
Acquiring Corporation or the Acquisition Sub to cure any such breach or
inaccuracy within 20 days after written notice thereof by the Target
Corporations to the Acquiring Corporation or the Acquisition Sub;
1. by the Acquiring Corporation, Acquisition Sub or the
Target Corporations, if the Effective Time shall not have occurred, other than
through the failure of any such party to fulfill its obligations hereunder, on
or before June 15, 1998 or such later date agreed to in writing by the Target
Corporations, the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub; provided,
however, that such date shall automatically be extended for a period of up to 60
days, if the delay in the Effective Time relates to the Notification and Report
Form filed pursuant to the HSR Act or relates to the approval of the Shareholder
Proposals by the stockholders of the Acquiring Corporation; or
1. by the Acquiring Corporation, the Acquisition Sub or
the Target Corporations if any court of competent jurisdiction shall have issued
an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting the Mergers or the transactions contemplated hereby and
such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have been final and
nonappealable.
A. SECTION Termination. In the event of the termination and
abandonment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, this Agreement
shall forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability on the
part of any party or its directors, officers or shareholders, other than the
provisions of this Section 8.2,
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Section 6.1, Section 6.2 and Section 11.1. Nothing contained in this Section 8.2
shall relieve any party from liability for any breach or violation of this
Agreement.
A. SECTION Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except
by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of all the parties hereto.
A. SECTION Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the
Effective Time, the parties may (i) extend the time for the performance of any
of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, (ii) waive any
inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any
document, certificate or writing delivered pursuant hereto, or (iii) waive
compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein. Any
agreement on the part of any party to any such extension or waiver shall be
valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such
party.
I. ARTICLE
REMEDIES
A. SECTION Remedies for Breach of Representations and
Warranties. The exclusive remedy for any breach or inaccuracy of any
representation or warranty or covenant in this Agreement by the Target
Corporations, the Acquiring Corporation or Acquisition Sub shall be termination
of this Agreement (i) by the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition Sub for
any such breach or inaccuracy by the Target Corporations and the Operating
Company and (ii) by the Target Corporations and the Operating Company for any
such breach or inaccuracy by the Acquiring Corporation or the Acquisition Sub,
in accordance with Article VII. Upon termination of this Agreement in accordance
with the preceding sentence by the Acquiring Corporation and the Acquisition
Sub, the Target Corporations shall pay to the Acquiring Corporation and the
Acquisition Sub all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by them
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and upon
termination of this Agreement in accordance with the preceding sentence by the
Target Corporations, the Acquiring Corporation or the Acquisition Sub shall pay
to the Target Corporations all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses
incurred by it in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
I. ARTICLE
SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
A. SECTION Survival of Representations and Warranties. The
parties hereto agree that none of their respective representations, warranties,
covenants and indemnities contained in this Agreement shall survive after the
Effective Time.
I. ARTICLE
MISCELLANEOUS
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A. SECTION Expenses. Except as provided in Article IX above,
all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses.
A. SECTION Public Announcements. Any public announcement or
similar publicity with respect to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be issued, if at all, at such time and in such manner
as the Acquiring Corporation shall determine, but only after consultation with
and the prior written consent of the Operating Company and the Target
Corporations. The Target Corporations and the Acquiring Corporation will consult
with each other concerning the means by which their employees, customers and
suppliers and others having dealings with the Acquiring Corporation and Target
Corporations will be informed of the transactions contemplated hereby.
A. SECTION Brokers and Finders. All negotiations on behalf of
the Acquiring Corporation, Acquisition Sub and the Target Corporations relating
to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been
carried on by the parties hereto and their respective agents directly without
the intervention of any other person in such manner as to give rise to any claim
against the Acquiring Corporation, Acquisition Sub or the Target Corporations
for financial advisory fees, brokerage or commission fees, finder's fees or
other like payment in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
A. SECTION Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement (a)
constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, among the parties or any of them with respect to the subject
matter hereof, and (b) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise.
A. SECTION Waiver; Consents. The rights and remedies of the
parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. Any failure of a
party to comply with any obligation, covenant, agreement or condition herein may
be waived by the party affected thereby only by a written instrument signed by
the party granting such waiver. No waiver, or failure to insist upon strict
compliance, by any party of any condition or any breach of any obligation, term,
covenant, representation, warranty or agreement contained in this Agreement, in
any one or more instances, shall be construed to be a waiver of, or estoppel
with respect to, any other condition or any other breach of the same or any
other obligation, term, covenant, representation, warranty or agreement.
Whenever this Agreement requires or permits consent by or on behalf of any party
hereto, such consent shall be given in writing in a manner consistent with the
requirements for a waiver.
A. SECTION Further Assurances. From time to time as and when
requested by The Acquiring Corporation, or its successors or assigns, the Target
Corporations and the officers and directors of the Target Corporations shall
execute and deliver such further agreements, documents, deeds, certificates and
other instruments and
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shall take or cause to be taken such other actions, including those as shall be
reasonably necessary to vest or perfect in or to confirm of record or otherwise
the Target Corporations' title to and possession of, all of their respective
property, interests, assets, rights, privileges, immunities, powers, franchises
and authority, as shall be reasonably necessary or advisable to carry out the
purposes of and effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
A. SECTION Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of
any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability
of any other provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and
effect.
A. SECTION Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and
other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly given when delivered in person, by telecopy or telex, or by registered
or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), to the respective
parties as follows:
if to the Acquiring Corporation or Acquisition Sub:
Optima Petroleum Corporation
600-595 Howe Street
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada, V6C 2T5
Telecopy No.: (604) 684-6866
Attn: Ronald P. Bourgeois
with a copy to:
Paula Palyga
Campney & Murphy
2100-1111 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada, M5X 1B1
Telecopy No.: (604) 688-0829
if to the Target Corporations and Operating Company:
American Explorer, L.L.C.
P.O. Box 51205
Lafayette, LA 70505
Attention: Robert B. Brooksher
Telecopy No.: (318) 232-0044
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with a copy to:
Daniel G. Fournerat
Onebane, Bernard, Torian, Diaz, McNamara & Abell
Suite 600, Versailles Centre
102 Versailles Boulevard
Lafayette, LA 70502
Telecopy No. (318) 266-1232
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above
(provided that notice of any change of address shall be effective only upon
receipt thereof).
A. SECTION Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless
of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts
of laws thereof.
A. SECTION Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
A. SECTION Parties in Interest; No Third Party Beneficiary.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each
party hereto, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to
confer upon any other person any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever
under or by reason of this Agreement.
A. SECTION Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but
all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.
A. SECTION Incorporation by Reference. Any and all schedules,
exhibits, annexes, statements, reports, certificates or other documents or
instruments referred to herein or attached hereto are incorporated herein by
reference hereto as though fully set forth at the point referred to in the
Agreement.
A. SECTION Pursuit of Litigation. The Operating Company and
the Target Corporations agree to pursue, subsequent to the Closing, consistent
with good business practices and on a commercially reasonable basis, the
litigation involving the Acquiring Corporations and Artisan Corporation as
described on Schedule 3.8 hereto.
A. SECTION Certain Definitions. For the purposes of this
Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified or referred to
below whether or not capitalized when used in this Agreement.
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1. "Knowledge" or "known" -- a party shall be deemed to
have "knowledge" of or to have "known" a particular fact or other matter if any
director or executive officer of such corporation has current, actual knowledge
of such fact or other matter.
1. "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any material
adverse change in the business, operations, properties, assets, condition
(financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of the Target
Corporations and Operating Company taken as a whole, and when the reference is
to the Acquiring Corporation and/or Acquisition Sub, the Acquiring Corporation
and all of its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed on its behalf by its officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the
day and year first above written.
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
By:
Name:
Title:
OPTIMA ENERGY (U.S.) CORPORATION
By:
Name:
Title:
GOODSON EXPLORATION COMPANY
By:
Name:
Title:
NAB FINANCIAL, L.L.C.
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By:
Name:
Title:
DEXCO ENERGY, INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
By:
Name:
Title:
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PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY MANAGEMENT AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF OPTIMA PETROLEUM
CORPORATION (THE "COMPANY") FOR THE ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
(THE "MEETING") TO BE HELD ON JUNE 11, 1998.
The undersigned shareholder of the Company hereby appoints ROBERT L. HODGKINSON,
Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of the Company, or failing
this person, WILLIAM C. LEUSCHNER, Chairman of the Board and a director of the
Company, or in the place of the foregoing, ______________________________
(PLEASE PRINT THE NAME), as proxyholder for and on behalf of the shareholder
with the power of substitution to attend, act and vote for and on behalf of the
shareholder in respect of all matters that may properly come before the Meeting
and at every adjournment thereof, to the same extent and with the same powers as
if the undersigned shareholder were present at the Meeting, or any adjournment
thereof, in the manner specified for the resolutions set forth below.
FOR WITHHOLD
AUTHORITY
TO VOTE
1. (a) to elect Robert L. Hodgkinson as director / / / /
(b) to elect William C. Leuschner as director / / / /
AMEX NOMINEES
(c) to elect Charles T. Goodson as director / / / /
(d) to elect Alfred J. Thomas, II as director / / / /
(e) to elect Ralph J. Daigle as director / / / /
(f) to elect Robert R. Brooksher as director / / / /
(g) to elect Daniel G. Fournerat as director
ALTERNATE NOMINEES (if items 3 and 4 are not / / / /
approved, Management will withdraw its nomination
for persons named in (c) to (g) and nominate the
following):
(h) to elect Ronald P. Bourgeois as director / / / /
(i) to elect Emile Stehelin as director / / / /
2. To appoint KPMG, Chartered Accountants, as auditor. / / / /
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
3. To approve the Plan and Agreement of Merger / / / / / /
including the issuance of common shares
pursuant thereto;
4. To approve the continuance into the State of / / / / / /
Delaware.
5. To approve a name change and a new Certificate / / / / / /
of Incorporation.
6. To approve the cancellation of all stock / / / / / /
options and the adoption of a new stock
option plan.
7. To approve the acquisition of a 5% / / / / / /
working interest in the Valentine Prospect.
8. To approve transactions of such other business / / / / / /
as is properly before the meeting.
THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER HEREBY REVOKES ANY PROXY PREVIOUSLY GIVEN FOR THE
MEETING.
SIGNATURE:______________________________________________________
(PROXY MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED)
DATE:___________________________________________________________
If someone other than the named shareholder signs this Proxy on behalf of the
named shareholder, documentation acceptable to the Chair of the Meeting must be
deposited with this Proxy granting signing authority to the signing person.
To be used at the Meeting, this Proxy must be received at the offices of
MONTREAL TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA by mail or by fax no later than 48 hours prior
to the time of the Meeting or with the Chair of the Meeting on the day of the
Meeting prior to its commencement. The mailing address of MONTREAL TRUST COMPANY
OF CANADA, IS 4TH FLOOR, 510 BURRARD STREET, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA,
V6C 3B9 and its fax number is (604) 683-3694.
<PAGE> 148
1. IF THE SHAREHOLDER WISHES TO ATTEND THE MEETING TO VOTE ON THE
RESOLUTIONS IN PERSON, please register your attendance with the
Company's scrutineers at the Meeting.
2. IF THE SHAREHOLDER'S SECURITIES ARE HELD BY AN INTERMEDIARY (EG. A
BROKER) AND THE SHAREHOLDER WISHES TO ATTEND THE MEETING TO VOTE ON THE
RESOLUTIONS, please insert the shareholder's name in the blank space
provided, do not indicate a voting choice by any resolution, sign and
date and return the Proxy in accordance with the instructions provided
by the intermediary. Please contact the intermediary if there are any
questions. At the Meeting a vote will be taken on each of the
resolutions as set out on this Proxy and the shareholder's vote will be
counted at that time.
3. IF THE SHAREHOLDER CANNOT ATTEND THE MEETING BUT WISHES TO vote on the
resolutions, the shareholder can APPOINT ANOTHER PERSON, who need not
be a shareholder of the Company, to vote according to the shareholder's
instructions. To appoint someone other than the nominees named by
management, please insert your appointed proxyholder's name in the
space provided, sign and date and return the Proxy. Where no choice on
a resolution is specified by the shareholder, this Proxy confers
discretionary authority upon the shareholder's appointed proxyholder to
vote for or against or withhold vote or abstain from voting with
respect to that resolution, as applicable, provided that with respect
to a resolution relating to a director nominee or auditor, the
proxyholder only has the discretion to vote for or withhold vote for
such nominee.
4. IF THE SHAREHOLDER CANNOT ATTEND THE MEETING BUT WISHES TO vote on the
resolutions and to APPOINT ONE OF THE NOMINEES NAMED BY MANAGEMENT as
proxyholder, please leave the wording appointing a nominee as shown,
sign and date and return the Proxy. Where no choice is specified by a
shareholder on a resolution shown on the Proxy, a nominee of management
acting as proxyholder will vote the securities as if the shareholder
had specified an affirmative vote.
5. The securities represented by this Proxy will be voted or withheld or
abstained from voting in accordance with the instructions of the
shareholder on any ballot of a resolution that may be called for and,
if the shareholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter to be
acted upon, the securities will be voted accordingly. With respect to
any amendments or variations in any of the resolutions shown on the
Proxy, or matters which may properly come before the Meeting, the
securities will be voted by the nominee appointed as the proxyholder,
in its sole discretion, sees fit.
6. If the shareholder votes by completing and returning the Proxy, the
shareholder may still attend the Meeting and vote in person should the
shareholder later decide to do so. To vote in person at the Meeting,
the shareholder must revoke the Proxy in writing as set forth in the
Information Circular.
7. This proxy form is not valid unless it is dated and signed by the
shareholder or by the shareholder's attorney duly authorized by the
shareholder in writing, or, in the case of a corporation, by its duly
authorized officer or attorney for the corporation. If the Proxy is
executed by an attorney for an individual shareholder or joint
shareholders or by an officer or an attorney of a corporate
shareholder, the instrument so empowering the officer or the attorney,
as the case may be, or a notarial copy thereof, must accompany the
Proxy.
8. To be valid, this proxy form, duly dated and signed, must arrive at the
office of the Registrar and Transfer Agent of the Company, not less
than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the
time for holding the Meeting, or delivered to the Chair of the Meeting
prior to the commencement of the Meeting.
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