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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2013

Registration No. 333-          

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

LAREDO PETROLEUM HOLDINGS, INC.
LAREDO PETROLEUM, INC.*
Exact name of Registrant as specified in it charter



Delaware
Delaware

State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization
  1311
Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number
  45-3007926
20-5707393

I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.

15 W. Sixth Street, Suite 1800
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119
(918) 513-4570

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of each registrant's principal executive offices)



Kenneth E. Dornblaser
Senior Vice President & General Counsel
15 W. Sixth Street, Suite 1800
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119
(918) 513-4570

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)



Copy to:
Christine B. LaFollette
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
1111 Louisiana Street, 44th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 220-5800



Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective, as determined by market considerations and other factors.

             If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box:    o

             If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box:    ý

             If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

             If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

             If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    ý

             If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    o

             Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer: o   Accelerated filer ý   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

               
 
Title of Each Class of Securities
to be Registered(1)

  Amount to be
Registered(2)

  Proposed Maximum
Offering Price Per
Share

  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price

  Amount of
Registration Fee(3)

 

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

               
 

Senior Debt Securities

               
 

Subordinated Debt Securities

               
 

Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share

               
 

Depositary Shares(4)

               
 

Warrants

               
 

Guarantees of Debt Securities(5)

               
 

TOTAL

               

 

(1)
Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately, together or in units with other securities registered hereunder.

(2)
There is to be registered hereunder such indeterminate number or amount of securities of each identified class as may from time to time be issued by the registrants at indeterminate prices and as may be issuable upon conversion, redemption, exchange, exercise or settlement of any securities registered hereunder, including under any applicable anti-dilution provisions.

(3)
In reliance on Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act, the registrants hereby defer payment of the registration fee required in connection with this Registration Statement.

(4)
The depositary shares being registered will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued under a depositary agreement. If Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. elects to offer fractional interests in shares of preferred stock to the public, depositary receipts will be distributed to the investors purchasing the fractional interests, and the shares will be issued to the depositary under the depositary agreement.

(5)
Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries of Laredo Petroleum, Inc. named as co-registrants may fully and unconditionally guarantee, on an unsecured basis, the debt securities of Laredo Petroleum, Inc. No additional consideration will be received for the guarantees and in accordance with Rule 457(n), no separate fee is payable with respect to the guarantees of the debt securities being registered.

*Co-Registrants

Exact Name of Co-Registrant
as Specified in its Charter(1)
  State or Other
Jurisdiction of Incorporation
or Organization
  I.R.S.
Employer Identification
Number

Laredo Gas Services, LLC

  Delaware   42-2608078

Laredo Petroleum Texas, LLC

  Texas   20-8882881

Laredo Petroleum—Dallas, Inc. 

  Delaware   20-4864739

(1)
The address for each Co-Registrant is 15 W. Sixth Street, Suite 1800, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119 and the telephone number for each Co-Registrant is (918) 513-4570.

   


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PROSPECTUS

GRAPHIC

LAREDO PETROLEUM HOLDINGS, INC.
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Warrants
Guarantees of Debt Securities

LAREDO PETROLEUM, INC.
Senior Debt Securities
Subordinated Debt Securities
Warrants

        Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. may, from time to time, offer and sell common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares and warrants. Laredo Petroleum, Inc. may, from time to time, offer and sell senior and subordinated debt securities and warrants and Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and one or more of its existing and future subsidiaries (other than Laredo Petroleum, Inc.), may fully and unconditionally guarantee the principal of, and premium (if any) and interest on, such debt securities. We may offer and sell these securities from time to time in amounts, at prices and on terms that will be determined at the time of the applicable offering.

        This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities. We will provide the specific terms of any securities to be offered in a supplement to this prospectus. Any prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully before you invest.

        Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc.'s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LPI."

        We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. The prospectus supplement for each offering of securities will describe in detail the plan of distribution.

        This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

        Investing in our Securities involves risk. You should carefully read the information under the heading "Risk Factors" on page 5 of this prospectus and the risk factors contained in any applicable prospectus supplement before making a decision to purchase our securities.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is March 22, 2013.


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        You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with additional or different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement are not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities to which they relate and are not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation in that jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of the prospectus, or that the information incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time and delivery of this prospectus or any sale of any security.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        The information in this prospectus includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Such statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," "may," "will," "should," "plan," "predict," "potential," "foresee," "goal," "pursue," "target," "continue," "suggest" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and may involve significant risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may vary materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Among the factors that significantly impact our business and could impact our business in the future are:

    the ongoing instability and uncertainty in the U.S. and international financial and consumer markets that is adversely affecting the liquidity available to us and our customers and is adversely affecting the demand for commodities, including oil and natural gas;

    volatility of oil and natural gas prices;

    the possible introduction of regulations that prohibit or restrict our ability to apply hydraulic fracturing to our oil and natural gas wells;

    discovery, estimation, development and replacement of oil and natural gas reserves, including our expectations that estimates of our proved reserves will increase;

    competition in the oil and natural gas industry;

    availability and costs of drilling and production equipment, labor, and oil and natural gas processing and other services;

    drilling and operating risks, including risks related to hydraulic fracturing activities;

    risks related to the geographic concentration of our assets;

    changes in domestic and global demand for oil and natural gas;

    the availability of sufficient pipeline and transportation facilities and gathering and processing capacity;

    uncertainties about the estimates of our oil and natural gas reserves;

    changes in the regulatory environment and changes in international, legal, political, administrative or economic conditions;

    successful results from our identified drilling locations;

    our ability to execute our strategies, including, but not limited to, our hedging strategies;

    our ability to recruit and retain the qualified personnel necessary to operate our business;

    our ability to comply with federal, state and local regulatory requirements;

    evolving industry standards and adverse changes in global economic, political and other conditions;

    restrictions contained in our debt agreements, including our senior secured credit facility and the indentures governing our senior unsecured notes, as well as debt that could be incurred in the future;

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    our ability to access additional borrowing capacity under our senior secured credit facility or other means of providing liquidity; and

    our ability to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness and to generate future profits.

        These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various factors, including those set forth in "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, in any accompanying prospectus supplement and in other filings made by us from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or in materials incorporated herein or therein. In light of such risks and uncertainties, we caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

        Reserve engineering is a process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact way. The accuracy of any reserve estimate depends on the quality of available data, the interpretation of such data and price and cost assumptions made by reservoir engineers. In addition, the results of drilling, testing and production activities may justify revisions of estimates that were made previously. If significant, such revisions would change the schedule of any further production and development drilling. Accordingly, reserve estimates may differ significantly from the quantities of natural gas that are ultimately recovered.

        These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus, and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable securities laws.

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC, utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf process, we may, from time to time, sell the securities or combinations of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Any statement that we make in this prospectus will be modified or superseded by any inconsistent statement made by us in a prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

        You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making offers to sell or solicitations to buy the securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making that offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, as well as the information we previously filed with the SEC that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, is accurate as of any date other than its respective date. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

        In this prospectus, the "Company," "Laredo," "we," "us," "our" and similar terms refer to Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless we state otherwise or the context indicates otherwise.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We also filed a registration statement on Form S-3, including exhibits, under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus is a part of the registration statement, but does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement or the exhibits. You may read and copy the registration statement and any other document that we file at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. You can call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room. You can also find our public filings with the SEC on the internet at a web site maintained by the SEC located at http://www.sec.gov. We also make available on our internet website our annual, quarterly and current reports and amendments as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Our Internet address is www.laredopetro.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

        We are "incorporating by reference" specified documents that we file with the SEC, which means:

    incorporated documents are considered part of this prospectus;

    we are disclosing important information to you by referring you to those documents; and

    information we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus.

        We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, which we filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act:

    Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012; and

    The description of our common stock contained in our Form 8-A filed on December 13, 2011, including any amendment to that form that we may file in the future for the purpose of updating the description of our common stock.

        In addition, we incorporate by reference in this prospectus any future filings made by the Company with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding any information furnished and not filed with the SEC) after the date on which the registration statement that includes this prospectus was initially filed with the SEC (including all such documents we may file with the SEC after the date of the initial registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement) and until all offerings under this shelf registration statement are terminated.

        Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for all purposes to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document which is also incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. You may request a copy of these filings (other than an exhibit to a filing unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing) at no cost by writing or telephoning us at the following address and telephone number:

Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc.
Attention: Investor Relations
15 W. Sixth Street, Suite 1800
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119
(918) 513-4570

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LAREDO PETROLEUM HOLDINGS, INC. AND LAREDO PETROLEUM, INC.

        We are an independent energy company focused on the exploration, development and acquisition of oil and natural gas primarily in the Permian and Mid-Continent regions of the United States. On December 19, 2011, Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. completed its initial public offering of common stock. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "LPI."

        Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. is a holding company and we conduct our operations through Laredo Petroleum, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc., and through Laredo Petroleum, Inc.'s subsidiaries. Laredo Petroleum, Inc. will be the issuer of any debt securities covered by this prospectus, which Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and its other subsidiaries may guarantee.

        Our executive offices are located at 15 W. Sixth Street, Suite 1800, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119, and our telephone number is (918) 513-4570. Our website is www.laredopetro.com. Information on our website is not part of this prospectus.


ABOUT THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

        Our subsidiaries (other than Laredo Petroleum, Inc.) may jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guarantee our payment obligations under any series of debt securities offered by this prospectus. Financial information concerning our guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries, if any, is included in our consolidated financial statements filed as a part of our periodic reports filed pursuant to the Exchange Act to the extent required by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

        Additional information concerning our subsidiaries and us is included in reports and other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information."


RISK FACTORS

        An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risk factors and all of the other information included in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus, including those included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any subsequently filed Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are incorporated herein by reference, and those risk factors that may be included in any applicable prospectus supplement, together with all the other information included in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents we incorporate by reference, in evaluating an investment in our securities. If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.


USE OF PROCEEDS

        Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities covered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include repayment or refinancing of borrowings, working capital, capital expenditures, investments and acquisitions. Any specific allocation of the net proceeds of an offering of securities to a specific purpose will be determined at the time of the offering and will be described in an accompanying prospectus supplement. Until we use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for these purposes, we may place the net proceeds in temporary investments.

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RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table presents our ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods presented.

 
  For the years ended December 31,  
 
  2012   2011   2010   2009   2008  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)

    2.1x     4.2x     4.2x     (2)   (2)

(1)
For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings" consists of pre-tax income (loss) plus fixed charges less interest capitalized and "fixed charges" represents interest incurred, amortization of deferred debt offering costs and that portion of rental expense on operating leases deemed to be the equivalent of interest. We have not included a ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends because we have no preferred stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus.

(2)
Due to our net operating losses for each of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the respective ratios of coverage were less than 1:1. To achieve the ratio coverage of 1:1, we would have needed additional earnings of approximately $258.5 million and $245.8 million, respectively.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND GUARANTEES

General

        Laredo Petroleum, Inc. may issue debt securities in one or more series. When used in this Description of Debt Securities and Guarantees section, unless we state otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise, references to "the Company," "Laredo," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Laredo Petroleum, Inc.

        We may issue senior or subordinated debt securities. Neither the senior debt securities nor the subordinated debt securities will be secured by any of our property or assets. Thus, by owning a debt security, you will be one of our unsecured creditors.

        The senior debt securities will constitute part of our senior debt, will be issued under our senior debt indenture described below and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt.

        The subordinated debt securities will constitute part of our subordinated debt, will be issued under our subordinated debt indenture described below and will be subordinate in right of payment to all of our "senior debt," as defined in the indenture with respect to such subordinated debt securities. The prospectus supplement for any series of subordinated debt securities or the information incorporated in this prospectus by reference will indicate the approximate amount of senior debt outstanding as of the end of the then most recent fiscal quarter. Neither indenture limits our ability to incur additional senior debt or other indebtedness.

        When we refer to "debt securities" in this prospectus, we mean both the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities.

        The debt securities may have the benefit of guarantees (each, a "guarantee") by Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and one or more of its existing or future subsidiaries (other than Laredo Petroleum, Inc.) (each, a "guarantor") specified in the prospectus supplement for the series of such debt securities. If a guarantor issues guarantees, the guarantees will be unsecured and, if guaranteeing senior debt securities, unsubordinated or, if guaranteeing subordinated debt securities, subordinated obligations of the respective guarantors. Unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, as used in this section, the term "guaranteed debt securities" means debt securities that, as described in the prospectus supplement relating thereto, are guaranteed by one or more guarantors pursuant to the applicable indenture.

        The debt indentures and their associated documents, including your debt security, contain the full legal text of the matters described in this section and your prospectus supplement. We have filed forms of the indentures with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part. See "Where You Can Find More Information" in this prospectus for information on how to obtain copies of them.

        This section and your prospectus supplement summarize material terms of the indentures and your debt security. They do not, however, describe every aspect of the indentures and your debt security. For example, in this section and your prospectus supplement, we use terms that have been given special meaning in the indentures, but we describe the meaning for only the more important of those terms. Your prospectus supplement will have a more detailed description of the specific terms of your debt security and any applicable guarantees.

Indentures

        The senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities are each governed by a document called an indenture. Each indenture is a contract between us and a trustee to be named prior to the issuance of debt securities thereunder. The indentures are substantially identical, except for certain

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provisions including those relating to subordination, which are included only in the indenture related to subordinated debt securities.

        The trustee under each indenture has two main roles:

    First, the trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the trustee acts on your behalf, which we describe later under "—Default, Remedies and Waiver of Default."

    Second, the trustee performs administrative duties for us, such as sending you interest payments and notices.

        When we refer to "the indenture" or "the trustee" with respect to any debt securities, we mean the indenture under which those debt securities are issued and the trustee under that indenture.

Series of Debt Securities

        We may issue as many distinct debt securities or series of debt securities under either indenture as we wish. This section summarizes terms of the securities that apply generally to all debt securities and series of debt securities. The provisions of each indenture allow us not only to issue debt securities with terms different from those of debt securities previously issued under that indenture, but also to "reopen" a previously issued series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series. We will describe most of the financial and other specific terms of your series, whether it is a series of the senior debt securities or the subordinated debt securities, in the prospectus supplement for that series. Those terms may vary from the terms described here.

        As you read this section, please remember that the specific terms of your debt security as described in your prospectus supplement will supplement and, if applicable, modify or replace the general terms described in this section. If there are any differences between your prospectus supplement and this prospectus with respect to your debt security, your prospectus supplement will control. Thus, the statements we make in this section may not apply to your debt security.

        When we refer to "debt securities" or a "series of debt securities," we mean, respectively, debt securities or a series of debt securities issued under the applicable indenture. When we refer to "your prospectus supplement," we mean the prospectus supplement describing the specific terms of the debt security you purchase. The terms used in your prospectus supplement will have the meanings described in this prospectus, unless otherwise specified.

Amounts of Issuances

        Neither indenture limits the aggregate amount of debt securities that we may issue or the number of series or the aggregate amount of any particular series. We may issue debt securities and other securities at any time without your consent and without notifying you.

        The indentures and the debt securities do not limit our ability to incur other indebtedness or to issue other securities. Also, unless otherwise specified below or in your prospectus supplement, we are not subject to financial or similar restrictions by the terms of the debt securities.

Principal Amount, Stated Maturity and Maturity

        Unless otherwise stated, the principal amount of a debt security means the principal amount payable at its stated maturity, unless that amount is not determinable, in which case the principal amount of a debt security is its face amount.

        The term "stated maturity" with respect to any debt security means the day on which the principal amount of your debt security is scheduled to become due. The principal may become due sooner, by

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reason of redemption, acceleration after a default or otherwise in accordance with the terms of the debt security. The day on which the principal actually becomes due, whether at the stated maturity or earlier, is called the "maturity" of the principal.

        We also use the terms "stated maturity" and "maturity" to refer to the days when other payments become due. For example, we may refer to a regular interest payment date when an installment of interest is scheduled to become due as the "stated maturity" of that installment. When we refer to the "stated maturity" or the "maturity" of a debt security without specifying a particular payment, we mean the stated maturity or maturity, as the case may be, of the principal.

Specific Terms of Debt Securities

        Your prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of your debt security, which will include some or all of the following:

    the title of the series of your debt security and whether it is a senior debt security or a subordinated debt security;

    any limit on the total principal amount of the debt securities of the same series;

    the stated maturity;

    the currency or currencies for principal and interest, if not U.S. dollars;

    the price at which we originally issue your debt security, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount, and the original issue date;

    whether your debt security is a fixed rate debt security, a floating rate debt security or an indexed debt security;

    if your debt security is a fixed rate debt security, the yearly rate at which your debt security will bear interest, if any, and the interest payment dates;

    if your debt security is a floating rate debt security, the interest rate basis; any applicable index currency or index maturity, spread or spread multiplier or initial base rate, maximum rate or minimum rate; the interest reset, determination, calculation and payment dates; the day count convention used to calculate interest payments for any period; the business day convention; and the calculation agent;

    if your debt security is an indexed debt security, the principal amount, if any, we will pay you at maturity, interest payment dates, the amount of interest, if any, we will pay you on an interest payment date or the formula we will use to calculate these amounts, if any, and the terms on which your debt security will be exchangeable for or payable in cash, securities or other property;

    if your debt security may be converted into or exercised or exchanged for common or preferred stock or other securities of the Company or debt or equity securities of one or more third parties, the terms on which conversion, exercise or exchange may occur, including whether conversion, exercise or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option, the period during which conversion, exercise or exchange may occur, the initial conversion, exercise or exchange price or rate and the circumstances or manner in which the amount of common or preferred stock or other securities issuable upon conversion, exercise or exchange may be adjusted;

    if your debt security is also an original issue discount debt security, the yield to maturity;

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    if applicable, the circumstances under which your debt security may be redeemed at our option or repaid at the holder's option before the stated maturity, including any redemption commencement date, repayment date(s), redemption price(s) and redemption period(s);

    the authorized denominations, if other than $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000;

    the depositary for your debt security, if other than The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), and any circumstances under which the holder may request securities in non-global form, if we choose not to issue your debt security in book-entry form only;

    if applicable, the circumstances under which we will pay additional amounts on any debt securities held by a person who is not a United States person for tax purposes and under which we can redeem the debt securities if we have to pay additional amounts;

    whether your debt security will be guaranteed by any guarantors and, if so, the identity of the guarantors and, to the extent the terms thereof differ from those described in this prospectus, a description of the terms of the guarantees;

    the names and duties of any co-trustees, depositaries, authenticating agents, paying agents, transfer agents or registrars for your debt security, as applicable; and

    any other terms of your debt security and any guarantees of your debt security, which could be different from those described in this prospectus.

Governing Law

        The indentures and the debt securities (and any guarantees thereof) will be governed by New York law.

Form of Debt Securities

        We will issue each debt security only in registered form, without coupons, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. In addition, we will issue each debt security in global—i.e., book-entry—form only, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. Debt securities in book-entry form will be represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary, which will be the holder of all the debt securities represented by the global security. Those who own beneficial interests in a global debt security will do so through participants in the depositary's securities clearance system, and the rights of these indirect owners will be governed solely by the applicable procedures of the depositary and its participants. References to "holders" in this section mean those who own debt securities registered in their own names, on the books that we or the trustee maintain for this purpose, and not those who own beneficial interests in debt securities registered in street name or in debt securities issued in book-entry form through one or more depositaries.

        Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the following is a summary of the depositary arrangements applicable to debt securities issued in global form and for which DTC acts as depositary.

        Each global debt security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, as depositary, or its nominee, and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. Except under the limited circumstances described below, global debt securities are not exchangeable for definitive certificated debt securities.

        Ownership of beneficial interests in a global debt security is limited to institutions that have accounts with DTC or its nominee, or persons that may hold interests through those participants. In addition, ownership of beneficial interests by participants in a global debt security will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership interest will be effected only through, records maintained by

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DTC or its nominee for a global debt security. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global debt security by persons that hold those interests through participants will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership interest within that participant will be effected only through, records maintained by that participant. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the debt securities. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the participants through which the beneficial owners entered the transaction. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities they purchase in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global debt security.

        We will make payment of principal of, and interest on, debt securities represented by a global debt security registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of the global debt security representing those debt securities. DTC has advised us that upon receipt of any payment of principal of, or interest on, a global debt security, DTC immediately will credit accounts of participants on its book-entry registration and transfer system with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective interests in the principal amount of that global debt security, as shown in the records of DTC. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global debt security held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the sole responsibility of those participants, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements that may be in effect from time to time.

        Neither we, any trustee nor any of our respective agents will be responsible for any aspect of the records of DTC, any nominee or any participant relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a permanent global debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the records of DTC, any nominee or any participant relating to such beneficial interests.

        A global debt security is exchangeable for definitive debt securities registered in the name of, and a transfer of a global debt security may be registered to, any person other than DTC or its nominee, only if:

    DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for that global security or has ceased to be a registered clearing agency and we do not appoint another institution to act as depositary within 90 days; or

    we notify the trustee that we wish to terminate that global security.

        Any global debt security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence will be exchangeable in whole for definitive debt securities in registered form, of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount as the global debt security, in denominations specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if other than $2,000 and multiples of $1,000. The definitive debt securities will be registered by the registrar in the name or names instructed by DTC. We expect that these instructions may be based upon directions received by DTC from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the global debt security.

        Except as provided above, owners of the beneficial interests in a global debt security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered the holders of debt securities for any purpose under the indentures. No global debt security shall be exchangeable except for another global debt security of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a global debt security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which that person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the global debt security or the indentures.

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        We understand that, under existing industry practices, in the event that we request any action of holders, or an owner of a beneficial interest in a global debt security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the debt securities or the indentures, DTC would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action. Additionally, those participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through those participants to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

        DTC has advised us that it is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered under the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions among its participants in securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the participants. By doing so, DTC eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC's participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and NYSE Amex Equities. Access to DTC's book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

        Investors may hold interests in the debt securities outside the U.S. through the Euroclear System ("Euroclear") or Clearstream Banking ("Clearstream") if they are participants in those systems, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in those systems. Euroclear and Clearstream will hold interests on behalf of their participants through customers' securities accounts in Euroclear's and Clearstream's names on the books of their respective depositaries, which in turn will hold such interests in customers' securities accounts in the depositaries' names on the books of DTC.

        Euroclear advises that it was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of Euroclear ("Euroclear Participants") and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear Participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Euroclear includes various other services, including securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. Euroclear is operated by the Euroclear S.A./N.V. (the "Euroclear Operator"), under contract with Euroclear Clearance Systems S.C., a Belgian cooperative corporation (the "Cooperative"). All operations are conducted by the Euroclear Operator, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear Operator, not the Cooperative. The Cooperative establishes policy for Euroclear on behalf of Euroclear Participants. Euroclear Participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may include any agents. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear Participant, either directly or indirectly.

        Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear Operator are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear, the related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System, and applicable Belgian law (collectively, the "Terms and Conditions"). The Terms and Conditions govern transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and cash from Euroclear, and receipts of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear. All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear Operator acts under the Terms and Conditions only on behalf of Euroclear Participants and has no record of or relationship with persons holding through Euroclear Participants.

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        Distributions with respect to debt securities held beneficially through Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear Participants in accordance with the Terms and Conditions, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Euroclear.

        Clearstream advises that it is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depositary. Clearstream holds securities for its participating organizations ("Clearstream Participants") and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Clearstream Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Clearstream provides to Clearstream Participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. As a professional depositary, Clearstream is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Monetary Institute. Clearstream Participants are recognized financial institutions around the world, including agents, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations and may include any agents. Indirect access to Clearstream is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream Participant either directly or indirectly.

        Distributions with respect to debt securities held beneficially through Clearstream will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream Participants in accordance with its rules and procedures, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Clearstream.

        We have provided the descriptions herein of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream and are subject to change by them from time to time. We believe that the sources from which the information in this section and elsewhere in this prospectus concerning DTC, Euroclear, the Euroclear Operator, the Cooperative, Euroclear's system, Clearstream and Clearstream's system has been obtained are reliable, but neither we, any underwriters nor the trustee takes any responsibility for the accuracy of the information.

        Initial settlement for the securities will be made in immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between DTC participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC's rules and will be settled in immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between Euroclear Participants and/or Clearstream Participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream, as applicable, and will be settled using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in immediately available funds.

        Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Euroclear Participants or Clearstream Participants, on the other, will be effected in DTC in accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European international clearing system by its U.S. depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European international clearing system by the counterparty in such system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (European time). The relevant European international clearing system will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its U.S. depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving securities in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear Participants and Clearstream Participants may not deliver instructions directly to their respective U.S. depositaries.

        Because of time-zone differences, credits of securities received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of a transaction with a DTC participant will be made during subsequent securities settlement processing and dated the business day following the DTC settlement date. Credits or any transactions in securities settled during this processing will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream Participants on that following business day. Cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of

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sales of debt securities by or through a Euroclear Participant or a Clearstream Participant to a DTC participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.

        Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of securities among participants of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform these procedures and these procedures may be discontinued at any time.

Redemption or Repayment

        If there are any provisions regarding redemption or repayment applicable to your debt security, we will describe them in your prospectus supplement.

        We or our affiliates may purchase debt securities from investors who are willing to sell from time to time, either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Debt securities that we or they purchase may, at our discretion, be held, resold or canceled.

Mergers and Similar Transactions

        We are generally permitted under the indentures to merge or consolidate with another corporation or other entity. We are also permitted under the indentures to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another corporation or other entity. With regard to any series of debt securities, however, we may not take any of these actions unless all the following conditions, among other things, are met:

    If the successor entity in the transaction is not the Company, the successor entity must be organized as a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust and must expressly assume our obligations under the debt securities of that series and the indenture with respect to that series. The successor entity may be organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

    Immediately after the transaction, no default under the debt securities of that series has occurred and is continuing. For this purpose, "default under the debt securities of that series" means an event of default with respect to that series or any event that would be an event of default with respect to that series if the requirements for giving us default notice and for our default having to continue for a specific period of time were disregarded. We describe these matters below under "—Default, Remedies and Waiver of Default."

        If the conditions described above are satisfied with respect to the debt securities of any series, we will not need to obtain the approval of the holders of those debt securities in order to merge or consolidate or to sell all or substantially all our assets. Also, these conditions will apply only if we wish to merge or consolidate with another entity or sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. We will not need to satisfy these conditions if we enter into other types of transactions, including any transaction in which we acquire the stock or assets of another entity, any transaction that involves a change of control of the Company but in which we do not merge or consolidate and any transaction in which we sell less than substantially all our assets.

        The successor entity will be substituted for the Company with respect to the debt securities of any series and under the indenture with the same effect as if it had been an original party to the indenture, and, except in the case of a lease, the Company will be relieved from any further obligations and covenants under the indenture.

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Subordination Provisions

        Holders of subordinated debt securities should recognize that contractual provisions in the subordinated debt indenture may prohibit us from making payments on those securities. Subordinated debt securities are subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner stated in the subordinated debt indenture, to all of our senior debt, as defined in the subordinated debt indenture, including all debt securities we have issued and will issue under the senior debt indenture.

        The subordinated debt indenture defines "senior debt" as:

    our indebtedness under or in respect of our credit agreement, whether for principal, interest (including interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any proceeding pursuant to any bankruptcy law, whether or not the claim for such interest is allowed as a claim in such proceeding), reimbursement obligations, fees, commissions, expenses, indemnities or other amounts; and

    any other indebtedness permitted under the terms of that indenture, unless the instrument under which such indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, "senior debt" will not include: (i) equity interests; (ii) any liability for taxes; (iii) any indebtedness to any of our subsidiaries or affiliates; (iv) any trade payables; or (v) any indebtedness incurred in violation of the subordinated debt indenture.

        We may modify the subordination provisions, including the definition of senior debt, with respect to one or more series of subordinated debt securities. Such modifications will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        The subordinated debt indenture provides that, unless all principal of and any premium or interest on the senior debt has been paid in full, no payment or other distribution may be made in respect of any subordinated debt securities in the following circumstances:

    in the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization, assignment for creditors or other similar proceedings or events involving us or our assets;

    (a) in the event and during the continuation of any default in the payment of principal of and any premium and interest on any senior debt beyond any applicable grace period or (b) in the event that any event of default with respect to any senior debt has occurred and is continuing, permitting the holders of that senior debt (or a trustee) to accelerate the maturity of that senior debt, whether or not the maturity is in fact accelerated (unless, in the case of (a) or (b), the payment default or event of default has been cured or waived or ceased to exist and any related acceleration has been rescinded) or (c) in the event that any judicial proceeding is pending with respect to a payment default or event of default described in (a) or (b); or

    in the event that any subordinated debt securities have been declared due and payable before their stated maturity.

        If the trustee under the subordinated debt indenture or any holders of the subordinated debt securities receive any payment or distribution that is prohibited under the subordination provisions, then the trustee or the holders will have to repay that money to the holders of the senior debt.

        Even if the subordination provisions prevent us from making any payment when due on the subordinated debt securities of any series, we will be in default on our obligations under that series if we do not make the payment when due. This means that the trustee under the subordinated debt indenture and the holders of that series can take action against us, but they will not receive any money until the claims of the holders of senior debt have been fully satisfied.

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        The subordinated debt indenture allows the holders of senior debt to obtain a court order requiring us and any holder of subordinated debt securities to comply with the subordination provisions.

Defeasance, Covenant Defeasance and Satisfaction and Discharge

        When we use the term defeasance, we mean discharge from some or all of our obligations under the indenture. If we deposit with the trustee funds or government securities, or if so provided in your prospectus supplement, obligations other than government securities, sufficient to make payments on any series of debt securities on the dates those payments are due and payable and other specified conditions are satisfied, then, at our option, either of the following will occur:

    we will be discharged from our obligations with respect to the debt securities of such series and all obligations of any guarantors of such debt securities will also be discharged with respect to the guarantees of such debt securities ("legal defeasance"); or

    we will be discharged from any covenants we make in the applicable indenture for the benefit of such series and the related events of default will no longer apply to us ("covenant defeasance").

        If we defease any series of debt securities, the holders of such securities will not be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, except for our obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated securities or maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust. In case of covenant defeasance, our obligation to pay principal of and any premium and interest on the applicable series of debt securities will also survive.

        We will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the applicable series of debt securities to recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. If we elect legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.

        Upon the effectiveness of defeasance with respect to any series of guaranteed debt securities, each guarantor of the debt securities of such series shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged from all of its obligations under its guarantee of the debt securities of such series and all of its other obligations under the applicable indenture in respect of the debt securities of that series, without any action by us, any guarantor or the trustee and without the consent of the holders of any debt securities.

        In addition, we may satisfy and discharge all our obligations under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series, other than our obligation to register the transfer of and exchange debt securities of that series, provided that we either:

    deliver all outstanding debt securities of that series to the trustee for cancellation; or

    all such debt securities not so delivered for cancellation have either become due and payable or will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, and in the case of this bullet point, we have deposited with the trustee in trust an amount of cash sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness of such debt securities, including interest to the stated maturity or applicable redemption date.

No Personal Liability

        No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, manager, partner (whether general or limited), unitholder or stockholder of the Company or any guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of us or any guarantor, respectively, under the debt securities or the indentures or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of debt securities by accepting a debt security waives and releases all such

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liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the debt securities and any guarantees. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Default, Remedies and Waiver of Default

        You will have special rights if an event of default with respect to your series of debt securities occurs and is continuing, as described in this subsection.

Events of Default

        Unless your prospectus supplement says otherwise, when we refer to an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities, we mean any of the following:

    we do not pay the principal of and any premium on any debt security of that series on the due date;

    we do not pay interest on any debt security of that series within 30 days after the due date;

    we do not deposit a sinking fund payment with regard to any debt security of that series within 60 days after the due date, but only if the payment is required under provisions described in the applicable prospectus supplement;

    we remain in breach of our covenants regarding mergers or sales of substantially all of our assets or any other covenant we make in the indenture for the benefit of the relevant series, for 90 days after we receive a notice of default stating that we are in breach and requiring us to remedy the breach, which notice must be sent by the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the relevant series of debt securities;

    we file for bankruptcy or other events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to the Company occur;

    if the debt securities of that series are guaranteed debt securities, the guarantee of the debt securities of that series by any guarantor shall for any reason cease to be, or shall for any reason be asserted in writing by such guarantor or the Company, not to be, in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent contemplated or permitted by the indenture or the debt securities of that series; or

    if the applicable prospectus supplement states that any additional event of default applies to the series, that event of default occurs.

        We may change, eliminate, or add to the events of default with respect to any particular series or any particular debt security or debt securities within a series, as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs

        If you are the holder of a subordinated debt security, all the remedies available upon the occurrence of an event of default under the subordinated debt indenture will be subject to the restrictions on the subordinated debt securities described above under "—Subordination Provisions."

        Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if an event of default has occurred with respect to any series of debt securities and has not been cured or waived, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of all debt securities of that series then outstanding may declare the entire principal amount of the debt securities of that series to be due immediately. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if the event of default occurs because of events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to the Company,

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the entire principal amount of the debt securities of that series will be automatically accelerated, without any action by the trustee or any holder.

        Each of the situations described above is called an acceleration of the stated maturity of the affected series of debt securities. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if the stated maturity of any series is accelerated and a judgment for payment has not yet been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series may cancel the acceleration for the entire series.

        If an event of default occurs, the trustee will have special duties. In that situation, the trustee will be obligated to use those of its rights and powers under the relevant indenture, and to use the same degree of care and skill in doing so, that a prudent person would use in that situation in conducting his or her own affairs.

        Except as described in the prior paragraph, the trustee is not required to take any action under the relevant indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable protection from expenses and liability. This is called an indemnity. If the trustee is provided with an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it, the holders of a majority in principal amount of all debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee with respect to that series. These majority holders may also direct the trustee in performing any other action under the relevant indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series.

        Before you bypass the trustee and bring your own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce your rights or protect your interests relating to any debt security, all of the following must occur:

    the holder of your debt security must give the trustee written notice that an event of default has occurred with respect to the debt securities of your series, and the event of default must not have been cured or waived;

    the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of all debt securities of your series must make a written request that the trustee take action because of the default, and they or other holders must offer to the trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee against the cost and other liabilities of taking that action;

    the trustee must not have taken action for 60 days after the above steps have been taken; and

    during those 60 days, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of your series must not have given the trustee directions that are inconsistent with the written request of the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of your series.

        You are entitled at any time, however, to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on your debt security on or after its stated maturity (or, if your debt security is redeemable, on or after its redemption date).

        Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the trustee and how to declare or cancel an acceleration of the maturity.

Waiver of Default

        The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of any series may waive a default for all debt securities of that series. If this happens, the default will be treated as if it has not occurred. No one can waive a payment default on any debt security, however, without the approval of the particular holder of that debt security.

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Annual Information about Defaults to the Trustee

        We will furnish each trustee every year a written statement of two of our officers certifying that to their knowledge we are in compliance with the applicable indenture and the debt securities issued under it, or else specifying any default under the applicable indenture.

Modifications and Waivers

        There are four types of changes we can make to either indenture and the debt securities or series of debt securities or any guarantees thereof issued under that indenture.

Changes Requiring Each Holder's Approval

        First, there are changes that cannot be made without the approval of each holder of a debt security affected by the change under the applicable debt indenture, including, among others:

    changing the stated maturity for any principal or interest payment on a debt security;

    reducing the principal amount, the amount payable on acceleration of the maturity after a default, the interest rate or the redemption price for a debt security;

    permitting redemption of a debt security if not previously permitted;

    impairing any right a holder may have to require purchase of its debt security;

    impairing any right that a holder of a convertible debt security may have to convert the debt security;

    changing the currency of any payment on a debt security;

    changing the place of payment on a debt security;

    impairing a holder's right to sue for payment of any amount due on its debt security;

    releasing any guarantor of a debt security from any of its obligations under its guarantee thereof, except in accordance with the terms of the indenture;

    reducing the percentage in principal amount of the debt securities of any one or more affected series, taken separately or together, as applicable, and whether comprising the same or different series or less than all of the debt securities of a series, the approval of whose holders is needed to change the indenture or those debt securities or waive our compliance with the applicable indenture or to waive defaults; and

    changing the provisions of the applicable indenture dealing with modification and waiver in any other respect, except to increase any required percentage referred to above or to add to the provisions that cannot be changed or waived without approval of the holder of each affected debt security.

Changes Not Requiring Approval

        The second type of change does not require any approval by holders of the debt securities affected. These changes are limited to clarifications and changes that would not adversely affect any debt securities of any series in any material respect. Nor do we need any approval to make changes that affect only debt securities to be issued under the applicable indenture after the changes take effect. We may also make changes or obtain waivers that do not adversely affect a particular debt security, even if they affect other debt securities. In those cases, we do not need to obtain the approval of the holder of the unaffected debt security; we need only obtain any required approvals from the holders of the affected debt securities. We may also make changes to reflect the addition of, succession

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to or release of any guarantor of guaranteed debt securities otherwise permitted under the indenture. We may also make changes to conform the text of the applicable indenture or any debt securities or guarantees to any provision of the "Description of Debt Securities and Guarantees" in this prospectus or the comparable section in your prospectus supplement, to the extent such provision was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of such indenture or debt securities or guarantees.

Modification of Subordination Provisions

        We may not amend the indenture related to subordinated debt securities to alter the subordination of any outstanding subordinated debt securities without the written consent of each holder of senior debt then outstanding who would be adversely affected (or the group or representative thereof authorized or required to consent thereto pursuant to the instrument creating or evidencing, or pursuant to which there is outstanding, such senior debt). In addition, we may not modify the subordination provisions of the indenture related to subordinated debt securities in a manner that would adversely affect the subordinated debt securities of any one or more series then outstanding in any material respect, without the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all affected series then outstanding, voting together as one class (and also of any affected series that by its terms is entitled to vote separately as a series, as described below).

Changes Requiring Majority Approval

        Any other change to a particular indenture and the debt securities issued under that indenture would require the following approval:

    If the change affects only particular debt securities within a series issued under the applicable indenture, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of such particular debt securities; or

    If the change affects debt securities of more than one series issued under the applicable indenture, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of all debt securities of all such series affected by the change, with all such affected debt securities voting together as one class for this purpose and such affected debt securities of any series potentially comprising fewer than all debt securities of such series,

in each case, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to such indenture for all or any particular debt securities of any series. This means that modification of terms with respect to certain securities of a series could be effectuated without obtaining the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of other securities of such series that are not affected by such modification.

        The same majority approval would be required for us to obtain a waiver of any of our covenants in either indenture. Our covenants include the promises we make about merging or selling substantially all of our assets, which we describe above under "—Mergers and Similar Transactions." If the holders approve a waiver of a covenant, we will not have to comply with it. The holders, however, cannot approve a waiver of any provision in a particular debt security, or in the applicable indenture as it affects that debt security, that we cannot change without the approval of the holder of that debt security as described above in "—Changes Requiring Each Holder's Approval," unless that holder approves the waiver.

        We may issue particular debt securities or a particular series of debt securities, as applicable, that are entitled, by their terms, to separately approve matters (for example, modification or waiver of provisions in the applicable indenture) that would also, or otherwise, require approval of holders of a majority in principal amount of all affected debt securities of all affected series issued under such indenture voting together as a single class. Any such affected debt securities or series of debt securities would be entitled to approve such matters (a) pursuant to such special rights by consent of holders of a

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majority in principal amount of such affected debt securities or series of debt securities voting separately as a class and (b) in addition, as described above, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to the applicable indenture for such debt securities or series of debt securities, by consent of holders of a majority in principal amount of such affected debt securities or series of debt securities and all other affected debt securities of all series issued under such indenture voting together as one class for this purpose. We may issue series or debt securities of a series having these or other special voting rights without obtaining the consent of or giving notice to holders of outstanding debt securities or series.

        Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change an indenture or any debt securities or request a waiver.

Special Rules for Action by Holders

        Only holders of outstanding debt securities of the applicable series will be eligible to take any action under the applicable indenture, such as giving a notice of default, declaring an acceleration, approving any change or waiver or giving the trustee an instruction with respect to debt securities of that series. Also, we will count only outstanding debt securities in determining whether the various percentage requirements for taking action have been met. Any debt securities owned by us or any of our affiliates or surrendered for cancellation or for payment or redemption, for which money has been set aside in trust, are not deemed to be outstanding. Any required approval or waiver must be given by written consent.

        In some situations, we may follow special rules in calculating the principal amount of debt securities that are to be treated as outstanding for the purposes described above. This may happen, for example, if the principal amount is payable in a non-U.S. dollar currency, increases over time or is not to be fixed until maturity.

        We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders that are entitled to take action under either indenture. In certain limited circumstances, only the trustee will be entitled to set a record date for action by holders. If we or the trustee sets a record date for an approval or other action to be taken by holders, that vote or action may be taken only by persons or entities who are holders on the record date and must be taken during the period that we specify for this purpose, or that the trustee specifies if it sets the record date. We or the trustee, as applicable, may shorten or lengthen this period from time to time. This period, however, may not extend beyond the 180th day after the record date for the action. In addition, record dates for any global debt security may be set in accordance with procedures established by the depositary from time to time. Accordingly, record dates for global debt securities may differ from those for other debt securities.

Form, Exchange and Transfer

        If any debt securities cease to be issued in registered global form, they will be issued:

    only in fully registered form;

    without interest coupons; and

    unless we indicate otherwise in your prospectus supplement, in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

        Holders may exchange their debt securities for debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed. You may not exchange your debt securities for securities of a different series or having different terms, unless your prospectus supplement and the supplemental indenture with respect to your debt securities provide for such exchange.

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        Holders may exchange or transfer their debt securities at the office of the trustee. They may also replace lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated debt securities at that office. We have appointed the trustee to act as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders and transferring and replacing debt securities. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves.

        Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their debt securities, but they may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the exchange or transfer. The transfer or exchange, and any replacement, will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder's proof of legal ownership. The transfer agent may require an indemnity before replacing any debt securities.

        If we have designated additional transfer agents for your debt security, they will be named in your prospectus supplement. We may appoint additional transfer agents or cancel the appointment of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.

        If the debt securities of any series are redeemable and we redeem less than all those debt securities, we may block the transfer or exchange of those debt securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers of or exchange any debt security selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any debt security being partially redeemed.

        If a debt security is issued as a global debt security, only DTC or other depositary will be entitled to transfer and exchange the debt security as described in this subsection because the depositary will be the sole holder of the debt security.

        The rules for exchange described above apply to exchange of debt securities for other debt securities of the same series and kind. If a debt security is convertible, exercisable or exchangeable into or for a different kind of security, such as one that we have not yet issued, or for other property, the rules governing that type of conversion, exercise or exchange will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Payments

        We will pay interest, principal and other amounts payable with respect to the debt securities of any series to the holders of record of those debt securities as of the record dates and otherwise in the manner specified below or in the prospectus supplement for that series.

        We will make payments on a global debt security in accordance with the applicable policies of the depositary as in effect from time to time. Under those policies, we will pay directly to the depositary, or its nominee, and not to any indirect owners who own beneficial interests in the global debt security. An indirect owner's right to receive those payments will be governed by the rules and practices of the depositary and its participants.

        We will make payments on a debt security in non-global, registered form as follows. We will pay interest that is due on an interest payment date by check mailed on the interest payment date to the holder at his or her address shown on the trustee's records as of the close of business on the regular record date. We will make all other payments by check at the paying agent described below, against surrender of the debt security. All payments by check will be made in next-day funds—i.e., funds that become available on the day after the check is cashed.

        Alternatively, if a non-global debt security has a face amount of at least $1,000,000 and the holder asks us to do so, we will pay any amount that becomes due on the debt security by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account at a bank in New York City, on the due date. To request

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wire payment, the holder must give the paying agent appropriate wire transfer instructions at least five business days before the requested wire payment is due. In the case of any interest payment due on an interest payment date, the instructions must be given by the person or entity who is the holder on the relevant regular record date. In the case of any other payment, payment will be made only after the debt security is surrendered to the paying agent. Any wire instructions, once properly given, will remain in effect unless and until new instructions are given in the manner described above.

        Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive payments on their debt securities.

        Regardless of who acts as paying agent, all money paid by us to a paying agent that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after the amount is due to a holder will be repaid to us. After that two-year period, the holder may look only to us for payment and not to the trustee, any other paying agent or anyone else.

Guarantees

        The debt securities of any series may be guaranteed by Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and one or more of our subsidiaries. However, the applicable indenture governing the debt securities will not require that Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. or any of our subsidiaries be a guarantor of any series of debt securities and will permit the guarantors of any series of guaranteed debt securities to differ from the guarantors of any other series of guaranteed debt securities. If the Company issues a series of guaranteed debt securities, the identity of the specific guarantors of the debt securities of that series will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        If we issue a series of guaranteed debt securities, a description of some of the terms of guarantees of those debt securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of guaranteed debt securities, each guarantor of the debt securities of such series will fully and unconditionally guarantee, on a joint and several basis with each other guarantor, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on each debt security of such series, all in accordance with the terms of such debt securities and the applicable indenture.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of guaranteed debt securities, the applicable indenture will contain provisions to the effect that the obligations of each guarantor under its guarantees and such indenture shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such guarantor, result in the obligations of such guarantor under such guarantees and such indenture not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law. However, there can be no assurance that, notwithstanding such limitation, a court would not determine that a guarantee constituted a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law. If that were to occur, the court could void the applicable guarantor's obligations under that guarantee, subordinate that guarantee to other debt and other liabilities of that guarantor or take other action detrimental to holders of the debt securities of the applicable series, including directing the holders to return any payments received from the applicable guarantor.

        Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of guaranteed debt securities, the applicable indenture will (i) provide that, upon the sale or disposition (by merger or otherwise) of any guarantor, (x) if the transferee is not an affiliate of the Company, such guarantor will automatically be released from all obligations under its guarantee of such debt securities or (y) otherwise, the transferee (if other than the Company or another guarantor) will assume the guarantor's obligations under its guarantee of such debt securities and (ii) permit us to cause the guarantee of any guarantor of such debt securities to be released at any time if we satisfy such conditions, if any, as are specified in the prospectus supplement for such debt securities.

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        The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any series of guaranteed debt securities will specify other terms of the applicable guarantees.

        If the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a series of our senior debt securities provides that those senior debt securities will have the benefit of a guarantee by Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and any or all of our subsidiaries, unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, each such guarantee will be the unsubordinated and unsecured obligation of the applicable guarantor and will rank equally in right of payment with all of the unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of such guarantor.

        Any guarantee of any debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future secured indebtedness of the applicable guarantor, including any secured guarantees of other Company debt, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness. Consequently, in the event of a bankruptcy, or similar proceeding with respect to any guarantor that has provided a guarantee of any debt securities, the holders of that guarantor's secured indebtedness will be entitled to proceed directly against the collateral that secures that secured indebtedness and such collateral will not be available for satisfaction of any amount owed by such guarantor under its unsecured indebtedness, including its guarantees of any debt securities, until that secured debt is satisfied in full. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture will not limit the ability of any guarantor to incur secured indebtedness.

        If the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a series of our subordinated debt securities provides that those subordinated debt securities will have the benefit of a guarantee by Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and any or all of our subsidiaries, unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, each such guarantee will be the subordinated and unsecured obligation of the applicable guarantor and, in addition to being effectively subordinated to secured debt of such guarantor, will be subordinated in right of payment to all of such guarantor's existing and future senior indebtedness, including any guarantee of the senior debt securities, to the same extent and in the same manner as the subordinated debt securities are subordinated to our senior debt. See "—Subordination Provisions" above.

Paying Agents

        We may appoint one or more financial institutions to act as our paying agents, at whose designated offices debt securities in non-global entry form may be surrendered for payment at their maturity. We call each of those offices a paying agent. We may add, replace or terminate paying agents from time to time. We may also choose to act as our own paying agent. We will specify in the prospectus supplement for your debt security the initial location of each paying agent for that debt security. We must notify the trustee of changes in the paying agents.

Notices

        Notices to be given to holders of a global debt security will be given only to the depositary, in accordance with its applicable policies as in effect from time to time. Notices to be given to holders of debt securities not in global form will be sent by mail to the respective addresses of the holders as they appear in the trustee's records, and will be deemed given when mailed. Neither the failure to give any notice to a particular holder, nor any defect in a notice given to a particular holder, will affect the sufficiency of any notice given to another holder.

        Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive notices.

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Our Relationship with the Trustee

        The prospectus supplement for your debt security will describe any material relationships we may have with the trustee with respect to that debt security.

        The same financial institution may initially serve as the trustee for our senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities. Consequently, if an actual or potential event of default occurs with respect to any of these securities, the trustee may be considered to have a conflicting interest for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. In that case, the trustee may be required to resign under one or more of the indentures, and we would be required to appoint a successor trustee. For this purpose, a "potential" event of default means an event that would be an event of default if the requirements for giving us default notice or for the default having to exist for a specific period of time were disregarded.


DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        The following discussion is a summary of the terms of our capital stock as contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, and our amended and restated bylaws and does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of applicable law, to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and to our amended and restated bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

        Our authorized capital stock consists of 450,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which 129,351,818 shares were issued and outstanding as of March 18, 2013, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which no shares were issued and outstanding as of March 18, 2013.

Common Stock

        Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and do not have cumulative voting rights. Except as otherwise required by law, holders of common stock, as such, are not entitled to vote on any amendment to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of preferred stock) that relates solely to the terms of any outstanding series of preferred stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of preferred stock) or pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or DGCL. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares or series of preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends (payable in cash, stock or otherwise), if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividend payments. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. The holders of common stock have no preferences or rights of conversion, exchange, pre-emption or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in our assets that are remaining after payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and obligations and after liquidation payments to holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock, if any.

Preferred Stock

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time one or more classes or series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, covering up to an aggregate of 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Each class or series of preferred stock will cover the number of shares and will have the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by our board of directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights.

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Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our Amended and Restated Bylaws and Delaware Law

        Some provisions of Delaware law, and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws described below, contain provisions that could make the following transactions more difficult: (i) acquisition of us by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise and (ii) removal of our incumbent officers and directors. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish or could deter transactions that stockholders may otherwise consider to be in their best interest or in our best interests, including transactions that might result in a premium over the market price for our shares.

        These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with us. We believe that the benefits of increased protection and our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging these proposals because, among other things, negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws

        Among other things, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide:

    advance notice procedures with regard to stockholder nomination of candidates for election as directors or proposals of business to be brought before meetings of our stockholders. These procedures provide that notice of stockholder nominations or proposals must be timely given in writing to our corporate secretary prior to the meeting at which the action is to be taken. Generally, to be timely, notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 45 days nor more than 75 days prior to the first anniversary date of the date on which we first mailed our proxy materials for the annual meeting for the preceding year. Our amended and restated bylaws specify the requirements as to form and content of all stockholders' notices. These requirements may make it more difficult for stockholders to bring matters before the stockholders at an annual or special meeting;

    our board of directors the ability to establish the terms of undesignated preferred stock. This ability makes it possible for our board of directors to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of Laredo;

    that at such time as Warburg Pincus no longer beneficially owns more than 50% of our outstanding common stock, our board of directors will be divided into three classes with each class serving staggered three year terms;

    that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of our board of directors;

    that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, shall, except as otherwise required by law or by resolution of the board of directors and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum;

    that at such time as Warburg Pincus no longer beneficially owns more than 50% of our outstanding common stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders

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      must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be effected by any consent in writing in lieu of a meeting of such stockholders, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock;

    that certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may be amended only with the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of our then outstanding common stock;

    that our amended and restated bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of our then outstanding common stock or our board of directors; and

    that special meetings of our stockholders may only be called by the board of directors.

Delaware Law

        We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL, which regulates corporate takeovers. In general, those provisions prohibit a Delaware corporation, including those whose securities are listed for trading on the NYSE, from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

    the business combination or transaction in which the person became interested is approved by the board of directors before the date the interested stockholder attained that status;

    upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced other than, for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding stock owned by the interested stockholder), shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers of Laredo and by certain employee stock plans;

    on or after such time the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder;

    certain mergers or consolidations involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

    any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation to or with the interested stockholder;

    subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

    subject to certain exceptions, any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or

    the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

        In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons. Affiliates of Warburg Pincus LLC ("Warburg Pincus") owned their equity in us at the time we completed our corporate reorganization in December 2011 in connection with our initial public offering, and, therefore, Warburg Pincus is not subject to the restrictions of Section 203.

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Limitation of Liability and Indemnification Matters

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation limits the liability of our directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for the following liabilities that cannot be eliminated under the DGCL:

    for any breach of their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;

    for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

    for an unlawful payment of dividends or an unlawful stock purchase or redemption, as provided under Section 174 of the DGCL; or

    for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

        Any amendment or repeal of these provisions will be prospective only and would not affect any limitation on liability of a director for acts or omissions that occurred prior to any such amendment or repeal.

        Our amended and restated bylaws also provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law; provided that we shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the board of directors. Our amended and restated bylaws also explicitly authorize us to purchase insurance to protect any of our officers, directors, employees or agents or any person who is or was serving at our request as an officer, director, employee or agent of another enterprise for any expense, liability or loss, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit indemnification.

        We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers. The agreements provide that we will indemnify and hold harmless each indemnitee for certain expenses to the fullest extent permitted or authorized by law, including the DGCL, in effect on the date of the agreement or as it may be amended to provide more advantageous rights to the indemnitee. If such indemnification is unavailable as a result of a court decision and if we and the indemnitee are jointly liable in the proceeding, we will contribute funds to the indemnitee for his expenses in proportion to relative benefit and fault of us and indemnitee in the transaction giving rise to the proceeding. The indemnification agreements also provide that we will indemnify the indemnitee for monetary damages for actions taken as our director or officer or for serving at our request as a director or officer or another position at another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be. The indemnification agreements also provide that we must advance payment of certain expenses to the indemnitee, including fees of counsel, subject to receipt of an undertaking from the indemnitee to return such advance if it is it is ultimately determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification.

        We believe that the limitation of liability provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the indemnification agreements will facilitate our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve as directors and officers.

Corporate Opportunity

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we renounce any interest or expectancy in any business opportunity, transaction or other matter in which Warburg Pincus or any private fund that it manages or advises, any of their respective officers, directors, partners and employees, and any portfolio company in which such entities or persons have an equity interest (other than us and our subsidiaries) (each a "specified party") participates or desires or seeks to participate in and that involves any aspect of the energy business or industry, unless any such business opportunity, transaction or matter is offered in writing solely to

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(i) one of our directors or officers who is not also a specified party, or (ii) a specified party who is one of our directors, officers or employees and is offered such opportunity solely in his or her capacity as one of our directors, officers or employees.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.

Listing

        Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "LPI."


DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

        We may offer fractional interests in shares of preferred stock rather than full shares of preferred stock. In that event, depositary receipts will be issued to evidence depositary shares, each of which will represent a fraction of a share of a particular series of preferred stock, as described in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of depositary shares.

        The shares of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a deposit agreement between us and a depositary that is a bank or trust company, as depositary, that we select as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of depositary shares. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of depositary shares, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by such depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the shares of preferred stock represented by such depositary share, including dividend and liquidation rights and any right to convert the shares of preferred stock into common stock.

        We will describe the terms of any depositary shares we offer and the related depositary agreement, as well as the terms of the shares of preferred stock represented thereby, in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of depositary shares.


DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

        We may issue warrants that entitle the holder to purchase debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or depositary shares. Warrants may be issued independently or together with debt securities, preferred stock or common stock offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from any such offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of warrants. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of warrants or beneficial owners of warrants.

        The following summary of certain provisions of the warrants does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all provisions of the warrant agreements.

        Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of warrants offered pursuant to such prospectus supplement for the terms of and information relating to such warrants, including, where applicable:

    the designation, aggregate principal amount, currencies, denominations and terms of the series of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of warrants to purchase debt securities and the price at which such debt securities may be purchased upon such exercise;

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    the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase common stock and the price at which such number of shares of common stock may be purchased upon such exercise;

    the number of shares and series of preferred stock purchasable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase preferred stock and the price at which such number of shares of such series of preferred stock may be purchased upon such exercise;

    the designation and number of depositary shares purchasable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase other securities and the price at which such number of depositary shares may be purchased upon such exercise;

    the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;

    United States federal income tax consequences applicable to such warrants;

    the amount of warrants outstanding as of the most recent practicable date; and

    any other terms of such warrants.

        Warrants will be issued in registered form only. The exercise price for warrants will be subject to adjustment in accordance with the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Each warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase such principal amount of debt securities or such number of shares of preferred stock, common stock or depositary shares at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or calculable from, the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants, which exercise price may be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events as set forth in such prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, or such later date to which such expiration date may be extended by us, unexercised warrants will become void. The place or places where, and the manner in which, warrants may be exercised shall be specified in the prospectus supplement relating to such warrants.

        Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or depositary shares, holders of such warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of such debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or depositary shares, as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the debt securities purchasable upon such exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture, or to receive payments of dividends, if any, on the preferred stock, or common stock purchasable upon such exercise, or to exercise any applicable right to vote or to exercise any rights of holders of depositary receipts in respect of the depositary shares purchasable upon such exercise.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        We may sell the offered securities in and outside the United States (1) through underwriters or dealers; (2) directly to purchasers, including our affiliates and shareholders, or in a rights offering; (3) through agents; or (4) through a combination of any of these methods. The prospectus supplement will include the following information:

    the terms of the offering;

    the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents;

    the name or names of any managing underwriter or underwriters;

    the purchase price of the securities;

    the net proceeds from the sale of the securities;

    any delayed delivery arrangements;

    any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters' compensation;

    any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

    any commissions paid to agents.

        In addition, we may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. If so, the third parties may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment). We or one of our affiliates may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus. Such financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus or otherwise.

Sale through Underwriters or Dealers

        If we use underwriters in the sale, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account for resale to the public. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the offered securities if they purchase any of them. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.

        Representatives of the underwriters through whom the offered securities are sold for public offering and sale may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate short covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves syndicate sales in excess of the offering size, which creates a syndicate short position.

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Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the offered securities so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the offered securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Penalty bids permit the representative of the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the offered securities originally sold by such syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Such stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the offered securities to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of such transactions. These transactions may be effected on a national securities exchange and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

        Some or all of the securities that we offer through this prospectus may be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom we sell our securities for public offering and sale may make a market in those securities, but they will not be obligated to do so and they may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of the liquidity of, or continued trading markets for, any securities that we offer.

        If we use dealers in the sale of securities, we will sell the securities to them as principals. They may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. If applicable, we will include in the prospectus supplement the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction.

Direct Sales and Sales through Agents

        We may sell the securities directly. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We may also sell the securities through agents designated from time to time. In the prospectus supplement, we will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities, and we will describe any commissions payable to the agent. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.

        We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. We will describe the terms of any such sales in the prospectus supplement.

        We may also make direct sales through subscription rights distributed to our existing stockholders on a pro rata basis that may or may not be transferable. In any distribution of subscription rights to our stockholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may then sell the unsubscribed securities directly to third parties or we may engage the services of one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell the unsubscribed securities to third parties.

Remarketing Arrangements

        Offered securities also may be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreements, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, in connection with the securities remarketed.

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Delayed Delivery Arrangements

        If we so indicate in the prospectus supplement, we may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts. These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts would be subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.

General Information

        We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments that the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.

        Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of our business.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the securities being offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Houston, Texas, our outside legal counsel. Additional legal matters may be passed on for us, or any underwriters, dealers or agents, by counsel we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports.

        Certain estimates of our proved reserves included in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or incorporated herein by reference are based on reserve reports prepared by Ryder Scott Company, L.P., independent reserve engineers. These estimates are so included or incorporated by reference in reliance upon the authority of such firm as an expert in these matters.

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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

        The following table sets forth the expenses (all of which are estimated) to be borne by us in connection with a distribution of securities registered under this Registration Statement.

SEC registration fee

  $          *

FINRA filing fee

  $          **

Printing fees and expenses

  $          **

Accounting fees and expenses

  $          **

Rating agency fees

  $          **

Legal fees and expenses

  $          **

Transfer Agent and Registrar, Trustee and Depositary fees and expenses

  $          **

Miscellaneous

  $          **
       

Total

  $          **
       

*
The registrants are deferring payment of the registration fee in reliance on Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r).

**
These fees are calculated based on the number of issuances and amount of securities offered and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time.

Item 15.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc.

        Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") is incorporated in Delaware. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL") provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

        Section 145 further provides that a corporation similarly may indemnify any such person serving in any such capacity who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication

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of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

        The Company's certificate of incorporation provides that indemnification shall be to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL for all current or former directors or officers of the Company. As permitted by the DGCL, the Company's certificate of incorporation provides that directors of the Company shall have no personal liability to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent that exculpation from liability is not permitted under the DGCL as in effect when such liability is determined.

        We have obtained directors' and officers' insurance to cover our directors, officers and some of our employees for certain liabilities.

        We have entered into written indemnification agreements with our directors and officers. Under these agreements, if an officer or director makes a claim of indemnification to us, either a majority of the disinterested directors, a committee designated by such disinterested directors or independent legal counsel selected by our board of directors must review the relevant facts and make a determination as to whether the officer or director has met the standards of conduct under Delaware law that would permit (under Delaware law) and require (under the indemnification agreement) us to indemnify the officer or director.

Laredo Petroleum, Inc.

        Laredo Petroleum, Inc. is incorporated in Delaware. The provisions of the DGCL regarding indemnification of directors, officers and other employees discussed above as applying to the Company also apply to Laredo Petroleum, Inc.

        Laredo Petroleum, Inc.'s certificate of incorporation provides that indemnification shall be to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL for all current or former directors or officers of Laredo Petroleum, Inc. As permitted by the DGCL, Laredo Petroleum, Inc.'s certificate of incorporation provides that directors of Laredo Petroleum, Inc. shall have no personal liability to Laredo Petroleum, Inc. or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent that exculpation from liability is not permitted under the DGCL as in effect when such liability is determined.

        We have obtained directors' and officers' insurance to cover our directors, officers and some of our employees for certain liabilities.

Laredo Petroleum—Dallas, Inc.

        Laredo Petroleum—Dallas, Inc. is incorporated in Delaware. The provisions of the DGCL regarding indemnification of directors, officers and other employees discussed above as applying to the Company also apply to Laredo Petroleum—Dallas, Inc.

        Laredo Petroleum—Dallas, Inc.'s certificate of incorporation provides that indemnification shall be to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL for all current or former directors or officers of Laredo Petroleum—Dallas, Inc. As permitted by the DGCL, Laredo Petroleum—Dallas, Inc.'s certificate of incorporation provides that directors of Laredo Petroleum—Dallas, Inc. shall have no personal liability to Laredo Petroleum—Dallas, Inc. or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent that exculpation from liability is not permitted under the DGCL as in effect when such liability is determined.

        We have obtained directors' and officers' insurance to cover our directors, officers and some of our employees for certain liabilities.

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Laredo Gas Services, LLC

        Laredo Gas Services, LLC is organized in Delaware. Section 18-108 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act provides that, subject to the standards and restrictions, if any, as are set forth in its limited liability company agreement, a Delaware limited liability company may, and shall have the power to, indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever. The company agreement of Laredo Gas Services, LLC provides for the indemnification of its managers to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, indemnification of a manager for judgments, settlements, penalties, fines or expenses (including attorney's fees) incurred in any proceeding because such manager is or was a manager of Laredo Gas Services, LLC.

Laredo Petroleum Texas, LLC

        Laredo Petroleum Texas, LLC is organized in Texas. Section 101.402 of the Texas Business Organizations Code provides that a limited liability company may, and shall have the power to, indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever. The operating agreement of Laredo Petroleum Texas, LLC provides for the indemnification of its managers and officers against (and the advancement of expenses relating to) any and all losses, claims, demands, costs, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses of any nature (including attorneys' fees and disbursements), judgments, fines, settlements, penalties and other expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such manager or officer in connection with any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) in which such person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of the fact that such person is or was an officer or manager of Laredo Petroleum Texas, LLC or was performing services on behalf of Laredo Petroleum Texas, LLC, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner that such person believed was in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Laredo Petroleum Texas, LLC, and with respect to any criminal matter had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful.

Item 16.    Exhibits.

Exhibit
Number
  Description
  1.1 * Form of Underwriting Agreement.

  4.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35380) on December 22, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35380) on December 19, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.3   Form of Common Stock Certificate (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-176439) on November 14, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.4   Description of Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Form 8-A filed on December 13, 2011 (File No. 001-35380)).

  4.5   Base Indenture with respect to Senior Debt Securities (and any related guarantees) (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35380) on April 30, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

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Exhibit
Number
  Description
  4.6 ** Form of Base Indenture with respect to Subordinated Debt Securities (and any related guarantees).

  4.7 * Form of Warrant Agreement.

  4.8 * Form of Warrant Certificate.

  4.9 * Form of Depositary Agreement.

  4.10   Form of Registration Rights Agreement dated December 20, 2011 among Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and the signatories thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35380) on December 22, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

  5.1 ** Opinion of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered.

  12.1 ** Statement of Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

  23.1 ** Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.

  23.2 ** Consent of Ryder Scott Company L.P.

  23.3 ** Consent of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).

  24.1 ** Powers of Attorney (contained on signature pages).

  25.1 ** Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of the Trustee under the Base Indenture with respect to Senior Debt Securities.

  25.2 *** Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of the Trustee under the Base Indenture with respect to Subordinated Debt Securities.

*
To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K of the registrant in connection with the issuance of securities.

**
Filed herewith.

***
To be filed in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Rule 5b-3 thereunder.

Item 17.    Undertakings.

        Each undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

            1.     To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

      (i)
      to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

      (ii)
      to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume

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        and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;

      (iii)
      to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

        Provided, however, that paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

            2.     That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

            3.     To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

            4.     That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

                (i)  Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

               (ii)  Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

            5.     That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of

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    the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (ii) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; (iii) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and (iv) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

            6.     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

            7.     If and when applicable, the undersigned registrant, hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.

            8.     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tulsa, State of Oklahoma, on March 22, 2013.

    LAREDO PETROLEUM HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ RANDY A. FOUTCH

Randy A. Foutch
Chief Executive Officer


POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Randy A. Foutch, Richard C. Buterbaugh and Kenneth E. Dornblaser, and each of them, any of whom may act without joinder of the other, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution, for him and on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file this registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any or all amendments (including, without limitation, post-effective amendments), with all exhibits and any and all documents required to be filed with respect thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any regulatory authority, granting unto such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as he himself might or could do, if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated:

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ RANDY A. FOUTCH

Randy A. Foutch
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)   March 22, 2013

/s/ RICHARD C. BUTERBAUGH

Richard C. Buterbaugh

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)

 

March 22, 2013

/s/ JERRY R. SCHUYLER

Jerry R. Schuyler

 

Director, President and Chief Operating Officer

 

March 22, 2013

/s/ PETER R. KAGAN

Peter R. Kagan

 

Director

 

March 22, 2013

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Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ JAMES R. LEVY

James R. Levy
  Director   March 22, 2013

/s/ B.Z. (BILL) PARKER

B.Z. (Bill) Parker

 

Director

 

March 22, 2013

/s/ PAMELA S. PIERCE

Pamela S. Pierce

 

Director

 

March 22, 2013

/s/ AMBASSADOR FRANCIS ROONEY

Ambassador Francis Rooney

 

Director

 

March 22, 2013

/s/ EDMUND P. SEGNER, III

Edmund P. Segner, III

 

Director

 

March 22, 2013

/s/ DR. MYLES W. SCOGGINS

Dr. Myles W. Scoggins

 

Director

 

March 22, 2013

/s/ DONALD D. WOLF

Donald D. Wolf

 

Director

 

March 22, 2013

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tulsa, State of Oklahoma, on March 22, 2013.

    LAREDO PETROLEUM, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ RANDY A. FOUTCH

Randy A. Foutch
Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated:

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ RANDY A. FOUTCH

Randy A. Foutch
  Sole Director and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)   March 22, 2013

/s/ RICHARD C. BUTERBAUGH

Richard C. Buterbaugh

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)

 

March 22, 2013

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tulsa, State of Oklahoma, on March 22, 2013.

    LAREDO PETROLEUM—DALLAS, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ RANDY A. FOUTCH

Randy A. Foutch
Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated:

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ RANDY A. FOUTCH

Randy A. Foutch
  Sole Director and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)   March 22, 2013

/s/ RICHARD C. BUTERBAUGH

Richard C. Buterbaugh

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)

 

March 22, 2013

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tulsa, State of Oklahoma, on March 22, 2013.

    LAREDO GAS SERVICES, LLC

 

 

By:

 

/s/ RANDY A. FOUTCH

Randy A. Foutch
Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated:

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ RANDY A. FOUTCH

Randy A. Foutch
  Manager and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)   March 22, 2013

/s/ RICHARD C. BUTERBAUGH

Richard C. Buterbaugh

 

Manager, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)

 

March 22, 2013

/s/ JERRY SCHUYLER

Jerry Schuyler

 

Manager, President and Chief Operating Officer

 

March 22, 2013

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tulsa, State of Oklahoma, on March 22, 2013.

    LAREDO PETROLEUM TEXAS, LLC

 

 

By:

 

/s/ RANDY A. FOUTCH

Randy A. Foutch
Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated:

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ RANDY A. FOUTCH

Randy A. Foutch
  Sole Manager and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)   March 22, 2013

/s/ RICHARD C. BUTERBAUGH

Richard C. Buterbaugh

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)

 

March 22, 2013

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
  Description
  1.1 * Form of Underwriting Agreement.

  4.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35380) on December 22, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35380) on December 19, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.3   Form of Common Stock Certificate (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-176439) on November 14, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.4   Description of Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Form 8-A filed on December 13, 2011 (File No. 001-35380)).

  4.5   Base Indenture with respect to Senior Debt Securities (and any related guarantees) (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35380) on April 30, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.6 ** Form of Base Indenture with respect to Subordinated Debt Securities (and any related guarantees).

  4.7 * Form of Warrant Agreement.

  4.8 * Form of Warrant Certificate.

  4.9 * Form of Depositary Agreement.

  4.10   Form of Registration Rights Agreement dated December 20, 2011 among Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and the signatories thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35380) on December 22, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

  5.1 ** Opinion of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered.

  12.1 ** Statement of Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

  23.1 ** Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.

  23.2 ** Consent of Ryder Scott Company L.P.

  23.3 ** Consent of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).

  24.1 ** Powers of Attorney (contained on signature pages).

  25.1 ** Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of the Trustee under the Base Indenture with respect to Senior Debt Securities.

  25.2 *** Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of the Trustee under the Base Indenture with respect to Subordinated Debt Securities.

*
To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K of the registrant in connection with the issuance of securities.

**
Filed herewith.

***
To be filed in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Rule 5b-3 thereunder.

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