-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, FxgtPb7FCo81/C5KmAQQ8IkdNQi2d/gbkgRVXqBrZtCR4SRJMJlGc47D0H4BpeKu Qs3vOJ21VaJCLWnsBJNfeA== 0001104659-07-043737.txt : 20070530 0001104659-07-043737.hdr.sgml : 20070530 20070530060151 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-07-043737 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 425 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 FILED AS OF DATE: 20070530 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070530 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOUSTON EXPLORATION CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001015293 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: OIL AND GAS FIELD EXPLORATION SERVICES [1382] IRS NUMBER: 222674487 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 425 SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-11899 FILM NUMBER: 07885430 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1100 LOUISIANA STREET STREET 2: SUITE 2000 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77002-5219 BUSINESS PHONE: 713-830-6800 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1100 LOUISIANA STREET STREET 2: SUITE 2000 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77002-5219 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FOREST OIL CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000038079 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS [1311] IRS NUMBER: 250484900 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NY FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 425 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 707 SEVENTEENTH STREET STREET 2: SUITE 3600 CITY: DENVER STATE: CO ZIP: 80202 BUSINESS PHONE: 3038121400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 707 SEVENTEENTH STREET STREET 2: SUITE 3600 CITY: DENVER STATE: CO ZIP: 80202 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: Forest Oil CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20040819 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FOREST OIL CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 425 1 a07-14803_28k.htm 425

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

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

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):   May 28, 2007

FOREST OIL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

1-13515

 

25-0484900

(Commission File Number)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

707 17th Street, Suite 3600, Denver, Colorado

 

80202

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

303.812.1400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

x           Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o            Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 




Item 1.01.              Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On May 29, 2007, Forest Oil Corporation (“Forest”) announced the execution of two agreements pertaining to the sale of its Alaska business unit.   The agreements, which were executed on May 28, 2007,  include (i) a membership interest purchase agreement (the “Membership Purchase Agreement”) dated as of May 24, 2007, among Forest Alaska Holding LLC, as seller (“Forest Holding”), Forest Alaska Operating LLC (“Forest Alaska Operating” and together with Forest Holding, “Forest Alaska”), Forest for certain limited purposes, and Pacific Energy Resources Ltd., as buyer (“PERL”), and (ii) an asset sales agreement (the “Asset Sales Agreement”) dated as of May 24, 2007, between Forest and PERL.

Membership Purchase Agreement.  Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Membership Purchase Agreement, Forest Holding will sell to PERL all of the outstanding membership interests in Forest Alaska Operating and PERL will purchase such membership interests, for a total cash purchase price of $420 million, subject to adjustment (the base purchase price, as adjusted, the “Purchase Price”).    Under the terms of the Membership Purchase Agreement, PERL will pay Forest Holding a deposit equal to $4.2 million.  Forest expects the closing to occur on or about June 30, 2007, subject to satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions.  At the closing, the Purchase Price will be adjusted downward to reflect the payment of the cash deposit, upward by working capital at December 31, 2006 (agreed by the parties to equal approximately $18 million), downward if certain title or environmental defects exist, downward by $380 million to pay off Forest Alaska Operating debt under existing credit agreements (including a put premium that arises due to the transaction), upward by the amount of any equity contributions that Forest Holding or Forest make to Forest Alaska Operating, and upward or downward due to the apportionment of real and personal property taxes.  Following the closing, the Purchase Price will be further adjusted to reflect gas imbalances, as warranted. The effective date for the transaction is January 1, 2007.  Forest will continue to operate the oil and gas properties held by Forest Alaska Operating after the closing until such time as PERL receives the required approvals to operate.

Asset Sales Agreement.  Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Asset Sales Agreement, Forest will sell to PERL substantially all of its remaining assets located in Alaska including, without limitation, oil and gas leases, and the associated lands, wells, contracts, equipment, easements, permits, seismic data, and all of Forest’s stock in the Cook Inlet Pipeline Company (collectively, the “Assets”).  The purchase price for the Assets consists of $10 million in cash and 5.5 million shares of PERL common stock (the cash and shares together, the “Purchase Price”).  Under the terms of the Asset Sales Agreement, PERL will pay Forest a deposit equal to $1 million.  The Purchase Price is subject to adjustment.  In the event PERL is not able to issue the shares as a result of an inability to obtain necessary approvals from the Toronto Stock Exchange, PERL will be required to pay Forest an additional cash amount that will be determined based on the trading price of PERL. The effective date for the sale of the Assets is January 1, 2007, and the Purchase Price will be adjusted to reflect activities between the effective date and the closing date.  Forest expects the closing to occur on or about June 30, 2007, subject to the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Membership Purchase Agreement and satisfaction or waiver of the other closing conditions.

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If PERL is unable to close the Membership Purchase Agreement and the Asset Sales Agreement because PERL fails to obtain necessary acquisition financing, Forest’s sole remedy is the retention of the $5.2 million in deposits.

Each of the Membership Purchase Agreement and Asset Sales Agreement are attached to and incorporated in this Current Report on Form 8-K as exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively.

Item 7.01.              Regulation FD Disclosure.

On May 29, 2007, Forest announced the sale of its Alaska assets for approximately $464 million.  A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The information furnished in this Current Report under the heading “Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure,” including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section or Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 8.01.              Other Events.

On May 29, 2007, Forest announced the sale of its Alaska assets for approximately $464 million.  In addition, Forest announced that it is commencing a private placement offering to eligible purchasers, subject to market and other conditions, of an aggregate $500 million principal amount of senior notes due 2019 (the “Notes”).   Attached to and incorporated in this Current Report on Form 8-K are certain unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and explanatory notes presenting how the financial statements of Forest may have appeared had certain transactions occurred as of March 31, 2007 (with respect to balance sheet information using currently available fair value information) or as of January 1, 2006 (with respect to statements of operation information), including the following: (i)  Forest’s pending merger with Houston Exploration and related transactions, including the proposed issuance of the Notes; and (ii)  the pending sale of Forest’s Alaska operations.

The Notes will not initially be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.   The Notes may be resold by the initial purchasers pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act.

The foregoing materials are not a substitute for the registration statement that was filed with the SEC in connection with Forest’s proposed acquisition of The Houston Exploration Company (“Houston Exploration”), or the joint proxy statement/prospectus that was mailed to shareholders commencing on May 4, 2007.  Investors are urged to read the joint proxy statement/prospectus as it contains important information, including detailed risk factors.  The registration statement and other documents filed by Forest and Houston Exploration with the SEC are available free of charge at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, or by directing a request when such a filing is made to Forest Oil Corporation, 707 17th Street, Suite 3600, Denver, CO 80202, Attention: Investor Relations; or by directing a request to The Houston Exploration Company, 1100 Louisiana Street, Suite 2000, Houston, TX 77002, Attention: Investor Relations.

Forest, Houston Exploration and their respective directors and executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction.  Information about the participants in the solicitation is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus-information statement.

Item 9.01.              Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)           Exhibits

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

10.1

 

Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated as of May 24, 2007, among Forest Alaska Holding LLC, Forest Alaska Operating LLC, Forest Oil Corporation, and Pacific Energy Resources Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Asset Sales Agreement dated as of May 24, 2007, between Forest Oil Corporation and Pacific Energy Resources Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press release dated May 29, 2007 entitled “Forest Oil Announces Sale of Alaska Assets for Approximately $464 Million.”

 

 

 

 

 

99.2

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Explanatory Notes as of March 31, 2007 or January 1, 2006.

 

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

FOREST OIL CORPORATION

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

Dated:  May 30, 2007

 

By

/s/ CYRUS D. MARTER IV

 

 

 

Cyrus D. Marter IV

 

 

 

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS FILED WITH THE CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K

Exhibit

 

Description

 

10.1

 

Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated as of May 24, 2007, among Forest Alaska Holding LLC, Forest Alaska Operating LLC, Forest Oil Corporation, and Pacific Energy Resources Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Asset Sales Agreement dated as of May 24, 2007, between Forest Oil Corporation and Pacific Energy Resources Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press release dated May 29, 2007 entitled “Forest Oil Announces Sale of Alaska Assets for Approximately $464 Million.”

 

 

 

 

 

99.2

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Explanatory Notes as of March 31, 2007 or January 1, 2006.

 

 

5



EX-10.1 2 a07-14803_2ex10d1.htm EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT

dated as of May 24, 2007

among

Forest Alaska Holding LLC,

As Seller;

Forest Alaska Operating LLC,

As the Company;

Forest Oil Corporation

(for purposes of Sections 7.6, 7.14, 10.1 and Article XII only)

AND

Pacific Energy Resources Ltd.

As Buyer




TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

1

 

ARTICLE II

 

EFFECTIVE DATE; CLOSING

 

7

 

2.1

 

Effective Date; Closing

 

7

 

2.2

 

Proceedings at Closing

 

8

 

ARTICLE III

 

SALE AND PURCHASE OF MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS; CONSIDERATION

 

8

 

3.1

 

Sale and Purchase of Membership Interests

 

8

 

3.2

 

Amount and Form of Consideration

 

8

 

3.3

 

Payment of Consideration

 

8

 

3.4

 

Price Adjustments

 

8

 

ARTICLE IV

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER AND THE COMPANY

 

9

 

4.1

 

Organization and Power

 

9

 

4.2

 

Authorizations; Execution and Validity

 

10

 

4.3

 

Capitalization

 

10

 

4.4

 

Financial Statements; Other Financial Data

 

10

 

4.5

 

Consents

 

11

 

4.6

 

No Defaults or Conflicts

 

11

 

4.7

 

Agreements, Contracts and Commitments

 

11

 

4.8

 

Litigation

 

12

 

4.9

 

Taxes

 

12

 

4.10

 

Fees

 

13

 

4.11

 

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

 

13

 

4.12

 

Compliance with Laws

 

14

 

4.13

 

Transactions with Related Parties

 

14

 

4.14

 

Books and Records

 

14

 

4.15

 

Information Furnished

 

14

 

4.16

 

Directors and Officers

 

14

 

4.17

 

Bank Accounts

 

14

 

4.18

 

Owned Real Property

 

15

 

4.19

 

Leased Real Property

 

15

 

4.20

 

Intentionally left blank

 

15

 

4.21

 

Title to Oil and Gas Properties

 

15

 

4.22

 

Environmental Matters

 

16

 

4.23

 

Bonding Matters

 

17

 

4.24

 

Insurance

 

17

 

4.25

 

ERISA

 

17

 

4.26

 

Condition of Assets

 

17

 

4.27

 

Lease Operating Expenses

 

17

 

4.28

 

Hedging Transactions

 

17

 

4.29

 

Prepayment Premium; Total Company Debt

 

18

 

ARTICLE V

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

 

18

 

5.1

 

Organization and Good Standing

 

18

 

5.2

 

Authorization of Agreement

 

18

 

 

i




 

5.3

 

Conflicts, Consents of Third Parties

 

18

 

5.4

 

Brokers

 

19

 

5.5

 

Litigation

 

19

 

5.6

 

Ownership of Membership Interests

 

19

 

5.7

 

Tax Status

 

19

 

5.8

 

Marketable Title

 

19

 

ARTICLE VI

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

 

19

 

6.1

 

Organization and Good Standing

 

19

 

6.2

 

Authorization of Agreement

 

20

 

6.3

 

Conflicts, Consents of Third Parties

 

20

 

6.4

 

No Default

 

20

 

6.5

 

Litigation

 

20

 

6.6

 

Investment Intent

 

20

 

6.7

 

Disclosure of Information

 

20

 

6.8

 

Funding Commitments

 

21

 

6.9

 

Brokers

 

21

 

ARTICLE VII

 

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

 

21

 

7.1

 

Further Actions

 

21

 

7.2

 

Conduct of Business Pending Closing

 

21

 

7.3

 

Title Defects

 

22

 

7.4

 

Environmental Defects

 

24

 

7.5

 

Gas Imbalances

 

25

 

7.6

 

Access to Information

 

26

 

7.7

 

Regulatory Approvals

 

26

 

7.8

 

Agreement to Defend

 

26

 

7.9

 

Other Actions

 

26

 

7.10

 

LIMITATION AND DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND SELLER

 

26

 

7.11

 

Change of Company Name

 

27

 

7.12

 

Account Signatories

 

27

 

7.13

 

Cooperation with Financing

 

27

 

7.14

 

Hedge Assumption

 

28

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

 

28

 

8.1

 

Buyer’s Conditions

 

28

 

8.2

 

Seller’s Conditions

 

29

 

ARTICLE IX

 

DELIVERIES AT CLOSING

 

29

 

9.1

 

Deliveries by Seller to Buyer

 

29

 

9.2

 

Deliveries by Buyer to Seller and the Company

 

30

 

ARTICLE X

 

TRANSITION OPERATIONS

 

31

 

10.1

 

Transition Operations

 

31

 

ARTICLE XI

 

TERMINATION

 

31

 

11.1

 

Termination

 

31

 

11.2

 

Effect of Termination

 

32

 

 

ii




 

ARTICLE XII

 

INDEMNIFICATION

 

32

 

12.1

 

Seller and FOC Indemnification

 

32

 

12.2

 

Buyer Indemnification

 

32

 

12.3

 

Indemnification Procedures

 

32

 

12.4

 

Limits on Indemnification

 

33

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

TAXES

 

34

 

13.1

 

Sales and Use Taxes; Property Taxes

 

34

 

13.2

 

Tax Proceedings

 

35

 

13.3

 

Real and Personal Property Taxes

 

35

 

13.4

 

Property Tax Reporting

 

35

 

13.5

 

Production Taxes

 

35

 

13.6

 

Income Taxes

 

36

 

13.7

 

Purchase Price Allocation

 

36

 

ARTICLE XIV

 

GENERAL

 

36

 

14.1

 

Governing Law; Choice of Forum

 

36

 

14.2

 

Amendments

 

36

 

14.3

 

Waivers

 

36

 

14.4

 

Notices

 

36

 

14.5

 

Successors and Assigns, Parties in Interest

 

37

 

14.6

 

Severability

 

37

 

14.7

 

Entire Agreement

 

37

 

14.8

 

Schedules

 

38

 

14.9

 

Remedies

 

38

 

14.10

 

Expenses

 

38

 

14.11

 

Release of Information; Confidentiality

 

38

 

14.12

 

Certain Construction Rules

 

38

 

14.13

 

Counterparts

 

39

 

 

iii




 

MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated as of May 24, 2007 (the “Agreement”) is entered into by and among Pacific Energy Resources Ltd., a Delaware corporation (“Buyer”), Forest Alaska Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), Forest Alaska Holding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Seller”), and, for purposes of Sections 7.6, 7.14, 10.1 and Article XII only, Forest Oil Corporation, a New York corporation (“FOC”) pertaining to the purchase and sale of 100% of the membership interests of the Company.

WHEREAS, the Seller owns all the outstanding membership interests (the “Membership Interests”) of the Company; and

WHEREAS, Buyer desires to purchase from Seller and Seller desires to sell to Buyer all of the Membership Interests on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, representations, warranties and subject to the conditions contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

As used in this Agreement:

“Affiliate” means, as to any Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person.

“Aggregate Title Defect Value” has the meaning specified in Section 7.3(d).

“Aggregate Environmental Defect Value” has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(c).

“Agreement” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereof.

“Allocated Values” means the allocation of values of the Oil and Gas Properties included in the Ownership Interests set forth on Exhibit “A-2” attached hereto.  The Allocated Values for each Oil and Gas Property has been agreed to by Buyer and Seller and represents a good faith allocation of value of the Oil and Gas Properties.

“Base Purchase Price” has the meaning specified in Section 3.2.

“Basket Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 11.4(a).

“Buyer” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereof.

1




“CERCLA” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Environmental Laws.”

“CERCLIS” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System List.

“Closing” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1.

“Closing Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1.

“Closing Date Amounts” means the aggregate of the amounts set forth in Subsections 3.3(a)(i), (ii) and (iii).

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Company” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereof.

“Company Debt” means (a) all indebtedness of the Company for the repayment of borrowed money, whether or not represented by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and, solely with respect to the Credit Agreement, all unpaid premiums, prepayment penalties, fees and other amounts; (b) all other indebtedness of the Company evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, including all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, including intercompany debt; and (c) all obligations of the Company as lessee under capital leases as determined in accordance with GAAP.

“Company’s Senior Lender” means Credit Suisse.

“Confidentiality Agreement” means that certain Confidentiality Agreement by and between Forest Oil Corporation and Buyer dated March 8, 2007.

“Contract” means any contract, agreement, indenture, note, bond, loan, instrument, lease, conditional sale contract, mortgage, license, franchise, insurance policy or commitment, whether written or oral.

“Credit Agreement” means the First Lien Credit Agreement and the Second Lien Credit Agreement, each dated as of December 8, 2006 (together with all ancillary agreements) by and among the Company, as Borrower, the Company’s Senior Lender, and certain other financial institutions, as Lenders (as amended and supplemented as of the date hereof).

“Defensible Title” means such right, title and interest that is (a) with respect to Ownership Interests of record, evidenced by an instrument or instruments filed of record in accordance with the conveyance and recording laws of the applicable jurisdiction to the extent necessary to give the Company and Buyer, through its ownership of the Membership Interests, the right to enjoy the benefits of possession of the Ownership Interests reflected on Exhibit “A”, and, with respect to Ownership Interests not yet earned under a farmout agreement, if any, is described in and subject to a farmout agreement containing terms and provisions reasonably consistent with terms and provisions used in the domestic oil and gas business and under which there exists no default by the Company and (b) subject to Permitted Liens, free and clear of all Liens, claims, infringements, and other burdens.

2




“DGCL” means the Delaware General Corporation Law.

“Effective Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1.

“Environmental Defect” has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(b).

“Environmental Law” means any Law of any Governmental Authority whose purpose is to conserve or protect human health, the environment, wildlife or natural resources, including, without limitation, the Clean Air Act, as amended, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended (“CERCLA”), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Act of 1984, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, and Title 18 of the Alaska Administrative Code.

“Financial Statements” has the meaning specified in Section 4.4.

“FOC” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereof.

“GAAP” means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time and applied on a consistent basis.

“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, provincial, local or foreign government or governmental regulatory body and any of their respective subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities, authorities, courts or tribunals.

“Hazardous Material” means (a) any “hazardous substance,” as defined by CERCLA; (b) any “hazardous waste” as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended; or (c) petroleum, petroleum hydrocarbons, or any fraction or byproducts thereof.

“Hedging Transaction” means any futures, hedge, swap, collar, put, call, floor, cap, option or other contract that is intended to benefit from, relate to or reduce or eliminate the risk of fluctuations in the price of commodities, including Hydrocarbons, interest rates, currencies or securities.

“Hydrocarbons” means oil, condensate, gas, casinghead gas and other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons.

“Income Taxes” means all taxes, assessments, levies or other charges, including any interest, penalties and additions thereto which are imposed upon a Party (whether disputed or not), and

i.              which are based or assessed upon a Party’s capital, income or receipts, including, without limitation, federal, state, local or foreign income, franchise and gross receipts Taxes assessed by a Governmental Authority (but only to the extent the same are assessed upon income or receipts), and

3




ii.             any payroll taxes, capital taxes or withholding taxes, or any other taxes, assessments, levies or other charges which are imposed by a Governmental Authority other than Property Taxes.

“Indemnified Party” has the meaning specified in Section 12.3(a).

“Indemnifying Party” has the meaning specified in Section 12.3(a).

“Injunction” means a temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, an order of a Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over any Party hereto, or any legal restraint or prohibition.

“Knowledge”, with respect to any entity, means knowledge of such entity’s executive officers, after reasonable investigation.

“Lands” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Oil and Gas Properties.”

“Law” means any federal, state, provincial, municipal, local or foreign law, statute, rule, rule, writ, order, decree, ordinance, code or regulation.

“Leases” has the meaning specified the definition of “Oil and Gas Properties.”

“Legal Proceeding” means any judicial, administrative or arbitral action, suit, proceeding (public or private), litigation, investigation, complaint, claim or governmental proceeding.

“Lien” means any lien, pledge, mortgage, deed of trust, security interest, attachment, right of first refusal, option, easement, covenant, encroachment, or any other adverse claim whatsoever.

“Litigation” means the Legal Proceedings, Orders and Official Actions listed on Schedule 4.8.

“Losses” has the meaning specified in Section 12.1.

“Material Adverse Effect” means:

(i)            As to Buyer, any breach of Buyer’s representations and warranties, which individually or in the aggregate with other breaches would materially impair Buyer’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

(ii)           As to  Seller, any breach of Seller’s representations and warranties, which individually or in the aggregate with other breaches would materially impair Seller’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

(iii)          As to the Company, (A) any breach of the Company’s representations and warranties which individually or in the aggregate with other breaches, would result in a

4




decrease in the Company’s value by an amount greater or equal to five percent (5%) of the Purchase Price, or (B) any change in its financial condition or results of operations which has or would, with the passage of time, result in a decrease in the Company’s value by an amount greater or equal to five percent (5%) of the Purchase Price; provided, however, that any effect, direct or indirect, occasioned by a decline in the price of crude oil or natural gas, whether in global, national or local markets shall be excluded from any Material Adverse Effect calculation hereunder.

“Material Contracts” has the meaning specified in Section 4.7.

“Membership Interests” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereof.

“Notification Deadline” has the meaning specified in Section 7.3(a).

“Official Action” shall mean any domestic or foreign decision, order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, award or any determination, both as presently existing and effective or presently existing and as may become effective in the future, by any court, administrative body, or other tribunal.

“Oil and Gas Properties” means all right, title, interest and estate, real or personal, recorded or unrecorded, movable or immovable, tangible or intangible, in and to: (i) oil and gas leases, oil, gas and mineral leases, subleases and other leaseholds, royalties, overriding royalties, net profit interests, mineral fee interests, carried interests and other properties and interests (the “Leases”) and the lands covered thereby (“Land(s)”) and any and all oil, gas, water or injection wells thereon or applicable thereto (the “Wells”); (ii) any pools or units which include all or a part of any Land or include any Well (the “Units”) and including without limitation all right, title and interest in production from any such Unit, whether such Unit production comes from wells located on or off of the Lands, and all tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances belonging to, used or useful in connection with the Leases, Lands and Units; (iii) interests under or derived from all contracts, agreements and instruments applicable to or by which such properties are bound or created, to the extent applicable to such properties, including, but not limited to, operating agreements, gathering agreements, marketing agreements (including commodity swap, collar and/or similar derivative agreements), transportation agreements, processing agreements, unitization, pooling and communitization agreements, declarations and orders, joint venture agreements, and farmin and farmout agreements; (iv) easements, permits, licenses, servitudes, rights-of-way, surface leases and other surface rights appurtenant to, and used or held for use to the extent applicable to such properties; and (v) equipment, machinery, fixtures and other tangible personal property and improvements located on or used or obtained in connection with such properties.  Attached hereto as Exhibit “A” is a description of the Oil and Gas Properties.  The respective “net revenue interest” and “working interest” of the Company in the Oil and Gas Properties described on Exhibit “A” (the “Ownership Interests”) shall be a part of the definition of “Oil and Gas Properties.”

“Order” means any order, judgment, Injunction, ruling, writ, award, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation.

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“Ownership Interests” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Oil and Gas Properties.”

“Party” mean Seller, the Company, FOC, the Buyer or any permitted successor or assignee thereof.

“Permit” means any permit, license, certificate (including a certificate of occupancy) registration, authorization, application, filing, notice, qualification, waiver of any of the foregoing or approval of a Governmental Authority.

“Permitted Liens” means:  (a) Liens for Taxes that are not yet due and payable or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (b) operators’ liens and statutory liens for labor and materials, where payment is not due (or that, if delinquent, are being contested in good faith); (c) operating agreements, unit agreements, unitization and pooling designations and declarations, gathering and transportation agreements, processing agreements, gas, oil and liquids purchase, sale and exchange agreements and other contracts, agreements and installments; (d) statutory or regulatory authority of governmental agencies; (e) easements, surface leases and rights, plat restrictions, pipelines, grazing, logging, canals, ditches, reservoirs, telephone lines, power lines, railways and similar encumbrances that have not materially affected or interrupted, and are not reasonably expected to materially affect or interrupt, the claimed ownership of the party, the operation of the Oil and Gas Properties or the receipt of production revenues from the Oil and Gas Properties affected thereby; (f) liens, charges, encumbrances and irregularities in the chain of title which, because of remoteness in or passage of time, statutory cure periods, marketable title acts or other similar reasons, have not materially affected or interrupted, and are not reasonably expected to materially affect or interrupt, the claimed ownership of the party, the operation of the Oil and Gas Properties or the receipt of production revenues from the Oil and Gas Properties affected thereby; and (g) other liens set forth in Schedule 4.21.

“Person” means any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority, or other entity.

“Property Taxes” means all federal, state or local taxes, assessments, levies or other charges, which are imposed upon the Oil and Gas Properties or other real and personal property owned by the Company, including, without limitation, ad valorem, property, documentary or stamp, as well as any interest, penalties and fines assessed or due in respect of any such taxes, whether disputed or not.

“Production Taxes” means all federal, state or local taxes, assessments, levies or other charges, which are imposed upon production from the Oil and Gas Properties, including, without limitation, excise taxes on production, severance or gross production, as well as any interest, penalties and fines assessed or due in respect of any such taxes, whether disputed or not.

“Purchase Price” has the meaning specified in Section 3.2.

“Real Property Leases” has the meaning specified in Section 4.19.

“Related Party” means (i) any Affiliate of the Company or Seller.

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“Schedule” means a disclosure schedule provided by Seller to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

“Seller” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereof.

“Subsidiaries” means, with respect to any Person, each entity as to which such Person (either alone or through or together with any other Subsidiary) (i) owns beneficially or of record or has the power to vote or control, 50% or more of the voting securities of such entity or of any class of equity interests of such entity the holders of which are ordinarily entitled to vote for the election of the members of the Board of Directors or other persons performing similar functions, (ii) in the case of partnerships, serves as a general partner, (iii) in the case of a limited liability company, serves as a managing member or owns a majority of the equity interests or (iv) otherwise has the ability to elect a majority of the directors, trustees or managing members thereof.

“Taxes” means, collectively, Income Taxes, Property Taxes and Production Taxes.

“Tax Return” means any return, report, information statement, or similar statement required to be filed with respect to any Taxes (including any attached schedules), including, without limitation, any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated Tax.

“Title Defect” has the meaning specified in Section 7.3(a).

“Title Defect Value” means, with respect to each Title Defect, the reduction of the Allocated Value of the affected Ownership Interest as a result of such Title Defect as determined in Section 7.3.

“Units” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Oil and Gas Properties”.

“Wells” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Oil and Gas Properties.”

ARTICLE II

EFFECTIVE DATE; CLOSING

2.1           Effective Date; Closing.  The effective date (for accounting purposes only) of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be at 7:00 a.m., Alaska Standard Time, on January 1, 2007 (the “Effective Date”).  The Closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the “Closing”) shall take place at the offices of Seller, 707 Seventeenth St., Suite 3600, Denver, CO 80202 at 10:00 a.m., Mountain Standard Time, on the later of (i) two business days after satisfaction of all conditions to Closing (including agreement of the Parties on all Purchase Price adjustments pursuant to Section 3.4), or June 30, 2007 (the “Closing Date”).  Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, in no event shall the Closing occur later than July 31, 2007.

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2.2           Proceedings at Closing.  All proceedings to be taken and all documents to be executed and delivered by all parties at the Closing shall be deemed to have been taken and executed simultaneously, and no proceedings shall be deemed taken nor any documents executed or delivered until all have been taken, executed and delivered.

ARTICLE III

SALE AND PURCHASE OF MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS; CONSIDERATION

3.1           Sale and Purchase of Membership Interests.  On the Closing Date, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Seller will sell, transfer, convey, assign and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer will purchase from the Seller, the Membership Interests.

3.2           Amount and Form of Consideration.  The total purchase price to be paid by Buyer to Seller in consideration of the Membership Interests is FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS AND NO/CENTS (US$420,000,000.00) (the “Base Purchase Price”), subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3.4 (the Base Purchase Price, as so adjusted, is the “Purchase Price”).

3.3           Payment of Consideration.

(a)           In consideration of the sale, transfer, conveyance, assignment and delivery of the Membership Interests, Buyer will, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 3.4 hereof:

(i)            Pay the Seller a performance deposit (the “Deposit”) in the amount of FOUR MILLION TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS AND NO/CENTS (US$4,200,000.00) by wire transfer of immediately available funds upon the execution of this Agreement;

(ii)           pay the Seller an amount equal to the balance of the Purchase Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds on the Closing Date; and

(b)           The Purchase Price shall be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds to Seller in accordance with the instructions of Seller delivered to Buyer not later than 48 hours prior to the Closing).

3.4           Price Adjustments.  The Base Purchase Price will be adjusted:

(a)                                  Upward by the amount of US$18,433,160 being consideration for the Company’s working capital as at December 31, 2006;

(b)           downward as may be required in Section 7.3 or 7.4;

(c)           downward by the amount of the Deposit;

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(d)           downward by the amount of $380,000,000, being $375,000,000 in debt as reflected on the December 31, 2006 balance sheet plus the $5,000,000 put premium which arises upon the early termination of the Credit Agreement;

(e)           upward by the amount of any cash equity contribution to the Company by Seller or FOC between the date hereof and Closing, but solely to the extent such contribution (i) reduces the principal or the put premium under the Credit Agreement or (ii) is made pursuant to Section 7.02 of the First Lien Credit Agreement; and

(f)            upward or downward as may be required in Section 13.3.

No later than ten days before Closing, Seller will deliver to Buyer a statement setting forth the Purchase Price as adjusted pursuant to this Section 3.4. Buyer shall have five days to review the statement and, if Buyer agrees with Seller’s calculations, the Parties shall proceed to Closing as scheduled. If Buyer disagrees with Seller’s calculations, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith for five days to resolve their differences. If the Parties still cannot agree after such five day period, they shall proceed to mediation with a mutually agreeable mediator. If they cannot agree on a mediator within five days, or if they are unable to reach agreement within ten days after selecting a mediator, Closing shall proceed with the Purchase Price adjusted per the adjustment demand of the Buyer.  The allocated value of the adjusted assets subject to dispute, as set forth in Exhibit A-2, shall be placed by Buyer in an interest-bearing escrow account pending resolution of the dispute, and, following Closing, the Parties shall immediately refer the adjustment dispute to binding arbitration.

Such arbitration shall be conducted in Houston, Texas under the auspices of the US Chamber of Commerce (the “Chamber”).  It shall be conducted by a single arbitrator chosen by mutual agreement of the Parties.  Should the Parties fail to reach agreement on an arbitrator, an arbitrator shall be chosen by the Chamber in accordance with their Rule of Arbitration; provided that such arbitrator shall be an expert in the valuation of oil & gas properties with at least 10 years of experience in the industry and may, but need not, be an attorney.  The arbitration shall be conducted with the greatest possible haste. The award of the arbitrator shall be limited to an award to Seller of cash money, bounded by the initial claims of the Parties as to the proper value of the adjustments. Each Party shall bear its own costs, and the jointly incurred arbitration fees shall be split equally between the Parties.

The foregoing arbitration clause shall apply only to disputes as to potential Purchase Price adjustments made under this Section 3.4.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER AND THE COMPANY

The Seller and the Company hereby represent and warrant to Buyer as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as follows:

4.1           Organization and Power.  The Company is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is

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qualified and in good standing to transact business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required by Law, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.  The Company has heretofore delivered to Buyer complete and correct copies of its constituent documents, each as amended to date.

4.2           Authorizations; Execution and Validity.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, the performance of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby to be consummated by it, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and no other corporate action on the part of the Company is necessary with respect thereto.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and, when duly and validly executed and delivered by Buyer and Seller, will constitute a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability and by general principles of equity.

4.3           Capitalization.

(a)           The authorized equity ownership of the Company consists solely of the Membership Interests, which are owned 100% of record and beneficially, free and clear of any Liens (other than Liens that shall be released at or prior to Closing) by Seller, and have been duly authorized and validly issued, and are fully paid and non-assessable.  There are no outstanding options, subscriptions, warrants, calls, commitments, pre-emptive rights or other rights obligating the Company to issue or sell any Membership Interests or any securities convertible into or exercisable for any Membership Interests, or otherwise requiring Seller or the Company to give any Person the right to receive any benefits or rights similar to any rights enjoyed by or accruing to the holders of Membership Interests or any rights to participate in the equity or net income of the Company.  All of the issued Membership Interests of the Company were issued, and to the extent purchased or transferred, have been so purchased or transferred, in compliance with all applicable Laws, including federal and state securities laws, and any preemptive rights and any other statutory or contractual rights of any Seller.

(b)           The Company has no Subsidiaries.  The Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital of or other equity interest in or has any other investment in or outstanding loans to any corporation, partnership or other entity or organization.  There are no stockholders’ agreements, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which Seller or the Company is a party or by which either is bound with respect to the transfer or voting of any Membership Interests.

4.4           Financial Statements; Other Financial Data.  Attached hereto on Schedule 4.4 are correct and complete copies of (i) the audited balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2006, together with the related audited statements of income and retained earnings and of cash flows for the period ended December 31, 2006 and (ii) the unaudited balance sheet of the Company as of March 31, 2007, together with the related unaudited statements of income and

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retained earnings and of cash flows for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 (the “Financial Statements”).  The Financial Statements present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Company as of the dates indicated, and the results of its operations for the respective periods indicated. The Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP.

4.5           ConsentsSchedule 4.5 sets forth the consents, authorizations and approvals that must be obtained or waived prior to the consummation or performance by the Company and Seller of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; excluding, therefrom any consents, authorizations and approvals that the Buyer may be required to obtain in order to lawfully conduct business in Alaska generally and to operate the Oil and Gas Properties, specifically.

4.6           No Defaults or Conflicts.  Neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement nor the consummation or performance by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated or performed by it (i) results or will result in any violation of its constituent documents; (ii) subject to obtaining any required consent under the Credit Agreement, violates or conflicts with, or constitutes a breach of any of the terms or provisions of or a default under, or results in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property or asset of the Company, the trigger of any charge, payment or requirement of consent, or the acceleration or increase of the maturity of any payment date under: (A) any Contract or (B) any applicable Law or Order to which the Company or any of its respective properties is subject.

4.7           Agreements, Contracts and Commitments.  Except for the Leases or the Units, all of which are listed on Exhibit “A,” the Company has listed in Schedule 4.7 all leases, contracts, agreements and instruments to which it is a party as of the date hereof (i) which is an employment agreement between the Company, on the one hand, and its officers and employees, on the other hand, (ii) which, upon Closing, will (either alone or upon the occurrence of any additional acts or events, including the passage of time) result in any material payment or benefit (whether of severance pay or otherwise) becoming due, or the acceleration or vesting of any right to any material payment or benefits, from Buyer or the Company to any officer, director, consultant or employee of the Company, (iii) which involves payment by or to the Company of more than US$250,000 or extends for a term of six months or more, (iv) which expressly limits the ability of the Company to compete in or conduct any line of business or compete with any Person or in any geographic area or during any period of time, in each case, if such limitation is or is reasonably likely to be material to the Company, (v) which is a material joint venture agreement, joint operating agreement, partnership agreement or other similar contract or agreement involving a sharing of profits and expenses with one or more third Persons, (vi) the benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including any stock option plan, stock appreciation rights plan, restricted stock plan or stock purchase plan) or (vii) which is a limited liability operating agreement or equity holder rights agreement or which otherwise provides for the issuance of any securities in respect of this Agreement (the “Material Contracts”).  The Company has not breached, nor to the Company’s or Seller’s Knowledge is there any claim or any legal basis for a claim that the Company or any third party has breached, any of the terms or conditions of any Material

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Contract, except where any such breach, whether considered individually or in the aggregate, could not be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

4.8           Litigation.  There are no Legal Proceedings pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against or affecting the Company or any of its assets that are reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.  The Company is not subject to any Order or Official Action.  There are no Legal Proceedings pending against or, to the Company’s or Seller’s Knowledge, threatened in writing against, the Company that questions the validity or legality of any of this Agreement or any action taken or to be taken by the Company in connection herewith or therewith.

4.9           Taxes.

(a)           Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.9:

(i)            There are no Liens for Taxes upon any of the properties or assets of the Company (except for Permitted Liens).

(ii)           No agreements relating to allocation or sharing of, or liability or indemnification for, Taxes exist between the Company and any other Person.  Any internal tax allocation agreement shall terminate at the Closing.

(iii)          The Company is not a party to any arrangement, nor does it hold any Oil and Gas Property in an entity treated as a tax partnership for Tax purposes.

(iv)          Within the times and in the manner prescribed by law, the Company has filed all federal, state and local tax returns and all tax returns for foreign countries, provinces and other governing bodies having jurisdiction to levy taxes upon it.

(v)           To the Company’s and Seller’s knowledge, all tax returns filed by the Company for the taxable years ending in 2000 through 2006 constitute complete and accurate representations of their respective tax liabilities for such years and accurately set forth all items (to the extent required to be included or reflected in such returns) relevant to their future tax liabilities, including the tax bases of its properties and assets.

(v)           The Company has not waived or extended any applicable statute of limitations relating to the assessment of federal, state, local or foreign taxes.

(vi)          No examination of the federal, state, local or foreign tax returns of the Company are currently in progress nor, to the Company’s and Seller’s knowledge, is any such examination threatened.

(b)           The Company is a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes under Section 7701 of the Code.

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4.10         Fees.  The Company has not paid or become obligated to pay any fee or commission to any broker, finder or intermediary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby for which the Company or Buyer shall have liability following the Closing.

4.11         Absence of Certain Changes or Events.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11, as disclosed in the Financial Statements, since December 31, 2006, or otherwise where the Buyer has consented in writing, (i) the Company has conducted its business only in the ordinary course consistent with past practice in all material respects, and (ii) there has not been any transaction or occurrence by which the Company has:

(a)           suffered any Material Adverse Effect;

(b)           declared, set aside or paid any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with respect to any of its outstanding Membership Interest, or made any redemption, purchase or other acquisition of any of its equity securities;

(c)           other than the principal payment of US$625,000 made under the Credit Agreement on March 30, 2007 and payments that are within the scope of Section 3.4(e) above, cancelled or paid any Company Debt (in any amount) or waived any receivables, claims or rights in excess of US$100,000 individually or in the aggregate;

(d)           suffered any uninsured casualty loss or damage in excess of US$100,000 individually or in the aggregate;

(e)           amended any material term of any equity security or Material Contract of the Company;

(f)            hired any employees;

(g)           made any payments to any Affiliates except in the ordinary course of business pursuant to the Intercompany Services Agreement referred to in Section 10.1;

(h)           incurred any obligation to make capital expenditures in excess of US$250,000 individually or in the aggregate;

(i)            sold, leased, encumbered or otherwise disposed of, or agreed to sell, lease (whether such lease is an operating or capital lease), encumber or otherwise disposed of any portion of its assets, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(j)            amended any of its organizational documents, including its limited liability company operating agreement;

(k)           adopted any plan or agreement of merger or liquidation; or

(l)            made any change in its accounting methods, principles or practices.

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4.12         Compliance with LawsSchedule 4.12 lists all material Permits.  The Company holds all material Permits necessary for the lawful conduct of its business and is in compliance in all material respects, with all Laws and Orders applicable to its business and has filed with the proper authorities all statements and reports required by the Laws and Orders to which the Company or any of its properties or operations are subject.  No claim has been made by any Governmental Authority (and, to the Company’s and Seller’s Knowledge, no such claim is anticipated) to the effect that the business conducted by the Company fails to comply, in any respect, with any Law.

4.13         Transactions with Related Parties.  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.13:

(a)           No Related Party of the Company other than Seller has entered into, or has had any direct or indirect financial interest in, any Material Contract, transaction or business dealings involving the Company;

(b)           No Related Party of the Company owns or has any interest in, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, any tangible or intangible property used in the conduct of the business of the Company; and

(c)           The Company has not, directly or indirectly, guaranteed or assumed any indebtedness for borrowed money or otherwise for the benefit of any Related Party of the Company.

4.14         Books and Records.  The minute books and records of the Company are current as of the date hereof (and shall be current as of the Closing) with respect to all undertakings and authorizations, and contain a true, complete and correct record of all actions taken at all meetings and by all written consents in lieu of meetings of the Company’s board of directors, or any committees thereof, and members of the Company.  The capital ledger and related Membership Interest transfer records of the Company contain a true, complete and correct record of the original issuance, transfer and other capitalization matters of the Membership Interests.  The accounting, financial reporting, and business books and records of the Company accurately and fairly reflect in all material respects the business and condition of the Company and the transactions and the assets and liabilities of the Company with respect thereto.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company has not engaged in any transaction with respect to its business or operations, maintained any bank account therefor or used any funds of the Company in the conduct thereof except for transactions, bank accounts and funds that have been and are reflected in the normally maintained books and records of the business.

4.15         Information Furnished.  The Company has made available to Buyer and its directors, officers, employees, counsel, representatives, financing sources, customers, creditors, accountants and auditors, true and correct copies of all agreements, documents, and other items listed on the Schedules to this Agreement and all books and records of the Company.

4.16         Directors and OfficersSchedule 4.16 lists all of the directors and officers of the Company as of the Closing Date. The Company has no employees.

4.17         Bank Accounts.  Attached hereto as Schedule 4.17 is a list of all banks or other financial institutions with which the Company has an account, showing the type and account

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number of each such account, and the names of the persons authorized as signatories thereon or to act or deal in connection therewith.

4.18         Owned Real Property.  Other than the Oil and Gas Properties and those properties listed on Schedule 4.18, the Company does not own any real property.

4.19         Leased Real PropertySchedule 4.19 contains a complete and correct list of all real property leases and any and all amendments thereto relating to the leased real property to which the Company is a party or is bound (the “Real Property Leases”).  The Company has provided to Buyer correct and complete copies of the Real Property Leases.  Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.19, (i) each of the Real Property Leases is in full force and effect, and, to the Company’s and Seller’s Knowledge, is enforceable against the landlord which is party thereto in accordance with its terms (except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar laws affecting creditors generally and by the availability of equitable remedies), (ii) there are no subleases under the Real Property Leases and none of the Real Property Leases has been assigned (other than collateral assignments to Company’s Senior Lender which will be released in their entirety at or prior to the Closing), (iii) no notices of default or notices of termination have been received by the Company with respect to the Real Property Leases which have not been withdrawn or canceled and (iv) the Company is not, and to the Company’s and Seller’s Knowledge, no other party is, in default under any Real Property Lease.  To the Company’s and Seller’s Knowledge  there has been no receipt of any written notice of a proceeding in eminent domain or other similar proceeding affecting property listed on Schedule 4.19.

4.20         Intentionally left blank.

4.21         Title to Oil and Gas Properties.  The Company now has and will have at Closing Defensible Title to all Oil and Gas Properties included in the Ownership Interests.  Each Oil and Gas Property included or reflected in the Ownership Interests entitles the Company to receive not less than the undivided interest set forth in (or derived from) the Ownership Interests of all Hydrocarbons produced, saved and sold from or attributable to such Oil and Gas Property, and the portion of the costs and expenses of operation and development of such Oil and Gas Property that is borne or to be borne by the Company is not greater than the undivided interest set forth in the Ownership Interests.  No fact, circumstance or condition of the title to an Oil and Gas Property shall be considered to effect a reduction in the value of the assets, unless due consideration has been given to (a) the length of time that such Oil and Gas Property has been producing Hydrocarbons and has been credited to and accounted for by the Company and its predecessors in title, if any, and (b) whether any such fact, circumstance or condition is of the type that can generally be expected to be encountered in the area involved and is usually and customarily acceptable to reasonable and prudent operators, interest owners and purchasers engaged in the business of the ownership, development and operation of oil and gas properties. All proceeds from the sale of the Company’s share of the Hydrocarbons being produced from its Oil and Gas Properties are currently being paid in full to the Company by the purchasers thereof on a timely basis, and none of such proceeds are currently being held in suspense by such purchaser or any other party.

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4.22         Environmental Matters.  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.22 or in the case of matters which have been resolved to the extent required by Environmental Laws and for which no further remediation obligation or liability under Environmental Laws exists:

(a)           the Company has conducted and continues to conduct its business and operated its assets, and the condition of each facility and property currently owned, leased and operated by the Company is, in material compliance with all Environmental Laws;

(b)           the Company has not been notified by any Governmental Authority or other third party that any of the operations or assets of the Company is the subject of any investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority evaluating whether any material remedial action is needed to respond to a release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or to the improper storage or disposal (including storage or disposal at offsite locations) of any Hazardous Material where such investigation or inquiry remains unresolved as of the date hereof;

(c)           neither the Company nor, to the Company’s and Seller’s Knowledge, any other Person has filed any notice under any federal, state or local law indicating that (i) the Company is responsible for the improper release into the environment, or the improper storage or disposal, of any Hazardous Material, or (ii) any Hazardous Material is improperly stored or disposed of upon any property of the Company;

(d)           the Company does not have any material contingent liability in connection with (i) the release or threatened release into the environment at, beneath or on any of the Oil and Gas Properties, or (ii) the storage or disposal of any Hazardous Material;

(e)           the Company has not received any claim, complaint, notice, inquiry or request for information with respect to any alleged violation of any Environmental Law or regarding potential liability under any Environmental Law relating to operations or conditions of any facility or property (including off site storage or disposal of any Hazardous Material from such facilities or property) currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by the Company;

(f)            none of the Oil and Gas Properties is listed on the National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA or on the CERCLIS or on any other federal or state list as sites requiring investigation or cleanup;

(g)           the Company is not directly transporting and is not directly arranging for the transportation of, any Hazardous Material to any location which is listed on the National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA, on the CERCLIS, or on any similar federal or state list or which is the subject of federal, state or local enforcement actions or other investigations that may lead to material claims against the Company for remedial work, damage to natural resources or personal injury, including claims under CERCLA;

(h)           there are no sites, locations or operations at which the Company is currently undertaking any remedial or response action relating to any such disposal or release, as required by Environmental Laws; and

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(i)            all underground storage tanks and solid waste disposal facilities owned or operated by the Company are used and operated in material compliance with Environmental Laws.

(j)            The Company and its Subsidiaries have obtained and are in compliance with all material Permits under all Environmental Laws required for the operation of the businesses of the Company as currently conducted and, to the Knowledge of the Company and Seller, there are no pending or threatened, actions or proceedings alleging violations of or seeking to modify, revoke or deny renewal of any such Permits. Schedule 4.12 lists all such Permits.

4.23         Bonding MattersSchedule 4.23 lists all of the bonds and other security arrangements that Seller or Company maintains as to the Oil and Gas Properties or any portion thereof.  No claim has been made by any Governmental Authority that the Company has failed to comply with any law or regulation governing the requirements of bonds as to the Seller’s or Company’s operations of the Oil and Gas Properties.

4.24         InsuranceSchedule 4.24 lists all of the insurance policies and coverages of any sort maintained by the Company, Seller or any of their Affiliates which, any way, affect the Company’s operations relating to the Oil and Gas Properties. Such insurance coverage complies with all legal and customary requirements for a business conducing operations such as those conducted by the Company on or relating to the Oil and Gas Properties. The Company has complied in all material respects with the terms and provisions of such policies. Between the Effective Date and Closing, Seller shall insure that policies substantially equivalent to those set forth on Schedule 4.24 shall remain in full force and effect.

4.25         ERISA. The Company does not employ and has not at any time employed any individual. The Company neither maintains nor contributes to, nor has it previously maintained or contributed to, any “employee benefit plans,” as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), whether or not subject to ERISA, and the Company has not, nor will it have any liabilities or obligations with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or contributed to or previously maintained or contributed to by the Company or any trade or business, whether or not incorporated that together with the Company would be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

4.26         Condition of Assets.  The Company has maintained all of the Company’s tangible assets and properties owned or leased on the date hereof in good working order and operating condition, subject only to ordinary wear and tear.

4.27         Lease Operating Expenses.  The information provided to Buyer by Seller and the Company with respect to the Company’s historical lease operating expenses is accurate and complete in all material respects.

4.28         Hedging TransactionsSchedule 4.28 contains a complete and correct list of all Hedging Transactions (including each outstanding commodity or financial hedging position) entered into by or assigned to the Company or for the account of any of its customers as of the

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date of this Agreement (“Forest Hedges”). All material Forest Hedges were, and any material Forest Hedges entered into after the date of this Agreement will be, entered into in accordance with applicable Laws, and in accordance with the investment, securities, commodities, risk management and other policies, practices and procedures employed by the Company, and were, and will be, entered into with counterparties believed at the time and still believed to be financially responsible and able to understand (either alone or in consultation with its advisers) and to bear the risks of such material Forest Hedges. The Company has, and will have, duly performed all of its obligations under the material Forest Hedges to the extent that such obligations to perform have accrued, and, to the Knowledge of the Company and Seller, there are and will be no breaches, violations, collateral deficiencies, requests for collateral or demands for payment, or defaults or allegations or assertions of such by any party thereunder.

4.29         Prepayment Premium; Total Company Debt. The total of all penalties, premiums, fees, cost reimbursements or other payments (other than principal and accrued interest) payable as a result of the early termination of the Credit Agreement due to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement do not exceed US$5,000,000, and the total principal amount of Company Debt does not exceed $375,000,000. The Company is current with respect to all interest payments on Company Debt.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:

5.1           Organization and Good Standing.  Seller is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware and has all requisite power and authority Seller to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby to be consummated by it.  Seller is not a “foreign person” within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Code.

5.2           Authorization of Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller and the performance of the transactions contemplated herein by Seller have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and no other action on the part of Seller is necessary to authorize this Agreement or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.  This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Seller and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability and by general principles of equity.

5.3           Conflicts, Consents of Third Parties.  Neither the execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement nor consummation or performance by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated or performed by Seller will: (a) violate any Law, (b) violate its constituent documents, (c) violate any Order to which Seller is a party or by which Seller is bound or (d) require any consent, approval or authorization, except for those listed on Schedule 5.3.

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5.4           Brokers.  Seller has not paid or become obligated to pay any fee or commission to any broker, finder or intermediary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby for which the Buyer shall have any liability following the Closing.

5.5           Litigation.  As of the date of this Agreement there are no Legal Proceedings, or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against or affecting Seller that is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Seller or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, nor is there any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator outstanding against Seller that is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Seller or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.6           Ownership of Membership Interests.  Seller is the record and beneficial owner of all of the Membership Interests, and those Membership Interests are owned by Seller free and clear of all Liens (other than those that shall be released at Closing), including, without limitation, voting trusts or stockholders agreements.  Seller has full authority to transfer pursuant to this Agreement all of the Membership Interests, free and clear of all Liens (other than those that shall be released at Closing), including, without limitation, voting trusts or stockholders agreements.

5.7           Tax Status.

(a)           Seller is a not a non-resident alien, foreign corporation, foreign partnership, foreign trust, or foreign estate (as those terms are defined in the Internal Revenue Code and income tax regulations).

(b)           Seller shall provide to Buyer the Certificate of Non-Foreign Status in the form set forth in Exhibit “B”.

(c)           Seller is a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes under Section 7701 of the Code, such that this transaction will be treated, for federal income tax purposes, as a sale of assets by its parent company, FOC.

5.8           Marketable Title.  The delivery by Seller to Buyer at the Closing of the Membership Interests vest Buyer at such time of delivery with good and marketable title to all of the Membership Interests, free and clear of all Liens (other than restrictions on transfer pursuant to applicable securities laws).

ARTICLE VI

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller and the Company as follows:

6.1           Organization and Good Standing.  Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.  Prior to the Closing Date, Buyer shall be duly qualified to do business in and specifically to operate oil and gas properties in the State of Alaska.  Buyer has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and

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perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby to be consummated by it.

6.2           Authorization of Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer and the performance of the transactions contemplated herein by the Buyer have been duly authorized by all necessary action by the Buyer, and no other action on the part of Buyer is necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.  This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Buyer and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Buyer and is enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability and to general principles of equity.

6.3           Conflicts, Consents of Third Parties.  Neither the execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement nor consummation or performance by Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated or performed by Buyer will: (a) violate any Law, (b) violate the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of Buyer, (c) violate any Order to which Buyer is a party or by which Buyer is bound (d) violate any loan or credit agreement (subject to obtaining required consent under its Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated November 30, 2006 with J. Aron & Company (the “PERL Credit Agreement”)), note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, or license applicable to Buyer, (iii) any joint venture or other ownership arrangement of Buyer or (e) require any consent from, authorization or approval or other action by, and no notice to or declaration, filing or registration with any Governmental Authority, , except for those regulatory approvals and consents as would be required of any company similarly situated.

6.4           No Default.  Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Buyer, Buyer is not in default or violation of any term, condition or provision of (a) the its constituent documents, (b) any loan or credit agreement (subject to obtaining required consent under the PERL Credit Agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise or license to which Buyer is now a party or by which Buyer or any of its properties or assets is bound, or (c) any Order applicable to Buyer.

6.5           Litigation.  As of the date of this Agreement there is no suit, action or proceeding pending, or, to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened against or affecting Buyer that is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Buyer, nor is there any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator outstanding against Buyer that is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Buyer.

6.6           Investment Intent.  Buyer is acquiring the Membership Interests for its own account and not with a view towards distribution thereof within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act.

6.7           Disclosure of Information.  Buyer represents that it has had a full opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company regarding the Company and its business, assets, results of operation, and financial condition.

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6.8           Funding Commitments.  Buyer has in place such financing commitments as are necessary to pay the Closing Date Amounts in full at the Closing. Buyer has provided evidence of such commitments on Schedule 6.8, which commitments are subject to the terms and conditions set forth on Schedule 6.8 (the financing contemplated by such commitments is referred to herein as the “Debt Financing”).

6.9           Brokers.  Buyer has not paid or become obligated to pay any fee or commission to any broker, finder or intermediary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby for which the Seller shall have any liability following the Closing.

ARTICLE VII

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

7.1           Further Actions.  At any time from and after the Closing, at the request of a Party and without further consideration, each other Party shall execute and deliver such further agreements, certificates, instruments and documents and perform such other actions as the requesting Party may reasonably request in order to fully consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.

7.2           Conduct of Business Pending Closing.  Prior to the Closing Date, the Company will (except as approved in writing by Buyer or otherwise permitted under this Agreement):

(a)           carry on its business only in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice;

(b)           maintain its properties and facilities, including those held under leases, in their current good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted;

(c)           not sell, lease, encumber or otherwise dispose of, or agree to sell, lease (whether such lease is an operating or capital lease), encumber or otherwise dispose of any portion of its assets, other than in the ordinary course consistent with past practice;

(d)           use all commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve its business organization intact, retain its present officers and maintain its relationships with suppliers, vendors, customers, creditors and others having business relations with it;

(e)           not declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether in stock or property) with respect to any of its equity securities, or make any redemption, purchase or other acquisition of any of its equity securities;

(f)            not issue any Membership Interests or options, warrants or other rights to purchase Membership Interests, or any securities convertible into, or exchangeable for Membership Interests;

(g)           not borrow any money or incur or guarantee any indebtedness for borrowed money;

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(h)           not enter into or amend any material contracts or agreements;

(i)            not amend its organizational documents, including without limitation its limited liability operating agreement;

(j)            not adopt any plan or agreement of merger or liquidation;

(k)           not cancel or pay any Company Debt (in any amount, but except for payments that are within the scope of Section 3.4(e) above) or waive any receivables, claims or rights in excess of US$100,000 individually or in the aggregate;

(l)            not make any payments to any Affiliates except in the ordinary course of business pursuant to the Contract Operating Agreement referred to in Section 10.1;

(m)          not make any change in its accounting methods, principles or practices

(n)           not enter into any commitments for capital expenditures in excess of US$250,000 (with the exception of emergency or lease-saving expenses, which shall be disclosed to Buyer as soon as is practicable); and

(o)           not enter into any employment, consulting or similar contract or agreement with any officer or director of the Company, or hire any employees.

7.3           Title Defects.

(a)           Buyer must deliver to the Company in writing at least three business days prior to the Closing Date (the “Notification Deadline”) a written notice specifying each alleged defect associated with the Ownership Interests in the Oil and Gas Properties that it asserts constitutes a violation of the representations set forth in Section 4.21 (a “Title Defect”), a description of each such Title Defect and Buyer’s proposed Title Defect Value for such Title Defect.  If such notice is not timely submitted, Buyer will be deemed to have waived any basis for an adjustment based on a violation of the representations set forth in Section 4.21, as well as waived its basis for any claim or other assertion of rights or damages based on a breach of such representations.

(b)           Buyer may request an adjustment to the Base Purchase Price at any time on or before the Notification Deadline, if the adjustment is based on a Title Defect. A notice requesting an adjustment must be made in accordance with Section 7.3(a).  If Buyer gives notice under subsection (a) above, the parties will meet and use their best efforts to agree on the validity of the claim and, if applicable, the amount of the adjustment, using the following criteria:

(i)            If the claim is based on the Company owning a different net revenue interest than that shown on Exhibit “A”, then the adjustment will be the absolute value of the number determined by the following formula:

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Adjustment = A x (1-[B/C])

A  =        Allocated Value for the affected Ownership Interest

B  =         Correct net revenue interest for the affected Ownership Interest

C  =         Net revenue interest for the affected Ownership Interest as shown on Exhibit “A”

(ii)           If the claim is based on an obligation or burden that is liquidated, the adjustment will be the sum necessary to remove the obligation or burden from the affected Ownership Interest.

(iii)          If the claim is based on an obligation or burden that is not liquidated, but can be estimated with reasonable certainty, the adjustment will be the sum necessary to compensate Buyer for the adverse economic effect on the affected Property.

(c)           If the amount of the adjustment for each Title Defect cannot be determined based on the above criteria, and if Buyer, Seller and the Company cannot otherwise agree on the amount of an adjustment or the parties are unable to agree upon whether a Title Defect exists, subject to the provisions of Section 7.3(d) below, the Parties shall agree to resolve the dispute under the arbitration provisions in this Agreement.

(d)           No adjustment to the Base Purchase Price for Title Defects shall be made unless and until the aggregate value of all Title Defects (herein called the “Aggregate Title Defect Value”) exceeds one percent (1%) of the Base Purchase Price, and once the deductible is exceeded, only the value of all Title Defects in excess of such deductible shall be considered in applying this Section 7.3.

(e)           For purposes of this section, the costs to cure a Title Defect under Section 7.3(b) above shall not be counted towards the Aggregate Title Defect Value.

(f)            Seller may, at its sole option, notify Buyer on or before the Closing that it elects to cure some or all of the Title Defects.  No price adjustment will be made for Title Defects that Seller elects to cure.  If any Title Defect is not cured prior to Closing, an adjustment to the Base Purchase Price will be calculated under the criteria set forth in this section, but only if the net amount of all adjustments based on the Title Defects exceeds the Aggregate Title Defect Value.

(g)           If, prior to the Closing, any portion of the Oil and Gas Properties or related equipment is destroyed or impaired by fire or other casualty, Buyer may elect:

(i)            to treat such destruction or impairment as a Title Defect in accordance with this Section 7.3, or

(ii)           to purchase the Membership Interests notwithstanding any such destruction (without adjustment to the Purchase Price therefor), in which case, Seller shall, at the Closing, pay to Buyer all sums paid to the Company or Seller

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by third-parties (including insurance proceeds relating thereto) and assign to Buyer all sums to which Seller is entitled, as the case may be, by reason of the destruction of such Oil and Gas Properties or related equipment and shall assign, transfer and set over unto the Company or Buyer all of the right, title and interest of Seller in and to any unpaid awards or other payments from third-parties arising out of the destruction of such Oil and Gas Properties or related equipment.

(h)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7.3, the adjustments attributable to the effects of all Title Defects upon any Oil and Gas Property shall not exceed the Allocated Value of such particular Oil and Gas Property.

(i)            All Title Defects not raised within the time period provided in paragraph (b) above shall be waived by Buyer for all purposes, including but not limited to Article XII.

7.4           Environmental Defects.

(a)           Buyer shall have the right to conduct an environmental assessment of the Oil and Gas Properties during the period beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending at the close of business on the Notification Deadline.  The confidentiality obligations of the Confidentiality Agreement shall be applicable to all information acquired by Buyer in the course of its environmental assessment.  During normal business hours and after providing the Company and Seller reasonable prior notice of any such activities, Buyer and its representatives shall be permitted to enter upon the Oil and Gas Properties and all buildings and improvements thereon, inspect the same, review files and generally conduct such tests, examinations, and investigations as are consistent with the American Society for Testing and Materials standard Phase I environmental audit and which have been approved by Company in writing.  Seller will have the right to (i) witness such investigation and (ii) promptly receive a copy of all results, analyses and reviews.

(b)           Buyer will notify Seller on or before the Notification Deadline of (i) the existence of any environmental condition on the Oil and Gas Properties that Buyer reasonably believes constitutes a breach of the Company’s representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.22 (“Environmental Defect”), and (ii) the estimated cost to remediate or cure such condition on each individual Oil and Gas Property, determined utilizing the most cost effective and appropriate method of cure or remediation available under the circumstances.  With respect to any Environmental Defect:

(i)            Seller shall have the right, but not the obligation, to undertake such remedial action as may be required Environmental Law as currently applied to cure by such Environmental Defect by sending written notice of its binding commitment to effectuate such cure and the details and timing of such curative action, and if such commitment is reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, the Base Purchase Price would not be reduced on account of such Environmental Defect

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(ii)           Buyer and Seller may also, upon their mutual agreement, set the costs to cure the Environmental Defect and the Base Purchase Price shall be reduced by such agreed costs while Buyer shall be responsible for any cure; and

(iii)          If, within fifteen (15) days following the notice of an Environmental Defect as to any Oil and Gas Property, Buyer and Seller cannot reach mutual agreement as contemplated in Section 7.4(b)(i) or (ii) above on either the value of an Environmental Defect or whether an Environmental Defect exists, the Parties agree to resolve the dispute under the arbitration provisions in this Agreement.

(c)           No adjustment to the Base Purchase Price for Environmental Defects shall be made unless and until the aggregate value of all Environmental Defects (herein called the “Aggregate Environmental Defect Value”) exceeds one percent (1%) of the Base Purchase Price, and once the deductible is exceeded, only the value of all Environmental Defects in excess of such deductible shall be considered in applying this Section 7.4.

(d)           For purposes of this section, the costs to cure an Environmental Defect determined under Section 7.4(b)(i) and (ii) above shall not be counted towards the Aggregate Environmental Defect Value.

(e)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7.4, the adjustments attributable to the effects of all Environmental Defects upon any Oil and Gas Property shall not exceed the Allocated Value of such particular Oil and Gas Property.

(f)            All Environmental Defects not raised within the time period provided in paragraph (b) above shall be waived by Buyer for all purposes, including but not limited to Article XII.

7.5           Gas Imbalances.  Within 120 days after the Closing Date, Seller and Buyer shall, based upon data available at that time, determine (a) the total amount of overproduction of gas attributable to and accounted for under the name of the Company and related to the Oil and Gas Properties (e.g., volumes of gas taken from the Leases, or on lands unitized therewith, by the Company in excess of those volumes which the Company would be entitled to receive) and (b) the total amount of underproduction of gas attributable to and accounted for under the name of the Company and related to the Oil and Gas Properties (e.g., volumes of gas not taken from the Leases, or on lands unitized therewith, despite the Company’s Ownership Interest in and right to receive such volumes).  If the total amount of overproduction (as so determined) exceeds the total amount of underproduction (as so determined) the Base Purchase Price shall be adjusted downward in an amount equal to US$5.72 per Mcf times such excess. If the total amount of underproduction (as so determined) exceeds the total amount of overproduction (as so determined) the Base Purchase Price shall be adjusted upward in an amount equal to  US$5.72 per Mcf times such excess. The amount of any upward adjustment shall be paid by Buyer to Seller, or the amount of any downward adjustment shall be paid by Seller to Buyer, within five days after determination thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, only imbalances subject to legally enforceable rights of recovery will be subject to the determination hereunder.

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7.6           Access to Information.  Upon reasonable notice, the Company, FOC and Seller shall afford to Buyer’s officers, employees, accountants, counsel and other representatives access, from the date hereof until the Closing Date, to all of the properties, books, contracts, commitments, files and records of the Company and, to the extent that they pertain to the Oil and Gas Properties, FOC, as well as to the Company’s, Seller’s and FOC’s officers and employees (to the extent that any of FOC’s officers and employees are responsible for matters pertaining to the Company or its assets and properties) and, during such period, the Company shall furnish to Buyer (a) a copy of each material report, schedule, registration statement and other document filed or received by it during such period and (b) all other information concerning its business, properties and personnel as Buyer may reasonably request. Buyer agrees that it will not, and will cause its respective representatives not to, use any information obtained pursuant to this Section 7.6 for any purpose unrelated to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  The Confidentiality Agreement shall apply with respect to the information furnished thereunder and hereunder, and any other activities contemplated thereby. Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and the Seller from and against any and all claims, actions, causes of action, demands, assessments, losses, damages, liabilities, judgments, settlements, penalties, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses), of any nature whatsoever asserted against or suffered by the Company or the Seller relating to, resulting from or arising out of the conduct of Buyer or its representatives in the course of any examinations or inspections made by Buyer or its representatives under this Section 7.6, except to the extent of gross negligence or wilfull misconduct on the part of Company, or any of its employees, agents or Affiliates.

7.7           Regulatory Approvals.  Each Party hereto shall cooperate and use its reasonable best efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation to effect all necessary applications, notices, petitions, filings and other documents, and use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain (and will cooperate with each other in obtaining) any consent, acquiescence, authorization, order or approval of, and any exemption or nonopposition by, any Governmental Entity required to be obtained or made by Company, the Seller or Buyer or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or the taking of any action contemplated thereby or by this Agreement.

7.8           Agreement to Defend.  In the event any claim, action, suit, investigation or other proceeding by any governmental body or other person or other legal or administrative proceeding is commenced that questions the validity or legality of the transactions contemplated hereby or seeks damages in connection therewith, the parties hereby agree to cooperate and use their commercially reasonable efforts to defend against and respond thereto.

7.9           Other Actions.  Except as contemplated by this Agreement, neither the Company, the Seller nor Buyer shall, nor permit any of its Affiliates to, take or agree or commit to take any action that is reasonably likely to result in any of its respective representations or warranties hereunder being untrue in any material respect or in any of the conditions to the transactions contemplated hereby set forth in Article VIII not being satisfied.  Each of the parties agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to satisfy the conditions to Closing set forth in this Agreement.

7.10         LIMITATION AND DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND SELLER.  THE EXPRESS REPRESENTATIONS

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AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND SELLER CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE.  AT OR PRIOR TO CLOSING, BUYER SHALL HAVE CONDUCTED SUCH INSPECTIONS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS ASSETS AS BUYER DEEMS NECESSARY AND SHALL HAVE SATISFIED ITSELF AS TO THE CONDITION OF THE COMPANY AND ITS ASSETS; HOWEVER, NO SUCH INSPECTION SHALL BE DEEMED BE IN LIEU OR CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF ANY EXPRESS REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT.  EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY AND SELLER MAKE NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY DATA, REPORTS, RECORDS, PROJECTIONS, INFORMATION OR MATERIALS NOW, HERETOFORE OR HEREAFTER FURNISHED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO BUYER OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES BY THE COMPANY, SELLER OR BY THE AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES OF EITHER; ANY AND ALL SUCH DATA, RECORDS, REPORTS, PROJECTIONS, INFORMATION AND OTHER MATERIALS FURNISHED BY THE COMPANY, SELLER OR BY THE AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES OF EITHER OR OTHERWISE MADE AVAILABLE TO BUYER OR BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVES ARE PROVIDED TO OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF BUYER AS A CONVENIENCE, AND SHALL NOT CREATE OR GIVE RISE TO ANY LIABILITY OF OR AGAINST THE COMPANY, SELLER OR ANY AGENT OR REPRESENTATIVE OF EITHER; AND ANY RELIANCE ON OR USE OF THE SAME SHALL BE AT BUYER’S SOLE RISK.

7.11         Change of Company Name.  Each of Buyer and the Company undertakes and agrees that promptly after the Closing, it will take all actions necessary to change the name of the Company to delete the use of the name “Forest”, any derivative thereof and/or any logos or trademarks related thereto by sixty (60) days after Closing.

7.12         Account Signatories.  Seller shall cause the Company to change the names of the accounts and the names of the officers, employees, agents or other similar representatives of the Company, as designated by Buyer at or prior to the Closing, who thereafter shall be authorized to transact business with respect to the accounts, safe deposit boxes, lock boxes or other relationships with the banks, trust companies, securities brokers and other financial institutions set forth in Schedule 4.17.

7.13         Cooperation with Financing.  In order to assist with obtaining financing for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Company shall provide and shall use their commercially reasonable best efforts to cause its representatives (including legal and accounting advisors) to provide all cooperation reasonably requested by Buyer in connection with such financing, including, but not limited to, (i) assisting Buyer and its financing sources in preparing any offering document and materials for rating agency presentations, (ii) furnishing information for the preparation of financial statements, pro forma statements and other financial data customarily included in offerings of the type contemplated by the financing, and (iii) cooperation with prospective lenders in performing their due diligence.  Buyer shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to obtain the Debt Financing (or, if the Debt Financing is not available to

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Buyer, alternative acquisition financing sufficient to fund the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) and to obtain the required consent under Buyer’s Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated November 30, 2006 with J. Aron & Company (the “PERL Credit Agreement”).

7.14         Hedge Assumption. Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, Seller and FOC will use reasonable commercial efforts, at no cost to Seller or FOC, to assist Buyer in finalizing its hedging strategy following Closing, including efforts to assign and novate all of the Forest Hedges to a financial counterparty of Buyer’s choosing.  In the event that Buyer fails to so novate and assign all of the Forest Hedges, Buyer shall have the following option: Between the date of execution hereof and five business days prior to Closing, Buyer shall elect either:

(a)           To have the Company assign and novate, at no cost and with no further liability or obligation to Buyer or the Company, all of the Forest Hedges to FOC; or

(b)           To have the Company assign and novate, at no cost and with no further liability or obligation to Buyer or the Company, all of the Forest Hedges to FOC, whereupon FOC shall immediately enter into identical transactions (each, a “Mirror Hedge”) with Buyer, each of which shall be supported by customary derivative agreements and shall provide Buyer the same economic benefits, rights and obligations that the Company would have under all of the Forest Hedges but for the novation to FOC; provided, however, that such Mirror Hedge shall have a term of no more than 60 days.

ARTICLE VIII

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

8.1           Buyer’s Conditions.  Unless otherwise waived in writing prior to the Closing, the obligation of Buyer to complete the Closing is subject to fulfillment prior to or at the Closing of each of the following conditions:

(a)           No Legal Proceeding.  At the Closing, no Legal Proceeding shall be pending or threatened seeking to enjoin or prevent, nor shall an Injunction, Order or Official Action have been issued prohibiting consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b)           Bank Accounts.  Seller shall have caused the Company to change the authorized account signatories as contemplated by Section 7.12.

(c)           Fulfillment of Obligations.  Seller shall have duly performed or complied with all of the obligations and covenants to be performed or to which compliance is required under the terms of this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date.

(d)           Accuracy of Representations and Warranties.  The representations and warranties of the Company and Seller set forth herein shall be true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” set forth therein) at and as of the Closing Date, as if made at and as of such time except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” set forth therein)

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individually or in the aggregate has not had, and would not be reasonably likely to have or result in, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

(e)           Closing Deliveries.  Seller or the Company as is appropriate shall have delivered at or before Closing all of the items listed in Section 9.1.

(f)            Other Items.  Buyer shall have received (i) the proceeds of the Debt Financing or alternative financing sufficient to fund the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) the required consent under the PERL Credit Agreement.

8.2           Seller’s Conditions.  Unless otherwise waived in writing prior to Closing, the obligation of Seller to complete the Closing is subject to fulfillment prior to or at Closing of each of the following conditions.

(a)           No Legal Proceedings.  At the Closing, no Legal Proceeding shall be pending or threatened seeking to enjoin or prevent, nor shall an Injunction, Order or Official Action have been issued prohibiting consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b)           Accuracy of Representations and Warranties.  The representations and warranties of Buyer set forth herein shall be true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” set forth therein) at and as of the Closing Date, as if made at and as of such time except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” set forth therein) individually or in the aggregate has not had, and would not be reasonably likely to have or result in, a Material Adverse Effect on Buyer.

(c)           Closing Deliveries.  Buyer shall have delivered at or before Closing all of the items listed in Section 9.2.

ARTICLE IX

DELIVERIES AT CLOSING

9.1           Deliveries by Seller to Buyer.  At the Closing, Seller or the Company as is appropriate shall deliver, or shall cause to be delivered, to Buyer the following:

(a)           appropriate evidence of the Membership Interests, and such instruments or documents evidencing the sale, assignment, transfer and conveyance by the Seller to Buyer of the Membership Interests in accordance with the terms hereof;

(b)           a certificate of both the Company and the Seller, dated as of the Closing Date, setting forth those resolutions authorizing the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and certifying that such resolutions were duly adopted and have not been rescinded or amended as of the Closing Date;

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(c)           certificate of both the Company and the Seller attesting as to the incumbency and signature of each officer of the Company and the Seller, as applicable, who shall execute this Agreement and any other agreement in connection herewith on behalf of the Company or the Seller, as the case may be, and certifying as being complete and correct the copies attached to such certificate of the Company’s constituent documents, each as in effect on such date;

(d)           a certificate of existence of the Company from the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and a certificate of the good standing of the Company from State of Delaware, and a certificate of qualification of the Company as an entity authorized to do business in Alaska, in each case dated as of a date not earlier than 10 days prior to the Closing Date;

(e)           the originals of all minute books, Membership Interests transfer records, electronic data and corporate and all other records of the Company, including but not limited to, all land, geological, engineering and geophysical work files relating to the Company’s Oil and Gas Properties;

(f)            pay-off letters from Credit Suisse, JP Morgan Chase and any other providers of Company Debt in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer and its financing source, specifying, among other things, that all of the Credit Agreement and all other loan documents related thereto shall be canceled upon payment of the pay-off amounts set forth therein, together with evidence that all Liens in favor of Credit Suisse, JP Morgan and any other secured lenders have been or, upon payment of the pay-off amounts set forth therein will be, released (the “Pay-off Letters”);

(g)           general releases of claims against the Company, in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer and its financing source, from Seller, FOC and their Affiliates, and all officers and directors of the Company;

(h)           the resignation of each of the present directors and officers of the Company; and

(i)            all consents or waivers referred to on Schedule 4.5.

9.2           Deliveries by Buyer to Seller and the Company.  At the Closing, in addition to making the payments described in Sections 3.2 and 3.3, Buyer shall deliver to Seller the following:

(a)           a certificate of a duly authorized representative of Buyer, dated the Closing Date, authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and certifying that such authorizations are in full force and effect and have not been rescinded or amended as of the Closing Date;

(b)           evidence satisfactory to Seller indicating (i) payment in full of the amounts reflected in the Pay-off Letters or (ii) a complete and general release of the Seller and FOC from all liabilities and obligations under the Company Debt; and

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(c)           a certificate of a duly authorized representative of Buyer attesting as to the incumbency and signature of each person who shall execute this Agreement or any other material document related to this transaction.

ARTICLE X

TRANSITION OPERATIONS

10.1         Transition Operations.  With respect to any portion of the Oil and Gas Properties operated by Company or its agent, after Closing and until such time as Buyer may be recognized and approved by the applicable federal or state agency as Operator of such portion of the Oil and Gas Properties, FOC shall operate such portion of the Oil and Gas Properties for the account of Buyer, under the terms of the Intercompany Services Agreement listed on Schedule 4.7 between the Company and FOC.  In connection with such operations under the Intercompany Services Agreement, the Company shall pay FOC consistent with the provisions of thereof, plus an additional fee equal to US$200,000 per month, provided that such additional fees shall begin to accrue from the first day of the first month beginning at least 90 days after Closing. Upon Buyer being recognized as operator as to all of the Oil and Gas Properties, Buyer shall deliver to FOC written notice of its intention to assume operations, designating the date of its intended assumption.  On such date, the Intercompany Services Agreement shall immediately terminate and be of no further force and effect, with no further liability thereunder on the part of either Buyer or the Company, except for reimbursements and a pro rata portion of the operating fee for the period through the date of termination and any indemnity protections that survive termination per the terms of the Intercompany Services Agreement.

ARTICLE XI

TERMINATION

11.1         Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date:

(a)           by mutual written consent of the Company, Seller and Buyer;

(b)           by any of the Company, Seller or Buyer if any Governmental Entity shall have issued any Injunction or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and such Injunction or other action shall have become final and nonappealable;

(c)           (i) by Seller in the event of a material breach by the Buyer of one or more provisions of this Agreement, in particular the representations and warranties in Article VI above and (ii) by Buyer in the event of a material breach by either the Seller or the Company of one or more provisions of this Agreement, in particular the representations and warranties in Articles IV and V above;

(d)           by Seller or Buyer if the total amount of uncured and unwaived Title Defects and/or Environmental Defects exceeds 10% of the Base Purchase Price;

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11.2      Effect of Termination.

(a)           In the event of termination of this Agreement by Seller pursuant to Section 11.1(c)(i) above or if all other Closing conditions have been satisfied (other than those that can only be satisfied at Closing), except that the condition in Section 8.1(f) has not been satisfied, Seller shall be entitled to retain the Deposit, together with any interest earned thereon. This shall be in the nature of liquidated damages for Buyer’s breach, and not a penalty. If the Closing does not occur by July 31, 2007 or is terminated as a result of a breach by Buyer as contemplated by Section 11.1(c)(i) above or if the failure to close is the result of the condition in Section 8.1(f) not being satisfied as contemplated above, the Seller’s retention of the Deposit is Seller’s sole remedy against the Buyer.  However, if this Agreement does not close on the date specified above or is terminated due the negligence, fault or willful failure of the Seller or for the reasons described in Section 11.1(a), (b), (c)(ii), or (d), the Deposit, together with any interest earned thereon shall be delivered to Buyer.

(b)           In the event of termination of this Agreement by any party hereto as provided in Section 11.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of any Party hereto except (i) under the Confidentiality Agreement, (ii) with respect to this Section 11.2, the second and third sentences of Section 7.6, and Section 14.10, and (iii) to the extent that such termination results from the willful breach by a Party hereto of any of its representations and warranties or of any of its covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement.

ARTICLE XII

INDEMNIFICATION

12.1         Seller and FOC Indemnification.  Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 12.4 hereof, the Seller and FOC hereby jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold Buyer and each of its Affiliates, and the officers, directors, employees and agents thereof, harmless from and against any and all claims, judgments, causes of action, liabilities, obligations, guarantees, damages, losses, deficiencies, costs, penalties, interest and expenses, including without limitation, cost of investigation and defense, and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, net of any collected insurance proceeds (collectively, “Losses”), arising out of, based upon, attributable to or resulting from any, breach of a representation, warranty, agreement or covenant of the Company or Seller contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” set forth therein).

12.2         Buyer Indemnification.  Buyer hereby agrees to indemnify and hold Seller, the Company, each of their respective Affiliates and each of their respective officers, directors, employees and agents harmless from and against any and all Losses arising out of, based upon, attributable to or resulting from any breach of any representation, warranty, agreement or covenant on the part of Buyer contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” set forth therein).

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12.3         Indemnification Procedures.

(a)           If any third party asserts any claim against a Party to this Agreement which, if successful, would entitle the Party to indemnification under this Article XII (the “Indemnified Party”), it shall give notice of such claim to the Party from whom it intends to seek indemnification (the “Indemnifying Party”) and the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense and, subject to Section 12.3(b), settlement of such claim at its expense by representatives of its own choosing acceptable to the Indemnified Party (which acceptance shall not be unreasonably withheld).  The failure of the Indemnified Party to notify the Indemnifying Party of such claim shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of any liability that the Indemnifying Party may have with respect to such claim, except to the extent that the defense is materially prejudiced by such failure.  The Indemnified Party shall have the right to participate in the defense of such claim at its expense (which expense shall not be deemed to be a Loss), in which case the Indemnifying Party shall cooperate in providing information to and consulting with the Indemnified Party about the claim.  If the Indemnifying Party fails or does not assume the defense of any such claim within 20 days after written notice of such claim has been given by the Indemnified Party to the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party may defend against or, subject to Section 12.3(b), settle such claim with counsel of its own choosing at the expense (to the extent reasonable under the circumstances) of the Indemnifying Party.

(b)           If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of a claim involving the asserted liability of the Indemnified Party under this Article XII, no settlement of such claim shall be made by the Indemnified Party without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.  If the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of such a claim, (i) no settlement thereof may be effected by the Indemnifying Party without the Indemnified Party’s consent unless (A) there is no finding or admission of any violation of Law or any violation of the rights of any Person and no effect on any other claim that may be made against the Indemnified Party, (B) the sole relief provided is monetary damages that have been paid in full by the Indemnifying Party and (C) the settlement includes, as an unconditional term thereof, the giving by the claimant or the plaintiff to the Indemnified Party of a release in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, from all liability in respect of such claim, and (ii) the Indemnified Party shall have no liability with respect to any compromise or settlement thereof effected without its consent.

12.4         Limits on Indemnification.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement:

(a)           Seller shall not have any obligation to provide indemnification for Losses arising out of breaches of representations and warranties, unless the amount of all such Losses pursuant to Section 12.1 exceeds US$250,000 (the “Basket Amount”).  The maximum aggregate amount for which Seller may be liable under this Article XII for breaches of representations and warranties shall be limited to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Base Purchase Price. This paragraph (a) shall not apply to Losses suffered by a Buyer Indemnified Party pursuant to Sections 4.3, 4.4 (but at only as to the last sentence thereof), 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.13, 4.25, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7 and 5.8.

33




(b)           Buyer shall not have any obligation to provide indemnification for Losses pursuant to Section 12.2 arising out of or related to breaches of representations and warranties unless the aggregate amount of all such Losses pursuant to such Section exceeds the Basket Amount in which case Buyer shall be only liable to Seller for the amount of such Losses that exceed the Basket Amount.  The maximum aggregate amount for which Buyer may be liable under this Article XII shall be limited to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Base Purchase Price.

(c)           Except for the representations and warranties of (i) the Company in Sections 4.21 and 4.22, the exclusive remedies for which are provided in Sections 7.3 and 7.4, respectively, (ii) Seller contained in Section 5.6, which shall survive indefinitely, and Section 4.25, which shall survive until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, the respective representations of the Company, Seller and Buyer contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing for a period of one year, and thereafter none of the Company, Seller or Buyer shall have any liability whatsoever (whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to such representation or warranty.  This Section 12.4(c) shall have no effect upon any other obligations of the parties hereto under this Agreement, whether to be performed before, at or after the Closing, which shall survive until fulfilled or the expiration in accordance with their terms.

(d)           Any payments made to Seller, the Company or the Buyer pursuant to this Article XII shall constitute an adjustment of the Purchase Price for Tax purposes and shall be treated as such by the Buyer and Seller on their Tax Returns.

(e)           An Indemnifying Party shall not be liable under this Article XII for Losses resulting from any event relating to a breach of a representation or warranty if the Indemnifying Party can establish that the Indemnified Party had actual knowledge on or before the Closing Date of such event.

(f)            Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Article XII, Seller hereby agrees to indemnify and hold Buyer and each of its Affiliates (including the Company), and the officers, directors, employees and agents thereof, harmless from and against any and all Losses arising from any litigation (i) which arises out of actions, conduct or events which occur prior to the Effective Date or (ii) that was not disclosed to Buyer and which arises out of actions, conduct or events that occurred between the Effective Date and the Closing Date.  This indemnity shall be subject to the procedures of Section 12.3, and shall survive indefinitely.

ARTICLE XIII

TAXES

13.1         Sales and Use Taxes; Property Taxes.  The Purchase Price, as adjusted herein, is exclusive of any sales taxes and other transfer taxes in connection with the sale of the Membership Interests.  Buyer shall bear the cost of all applicable sales taxes, real property transfer taxes, and filing and recording fees payable as a result of the transfer of the Membership Interests.  If at any time after the Closing, Seller or any Affiliate shall become liable for taxes or

34




fees for which Buyer is responsible under this paragraph, Buyer shall promptly reimburse Seller or such Affiliate for such taxes and fees, including any penalties and interest thereon.  Buyer shall defend, indemnify and hold Seller harmless with respect to the payment of any such taxes and fees, including any interest or penalties assessed thereon.

13.2         Tax Proceedings.  In the event Seller receives notice of any payments due, claim, adjustment or other proceeding relating to Real or Personal Property Taxes for the year in which the Effective Date occurs, Seller shall notify Buyer in writing within 30 days of receiving notice thereof.  As to any such taxes Buyer shall, at Buyer’s expense, control or settle the contest of such examination, claim, adjustment, or other proceeding, and shall indemnify Seller against all losses, damages, costs, expenses, liabilities, claims, demands, penalties, fines, assessments, settlements, and any related expenses in connection therewith.  If, on execution of this Agreement, Seller or the Company is actively disputing any Real or Personal Property Tax assessments involving the Oil and Gas Properties for the year in which the Effective Date occurs, Seller shall fully inform Buyer of the basis for, and status of, the dispute and shall permit Buyer to direct and/or participate in the dispute to the full extent permitted by law.

13.3         Real and Personal Property Taxes.  All ad valorem taxes, real property taxes and personal property taxes (“Real and Personal Property Taxes”) for the year in which the Effective Date occurs shall be apportioned as of the Effective Date between Seller and Buyer.  Seller shall be liable for the portion of such Real and Personal Property Taxes based upon the number of days in the year occurring prior to the Effective Date, and Buyer shall be liable for the portion of such taxes based upon the number of days in the year occurring on and after the Effective Date.  At least 5 days prior to Closing, Seller will provide Buyer with the amount of Real and Personal Property Taxes paid by Seller with respect to the year which includes the Effective Date and the  amount of such Taxes allocable to Buyer, which amount shall be deducted from the Purchase Price at Closing.

13.4         Property Tax Reporting.  Company has, or will have, filed any such renditions, reports, or returns required to be filed with respect to Real and Personal Property Taxes before Closing.  Buyer shall file all reports and returns required to be filed or submitted after Closing that are incident to Real and Personal Property Taxes assessed for the year in which the Effective Date occurs but that are not submitted by Seller prior to the Closing Date.  Buyer shall pay any assessed Real and Personal Property Taxes assessed after Closing and shall invoice Seller for its allocable share of such taxes, if any, pursuant to Section 13.3 above, which invoice shall be paid promptly by Seller.

13.5         Production Taxes.  All Production Taxes (including deductions, credits or refunds pertaining thereto) attributable to the ownership or operation of, or production and revenue from, the Oil and Gas Properties prior to the Effective Date are Seller’s responsibility, and shall be allocated to and paid by Seller. All Production Taxes (including deductions, credits or refunds pertaining thereto) attributable to the ownership or operation of, or production and revenue from, the Oil and Gas Properties on and after the Effective Date are the responsibility of Buyer, and shall be allocated to and paid by Buyer. Production Taxes will be allocated by the Parties so that the Party which is entitled to the revenue from production shall bear the burden of the Production Tax in respect thereto.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any excess Production Tax credits

35




available to the Company or Seller, but unused as of Closing shall accrue to the Company or Buyer to the extent permitted by applicable law.

13.6         Income Taxes.  Seller shall be responsible for Income Taxes imposed on Seller to the extent they relate to any period, whether before, on, or after the Effective Date, and all items of deduction, credit, loss or gain or refund pertaining to Income Taxes imposed on Seller shall remain and belong to Seller, no matter when received, assessed or paid.  Buyer shall be responsible for Income Taxes imposed on Buyer to the extent they relate to any period, whether before, on, or after the Effective Date, and all items of deduction, credit, loss or gain or refund pertaining to Income Taxes imposed on Buyer shall remain and belong to Buyer, no matter when received, assessed or paid.

13.7         Purchase Price Allocation.  The allocation of the Purchase Price in accordance with Exhibit A-2 is intended to comply with the allocation method required by Section 1060 of the Code.  Buyer and Seller shall cooperate to comply with all substantive and procedural requirements of Section 1060 and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, including without limitation the filing by Buyer and Seller of IRS Form 8594 with their federal income tax returns for the taxable year in which the Closing occurs.  Buyer and Seller agree that neither will take, nor will they permit any Affiliate to take, a position for income tax purposes that is inconsistent with the allocation of the Purchase Price.

ARTICLE XIV

GENERAL

14.1         Governing Law; Choice of Forum.  This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of law principles thereof.  Any dispute arising hereunder shall be brought, if at all, in the state or federal courts located in Delaware. Each party agrees not to assert any argument of inconvenient forum in response to the filing of an action in any such court.

14.2         Amendments.  This Agreement may only be amended by an instrument in writing executed by Company, Buyer and Seller.

14.3         Waivers.  The observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) by the party entitled to enforce such term, but such waiver shall be effective only if it is in a writing signed by the party entitled to enforce such term and against which such waiver is to be asserted.  Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, no delay or omission on the part of any party in exercising any right or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on the part of any party of any right or privilege under this Agreement operate as a waiver of any other right or privilege under this Agreement nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or privilege under this Agreement.

14.4         Notices.  Any notice or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sufficiently given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given

36




upon receipt) if sent by overnight mail, registered mail or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by hand, to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

(a)                                   If to Buyer, to:
111 W. Ocean Boulevard
Suite 1240
Long Beach, CA 9080
Attn: President
Tel.: 562.628.1531
Fax: 562.628.1536

(b)           If to Seller and/or the Company, to:

707 Seventeenth Street
Suite 3600
Denver, CO 80202
Attn: General Counsel
Tel.: 303.812.1701
Fax: 303.812.1445

14.5         Successors and Assigns, Parties in Interest.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.  Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned without the written consent of the other parties, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, except that Buyer may make an assignment of its rights hereunder to its financing source for collateral security purposes.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any Person, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns, any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, and no Person shall be deemed a third party beneficiary under or by reason of this Agreement.

14.6         Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any such provision to any Person or circumstance, shall be declared judicially to be invalid, unenforceable or void, such decision shall not have the effect of invalidating or voiding the remainder of this Agreement, it being the intent and agreement of the parties that this Agreement shall be deemed amended by modifying such provision to the extent necessary to render it valid, legal and enforceable while preserving its intent or, if such modification is not possible, by substituting therefor another provision that is valid, legal and enforceable and that achieves the same objective.

14.7         Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (including the Confidentiality Agreement, the Exhibits and Schedules hereto, and the documents and instruments executed and delivered in connection herewith) constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, among the parties or any of them with respect to the subject matter hereof, and there are no representations, understandings or agreements relating to

37




the subject matter hereof that are not fully expressed in this Agreement and the documents and instruments executed and delivered in connection herewith.  All Exhibits and Schedules attached to this Agreement are expressly made a part of, and incorporated by reference into, this Agreement.

14.8         Schedules.  Nothing in the Schedules is intended to broaden the scope of any representation or warranty contained in the Agreement or to create any covenant unless clearly specified to the contrary herein.  Any disclosure on one Schedule shall be deemed to be disclosed on all Schedules and under the Agreement.  Inclusion of any item in the Schedules (a) shall be deemed to be disclosure of such item on all Schedules and under the Agreement, (b) does not represent a determination that such item is material nor shall it be deemed to establish a standard of materiality, (c) does not represent a determination that such item did not arise in the ordinary course of business, (d) does not represent a determination that the transactions contemplated by the Agreement require the consent of third parties and (e) shall not constitute, or be deemed to be, an admission to any third party concerning such item.  The Schedules include descriptions of instruments or brief summaries of certain aspects of the Company and its business and operations.  The descriptions and brief summaries are not necessarily complete and are provided in the Schedules to identify documents or other materials previously delivered or made available.

14.9         Remedies.  Each of the parties hereto acknowledges and agrees that (i) the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary to protect the proper and legitimate interests of the other parties hereto, and (ii) the other parties hereto would be irreparably damaged in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached.  It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement by other parties hereto without the necessity of proving actual damages upon posting of a suitable bond, and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof and thereof, which rights shall be cumulative and in addition to any other remedy to which the parties hereto may be entitled hereunder or at law or equity.

14.10       Expenses.  The Seller, on the one hand, and Buyer, on the other hand, shall bear their respective expenses (including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel, accountants and other experts) incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, each of the other documents and instruments executed in connection with or contemplated by this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

14.11       Release of Information; Confidentiality.  The parties shall cooperate with each other in releasing information concerning this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.  No press releases or other public announcements concerning the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be made by any party without prior consultation with and written consent of each other party, except for any legally required communication by any party and then only with prior consultation and at least 12 hours notice together with copies of all drafts of the proposed text, prior to the time the communication is made public.

14.12       Certain Construction Rules.  The article and section headings and the table of contents contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall in no way

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define, limit, extend or describe the scope or intent of any provisions of this Agreement.  Whenever the context may require, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa.  In addition, as used in this Agreement, unless otherwise provided to the contrary, (a) all references to days, months or years shall be deemed references to calendar days, months or years and (b) any reference to a “Section,” “Article,” or “Schedule” shall be deemed to refer to a section or article of this Agreement or an Exhibit or Schedule attached to this Agreement.  The words “hereof”, “herein”, and “hereunder” and words of similar import referring to this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.  Unless otherwise specifically provided for herein, the term “or” shall not be deemed to be exclusive.

14.13       Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed (including by facsimile transmission) in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one instrument binding on all the parties, notwithstanding that all the parties are not signatories to the original or the same counterpart.

[Signatures contained on following page]

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*              *              *

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

 

BUYER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PACIFIC ENERGY RESOURCES LTD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ DARREN KATIC

 

 

 

 

Name:

Darren Katic

 

 

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPANY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOREST ALASKA OPERATING LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ GLEN J. MIZENKO

 

 

 

 

Name:

Glen J. Mizenko

 

 

 

 

Title:

Vice President, Business Development

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SELLER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOREST ALASKA HOLDING LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ CYRUS D. MARTER IV

 

 

 

 

Name:

Cyrus D. Marter IV

 

 

 

 

Title:

Vice President & Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOC (for purposes of Sections 7.6, 7.14, 10.1 and Article XII only):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOREST OIL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ DAVID H. KEYTE

 

 

 

 

Name:

David H. Keyte

 

 

 

 

Title:

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

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EX-10.2 3 a07-14803_2ex10d2.htm EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

ASSET SALES AGREEMENT

This Asset Sales Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated the 24th day of May, 2007, is by and between FOREST OIL CORPORATION, a New York corporation (“Seller”) on the one hand, and PACIFIC ENERGY RESOURCES LTD, a Delaware corporation, or any wholly-owned subsidiary thereof (including Forest Alaska Operating, LLC) (“Buyer”) on the other hand.

In consideration of the mutual promises herein stated and the benefits to be derived to each party under this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Seller and Buyer hereby agree as follows:

1.             Sale and Purchase.  Seller agrees to sell and convey to Buyer and Buyer agrees to purchase and receive, on and subject to the terms, provisions and conditions hereof, the Assets (as hereinafter defined).

2.             The Assets.  For purposes of this Agreement, the Assets shall mean all of Seller’s right, title and interest set forth in Exhibit “A”, attached hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes, in and to:

(a)           oil and gas leases, oil, gas and mineral leases, subleases and other leaseholds, royalties, overriding royalties, net profit interests, mineral fee interests, carried interests and other properties and interests (the “Leases”) and the lands covered thereby (“Land(s)”) and any and all oil, gas, water or injection wells thereon or applicable thereto (the “Wells”); (ii) any pools or units which include all or a part of any Land or include any Well (the “Units”) and including without limitation all right, title and interest in production from any such Unit, whether such Unit production comes from wells located on or off of the Lands, and all tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances belonging to, used or useful in connection with the Leases, Lands and Units; and (iii) interests under or derived from all contracts, agreements and instruments applicable to or by which such properties are bound or created, to the extent applicable to such properties, including, but not limited to, operating agreements, gathering agreements, marketing agreements (including commodity swap, collar and/or similar derivative agreements), transportation agreements, processing agreements, unitization, pooling and communitization agreements, declarations and orders, joint venture agreements, and farmin and farmout agreements (“Contracts”).  For purposes of this Agreement, the Leases, Lands, Wells, Contracts are collectively referred to as the Oil and Gas Properties.  Attached hereto as Exhibit “A-1” is a description of the Oil and Gas Properties.  The respective “net revenue interest” and “working interest” of the Seller or any of its Subsidiaries in the Oil and Gas Properties are also described on Exhibit “B

(b)           equipment, machinery, fixtures, improvements and other tangible personal property and improvements located now on, appurtenant to or used or obtained in connection with such Oil and Gas Properties or with the production, treatment, sale or disposal of hydrocarbons produced therefrom or attributable thereto; provided, however, that the office premises of Seller in Anchorage, including all personal

 




property, fixtures and improvements now located in, appurtenant to or used or obtained in connection with such premises shall not constitute Assets;

(c)           easements, permits, licenses, servitudes, rights-of-way, surface leases and other surface rights appurtenant to, and used or held for use to the extent applicable to such Oil and Gas Properties which are described and shown in Exhibit “A-2” (Rights-of-Way”);

(d)           To the extent transferable without third party consent, all seismic data owned or licensed by Seller and all intellectual property related to such seismic data which is described and shown in Exhibit “A-3” (“Seismic Data”); and

(e)           All stock in the Cook Inlet Pipeline Company (“CIPL”) owned by Seller (the “CIPL Shares”), including any rights to acquire additional stock in CIPL which is described on Exhibit “A-4”

For purposes of this Agreement, all of the items described in Sections 2(a) - (e)     hereinabove are collectively referred to as the “Assets”.

3.             Consideration.  The consideration for the Assets to be transferred at Closing shall be:

(a)           the payment from Buyer to Seller at Closing in the amount of ten million US dollars (US$10,000,000) (the “Cash Consideration”) plus, subject to approval of issuance by the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), 5,500,000 shares of common stock (the “Stock Consideration”, and together with the Cash Consideration, the “Purchase Price”), which amount shall be adjusted as provided in Section 5 below.  In the event that the TSX denies the issuance of all or part of the Stock Consideration, then the Cash Consideration shall be increased for each share of stock that Buyer is not authorized to issue.  The conversion rate per share shall be the US$ equivalent of the weighted average closing price per share of the Buyer’s common stock on the TSX over the five-trading day period immediately preceding the date on which the TSX issues its denial.  The US$ conversion shall be made at the noon buying rate as published by the US Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the date on which the TSX issues its denial; and

(b)           Buyer has deposited with Seller a deposit of ten percent (10%) of the Cash Consideration (the “Performance Deposit”) applicable to the Purchase Price, which deposit is non-interest bearing and which is non-refundable except as hereinafter provided in Article 6;

(c)           the assumption by Buyer of the obligations, liabilities and costs associated with the Assets from and after the Effective Date, subject to the further provisions hereof (the “Assumed Liabilities”). Buyer is not assuming any liabilities of Seller other than the Assumed Liabilities.

4.             Effective Date.  The “Effective Date” of the sale shall be as of 7:00 a.m., January 1, 2007.

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5.             Allocation of Liability and Adjustments to Consideration.

(a)           The transactions contemplated hereby shall be effective as of the Effective Date, and the ownership of the Assets shall be transferred from Seller to Buyer as of such date.

(b)           The Purchase Price to be paid by Buyer to Seller for the Assets shall be adjusted as follows:

(i)            subject to Seller’s representations and warranties in Section 10.1(t), upward by an amount equal to all costs and expenses incurred and paid by Seller attributable to the ongoing operation, development and maintenance of the Assets (including without limitation lease rentals, shut-in royalty payments, lease operating expenses, workover and other capital costs that are charged pursuant to the applicable operating agreements governing the Assets) for the period of time on and after the Effective Date to the date of Closing provided however, that with the exception of Lease rental payments and the like, there shall be no adjustment for any individual capital expenditure that exceeds $50,000 and is incurred between the date hereof and Closing unless Seller has notified Buyer of such expenditure and Buyer has consented thereto; and,

(ii)           downward by an amount equal to all proceeds, if any, received by Seller that are attributable to the Assets for the period of time on and after the Effective Date to the date of Closing, including proceeds or receipts from disposition of equipment, done with Buyer’s consent or other revenues attributable to the Assets.

(c)           An estimate of the adjusted cash payment (the “Preliminary Sum”) shall be determined by Seller and delivered to Buyer at least 3 business days prior to Closing, and shall be the basis for the payment to be made by Buyer to Seller at Closing as provided in Section 6 below, provided that Buyer agrees with Seller’s estimates.  For purposes of this Agreement, the calculation of the Preliminary Sum shall include the Performance Deposit.  Following Closing, Seller shall prepare a final statement (“Settlement Statement”) setting forth all final adjustments to the cash portion of the consideration, and Seller shall deliver such statement, with such other information as may be necessary to substantiate the Settlement Statement, to Buyer within 90 days after Closing.  If the Settlement Statement reflects that the final adjusted cash portion of the consideration is more than the Preliminary Sum, Buyer shall pay to Seller, within 15 days after the receipt of the Settlement Statement, the difference between the final adjusted cash amount and the Preliminary Sum; and if the final adjusted amount is less than the Preliminary Sum, Seller shall pay to Buyer, within 15 days after the delivery of the final Settlement Statement, an amount equal to such difference.

(d)           Subject to the terms hereof and except to the extent same have already been taken into account as an adjustment to the Purchase Price, all monies, proceeds, receipts, credits and income attributable to the ownership and operation of the Assets (a) for all periods of time from and subsequent to the Effective Date, shall be the sole property and entitlement of Buyer, and to the extent received by Seller, Seller shall within ten (10) business days after such receipt, fully disclose, account for and transmit same to Buyer

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and (b) for all periods of time prior to the Effective Date, shall be the sole property and entitlement of Seller and, to the extent received by Buyer, Buyer shall fully disclose, account for and transmit same to Seller within ten (10) business days after such receipt.  Subject to the terms hereof and except to the extent same have already been taken into account as an adjustment to the Purchase Price, all costs, expenses, disbursements, obligations and liabilities attributable to the Assets (i) for periods of time prior to the Effective Date, regardless of when due or payable, shall be the sole obligation of Seller and Seller shall promptly pay, or if paid by Buyer, promptly reimburse Buyer for and hold Buyer harmless from and against same and (ii) for periods of time from and subsequent to the Effective Date, regardless of when due or payable, shall be the sole obligation of Buyer and Buyer shall promptly pay, or if paid by Seller, promptly reimburse Seller for and hold Seller harmless from and against same.

6.             Closing or Termination.

(a)           The closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the “Closing”) shall occur at the office of Seller on the later of (i) June 30, 2007, (ii) two (2) working days after satisfaction of all conditions to Closing, or (iii) five (5) working days after expiration (or waiver, if earlier) of any applicable preferential purchase rights or consent to assign period. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, in no event shall the Closing occur later than July 31, 2007.  If the transactions contemplated by the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement between Buyer and Forest Alaska Holding LLC have not closed prior to Closing, for any reason, then Buyer and Seller may each elect to terminate this Agreement. Unless otherwise waived in writing prior to the Closing, the obligation of Buyer to complete the Closing is subject to receipt by Buyer of (i) the proceeds of the debt financing contemplated by the commitment letter to the Buyer, dated the date hereof, a copy of which has been provided to Seller, or alternative financing sufficient to fund the transactions contemplated herein and in the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, and (ii) the required consent under the PERL Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Debt Conditions”).  At the Closing, the following shall occur:

(i)            Buyer shall deliver to the Seller the Preliminary Sum, either in cash or in the form of the Stock Consideration, or a combination thereof.

(ii)           Seller shall execute and deliver such instruments of assignment, bills of sale and other title transfer documents with respect to the Assets to Buyer on forms reasonably satisfactory to Seller and Buyer whereby Seller warrants the title to the Assets by, through and under Seller, but not otherwise, subject to the remaining provisions of this Agreement. Seller shall also deliver to Buyer stock certificates representing the CIPL Shares, duly endorsed for transfer.

(iii)          If Stock Consideration is to be paid to Seller, Buyer and Seller shall have executed a Share Acquisition and Registration Rights Agreement, consistent with industry standard terms and conditions.

(iv)          Seller shall execute and deliver such other conveyances, assignments, instruments of transfer or forms required by governmental agencies or such other instrument reasonably necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement.

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(b)           If this Agreement does not close on the date specified above or is terminated other than (i) by mutual agreement of the Parties, (ii) by either party pursuant to Section 6(a), (iii) by Buyer as a result of the negligence, fault or willful failure of Seller to perform its obligations hereunder, or (iv) by Buyer as a result of a material breach of any of Seller’s representations and warranties hereunder, Seller shall be entitled to retain the Performance Deposit, together with any interest earned thereon and in such event, the Seller’s retention of the Performance Deposit is Seller’s sole remedy against the Buyer. In addition to the foregoing, if this Agreement does not close solely as a result of the failure of the Debt Conditions to be satisfied, then Seller shall be entitled to retain the Performance Deposit, together with any interest earned thereon, and in such event, the Seller’s retention of the Performance Deposit is Seller’s sole remedy against the Buyer. However, if this Agreement does not close by July 31, 2007 or is terminated (i) by mutual agreement of the Parties, (ii) by either party pursuant to Section 6(a) (other than in the case where the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement does not close because the condition in Section 8.1(f) thereof is not satisfied), (iii) by Buyer as a result of the negligence, fault or willful failure of Seller to perform its obligations hereunder, or (iv) by Buyer as a result of a material breach of any of Seller’s representations and warranties hereunder, the Performance Deposit, together with any interest earned thereon, shall be delivered to Buyer.

7.             Restrictions.  Exhibit B sets forth the allocation of total consideration (prior to adjustments) to be paid hereunder for each property (“Allocated Values”).  It is understood that certain title matters relating to the Assets must be cured at or prior to Closing.  Such title matters consist of the necessity to obtain third party consents to the transfers contemplated hereby and waivers of applicable preferential purchase rights (collectively “Restrictions”), which consents and rights are listed on Schedule 7.  Such third party consents shall not include ordinary course regulatory approvals and consents to assign.  If, on the date of Closing, any one or more of the properties is subject to Restrictions that have not been satisfied or waived, Seller shall continue to use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a waiver of, or otherwise satisfy, the Restriction(s) applicable to such property, and Closing shall be postponed until such Restrictions have been waived or have expired.

8.             Title.

(a)           Review of Title Records. Seller has made and shall continue to make available to Buyer, during reasonable business hours, records in Seller’s possession relating to the title to the Assets.  Buyer shall be entitled to review said title records.  Buyer shall have the right to reasonably request copies of any and all such title records and upon such request, Seller shall provide the requested copies to Buyer at Buyer’s expense.

(b)           Alleged Title Defects.  As soon as reasonably practicable (and on an ongoing basis), but in no event later than three (3) business days prior to Closing, Buyer shall notify Seller of any Assets which are subject to Alleged Title Defect(s).  As used herein, Alleged Title Defect shall mean a deficiency in title with respect to an Interest such that Seller owns less than the Net Revenue Interest shown on Exhibit B or such that Seller owns more than the Working Interest shown on Exhibit B without a corresponding increase in the Net Revenue Interest.  Buyer’s notice asserting Alleged Title Defect(s) shall

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include a description and full explanation (including any and all supporting documentation associated therewith) of each Alleged Title Defect being claimed and a value which Buyer in good faith attributes to curing the same.  Seller shall have the right to notify Buyer of any increases in Net Revenue Interest or decreases in Working Interest in the Assets and request a corresponding adjustment.  Buyer and Seller shall meet from time to time as necessary in an attempt to mutually agree on a proposed resolution with respect to the Alleged Title Defect(s) raised by Buyer and increases in Net Revenue Interest or decreases in Working Interest raised by Seller.  The value allocated to each Asset as set forth on Exhibit “B” and the costs to cure such title defects shall be used by the parties to determine the amount of any adjustment, if any, due to the existence of an Alleged Title Defect.  It is recognized that good faith differences of opinion may exist between Buyer and Seller in connection with the Alleged Title Defect(s) raised by Buyer and adjustments to the Net Revenue Interests or Working Interests raised by Seller, including without limitation, disputes as to: (a) whether or not the alleged defect constitutes an Alleged Title Defect within the meaning of this Agreement, (b) whether or not the Alleged Title Defect raised by Buyer was properly and timely asserted by Buyer pursuant to this Article, or (c) the appropriate upward or downward adjustment, if any, on account of a change in the Net Revenue Interest or Working Interest from those set forth in Exhibit “B”.  If any such differences of opinion are not resolved by mutual agreement of Buyer and Seller, either party shall have the right, exercisable prior to Closing, to submit all information relating to the Alleged Title Defect to a mutually agreeable attorney licensed in the state where the property at issue is located and who shall have at least ten (10) years oil and gas title experience for resolution of the difference of opinion.  If such dispute is not resolved prior to Closing, Closing shall proceed on the basis of Seller’s valuation, subject to an obligation to refund any amount, determined under the process outlined above, of any Title Defect that has been so determined.

(c)           Waiver.  All title objections not raised within the time period provided in paragraph (b) above shall be waived by Buyer for all purposes.

9.             Indemnification.  Buyer shall assume full responsibility for the Assets on and after the Effective Date and shall fully defend, compensate, protect, indemnify and hold Seller, its officers, directors, employees and agents, harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, demands, damages, suits, expenses, causes of action, and any sanctions of every kind and character (including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, and costs of investigation) which may be made or asserted by Buyer, Buyer’s assigns, Buyer’s employees, agents, contractors, and subcontractors and employees thereof, or (subject to Seller’s representations and warranties in Sections 10.1 (c) and (d)) by any third parties (including governmental agencies) on account of personal injury, death or property damage (including claims for taxes, pollution, environmental damage, and regulatory compliance, any fines or penalties assessed on account of such damage, and causes of action alleging statutory liability) caused by, arising out of, or in any way incidental to operations conducted on the Assets on and after the Effective Date or in any way connected with the conditions of the equipment or facilities located on the Assets (including maintenance, repair and abandonment operations), and whether or not such losses, claims, demands, suits, causes of action, damages and sanctions are occasioned by, are incident to or are the result of the negligence or fault in whole or in part of Seller, its agents, representatives or employees or any other person or entity, or are occasioned by, are incident to or emanate from the unseaworthiness of vessels or alleged defects in lease equipment, facilities or pipelines; except

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however this indemnity shall not apply to losses sustained or liabilities arising out of Seller’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

For a period of one year after the Closing Date, Seller shall fully defend, compensate, protect, indemnify and hold Buyer, its officers, directors, employees, affiliates and agents, harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, demands, damages, suits, expenses, causes of action, and any sanctions of every kind and character (including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, and costs of investigation) which may be made or asserted (a) by Seller, Seller’s assigns, Seller’s employees, agents, contractors, and subcontractors and employees thereof, or by any third parties (including governmental agencies) on account of personal injury, death or property damage (including claims for taxes, pollution, environmental damage, and regulatory compliance, any fines or penalties assessed on account of such damage, and causes of action alleging statutory liability) caused by, arising out of, or in any way incidental to operations conducted on the Assets prior to the Effective Date or in any way connected with the conditions of the equipment or facilities located on the Assets (including maintenance, repair and abandonment operations), and whether or not such losses, claims, demands, suits, causes of action, damages and sanctions are occasioned by, are incident to or are the result of the negligence or fault in whole or in part of Buyer, its agents, representatives or employees or any other person or entity, or are occasioned by, are incident to or emanate from the unseaworthiness of vessels or alleged defects in lease equipment, facilities or pipelines; except however this indemnity shall not apply to losses sustained or liabilities arising out of Buyer’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, and (b) by third parties with respect to any liabilities of Seller other than the Assumed Liabilities.

Production activities can result in the concentration of certain levels of naturally occurring radioactive material (“NORM”) on production equipment and pipe so that, when brought to the surface, a health hazard may exist in connection with the removal, handling or disposal of such NORM-contaminated equipment or pipe, if proper environmental, regulatory and industrial hygiene procedures are not observed.  The presence of NORM in or on facilities or equipment on the Assets on and after the Effective Date shall be the sole responsibility of Buyer, and Buyer shall indemnify and hold Seller harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, damages or liabilities arising from the presence of or in connection with the purchase, use, resale removal, handling or disposal of NORM-contaminated equipment or pipe sold under this agreement.  Such indemnity shall apply without exception, and regardless of whether the claims, losses, damages or liabilities arise in whole or in part from the negligence (whether or not concurrent) of Seller or any other person or entity.

10.           Representations and Warranties.

10.1         Seller’s Representations and Warranties. Seller represents and warrants to Buyer as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as follows:

(a)           Organization, Standing and Power.  Seller is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of New York and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted.  Seller is duly qualified to carry on its business and in good standing in the State of Alaska.

(b)           Authority and Enforceability.  The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been

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duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, on the part of Seller.  This Agreement is, and every instrument, document, or agreement to be executed hereunder to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby will be, a valid and legally binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability and to general equity principles.  Neither the execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by Seller with any of the provisions hereof, will:

(i)  conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of Seller’s constituent documents;

(ii)  result in a material default (with due notice or lapse of time or both) or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license or agreement to which Seller is a party or by which Seller or any of Seller’s properties or assets may be bound or create or impose any  lien or other encumbrance upon Seller’s properties or assets; or

(iii) violate any order, writ, injunction, judgment, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Seller, or Seller’s properties or assets, assuming receipt of all routine governmental consents normally acquired after the consummation of transactions such as the transactions of the nature contemplated by this Agreement.

(c)           Claims and Liabilities Affecting the Assets.  Other than as disclosed on Schedule 10.1(c), there is no suit, action, claim, notice of violation, investigation or inquiry either pending or, to Seller’s Knowledge, threatened, by any person or entity or by any administrative agency or governmental body and no legal, administrative or arbitration proceeding pending or threatened against or affecting the Assets.  At the Effective Date, the Assumed Liabilities included trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business not exceeding US$50,000.  The Assumed Liabilities also include, from and after the Effective Date, all obligations and liabilities owed under the contracts, agreements, and other instruments applicable to the Assets, all federal and state statutory and regulatory obligations and liabilities related to the Assets, including without limitation environmental obligations and liabilities, all costs incurred in relation to the Assets, and all obligations and liabilities owed as a stockholder of CIPL, but specifically do not include any of the foregoing to the extent that they relate to any periods prior to the Effective Date.

(d)           Claims Affecting the Sale.  There is no suit, action, claim, notice of violation, investigation or inquiry either pending or, to Seller’s Knowledge threatened, by any person or entity or by any administrative agency or governmental body and no legal, administrative or arbitration proceeding pending or threatened against Seller or any Affiliate of Seller which has affected or could affect Seller’s ability to execute and deliver this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  In this Agreement, “Affiliate” means any person or entity which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the subject person or entity with the terms “control,” “controlled by” and “under common control” meaning the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or any partnership or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise) of a person.  For the purposes of the preceding sentence, control shall be deemed to exist when a person possesses, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries (i) in the case of a corporation, more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities thereof; (ii) in the case of a limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership or venture, the right to more than 50% of the

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distributions therefrom (including liquidating distributions); or (iii) in the case of any other person, more than 50% of the economic or beneficial interest therein.

(e)           No Demands.  Seller has received no notice of any claimed defaults, offsets or cancellations relating to the Assets, and Seller has no Knowledge of the existence of any default existing with respect to any of the Assets or Related Agreements

(f)            Taxes.

(i)            There are no tax liens upon any of the Assets, nor to the Seller’s Knowledge, is there any basis for the imposition of any tax liens.

(ii)           Seller has not entered into any material agreement or arrangement            with any taxing authority with respect to the Assets that requires Buyer to take any action or to refrain from taking any action with respect to the Assets after the Closing Date.

(g)           Oil and Gas Leases.  To Seller’s Knowledge:

(i)            The Leases included in the Assets have been maintained according to their terms, in compliance with the agreements to which the Leases are subject;

(ii)           Other than governmental approvals or consents, there are no third party consent required to be obtain to permit Seller to transfer or assign the Leases to Buyer; and

(ii)           The Leases included in the Assets are presently in full force and effect.

(h)           Non-Foreign Representation.  Seller is not a “foreign person” within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

(i)            Commitments for Expenditures.

(i)  There are no outstanding authorizations for expenditures (AFEs) which Seller has received from a third party operator or has delivered to third parties, but in either case have not been responded to prior to the date of this Agreement; and

(ii)  Seller has not abandoned any wells (or removed any materials or equipment, except those replaced by items of materially equal suitability) included in the Assets since the Effective Date.

(j)            Production Sales Contracts.  There exist no agreements or arrangements for the sale of production from Leases, Lands, Wells or Units (including calls on, or rights to purchase, production, whether or not the same are currently being exercised) other than any agreements or arrangements which are cancelable on 90 days notice or less without penalty or detriment; and Seller is not, and to Seller’s knowledge, no other party is in breach of any such agreement or arrangement.

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(k)           Compliance with Laws.

(i)  To Seller’s knowledge, the ownership and operation of the Assets has been in conformity, in all material respects, with all applicable laws, rule, regulations, guidelines and orders of all governmental agencies having jurisdiction over the Assets, including the timely plugging and abandonment of wells.

(ii)  The Assets are not in violation of (or subject to) any existing, pending or, to Seller’s Knowledge, threatened, judicial, administrative or arbitral judgment, proceeding or any non-routine investigation or inquiry by any governmental authority.

(l)            Related Agreements.  The Assets are subject to the provisions of various agreements identified on Exhibits “C” and “D” hereto (the “Related Agreements” and the “CIPL Agreements”, respectively).  If the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated in accordance with the terms and provisions hereof, Buyer shall perform all the obligations attributable to the Assets under the Related Agreements to the extent such obligations are attributable to any period of time after the date of Closing. No consent of any third party is required in connection with the assignment of any Related Agreements.

(m)          Governmental Permits.  Seller has all governmental licenses, filings and permits (including, without limitation, permits, licenses, approval registrations, notifications, exemptions and any other authorizations pursuant to applicable Environmental Laws) necessary or appropriate to own and operate the Assets as presently being owned and operated, and such licenses, filings and permits are in full force and effect, and Seller has not received written notice of any violations in respect of any such licenses or permits, in any case, except where such fact could not be reasonably expected to result in a material adverse effect on Buyer’s ability to own and use the Assets.

“Environmental Law” means any Law of any Governmental Authority whose purpose is to conserve or protect human health, the environment, wildlife or natural resources, including, but not limited to, the Clean Air Act, as amended, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended (“CERCLA”), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Act of 1984, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, and Title 18 of the Alaska Administrative Code.

“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, provincial, local or foreign government or governmental regulatory body and any of their respective subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities, authorities, courts or tribunals.

“Law” means any federal, state, provincial, municipal, local or foreign law, statute, rule, rule, writ, order, decree, ordinance, code or regulation.

(n)           State of Repair.  To the Seller’s Knowledge, the Assets have been maintained in a state of repair so as to be reasonably adequate for normal operations.

(o)           No Oral Contracts.  To the Knowledge of Seller, Seller has not entered into any oral contracts with respect to the Assets.

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(p)           Tax Partnerships.  Other than those listed on Schedule 10.1(p), no Leases, Lands, Wells, Units or other Assets are held in an entity or arrangement treated as a tax partnership for Tax purposes.

(q)           Liens, Mortgages and Encumbrances.  The Leases, Lands, Wells, Units and other Assets are free and clear of all liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances.

(r)            Preferential Rights or Consents.  Other than those listed on Schedule 7, there are no preferential purchase rights held by a third party or consents required to be obtained affecting the Assets.

(s)           Environmental Matters.  To the extent required by Environmental Laws, and solely with respect to the Assets:

(i)            Seller has conducted and continues to conduct its business and operated its assets, and the condition of each facility and property currently owned, leased and operated by Seller is, in material compliance with all Environmental Laws;

(ii)           Seller has not been notified by any Governmental Authority or other third party that any of the operations or assets of the Seller is the subject of any investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority evaluating whether any material remedial action is needed to respond to a release or threatened release of any hazardous material or to the improper storage or disposal (including storage or disposal at offsite locations) of any hazardous material where such investigation or inquiry remains unresolved as of the date hereof;

(iii)          neither Seller nor, to Seller’s Knowledge, any other Person has filed any notice under any federal, state or local law indicating that (i) the Seller is responsible for the improper release into the environment, or the improper storage or disposal, of any hazardous material, or (ii) any hazardous material is improperly stored or disposed of upon any property of the Seller;

(iv)          Seller does not have any material contingent liability in connection with (i) the release or threatened release into the environment at, beneath or on any of the Oil and Gas Properties, or (ii) the storage or disposal of any hazardous material;

(v)           Seller has not received any claim, complaint, notice, inquiry or request for information with respect to any alleged violation of any environmental law or regarding potential liability under any Environmental Law relating to operations or conditions of any facility or property (including off site storage or disposal of any hazardous material from such facilities or property) currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by the Seller;

(vi)          none of the Oil and Gas Properties is listed on federal or state list as sites requiring investigation or cleanup;

(vii)         Seller is not directly transporting and is not directly arranging for the transportation of, any hazardous material to any location which is listed on any federal or state list or which is the subject of federal, state or local

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enforcement actions or other investigations that may lead to material claims against Seller for remedial work, damage to natural resources or personal injury;

(viii)        there are no sites, locations or operations at which Seller is currently undertaking any remedial or response action relating to any such disposal or release, as required by Environmental Laws; and

(ix)           all underground storage tanks and solid waste disposal facilities owned or operated by the Seller are used and operated in material compliance with Environmental Laws.

(t)            Operation in Ordinary Course. Since the Effective Date, Seller has operated the Assets in the ordinary course of business, consistent in all material respects (including the incurrence of costs and expenses) with practice prior to the Effective Date.

As used throughout this Agreement Section 10.1, “Knowledge”, with respect to Seller, shall refer to the actual knowledge of Leonard C. Gurule, Glen J. Mizenko and Tim Savoy after reasonable investigation.

10.2         Buyer’s Representations and Warranties. Buyer represents and warrants to Seller as of the date of this Agreement and of the Closing Date follows:

(a)           Organization, Standing and Power.  Buyer is a Delaware corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted.  At Closing, Buyer will be duly qualified to carry on its business and in good standing in the State of Alaska.

(b)           Authority and Enforceability.  The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Buyer.  This Agreement is, and every instrument, document, or agreement to be executed hereunder to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability and to general equity principles.  Neither the execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by Buyer with any of the provisions hereof, will:

(i)            conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of its certificate of incorporation or bylaws;

(ii)           subject to obtaining required consent under Buyer’s Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated November 30, 2006 with J. Aron & Company (the “PERL Credit Agreement”), result in a material default (with due notice or lapse of time or both) or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license or agreement to which Buyer is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets may be bound; or

12




(iii)          violate any order, writ, injunction, judgment, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Buyer, or any of its properties or assets, assuming receipt of all routine governmental consents normally acquired after the consummation of transactions such as transactions of the nature contemplated by this Agreement.

(c)           Independent Evaluation; Permitted Investment. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, Buyer has been afforded the opportunity to examine the records with respect to the Assets, including the opportunity to ask questions of the Seller.  Except as set forth in this Agreement, Buyer acknowledges that Seller has made no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of such information, and, in entering into and performing this Agreement, Buyer has relied and will rely solely upon its independent investigation of, and upon its own knowledge and experience and that of its advisors’ with respect to, the Assets and their value. Buyer further represents and warrants that:  (i) it is an experienced and knowledgeable investor in the oil and gas business, (ii) prior to entering into this Agreement, Buyer was advised by and has relied solely on its own legal, tax, and other professional counsel concerning this Agreement, the Assets and the value thereof, and (iii) that it is purchasing the Assets for its own account or that it will sell or subdivide any interest in the Assets only in a manner consistent with the applicable registration and disclosure requirements of all applicable securities laws.

(d)           Suits Affecting the Sale.  There is no suit, action, claim, notice of violation, investigation or inquiry either pending or to Buyer’s knowledge, threatened, by any person or entity or by any administrative agency or governmental body and no legal, administrative or arbitration proceeding pending or, to Buyer’s knowledge, threatened against Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer which has affected or could materially affect Buyer’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(e)           Eligibility.  The Buyer is (or will be as of Closing) qualified under all applicable laws and regulations to own the Assets, including, without limitation, the oil and gas leases.

(f)            Financing; Authorized Capital.  Buyer will have the financial ability as is necessary to fulfill the obligations of this Agreement (as evidenced by financing commitment letters from an institution satisfactory to Seller delivered to Seller upon execution of this Agreement), at Closing will have the necessary immediately available funds to fulfill said obligations, and Closing of the transaction is not contingent upon obtaining financing.

11.           Information.  Seller shall make available to Buyer at Seller’s office for such inspection and copying as Buyer deems pertinent all relevant records and information in Seller’s possession which pertain to the Assets.  Such books and records include, but are not limited to, engineering, geological, production, land, operational, regulatory, and marketing data related to the Assets, and all ownership records and title opinions.

To the best of its Knowledge, Seller has furnished accurate information; however, except as set forth in this Agreement (including the Schedules and Exhibits) Seller does not in any way represent or warrant that such information is complete, accurate or correct.  except as set forth in this Agreement (including the Schedules and Exhibits), any reliance on information furnished herewith shall be at Buyer’s sole risk and expense.

13




12.           Prepaid Expenses.  Ad valorem and similar taxes, paid utilities charges, prepaid rentals and all other pre-paids shall be prorated between Buyer and Seller, as of the Effective Date.

13.           Costs Borne by Buyer. Except as otherwise provided herein, any and all costs associated with the assignment of the Assets, as provided for in the respective Leases, or otherwise, shall be borne solely by Buyer.  Buyer shall be solely responsible for all filing and recording of documents related to the Assets and for all such filing and recording fees in connection therewith.  Buyer shall furnish Seller with a certified copy of the recorded and approved assignments.

14.           Notice of Litigation or Changes in Fact.  Prior to Closing, Seller shall notify Buyer of any new claims, lawsuits or investigations, pending or threatened, affecting the Assets.

15.           Miscellaneous.

(a)           Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights or obligations hereunder nor any of the Assets may be assigned by Buyer without the prior written consent of Seller, which consent shall not be unreasonably be withheld. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, however, Buyer may assign its rights hereunder to its financing source for collateral security purposes and/or to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Buyer, including Forest Alaska Operating LLC, without the consent of Seller.

(b)           All proprietary information and data furnished to Buyer hereunder shall be kept confidential by Buyer.  Furthermore, Buyer shall not, without first notifying Seller, issue any press releases or make public announcements regarding the provisions of this Agreement, except as may be required by law, applicable regulatory authority or applicable stock exchange rule.  This restriction shall not apply to the filing of reports required by any regulatory agency in the normal course of business.

(c)           THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS OF PUBLIC BODIES HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE ASSETS.  IN THE EVENT ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS, OR THE OPERATIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY ARE FOUND TO BE, INCONSISTENT WITH OR CONTRARY TO ANY SUCH LAWS, RULES, OR REGULATIONS, THE LATTER SHALL BE DEEMED TO CONTROL.  THEREAFTER, THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE REGARDED AS MODIFIED ACCORDINGLY, AND, AS SO MODIFIED, SHALL CONTINUE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

(d)           Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

(e)           This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any and all other written or oral agreements or understandings between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof.  No modification or amendment of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

14




(f)            The headings of sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof.

(g)           Intentionally left blank.

(h)           Buyer shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations and shall promptly obtain and maintain all permits required by public authorities in connection with the property purchased.

(i)            It is expressly agreed to that in no event shall Buyer contact Seller’s co-owners in the Assets, regarding this Agreement, prior to the closing without the express consent of Seller.

(j)            The parties agree to execute such additional instruments, agreements, or documents as may be necessary to effectuate the intentions of this Agreement.

(k)           This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts each of which will constitute an original and all of which, taken together, shall be one Agreement.

(l)            Intentionally left blank.

(m)          Except as otherwise expressly provided in Article 10 above, BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SELLER HAS NOT MADE, AND SELLER HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND NEGATES, ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, RELATING TO THE CONDITION OF ANY IMMOVABLE PROPERTY, MOVABLE PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, INVENTORY, MACHINERY, FIXTURES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY CONSTITUTING PART OF THE ASSETS (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, (i) ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESSED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, (ii) ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESSED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, (iii) ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESSED WARRANTY OF CONFORMITY TO MODELS OR SAMPLES OF MATERIALS, (iv) ANY RIGHTS OF BUYER UNDER APPROPRIATE STATUTES TO CLAIM DIMINUTION OF CONSIDERATION OR RETURN OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, AND (v) ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESSED WARRANTY REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, THE RELEASE OF MATERIALS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT OR PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT OR HEALTH.  IT BEING THE EXPRESS INTENTION OF BUYER AND SELLER THAT (EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN ARTICLE 6) THE IMMOVABLE PROPERTY, MOVABLE PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, INVENTORY, MACHINERY, FIXTURES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY SHALL BE CONVEYED TO BUYER AS IS AND IN THEIR PRESENT CONDITION AND STATE OF REPAIR AND BUYER REPRESENTS TO SELLER THAT BUYER HAS MADE OR CAUSED TO BE MADE SUCH INSPECTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE IMMOVABLE PROPERTY, MOVABLE PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, INVENTORY, MACHINERY, FIXTURES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY AS BUYER DEEMS APPROPRIATE, AND BUYER WILL ACCEPT THE IMMOVABLE PROPERTY, MOVABLE PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, INVENTORY, MACHINERY, FIXTURES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY AS IS, IN THEIR PRESENT CONDITION AND STATE OF REPAIR.

*              *              *

15




EXECUTED as of the date first set forth above.

Seller:

FOREST OIL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ DAVID H. KEYTE

 

 

Name:

David H. Keyte

 

 

Title:

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buyer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PACIFIC ENERGY RESOURCES LTD.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ DARREN KATIC

 

 

Name:

Darren Katic

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

Attachments:

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit “A”

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

A-1

Oil and Gas Properties

 

 

A-2

Rights-of-Way

 

 

A-3

Seismic Data

 

 

A-4

Cook Inlet Pipeline Company Stock

 

 

Exhibit “B”

Properties and Allocated Values

 

Exhibit “C”

Related Agreements

 

Exhibit “D”

CIPL Agreements

 

Schedule 7

Restrictions

 

Schedule 10.1 (c)

Claims Affecting the Assets

 

Schedule 10.1 (p)

Tax Partnerships

 

 

16



EX-99.1 4 a07-14803_2ex99d1.htm EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

NEWS

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

FOREST OIL CORPORATION

 

CONTACT: PATRICK J. REDMOND

707 17th STREET, SUITE 3600

 

DIRECTOR - INVESTOR RELATIONS

DENVER, COLORADO 80202

 

303.812.1441

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOREST OIL ANNOUNCES SALE OF ALASKA ASSETS FOR

 APPROXIMATELY $464 MILLION

DENVER, COLORADO – May 29, 2007 - Forest Oil Corporation (NYSE:FST) (Forest or the Company) today announced a definitive agreement to sell 100% of its Alaskan assets, which includes its wholly owned subsidiary Forest Alaska Operating LLC (FAO), to Pacific Energy Resources Ltd. (TSX:PFE) (Pacific) for consideration of approximately $464 million made of up the following components:

·                  Cash of $380 million to repay the FAO term loans,

·                  Cash of approximately $68 million to be paid to Forest, and

·                  5,500,000 shares of Pacific common stock to be issued to Forest valued at approximately $16 million based on the current common stock price

The effective date of the transaction is January 1, 2007.  At January 1, 2007, Forest’s estimated proved reserves associated with the assets totaled approximately 181 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe), and for 2006 the production from the assets averaged approximately 38 million cubic feet equivalent (MMcfe) per day.  In addition to FAO, the assets to be sold include net undeveloped acreage of approximately 1,000,000 acres and Forest’s interest in the Cook Inlet Pipe Line Company.

H. Craig Clark, President and CEO, stated, “We are pleased to announce this agreement to sell our Alaskan assets right on the schedule we stated earlier this year.  We want to thank our Alaska employees for their past efforts and their contributions to the sale process.  We also want to thank Pacific for working with us on the transaction.  Our equity ownership in Pacific indicates our confidence in their plan for further developing these assets based on their work in similar fields in the US.”

The transaction is expected to close on June 30, 2007, subject to customary closing conditions and adjustments.  Scotia Waterous advised Forest on this sale.




FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities that Forest assumes, plans, expects, believes, projects, estimates or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements provided in this press release are based on management’s current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forest cautions that its future natural gas and liquids production, revenues and expenses and other forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the exploration for and development and production and sale of oil and gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, price volatility, inflation or lack of availability of goods and services, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating future oil and gas production or reserves, and other risks as described in reports that Forest files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Also, the financial results of Forest’s foreign operations are subject to currency exchange rate risks. Any of these factors could cause Forest’s actual results and plans to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

These materials are not a substitute for the registration statement that was filed with the SEC in connection with Forest’s proposed acquisition of Houston Exploration, or the joint proxy statement/prospectus that was mailed to shareholders on or about May 4, 2007. Investors are urged to read the joint proxy statement/prospectus as it contains important information, including detailed risk factors. The registration statement and other documents filed by Forest and Houston Exploration with the SEC are available free of charge at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, or by directing a request when such a filing is made, to Forest Oil Corporation, 707 17th Street, Suite 3600, Denver, CO 80202, Attention: Investor Relations; or by directing a request to The Houston Exploration Company, 1100 Louisiana Street, Suite 2000 Houston, TX 77002, Attention: Investor Relations.  This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of Forest or Houston Exploration common stock.

Houston Exploration, Forest, and their respective directors and executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the participants in the solicitation is set forth in the final joint proxy statement/prospectus.

*****

Forest Oil Corporation is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of natural gas and crude oil in North America and selected international locations.  Forest’s principal reserves and producing properties are located in the United States in Alaska, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming, and in Canada.  Forest’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FST.  For more information about Forest, please visit its website at www.forestoil.com.

May 29, 2007

2



EX-99.2 5 a07-14803_2ex99d2.htm EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

FOREST OIL CORPORATION

Introduction to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements

The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and explanatory notes present how the financial statements of Forest Oil Corporation (“Forest”) may have appeared had the following transactions occurred as of March 31, 2007 (with respect to the balance sheet information using currently available fair value information) or as of January 1, 2006 (with respect to statements of operations information): (i) the pending merger with The Houston Exploration Company (“Houston Exploration”) and related transactions, including the proposed private placement of $500 million of senior notes due 2019, and (ii) the pending sale of Forest’s Alaska operations.  The pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 also gives effect to Forest’s spin-off of its Gulf of Mexico operations (the “Spin-off”) on March 2, 2006 and Houston Exploration’s sales of offshore properties during 2006 as though the Spin-off and such sales had occurred on January 1, 2006.

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements have been derived from and should be read together with the historical consolidated financial statements and the related notes of Forest included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and its Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to represent what the results of operations or financial position of Forest would actually have been had the transactions described above occurred on the dates noted above, or to project the results of operations or financial position of Forest for any future periods. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements do not give effect to the impact of possible revenue enhancements, expense efficiencies and asset dispositions, among other factors.  The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable. The pro forma adjustments are directly attributable to the transactions and are expected to have a continuing impact on the financial position and results of operations of Forest. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the unaudited pro forma financial information have been made.

1




FOREST OIL CORPORATION

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

As of March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments for the

 

 

 

Adjustments for

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Merger 

 

 

 

the Sale of Forest’s

 

Combined

 

 

 

 

 

Houston 

 

Transactions

 

Pro Forma 

 

Alaska Operations

 

and

 

 

 

Forest

 

Exploration(*)

 

(Note 2)

 

Combined

 

(Note 3)

 

Adjusted

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

17,086

 

29,487

 

––

 

46,573

 

(11,002

)(a)

35,571

 

Accounts receivable

 

141,821

 

76,664

 

––

 

218,485

 

(6,151

)(a)

212,334

 

Derivatives

 

17,508

 

2,494

 

––

 

20,002

 

––

 

20,002

 

Deferred tax assets

 

365

 

19,811

 

(17,681

)(i)

2,495

 

(339

)(a)

2,156

 

Other current assets

 

65,926

 

10,292

 

––

 

76,218

 

(11,009

)(a)

80,319

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,110

(d)

 

 

Total current assets

 

242,706

 

138,748

 

(17,681

)

363,773

 

(13,391

)

350,382

 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas properties, full cost method of accounting:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved, net of accumulated depletion

 

2,601,815

 

1,628,029

 

249,285

(i)

4,479,129

 

(435,896

)(b)

4,043,233

 

Unproved

 

244,228

 

34,880

 

165,120

(i)

444,228

 

(12,421

)(a)

431,807

 

Net oil and gas properties

 

2,846,043

 

1,662,909

 

414,405

 

4,923,357

 

(448,317

)

4,475,040

 

Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

48,445

 

4,247

 

––

 

52,692

 

(590

)(a)

52,102

 

Net property and equipment

 

2,894,488

 

1,667,156

 

414,405

 

4,976,049

 

(448,907

)

4,527,142

 

Derivative instruments

 

6,804

 

––

 

––

 

6,804

 

––

 

6,804

 

Goodwill

 

86,385

 

––

 

257,788

(i)

344,173

 

––

 

344,173

 

Other assets

 

38,902

 

16,368

 

(5,635

)(i)

63,335

 

(6,770

)(c)

49,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,700

(vi)

 

 

(7,288

)(a)

 

 

 

$

3,269,285

 

1,822,272

 

662,577

 

5,754,134

 

(476,356

)

5,277,778

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

216,856

 

136,081

 

11,000

(i)

363,937

 

(10,359

)(a)

353,578

 

Accrued interest

 

20,419

 

3,581

 

––

 

24,000

 

(2,451

)(a)

21,549

 

Derivative instruments

 

10,774

 

27,698

 

––

 

38,472

 

––

 

38,472

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

2,500

 

––

 

––

 

2,500

 

(2,500

)(e)

––

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

3,055

 

––

 

––

 

3,055

 

(145

)(a)

2,910

 

Other current liabilities

 

10,877

 

4,528

 

––

 

15,405

 

481

(a)

15,886

 

Total current liabilities

 

264,481

 

171,888

 

11,000

 

447,369

 

(14,974

)

432,395

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

1,245,810

 

175,000

 

801,487

(i)

2,235,997

 

(437,939

)(e)

1,798,058

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,700

(vi)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

62,758

 

77,314

 

––

 

140,072

 

(16,563

)(a)

123,509

 

Derivative instruments

 

5,256

 

14,165

 

––

 

19,421

 

––

 

19,421

 

Deferred income taxes

 

211,127

 

377,912

 

101,222

(i)

690,261

 

649

(a)

690,910

 

Other liabilities

 

34,116

 

21,243

 

––

 

55,359

 

––

 

55,359

 

Total liabilities

 

1,823,548

 

837,522

 

927,409

 

3,588,479

 

(468,827

)

3,119,652

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

––

 

––

 

––

 

––

 

––

 

––

 

Common stock

 

6,304

 

282

 

(282

)(i)

8,682

 

––

 

8,682

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,378

(i)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital surplus

 

1,218,814

 

260,115

 

(260,115

)(i)

1,936,354

 

––

 

1,936,354

 

 

 

 

 

 

717,540

(i)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings

 

143,647

 

740,765

 

(740,765

)(i)

143,647

 

(7,529

)(c)

136,118

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

76,972

 

(16,412

)

16,412

(i)

76,972

 

––

 

76,972

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

1,445,737

 

984,750

 

(264,832

)

2,165,655

 

(7,529

)

2,158,126

 

 

$

3,269,285

 

1,822,272

 

662,577

 

5,754,134

 

(476,356

)

5,277,778

 

 


(*)     Amounts presented herein are consistent with those presented in the Houston Exploration Form 10-Q as of March 31, 2007; however, certain amounts have been reclassified to conform with Forest’s presentation.

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.

2




FOREST OIL CORPORATION

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments for

 

 

 

Adjustments for

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the Merger

 

 

 

the Sale of Forest’s

 

Combined

 

 

 

 

 

Houston

 

Transactions

 

Pro Forma

 

Alaska Operations

 

and

 

 

 

Forest

 

Exploration

 

(Note 2)

 

Combined

 

(Note 3)

 

Adjusted

 

 

 

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas and oil revenues

 

$

––

 

103,623

 

(103,623

)(v)

––

 

––

 

––

 

Natural gas

 

97,297

 

––

 

109,921

(v)

207,218

 

(2,751

)(f)

204,467

 

Oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids

 

85,259

 

––

 

11,270

(v)

96,529

 

(15,979

)(f)

80,550

 

Total oil and gas sales

 

182,556

 

103,623

 

17,568

 

303,747

 

(18,730

)

285,017

 

Other

 

––

 

208

 

(208

)(v)

––

 

––

 

––

 

Marketing, processing, and other

 

53

 

––

 

6

(v)

59

 

––

 

59

 

Total revenue

 

182,609

 

103,831

 

17,366

 

303,806

 

(18,730

)

285,076

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

36,040

 

13,174

 

(3,570

)(v)

45,644

 

(11,184

)(f)

34,460

 

Severance tax

 

––

 

1,843

 

(1,843

)(v)

––

 

––

 

––

 

Production and property taxes

 

7,910

 

––

 

5,413

(v)

13,323

 

(329

)(f)

12,994

 

Transportation and processing costs

 

4,194

 

2,362

 

––

 

6,556

 

(983

)(f)

5,573

 

General and administrative (including stock-based compensation)

 

12,971

 

10,145

 

––

 

23,116

 

(384

)(g)

22,732

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

60,459

 

57,089

 

720

(ii)

118,268

 

(7,684

)(h)

110,584

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

1,275

 

1,082

 

––

 

2,357

 

(365

)(i)

1,992

 

Total operating expenses

 

122,849

 

85,695

 

720

 

209,264

 

(20,929

)

188,335

 

Earnings from operations

 

59,760

 

18,136

 

16,646

 

94,542

 

2,199

 

96,741

 

Other income and expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

24,353

 

3,105

 

11,582

(iii)

39,040

 

(10,947

)(j)

28,093

 

Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net

 

57,838

 

––

 

18,670

(v)

76,508

 

––

 

76,508

 

Realized gains on derivative instruments, net

 

(25,134

)

––

 

(1,102

)(v)

(26,236

)

––

 

(26,236

)

Unrealized foreign currency exchange gain

 

(49

)

––

 

––

 

(49

)

––

 

(49

)

Gain on sale of assets

 

(7,176

)

––

 

––

 

(7,176

)

––

 

(7,176

)

Other (income) expense, net

 

(888

)

(542

)

(202

)(v)

(1,632

)

270

(k)

(1,362

)

Total other income and expense

 

48,944

 

2,563

 

28,948

 

80,455

 

(10,677

)

69,778

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

10,816

 

15,573

 

(12,302

)

14,087

 

12,876

 

26,963

 

Income tax

 

3,925

 

5,628

 

(4,421

)(iv)

5,132

 

4,694

(l)

9,826

 

Net earnings

 

$

6,891

 

9,945

 

(7,881

)

8,955

 

8,182

 

17,137

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

 

$

.11

 

 

 

 

 

.10

 

 

 

.20

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

 

$

.11

 

 

 

 

 

.10

 

 

 

.20

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

62,393

 

 

 

23,775

(v)

86,168

 

 

 

86,168

 

Diluted

 

63,734

 

 

 

23,775

(v)

87,509

 

 

 

87,509

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.

3




FOREST OIL CORPORATION

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

Adjustments for

 

 

 

Adjustments for

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

Houston

 

the Merger

 

 

 

the Sale of Forest’s

 

Combined

 

 

 

Forest

 

Exploration

 

Transactions

 

Pro Forma

 

Alaska Operations

 

and

 

 

 

(Note 4)

 

(Note 5)

 

(Note 2)

 

Combined

 

(Note 3)

 

Adjusted

 

 

 

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

 

$

370,516

 

419,226

 

––

 

789,742

 

(13,052

)(f)

776,690

 

Oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids

 

397,664

 

27,428

 

––

 

425,092

 

(110,901

)(f)

314,191

 

Total oil and gas sales

 

768,180

 

446,654

 

––

 

1,214,834

 

(123,953

)

1,090,881

 

Marketing, processing, and other

 

5,536

 

77

 

––

 

5,613

 

––

 

5,613

 

Total revenue

 

773,716

 

446,731

 

––

 

1,220,447

 

(123,953

)

1,096,494

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

136,578

 

34,001

 

––

 

170,579

 

(45,905

)(f)

124,674

 

Production and property taxes

 

38,890

 

23,443

 

––

 

62,333

 

(1,348

)(f)

60,985

 

Transportation and processing costs

 

21,532

 

9,921

 

––

 

31,453

 

(8,556

)(f)

22,897

 

General and administrative (including stock-based compensation)

 

48,010

 

36,013

 

––

 

84,023

 

(1,132

)(g)

82,891

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

244,657

 

213,267

 

14,950 

(ii)

472,874

 

(45,391

)(h)

427,483

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

4,995

 

1,935

 

––

 

6,930

 

(1,532

)(i)

5,398

 

Impairments and other

 

3,668

 

19,000

 

––

 

22,668

 

––

 

22,668

 

Spin-off and merger costs

 

5,416

 

––

 

––

 

5,416

 

––

 

5,416

 

Total operating expenses

 

503,746

 

337,580

 

14,950

 

856,276

 

(103,864

)

752,412

 

Earnings from operations

 

269,970

 

109,151

 

(14,950

)

364,171

 

(20,089

)

344,082

 

Other income and expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

70,402

 

20,344

 

45,711 

(iii)

136,457

 

(27,119

)(j)

109,338

 

Unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments, net

 

(73,788

)

12,105

 

––

 

(61,683

)

––

 

(61,683

)

Realized losses on derivative instruments, net

 

23,821

 

––

 

––

 

23,821

 

––

 

23,821

 

Unrealized foreign currency exchange gain

 

3,931

 

––

 

––

 

3,931

 

––

 

3,931

 

Other (income) expense, net

 

(104

)

(10,594

)

––

 

(10,698

)

2,334 

(k)

(8,364

)

Total other income and expense

 

24,262

 

21,855

 

45,711

 

91,828

 

(24,785

)

67,043

 

Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

245,708

 

87,296

 

(60,661

)

272,343

 

4,696

 

277,039

 

Income tax

 

86,551

 

37,609

 

(26,888

)(iv)

97,272

 

1,692 

(l)

98,964

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

159,157

 

49,687

 

(33,773

)

175,071

 

3,044

 

178,075

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

2,422

 

––

 

––

 

2,422

 

––

 

2,422

 

Net earnings

 

$

161,579

 

49,687

 

(33,773

)

177,493

 

3,044

 

180,497

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

2.56

 

 

 

 

 

2.03

 

 

 

2.07

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

.04

 

 

 

 

 

.03

 

 

 

.03

 

Basic earnings per common share

 

$

2.60

 

 

 

 

 

2.06

 

 

 

2.10

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

2.51

 

 

 

 

 

2.01

 

 

 

2.04

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

.04

 

 

 

 

 

.03

 

 

 

.03

 

Diluted earnings per common share

 

$

2.55

 

 

 

 

 

2.04

 

 

 

2.07

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

62,226

 

 

 

23,775

(v)

86,001

 

 

 

86,001

 

Diluted

 

63,431

 

 

 

23,775

(v)

87,206

 

 

 

87,206

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.

4




FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006

Note 1    Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and explanatory notes present how the financial statements of Forest Oil Corporation (“Forest”) may have appeared had the following transactions occurred as of March 31, 2007 (with respect to the balance sheet information using currently available fair value information) or as of January 1, 2006 (with respect to statements of operations information): (i) the pending merger with The Houston Exploration Company (“Houston Exploration”) and related transactions, including the proposed private placement of $500 million of senior notes due 2019, and (ii) the pending sale of Forest’s Alaska operations.  The pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 also gives effect to Forest’s spin-off of its Gulf of Mexico operations (the “Spin-off”) on March 2, 2006 and Houston Exploration’s sales of offshore properties during 2006 as though the Spin-off and such sales had occurred on January 1, 2006.  The transactions for which these pro forma financial statements are presented are explained in more detail in the following footnotes.

Following are descriptions of selected columns included in the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements:

Forest—Represents the historical consolidated balance sheet of Forest as of March 31, 2007 and the historical consolidated results of operations of Forest for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the year ended December 31, 2006.

Pro forma Forest—Represents the pro forma results of operations of Forest for the year ended December 31, 2006, adjusted as if the Spin-off occurred on January 1, 2006. See Note 4 for additional information regarding the Spin-off.

Houston Exploration—Represents the historical consolidated balance sheet of Houston Exploration as of March 31, 2007 and the historical consolidated results of operations of Houston Exploration for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the year ended December 31, 2006.

Pro forma Houston Exploration—Represents the pro forma results of operations of Houston Exploration for the year ended December 31, 2006, adjusted as if the sales of offshore properties occurred on January 1, 2006. See Note 5 for additional information regarding the sales of the offshore properties.

Note 2    Pending Houston Exploration Merger

Background

On January 7, 2007, Forest announced it had entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger pursuant to which Houston Exploration will merge with and into Forest in a stock and cash transaction totaling approximately $1.5 billion plus the assumption of debt. Houston Exploration is an independent natural gas and oil producer engaged in the exploration, development, exploitation, and acquisition of natural gas and oil reserves in North America, with operations in the following four producing areas in the United States: South Texas, East Texas, the Arkoma Basin of Arkansas, and the Uinta and DJ Basins in the Rocky Mountains. The boards of directors of Forest and Houston Exploration have each unanimously approved the transaction. The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including both Forest shareholder and Houston Exploration stockholder approvals. Forest management and its board of directors will continue in their current positions with Forest following the completion of the merger. The

5




merger is expected to close in early June 2007, as soon as practicable following Forest shareholder approval and Houston Exploration stockholder approval and satisfaction of the closing conditions.

In accordance with the merger agreement, holders of shares of Houston Exploration common stock will have the right to receive an aggregate of approximately 23.8 million shares of Forest common stock (with related shareholders’ rights) and a total of approximately $740 million in cash. This represents a price per Houston Exploration share of $52.47 (based on Forest’s last reported sale price on January 5, 2007 of $31.22 per share and the number of Houston Exploration common stock outstanding on April 30, 2007 and subject to increase in the event that any additional shares of Houston Exploration common stock are issued prior to the merger closing date in connection with the exercise of outstanding stock options pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement).  In the merger, each issued and outstanding share of Houston Exploration common stock will be converted into the right to receive merger consideration equal in value to (i) 0.84 shares of common stock of Forest, par value $0.10 per share (‘‘Forest Common Stock’’), and (ii) $26.25 per share in cash, without interest. Stockholders of Houston Exploration will have the right to elect to receive Forest Common Stock, cash or a combination of Forest Common Stock and cash, subject to equalization so that each share of Houston Exploration common stock receives consideration representing equal value and proration in the event either the Forest Common Stock or cash component is oversubscribed.

A portion of the cash component of the acquisition is expected to be financed with the net proceeds from a proposed private placement of $500 million of senior notes due 2019 and the remainder under an amended and restated revolving credit facility of up to $1.4 billion, for which JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. has provided Forest a commitment letter. At the request of Forest, and in connection with the pending merger, Houston Exploration commenced a tender offer and consent solicitation to repurchase any or all of its $175 million senior subordinated notes immediately prior to the completion of the merger. Houston Exploration expects to fund the repurchase with cash on hand and borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

The senior notes due 2019 will not initially be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.   The senior notes due 2019 may be resold by the initial purchasers pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act.

The pending merger with Houston Exploration, including the completion of Houston Exploration's tender offer for its outstanding senior subordinated notes (assuming for purposes of the presentation of pro forma information the acceptance of the tender offer by all holders of such notes), the borrowing under Forest’s new credit facilities in connection with the merger, and the proposed private placement of $500 million of senior notes due 2019 are referred to as the “Merger Transactions.”

Method of Accounting for the Pending Houston Exploration Merger

Forest will account for the merger using the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Forest is deemed to be the acquirer of Houston Exploration for purposes of accounting for the merger. The purchase method of accounting requires Forest to record the assets and liabilities of Houston Exploration at their fair values.

The purchase price of Houston Exploration’s net assets acquired in the merger will be based on the total value of the cash consideration and the Forest Common Stock issued to Houston Exploration stockholders. For accounting purposes, the per share value of the Forest Common Stock issued is $30.28, which represents the average closing price of Forest’s common stock for a period of five trading days surrounding the announcement of the merger.

Pro Forma Adjustments

(i)   To record the acquisition of Houston Exploration in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, including approximately $799 million of cash (including estimated direct merger costs and change in control payments of approximately $38 million and approximately

6




$18 million related to the cash settlement of Houston Exploration employee stock options) to be financed with expected borrowings under new credit facilities described below and the net proceeds from the proposed private placement of $500 million of senior notes due 2019. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and is subject to change. The allocation of the purchase price will be finalized after Forest’s management’s review of the relative fair values of the net assets acquired.

The following table represents the preliminary allocation of the total purchase price of Houston Exploration to the acquired assets and liabilities of Houston Exploration. The allocation represents the fair values assigned to each of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and is subject to change due to several factors, including, but not limited to: (1) changes in the fair values of Houston Exploration’s assets and liabilities as of the effective time of the merger; (2) the actual merger costs incurred; (3) the number of Houston Exploration’s shares, stock options and restricted stock outstanding at the closing date of the merger; and (4) changes in Forest’s valuation estimates that may be made between now and the time the purchase price allocation is finalized. These changes will not be known until after the closing date of the merger.  These unaudited pro forma combined financial statements have been prepared based on the number of outstanding shares of Houston Exploration common stock on April 30, 2007 and assuming no options to purchase Houston Exploration common stock will be exercised between May 1, 2007, the date of the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to the merger, and the closing of the merger.

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of Houston Exploration’s net assets:

 

 

 

Net working capital

 

$

(63,951

)

Proved oil and gas properties

 

1,877,314

 

Unproved oil and gas properties

 

200,000

 

Other assets

 

14,980

 

Goodwill

 

257,788

 

Long-term debt

 

(177,188

)

Net deferred tax liabilities

 

(477,004

)

Other non-current liabilities

 

(112,722

)

 

 

 

 

Fair value of net assets

 

$

1,519,217

 

 

 

 

 

Consideration paid for Houston Exploration’s net assets:

 

 

 

Forest Common Stock to be issued

 

$

719,918

 

Cash consideration to be paid

 

742,980

 

Aggregate purchase consideration issuable to Houston Exploration stockholders

 

1,462,898

 

Plus:

 

 

 

Cash settlement for Houston Exploration employee stock options

 

18,469

 

Estimated direct merger costs and change in control payments to be incurred

 

37,850

 

 

 

 

 

Total purchase price

 

$

1,519,217

 

 

Estimated merger costs include legal and accounting fees, printing fees, investment banking expenses and other merger-related costs.

(ii)  To adjust depletion, depreciation and amortization expense for the additional basis allocated to proved oil and gas properties acquired and accounted for using the full cost method of accounting. Based on the estimated combined pro forma proved reserves and the preliminary purchase price allocation to proved oil and gas properties reflected in (i) above, the initial rate of depreciation, depletion and amortization for the combined entity subsequent to the consummation of the Merger Transaction is expected to be approximately $2.55 per Mcfe without regard to the pending sale of Forest’s Alaska operations discussed in Note 3.

(iii) To record interest expense associated with $799 million of cash used to fund the acquisition, including direct merger costs and cash settlement of Houston Exploration employee stock

7




options, which will be financed under new credit facilities described below and the net proceeds from the proposed private placement of $500 million of senior notes due 2019. A hypothetical .125% increase in Forest’s current interest rate used to determine pro forma interest expense would increase pro forma interest expense by approximately $.2 million (of which approximately $.2 million relates to the $500 million of senior notes due 2019) and $.8 million (of which approximately $.6 million relates to the $500 million of senior notes due 2019 being offered in a private placement) for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the year ended December 31, 2006, respectively.

(iv) To provide for the income tax effect of the pro forma adjustments at statutory rates and to adjust for state income tax effects for the combined entity.

(v)  To reclassify certain amounts of natural gas and oil revenues and operating expenses to conform to Forest’s presentation.

(vi) To record additional borrowings under the credit facilities for debt issue costs associated with the new credit facilities and the $500 million of senior notes due 2019 being offered in a private placement.

Share Data

The following table provides the calculation of Forest’s historical weighted average basic and diluted outstanding shares to Forest’s pro forma weighted average basic and diluted outstanding shares:

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2007

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2006

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Forest’s historical weighted average shares outstanding

 

62,393

 

62,226

 

Forest shares issuable to Houston Exploration shareholders

 

23,775

 

23,775

 

Pro forma weighted average Forest shares outstanding

 

86,168

 

86,001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Forest’s historical weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Forest shares issuable to Houston Exploration shareholders

 

63,734

 

63,431

 

Dilutive impact of Houston Exploration stock options

 

23,775

 

23,775

 

Pro forma weighted average Forest shares outstanding

 

87,509

 

87,206

 

 

Goodwill

The preliminary allocation of the purchase price includes $258 million of asset value attributable to goodwill. Goodwill has been determined in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, ‘‘Business Combinations,’’ and represents the amount by which the total purchase price exceeds the aggregate fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the merger, other than goodwill. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, ‘‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,’’ goodwill is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. If goodwill becomes impaired, its carrying value is reduced to its fair value through an impairment provision that is recorded as a charge to earnings in the period in which the impairment is measured.

Merger Financing

Forest currently has credit facilities totaling $600 million, consisting of a $500 million U.S. credit facility through a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase, N.A. and a $100 million Canadian credit facility through a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, Toronto Branch. On January 5, 2007, Forest, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. entered into a commitment letter and a related engagement letter and fee letter with respect to the financing of the merger and the related transactions. The commitment letter, as amended, provides for a

8




commitment of an aggregate of up to $1.4 billion in financing under a five-year revolving credit facility consisting of up to $1.25 billion U.S. facility and up to $150 million Canadian facility, which credit facilities will amend and restate Forest’s existing credit facilities and are referred to as the credit facilities. The borrowers under the Canadian facility will be Canadian Forest Oil Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Forest, and certain of its subsidiaries. Forest and the Canadian borrowers will have the option to increase the aggregate amount of the credit facilities up to an additional $600 million. Forest expects to finance the cash portion of the merger consideration, which is expected to be approximately $740 million in cash (based on the number of outstanding shares of Houston Exploration common stock on April 30, 2007), through borrowings under the credit facilities and the net proceeds from the proposed private placement of $500 million of senior notes due 2019. Forest also expects to use the credit facilities to finance estimated direct merger costs and change in control payments of approximately $38 million and an estimated payment of approximately $18 million related to the cash settlement of Houston Exploration stock options. Forest also intends to use the credit facilities, immediately after the merger occurs, to refinance borrowings incurred by Houston Exploration immediately prior to the merger under its credit facility to fund the repurchase by Houston Exploration immediately prior to the merger of up to $175 million of its outstanding senior subordinated notes through a tender offer and consent solicitation, as requested by Forest. Upon consummation of the merger, as of March 31, 2007, on a pro forma basis giving effect to the merger and the borrowings under the credit facilities and the net proceeds from the proposed private placement of $500 million of senior notes due 2019 to finance the cash portion of the merger consideration and to refinance borrowings under Houston Exploration’s credit facility, estimated direct merger costs and change in control payments, and the cash settlement of Houston Exploration stock options, Forest would have had the following principal amounts of debt outstanding without regard to the pending sale of Forest’s Alaska operations (i) $265 million of 8% Senior Notes due 2008; (ii) $285 million of 8% Senior Notes due 2011; (iii) $150 million of 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2014; (iv) $500 million of senior notes due 2019; (v) approximately $374 million of term loan facilities relating to Forest’s Alaska operations; and (vi) approximately $640 million under the credit facilities.

Note 3    Pro Forma Adjustments for the Pending Sale of Forest’s Alaska Operations

Background

On May 29, 2007, Forest announced the execution of two agreements pertaining to the sale of its Alaska business unit.   The agreements include (i) a membership interest purchase agreement (the “Membership Purchase Agreement”) dated as of May 24, 2007, among Forest Alaska Holding LLC, as seller (“Forest Holding”), Forest Alaska Operating LLC (“Forest Alaska Operating” and together with Forest Holding, “Forest Alaska”), Forest for certain limited purposes, and Pacific Energy Resources Ltd., as buyer (“PERL”), and (ii) an asset sales agreement (the “Asset Sales Agreement”) dated as of May 24, 2007, between Forest and PERL.

Membership Purchase Agreement

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Membership Purchase Agreement, Forest Holding will sell to PERL all of the outstanding membership interests in Forest Operating and PERL will purchase such membership interests, for a total cash purchase price of $420 million, subject to adjustment (the base purchase price, as adjusted, the “Purchase Price”).  Under the terms of the Membership Purchase Agreement, PERL will pay Forest Holding a deposit equal to $4.2 million.  Forest expects the closing to occur on or about June 30, 2007, subject to satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions.  At the closing, the Purchase Price will be adjusted downward to reflect the payment of the cash deposit, upward by working capital at December 31, 2006 (agreed by the parties to equal approximately $18 million), downward if certain title or environmental defects exist, downward by $380 million to pay off Forest Alaska Operating debt under existing credit agreements (including a put premium that arises due to the transaction), upward by the amount of certain equity contributions that Forest Holding or Forest make to Forest Alaska Operating, and upward or downward due to the apportionment of real and personal property taxes.  Following the

9




closing, the Purchase Price will be further adjusted to reflect gas imbalances, as warranted.  The effective date for the transaction is January 1, 2007.  Forest will continue to operate the oil and gas properties held by Forest Operating after the closing until such time as PERL receives the required approvals to operate.

Asset Sale Agreement

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Asset Sales Agreement, Forest will sell to PERL its remaining assets located in Alaska including, without limitation, oil and gas leases, and the associated lands, wells, contracts, equipment, easements, permits, seismic data, and all of Forest’s stock in the Cook Inlet Pipeline Company (collectively, the “Assets”).  The purchase price for the Assets consists of $10 million in cash and 5.5 million shares of PERL common stock (the cash and shares together, the “Purchase Price”).  Under the terms of the Asset Sales Agreement, PERL will pay Forest a deposit equal to $1 million.  The Purchase Price is subject to adjustment.  In the event PERL is not able to issue the shares as a result of an inability to obtain necessary approvals from the Toronto Stock Exchange, PERL will be required to pay Forest an additional cash amount that will be determined based on the trading price of PERL. The effective date for the sale of the Assets is January 1, 2007, and the Purchase Price will be adjusted to reflect activities between the effective date and the closing date.  Forest expects the closing to occur on or about June 30, 2007, subject to the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Membership Purchase Agreement and satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions.

If PERL is unable to close the Membership Purchase Agreement and the Asset Sales Agreement because PERL fails to obtain necessary acquisition financing, Forest’s sole remedy is the retention of the $5.2 million in deposits.

Pro Forma Adjustments

(a)   To eliminate the working capital and other assets and liabilities related to the sale of Forest Alaska as well as certain other assets and liabilities held directly by Forest.

(b)   To record the net proceeds from the sale of Alaska to Forest’s proved oil and gas properties in accordance with the full cost method of accounting.

(c)   To expense the unamortized debt issue costs and put premiums paid in connection with the elimination of Forest Alaska’s first lien credit agreement and second lien credit agreement.

(d)   To record the value of the 5.5 million shares of PERL to be received as part of the sales consideration based on the closing price of PERL on May 24, 2007.

(e)   To adjust for the receipt of the approximate $448 million in cash proceeds from the sale of Forest’s Alaska operations which will be used to eliminate Forest Alaska’s first lien credit agreement and second lien credit agreement ($374 million) and to pay down outstanding balances on Forest’s credit facilities ($66 million), net of put premiums and selling expenses of approximately $7 million.

(f)    To eliminate the revenues and direct operating expenses of Forest’s Alaska operations.

(g)   To eliminate the salaries and other direct general and administrative expenses attributable to Forest’s Alaska operations. The pro forma adjustment includes only general and administrative costs directly related to Forest’s Alaska operations.

(h)   To adjust depreciation and depletion to give effect to the reduction in Forest’s pro forma combined full cost pool, a reduction in total estimated proved reserves of approximately 181 Bcfe (as of December 31, 2006), and a reduction in pro forma combined production volumes as a result of the sale.

(i)    To eliminate accretion expense attributable to asset retirement obligations associated with properties of Forest’s Alaska operations.

10




(j)    To adjust interest expense to give effect to the repayment of Forest Alaska’s first lien credit agreement and second lien credit agreement and a portion of Forest’s pro forma combined outstanding credit facilities using the approximate $448 million in cash proceeds received from the sale of the Alaska operations.

(k)   To eliminate the equity in earnings of Forest’s investment in the Cook Inlet Pipeline Company.

(l)    To adjust income tax expense for the effects of the pro forma adjustments at statutory rates.

Note 4    Spin-off and Merger of Forest’s Offshore Gulf of Mexico Operations

On March 2, 2006, Forest completed the Spin-off by means of a special dividend, which consisted of a pro rata spin-off of all outstanding shares of Forest Energy Resources, Inc. (hereinafter known as Mariner Energy Resources, Inc. or ‘‘MERI’’), a total of 50,637,010 shares of common stock, to holders of record of Forest Common Stock as of the close of business on February 21, 2006. Immediately following the Spin-off, MERI was merged with a subsidiary of Mariner Energy, Inc. in a stock-for-stock transaction. The following Forest Oil Corporation unaudited pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 has been prepared to give effect to the Spin-off as if it had occurred on January 1, 2006.

11




FOREST OIL CORPORATION

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

 

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Forest

 

Pro Forma
Adjustments

 

Pro
Forma
Forest

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

 

$

407,565

 

(37,049

)(a)

370,516

 

Oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids

 

406,904

 

(9,240

)(a)

397,664

 

Total oil and gas sales

 

814,469

 

(46,289

)

768,180

 

Marketing, processing, and other

 

5,523

 

(13

)(a)

5,536

 

Total revenue

 

819,992

 

(46,276

)

773,716

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

154,874

 

(18,296

)(a)

136,578

 

Production and property taxes

 

39,041

 

(151

)(a)

38,890

 

Transportation and processing costs

 

21,876

 

(344

)(a)

21,532

 

General and administrative (including stock-based compensation)

 

48,308

 

(298

)(b)

48,010

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

266,881

 

(22,224

)(c)

244,657

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

7,096

 

(2,101

)(d)

4,995

 

Impairments and other

 

3,668

 

––

 

3,668

 

Spin-off and merger costs

 

5,416

 

––

 

5,416

 

Total operating expenses

 

547,160

 

(43,414

)

503,746

 

Earnings from operations

 

272,832

 

(2,862

)

269,970

 

Other income and expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

71,787

 

(1,385

)(e)

70,402

 

Unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments, net

 

(83,629

)

9,841

(f)

(73,788

)

Realized losses (gains) on derivative instruments, net

 

23,864

 

(43

)(f)

23,821

 

Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss

 

3,931

 

––

 

3,931

 

Other income, net

 

(104

)

––

 

(104

)

Total other income and expense

 

15,849

 

8,413

 

24,262

 

Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

256,983

 

(11,275

)

245,708

 

Income tax

 

90,903

 

(4,352

)(g)

86,551

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

166,080

 

(6,923

)

159,157

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

2,422

 

––

 

2,422

 

Net earnings

 

$

168,502

 

(6,923

)

161,579

 

 


(a)

 

To eliminate the revenues and direct operating expenses of MERI.

(b)

 

To eliminate the salaries and other direct general and administrative expenses attributable to MERI. The pro forma adjustment includes only general and administrative costs directly related to Forest’s offshore Gulf of Mexico operations included in the Spin-off.

(c)

 

To adjust depreciation and depletion to give effect to the reduction in Forest’s consolidated full cost pool and a reduction in production volumes.

(d)

 

To eliminate accretion expense attributable to asset retirement obligations associated with properties of MERI.

(e)

 

To adjust interest expense to give effect to the repayment of a portion of Forest’s outstanding credit facilities using the approximate $200 million in proceeds received from MERI at the time of the Spin-off.

(f)

 

To adjust for the changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that did not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment, but which were designated as economic hedges of MERI’s oil and gas production.

(g)

 

To adjust income tax expense for the effects of the pro forma adjustments at statutory rates.

 

12




Note 5    Sale of Houston Exploration’s Offshore Properties

Sale of Texas Gulf of Mexico Assets

On March 31, 2006, Houston Exploration completed the sale of the Texas portion of its Gulf of Mexico assets (the ‘‘Texas GOM assets’’). Pursuant to the purchase and sale agreement dated February 28, 2006 between Houston Exploration, as seller, and various partnerships affiliated with Merit Energy Company, as buyer, the gross sale price was $220 million.

Sale of Louisiana Gulf of Mexico Assets

On June 1, 2006, Houston Exploration completed the sale of substantially all of its Louisiana Gulf of Mexico assets (the ‘‘Louisiana GOM assets’’) for a gross sale price of $590 million. The sale of a substantial majority of these assets to various partnerships affiliated with Merit Energy Company was completed on May 31, 2006 pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement dated April 7, 2006, and the sale of certain working interests to Nippon Oil Exploration U.S.A. Ltd. and Chevron USA Inc. was completed on June 1, 2006 pursuant to the exercise of preferential purchase rights. The sale transactions did not include 18 Louisiana offshore blocks retained by Houston Exploration. Of these 18 blocks, eight expired subsequent to the sales transactions, two were drilled during 2006, resulting in two successful exploratory wells, and eight remain classified as undeveloped at the end of the first quarter of 2007.

The following The Houston Exploration Company unaudited pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 has been prepared to give effect to the sales of the Texas GOM assets and Louisiana GOM assets as if they each had occurred on January 1, 2006.

13




THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

 

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Houston
Exploration

 

Pro Forma
Adjustments

 

Pro Forma
Houston
Exploration

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas and oil revenues

 

$

529,586

 

(529,586

)(a)

––

 

Natural gas

 

––

 

419,226

(a)

419,226

 

Oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids

 

––

 

27,428

(a)

27,428

 

Total oil and gas sales

 

529,586

 

(82,932

)

446,654

 

Other

 

2,011

 

(2,011

)(a)

––

 

Marketing, processing, and other

 

––

 

77

(a)

77

 

Total revenue

 

531,597

 

(84,866

)

446,731

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

63,959

 

(29,958

)(a)

34,001

 

Severance tax

 

18,102

 

(18,102

)(a)

––

 

Production and property taxes

 

––

 

23,443

(a)

23,443

 

Transportation and processing costs

 

10,636

 

(715

)(a)

9,921

 

General and administrative (including stock-based compensation)

 

36,013

 

––

 

36,013

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

253,666

 

(40,399

)(a)

213,267

 

Writedown in carrying value of natural gas and oil properties

 

19,000

 

––

 

19,000

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

3,373

 

(1,438

)(a)

1,935

 

Total operating expenses

 

404,749

 

(67,169

)

337,580

 

Earnings from operations

 

126,848

 

(17,697

)

109,151

 

Other income and expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

25,206

 

(4,862

)(b)

20,344

 

Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net

 

––

 

12,105

(a)

12,105

 

Other (income) expense, net

 

(13,495

)

2,901

(a)

(10,594

)

Total other income and expense

 

11,711

 

10,144

 

21,855

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

115,137

 

(27,841

)

87,296

 

Income tax expense

 

47,354

 

(9,745

)(c)

37,609

 

Net earnings

 

$

67,783

 

(18,096

)

49,687

 

 


(a)   To reclassify certain amounts of natural gas and oil revenues and operating expenses to conform to Forest’s presentation and to eliminate natural gas and oil revenues and operating expenses associated with the Texas GOM assets and Louisiana GOM assets sold.

(b)  To adjust interest expense assuming the repayment of $344 million in outstanding borrowings under Houston Exploration’s revolving credit facility as of January 1, 2006, which proceeds include: (i) $158 million from the sale of Texas GOM assets; (ii) $216 million from the sale of the Louisiana GOM assets; reduced by the (iii) $30 million for the payment of the net profits interest to a predecessor owner of certain offshore assets.

(c)   To adjust income tax expense for the effects of the pro forma adjustments based on the federal statutory tax rate of 35%.

14



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