-----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, JCpI1GP04JZNMZUp0B9FJwW9Qla3CMEUbZqEJZ+F16eh7yWDiEc4HVzH/Sxr4hJq pFPOLy8k2z6ugbF+34nObQ== 0001144204-09-037160.txt : 20090714 0001144204-09-037160.hdr.sgml : 20090714 20090714124708 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-09-037160 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20090712 ITEM INFORMATION: Bankruptcy or Receivership ITEM INFORMATION: Triggering Events That Accelerate or Increase a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20090714 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090714 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Aurora Oil & Gas CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000933157 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS [1311] IRS NUMBER: 870306609 STATE OF INCORPORATION: UT FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-32888 FILM NUMBER: 09943386 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 4110 COPPER RIDGE DRIVE STREET 2: SUITE 100 CITY: TRAVERSE CITY STATE: MI ZIP: 49684 BUSINESS PHONE: (231) 941-0073 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 4110 COPPER RIDGE DRIVE STREET 2: SUITE 100 CITY: TRAVERSE CITY STATE: MI ZIP: 49684 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: CADENCE RESOURCES CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20010815 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: ROYAL SILVER MINES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19960223 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: CONSOLIDATED ROYAL MINES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19950908 8-K 1 v154735_8k.htm Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
July 12, 2009
 
AURORA OIL & GAS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
UTAH
000-25170
87-0306609
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
4110 Copper Ridge Drive, Suite 100, Traverse City, MI
49684
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(231) 941-0073
     
 
(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):

o
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 1.03                      Bankruptcy or Receivership.

On July 12, 2009, Aurora Oil & Gas Corporation (the “Company”) and the Company’s subsidiary, Hudson Pipeline & Processing Co., LLC (together, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan (the “Court”).  The Company’s case is 09-08254(SWD).

The Debtors will continue to operate their business as “debtors-in-possession” in accordance with sections 1107 and 1108 and other applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and subject to the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code, which include court approval of matters outside the ordinary course of business.  No trustee, examiner, or official committee has been appointed.

The Debtors have worked diligently to facilitate a global restructuring transaction, including entering into several amendments and forbearance agreements with BNP Paribas (“BNP”) and the lenders under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and D.E. Shaw Laminar Portfolios, LLC (“Laminar”) and the lenders under the Second Lien Term Loan.  The Debtors have not yet been able to obtain agreement on the terms of such a restructuring and intend to utilize the bankruptcy process to attempt to achieve a consensual restructuring or some other appropriate alternative.

Item 2.04                      Triggering Events That Accelerate or Increase a Direct Financial Obligation.

The disclosure under Item 1.03 of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

Senior Secured Credit Facility

The filing of voluntary petition by the Company for relief under Chapter 11 constituted an event of default under the amended and restated senior secured credit facility dated August 20, 2007 between the Company, BNP and the lenders under the senior secured credit facility (“Senior Secured Credit Facility”).   Under the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, BNP and the lenders have the right to declare the outstanding obligation of approximately $70 million (plus accrued and unpaid interest and other asserted charges) to be due and payable in full.  The Company did not pay interest in the approximate amount of $1.1 million due June 30, 2009 for the period April 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009.

Second Lien Term Loan

The filing of voluntary petition by the Company for relief under Chapter 11 constituted an event of default under the second lien term loan dated August 20, 2007 between the Company, Laminar and the lenders under second lien term loan (“Second Lien Term Loan”).  Under the terms of the Second Lien Term Loan, Laminar and lenders under the second lien term loan have the right to declare the outstanding obligation of approximately $50 million (plus accrued and unpaid interest) to be due and payable in full.

Mortgage Obligation

The filing of voluntary petition by the Company for relief under Chapter 11 constituted an event of default under a mortgage loan agreement dated May 26, 2009 between the Company and Northwestern Bank (“Loan Agreement”).  Monthly interest only payments are due through November 1, 2009.  As of the filing date, approximately $2.6 million remained outstanding under the Loan Agreement.  Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, upon an event of default Northwestern Bank has the right to increase the interest rate to 7.45% which is an increase of 2.00%.  Northwestern Bank also has the right to declare the entire unpaid principal balance and all accrued interest immediately due.
 
2

Equipment Lease

The filing of voluntary petition by the Company for relief under Chapter 11 also constituted an event of default under a master equipment lease agreement dated June 21, 2007 between the Company and Fifth Third Bank (“Master Lease Agreement”).  On June 21, 2007 and December 19, 2007, the Company entered into two separate equipment leases under the Master Lease Agreement covering a total of 13 compressors.  Monthly lease payments for both equipment leases are $45,823 until the expiration of the first lease on January 1, 2013.  Upon expiration of the first lease, the monthly payments are reduced to $8,713 until the expiration of the second lease on June 1, 2014.  The buyout provisions on the first and second lease is estimated to be approximately $1.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 Under the terms of the Master Lease Agreement, upon an event of default Fifth Third Bank has the right to (1) have the Company promptly return all compressors at the Company’s expense, (2) enter the Company’s premises where the compressors are located at take possession, (3) sell, re-lease or otherwise dispose of the compressors without notice to the Company, (4) proceed by court action to enforce performance by the Company and/or (5) by offset, recoupment or other manner of application, apply any security deposit, monies held in deposit or other sums held by the Company against any obligations under the Master Lease Agreement whether or not the Company has pledged, assigned or granted a security interest to Fifth Third Bank in any or all such sums as collateral.

Any remedies that may exist related to the events of default described above are stayed, under section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Item 9.01                Financial Statements and Exhibits.
     
  (d) Exhibits
     
 
99.1
Press Release dated July 14, 2009.
 

SIGNATURE

According 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.
     
     
  AURORA OIL & GAS CORPORATION  
       
Date:  July 14, 2009  
By:
/s/ Barbara E. Lawson  
   
By: Barbara E. Lawson
Its: Chief Financial Officer
 
       
       
 
3

EX-99.1 2 v154735_ex99-1.htm Unassociated Document
EXHIBIT 99.1
 
Aurora Oil & Gas Corporation Files Voluntary Bankruptcy Petitions Under Chapter 11

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN, July 14, 2009 – Aurora Oil & Gas Corporation (PinkSheets: AOGS) today announced that on July 12, 2009, Aurora and its subsidiary, Hudson Pipeline & Processing Co., LLC (together, the “Companies”) filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United Statement Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan.

The Companies will continue to operate their businesses as “debtors-in-possession” in accordance with sections 1107 and 1108 and other applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, which require court approval of matters outside the ordinary course of business.  No trustee, examiner, or official committee has been appointed.

The Companies have worked diligently to facilitate a global restructuring transaction, including entering into several amendments and forbearance agreements with BNP Paribas and the lenders under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and D.E. Shaw Laminar Portfolios, LLC and the lenders under the Second Lien Term Loan.  The Companies have not yet been able to obtain agreement on the terms of such a restructuring and intend to utilize the bankruptcy process to attempt to achieve a consensual restructuring or some other appropriate alternative.

Huron Consulting Group, LLC (“Huron”) continues to advise Aurora on its restructuring efforts, focusing on cost reduction and containment initiatives, streamlining the organization, and facilitating communication with its lender and other creditor constituencies.

Mr. Sanford R. Edlein, the Companies’ Chief Restructuring Officer and a Managing Director with Huron, commented, “We hope to use Chapter 11 to facilitate a global restructuring of the Companies’ debt obligations and expect to work on a consensual plan with the lenders to minimize our time in bankruptcy, while at the same time exploring other potential value-maximizing opportunities.  Among other petitions for relief, the Companies have sought authority to make royalty payments and to satisfy other obligations of critical vendors.  Ultimately, we hope to operate in Chapter 11 in the ordinary course as was done prior to this bankruptcy filing.”

About Aurora Oil & Gas Corporation

Aurora Oil & Gas Corporation is an independent energy company focused on unconventional natural gas exploration, acquisition, development and production, with its primary operations in the Antrim Shale of Michigan, the New Albany Shale of Indiana and Kentucky.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
 
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In particular, statements by Aurora Oil & Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) regarding future events and developments and the Company’s future performance, including statements regarding proceedings relating to the Company’s petitions for relief under chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code and the Company’s operations and funding during the chapter 11 process, and any restructuring agreements or consensual plans with the Company’s lenders, as well as other statements of management’s intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, representations, projections, estimations, plans or predictions of the future, are forwarding-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
 
Forward-looking statements in some cases can be identified by their being preceded by, followed by or containing words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by the Company’s management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of the Company’s future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Aurora undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Such statements include those relating to: forecasts of the Company’s ability to reach a consensual plan with its lenders, successfully reorganize and emerge from bankruptcy; estimated financial results; liquidity needs; and, the Company’s ability to finance the Company’s working capital requirements.
 

 
Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including without limitation the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to obtain debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing or authorization to use cash collateral on an interim or final basis to fund the Company’s working capital or other needs; the Company’s ability to obtain Court approval with respect to motions in the chapter 11 cases prosecuted by the Company from time to time; the Company’s ability to develop, prosecute, confirm and consummate a plan of reorganization with respect to the Company’s bankruptcy cases; risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period that the Company has to propose and confirm a plan of reorganization, for the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or examiner or to convert the Company’s bankruptcy cases to cases under chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code; the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors, service providers, and leaseholders and to obtain orders authorizing payments to such parties; the Company’s ability to maintain contracts that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the Company’s bankruptcy cases on the Company’s liquidity or results of operations; the Company’s ability to fund and execute its business plan; the Company’s ability to attract, motivate and retain key executives and employees; the Company’s ability to enter into hedging contracts; general market conditions; adverse capital and credit market conditions; the costs and accidental risks inherent in exploring and developing new oil and natural gas reserves; the price for which such reserves and production can be sold; fluctuation in prices of oil and natural gas; the uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and cash flows; competition; actions by third party co-owners in properties in which the Company also owns an interest; acquisitions of properties and businesses; operating hazards; environmental concerns affecting the drilling of oil and natural gas wells; impairment of oil and natural gas properties due to depletion, low oil and gas prices, or other causes; and hedging decisions, including whether or not to hedge. Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the Company’s various pre-petition liabilities and the Company’s common stock. No assurance can be given as to what values, if any, will be ascribed in the chapter 11 cases to each of these constituencies. No assurance can be given that there will be any remaining value for shareholders if and when the Company emerges from bankruptcy.  Accordingly, the Company urges that the appropriate caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in any of these liabilities and/or securities.
 
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Contact:

Aurora Oil & Gas Corporation
Jeffrey W. Deneau, Investor Relations
(231) 941-0073 x 154
www.auroraogc.com

 

Source: Aurora Oil & Gas Corporation
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