PANACO INC
8-K, 1996-10-29
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                ----------------

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report       October 28, 1996




                         Commission File Number 0-26662


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


                                    Delaware

                 (State or other jurisdiction or incorporation)


                                  43 - 1593374
                        (IRS Employer Identification No.)


      1050 West Blue Ridge Boulevard, PANACO Building,
                     Kansas City, MO                            64145-1216
           (Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)




      Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (816) 942 - 6300







- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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<PAGE>


Item 2.           Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

         On August 26, 1996 PANACO  entered into a Purchase  and Sale  Agreement
with Amoco Production  Company to acquire Amoco's interest in 13 offshore blocks
comprising six fields in the Gulf of Mexico ("Amoco Properties").

         PANACO  acquired a 33.3% working  interest in the East Breaks 160 Field
(2 blocks) and a 33.3%  interest  in the High  Island 302 Field (1 block),  both
operated by Unocal.  It acquired a 50%  interest in the High Island 309 Field (2
blocks),  a 12%  interest  in the High  Island  330 Field (3  blocks)  and a 12%
interest in the High Island 474 Field (4 blocks),  all operated by Phillips.  It
also acquired a 12.5% interest in the West Cameron 180 Field (1 block)  operated
by Texaco. Current production, net to the interests acquired, is 680 BOPD and 12
MMCFD of natural gas.

         The  transaction  was closed on October 8,  1996.  Proved  reserves  at
September 1, 1996 attributable to the properties were, net to PANACO's interest,
1,952,100  barrels of oil and condensate and 28.5 Bcf of natural gas, based upon
internal  reserve  reports   prepared  by  PANACO.   Management  has  identified
significant  probable and possible  reserves  attributable to these  properties,
much of which is associated  with the West Cameron  Field.  Set forth  elsewhere
herein is reserve information with respect to the properties acquired.

         In addition to the mineral interest acquired,  PANACO purchased a 33.3%
interest in a 12.67 mile 12" pipeline connecting East Breaks 160 platform to the
High Island Offshore System, a natural gas pipeline system in the Gulf of Mexico
and a 33.3% interest in a 17.47 mile 10" pipeline connecting the East Breaks 160
platform to the High Island Pipeline  System, a crude oil pipeline system in the
Gulf of Mexico. HIOS and HIPS are the primary natural gas and crude oil pipeline
systems in that part of the Gulf of Mexico.

         The East Breaks 160 platform also serves sub-sea completions  belonging
to Mobil in East Breaks Block 117. Under agreements with Mobil the owners of the
East  Breaks  160  platform  share in  certain  fees  derived  by virtue of that
facility's sharing agreement.

         The  purchase  price for the assets  acquired in this  transaction  was
$40.4  million,  paid by the  issuance of  2,000,000  shares of Common  Stock of
PANACO at $4.20 per share and by payment to Amoco of $32,011,994 in cash.

         Concurrently  with this  transaction  PANACO entered into a new Primary
Credit  Facility  with First Union  National  Bank of North  Carolina and Banque
Paribas under which it's reducing  revolver was increased to $40 million with an
initial  borrowing  base of $35  million.  In addition to that  facility  PANACO
borrowed $17 million under a subordinate  facility provided by lenders investing
through Kayne Anderson Investment Management, Inc.

















                                                         1

<PAGE>




                                AMOCO PROPERTIES

                                        Working       Net Revenue     Number
        Field/Block                     Interest       Interest      Of Wells

East Breaks 160 Field

     EB 160 (OCS 2647)                  0.3333           0.2778         13

     EB 161 (OCS 2648)                  0.3333           0.2778         10

High Island A-302 Field

     HI A-302 (OCS 2732)                0.3333           0.2778          5

High Island A-309 Field

     HI A-309 (OCS 2735)                0.4500           0.3750          9

     HI A-310 (OCS 3378)                0.5500           0.4583          8

High Island A-330 Field

     HI A-330 (OCS 2421)                0.1200           0.1000         25

     HI A-349 (OCS 2743)                0.1200           0.1000          9

     WC 613 (OCS 3286)                  0.1200           0.1000          3

High Island A-474 Field

     HI A-474 (OCS 2366)                0.1200           0.1000         18

     HI A-489 (OCS 2372)                0.1200           0.1000         22

     HI A-499 (OCS 3118)                0.1310           0.1092          6

     HI A-475 (OCS 2367)                0.1200           0.1000          0

West Cameron 180 Field

     WC 144 (OCS 1953)                  0.1250           0.1042          7


                                                         2

<PAGE>










Item 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a)     Financial Statements of business acquired.

             An Audited  Schedule  of Revenues  and  Selected  Direct  Operating
Expenses  for the three years  ended  December  31,  1995 is  included  herewith
beginning on page F-1.

(b)     Pro Forma Financial Information.

             Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information for the three years ended
December  31, 1995,  and the six months  ended June 30, 1996 is included  herein
beginning on page P-1.

(c)     Exhibits.

10.14  Purchase  and Sale  Agreement,  dated  August  26,  1996,  between  Amoco
Production Company and PANACO, Inc..


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the securities  exchange of 1934, the Registrant
has duly  caused  this  report  to be signed  on its  behalf by the  undersigned
hereunto duly authorized.



                                                       PANACO, Inc.




                                                 /s/ H. James Maxwell
                                                 H. James Maxwell, President

October 28, 1996












                                                         3

<PAGE>






PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)


        The  unaudited  pro forma  schedules  of revenues  and direct  operating
expenses for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and the years ended December 31,
1995, 1994 and 1993, and give effect to the acquisition of the Amoco  Properties
by PANACO, Inc., as if the purchase had occurred on January 1, 1993.

        The pro forma information is based on historical  financial  information
of PANACO,  Inc.,  the Zapata  Properties,  acquired on July 26, 1995, the Bayou
Sorrel Field, acquired on December 27, 1995 and the Amoco Properties acquired on
October 8, 1996. These pro forma statements may not be indicative of the results
that actually would have occurred if the  combination  had been in effect on the
dates indicated or which may be obtained in the future.  The pro forma financial
statements  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  historical   financial
statements of PANACO,  Inc., and the historical  schedule of revenues and direct
operating expenses of the Amoco Properties.

        The historical  financial  information for the Amoco Properties does not
include  insurance  expense.  The pro  forma  adjustment  reflects  management's
estimates of insurance  costs equal to $72,000 for the six months ended June 30,
1996, and $144,000 for each year ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.

        Depreciation,  depletion and amortization, and general,  administrative,
and  overhead  charges are not shown  since  sufficient  historical  data is not
available for the Amoco Properties.



                                                         4

<PAGE>



<TABLE>


     PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES
                                   (UNAUDITED)


                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

 <CAPTION>
                                                  AMOCO           PRO-FORMA            PRO-FORMA
                                PANACO, INC.   PROPERTIES        ADJUSTMENTS            COMBINED

<S>                            <C>             <C>            <C>                   <C>         
Oil and Gas Revenues           $ 10,808,000    $ 7,905,000    $         -           $ 18,713,000

Direct Operating
 Expenses                         4,184,000      1,756,000         72,000              6,012,000
                                  ---------      ---------         ------              ---------

Revenues in excess of
 direct operating expenses     $  6,624,000    $ 6,149,000    $   (72,000)         $  12,701,000
                               ============    ===========    ===========          =============



                          YEAR-ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995

                                                 AMOCO          PRO-FORMA             PRO-FORMA
                              PANACO, INC.      PROPERTIES       ADJUSTMENTS           COMBINED

Oil and Gas Revenues          $ 25,396,000    $ 12,528,000     $         -          $ 37,924,000

Direct Operating
 Expenses                       10,662,000       2,991,000         144,000            13,797,000
                                ----------       ---------         -------            ----------

Revenues in excess of
 direct operating expenses    $ 14,734,000   $   9,537,000     $  (144,000)         $ 24,127,000
                              ============   =============     ===========          ============



                          YEAR-ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

                                                  AMOCO           PRO-FORMA            PRO-FORMA
                            PANACO, INC.       PROPERTIES        ADJUSTMENTS            COMBINED

Oil and Gas Revenues        $ 27,766,000      $ 11,135,000     $         -          $ 38,901,000

Direct Operating
 Expenses                     10,970,000         3,158,000          144,000           14,272,000
                              ----------         ---------          -------           ----------

Revenues in excess of
 direct operating expenses  $ 16,796,000      $  7,977,000     $   (144,000)        $ 24,629,000
                            ============      ============     ============         ============


                          YEAR-ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

                                                   AMOCO          PRO-FORMA           PRO-FORMA
                            PANACO, INC.         PROPERTIES      ADJUSTMENTS           COMBINED

Oil and Gas Revenues        $ 27,336,000        $ 12,079,000    $         -         $ 34,415,000

Direct Operating
 Expenses                     11,279,000           2,798,000        144,000           14,221,000
                              ----------           ---------        -------           ----------

Revenues in excess of
 direct operating expenses  $ 16,057,000       $   9,281,000    $  (144,000)        $ 25,194,000
                            ============       =============    ===========         ============


</TABLE>
                                                                     5

<PAGE>









                    Report of Independent Public Accountants



To the Board of Directors
PANACO, Inc.


We have audited the  accompanying  Statement  of Revenues  and Direct  Operating
Expenses of the Amoco  Properties (to be acquired by PANACO,  Inc.,) for each of
the three years in the period ended  December 31, 1995.  This  statement and the
notes  thereto  are  the  responsibility  of  PANACO,  Inc.'s  management.   Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the statement based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards  require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the Statement of Revenues and Direct Operating  Expenses
is free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the statement.  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 audit  provides a  reasonable  basis for our
opinion.

In our opinion, the Statement of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses referred
to above  presents  fairly,  in all material  respects,  the revenues and direct
operating  expenses of the Amoco  Properties  for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.




Kansas City, Missouri
September 6, 1996



                                       F-6

<PAGE>









<TABLE>

                                AMOCO PROPERTIES

               STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES

<CAPTION>


                                       Year Ended December 31                     Six Months Ended June 30
                                                                                          (Unaudited)

                                1995            1994           1993                1996            1995


Revenues:

<S>                         <C>             <C>            <C>                 <C>            <C>        
         Gas                $ 8,769,000     $ 7,346,000    $ 8,459,000         $ 5,684,000    $ 4,379,000

         Oil & Condensate     3,759,000       3,789,000      3,620,000           2,221,000      1,979,000
                              ---------       ---------      ---------           ---------      ---------

Total Revenues              $12,528,000     $11,135,000    $12,079,000         $ 7,905,000    $ 6,358,000
                            ===========     ===========    ===========         ===========    ===========

Direct Operating Expenses   $ 2,991,000     $ 3,158,000    $ 2,798,000         $ 1,756,000    $ 1,275,000
                            ===========     ===========    ===========         ===========    ===========


</TABLE>





















                    See accompanying notes to this statement.





                                       F-7

<PAGE>









                                AMOCO PROPERTIES

                     NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND
                            DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES

              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

Note 1 -  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The  financial  statements  require the use of estimates,  and when  applicable,
specific information  regarding  significant estimates embodied in the financial
statements have been disclosed.  The Statement of Revenues and Direct  Operating
Expenses was prepared for purposes of complying  with the rules and  regulations
of the Securities  and Exchange  Commission and is not intended to be a complete
presentation  of the  financial  position or results of  operations of the Amoco
Properties.

Acquisition
The Amoco Properties are to be acquired by PANACO,  Inc. on October 8, 1996 from
Amoco Production  Company  (seller)  pursuant to the purchase and sale agreement
dated  August 26,  1996.  The  properties  to be acquired  are Amoco  Production
Company's existing interests in the following offshore blocks:  East Breaks 160,
East Breaks  161,  High Island (HI) 302, HI 309, HI 310, HI 330, HI 349, HI 474,
HI 489, HI 499, a portion of the HI 475 block,  West  Cameron  (WC) 613,  and WC
144.

Revenue Recognition
Revenues  are  recorded  on an accrual  basis,  with  volumes  and prices  being
estimated for properties  during periods when actual  production  information is
not available.  Revenues are recognized based on volumes of production taken and
sold by Amoco which is not materially  different from the entitlement method for
the  three  year  period  ending  December  31,  1995.  For each of the  periods
presented,  Amoco sold  substantially all of their production to a related party
at market based prices.

Direct Operating Expenses
Direct operating  expenses include  necessary and ordinary  expenses to maintain
production.  Insurance  expense is not included since sufficient  information is
not available from the Seller.  Depreciation,  depletion and amortization is not
included.  No severance tax expense is included for the Amoco Properties,  since
the production  from federal  offshore waters are not subject to state severance
taxes.

General, Administrative, and Overhead  Expenses
General,  administrative,  and overhead expenses are not presented as sufficient
information is not available from the Seller.





                                       F-8

<PAGE>











     Note  2 -  SUPPLEMENTAL  INFORMATION  RELATED  TO  OIL  AND  GAS  PRODUCING
ACTIVITIES (UNAUDITED)

Quantities of Oil and Gas Reserves
The estimates of proved developed and proved  undeveloped  reserve quantities of
the Amoco Properties at December 31, 1995 are based upon PANACO's computation at
September 1, 1996 from a report of independent petroleum engineers,  retained by
Amoco, and do not purport to reflect  realizable values or fair market values of
the properties'  reserves.  It should be emphasized  that reserve  estimates are
inherently imprecise and accordingly,  these estimates are expected to change as
future information becomes available. These are estimates only and should not be
construed  as exact  amounts.  All  reserves  are located in the United  States.
Reserve  quantities for the Amoco  Properties were not available at December 31,
1992,  1993,  1994,  and 1995, and the balances at those dates were derived from
production activity during 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996.

Proved  reserves  are  estimated  reserves  of  natural  gas and  crude oil that
geological and engineering  data  demonstrate  with  reasonable  certainty to be
recoverable in future years from known  reservoirs  under existing  economic and
operating  conditions.  Proved  developed  reserves  are  those  expected  to be
recovered through existing wells, equipment, and operating methods.


Proved developed and                       OIL (BBLS)       GAS (MCF)
undeveloped reserves

Estimated reserves as of
   December 31, 1992                       2,772,000        45,227,000

Production                                  (216,000)       (3,874,000)
                                            --------        ---------- 

Estimated reserves as of
   December 31, 1993                       2,556,000        41,353,000

Production                                  (236,000)       (4,057,000)
                                            --------        ---------- 

Estimated reserves as of
   December 31, 1994                       2,320,000        37,296,000

Production                                  (216,000)       (5,704,000)
                                            --------        ---------- 

Estimated reserves as of
    December 31,1995                       2,104,000        31,592,000
                                           =========        ==========

                                       F-9

<PAGE>








Proved developed reserves:
                                             OIL (BBLS)     GAS (MCF)

   December 31, 1993                        2,185,000       35,202,000

   December 31, 1994                        1,949,000       31,145,000

   December 31, 1995                        1,733,000       25,441,000

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
Future cash inflows are computed by applying  September,  1996 prices of oil and
gas  (with  consideration  of  price  changes  only to the  extent  provided  by
contractual  arrangements) to the estimated future  production of proved oil and
gas reserves.  Estimates of future development and production costs are based on
September,  1996 costs and assume continuation of existing economic  conditions.
The  estimated  future  net cash  flows are then  discounted  using a rate of 10
percent per year to reflect the estimated  timing of the future cash flows.  The
standardized  measure of discounted cash flows is the future net cash flows less
the discount at September 1, 1996.

The accompanying  table reflects the standardized  measure of discounted  future
cash flows  relating to the proved oil and gas reserves of the Amoco  properties
as of the three years ended December 31:

                                  1995                 1994             1993



Future cash inflows          $108,399,000           $120,927,000    $132,062,000
Future development
  and production costs         31,112,000             34,103,000      37,261,000
                               ----------             ----------      ----------
Future net cash flows          77,287,000             86,824,000      94,801,000
10% annual discount
  to reflect timing of
  cash flows                   23,045,000             23,045,000      23,045,000
                               ----------             ----------      ----------
Standardized measure
  before income taxes        $ 54,242,000           $ 63,779,000   $  71,756,000
                             ============           ============   =============


Changes Relating to the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
The  accompanying  table  reflects  the changes in the  standardized  measure of
discounted  future  net  cash  flows  from  the  sales  of oil and  gas,  net of
production  costs  attributable  to  proved  oil and gas  reserves  of the Amoco
properties for each of the three years ended December 31:

                                   1995                 1994             1993


Beginning balance            $ 63,779,000            $ 71,756,000   $ 81,037,000
  Sales of oil and gas,
  net of production
  costs                         9,537,000               7,977,000      9,281,000
                                ---------               ---------      ---------

Ending balance              $  54,242,000            $ 63,779,000   $ 71,756,000
                            =============            ============   ============

















<PAGE>

Exhibit 10.14




                           PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

                                 BY AND BETWEEN

                        AMOCO PRODUCTION COMPANY, SELLER

                                       AND

                               PANACO, Inc., BUYER




<PAGE>








                                      INDEX

Article I.     Definitions..................................................1
Article II.    Transfer of the Properties...................................6
      2.1      Sale and Purchase............................................6
Article III.   Purchase Price...............................................7
      3.1      Purchase Price...............................................7
      3.2      Earnest Money................................................7
      3.3      Allocation...................................................7
Article IV.    Due Diligence Review.........................................7
      4.1      Due Diligence................................................7
      4.2      Alleged Title Defect.........................................7
      4.3      Waiver.......................................................8
Article V.     Inspection of Premises.......................................8
      5.1      Environmental Inspection.....................................8
      5.2      Alleged Environmental Condition..............................8
Article VI.    Accounting...................................................9
      6.1      Accounting Services..........................................9
      6.2      Revenues.....................................................9
      6.3      Costs and Expenses...........................................9
      6.4      Taxes........................................................9
      6.5      Prepaids....................................................10
      6.6      Miscellaneous Accounting....................................10
      6.7      Final Accounting Settlement.................................10
      6.8      Post-Final Accounting Settlement............................11
      6.9      Audit Rights................................................11
Article VII.   Casualty and Condemnation...................................11
      7.1      Casualty and Condemnation...................................11
Article VIII.  Indemnities.................................................11
      8.1      Indemnities.................................................11
Article IX.    Warranty and Disclaimer.....................................13
      9.1      Warranty of Title...........................................13
      9.2      Disclaimer - Representations and Warranties.................13
      9.3      Disclaimer - Statements and Information.....................14
      9.4      Express Representations.....................................14
Article X.     Seller's Representations and Warranties.....................14
      10.1     Organization and Good Standing..............................14
      10.2     Corporate Authority; Authorization of Agreement.............14
      10.3     No Violations...............................................15
      10.4     No Default..................................................15
      10.5     Absence of Certain Changes..................................15
      10.6     Status of Operations........................................16
      10.7     Litigation..................................................16
      10.8     Compliance with Laws........................................16
      10.9     Environmental Claims........................................16
      10.1     Bankruptcy..................................................16
Article XI.    Buyer's Representations and Warranties......................16
      11.1     Organization and Good Standing..............................17
      11.2     Corporate Authority; Authorization of Agreement.............17
      11.3     No Violations:..............................................17
      11.4     SEC Disclosure..............................................18
      11.5     Capitalization..............................................18
      11.6     Consideration Shares........................................18
      11.7     Reports.....................................................18
      11.8     MMS Approval................................................18
      11.9     Independent Evaluation......................................19

<PAGE>

Article XII.   Additional Agreements.......................................19
      12.1     Covenants of Seller.........................................19
      12.2     Subsequent Operations.......................................19
      12.3     Records.....................................................20
      12.4     Like Kind Exchange..........................................20
      12.5     Buyer's Assumption of Obligations...........................20
      12.6     Insurance...................................................20
      12.7     Call on Liquids.............................................21
Article XIII.  Antitrust Notification......................................21
      13.1     Antitrust Notification......................................21
Article XIV.   Conditions Precedent to Closing.............................21
      14.1     Conditions Precedent to Seller's Obligation to Close........21
      14.2     Conditions Precedent to Buyer's Obligation to Close.........22
      14.3     Conditions Precedent to Obligation of Each Party............22
      14.4     No Waiver...................................................23
Article XV.    Termination.................................................23
      15.1     Grounds for Termination.....................................23
      15.2     Effect of Termination.......................................23
      15.3     Return of Documents.........................................24
Article XVI.   The Closing.................................................24
      16.1     Closing.....................................................24
      16.2     Obligations of Seller at Closing............................24
      16.3     Obligations to Buyer at Closing.............................25
Article XVII.  Miscellaneous...............................................26
      17.1     Notices.....................................................26
      17.2     Conveyance Costs............................................28
      17.3     Broker's Fees...............................................28
      17.4     Further Assurances..........................................28
      17.5     Survival of Representations and Warranties..................29
      17.6     Amendments and Severability.................................29
      17.7     Successors and Assigns......................................29
      17.8     Headings....................................................29
      17.9     Governing Law...............................................29
      17.10    No Partnership Created......................................29
      17.11    Media Releases..............................................30
      17.12    No Third Party Beneficiaries................................30
      17.13    Texas Deception Trade Practices Act.........................30
      17.14    Entire Agreement............................................30


















<PAGE>








                           PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT


        THIS PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT  (this  "Agreement")  is dated the 26th
day of  August,  1996,  by and  between  Amoco  Production  Company,  a Delaware
corporation,  with a mailing address of P.O. Box 50879,  New Orleans,  Louisiana
70150-0879  (hereinafter  referred to as "Seller") and PANACO,  Inc., a Delaware
corporation,  with a mailing address of 1050 West Blue Ridge  Boulevard,  Kansas
City, Missouri 64145-1216  (hereinafter referred to as "Buyer"), and is based on
the following premises:

        WHEREAS,  Seller desires to sell,  assign, and convey to Buyer and Buyer
desires to  purchase  and accept  certain  oil and gas  properties  and  related
interests; and

        WHEREAS,  the parties have  reached  agreement  regarding  such sale and
purchase.

        NOW, THEREFORE,  for valuable consideration and the mutual covenants and
agreements herein contained, Seller and Buyer agree as follows:

                                            ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

     1.1  "Accounting  Referee"  shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.7
hereto.
                 --------------------

        1.2 "Alleged  Title  Defect" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.2 hereto;  provided  however,  Buyer shall not be entitled to raise an Alleged
Title Defect unless the individual  condition would cause a diminution in value,
or the costs to cure such  condition,  would  exceed  Fifty  Thousand and No/100
Dollars  ($50,000)  net to  Seller's  interest  in  the  affected  Property  (as
hereinafter defined).

        1.3  "Alleged  Environmental  Condition"  shall  mean any  environmental
condition,  as of the Effective Time (as  hereinafter  defined),  that is not in
compliance  with  the then  existing  Laws (as  hereinafter  defined);  provided
however, Buyer shall not be entitled to raise an Alleged Environmental Condition
unless the individual  condition would cause a diminution in value, or the costs
to cure such condition, would exceed Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($50,000)
net to Seller's interest in the affected Property.

     1.4  "Assignment  and Bill of Sale"  shall  have the  meaning  set forth in
Section 16.2(a) hereto.
                 -----------------------------


<PAGE>



     1.5  "Assignment  of Operating  Rights" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 16.2(c) hereto.
                 -------------------------------

     1.6  "Assignment of Record Title Interest" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 16.2(b) hereto.
                 ------------------------------------

     1.7 "Business Day" shall mean a calendar day excluding  Saturdays,  Sundays
and legal holidays.

        1.8 "Casualty Loss" shall mean any and all loss, damage, or reduction in
value resulting from mechanical  failure or defects,  catastrophic  occurrences,
acts of God,  and any other  losses  which are not the result of normal wear and
tear or of natural reservoir changes.

     1.9 "Certificate"  shall have the meaning set forth in Sections 16.2(e) and
16.3(e) hereto.
                 -------------

        1.10 "Claim" or "Claims" shall mean any and all claims, losses, damages,
demands,  suits, causes of action,  liabilities and costs (including  attorneys'
fees and costs of litigation) brought by a Third Party (as hereinafter defined).

        1.11 "Close" or "Closing" shall mean the consummation of the transfer of
title to the  Properties  to Buyer,  including  execution  and  delivery  of all
documents provided herein.

        1.12  "Closing  Date" shall be on or before  September 30, 1996, or such
other date as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties.

     1.13 "Computed  Interest"  shall mean simple  interest of ten percent (10%)
per annum using a three hundred  sixty-five  (365) Day (as hereinafter  defined)
year.

        1.14 "Confidentiality Agreement" shall mean that certain Confidentiality
Agreement dated the 10th day of June, 1996, by and between Seller and Buyer.

     1.15 "Consideration Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1
hereto.
                 ----------------------

     1.16 "Day" or "Days"  shall mean a calendar day  consisting  of twenty four
(24) hours from midnight to midnight.
                 ---------------

        1.17  "Defensible  Title" shall mean, as to the  Properties,  such title
held by Seller that,  subject to and except for the Permitted  Encumbrances  (as
hereinafter defined):

                 (a)  entitles  Seller to receive not less than the "Net Revenue
                 Interest"  set forth in Exhibit  "A" and "A-1" of all oil,  gas
                 and associated liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons produced,  saved
                 and marketed from the Properties;

                 (b) obligates Seller to bear costs and expenses relating to the
                 ownership,  operation,  maintenance  and  repair  of wells  and
                 facilities  located on or  attributable to the Properties in an
                 amount not greater  than the  "Working  Interest"  set forth in
                 Exhibits  "A"  and  "A-1",  unless  there  is  a  corresponding
                 increase in the Net Revenue Interest; and

                 (c)    is free and clear of encumbrances and liens.


<PAGE>

     1.18  "Earnest  Money"  shall have the  meaning  set forth in  Section  3.2
hereto.
                 ---------------
     1.19 "Effective  Time" shall be September 1, 1996, at 7:00 a.m., local time
where the Properties are located.
                 ----------------

     1.20 "Escrow Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.2(i)
hereto.
                 ------------------

 . 1.21 "Final Accounting Settlement" shall mean an accounting prepared by Seller
and delivered to Buyer as soon as complete records are available,  but not later
than  ninety  (90)  days  after  Closing.  Such  accounting  shall  include  all
post-closing matters described in Article VI hereto.

     1.22  "Final  Settlement  Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
6.7 hereto.
                 -----------------------

     1.23 "HSR Act" shall mean the Hart-Scott-Rodino  Antitrust Improvements Act
of 1976, as amended.

        1.24 "Law" or "Laws" shall mean any and all laws,  statutes,  ordinances
decrees, orders, judgments,  rules,  regulations,  licenses or permits which are
promulgated,  issued,  or enacted by a  governmental  entity having  appropriate
jurisdiction.

     1.25 "Letters-in-Lieu"  shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.2(f)
hereto.
                 -----------------

     1.26  "Non-Foreign  Affidavit"  shall have the meaning set forth in Section
16.2(j) hereto.
                 -----------------------

     1.27 "NORM" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(d) hereto.
                 ------
     1.28  "Opinion  of  Counsel"  shall have the  meaning set forth in Sections
16.2(g) and 16.3(g) hereto.
                 --------------------

        1.29     "Permitted Encumbrance"  shall mean:

                 (a) Lessors' royalties,  overriding royalties, division orders,
                 reversionary   interests  and  similar  burdens,   if  the  net
                 cumulative  effect of such  burdens  does not operate to reduce
                 the Net Revenue  Interest of any  Property to less than the Net
                 Revenue Interest set forth in Exhibits "A" and "A-1";

                 (b)  Preferential  rights to purchase and required  third party
                 consents to assignments and similar  agreements with respect to
                 which,  prior to Closing,  (i) waivers or consents are obtained
                 from the  appropriate  parties,  or (ii) the  appropriate  time
                 period  for  asserting  such  rights  has  expired  without  an
                 exercise of such rights;

                 (c)  Preferential  rights to purchase  which are exercised by a
                 Third Party. If, prior to Closing, any holder of a preferential
                 purchase right notifies  Seller that it intends to exercise its
                 rights  with  respect  to any of the  Properties  to which  its
                 preferential  purchase right applies, then the asset(s) covered
                 by the  preferential  right to purchase  shall be excluded from
                 the Properties to be conveyed to Buyer,  and the Purchase Price
                 (as hereinafter defined) shall be reduced by an amount equal to
                 the value allocated to such asset(s) in accordance with Section
                 3.3 hereto; provided however, if the holder of the preferential
                 purchase   right  fails  to  consummate  the  purchase  of  the
                 asset(s),  then Seller shall so notify  Buyer.  Within  fifteen
                 (15)  Business  Days after  Buyer's  receipt of such  notice or
                 September  30, 1996,  whichever is later,  Seller shall sell to
                 Buyer,  and Buyer shall  purchase  from Seller,  such  asset(s)
                 under  the  terms of this  Agreement  for a price  equal to the
                 value allocated to such asset(s)  subject to adjustments  under
                 this  Agreement.   Provided   however,   Buyer  shall  have  no
                 obligation to purchase the asset(s) if Buyer is not notified of
                 the  preferential  purchase  right  holder's  failure  to close
                 within forty five (45) Days following Closing.  Buyer or Seller
                 shall  have  the  right  to  terminate  this  Agreement  if the
                 preferential  rights to purchase  which are  exercised by Third
                 Parties affects more than fifteen percent (15%) of the Purchase
                 Price.


<PAGE>

     (d) Liens for taxes or assessments not yet due or not yet delinquent or, if
delinquent,  that are being  contested  in good  faith in the  normal  course of
business;

                 (e) All rights to consent  by,  required  notices  to,  filings
                 with, or other actions by  governmental  entities in connection
                 with the  sale or  conveyance  of the  Properties,  or  portion
                 thereof,  if the same are  customarily  obtained  subsequent to
                 such sale or conveyance;

                 (f)  Easements,  rights-of-way,   servitude,  permits,  surface
                 leases,  pipelines, and other easements and rights-of-way,  on,
                 over and through the  Properties,  to the extent such rights or
                 interest do not  materially  interfere  with  operations on the
                 Properties;

     (g) Liens of operators  relating to obligations  not yet due or pursuant to
which Seller is not in default;

     (h) Title Defects (as hereinafter defined) which Buyer has waived under the
terms of this Agreement;

     (i)  The  terms  and  conditions  of  all  leases,  agreements,  contracts,
instruments and documents associated with or attributable to the Properties;

                 (j) Rights reserved to or vested in any governmental, statutory
                 or public  entity to control or regulate any of the  Properties
                 in any manner,  and all applicable  Laws of any such authority;
                 and

                 (k)  Such  defects  or  irregularities  in  the  title  to  the
                 Properties   that  are  not  such  as  to  interfere  with  the
                 operation,  value or use of the Properties affected thereby and
                 that  would be  considered  not  material  in  accordance  with
                 industry  standards.  For the purpose of this Section  1.26(k),
                 "material"  shall be  defined  as  Fifty  Thousand  and  No/100
                 Dollars  ($50,000)  net to Seller's  interest  in the  affected
                 Property.

        1.30  "Property"  or  "Properties"  shall  mean  all  of  the  following
properties (real, personal or mixed) and rights (contractual or otherwise):

                 (a) All of Seller's  undivided oil and gas leasehold  interests
                 described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof
                 by reference;

                 (b) All of  Seller's  right,  title  and  interests  in, to and
                 under, or derived from, all of the presently existing and valid
                 unitization  and  pooling  agreements  and  the  units  created
                 thereby (including all units formed by voluntary agreements and
                 those formed under orders, regulations, rules or other official
                 acts of any federal,  state or other governmental agency having
                 jurisdiction),  to  the  extent  they  relate  to  any  of  the
                 interests described in Exhibit "A";

                 (c) All of  Seller's  right,  title  and  interests  in, to and
                 under, or derived from, all of the presently existing and valid
                 oil sales  agreements,  casinghead  gas sales  agreements,  gas
                 sales agreements,  processing agreements, gathering agreements,
                 transportation  agreements,  and all  other  agreements  to the
                 extent they relate to any of the interests described in Exhibit
                 "A"; and

                 (d) All of Seller's  right,  title and  interests in and to all
                 personal property, improvements,  easements, permits, licenses,
                 servitude's  and rights of way,  including  but not limited to,
                 the wells listed in Exhibit  "A-1"  attached  hereto and made a
                 part  hereof  by  reference  (whether  producing,  plugged  and
                 abandoned, shut-in, injection, or water supply wells), jackets,
                 platforms,   quarters,   compressors,   flowlines,   pipelines,
                 buildings, communication equipment, tanks, facilities and other
                 equipment,  to the  extent  the same are  owned by  Seller  and
                 situated upon, associated with, appurtenant to, or used or held
                 for future use in  connection  with the  ownership,  operation,
                 maintenance  and repair of the  interests  described in Exhibit
                 "A".


<PAGE>

     1.31  "Purchase  Price"  shall have the  meaning  set forth in Section  3.1
hereto.
                 ----------------

     1.32  "Registration  Rights  Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 16.2(h) hereto.
                -------------------------------

        1.33 "Title Defect" shall mean any  encumbrance,  lien,  encroachment or
defect  associated  with Seller's title to the Properties  (excluding  Permitted
Encumbrances) that would cause Seller not to have Defensible Title.

     1.34  "Third  Party"  shall  mean any  person or  entity,  governmental  or
otherwise, other than Seller and Buyer.
                        -------------

                     ARTICLE II. TRANSFER OF THE PROPERTIES

        2.1 Sale and Purchase.  Upon the terms and  conditions  hereinafter  set
forth,  Seller agrees to sell,  assign, and convey to Buyer on the Closing Date,
all of Seller's right, title, and interests in and to the Properties,  effective
as of the Effective Time, and Buyer agrees to buy and accept the Properties from
Seller on the Closing Date, effective as of the Effective Time.

                           ARTICLE III. PURCHASE PRICE

        3.1 Purchase Price. The total purchase price,  subject to adjustments as
set forth herein,  to be paid to Seller for the Properties by Buyer shall be (a)
Forty-Two  Million Two Hundred Seventy  Thousand  Seventy-Six and No/100 Dollars
($42,270,076),  plus (b) Two Million  (2,000,000) shares of Buyer's common stock
("Consideration   Shares")   (collectively   the   "Purchase   Price").   Seller
acknowledges and agrees that the Consideration Shares are restricted  securities
within the meaning of the Securities  Act of 1933 and the rules and  regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder, and may not be
offered or sold absent an effective  registration statement covering such shares
or an opinion of Seller's  counsel,  acceptable to Buyer, that such registration
is not  required.  Consistent  herewith,  Seller  and Buyer  agree at Closing to
execute the Registration Rights Agreement  referenced in Section 16.2(h) hereto,
and Seller's right to dispose of the Consideration Shares shall be controlled by
the Registration  Rights Agreement.  If Closing occurs after the Effective Time,
then the Purchase  Price shall be increased  by the Computed  Interest  from the
Effective Time to Closing.

        3.2 Earnest Money. Upon execution of this Agreement,  Buyer shall pay to
Seller an earnest money deposit  ("Earnest Money") in the amount of Five Million
Ten  Thousand  and No/100  Dollars  ($5,010,000).  In the event of Closing,  the
Purchase Price shall be credited by the amount of the Earnest Money.

        3.3 Allocation.  Buyer's good faith allocation of the Purchase Price for
each of the  individual  fields being conveyed under this Agreement is set forth
in Exhibit "B" attached  hereto.  Buyer shall provided Seller with an allocation
of the value to each of the individual blocks on or before August 27, 1996. Said
allocation  shall be used where  appropriate  for Seller to provide any required
preferential right to purchase  notifications.  Seller shall provide any and all
required notifications of preferential right to purchase by August 30, 1996.

                        ARTICLE IV. DUE DILIGENCE REVIEW

        4.1 Due  Diligence.  Seller shall make  available to Buyer,  in Seller's
office at 1340 Poydras  Street,  New Orleans,  Louisiana  70112,  information in
Seller's possession relating to the title to the Properties,  and Buyer shall be
entitled  to review  said  information.  Buyer  shall  have the right to request
copies of any and all title information  provided.  Seller shall have the copies
requested  made and invoice  Buyer for the expense  associated  with copying the
same.  Buyer shall pay Seller any and all amounts due within  fifteen  (15) Days
after receipt of the invoice.

        4.2  Alleged  Title  Defect.  As  soon  as  is  reasonably   practicable
thereafter,  but in no event  later than five (5) Days prior to  Closing,  Buyer
shall notify  Seller of any Alleged  Title  Defect(s).  Seller may  undertake to
satisfy some,  all or none of Buyer's  Alleged Title  Defect(s) at Seller's sole
costs and  expense.  Buyer and Seller shall meet at least four (4) Days prior to
Closing in an attempt to mutually agree on a proposed remedy with respect to any
Alleged  Title Defect which  remains  uncured.  In  evaluating  the existence or
magnitude of an Alleged Title Defect,  due  consideration  shall be given to the
length of time the Alleged  Title Defect has been in existence  and whether such
fact, circumstance or condition is of the type expected to be encountered in the
area involved, and whether the Alleged Title Defect is customarily acceptable to
reasonable persons engaged in the business of ownership and operation of oil and
gas  properties.  Closing shall not be delayed or postponed due to the fact that
an Alleged Title Defect is raised which is not cured by Seller prior to Closing.
Buyer or Seller shall have the right to terminate  this Agreement if the Alleged
Title  Defect(s)  which remain uncured prior to Closing affect more than fifteen
percent (15%) of the Purchase Price.


<PAGE>

        4.3 Waiver.  All title objections not made by Buyer to Seller within the
time period provided in Section 4.2 above shall be  conclusively  deemed to have
been waived for all purposes by Buyer,  and Buyer shall have no right to seek an
adjustment  to  the  Purchase  Price,  make  a  claim  against  Seller  or  seek
indemnification from Seller associated with the same.



                        ARTICLE V. INSPECTION OF PREMISES

        5.1  Environmental  Inspection.  Seller shall use reasonable  efforts to
work with the operators to allow Buyer  reasonable  access to the Properties for
the purpose of examining the  environmental  conditions  of the same.  Buyer and
Seller  agree  that  the  terms   contained  in  Paragraph   eight  (8)  of  the
Confidentiality  Agreement  shall  apply  to  any  and  all  inspections  of the
Properties conducted in accordance with this Section 5.1.

        5.2 Alleged Environmental  Condition. As soon as is reasonably practical
thereafter,  but in no event  later than five (5) Days prior to  Closing,  Buyer
shall notify Seller of any Alleged Environmental Condition(s). Buyer's notice of
Alleged Environmental  Condition(s) shall include a complete description of each
individual condition being claimed and the costs associated with remediating the
same which  Buyer in good faith  attributes  thereto.  Seller may  undertake  to
satisfy  some,  all or none of Buyer's  Alleged  Environmental  Condition(s)  at
Seller's  sole costs and expense.  Buyer and Seller shall meet at least four (4)
Days prior to Closing in an attempt to mutually agree on a proposed  remedy with
respect  to any  Alleged  Environmental  Condition  which  remains  uncured.  In
evaluating the existence or magnitude of an Alleged Environmental Condition, due
consideration  shall be given to the  length of time the  Alleged  Environmental
Condition has been in existence and whether such fact, circumstance or condition
is of the type expected to be encountered in the area involved,  and whether the
Alleged Environmental  Condition is customarily acceptable to reasonable persons
engaged in the business of ownership  and  operation of oil and gas  properties.
Closing  shall not be  delayed  or  postponed  due to the fact  that an  Alleged
Environmental Condition is raised which is not cured by Seller prior to Closing.
Buyer or Seller shall have the right to terminate  this Agreement if the Alleged
Environmental  Condition(s)  which remains  uncured prior to Closing affect more
than fifteen percent (15%) of the Purchase Price.

                             ARTICLE VI. ACCOUNTING

        6.1 Accounting Services. Seller agrees to perform all record keeping and
accounting  services of the nature and quality normally  performed by Seller for
the  production  period  from the  Effective  Time until the end of the month in
which Closing occurs.

        6.2 Revenues.  All merchantable oil and other liquid hydrocarbons stored
in tanks on the Properties  will be gauged to the bottom of the flange as of the
Effective Time, and all oil and other liquid hydrocarbons so gauged shall be for
the account of Seller. Oil and other liquid hydrocarbons in treating, separation
equipment,  and tanks below pipeline  connections  shall not be considered to be
merchantable  and shall  become the property of Buyer.  All revenues  associated
with the  ownership  and  operation  of the  Properties  that  accrue  after the
Effective  Time  shall  be for the  account  of the  Buyer.  Revenues  from  the
Effective  Time  through  the  Closing  shall be  estimated  by the  parties and
deducted from the Purchase Price.  The actual amounts or values  associated with
the above (to the extent they vary from the estimates) shall be accounted for in
the Final Accounting Settlement.

        6.3 Costs and  Expenses.  All costs  and  expenses  associated  with the
ownership or operation of the  Properties  prior to the Effective  Time shall be
borne by  Seller.  All costs  and  expenses  associated  with the  ownership  or
operation of the  Properties  after the Effective  Time shall be borne by Buyer.
Costs  and  expenses  from the  Effective  Time  through  the  Closing  shall be
estimated by the parties and added to the Purchase  Price.  The actual amount of
such costs and  expenses (to the extent they vary from the  estimates)  shall be
accounted for in the Final Accounting Settlement.


<PAGE>

        6.4 Taxes.  All taxes,  including but not limited to,  excise taxes,  ad
valorem  taxes,  and any other  local,  state or  federal  taxes or  assessments
attributable to the Properties prior to the Effective Time shall remain Seller's
responsibility,  and all  deductions,  credits,  and refunds  pertaining  to the
aforementioned taxes or assessments  attributable to the Properties prior to the
Effective  Time,  no matter when  received,  shall belong to Seller.  All taxes,
including  but not  limited to,  excise  taxes,  ad valorem  taxes and any other
local,  state or federal taxes or assessments  (excluding  income taxes from the
Effective  Time  through  Closing)  attributable  to the  Properties  after  the
Effective Time, shall be Buyer's  responsibility,  and all deductions,  credits,
and refunds pertaining to the aforementioned  taxes or assessments  attributable
to the  Properties  after the  Effective  Time, no matter when  received,  shall
belong to Buyer.  The  parties  agree  that this sale is an  occasional  sale of
assets by  Seller  in which  Seller  does not  trade in the  ordinary  course of
business. The parties will take commercially reasonable actions to establish the
occasional  sale  exemption  from  sales tax  associated  with the  contemplated
transaction.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  Buyer shall be solely responsible
for all transfer,  sales, use or similar taxes resulting from or associated with
the transaction  contemplated under this Agreement.  Seller shall be responsible
for any and all capital  gains taxes or any similar  taxes  associated  with the
transaction contemplated under this Agreement.

     6.5 Prepaids.  Prepaid insurance premiums, utility charges, rentals and any
other prepaid or accrued payables  applicable to periods following the Effective
Time, if any, and  attributable  to the  Properties  shall be prorated as of the
Effective  Time. The amounts owing from such  proration  shall be settled in the
Final Accounting Settlement.

        6.6  Miscellaneous  Accounting.  In  addition  to the items set forth in
Sections 6.2 through 6.5 hereto,  any other amounts due between Buyer and Seller
related to the Properties shall be settled in the Final Accounting Settlement.

        6.7 Final Accounting Settlement. As soon as reasonably practicable,  but
no later than ninety (90) Days after  Closing,  Seller shall  deliver to Buyer a
statement  setting  forth  a  detailed  final  calculation  of all  post-closing
adjustments as set forth in this Agreement.  As soon as reasonably  practicable,
but no later than thirty (30) Days after receipt of the  statement,  Buyer shall
deliver to Seller a written report containing any changes that Buyer proposes be
made to the  statement.  The parties  shall  thereafter  undertake to agree with
respect to such  post-closing  adjustments  within  fifteen  (15)  Days.  If the
parties fail to agree  within such  fifteen  (15) Day period,  then the disputed
items  shall  be  resolved  by  submitting  the  same to a firm  of  independent
nationally  recognized  accountants  mutually  acceptable  to the  parties  (the
"Accounting  Referee").  The Accounting Referee shall resolve the dispute within
thirty (30) Days after having the relevant  materials  submitted for review. The
decision  of  the  Accounting  Referee  shall  be  binding  on the  parties  and
non-appealable.  The fees and expenses  associated  with the Accounting  Referee
shall be borne  equally by Buyer and  Seller.  The date upon  which all  amounts
associated  with the Final  Accounting  Settlement are agreed to by the parties,
whether by  decision of the  Accounting  Referee or  otherwise,  shall be herein
called the "Final  Settlement  Date." Any  amounts  owed by either  party to the
other as a result of such  adjustments  shall be paid within  five (5)  Business
Days of the Final Settlement Date.

        6.8 Post-Final Accounting Settlement:  Any revenues received or expenses
paid by Buyer after the Final  Accounting  Settlement  which are  applicable  to
operations prior to the Effective Time and not expressly conveyed to Buyer shall
be billed or  reimbursed to Seller,  as  appropriate.  Any revenues  received or
expenses  paid by  Seller  after  the  Final  Accounting  Settlement  which  are
applicable to operations after the Effective Time and not expressly  reserved by
Seller shall be billed or reimbursed to Buyer, as appropriate.

        6.9 Audit  Rights.  In order to verify the  information  provided by the
parties  under this  Article VI,  Buyer and Seller  shall each have the right to
conduct an audit of the other party's records  relating  thereto for a period of
one (1) year after the Closing Date.  Any  objections  not raised within the one
(1) year period  shall be  conclusively  deemed to be waived for all purposes by
the parties.


<PAGE>

                     ARTICLE VII. CASUALTY AND CONDEMNATION

        7.1 Casualty and  Condemnation.  If a substantial part of the Properties
shall be  destroyed  prior to Closing by any Casualty  Loss or if a  substantial
part of the Properties shall be taken in condemnation or if proceedings for such
purposes  shall be pending or  threatened,  either  Buyer or Seller may elect to
terminate  this  Agreement.  For the  purpose  of this  Section  7.1,  the  term
"substantial"  shall be defined as fifteen  percent (15%) of the Purchase Price.
If either party so elects,  neither  party shall have any further  obligation to
the other hereunder.  If not so terminated,  this Agreement shall remain in full
force and effect, notwithstanding any Casualty Loss or taking, and all sums paid
to Seller by reason of such  Casualty  Loss or taking shall be paid by Seller to
Buyer at Closing. In addition,  Seller shall assign,  transfer and set over unto
Buyer all of the  right,  title  and  interests  of Seller in and to any  unpaid
awards,  insurance  proceeds or other payments arising out of such Casualty Loss
or taking.

                            ARTICLE VIII. INDEMNITIES

        8.1  Indemnities.  Each  party  hereto  represents  that  it has  had an
adequate opportunity to review the following indemnity provisions, including the
opportunity  to submit the same to legal  counsel for review and comment.  Based
upon the foregoing representation, the parties agree as follows:

        (a) Subject to the  limitations  set forth in Sections 8.1(c) and 8.1(d)
        below,  Seller  shall  release  Buyer  from  and  shall  fully  protect,
        indemnify, and defend Buyer, its officers, agents and employees and hold
        them harmless from and against any and all Claims  relating to,  arising
        out of, or  connected,  directly or  indirectly,  with the  ownership or
        operation of the  Properties,  or any part  thereof,  pertaining  to the
        period of time prior to the  Effective  Time,  including but not limited
        to, any  Claims  relating  to,  injury or death of any person or persons
        whomsoever,  or damage to or loss of any  property or  resource,  or any
        pollution or environmental  damage of any kind. The indemnity obligation
        provided herein shall apply regardless of cause or of any negligent acts
        or omissions of Buyer, its officers, agents, and employees.

        (b) Buyer shall release Seller from and shall fully protect,  indemnify,
        and defend  Seller,  its  officers,  agents and  employees and hold them
        harmless  from and against any and all Claims  relating to,  arising out
        of,  or  connected,  directly  or  indirectly,  with  the  ownership  or
        operation of the  Properties,  or any part  thereof,  pertaining  to the
        period  of time on and after the  Effective  Time,  and from any and all
        Claims   relating  to,  arising  out  of,  or  connected,   directly  or
        indirectly,  with the ownership or operation of the  Properties,  or any
        part  thereof,  pertaining  to the period of time prior to the Effective
        Time wherein  Sellers  indemnity  obligation set forth in Section 8.1(a)
        has  expired or is  limited,  including  but not  limited to, any Claims
        relating  to injury or death of any  person or  persons  whomsoever,  or
        damage to or loss of any  property  or  resource,  or any  pollution  or
        environmental  damage of any kind.  The  indemnity  obligation  provided
        herein  shall  apply  regardless  of cause or of any  negligent  acts or
        omissions of Seller,  its  officers,  agents,  and  employees or whether
        occasioned  by,  incident  to or  emanate  from the  unseaworthiness  of
        vessels or alleged defects in lease equipment, facilities or pipelines.


<PAGE>

        (c)  Notwithstanding   anything  contained  in  Section  8.1(a)  to  the
        contrary,   Seller  shall  have  no  obligation  whatsoever  under  this
        Agreement  or otherwise to indemnify  Buyer,  its  officers,  agents and
        employees from and against any Claim for which Seller has not received a
        formal  request  for  indemnification  from Buyer under  Section  8.1(e)
        within one (1) year after the Effective  Time and for which Buyer is not
        immediately   prepared  to  address   said   Claim.   Seller  and  Buyer
        additionally  agree that Seller's  indemnity  obligation  to Buyer,  its
        officers,  agents, and employees  associated with Claims attributable to
        periods of time prior to the Effective  Time shall be expressly  limited
        to violations of the Law that were in effect as of the Effective Time.

        (d) The  equipment  and sites  included  in the  Properties  may contain
        asbestos or naturally occurring radioactive materials ("NORM").  Special
        procedures  may be required for the  assessment,  remediation,  removal,
        transportation,  or disposal of asbestos  and NORM from the  Properties.
        Buyer  agrees  to  assume  any and all  liability  , no  matter  whether
        attributable  to periods of time prior to or subsequent to the Effective
        Time,   associated   with   the   assessment,    remediation,   removal,
        transportation, and disposal of asbestos or Norm from the Properties and
        will conduct these  activities in accordance  with all applicable  Laws.
        Notwithstanding  anything  contained in Section  8.1(a) to the contrary,
        Seller  shall have no  obligation  whatsoever  under this  agreement  or
        otherwise to indemnify Buyer, its officers,  agents,  and employees from
        and against any Claim associated with or attributable to the presence of
        asbestos or NORM on or in connection with the Properties.  Additionally,
        Buyer agrees to accept full  responsibility  for Seller's  proportionate
        share of the cost for  maintenance,  repair,  removal  or  plugging  and
        abandonment  of all wells,  facilities,  and equipment  included in this
        transaction and shall indemnify,  defend and hold Seller,  its officers,
        agents and employees  harmless from each and every Claim  resulting from
        Buyer's  failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this Section
        8.1(d).   Buyer  further  agrees  it  will  perform  such  plugging  and
        abandonment in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Minerals
        Management Service, as well as any other applicable Laws.

        (e) Each  indemnified  party hereunder agrees that upon its discovery of
        facts giving rise to a claim for indemnity  under the provisions of this
        Agreement,  including  without  limitation,  receipt  of  notice  of any
        demand,  assertion,  action or proceeding,  judicial or otherwise,  with
        respect  to any matter to which it  believes  itself to be  entitled  to
        indemnity under the provisions of this  Agreement,  it shall give prompt
        notice  thereof in writing to the  indemnifying  party,  together with a
        statement of such information regarding any of the foregoing as it shall
        then have. Such notice shall include a formal demand for indemnification
        under  this   Agreement.   The   indemnified   party  shall  afford  the
        indemnifying  party a reasonable  opportunity to pay,  settle or contest
        the claim and/or  remediate  the condition at the  indemnifying  party's
        expense.

                       ARTICLE IX. WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER

        9.1  Warranty  of  Title.  This  Agreement  and  the  conveyance  of the
Properties from Seller to Buyer shall be without  warranty of title of any kind,
express or implied, except by, through and under the Seller, but not otherwise.

        9.2 Disclaimer - Representations and Warranties.  Buyer acknowledges and
agrees that the  Properties  are being  transferred,  assigned and conveyed from
Seller  to  Buyer  "AS-IS,  WHERE-IS",  and  with all  faults  in their  present
condition and state of repair,  without recourse.  Except as expressly set forth
in this  Agreement,  Seller  hereby  disclaims any and all  representations  and
warranties  concerning  the  Properties,  express or  implied,  at civil Law, at
common Law, by statute or otherwise,  including without limitation, any warranty
of quality,  condition  (including the physical  condition and the environmental
condition),  compliance with applicable Laws, absence of latent defects, safety,
state of repair, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

                 9.3  Disclaimer  -  Statements  and   Information.   Except  as
expressly  set forth in this  Agreement,  Seller  hereby  disclaims  any and all
liability and  responsibility  for any statement or information  relating to the
Properties made or communicated  (orally or in writing) to Buyer,  including but
not limited to, any opinion,  information  or advice that may have been provided
to Buyer from Seller or by any of Seller's officers, agents or employees. Seller
expressly disclaims any and all liability and responsibility associated with the
accuracy or completeness of the data, information and materials furnished at any
time to  Buyer  in  connection  with  the  transaction  contemplated  hereunder,
including but not limited to, the quality or quantity of  hydrocarbon  reserves,
the revenues,  the operating  costs,  the financial data, the contract data, the
physical  condition,  the environmental  condition or the continued financial or
physical viability of the Properties .

     9.4 Express Representations.  Buyer acknowledges and agrees that it is only
entitled to rely on the express representations and warranties set forth in this
Agreement.


<PAGE>

               ARTICLE X. SELLER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

        Seller  represents  and  warrants  to Buyer that to the best of Seller's
knowledge:

     10.1  Organization  and  Good  Standing.   Seller  is  a  corporation  duly
organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of
Delaware,  and has all requisite  corporate power and authority to own and lease
the Properties.

        10.2 Corporate  Authority;  Authorization  of Agreement.  Seller has all
requisite  corporate  power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement,
to consummate  the  transactions  contemplated  herein and to perform all of the
terms and  conditions  to be performed by it. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement  by  Seller,  the  performance  by  Seller  of all of  the  terms  and
conditions hereto to be performed by it and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated  herein have been duly  authorized  and  approved by all  necessary
corporate actions. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller
and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Seller,  enforceable against
it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency or other Laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights and general  principles of equity  (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law).

        10.3 No Violations. Assuming expiration or termination of the applicable
waiting  period  under  the HSR  Act,  if  applicable,  this  Agreement  and the
execution  and  delivery  hereof by Seller  does not,  and the  fulfillment  and
compliance  with the terms and  conditions  hereof and the  consummation  of the
transactions contemplated herein, will not:

     (a) Conflict  with or require the consent of any person or entity under any
of the terms,  conditions or provisions of the certificate of  incorporation  or
bylaws of Seller;

        (b)  Violate  any  provision   of,  or  require  any  filing,   consent,
        authorization  or approval  under any Law  applicable to or binding upon
        Seller (assuming receipt of all routine governmental  consents typically
        received after  consummation of transactions of the nature  contemplated
        by this Agreement);

        (c) Conflict with,  result in a breach of, constitute a default under or
        constitute  an event that with notice or lapse of time,  or both,  would
        constitute a default under, accelerate or permit the acceleration of the
        performance  required  by, or  require  any  consent,  authorization  or
        approval under, (i) any mortgage,  indenture,  loan, credit agreement or
        other agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money
        to which  Seller is a party or by which  Seller is bound or to which any
        of the Properties are subject, or (ii) any order,  judgment or decree of
        any governmental authority; or

     (d) Results in the creation or imposition of any lien or  encumbrance  upon
the Properties.

        10.4 No Default.  Seller is not in default under and Seller is not aware
of any event that with  notice or lapse of time,  or both,  would  constitute  a
default  under,  any  mortgage,  indenture,  loan,  credit  agreement  or  other
agreement evidencing  indebtedness for borrowed money to which Seller is a party
or by which Seller is bound or to which any of the Properties are subject.

        10.5     Absence of Certain Changes.  There has not been:

     (a) Any material sale, lease or other disposition of the Properties;

     (b) Any mortgage,  pledge or grant of a lien or security interest in any of
the Properties; or

        (c)      Any contract or commitment to do any of the foregoing.


<PAGE>

        10.6     Status and Operations.

         (a) For the purpose of this  Agreement,  the parties  have assumed that
        Seller is  underproduced  by 85,038  MMBtu.  Except as set forth  above,
        Seller has not taken or received any material amount of gas, oil, liquid
        hydrocarbons  or  products  refined  therefrom  so that any  person  may
        thereafter  be entitled to receive any portion of the interest of Seller
        to "balance" any  disproportionate  allocation.  If, as of Closing,  the
        imbalance  is greater or less than the assumed  85,038  MMBtu,  then the
        parties  shall  adjust  the  accounts  using a price  of Two and  No/100
        Dollars ($2.00) per MMBtu.

         (b)  All  costs  incurred  in  connection  with  the  operation  of the
         Properties have been fully paid and discharged,  except normal expenses
         incurred in operating  the  Properties  within the previous  sixty (60)
         Days and as to which Seller has not yet been billed.

        10.7 Litigation.  There are no actions or suits,  pending or threatened,
against  Seller  which  could  result in a loss or damages  or any other  relief
which,  if  granted,  would  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the  value or
operation  of the  Properties  or that would  prevent  the  consummation  of the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

         10.8  Compliance  with  Laws.  Seller  is in  compliance  with all Laws
applicable  to the  Properties  noncompliance  with which  might  reasonably  be
expected to have a materially  adverse  effect on the value or operations of the
Properties.

     10.9 Environmental  Claims. Seller has received no notice of, nor is Seller
aware of any pending or threatened, environmental related Claim.

     10.10 Bankruptcy.  There are no bankruptcy,  reorganization or receivership
proceedings pending, being contemplated by, or threatened against Seller.

               ARTICLE XI. BUYER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

        Buyer  represents  and  warrants  to Seller  that to the best of Buyer's
knowledge:

     11.1 Organization and Good Standing. Buyer is a corporation duly organized,
validly  existing,  and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware
and has all  requisite  corporate  power  and  authority  to own and  lease  the
Properties

        11.2  Corporate  Authority;  Authorization  of Agreement.  Buyer has all
requisite  corporate  power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement,
to consummate the transactions  contemplated herein and to perform all the terms
and  conditions  to be  performed  by it. The  execution  and  delivery  of this
Agreement by Buyer,  the  performance  by Buyer of all the terms and  conditions
hereof  to  be  performed  by  it  and  the  consummation  of  the  transactions
contemplated  herein have been duly  authorized  and  approved by all  necessary
corporate actions.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer
and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Buyer,  enforceable  against
it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency or other Laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights and general  principles of equity  (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law).


<PAGE>

        11.3 No Violations. Assuming expiration or termination of the applicable
waiting  period  under  the HSR  Act,  if  applicable,  this  Agreement  and the
execution  and  delivery  hereof by Buyer  does  not,  and the  fulfillment  and
compliance  with the terms and  conditions  hereof and the  consummation  of the
transactions contemplated herein, will not:

     (a) Conflict  with or require the consent of any person or entity under any
of the terms,  conditions or provisions of the certificate of  incorporation  or
bylaws of Buyer;

        (b)  Violate  any  provision   of,  or  require  any  filing,   consent,
        authorization  or approval  under any Law  applicable to or binding upon
        Buyer (assuming receipt of all routine  governmental  consents typically
        received after  consummation of transactions of the nature  contemplated
        by this Agreement); or

        (c) As of Closing,  conflict with,  result in a breach of,  constitute a
        default  under or constitute an event that with notice or lapse of time,
        or both,  would  constitute a default  under,  accelerate  or permit the
        acceleration  of the  performance  required  by, or require any consent,
        authorization  or approval  under,  (i) any mortgage,  indenture,  loan,
        credit   agreement   or  other   agreement  or   instrument   evidencing
        indebtedness  for  borrowed  money to which Buyer is a party or by which
        Buyer  is  bound  or,  (ii)  any  order,   judgment  or  decree  of  any
        governmental authority to which Buyer is subject.

        11.4 SEC  Disclosure.  Buyer is  acquiring  the  Properties  for its own
account for use in its trade or business or for investment,  and not with a view
toward or for sale in connection  with any  distribution  thereof,  nor with any
present  intention of making a  distribution  thereof  within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

        11.5  Capitalization.  The authorized capital stock of Buyer consists of
20,000,000  shares of  common  stock,  $0.01  par value per share and  1,000,000
shares of preferred  stock,  without par value.  As of July 3, 1996,  12,345,361
shares of common  stock and no  preferred  shares were  issued and  outstanding.
There were also outstanding  warrants and options to purchase 289,365 additional
shares of common stock for consideration ranging from $2.00 to $2.38 per share.

        11.6  Consideration  Shares.  The  Consideration  Shares  have been duly
authorized and, when issued in accordance  with this Agreement,  will be validly
issued,  fully paid and nonassessable,  will be owned beneficially and of record
by Seller, and will be free and clear of all liens, encumbrances or restrictions
of any  nature  whatsoever  except  as set  forth  in the  Registrations  Rights
Agreement or as required by applicable securities Laws.

        11.7  Reports.  Buyer has made  available to Seller,  and will  promptly
furnish to Seller after the date hereof upon Seller's written request,  true and
complete  copies of (a) all annual,  quarterly and other reports (the "Reports")
filed with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  pursuant to the Securities
Exchange  Act of  1934  since  December  31,  1993,  (b)  all  definitive  proxy
solicitation  materials filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission since
December  31,  1993,  and (c) any  registration  statements  (other  than  those
relating to employee  benefit plans and Buyer's  warrants and options)  declared
effective by the Securities and Exchange  Commission since December 31, 1993. As
of the respective  dates of the Reports,  the Reports did not contain any untrue
statement  of a material  fact or omit 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.  Since December 31,
1993,  the Buyer has filed  with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  all
material reports, registration statements and other material filings required to
be filed  with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  under  the  rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        11.8 MMS Approval. Buyer shall pursue in a diligent manner approval from
the MMS of all  instruments  confirming the  conveyance of the  Properties  from
Seller  to Buyer,  including  without  limitation,  Assignment  of Record  Title
Interest, Assignment of Operating Rights, and similar conveyance documents.

        11.9 Independent  Evaluation.  In making the decision to enter into this
Agreement  and  to  consummate  the  transaction   contemplated   herein,  Buyer
represents  that it has relied solely on its own independent  investigation  and
evaluation of the  Properties  and on the express  representations  contained in
this  Agreement and that Buyer has  satisfied  itself as to the condition of the
Properties. Buyer further acknowledges that it is sophisticated in the purchase,
operation and ownership of oil and gas properties.


<PAGE>

                       ARTICLE XII. ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

        12.1     Covenants of Seller.  Seller and Buyer agree as follows:

        (a) From the date hereof until  Closing,  without  first  obtaining  the
consent of Buyer, Seller will not:

     (i) waive any right of material value relating to any of the Properties;

     (ii) convey, encumber,  mortgage,  pledge or dispose of any of the material
Properties;

     (iii) enter into, modify or terminate any material contracts  affecting the
Properties; or

                 (iv)   commit itself to do any of the foregoing.

         For the purpose of this Section  12.1,  "material"  shall be defined as
One Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($100,000).

        (b) Seller shall,  from the date hereof until Closing,  promptly  notify
        Buyer of any loss or damage to the Properties,  or any portion  thereof,
        known to Seller and  exceeding One Hundred  Thousand and No/100  Dollars
        ($100,000).

        (c) Seller shall not solicit from any person any proposals or offers, or
        enter  into  any  negotiations,  relating  to  the  disposition  of  the
        Properties.

        12.2  Subsequent   Operations.   Seller  makes  no   representations  or
warranties to Buyer as to the  transferability  or assignability of operatorship
associated  with  the  Properties.   Buyer  acknowledges  that  the  rights  and
obligations  associated  with  operatorship of the Properties is governed by the
applicable  agreement(s) and that operatorship of the properties will be decided
in accordance with the terms of said agreement(s).

        12.3 Records.  Within  forty-five (45) Days after Closing,  Seller shall
furnish to Buyer the originals of the Records  relating to the Properties  which
are maintained by Seller.  The costs associated with transferring the records to
Buyer shall be borne by Buyer.  Buyer  agrees to maintain  the Records  received
from  Seller in  accordance  herewith  for a period  of six (6)  years  from the
Closing.  Buyer additionally  agrees to afford Seller full access to the Records
as reasonably requested by Seller.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  Seller shall
allow Buyer reasonable access to the Records after the Closing in order to allow
Buyer to transact day to day business.

        12.4 Like Kind  Exchanges.  Seller  reserves the right to structure  the
conveyance  of the  Properties  or any  portion(s)  thereof  as an  exchange  in
accordance with the provisions of Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The
parties agree that in order to so structure this  transaction,  where  required,
the parties will allocate the Purchase  Price between real property and personal
property.

        12.5 Buyer's Assumption of Obligations.  Except as otherwise provided in
this Agreement,  Buyer assumes and shall timely perform and discharge all duties
and obligations of the owner of the Properties  relating to the period after the
Closing  Date,  and Seller  shall  incur no  liability  for  Buyer's  failure to
properly  perform and  discharge  such duties and  obligations.  Buyer agrees to
accept  full  responsibility  for  Amoco's  proportionate  share  of  the  costs
associated with the maintenance,  repair,  removal or plugging,  abandonment and
restoration of all wells, facilities,  equipment and structures included in this
transaction, which responsibility shall be secured as provided for in the Escrow
Agreement  referenced in Section 16.2(i) below.  Buyer shall release Seller from
and shall fully protect,  indemnify and defend Seller, its officers,  agents and
employees and hold them  harmless from and against any and all Claims  resulting
from  Buyer's  failure to comply with the terms and  conditions  of this Section
12.5.


<PAGE>

        12.6  Insurance.  Buyer shall  purchase and maintain in force and effect
until abandonment of the Properties is completed at least Ten Million and No/100
Dollars  ($10,000,000)   Comprehensive  and  General  Liability  Insurance  with
contractual  coverage  to  cover  defense,  indemnity  and  obligations  in this
Agreement and Operators Extra Expense Insurance including Well Control Coverage,
Pollution,  Extra  Expense and Care,  Custody and Control  Coverage with minimum
limits of Twenty  Million  and No/100  Dollars  ($20,000,000),  or that  minimum
insurance  coverage required by statute or regulation,  whichever is the greater
amount;  and Buyer shall furnish proof of insurance at least ten (10) Days prior
to the Closing Date; provided however, such insurance shall not limit, restrict,
diminish or otherwise modify the indemnity provisions,  whether by limitation of
the extent of the protection afforded Seller or otherwise. Buyer warrants that a
copy of this provision has been provide to its insurer.

                 12.7  Call on  Liquids.  Seller,  at all times and from time to
time,  shall have the option and exclusive  right to purchase all or any portion
of the oil,  distillate,  condensate and other liquid hydrocarbons  produced and
saved from the Properties. Payment for any oil, distillate, condensate and other
liquid  hydrocarbons  purchased hereunder shall be made at the prevailing market
price for  production  of similar kind and quality  prevailing in the area where
produced on the date of  delivery.  Seller's  posted  price shall be used as the
prevailing  market price unless Buyer provides Seller with a copy of a bona fide
written offer to purchase said  production at a higher price.  Seller shall then
have ten (10)  days in which to  either  meet the bona  fide  written  offer and
exercise its right of first  refusal or suspend  (commensurate  with the term of
the applicable bona fide written offer) its purchase rights.

                      ARTICLE XIII. ANTITRUST NOTIFICATION

        13.1 Antitrust Notification.  If compliance with the HSR Act is required
in  connection  with the  transaction  contemplated  under  this  Agreement,  as
promptly as  practicable  and in any event not more than fifteen  (15)  Business
Days  following  the date on which the parties  hereto shall have  executed this
Agreement,  both parties  will file with the Federal  Trade  Commission  and the
Department  of Justice  the  notification  and  report  forms  required  for the
transactions contemplated hereby and will as promptly as practicable furnish any
supplemental  information  which  may  be  reasonably  requested  in  connection
therewith.  Each party shall  request  expedited  treatment of such  filing.  If
failure by either party to obtain  timely  authorization  from the Federal Trade
Commission  or  Department  of Justice  results in inability  for the parties to
Close on the Closing Date, the time for Closing shall  automatically be extended
until such date as Closing can occur in compliance with the HSR Act.

                  ARTICLE XIV. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING

        14.1 Conditions  Precedent to Seller's Obligation to Close. Seller shall
be obligated to consummate  the sale of the Properties as  contemplated  by this
Agreement on the Closing Date, provided the following  conditions precedent have
been satisfied or have been waived by Seller:

        (a) All  representations  and  warranties  of  Buyer  contained  in this
        Agreement  shall be true and correct in all material  respects at and as
        of Closing as though such  representations  and warranties  were made at
        and as of such time; and

        (b)  Buyer  shall  have  complied  in all  material  respects  with  all
        agreements and conditions contained in this Agreement to be performed or
        complied with by Buyer on or prior to the Closing.

        14.2 Conditions Precedent to Buyer's Obligation to Close. Buyer shall be
obligated to consummate the purchase of the Properties as  contemplated  by this
Agreement on the Closing Date, provided that the following  conditions precedent
have been satisfied or have been waived by Buyer:

        (a) All  representations  and  warranties  of Seller  contained  in this
        Agreement  shall be true and correct in all material  respects at and as
        of Closing as though such  representations  and warranties  were made at
        and as of such time; and

        (b)  Seller  shall  have  complied  in all  material  respects  with all
        agreements and conditions contained in this Agreement to be performed or
        complied with by Seller on or prior to the Closing.


<PAGE>

        14.3 Conditions Precedent to Obligation of Each Party. The parties shall
be  obligated  to  consummate  the  sale  and  purchase  of  the  Properties  as
contemplated  by this  Agreement on the Closing  Date,  provided  the  following
conditions precedent have been satisfied or have been waived:

        (a) No suit,  action or other proceedings shall be pending or threatened
        before any court or governmental commission, board or agency in which it
        is sought by a person or entity other than the parties  hereto or any of
        their  affiliates,   officers  or  directors,  to  restrain,  enjoin  or
        otherwise prohibit the consummation of the transactions  contemplated by
        this Agreement, or to obtain substantial damages in connection with this
        Agreement or the transactions  contemplated  herein,  nor shall there be
        any investigation by any governmental agency pending or threatened which
        might  result  in any such  suit,  action,  order  or other  proceedings
        seeking to restrain or prohibit  consummation  of this  Agreement or the
        transaction contemplated herein;

        (b) If applicable,  consummation  of this purchase and sale  transaction
        shall  not have  been  prevented  from  occurring  by (and the  required
        waiting  period,  if any,  shall have expired under) the HSR Act and the
        rules and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission and the Department
        of Justice;

        (c) All consents and approvals,  if any, whether required  contractually
        or by applicable  federal,  state, or local Law, or otherwise  necessary
        for the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by Seller
        (except  for   approvals  of   governmental   agencies  or   authorities
        customarily  obtained subsequent to transfer of title),  shall have been
        obtained  and  delivered to Buyer by the Closing Date and shall not have
        been withdrawn or revoked;

        (d) With  respect  to  assets  which  have not  been  excluded  from the
        Agreement  because of an exercise of a  preferential  right to purchase,
        the preferential  rights of purchase  applicable to the Properties shall
        have been waived, or the time to elect under said preferential rights to
        purchase shall have elapsed, prior to the time of Closing; and

     (e) Buyer and Seller shall execute the  Registration  Rights  Agreement and
Escrow Agreement.

        14.4 No Waiver. Except where expressly provided otherwise,  consummation
of  Closing  shall not be  deemed  to be a waiver by either  party of any of its
rights or remedies  hereunder  for breach of  warranty,  covenant,  or agreement
herein by the other party.

 .                               ARTICLE XV. TERMINATION

     15.1 Grounds for Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to Closing:

        (a)      By the mutual written agreement of Seller and Buyer;

        (b) By either Seller or Buyer if the  consummation  of the  transactions
        contemplated  herein would violate any nonappealable final order, decree
        or judgment of any governmental authority having jurisdiction enjoining,
        or awarding  substantial damages in connection with, the consummation of
        this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein;

     (c) By either Buyer or Seller  pursuant to Sections 4.2, 5.2 or 7.1 hereto;
or

        (d) By Seller  (provided  Seller is not then in breach of the provisions
        of this  Agreement),  if Closing  shall not have  occurred  on or before
        December 1, 1996.


<PAGE>

     15.2 Effect of  Termination.  The following  provisions  shall apply in the
event of a termination of this Agreement:
                 ----------------------

        (a) If this  Agreement is  terminated  in  accordance  with Section 15.1
        hereto, such termination shall be without liability of any party to this
        Agreement,  and the Seller shall  return the Earnest  Money to the Buyer
        promptly upon such termination.

        (b) If this  Agreement is terminated as a result of the failure of Buyer
        to  perform  a  material  obligation  hereunder,  then  Seller  shall be
        entitled to retain the Earnest Money as a liquidated damage to reimburse
        Seller for it's  out-of-pocket  fees and expenses incurred in connection
        with the  transactions  contemplated by this  Agreement.  The liquidated
        damage shall be in addition to and not  exclusive of other damages which
        may be appropriate in law or equity.

     (c)  Notwithstanding  the termination of this  Agreement,  the terms of the
Confidentiality Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

        15.3 Return of Documents.  In the event of termination of this Agreement
prior to Closing,  Buyer shall  return all  information  provided (or any copies
thereof which may have been made to assist in the evaluation), including but not
limited to, all books, records,  maps, files, papers, CD-ROM, seismic tapes, and
other property in such party's  possession  relating to the  Properties,  to the
party entitled thereto. Additionally,  Buyer will destroy all materials prepared
by the Buyer, its affiliates and their representatives  (including any copies of
the information which may have been made). In addition,  Buyer will certify that
it has complied with the terms and conditions of the  Confidentiality  Agreement
or this Section 15.3 by letter along with the requested information.

                            ARTICLE XVI. THE CLOSING

        16.1  Closing.  Prior to  Closing,  Seller  shall  provide  Buyer with a
Closing  statement  setting forth the Purchase  Price,  as adjusted,  and wiring
instructions  designating  an account or accounts to which the Closing funds are
to be delivered in accordance with Section  16.3(d) hereto.  The Closing of this
transaction shall be in Amoco's office at 550 WestLake Park Boulevard,  Houston,
Texas 77079.

     16.2 Obligation of Seller at Closing. At the Closing,  Seller shall deliver
to Buyer, unless waived by Buyer, the following:

        (a) An  Assignment  and Bill of Sale  conveying  all of Seller's  right,
        title and interests in and to the Properties  substantially  in the form
        attached  hereto as Exhibit "C". Such  instrument  shall be acknowledged
        and executed in at least four (4) multiple originals;

     (b) An  Assignment  of  Record  Title  Interest  substantially  in the form
attached  hereto as Exhibit  "D".  Such  instrument  shall be  acknowledged  and
executed in at least four (4) multiple originals;

     (c) An Assignment of Operating  Rights  substantially  in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit "E". Such instrument  shall be acknowledged and executed in at
least four (4) multiple originals;

        (d)  Evidence  that  all   consents,   approvals,   and   authorizations
        prerequisite  to the sale and conveyance of the  Properties,  as well as
        evidence  of  waiver  or  lapse  of  any  preferential  purchase  rights
        applicable to the Properties, have been obtained;

        (e) A Certificate  executed by an  Attorney-in-Fact of Seller certifying
        as to the  matters  specified  in Sections  14.1(a)  and 14.1(b)  hereto
        substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "F";

     (f) Letters-in-Lieu of division orders or transfer orders  substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit "G";

     (g) An Opinion  of Counsel  substantially  in the form  attached  hereto as
Exhibit "H";

     (h) A  Registration  Rights  Agreement  substantially  in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit "I";

     (i) An  Escrow  Agreement  substantially  in the form  attached  hereto  as
Exhibit "J";


<PAGE>

     (j) A  Non-Foreign  Affidavit  executed  by an  Attorney-in-Fact  of Seller
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "K"; and

        (k)  Such  other  instruments  and take  such  other  actions  as may be
        necessary to carry out Seller's obligations under this Agreement.
     16.3 Obligations of Buyer at Closing.  At the Closing,  Buyer shall deliver
to Seller, unless waived by Seller, the following:


     (a) The  Assignment and Bill of Sale,  executed and properly  acknowledged,
referred to in Section 16.2(a) hereto;

     (b)  The  Assignment  of  Record  Title  Interest,  executed  and  properly
acknowledged, referred to in Section 16.2(b) hereto;

     (c) The Assignment of Operating Rights, executed and properly acknowledged,
referred to in Section 16.2(c) hereto;

     (d) The adjusted Purchase Price by wire transfer;

        (e) A Certificate  executed by an authorized officer of Buyer certifying
        as to the  matters  specified  in Sections  14.2(a)  and 14.2(b)  hereto
        substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "F";

     (f)  Letters-in-Lieu  of division  orders or transfer orders referred to in
Section 16.2(f) hereto;

     (g) An Opinion  of Counsel  substantially  in the form  attached  hereto as
Exhibit "H-1";

     (h) The  Registration  Rights  Agreement  referred  to in  Section  16.2(h)
hereto;

        (i)      The Escrow Agreement referred to in Section 16.2(i) hereto;

        (j) One or more stock certificates representing the Consideration Shares
        issued in the name of  Seller,  and any  other  documents  necessary  to
        transfer such shares to Seller; and

        (k)  Such  other  instruments  and  take  such  other  action  as may be
        necessary to carry out Buyer's obligations under this Agreement.


<PAGE>

                           ARTICLE XVII. MISCELLANEOUS

        17.1 Notices. All notices and other communications required,  permitted,
or  desired to be given  hereunder  must be in  writing  and sent by U.S.  mail,
properly addressed as shown  hereinbelow,  and with all postage or charges fully
prepaid or by hand  delivery or by  facsimile  transmission.  Date of service by
mail or hand  delivery  is the date on which  such  notice  is  received  by the
addressee,  by facsimile is the date the notice is sent, or if such date is on a
weekend  or  federal  or state  holiday,  then on the next  date  which is not a
weekend  or  federal or state  holiday.  Each  party may  change its  address by
notifying the other party in writing.

        If to Seller            Amoco Production Company
        by mail:                P. O. Box 3092
                                Houston, Texas  77253-3092
                                Attn:  Manager, Acquisitions and Divestments

                                and

                                Amoco Production Company
                                P.O. Box 50879
                                New Orleans, Louisiana 70150-0879
                                Attn: Manager, Land

        If to Seller by         Amoco Production Company
        hand delivery:          550 WestLake Park Boulevard
                                Houston, Texas  77079
                                Attn:  Manager, Acquisitions and Divestments

                                and

                                Amoco Production Company
                                1340 Poydras Street
                                New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
                                Attn: Manager, Land

        If to Seller            Amoco Production Company
        by facsimile:           Number: (713) 366-7544
                                Attn:  Manager, Acquisitions and Divestments

                                and

                                Amoco Production Company
                                Number: (504) 586-6710
                                Attn:  Manager, Land

        If to Buyer             PANACO, Inc.
        by mail:                1050 West Blue Ridge Boulevard
                                Kansas City, Missouri  64145-1216
                                Attn: H. James Maxwell
                                President and C.E.O.

                                and

                                PANACO, Inc.
                                1100 Louisiana, Suite 5110
                                Houston, Texas  77002-5220
                                Attn: Larry M. Wright
                                Executive Vice President

        If to Buyer by          PANACO, Inc.
        hand delivery:          1050 West Blue Ridge Boulevard
                                Kansas City, Missouri  64145-1216
                                Attn: H. James Maxwell
                                President and C.E.O.

                                and

                                PANACO, Inc.
                                1100 Louisiana, Suite 5110
                                Houston, Texas  77002-5220
                                Attn: Larry M. Wright
                                Executive Vice President

        If to Buyer by          PANACO, Inc.
        facsimile:              Number: (816) 942-6305
                                Attn: H. James Maxwell,
                                President and C.E.O.

                                and

                                PANACO, Inc.
                                Number: (713) 651-0928
                                Attn: Larry M. Wright,
                                Executive Vice President


<PAGE>

        17.2 Conveyance Costs.  Buyer shall be solely responsible for the filing
and recording of documents related to the transfer of the Properties from Seller
to Buyer and for all fees  connected  therewith.  Within  thirty (30) Days after
Closing,  Buyer shall furnish  Seller and the operator of any unit which include
any portion of the  Properties,  a certified copy of all assignments as recorded
in  the  appropriate  County  records.  Buyer  shall  file  assignments  of  the
Properties with appropriate state, federal, and local authorities as required by
applicable  statutes,  rules or  regulations  and  shall  pay all costs and fees
connected  therewith.  Buyer shall furnish  Seller with all pertinent  recording
data and evidence of all such required filings.

        17.3 Broker's  Fees.  Neither party has retained any brokers,  agents or
finders and none are affiliated with either party or authorized to act on behalf
of either  party in this matter.  Each party  agrees to  indemnify  and hold the
other  harmless from and against any Claims or with respect to any  commissions,
finders'  fees,  or other  remuneration  due to any  broker,  agent,  or  finder
claiming by, through, or under such party.

        17.4  Further  Assurances.  From and after  Closing,  at the  request of
Seller, but without further consideration, Buyer will execute and deliver or use
reasonable  efforts to cause to be executed and delivered  such  instruments  of
conveyance  and take such  action  as  Seller  reasonably  may  require  to more
effectively vest in or put Seller in possession of any property,  documents,  or
information  of any kind which was not intended by the parties to be conveyed to
Buyer.  From and after  Closing,  at the request of Buyer,  but without  further
consideration,  Seller shall  execute and deliver or use  reasonable  efforts to
cause to be executed and delivered such  instruments of conveyance and take such
actions as Buyer reasonably may require to more effectively vest in or put Buyer
in possession of the Property. If any of the Property is incorrectly  described,
the description shall be corrected upon proof of the proper description.

        17.5 Survival of Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties  contained in Articles X and XI of this Agreement shall terminate two
(2) years after Closing. All other representations,  warranties,  covenants, and
agreements  contained in this Agreement  shall survive the Closing.  The parties
hereto have made no  representations  or warranties  except those  expressly set
forth in this Agreement.

        17.6  Amendments  and  Severability.   No  alterations,   modifications,
amendments,  or changes in this  Agreement  shall be effective or binding unless
the same shall be in writing and signed by Seller and Buyer.  The  invalidity of
any one or more covenants or provisions of this  Agreement  shall not affect the
validity of the Agreement as a whole, and in case of any such  invalidity,  this
Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid  provision had not been included
herein.

        17.7  Successor and Assigns.  This  Agreement  shall not be  assignable,
whether  in  whole  or in part,  without  the  express  written  consent  of the
non-assigning party. The terms, covenants and conditions hereof shall be binding
upon and shall  inure to the  benefit of Seller  and Buyer and their  respective
successors  and  assigns;  and such terms,  covenants  and  conditions  shall be
covenants running with the land and with each subsequent  transfer or assignment
of the Properties.

        17.8  Headings.  The titles and  headings  in this  Agreement  have been
included  solely  for ease of  reference  and  shall  not be  considered  in the
interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

     17.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under
the Laws of the  State of Texas,  excluding  any  choice of Law rules  which may
direct the application of the Laws of another jurisdiction.


<PAGE>

        17.10 No Partnership Created. It is not the purpose or intention of this
Agreement to create (and it shall not be construed as creating) a joint venture,
partnership,  or any  type  of  association,  and  the  parties  hereto  are not
authorized  to act as agent or  principal  for each  other  with  respect to any
matter related hereto.

        17.11 Media  Releases.  Neither party,  unless required to do so by law,
shall  release  any  information  to the  press or  other  media  regarding  the
contemplated transaction. If required by law to release information, a party may
do so after  having  obtained the other  party's  approval of the content of the
information contained in the release.

        17.12  No Third  Party  Beneficiary.  Nothing  in this  Agreement  shall
entitle any persons other than Seller or Buyer or their  successors  and assigns
to any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind.

        17.13 Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Seller and Buyer certify that
they are not  "Consumers"  within  the  meaning  of the  Texas  Deceptive  Trade
Practices-Consumer  Protection act,  Subchapter E of Chapter 17, Sections 17.41,
et seq., of the Texas Business and Commerce  Code, as amended (the "DTPA").  The
parties covenant, for themselves and on behalf of any successor or assign, that,
if the DTPA is applicable,  (i) the parties are "business consumers"  thereunder
each with assets of more than  $5,000,000.00,  (ii) each party hereby waives and
releases all of its rights and remedies  thereunder  (other than Section 17.555,
Texas  Business  and  Commerce  Code) as  applicable  to the other party and its
successors,  and (iii) each party shall defend and  indemnify the other from and
against any and all  Claims,  of or by that party or any  successors  or assigns
based in whole or in part on the DTPA,  arising out of or in connection with the
transaction set forth in this Agreement.

        17.14   Entire   Agreement.   This   Agreement   supersedes   all  prior
negotiations,  understandings,  letters of intent,  and  agreements  between the
parties relating to the Properties and constitutes the entire  understanding and
agreement  between  the  parties  with  respect to the sale and  purchase of the
Properties.






        IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties have executed this Agreement on the day
and year first set forth above, but effective as of the Effective Time.

                                                    AMOCO PRODUCTION COMPANY



                        By: ____________________________
                                                    Name: John D. Spence
                                                    Title: Attorney-in-Fact


                                                    PANACO, Inc.


                        By: ____________________________
                                                    Name: H. James Maxwell
                           Title: President and C.E.O.






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