<PAGE> 1
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 1998
Registration Statement No. 333-______
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
CANADA 1311 98-0115468
(State of other jurisdiction of (Primary Standard (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Industrial Identification No.)
Classification No.)
SUITE 600 - 595 HOWE STREET RONALD BOURGEOIS
VANCOUVER, B.C. OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
V6C 2T5 SUITE 600 - 595 HOWE STREET
604-684-6886 VANCOUVER, B.C.
CANADA
V6C 2T5
604-684-6886
with copies to
(Address, including zip code, and (Address, including zip code, and
telephone number, including area code, telephone number, including area code,
of registrant's executive offices) of registrant's executive offices)
PAULA M. PALYGA ROBERT G. REEDY
CAMPNEY & MURPHY PORTER & HEDGES, L.L.P.
SUITE 2100 700 LOUISIANA, 35TH FLOOR
1111 WEST GEORGIA STREET P.O. BOX 4744
VANCOUVER, B.C. HOUSTON, TEXAS
V7X 1K9 USA 77002-2764
604-688-8022 713-226-0674
</TABLE>
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: Upon the
effective date of the Continuance described in this Registration Statement of
Optima Petroleum Corporation, a Canadian corporation, as a domestic corporation
under the laws of Delaware (the Company, as continued being the "Registrant").
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection
with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General
Instructions G, check the following box. [ ]
<PAGE> 2
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant
to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list
the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under
the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Title of Each Class of Amount to be Proposed Maximum Offering Amount of
Securities to be Registered Registered Price per Share Registration Fee
- --------------------------- ---------- --------------- ----------------
Common Stock, 11,002,346 $1.3282(2) $4310.77
of $0.001 per share
</TABLE>
(1) Consists of 11,002,346 shares of common stock of the continued company
issuable upon conversion of the currently outstanding shares of Common
Stock of the Registrant pursuant to the Continuance.
(2) Estimated solely for the purposes of determining the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457(f), based on the average of the high and low sales
prices for the Company's Common Stock on NASDAQ on May 27, 1998.
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8 OF THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH
DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SUCH SECTION 8, MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE> 3
----------------------------------------------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
----------------------------------------------------
Notice is hereby given that the Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting")
of OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION (the "Company") will be held on Friday, August
7, 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 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;
2. To approve, as a special resolution, the continuation of the Company
into the State of Delaware and adoption of a new Certificate of
Incorporation;
3. To elect as additional directors for the ensuing year:
Charles T. Goodson
Alfred J. Thomas, II
Ralph J. Daigle
Robert R. Brooksher
Daniel G. Fournerat
Provided if items 1 and 2 above are not approved by shareholders,
Management will withdraw its nominations of the above.
4. To approve, as a special resolution, the change of the Company's name to
PetroQuest Energy, Inc.;
5. To approve, by a majority of disinterested shareholders, the amendment
of 470,000 outstanding stock options to change the exercise price and
expiry date and the cancellation of all other options outstanding under
the Company's current stock option plans ;
6. To approve, by a majority of disinterested shareholders, 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;
7. To approve, by a majority of the disinterested shareholders, the
acquisition of a 5% working interest in the Valentine prospect;
8. To approve the transaction of such other business as may properly come
before the Meeting.
Accompanying this Notice is a Proxy Statement/Information Circular/Prospectus
and a Proxy. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 2, 1998
are entitled to receive this Notice and vote or have their shares voted at the
Meeting.
<PAGE> 4
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/Information Circular/Prospectus. 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 July 2, 1998.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
---------------------------------
ROBERT L. HODGKINSON, PRESIDENT
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<PAGE> 5
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
PROXY STATEMENT/
INFORMATION CIRCULAR/
PROSPECTUS
FOR THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON
AUGUST 7, 1998
MERGER PROPOSED
<PAGE> 6
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAD BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
PROXY STATEMENT/INFORMATION CIRCULAR/PROSPECTUS
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
SUITE 600 - 595 HOWE STREET
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
CANADA V6C 2T5
TEL: 604-684-6886
This Proxy Statement/Information Circular/Prospectus ("Proxy Statement") is
furnished to holders of shares of common stock ("Company Common Stock" or
"common shares") of OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION (the "Company" or "Optima") for
use at the Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "EGM" or "Meeting") to be held
on August 7, 1998 at the time and place and for the purposes set forth in the
accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders. The Meeting is being
held for the following purposes: 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; to approve, as a
special resolution, the continuation of the Company into the State of Delaware
and adoption of a new Certificate of Incorporation; to elect as additional
directors for the ensuing year, Charles T. Goodson, Alfred J. Thomas , II, Ralph
J. Daigle, Robert Brooksher and Daniel G. Fournerat; to approve, as a special
resolution, the change of the Company's name to PetroQuest Energy, Inc.; to
approve, by a majority of disinterested shareholders, the amendment of 470,000
outstanding stock options to change the exercise price and expiry date and the
cancellation of all other options outstanding under the Company's current stock
option plans; to approve, by a majority of disinterested shareholders, 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; to approve, by a majority of the disinterested shareholders, the
acquisition of a 5% working interest in the Valentine prospect; to approve the
transaction of such other business as may properly come before the Meeting.
This Proxy Statement also constitutes a prospectus of the Company with respect
11,002,346 common shares of the Company.
On July 2, 1998, the last reported sale price of Optima Common Stock as reported
on the NASDAQ National Market System was $ per share.
See "Risk Factors" beginning on page for a discussion for certain matters which
should be considered by Optima shareholders with respect to the Merger and
Continuation.
-i-
<PAGE> 7
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
NO REGULATORY AGENCY OR STOCK EXCHANGE HAS IN ANY WAY PASSED UPON THE MERITS OF
THE TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS AN
OFFENCE.
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy form are first being mailed to
shareholders of the Company on or about July 6, 1998.
The date of this Proxy Statement is July 2, 1998.
-ii-
<PAGE> 8
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration
Statement"), of which this Proxy Statement/Information Circular/Prospectus is a
part, with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with
respect to the Annual and Special Meeting and to the securities offered hereby.
This Proxy Statement/Information Circular/Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement or the exhibits thereto, and
reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for
further information. Information herein is qualified in its entirety by such
reference.
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and accordingly file reports,
proxy statements and other information ("Reports") with the Commission. The
Registration Statement, the exhibits thereto and the Reports can be inspected
and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at
450 5th Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following
regional offices of the Commission: 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York,
New York 10048 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite
1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661, at prescribed rates. Reports concerning the
Company can also be inspected at the offices of the Toronto Stock Exchange, and
NASDAQ. In addition, such materials filed electronically by the Company with the
Commission are available at the Commission's World Wide Web site at
http://www.sec.gov.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE AND
ATTACHMENT OF SUCH INFORMATION HERETO
Incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement are the following documents:
(1) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (Amendment No. 2) for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1997, and (2) the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q (Amendment No. 1) for the quarter ended March 31, 1998. Copies of such
documents are available upon request and without charge from the Company.
Additionally, documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act subsequent to the date of this Proxy Statement and
prior to the consummation of the Merger shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Proxy Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of
filing of such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or replaced for purposes of
this Proxy Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any
other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein modifies or replaces such statement. Any such statement so
modified or replaced shall not be deemed, except as so modified or replaced, to
constitute a part of this Proxy Statement.
-iii-
<PAGE> 9
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
SUMMARY...........................................................................................................1
GLOSSARY OF OIL AND GAS TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS..................................................................17
RISK FACTORS.....................................................................................................18
PERSONS MAKING THE SOLICITATION..................................................................................24
APPOINTMENT AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES............................................................................24
EXERCISE OF DISCRETION...........................................................................................24
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES.....................................................25
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION...........................................................................................26
Summary Compensation Table....................................................................................27
Options/SARs Granted During The Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year...........................................27
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises During the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year and
Fiscal Year End Option/SAR Values...........................................................................28
Long-Term Incentive Plans - Awards in Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year.....................................28
Defined Benefit or Actuarial Plan Disclosure..................................................................28
Compensation of Directors.....................................................................................28
Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements............................29
Report on Repricing of Options/SARs...........................................................................29
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation...................................................29
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation.......................................................29
Performance Graph.............................................................................................30
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS.............................................................................................31
INTEREST OF INSIDERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS....................................................................32
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON..........................................................33
PARTICULARS OF MATTERS TO BE ACTED ON............................................................................33
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.............................................................................................33
PROPOSAL NO. 1 - THE MERGER TRANSACTION..........................................................................36
Description of the Merger Transaction.........................................................................36
Purpose of the Merger Transaction.............................................................................36
The Plan and Agreement of Merger..............................................................................36
Recommendation of Optima Board of Directors...................................................................37
Fairness Opinion..............................................................................................38
Interest of Insiders in the Merger............................................................................40
Optima Loan to Amex...........................................................................................42
Accounting Treatment..........................................................................................42
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 10
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Vote Required.................................................................................................43
Conditions....................................................................................................43
Post Merger...................................................................................................44
Securities Considerations.....................................................................................45
Shareholder Approval..........................................................................................45
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY...............................................................................45
Corporate Overview............................................................................................45
Principal Producing Properties................................................................................46
Land Holdings.................................................................................................49
Reserves......................................................................................................49
Production History............................................................................................50
Drilling Activity.............................................................................................51
Acquisition, Exploration and Development Expenditures.........................................................52
Selected Financial Information................................................................................53
All in $1,000's except Earnings (Loss) per Share and No. of Shares............................................55
Unaudited (Three month period ended March 31, 1998)...........................................................55
$5,034 $6,443 $ 26,959 $ 142 $ 24,738.....................................................................55
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.........................55
Description of Share Capital..................................................................................62
Capitalization................................................................................................63
Price Range and Trading Volume of Shares......................................................................63
Dividend Record and Policy....................................................................................64
Prior Sales...................................................................................................64
Legal Proceedings.............................................................................................65
Material Contracts............................................................................................65
INFORMATION CONCERNING AMEX AND THE TARGET COMPANIES............................................................66
Corporate Overview............................................................................................66
Principal Producing Properties................................................................................67
Land Holdings.................................................................................................69
Reserves......................................................................................................70
Production History............................................................................................70
Oil and Gas Wells.............................................................................................71
Drilling Activity.............................................................................................72
Selected Financial Information...............................................................................72
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.........................75
Description of Share Capital..................................................................................78
Capitalization................................................................................................78
Prior Sales...................................................................................................78
Legal Proceedings.............................................................................................78
Material Contracts............................................................................................78
Principal Shareholders........................................................................................79
Directors and Officers........................................................................................79
Executive Compensation........................................................................................79
Options to Purchase Securities................................................................................79
Interest of Management and Others in Material Transactions....................................................80
Auditors......................................................................................................80
PROPOSAL NO. 2 - CONTINUATION INTO THE STATE OF DELAWARE.........................................................81
General.......................................................................................................81
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 11
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Principal Reasons for Continuation............................................................................81
Continuance a Condition of Merger Agreement...................................................................82
Corporate Governance Differences..............................................................................82
Regulatory Approval...........................................................................................89
Canadian Income Tax Considerations............................................................................89
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences.................................................................91
Right of Dissent..............................................................................................95
The Continuation Resolution and Vote Required.................................................................96
PROPOSAL NO. 3 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS..........................................................................98
General.......................................................................................................98
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934....................................100
Vote Required................................................................................................101
The Board of Directors of the Company has unanimously approved the nomination of these parties as directors of
the company and recommends that shareholders vote for such nominees.............................................101
PROPOSAL NO. 4 - NAME CHANGE....................................................................................102
General......................................................................................................102
Shareholder Resolution and Vote Required.....................................................................102
PROPOSAL NO. 5 - AMENDMENT OF CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OPTIONS AND CANCELLATION OF ALL OTHER OUTSTANDING OPTIONS....103
Shareholder Approval and Vote Required.......................................................................104
PROPOSAL NO. 6 - ADOPTION OF NEW STOCK OPTION PLAN..............................................................106
New Stock Option Plan........................................................................................107
Other Share Compensation Arrangements........................................................................109
Shareholder Approval and Vote Required.......................................................................109
PROPOSAL NO. 7 - ACQUISITION OF 5% WORKING INTEREST IN THE VALENTINE PROSPECT..................................112
General......................................................................................................112
Valentine Prospect...........................................................................................112
Shareholder Approval and Votes Required......................................................................112
STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES.....................................................................113
Mandate of the Board.........................................................................................113
Composition of the Board.....................................................................................113
Committees...................................................................................................114
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR OFFICERS........................................................115
DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1999 ANNUAL MEETING............................................115
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION.................................................................................115
LEGAL MATTERS...................................................................................................115
EXPERTS/AUDITORS................................................................................................115
OTHER BUSINESS..................................................................................................116
Appendix A Section 190 of the CBCA...........................................................................117
Appendix B Fairness Opinion..................................................................................121
Appendix C Delaware Certificate of Incorporation.............................................................123
Appendix D Proforma Financial Statements of Optima...........................................................131
Appendix E Financial Statements of Amex......................................................................132
Appendix F 1998 Stock Option Plan............................................................................133
Appendix G Merger Agreement..................................................................................134
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 12
SUMMARY
The following is a brief summary of certain information contained elsewhere in
this Proxy Statement. Reference is made to, and this summary is qualified in its
entirety by, the more detailed information contained or incorporated by
reference in this Proxy Statement and the exhibits hereto. Unless otherwise
defined herein, capitalized terms used in this summary have the respective
meanings ascribed to them elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
ANNUAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING:
Time, Date and Place The Company's Annual and Special General
Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting")
will be held Friday, August 7, 1998, at
10:00 a.m., (Vancouver Time) at
2100-1111 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver,
BC, Canada.
Record Date, Shares Entitled to
Vote The Record Date for the Meeting is July
2, 1998. Shareholders of record at the
close of business on the Record Date are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Meeting. At such date, there were
outstanding 11,002,346 shares of Common
Stock of the Company [TO BE UPDATED],
each of which will be entitled to one
vote on each matter to be acted upon or
which may properly come before the
Meeting.
Purposes of the Annual General
Meeting The purposes of the Meeting are to:
1. 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;
2. To approve, as a special resolution, the continuation of the Company
into the State of Delaware and adoption of a new Certificate of
Incorporation;
3. To elect as additional directors for the ensuing year: Charles T.
Goodson, Alfred J. Thomas, II, Ralph J. Daigle, Robert R. Brooksher,
and Daniel G. Fournerat, provided if items 1 and 2 above are not
approved by shareholders, Management will withdraw its nominations of
the foregoing.
4. To approve, as a special resolution, the change of the Company's name
to PetroQuest Energy, Inc.;
5. To approve, by a majority of disinterested shareholders, the amendment
of 470,000 outstanding stock options to change the exercise price and
expiry date and the cancellation of all other options outstanding under
the Company's current stock option plans;
6. To approve, by a majority of disinterested shareholders, 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> 13
7. To approve, by a majority of the disinterested shareholders, the
acquisition of a 5% working interest in the Valentine prospect;
8. To approve the transaction of such other business as may properly come
before the Meeting.
<TABLE>
MERGER TRANSACTION:
<S> <C>
Merger Agreement Pursuant to a plan and agreement of merger
("Merger Agreement") dated February 11, 1998, the
Company and its US subsidiary agreed that the
subsidiary 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
American Explorer, L.L.C. ("Amex"). In
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. Upon the issuance 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. See "Particulars of Matters to be Acted
Upon, Proposal No. 1 - Merger Transaction."
Target Corporations The Target Corporations, being Goodson Exploration
Company, NAB Financial, L.L.C. and Dexco Energy,
Inc. are controlled by Charles T. Goodson, Alfred
J. Thomas, II and Ralph Daigle, respectively, who
are also nominated for directors.
Vote Required The approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement
and the transactions described therein by
shareholders of the Company will require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes held
by disinterested shareholders represented and
voting at the Meeting.
THE CONTINUATION:
Optima The Company, incorporated under the laws of
Canada, is currently engage in the exploration and
development of oil and gas interests.
Effect of the Continuation The Company will change its jurisdiction of
incorporation from Canada to Delaware, U.S.A. by
means of a process called a "continuance" under
Canadian law and a "domestication" under Delaware
law (herein referred to as the "Continuation").
Upon the effectiveness of the Continuation, the
Company will become a Delaware corporation
as if it had originally been incorporated
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 14
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
in that jurisdiction and its incorporation in
Canada will be discontinued.
Vote Required The approval and adoption of the Continuation by
shareholders of the Company will require the
affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of
the votes represented and voting at the Meeting.
Background of the Reasons for
the Continuation For many years, Delaware has followed a policy of
encouraging incorporation in that State and has
adopted comprehensive, modern and flexible
corporate laws to meet the changing needs of
today's corporations. In addition, the Delaware
courts have developed considerable expertise in
dealing with corporate issues and a substantial
body of law has developed construing Delaware law
and establishing public policies with respect to
Delaware corporations. 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. 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. 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.
Board Has Discretion to Effect
the Continuation Notwithstanding the fact that the Continuation is
approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the
shareholders of the Company, the Board of
Directors of the Company may, at its option, elect
not to effect the Continuation. Reasons that may
cause the Board of Directors of the Company not to
effect the Continuation include (i) if the Company
were to incur significant tax liabilities; (ii) if
a significant number of the Company's shareholders
elect dissenters' rights; (iii) if there arises
any other circumstance which, in the discretion of
the Board of Directors, would cause the
Continuation not to be in the best interests of
the Company and its shareholders; or (iv) if the
Merger Transaction is not completed.
Recommendation of the Board of
Directors of the Company
The Board of Directors of the Company has
unanimously approved the Continuation, believes it
to be in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders and unanimously recommends approval
of the Continuation to the shareholders.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 15
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Effective Time of the
Continuation It is anticipated that the Continuation will
become effective as promptly as practicable after
shareholder approval of the Continuation has been
obtained. Subject to Canadian regulatory approval,
the Continuation will become effective upon the
filing of a Certificate of Continuation and the
Company's Delaware Certificate of Incorporation
with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware.
Regulatory Approval The Company will apply to the Director, Canada
Business Corporations Act, for permission to
domesticate the Company in the State of Delaware.
Such approval must be obtained for the
Continuation to take place. There are no other
regulatory approvals necessary for consummation of
the Continuation.
Dissenters' Appraisal Rights
With Respect to the
Continuation Under Canadian law, the Company's shareholders who
vote against the Continuation may elect to have
the fair value of their shares determined in
accordance with Canada Business Corporations Act
and paid to them in cash if the Continuation is
consummated and if they comply with the provisions
of Section 190 of such Act. See "Particulars of
Matters to be Acted Upon, Proposal No. 2 -
Continuation Into the State of Delaware - Right of
Dissent".
Certain Canadian Income Tax
Consequences of the
Continuation A Canadian shareholder will not incur any income
tax liability solely by reason of the Continuation
unless such shareholder disposes of shares
pursuant to an exercise of dissenters' rights, in
which case capital gain taxes may apply. See
"Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon, Proposal
No. 2 - Continuation Into the State of Delaware -
Canadian Income Tax Considerations".
Certain United States Federal
Income Tax Consequences
of the Continuation The Continuation, if approved, has been structured
as a tax-free reorganization under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
Consequently, the U.S. shareholders generally will
not incur any income tax liability solely by
reason of the Continuation unless a shareholder
exercises dissenters' rights in which case capital
gain taxes will apply. See "Particulars of Matters
to be Act Upon, Proposal No. 2 - Continuation Into
the State of Delaware - Tax Consequences".
Comparison of Shareholder
Rights See "Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon -
Proposal No. 2 - Continuation into the State of
Delaware - Corporation Governance Differences".
</TABLE>
-4-
<PAGE> 16
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:
Nominees If items 1 and 2 above are approved by
shareholders, Ronald Bourgeois and Emile Stehelin
will resign as directors and officers of the
Company and shareholders will be asked to elect
Management's nominees, Charles T. Goodson, Alfred
J. Thomas, II, Ralph J. Daigle, Robert R.
Brooksher and Daniel G. Fournerat ("Amex
Nominees") as additional directors of the Company.
If items 1 and 2 above are not approved by
shareholders, Management will withdraw its
nominations of the above parties. See "Particulars
of Matters to be Acted Upon, Proposal No. 3 -
Election of Additional Directors."
Number and Percentage of
Stock Held Robert L. Hodgkinson, William C. Leuschner;
Charles T. Goodson, Alfred J. Thomas, II, Ralph J.
Daigle, Robert R. Brooksher and Daniel G.
Fournerat currently hold 1,876,825 common shares
of the Company (including options), representing
17% of the issued and outstanding shares as of the
record date.
Vote Required The election of new directors by shareholders of
the Company will require the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the votes represented
and voting at the Meeting.
NAME CHANGE: Shareholders are being asked to approve the change
of the Company's name to "PetroQuest Energy,
Inc.". The approval of the State of Delaware, The
Toronto Stock Exchange and NASDAQ will be required
for the new name. This name change will not be
effected, even if approved by shareholders, if the
Merger Resolution and the Continuation Resolution
are not approved. See "Particulars of Matters to
be Acted Upon - Proposal No. 4 - Name Change."
Vote Required The approval and adoption of the name change by
shareholders of the Company will require the
affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of
the votes represented and voting at the Meeting.
AMENDMENT OF CURRENT OPTIONS AND
CANCELLATION OF THE BALANCE OF
CURRENT OPTIONS:
Current Options: Pursuant to the Company's current 1996 stock
option plan ("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.
Amendment and Cancellation: If the Merger is complete, Management proposes to
amend the exercise price and expiry date of
options exercisable into
-5-
<PAGE> 17
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
470,000 common shares ("Amended Options"). These
options are currently issued unde the 1995 and
1996 Plans and after the amendment, will be
governed by the new stock option plan described
below. The 1,800,000 common shares issuable under
such new plan includes these 470,000 shares. The
new exercise price of the Amended Options will be
the higher of the weighted average trading price
of the common shares of Optima for the 5 business
days immediately prior to the amendment and the
closing price of the common shares of Optima on
the business day immediately prior to the
amendment. The Amended Options will expire three
years from the amendment but in no event shall the
expiry date be greater than 10 years from the date
of the original grant. All other options currently
outstanding under the 1995 and 1996 Plans will be
cancelled. If the Merger Resolution is not
approved by shareholders, Management will not
proceed with the amendment and cancellation of the
options. The amendment and cancellation of the
options will occur on the closing of the Merger
Transaction. See "Particulars of Matters to be
Acted Upon - Proposal No. 5 - Amendment of Certain
Outstanding Options and Cancellation of All other
Outstanding Options."
Vote Required The approval of the amendment and cancellation of
options by shareholders of the Company will
require the affirmative vote of a majority of the
votes held by disinterested shareholders
represented and voting at the Meeting.
NEW STOCK PLAN:
The New Plan In March of this year, Management of the Company,
in conjunction with the proposed Merger, adopted a
new stock option plan (the "New Plan") to be
effective upon the closing of the Merger
Transaction in order to attract new management and
employees. As well, under TSE policies, a new plan
must be adopted in order to grant options in
excess of those reserved under current plans. The
Company's current stock option plans reserves
1,950,000 common shares for issuance and as at the
record date, 787,000 common shares have been
issued pursuant to the exercise of options granted
under the 1995 and 1996 Plans and options
exercisable into 782,500 shares are currently
outstanding, leaving 380,500 options available for
issuance. 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
shares of Common Stock will be
</TABLE>
-6-
<PAGE> 18
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
outstanding. See "Particulars of Matters to be
Acted Upon - Proposal No. 6 - Approval of the New
Stock Plan".
Grant of Options
under New Plan The Options will be granted to the following
persons to purchase the number of shares
indicated: (i) Amended Options to Optima optionees
(470,000 shares total) as disclosed above under
"Amendment of Certain Outstanding Options and
Cancellation of all Other Outstanding Options"
(ii) Mr. Ronald P. Bourgeois (25,000 shares) and
Starbrite Developments Ltd. (5,000); (iii) Messrs.
Charles Goodson and Alfred Thomas, II (66,000
shares each); (iv) Mr. Ralph Daigle (60,000
shares); (v) Mr. Robert Brooksher (38,000 shares);
(vi) Mr. Daniel Fournerat (50,000 shares); and
(vii) other employees as a group (232,300 shares).
The options in paragraphs (i) and (ii) will vest
immediately on grant, the option price will be the
higher of the weighted average trading price of
the shares of the Company for the 5 business days
immediately preceding the grant and the closing
price of the common shares of Optima on the
business day immediately prior to the grant and
the term of the options is three years. The
options in paragraphs (iii) to (vii) will vest one
third on each of December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000,
the option price will be the higher of the
weighted average trading price of the common
shares of the Company from the 5 business days
immediately prior to the grant and the closing
price of the common shares of the Company on the
business day immediately prior to the grant and
the term of the Options are 10 years. Options
exercisable into 787,700 shares of Common Stock
will be available for further grants.
Vote Required The approval and adoption of the New Plan and
cancellation of the 1995 and 1996 Plans of the
Company will require the affirmative vote of a
majority of the votes held by disinterested
shareholders represented and voting at the
Meeting.
ACQUISITION OF 5% WORKING
INTEREST IN THE VALENTINE PROSPECT:
The Acquisition Pursuant to an agreement dated April 8, 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. See "Particulars of
Matters to be Acted Upon - Proposal No.7 -
Acquisition of 5% Working Interest in the
Valentine Prospect".
Colima and Yukon 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,
</TABLE>
-7-
<PAGE> 19
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Chairman of Optima. As such, the Acquisition is a
non-arms' length transaction.
Vote Required The approval of the Acquisition will require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes held
by disinterested shareholders represented and
voting at the Meeting.
</TABLE>
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
The Company's corporate structure before and after the completion of the Merger
Transaction is as follows:
CHART
PRIOR TO THE MERGER
The Company's current directors and officers are: Robert L. Hodgkinson (CEO,
President and Director), William C. Leuschner (Chairman and Director), Ronald P.
Bourgeois (CFO, Secretary and Director), Emile D. Stehelin (Director) and Martin
G. Abbott (Director).
-8-
<PAGE> 20
AFTER MERGER
CHART
Upon completion of the Merger Transaction, provided the Amex Nominees are
elected as directors of the Company, the following will be the directors and
officers of the Company: Charles T. Goodson (President, CEO and Director),
Alfred J. Thomas, II (COO and Director), Ralph J. Daigle (Senior VP, Exploration
and Director), Robert R. Brooksher (CFO, Secretary and Director), Daniel G.
Fournerat (Director), Robert L. Hodgkinson (Director) and William C. Leuschner
(Chair and Director);
SHARE OWNERSHIP
As of the record date, the Company has 11,002,346 common shares outstanding.
Upon the completion of the Merger Transaction and the Valentine Acquisition, it
will have 18,537,347 shares outstanding.
The following is the number of shares held by the Amex Nominees and Optima
directors and officers before and after the completion of the Merger Transaction
and Valentine Acquisition and the issuance of the options under the New Plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON(1) COMMON SHARES HELD IF MERGER AND
SHARES HELD VALENTINE ACQUISITION ARE
NAME AND PRESENT COMPANY OR AMEX (INCLUDING COMPLETED (INCLUDING OPTIONS) AND %
POSITION OPTIONS) OF OUTSTANDING SHARES(1)
- ----------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ROBERT L. HODGKINSON 1,150,000(2) 1,170,000(2)(8)(10)
President, CEO and Director of Optima 6.85%
WILLIAM C. LEUSCHNER 685,225(3) 740,225(3)(9)
Chairman of the Board and Director of 4.0%
Optima
EMILE D. STEHELIN 572,342(4) 692,342(10)
Director of Optima 3.73%
RONALD P. BOURGEOIS 134,151(5) 159,151(11)
CFO, Secretary and Director of Optima 0.86%
</TABLE>
-9-
<PAGE> 21
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON(1) COMMON SHARES HELD IF MERGER AND
SHARES HELD VALENTINE ACQUISITION ARE
NAME AND PRESENT COMPANY OR AMEX (INCLUDING COMPLETED (INCLUDING OPTIONS) AND %
POSITION OPTIONS) OF OUTSTANDING SHARES(1)
- ----------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
MARTIN G. ABBOTT 65,6566) 40,656(12)
Director of Optima 0.22%
CHARLES T. GOODSON 30,000(7) 2,567,250(7)(13)
President of Amex 13.85%
ALFRED J. THOMAS, II 30,000(7) 2,567,251(7)(14)
C.E.O. of Amex 13.85%
RALPH J. DAIGLE 0 2,200,500(15)
Senior Vice President of Exploration 11.87%
for Amex
ROBERT R. BROOKSHER 11,600 11,600(16)
Chief Financial Officer of Amex 0.01%
0
DANIEL G. FOURNERAT 0
0%
</TABLE>
1. 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". Includes
shares held indirectly through Hodgkinson Equities Corporation, a company
wholly-owned by Robert L. Hodgkinson and 200,000 options.
2. Includes shares held indirectly in the name of Leuschner International
Resources Ltd., a company wholly-owned by William C. Leuschner and 125,000
options.
4. Includes 75,000 options.
5. Includes 75,000 options.
6. Includes 50,000 options.
7. 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.
8. 100,000 options will be cancelled upon completion of the Merger and
adoption of a new stock option plan.
9. 25,000 options will be cancelled upon completion of the Merger and adoption
of a new stock option plan. Includes 80,000 common shares issued pursuant
to the Acquisition to Colima Oil Company, a company owned 100% by William
Leuschner.
10. Includes 120,000 common shares issued pursuant to the Acquisition to 7804
Yukon, Inc., a company owned 51% by Emile Stehelin and 49% by Robert
Hodgkinson.
11. Includes 25,000 options to be issued under the new stock option plan.
12. 25,000 options will be cancelled upon completion of the Merger and adoption
of a new stock option plan.
13. Includes 2,567,250 common shares issued to Goodson Exploration Company, a
company owned 100% by Mr. Goodson, pursuant to the Merger. He has the right
to acquire a further 583,450 shares under the Contingent Issue Rights under
the Merger Agreement.
14. Includes 2,567,251 common shares issued to NAB Financial, L.L.C., a company
owned by Mr. Thomas and his family, pursuant to the Merger. He has the
right to acquire a further 583,451 shares under the Contingent Issue Rights
under the Merger Agreement.
-10-
<PAGE> 22
15. Includes 2,200,500 common shares issued to Dexco Energy, Inc., a company
owned 100% by Mr. Daigle, pursuant to the Merger. He has the right to
acquire a further 500,100 shares under the Contingent Issue Rights under
the Merger Agreement.
16. If Mr. Brooksher exercises his option to acquire 5% of Amex, he will
acquire 378,350 common shares of the Company and rights to acquire 83,350
common shares, representing 5% of the Shares and Rights Shares to be
acquired by the Target Corporations under the Merger.
SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table sets forth certain summary historical financial data for the
Company for the last five years ended December 31, 1997 and for Amex for the
period from inception to December 31, 1995 and the last two fiscal years ended
December 31, 1997, and for both for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively. The data presented below has been derived from and should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Company and the
financial statements of Amex, and the related notes thereto set forth elsewhere
in this Proxy Statement or incorporation by reference. Summary financial data at
March 31, 1998 and for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively, for the Company and Amex are derived from the unaudited financial
statements of the Company and Amex and include all adjustments (consisting only
of normally recurring adjustments) that the Company and Amex each consider
necessary for a fair presentation of operating results for such interim periods.
Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the
full year. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of the Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" in "Information Concerning the Company" and
"Information Concerning Amex" for a discussion of matters that affect the
comparability of the information presented. All of the statements are in
Canadian dollars for the Company and United States dollars for Amex.
Optima Historical Selected Financial Data:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL IN $1,000'S AS AT DECEMBER 31,
EXCEPT EARNINGS
(LOSS) PER SHARE
AND NO. OF SHARES 1997(1) 1996(2) 1995(3) 1994 1993
- ---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total Revenues: $7,649 $12,863 $6,763 $4,137 $3,216
Net Income (loss for the year): $(4,835) $229 $(1,155) $(4,305) $(261)
Per Share Net Income (loss): $(0.43) $0.02 $(0.13) $(0.56) $(0.05)
Weighted Ave. No. of Shares 11,159,663 10,945,927 9,031,583 7,625,417 5,380,125
Outstanding:
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
$5,660 $2,055 $1,023 $315 604
Accounts Receivable: $2,220 $2,516 $2,472 $1,778 $899
</TABLE>
-11-
<PAGE> 23
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL IN $1,000'S AS AT DECEMBER 31,
EXCEPT EARNINGS
(LOSS) PER SHARE
AND NO. OF SHARES 1997(1) 1996(2) 1995(3) 1994 1993
- ---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
<S> <C>
Cash In Trust: $ 715 -- -- -- --
Note Receivable (current $ 130 $ 124 $ 494 -- --
portion):
Total Current Assets: $ 8,726 $ 4,696 $ 3,989 $ 2,094 $ 3,489
Petroleum and natural gas $17,696 $34,764 $33,500 $22,260 $16,780
interests ("full cost"):
Total Assets: $28,143 $41,215 $39,178 $24,794 $21,171
Current Liabilities (inc
current portion of
long term debt): $ 869 $ 3,408 $ 3,242 $ 2,107 $ 656
Long-term Debt: $ 143 $ 6,119 $ 7,390 $ 1,849 $ 1,349
Revenue in Dispute: $ 1,024 -- -- -- --
Stockholders' Equity: $25,738 $31,472 $28,478 $20,837 $19,167
- ---------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
(1) Effective January 1, 1997, the Company sold a substantial portion of
its Canadian petroleum and natural gas interests. The effects on 1997
results compared to prior years are discussed under Results of
Operations in the Company's December 31, 1997 audited financial
statements.
(2) Effective September 8, 1995, the Company acquired Roxbury Capital Corp.
("Roxbury"). As a result of this acquisition, 1996 production and sales
volumes increased significantly compared to 1995 as discussed under
Results of Operations in the Company's December 31, 1997 audited
financial statements.
(3) 1995's results were also affected by the Roxbury acquisition and an
increase in drilling activity as discussed under Results of Operations
in the Company's December 31, 1997 audited financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL IN $1,000'S UNAUDITED
EXCEPT EARNINGS THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,
(LOSS) PER SHARE
AND NO. OF SHARES 1998 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total Revenues:
$ 1,119 $ 2,467
Net Income (loss for the year): $ (1,000) $ 208
Per Share Net Income (loss): $ (0.09) $ 0.02
Weighted Ave. No. of Shares Outstanding: 11,002,346 11,313,653
------------ ------------
</TABLE>
-12-
<PAGE> 24
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL IN $1,000'S UNAUDITED
EXCEPT EARNINGS THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
(LOSS) PER SHARE
AND NO. OF SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
<S> <C>
Cash and Cash Equivalents: $ 5,033
Accounts Receivable: $ 1,943
Note Receivable (current portion): $ 128
Total Current Assets: $ 7,105
Cash In Trust: $ 706
Petroleum and natural gas interests ("full
cost"): $17,285
Total Assets: $26,959
Current Liabilities (inc. current portion of
long term debt): $ 662
Long-term Debt: $ 142
Revenue in Dispute: $ 1,048
Stockholders' Equity: $24,738
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amex Historical Selected Financial Data:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
ALL IN $1,000'S
INCEPTION (MARCH 2, 1995)
1997 1996 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Total Revenues: $ 6,836 $ 4,589 $ 2,336
Net Income for the year: $ 938 $ 1,311 $ (62)
Per Share Net Income (loss): N/A N/A N/A
Weighted Ave. No. of Shares
Outstanding: N/A N/A N/A
------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
-13-
<PAGE> 25
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------
ALL IN $1,000'S FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
EXCEPT EARNINGS
(LOSS) PER SHARE
AND NO. OF SHARES 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and Cash Equivalents: $ 172 $ 206
Accounts Receivable: $ 1,468 $ 726
Total Current Assets: $ 1,641 $ 932
Oil and Gas Properties ("full
cost"): $ 7,416 $ 2,634
Total Assets: $ 9,891 $ 5,125
Current Liabilities (inc. current
portion of long term debt): $ 4,258 $ 2,091
Long-term Debt: $ 1,600 $ --
Members' Capital: $ 4,034 $ 3,034
- ------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
UNAUDITED
THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,
ALL IN $1,000'S 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total Revenues: $ 1,650 $ 1,135
Net Income (loss) for the period: $ (423) $ 138
Per Share Net Income (loss): N/A N/A
Weighted Ave. No. of Shares Outstanding: N/A N/A
</TABLE>
-14-
<PAGE> 26
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL IN $1,000'S UNAUDITED
THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
<S> <C>
Cash and Cash Equivalents: $ 445
Accounts Receivable: $ 933
Total Current Assets: $ 1,379
Oil and Gas Properties: $ 7,775
Total Assets: $10,018
Current Liabilities (inc. current portion of
long term debt):
Long-term Debt: $ 5,437
Stockholders' Equity: $ 970
$ 3,611
</TABLE>
SUMMARY PRO FORMA INFORMATION
The following summary pro forma financial information has been derived from and
should be read in conjunction with the pro formal financial information and
notes thereto included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. The following summary
pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March
31, 1998 and the year ended December 31, 1997 combine the historical information
of the Company adjusted to give effect to the Merger and the related pro forma
adjustments. The pro forma statements of operations for the three months ended
March 31, 1998 and the year ended December 31, 1997 reflect the consolidated
operations of the Company and Amex as if the Merger had been consummated at
January 1, 1997. All of the statements are in Canadian dollars. The following
summary pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes
only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and
financial condition that would have been achieved if the transactions included
in the pro forma adjustments had been consummated in accordance with the
assumptions set forth below under "Pro Forma Condensed Financial Information",
nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial
condition.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
PRO FORMA MARCH 31, 1998 31, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
<S> <C> <C>
Total Revenues: $ 4,135,192 $ 20,859,214
Net Income (loss for the year): $ (2,030,703) $ (4,929,070)
Per Share Net Income (loss): $ (0.11) $ (0.27)
Weighted Ave. No. of Shares Outstanding: 18,337,347 18,494,664
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
</TABLE>
-15-
<PAGE> 27
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------
AS AT
PRO FORMA MARCH 31, 1998
- ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C>
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and Cash Equivalents: $ 5,664,355
Accounts Receivable: $ 3,264,876
Note Receivable (current portion): $ 128,599
Total Current Assets: $ 9,057,830
Petroleum and natural gas interests ("full cost"): $ 37,437,296
Total Assets: $ 49,354,789
Current Liabilities (inc. current portion of
long term debt): $ 7,514,128
Long-term Debt: $ 1,515,762
Revenue in Dispute: $ 1,047,664
Stockholders' Equity $ 37,012,238
- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
</TABLE>
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
Set forth below are the comparative net income and book value per common share
data of (i) of the Company on a historical basis, (ii) the market value per
share of the Company and (iii) the Company on a pro forma combined basis giving
effect to the Merger assuming it had occurred as of January 1, 1997 for the
statements of operations and March 31, 1998 for the balance sheet, giving effect
to the Merger as a purchase by Optima of all of the assets and liabilities of
Amex, all on the basis described in the unaudited pro forma financial
information and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. The
Company has not paid any dividends to its shareholders during the periods
presented.
Given that Amex is a private limited liability corporation, per share data is
not available.
The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the
respective audited and related notes of the Company included elsewhere in this
Proxy Statement and the unaudited summary pro forma financial information and
notes thereto included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER SHARE COMMON STOCK DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
YEAR ENDED THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997 MARCH 31, 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
THE COMPANY
Book value per share $2.34 $2.25
Net income (loss) per share $(0.43) $(0.09)
Market value per share $1.50 $1.80
Average number of shares outstanding 11,159,663 11,002,346
OPTIMA PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA:
Book value per share N/A $2.02
Net income (loss) per share $(0.27) $(0.11)
Average number of shares outstanding 18,494,664 18,337,347
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
</TABLE>
-16-
<PAGE> 28
GLOSSARY OF OIL AND GAS TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
BBL - means barrels of oil and natural gas liquids
BOE - means barrels of oil equivalent
BOPD - means barrels of oil per day
MCF - means thousand cubic feet of natural gas
MMBTU - means million British thermal units
MMCF - means million cubic feet of natural gas
MMCFGPD - means million cubic feet of natural gas per day
MSTB - means thousand stock tank barrels
PROVED OIL AND GAS RESERVES - means the estimated quantities of crude oil,
natural gas, and natural gas liquids which geological and engineering data
demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from
known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions, i.e., prices
and costs as of the date the estimate is made. Prices include consideration of
changes in existing prices provided only by contractual arrangements, but not on
escalations based upon future conditions.
(i) Reservoirs are considered proved if economic producibility is supported by
either actual production or conclusive formation test. The area of a reservoir
considered proved includes: (A) that portion delineated by drilling and defined
by gas-oil and/or oil-water contacts, if any, and (B) the immediately adjoining
portions not yet drilled, but which can be reasonably judged as economically
productive on the basis of available geological and engineering data. In the
absence of information on fluid contacts, the lowest known structural occurrence
of hydrocarbons controls the lower proved limit of the reservoir.
(ii) Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved
recovery techniques (such as fluid injection) are included in the "proved"
classification when successful testing by a pilot project, or the operation of
an installed program in the reservoir, provides support for the engineering
analysis on which the project or program was based.
(iii) Estimates or proved reserves do not include the following: (A) oil that
may become available from known reservoirs but is classified separately as
"indicated additional reserves"; (B) crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas
liquids, the recovery of which is subject to reasonable doubt because of
uncertainty as to geology, reservoir characteristics, or economic factors; (C)
crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, that may occur in undrilled
prospects; and (D) crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, that may be
recovered from oil shales, coal, gilsonite and other sources.
PROVED DEVELOPED OIL AND GAS RESERVES - means reserves that can be expected to
be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating
methods. Additional oil and gas expected to be obtained through the application
of fluid injection or other improved recovery techniques for supplementing the
natural forces and mechanisms of primary recovery should be included as "proved
developed reserves" only after testing by a pilot project or after the operation
of an installed program has confirmed through production response that increased
recovery will be achieved.
-17-
<PAGE> 29
PROVED UNDEVELOPED RESERVES - means reserves that are expected to be recovered
from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively
major expenditure is required for recompletion. Reserves on undrilled acreage
shall be limited to those drilling units offsetting productive units that are
reasonably certain of production when drilled. Proved reserves for other
undrilled units can be claimed only where it can be demonstrated with certainty
that there is continuity of production from the existing productive formation.
Under no circumstances should estimates for proved undeveloped reserves be
attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other
improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been
proved effective by actual tests in the area and in the same reservoir.
% NET REVENUE INTEREST - means the interest holder's percentage share of
production an interest holder is entitled to receive after deduction of
royalties and carried interests
% WORKING INTEREST - means the interest holder's percentage share of costs and
production prior to deduction of royalties and carried interests
3-D SEISMIC SURVEY - geophysical information, in three dimensional format,
gathered by means of recording and analyzing energy waves reflected from
subsurface bodies of rock
RISK FACTORS
Shareholders of the Company should carefully consider the following risk
factors, in addition to the other information contained in this Proxy Statement,
in connection with their decision to approve the Continuation and the Merger.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the following discussion concerns the
business of the Company assuming the Merger becomes effective.
This Proxy Statement contains forward-looking statements. The words
"anticipate," "believe," "expect," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "project,"
"will," "could," "may" and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. These statements include information regarding oil
and natural gas reserves, future drilling and operations, future production of
oil and natural gas and future net cash flows. Such statements reflect the
Company's and Amex's current views with respect to future events and financial
performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation
the risks described below. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties
occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary
materially and adversely from those anticipated, believed, estimated or
otherwise indicated.
EFFECTS OF THE CONTINUATION AND THE MERGER ON SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHTS. As a result
of the Continuation, all shareholders of the Company will become shareholders in
a Delaware corporation. The Company, as continued, will be a corporation
organized under and governed by Delaware law, the Delaware Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company and the Bylaws of the Company. As a result, the
shareholders of the Company (other than those who exercise dissenters' rights in
connection with the Continuation) will become shareholders in a Delaware
corporation governed by Delaware law, and the Certificate of Incorporation
attached hereto and Bylaws. While the rights and privileges of shareholders of a
Delaware corporation under the Delaware law are, in many instances, comparable
to those of shareholders of a CBCA corporation, there are certain material
differences, which are summarized below in "Continuation Into the State of
Delaware - Corporate Governance Differences." Shareholders of the Company are
urged to carefully consider such information.
VOLATILITY OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRICES. The Company and Amex's revenues,
operating results, profitability and future growth and the carrying value of its
oil and natural gas properties will be substantially dependent upon the prices
received for its oil and natural gas. Historically, the markets for
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<PAGE> 30
oil and natural gas have been volatile and such volatility may continue or recur
in the future. Various factors beyond the control of the Company will affect
prices of oil and natural gas, including the worldwide and domestic supplies of
oil and natural gas, the ability of the members of the organization of Petroleum
Exporting Countries ("OPEC") to agree to and maintain oil price and production
controls, political instability or armed conflict in oil or natural gas
producing regions, the price and level of foreign imports, the level of consumer
demand, the price, availability and acceptance of alternative fuels, the
availability of pipeline capacity, weather conditions, domestic and foreign
governmental regulations and taxes and the overall economic environment.
Any significant decline in the price of oil or natural gas would adversely
affect the Company's revenues and operating income and could require an
impairment in the carrying value of its oil and natural gas properties.
UNCERTAINTY OF RESERVE INFORMATION AND FUTURE NET REVENUE ESTIMATES. There are
numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved oil and
natural gas reserves and their values, including many factors beyond the control
of the Company and Amex. Estimates of proved undeveloped reserves and reserves
recoverable through enhanced oil recovery techniques are by their nature
uncertain. The reserve information set forth in this Proxy Statement represents
estimates only. Although the Company and Amex each believes such estimates as to
its properties to be reasonable, reserve estimates are imprecise and should be
expected to change as additional information becomes available.
Estimates of oil and natural gas reserves, by necessity, are projections based
on engineering data, and there are uncertainties inherent in the interpretation
of such data as well as the projection of future rates of production and the
timing of development expenditures. Reserve engineering is a subjective process
of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that are
difficult to measure. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the
quality of available data, engineering and geological interpretation and
judgment. Estimates of economically recoverable oil and natural gas reserves and
of future net cash flows necessarily depend upon a number of variable factors
and assumptions, such as historical production from the area compared with
production from other producing areas, the assumed effects of regulations by
governmental agencies and assumptions concerning future oil and natural gas
prices, future operating costs, severance and excise taxes, development costs
and workover and remedial costs, all of which may in fact vary considerably from
actual results. For these reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable
quantities of oil and natural gas attributable to any particular group of
properties, classifications of such reserves based on risk of recovery and
estimates of the future net cash flows expected therefrom may vary
substantially. Any significant variance in the assumptions could materially
affect the estimated quantity and value of the reserves. Actual production,
revenues and expenditures with respect to the Company's reserves will likely
vary from estimates, and such variances may be material.
The discounted present value of reserves referred to in this Proxy Statement
should not be construed as the current market value of the estimated oil and
natural gas reserves attributable to the Company's or Amex's properties. In
accordance with applicable requirements, the estimated discounted future net
cash flows from proved reserves are based on prices and costs as of the date of
the estimate, whereas actual future prices and costs may be materially higher or
lower. Actual future net cash flows also will be affected by factors such as the
amount and timing of actual production, supply and demand for oil and natural
gas, refinery capacity, curtailments or increases in consumption by natural gas
purchasers and changes in governmental regulations or taxation. The timing of
actual future net cash flows from proved reserves, and thus their actual present
value, will be affected by the timing of both the production and the incurrence
of expenses in connection with development and production of oil and natural gas
properties. In addition, the 10 percent discount factor, which is required to be
used to calculate discounted future net cash flows for reporting purposes, is
not necessarily the most appropriate discount factor based on interest
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<PAGE> 31
rates in effect from time to time and risks associated with the Company, Amex or
the oil and natural gas industry in general.
SUBSTANTIAL CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS. The Company's and Amex's current development
plans require substantial capital expenditures in connection with the
exploration, development and exploitation of oil and natural gas properties.
Historically, the Company and Amex have funded capital expenditures through a
combination of internally generated funds from sales of production or
properties, equity contributions and long-term debt financing, and short-term
financing arrangements. The Company and Amex anticipate that cash flow from
operations will be sufficient to meet the Company's estimated capital
expenditure requirements for a period of six months after the Merger. The
Company and Amex believe that after such six-month period, the Company will
require a combination of additional financing and cash flow from operations to
implement future development plans. Neither the Company nor Amex currently has
any arrangements with respect to, or sources of, additional financing other,
than bank arrangements, and there can be no assurance that any additional
financing will be available to it on acceptable terms or at all. Future cash
flows and the availability of financing will be subject to a number of
variables, such as the level of production from existing wells, prices of oil
and natural gas and success in locating and producing new reserves. To the
extent that future financing requirements are satisfied through the issuance of
equity securities, shareholders of the Company may experience dilution that
could be substantial. The incurrence of debt financing could result in a
substantial portion of operating cash flow being dedicated to the payment of
principal and interest on such indebtedness, could render the Company more
vulnerable to competitive pressures and economic downturns and could impose
restrictions on operations. If revenue were to decrease as a result of lower oil
and natural gas prices, decreased production or otherwise, and the Company had
no availability under bank arrangements or any other credit facility, the
Company could have a reduced ability to execute current development plans,
replace reserves or to maintain production levels, any of which could result in
decreased production and revenue over time.
DRILLING AND OPERATING RISKS. Oil and natural gas drilling activities are
subject to many risks, including the risk that no commercially productive
reservoirs will be encountered. There can be no assurance that wells drilled by
the Company will be productive or that the Company will recover all or any
portion of its drilling costs. Drilling for oil and natural gas may involve
unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells, but from wells that are
productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues to return a profit after
drilling, operating and other costs. The cost of drilling, completing and
operating wells is often uncertain. Drilling operations may be curtailed,
delayed or cancelled as a result of numerous factors, many of which will be
beyond the Company's control, including economic conditions, title problems,
weather conditions, compliance with governmental requirements and shortages or
delays in the delivery of equipment and services. Future drilling activities may
not be successful and, if unsuccessful, such failure may have a material adverse
effect on future results of operations and financial condition.
Oil and natural gas operations are subject to hazards and risks inherent in
drilling for and producing and transporting oil and natural gas, such as fires,
natural disasters, explosions, encountering formations with abnormal pressures,
blowouts, cratering, pipeline ruptures and spills, any of which can result in
the loss of hydrocarbons, environmental pollution, personal injury claims and
other damage to properties. As protection against operating hazards, the Company
and Amex currently maintain, and intend to cause the Company to maintain in the
future, insurance coverage against some, but not all, potential losses. The
Company may elect to self-insure in circumstances in which management believes
that the cost of insurance, although available, is excessive relative to the
risks presented. The occurrence of an event that is not covered, or not fully
covered, by third-party insurance could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
-20-
<PAGE> 32
TAX TREATMENT OF THE CONTINUATION. Under certain circumstances, the Continuation
may result in taxation of the Company under Canadian federal income tax laws
and/or United States federal income tax laws. Under Canadian income tax laws,
the Company will be deemed to have disposed of all of its property for proceeds
of disposition equal to the fair market value of that property upon the
Continuation and will be subject to tax on any income and net taxable capital
gains arising from such deemed disposition. Additionally, the Company will be
subject to tax at a rate of five percent of the amount by which the fair market
value of the Company's assets net of liabilities exceeds the paid-up capital of
the Company's issued and outstanding shares. Based upon the valuation of the
Company's assets and the capital structure of the Company, management of the
Company has advised that these provisions should not result in any Canadian tax
liability. There can be no assurance, however, that Revenue Canada will agree
with the valuations and Canadian income taxes could arise.
In addition, there is a significant risk that the Company will be subject to
United States federal income tax on the excess, if any, of the fair market value
of the Company's common shares deemed to be distributed to its shareholders upon
Continuation over the Company's basis in such stock at the time of the deemed
distribution. The Company will have a basis in the Company's common shares equal
to its basis in the assets deemed transferred pursuant to the Continuation
reduced by the sum of the amount of the liabilities of the Company assumed upon
Continuation and the amount of liabilities to which the former assets of the
Company are subject. Based on the Company's determination of its tax basis in
the the Company's common shares, the Company believes that the fair market value
of such stock on the date of the Continuation will be less than the Company's
basis in such stock on such date and, therefore, the Company will recognize no
gain on the deemed distribution. Consequently, based upon the foregoing, the
Company should recognize no gain for United States federal income tax purposes
on the Continuation. There can be no assurance, however, that the United States
Internal Revenue Service will agree with the Company. Any disagreement could
result in the company owing United States federal income taxes as a result of
the Continuation.
COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS. Oil and natural gas operations are
subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to
the exploration for, and the development, production and transportation of, oil
and natural gas, as well as safety matters, which may be changed from time to
time in response to economic or political conditions. Matters subject to
regulation by federal, state and local authorities include permits for drilling
operations, road and pipeline construction, reports concerning operations, the
spacing of wells, unitization and pooling of properties, taxation and
environmental protection. Any delays in obtaining approvals or material
alterations to the Company's development plans could have a material adverse
effect on operations. From time to time, regulatory agencies have imposed price
controls and limitations on production by restricting the rate of flow of oil
and natural gas wells below actual production capacity in order to conserve
supplies of oil and natural gas. Although the Company and Amex each believes
that it is in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations,
the requirements imposed by such laws and regulations are frequently changed and
subject to interpretation, and neither the Company nor Amex can predict the
ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements or their effect on
operations. Significant expenditures may be required to comply with governmental
laws and regulations and may have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition and results of operations.
COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS. The Company's and Amex's operations
are now, and the operations of the Company will be, subject to complex and
constantly changing environmental laws and regulations adopted by federal, state
and local governmental authorities. The implementation of new, or the
modification of existing, laws or regulations could have a material adverse
effect on the Company. The discharge of oil, natural gas or other pollutants
into the air, soil or water may give rise to significant liabilities on the part
of the Company to the government and third parties and may require the Company
to incur substantial costs of remediation. Moreover, both the Company and Amex
have agreed to
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<PAGE> 33
indemnify sellers of certain properties purchased by them against certain
liabilities for environmental claims associated with such properties. No
assurance can be given that existing environmental laws or regulations, as
currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, or future laws or
regulations will not materially adversely affect the Company's results of
operations and financial condition or that material indemnity claims will not
arise against the Company with respect to properties acquired previously by the
Company or Amex or that may be acquired in the future by the Company.
LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY. Amex, which was formed by the Target corporations in
March 1995, has a limited operating history upon which investors may base their
evaluation of Amex's performance. As a result of Amex's recent formation and the
brief operating history of the its properties, the operating results from Amex's
operation of its properties may not be indicative of future results that may be
obtained by the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will
maintain the current level of revenues, oil and natural gas reserves or
production attributable currently to the Amex's properties or the Company. Any
future growth of the Company's oil and natural gas reserves, production and
operations could place significant demands on the Company's financial,
operational and administrative resources.
RESERVE REPLACEMENT RISK. The future success of the Company will depend in large
part upon its ability to find, develop or acquire additional oil and natural gas
reserves that are economically recoverable. The Company's proved reserves will
generally decline as reserves are depleted, except to the extent that the
Company conducts successful exploration or development activities or acquires
properties containing proved reserves. At December 31, 1997, approximately 5%
the Company's total proved reserves, and 8% of Amex 's total proved reserves
associated with the Amex properties, were undeveloped. In order to increase
reserves and production, the Company must continue development and exploitation
drilling programs or undertake other replacement activities. Current development
plans include increasing the Company's reserve base through continued drilling,
development and exploitation of existing properties of the Company and Amex as
well as exploration of new Amex prospects. There can be no assurance, however,
that planned development and exploitation projects will result in significant
additional reserves or that the Company will have success drilling productive
wells at anticipated finding and development costs.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL. The Company will enter into management agreements
with several of the Amex nominees to provide certain management services to the
Company. The Company's success will, therefore, be highly dependent on these
persons, being Charles Goodson, Alfred Thomas, II, Ralph Daigle and Robert
Brooksher. Loss of the services of any of those individuals could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's operations. See "The Merger
Transaction."
CONTROL BY EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS. Upon completion of the Merger and the
Valentine Acquisition, the officers and directors of the Company will
beneficially own approximately 50% of the outstanding The Company's common
shares. Accordingly, such persons would be able to control the outcome of
shareholder votes, including votes concerning the election of directors, the
adoption or amendment of provisions in the Company Certificate or Bylaws and the
approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions.
COMPETITION. The Company will operate in the highly competitive areas of oil and
natural gas acquisition, exploration, exploitation and production with other
companies, many of which have substantially larger financial resources,
operations, staffs and facilities. In seeking to acquire desirable producing
properties or new leases for future exploration and in marketing its oil and
natural gas production, the Company will face intense competition from both
major and independent oil and natural gas companies. Many of these competitors
have financial and other resources substantially in excess of those available to
the Company. The effects of this highly competitive environment could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
-22-
<PAGE> 34
ACQUISITION RISKS. The Company has grown primarily through the acquisition,
development and exploitation of oil and natural gas properties. Although the
Company and Amex expect the Company to concentrate on such activities in the
future, the Company and Amex expect that the Company may evaluate and pursue
from time to time acquisitions in Southern Louisiana and the U.S. Gulf Coast
area and in other areas that provide attractive investment opportunities for the
addition of production and reserves and that meet selection criteria. The
successful acquisition of producing properties and undeveloped acreage requires
an assessment of recoverable reserves, future oil and natural gas prices,
operating costs, potential environmental and other liabilities and other factors
that will be beyond the Company's control. This assessment is necessarily
inexact and its accuracy is inherently uncertain. In connection with such an
assessment, the Company will perform a review of the subject properties it
believes will be generally consistent with industry practices. This review,
however, will not reveal all existing or potential problems, nor will it permit
a buyer to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to assess fully
their deficiencies and capabilities. Inspections may not be performed on every
well, and structural and environmental problems are not necessarily observable
even when an inspection is undertaken. The Company will generally assume
preclosing liabilities, including environmental liabilities, and will generally
acquire interests in the properties on an "as is" basis. With respect to its
acquisitions to date, neither the Company nor Amex has material commitments for
capital expenditures to comply with existing environmental requirements. There
can be no assurance that any acquisitions will be successful. Any unsuccessful
acquisition could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
ABSENCE OF DIVIDENDS ON COMMON STOCK. The Company has not ever declared or paid
cash dividends on its common stock and anticipates that future earnings, if any,
of the Company will be retained for development of its business.
POSSIBLE DECLINE IN STOCK PRICE FROM FUTURE SALES OF COMMON SHARES. Upon
completion of the Continuation and the Merger and the Valentine Acquisition, the
Company will have a total of 18,537,347 shares outstanding. Sales of substantial
amounts of The Company's common shares in the public market following the
Merger, or the perception that such sales could occur, could materially and
adversely affect the prevailing market price of the Company's common shares and
could impair the Company's future ability to raise capital through an offering
of its equity securities.
-23-
<PAGE> 35
PERSONS MAKING THE SOLICITATION
This Proxy Statement/Information Circular/Prospectus ("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 Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "EGM"
or "Meeting") to be held on August 7, 1998 at the time and place and for the
purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of 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 July 6, 1998 (all information as at July 2, 1998 unless
otherwise noted).
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 EGM 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 EGM 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 2100 - 1111 West
Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V7X 1K9 at any time up to and
including the last business day preceding the day of the EGM or an adjournment
thereof, or to the Chair of the Meeting on the day of the EGM 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 SHARES OF THE COMPANY COMMON STOCK REPRESENTED BY A PROXY WILL BE VOTED OR
WITHHELD FROM VOTING BY THE PROXY HOLDER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTION OF
THE SHAREHOLDER. IF THE SHAREHOLDER SPECIFIES A CHOICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY
MATTER TO BE ACTED UPON, THE SHARES WILL BE VOTED ACCORDINGLY. IN THE ABSENCE OF
ANY INSTRUCTION IN A PROXY, IT IS INTENDED THAT SUCH PROXY WILL BE UTILIZED TO
VOTE FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY OF THE PERSONS
NOMINATED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG AS AUDITORS, AND
FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER, THE CONTINUANCE, THE NAME CHANGE, THE AMENDMENT
TO THE STOCK OPTIONS AND CANCELLATION OF THE BALANCE OF THE STOCK OPTIONS, THE
ADOPTION OF THE NEW STOCK OPTION PLAN AND THE ACQUISITION OF THE VALENTINE
PROSPECT INTEREST.
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
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<PAGE> 36
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 be 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 ACCOMPANYING INSTRUMENTS OF PROXY CONFER DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY ON THE
PERSONS NAMED THEREIN WITH RESPECT TO AMENDMENTS OR VARIATIONS TO MATTERS
IDENTIFIED IN THE NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING AND IN THE CONSENT, AND WITH RESPECT
TO OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. FOR THOSE
SHAREHOLDERS VOTING AGAINST THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE PROXY FOR THE
MEETING, THE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OF THOSE NAMED THEREIN WILL NOT BE VOTED TO
ADJOURN ANY MEETING. AT THE DATE HEREOF, MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY KNOWS OF NO
SUCH AMENDMENTS, VARIATIONS OR OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR TO BE
ACTED UPON PURSUANT TO THE CONSENT OTHER THAN THE MATTERS REFERRED TO IN THE
NOTICE OF MEETING.
THE DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY OWN 2,607,374 COMMON SHARES OF THE
COMPANY IN THE AGGREGATE, AS OF THE RECORD DATE, REPRESENTING 23.7% OF THE
OUTSTANDING SHARES. THEY WILL VOTE THESE SHARES IN FAVOUR OF ALL MATTERS
DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
As of July 2, 1998, the Company had outstanding 11,002,346 [TO BE UPDATED] 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 July 2, 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 EGM.
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of common shares of the
Company as at July 2, 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> <C>
Common Shares R.L. Hodgkinson, Vancouver, B.C., Canada (director, officer) 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 (director, officer) 685,225(2) 5.1%
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 37
<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)
Common Shares E.D. Stehelin, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada (director) 572,342(2) 4.5%
----------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
<S> <C>
Common Shares R.P. Bourgeois, Vancouver, B.C., Canada (director, officer) 134,151(2) *
Common Shares M.G. Abbott, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (director) 65,656(2) *
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) 2,607,374 23.7%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------- -----------
</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 July 2, 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. Hodgkinson 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 $100,000 per year; and
(c) any additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided
under (b) but for the fact that the individual was not serving as an
executive officer of the Company at the end of the most recently
completed financial year.
-26-
<PAGE> 38
As at December 31, 1997, the end of the most recently completed fiscal year of
the Company, the Company had three Named Executive Officers, Robert L.
Hodgkinson, the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of the
Company, William C. Leuschner, the Chairman and a director of the Company and
Ronald P. Bourgeois, the Chief Financial Officer and a director of the Company.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table is a summary of compensation paid to the Named Executive
Officers and directors as a group for the three most recently completed
financial years. Specific aspects of this compensation are dealt with in further
detail in the following tables.
Unless otherwise indicated, in this Proxy Statement all references to dollars
are in Canadian currency.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long Term Compensation
------------------- ----------------------
Awards Payouts
------ -------
Securities Restricted
Fiscal Other Annual Underlying Stock LTIP All Other
Name and Year Salary Bonus Compensation Options Awards Payouts Compensation
Principal Position Ending ($) ($) ($) /SARs (#) (#) ($) ($)
- ------------------ ------ --- --- --- --------- --- --- ---
<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 1996 Nil Nil 150,000 (1) 200,000 Nil N/A Nil
Director 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 1996 Nil Nil 118,000 (5) 75,000 Nil N/A Nil
Director 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
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<PAGE> 39
Named Executive Officers. During this period, no outstanding SARs were held by
Named Executive Officers.
<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:
-28-
<PAGE> 40
<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>
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
-29
<PAGE> 41
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. Mr. Hodgkinson, Mr. Leuschner
and Mr. Bourgeois were each paid an annual fee of $150,000, $150,000 and
$118,000 respectively in the last fiscal year. Refer to "Management Contracts"
for further particulars. Fees are fixed by the Board of Directors after
consultation with the Compensation Committee. Fee levels are reviewed at least
annually and more often when circumstances warrant. No increases in these fee
levels were made in the last fiscal year.
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:
-30-
<PAGE> 42
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' RETURN
<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) 6,201.72 8,220.23 8,205.73 9,397.97 12,061.95 13,868.54
Standard & Poors Oil &
Exploration and Production 70.76
92.40 88.57 69.77 81.07 73.01
</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 due to low trading volume and because
the Toronto Stock Exchange was the principal exchange for trading the
Company's shares.
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. In addition, Hodgkinson is entitled to
options exercisable into 200,000 common shares of the Company (issued).
Hodgkinson is subject to a non-competition clause for a period of 6 months
after the termination of the agreement. The agreement may be terminated
upon 3 months' written notice by either party. 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 , expiring on December 31, 1998, and
compensation payable if a change of control of the Company results in
termination of the Agreement was reduced from two years of consulting fees
to one year of consulting fees.
-31-
<PAGE> 43
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. In addition, Leuschner is
entitled to options exercisable into 200,000 common shares of the Company
(issued). Leuschner is subject to a non-competition clause for a period of
6 months after the termination of the agreement. The agreement may be
terminated upon 3 months' written notice by either party. 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 expiring December 31,
1998, and compensation payable if a change of control of the Company
results in termination of the Agreement was reduced from two years of
consulting fees to one year of consulting fees. 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. In addition, Bourgeois is entitled to options
exercisable into 150,000 common shares (only options for 75,000 common
shares have been issued). Bourgeois is subject to a non-competition clause
for a period of 6 months after the termination of the agreement. The
agreement may be terminated upon 3 months' written notice by either party.
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 expiring December 31, 1998 and, commencing January
1, 1998, the fees payable to Bourgeois were increased to $10,000 per month
and the issuance of common shares per month ceased. The Amendment also
provides that compensation payable if a change of control of the Company
results in termination of the Agreement be reduced from two years of
consulting fees to one year of consulting fees.
INTEREST OF INSIDERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
All material interests, direct or indirect, of any Director, senior officer or
insider of the Company, nominee for director, or any associate or affiliate of a
director, senior officer, insider or nominee, in any transaction or any proposed
transaction which has materially affected or would materially affect the Company
or any of its subsidiaries since the commencement of the last completed fiscal
year are disclosed below.
During the last fiscal year, the Company purchased back 323,100 common shares
for cancellation pursuant to an issuer's bid, which is an open market stock
repurchase program. Under the bid, the issuer, being 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.
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<PAGE> 44
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
All material interests, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of
securities or otherwise, of any Person in matters to be acted upon at the EGM
are disclosed below. 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"). For further information, see the table of nominees under
Proposal No. 3 - Election of Directors. 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. Upon completion of the Merger, Charles Goodson will beneficially own
2,567,250 common shares of the Company and rights to receive a further 583,451
common shares, Alfred J. Thomas, II will beneficially own 2,567,251 common
shares of the Company and rights to receive a further 583,451 common shares and
Ralph Daigle will beneficially own 2,200,500 common shares of the Company and
rights to receive a further 500,100 common shares. If Robert Brooksher exercises
his option to acquire 5% of Amex, he will beneficially own 378,350 common shares
of the Company and have rights to acquire 83,350 common shares on the completion
of the Merger.
Management is also seeking shareholder approval to the replacement of the
current stock option plans with a new plan and the issuance of options to the
Amex Nominees and Ronald Bourgeois. Options currently being held by optionees
exercisable into an aggregate of 470,000 shares of Optima will be amended to
change the exercise price and expiry date. 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 75,000 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.
PARTICULARS OF MATTERS TO BE ACTED ON
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
The regulatory requirements affecting the matters proposed for approval at the
EGM 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 EGM.
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<PAGE> 45
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.
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 pursuant to the Canadian Business
Corporations Act.
DISINTERESTED SHAREHOLDERS' APPROVAL
As required by the TSE, 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 amended options 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 amended options and their associates. "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 percent 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
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<PAGE> 46
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.
SHAREHOLDERS ARE CAUTIONED THAT THE MATTERS IN PROPOSAL NOS. 1 TO 7 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 Directors, officers and insiders of the Company own an aggregate of
2,607,374 common shares of the Company as of the record date, group,
representing 23.7% of the issued and outstanding shares. They will vote in
favour of all proposals set out in this Proxy Statement.
-35-
<PAGE> 47
PROPOSAL NO. 1 - 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.
The following table sets out particulars of the Target Corporations, their
principals, and their portion of the Optima consideration.
-36-
<PAGE> 48
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TARGET CORPORATION PRINCIPALS SHARES RIGHTS SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Goodson Exploration Company Charles T. Goodson(1) 2,567,250 583,450
NAB Financial, L.L.C Alfred J. Thomas, II(2) 2,567,251 583,451
Dexco Energy, Inc. Ralph J. Daigle(1) 2,200,500 500,100
Total 7,335,001 1,667,001
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Owns 100% of the respective Target Corporation.
(2) Mr. Thomas and his family own 100% of the respective Target
Corporation.
Robert R. Brooksher, a proposed nominee for director, holds an option to acquire
up to a 5% ownership interest in Amex granted by the Target Corporations, 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, being 5% of the 7,335,001
Shares and 5% of 1,667,001 Rights Shares. No additional shares will be issued by
Optima on the exercise of Mr. Brooksher's option. The only impact on the
exercise of Mr. Brooksher's option will be a change in the beneficial ownership
in the Shares and Rights Shares shown on the table above.
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. A copy of the Merger Agreement is attached as
Exhibit G to this Proxy Statement.
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, Campney & Murphy, and its
auditors.
The Optima Board considered a number of factors, including:
o 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.
o 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.
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o 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.
o Complementary Reserves. Optima's reserves are primarily oil and are
short-lived while Amex's are primarily gas and long-lived. Whereas the
asset base of an oil and gas company is underpinned by its depletable oil
and gas reserves and is subject to the vagaries of commodity prices, a
balance of oil and gas reserves along with a diversity of reservoirs would
provide a more predictable production profile and accordingly more
predictable oil and gas revenues.
o 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. The Optima Board
believe that by acquiring Amex, Optima will have access to more prospects
and to the technical expertise of Amex personnel and ultimately be able to
find and develop new oil and gas reserves at lower costs.
o 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 in such opinion, the
consideration to be paid pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in the Merger Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to the
holders of Optima common stock. RP&C evaluated the consideration paid for the
shares of Amex (7,335,001 Shares and 1,667,000 Rights Shares) in relation to
various valuations for Amex. Because the contingent units will be issued only in
the event the stock price quadruples, RP&C treated the shares into which the
contingent units portion of the units would be converted as a management
incentive, rather than as part of the purchase price. The 7,335,001 shares to be
issued initially times the then current price of US$1.25 per share results in an
implied valuation of US$9,168,751.
RP&C also considered that the currency in the transaction was restricted stock
in Optima, a company whose freely traded shares have limited marketability.
Restricted shares do not have the same value as cash or unrestricted shares. The
Internal Revenue Service of the United States typically allows a discount of 30%
- - 35% in valuing shares with limited marketability. RP&C considers such a
discount appropriate and applicable in this transaction.
The consideration paid relative to the cash flow of Amex, giving full value for
the shares issued, was approximately 2.53 times cash flow when the cash basis
financial statements of Amex are adjusted to approximate GAAP reporting.
In addition to cash flow, oil and gas reserves are key to any analysis of an
energy company. The GAAP financial statements for an oil and gas exploration
company reflect the value of oil and gas reserves as the cost incurred in
developing those reserves. As such they often bear little relationship to value.
Accordingly, RP&C considered those reported values only as a reference item,
relying instead on the present worth of the reserves of both companies, as
reported by their respective consulting engineers.
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Based on pricing information received both from industry sources and publicly
available documents, several different pricing scenarios were constructed,
risking the reported reserves by category. Then, based on prices paid in recent
transactions, and discussions with various industry personnel, RP&C established
a value for the reserves as an alternative to present worth analysis.
In recently completed transactions that were reviewed, RP&C found that prices as
high as US $5.63 per barrel, and US $1.50 per MCF in the ground for risked
reserves had been paid. Based on this information and discussions with various
individuals involved with purchasing, and/or lending based on reserves, a price
of US $5.00 per barrel, and US $.80 per MCF in the ground for risked reserves
appeared to be a reasonable pricing scenario. Because the price of oil has been
steadily declining since the transaction was announced, RP&C also ran models
with 1.) the price of oil as US $4.75 per barrel, and gas at US $.75 per MCF to
determine the effects such pricing would have on this transaction, and 2.) the
price of oil at US $4.75 per barrel and gas at US $.80 per MCF.
The valuation scenarios below present a summary of the analysis performed. In
each scenario, there are two segments; the first segment relates to reserves for
both companies, and the second segment takes the reserve valuations under
various alternatives and substitutes those values in the balance sheets of each
company for the reported values to create a "break up" value.
If: 1) the reserves are risked on the following basis; Proved Developed
Producing - 100%, Proved Developed Non Producing - 75%, Proved Undeveloped -
50%, Probable - 30%, Possible - 10%; 2) no Liquidity Discount is applied to the
value of the shares issued in exchange; and 3) in the ground prices of US $5.00
per barrel and US $.80 per MCF are used, the resulting percentage of ownership
of the post merger company and the value of assets contributed are equivalent.
If the pricing is reduced to US $4.75 per barrel and US $.75 per MCF, the split
drops to approximately 62% - 38%. If the price of oil is reduced to US $4.75 per
barrel, and the price of gas is US $.80 per MCF, the share split is also
approximately 60% - 40%. Adding the relative acreage value based on valuation
letters provided by LaRoche Engineering Consultants to the value of each of the
respective entities makes the pricing more favorable to Optima.
Based on a comparison of SEC case reserves, adjusting for the debt of Amex and
giving full cash value to the shares issued, the price paid would appear to be
high in light of the percentage ownership retained by each group. However, this
worst case scenario does not give consideration to factors which RP&C believes
brings the price into alignment. Such factors include the fact that Optima is
issuing restricted shares whose actual fair market value must be valued at less
than the quoted price per share. Additionally, much of the value of Amex is in
its probable and possible reserves and acreage position, which are not given
value in SEC mandated reserve reports. Regardless of SEC imposed constraints,
based on our discussions with management of Amex, RP&C believes that there is
additional value in the probable and possible reserves and acreage position of
Amex to which a reasonable person would give value.
Although accounted for as a purchase, this transaction is more accurately a
merger in the business reality, and there are synergistic aspects, which are not
reflected in the reserves, but which must be considered. Optima is a company
with no internal prospect generation capability, while Amex is a prospect
generating house. Prospect generating companies have much greater profit
potential because of the carried interests generated when pieces of prospects
are sold. The management of Amex, who will take operational responsibility
following the merger, are an experienced exploration team.
Optima primarily has short lived oil reserves, while Amex primarily has
relatively long lived gas reserves. The price of oil is under a great deal of
pressure; current oil prices are considerably below those used in computing the
reserve values, while gas prices have not been impacted as strongly. If these
reserve reports were run at today's pricing, the transaction only becomes more
favorable to Optima, because most
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<PAGE> 51
of its reserves are oil, and most of Amex's reserves are gas. Optima has smaller
reserves and cash which can be used to enhance the value of the prospects of
Amex.
During downturns in the oil and gas cycle, purchasers of oil and gas properties
give little or not value to probable and possible reserves; the opposite is true
during upturns in the cycle. On a realistic basis, true value probably lies
somewhere in between the extremes. Regardless of the point in the cycle, the
lifeblood of any exploration company is in its prospects; otherwise it is simply
liquidating. Thus, the combination of cash of Optima with the exploration and
development prospects of Amex is a natural strategic fit.
No limitations were imposed by Optima upon RP&C with respect to investigations
made or procedures followed by RP&C in rendering its opinion.
RP&C discussed recent purchases of properties with personnel of two NASD firms
concentrating almost solely on energy related transactions; management of an
entity managing an energy debt and mezzanine fund, and personnel of C.K. Cooper,
publisher of the Micro-Cap Oil & Gas Industry Report. Based on these
discussions, the pricing scenarios used were developed.
RP&C confirmed the pricing scenarios by reviewing a summary of prices paid for
acquisitions by Comstock Resources, an active acquirer of energy companies and
the purchase of Norcan Energy Resources Ltd. by Union Pacific Resources Group,
Inc. Further, RP&C discussed with the former chairman of a public oil and gas
company recent purchases of properties he had made in a private transaction for
a newly formed company. RP&C also reviewed public documents concerning the
recent purchase of Enex Resources by Middle Bay Resources, and the acquisition
of Code Energy by Balco Petroleum.
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.
The Company identified a number of US based investment bankers with recognized
expertise in the oil and gas exploration and production industry. Interviews
were arranged with the merger and acquisition group within each one of
identified investment bankers. The Company's criteria for selection included
their qualifications to provide a fairness opinion, their ability to meet the
time deadline and the reasonableness of their fee when compared to the scope and
depth of the required review to support their opinion. Upon completion of this
investigation Optima, selected RP&C as meeting all the criteria.
RP&C is an investment banking firm that specializes in advising and representing
small and mid cap public companies. Since its founding in 1994, the energy
industrial sector has been RP&C's primary industry focus. RP&C has served as
financial advisor to a number of small exploration and production companies both
in the U.S.
and Canada.
The fee paid to RP&C for the fairness opinion was US $37,500 plus out-of-pocket
expenses.
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
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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
and consulting agreements with the three executive officers of Optima . Robert
Hodgkinson, the present President and CEO of the Company, will be paid $150,000
in severance and will be paid $100,000 and retain the furnishings from the
Vancouver office in consideration for assuming the office and equipment leases
for the Vancouver office. Pursuant to a consulting agreement, Mr. Hodgkinson
will, through Hodgkinson Equities Corporation, provide consulting services to
the Company from time to time at the Company's request for a three year period
following completion of the Merger Transaction at a rate of $575 per day. Mr.
Hodgkinson will remain on the Company's board following completion of the Merger
Transaction. William Leuschner, the present chairman of the board of the
Company, will be paid $150,000 in severance and will be paid $100,000 and retain
the furnishings from the Calgary office in consideration for assuming the office
and equipment leases at the Calgary office. Pursuant to a consulting agreement,
Mr. Leuschner may, through Leuschner International Resources Ltd., provide
consulting services to the Company from time to time at the Company's request
for a three year period following completion of the merger transaction at a rate
of $575 per day. Mr. Leuschner will remain on the Company's board following
completion of the Merger Transaction. Ronald Bourgeois, the present CFO and
Secretary of the Company, will be paid a severance fee of $120,000. He will
provide consulting services to the Company from time to time at the Company's
request for a three year period following completion of the merger transaction
at a rate of $460 per day. The foregoing consulting agreements may not be
terminated prior to the initial one year term except for cause. Thereafter, they
may be terminated on 30 days' notice by either party.
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.
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 as
follows: (i) Mr. Ronald P. Bourgeois (25,000 shares) and Starbrite Developments
Ltd. (5,000); (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 employees as a
group (232,300 shares). The options in paragraph (i) will vest immediately on
grant, the option price will be the higher of the weighted average
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<PAGE> 53
trading price of the shares of the Company for the 5 business days immediately
preceding the amendment and the closing price of the common shares of Optima on
the business day immediately prior to the amendment and the term of the options
is three years. The options in paragraphs (ii) to (vi) will vest one third on
each of December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, the option price will be the higher of
the weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Company from the
5 business days immediately prior to the grant and the closing price of the
common shares of the Company on the business day immediately prior to the grant
and the term of the Options are 10 years. Options currently being held by
optionees exercisable into an aggregate of 470,000 shares of Optima will be
amended to change the exercise price and expiry date. 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 75,000 shares, Emile Stehelin as
to 75,000 shares and Martin Abbott as to 25,000 shares. These amended options
will vest immediately on amendment and the option price will be the higher of
the weighted average trading price of the shares of the Company for the 5
business days immediately preceding the amendment and the closing price of the
common shares of Optima on the business day immediately prior to the amendment.
The term of the amended options is three years from the amendment.
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$1,600,000 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 financial
statements attached as Appendix D to this Proxy Statement.
Optima, in determining that 7,335,001 common shares was a fair exchange for the
Target Corporations, used a reference price of US$1.60 per share. This price is
based on the estimated break up value of Optima at the time, based on a December
31, 1997 oil and gas pricing. Based on US$1.60 per share, the deemed value of
Amex was US$11.75 million. Although the exchange ratio was agreed upon, it was
contingent upon due diligence and a favourable independent fairness opinion. The
determination of the number of Rights Shares issuable was the result of arm's
length negotiation between Optima and Amex. Cognisant that Amex has prepared
prospects to which no value can be as yet assigned, since no oil and gas mineral
leases have as yet been acquired, the Rights Shares recognized that the success
of some of their prospects may provide a material appreciation in the value of
common stock.
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<PAGE> 54
VOTE REQUIRED
To effect the ordinary resolution voting for the approval of the Merger
Transaction, the ordinary resolution must be passed a majority of the votes
present and voting at the Meeting in respect to this Proposal No. 1.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER
TRANSACTION AND THE TERMS OF THE MERGER TRANSACTION AND RECOMMENDS THAT
SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOUR OF PROPOSAL NO. 1.
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".
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. The Company has received TSE acceptance to
the Merger Agreement, the new stock option and the acquisition of the
Valentine prospect, which acceptance is conditional upon evidence of
shareholder approval to these transactions.
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.
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<PAGE> 55
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 obligations of Optima and Optima US to effect the Merger Transaction are
subject to certain conditions, including without limitation, the receipt of
audited financial statements of Amex for the year ended December 31, 1997 by
April 1, 1998 and the receipt of a fairness option regarding the Merger
Transaction that is reasonably acceptable to the Board of Directors of Optima.
These conditions have been met.
The obligations of the Target Corporations and Amex to effect the Merger
Transaction are subject to certain conditions, including without limitation, the
receipt of audited consolidated financial statements of Optima for the year
ended December 31, 1997 and Optima US's reservoir engineering report for the
year ended December 31, 1997 by April 1, 1998 and execution of a loan agreement
with Amex regarding the loan of US$2,500,000 from Optima and the election of the
Robert L. Hodgkinson, William C. Leuschner and the Amex Nominees to the Board of
Optima.
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 and it is
anticipated Charles Goodson will be appointed President and Chief Executive
Officer, Alfred J. Thomas, II will be appointed Chief Operating Officer, Ralph
Daigle will be appointed Senior VP, Exploration and Robert Brooksher will be
appointed Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. William Leuschner will remain
the chair of the Board.
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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 1,667,001 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 where such amendments are material, to shareholder
approval; 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.
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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 % OF TOTAL AVERAGE
NAME OF PROPERTY DAILY PRODUCTION(2) DAILY PRODUCTION
- ---------------- ------------------- ----------------
(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>
-46-
<PAGE> 58
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL 3,787 100.0
===== =====
CRUDE OIL AND NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS
1997(1) AVERAGE % OF TOTAL AVERAGE
NAME OF PROPERTY DAILY PRODUCTION(2) DAILY PRODUCTION
(bopd)
Back Ridge, Louisiana 181 46.2
Valentine, Louisiana 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 working
interest of 13.9% calculated as Optima's share of total production on a BOE
basis (based on 1 barrel of oil per 6 mcf of gas). 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,
-47-
<PAGE> 59
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 (Optima as to US $490,000 and Amex as to US $665,000).
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 5% interest is
beneficially owned by Emile Stehelin and Robert Hodgkinson as to 3% and by
William Leuschner as to 2%. Messrs. Stehelin, Hodgkinson and Leuschner are
directors and officers of the Company. The acquisition, 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 wells are producing in the Smackover "C". The Commissioner of
Conservation, State of Louisiana has assigned 320 acre production units in both
the Smackover Lime and "C" formations but no work has yet commenced. 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".
-48-
<PAGE> 60
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 reserves.
(2) "Undeveloped Lands" refers to lands to which no proved reserves have been
assigned.
(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 $5,846,000.
RESERVES
Substantially all of Optima's oil and gas reserves are located in Louisiana.
LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd. ("LaRoche") and Ryder Scott Company ("RS"),
both independent reservoir engineers, have evaluated Optima's reserves (the
"LaRoche Report" and the "RS Report") effective December 31, 1997. As at
December 31, 1997, the Company had total net proven reserves of 654,573 bls of
oil, 5,997 bls of natural gas liquids and 2,465,446 mcf of natural gas. The
crude oil and natural gas reserves and revenues estimates upon which this
evaluation is based were determined in accordance with generally accepted
evaluation practices.
The following table summarizes LaRoche's and RS's evaluations. ALL EVALUATIONS
OF FUTURE NET PRODUCTION REVENUE SET FORTH IN THE TABLES ARE STATED PRIOR TO
PROVISIONS FOR INCOME TAXES AND INDIRECT COSTS. IT SHOULD NOT BE ASSUMED THAT
THE DISCOUNTED FUTURE NET REVENUES SHOWN BELOW ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FAIR
MARKET VALUE OF OPTIMA'S RESERVES. Other assumptions and qualifications relating
to costs, prices for future production and other matters are included in the
LaRoche Report and the RS Report. The LaRoche Report evaluates those prospects
operated by American Explorer, Inc. and the RS Report evaluates those prospects
operated by TMR.
-49-
<PAGE> 61
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNESCALATED PRICES AND COSTS, NET REVENUE SHARE(1)
LAROCHE REPORT AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
($ ,000)
DISCOUNTED AT A RATE OF
CRUDE NATURAL
OIL GAS LIQUIDS
(bls) (mcf) (mstb) UNDISCOUNTED 10%
----- ----- ------ ------------ ---
Proved Reserves(1):
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Developed(2): 128,333 1,272,069 -- 3,275 2,355
Undeveloped(2): 765 383,377 -- 455 350
------- --------- --- ----- -----
Total proven: 129,098 1,654,446 -- 3,730 2,705
======= ========= === ===== =====
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNESCALATED PRICES AND COSTS NET REVENUE INTEREST SHARE(1)
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>
Proved Reserves:
Developed: 300,077 478 5,997 5,239 3,704
Undeveloped: 225,398 333 -- 3,586 2,357
------- --- ----- ----- -----
Total proven: 525,475 811 5,997 8,825 6,061
======= === ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
(1) 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.
(2) Abandonment and reclamation costs and salvage credits have not been
considered in the valuation of reserves.
(3) 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 after the deduction of royalties, together
with average prices received, for the periods indicated:
-50-
<PAGE> 62
<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 8,257 105,448 104,430 56,295 26,729 21,397
(bbls)
Average price per bbl $ 22.48 $ 27.75 $ 29.86 $ 24.50 $19.92 $21.11
Natural gas (mcf) 22,693 666,420 2,962,839 1,876,987 995,819 672,090
Average price per mcf $ 3.44 $ 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 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:
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<PAGE> 63
<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
Development Wells 1997(4) 2 0 2 .33 0 .33
1996 2 0 2 .23 0 .23
1995 2 0 2 .37 0 .37
1994 6 0 6 1.78 0 1.78
1993 2 0 2 .32 0 .32
- -------------------------------------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------------- ---------- ------------
</TABLE>
1. "Gross Wells" refers to all wells in which Optima participated.
2. "Net 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 Canadian operations effective January 1, 1998. Wells indicated for
1993 to 1997 include both Canadian and USA wells.
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 (March 2, 1995)
1997 1996 Through December 31, 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>
-52-
<PAGE> 64
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The most current audited financial statements incorporated by reference in this
Proxy Statement are for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. The following
is a summary of certain selected audited financial information for the Company's
last five fiscal years:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL IN $1,000'S AUDITED
EXCEPT EARNINGS (FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31)
(LOSS) PER SHARE
AND NO. OF SHARES 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
- ---------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Oil Sales: $ 3,918 $ 4,549 $ 1,719 $ 735 $ 448
Gas Sales: $ 3,731 $ 8,313 $ 5,043 $ 3,402 $ 2,768
TOTAL REVENUES: $ 7,649 $ 12,863 $ 6,762 $ 4,137 $ 3,216
Costs and Expenses:
Operating Expenses: $ 1,018 $ 1,650 $ 926 $ 615 $ 505
Production Taxes: $ 2,581 $ 2,887 $ 1,885 $ 1,056 $ 855
Depletion and depreciation: $ 4,270 $ 5,661 $ 3,207 $ 1,720 $ 816
Gen & Adm: $ 1,692 $ 1,663 $ 1,470 $ 1,107 $ 1,118
Interest and Other Income $ (251) $ (26) $ (74) $ (46) $ (108)
Interest: $ 188 $ 686 $ 462 $ 126 $ 207
TOTAL EXPENSES: $ 12,333 $ 12,536 $ 7,891 $ 8,442 $ 3,477
Income (Loss) before Taxes: $ (4,684) $ 277 $ (1,129) $ (4,305) $ (261)
Income Taxes: $ 151 $ 48 $ 26 $ -- $ --
NET INCOME (LOSS): $ (4,835) $ 229 $ (1,155) $ (4,305) $ (261)
Share capital:
Weighted average shares
Outstanding: 11,159,663 10,945,927 9,031,583 7,625,417 5,380,125
Per Share Income (Loss): $ (.43) $ .02 $ (.13) $ (.56) $ (.05)
Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows Data:
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating Activities: $ 577,024 $ 5,348,360 $ 1,829,975 $ 1,936,116 $ 592,453
Financing Activities: $ (7,503,819) $ 1,728,845 $ 14,373,010 $ 6,507,317 $ 9,272,790
Investing Activities: $ 10,532,087(2) $ 6,045,068 $ 15,495,351 $ 10,718,031 $ 7,425,226
Other Consolidated Financial Data:
Capital Expenditures:
Operating Cash Flow(1): $ 5,358 $ 7,956 $ 8,558 $ 11,180 $ 6,933
$ 2,529 $ 5,958 $ 2,075 $ 1,415 $ 783
</TABLE>
-53-
<PAGE> 65
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and Cash Equivalents: $ 5,660 $ 2,055 $ 1,023 $ 315 $ 604
Working Capital (Deficit): $ 7,857 $ 1,289 $ 747 $ 18 $ 2,833
Total Assets: $ 28,143 $ 41,215 $ 39,178 $ 24,794 $ 21,171
Long Term Debt (incl. current
portion): $ 143 $ 6,851 $ 7,390 $ 1,849 $ 1,349
Total Shareholders' Equity: $ 25,738 $ 31,472 $ 28,478 $ 20,838 $ 19,167
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
(1) Operating cash flow is defined as cash flow from operations before changes
in non-cash working capital.
(2) Includes $16,725,000 in proceeds from the sale of the Canadian oil and gas
assets.
The most current unaudited financial statements incorporated by reference into
this Proxy Statement are for the interim period ended March 31, 1998, being the
first 3 months of the Company's current fiscal year. The following is a summary
of certain selected unaudited financial information for three months interim
period ending March 31, 1998 and for the comparable period in the Company's
preceding fiscal year:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ALL IN $1,000'S UNAUDITED
EXCEPT EARNINGS (THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31)
(LOSS) PER SHARE
AND NO. OF SHARES 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Oil Sales: $ 630 $ 1,322
Gas Sales: $ 489 $ 1,145
TOTAL REVENUES: $ 1,119 $ 2,467
Costs and Expenses:
Operating Expenses: $ 338 $ 185
Production Taxes: $ 356 $ 730
Depletion and Depreciation: $ 873 $ 853
Gen & Adm: $ 386 $ 395
Interest: $ 3 $ 84
Interest and Other Income: $ (99) $ (13)
TOTAL EXPENSES: $ 2,119 $ 2,259
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes: $ (1,000) $ 208
Income Taxes: $ -- $ --
NET INCOME(LOSS): $ (1,000) $ 208
Share capital:
Weighted average shares Outstanding: 11,002,346 11,313,653
Per Share Net Income (Loss): $ (.09) $ .02
</TABLE>
-54-
<PAGE> 66
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ALL IN $1,000'S UNAUDITED
EXCEPT EARNINGS (THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31)
(LOSS) PER SHARE
AND NO. OF SHARES 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows Data:
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating Activities: $ 673 $ 408
Financing Activities: $ (912) $ (52)
Investing Activities: $ (389) $ (1,221)
Other Consolidated Financial Data:
Capital Expenditures: $ 462 $ 984
Operating Cash Flow(1): $ (110) $ 1,078
- ------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- -----------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ALL IN $1,000'S
EXCEPT EARNINGS
(LOSS) PER SHARE UNAUDITED
AND NO. OF SHARES (THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1998)
- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and Cash Equivalents: $ 5,034
Working Capital (Deficit): $ 6,443
Total Assets: $ 26,959
Long Term Debt (incl. current portion): $ 142
Total Shareholders' Equity: $ 24,738
- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Operating cash flow is defined as cash flow from operations before changes
in non-cash items.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
The following is a summary of the variations in Optima's operating results for
the periods indicated.
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998, AS COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH
31, 1997
The Company realized a net loss of $1,000,161 for the first quarter of 1998 or
$0.09 per share as compared to net income of $207,748 or $0.02 per share in the
first quarter of 1997. The weighted average number of shares outstanding in the
first quarter of 1998 was 11,002,346 as compared to 11,313,653 in 1997.
The decline in financial results is due to the following factors:
o decline in commodity prices of approximately 30% over the same reporting
period last year;
o the Company's decision to curtail exploration and development activities
pending a corporate transaction;
-55-
<PAGE> 67
o curtailed oil production at S.W. Holmwood with Meridian Resource
Corporation due to outstanding litigation; and
o unanticipated decline in oil production at East Cameron.
Operating Revenues.
Gross revenue decreased by $1,347,175 to $1,119,473 from $2,466,648 a year
earlier, a decline of 55%. Actual production on a BOE basis (6 MCF of natural
gas equal 1 barrel of oil) fell 41% whereas commodity prices declined 16% for
natural gas and 30% for crude oil.
Operating Expenses.
Oil and natural gas operating expenses were $338,175 as compared to $185,499 a
year earlier. On a BOE equivalent basis, operating expenses increased to $6.40
per BOE from $2.08 BOE in the first quarter of 1997. The increase is due to
workovers at Turtle Bayou in January, 1998. The operating expenses for the month
of March, 1998 have been reduced to $3.71 per BOE.
Interest and Other Income.
Interest income increased to $99,109 from $13,344 a year earlier whereas
interest expense and bank charges fell to $2,644 from $84,408 in the first
quarter of 1997. This improvement is due to the cash proceeds on the sale of
Canadian assets which were received on May 30, 1997.
The foreign exchange loss of $246,462 as compared to $7,251 a year earlier
results from the reality that the Company reports in Canadian $ dollars whereas
over 90% of its assets and liabilities are US $ dollar denominated. Accordingly
a minor fluctuation in the exchange rate results in a foreign currency
translation gain or loss which could be material for financial reporting but
does not reflect a realized gain or loss.
Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization.
Depletion and depreciation was $872,714 in the first quarter of 1998 as compared
to $852,729 a year earlier. On a BOE basis, the 1998 expense was $16.51 as
compared to $9.69 per BOE a year earlier (this calculation is based on 6 MCF of
natural gas equal 1 barrel of oil).
The amortization expense of $17,083 is identical to a year earlier as it
reflects the amortization of costs on a straight line basis.
General and Administrative Expense.
General and administrative expenses of $386,039 reflect a modest decline of 2%
from $394,990 a year earlier. On a BOE basis, converting natural gas to its
equivalent barrels of oil at a ratio of 6 mcf equals 1 barrel, general and
administrative expenses increased to $7.13 per BOE as compared to $4.42 per BOE
in 1996 an increase of 61%. This increase on a BOE basis is a result of the
decline in production from the first quarter of 1997.
Balance Sheet.
Total assets as at March 31, 1998 were $26,958,754 as compared to $28,143,343 as
at December 31, 1997. Petroleum and natural gas interests declined marginally
since the beginning of the fiscal year as
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<PAGE> 68
capital expenditures of $461,918 were offset by depletion and depreciation
expenses of $872,714. Working capital has decreased to $6,442,941 from
$7,856,820 as at December 31, 1997. Shareholder's equity has decreased by
$1,000,161 since December 31, 1997 reflecting the net loss for the fiscal
quarter.
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 $2,520,000
ceiling test writedown of U.S. resources properties and a $1,023,998 provision
for revenue dispute (discussed under "Legal Proceedings - S.W. Holmwood"). The
70% reduction in natural gas volume from 3,309,000 mcf in 1996 to 1,003,147 mcf
is primarily due to the sale of Canadian petroleum and natural gas assets
effective January 1, 1997. Management sold the Canadian assets in order to focus
on the Company's U.S. properties and because the sale was economically
beneficial. 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.
The weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of earnings for
the year 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.
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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. Under US GAAP, a ceiling test write-down of $1,720,000
was reflected. The difference of $800,000 between Canadian and US GAAP is due to
a prior year write-down under US GAAP.
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.
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 $25,738,202 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
$1,383,635 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.
The weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of earnings for
the year 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 $26,095 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.
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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.
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 $6,850,617 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.
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
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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.
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.
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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 $1,288,511
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 $6,568,309 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 $10,532,087 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. Long term debt has
been reduced to US$100,000 which is drawn on a revolving US$5,000,000 bank
credit line with a current borrowing base of US$3,250,000. The credit line is
due May 15, 1999 and bears interest at US base rate plus 1.5%.
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.
The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of the present computer
technology issue generally referred to as the "Year 2000 Problem." The Year 2000
Problem relates to the inability of information systems, primarily computer
software programs, to properly recognize and process date sensitive information
related to the year 2000 and beyond. The Company is currently evaluating the
expected costs to be incurred in connection with the year 2000 Problem, and
expects that such costs will not be material.
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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.
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.
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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>
Long-Term Debt
United States Bank Indebtedness $ 143,050(3)
Share Capital
Common Shares(1)(2) unlimited $30,891,689
(11,002,346 shares)
- ---------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- -----------------------------
</TABLE>
(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 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 four months:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STOCK TRADING DATA
COMMON SHARES (OPP)
NASDAQ TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE
Period Volume High Low Volume High Low
Ending (US $) (US $) (Cdn$) (Cdn$)
- ------------ ------- ---------- ----------- -------- -------- --------
1998
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
January 379,556 1.50 1.00 154,800 $2.15 $1.41
February 504,427 1.68 1.06 68,885 $2.50 $1.52
March 180,732 1.37 1.15 21,985 $2.05 $1.40
April 376,329 1.28 .93 3,900 $1.62 $1.62
- ------------ ------- ---------- ----------- -------- ----- -----
</TABLE>
The following table lists trading volume and high and low trading prices for the
last twelve fiscal quarters.
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<PAGE> 75
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STOCK TRADING DATA
COMMON SHARES (OPP)
NASDAQ TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE
------ ----------------------
Period Volume High Low Volume High Low
Ending (US $) (US $) (Cdn$) (Cdn$)
- ------------ ---------- ------ ------ ---------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997
4th Quarter 3,501,452 $2.88 $1.00 1,278,905 $3.85 $1.50
3rd Quarter 2,252,291 $2.38 $2.31 465,172 $3.25 $2.00
2nd Quarter 1,713,721 $2.56 $2.00 488,271 $3.50 $2.75
1st Quarter 1,826,990 $3.06 $2.13 427,752 $4.10 $2.95
- ------------ --------- ------ ----- --------- ----- -----
1996
4th Quarter 2,282,517 $3.13 $2.31 591,581 $4.50 $3.30
3rd Quarter 2,000,092 $3.37 $2.96 350,498 $5.10 $3.80
2nd Quarter 2,217,462 $3.63 $2.63 777,051 $4.90 $3.60
1st Quarter 1,679,407 $3.13 $2.50 344,848 $4.25 $3.50
- ------------ --------- ------ ----- --------- ----- -----
1995
4th Quarter 2,112,338 $3.25 $2.13 286,456 $4.20 $3.40
3rd Quarter 2,047,898 $3.25 $2.00 427,692 $4.35 $2.90
2nd Quarter 945,104 $3.63 $2.25 98,763 $4.75 $3.25
1st Quarter 1,057,423 $4.00 $2.13 261,102 $5.25 $2.95
- ------------ --------- ------ ----- --------- ----- -----
1994
4th Quarter 2,316,857 $4.75 $3.38 802,150 $6.38 $4.80
3rd Quarter 1,444,251 $5.50 $3.88 251,291 $7.50 $5.50
2nd Quarter 2,322,254 $5.00 $3.00 636,031 $6.88 $4.25
1st Quarter 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.
PRIOR SALES
During the period from December 31, 1996 to April 30, 1998, Optima has issued
common shares as set forth below:
1. The Company issued 500 common shares a month for a total of 6,000
common shares to Ronald P. Bourgeois, an officer of the Company under a
consulting agreement.
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<PAGE> 76
2. The Company issued 138 common shares to each of Emile Stehelin and
Martin Abbott, directors of the Company, 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. The Company is seeking to
retain its 4% 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, which has
provided a 100% negative impact on the Company's earnings and income.
Additionally whereas no reserve appraisal was undertaken on S.W. Holmwood, the
1997 write down of petroleum and natural gas interests of $2,520,000
incorporates a provision for the impairment of assets at S.W. Holmwood.
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 Company and the other 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. In
respect of Wildhay, the Company seeks its working interest share of the throw
away costs and expenses, compensation for loss of the original well as well as
compensation for reservoir damage. 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. The Company is of the
opinion that this litigation will not have a material negative impact on the
Company's earnings, income or assets.
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> 77
(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
formed 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> 78
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
averaged 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
offshore, first pass 3-D surveys will not always correctly image most or all 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> 79
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> 80
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(1) UNDEVELOPED LANDS(2) 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
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
TOTAL ONSHORE 3,473 562 12,576 4,787 16,049 5,349
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
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 2,880 24,480 6,480
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 81
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEVELOPED LANDS(1) UNDEVELOPED LANDS(2) 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>
(1) "Developed Lands" refers to lands which have proved reserves.
(2) "Undeveloped Lands" refers to lands to which no proved reserves have been
assigned.
(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.
In addition, Amex has 18,314 gross acres and 4,350 net acres under option.
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, Net Revenue 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
Developed 272,530 8,075,360 $11,490,290 $9,947,106
Undeveloped 0 795,682 $382,892 $264,551
Total Proved 272,530 8,871,042 $11,873,182 $10,211,657
</TABLE>
(1) 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$17.00 BBL for oil and condensate.
PRODUCTION HISTORY
The following table sets forth Amex's average production of crude oil and
natural gas liquids and natural gas after the deduction of royalties, together
with average prices received, for periods indicated.
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<PAGE> 82
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NATURAL GAS (US$)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 1,044,061 US$1.73
OIL AND GAS LIQUIDS (US$)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Production (bbls) Average Sales (price/mcf)
Jan. 31, 1998 3,538 US$15.37
1997 51,340 US$19.58
1996 63,441 US$20.02
1995 70,847 US$16.65
------------------- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
</TABLE>
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.
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<PAGE> 83
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>
(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.
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The most current audited financial statements of Amex are attached as Exhibit E
to this Proxy Statement are for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and
three month period ended March 31, 1998. The following is a summary of certain
selected audited financial information for the Company's three fiscal years of
the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------
AUDITED
ALL IN $1,000'S (FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31)
1997 1996 INCEPTION (MARCH 2, 1995)
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1995
- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------------
Revenues:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Oil Sales: $ 981 $1,322 $ 816
Gas Sales: $5,810 $3,202 $1,453
Interest and Other Income $ 45 $ 65 $ 67
TOTAL REVENUES: $6,836 $4,589 $2,336
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 84
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------
AUDITED
ALL IN $1,000'S (FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31)
1997 1996 INCEPTION (MARCH 2, 1995)
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1995
- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses:
Operating Expenses: $ 2,368 $ 1,423 $ 1,156
Production Taxes: $ 261 $ 270 $ 139
Depletion and Depreciation: $ 2,815 $ 1,128 $ 698
Gen & Adm: $ 398 $ 287 $ 276
Interest: $ 56 $ 170 $ 129
TOTAL EXPENSES: $ 5,898 $ 3,278 $ 2,398
Income (Loss): $ 938 $ 1,311 $ (62)
Share capital (1): n/a n/a
Weighted average shares
Outstanding: n/a n/a n/a
Per Share Loss: n/a n/a n/a
Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows Data:
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating Activities: $ 4,794 $ 2,806 $ 47
Investing Activities: $(7,581) $(1,673) $(3,402)
Financing Activities: $ 2,753 $ (935) $ 3,363
Other Consolidated Financial Data:
Capital Expenditures:
Operating Cash Flow(2): $ 7,581 $ 1,673 $ 3,402
$ 3,753 $ 2,416 $ 760
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and Cash Equivalents: $ 172 $ 206 $ 8
Working Capital (Deficit): $(2,617) $(1,592) $(1,266)
Total Assets: $ 9,891 $ 5,125 $ 4,806
Long Term Debt (incl. current
portion): $ 3,400 $ 655 $ 1,878
Total Shareholders' Equity: $ 4,034 $ 3,034 $ 1,423
- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Amex is a limited liability corporation and as such, has no share capital.
Moreover, it is not a publicly trading company.
(2) Operating cash flow is defined as net income plus depreciation, depletion
and amortization and deferred taxes.
The most current unaudited financial statements are for the interim period ended
March 31, 1998, being the first 3 months of Amex's current fiscal year. The
following is a summary of certain selected unaudited financial information for
three months interim period ending March 31, 1998 and for the comparable period
in Amex's preceding fiscal year:
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<PAGE> 85
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNAUDITED
ALL IN $1,000'S (THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31)
1998 1997
- -------------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Oil Sales: $ 192 $ 165
Gas Sales: $ 1,453 $ 952
Interest and Other Income $ 5 $ 18
TOTAL REVENUES: $ 1,650 $ 1,135
Expenses:
Operating Expenses: $ 699 $ 544
Production Taxes: $ 62 $ 58
Depletion and Depreciation: $ 806 $ 286
Gen & Adm: $ 426 $ 98
Interest: $ 80 $ 11
TOTAL EXPENSES: $ 2,073 $ 997
NET INCOME (LOSS): $ (423) $ 138
Share capital(1): n/a n/a
Weighted average shares Outstanding: n/a n/a
Per Share Loss: n/a n/a
Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows Data:
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating Activities: $ 952 $ 1,739
Investing Activities: $(1,160) $ (796)
Financing Activities: $ 480 $ (401)
Other Consolidated Financial Data:
Capital Expenditures: $ 1,160 $ 796
Operating Cash Flow(2): $ 384 $ (295)
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and Cash Equivalents: $ 445 $ 747
Working Capital (Deficit): $(4,058) $ (295)
Total Assets: $10,018 $ 5,144
Long Term Debt (incl. current portion): $ 3,280 $ 310
Total Shareholders' Equity: $ 3,611 $ 3,115
- -------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
(1) Amex is a limited liability corporation and as such, has no share capital.
Moreover, it is not a publicly trading company.
(2) Operating cash flow is defined as net income plus depreciation, depletion
and amortization and deferred taxes.
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<PAGE> 86
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 TO MARCH 31, 1997
Oil and Gas Sales
Oil and gas sales increased US$525,000 (46%) in 1998. This was due to the three
wells at Galveston Block 303 producing for the entire quarter of 1998. The first
of these wells began producing in February, 1997, with the other two in July,
1997. This was partially offset by declining production at the Bully Camp Field.
In addition, the average gas price declined from US$2.48/mcf in 1997 to US$2.19
in 1998. The US$7.44/bbl decline in oil prices did not significantly effect
revenues because 88% of Amex revenue is related to gas sales.
Lease Operating Expenses
Lease operating expenses increased from US$540,000 in 1997 to US$700,000 in 1998
or 29%. This is the result of the additional wells at Galveston Block 303.
Production Taxes
Production taxes remained relatively constant event though revenue and
production increased. The increase was offshore in Federal waters where no
severance taxes are paid.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased US$520,000 because of the
three new wells at Galveston Block 303.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense increased US$325,000 in 1998. This is due to
an increase in the management fee paid to American Explorer, Inc. which resulted
from the addition of employees to generate prospects for Amex and manage its
affairs. This included opening a Houston, Texas exploration office. Also,
US$110,000 of professional fees were incurred in conjunction with the proposed
merger with Optima.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased in 1998 due to higher debt levels. Debt was in excess
of US$3,000,000 for the first quarter of 1998 compared to less than US$700,000
for the first quarter of 1997.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital (before considering debt) decreased from a negative US$800,000
to a negative of US$1,100,000. This is due primarily to the increased emphasis
on the Gulf of Mexico resulting in additional prospect inventory.
In February, 1998, Amex entered into an agreement with Optima Energy (U.S.)
Corporation providing for a term loan of up to US$2,500,000 to fund the
increased effort in the Gulf of Mexico. At March 31, 1998, US$600,000 had been
drawn under this agreement.
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<PAGE> 87
Also in February, 1998, the borrowing base under the bank reducing revolving
line of credit was redetermined and set at US$3,700,000 effective March 1, 1998.
This borrowing base reduces US$210,000 per month and is redetermined
semi-annually.
Cash flow from operations for the first quarter of 1998 was US$380,000. This
cash flow and the additional debt was primarily used to fund the increased
emphasis in the offshore Gulf of Mexico. This included the opening of a Houston,
Texas exploration office as well as adding to the lease position in that area.
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 US$5,000,000 (as of
March 31, 1998) 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 funding will be available on
acceptable terms, if at all.
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.
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<PAGE> 88
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, 1998 when it was redetermined and
set at US$3,700,000 effective March 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 US$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.
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 TO THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (MARCH 2,
1995) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1995
Oil and Gas Sales.
1996 oil and gas sales increased US$2,255,000 over 1995 or 98%. The majority of
this increase is the result of the purchase of Brazos Block 446 and the
Valentine Field. In addition, the 1995 period includes ten months of activity
compared to an entire year for 1996.
Operating Expenses.
Operating expenses increased from US$1,155,000 to US$1,423,471 or 23%. This is
due to the additional properties which were purchased and the additional two
months in 1996. This was partially offset by higher workover expense in 1995
compared to 1996.
Production Taxes.
Production taxes increased 95% due to the purchased properties and longer time
periods discussed above in Oil and Gas Sales.
General and Administrative Expense.
General and Administrative Expenses did not change significantly. The number of
employees (the most significant component of this expense) remains relatively
constant between years.
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<PAGE> 89
Interest Expense.
Interest Expense did not increase significantly since the average debt
outstanding remained relatively stable.
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:
Outstanding as of December 31, 1997 (audited)
Long-term Debt US$1,600,000
Members' Capital US$4,033,533
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.
(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".
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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, being 5% of
the 7,335,001 shares and 5% of the 1,667,001 Rights Shares. See "Proposal No. 1
- - The Merger Transaction - The Plan and Agreement of Merger."
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.
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INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Amex has no employees. It is managed by American Explorer, Inc. ("AEI"), a
corporation owned by Charles T. Goodson and Alfred J. Thomas, II. 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 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. The management fee
paid by Amex to AEI is based on an unwritten understanding which compares the
transaction to an arm's length transaction in that it is to reimburse AEI for
its actual cost to manage the affairs of Amex. As soon as practicable after the
Merger, the management relationship with AEI will be terminated. There is no
written agreement between Amex and AEI. In June 1997, the members of Amex
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$53,000.
AUDITORS
Arthur Andersen LLP act as Amex's auditors.
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PROPOSAL NO. 2 - CONTINUATION INTO THE STATE OF DELAWARE
GENERAL
Optima is presently a corporation formed and operating under the Canada Business
Corporations Act ("CBCA"). The shareholders of the Company will be asked at the
EGM to pass a Special Resolution (the "Continuation Resolution") authorizing the
Company to continue in the State of Delaware under the Delaware General
Corporation Law (the "DGCL") pursuant to section 388 thereof (the
"Continuation"), thereby continuing the Company as if it had been originally
incorporated under the DGCL as a Delaware corporation. The Continuation
Resolution also provides for approval of the Delaware Certificate of
Incorporation (substantially in the form attached as Appendix C to this Proxy
Statement) and alters the Company's authorized capital from an unlimited number
of common shares without par value to 75,000,000 shares of Common Stock and
5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, each with a par value of US$.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 or have material adverse
affect on the Company's tax position. Management believes the impact from the
change in accounting and reporting requirements resulting from the change from
Canadian GAAP to US GAAP will not be material. 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 differences that could materially affect the
rights of shareholders of the Company. Reference is made to the provisions of
the Company's Delaware Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws which are
available
<PAGE> 94
for review by shareholders of the Company's offices at 600 - 595 Howe
Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2T5 during business hours and
at the EGM. Notwithstanding the rights and obligations under the DGCL and the
Company's Delaware Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Company must
still abide by TSE rules and policies which contain certain rights similar to
those of the CBCA.
SHAREHOLDER QUORUM. Under the Company's current Bylaws, 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
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call a meeting of shareholders to fill the vacancy. If any class of shareholders
has the right to elect a director or 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 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
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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.
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.
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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.
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
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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 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
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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 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
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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.
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
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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 where
the net asset value of the Company's property immediately before Optima
Continuation exceeds the paid up capital of all of its issued and outstanding
shares. The net asset value is calculated as the aggregate of fair market value
of the Company's property less its liabilities (including liability for income
tax for the final taxation year). The general rate of tax is 25% of the excess,
if any, of the net asset value over paid up capital but, pursuant to the
Canada/U.S. Tax Treaty, the rate of tax is reduced to 5%.
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
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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 and the Merger Transaction 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 and the Merger
Transaction.
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.
EACH COMPANY SHAREHOLDER IS ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE
PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONTINUATION, THE MERGER AND OF HOLDING AND
DISPOSING OF SHARES OF THE COMPANY TO SUCH SHAREHOLDER, INCLUDING THE
APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND
ANY PENDING OR PROPOSED LEGISLATION.
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;
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(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 gain or loss pursuant to the
Continuation provided (i) the Company's tax basis in the Company Common Stock
deemed to be distributed to its shareholders pursuant to the Continuation is
greater than or equal to the fair market value of such stock at the time of the
deemed distribution; and (ii) the Company files certain information with the
IRS. The Company's tax basis in the Company Common Stock deemed to be
distributed to its shareholders pursuant o the Continuation will be equal to the
basis in the assets deemed transferred pursuant to the Continuation reduced by
the sum of the amount of the liabilities of the Company assumed upon the
Continuation and the amount of liabilities to which the former assets of the
Company are subject. Based on the Company's determination of its tax basis in
the Company's Common Stock, the Company believes that the fair market value of
such stock on the date of the Continuation will be less than the Company's basis
in such stock on such date and, therefore, the Company will recognize no gain on
the deemed distribution.
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.
Each exchanging US Holder must file with his or her District Director of
Internal Revenue Service on or before the last day for filing his or her federal
income tax return (determined by taking into account any extensions of time
therefor) for the year in which the Continuation is consummated, the notice
required by the Treasury Regulation Section 7 367(b)-1(c). Any such US Holder
who fails to file the necessary notice and who fails to establish reasonable
cause for such failure may be denied the benefit of the federal income tax
consequences specified above.
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
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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 OF THE MERGER TO THE COMPANY
The Merger 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
exchange of Company Common Stock for shares in the Target companies in
accordance with the Merger Agreement.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS
U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders will recognize no gain or loss on the
Company's acquisition of the entities that own all of the shares of Amex
pursuant to the Merger.
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 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
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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 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.
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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 send 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 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
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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 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 AND VOTE REQUIRED
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.
-96-
<PAGE> 108
To effect the Special Resolution authorizing the Continuation, the Special
Resolution must be passed by at least two-thirds of the votes actually cast in
respect to this Proposal No. 2.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE CONTINUATION
AND RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOUR OF PROPOSAL NO. 2.
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;
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."
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<PAGE> 109
PROPOSAL NO. 3 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
GENERAL
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. At the Company's Annual
General Meeting held on June 30, 1998, the following individuals were elected to
hold office until the Company's next Annual General Meeting:
William C. Leuschner
Robert L. Hodgkinson
Ronald Bourgeois
Emile Stehelin
As part ot the Merger Transaction, Ronald Bourgeois and Emile Stehelin will
resign as officers and directors of the Company upon shareholder approval of the
Merger Transaction and the Continuance, leaving Robert L. Hodgkinson and William
C. Leuschner on the Board of Directors. Management nominates the following to
fill the vacancies left of the Board following the resignation of Messrs.
Bourgeois and Stehelin and as additional directors of the Company and
information concerning them as furnished by the individual nominees are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON SHARES % OF ISSUED
HELD IF MERGER SHARES IF
COMMON SHARES & VALENTINE MERGER &
HELD ACQUISITION VALENTINE
NAME, AGE, OCCUPATION (1), FIRST DATE(S) SERVED AS (INCLUDING ARE COMPLETED ACQUISITION ARE
AND PRESENT COMPANY POSITION(2) A DIRECTOR OPTIONS)(3) (INCLUDING COMPLETED
OPTIONS) (INCLUDING
OPTIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CHARLES T. GOODSON (42) Proposed Nominee 30,000 (4) 2,567,250(4)(5) 13.85%
President of American Explorer, L.C.C. and
American Explorer, Inc.
ALFRED J. THOMAS, II (61) Proposed Nominee 30,000 (4) 2,567,251(4)(6) 13.85%
C.E.O. of American Explorer, L.C.C. and
American Explorer, Inc.
RALPH J. DAIGLE (50) Proposed Nominee 0 2,200,500(7) 11.87%
Senior Vice President of Exploration for
American Explorer, L.C.C. and American
Explorer, Inc.
ROBERT R. BROOKSHER (47) Proposed Nominee 11,600 0(8) 0%
Chief Financial Officer of American
Explorer, L.C.C. and American Explorer,
Inc.; Financial Consultant
</TABLE>
-98-
<PAGE> 110
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON SHARES % OF ISSUED
HELD IF MERGER SHARES IF
COMMON SHARES & VALENTINE MERGER &
HELD ACQUISITION VALENTINE
NAME, AGE, OCCUPATION (1), FIRST DATE(S) SERVED AS (INCLUDING ARE COMPLETED ACQUISITION ARE
AND PRESENT COMPANY POSITION(2) A DIRECTOR OPTIONS)(3) (INCLUDING COMPLETED
OPTIONS) (INCLUDING
OPTIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DANIEL G. FOURNERAT (44) Proposed Nominee 0 0 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 in the name of American Explorer Inc.,
a company owned by Charles T. Goodson and Alfred J. Thomas II, as to
50% each.
(5) Includes 2,567,250 common shares issued pursuant to the Merger. He has
the right to acquire a further 583,450 shares pursuant to Contingent
Issue Rights granted under the Merger Agreement.
(6) Includes 2,567,251 common shares issued pursuant to the Merger. He has
the right to acquire a further 583,451 shares pursuant to Contingent
Issue Rights granted under the Merger Agreement.
(7) Includes 2,200,500 common shares issued pursuant to the Merger. He has
the right to acquire a further 500,100 shares pursuant to Contingent
Issue Rights granted under the Merger Agreement.
(8) If Mr. Brooksher exercises his option to acquire 5% of Amex, he will
acquire 378,350 common shares of the Company and rights to acquire
83,350 common shares, representing 5% of the Shares and Rights Shares
to be acquired by the Target Corporations under the Merger.
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. 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
-99-
<PAGE> 111
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 practising 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 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 Messrs. Ronald Bourgeois and Emile
Stehelin will remain Directors of the Company.
The Company has no other executive officers other than those listed in this
Proxy Statement.
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 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.
-100-
<PAGE> 112
VOTE REQUIRED
To effect the ordinary resolution voting for the directors of the Company, the
ordinary resolution must be passed a majority of the votes present and voting at
the Meeting in respect to this Proposal No. 3.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE NOMINATION OF
THESE PARTIES AS DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY AND RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
FOR SUCH NOMINEES.
-101-
<PAGE> 113
PROPOSAL NO. 4 - NAME CHANGE
GENERAL
In conjunction with the proposed Continuation and Merger, Management proposes to
change the name of the Company to "PetroQuest Energy, Inc." to reflect the new
management's corporate strategy. 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 AND VOTE REQUIRED
To effect the Special Resolution authorizing the name change, the Special
Resolution must be passed by at least two-thirds of the votes actually cast in
respect to this Proposal No. 4.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE NAME CHANGE
AND RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOUR OF PROPOSAL NO. 4.
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 PetroQuest Energy, Inc. 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."
-102-
<PAGE> 114
PROPOSAL NO. 5 - AMENDMENT OF CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OPTIONS AND CANCELLATION OF
ALL OTHER OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
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 amend the
exercise price and expiry date of the options set out below ("Amended Options")
pursuant to the negotiations regarding the Merger Transaction. These options are
currently issued under the 1995 and 1996 Plans and after the amendment, will be
governed by the new stock option plan described below. The new exercise price of
the Amended Options will be the higher of the weighted average trading price of
the common shares of Optima for the 5 business days immediately prior to the
amendment and the closing price of the common shares of Optima on the business
day immediately prior to the amendment. The Amended Options will expire three
years from the amendment but in no event shall the expiry date be greater than
10 years from the date of the original grant. All other options currently
outstanding under the 1995 and 1996 Plans will be cancelled. If the Merger
Resolution is not approved by shareholders, Management will not proceed with the
amendment and cancellation of the options. The amendment and cancellation of the
options will occur on the closing of the Merger Transaction.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CURRENTLY
OUTSTANDING
OPTION SHARES OPTION SHARES AMENDED
OPTIONEE AND RELATIONSHIP (1995 AND 1996 EXERCISE EXERCISE TO BE OPTION
TO COMPANY PLANS)(1) PRICE DATE CANCELLED SHARES
- ------------------------- ---------- ----- ---- --------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William C. Leuschner 125,000 $ 4.15 June 12, 1999 25,000 100,000
Officer, Director
Robert L. Hodgkinson 125,000 $ 4.15 June 12, 1999 100,000 100,000
Officer, Director 75,000 $ 4.05 July 25, 1999
Ronald P. Bourgeois 75,000 $ 4.15 June 12, 1999 0 75,000(2)
Officer, Director
Emile Stehelin 25,000 $ 4.15 June 12, 1999 0 75,000
Director 25,000 $ 4.05 July 25, 1999
25,000 $ 3.50 June 2, 1999
Martin Abbott 25,000 $ 4.15 June 12, 1999 25,000 25,000
Director 25,000 $ 3.50 June 2, 1999
Ted Clark 75,000 $ 4.15 June 12, 1999 50,000 25,000
Employee
Krista Wilson 15,000 $ 4.15 June 12, 1999 2,500 15,000
Employee 2,500 $ 3.50 June 2, 1999
Tanya Swanson 20,000 $ 4.15 June 12, 1999 5,000 15,000
Employee
</TABLE>
-103-
<PAGE> 115
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CURRENTLY
OUTSTANDING
OPTION SHARES OPTION SHARES AMENDED
OPTIONEE AND RELATIONSHIP (1995 AND 1996 EXERCISE EXERCISE TO BE OPTION
TO COMPANY PLANS)(1) PRICE DATE CANCELLED SHARES
- ------------------------- ---------- ----- ---- --------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Marnie McBean 20,000 $ 4.15 June 12, 1999 5,000 15,000
Employee
Starbrite Developments 25,000 $ 3.50 June 2, 1999 0 25,000(4)
Ltd.(3)
Consultant
TOTAL: 682,500 212,500 470,000
</TABLE>
(1) The 1995 and 1996 Plans will be cancelled and replaced with the New Plan
upon the completion of the Merger.
(2) Mr. Bourgeois will also be granted options for 25,000 shares under the New
Plan. See "Adoption of New Stock Option Plan."
(3) A private company owned by Messrs. John Mackay, George Ritchie and Allan
Whiton. None of the insiders of Optima or Amex have an interest in this
company.
(4) Starbrite Developments Ltd. will also be granted options for 5,000 shares
under the New Plan. See "Adoption of New Stock Option Plan".
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL AND VOTE REQUIRED
To effect the ordinary resolution voting for the approval of the amendment of
certain outstanding options and cancellation of the balance of the current
options, the ordinary resolution must be passed a majority of the votes present
and voting at the Meeting in respect to this Proposal No. 5.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE AMENDMENT OF
CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OPTIONS AND CANCELLATION OF THE BALANCE OF THE CURRENT
OPTIONS, AND RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOUR OF PROPOSAL NO. 5.
The amendment of the 470,000 options and the cancellation of the rest of the
outstanding options 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 whose options are
being amended and their associates. Accordingly, the Company is seeking
disinterested shareholders' approval, with William C. Leuschner, Robert
Hodgkinson, Ronald P. Bourgeois, Emile Stehelin and Martin Abbott and their
associates abstaining, to the amendment and cancellation. As at the record date,
these parties and their associates beneficially own 2,082,344 common shares of
Optima. The Company will only seek disinterested shareholders' approval to the
amendment and cancellation 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 and Martin Abbott and their associates
abstaining):
1. the Company's current Stock Options exercisable into 470,000 common
shares be amended so that the exercise price is the higher of the
weighted average trading price of the shares of the Company for the 5
business days immediately preceding the amendment and the closing price
of the common shares of Optima on the business day immediately prior to
the amendment, the
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<PAGE> 116
expiry date is three years from the amendment but not greater than 10 years
from the date of the original grant and the options will be governed by
the terms of such new option plan, as adopted by the Company, be
adopted and approved;
2. all other options outstanding under the Company's current 1996 and 1995
option plans be cancelled;
3. 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> 117
PROPOSAL NO. 6 - ADOPTION OF NEW STOCK OPTION PLAN
In March of this year, Management of the Company, in conjunction with the
proposed Merger, adopted a new stock option plan (the "New Plan") to be
effective upon the closing of the Merger Transaction in order to attract new
management and employees. As well, under TSE policies, a new plan must be
adopted in order to grant options in excess of those reserved under current
plans. As disclosed above, the Company's current stock option plans reserves
1,950,000 common shares for issuance and as at the record date, 787,000 common
shares have been issued pursuant to the exercise of options granted under the
1995 and 1996 Plans and options exercisable into 782,500 shares are currently
outstanding, leaving 380,500 options available for issuance. 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. A copy of the New Plan
is attached as Exhibit F to this Proxy Statement.
On the closing of the Merger Transaction, the Company expects Options to
purchase a total of 1,012,300 shares of Common Stock will be outstanding. The
Options will be granted to the following persons to purchase the number of
shares indicated: (i) Amended Options to Optima optionees (470,000 shares total)
as disclosed above under "Amendment of Certain Outstanding Options and
Cancellation of all Other Outstanding Options" (ii) Mr. Ronald P. Bourgeois
(25,000 shares) and Starbrite Developments Ltd. (5,000); (iii) Messrs. Charles
Goodson and Alfred Thomas, II (66,000 shares each); (iv) Mr. Ralph Daigle
(60,000 shares); (v) Mr. Robert Brooksher (38,000 shares); (vi) Mr. Daniel
Fournerat (50,000 shares); and (vii) other employees as a group (232,300
shares). The options in paragraph (ii) will vest immediately on grant, the
option price will be the higher of the weighted average trading price of the
shares of the Company for the 5 business days immediately preceding the grant
and the closing price of the common shares of Optima on the business day
immediately prior to the grant and the term of the options is three years. The
options in paragraphs (iii) to (vii) will vest one third on each of December 31,
1998, 1999 and 2000, the option price will be the higher of the weighted average
trading price of the common shares of the Company from the 5 business days
immediately prior to the grant and the closing price of the common shares of the
Company on the business day immediately prior to the grant and the term of the
Options are 10 years. Options exercisable into 787,700 shares of Common Stock
will be available for further grants. Options proposed to be granted above were
negotiated as part of the Merger Transaction.
The Amended Options (which in most cases reduce the number of options held) are
intended to reflect the fact that the current officers of the Company will no
longer be involved in management, while the options to be granted to Messrs.
Goodson, Thomas, Daigle, Brooksher and Fournerat are intended to incentize them
in their new roles as officers and/or directors of the Company, reflecting their
respective responsibilities at the Company.
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).
-106-
<PAGE> 118
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.
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) reload options ("Reload
Options") and (iv) stock appreciation rights ("SARs") (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
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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 weighted average of
the fair market value per share of the Common Stock for the 5 trading days
immediately preceding 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.
RELOAD OPTIONS. The Compensation Committee may grant a replacement Option
permitting a grantee to purchase an additional number of shares of Common Stock
equal to the number of previously owned shares surrendered by such grantee to
pay all or a portion of the option price upon exercise of his or her Options.
All such replacement options shall have an exercise price of not less than 100%
of the market price of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such
replacement Options.
OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS. Upon accelerated exercisability of Options and 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.
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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 three months), 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, all outstanding Options and SARs will
become immediately exercisable. 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.
FINANCING. The Company may extend and maintain, or arrange for and guarantee,
the extension and maintenance of financing to any grantee to purchase shares of
Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of an Option upon such terms as are
approved by the Compensation Committee. As well, the Compensation Committee may
provide for loans on either a short term or demand basis, from the Company to a
grantee who is an employee or consultant to permit the payment of taxes required
by law.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The Company's board of directors may amend or
terminate the New Plan at any time subject to all necessary regulatory and
shareholder approval. 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 AND VOTE REQUIRED
To effect the ordinary resolution voting for the approval of the cancellation of
the 1995 and 1996 Plans and the adoption of the New Plan, the ordinary
resolution must be passed by a majority of the votes present and voting at the
Meeting in respect to this Proposal No. 6.
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE CANCELLATION
OF THE 1995 AND 1996 PLANS AND THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW PLAN AND RECOMMENDS THAT
SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOUR OF PROPOSAL NO. 6.
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;
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 and amend certain outstanding
options. The new and Amended Options are exercisable into 1,012,300 common
shares of the Company, representing 9.2% of the Company's currently issued and
outstanding share capital 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 2,153,944 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") and the New Plan be adopted and approved;
2. 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;
3. 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 and where such
amendments are material, to shareholder approval;
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,
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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 (including 470,000 Amended Option shares) 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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PROPOSAL NO. 7 - ACQUISITION OF 5% WORKING INTEREST IN THE VALENTINE PROSPECT
GENERAL
Pursuant to an agreement dated May 26, 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 AND VOTES REQUIRED
To effect the ordinary resolution voting for the approval of the Acquisition,
the ordinary resolution must be passed a majority of the votes present and
voting at the Meeting in respect to this Proposal No. 7.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE ACQUISITION,
AND RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOUR OF PROPOSAL NO. 7.
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. A majority of disinterested directors of the
Company have approved the Acquisition. The Company approached the vendors to
acquire the 5% interest in order to avoid future conflicts of interest and
because the timing was appropriate for valuation purposes.
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, William Leuschner, Robert Hodgkinson and by any of their
respective individuals, associates, affiliates and insiders. As at the record
date, Yukon, Colima, William Leuschner, Robert Hodgkinson and their individuals,
associates, affiliates and insiders beneficially own 1,595,625 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;
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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."
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:
o long term strategic planning
o risk analysis and monitoring of risk management systems
o overseeing the appointment and training of senior management and
monitoring their performance, including succession planning
o 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
o ensuring the integrity of the Company's systems for internal controls
and management information
o developing the Company's approach to governance issues
o reviewing management's performance on a regular basis, being at least
four times annually
o reviewing the Company's business plan on a regular basis, being at
least four times annually
o reviewing and approving the quarterly and annual financial statements
o calling shareholders' meetings
o reviewing and approving all major public disclosure documents
o appointing members to the various committees
o 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 TSE recommended majority of its Board comprised of
unrelated directors. The Board believes that the extra cost of additional
unrelated directors is not presently
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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.
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".
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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.
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, Louisiana 70508. It is suggested that any such proposal be submitted
by certified mail, return receipt requested.
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. 2) (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
(Amendment No. 2), "Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations", and the March 31, 1998 Form 10-Q (Amendment No. 1)
and are incorporated herein by reference. A copy of these items have been
distributed to shareholders.
All documents filed by the Company from the record date to the date of the
Meeting shall be incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Common Stock of Optima offered by this Proxy Statement will
be passed upon for Optima by Campney & Murphy, Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada.
EXPERTS/AUDITORS
The audited consolidated financial statements of Optima incorporated by
reference in this Proxy Statement have been audited by KPMG, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are included
herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said
report.
The audited financial statements of Amex included in this Proxy Statement have
been audited by Arthur Andersen, LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are included herein in
reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said report.
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OTHER BUSINESS
Management is not aware of any matters to come before the EGM other than those
set forth in the Notice of Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders. If any
other matter properly comes before the EGM, 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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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 AUGUST 7, 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.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For Against Abstain
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1. To approve the Plan and Agreement of Merger [ ] [ ] [ ]
including the issuance of common shares pursuant
thereto;
2. To approve the continuance into the State of Delaware [ ] [ ] [ ]
For Withhold
Authority
to Vote
3. (a) to elect Charles T. Goodson as director [ ] [ ]
(b) to elect Alfred J. Thomas, II as director [ ] [ ]
(c) to elect Ralph J. Daigle as director [ ] [ ]
(d) to elect Robert R. Brooksher as director [ ] [ ]
(e) to elect Daniel G. Fournerat as director [ ] [ ]
For Against Abstain
4. To approve a name change and a new Certificate [ ] [ ] [ ]
of Incorporation
5. To approve the amendment of 470,000 outstanding stock [ ] [ ] [ ]
options and the cancellation of all other outstanding
stock options.
6. To approve the cancellation of current stock option [ ] [ ] [ ]
plans 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.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 129
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.
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. For those shareholders voting against the proposals, the
discretionary authority of the proxyholder will not be voted to adjourn or
postpone the Meeting.
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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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.
(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),
<PAGE> 131
(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).
(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.
<PAGE> 132
(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.
<PAGE> 133
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.
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
<PAGE> 134
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.
<PAGE> 135
APPENDIX C
DELAWARE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
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 (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 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
<PAGE> 136
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.
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
<PAGE> 137
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 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.
<PAGE> 138
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.
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
<PAGE> 139
a defence 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
defence 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 defence 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.
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
<PAGE> 140
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 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 , Lafayette, LA, USA
Alfred J. Thomas, II, of ,Lafayette, LA, USA
Ralph J. Daigle, of ,Lafayette, LA, USA
Robert R. Brooksher of , Lafayette, LA, USA
Daniel G. Fournerat of , Lafayette, LA, USA
Robert L. Hodgkinson of , Vancouver, BC, Canada
William C. Leuschner of , 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
<PAGE> 141
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 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.
<PAGE> 142
APPENDIX D
PROFORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OPTIMA
<PAGE> 143
[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.
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
April 3, 1998
<PAGE> 144
[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 March 31, 1998
and the pro forma combined statements of operations of Optima Petroleum
Corporation and American Explorer LLC for the three months ended March, 1998 and
for the year ended December 31, 1997. 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.
"KPMG"
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
April 3, 1998
<PAGE> 145
COMMENTS BY ACCOUNTANTS FOR U.S. READERS ON CANADA - U.S. REPORTING CONFLICT
Under generally accepted auditing standards in Canada, a compilation report is
required when accountants have compiled pro forma financial statements from
information provided by management. Under generally accepted auditing standards
in the United States ("US GAAS"), an expression of an opinion on a compilation
of pro forma financial statements is not provided. An examination greater in
scope than that performed would be required to report in conformity with US
GAAS. Therefore, no opinion is expressed under US GAAS on these pro forma
financial statements.
"KPMG"
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
April 3, 1998
<PAGE> 146
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Pro Forma Balance Sheet
As at March 31, 1998 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================================================
Pro Forma
OPC AMEX Adjustments Notes Consolidated
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
CURRENT
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,033,461 $ 630,894 $ 5,664,355
Accounts receivable 1,942,974 1,321,902 3,264,876
Note receivable - current portion 128,599 - 128,599
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7,105,034 1,952,796 9,057,830
OTHER
Cash held in trust 705,893 1,141,074 1,846,967
Advances to operators 473,886 - 473,886
Note receivable - long term portion 262,502 - 262,502
Loan receivable - AMEX 849,960 (849,960)
Petroleum and natural gas interests,
full cost method 17,285,171 11,097,254 $ 7,159,171 2(a) 37,437,296
1,895,700 2(b)
Deferred charges 276,308 - 276,308
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 26,958,754 $13,341,164 $49,354,789
==============================================================================================================================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 662,093 $ 3,579,689 $ 4,241,782
Current portion of long-term debt - 3,272,346 3,272,346
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
662,093 6,852,035 7,514,128
REVENUE IN DISPUTE 1,047,664 - 1,047,664
LONG-TERM DEBT 141,660 1,374,102 1,515,762
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 (6,761,871) 5,115,027 (5,115,027) 2(a) (6,761,871)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24,738,040 5,115,027 37,012,238
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 26,958,754 $13,341,164 $49,354,789
==============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to pro forma financial statements.
<PAGE> 147
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Pro Forma Statement of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
OPC AMEX Adjustments Notes Combined
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING REVENUE
Petroleum and natural gas sales $1,119,473 $2,355,938 $659,781 2(f) $4,135,192
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Royalties and production taxes 355,627 88,638 659,781 2(f) 1,104,046
Operating costs 338,175 1,000,966 1,339,141
Depletion and depreciation 872,714 1,154,794 425,116 2(c) 2,452,624
General and administrative 386,039 609,321 995,360
Interest and other revenue (99,109) (7,179) (106,288)
Foreign exchange loss 246,462 -- 246,462
Interest and bank charges 2,644 114,824 117,468
Amortization of deferred financing costs 17,082 -- 17,082
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (1,000,161) (605,426) (2,030,703)
Income taxes -- -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR $(1,000,161) $ (605,426) $(2,030,703)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER
COMMON SHARE (Note 3) $ (0.09) N/A $ (0.11)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to pro forma financial statements.
<PAGE> 148
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Pro Forma Statement of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 1997 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pro Forma
OPC AMEX Adjustments Notes Combined
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING REVENUE
Petroleum and natural gas sales $ 7,649,415 $9,403,334 $3,806,465 2(f) $20,859,214
COSTS AND EXPENSES
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
Depletion and depreciation 4,269,745 3,898,106 1,435,016 2(c) 9,602,867
Write-down of petroleum and natural
gas interests 2,520,000 - 2,520,000
Provision for revenue dispute 1,023,998 - 1,023,998
Gain on sale of Canadian petroleum
and natural gas interests (518,025) - (518,025)
General and administrative 1,691,779 550,768 2,242,547
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
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (4,684,220) 1,341,166 (4,778,070)
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 $(4,929,070)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER
COMMON SHARE (Note 3) $ (0.43) N/A $ (0.27)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to pro forma statements.
<PAGE> 149
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
(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 ("GAAP") in
Canada. A reconciliation of Canadian and U.S. GAAP is provided in note
4.
The pro forma statements have been prepared from the unaudited
consolidated financial statements of OPC for the three months ended
March 31, 1998 and from the audited consolidated financial statements
of OPC for the year ended December 31, 1997 and from the unaudited
financial statements of American Explorer, LLC ("AMEX") for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 and from the audited financial statements
of AMEX for the year ended December 31, 1997, together with other
publicly available information. In the opinion of management, these pro
forma statements include all adjustments necessary for fair
presentation.
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 March 31, 1998 is translated at a current
exchange rate at this date of $1.4166 and the statements of operations
are translated at the average exchange rate for the statement period
presented (March 31, 1998 - $1.4321; December 31, 1997 - $1.3846).
The pro forma statements are not necessarily indicative of either the
results of operations that would have occurred for the three months
ended March 31, 1998 or 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
unaudited consolidated financial statements of OPC and the unaudited
financial statements of AMEX for the three months ended March 31, 1998
and 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.
2. PRO FORMA ASSUMPTIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS
The pro forma consolidated balance sheet gives effect to the
acquisition of AMEX and the share issue as at March 31, 1998. The pro
forma combined statements of operations for the three months ended
March 31, 1998 and 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.
- 1 -
<PAGE> 150
These pro forma statements give effect to the following assumptions and
adjustments:
1) 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 $5,115,027.
<TABLE>
NET ASSETS ACQUIRED
<S> <C>
Current assets $ 1,952,796
Petroleum and natural gas interests, at historical cost 11,097,254
Other assets 1,141,074
Current liabilities (6,852,035)
Long term debt (2,224,062)
------------
5,115,027
Excess purchase price, attributed to petroleum and natural gas interests
7,159,171
------------
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>
The Company will also issue 1,667,001 in contingent stock
issue rights which will be exchangeable for common shares of
the Company if the Company's share price exceeds U.S.$5 per
share for 20 consecutive trading days. As this contingent
consideration is not reasonable determinable at this time, no
amount has been recorded in the cost of the acquisition. Any
contingent consideration will be recorded when reasonable
determinable which, in this case, would be when the contingent
stock issue rights are exercisable.
2) 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>
Three Months
Ended Year Ended
March 31/98 Dec 31/97
----------- ---------
3) Depletion and depreciation
Increased depletion and depreciation expense
resulting from the higher cost base on acquisition
<S> of AMEX's petroleum and natural gas interests: <C> <C>
$425,116 $1,435,016
======== ==========
4) Income taxes
To record deferred income taxes on income of AMEX $ - $ 480,300
======== ===========
</TABLE>
- 2 -
<PAGE> 151
[CAPTION]
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
5) Income taxes $ - $ (480,300)
===== ==========
To reduce deferred income taxes of AMEX to reflect the
utilization of OPC's losses carry forward.
6) 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. $659,781 $3,806,465
======== ==========
</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
three months ended March 31, 1998 and for the years ended December 31,
1997 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 period or year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months Year ended
ended March 31, December 31,
1998 1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average common shares, at historical 11,002,346 11,159,663
Shares issued pursuant to offering 7,335,001 7,335,001
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average common shares, pro forma 18,337,347 18,494,664
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
4. CANADA / U.S. GAAP RECONCILIATION
The following Canada / U.S. GAAP reconciliation is provided for
material differences affecting the reported amount in the pro forma
financial statements:
1) Pro forma balance sheet as at March 31, 1998
In 1995, the Company applied its opening deficit of
$10,602,526 against its share capital. This adjustment is not
in accordance with U.S. GAAP. At March 31, 1998 deficit is
$10,602,526 higher or $17,364,397 and share capital is
$10,602,526 higher or $53,768,413 for U.S. GAAP.
2) Pro forma statement of operations for the three months ended
March 31, 1998
There are no significant Canadian / U.S. GAAP differences.
3) Pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December
31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Loss for the year reported $ 4,929,070
-----------
Write-down of petroleum and natural gas interests (800,000)
-----------
</TABLE>
- 3 -
<PAGE> 152
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Loss for U.S. GAAP $ 4,129,070
-----------
Loss per share for U.S. GAAP $ 0.22
-----------
</TABLE>
- 4 -
<PAGE> 153
APPENDIX E
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMEX
<PAGE> 154
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 ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for the period from inception (March
2, 1995) to December 31, 1995. 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 ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for the period
from inception (March 2, 1995) to December 31, 1995 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
March 17, 1998
<PAGE> 155
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND
MEMBERS' CAPITAL
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------- ------------ -----------
Current Assets:
<S> <C> <C>
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> 156
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF REVENUES AND EXPENSES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996 AND
FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (MARCH 2, 1995) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- -----------
Revenues:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Oil and Gas Sales $6,791,372 $4,524,413 $ 2,268,822
Interest Income 44,868 64,508 67,612
---------- ---------- -----------
$6,836,240 $4,588,921 $ 2,336,434
---------- ---------- -----------
Expenses:
Lease Operating Expense $2,368,328 $1,423,471 $ 1,155,805
Production Taxes 261,011 270,179 138,893
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 2,815,330 1,127,826 698,305
General and Administrative 397,781 286,928 276,055
Interest Expense 56,240 169,536 129,311
---------- ---------- -----------
$5,898,690 $3,277,940 $ 2,398,369
---------- ---------- -----------
Net Income (Loss) $ 937,550 $1,310,981 $ (61,935)
========== ========== ===========
Unaudited Pro Forma Data:
Net Income (Loss), reported above $ 937,550 $1,310,981 $ (61,935)
Pro forma provision for income
taxes related to operations as a
limited liability company 347,000 462,000 --
---------- ---------- -----------
Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) $ 590,550 $ 848,981 $ (61,935)
========== ========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 157
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' CAPITAL
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996 AND
FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (MARCH 2, 1995) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Balance, March 2, 1995 $ --
Contributions 1,784,613
Distributions (300,000)
Net Income (61,935)
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>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 158
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996 AND
FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (MARCH 2, 1995) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Income $ 937,550 $ 1,310,981 $ (61,935)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 2,815,330 1,104,598 607,484
Accrued oil and gas revenues (867,553) 13,626 (711,050)
Accounts receivable from members 125,000 (125,000) (1,000)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,021,463 799,758 734,110
Plugging and abandonment escrow 762,410 (297,649) (469,286)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 4,794,200 $ 2,806,314 $ 98,323
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of oil and gas properties $(7,945,065) $(2,985,424) $(4,639,233)
Sales of oil and gas properties 364,100 1,312,290 1,237,500
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities $(7,580,965) $(1,673,134) $(3,401,733)
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal repayments $ (654,889) $(1,899,378) $ (606,740)
Borrowing on lines of credit 3,400,000 675,976 2,485,000
Capital distributions (375,000) -- (300,000)
Capital contributions 440,527 300,000 1,784,614
Deferred financing costs (57,598) (11,474) (51,649)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing activities $ 2,753,040 $ (934,876) $ 3,311,225
----------- ----------- -----------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH (33,725) 198,304 7,815
CASH BALANCE, beginning of year 206,119 7,815 --
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH BALANCE, end of year $ 172,394 $ 206,119 $ 7,815
=========== =========== ===========
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST $ 62,261 $ 180,906 $ 129,311
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 159
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
<PAGE> 160
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.
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, 1996 and 1995, 79%, 82% and 97% respectively, of
the Company's oil and gas production was sold to three unrelated customers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dow Hydrocarbon & Res. $2,572,000 Central Crude, Inc. $1,147,000 Creole Gas Co. $1,287,000
Creole Gas Company 1,704,000 Creole Gas Company 1,581,000 Central Crude, Inc 806,000
Gulf Gas Utilities 1,073,000 Gulf Gas Utilities 962,000 Gulfmark Energy 28,000
---------- ---------- ----------
$5,349,000 $3,690,000 $2,121,000
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
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.
Oil and Gas Revenue:
The Company records as revenue only that portion of oil and
gas production sold and allocable to its ownership interest in the related well.
Any production proceeds received in excess of its ownership interest are
reflected as a liability in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Revenues relating to production to which the Company is entitled but for which
the Company has not received payments are not recorded in the consolidated
financial statements until compensation is received.
There are no out-of-balance production positions at December
31, 1997 and 1996.
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
<PAGE> 161
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.
<PAGE> 162
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, 1996 and 1995, AEI charged the
Company management fees of $520,000, $444,000 and $350,771, respectively. Of
these amounts $239,200, $155,430 and $122,700, were capitalized as part of the
acquisition, exploration and development effort (See Note A) in 1997, 1996 and
1995, 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.
<PAGE> 163
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Costs incurred during year:
Acquisition costs $ 166,626 $ 123,786 $ 3,657,344
Exploration costs 5,215,271 1,319,389 859,119
Development costs 2,323,968 1,386,859 --
General and administrative costs 239,200 155,430 122,700
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 7,945,065 $ 2,985,464 $ 4,639,163
Less sales of oil and gas properties (364,100) (1,312,290) (1,237,500)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cost incurred $ 7,580,965 $ 1,673,174 $ 3,401,663
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
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.
The pro forma provision for income taxes is the result of the
application of a combined federal and state rate (37%) to income before income
taxes.
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
<PAGE> 164
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 March 2, 1995 274.60 6,109.68
Purchase of producing properties 4.19 432.85
Production (50.15) (760.16)
-------- --------
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)
-------- --------
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>
<PAGE> 165
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Natural
Oil in Gas
MBbls in MMcf
----- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Proved developed reserves:
as of December 31, 1995 227.24 4,844.43
====== ========
as of December 31, 1996 310.53 7,398.82
====== ========
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 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Future cash flows $25,535.85 $41,541.68 $16,149.32
Future production and development costs 13,662.67 13,292.56 10,475.51
---------- ---------- ----------
Future net cash flows $11,873.18 $28,249.12 $ 5,673.81
10% annual discount (1,661.52) (5,737.97) (1,286.16)
---------- ---------- ----------
Standardized measure of discounted
future net cash flows $10,211.66 $22,511.15 $ 4,387.65
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Changes in Standardized Measure
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Standardized measure at beginning of year $ 22,511,127 $ 4,387,648 $ 2,113,837
Sales and transfers of oil and gas produced,
net of production costs (4,162,033) (2,830,763) (974,124)
Changes in price, net of future production
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 166
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
costs (13,181,241) 8,314,906 3,002,072
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 (25,000)
Revisions of quantity estimates (128,860) 2,944,721 --
Accretion of discount 2,251,113 438,765 211,384
Purchase of reserves in place 34,578 7,860,501 510,000
Sale of reserves in place -- (279,105) --
Changes in production rates (timing)
and other (694,451) (1,483,095) (450,521)
------------ ------------ ------------
Standardized measure at end of year $ 10,211,657 $ 22,511,127 $ 4,387,648
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 167
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND
MEMBERS' CAPITAL
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
ASSETS 1998 1997
------ ------------ ------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
Current Assets:
Cash $ 445,358 $ 172,394
Accrued Oil and Gas Revenues 933,151 1,468,328
------------ ------------
Total Current Assets $ 1,378,509 $ 1,640,722
------------ ------------
Property and Equipment
Oil and Gas Properties, $ 11,273,556 $ 10,904,765
full cost method
Unevaluated Oil and Gas Properties 2,541,792 1,751,067
Less Accumulated Depreciation
Depletion and Amortization (6,039,927) (5,239,927)
------------ ------------
Net Property and Equipment $ 7,775,421 $ 7,415,905
Plugging and Abandonment Escrow 805,502 775,502
Other Assets 58,304 59,086
------------ ------------
$ 10,017,736 $ 9,891,215
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' CAPITAL
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable $ 2,526,958 $ 2,457,682
Note Payable 600,000 --
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt 2,310,000 1,800,000
------------ ------------
Total Current Liabilities $ 5,436,958 $ 4,257,682
------------ ------------
Long-term Debt 970,000 1,600,000
Members' Capital 3,610,778 4,033,533
------------ ------------
$ 10,017,736 $ 9,891,215
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 168
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF REVENUES AND EXPENSES
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
---------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Oil and Gas Sales $ 1,645,093 $ 1,116,739
Interest Income 5,013 18,134
----------- -----------
$ 1,650,106 $ 1,134,873
----------- -----------
Expenses:
Lease Operating Expense $ 698,950 $ 543,751
Production Taxes 61,894 58,301
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 806,364 285,715
General and Administrative 425,474 97,949
Interest Expense 80,179 11,215
----------- -----------
$ 2,072,861 $ 996,931
----------- -----------
Net Income (Loss) $ (422,755) $ 137,942
=========== ===========
Pro forma data:
Net Income (Loss), reported above $ (422,755) $ 137,942
Pro forma (provision) benefit for
income taxes related to operations
as a limited liability company 156,000 (51,000)
----------- -----------
Pro forma net income (Loss) $ (266,755) $ 86,942
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 169
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' CAPITAL
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 (UNAUDITED) AND THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1996 $ 3,033,659
Contributions 493,737
Distributions (431,413)
Net Income 937,550
-----------
Balance, December 31, 1997 $ 4,033,533
Net Income (Loss) (422,755)
-----------
Balance, March 31, 1998 $ 3,610,778
===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 170
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income (Loss) $ (422,755) $ 137,942
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 806,364 285,715
Accrued oil and gas revenues 535,177 (289,823)
Accounts receivable from members -- 29,262
Prepaids (5,582) --
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 69,276 282,639
Plugging and abandonment escrow (30,000) 1,292,938
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 952,480 $ 1,738,673
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of oil and gas properties $(1,159,516) $ (852,897)
Sales of oil and gas properties -- 56,412
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities $(1,159,516) $ (796,485)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal repayments $ (120,000) $ (345,000)
Borrowing on term loan 600,000
Capital distributions -- (56,412)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing activities $ 480,000 $ (401,412)
----------- -----------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 272,964 540,776
CASH BALANCE, beginning of period 172,394 206,119
----------- -----------
CASH BALANCE, end of period $ 445,358 $ 746,895
=========== ===========
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST $ 77,548 $ 11,215
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 171
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A -INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of American Explorer, L.L.C. (the
Company) at March 31, 1998 and for the three-month period then ended are
unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair
presentation of the financial position and operating results for the interim
period. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December
31, 1997. The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31,
1998 are not necessarily indications of future financial results.
NOTE B - TERM LOAN
On February 25, 1998, the Company entered into a term loan
agreement with Optima Energy (U.S.) Corporation, a subsidiary of Optima
Petroleum Corporation (Optima). It provides that the Company can borrow up to
$2,500,000 at an interest rate of 10%, which increases to 16% if the Merger
Agreement with Optima is terminated. Maturity is March 1, 1999. The loan is
secured by a second mortgage on substantially all the Company's oil and gas
properties.
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. For the three months ended March 31, 1998 and
1997, AEI charged the Company management fees of $540,000 and $120,000,
respectively. Of these amounts $285,000 and $25,000 were capitalized as part of
the acquisition, exploration and development effort. The remainder is included
in general and administrative expense. At March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997,
the Company owed AEI approximately $2,363,000, and $2,458,000, respectively.
These amounts are included in Accounts Payable.
NOTE D - INCOME TAXES
As a result of the proposed merger with Optima, the Company
will be required to establish a net deferred tax liability which would have been
$380,000 at March 31, 1998.
The pro forma provision for income taxes is the result of the
application of a combined federal and state rate (37%) to income before taxes.
<PAGE> 172
APPENDIX F
1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN
<PAGE> 173
SCHEDULE F
----------------------------------
1998 INCENTIVE PLAN
(AS EFFECTIVE __________, 1998)
-1-
<PAGE> 174
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLAN GOVERNANCE, COVERAGE
AND BENEFITS ........................................................................1
1.1 Purpose .............................................................1
1.2 Definitions .........................................................2
(a) Appreciation ..............................................2
(b) Authorized Officer ........................................2
(c) Board .....................................................2
(d) Cause .....................................................2
(e) Change in Control .........................................2
(f) Code ......................................................2
(g) Committee .................................................2
(h) Common Stock ..............................................3
(i) Company ...................................................3
(j) Consultant ................................................3
(k) Covered Employee ..........................................3
(l) Disability ................................................3
(m) Employee ..................................................4
(n) Employment ................................................4
(o) Exchange Act ..............................................4
(p) Fair Market Value .........................................5
(q) Grantee ...................................................5
(r) Incentive Award ...........................................5
(s) Incentive Agreement .......................................5
(t) Incentive Stock Option ....................................5
(u) Independent SAR ...........................................5
(v) Insider ...................................................5
(w) Nonstatutory Stock Option .................................6
(x) Option Price ..............................................6
(y) Outside Director ..........................................6
(z) Parent ....................................................6
(aa) Plan ......................................................6
(bb) Publicly Held Corporation .................................6
(cc) Retirement ................................................6
(dd) Share .....................................................6
(ee) Share Pool ................................................6
(ff) Spread ....................................................6
(gg) Stock Appreciation Right or SAR ...........................6
(hh) Stock Option or Option ....................................7
(ii) Subsidiary ................................................7
(jj) Tandem SAR ................................................7
</TABLE>
-2-
<PAGE> 175
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1.3 Plan Administration .................................................7
(a) Authority of the Committee ................................7
(b) Meetings ..................................................7
(c) Decisions Binding .........................................7
(d) Modification of Outstanding Incentive Awards ..............8
(e) Delegation of Authority ...................................8
(f) Expenses of Committee .....................................8
(g) Surrender of Previous Incentive Awards ....................8
(h) Indemnification ...........................................9
1.4 Shares of Common Stock Available for Incentive Awards ...............9
1.5 Share Pool Adjustments for Awards and Payouts ......................10
1.6 Common Stock Available. ............................................11
1.7 Participation ......................................................11
(a) Eligibility ..............................................11
(b) Incentive Stock Option Eligibility .......................11
1.8 Types of Incentive Awards ..........................................12
1.9 Maximum Term .......................................................12
SECTION 2. STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS ..........................12
2.1 Grant of Stock Options .............................................12
2.2 Stock Option Terms .................................................12
(a) Written Agreement ........................................12
(b) Number of Shares .........................................12
(c) Exercise Price ...........................................12
(d) Term .....................................................13
(e) Exercise .................................................13
(f) $100,000 Annual Limit on Incentive Stock Options .........13
2.3 Stock Option Exercises .............................................14
(a) Method of Exercise and Payment .............................14
(b) Restrictions on Share Transferability ......................15
(c) Notification of Disqualifying Disposition of
Shares from Incentive Stock Options ..................15
(d) Proceeds of Option Exercise ................................15
2.4 Stock Appreciation Rights in Tandem with Nonstatutory Stock Options.15
(a) Grant ....................................................15
(b) General Provisions .......................................16
(c) Exercise .................................................16
(d) Settlement ...............................................16
2.5 Stock Appreciation Rights Independent of Nonstatutory Stock Options.16
(a) Grant ....................................................16
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(b) General Provisions .......................................16
(c) Exercise .................................................16
(d) Settlement ...............................................17
2.6 Reload Options .....................................................17
SECTION 3. PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLAN PARTICIPATION ............................17
3.1 Plan Conditions ....................................................17
(a) Incentive Agreement ......................................17
(b) No Right to Employment ...................................18
(c) Securities Requirements ..................................18
3.2 Transferability ....................................................19
(a) Non-Transferable Awards and Options ......................19
(b) Ability to Exercise Rights ...............................19
3.3 Rights as a Stockholder ............................................19
(a) No Stockholder Rights ....................................19
(b) Representation of Ownership ..............................20
3.4 Listing and Registration of Shares of Common Stock .................20
3.5 Change in Stock and Adjustments ....................................20
(a) Changes in Law or Circumstances ..........................20
(b) Exercise of Corporate Powers .............................21
(c) Recapitalization of the Company ..........................21
(d) Reorganization of the Company ............................21
(e) Issue of Common Stock by the Company .....................22
(f) Acquisition of the Company ...............................22
(g) Assumption of Outstanding Incentive Awards under the Plan.22
(h) Assumption of Incentive Awards by a Successor ............23
3.6 Termination of Employment, Death, Disability and Retirement ........23
(a) Termination of Employment ................................23
(b) Termination of Employment for Cause ......................24
(c) Retirement ...............................................24
(d) Disability or Death ......................................24
(e) Continuation .............................................25
3.7 Change in Control ..................................................25
3.8 Exchange of Incentive Awards .......................................27
3.9 Financing ..........................................................27
SECTION 4. GENERAL ..............................................................27
4.1 Effective Date and Grant Period ....................................27
4.2 Funding and Liability of Company ...................................28
4.3 Withholding Taxes ..................................................28
(a) Tax Withholding ..........................................28
(b) Share Withholding ........................................28
(c) Incentive Stock Options ..................................28
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(d) Loans ....................................................29
4.4 No Guarantee of Tax Consequences ...................................29
4.5 Designation of Beneficiary by Participant ..........................29
4.6 Deferrals ..........................................................29
4.7 Amendment and Termination ..........................................29
4.8 Requirements of Law ................................................30
4.9 Rule 16b-3 Securities Law Compliance ...............................30
4.10 Compliance with Code Section 162(m) ................................31
4.11 Successors .........................................................31
4.12 Miscellaneous Provisions ...........................................31
4.13 Severability .......................................................32
4.14 Gender, Tense and Headings .........................................32
4.15 Governing Law ......................................................32
</TABLE>
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1998 INCENTIVE PLAN
SECTION 1.
GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
PLAN GOVERNANCE, COVERAGE AND BENEFITS
1.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of the Plan is to foster and promote the long-term financial success
of __________________________________________ (the "Company") and its
Subsidiaries and to increase stockholder value by: (a) encouraging the
commitment of selected key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors, (b)
motivating superior performance of key Employees, Consultants and Outside
Directors by means of long-term performance related incentives, (c) encouraging
and providing key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors with a program
for obtaining ownership interests in the Company which link and align their
personal interests to those of the Company's stockholders, (d) attracting and
retaining key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors by providing
competitive incentive compensation opportunities, and (e) enabling key
Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors to share in the long-term growth
and success of the Company.
The Plan provides for payment of various forms of incentive compensation and it
is not intended to be a plan that is subject to the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). The Plan shall be interpreted,
construed and administered consistent with its status as a plan that is not
subject to ERISA.
Subject to approval by the Company's stockholders pursuant to Section 4.1, the
Plan shall become effective as of ______________, 1998 (the "EFFECTIVE DATE").
The Plan shall commence on the Effective Date, and shall remain in effect,
subject to the right of the Board to amend or terminate the Plan at any time
pursuant to Section 4.7, until all Shares subject to the Plan have been
purchased or acquired according to its provisions. However, in no event may an
Incentive Award be granted under the Plan after the expiration of ten (10) years
from the Effective Date. Any Incentive Award granted prior to the Effective Date
shall be subject to the subsequent receipt of stockholder approval of the Plan
pursuant to Section 4.1.
1.2 DEFINITIONS
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The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) APPRECIATION. The difference between the option exercise
price per share of the Nonstatutory Stock Option to which a Tandem
SAR relates and the weighted average of the Fair Market Value of a
share of Common Stock for the five trading days immediately preceding
the date of exercise of the Tandem SAR.
(b) AUTHORIZED OFFICER. The Chairman of the Board or the
Chief Executive Officer of the Company or any other senior officer of
the Company to whom either of them delegate the authority to execute
any Incentive Agreement for and on behalf of the Company. No officer
or director shall be an Authorized Officer with respect to any
Incentive Agreement for himself.
(c) BOARD. The Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) CAUSE. When used in connection with the termination of a
Grantee's Employment, shall mean the termination of the Grantee's
Employment by the Company by reason of (i) the conviction of the
Grantee by a court of competent jurisdiction as to which no further
appeal can be taken of a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony;
(ii) the proven commission by the Grantee of an act of fraud upon the
Company; (iii) the willful and proven misappropriation of any funds
or property of the Company by the Grantee; (iv) the willful,
continued and unreasonable failure by the Grantee to perform the
material duties assigned to him; (v) the knowing engagement by the
Grantee in any direct, material conflict of interest with the Company
without compliance with the Company's conflict of interest policy, if
any, then in effect; or (vi) the knowing engagement by the Grantee,
without the written approval of the Board, in any activity which
competes with the business of the Company or which would result in a
material injury to the business, reputation or goodwill of the
Company.
(e) CHANGE IN CONTROL. Any of the events described in and
subject to Section 3.7.
(f) CODE. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
the regulations and other authority promulgated thereunder by the
appropriate governmental authority. References herein to any
provision of the Code shall refer to any successor provision thereto.
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(g) COMMITTEE. A committee appointed by the Board consisting
of not less than two directors as appointed by the Board to
administer the Plan. However, if the Company is a Publicly Held
Corporation, the Plan shall be administered by a committee appointed
by the Board consisting of not less than two directors who fulfill
the "non-employee director" requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the
Exchange Act and the "outside director" requirements of Section
162(m) of the Code. In either case, the Committee may be the
Compensation Committee of the Board, or any subcommittee of the
Compensation Committee, provided that the members of the Committee
satisfy the requirements of the previous provisions of this
paragraph. The Board shall have the power to fill vacancies on the
Committee arising by resignation, death, removal or otherwise. The
Board, in its sole discretion, may bifurcate the powers and duties of
the Committee among one or more separate committees, or retain all
powers and duties of the Committee in a single Committee. The members
of the Committee shall serve at the discretion of the Board.
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, the term "Committee" as used
in the Plan with respect to any Incentive Award for an Outside
Director shall refer to the Board. In the case of an Incentive Award
for an Outside Director, the Board shall have all the powers and
responsibilities of the Committee hereunder as to such Incentive
Award, and any actions as to such Incentive Award may be acted upon
only by the Board (unless it otherwise designates in its discretion).
When the Board exercises its authority to act in the capacity as the
Committee hereunder with respect to an Incentive Award for an Outside
Director, it shall so designate with respect to any action that it
undertakes in its capacity as the Committee.
(h) COMMON STOCK. The common stock of the Company, $___ par
value per share, and any class of common stock into which such common
shares may hereafter be converted, reclassified or recapitalized.
(i) COMPANY. _________________________, a corporation
organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, and any successor
in interest thereto.
(j) CONSULTANT. An independent agent, consultant, attorney,
an individual who has agreed to become an Employee, or any other
individual who is not an Outside Director or employee of the Company
(or any Parent or Subsidiary) and who provides ongoing management or
consulting services to the Company (or
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any Parent or Subsidiary).
(k) COVERED EMPLOYEE. Only if the Company is a Publicly Held
Corporation, a named executive officer who is one of the group of
covered employees as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code and
Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(c) (or its successor).
(l) DISABILITY. As determined by the Committee in its
discretion exercised in good faith, a physical or mental condition of
the Employee that would entitle him to payment of disability income
payments under the Company's long term disability insurance policy or
plan for employees, as then effective, if any; or in the event that
the Grantee is not covered, for whatever reason, under the Company's
long-term disability insurance policy or plan, "Disability" means a
permanent and total disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the
Code. A determination of Disability may be made by a physician
selected or approved by the Committee and, in this respect, the
Grantee shall submit to an examination by such physician upon
request.
(m) EMPLOYEE. Any employee of the Company (or any Parent or
Subsidiary) within the meaning of Section 3401(c) of the Code who, in
the opinion of the Committee, is one of a select group of executive
officers, other officers, or other key personnel of the Company (or
any Parent or Subsidiary), who is in a position to contribute
materially to the growth and development and to the financial success
of the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary), including, without
limitation, officers who are members of the Board.
(n) EMPLOYMENT. Employment by the Company (or any Parent or
Subsidiary), or by any corporation issuing or assuming an Incentive
Award in any transaction described in Section 424(a) of the Code, or
by a parent corporation or a subsidiary corporation of such
corporation issuing or assuming such Incentive Award, as the
parent-subsidiary relationship shall be determined at the time of the
corporate action described in Section 424(a) of the Code. In this
regard, neither the transfer of a Grantee from Employment by the
Company to Employment by any Parent or Subsidiary, nor the transfer
of a Grantee from Employment by any Parent or Subsidiary to
Employment by the Company, shall be deemed to be a termination of
Employment of the Grantee. Moreover, the Employment of a Grantee
shall not be deemed to have been terminated because of an approved
leave of absence from active Employment on account of temporary
illness, authorized vacation or granted for reasons of professional
advancement, education,
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health, or government service, or during military leave for any
period (if the Grantee returns to active Employment within 90 days
after the termination of military leave), or during any period
required to be treated as a leave of absence by virtue of any
applicable statute, Company personnel policy or agreement. Whether an
authorized leave of absence shall constitute termination of
Employment hereunder shall be determined by the Committee in its
discretion.
Unless otherwise provided in the Incentive Agreement, the term
"Employment" for purposes of the Plan will also include compensatory
services performed by a Consultant for the Company (or any Parent or
Subsidiary) as well as membership on the Board by an Outside
Director.
(o) EXCHANGE ACT. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(p) FAIR MARKET VALUE. If the Company is not a Publicly Held
Corporation at the time a determination of the Fair Market Value of
the Common Stock is required to be made hereunder, the determination
of Fair Market Value for purposes of the Plan shall be made by the
Committee in its discretion exercised in good faith. In this respect,
the Committee may rely on such financial data, valuations or experts
as it deems advisable under the circumstances.
If the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, the Fair Market Value
of one share of Common Stock on the date in question is deemed to be
(i) the closing sales price of a share of Common Stock as reported on
the principal securities exchange on which Shares are then listed or
admitted to trading, or (ii) if not so reported, the average of the
closing bid and asked prices for a Share as quoted on the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System
("NASDAQ"), or (iii) if not quoted on NASDAQ, the average of the
closing bid and asked prices for a Share as quoted by the National
Quotation Bureau's "Pink Sheets" or the National Association of
Securities Dealers' OTC Bulletin Board System. If there was no public
trade of Common Stock on the date in question, Fair Market Value
shall be determined by reference to the last preceding date on which
such a trade was so reported.
(q) GRANTEE. Any Employee, Consultant or Outside Director who
is granted an Incentive Award under the Plan.
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(r) INCENTIVE AWARD. A grant of an award under the Plan to a
Grantee, including any Nonstatutory Stock Option, Incentive Stock
Option, Reload Option and Stock Appreciation Right.
(s) INCENTIVE AGREEMENT. The written agreement entered into
between the Company and the Grantee setting forth the terms and
conditions pursuant to which an Incentive Award is granted under the
Plan, as such agreement is further defined in Section 3.1(a).
(t) INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION. A Stock Option granted by the
Committee to an Employee under Section 2 which is designated by the
Committee as an Incentive Stock Option and intended to qualify as an
Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code.
(u) INDEPENDENT SAR. A Stock Appreciation Right described in
Section 2.5.
(v) INSIDER. To the extent that the Company is a Publicly
Held Corporation, an individual who is, on the relevant date, an
officer, director or ten percent (10%) beneficial owner of any class
of the Company's equity securities that is registered pursuant to
Section 12 of the Exchange Act, all as defined under Section 16 of
the Exchange Act.
(w) NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION. A Stock Option granted by the
Committee to a Grantee under Section 2 which is not designated by the
Committee as an Incentive Stock Option.
(x) OPTION PRICE. The exercise price at which a Share may be
purchased by the Grantee of a Stock Option.
(y) OUTSIDE DIRECTOR. A member of the Board who is not, at
the time of grant of an Incentive Award, an employee of the Company
or any Parent or Subsidiary.
(z) PARENT. Any corporation (whether now or hereafter
existing) which constitutes a "parent" of the Company, as defined in
Section 424(e) of the Code.
(aa) PLAN. The ___________________________ 1998 Incentive Plan
as set forth herein and as it may be amended from time to time.
(bb) PUBLICLY HELD CORPORATION. A corporation issuing any
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class of common equity securities required to be registered under
Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
(cc) RETIREMENT. The voluntary termination of Employment from
the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary constituting retirement for
age on any date after the Employee attains the normal retirement age
of 65 years, or such other age as may be designated by the Committee
in the Employee's Incentive Agreement..
(dd) SHARE. A share of the Common Stock of the Company.
(ee) SHARE POOL. The number of shares authorized for issuance
under Section 1.4, as adjusted for awards and payouts under Section
1.5 and as adjusted for changes in corporate capitalization under
Section 3.5.
(ff) SPREAD. The difference between the exercise price per
Share specified in any Independent SAR grant and the weighted average
of the Fair Market Value of a Share for the five trading days
immediately preceding the date of exercise of the Independent SAR.
(gg) STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT OR SAR. A Tandem SAR described
in Section 2.4 or an Independent SAR described in Section 2.5.
(hh) STOCK OPTION OR OPTION. Pursuant to Section 2, (i) an
Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee, or (ii) a Nonstatutory
Stock Option granted to an Employee, Consultant or Outside Director,
whereunder such option the Grantee has the right to purchase Shares
of Common Stock. In accordance with Section 422 of the Code, no
Consultant or Outside Director shall be granted an Incentive Stock
Option.
(ii) SUBSIDIARY. Any corporation (whether now or hereafter
existing) which constitutes a "subsidiary" of the Company, as defined
in Section 424(f) of the Code.
(jj) TANDEM SAR. A Stock Appreciation Right that is granted in
connection with a related Stock Option pursuant to Section 2.4, the
exercise of which shall require forfeiture of the right to purchase a
Share under the related Stock Option (and when a Share is purchased
under the Stock Option, the Tandem SAR shall similarly be canceled).
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1.3 PLAN ADMINISTRATION
(a) AUTHORITY OF THE COMMITTEE. Except as may be limited by
law and subject to the provisions herein, the Committee shall have
full power to (i) select Grantees who shall participate in the Plan;
(ii) determine the sizes, duration and types of Incentive Awards;
(iii) determine the terms and conditions of Incentive Awards and
Incentive Agreements; (iv) determine whether any Shares subject to
Incentive Awards will be subject to any restrictions on transfer; (v)
construe and interpret the Plan and any Incentive Agreement or other
agreement entered into under the Plan; and (vi) establish, amend, or
waive rules for the Plan's administration. Further, the Committee
shall make all other determinations which may be necessary or
advisable for the administration of the Plan.
(b) MEETINGS. The Committee shall designate a chairman from
among its members who shall preside at all of its meetings, and shall
designate a secretary, without regard to whether that person is a
member of the Committee, who shall keep the minutes of the
proceedings and all records, documents, and data pertaining to its
administration of the Plan. Meetings shall be held at such times and
places as shall be determined by the Committee and the Committee may
hold telephonic meetings. The Committee may take any action otherwise
proper under the Plan by the affirmative vote, taken with or without
a meeting, of a majority of its members. The Committee may authorize
any one or more of their members or any officer of the Company to
execute and deliver documents on behalf of the Committee.
(c) DECISIONS BINDING. All determinations and decisions made
by the Committee shall be made in its discretion pursuant to the
provisions of the Plan, and shall be final, conclusive and binding on
all persons including the Company, its shareholders, Employees,
Grantees, and their estates and beneficiaries. The Committee's
decisions and determinations with respect to any Incentive Award need
not be uniform and may be made selectively among Incentive Awards and
Grantees, whether or not such Incentive Awards are similar or such
Grantees are similarly situated.
(d) MODIFICATION OF OUTSTANDING INCENTIVE AWARDS. Subject to
the stockholder approval requirements of Section 4.7 if applicable,
the Committee may, in its discretion, provide for the extension of
the exercisability of an Incentive Award, accelerate the vesting or
exercisability of an Incentive Award, eliminate or
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make less restrictive any restrictions contained in an Incentive
Award, waive any restriction or other provisions of an Incentive
Award, or otherwise amend or modify an Incentive Award in any manner
that is either (i) not adverse to the Grantee to whom such Incentive
Award was granted or (ii) consented to by such Grantee. The Committee
may grant an Incentive Award to an individual who it expects to
become an Employee within the next six months, with such Incentive
Award being subject to such individual actually becoming an Employee
within such time period, and subject to such other terms and
conditions as may be established by the Committee in its discretion.
(e) DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY. The Committee may delegate to
the Chief Executive Officer and to other senior officers of the
Company its duties under this Plan pursuant to such conditions or
limitations as the Committee may establish from time to time, except
that, if the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, the Committee
may not delegate to any person the authority to (i) grant Incentive
Awards, or (ii) take any action which would contravene the
requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or the Performance-
Based Exception under Section 162(m) of the Code.
(f) EXPENSES OF COMMITTEE. The Committee may employ legal
counsel, including, without limitation, independent legal counsel and
counsel regularly employed by the Company, and other agents as the
Committee may deem appropriate for the administration of the Plan.
The Committee may rely upon any opinion or computation received from
any such counsel or agent. All expenses incurred by the Committee in
interpreting and administering the Plan, including, without
limitation, meeting expenses and professional fees, shall be paid by
the Company.
(g) SURRENDER OF PREVIOUS INCENTIVE AWARDS. The Committee
may, in its absolute discretion, grant Incentive Awards to Grantees
on the condition that such Grantees surrender to the Committee for
cancellation such other Incentive Awards (including, without
limitation, Incentive Awards with higher exercise prices) as the
Committee directs. Incentive Awards granted on the condition
precedent of surrender of outstanding Incentive Awards shall not
count against the limits set forth in Section 1.4 until such time as
such previous Incentive Awards are surrendered and canceled. Any
decision of the Committee to grant Incentive Awards on such a
condition precedent shall be deemed an amendment to the Plan and
shall be subject to the requirements of Section 4.7 of the Plan
regarding approvals of Regulatory
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Authorities (as defined therein).
(h) INDEMNIFICATION. Each person who is or was a member of
the Committee, or of the Board, shall be indemnified by the Company
against and from any damage, loss, liability, cost and expense that
may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him in connection with
or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he
may be a party or in which he may be involved by reason of any action
taken or failure to act under the Plan, except for any such act or
omission constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence. Such
person shall be indemnified by the Company for all amounts paid by
him in settlement thereof, with the Company's approval, or paid by
him in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or
proceeding against him, provided he shall give the Company an
opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before
he undertakes to handle and defend it on his own behalf. The
foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any
other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled
under the Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter
of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to
indemnify them or hold them harmless.
1.4 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE FOR INCENTIVE AWARDS
Subject to adjustment under Section 3.5, there shall be available for Incentive
Awards under this Plan granted wholly or partly in Common Stock (including
rights or Options that may be exercised for or settled in Common Stock) an
aggregate of 1,800,000 Shares of Common Stock, of which an aggregate of not more
than 500,000 Shares shall be available for Incentive Awards granted to Outside
Directors and the remainder shall be available for Incentive Awards to Employees
and Consultants. No more than 1,800,000 Shares of Common Stock shall be
available for Incentive Stock Options. The number of Shares of Common Stock that
are the subject of Incentive Awards under this Plan, that are forfeited or
terminated, expire unexercised, are settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock or
in a manner such that all or some of the Shares covered by an Incentive Award
are not issued to a Grantee or are exchanged for Incentive Awards that do not
involve Common Stock, shall again immediately become available for Incentive
Awards hereunder. The Committee may from time to time adopt and observe such
procedures concerning the counting of Shares against the Plan maximum as it may
deem appropriate. The Board and the appropriate officers of the Company shall
from time to time take whatever actions are necessary to file any required
documents with governmental authorities, stock exchanges and transaction
reporting systems to ensure that Shares are available for
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issuance pursuant to Incentive Awards.
If the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, then unless and until the
Committee determines that a particular Incentive Award granted to a Covered
Employee is not intended to comply with the Performance-Based Exception, the
following rules shall apply to grants of Incentive Awards to Covered Employees:
(a) Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3.5, the
maximum aggregate number of Shares of Common Stock (including Stock
Options and SARs) that may be granted or that may vest, as
applicable, in any calendar year pursuant to any Incentive Award held
by any individual Covered Employee shall be 500,000 Shares. In
addition, the number of Shares of Common Stock that are subject to
Incentive Awards granted under the Plan to any one Grantee will not
exceed 5% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of Common
Stock.
(b) The maximum aggregate cash payout (in SARs) with respect
to Incentive Awards granted in any calendar year which may be made to
any Covered Employee shall be $5,000,000.
(c) With respect to any Stock Option or Stock Appreciation
Right granted to a Covered Employee that is canceled or repriced, the
number of Shares subject to such Stock Option or Stock Appreciation
Right shall continue to count against the maximum number of Shares
that may be the subject of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights
granted to such Covered Employee hereunder and, in this regard, such
maximum number shall be determined in accordance with Section 162(m)
of the Code.
(d) The limitations of subsections (a), (b) and (c) above
shall be construed and administered so as to comply with the
Performance-Based Exception.
1.5 SHARE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR AWARDS AND PAYOUTS.
The following Incentive Awards and payouts shall reduce, on a one Share for one
Share basis, the number of Shares authorized for issuance under the Share Pool:
(a) Stock Option; and
(b) SAR (except a Tandem SAR).
The following transactions shall restore, on a one Share for one Share
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basis, the number of Shares authorized for issuance under the Share Pool:
(a) A Payout of an SAR or Tandem SAR in the form of cash;
(b) A cancellation, termination, expiration, forfeiture, or
lapse for any reason (with the exception of the termination of a
Tandem SAR upon exercise of the related Stock Option, or the
termination of a related Stock Option upon exercise of the
corresponding Tandem SAR) of any Shares subject to an Incentive
Award; and
(c) Payment of an Option Price with previously acquired
Shares or by withholding Shares which otherwise would be acquired on
exercise (i.e., the Share Pool shall be increased by the number of
Shares turned in or withheld as payment of the Option Price).
1.6 COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE.
The Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan shall be made available
from Shares now or hereafter (i) held in the treasury of the Company or (ii)
authorized but unissued shares. No fractional shares shall be issued under the
Plan; payment for fractional shares shall be made in cash.
1.7 PARTICIPATION
(a) ELIGIBILITY. The Committee shall from time to time
designate those Employees, Consultants and/or Outside Directors, if
any, to be granted Incentive Awards under the Plan, the type of
Incentive Awards granted, the number of Shares, Stock Options, rights
or units, as the case may be, which shall be granted to each such
person, and any other terms or conditions relating to the Incentive
Awards as it may deem appropriate to the extent consistent with the
provisions of the Plan. A Grantee who has been granted an Incentive
Award may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional Incentive
Awards at any time.
(b) INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION ELIGIBILITY. No Consultant or
Outside Director shall be eligible for the grant of any Incentive
Stock Option. In addition, no Employee shall be eligible for the
grant of any Incentive Stock Option who owns or would own immediately
before the grant of such Incentive Stock Option, directly or
indirectly, stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, or any
Parent or Subsidiary. This restriction does
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not apply if, at the time such Incentive Stock Option is granted, the
Incentive Stock Option exercise price is at least one hundred and ten
percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant and the
Incentive Stock Option by its terms is not exercisable after the
expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant. For the purpose
of the immediately preceding sentence, the attribution rules of
Section 424(d) of the Code shall apply for the purpose of determining
an Employee's percentage ownership in the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary. This paragraph shall be construed consistent with the
requirements of Section 422 of the Code.
1.8 TYPES OF INCENTIVE AWARDS
The types of Incentive Awards under the Plan are Stock Options and Stock
Appreciation Rights, or any combination of the foregoing.
1.9 MAXIMUM TERM
The maximum term for any Incentive Award granted under the Plan is ten years
from the date of grant.
SECTION 2.
STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
2.1 GRANT OF STOCK OPTIONS
The Committee is authorized to grant (a) Nonstatutory Stock Options to
Employees, Consultants and/or Outside Directors and (b) Incentive Stock Options
to Employees only, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan, and
with such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as
the Committee shall determine in its discretion. Successive grants may be made
to the same Grantee whether or not any Stock Option previously granted to such
person remains unexercised.
2.2 STOCK OPTION TERMS
(a) WRITTEN AGREEMENT. Each grant of an Stock Option shall be
evidenced by a written Incentive Agreement. Among its other
provisions, each Incentive Agreement shall set forth the extent to
which the Grantee shall have the right to exercise the Stock Option
following termination of the Grantee's Employment. Such provisions
shall be determined in the discretion of the Committee, shall be
included in the Grantee's Incentive
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Agreement, need not be uniform among all Stock Options issued
pursuant to the Plan.
(b) NUMBER OF SHARES. Each Stock Option shall specify the
number of Shares of Common Stock to which it pertains.
(c) EXERCISE PRICE. The exercise price per Share of Common
Stock under each Stock Option shall be determined by the Committee;
provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option,
such exercise price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market
Value per Share on the business day immediately preceding the day the
Incentive Stock Option is granted. To the extent that the Company is
a Publicly Held Corporation and the Stock Option is intended to
qualify for the Performance-Based Exception, the exercise price shall
not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date
the Stock Option is granted. Each Stock Option shall specify the
method of exercise which shall be consistent with the requirements of
Section 2.3(a).
(d) TERM. In the Incentive Agreement, the Committee shall fix
the term of each Stock Option which shall be not more than ten (10)
years from the date of grant. In the event no term is fixed, such
term shall be ten (10) years from the date of grant.
(e) EXERCISE. The Committee shall determine the time or times
at which a Stock Option may be exercised in whole or in part. Each
Stock Option may specify the required period of continuous Employment
and/or the performance objectives to be achieved before the Stock
Option or portion thereof will become exercisable. Each Stock Option,
the exercise of which, or the timing of the exercise of which, is
dependent, in whole or in part, on the achievement of designated
performance objectives, may specify a minimum level of achievement in
respect of the specified performance objectives below which no Stock
Options will be exercisable and a method for determining the number
of Stock Options that will be exercisable if performance is at or
above such minimum but short of full achievement of the performance
objectives. All such terms and conditions shall be set forth in the
Incentive Agreement.
(f) $100,000 ANNUAL LIMIT ON INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS.
Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan, to the extent
that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time the
Incentive Stock Option is granted) of the Shares of Common Stock with
respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the
first time by any Grantee during any single calendar year
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(under the Plan and any other stock option plans of the Company and
its Subsidiaries or Parent) exceeds the sum of $100,000, such
Incentive Stock Option shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock
Option to the extent in excess of the $100,000 limit, and not an
Incentive Stock Option, but all other terms and provisions of such
Stock Option shall remain unchanged. This paragraph shall be applied
by taking Incentive Stock Options into account in the order in which
they are granted and shall be construed in accordance with Section
422(d) of the Code. In the absence of such regulations or other
authority, or if such regulations or other authority require or
permit a designation of the Options which shall cease to constitute
Incentive Stock Options, then Incentive Stock Options, only to the
extent of such excess and in the order in which they were granted,
shall automatically be deemed to be Nonstatutory Stock Options but
all other terms and conditions of such Incentive Stock Options, and
the corresponding Incentive Agreement, shall remain unchanged.
2.3 STOCK OPTION EXERCISES
(a) METHOD OF EXERCISE AND PAYMENT. Stock Options shall be
exercised by the delivery of a signed written notice of exercise to
the Company as of a date set by the Company in advance of the
effective date of the proposed exercise. The notice shall set forth
the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is to be
exercised, accompanied by full payment for the Shares.
The Option Price upon exercise of any Stock Option shall be payable
to the Company in full either: (i) in cash or its equivalent, or (ii)
subject to prior approval by the Committee in its discretion, by
tendering previously acquired Shares having an aggregate Fair Market
Value at the time of exercise equal to the total Option Price
(provided that the Shares which are tendered must have been held for
at least six (6) months prior to their tender to satisfy the Option
Price), or (iii) subject to prior approval by the Committee in its
discretion, by withholding Shares which otherwise would be acquired
on exercise having an aggregate value equal to the total Option
Price, with such value per share being equal to the weighted average
of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock for the five
trading days immediately preceding the exercise of the Option, or
(iv) subject to prior approval by the Committee in its discretion, by
a combination of (i), (ii), and (iii) above. Any payment in Shares of
Common Stock shall be effected by the delivery of such Shares to the
Secretary of the Company, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by
stock powers duly executed in blank, together with any other
documents as the Secretary shall
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require from time to time.
The Committee, in its discretion, also may allow (i) "cashless
exercise" as permitted under Federal Reserve Board's Regulation T, 12
CFR Part 220 (or its successor), and subject to applicable securities
law restrictions and tax withholdings, or (ii) by any other means
which the Committee, in its discretion, determines to be consistent
with the Plan's purpose and applicable law.
As soon as practicable after receipt of a written notification of
exercise and full payment, the Company shall deliver to or on behalf
of the Grantee, in the name of the Grantee or other appropriate
recipient, Share certificates for the number of Shares purchased
under the Stock Option. Such delivery shall be effected for all
purposes when a stock transfer agent of the Company shall have
deposited such certificates in the United States mail, addressed to
Grantee or other appropriate recipient.
During the lifetime of a Grantee, each Option granted to him shall be
exercisable only by the Grantee (or his legal guardian in the event
of his Disability) or by a broker-dealer acting on his behalf
pursuant to a cashless exercise under the foregoing provisions of
this Section 2.3(a). No Option shall be assignable or transferable by
Grantee otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution.
(b) RESTRICTIONS ON SHARE TRANSFERABILITY. The Committee may
impose such restrictions on any Shares acquired pursuant to the
exercise of a Stock Option as it may deem advisable, including,
without limitation, restrictions under (i) any buy/sell agreement or
right of first refusal, (ii) any applicable federal securities laws,
(iii) the requirements of any stock exchange or market upon which
such Shares are then listed and/or traded, or (iv) any blue sky or
state securities law applicable to such Shares. Any certificate
issued to evidence Shares issued upon the exercise of an Incentive
Award may bear such legends and statements as the Committee shall
deem advisable to assure compliance with federal and state laws and
regulations.
Any Grantee or other person exercising an Incentive Award may be
required by the Committee to give a written representation that the
Incentive Award and the Shares subject to the Incentive Award will be
acquired for investment and not with a view to public distribution;
provided, however, that the Committee, in its sole discretion, may
release any person receiving an Incentive Award from any such
representations either prior to or subsequent to the
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exercise of the Incentive Award.
(c) NOTIFICATION OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION OF SHARES FROM
INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. Notwithstanding any other provision of the
Plan, a Grantee who disposes of Shares of Common Stock acquired upon
the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option by a sale or exchange
either (i) within two (2) years after the date of the grant of the
Incentive Stock Option under which the Shares were acquired or (ii)
within one (1) year after the transfer of such Shares to him pursuant
to exercise, shall promptly notify the Company of such disposition,
the amount realized and his adjusted basis in such Shares.
(d) PROCEEDS OF OPTION EXERCISE. The proceeds received by the
Company from the sale of Shares pursuant to Stock Options exercised
under the Plan shall be used for general corporate purposes.
2.4 STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS IN TANDEM WITH NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTIONS
(a) GRANT. The Committee may, at the time of grant of a
Nonstatutory Stock Option, or at any time thereafter during the term
of the Nonstatutory Stock Option, grant Stock Appreciation Rights
with respect to all or any portion of the Shares of Common Stock
covered by such Nonstatutory Stock Option. A Stock Appreciation Right
in tandem with a Nonstatutory Stock Option is referred to herein as a
"Tandem SAR."
(b) GENERAL PROVISIONS. The terms and conditions of each
Tandem SAR shall be evidenced by an Incentive Agreement. The Option
Price per Share of a Tandem SAR shall be fixed in the Incentive
Agreement and shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of
the exercise price per share of the Nonstatutory Stock Option to
which it relates.
(c) EXERCISE. A Tandem SAR may be exercised at any time the
Nonstatutory Stock Option to which it relates is then exercisable,
but only to the extent such Nonstatutory Stock Option is exercisable,
and shall otherwise be subject to the conditions applicable to such
Nonstatutory Stock Option. When a Tandem SAR is exercised, the
Nonstatutory Stock Option to which it relates shall terminate to the
extent of the number of Shares with respect to which the Tandem SAR
is exercised. Similarly, when a Nonstatutory Stock Option is
exercised, the Tandem SARs relating to the Shares covered by such
Nonstatutory Stock Option exercise
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shall terminate. Any Tandem SAR which is outstanding on the last day
of the term of the related Nonstatutory Stock Option shall be
automatically exercised on such date for cash, without the need for
any action by the Grantee, to the extent of any Appreciation.
(d) SETTLEMENT. Upon exercise of a Tandem SAR, the holder
shall receive, for each Share with respect to which the Tandem SAR is
exercised, an amount equal to the Appreciation. The Appreciation
shall be payable in cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, as
specified in the Incentive Agreement (or in the discretion of the
Committee if not so specified). The Appreciation shall be paid within
30 calendar days of the exercise of the Tandem SAR. The number of
Shares of Common Stock which shall be issuable upon exercise of a
Tandem SAR shall be determined by dividing (1) by (2), where (1) is
the number of Shares as to which the Tandem SAR is exercised
multiplied by the Appreciation in such shares and (2) is the Fair
Market Value of a Share on the exercise date.
2.5 STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS INDEPENDENT OF NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTIONS
(a) GRANT. The Committee may grant Stock Appreciation Rights
independent of Nonstatutory Stock Options ("Independent SARs").
(b) GENERAL PROVISIONS. The terms and conditions of each
Independent SAR shall be evidenced by an Incentive Agreement. The
exercise price per share of Common Stock shall be not less than one
hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common
Stock on the business day immediately preceding the day of grant of
the Independent SAR. The term of an Independent SAR shall be
determined by the Committee.
(c) EXERCISE. Independent SARs shall be exercisable at such
time and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall
specify in the Incentive Agreement for the Independent SAR grant.
(d) SETTLEMENT. Upon exercise of an Independent SAR, the
holder shall receive, for each Share specified in the Independent SAR
grant, an amount equal to the Spread. The Spread shall be payable in
cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, in the discretion of
the Committee or as specified in the Incentive Agreement. The Spread
shall be paid within 30 calendar days of the exercise of the
Independent SAR. The number of Shares of
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Common Stock which shall be issuable upon exercise of an Independent
SAR shall be determined by dividing (1) by (2), where (1) is the
number of Shares as to which the Independent SAR is exercised
multiplied by the Spread in such Shares and (2) is the Fair Market
Value of a Share on the exercise date.
2.6 RELOAD OPTIONS
At the discretion of the Committee, the Grantee may be granted under an
Incentive Agreement, replacement Stock Options that permit the Grantee to
purchase an additional number of Shares equal to the number of previously owned
Shares surrendered by the Grantee to pay all or a portion of the Option Price
upon exercise of his Stock Options. All such replacement Stock Options shall
have an exercise price of not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share
on the business day immediately preceding the day of grant of such replacement
Stock Options.
SECTION 3.
PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLAN PARTICIPATION
3.1 PLAN CONDITIONS
(a) INCENTIVE AGREEMENT. Each Grantee to whom an Incentive
Award is granted shall be required to enter into an Incentive
Agreement with the Company, in such a form as is provided by the
Committee. The Incentive Agreement shall contain specific terms as
determined by the Committee, in its discretion, with respect to the
Grantee's particular Incentive Award. Such terms need not be uniform
among all Grantees or any similarly- situated Grantees. The Incentive
Agreement may include, without limitation, vesting, forfeiture and
other provisions particular to the particular Grantee's Incentive
Award, as well as, for example, provisions to the effect that the
Grantee (i) shall not disclose any confidential information acquired
during Employment with the Company, (ii) shall abide by all the terms
and conditions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as may
be imposed by the Committee, (iii) shall not interfere with the
employment or other service of any employee, (iv) shall not compete
with the Company or become involved in a conflict of interest with
the interests of the Company, (v) shall forfeit an Incentive Award if
terminated for Cause, (vi) shall not be permitted to make an election
under Section 83(b) of the Code when applicable, and (vii) shall be
subject to any other agreement between the Grantee and the Company
regarding Shares that may be acquired under an
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Incentive Award including, without limitation, an agreement
restricting the transferability of Shares by Grantee. An Incentive
Agreement shall include such terms and conditions as are determined
by the Committee, in its discretion, to be appropriate with respect
to any individual Grantee. The Incentive Agreement shall be signed by
the Grantee to whom the Incentive Award is made and by an Authorized
Officer.
(b) NO RIGHT TO EMPLOYMENT. Nothing in the Plan or any
instrument executed pursuant to the Plan shall create any Employment
rights (including without limitation, rights to continued Employment)
in any Grantee or affect the right of the Company to terminate the
Employment of any Grantee at any time without regard to the existence
of the Plan.
(c) SECURITIES REQUIREMENTS. The Company shall be under no
obligation to effect the registration pursuant to the Securities Act
of 1933 of any Shares of Common Stock to be issued hereunder or to
effect similar compliance under any state laws. Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated
to cause to be issued or delivered any certificates evidencing Shares
pursuant to the Plan unless and until the Company is advised by its
counsel that the issuance and delivery of such certificates is in
compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental
authorities, and the requirements of any securities exchange on which
Shares are traded. The Committee may require, as a condition of the
issuance and delivery of certificates evidencing Shares of Common
Stock pursuant to the terms hereof, that the recipient of such Shares
make such covenants, agreements and representations, and that such
certificates bear such legends, as the Committee, in its discretion,
deems necessary or desirable.
If the Shares issuable on exercise of an Incentive Award are not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the Company may imprint
on the certificate for such Shares the following legend or any other
legend which counsel for the Company considers necessary or advisable
to comply with the Securities Act of 1933:
THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED BY
THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933 OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF
ANY STATE AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR
TRANSFERRED EXCEPT UPON
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SUCH REGISTRATION OR UPON RECEIPT BY
THE CORPORATION OF AN OPINION OF
COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE
CORPORATION, IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE
SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION, THAT
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR SUCH
SALE OR TRANSFER.
The Shares issuable on exercise of an Incentive Award shall bear the
restrictive legends required by the rules of any stock exchange
outside of the United States on which the Shares are traded from time
to time, including the following:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS
CERTIFICATE ARE LISTED ON THE TORONTO
STOCK EXCHANGE, HOWEVER, SAID
SECURITIES CANNOT BE TRADED THROUGH
THE FACILITIES OF SUCH EXCHANGE SINCE
THEY ARE NOT FREELY TRANSFERABLE, AND
CONSEQUENTLY ANY CERTIFICATE
REPRESENTING SUCH SECURITIES IS NOT
"GOOD DELIVERY" IN SETTLEMENT OF
TRANSACTIONS ON THE TORONTO STOCK
EXCHANGE.
3.2 TRANSFERABILITY
(a) NON-TRANSFERABLE AWARDS AND OPTIONS. No Incentive Award
and no right under the Plan, contingent or otherwise, will be (i)
assignable, saleable, or otherwise transferable by a Grantee except
by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, or (ii) subject
to any encumbrance, pledge, lien, assignment or charge of any nature.
No transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution shall
be effective to bind the Company unless the Committee has been
furnished with a copy of the deceased Grantee's enforceable will or
such other evidence as the Committee deems necessary to establish the
validity of the transfer. Any attempted transfer in violation of this
Section 3.2(a) shall be void and ineffective.
(b) ABILITY TO EXERCISE RIGHTS. Subject to a beneficiary
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designation pursuant to Section 4.5, only the Grantee (or his legal
guardian in the event of Grantee's Disability), or in the event of
his death, his estate, may exercise Stock Options, receive cash
payments and deliveries of Shares, and otherwise assume the rights of
the Grantee.
3.3 RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER
(a) NO STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS. A Grantee of an Incentive Award
(or a permitted transferee of such Grantee) shall have no rights as a
stockholder with respect to any Shares of Common Stock until the
issuance of a stock certificate for such Shares.
(b) REPRESENTATION OF OWNERSHIP. In the case of the exercise
of an Incentive Award by a person or estate acquiring the right to
exercise such Incentive Award by reason of the death or Disability of
a Grantee, the Committee may require reasonable evidence as to the
ownership of such Incentive Award or the authority of such person and
may require such consents and releases of taxing authorities as the
Committee may deem advisable.
3.4 LISTING AND REGISTRATION OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
The exercise of any Incentive Award granted hereunder shall only be effective at
such time as counsel to the Company shall have determined that the issuance and
delivery of Shares of Common Stock pursuant to such exercise is in compliance
with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authorities and the
requirements of any securities exchange on which Shares of Common Stock are
traded. The Committee may, in its discretion, defer the effectiveness of any
exercise of an Incentive Award in order to allow the issuance of Shares of
Common Stock to be made pursuant to registration or an exemption from
registration or other methods for compliance available under federal or state
securities laws. The Committee shall inform the Grantee in writing of its
decision to defer the effectiveness of the exercise of an Incentive Award.
During the period that the effectiveness of the exercise of an Incentive Award
has been deferred, the Grantee may, by written notice to the Committee, withdraw
such exercise and obtain the refund of any amount paid with respect thereto.
3.5 CHANGE IN STOCK AND ADJUSTMENTS
(a) CHANGES IN LAW OR CIRCUMSTANCES. Subject to Section 3.7
(which only applies in the event of a Change in Control), in the
event of any change in applicable laws or any change in circumstances
which results in or would result in any dilution of
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the rights granted under the Plan, or which otherwise warrants
equitable adjustment because it interferes with the intended
operation of the Plan, then, if the Committee should determine, in
its absolute discretion, that such change equitably requires an
adjustment in the number or kind of shares of stock or other
securities or property theretofore subject, or which may become
subject, to issuance or transfer under the Plan or in the terms and
conditions of outstanding Incentive Awards, such adjustment shall be
made in accordance with such determination. Such adjustments may
include changes with respect to (i) the aggregate number of Shares
that may be issued under the Plan, (ii) the number of Shares subject
to Incentive Awards, and (iii) the price per Share for outstanding
Incentive Awards. Any adjustment under this paragraph of an
outstanding Incentive Stock Option shall be made only to the extent
not constituting a "modification" within the meaning of Section
424(h)(3) of the Code unless otherwise agreed to by the Grantee in
writing. The Committee shall give notice to each applicable Grantee
of such adjustment which shall be effective and binding.
(b) EXERCISE OF CORPORATE POWERS. The existence of the Plan
or outstanding Incentive Awards hereunder shall not affect in any way
the right or power of the Company or its stockholders to make or
authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalization, reorganization or
other changes in the Company's capital structure or its business or
any merger or consolidation of the Company, or any issue of bonds,
debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks ahead of or
affecting the Common Stock or the rights thereof, or the dissolution
or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any
part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or
proceeding whether of a similar character or otherwise.
(c) RECAPITALIZATION OF THE COMPANY. Subject to Section 3.7,
if while there are Incentive Awards outstanding, the Company shall
effect any subdivision or consolidation of Shares of Common Stock or
other capital readjustment, the payment of a stock dividend, stock
split, combination of Shares, recapitalization or other increase or
reduction in the number of Shares outstanding, without receiving
compensation therefor in money, services or property, then the number
of Shares available under the Plan and the number of Incentive Awards
which may thereafter be exercised shall (i) in the event of an
increase in the number of Shares outstanding, be proportionately
increased and the Fair Market Value of the Incentive Awards awarded
shall be proportionately reduced; and (ii) in the event of a
reduction in the number of
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Shares outstanding, be proportionately reduced, and the Fair Market
Value of the Incentive Awards awarded shall be proportionately
increased. The Committee shall take such action and whatever other
action it deems appropriate, in its discretion, so that the value of
each outstanding Incentive Award to the Grantee shall not be
adversely affected by a corporate event described in this subsection
(c).
(d) REORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY. Subject to Section .4, if
the Company is reorganized, merged or consolidated, or is a party to
a plan of exchange with another corporation, pursuant to which
reorganization, merger, consolidation or exchange, stockholders of
the Company receive any Shares of Common Stock or other securities or
property, or if the Company should distribute securities of another
corporation to its stockholders, each Grantee shall be entitled to
receive, in lieu of the number of unexercised Incentive Awards
previously awarded, the number of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation
Rights with a corresponding adjustment to the Fair Market Value of
said Incentive Awards, to which he would have been entitled if,
immediately prior to such corporate action, such Grantee had been the
holder of record of a number of Shares equal to the number of the
outstanding Incentive Awards payable in Shares that were previously
awarded to him. In this regard, the Committee shall take whatever
other action it deems appropriate to preserve the rights of Grantees
holding outstanding Incentive Awards.
(e) ISSUE OF COMMON STOCK BY THE COMPANY. Except as
hereinabove expressly provided in this Section 3.5 and subject to
Section 3.7, the issue by the Company of shares of stock of any
class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
for cash or property, or for labor or services, either upon direct
sale or upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe
therefor, or upon any conversion of shares or obligations of the
Company convertible into such shares or other securities, shall not
affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with
respect to, the number of, or Fair Market Value of, any Incentive
Awards then outstanding under previously granted Incentive Awards.
(f) ACQUISITION OF THE COMPANY. Subject to Section 3.7, in
the case of any sale of assets, merger, consolidation or combination
of the Company with or into another corporation other than a
transaction in which the Company is the continuing or surviving
corporation and which does not result in the outstanding Shares being
converted into or exchanged for different securities, cash or other
property, or any combination thereof (an "Acquisition"), in
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the absolute discretion of the Committee, any Grantee who holds an
outstanding Incentive Award shall have the right (subject to any
limitation applicable to the Incentive Award) thereafter and during
the term of the Incentive Award, to receive upon exercise thereof the
Acquisition Consideration (as defined below) receivable upon the
Acquisition by a holder of the number of Shares which would have been
obtained upon exercise of the Incentive Award immediately prior to
the Acquisition. The term "Acquisition Consideration" shall mean the
kind and amount of shares of the surviving or new corporation, cash,
securities, evidence of indebtedness, other property or any
combination thereof receivable in respect of one Share upon
consummation of an Acquisition. The Committee, in its discretion,
shall have the authority to take whatever action it deems appropriate
to effectuate the provisions of this subsection (f).
(g) ASSUMPTION OF OUTSTANDING INCENTIVE AWARDS UNDER THE
PLAN. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the
Committee, in its absolute discretion, may authorize the assumption
and continuation under the Plan of outstanding and unexercised stock
options or other types of stock-based incentive awards that were
granted under a stock option plan (or other type of stock incentive
plan or agreement) that is or was maintained by a corporation or
other entity that was merged into, consolidated with, or whose stock
or assets were acquired by, the Company as the surviving corporation.
Any such action shall be upon such terms and conditions as the
Committee, in its discretion, may deem appropriate, including
provisions to preserve the holder's rights under the previously
granted and unexercised stock option or other stock-based incentive
award, such as, for example, retaining an existing exercise price
under an outstanding stock option. Any such assumption and
continuation of any such previously granted and unexercised incentive
award shall be treated as an outstanding Incentive Award under the
Plan and shall thus count against the number of Shares reserved for
issuance pursuant to Section 1.4. With respect to an incentive stock
option (as described in Section 422 of the Code) subject to this
subsection (g), no adjustment to such option shall be made to the
extent constituting a "modification" within the meaning of Section
424(h)(3) of the Code unless otherwise agreed to by the optionee in
writing.
(h) ASSUMPTION OF INCENTIVE AWARDS BY A SUCCESSOR. In the
event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, a sale of all
or substantially all of the Company's assets, a merger or
consolidation involving
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the Company in which the Company is not the surviving corporation, or
a merger or consolidation involving the Company in which the Company
is the surviving corporation but the holders of Shares of Common
Stock receive securities of another corporation and/or other
property, including cash, the Committee shall, in its absolute
discretion, have the right and power to:
(i)cancel, effective immediately prior to the
occurrence of such corporate event, each outstanding
Incentive Award (whether or not then exercisable), and, in
full consideration of such cancellation, pay to the Grantee
to whom such Incentive Award was granted an amount in cash
equal to the excess of (A) the value, as determined by the
Committee, in its absolute discretion, of the property
(including cash) received by the holder of a Share of
Common Stock as a result of such event over (B) the
exercise price of such Incentive Award, if any; or
(ii)provide for the exchange of each Incentive Award
outstanding immediately prior to such corporate event
(whether or not then exercisable) for an incentive award on
some or all of the property for which such Incentive Award
is exchanged and, incident thereto, make an equitable
adjustment as determined by the Committee, in its absolute
discretion, in the exercise price of the incentive award,
if any, or the number of shares or amount of property
(including cash) subject to the incentive award or, if
appropriate, provide for a cash payment to the Grantee to
whom such Incentive Award was granted in consideration for
the exchange of the Incentive Award.
The Committee, in its discretion, shall have the authority to take
whatever action it deems appropriate to effectuate the provisions of
this subsection (h).
3.6 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT, DEATH, DISABILITY AND RETIREMENT
(a) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Unless otherwise expressly
provided in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement, if the Grantee's
Employment is terminated for any reason other than due to his death,
Disability, Retirement or for Cause, any non-vested portion of any
Stock Option or other applicable Incentive Award at the time of such
termination shall automatically expire and terminate and no further
vesting shall occur. In such event, except as otherwise expressly
provided in his Incentive Agreement, the Grantee shall be entitled to
exercise his rights only with respect to the portion of the Incentive
Award that was vested as of the
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termination date for a period that shall end on the earlier of (i)
the expiration date set forth in the Incentive Agreement with respect
to the vested portion of such Incentive Award or (ii) the date that
occurs ninety (90) calendar days after his termination date.
(b) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR CAUSE. Unless otherwise
expressly provided in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement, in the event
of the termination of a Grantee's Employment for Cause, all vested
and non-vested Stock Options and other Incentive Awards granted to
such Grantee shall immediately expire, and shall not be exercisable,
as of the commencement of business on the date of such termination.
(c) RETIREMENT. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the
Grantee's Incentive Agreement, upon the Retirement of any Employee
who is a Grantee:
(i)any non-vested portion of any outstanding Option or
other Incentive Award shall immediately terminate and no
further vesting shall occur; and
(ii)any vested Option or other Incentive Award shall
expire on the earlier of (A) the expiration date set forth
in the Incentive Agreement for such Incentive Award; or (B)
the expiration of (1) one year after the date of Retirement
in the case of any Incentive Award other than an Incentive
Stock Option, or (2) three months after the date of
Retirement in the case of an Incentive Stock Option.
(d) DISABILITY OR DEATH. Unless otherwise expressly provided
in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement, upon termination of Employment
as a result of the Grantee's Disability or death:
(i)any nonvested portion of any outstanding Option or
other applicable Incentive Award shall immediately
terminate upon termination of Employment, as applicable,
and no further vesting shall occur; and
(ii)any vested Incentive Award shall expire upon the
earlier of either (A) the expiration date set forth in the
Incentive Agreement or (B) the first anniversary of the
Grantee's termination of Employment, as applicable, as a
result of his Disability or death.
In the case of any vested Incentive Stock Option held by an Employee
following termination of Employment, notwithstanding
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the definition of "Disability" in Section 1.2, whether the Employee
has incurred a "Disability" for purposes of determining the length of
the Option exercise period following termination of Employment under
this paragraph (d) shall be determined by reference to Section
22(e)(3) of the Code to the extent required by Section 422(c)(6) of
the Code. The Committee shall determine whether a Disability for
purposes of this subsection (d) has occurred.
(e) CONTINUATION. Subject to the conditions and limitations
of the Plan and applicable law and regulation in the event that a
Grantee ceases to be an Employee, Outside Director or Consultant, as
applicable, for whatever reason, the Committee and Grantee may
mutually agree with respect to any outstanding Option or other
Incentive Award then held by the Grantee (i) for an acceleration or
other adjustment in any vesting schedule applicable to the Incentive
Award, (ii) for a continuation of the exercise period following
termination for a longer period than is otherwise provided under such
Incentive Award, or (iii) to any other change in the terms and
conditions of the Incentive Award. In the event of any such change to
an outstanding Inventive Award, a written amendment to the Grantee's
Incentive Agreement shall be required.
3.7 CHANGE IN CONTROL
Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan, in the event of a Change in
Control (as defined below), all of the Stock Options and Stock Appreciation
Rights then outstanding shall become 100% vested and immediately and fully
exercisable as of the day immediately preceding the Change in Control date
unless expressly provided otherwise in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, unless expressly provided
otherwise in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement, the provisions of this Section
3.7 may not be terminated, amended, or modified to adversely affect any
Incentive Award theretofore granted under the Plan without the prior written
consent of the Grantee with respect to his outstanding Incentive Awards subject,
however, to the last paragraph of this Section 3.7.
For all purposes of this Plan, a "CHANGE IN CONTROL" of the Company shall mean:
(a) The acquisition by an individual, entity or group (within
the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act (a
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"PERSON") of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3
promulgated under the Exchange Act) of thirty percent (30%) or more
of the total voting power of all the Company's then outstanding
securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors to
the Board; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection
(a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in
Control: (i) any acquisition by the Company or its Parent or
Subsidiaries, (ii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or
related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or its Parent
or Subsidiaries, or (iii) any acquisition consummated with the prior
approval of the Board.
(b) During the period of two consecutive calendar years,
individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board,
and any new director(s) whose election by the Board or nomination for
election by the Company's shareholders was approved by a vote of at
least two-thirds of the directors then still in office, who either
were directors at the beginning of the two-year period or whose
election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease
for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board; or
(c) The Company becomes a party to a merger, plan of
reorganization, consolidation or share exchange in which either (i)
the Company will not be the surviving corporation or (ii) the Company
will be the surviving corporation and any outstanding shares of the
Company's common stock will be converted into shares of any other
company (other than a reincorporation or the establishment of a
holding company involving no change of ownership of the Company) or
other securities, cash or other property (excluding payments made
solely for fractional shares); or
(d) The shareholders of the Company approve a merger, plan of
reorganization, consolidation or share exchange with any other
corporation, and immediately following such merger, plan of
reorganization, consolidation or share exchange the holders of the
voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior
thereto hold securities representing fifty percent (50%) or less of
the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or
such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger, plan
of reorganization, consolidation or share exchange; provided,
however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, no Change in Control
shall be deemed to have occurred if one-half (1/2) or more of the
members of the Board of the Company or such surviving entity
immediately after such merger, plan of reorganization, consolidation
or share exchange is comprised of
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persons who served as directors of the Company immediately prior to
such merger, plan of reorganization, consolidation or share exchange
or who are otherwise designees of the Company; or
(e) Upon approval by the Company's stockholders of a complete
liquidation and dissolution of the Company or the sale or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company
other than to a Parent or Subsidiary; or
(f) Any other event that a majority of the Board, in its sole
discretion, shall determine constitutes a Change in Control.
Notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the foregoing events of this Section
3.7 which would otherwise result in a Change in Control, the Board may determine
in its discretion, if it deems it to be in the best interest of the Company,
that an event or events otherwise constituting a Change in Control shall not be
considered a Change in Control. Such determination shall be effective only if it
is made by the Board prior to the occurrence of an event that otherwise would be
or probably would lead to a Change in Control; or after such event if made by
the Board a majority of which is composed of directors who were members of the
Board immediately prior to the event that otherwise would be or probably would
lead to a Change in Control.
3.8 EXCHANGE OF INCENTIVE AWARDS
The Committee may, in its discretion, permit any Grantee to surrender
outstanding Incentive Awards in order to exercise or realize his rights under
other Incentive Awards or in exchange for the grant of new Incentive Awards, or
require holders of Incentive Awards to surrender outstanding Incentive Awards
(or comparable rights under other plans or arrangements) as a condition
precedent to the grant of new Incentive Awards.
3.9 FINANCING
The Company may extend and maintain, or arrange for and guarantee, the extension
and maintenance of financing to any Grantee to purchase Shares pursuant to
exercise of an Incentive Award upon such terms as are approved by the Committee
in its discretion.
SECTION 4.
GENERAL
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4.1 EFFECTIVE DATE AND GRANT PERIOD
This Plan is adopted by the Board effective as of __________, 1998 (the
"EFFECTIVE DATE"), and was approved by the stockholders of the Company on
_____________, 1998. Incentive Awards may be granted under the Plan at any time
prior to receipt of such stockholder approval; provided, however, if the
requisite stockholder approval is not obtained then any Incentive Awards granted
hereunder shall automatically become null and void and of no force or effect.
Unless sooner terminated by the Board, no Incentive Award shall be granted under
the Plan after ten (10) years from the Effective Date.
4.2 FUNDING AND LIABILITY OF COMPANY
No provision of the Plan shall require the Company, for the purpose of
satisfying any obligations under the Plan, to purchase assets or place any
assets in a trust or other entity to which contributions are made, or otherwise
to segregate any assets. In addition, the Company shall not be required to
maintain separate bank accounts, books, records or other evidence of the
existence of a segregated or separately maintained or administered fund for
purposes of the Plan. Although bookkeeping accounts may be established with
respect to Grantees who are entitled to cash, Common Stock or rights thereto
under the Plan, any such accounts shall be used merely as a bookkeeping
convenience. The Company shall not be required to segregate any assets that may
at any time be represented by cash, Common Stock or rights thereto. The Plan
shall not be construed as providing for such segregation, nor shall the Company,
the Board or the Committee be deemed to be a trustee of any cash, Common Stock
or rights thereto. Any liability or obligation of the Company to any Grantee
with respect to an Incentive Award shall be based solely upon any contractual
obligations that may be created by this Plan and any Incentive Agreement, and no
such liability or obligation of the Company shall be deemed to be secured by any
pledge or other encumbrance on any property of the Company. Neither the Company,
the Board nor the Committee shall be required to give any security or bond for
the performance of any obligation that may be created by the Plan.
4.3 WITHHOLDING TAXES
(a) TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company shall have the power and the
right to deduct or withhold, or require a Grantee to remit to the
Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local
taxes, domestic or foreign, required by law or regulation to be
withheld with respect to any taxable event arising as a result of the
Plan or an Incentive Award hereunder.
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(b) SHARE WITHHOLDING. With respect to tax withholding
required upon the exercise of Stock Options or SARs or upon any other
taxable event arising as a result of any Incentive Awards, Grantees
may elect, subject to the approval of the Committee in its
discretion, to satisfy the withholding requirement, in whole or in
part, by having the Company withhold Shares having a Fair Market
Value on the date the tax is to be determined equal to the minimum
statutory total tax which could be imposed on the transaction. All
such elections shall be made in writing, signed by the Grantee, and
shall be subject to any restrictions or limitations that the
Committee, in its discretion, deems appropriate.
(c) INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. With respect to Shares received
by a Grantee pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option,
if such Grantee disposes of any such Shares within (i) two years from
the date of grant of such Option or (ii) one year after the transfer
of such shares to the Grantee, the Company shall have the right to
withhold from any salary, wages or other compensation payable by the
Company to the Grantee an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state
and local tax withholding requirements attributable to such
disqualifying disposition.
(d) LOANS. The Committee may provide for loans, on either a
short term or demand basis, from the Company to a Grantee who is an
Employee or Consultant to permit the payment of taxes required by
law.
4.4 NO GUARANTEE OF TAX CONSEQUENCES
Neither the Company nor the Committee makes any commitment or guarantee that any
federal, state or local tax treatment will apply or be available to any person
participating or eligible to participate hereunder.
4.5 DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY BY PARTICIPANT
Each Grantee may, from time to time, name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who
may be named contingently or successively) to whom any benefit under the Plan is
to be paid in case of his death before he receives any or all of such benefit.
Each such designation shall revoke all prior designations by the same Grantee,
shall be in a form prescribed by the Committee, and will be effective only when
filed by the Grantee in writing with the Committee during the Grantee's
lifetime. In the absence of any such designation, benefits remaining unpaid at
the Grantee's death shall be paid to the Grantee's estate.
4.6 DEFERRALS
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The Committee may permit a Grantee to defer such Grantee's receipt of the
payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would, otherwise be due to such
Grantee by virtue of the lapse or waiver of restrictions with respect to
Restricted Stock, or the satisfaction of any requirements or goals with respect
to Performance Units, Performance Shares or Other Stock-Based Awards. If any
such deferral election is permitted, the Committee shall, in its discretion,
establish rules and procedures for such payment deferrals to the extent
consistent with the Code.
4.7 AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
The Board shall have complete power and authority to terminate or amend the Plan
at any time; provided, however, that the Board shall not, without the approval
of the stockholders of the Company within the time period required by applicable
law, (a) except as provided in Section 3.5, increase the maximum number of
Shares which may be issued under the Plan pursuant to Section 1.4, (b) amend the
requirements as to the class of Employees eligible to purchase Common Stock
under the Plan, (c) to the extent applicable, increase the maximum limits on
Incentive Awards to Covered Employees as set for compliance with the
Performance-Based Exception, (d) extend the term of the Plan, or (e) to the
extent applicable, decrease the authority granted to the Committee under the
Plan in contravention of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.
No termination, amendment, or modification of the Plan shall adversely affect in
any material way any outstanding Incentive Award previously granted to a Grantee
under the Plan, without the written consent of such Grantee or other designated
holder of such Incentive Award.
This Plan and any amendments hereto are subject to all necessary approvals of
the applicable "Regulatory Authorities" and stockholders. "Regulatory
Authorities" means all stock exchanges and other organized trading facilities on
which the Shares are listed and all securities commissions or similar securities
regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over the Company. To the extent that the
Committee determines that (a) the listing or qualification requirements of any
Regulatory Authority, or (b) the Code (or regulations promulgated thereunder),
require stockholder approval in order to maintain compliance with such listing
or qualification requirements or to maintain any favorable tax advantages or
qualifications, then the Plan shall not be amended in such respect without
approval of such Regulatory Authority and/or the Company's stockholders.
4.8 REQUIREMENTS OF LAW
The granting of Incentive Awards and the issuance of Shares under the
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Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to
such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as
may be required. Certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered under
this Plan (to the extent that such shares are so evidenced) may be subject to
such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem
advisable under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, any securities exchange or transaction reporting system upon which
the Common Stock is then listed or to which it is admitted for quotation, and
any applicable federal or state securities law, if applicable. The Committee may
cause a legend or legends to be placed upon such certificates (if any) to make
appropriate reference to such restrictions.
4.9 RULE 16b-3 SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE
With respect to Insiders to the extent applicable, transactions under the Plan
are intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 under the
Exchange Act. Any ambiguities or inconsistencies in the construction of an
Incentive Award or the Plan shall be interpreted to give effect to such
intention. However, to the extent any provision of the Plan or action by the
Committee fails to so comply, it shall be deemed null and void to the extent
permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Committee in its discretion.
4.10 COMPLIANCE WITH CODE SECTION 162(m)
If the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, then unless otherwise determined
by the Committee with respect to any particular Incentive Award, it is intended
that the Plan comply fully with and meet all the requirements of Section 162(m)
of the Code so that any applicable types of Incentive Awards that are granted to
Covered Employees shall qualify for the Performance-Based Exception. If any
provision of the Plan or an Incentive Agreement would disqualify the Plan or
would not otherwise permit the Plan or Incentive Award to comply with the
Performance-Based Exception as so intended, such provision shall be construed or
deemed amended to conform to the requirements of the Performance-Based Exception
to the extent permitted by applicable law and deemed advisable by the Committee;
provided that no such construction or amendment shall have an adverse effect on
the prior grant of an Incentive Award or the economic value to a Grantee of any
outstanding Incentive Award.
4.11 SUCCESSORS
All obligations of the Company under the Plan with respect to Incentive Awards
granted hereunder shall be binding on any successor to the
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Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or
indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially
all of the business and/or assets of the Company.
4.12 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
(a) No Employee, Consultant, Outside Director, or other
person shall have any claim or right to be granted an Incentive Award
under the Plan. Neither the Plan, nor any action taken hereunder,
shall be construed as giving any Employee, Consultant, or Outside
Director any right to be retained in the Employment or other service
of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary.
(b) No Shares of Common Stock shall be issued hereunder
unless counsel for the Company is then reasonably satisfied that such
issuance will be in compliance with federal and state securities
laws, if applicable.
(c) The expenses of the Plan shall be borne by the Company.
(d) By accepting any Incentive Award, each Grantee and each
person claiming by or through him shall be deemed to have indicated
his acceptance of the Plan.
4.13 SEVERABILITY
In the event that any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal, invalid or
unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be fully severable, but shall
not affect the remaining provisions of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed
and enforced as if the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision was not
included herein.
4.14 GENDER, TENSE AND HEADINGS
Whenever the context so requires, words of the masculine gender used herein
shall include the feminine and neuter, and words used in the singular shall
include the plural. Section headings as used herein are inserted solely for
convenience and reference and constitute no part of the interpretation or
construction of the Plan.
4.15 GOVERNING LAW
The Plan shall be interpreted, construed and constructed in accordance with the
laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its conflicts of law provisions,
except as may be superseded by applicable laws of the
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United States.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, ________________________ has caused this Plan to be duly
executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized officer.
ATTEST:__________________________
By:______________________________ By:______________________________
Name:____________________________ Name:____________________________
Title:___________________________ Title:___________________________
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APPENDIX G
MERGER AGREEMENT
<PAGE> 215
SCHEDULE G
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> 216
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> 217
<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> 218
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> 219
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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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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<PAGE> 245
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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<PAGE> 246
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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<PAGE> 247
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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<PAGE> 248
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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<PAGE> 249
By:
Name:
Title:
DEXCO ENERGY, INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
AMERICAN EXPLORER, L.L.C.
By:
Name:
Title:
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<PAGE> 250
PART II - INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20 - INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Under the Canada Business Corporations Act ("CBCA"), except in respect of an
action by or on behalf of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favour, a
corporation may indemnify a director or officer of the corporation, a former
director or officer of the corporation or a person who acts or acted at the
corporation's request as a director or officer of a body corporate of which the
corporation is or was a shareholder or creditor, and his heirs and legal
representatives (a "Person"), against all costs, charges and expenses, including
an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by
him in respect of any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to
which he is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer
of such corporation or body corporate, if
(a) he acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best
interests of the corporation; and
(b) in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding
that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he had reasonable grounds for
believing that his conduct was lawful.
As well, a corporation may with the approval of a court indemnify a Person in
respect of an action by or on behalf of the corporation or body corporate to
procure a judgment in its favour, to which he is made a party by reason of being
or having been a director or an officer of the corporation or body corporate,
against all costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by him in connection
with such action if he fulfils the conditions set out in paragraphs (a) and (b)
above.
Notwithstanding anything set forth above under this heading, a Person is
entitled to indemnity from the corporation in respect of all costs, charges and
expenses reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defence of any civil,
criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which he is made a party by
reason of being or having been a director or officer of the corporation or body
corporate, if the person seeking indemnity
(a) was substantially successful on the merits in his defence of the
action or proceeding; and
(b) fulfils the conditions set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) above.
A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any Person
against any liability incurred by him
(a) in his capacity as a director or officer of the corporation, except
where the liability relates to his failure to act honestly and in good
faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation; or
(b) in his capacity as a director or officer of another body corporate
where he acts or acted in that capacity at the corporation's request,
except where the liability relates to his failure to act honestly and
in good faith with a view to the best interests of the body corporate.
A Person may apply to a court for an order approving an indemnity under this
section and the court may so order and make any further order it thinks fit.
The Bylaws of the Company state that subject to the CBCA, every director and
officer of the Company, his heirs, executors, administrators and other legal
personal representatives shall be from time to time indemnified and saved
harmless by the company from and against any liability and all costs, charges
and
<PAGE> 251
expenses that he sustains or incurs in respect of any action, suit or
proceeding that is proposed or commenced against him for or in respect of
anything done or permitted by him in respect of the execution of the duties of
his office, and all other costs, charges and expenses that he sustains or incurs
in respect of the affairs of the Corporation.
ITEM 21 - EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following are the exhibits required under Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
Exhibit No. Description
2 Plan and Agreement of Merger dated February 11, 1998 (This
document is incorporated by reference as previously filed with
the SEC on April 9, 1998 along with the Registrant's
preliminary proxy statement).
3 The Articles of Incorporation and Articles of Continuance CBCA
of the Registrant (This document is incorporated by reference
as previously filed with the SEC along with the Registrant's
initial 10-K filing for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1995 as exhibits 3.1 and 3.2.
5 Opinion of Campney & Murphy regarding legality - attached as
Exhibit 5.1 hereto (filed herewith).
10.1 Material Contracts -
The following documents are incorporated by reference as
previously filed with the SEC along with the Registrant's
initial 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 1995 as
exhibits 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 and 3.7:
10.2 Plan of Arrangement with Roxbury Capital Corporation
10.3 Subscriptions for private placements entered into during 1995
10.4 Employment/Consulting Contracts for Officers and Directors
10.5 Stock Option Plan dated April 3, 1995 as amended August 9,
1995
The following documents are incorporated by reference as
previously filed with the SEC along with the Registrant's
initial 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 1996 as
exhibit 3.8:
10.6 Stock Option Plan dated April 10, 1996
11 Statement of Computation of Per Share Earnings - attached as
Exhibit 11.1 hereto (filed herewith).
Statement of Pro Forma Share Earnings - attached as Exhibit
11.2 hereto (filed herewith).
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant - attached as Exhibit 21.1
hereto (filed herewith).
23 Consents of Experts and Counsel - attached as follows (filed
herewith):
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<PAGE> 252
Exhibit 5.1 Consent of Registrant's legal counsel, Campney & Murphy
Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Registrant's auditor, KPMG, Chartered Accountants
Exhibit 23.2 Consent of LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Engineers
Exhibit 23.3 Consent of Ryder Scott Company, Engineers
Exhibit 23.4 Consent of DOR Engineering Inc., Engineers
Exhibit 23.5 Consent of RP&C International, Inc.
Exhibit 23.6 Consent of Arthur Anderson, LLP
24 Power of Attorney - see item 22 below.
27 Financial Data Schedule - attached as Exhibit 27.1 (filed herewith).
ITEM 22 - UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be
delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is
sent or given, the latest annual report to security holders that is
incorporated by reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to
and meeting the requirements of Rule 14a-3 or 14c-3 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and, where interim financial
information required to be presented by Article 3 of Regulation S-X are
not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause to be delivered
to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest
quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in the
prospectus to provide such interim financial information.
(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed
as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497 (h) under the Securities Act shall be
deemed to part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was
declared effective.
(2) for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating
to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
(c) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus
pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business
day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents
by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes
information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective
date of the registration statement through the date of responding to
the request.
(d) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and
the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject
of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.
(e) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to
any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through
use of a prospectus which is a part of this Registration Statement, by
any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the
meaning of
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<PAGE> 253
Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will
contain the information called for by the applicable registration form
with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters,
in addition to the information called for by the other items of the
applicable form.
(f) The registrant undertakes that every prospectus: (i) that is filed
pursuant to paragraph (b) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports
to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and
is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule
415, will be filed as part of an amendment to the Registration
Statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and
that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
(g) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered,
the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by
it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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<PAGE> 254
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly
caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Vancouver, Province of
British Columbia, on the 28th day of May, 1998.
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Per:
"Robert L. Hodgkinson"
- ---------------------------
Robert L. Hodgkinson
CEO, President and Director
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes and appoints Robert
L. Hodgkinson and Ronald P. Bourgeois, and each of them, with full power of
substitution and full power to act without the other, as his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent to act in his name, place and stead and to execute in
the name and on behalf of each person, individually and in each capacity stated
below, and to file, any and all amendments to this Registration Statement,
including any and all post-effective amendments.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement
has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the 28th day
of May, 1998.
"Robert L. Hodgkinson" "William Leuschner"
- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------
Name: Robert Hodgkinson William Leuschner
CEO, President and Director Chairman and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
"Ronald P. Bourgeois"
- -----------------------------------
Name: Ronald P. Bourgeois
CFO, Secretary and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.1 OPINION RE: LEGALITY
CAMPNEY & MURPHY
Barristers & Solicitors
P.O. Box 48800
2100-1111 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, B.C. V7X 1K9
May 27, 1998
VIA EDGAR
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street N.W.
Washington, D.C.
USA 20549
Dear Sirs:
RE: OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION (THE "COMPANY") - S-4 REGISTRATION
STATEMENT COVERING 11,002,346 SHARES (THE "REGISTRATION STATEMENT")
We act as counsel to the Company, a Canadian corporation, in connection with the
Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, whereby
11,002,346 shares (the "Shares") of the Company's common stock without par value
are registered. In such capacity, we have examined the Articles of
Incorporation, the Memorandum and corporate proceedings of the Company and based
upon such examination and having regard for applicable legal principles, it is
our opinion that the Shares are validly issued shares of the Company and that
the Shares are fully paid for and non-assessable.
In giving this opinion, we are relying on a letter from the Company's transfer
agent with respect to the valid issuance of the Shares and on a certificate
provided by a senior officer of the Company with respect to such Shares being
fully paid for and non-assessable.
We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and the reference to our firm under the heading, "Recommendation of
the Optima Board of Directors" and "Legal Matters" in the Proxy Statement
included as part of the Registration Statement.
Yours truly,
CAMPNEY & MURPHY
"Campney & Murphy"
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 11.1 STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
OPTIMA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (UNAUDITED)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND DECEMBER 31, 1995
AND THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND MARCH 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Three Months Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
Months ended March December December December
Ended March 31,1997 31,1997 31,1996 31,1995
31,1998
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET INCOME (LOSS) $(1,000) $208 $(4,835) $229 $(1,155)
======== ==== ======== ==== ========
PRIMARY SHARES
weighted average
common shares outstanding 11,002,346 11,313,653 11,159,663 10,945,927 9,031,583
Stock options and warrants - - - - -
- - -- - -
weighted average common
and common equivalents
share outstanding 11,002,346 11,313,653 11,159,663 10,945,927 9,031,583
========== ========== ========== ========== =========
PRIMARY EARNINGS (LOSS)
PER SHARE $(0.09) $0.02 $(0.43) $0.02 $(0.13)
======= ===== ======= ===== =======
FULLY DILUTED SHARES
weighted average common
shares outstanding 11,002,346 11,313,653 11,159,663 10,945,927 9,031,858
Stock options and warrants 1,163,000 1,163,000 1,163,000 2,537,727 2,330,227
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
weighted averaged common
shares outstanding 12,165,346 12,476,653 12,322,663 13,483,654 11,362,085
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) $(0.09) $0.02 $(0.43) $0.02 $(0.13)
PER SHARE ======= ===== ======= ===== =======
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 2
Note 1: In respect of net income for the three months ended March 31,1997 and
the year ended December 31,1996, stock option and warrant exercise prices
exceeded the market value of the stock at the end of the period. Accordingly the
inclusion of these stock options and warrants in the calculation of earnings
(loss) per share would be anti-dilutive.
Note 2: Due to net losses in three months ended March 31,1998, the year ended
December 31, 1997 and December 31,1995 common stock equivalents were not
included as they would be anti-dilutive.
Note 3: A Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings for Amex has not been
prepared as it is a private LLC.
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 11.2 STATEMENT OF PRO FORMA PER SHARE EARNINGS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma Three Months Ended Pro Forma Year Ended
March 31, 1998 December 31, 1997
<S> <C> <C>
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (2,030,703) $ (4,929,070)
PRIMARY SHARES
weighted average common shares
outstanding 18,337,347 18,494,664
Stock options and warrants -- --
weighted average common and common
equivalents shares outstanding 18,337,347 18,494,664
PRIMARY EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE $ (0.11) $ (0.27)
FULLY DILUTED SHARES
weighted average common shares
outstanding 18,337,347 18,494,664
Stock options and warrants 1,012,300 1,012,300
Contingent stock issue rights 1,667,001 1,667,001
weighted averaged common shares
outstanding 21,016,648 21,179,365
FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS)
PER SHARE $ (0.11) $ (0.27)
</TABLE>
- 168 -
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 21.1 LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
Optima Energy (U.S.) Corporation - a company incorporated under the laws of the
State of Nevada.
- 169 -
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF KPMG, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
KPMG
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT
Optima Petroleum Corporation
To the Directors of
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement on
Form S-4 of Optima Petroleum Corporation of our report dated March 13, 1998,
relating to the balance sheet of Optima Petroleum Corporation as of December 31,
1997 and 1996, and the related statements of operations and deficit and changes
in financial position for each of the three years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1997, which report appears in the December 31, 1997, annual report
on Form 10-K of Optima Petroleum Corporation.
We also consent to the to the reference to our firm under the heading of
"Experts" in the Registration Statement.
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
May 26, 1998
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.2 CONSENT OF LAROCHE PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS, ENGINEERS
LAROCHE PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS, LTD.
4600 Greenville Avenue
Suite 160
Dallas, Texas
USA 75206
Telephone: (214) 363-3337
Fax: (214) 363-1608
May 27, 1998
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street N.W.
Washington, D.C.
USA 20549
Dear Sirs:
Re: Optima Petroleum Corporation (the "Company")
We consent to the use of excerpts of our engineering report dated December 31,
1997 and the references to our firm's name in the Company's Registration
Statement (Form S-4).
Yours truly,
LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd.
Per:
"William M. Kazmann"
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.3 CONSENT OF RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, ENGINEERS
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
1100 Louisiana
Suite 3800
Houston, Texas
USA
Telephone (713) 651-9191
Fax (713) 651-0849
May 27, 1998
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street N.W.
Washington, D.C.
USA 20549
Dear Sirs:
Re: Optima Petroleum Corporation (the "Company")
We consent to the use of excerpts of our engineering report dated December 31,
1997 and the references to our firm's name in the Company's Registration
Statement (Form S-4).
Yours truly,
Ryder Scott Company
"Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Engineers"
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.4 CONSENT OF DOR ENGINEERING INC., ENGINEERS
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEER
To: American Explorer, L.L.C.
Date: May 27, 1998
Gentlemen:
D-O-R Engineering, Inc., independent petroleum engineers, hereby consent to the
use of excerpts from our report included in this registration statement on Form
S-4 and to the references to our firm therein.
D-O-R ENGINEERING, INC.
"Michael F. McKenzie"
Michael F. McKenzie, PE
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EXHIBIT 23.5
R P & C
International
4441 West Airport Freeway
Irving, Texas 75062
Telephone (1) 972 525 0193
Facsimile (1) 972 252 0962
May 27, 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").
Such opinion was rendered as of March 7, 1998, and submitted to the Board.
Our advisory services and the opinion expressed therein were provided for the
information of the Board of Directors of Optima in its evaluation of the
proposed Merger, and our opinion was not intended to be and does not constitute
a recommendation to any stockholder as to how such stockholder should vote on
the proposed Merger.
We hereby consent to the use of our opinion in the proxy statement/prospectus
being filed with the SEC related to the proposed merger.
Very truly yours,
R P & C International, Inc.
"R P & C International, Inc."
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EXHIBIT 23.6
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use in the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Optima Petroleum Corporation of our report
dated March 17, 1998 relating to the balance sheets of American Explorer, L.L.C.
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and related statements of operations, members'
equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for
the period from inception (March 2, 1995) to December 31, 1995, and to the
reference to our firm under the heading "Auditors" in the above referenced
Registration Statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
May 28, 1998
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<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<CASH> 5,660,354
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 3,162,289
<ALLOWANCES> 0
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<CURRENT-ASSETS> 8,725,616
<PP&E> 34,691,297
<DEPRECIATION> 16,995,329
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<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 868,796
<BONDS> 143,050
0
0
<COMMON> 30,891,689
<OTHER-SE> 608,222
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 28,143,343
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 7,649,415
<CGS> 3,599,407
<TOTAL-COSTS> 7,813,743
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 920,485
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<NET-INCOME> (4,835,220)
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