\n 11.1 Termination………………………………………………………..33
\n 11.2 Effect of Termination……………………………………………….34
\n 11.3 Amendment………………………………………………………….34
\n 11.4 Waiver…………………………………………………………….34<\/p>\n ARTICLE XII
\n GENERAL PROVISIONS<\/p>\n
12.1 Notices……………………………………………………………34
\n 12.2 Miscellaneous………………………………………………………36
\n 12.3 Directors’ and Officers Insurance…………………………………….36
\n 12.4 Assignment…………………………………………………………37
\n 12.5 Expenses…………………………………………………………..37
\n 12.6 Severability……………………………………………………….37
\n 12.7 Parent Co. Guarantee………………………………………………..37
\n 12.8 Counterpart Execution……………………………………………….37<\/p>\n
SCHEDULE A – CONDITIONS TO THE OFFER
\n SCHEDULE B – FORM OF PRE-TENDER AGREEMENT
\n<\/c><\/c><\/s><\/table>\n
iii<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
PRE-ACQUISITION AGREEMENT<\/p>\n
THIS PRE-ACQUISITION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered
\ninto as of this 13th day of December, 2000, by and between Tom Brown, Inc., a
\ncorporation formed under the laws of the State of Delaware with its head and
\nprincipal office in the City of Denver, in the State of Colorado (“Parent Co.”),
\nTom Brown Resources Ltd., a corporation formed under the laws of the Province of
\nAlberta with an office in the City of Calgary, in the Province of Alberta (“A
\nCo.”) and Stellarton Energy Corporation, a corporation duly amalgamated under
\nand governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta with its head and principal
\noffice in the City of Calgary, in the Province of Alberta (“Stellarton”). Except
\nas otherwise set forth in this Agreement, capitalized terms shall have the
\nmeanings set forth in Article 1.<\/p>\n
RECITALS:<\/p>\n
1. The board of directors of Stellarton wishes to encourage Parent Co. to
\n make a take-over bid to the securityholders of Stellarton by offering to
\n purchase all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Stellarton.<\/p>\n
2. Parent Co., through its wholly-owned subsidiary A Co., is willing to
\n make an offer subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.<\/p>\n
3. Parent Co. has agreed to guarantee the obligations of A Co. as
\n contemplated herein.<\/p>\n
4. The board of directors of Stellarton has unanimously determined to
\n recommend acceptance of the A Co. offer to the securityholders of
\n Stellarton, to cooperate with A Co. and to take all reasonable action to
\n support the A Co. offer.<\/p>\n
5. The board of directors of Stellarton has determined that it would be in
\n the best interests of Stellarton to enter into this Agreement.<\/p>\n
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter
\ncontained and other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and adequacy
\nwhereof is hereby acknowledged), the parties hereto agree as follows:<\/p>\n
ARTICLE I
\n INTERPRETATION<\/p>\n
1.1 DEFINITIONS<\/p>\n
In this Agreement, unless there is something in the subject matter or
\ncontext inconsistent therewith:<\/p>\n
“A Co.” means Tom Brown Resources Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent Co.;<\/p>\n
1
\n 6<\/p>\n
“Act” means the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) as the same has been and may
\nhereafter from time to time be amended;<\/p>\n
“affiliate” has the meaning set forth in the Act;<\/p>\n
“Agreement”, “this Agreement”, “herein”, “hereto”, and “hereof” and similar
\nexpressions refer to this Agreement, as the same may be amended or supplemented
\nfrom time to time and, where applicable, to the appropriate Schedules hereto;<\/p>\n
“Business Day” means any day excepting a Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday
\nin Calgary, Alberta;<\/p>\n
“Corporate Laws” means all applicable corporate laws, including the Act;<\/p>\n
“Data Room” means the data room maintained by Stellarton in connection with its
\nefforts to solicit proposals for the acquisition of Stellarton;<\/p>\n
“diluted basis” means, with respect to the number of outstanding Stellarton
\nShares at any time, such number of outstanding Stellarton Shares calculated
\nassuming that all outstanding options to purchase Stellarton Shares are
\nexercised;<\/p>\n
“Disclosed Information” means the information disclosed to Parent Co. or A Co.
\npursuant to or contemplated by the Parent Co. Confidentiality Agreement or made
\navailable to Parent Co. or A Co. (or their respective representatives) in the
\nData Room;<\/p>\n
“Effective Time” means the time that A Co. shall have acquired ownership of and
\npaid for at least the Minimum Required Shares pursuant to the terms of the
\nOffer;<\/p>\n
“Expiry Time” means the Initial Expiry Time unless the Offer has been extended,
\nin which case it means the expiry time of the Offer as extended from time to
\ntime;<\/p>\n
“in writing” means written information including documents, files, records,
\nbooks and other materials made available, delivered or produced to Parent Co. or
\nA Co. by or on behalf of Stellarton in the course of conducting its due
\ndiligence review in respect of Stellarton between October 5, 2000, being the
\ndate of the Parent Co. Confidentiality Agreement, and the date of this
\nAgreement;<\/p>\n
“Initial Expiry Time” means 5:00 p.m. (Calgary time) on the first Business Day
\nwhich falls after the 21st day following the day of the mailing of the Offer
\nDocuments to the shareholders of Stellarton (where the first day of this period
\nis the day immediately following the day of mailing);<\/p>\n
“Material Adverse Change” means any change (or any condition, event or
\ndevelopment involving a prospective change) in the business, operations, results
\nof operations, petroleum and natural gas reserves, assets, capitalization,
\nfinancial condition, licenses, permits, leases, concessions, rights,
\nliabilities, prospects or privileges, whether contractual or otherwise, of
\nStellarton and its subsidiaries which is materially adverse to the business of
\nStellarton and its subsidiaries, considered as a whole, other than a change (i)
\nwhich arises out of hedging activities<\/p>\n
2
\n 7<\/p>\n
undertaken by Stellarton prior to the date hereof, consistent with past
\npractice, (ii) which arises out of a matter that has been publicly disclosed or
\notherwise disclosed in writing to A Co. prior to the date of this Agreement,
\n(iii) resulting from conditions affecting the oil and gas industry as a whole;
\n(iv) resulting from general economic, financial, currency exchange, securities
\nor commodity market conditions in Canada or elsewhere; or (v) resulting from the
\ndrilling, completion or testing of any wells establishing that any such well or
\nprospect is not commercially viable or is less successful than anticipated by
\nStellarton;<\/p>\n
“Material Adverse Effect” means any event, change or effect that is or would
\nreasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the financial condition,
\noperations, assets, liabilities, or business of Stellarton and its subsidiaries,
\nconsidered as a whole; provided that a Material Adverse Effect shall not include
\nan adverse effect resulting from a change (i) which arises out of hedging
\nactivities undertaken by Stellarton prior to the date hereof, consistent with
\npast practice, (ii) which arises out of a matter that has been publicly
\ndisclosed or otherwise disclosed in writing to Parent Co. or A Co. prior to the
\ndate of this Agreement, (iii) resulting from conditions affecting the oil and
\ngas industry as a whole; (iv) resulting from general economic, financial,
\ncurrency exchange, securities or commodity market conditions in Canada or
\nelsewhere; or (v) resulting from the drilling, completion or testing of any
\nwells establishing that any such well or prospect is not commercially viable or
\nis less successful than anticipated by Stellarton;<\/p>\n
“Minimum Condition” means the condition set forth in paragraph (a) of Schedule
\nA;<\/p>\n
“Minimum Required Shares” means at least that number of the outstanding
\nStellarton Shares required pursuant to the Minimum Condition unless A Co. shall
\nhave waived the Minimum Condition in which case “Minimum Required Shares” means
\nthat number of the outstanding Stellarton Shares which A Co. takes up on the
\nTake-up Date, provided that such number of Stellarton Shares shall not be less
\nthan 50% of the issued and outstanding Stellarton Shares on a diluted basis;<\/p>\n
“Offer” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a);<\/p>\n
“Offer Documents” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a);<\/p>\n
“Officer Obligations” means any obligations or liabilities of Stellarton or any
\nof its subsidiaries to pay any amount to its or their officers, directors, or
\nemployees, other than for salary, bonuses under its or their existing bonus
\narrangements and directors’ fees in the ordinary course in each case in amounts
\nconsistent with historic practices and obligations or liabilities in respect of
\ninsurance or indemnification contemplated by this Agreement or arising in the
\nordinary and usual course of business and subject to Corporate Laws and, without
\nlimiting the generality of the foregoing, Officer Obligations shall include the
\nobligations of Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries to officers or employees
\n(i) for severance or termination payments on or in connection with the change of
\ncontrol of Stellarton pursuant to any executive involuntary severance and
\ntermination agreements in the case of officers and pursuant to Stellarton’s
\nseverance policy in the case of employees; or (ii) retention bonus payments
\npursuant to any retention bonus program, all as previously disclosed in the
\nDisclosed Information to A Co.;<\/p>\n
3
\n 8<\/p>\n
“Parent Co. Confidentiality Agreement” means the confidentiality agreement dated
\nOctober 5, 2000 between Parent Co. and Stellarton;<\/p>\n
“Second Stage Transaction” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1;<\/p>\n
“Securities Authorities” means the appropriate securities commissions or similar
\nregulatory authorities in Canada and each of the provinces and territories
\nthereof and in the United States and each of the states thereof;<\/p>\n
“Securities Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a);<\/p>\n
“Stellarton” means Stellarton Energy Corporation;<\/p>\n
“Stellarton Governing Documents” means the Certificate and Articles of
\nAmalgamation and By-laws of Stellarton;<\/p>\n
“Stellarton Options” means the outstanding options to acquire Stellarton Shares
\nunder the Stock Option Plan;<\/p>\n
“Stellarton Shares” means the Class A Voting Common Shares in the share capital
\nof Stellarton;<\/p>\n
“Stock Option Plan” means the amended and restated stock option plan of
\nStellarton dated May 25, 2000;<\/p>\n
“subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in the Act;<\/p>\n
“Superior Proposal” has the meaning ascribed to such terms in Section 8.3;<\/p>\n
“Take-over Proposal” means a proposal or offer by a third party (other than by A
\nCo.), whether or not subject to a due diligence condition and whether or not in
\nwriting, to acquire in any manner, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership
\nof all or a material portion of the assets of Stellarton or to acquire in any
\nmanner, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership or control or direction
\nover more than 20% of the outstanding voting shares of Stellarton whether by an
\narrangement, amalgamation, a merger, consolidation or other business
\ncombination, by means of a sale of shares of capital stock, sale of assets,
\ntender offer or exchange offer or similar transaction involving Stellarton
\nincluding without limitation any single or multi-step transaction or series of
\nrelated transactions which is structured to permit such third party to acquire
\nbeneficial ownership of all or a material portion of the assets of Stellarton or
\nto acquire in any manner, directly or indirectly, more than 20% of the
\noutstanding voting shares of Stellarton (other than the transactions
\ncontemplated by this Agreement); and<\/p>\n
“Take-up Date” means the date that A Co. first takes up and acquires Stellarton
\nShares pursuant to the Offer.<\/p>\n
1.2 SINGULAR, PLURAL, ETC.<\/p>\n
Words importing the singular number include the plural and vice versa
\nand words importing gender include the masculine, feminine and neuter genders.<\/p>\n
4
\n 9<\/p>\n
1.3 DEEMED CURRENCY<\/p>\n
In the absence of a specific designation of any currency any undescribed
\ndollar amount herein shall be deemed to refer to Canadian dollars.<\/p>\n
1.4 HEADINGS, ETC.<\/p>\n
The division of this Agreement into Articles and Sections, the provision
\nof a table of contents hereto and the insertion of the recitals and headings are
\nfor convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or
\ninterpretation of this Agreement and, unless otherwise stated, all references in
\nthis Agreement or in the Schedules to Articles, Sections and Schedules refer to
\nArticles, Sections and Schedules of and to this Agreement or of the Schedules in
\nwhich such reference is made.<\/p>\n
1.5 DATE FOR ANY ACTION<\/p>\n
In the event that any date on which any action is required to be taken
\nhereunder by any of the parties hereunder is not a Business Day, such action
\nshall be required to be taken on the next succeeding day which is a Business
\nDay.<\/p>\n
1.6 GOVERNING LAW<\/p>\n
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with
\nthe laws of the Province of Alberta and the laws of Canada applicable therein.<\/p>\n
1.7 ATTORNMENT<\/p>\n
The parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consent to and submit
\nto the courts of the Province of Alberta for any actions, suits or proceedings
\narising out of or relating to this Agreement or the matters contemplated hereby
\n(and agree not to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating thereto
\nexcept in such courts) and further agree that service of any process, summons,
\nnotice or document by single registered mail to the addresses of the parties set
\nforth in this Agreement shall be effective service of process for any action,
\nsuit or proceeding brought against either party in such court. The parties
\nhereby irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of
\nvenue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or the
\nmatters contemplated hereby in the courts of the Province of Alberta and hereby
\nfurther irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim in
\nany such court that any such action, suit or proceeding so brought has been
\nbrought in an inconvenient forum.<\/p>\n
1.8 INCORPORATION OF SCHEDULES<\/p>\n
Schedules A and B attached hereto and described below shall, for all
\npurposes hereof, form an integral part of this Agreement.<\/p>\n
Schedule A Conditions to the Offer
\n Schedule B Form of Pre-tender Agreement<\/p>\n
5
\n 10<\/p>\n
ARTICLE II
\n THE OFFER<\/p>\n
2.1 THE OFFER<\/p>\n
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, A Co.
\n shall use commercially reasonable efforts to mail before 11:59
\n p.m. (Calgary time) on December 20, 2000 and in any event not
\n later than 11:59 p.m. (Calgary time) on December 22, 2000, an
\n offer to purchase all of the outstanding Stellarton Shares, which
\n includes all Stellarton Shares which may become outstanding after
\n the date of the Offer on the exercise of Stellarton Options for a
\n cash consideration of $5.00 for each Stellarton Share which offer
\n shall be made in accordance with Securities Laws and Corporate
\n Laws and be subject only to the conditions set forth in Schedule
\n A hereto (the “Offer”, which term shall include any amendments
\n to, or extensions of, such Offer, including, without limitation,
\n increasing the consideration, removing or waiving any condition,
\n as permitted, or extending the date by which Stellarton Shares
\n may be tendered). The documentation relating to the Offer (the
\n “Offer Documents”) shall be prepared in both the English and
\n French languages and in accordance with Securities Laws and
\n Corporate Laws. A Co. shall, on a confidential basis, provide
\n Stellarton with a draft of the Offer Documents prior to mailing
\n for its review and comment, with the intent that Stellarton will
\n have a reasonable opportunity to review and provide comments in
\n respect of the Offer Documents. It is understood that the content
\n of the Offer Documents will be determined by A Co., provided that
\n such Offer Documents will not contain any information or
\n statements that are inconsistent with matters that are
\n specifically addressed or provided for in this Agreement or as
\n otherwise contemplated hereby.<\/p>\n
(b) Parent Co. may make the Offer itself, or through one or more
\n direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, or any combination
\n thereof (which, for the purposes hereof, may include a trust or
\n partnership, all of the beneficiaries or partners of which are
\n direct or indirect subsidiaries of Parent Co.). In the event that
\n any such entities makes the Offer, the term “A Co.” as used
\n herein shall include all of such entities, but Parent Co. shall
\n continue to be liable to Stellarton, as principal obligor, for A
\n Co.’s obligations hereunder and for any default in performance by
\n any such party.<\/p>\n
(c) The Offer shall expire at the Initial Expiry Time, except that
\n the Offer may be extended, subject to 2.1(d), at the sole
\n discretion of A Co., if the conditions thereto set forth in
\n Schedule A are not satisfied on the date and time at which the
\n Offer expires or if A Co. shall have taken up the Minimum
\n Required Shares under the Offer. If A Co. acquires the Minimum
\n Required Shares pursuant to the Offer but the number of
\n Stellarton Shares acquired at such time is less than the Minimum
\n Condition, it will publicly announce such fact and extend the
\n Offer for at least 10 days.<\/p>\n
6
\n 11<\/p>\n
Upon the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in
\n Schedule A hereto, A Co. shall within one (1) Business Day,
\n accept for payment and pay for all Stellarton Shares validly
\n tendered (and not properly withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer. Each
\n of A Co. and Stellarton shall use all commercially reasonable
\n efforts to consummate the Offer, subject to the terms and
\n conditions thereof.<\/p>\n
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the conditions set out in
\n paragraphs (b) or (c) of Schedule A have not been satisfied or
\n waived on the Initial Expiry Time, A Co. agrees to extend the
\n Offer for such period of time, not to exceed 60 days following
\n the Initial Expiry Time, as is necessary to satisfy or fulfill
\n such conditions, but only if A Co. has made a bona fide
\n determination, acting reasonably, that there is a reasonable
\n prospect that such conditions may be satisfied within such 60 day
\n period.<\/p>\n
(d) It is agreed that A Co. may, in its sole discretion:<\/p>\n
(i) waive in whole or in part, any term or condition of the
\n Offer at any time and from time to time, provided that if
\n A Co. takes up and pays for any Stellarton Shares it shall
\n acquire not less than the Minimum Required Shares; and<\/p>\n
(ii) amend any term or condition of the Offer, provided that A
\n Co. shall not:<\/p>\n
(A) change the number of Stellarton Shares for which
\n the Offer is made;<\/p>\n
(B) decrease the value or change the form of the
\n consideration to be paid for each Stellarton Share
\n provided that A Co. shall be permitted to increase
\n the consideration to be paid for each Stellarton
\n Share; or<\/p>\n
(C) modify or impose additional conditions to the Offer
\n in a manner that is, in the opinion of Stellarton,
\n acting reasonably, materially adverse to the
\n holders of Stellarton Shares (it being understood
\n that an extension of the Offer or a permitted
\n waiver of any condition thereto will not be
\n considered to be adverse to the holders of
\n Stellarton Shares).<\/p>\n
(e) A Co. will instruct the depositary under the Offer to advise
\n Stellarton from time to time, not less frequently than daily
\n commencing five Business Days prior to the Initial Expiry Time
\n until the day immediately prior to the Expiry Time and thereafter
\n on an hourly basis, if requested by Stellarton and in such manner
\n as Stellarton may reasonably request, as to the number of
\n Stellarton Shares that have been tendered (and not withdrawn)
\n under the Offer; provided that, subject to its public disclosure
\n obligations under Corporate Laws, Securities Laws or stock
\n exchange rules, Stellarton shall keep such information
\n confidential. Stellarton agrees that A Co. may, if it so decides,
\n retain Stellarton’s transfer agent as the depositary and as
\n information agent under the Offer.<\/p>\n
7
\n 12<\/p>\n
(f) The obligation of A Co. to make the Offer as set forth in Section
\n 2.1(a) shall be conditional upon the following:<\/p>\n
(i) no Material Adverse Change shall have occurred in respect
\n of Stellarton, no person shall have brought or threatened
\n to bring a bona fide action for injunctive relief against
\n the performance of this Agreement or the completion of the
\n Offer or for material damages against A Co. in connection
\n with this Agreement or the completion of the Offer and no
\n other event shall have occurred or circumstance shall
\n exist which would make it impracticable in the opinion of
\n A Co, acting reasonably, to satisfy one or more of the
\n conditions of the Offer described in Schedule A;<\/p>\n
(ii) as at the date that the Offer is to be made, no
\n representation or warranty by Stellarton contained in this
\n Agreement shall have been determined by A Co., acting
\n reasonably, to be inaccurate in any material respect (or
\n in the case of representations and warranties that are
\n themselves qualified by a materiality limitation,
\n determined to be inaccurate) and no breach by Stellarton
\n of, or non-compliance by Stellarton with, any covenant or
\n obligation contained in this Agreement shall in a material
\n respect have occurred;<\/p>\n
(iii) the board of directors of Stellarton shall have provided
\n and not have withdrawn, modified or changed any of its
\n recommendations, approvals, resolutions, or determinations
\n referred to in Section 2.2(a); and<\/p>\n
(iv) A Co.’s receipt, concurrent with the execution of this
\n Agreement, of duly executed pre-tender agreements dated
\n the date hereof substantially in the form attached hereto
\n as Schedule B from each of the directors and senior
\n officers of Stellarton and certain other shareholders of
\n Stellarton in respect of Stellarton Shares which, in
\n aggregate, represent not less than 42% of the Stellarton
\n Shares on a diluted basis.<\/p>\n
The foregoing conditions are for the exclusive benefit of A Co.
\n and may be waived by A Co., in whole or in part at any time and
\n from time to time.<\/p>\n
(g) Stellarton agrees to provide A Co. a certificate of the President
\n or other officer of Stellarton acceptable to A Co., in such
\n officer’s capacity as an officer of Stellarton and not in such
\n officer’s personal capacity, dated the date of the Offer and on
\n the Take-up Date under the Offer to the effect that Stellarton
\n has complied with its covenants and obligations under the
\n Agreement and that the representations and warranties of
\n Stellarton contained in the Agreement are true and correct as of
\n such date with the same force and effect as if given on and as of
\n the date of such certificate.<\/p>\n
2.2 STELLARTON DIRECTORS’ CIRCULAR<\/p>\n
(a) Stellarton hereby consents to the Offer as set forth in Section
\n 2.1 and confirms that its board of directors has (i) unanimously
\n approved the Offer and this<\/p>\n
8
\n 13<\/p>\n
Agreement, (ii) after receiving the advice of its financial
\n advisor, has determined that the consideration to be offered to
\n Stellarton’s shareholders pursuant to the Offer is fair, from a
\n financial point of view, to the holders of Stellarton Shares and
\n is in the best interests of Stellarton, and (iii) has unanimously
\n resolved to recommend acceptance of the Offer by the holders of
\n Stellarton Shares.<\/p>\n
(b) Stellarton shall prepare and make available for mailing, in both
\n the English and French languages, sufficient copies of a
\n directors’ circular prepared in accordance with Securities Laws
\n and Corporate Laws. The directors’ circular will set forth (among
\n other things) the recommendation of the board of directors of
\n Stellarton as described in Section 2.2(a). Stellarton shall
\n provide A Co. with a draft copy of the directors’ circular prior
\n to its finalization and in reasonably sufficient time for A Co.’s
\n review and comment, and the parties shall use all commercially
\n reasonable efforts to cause the directors’ circular to be mailed
\n together with the Offer Documents without any delay in the time
\n the Offer Documents would otherwise be mailed.<\/p>\n
(c) After reasonable inquiry, Stellarton has been advised that each
\n of the directors and senior officers of Stellarton intend to
\n tender their Stellarton Shares under the Offer and to exercise
\n their “in the money” options to acquire Stellarton Shares or to
\n receive payment therefore as contemplated by Section 2.4.
\n Stellarton hereby delivers concurrently with the execution of
\n this Agreement, pre-tender agreements (in the form or
\n substantially in the form of the agreement attached hereto as
\n Schedule B) duly executed by such directors and senior officers
\n in respect of 6,132,565 Stellarton Shares and Stellarton Options.
\n The directors’ circular shall reflect the execution and delivery
\n of such pre-tender agreements and the agreement of the directors
\n and senior officers to tender their Stellarton Shares pursuant to
\n the Offer.<\/p>\n
(d) Stellarton represents that it has obtained oral advice from
\n Waterous Securities Inc. that the consideration to be offered to
\n Stellarton’s shareholders pursuant to the Offer is fair, from a
\n financial point of view, to holders of Stellarton Shares and that
\n such financial advisor will provide a written fairness opinion to
\n such effect on or before the date of the directors circular. The
\n fairness opinion will be attached to or referred to in the
\n directors’ circular referred to in Section 2.2(b).<\/p>\n
2.3 OFFER DOCUMENTS<\/p>\n
(a) A Co. shall file or cause to be filed with the appropriate
\n Securities Authorities an Offer to Purchase and Take-over Bid
\n Circular and the related Letter of Transmittal and Notice of
\n Guaranteed Delivery pursuant to which the Offer will be made
\n (collectively, the “Offer Documents”). The Offer Documents, when
\n filed with Securities Authorities and when mailed to holders of
\n Stellarton Shares, shall contain (or shall be amended in a timely
\n manner to contain) all information which is required to be
\n included therein in accordance with the Act and any applicable
\n Canadian provincial securities laws, United States securities
\n laws, the “blue sky”<\/p>\n
9
\n 14<\/p>\n
or securities laws of the states of the United States and any
\n other applicable law (collectively, the “Securities Laws”) and
\n all Corporate Laws.<\/p>\n
(b) Stellarton agrees to provide such assistance as A Co. or its
\n agents may reasonably request in connection with communicating
\n the Offer and any amendments and supplements thereto to the
\n holders of the Stellarton Shares and to such other persons as are
\n entitled to receive the Offer under Securities Laws, including
\n providing lists and updated or supplemental lists of the
\n shareholders of Stellarton and of the holders of Stellarton
\n Options and other securities convertible into or exchangeable for
\n Stellarton Shares and mailing labels with respect to all such
\n holders of securities as soon as possible after the date of this
\n Agreement but in any event no later than the close of business in
\n Calgary on December 15, 2000 and updates or supplements thereto
\n from time to time as may be requested by A Co.<\/p>\n
2.4 OUTSTANDING STOCK OPTIONS<\/p>\n
(a) Subject to the receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals,
\n persons holding options pursuant to the Stock Option Plan who may
\n do so under Securities Laws and in accordance with the Stock
\n Option Plan (or pursuant to this section 2.4) shall be entitled
\n to exercise all of their options and tender all Stellarton Shares
\n issued in connection therewith under the Offer. The Stellarton
\n board of directors shall not, prior to completion of the Offer,
\n grant additional options pursuant to the Stock Option Plan. It is
\n agreed by A Co. that all Stellarton Options which have been
\n tendered to Stellarton for exercise, conditional on A Co. taking
\n up Stellarton Shares under the Offer (“Conditional Option
\n Exercise”), shall be deemed to have been exercised concurrently
\n with the take-up of Stellarton Shares by A Co. Furthermore, A Co.
\n shall accept as validly tendered under the Offer as of the
\n Take-up Date all Stellarton Shares which are to be issued
\n pursuant to the Conditional Option Exercise, provided that the
\n holders of such options indicate that such shares are tendered
\n pursuant to the Offer and provided that such holder agrees to
\n surrender their remaining unexercised options to Stellarton for
\n cancellation for no consideration effective immediately after the
\n Take-up Date.<\/p>\n
(b) Stellarton and A Co. agree that to the extent holders of
\n Stellarton Options do not exercise their Stellarton Options and
\n tender the Stellarton Shares they receive upon such exercise,
\n Stellarton may agree with all remaining holders of Stellarton
\n Options that, in lieu of such persons exercising their Stellarton
\n Options, Stellarton will pay to such persons the difference
\n between the exercise price of their Stellarton Options and the
\n purchase price for the Stellarton Shares under the Offer
\n immediately after the Expiry Time of the Offer in exchange for
\n the termination of their Stellarton Options and provided that
\n such holder agrees to surrender their remaining unexercised
\n options to Stellarton for cancellation for no consideration
\n effective immediately after the Take-up Date.<\/p>\n
(c) Stellarton and A Co. agree that with respect to holders of
\n Stellarton Options with exercise prices equal to or greater than
\n $5.00 per Stellarton Share (other than any<\/p>\n
10
\n 15<\/p>\n
holder who is a director or officer of Stellarton), Stellarton
\n may, on behalf of A Co., pay such person $0.05 for each
\n Stellarton Option to purchase one (1) Stellarton Share in
\n exchange for the cancellation of such Stellarton Option
\n immediately after the Expiry Time of the Offer, provided that a
\n holder of Stellarton Options receiving payment under this
\n paragraph (c) shall not also be entitled to payment for the same
\n Stellarton Options under paragraph (b) above.<\/p>\n
(d) Stellarton agrees to use its reasonable commercial efforts and
\n represents that its directors have:<\/p>\n
(i) determined to use their respective reasonable commercial
\n efforts to encourage and facilitate all persons holding
\n options to acquire Stellarton shares to either:<\/p>\n
(A) exercise those options and tender all Stellarton
\n Shares issued in connection therewith to the Offer;
\n or<\/p>\n
(B) agree with Stellarton to the payment described in
\n Sections 2.4(b) and (c); or<\/p>\n
(C) terminate their rights to exercise any of those
\n Stellarton Options;<\/p>\n
prior to the Expiry Time of the Offer;<\/p>\n
(ii) authorized and directed Stellarton to cause the vesting of
\n option entitlements under the Stock Option Plan to
\n accelerate prior to or concurrently with the completion of
\n the Offer, such that all outstanding Stellarton Options
\n shall be exercisable and fully vested prior to the Expiry
\n Time of the Offer; and<\/p>\n
(iii) determined to use reasonable commercial efforts to amend
\n the Stock Option Plan or applicable option agreements so
\n as to allow for the payment described in Section 2.4(b).<\/p>\n
ARTICLE III
\n PUBLICITY AND SOLICITATION<\/p>\n
3.1 PUBLICITY<\/p>\n
(a) So long as this Agreement is in effect, each of Parent Co., A Co.
\n and Stellarton shall advise, consult and cooperate with the other
\n party prior to issuing, or permitting any of its directors,
\n officers, employees or agents to issue, any press release or
\n other written public or private statement to the press with
\n respect to this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby
\n or any other matters from the date hereof until the Expiry Time.
\n Parent Co., A Co. and Stellarton shall not issue any such press
\n release or make any such written public or private statement
\n prior to such consultation, except as may be required by
\n applicable law or by<\/p>\n
11
\n 16<\/p>\n
obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with a stock
\n exchange and only after using its reasonable efforts to consult
\n the other party taking into account the time constraints to which
\n it is subject as a result of such law or obligation.<\/p>\n
(b) Stellarton and A Co. agree that a joint press release shall be
\n issued immediately following the execution of this Agreement.<\/p>\n
3.2 SOLICITATION<\/p>\n
Lehman Brothers Canada Inc. has been selected by A Co. to act as dealer
\nmanager (the “Dealer Manager”) in connection with the Offer and solicit
\nacceptances of the Offer. The Dealer Manager will form a soliciting dealer group
\ncomprised of members of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada and of the
\nstock exchanges in Canada and their United States broker dealer affiliates to
\nsolicit acceptances of the Offer.<\/p>\n
ARTICLE IV
\n TRANSACTIONS FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE OFFER<\/p>\n
4.1 SECOND STAGE TRANSACTION<\/p>\n
If A Co. takes up and pays for Stellarton Shares pursuant to the terms
\nof the Offer, and thereby acquires at least the Minimum Required Shares, A Co.
\nagrees to use all commercially reasonable efforts to acquire, and Stellarton
\nagrees to use all commercially reasonable efforts to assist A Co. in acquiring,
\nthe balance of the Stellarton Shares by way of a statutory arrangement,
\namalgamation, merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization or other
\ntype of acquisition transaction or transactions (“Second Stage Transaction”)
\ncarried out for consideration per Stellarton Share which (i) consists of the
\nsame kind or kinds of consideration paid pursuant to the Offer, and (ii) in
\nrespect of each such kind of consideration, is not less than the consideration
\npaid pursuant to the Offer. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent A Co.
\nfrom acquiring, directly or indirectly, additional Stellarton Shares in the open
\nmarket or in privately negotiated transactions, in another take-over bid, tender
\nor exchange offer, or otherwise in accordance with Securities Laws (including by
\nway of compulsory acquisition) following completion of the Offer.<\/p>\n
4.2 INFORMATION CIRCULAR, ETC.<\/p>\n
Without limiting Section 4.1, Stellarton agrees that if A Co. is
\nrequired to effect a Second Stage Transaction which requires approval of
\nStellarton’s shareholders in a meeting of Stellarton’s shareholders, Stellarton
\nshall take all action necessary in accordance with Securities Laws, other
\napplicable Canadian laws, the Stellarton Governing Documents and the
\nrequirements of The Toronto Stock Exchange or any other regulatory authority
\nhaving jurisdiction to duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of
\nits shareholders as promptly as practicable to consider and vote upon the action
\nproposed by A Co. In the event of such a meeting or meetings, Stellarton shall
\nuse all commercially reasonable efforts to mail to its shareholders an
\nInformation Circular with respect to the meeting of Stellarton’s shareholders.
\nThe term “Information Circular” shall mean such proxy or other required
\ninformational statement or circular, as the case may be, and all related
\nmaterials at the time required to be mailed to<\/p>\n
12
\n 17<\/p>\n
Stellarton’s shareholders and all amendments or supplements thereto, if any. A
\nCo. and Stellarton each shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain
\nand furnish the information required to be included in any Information Circular.
\nThe information provided and to be provided by A Co. and Stellarton for use in
\nthe Information Circular, on both the date the Information Circular is first
\nmailed to Stellarton’s shareholders and on the date any such meeting is held,
\nshall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
\nmaterial fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
\ntherein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading
\nand will comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements of
\nlaw. A Co. and Stellarton each agree to correct promptly any such information
\nprovided by it for use in any Information Circular which shall have become false
\nor misleading.<\/p>\n
ARTICLE V
\n REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT CO. AND A CO.<\/p>\n
Parent Co. and A Co. jointly and severally hereby represent and warrant
\nto Stellarton as follows and acknowledge that Stellarton is relying upon these
\nrepresentations and warranties in connection with the entering into of this
\nAgreement:<\/p>\n
5.1 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION<\/p>\n
Each of Parent Co. and A Co. is a corporation duly incorporated and
\norganized and validly existing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of
\nincorporation and has the requisite corporate power and authority to carry on
\nits respective business as it is now being conducted.<\/p>\n
5.2 AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT<\/p>\n
Each of Parent Co. and A Co. have the requisite corporate authority to
\nenter into this Agreement and to carry out its respective obligations hereunder.
\nThe execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation by each of
\nParent Co. and A Co. of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
\nauthorized by each of the Parent Co. and A Co. boards of directors and no other
\ncorporate proceedings on their part are or will be necessary to authorize this
\nAgreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly
\nexecuted and delivered by each of Parent Co. and A Co. and constitutes legal,
\nvalid and binding obligations of each of Parent Co. and A Co. enforceable
\nagainst them in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency,
\nfraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or
\naffecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity.<\/p>\n
5.3 NO VIOLATIONS<\/p>\n
(a) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent
\n Co. and A Co., the consummation by them of the transactions
\n contemplated hereby nor compliance by them with any of the
\n provisions hereof will: (i) violate, conflict with, or result in
\n breach of any provision of, require any consent, approval or
\n notice under, or constitute a default (or an event which, with
\n notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) or
\n result in a right of termination or acceleration under, or result
\n in a creation of any lien, security interest, charge or<\/p>\n
13
\n 18<\/p>\n
encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of Parent Co. or
\n A Co. or any of their subsidiaries under any of the terms,
\n conditions or provisions of (x) the charter or bylaws of Parent
\n Co. or A Co. or (y) any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
\n loan agreement, deed of trust, agreement, lien, contract or other
\n instrument or obligation to which Parent Co. or A Co. or any of
\n their subsidiaries is a party or to which any of them, or any of
\n their respective properties or assets, may be subject or by which
\n Parent Co. or A Co. or any of their subsidiaries is bound; or
\n (ii) subject to compliance with the statutes and regulations
\n referred to in Section 5.3(b), violate any judgment, ruling,
\n order, writ, injunction, determination, award, decree, statute,
\n ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Parent Co. or A Co.
\n or any of their subsidiaries (except, in the case of each of
\n clauses (i) and (ii) above, for such violations, conflicts,
\n breaches, defaults, terminations, accelerations or creations of
\n liens, security interests, charges or encumbrances which, or any
\n consents, approvals or notices which if not given or received,
\n would not have any Material Adverse Effect on the business,
\n operations or financial condition of Parent Co. or A Co. and
\n their respective subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the ability
\n of Parent Co. or A Co. to consummate the transactions
\n contemplated hereby); or (iii) cause the suspension or revocation
\n of any authorization, consent, approval or license currently in
\n effect which would have a Material Adverse Effect on the
\n business, operations and financial condition of Parent Co. or A
\n Co. and their subsidiaries taken as a whole.<\/p>\n
(b) Other than in connection with or in compliance with the
\n provisions of Corporate Laws, Securities Laws the United States
\n Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, state securities or
\n “blue-sky” laws of the states of the United States, as amended
\n and any pre-merger notification statutes, (i) there is no legal
\n impediment to Parent Co.’s or A Co.’s consummation of the
\n transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) no filing or
\n registration with, or authorization, consent or approval of, any
\n domestic or foreign public body or authority is necessary by
\n Parent Co. or A Co. in connection with the making or the
\n consummation of the Offer, except for such filings or
\n registrations which, if not made, or for such authorizations,
\n consents or approvals, which, if not received, would not have a
\n material adverse effect on the ability of Parent Co. or A Co. to
\n consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.<\/p>\n
5.4 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS<\/p>\n
The aggregate cash consideration payable pursuant to the Offer is
\navailable to A Co. so that A Co. is in a position to pay for all Stellarton
\nShares tendered pursuant to the Offer in accordance with the terms of the Offer
\nand to pay all related fees and expenses; and A Co. will provide written
\nconfirmation of its lenders, in a form satisfactory to Stellarton, acting
\nreasonably, dated the date hereof, to such effect.<\/p>\n
14
\n 19<\/p>\n
5.5 KNOWLEDGE<\/p>\n
As of the date hereof, neither Parent Co. nor A Co. has any actual
\nknowledge of any misrepresentation, breach or non-performance by Stellarton of
\nany representation, warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement which would
\nhave or would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on
\nStellarton should the Offer be completed.<\/p>\n
ARTICLE VI
\n REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF STELLARTON<\/p>\n
Stellarton hereby represents and warrants (and, as applicable,
\ncovenants) to Parent Co. and A Co. as follows and acknowledges that Parent Co.
\nand A Co. are relying upon these representations and warranties in connection
\nwith the entering into of this Agreement:<\/p>\n
6.1 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION<\/p>\n
Stellarton is a corporation duly amalgamated and organized and validly
\nexisting under the laws of Alberta and has the requisite corporate power and
\nauthority to own its properties and carry on its business as now owned and being
\nconducted. Stellarton is duly registered to do business and is in good standing
\nin each jurisdiction in which the character of its properties, owned or leased,
\nor the nature of its activities make such registration necessary, except where
\nthe failure to be so registered or in good standing would not have a Material
\nAdverse Effect on Stellarton.<\/p>\n
6.2 AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT<\/p>\n
Stellarton has the requisite corporate authority to enter into this
\nAgreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery
\nof this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
\nhave been duly authorized by Stellarton’s board of directors, and no other
\ncorporate proceedings on the part of Stellarton are necessary to authorize this
\nAgreement (except for obtaining shareholder approval in respect of any Second
\nStage Transaction) and the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has
\nbeen duly executed and delivered by Stellarton and constitutes a legal, valid
\nand binding obligation of Stellarton enforceable against Stellarton in
\naccordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
\ntransfer, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting
\ncreditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity.<\/p>\n
6.3 NO VIOLATIONS<\/p>\n
(a) Except as previously disclosed in the Disclosed Information to
\n either Parent Co. or A Co., neither the execution and delivery of
\n this Agreement by Stellarton, the consummation by it of the
\n transactions contemplated hereby nor compliance by Stellarton
\n with any of the provisions hereof will: (i) violate, conflict
\n with, or result in a breach of any provision of, require any
\n consent, approval or notice under, or constitute a default (or an
\n event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
\n constitute a default) or result in a right of termination or
\n acceleration under, or result in a creation of any lien, security
\n interest, charge or encumbrance<\/p>\n
15
\n 20<\/p>\n
upon any of the properties or assets of Stellarton or any of its
\n subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of
\n (x) the Stellarton Governing Documents or (y) any material note,
\n bond, mortgage, indenture, loan agreement, deed of trust,
\n agreement, lien, contract or other instrument or obligation to
\n which Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to
\n which Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries or any of their
\n respective properties or assets, may be subject or by which
\n Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries is bound, other than a
\n potential breach of the Credit Facility with the National Bank of
\n Canada dated April 12, 1998, as amended by letter agreements
\n dated July 15, 2000, August 4, 2000 and November 6, 2000, and the
\n Fixed and Floating Charge Demand Debenture and Negative Pledge
\n issued by Stellarton to the National Bank of Canada dated October
\n 17, 1996, arising from a change of control and as a result of the
\n necessity for lender consent; (ii) subject to compliance with the
\n statutes and regulations referred to in Section 6.3(b), violate
\n any judgment, ruling, order, writ, injunction, determination,
\n award, decree, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable
\n to Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries (except, in the case of
\n each of clauses (i) and (ii) above, for such violations,
\n conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations which, or any
\n consents, approvals or notices which if not given or received,
\n would not have any Material Adverse Effect on the business,
\n operations or financial condition of Stellarton and its
\n subsidiaries or on the ability of Stellarton to consummate the
\n transactions contemplated hereby); or (iii) cause the suspension
\n or revocation of any authorization, consent, approval or license
\n currently in effect which would have a Material Adverse Effect on
\n the business, operations and financial condition of Stellarton
\n and its subsidiaries take as a whole.<\/p>\n
(b) Other than in connection with or in compliance with the
\n provisions of Corporate Laws, Securities Laws and the rules of
\n The Toronto Stock Exchange, (i) there is no legal impediment to
\n Stellarton’s consummation of the transactions contemplated by
\n this Agreement and (ii) no filing or registration with, or
\n authorization, consent or approval of, any domestic or foreign
\n public body or authority is necessary by Stellarton in connection
\n with the making or the consummation of the Offer, except for such
\n filings or registrations which, if not made, or for such
\n authorizations, consents or approvals, which, if not received,
\n would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the ability of
\n Stellarton to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.<\/p>\n
6.4 CAPITALIZATION<\/p>\n
As of the date hereof, the authorized share capital of Stellarton
\nconsists of an unlimited number of Class A Voting Common Shares, an unlimited
\nnumber of Class B Non-Voting Common Shares, and an unlimited number of Class 1
\nPreferred Shares. As of the date hereof, 22,403,046 Stellarton Shares are issued
\nand outstanding, and no Class B Non-Voting Common Shares or Class 1 Preferred
\nShares are issued and outstanding. As of the date hereof, options to acquire an
\naggregate of 2,010,333 Stellarton Shares have been granted under the Stock
\nOption Plan, details of which, including the number of such options at each
\nexercise price, are as set forth in the Disclosed Information. Except as set
\nforth above there are no options, warrants or other rights, agreements or
\ncommitments of any character whatsoever (contingent or otherwise)<\/p>\n
16
\n 21<\/p>\n
requiring the issuance, sale or transfer by Stellarton of any shares of
\nStellarton (including the Stellarton Shares) or any securities convertible into,
\nor exchangeable or exercisable for, or otherwise evidencing a right to acquire,
\nany shares of Stellarton (including the Stellarton Shares), nor are there any
\noutstanding stock appreciation rights, phantom equity or similar rights,
\nagreements, arrangements or commitments based upon the book value, income or
\nother attribute of Stellarton. All outstanding Stellarton Shares have been duly
\nauthorized and validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and are not
\nsubject to, nor were they issued in violation of, any preemptive rights, and all
\nStellarton Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options in
\naccordance with their respective terms will be duly authorized and validly
\nissued, fully paid and non-assessable and will not be subject to any preemptive
\nrights.<\/p>\n
6.5 NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE<\/p>\n
Except as publicly disclosed, since December 31, 1999, there has not
\nbeen any Material Adverse Change in respect of Stellarton and its subsidiaries
\ntaken as a whole.<\/p>\n
6.6 NO UNDISCLOSED MATERIAL LIABILITIES<\/p>\n
Except (a) as disclosed or reflected in the consolidated audited
\nfinancial statements of Stellarton as at December 31, 1999 and the unaudited
\ninterim financial statements of Stellarton as at September 30, 2000, previously
\ndelivered to Parent Co. or A Co. as part of the Disclosed Information, and (b)
\nfor liabilities and obligations (i) incurred in the ordinary course of business
\nand consistent with past practice or (ii) pursuant to the terms of this
\nAgreement, Stellarton and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, has not incurred
\nany liabilities of any nature, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise (or
\nwhich would be required by generally accepted accounting principles to be
\nreflected on a consolidated balance sheet of Stellarton) that have constituted
\nor would be reasonably likely to constitute a Material Adverse Change.<\/p>\n
6.7 IMPAIRMENT<\/p>\n
Neither the making of the Offer nor the successful completion of the
\nOffer will result in a Material Adverse Change pursuant to or as a result of the
\nprovisions of any agreement or arrangement to which Stellarton is a party.<\/p>\n
6.8 OFFICER OBLIGATIONS<\/p>\n
The Officer Obligations do not exceed an aggregate of $1,260,000 for
\nseverance payable to officers and senior management, an aggregate of $850,000
\npayable to employees for retention bonuses and $950,000 for pro rata performance
\nbonuses payable to officers and employees.<\/p>\n
6.9 BROKERAGE AND OTHER FEES<\/p>\n
Stellarton has not retained nor will it retain any financial advisor,
\nbroker, agent or finder or paid or agreed to pay any financial advisor, broker,
\nagent or finder on account of this Agreement, any transaction contemplated
\nhereby or any transaction presently ongoing or contemplated, except that
\nWaterous Securities Inc. has been retained as Stellarton’s financial advisor in
\nconnection with certain matters including the transactions contemplated hereby.
\nStellarton has delivered or will deliver concurrently with the execution hereof
\nto Parent Co. a<\/p>\n
17
\n 22<\/p>\n
true and complete copy of its agreement with Waterous Securities Inc. Based upon
\nthe terms of the Offer as contemplated as of the date hereof, the aggregate
\npayment payable by Stellarton pursuant to (i) the agreement with Waterous
\nSecurities Inc. and (ii) expenses of independent engineers, legal counsel and
\nother third party service providers shall not exceed $2,000,000 plus applicable
\nGoods and Services Taxes.<\/p>\n
6.10 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS<\/p>\n
Since September 30, 2000, Stellarton has not taken any action that would
\nbe in violation of Section 7.1 if such provision had been in effect since such
\ndate, other than violations which would not have any Material Adverse Effect or
\nwould materially affect Stellarton’s ability to consummate the transactions
\ncontemplated hereby.<\/p>\n
6.11 REPORTS<\/p>\n
(a) Stellarton has heretofore made available to Parent Co. or A Co.
\n true and complete copies of (i) Stellarton’s 2000 Annual
\n Information Form, Stellarton’s Information Circular relating to
\n its 2000 annual and special meeting of shareholders, Stellarton’s
\n 1999 Annual Report to shareholders and unaudited interim
\n financial statements for the periods ended March 31, 2000, June
\n 30, 2000 and September 30, 2000; and (ii) all prospectuses or
\n other offering documents used by Stellarton in the offering of
\n its securities and filed with Securities Authorities since
\n September 16, 1996; and (iii) the audited financial statements of
\n Stellarton dated December 31, 1999. As of their respective dates,
\n such forms, statements, prospectuses and other offering documents
\n (including all exhibits and schedules thereto and documents
\n incorporated by reference therein) did not contain any untrue
\n statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
\n required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
\n therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
\n made, not misleading and complied in all material respects with
\n all applicable requirements of law. The audited financial
\n statements and unaudited interim financial statements of
\n Stellarton publicly issued by Stellarton, previously delivered to
\n Parent Co. or A Co., or included or incorporated by reference in
\n such form, statements, prospectuses and other offering documents
\n were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
\n principles in Canada (except (i) as otherwise indicated in such
\n financial statements and the notes thereto or, in the case of
\n audited statements, in the related report of Stellarton’s
\n independent accountants or (ii) in the case of unaudited interim
\n financial statements, to the extent they may not include
\n footnotes or may be condensed or summary statements), and fairly
\n present the financial position, results of operations and changes
\n in financial position of Stellarton as of the dates thereof and
\n for the periods indicated therein (subject, in the case of any
\n unaudited interim financial statements, to normal year-end audit
\n adjustments).<\/p>\n
(b) Stellarton will deliver to Parent Co. as soon as they become
\n available true and complete copies of any report or statement
\n filed by it with Securities Authorities subsequent to the date
\n hereof. As of their respective dates, such reports and<\/p>\n
18
\n 23<\/p>\n
statements (excluding any information therein provided by Parent
\n Co. or A Co., as to which Stellarton makes no representation)
\n will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
\n to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
\n necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
\n circumstances under which they are made, not misleading and will
\n comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements
\n of law. The financial statements of Stellarton issued by
\n Stellarton or to be included in such reports and statements
\n (excluding any information therein provided by Parent Co. or A
\n Co., as to which Stellarton makes no representation) will be
\n prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
\n principles in Canada (except (i) as otherwise indicated in such
\n financial statements and the notes thereto or, in the case of
\n audited statements, in the related report of Stellarton’s
\n independent accountants or (ii) in the case of unaudited interim
\n financial statements, to the extent they may not include
\n footnotes or may be condensed or summary statements) and will
\n present fairly the financial position, results of operations and
\n changes in financial position of Stellarton as of the dates
\n thereof and for the periods indicated therein (subject, in the
\n case of any unaudited interim financial statements, to normal
\n year-end audit adjustments).<\/p>\n
6.12 SUBSIDIARIES<\/p>\n
Stellarton has no direct or indirect wholly-owned or partially owned
\nsubsidiaries except for the following:<\/p>\n
(a) Stellarton Energy International Corp.;<\/p>\n
(b) Stellarton de Venezuela C.A.; and<\/p>\n
(c) Secure Power Systems Ltd.<\/p>\n
6.13 COMPLIANCE WITH LAW<\/p>\n
Stellarton and each of its subsidiaries has complied with and is in
\ncompliance with all laws and regulations applicable to the operation of its
\nbusiness, except where such non-compliance would not, considered individually or
\nin the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect or would materially affect the
\nability of Stellarton to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.<\/p>\n
6.14 MATERIAL AGREEMENTS<\/p>\n
There are no agreements, permits, licenses, approvals, certificates and
\nother rights and authorizations material to the conduct of Stellarton’s and its
\nsubsidiaries’ business except as contained in the Data Room at the time of the
\nattendance thereat by Parent Co.’s or A Co.’s representatives, and all such
\nagreements, permits, licences, approvals, certificates and other rights and
\nauthorizations are valid and subsisting and neither Stellarton nor its
\nsubsidiaries is in material default under any such agreements, permits,
\nlicences, approvals, certificates and other rights and authorizations.<\/p>\n
19
\n 24<\/p>\n
6.15 INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS<\/p>\n
The interim unaudited financial statements as at and for the nine months
\nended September 30, 2000, a copy of which was provided to Parent Co. or A Co. by
\nStellarton as part of Parent Co.’s or A Co.’s data review process, were prepared
\nin accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada and
\npresent fairly in all material respects, the financial position of Stellarton,
\nthe results of its operations and the changes in its financial position for the
\napplicable period; provided however that such statements are condensed and do
\nnot include notes. Except as disclosed in this Agreement or in such financial
\nstatements, Stellarton and its subsidiaries had no material liabilities (whether
\nactual, accrued or contingent, and whether direct or indirect) at September 30,
\n2000.<\/p>\n
6.16 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS<\/p>\n
Except as disclosed in the Disclosed Information, Stellarton and its
\nsubsidiaries are not party to any written employment or consulting agreement or
\nany verbal employment or consulting agreement with a term of more than thirty
\n(30) days or any written agreement which provides for a payment by Stellarton or
\nits subsidiaries on a change of control of Stellarton or severance of employment
\nand Stellarton and its subsidiaries agree not to amend the terms and conditions
\nof any of the foregoing which were disclosed in the Disclosed Information.<\/p>\n
6.17 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS<\/p>\n
Stellarton does not have any employee benefit plans and has made no
\npromises with respect to increased benefits under such plans, other than: (i)
\nthe Stock Option Plan; and (ii) existing health, dental, vision and short and
\nlong term disability plan of general application, together with the employee
\nsavings and stock purchase plan as disclosed in the Disclosed Information. All
\ncontributions (including premiums) required by law or contract to and including
\nSeptember 30, 2000 to have been paid or accrued, under or with respect to such
\nplans, have been paid or accrued as at that date, as the case may be.<\/p>\n
6.18 UNITED STATES RELATIONSHIPS AND OPERATIONS<\/p>\n
(a) Stellarton does not have actual knowledge that the level of
\n ownership by U.S. holders of Stellarton Shares equals or exceeds
\n 10% of the total of such outstanding class of securities. The
\n term “U.S. holder” means any person whose address appears on the
\n records of Stellarton, any voting or other trustee, any
\n depository, any share transfer agent or any person acting in a
\n similar capacity on behalf of Stellarton, as being located in the
\n United States. None of the securities of Stellarton are
\n registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of the
\n United States.<\/p>\n
(b) Direct sales by Stellarton, if any, into the United States in
\n calendar year 1999 and to date in calendar year 2000 are less
\n than $25 million (U.S.) in the aggregate per period and the
\n assets of Stellarton located in the United States, if any, have
\n an aggregate value less than $10 million (U.S.).<\/p>\n
20
\n 25<\/p>\n
6.19 DATA AND INFORMATION<\/p>\n
To the knowledge of Stellarton, the data and information in respect of
\nStellarton and its subsidiaries and their respective assets, liabilities,
\nbusiness, operations and capital provided by Stellarton to Parent Co. or A Co.
\nwas and is accurate and correct in all material respects, taken as a whole, as
\nat the respective dates thereof and, taken as a whole, did not and does not now
\nomit any data or information necessary to make any data or information provided
\nnot misleading in any material respects as at the respective dates thereof.
\nStellarton agrees to preserve information contained in the Data Room (without
\nany amendment or changes to such information), with such information to be
\nmaintained by Stellarton, and reasonable access shall be provided to Parent Co.
\nor A Co. upon reasonable request for purposes of identifying the information
\nrelating to the index of information and to facilitate efforts under Section
\n7.3.<\/p>\n
6.20 ENGINEERING REPORT<\/p>\n
Stellarton has provided to Gilbert Lausten Jung Associates Ltd. (“GLJ”),
\nindependent geological and petroleum engineering consultants, all material
\ninformation concerning land descriptions and well data respecting the principal
\noil and gas assets of Stellarton at September 1, 2000 in respect of the
\nevaluation report dated September 1, 2000 and, in particular, all material
\ninformation respecting Stellarton’s interests in its principal oil and gas
\nassets and the royalty burdens and net profits interest burdens thereon and
\nStellarton is not aware of any information not provided to GLJ that would have a
\nmaterial adverse impact on the evaluation report, taken as a whole.<\/p>\n
6.21 BOOKS AND RECORDS<\/p>\n
The corporate records and minute books of Stellarton have been
\nmaintained in accordance with all applicable statutory requirements and are
\ncomplete and accurate in all material respects.<\/p>\n
6.22 LITIGATION, ETC.<\/p>\n
Except as disclosed in writing to Parent Co. or A Co. or made available
\nin the Data Room prior to the date hereof, there are no actions, suits or
\nproceedings pending, or to the knowledge of Stellarton threatened, affecting
\nStellarton or any of its subsidiaries before or by any federal, provincial,
\nstate, local, foreign, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
\nboard, bureau, agency, court or instrumentality, which action, suit or
\nproceeding involves a possibility of any judgment against or liability of
\nStellarton or any of its subsidiaries or other person which, if successful,
\nwould have a Material Adverse Effect, or materially adversely affect the ability
\nof Stellarton to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.<\/p>\n
6.23 ENVIRONMENTAL<\/p>\n
Except as disclosed in the information contained in the Data Room;<\/p>\n
(a) Stellarton is not aware of, and has not received:<\/p>\n
21
\n 26<\/p>\n
(i) any order or directive which relates to environmental
\n matters and which requires any material work, repairs,
\n construction, or capital expenditures; or<\/p>\n
(ii) any demand or notice with respect to the material breach
\n of any environmental, health or safety law applicable to
\n Stellarton and its subsidiaries or any of their respective
\n business undertakings, including, without limitation, any
\n regulations respecting the use, storage, treatment,
\n transportation, or disposition of environmental
\n contaminants.<\/p>\n
(b) Stellarton has not received notice of and is not aware of any
\n material environmental liabilities related to its assets, other
\n than obligations in the ordinary course of business to abandon
\n wells when they have ceased to be productive, remove production
\n equipment when they are no longer being used and restore and
\n reclaim the surface sites thereof;<\/p>\n
(c) all material environmental and health and safety permits,
\n licenses, approvals, consents, certificates and other
\n authorizations of any kind or nature (“Environmental Permits”)
\n necessary for the ownership, operation, development, maintenance,
\n or use of any of the assets have been obtained and maintained in
\n effect;<\/p>\n
(d) Stellarton, its assets and the ownership, operation, development,
\n maintenance and use thereof are in material compliance with all
\n environmental laws and with all terms and conditions of all
\n Environmental Permits; and<\/p>\n
(e) all known spills or similar incidents pertaining to or affecting
\n the business or the assets of Stellarton have been reported to
\n the appropriate governmental entity to the extent required by
\n environmental laws.<\/p>\n
For purposes of this section 6.23, Stellarton provides each of the
\nrepresentations and warranties to its knowledge, without inquiry, with respect
\nto those operations and assets which it does not operate.<\/p>\n
6.24 TAX MATTERS<\/p>\n
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall
\n apply:<\/p>\n
(i) The term “Taxes” shall mean all taxes, however
\n denominated, including any interest, penalties or other
\n additions that may become payable in respect thereof,
\n imposed by any federal, provincial, state, local or
\n foreign government or any agency or political subdivision
\n of any such government, which taxes shall include, without
\n limiting the generality of the foregoing, all income or
\n profits taxes (including, but not limited to, federal
\n income taxes and provincial income taxes), capital,
\n payroll and employee withholding taxes, labour taxes,
\n unemployment insurance, social insurance taxes, sales and
\n use taxes, ad valorem taxes, value added taxes, excise
\n taxes, franchise taxes, gross receipts taxes, business
\n license<\/p>\n
22
\n 27<\/p>\n
taxes, occupation taxes, real and personal property taxes,
\n stamp taxes, environmental taxes, transfer taxes, workers’
\n compensation and other governmental charges, and other
\n obligations of the same or of a similar nature to any of
\n the foregoing, which Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries
\n is required to pay, withhold or collect.<\/p>\n
(ii) The term “Returns” shall mean all reports, estimates,
\n declarations of estimated tax, information statements and
\n returns relating to, or required to be filed in connection
\n with, any Taxes.<\/p>\n
(b) All Returns required to be filed by or on behalf of Stellarton or
\n any or its subsidiaries have been duly filed on a timely basis
\n (excepting thereout a Return for the year ended 1999 for the
\n Sultanate of Oman, which Return will reflect Taxes payable of no
\n more than $50,000) and such Returns are true, complete and
\n correct in all material respects. All Taxes shown to be payable
\n on the Returns or on subsequent assessments with respect thereto
\n have been paid in full on a timely basis, and no other Taxes are
\n payable by Stellarton or any subsidiaries with respect to items
\n or periods covered by such Returns.<\/p>\n
(c) Stellarton and each of its subsidiaries has paid or provided
\n adequate accruals in its financial statements for the year ended
\n dated December 31, 1999 for Taxes, including income taxes, labour
\n taxes and related future taxes, in conformity with generally
\n accepted accounting principles applicable in Canada.<\/p>\n
(d) For all periods covered by the filed tax returns disclosed in the
\n Disclosed Information, Parent Co. or A Co. has been furnished by
\n Stellarton true and complete copies of (i) relevant portions of
\n income tax audit reports, statements of deficiencies, closing or
\n other agreements received by Stellarton or on behalf of
\n Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries relating to Taxes, and (ii)
\n all federal, provincial, state, local or foreign income or
\n franchise tax returns for Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries.<\/p>\n
(e) No material deficiencies exist or have been asserted with respect
\n to Taxes of Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries. Neither
\n Stellarton nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any action
\n or proceeding for assessment or collection of Taxes, nor has such
\n event been asserted or threatened against Stellarton or any of
\n its subsidiaries or any of their respective assets. No waiver or
\n extension of any statute of limitations is in effect with respect
\n to Taxes or Returns of Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries.
\n Except as disclosed in the Disclosed Information, the Returns of
\n Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries have not been audited by a
\n government or taxing authority within the last three (3) years,
\n nor is any such audit in process, pending or threatened.<\/p>\n
(f) Stellarton has provided adequate accruals in its financial
\n statements for the year ended December 31, 1999 (or, in either
\n case, such amounts are fully funded) for all employee benefit
\n obligations of Stellarton arising under or relating to each of
\n the pension or retirement income plans or other employee benefit
\n plans or<\/p>\n
23
\n 28<\/p>\n
agreements or policies maintained by or binding on Stellarton or
\n any of its subsidiaries.<\/p>\n
6.25 REPORTING ISSUER STATUS<\/p>\n
Stellarton is a “reporting issuer” in material compliance with all
\napplicable securities laws of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and
\nQuebec.<\/p>\n
6.26 DEBT AND WORKING CAPITAL<\/p>\n
As at November 30, 2000, Stellarton’s consolidated debt (other than
\ntrade debt) does not exceed $17,000,000 and, as at September 30, 2000, its
\nworking capital deficiency is not greater than $3,400,000.<\/p>\n
6.27 CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS<\/p>\n
All agreements entered into by Stellarton with persons other than Parent
\nCo. or A Co. regarding the confidentiality of information provided to such
\npersons or reviewed by such persons in the Data Room are in substantially the
\nform of the Parent Co. Confidentiality Agreement. Stellarton has not negotiated
\nany Take-over Proposal with any person who has not entered into such a
\nconfidentiality agreement or provided access to the Data Room to any person who
\nhas not entered into such a confidentiality agreement. Stellarton agrees to
\nfully enforce all such confidentiality agreements and Stellarton, subject to
\nthis Agreement, will not amend, modify or provide any consents under such
\nconfidentiality agreements or provide any release from, or relaxation of, the
\nobligations under such confidentiality agreements to any of the parties thereto.<\/p>\n
6.28 INSURANCE<\/p>\n
Policies of insurance in force as of the date hereof naming Stellarton
\nas an insured adequately cover all risks reasonably and prudently foreseeable in
\nthe operation and conduct of the business of Stellarton and its subsidiaries.
\nAll such policies of insurance shall remain in force and effect and shall not be
\ncanceled or otherwise terminated as a result of the transactions contemplated
\nhereby or by the Offer.<\/p>\n
6.29 SECURE OIL TOOLS LTD.<\/p>\n
All holdback amounts due and receivable pursuant to the sale of Secure
\nOil Tools Ltd. have been received.<\/p>\n
ARTICLE VII
\n CONDUCT OF BUSINESS<\/p>\n
7.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY STELLARTON<\/p>\n
Stellarton covenants and agrees that, during the period from the date of
\nthis Agreement until the earlier of either: (i) the Effective Time; or (ii) this
\nAgreement is terminated by its terms,<\/p>\n
24
\n 29<\/p>\n
unless A Co. shall otherwise agree in writing, except as required by law or as
\notherwise expressly permitted or specifically contemplated by this Agreement:<\/p>\n
(a) the business of Stellarton and its subsidiaries shall be
\n conducted only in, and Stellarton shall not take and Stellarton
\n shall cause its subsidiaries not to take any action except in the
\n usual and ordinary course of business and consistent with past
\n practice, and Stellarton shall use and shall cause its
\n subsidiaries to use all commercially reasonable efforts to
\n maintain and preserve its applicable business organization,
\n assets, employees and advantageous business relationships;<\/p>\n
(b) Stellarton shall not directly or indirectly do or permit to occur
\n any of the following: (i) amend the Stellarton Governing
\n Documents; (ii) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other
\n distribution or payment (whether in cash, shares or property) in
\n respect of its shares owned by any person; (iii) issue, grant,
\n sell or pledge or agree to issue, grant, sell or pledge any
\n shares of Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries, or securities
\n convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for, or otherwise
\n evidencing a right to acquire, shares of Stellarton or any of its
\n subsidiaries, other than Stellarton Shares issuable pursuant to
\n the terms of the Stellarton Options; (iv) redeem, purchase or
\n otherwise acquire any of its outstanding shares or other
\n securities including, without limitation, under a normal course
\n issuer bid; (v) split, combine or reclassify any of its shares;
\n (vi) adopt a plan of liquidation or resolutions providing for the
\n liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation or reorganization
\n of Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries; (vii) reduce the stated
\n capital of Stellarton or any of its subsidiaries, or (viii) enter
\n into or modify any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement
\n with respect to any of the foregoing, except as permitted above;<\/p>\n
(c) Since September 30, 2000, neither Stellarton nor any of its
\n subsidiaries has, other than as disclosed, and shall not, without
\n prior consultation with and the consent of A Co., such consent
\n not to be unreasonably withheld, directly or indirectly do any of
\n the following: (i) sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber any
\n assets having an individual value in excess of $250,000
\n (excepting thereout Stellarton’s interest in Secure Power Systems
\n Ltd., it being acknowledged that Stellarton shall consult with A
\n Co. with respect to the treatment of such interest, but A Co.’s
\n consent to the treatment is not required); (ii) acquire (by
\n merger, amalgamation, consolidation or acquisition of shares or
\n assets) any corporation, partnership or other business
\n organization or division thereof, or make any investment either
\n by purchase of shares or securities, contributions of capital or
\n property transfer; (iii) acquire any assets with an acquisition
\n cost which would exceed (A) $250,000 individually or (B) $750,000
\n in the aggregate, with the exception of purchases at crown lease
\n sales and freehold lease acquisitions where A Co. has been
\n consulted with prior to such acquisition; (iv) incur any
\n indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of existing facilities,
\n or any other material liability or obligation or issue any debt
\n securities or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an
\n accommodation become responsible for, the obligations of any
\n other individual or entity, or make any loans or advances, other
\n than the Officer Obligations and fees payable to legal advisors
\n in the ordinary course and fees payable to legal and<\/p>\n
25
\n 30<\/p>\n
financial advisors in respect of the Offer; (v) authorize,
\n recommend or propose any release or relinquishment of any
\n material contract right; (vi) waive, release, grant or transfer
\n any material rights of value or modify or change in any material
\n respect any existing material license, lease, contract,
\n production sharing agreement, government land concession or other
\n material document; (vii) enter into or terminate any hedges,
\n swaps or other financial instruments or like transactions; (viii)
\n enter into any agreements with directors or officers of
\n Stellarton or their respective affiliates; (x) enter into
\n commitments of a capital expenditure nature or incur any
\n contingent liability other than in accordance with ordinary
\n course expenditures, including AFE’s approved prior to the date
\n hereof and the drilling of individual wells with a cost of up to
\n $500,000 each, having an aggregate cost of up to $10,000,000
\n except: (A) as may be necessary for the maintenance of existing
\n facilities, machinery and equipment in good operating condition
\n and repair in the ordinary course of business; or (B) as may be
\n required by law; or (x) authorize or propose any of the
\n foregoing, or enter into or modify any contract, agreement,
\n commitment or arrangement to do any of the foregoing;<\/p>\n
(d) Stellarton shall not create any new Officer Obligations and,
\n except for payment of the existing Officer Obligations (from
\n which Stellarton shall make appropriate withholdings as required
\n by applicable tax laws), Stellarton shall not grant to any
\n officer or director an increase in compensation in any form,
\n grant any general salary increase other than in accordance with
\n the requirements of any existing collective bargaining or union
\n contracts, grant to any other employee any increase in
\n compensation in any form other than routine increases in the
\n ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, make
\n any loan to any officer or director, or take any action with
\n respect to the grant of any severance or termination pay arising
\n from the Offer or a change of control of Stellarton or the
\n entering into of any employment agreement with, any senior
\n officer or director, or with respect to any increase of benefits
\n payable under its current severance or termination pay policies;<\/p>\n
(e) Stellarton shall use its reasonable commercial efforts to cause
\n the current insurance (or re-insurance) policies of Stellarton,
\n taken as a whole, not to be cancelled or terminated or any of the
\n coverage thereunder to lapse, unless simultaneously with such
\n termination, cancellation or lapse, replacement policies
\n underwritten by insurance and re-insurance companies of
\n nationally recognized standing providing coverage equal to or
\n greater than the coverage under the cancelled, terminated or
\n lapsed policies for substantially similar premiums are in full
\n force and effect;<\/p>\n
(f) Stellarton shall and shall cause each of its subsidiaries to not
\n take any action that would render, or that reasonably may be
\n expected to render, any representation or warranty made by it in
\n this Agreement untrue in any material respect;<\/p>\n
(g) neither Stellarton nor any of its subsidiaries shall adopt or
\n amend or make any contribution to any bonus, profit sharing,
\n option, deferred compensation, insurance, incentive compensation,
\n other compensation or other similar plan,<\/p>\n
26
\n 31<\/p>\n
agreement, trust, fund or arrangements for the benefit of
\n employees, except as is necessary to comply with the law or with
\n respect to existing provisions of any such plans, programs,
\n arrangements or agreements; and<\/p>\n
(h) Stellarton shall and shall cause each of its subsidiaries to
\n comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and
\n material contracts.<\/p>\n
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Stellarton may, prior to the Expiry Time,
\nenter into a transaction contemplating the sale, transfer or other treatment of
\nStellarton’s interest in Secure Power Systems Ltd., provided that any proceeds
\nfrom such sale will be retained by Stellarton.<\/p>\n
7.2 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY PARENT CO. AND A CO.<\/p>\n
Parent Co. and A Co. each covenant and agree that, during the period
\nfrom the date of this Agreement until this Agreement is terminated in accordance
\nwith its terms, unless Stellarton shall otherwise agree in writing, except as
\nrequired by law or as otherwise expressly permitted or specifically contemplated
\nby this Agreement:<\/p>\n
(a) each of Parent Co. and A Co. and their respective subsidiaries
\n will not take any actions which would or might be reasonably
\n expected to materially impede or otherwise frustrate the
\n completion of the Offer; and<\/p>\n
(b) each of Parent Co. and A Co. shall and shall cause each of its
\n respective subsidiaries to not take any action that would render,
\n or that reasonably may be expected to render, any representation
\n or warranty made by it in this Agreement untrue in any material
\n respect.<\/p>\n
7.3 INTEGRATION OF OPERATIONS<\/p>\n
From and after the mailing of the Offer, A Co. and its representatives
\nwill be permitted reasonable access to Stellarton’s premises, field operations,
\nrecords, computer systems, properties, books, contracts, records management
\npersonnel and employees to permit A Co. to be in a position to expeditiously and
\nefficiently integrate the business and operations of Stellarton with that of A
\nCo. immediately upon but not prior to, the Effective Time without causing any
\nunreasonable disruptions to Stellarton’s business or operations prior to the
\nEffective Time.<\/p>\n
7.4 MARKET PURCHASES<\/p>\n
Stellarton agrees that A Co., notwithstanding anything to the contrary
\ncontained in the Parent Co. Confidentiality Agreement, after the date hereof may
\npurchase Stellarton Shares in the market or otherwise, provided that such
\npurchases are made in compliance with the provisions of Securities Laws and
\nprovided that any Stellarton Shares so acquired shall be included in determining
\nwhether the Minimum Condition has been satisfied.<\/p>\n
27
\n 32<\/p>\n
ARTICLE VIII
\n COVENANTS OF STELLARTON<\/p>\n
8.1 NOTICE OF MATERIAL CHANGE<\/p>\n
From the date hereof until the termination of this Agreement, Stellarton
\nshall promptly notify Parent Co. in writing of:<\/p>\n
(a) any material change (actual, anticipated, contemplated or, to the
\n knowledge of Stellarton, threatened, financial or otherwise) in
\n the business, affairs, operations, assets, liabilities
\n (contingent or otherwise) or capital of Stellarton or any of its
\n subsidiaries;<\/p>\n
(b) any change in the facts relating to any representation or
\n warranty set forth in Article 6 which change is or may be of such
\n a nature as to render any such representation or warranty
\n misleading or untrue in a material respect; or<\/p>\n
(c) any material fact which arises and which would have been required
\n to be stated herein had the fact arisen on or prior to the date
\n of this Agreement.<\/p>\n
Stellarton shall in good faith discuss with A Co. any change in
\ncircumstances (actual, anticipated, contemplated or, to the knowledge of
\nStellarton, threatened, financial or otherwise) which is of such a nature that
\nthere may be a reasonable question as to whether notice need to be given to A
\nCo. pursuant to this section.<\/p>\n
8.2 NON-COMPLETION FEE<\/p>\n
If at any time after the execution of this Agreement:<\/p>\n
(a) the board of directors of Stellarton has withdrawn or, in any
\n manner adverse to A Co., redefined, modified or changed any of
\n its recommendations or determinations referred to in Section
\n 2.2(a) prior to the Expiry Time of the Offer, or shall have
\n resolved to do so;<\/p>\n
(b) any bona fide Take-over Proposal for the Stellarton Shares is
\n publicly announced or commenced, and the board of directors of
\n Stellarton shall have failed to publicly reaffirm and maintain
\n its recommendation of the Offer to Stellarton’s shareholders
\n within 5 days after the commencement of any such Take-over
\n Proposal;<\/p>\n
(c) the board of directors of Stellarton shall have recommended that
\n Stellarton’s shareholders deposit their Stellarton Shares under,
\n vote in favour of, or otherwise accept, a Take-over Proposal;<\/p>\n
(d) Stellarton shall have entered into any contractual agreement with
\n any person with respect to a Take-over Proposal prior to the
\n Expiry Time of the Offer, excluding a confidentiality agreement
\n entered into in compliance with Section 8.3; or<\/p>\n
28
\n 33<\/p>\n
(e) another Take-over Proposal is publicly announced, proposed,
\n offered or made to all or substantially all holders of Stellarton
\n Shares or to Stellarton prior to the Expiry Time, the Offer has
\n expired and has not been consummated by reason of the Minimum
\n Condition not having been satisfied, and before or within six
\n months of the Expiry Time of the Offer, the Take-over Proposal
\n (as originally proposed or as amended) or any other Take-over
\n Proposal is completed.<\/p>\n
Stellarton shall forthwith upon the occurrence of any such event and in any
\nevent within two Business Days pay to A Co. the amount of $4,500,000.<\/p>\n
Any payment pursuant to Section 8.2 shall be without prejudice to the
\nrights or remedies available to A Co. upon the breach of any provision of this
\nAgreement.<\/p>\n
8.3 NO SOLICITATION<\/p>\n
Stellarton shall immediately cease and cause to be terminated any
\nexisting solicitation, initiation, encouragement, activity, discussion,
\nnegotiation or other procedures with any parties conducted heretofore by
\nStellarton, or its officers, directors, employees, financial advisors, legal
\ncounsel, representatives and agents (“Representatives”) with respect to a
\nTake-over Proposal (as defined herein) whether or not initiated by Stellarton
\nand in connection therewith, Stellarton shall not release any third party from
\nany confidentiality or standstill agreement to which Stellarton and such third
\nparty is a party or amend any of the foregoing and shall exercise all rights to
\nrequire the return of information regarding Stellarton previously provided to
\nsuch parties and shall exercise all rights to require the destruction of all
\nmaterials including or incorporating any information regarding Stellarton. From
\nand after the date hereof, Stellarton will not, and will not authorize or permit
\nany of their Representatives to, directly or indirectly, solicit, initiate or
\nencourage (including by way of furnishing information) or participate in or take
\nany other action to facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal which
\nconstitutes or may reasonably be expected to lead to a Take-over Proposal from
\nany person, or engage in any discussion, negotiations or inquiries relating
\nthereto or accept any Take-over Proposal; provided, however, that Stellarton
\nmay: (i) engage in discussions or negotiations with a third party who (without
\nany solicitation, initiation or encouragement, directly or indirectly, by
\nStellarton, or the Representatives after the date hereof) seeks to initiate such
\ndiscussions or negotiations and may furnish such third party information
\nconcerning Stellarton and its business, properties and assets which has
\npreviously been provided to Parent Co. or A Co. if, and only to the extent that:
\n(A) the third party has first made a bona fide written Take-over Proposal that
\nis financially superior to the Offer and has demonstrated that such proposal
\nconstitutes a commercially feasible transaction which could be carried out
\nwithin a time frame that is reasonable in the circumstances and that the funds
\nor other consideration necessary for the Take-over Proposal are available (as
\ndetermined in good faith in each case by Stellarton’s board of directors after
\nreceiving the advice of its financial advisors) (a “Superior Proposal”) and
\nStellarton’s board of directors has concluded in good faith, after considering
\napplicable law and receiving the advice of legal counsel that such action is
\nrequired by the Stellarton board of directors to comply with fiduciary duties
\nunder applicable law; (B) prior to furnishing such information to or entering
\ninto discussions or negotiations with such person or entity, Stellarton provides
\nimmediate notice orally and in writing to A Co. specifying that it is furnishing
\ninformation to or entering into discussions or negotiations with such person or
\nentity in respect to a Superior Proposal, receives<\/p>\n
29
\n 34<\/p>\n
from such person or entity an executed confidentiality agreement having
\nconfidentiality and standstill terms substantially similar to those contained in
\nthe Parent Co. Confidentiality Agreement, and provides A Co. with a copy of such
\nSuperior Proposal and any amendments thereto excepting thereout the name of the
\nparty making the Superior Proposal and confirming in writing the determination
\nof Stellarton’s board that the Take-over Proposal if completed would constitute
\na Superior Proposal; (C) Stellarton provides immediate notice to A Co. at such
\ntime as it or such person or entity terminates any such discussions or
\nnegotiations; and (D) Stellarton immediately provides to A Co. any information
\nprovided to any such person or entity whether or not previously made available
\nto A Co.; (ii) comply with Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange
\nAct with regard to a tender or exchange offer, if applicable, and similar rules
\nunder applicable Canadian securities laws relating to the provision of
\ndirectors’ circulars, and make appropriate disclosure with respect thereto to
\nStellarton’s shareholders; and (iii) accept, recommend, approve or implement a
\nSuperior Proposal from a third party, but only (in the case of this clause
\n(iii)) if prior to such acceptance, recommendation, approval or implementation,
\nStellarton’s board of directors shall have concluded in good faith, after
\nconsidering provisions of applicable law and after giving effect to all
\nproposals to adjust the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Offer
\nwhich may be offered by A Co. during the three Business Days notice period set
\nforth below and after receiving the advice of legal counsel, and Stellarton
\nterminates this Agreement in accordance with Sections 8.2 and 11.1(g).
\nStellarton shall give A Co. orally and in writing at least three Business Days
\nadvance notice of any decision by the Board of Stellarton to accept, recommend,
\napprove or implement a Superior Proposal which notice shall identify the party
\nmaking the Superior Proposal and shall provide a true and complete copy thereof
\nand any amendments thereto. In addition Stellarton shall, and shall cause its
\nrespective financial and legal advisors to, negotiate in good faith with A Co.
\nto make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the
\nOffer as would enable Stellarton to proceed with the Offer as amended rather
\nthan the Superior Proposal. In the event A Co. proposes to amend this Agreement
\nand the Offer to provide substantially equivalent or superior value to that
\nprovided under the Superior Proposal within the three Business Days time period
\nspecified above, then Stellarton shall not enter into any agreement regarding
\nthe Superior Proposal.<\/p>\n
8.4 STELLARTON BOARD OF DIRECTORS<\/p>\n
As soon as reasonably practicable following the acquisition by A Co. of
\nmore than 50% of the outstanding Stellarton Shares pursuant to the Offer, the
\nboard of directors of Stellarton shall be immediately reconstituted through
\nresignations of all existing Stellarton directors and the appointment of A Co.
\nnominees in their stead. Stellarton shall, in accordance with the foregoing and
\nsubject to the provisions of the Act, assist A Co. to secure the resignations of
\nall Stellarton directors to be effective at such time as may be required by A
\nCo. and to use its best efforts to cause the election or appointment of the A
\nCo. nominees to fill the vacancies so created in order to effect the foregoing
\nwithout the necessity of a shareholder meeting.<\/p>\n
8.5 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES<\/p>\n
Stellarton covenants and agrees that at all times when the Offer is
\noutstanding, Stellarton shall not take any action, or fail to take any action,
\nwhich would or could result in the representations and warranties set out in
\nArticle VI being untrue in any material respect, and<\/p>\n
30
\n 35<\/p>\n
Stellarton will provide a certificate of an officer as to the status of the
\nrepresentations and warranties set out in Article VI on the Take-up Date.<\/p>\n
8.6 STRUCTURE OF TRANSACTION<\/p>\n
Stellarton shall use reasonable commercial efforts in cooperating with A
\nCo. in structuring the acquisition by A Co. of Stellarton in a tax efficient
\nmanner, provided that no such cooperation shall be required where such
\nstructuring shall have a material adverse effect on the business, operations or
\nfinancial condition of Stellarton or cause any breach of or default under this
\nAgreement by Stellarton.<\/p>\n
ARTICLE IX
\n COVENANTS OF PARENT CO. AND A CO.<\/p>\n
9.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES<\/p>\n
Parent Co. and A Co. covenant and agree that at all times when the Offer
\nis outstanding, neither Parent Co. nor A Co. shall take any action, or fail to
\ntake any action, which would or could result in the representations and
\nwarranties set out in Article V being untrue in any material respect.<\/p>\n
9.2 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS<\/p>\n
Parent Co. and A Co. covenant and agree, and after the Effective Time
\nwill cause Stellarton and any successor to Stellarton to agree, to honour and
\ncomply with the terms of those existing executive employment agreements,
\ntermination, severance and retention agreements, plans or policies of Stellarton
\nwhich Stellarton has disclosed to Parent Co. or A Co. in writing prior to the
\ndate hereof.<\/p>\n
9.3 INDEMNITIES<\/p>\n
Parent Co. and A Co. agree that if A Co. acquires the Stellarton Shares
\nunder the Offer they shall cause Stellarton to fulfill its obligations pursuant
\nto indemnities provided or available to past and present officers and directors
\nof Stellarton pursuant to the provisions of the articles, by-laws or similar
\nconstating documents of Stellarton, applicable corporate legislation and any
\nwritten indemnity agreements between any of Stellarton and its past and current
\nofficers and directors.<\/p>\n
9.4 OTHER COVENANTS<\/p>\n
Parent Co. and A Co. covenant and agree that, from and including the
\ndate hereof until the termination of this Agreement, unless Stellarton agrees
\notherwise in writing:<\/p>\n
(a) each of Parent Co. and A Co. shall use its best efforts to
\n consummate the Offer, subject only to the terms and conditions
\n hereof and thereof; and<\/p>\n
31
\n 36<\/p>\n
(b) each of Parent Co. and A Co. shall use its best efforts to obtain
\n all of the regulatory approvals, waivers and consents set out in
\n paragraphs (b) and (c) of Schedule A.<\/p>\n
ARTICLE X
\n MUTUAL COVENANTS<\/p>\n
10.1 OTHER FILINGS<\/p>\n
A Co. and Stellarton shall, as promptly as practicable hereafter,
\nprepare and file any filings required under any Securities Law, the rules of The
\nToronto Stock Exchange, the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
\namended, state securities or “blue-sky” laws of the states of the United States,
\nas amended, or any other applicable law relating to the transactions
\ncontemplated herein.<\/p>\n
10.2 ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS<\/p>\n
Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided and to fiduciary
\nobligations under applicable law as advised by counsel, each of the parties
\nhereto agrees to use all commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be
\ntaken, all action and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper
\nor advisable to consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the
\ntransactions contemplated by this Agreement and to cooperate with each other in
\nconnection with the foregoing, including using commercially reasonable efforts
\n(i) to obtain all necessary waivers, consents and approvals from other parties
\nto material agreements, leases and other contracts or agreements (including,
\nwithout limitation, the agreement of any persons as may be required pursuant to
\nany agreement, arrangement or understanding relating to Stellarton’s
\noperations), (ii) to obtain all necessary consents, approvals and authorizations
\nas are required to be obtained under any federal, provincial or foreign law or
\nregulations, (iii) to defend all lawsuits or other legal proceedings challenging
\nthis Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (iv)
\nto cause to be lifted or rescinded any injunction or restraining order or other
\norder adversely affecting the ability of the parties to consummate the
\ntransactions contemplated hereby, (v) to effect all necessary registrations and
\nother filings and submissions of information requested by governmental
\nauthorities, and (vi) to fulfill all conditions and satisfy all provisions of
\nthis Agreement and the Offer. For purposes of the foregoing, the obligation to
\nuse “commercially reasonable efforts” to obtain waivers, consents and approvals
\nto loan agreements, leases and other contracts shall not include any obligation
\nto agree to a materially adverse modification of the terms of such documents or
\nto prepay or incur additional material obligations to such other parties.<\/p>\n
32
\n 37<\/p>\n
ARTICLE XI
\n TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER<\/p>\n
11.1 TERMINATION<\/p>\n
This Agreement, other than any obligations heretofore accrued, may be
\nterminated by written notice promptly given to the other party hereto, at any
\ntime prior to the time A Co. first takes up and pays for Stellarton Shares:<\/p>\n
(a) by mutual agreement by A Co. and Stellarton; or<\/p>\n
(b) by either A Co. or Stellarton if a court of competent
\n jurisdiction or a governmental, regulatory or administrative
\n agency or commission shall have issued an order, decree or ruling
\n or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or
\n otherwise prohibiting any of the transactions contemplated by
\n this Agreement and such order, decree, ruling or other action
\n shall have become final; or<\/p>\n
(c) by Stellarton, if A Co. has not mailed the Offer Documents to
\n Stellarton’s Shareholders on or before 11:59 p.m. (Calgary time)
\n on December 22, 2000; or<\/p>\n
(d) by A Co., if the conditions to the Offer set forth in Schedule
\n “A” have not been satisfied or waived by A Co. on or before the
\n Expiry Time; or<\/p>\n
(e) by either A Co. or Stellarton, if A Co. has not taken up and paid
\n for the Stellarton Shares deposited under the Offer on or before
\n the date which is 60 days following the day of mailing of the
\n Offer Documents; or<\/p>\n
(f) by A Co. or Stellarton, if the Offer terminates or expires at the
\n Expiry Time without A Co. taking up and paying for any of the
\n Stellarton Shares as a result of the failure of any condition to
\n the Offer to be satisfied or waived, unless the absence of such
\n occurrence shall be due to the failure of the party seeking to
\n terminate this Agreement to perform the obligations under this
\n Agreement required to be performed by it; or<\/p>\n
(g) by A Co. or Stellarton, if the fee referred to in Section 8.2
\n becomes payable and payment is made to A Co.; or<\/p>\n
(h) by either A Co. or Stellarton, if there has been a breach or
\n non-performance by the other party of any representation,
\n warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement which would have
\n or would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect
\n on the party seeking to terminate, provided the breaching party
\n has been given notice of and three days to cure any such
\n misrepresentation, breach or non-performance, other than in
\n respect of Section 8.2 and Section 8.3.<\/p>\n
33
\n 38<\/p>\n
11.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION<\/p>\n
In the event of the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section
\n11.1, this Agreement shall forthwith have no further force or effect and there
\nshall be no obligation on the part of A Co. or Stellarton hereunder except as
\nset forth in Section 8.2 and Section 12.5 and this Section 11.2, which
\nprovisions shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Nothing herein shall
\nrelieve any party from liability for any breach of this Agreement.<\/p>\n
11.3 AMENDMENT<\/p>\n
This Agreement may be amended by mutual agreement between the parties
\nhereto. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing
\nsigned by the appropriate officers on behalf of each of the parties hereto.<\/p>\n
11.4 WAIVER<\/p>\n
A Co., on the one hand, and Stellarton, on the other hand, may (i)
\nextend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of
\nthe other, (ii) waive compliance with any of the other’s agreements or the
\nfulfillment of any conditions to its own obligations contained herein or (iii)
\nwaive inaccuracies in any of the other’s representations or warranties contained
\nherein or in any document delivered by the other party hereto; provided,
\nhowever, that any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in
\nan instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party.<\/p>\n
ARTICLE XII
\n GENERAL PROVISIONS<\/p>\n
12.1 NOTICES<\/p>\n
All notices and other communications given or made pursuant hereto shall
\nbe in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made as of the date
\ndelivered or sent if delivered personally or sent by cable, telegram, telecopier
\nor telex or sent by prepaid overnight courier to the parties at the following
\naddresses (or at such other addresses as shall be specified by the parties by
\nlike notice):<\/p>\n
(a) if to A Co.:<\/p>\n
Tom Brown Resources Ltd.
\n Suite 1410, 311 — 6th Avenue S.W.
\n Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H2<\/p>\n
Attention: Amar Pandila
\n Vice President and General Manager<\/p>\n
Telecopy No.: (403) 264-5586<\/p>\n
and to Parent Co.:<\/p>\n
34
\n 39<\/p>\n
Tom Brown, Inc.
\n 555 Seventeenth Street
\n Suite 1850
\n Denver, Co 80202-3918<\/p>\n
Attention: James D. Lightner
\n President<\/p>\n
Telecopy No.: (303) 260-5095<\/p>\n
with a copy to:<\/p>\n
Macleod Dixon LLP
\n 3700, 400 — 3rd Avenue S.W.
\n Calgary, Alberta
\n T2P 4H2<\/p>\n
Attention: Kent D. Kufeldt<\/p>\n
Telecopy No.: (403) 264-5973<\/p>\n
(b) if to Stellarton:<\/p>\n
Stellarton Energy Corporation
\n 700, 736 — 8th Avenue S.W.
\n Calgary, Alberta
\n T2P 1H4<\/p>\n
Attention: Robert D. Steele
\n President<\/p>\n
Telecopy No.: (403) 250-2586<\/p>\n
with a copy to:<\/p>\n
Bennett Jones LLP
\n 4500 Bankers Hall East
\n 855 – 2nd Street S.W.
\n Calgary, Alberta
\n T2P 4K7<\/p>\n
Attention: R. Vance Milligan<\/p>\n
Telecopy No.: (403) 265-7219<\/p>\n
35
\n 40<\/p>\n
12.2 MISCELLANEOUS<\/p>\n
(a) This Agreement (i) except for the Parent Co. Confidentiality
\n Agreement between the parties hereto, constitutes the entire
\n agreement and supersedes all other prior agreements and
\n understandings, both written and oral, between the parties, with
\n respect to the subject matter hereof and (ii) shall be binding
\n upon and enure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
\n respective successors and assigns. The parties hereto shall be
\n entitled to rely upon delivery of an executed facsimile copy of
\n the Agreement, and such facsimile copy shall be legally effective
\n to create a valid and binding agreement among the parties hereto.
\n Stellarton agrees in favour of Parent Co. and A Co. that the
\n standstill provisions of the Parent Co. Confidentiality Agreement
\n are waived and terminated to the extent necessary to permit A Co.
\n to purchase Stellarton’s Shares in accordance with Securities
\n Laws and for so long as the Offer remains outstanding. The
\n parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the
\n event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not
\n performed in accordance with their specific terms or were
\n otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties
\n shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent
\n breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms
\n and provisions hereof in any court of the Province of Alberta
\n having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy
\n to which they are entitled at law or in equity.<\/p>\n
(b) Subject to the prior consent of A Co., acting reasonably, as to
\n the form and substance thereof, Stellarton agrees coincidentally
\n with the mailing of the Offer Documents to deliver a letter to
\n all parties to, and recipients under, the confidentiality
\n agreements who received evaluation material requesting the return
\n or destruction of such evaluation material in accordance with
\n terms of the applicable confidentiality agreement and advising
\n such parties and recipients as to their obligations under the
\n confidentiality agreements in the context of this Agreement and
\n the Offer.<\/p>\n
12.3 DIRECTORS’ AND OFFICERS INSURANCE<\/p>\n
If prior to the Effective Date, Stellarton secures directors’ and
\nofficers’ liability insurance for Stellarton’s current and former directors and
\nofficers, covering claims made prior to or within six years after the date that
\nA Co. first takes up and pays for any Stellarton Shares pursuant to the Offer
\nwhich has a scope and coverage substantially equivalent in scope and coverage to
\nthat provided by Stellarton’s current directors’ and officers’ insurance policy,
\nA Co. agrees to cause Stellarton to maintain such insurance in place (or, if
\nsuch insurance is unavailable during such six year period, use reasonable
\ncommercial efforts to obtain equivalent insurance) and agrees not to take any
\naction, or to cause Stellarton to take any action, to terminate such directors’
\nand officers’ liability insurance or any indemnity agreements (whether pursuant
\nto Stellarton’s articles, by-laws or similar constating documents of Stellarton
\nor any written indemnity agreements but subject to Corporate Laws) in favour of
\ncurrent and former directors and officers of Stellarton, provided in all events
\nthat the total premium therefor does not exceed $20,000.<\/p>\n
36
\n 41<\/p>\n
12.4 ASSIGNMENT<\/p>\n
Except as expressly permitted by the terms hereof, neither this
\nAgreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be
\nassigned by any of the parties hereto without the prior written consent of the
\nother parties. A Co. may assign all or any part of its rights or obligations
\nunder this Agreement to a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of A Co.,
\nprovided that if such assignment takes place, A Co. shall continue to be liable
\nto Stellarton, as principal obligor, for any default in performance by the
\nassignee.<\/p>\n
12.5 EXPENSES<\/p>\n
Except as provided in Section 8.2, all fees, costs and expenses incurred
\nin connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall
\nbe paid by the party incurring such cost or expense, whether or not the Offer is
\nconsummated.<\/p>\n
12.6 SEVERABILITY<\/p>\n
Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted
\nin such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law. Any provision
\nof this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall be
\nineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
\ninvalidating or rendering unenforceable the remaining provisions hereof, and any
\nsuch invalidity or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or
\nrender unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.<\/p>\n
12.7 PARENT CO. GUARANTEE<\/p>\n
Parent Co. hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the
\nperformance of all covenants and obligations of A Co. in this Agreement. Parent
\nCo. waives, diligence, presentment, demand of payment, any right to require
\nproceeding first against A Co., protest notice and all demands whatsoever.
\nParent Co. agrees that this guarantee will not be discharged except by complete
\nperformance of the covenants and obligations of A Co. under this Agreement.<\/p>\n
12.8 COUNTERPART EXECUTION<\/p>\n
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each
\nsuch counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument but all such
\ncounterparts together shall constitute one agreement.<\/p>\n
37
\n 42<\/p>\n
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent Co., A Co. and Stellarton have caused this
\nAgreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective
\nofficers thereunto duly authorized.<\/p>\n
STELLARTON ENERGY CORPORATION TOM BROWN, INC.<\/p>\n
Per: “R.D. Steele” Per: “James D. Lightner”
\n Name: R.D. Steele Name: James D. Lightner
\n Title: President Title: President<\/p>\n
Per: “Dell Chapman”
\n Name: Dell Chapman
\n Title: Chief Financial Officer<\/p>\n
TOM BROWN RESOURCES LTD.<\/p>\n
Per: “James D. Lightner”
\n —————————–
\n Name: James D. Lightner
\n Title: President <\/p>\n
38
\n 43<\/p>\n
SCHEDULE A<\/p>\n
CONDITIONS TO THE OFFER<\/p>\n
The capitalized terms used in this Schedule A have the meanings set
\nforth in the attached Pre-Acquisition Agreement dated December 13, 2000 (the
\n“Agreement”) between Parent Co., A Co. and Stellarton, except that the term
\n“Offeror” shall be deemed to refer to A Co.<\/p>\n
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Offer, but subject to the
\nprovisions of the Agreement, the Offeror reserves the right to withdraw or
\nterminate the Offer and not take up and pay for, or to extend the period of time
\nduring which the Offer is open and postpone taking up and paying for, any
\nStellarton Shares deposited under the Offer unless all of the following
\nconditions are satisfied or waived by the Offeror:<\/p>\n
(a) prior to the Expiry Time, and at the time the Offeror first takes
\n up and pays for Stellarton Shares under the Offer, there shall
\n have been validly deposited under the Offer and not withdrawn at
\n least 66 2\/3% of the outstanding Stellarton Shares (calculated on
\n a diluted basis) (the “Minimum Condition”);<\/p>\n
(b) all necessary approvals under the Investment Canada Act in
\n connection with the Offer and the acquisition of the Stellarton
\n Shares pursuant to the Offer shall have been obtained or deemed
\n to be obtained;<\/p>\n
(c) all requisite regulatory approvals and regulatory consents
\n (including, without limitation, those of any stock exchanges or
\n other securities or regulatory authorities) which are considered
\n by A Co., acting reasonably, as being necessary to complete the
\n Offer shall have been obtained on terms and conditions
\n satisfactory to the Offeror, acting reasonably, and all
\n applicable statutory or regulatory waiting periods shall have
\n expired or been terminated and no unresolved objection or
\n opposition shall have been filed, initiated or made during any
\n applicable statutory or regulatory period;<\/p>\n
(d) (i) no act, action, suit, proceeding, objection or opposition
\n shall have been threatened or taken before or by any domestic or
\n foreign court or tribunal or governmental agency or other
\n regulatory authority or administrative agency or commission by
\n any elected or appointed public official or by any private person
\n in Canada or elsewhere, whether or not having the force of law,
\n and (ii) no law, regulation or policy (including applicable tax
\n laws and regulations in those jurisdictions in which Stellarton
\n or any of its subsidiaries carries on business) shall have been
\n proposed, enacted, promulgated, amended or applied, which in
\n either case, in the sole judgment of the Offeror, acting
\n reasonably:<\/p>\n
(A) has the effect or may have the effect to cease trade,
\n enjoin, prohibit or impose material limitations, damages
\n or conditions on the purchase by, or the sale to, the
\n Offeror of the Stellarton Shares or the right of the
\n Offeror to own or exercise full rights of ownership of the
\n Stellarton Shares;<\/p>\n
(B) has had, or if the Offer was consummated would result in,
\n a material adverse change or, in the case of (ii) above,
\n would have a material adverse affect on the Offeror’s
\n ability to complete the Offer as determined by the
\n Offeror, acting reasonably;<\/p>\n
A-1
\n 44<\/p>\n
(C) has a material adverse effect on the ability to complete
\n any compulsory acquisition or any amalgamation, statutory
\n arrangement or other transaction involving the Offeror
\n and\/or an affiliate of the Offeror and Stellarton and\/or
\n the holders of Stellarton Shares for the purposes of
\n Stellarton becoming, directly or indirectly, a
\n wholly-owned subsidiary of the Offeror or affecting an
\n amalgamation or merger of Stellarton’s business and assets
\n with or into the Offeror and\/or an affiliate of the
\n Offeror (a “Subsequent Acquisition Transaction”);<\/p>\n
(e) the Offeror shall have determined, in its sole judgment, acting
\n reasonably, that there shall not exist any prohibition at law
\n against the Offeror making the Offer or taking up and paying for
\n all of the Stellarton Shares under the Offer or completing any
\n compulsory acquisition or Subsequent Acquisition Transaction in
\n respect of any Stellarton Shares not acquired under the Offer;<\/p>\n
(f) the Offeror shall have determined, in its sole judgment, acting
\n reasonably, that there shall not have occurred, developed or come
\n into effect or existence any event, action, state, condition or
\n major financial occurrence of national or international
\n consequence or any law, regulation, action, government
\n regulation, enquiry or other occurrence of any nature whatsoever
\n which, in the sole judgment of the Offeror, acting reasonably,
\n have a materially adverse effect on the business or operations of
\n Stellarton;<\/p>\n
(g) there shall not have occurred any actual or threatened change
\n (including any proposal by the Minister of Finance (Canada) to
\n amend the Income Tax Act (Canada) or any announcement,
\n governmental or regulatory initiative, condition, event or
\n development involving a change or a prospective change) that, in
\n the sole judgment of the Offeror, acting reasonably, directly or
\n indirectly, has or may have material adverse significance with
\n respect to the business or operations of any of the Offeror and
\n Stellarton and their respective subsidiaries or entities, in each
\n case taken as a whole, in which either of them has a material
\n interest or with respect to the regulatory regime applicable to
\n their respective businesses and operations or with respect to
\n completing any compulsory acquisition or Subsequent Acquisition
\n Transaction;<\/p>\n
(h) the Offeror shall have determined in its sole judgment, acting
\n reasonably, that (i) Stellarton shall not have breached, or
\n failed to comply with, in any material respect, any of its
\n covenants or other obligations under the Agreement, and (ii) all
\n representations and warranties of Stellarton contained in the
\n Agreement shall have been true and correct in all material
\n respects as of the date of the Agreement, shall continue to be
\n true and correct as though made on each successive date
\n thereafter and shall not have ceased to be true and correct in
\n any material respect thereafter;<\/p>\n
(i) the Agreement shall not have been terminated pursuant to its
\n terms; and<\/p>\n
(j) the Offeror shall, in its sole judgment, acting reasonably, be
\n satisfied that all outstanding stock options, warrants and all
\n other rights to acquire any Stellarton Shares shall have either
\n been exercised or terminated or may be terminated or otherwise
\n dealt with on a basis acceptable to the Offeror in its sole
\n judgment, acting reasonably, prior to the Offeror taking-up any
\n Stellarton Shares pursuant to the Offer.<\/p>\n
A-2
\n 45<\/p>\n
SCHEDULE B<\/p>\n
FORM OF PRE-TENDER AGREEMENT <\/p>\n
December 13, 2000<\/p>\n
Dear Sir:<\/p>\n
RE: OFFER BY A CO. TO PURCHASE ALL OF THE STELLARTON SHARES<\/p>\n
Reference is made to the Pre-Acquisition Agreement dated December 13,
\n2000 (the “Pre-Acquisition Agreement”) between Tom Brown Resources Ltd. (herein
\ncalled “A Co.”), Tom Brown, Inc., as guarantor of the obligations of A Co. and
\nStellarton Energy Corporation (herein called “Stellarton”) pursuant to which A
\nCo. has agreed, on certain terms and conditions, to make an offer to purchase
\nall of the issued and outstanding Stellarton Shares. All capitalized terms
\nreferred to herein shall have the meanings attributed thereto in the
\nPre-Acquisition Agreement.<\/p>\n
We understand that you (the “Selling Shareholder”) beneficially own,
\ndirectly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over, the number of
\nStellarton Shares and options to acquire further Stellarton Shares set forth in
\nyour acceptance at the end of this Agreement.<\/p>\n
1. Covenants of Selling Shareholder<\/p>\n
By the acceptance of this letter agreement, the Selling Shareholder
\nhereby agrees, subject to the terms of paragraph 3 of this letter agreement,
\nfrom the date hereof until the completion of the Offer:<\/p>\n
(a) not to sell, assign, convey or otherwise dispose of any of the
\n Stellarton Shares owned, controlled or directed by such Selling
\n Shareholder except pursuant to the Offer;<\/p>\n
(b) unconditionally to accept the Offer made by A Co. by tendering or
\n causing to be tendered the Stellarton Shares presently owned,
\n controlled or directed or hereafter acquired, controlled or
\n directed (including any Stellarton Shares hereafter acquired
\n pursuant to the exercise of any options to purchase Stellarton
\n Shares) by such Selling Shareholder prior to the expiry of the
\n Offer and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
\n Offer free and clear of any and all liens, encumbrances, charges
\n and rights and interests of third parties whatsoever;<\/p>\n
(c) to sell or surrender to Stellarton or exercise all options held
\n by the Selling Shareholder to acquire Stellarton Shares (the
\n “Options”) that have an exercise price less than the
\n consideration offered pursuant to the Offer, and to forthwith<\/p>\n
B-1
\n 46<\/p>\n
surrender all remaining Options to Stellarton immediately
\n following the Effective Time;<\/p>\n
(d) not to exercise any statutory or other rights of withdrawal with
\n respect to any Stellarton Shares owned by such Selling
\n Shareholder once deposited pursuant to the Offer unless this
\n letter agreement is terminated prior to A Co. taking up the
\n Stellarton Shares under the Offer; and<\/p>\n
(e) not to exercise any shareholder rights or remedies available at
\n common law or pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Alberta)
\n or applicable securities legislation to delay, hinder, upset or
\n challenge the Offer.<\/p>\n
2. Expenses<\/p>\n
A Co. and the Selling Shareholder agree to pay their own respective
\nexpenses incurred in connection with this letter agreement.<\/p>\n
3. Termination<\/p>\n
It is understood and agreed that the respective rights and obligations
\nhereunder of A Co. and the Selling Shareholder shall cease and this letter
\nagreement shall terminate:<\/p>\n
(a) if, prior to the expiry of the Offer, another bona fide Take-over
\n Proposal is announced, proposed, offered or made to the holders
\n of Stellarton Shares or Stellarton which, in the opinion of
\n Stellarton’s board of directors after consultation with its
\n financial advisors, would constitute a Superior Proposal and
\n which permits the board of directors of Stellarton to withdraw,
\n modify or change any recommendation regarding the Offer in
\n accordance with Section 2.2(a) of the Pre-Acquisition Agreement
\n and to terminate the Pre-Acquisition Agreement as a consequence
\n thereof; or<\/p>\n
(b) in the event that the Pre-Acquisition Agreement is terminated
\n pursuant to Section 11.1 thereof.<\/p>\n
In the event of termination of this letter agreement, the Selling
\nShareholder may withdraw all of the Stellarton Shares deposited in accordance
\nwith the terms and conditions of the Offer, this letter agreement shall
\nforthwith be of no further force and effect and there shall be no liability on
\nthe part of either the Selling Shareholder or A Co., except to the extent that
\neither such party is in default of its obligations herein contained.<\/p>\n
4. Amendment<\/p>\n
Except as expressly set forth herein, this letter agreement constitutes
\nthe whole of the agreement between the parties and may not be modified, amended,
\naltered or supplemented except upon the execution and delivery of a written
\nagreement executed by the parties hereto.<\/p>\n
5. Assignment<\/p>\n
Except as expressly set forth herein, no party to this letter agreement
\nmay assign any of its rights or obligations under this letter agreement without
\nthe prior written consent of the other party.<\/p>\n
B-2
\n 47<\/p>\n
6. Disclosure<\/p>\n
Prior to first public disclosure of the existence and terms and
\nconditions of this letter, none of the parties hereto shall disclose the
\nexistence of this letter agreement, or any details hereof, to any person other
\nthan Stellarton, its directors and officers, without the prior written consent
\nof the other parties hereto, except to the extent required by law. The existence
\nand terms and conditions of this letter agreement may be disclosed by A Co. and
\nStellarton in the press release issued in connection with the execution of the
\nPre-Acquisition Agreement and the Offer Documents and the Directors Circular
\nprepared by Stellarton.<\/p>\n
7. Enurement<\/p>\n
This letter agreement will be binding upon and enure to the benefit of A
\nCo., the Selling Shareholder and their respective executors, administrators,
\nsuccessors and permitted assigns.<\/p>\n
8. Applicable Law<\/p>\n
This letter agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with
\nthe laws of the Province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada applicable
\ntherein and each of the parties hereto irrevocably attorns to the jurisdiction
\nof the courts of the Province of Alberta.<\/p>\n
9. Counterparts<\/p>\n
This letter agreement may be signed in counterparts which together shall
\nbe deemed to constitute one valid and binding agreement and delivery of such
\ncounterparts may be effected by means of telecopier.<\/p>\n
Yours truly,<\/p>\n
TOM BROWN RESOURCES LTD.<\/p>\n
Per: _________________________<\/p>\n
B-3
\n 48<\/p>\n
ACCEPTANCE<\/p>\n
The foregoing is hereby accepted as of and with effect from the ___ day
\nof December, 2000 and the undersigned hereby confirms that the undersigned
\nbeneficially owns ___________ Stellarton Shares and options to acquire a further
\n__________ Stellarton Shares.<\/p>\n
——————————– ————————————
\nWitness Name:
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