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UNITED
STATES SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington,
D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT
REPORT Pursuant
to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date
of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 3, 2008 CREDO
Petroleum Corporation (Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter) Colorado 0-8877 84-0772991 (State
or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS
Employer of
incorporation) File
Number) Identification
No.) 1801
Broadway, Suite 900 80202 (Address
of principal executive offices) (Zip
Code) Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code: (303) 297-2200 Check
the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of
the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below): o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities
Act (17 CFR 230.425) o
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
(17 CFR 240-14a-12) o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under
the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under
the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) On
June 3, 2008, CREDO Petroleum Corporation, a Colorado corporation (the
“Company”), entered into a Company Stock Purchase Agreement (the
“Purchase Agreement”) with RCH Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP, a Delaware
limited partnership (“Purchaser”). Pursuant
to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell to
Purchaser, and Purchaser has agreed to purchase, 1,150,000 shares of
newly-issued common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Company (the
“Stock”) at a price of $14.50 per share in cash (the “Purchase
Price”). The closing of the Stock sale (the “Closing”) is subject
to customary closing conditions as well as the contemporaneous closing of a
private sale to Purchaser of 687,000 shares of Stock from certain directors of
the Company, also at a price of $14.50 per share (the “Secondary Stock
Purchase”). The
Purchase Agreement provides that, following the Closing, Purchaser will be
entitled to designate two directors to serve on the Company’s board of
directors for so long as it beneficially owns at least 15% of the outstanding
Stock, and one director so long as it beneficially owns at least 10% of the
outstanding Stock. The Purchase Agreement also contains a
“standstill” provision that will prohibit Purchaser from acquiring any
additional shares of Stock for a period of two years following the Closing
without the consent of the Company. At
the Closing, Purchaser and the Company will enter into a registration rights
agreement in a customary form pursuant to which Purchaser will be entitled to
require the Company to register its shares of Stock for resale under the
Securities Act of 1933 in certain circumstances. The
foregoing summary of the Purchase Agreement does not purport to be complete
and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of such
document, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated
herein by reference. The foregoing summary is also subject to, and
qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the agreement governing the
Secondary Stock Purchase, the full text of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1
and is incorporated herein by reference. The
Company’s press release with respect to these matters, dated June 4,
2008, is filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. In
connection with the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and
effective June 3, 2008, the Company amended its Rights Agreement, dated
as of April 11, 1989, as amended (the “Rights Agreement”), between
the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., in order to exempt the
Purchase Agreement, the agreement governing the Secondary Stock Purchase and
the related transactions from application of the Rights Agreement. The
foregoing summary of the Second Amendment to Rights Agreement does not purport
to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full
text of such document, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1 and
incorporated herein by reference. The
information set forth in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is
incorporated into this Item 3.02 by reference. The issuance and sale of
Stock to Purchaser pursuant to the Purchase 2 Agreement
will be made in reliance on the exemptions from registration provided by
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 and/or Rule 506 of
Regulation D promulgated thereunder. Purchaser represented to the
Company that it is an accredited investor and that it is acquiring the Stock
for investment purposes. The aggregate proceeds of the transaction to
the Company will be $16,675,000. No underwriting discounts or
commissions will be payable; however, the Company will pay an advisory fee to
Merrill Lynch & Co. in connection with the transaction. (d)
Exhibits Exhibit No. Description 4.1 Second
Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2008, by and
between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. 10.1 Company
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2008, by and
between the Company and RCH Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP. 99.1 Stock
Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2008, by and among RCH
Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP, James T. Huffman, Richard B. Stevens
and William F. Skewes. 99.2 Press
Release of CREDO Petroleum Corporation, dated June 4, 2008,
announcing the Strategic Investment in the Company by RCH Energy
Opportunity Fund II, LP. 3 SIGNATURES Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto
duly authorized. Date:
June 4, 2008 CREDO
PETROLEUM CORPORATION (Registrant) By: /s/
James T. Huffman James
T. Huffman 4 EXHIBIT
INDEX EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION 4.1 Second
Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2008, by and
between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. 10.1 Company
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2008, by and
between the Company and RCH Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP 99.1 Stock
Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2008, by and among RCH
Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP, James T. Huffman, Richard B. Stevens
and William F. Skewes. 99.2 Press
Release of CREDO Petroleum Corporation, dated June 4, 2008,
announcing the Strategic Investment in the Company by RCH Energy
Opportunity Fund II, LP. 5 Exhibit
4.1 SECOND
AMENDMENT TO RIGHTS AGREEMENT This
AMENDMENT is dated as of June 3, 2008, to the Rights Agreement, dated as
of April 11, 1989, and amended by the first amendment thereto dated as of
February 24, 1999, by and between CREDO Petroleum Corporation (the “ Company
”) and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as successor in interest to
American Securities Transfer, Incorporated (as Rights Agent) (as heretofore
amended, the “ Rights Agreement ”). WHEREAS,
the Company and the Rights Agent have heretofore executed and entered into the
Rights Agreement; and WHEREAS,
pursuant to Section 26 of the Rights Agreement, the Company and the
Rights Agent may from time to time supplement or amend the Rights Agreement in
accordance with the provisions of Section 26 thereof; and WHEREAS,
the Company intends to enter into a Company Stock Purchase Agreement (as it
may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “ Company Stock
Purchase Agreement ”), dated on or about June 3, 2008, by and
between the Company and RCH Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP (the “ Purchaser
”), and certain shareholders of the Company intend to enter into a Stock
Purchase Agreement, dated on or about June 3, 2008, by and among such
shareholders and the Purchaser (such agreement, together with the Company
Stock Purchase Agreement, being referred to collectively herein as the “ Purchase
Agreements ”); and WHEREAS,
the Board of Directors of the Company has determined that the transactions
contemplated by the Purchase Agreements are fair to and in the best interests
of the Company and its shareholders; and WHEREAS,
the Board of Directors has determined that it is desirable to amend the Rights
Agreement to exempt the Purchase Agreements and the transactions contemplated
thereby from the application of the Rights Agreement. NOW,
THEREFORE, the Company and the Rights Agent hereby agree as follows: 1.
Section 1(a) of the Rights Agreement is hereby modified and amended
by adding the following sentence at the end thereof: “Notwithstanding
the foregoing, neither RCH Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP (“Purchaser”),
nor or any party to either Purchase Agreement (as defined below) or any of
their respective Affiliates, either individually or collectively, shall be
deemed to be an Acquiring Person by virtue of the execution and delivery of
the Company Stock Purchase Agreement, dated on or about June 3, 2008, by
and among the Company and the Purchaser, or the Stock Purchase Agreement,
dated on or about June 3, 2008, by and among James T. Huffman, William F.
Skewes, Richard B. Stevens and the Purchaser (such agreements being
collectively referred to herein as the “Purchase Agreements”) or as a
result of the announcement or consummation of the transactions contemplated by
the Purchase Agreements.” 2.
Section 1(i) of the Rights Agreement is hereby modified and amended
by adding the following sentence at the end thereof: “Notwithstanding
the foregoing, neither the execution and delivery of the Purchase
Agreements, the announcement thereof, nor consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby, nor any communication made in connection therewith,
shall constitute an Offer for the purposes of this Agreement.” 3.
Section 1(m) of the Rights Agreement is hereby modified and amended
by adding the following sentence at the end thereof: “Notwithstanding
the foregoing, neither the execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreements,
the announcement thereof, nor consummation of the transactions contemplated
thereby, shall cause a Shares Acquisition Date.” 4.
Section 2 of the Rights Agreement is hereby modified and amended by
adding the following language at the end thereof: “,
upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice to the Rights Agent. The
Rights Agent shall have no duty to supervise, and shall in no event be liable
for, the acts or omissions of any such Co-Rights Agent.” 5.
Section 3(a) of the Rights Agreement is hereby modified and amended
to add the following sentence immediately following the first sentence
thereof: “Notwithstanding
the foregoing, neither the execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreements,
the announcement thereof, nor consummation of the transactions contemplated
thereby, shall cause a Distribution Date.” 6.
Section 15 of the Rights Agreement is hereby modified and amended by
adding the following sentence at the end thereof: “Notwithstanding
the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give any holder
of Rights or any other Person any legal or equitable rights, remedy or claim
under this Agreement in connection with any transactions contemplated by the
Purchase Agreements or the execution and delivery or the announcement
thereof.” 7.
Section 21 of the Rights Agreement is hereby modified and amended by
adding the following sentence after the existing first sentence thereof: “In
the event the transfer agency relationship in effect between the Company and
the Rights Agent terminates, the Rights Agent will be deemed to have resigned
automatically and be discharged from its duties under this Agreement as of the
effective date of such termination, and the Company shall be responsible for
sending any required notice.” 8.
Section 25 of the Rights Agreement is hereby modified and amended by
deleting the Rights Agent notice address in its entirety and replacing it with
the following: 2 “Computershare
Trust Company, N.A. 350
Indiana Street, Suite 800 Golden,
Colorado 80401 Attn:
Client Services” 9.
The Rights Agreement is hereby modified and amended by adding the following
new Section 33 after the existing Section 32: “Section 33.
Force Majeure . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, the Rights Agent shall not be liable for any delays or
failures in performance resulting from acts beyond its reasonable control
including, without limitation, acts of God, terrorist acts, shortage of
supply, breakdowns or malfunctions, interruptions or malfunction of computer
facilities, or loss of data due to power failures or mechanical difficulties
with information storage or retrieval systems, labor difficulties, war, or
civil unrest.” 10.
Except as expressly set forth herein, this Amendment shall not by implication
or otherwise alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms,
conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Rights
Agreement, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall
continue in full force and effect and shall be otherwise unaffected. 11.
This Amendment shall be deemed to be a contract made under the laws of the
State of Colorado and for all purposes shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of such State applicable to contracts to be made and
performed entirely within such State. 12.
This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and each of such
counterpart shall for all purposes be deemed an original, and all such
counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. [Remainder
of Page Intentionally Left Blank] *
*
* 3 IN
WITNESS WHEREOF. this Amendment has been duly executed by the Company and the
Rights Agent as of the day and year first written above. CREDO
PETROLEUM CORPORATION By. /s/
James T. Huffman Name:
James T. Huffman Title:
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
of the Board of Directors COMPUTERSHARE
TRUST COMPANY, N.A. (as
Rights Agent) By. /s/
Kellie Gwinn Name:
Kellie Gwinn Title:
Vice President 4 Exhibit
10.1 Execution
Version COMPANY
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT THIS
COMPANY STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement
”) is made as of June 3, 2008, by and between CREDO PETROLEUM
CORPORATION, a Colorado corporation (NASDAQ: CRED) (the “ Company
”), and RCH ENERGY OPPORTUNITY FUND II, LP, each a limited
partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (“ Purchaser
,” and collectively with the Company, the “ Parties
”). WHEREAS,
the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board
”) has deemed it advisable and in the best interests of the Company
to issue and sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser desires to purchase from the
Company, 1,150,000 shares of newly-issued common stock, par value $0.10 per
share, of the Company (“ Stock ”)
at a price of $14.50 per share; WHEREAS,
concurrently with and as a condition to the Closing (as hereinafter defined),
Purchaser is purchasing 687,000 shares of Stock from certain directors of the
Company (the “ Tranche Two Stock Purchase ”);
and WHEREAS,
as an inducement and condition to the Parties entering into this Agreement,
Purchaser and the Company desire to agree to a standstill provision with
respect to the Stock and to certain additional rights for Purchaser with
respect Board positions as further set forth herein; NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations, warranties, covenants, agreements and conditions hereinafter
set forth, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereto agree
as follows: 1.1
Sale of Stock . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
contained herein, upon (a) execution and delivery of this Agreement by
all the Parties hereto, (b) the execution and delivery by Purchaser and
the other parties thereto of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of the
date hereof, among Purchaser and James T. Huffman, Richard B. Stevens and
William F. Skewes (the “ Tranche Two Stock
Purchase Agreement ”) and (c) payment of the Purchase Price
Amount (as hereinafter defined) in accordance with Section 1.2 hereof,
the Company shall sell and transfer to Purchaser, and Purchaser shall purchase
and accept from the Company, 1,150,000 shares of Stock (the “ Purchased
Stock ”). 1.2
Payment by Purchaser . Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions contained herein and in payment for the aforesaid sale and transfer
of the Purchased Stock by the Company to Purchaser, Purchaser shall deliver or
cause to be delivered at the Closing to the Company, by wire transfer or other
means reasonably acceptable to the Company, an aggregate sum in cash equal to
$14.50 per share, or $16,675,000 (the “ Purchase
Price Amount ”). 1.3
Closing . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein, the closing of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Stock (the “ Closing
”) shall be held at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time on the
second business day following the satisfaction (or, to the extent permitted,
the waiver by the Parties entitled to the benefits thereof) of the conditions
set forth in Article V (other than any of such conditions that by their
nature are to be fulfilled at Closing, but subject
to the fulfillment or waiver of such conditions), or such other time and date
as may be mutually agreed by the Parties hereto (the “ Closing
Date ”), at the offices of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, 1550 17th
Street, Denver, CO 80202, or such other location as may be mutually agreed to
by the Parties hereto. 1.4
Stock Certificates . At the Closing, the Company shall deliver
one or more certificates representing the Purchased Stock, each such
certificate to be duly and validly issued in favor of Purchaser and otherwise
sufficient to vest in Purchaser good title to the Purchased Stock. 1.5
Other Documents Delivered at Closing . The Parties shall each
take all such other actions required hereby to be performed, and deliver all
other documents, certificates and other items required to be delivered by it,
prior to or on the Closing Date, including, without limitation, satisfying the
conditions set forth in Article V. All such documents and
instruments delivered to any Party pursuant hereto shall be in form and
substance, and shall be executed in a manner, reasonably satisfactory to such
Party and its counsel. The
Company represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows: 2.1
Organization . The Company is a corporation, duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Colorado.
The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and
operate its assets and properties and to carry on its business as it is now
being conducted. The Company is qualified to transact business and is in
good standing in each jurisdiction in which the properties owned, leased or
operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such
qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified and in
good standing has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a
Company Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Company
Material Adverse Effect ” means any result, occurrence,
condition, fact, change, violation, event or effect that, individually or in
the aggregate with any such other results, occurrences, conditions, facts,
changes, violations, events or effects, is, or is reasonably likely to be,
materially adverse to the condition (financial or otherwise), business,
assets, or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as
a whole ; provided, however, that a Company Material Adverse Effect
shall not be deemed to include effects to the extent resulting from (i) changes
after the date of this Agreement in GAAP or regulatory accounting requirements
applicable generally to the Company, (ii) actions or omissions by the
Company taken with the specific prior written and informed consent of
Purchaser, (iii) changes in the prices of crude oil, natural gas or
natural gas products which do not have a materially disproportionate effect on
the Company relative to other industry participants, (iv) changes in
global or national political conditions or general economic or market
conditions which do not have a materially disproportionate effect on the
Company, (v) any loss of employees resulting from the public disclosure
of this Agreement or any related transaction or (vi) any change, in and
of itself (as opposed to the facts underlying such change), in the trading
price or volume of the Company’s capital stock. 2 2.2
Authorization . The Company has full corporate power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and
performance by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by the Board, and
no other corporate action on the part of the Company or its shareholders is
necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by the Company of this
Agreement or the consummation of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Stock. 2.3
Execution; Validity of Agreement . This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by the Company, and assuming due and valid
authorization, execution and delivery hereof by Purchaser, constitutes a valid
and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in
accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general
application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) laws
relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or
other equitable remedies. 2.4
Non-Contravention; Consents; Filings . The execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and compliance by the Company with any of the provisions
hereof do not and will not (a) conflict with or result in any breach of
any provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Company,
(b) require any filing by the Company with, or the issuance or grant to
the Company of any permit, authorization, consent or approval of, (i) any
court, arbitrator or arbitral tribunal, administrative agency or commission or
other governmental or regulatory authority or agency (a “ Governmental
Entity ”) or (ii) any other natural person, partnership,
corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company,
trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, or other entity or
organization (a “ Person ”), (c) conflict
with or violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or
regulation applicable to, binding upon or enforceable against the Company or
any of its properties or assets, (d) result in a violation or breach of,
constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default
under, or give rise to any right of termination, amendment, cancellation or
acceleration under, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, license,
contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which the Company is
a party or by which the Company or any of its property or assets are bound or
(e) result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge,
encumbrance, security interest, claim or right of others of whatever nature
(each, a “ Lien ”) upon any
property or assets of the Company under any note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
lease, license, contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which
the Company is a party or by which the Company or any of its property or
assets is bound, except for (x) any filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals as may be required under, and other applicable
requirements of, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities
Act ”), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange
Act ”), and state securities or blue sky laws and (y) in the
case of clauses (b), (c), (d) or (e), as would not reasonably be expected
to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. 2.5
Good Title Conveyed . At the time of issuance, the Purchased
Stock will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
and not subject to any preemptive rights. The stock certificates and
other instruments to be executed and delivered by the Company to Purchaser at
the Closing will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable
in accordance with their respective terms, and will effectively vest in
Purchaser good title to all the 3 Purchased
Stock, free and clear of all Liens whatsoever, except restrictions on transfer
arising under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws. 2.6
Capitalization of the Company . As of May 31, 2008, the
authorized capital stock of the Company consisted of 20,000,000 shares of
Stock, of which 9,330,536 shares were issued and outstanding and 185,610
shares were held in the treasury of the Company. The only shares of
Stock reserved for issuance as of such date consisted of 1,234,110 shares that
were reserved or held for issuance pursuant to the Company’s equity
compensation plans. Except as referred to in the foregoing sentence,
there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, rights (including
“phantom” stock rights), preemptive rights or other contracts,
commitments, understandings or arrangements, including any right of conversion
or exchange under any outstanding security, instrument or agreement (together,
“ Options ”), obligating the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to issue or sell any capital stock of the
Company or to grant, extend or enter into any Option with respect thereto. 2.7
Subsidiaries . The only material subsidiaries of the Company are
SECO Energy Corporation, a Nevada corporation, and United Oil Corporation, an
Oklahoma corporation (each a “ Subsidiary ”
and together, the “ Subsidiaries ”).
All of the outstanding capital shares of each of the Subsidiaries are owned,
beneficially and of record, by the Company or a Subsidiary wholly owned,
directly or indirectly, by the Company, free and clear of all Liens, except as
would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. 2.8
Redemption or Repurchase of Stock . As of the date hereof, there
are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company or either Subsidiary
to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Stock or any capital shares of
either Subsidiary, or, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a
Company Material Adverse Effect, to provide funds to, or make any investment
(in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any Subsidiary
or any other Person. 2.9
SEC Reports and Financial Statements . (a)
Since January 1, 2005, the Company has filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”)
all material forms, reports, schedules, registration statements, and other
documents (together with all amendments thereof and supplements thereto) (as
such documents have since the time of their filing been amended or
supplemented, the “ Company SEC Reports ”)
required to be filed by the Company with the SEC. As of their respective
dates and giving effect to any amendments or supplements thereto filed prior
to the date of this Agreement, the Company SEC Reports (i) complied as to
form in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act, the
rules and regulations thereunder, the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder, as the case may be, and (ii) did not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. (b)
The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements (including, in each case, the notes, if any,
thereto) included in the Company SEC Reports (the “ Company
Financial Statements ”) complied as to form in all 4 material
respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect
thereto and were prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted
accounting principles in all material respects. 2.10
Absence of Certain Changes or Events . Except as disclosed in
the Company SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, since
October 31, 2006, there has not been any change, event or development
that had, or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or when
aggregated with any other change(s), event(s) or development(s), a
Company Material Adverse Effect. 2.11
Undisclosed Liabilities . Except (a) as reflected or
otherwise reserved against on the balance sheet dated contained in the
Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2008, (b) for
liabilities incurred since January 31, 2008 in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice, (c) for liabilities incurred in
the ordinary course under existing contracts (and not relating to any breach
or violation thereof), (d) for liabilities for investment banking,
accounting and legal fees incurred in connection with the negotiation,
execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Tranche Two Stock Purchase
Agreement and other negotiations involving Purchaser, (e) for liabilities
which have been discharged or paid in full, and (f) for liabilities that
have not had, and are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company has not incurred any
liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) of any nature
that would be required by generally accepted accounting principles to be
reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries (including the notes thereto) since January 31, 2008. 2.12
Hedging . Except pursuant to a hedge agreement covering 80
MMbtus at NYMEX basis prices, ranging from $10.35 to $10.60 for the production
months of December 2008 through March 2009 and except as disclosed
in the Company SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or as
would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect,
(a) the Company and its Subsidiaries have no obligations as of the date
of this Agreement for the delivery of hydrocarbons attributable to any of the
Company’s or either of its Subsidiary’s properties in the future on
account of prepayment, advance payment, take-or-pay or similar obligations
without then or thereafter being entitled to receive full value for the
delivery of such hydrocarbons, and (b) neither the Company nor either of
its Subsidiaries is bound by futures, hedge, swap, collar, put, call, floor,
cap, option or other contracts which are intended to benefit from or reduce or
eliminate the risk of fluctuations in the price of commodities. 2.13
Legal Proceedings . Except as disclosed in the Company SEC
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, (a) there are no pending
or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened actions, suits, arbitrations
or proceedings relating to or affecting the Company, either of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets and properties that,
individually or in the aggregate, have had or would reasonably be expected to
have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (b) there are no pending or, to
the knowledge of the Company, threatened Governmental Entity investigations or
audits relating to or affecting the Company, either of its Subsidiaries or any
of their respective assets and properties that, individually or in the
aggregate, have had or would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material
Adverse Effect, and (c) neither the Company nor either of its
Subsidiaries is subject to any orders of any Governmental Entity that 5 are
specific to the Company and that, individually or in the aggregate, have had
or would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. 2.14
Permits and Licenses . The Company and each of its Subsidiaries
possess all licenses, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by
the appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to
conduct their respective businesses, except for any such failures to possess
the same as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Neither
the Company nor either of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of
proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such license,
certificate, authorization or permit that, individually or in the aggregate,
if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a
Company Material Adverse Effect. 2.15
Taxes . Except as disclosed in the Company SEC Reports filed
prior to the date of this Agreement, (a) the Company and its Subsidiaries
have filed all foreign, federal, state and local tax returns that are required
to be filed (or have requested extensions thereof), except for any failures to
file that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not
reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect and (b) the
Company and its Subsidiaries have paid all taxes required to be paid by them
and any other assessments, fines or penalties levied against them, to the
extent that any of the foregoing is or was due and payable, except for any
assessments, fines or penalties that are currently being contested in good
faith, and except in the case of (a) or (b), matters that, individually
or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have
a Company Material Adverse Effect. 2.16
Compliance with ERISA . Except as disclosed in the Company SEC
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or as would not reasonably
be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (a) each of the
Company and its Subsidiaries has fulfilled its obligations, if any, under the
minimum funding standards of Section 302 of the United States Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ ERISA
”) and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder with
respect to each “plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA and
such regulations and published interpretations) in which its employees are
eligible to participate and each such plan (excluding any multiemployer plan,
as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, that is not sponsored or maintained
by the Company or its Subsidiaries) is in compliance with the presently
applicable provisions of ERISA and such regulations and published
interpretations and (b) the Company and its Subsidiaries have not
incurred any unpaid liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
(other than for the payment of premiums in the ordinary course) or to any such
plan under Title IV of ERISA. 2.17
Absence of Violations and Defaults . None of the Company
and its Subsidiaries is in violation or default of (a) any provision of
its formation or governing documents in any material respect, (b) the
terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note
agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant
or instrument to which it is a party, by which it is bound or to which its
property is subject, or (c) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment,
order or decree of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency,
governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over it
or any of its properties or assets, as applicable, except, in the case of
clauses (b) or (c), for any violations or defaults that have not had and
would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. 6 2.18
Labor Matters . No labor problem or dispute with the employees
of the Company or its Subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company,
is threatened or imminent, and the Company is not aware of any existing or
imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of its or its
Subsidiaries’ principal suppliers, contractors or customers, that in any
such case has had or would reasonably be expected have a Company Material
Adverse Effect. 2.19
Environmental Matters . Except as disclosed in the Company SEC
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or as would not reasonably
be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, each of the Company and
its Subsidiaries (a) is in compliance with any and all applicable
foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the
protection of human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic
substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants (“ Environmental
Laws ”), (b) has received all permits, licenses or other
approvals required of it under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct its
respective business and (c) is in compliance with all terms and
conditions of any such permit, license or approval. In the ordinary
course of its business, the Company periodically reviews the effect of
Environmental Laws on the business, operations and properties of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, in the course of which it identifies and evaluates
associated costs and liabilities (including, without limitation, any capital
or operating expenditures required for clean up, closure of properties or
compliance with Environmental Laws or any permit, license or approval, any
related constraints on operating activities and any potential liabilities to
third parties). On the basis of such review, the Company has reasonably
concluded that such associated costs and liabilities would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, other than as
disclosed in the Company SEC Reports. 2.20
Insurance . Except as disclosed in the Company SEC Reports filed
prior to the date of this Agreement or as would not reasonably be expected to
have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (a) each of the Company and its
Subsidiaries is insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility
against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary
in the businesses in which they are engaged; all policies of insurance
insuring the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses,
assets and employees are in full force and effect; the Company and its
Subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms of such policies and
instruments; there are no claims by the Company or either of its Subsidiaries
under any such policy or instrument as to which any insurance company is
denying liability or defending under a reservation of rights clause; neither
the Company nor either Subsidiary has been refused any insurance coverage
sought or applied for; and the Company has no reason to believe that it will
not be able to renew its and the Subsidiaries’ existing insurance coverage
as and when such coverage expires, or to obtain similar coverage from similar
insurers as may be necessary to continue its and their business, in either
case at a cost that would not have a Material Adverse Effect. 2.21
Intellectual Property . Except as disclosed in the Company SEC
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, the Company and its
Subsidiaries own, possess, license or have other rights to use, on reasonable
terms, all material patents, patent applications, trade and service marks,
trade and service mark registrations, trade names, copyrights, licenses,
inventions, trade secrets, technology, know-how and other intellectual
property necessary for the conduct of its or their business as currently
conducted. 7 2.22
Adequacy of Controls . The principal executive officer and
principal financial officer of the Company have made all certifications
required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “ Sarbanes-Oxley
Act ”) and any related rules and regulations promulgated by the
SEC, and the statements contained in each such certification were complete and
correct as of their respective dates; and, except as would not reasonably be
expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company’s directors
and officers are each in compliance with all applicable effective provisions
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC and
the NASDAQ Stock Market promulgated thereunder. 2.23
Material Weaknesses . Except as described in the Company
SEC Reports, the Company is not aware of any circumstances that in its
judgment constitute material weaknesses in its internal control over financial
reporting, and the Company has not received any written notice from its
auditors indicating that they believe a material weakness in the Company’s
internal controls exists, other than as disclosed in the Company SEC Reports. 2.24
Brokers’ and Finders’ Fees . Other than fees payable to
Merrill Lynch for its services as financial advisor, the Company has not
entered into any agreement or arrangement entitling any agent, broker,
investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or person to any broker’s
or finder’s fee or any other commission or similar fee in connection with
any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 2.25
Valid Private Placement . Assuming the accuracy of the
representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement,
the sale and issuance of the Purchased Stock pursuant to this Agreement is
exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and neither
the Company, nor to the knowledge of the Company, any authorized
representative acting on its behalf has taken or will take any action
hereafter that will cause the loss of such exemption. 2.26
Takeover Matters . (a)
Except for the Rights Agreement, dated April 11, 1989, as amended
February 24, 1999, between the Company and American Securities Transfer,
Incorporated, as the original rights agent, (the “ Rights
Agreement ”) (a correct and complete copy of which, together with
all amendments thereto, as in effect on the date hereof, has been filed by the
Company with the SEC) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company
(as defined in the Rights Agreement) has in effect any shareholder rights
plan, commonly or colloquially known as a “poison pill” or
“anti-takeover” plan, or any similar plan, device or arrangement, and the
Board of Directors of the Company has not adopted or authorized the adoption
of such a plan, device or arrangement. (b)
The Board of Directors of the Company has taken all necessary action under the
Rights Agreement (including having amended such agreement but without
redeeming the Rights (as defined therein)) so that none of the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement (including the purchase and sale of
the Purchased Stock pursuant to this Agreement) or any other transaction
contemplated hereby will cause (i) the Rights to become exercisable under
the Rights Agreement or to separate from the stock certificates to which they
are attached, 8 (ii) a
Shares Acquisition Date (as defined in the Rights Agreement) to occur, or
(iii) Purchaser to be deemed an Acquiring Person (as defined in the
Rights Agreement). The
Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to and covenants with the Company as
follows: 3.1
Organization; Authorization; Validity of Agreement . Purchaser
is a limited partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has full power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. All action on the part of Purchaser for the
authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of
its obligations hereunder have been taken. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by Purchaser, and assuming due and valid authorization,
execution and delivery hereof by the Company, constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its
terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (a) applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general
application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (b) laws
relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or
other equitable remedies. 3.2
Non-Contravention; Consents; Filings . The execution, delivery
or performance of this Agreement by Purchaser, the consummation by Purchaser
of the purchase of the Purchased Stock and compliance by Purchaser with any of
the provisions hereof and thereof do not and will not (a) conflict with
or result in any breach of any provision of the partnership agreement or
certificate of formation of Purchaser, (b) require any filing by
Purchaser with, or the issuance or grant to Purchaser of any permit,
authorization, consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity, (c) conflict
with or violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or
regulation applicable to, binding upon or enforceable against Purchaser or any
of its properties or assets, or (d) result in a violation or breach of,
constitute (with or without lapse of time or both) a default under, give rise
to any right of termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration under, or
result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property or assets
of Purchaser under, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, license,
contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Purchaser is a
party or by which Purchaser or its property or assets are bound, except for (i) any
failures to make any such filing or obtain any such permit, authorization,
consent or approval, (ii) in the case of clauses (c) and (d) only,
any conflicts, violations, breaches or defaults, and (iii) any Liens that
have not had, and, as would not reasonably be expected to have, a Purchaser
Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Purchaser
Material Adverse Effect” means any result, occurrence, condition,
fact, change, violation, event or effect that, individually or in the
aggregate with any such other results, occurrences, conditions, facts,
changes, violations, events or effects, is, or is reasonably likely to be,
materially adverse to the condition (financial or otherwise), business,
assets, or results of operations of the Purchaser and its affiliates taken as
a whole ; provided, however, that a Purchaser Material Adverse Effect
shall not be deemed to include effects to the extent resulting 9 from
(i) changes after the date of this Agreement in GAAP or regulatory
accounting requirements applicable generally to the Purchaser, (ii) actions
or omissions by the Purchaser taken with the specific prior written and
informed consent of Company, (iii) changes in the prices of crude oil,
natural gas or natural gas products which do not have a materially
disproportionate effect on the Purchaser relative to other industry
participants, or (iv) changes in global or national political conditions
or general economic or market conditions which do not have a materially
disproportionate effect on the Purchaser. 3.3
Investment Experience/Accredited Investor/Restricted Securities .
Purchaser is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D under the
Securities Act and able to bear the economic risk of holding the Purchased
Stock for an indefinite period, and has knowledge and experience in financial
and business matters such that it is capable of evaluating the risks of the
investment in the Purchased Stock. Purchaser understands that shares of
the Purchased Stock are characterized as “restricted securities” under the
federal securities laws and that under such laws and applicable regulations,
such securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act
only in certain limited circumstances. In the absence of an effective
registration statement covering the Purchased Stock or an available exemption
from registration under the Securities Act, the Purchased Stock must be held
indefinitely. In this connection, Purchaser represents that it is
familiar with SEC Rule 144, as presently in effect, and understands the
resale limitations imposed thereby and by the Securities Act. Purchaser
is acquiring the Purchased Stock for investment for its own account, not as a
nominee or agent, and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with,
any distribution thereof. 3.4
Brokers’ and Finders’ Fees . Except as previously disclosed
in writing to the Company, Purchaser has not entered into any agreement or
arrangement entitling any agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor
or other firm or person to any broker’s or finder’s fee or any other
commission or similar fee in connection with any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. 3.5
Ownership of Stock . As of the date hereof, Purchaser is not the
beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of any
Stock. 3.6
Standstill Provision . Except for the Tranche Two Stock Purchase
and the Purchased Stock, and without in any way limiting the representations
set forth above, Purchaser further agrees that, for a period of twenty-four
(24) months from the Closing, without the prior written consent of the
Company, it shall not, nor shall any of its affiliates (a) acquire, offer
to acquire or agree to acquire (including in the public markets) from any
Person, directly or indirectly, by purchase or merger, through the acquisition
of control of another Person, by joining a partnership, limited partnership or
other “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the
Exchange Act) or otherwise, beneficial ownership of any Stock of the Company,
or direct or indirect rights (including convertible securities) or options to
acquire such beneficial ownership (or otherwise act in concert with respect to
any such securities, rights or options with any Person that so acquires,
offers to acquire or agrees to acquire); provided , however ,
that no such additional ownership shall be deemed to have occurred solely due
to (i) a stock split, reverse stock split, reclassification,
reorganization or other transaction by the Company affecting any class of the
outstanding capital stock of the Company generally, (ii) a stock dividend
or other pro rata distribution by the Company to holders of its outstanding
capital stock, (iii) any increase 10 in
the percentage ownership by Purchaser of outstanding shares of Stock of the
Company resulting from any action taken by the Company, including the
repurchase of shares of Stock of the Company pursuant to any share repurchase
or similar program, or (b) initiate, propose or participate in a
solicitation any proxies or consents with respect to the Company except in
conformity with the recommendations of the Board. 4.1
Expansion of Board . Effective at the Closing, the Board shall
cause the Board to be increased by one (1) additional Class II
member, so that the Board shall consist of a total of seven (7) directors. 4.2
Purchaser’s Entitlement to Board Nominees . Effective at the
Closing, Purchaser shall be entitled to designate two (2) members of the
Board: one, John A. Rigas, to fill the existing vacancy in Class III on
the Board, and the other, W. Mark Meyer, to fill the newly-created Board seat
in Class II, as set forth in Section 4.1 (the “ Initial
Purchaser Designees ”). Thereafter, (a) for so long as
Purchaser beneficially owns at least fifteen percent (15%) of the outstanding
Stock, Purchaser shall have the right to designate one (1) nominee in
Class II and one (1) nominee in Class III for election to the
Board; and (b) for so long as Purchaser beneficially own at least
ten percent (10%) but less than fifteen percent (15%) of the outstanding
Stock, Purchaser shall be entitled to designate one (1) nominee in Class III
for election to serve on the Board (each individual nominated by Purchaser
pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 4.3 being a “ Nominee
” and collectively, the “ Nominees
”). Each Nominee must be an individual who may reasonably be
determined by the Board to be independent as defined under both the NASDAQ
rules and the Company’s organizational documents, it being understood
that only the Board may make a definitive determination regarding the
independence of any director, and the Company shall be entitled to request any
reasonable information regarding the Nominee that would bear on the
independence of the Nominee, including information regarding any affiliated
transactions or relationships. In order to designate a Nominee,
Purchaser shall provide written notice to the Board, which notice shall
contain the names of the Nominee, the information required by Regulation 14A
for each such Nominee and the committee(s), if any, on which such Nominee is
nominated to serve (the “ Nomination Notice ”). 4.3
Procedures for Selection and Election of Nominees . By written
notice to the Company, Purchaser may designate the Initial Purchaser Designees
to be nominated for re-election to the Board at any Board meeting during which
director nominees of their respective classes are approved. In the event
Purchaser wishes to designate a new Nominee for election in the place of one
or both of the Initial Purchaser Designees or any subsequent Nominees pursuant
to the provisions set forth in Section 4.2, Purchaser shall provide a
Nomination Notice to the Board in accordance with the procedures described in
the proxy statement for the Company’s most recent annual meeting of
shareholders, identifying each Nominee. Upon receiving a Nomination
Notice, the Board shall take all actions reasonably necessary to include such
Nominee(s) in the Company’s next election of members of the Board by
the shareholders and shall also recommend that the shareholders of the Company
elect such Nominee(s) to the Board, providing such written recommendation
in any proxy materials presented to the shareholders of the Company for such
election. 11 5.1
Conditions to the Obligation of Each Party . The respective
obligations of each Party to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment or waiver, at or prior to the
Closing Date, of the following conditions: (a)
No action, suit or proceeding instituted by any Governmental Entity shall be
pending, and no statute, rule, order, decree, regulation, injunction or
judgment of any court or Governmental Entity may be in effect, in each case,
that would prohibit, restrain, enjoin or restrict the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby. (b)
Any necessary approval of or notification to NASDAQ, if required, shall have
been obtained or provided. (c)
The closing of the Tranche Two Stock Purchase shall have occurred (it being
understood and agreed that such closing shall occur simultaneously with the
Closing hereunder). 5.2
Conditions to the Obligations of Purchaser . The obligation of the
Purchaser to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject
to the satisfaction (or waiver by the Purchaser), at or prior to the Closing
Date, of the following conditions: (a)
The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Article II
of this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of
the Closing Date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties speak as of another date, in which case such representations and
warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such
date). (b)
The Company shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations
and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed
or complied with by it on or before the Closing in all material respects. (c)
The Company shall have delivered stock certificates representing the Purchased
Stock as described herein. (d)
The Company shall have delivered a duly executed counterpart of the
Registration Rights Agreement, in a customary form to be agreed upon by the
Parties prior to Closing (the “ Registration
Rights Agreement ”). (e)
Purchaser shall have received an opinion from legal counsel to the Company in
customary form, dated the Closing date, as to the existence and good standing
of the Company, the valid issuance of the Stock, due authority to enter into
this Agreement and enforceability of this Agreement. 5.3
Conditions to the Obligation of the Company . The obligation of the
Company to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject
to the satisfaction (or waiver by the Company), at or prior to the Closing
Date, of the following conditions: 12 (a)
The representations and warranties of the Purchaser set forth in Article III
of this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of
the Closing Date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties speak as of another date, in which case such representations and
warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such
date). (b)
The Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all agreements,
obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be
performed or complied with by each of them on or before the Closing in all
material respects. (c)
Purchaser shall have paid the Purchase Price Amount. (d)
Purchaser shall have delivered a duly executed counterpart of the Registration
Rights Agreement between the Parties. INDEMNIFICATION 6.1
Survival . Subject to the limitations and other provisions
of this Agreement, the representations and warranties of the parties hereto
shall survive the Closing until the first anniversary of the Closing Date,
except that the representations and warranties in Section 2.1, Section 2.2,
Section 2.5, Section 2.6 and Section 3.3 shall survive
indefinitely. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the representations and
warranties of a party will not expire with respect to any written claims
delivered to the other party prior to the applicable expiration period of any
such representations, warranties or covenants as provided above. 6.2
Indemnification . Each party (the “ Indemnifying
Party ”) shall indemnify, save and hold the other party and its
affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and their respective agents (each,
an “ Indemnified Party ”),
harmless from and against any and all costs, losses, charges, liabilities,
obligations, damages, punitive damages (but only to the extent that they are
actually awarded in Third-Party Claims), lawsuits, actions, judgments,
deficiencies, demands, fees, claims, settlements and reasonable expenses
(whether arising out of Third-Party Claims or otherwise), including, without
limitation, interest, penalties, costs of litigation, reasonable attorneys’
fees and expenses, all amounts paid in the investigation, defense or
settlement of any of the foregoing, and including consequential damages (but
only to the extent that they are actually awarded in Third-Party Claims)
(collectively, “ Losses ”)
incurred in connection with, arising out of, resulting from or relating or
incident to any inaccuracy or incorrectness of, or any other breach of, any
representation or warranty of or by the Indemnifying Party in or pursuant to
this Agreement. The claims for indemnity by any Indemnified Person
pursuant to this Section 6.2 are referred to as “ Claims
.” The indemnification obligations of the Indemnifying Party
pursuant to this Section 6.2 shall be limited to Claims for Losses as to
which written notice is delivered to the Indemnifying Party prior to the last
date of survival of the applicable representation and warranty as provided in
Section 6.1. 6.3
Exclusive Remedy . The indemnification provided for in
this Section 6 shall constitute the Indemnified Parties’ sole monetary
remedy against the Indemnifying Party in respect of any breach of any
representation or warranty of the Indemnifying Party set forth 13 herein;
provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to claims of
fraud by the Indemnifying Party in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby. 6.4
Third-Party Claims . The Indemnified Party shall give
written notice to the Indemnifying Party promptly, but not later than fifteen
(15) days, after such Indemnified Party receives written notice of any claim,
action, suit, proceeding or demand asserted by any person who is not a party
(or a successor to a party) to this Agreement (a “ Third-Party
Claim ”) that is or may give rise to an indemnification claim, or
otherwise becomes aware of the basis for such a claim; provided, however, that
the failure of the Indemnified Party to give notice as provided in this
Section 6.4 shall not relieve any Indemnifying Party of its obligations
under Section 6.2, except to the extent that such failure actually and
materially prejudices the rights of the Indemnifying Party. The
Indemnifying Party may elect to assume the defense of any Third-Party Claim or
any litigation resulting therefrom; provided, however, that counsel for
the Indemnifying Party, who shall in such case conduct the defense of such
claim, shall be approved by the Indemnified Party (whose approval shall not
unreasonably be withheld), and the Indemnified Party may participate in such
defense at its own expense, and may retain counsel of its choice at its own
expense; provided further that the Indemnified Party shall have the
right to employ, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, one firm of counsel of
its choice, and local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction (if more than
one jurisdiction is involved), to represent the Indemnified Party if, in the
Indemnified Party’s reasonable judgment, there exists a conflict of interest
between the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, or if the
Indemnifying Party (a) elects not to defend, compromise or settle a
Third-Party Claim or (b) having timely elected to defend a Third-Party
Claim, fails adequately to prosecute or pursue such defense, then in each case
the Indemnified Party may defend such Third-Party Claim on behalf of and for
the account and risk of the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnifying Party,
in the defense of any such litigation or proceeding, shall not, except with
the prior written approval of the Indemnified Party, consent to entry of any
judgment or entry into any settlement that does not include as an
unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to the
Indemnified Party of a release from all liability with respect to such
litigation or proceeding. The Indemnified Party shall not settle or
compromise any such claim without the prior written approval of the
Indemnifying Party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed. 7.1
Further Assurances . Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, Purchaser and the Company shall use all reasonable efforts to take
or cause to be taken all actions, and to do or cause to be done all things,
necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 7.2
FIRPTA . If requested by Purchaser, the Company shall provide to
Purchaser, at the Closing, an affidavit in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Purchaser, duly executed and acknowledged, certifying facts
that would exempt from any withholding requirements under Section 1445 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, any payments for any United
States real property interest being transferred pursuant to this Agreement. 14 7.3
Entire Agreement; Amendment and Waiver . Except at provided in
this Section 7.3, this Agreement, including the exhibits hereto, the
Tranche Two Stock Purchase Agreement, the Letter Agreement dated March 26,
2008, and the other documents delivered pursuant to this Agreement, constitute
the full and entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard
to the subjects hereof and thereof, and no Party shall be liable or bound to
any other Party in any manner by any warranties, representations or covenants
except as specifically set forth herein or therein. RCH Energy
Opportunity Fund II, LP and the Company agree that the Master Agreement dated
January 28, 2008, between RCH Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP, Credo
Petroleum Corporation and Hal D. McVey shall automatically terminate upon
Closing, except that the “Calliope Gas Recovery System Confidential
Disclosure Agreement” attached as Exhibit “D” to said Master
Agreement shall survive the termination of the Master Agreement. In the
event of a conflict between the terms of the Letter Agreement dated March 26,
2008, and the Calliope Gas Recovery System Confidential Disclosure Agreement,
the terms of the Calliope Gas Recovery System Confidential Disclosure
Agreement shall prevail. No amendment of any provision of this Agreement
shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed
by all of the Parties. Any failure of a Party to comply with any
obligation, agreement or condition hereunder may only be waived in writing by
the other Parties, but such waiver shall not operate as a waiver of, or
estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure. 7.4
Notices . Any notices and other communications required or
permitted in this Agreement shall be effective if in writing and (a) delivered
personally or (b) sent (i) by Federal Express, DHL or UPS or (ii) by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, in each case, addressed as
follows: If
to the Company: CREDO
Petroleum Corporation with
a copy to: Davis
Graham & Stubbs LLP If
to Purchaser: RCH
Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP Attn:
John A. Rigas 15 With
a copy to: Andrews
Kurth LLP Each
of the Parties hereto shall be entitled to specify a different address by
giving notice as aforesaid to each of the other Parties hereto 7.5
Fees and Expenses . All fees and expenses incurred by the
Parties in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall be borne
by the Party incurring such fees and expenses. 7.6
Governing Law; Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be governed
by and be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado,
without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
Each party to this Agreement submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any
state or federal court sitting in the State of Colorado in any dispute or
action arising out of or relating to this Agreement and agrees that all claims
in respect of such dispute or action will be heard and determined in any such
court. Each party also agrees not to bring any dispute or action arising
out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court. Each party
agrees that a final judgment in any dispute or action so brought will be
conclusive and may be enforced by dispute or action on the judgment or in any
other manner provided at law (common, statutory or other) or in equity.
Each party waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any
dispute or action so brought and waives any bond, surety, or other security
that might be required of any other party with respect thereto. Each
Party shall be entitled to seek to enforce specifically the terms and
provisions of this Agreement against the other Party under any remedy to which
they are entitled at law or in equity, including specific performance. 7.7
Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures . This Agreement may be
executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original,
but all of which taken together shall constitute one instrument.
Facsimile signatures shall have the same binding effect as original
signatures. 7.8
Severability . In the event that any provision hereof would,
under applicable law, be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, such
provision shall be construed by modifying or limiting it so as to be valid and
enforceable to the maximum extent compatible with, and possible under,
applicable law. The provisions hereof are severable, and in the event
any provision hereof should be held invalid or unenforceable in any respect,
it shall not invalidate, render unenforceable or otherwise affect any other
provision hereof. 7.9
Titles and Subtitles . The titles and subtitles used in this
Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in
construing or interpreting this Agreement. 7.10
Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise provided herein,
the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
be binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the Parties.
Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended 16 to
confer upon any party other than the Parties hereto or their respective
successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under
or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this
Agreement. [Signature
page follows] 17 IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement or caused
this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date first written above. PURCHASER RCH
ENERGY OPPORTUNITY FUND II, LP By:
RCH Energy Opportunity Fund II GP, LP; its
general partner By:
RR Advisors, LLC; its general partner By: /s/
W. Mark Meyer W.
Mark Meyer President COMPANY CREDO
PETROLEUM CORPORATION By: /s/
James T. Huffman James
T. Huffman President,
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
of the Board of Directors Exhibit
99.1 Execution
Version STOCK
PURCHASE AGREEMENT THIS
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of June 3, 2008 (this “ Agreement
”), is made by and among James T. Huffman (“ Huffman
”), Richard B. Stevens (“ Stevens ”)
and William F. Skewes (“ Skewes ”)
(each a “ Seller ,” and
collectively, “ Sellers ”) and RCH
Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP, a Delaware limited partnership ( “ Purchaser
” and collectively with Sellers, the “ Parties
”). WHEREAS,
Huffman is Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of
CREDO Petroleum Corporation, a Colorado corporation (NASDAQ: CRED) (the
“ Company ”), and Stevens and
Skewes currently serve as Disinterested Directors (as defined in the
Company’s Articles of Incorporation) on the Board of Directors of the
Company; WHEREAS,
Sellers currently own shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share (the
“ Stock ”), of the Company, and
Sellers desire to sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser desires to purchase from
Sellers, an aggregate of 687,000 shares of Stock, on the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth in this Agreement; WHEREAS,
concurrently with and as a condition to the Closing (as hereinafter defined),
Purchaser are purchasing 1,150,000 newly issued shares of Stock directly from
the Company (the “ Tranche One Stock
Purchase ”); and WHEREAS,
as an inducement and condition to the Parties entering into this Agreement,
Purchaser and the Company have agreed to a standstill provision with respect
to the Stock and to certain additional rights for Purchaser with respect Board
of Director positions, as set forth in the Company Stock Purchase Agreement,
dated as of the date hereof, between the Company and Purchaser (the “ Tranche
One Stock Purchase Agreement ”); NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations, warranties, covenants, agreements and conditions hereinafter
set forth, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereto agree
as follows: 1.1
Sale of Stock . Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions contained herein, upon (a) execution and delivery of this
Agreement by all the Parties hereto, (b) the execution and delivery by
Purchaser and the Company of the Tranche One Stock Purchase Agreement and (c) payment
of the Purchase Price Amount (as hereinafter defined) in accordance with
Section 1.2 hereof, Sellers shall sell and transfer to Purchaser, and
Purchaser shall purchase and accept from Sellers, an aggregate of 687,000
shares of Stock as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto (the “
Purchased Stock ”). At the
Closing, Sellers shall deliver to Purchaser certificates representing the
Purchased Stock duly endorsed in blank, or accompanied by stock powers duly
endorsed in blank, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser. 1.2
Payment by Purchaser . Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions contained herein and in payment for the aforesaid sale and transfer
of the Purchased Stock by Sellers to Purchaser, Purchaser shall deliver or
cause to be delivered at the Closing to Sellers, by wire transfer
or other means reasonably acceptable to each Seller, an aggregate sum in cash
equal to $14.50 per share, or $9,961,500 (the “ Purchase
Price Amount ”), in the individual amounts and to each Seller as set
forth in Exhibit A attached hereto. 1.3
Closing . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein, the closing of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Stock (the “ Closing
”) shall be held at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time on the
second business day following the satisfaction (or, to the extent permitted,
the waiver by the Parties entitled to the benefits thereof) of the conditions
set forth in Article IV (other than any of such conditions that by their
nature are to be fulfilled at Closing, but subject to the fulfillment or
waiver of such conditions), or such other time and date as may be mutually
agreed by the Parties hereto (the “ Closing
Date ”), at the offices of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, 1550 17th
Street, Denver, CO 80202, or such other location as may be mutually agreed to
by the Parties hereto. 1.4
Other Documents Delivered at Closing . The Parties shall each
take all such other actions required hereby to be performed, and deliver all
other documents, certificates and other items required to be delivered by it,
prior to or on the Closing Date, including, without limitation, satisfying the
conditions set forth in Article IV. All such documents and
instruments delivered to any Party pursuant hereto shall be in form and
substance, and shall be executed in a manner, reasonably satisfactory to such
Party and its counsel. Each
Seller hereby individually represents and warrants to Purchaser, as to
himself, severally and not jointly, as follows: 2.1
Authorization; Validity of Agreement . Seller has the requisite
power, capacity and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by Seller, and assuming due and valid authorization,
execution and delivery hereof by Purchaser, constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of Seller, enforceable against him in accordance with its terms,
except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general
application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) laws
relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or
other equitable remedies. 2.2
Ownership of Stock . Seller is the sole beneficial and record
holder of certain shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding Stock as
set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto, and has good and valid
title to such shares of Stock, free and clear of any lien, charge,
encumbrance, security interest, claim or right of others of whatever nature,
except as may be imposed by applicable securities laws (each, a “ Lien
”), and at the Closing, upon delivery of the Purchase Price Amount,
Seller will deliver to Purchaser good, valid and marketable title to such
shares of Stock, free and clear of any Lien. 2.3
Non-Contravention; Consents; Filings . Except for the filings,
permits, authorizations, consents and approvals as may be required under, and
other applicable 2 requirements
of, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities
Act ”), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange
Act ”), and state securities or blue sky laws, the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and compliance by Seller with any of the
provisions hereof or thereof do not and will not (a) require any filing
by Seller with, or the issuance or grant to Seller of any permit,
authorization, consent or approval of, any court, arbitrator or arbitral
tribunal, administrative agency or commission or other governmental or
regulatory authority or agency (a “ Governmental
Entity ”), (b) conflict with or violate any order, writ,
injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to, binding
upon or enforceable against Seller or any of his respective properties or
assets, or (c) result in a violation or breach of, constitute (with or
without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, give rise to any
right of termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration under, or result
in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property or assets of
Seller under, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, license, contract,
agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Seller is a party or by
which Seller or his property or assets are bound. 2.4
Brokers’ and Finders’ Fees . Except as previously disclosed in
writing to the Purchaser, Seller has not entered into any agreement or
arrangement entitling any agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor
or other firm or person to any broker’s or finder’s fee or any other
commission or similar fee in connection with any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. 2.5
Investment Experience . Seller (a) is a sophisticated seller with
respect to the Stock, (b) has adequate information concerning the Stock,
(c) has adequate information concerning the business and financial
condition of the Company and any affiliates of the Company, (d) has
conducted, to the extent it deemed necessary, an independent investigation of
such matters as, in its judgment, is necessary for it to make an informed
investment decision with respect to the Stock, the Company and this Agreement,
and (e) has not relied upon the Purchaser for any investigation into,
assessment of, or evaluation with respect to the Stock, the Company and/or
this Agreement. ARTICLE III Purchaser
hereby represents and warrants to Sellers as follows: 3.1
Organization; Authorization; Validity of Agreement . Purchaser
is a limited partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has full power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. All action on the part of Purchaser required for
the authorization, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
Purchaser, the purchase of and payment for the Purchased Stock and the
performance of all of Purchaser’s obligations under the Tranche One Stock
Purchase Agreement have been taken. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by Purchaser, and assuming due and valid authorization,
execution and delivery hereof by Sellers, constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its
terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (a) applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of 3 general
application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (b) laws
relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or
other equitable remedies. 3.2
Non-Contravention; Consents; Filings . The execution, delivery
or performance of this Agreement by Purchaser, the consummation by Purchaser
of the purchase of the Purchased Stock and compliance by Purchaser with any of
the provisions hereof do not and will not (a) conflict with or result in
any breach of any provision of the partnership agreement of Purchaser, (b) require
any filing by Purchaser with, or the issuance or grant to Purchaser of any
permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity, (c) conflict
with or violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or
regulation applicable to, binding upon or enforceable against Purchaser or any
of its properties or assets, or (d) result in a violation or breach of,
constitute (with or without lapse of time or both) a default under, give rise
to any right of termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration under, or
result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property or assets
of Purchaser under, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, license,
contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Purchaser is a
party or by which Purchaser or its property or assets are bound. 3.3
Investment Experience/Accredited Investor/Restricted Securities .
Purchaser is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D under the
Securities Act and able to bear the economic risk of holding the Purchased
Stock for an indefinite period, and has knowledge and experience in financial
and business matters such that it is capable of evaluating the risks of the
investment in the Purchased Stock. Purchaser understands that the shares
of Purchased Stock are characterized as “restricted securities” under the
federal securities laws and that under such laws and applicable regulations,
such securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act
only in certain limited circumstances. In the absence of an effective
registration statement covering the Purchased Stock or an available exemption
from registration under the Securities Act, the Purchased Stock must be held
indefinitely. In this connection, Purchaser represents that it is
familiar with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as presently in effect,
and understands the resale limitations imposed thereby and by the Securities
Act. Purchaser is acquiring the Purchased Stock for investment for its
own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to, or for resale
in connection with, any distribution thereof. 3.4
Brokers’ and Finders’ Fees . Except as previously disclosed
in writing to Sellers, Purchaser has not entered into any agreement or
arrangement entitling any agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor
or other firm or person to any broker’s or finder’s fee or any other
commission or similar fee in connection with any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. 3.5
Ownership of Stock . As of the date hereof, Purchaser is
not the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
Act) of any Stock. 4.1
Conditions to the Obligation of Each Party . The
respective obligations of each Party to effect the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior
to the Closing Date, of the following conditions: 4 (a)
No action, suit or proceeding instituted by any Governmental Entity shall be
pending, and no statute, rule, order, decree, regulation, injunction or
judgment of any court or Governmental Entity shall be in effect, in each case,
that would prohibit, restrain, enjoin or restrict the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby. (b)
The closing of the Tranche One Stock Purchase shall have occurred (it being
understood and agreed that such closing shall occur simultaneously with the
Closing hereunder). 4.2
Conditions to the Obligations of Purchaser . The obligation of
Purchaser to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject
to the satisfaction (or waiver by Purchaser), at or prior to the Closing Date,
of the following conditions: (a)
The representations and warranties of Sellers set forth in Article II of
this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of
the Closing Date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties speak as of another date, in which case such representations and
warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such
date). (b)
Sellers shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations and
conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or
complied with by each of them on or before the Closing Date in all material
respects. (c)
Sellers shall have delivered stock certificates representing the Purchased
Stock as described in Section 1.1 herein. 4.3
Conditions to the Obligation of Sellers . The obligation of
Sellers to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject
to the satisfaction (or waiver by Sellers), at or prior to the Closing Date,
of the following conditions: (a)
The representations and warranties of Purchaser set forth in Article III
of this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of
the Closing Date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties speak as of another date, in which case such representations and
warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such
date). (b)
Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all agreements, obligations
and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed
or complied with by each of them on or before the Closing in all material
respects. (c)
Purchaser shall have paid the Purchase Price Amount. INDEMNIFICATION 5.1
Survival . Subject to the limitations and other provisions
of this Agreement, the representations and warranties of the parties hereto
shall survive the Closing until the first anniversary of the Closing Date,
except that the representations and warranties in Section 2.1, 5 Section 2.2
and Section 3.1 shall survive indefinitely. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the representations and warranties of a party will not expire with
respect to any written claims delivered to the other party prior to the
applicable expiration period of any such representations, warranties or
covenants as provided above. 5.2
Indemnification . Each party (the “ Indemnifying
Party ”) shall indemnify, save and hold the other party and its
affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and their respective agents (each,
an “ Indemnified Party ”),
harmless from and against any and all costs, losses, charges, liabilities,
obligations, damages, punitive damages (but only to the extent that they are
actually awarded in Third-Party Claims), lawsuits, actions, judgments,
deficiencies, demands, fees, claims, settlements and reasonable expenses
(whether arising out of Third-Party Claims or otherwise), including, without
limitation, interest, penalties, costs of litigation, reasonable attorneys’
fees and expenses, all amounts paid in the investigation, defense or
settlement of any of the foregoing, and including consequential damages (but
only to the extent that they are actually awarded in Third-Party Claims)
(collectively, “ Losses ”)
incurred in connection with, arising out of, resulting from or relating or
incident to any inaccuracy or incorrectness of, or any other breach of, any
representation or warranty of or by the Indemnifying Party in or pursuant to
this Agreement. The claims for indemnity by any Indemnified Person
pursuant to this Section 5.2 are referred to as “ Claims
.” The indemnification obligations of the Indemnifying Party
pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall be limited to Claims for Losses as to
which written notice is delivered to the Indemnifying Party prior to the last
date of survival of the applicable representation and warranty as provided in
Section 5.1. 5.3
Exclusive Remedy . The indemnification provided for in
this Section 5 shall constitute the Indemnified Parties’ sole monetary
remedy against the Indemnifying Party in respect of any breach of any
representation or warranty of the Indemnifying Party set forth herein; provided,
however, that the foregoing shall not apply to claims of fraud by the
Indemnifying Party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. 5.4
Third-Party Claims . The Indemnified Party shall give
written notice to the Indemnifying Party promptly, but not later than fifteen
(15) days, after such Indemnified Party receives written notice of any claim,
action, suit, proceeding or demand asserted by any person who is not a party
(or a successor to a party) to this Agreement (a “ Third-Party
Claim ”) that is or may give rise to an indemnification claim, or
otherwise becomes aware of the basis for such a claim; provided, however, that
the failure of the Indemnified Party to give notice as provided in this
Section 5.4 shall not relieve any Indemnifying Party of its obligations
under Section 5.2, except to the extent that such failure actually and
materially prejudices the rights of the Indemnifying Party. The
Indemnifying Party may elect to assume the defense of any Third-Party Claim or
any litigation resulting therefrom; provided, however, that counsel for
the Indemnifying Party, who shall in such case conduct the defense of such
claim, shall be approved by the Indemnified Party (whose approval shall not
unreasonably be withheld), and the Indemnified Party may participate in such
defense at its own expense, and may retain counsel of its choice at its own
expense; provided further that the Indemnified Party shall have the
right to employ, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, one firm of counsel of
its choice, and local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction (if more than
one jurisdiction is involved), to represent the Indemnified Party if, in the
Indemnified Party’s reasonable judgment, there exists a conflict of interest
between the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, or if the
Indemnifying Party (a) 6 elects
not to defend, compromise or settle a Third-Party Claim or (b) having
timely elected to defend a Third-Party Claim, fails adequately to prosecute or
pursue such defense, then in each case the Indemnified Party may defend such
Third-Party Claim on behalf of and for the account and risk of the
Indemnifying Party. The Indemnifying Party, in the defense of any such
litigation or proceeding, shall not, except with the prior written approval of
the Indemnified Party, consent to entry of any judgment or entry into any
settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving
by the claimant or plaintiff to the Indemnified Party of a release from all
liability with respect to such litigation or proceeding. The Indemnified
Party shall not settle or compromise any such claim without the prior written
approval of the Indemnifying Party, which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed. 6.1
Further Assurances . Subject to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement, Purchaser and Sellers shall use all reasonable efforts to
take or cause to be taken all actions, and to do or cause to be done all
things, necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 6.2
FIRPTA . If requested by Purchaser, Sellers shall provide to
Purchaser, at the Closing, an affidavit in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Purchaser, duly executed and acknowledged, certifying facts
that would exempt from any withholding requirements under Section 1445 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, any payments for any United
States real property interest being transferred pursuant to this Agreement. 6.3
Entire Agreement; Amendment and Waiver . This Agreement,
including the exhibits hereto, the Tranche One Stock Purchase Agreement and
the other documents delivered pursuant to this Agreement, constitute the full
and entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the
subjects hereof and thereof, and no Party shall be liable or bound to any
other Party in any manner by any warranties, representations or covenants
except as specifically set forth herein or therein. No amendment of any
provision of this Agreement shall in any event be effective unless the same
shall be in writing and signed by all of the Parties. Any failure of a
Party to comply with any obligation, agreement or condition hereunder may only
be waived in writing by the other Parties, but such waiver shall not operate
as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure. 6.4
Notices . Any notices and other communications required or
permitted in this Agreement shall be effective if in writing and (a) delivered
personally or (b) sent (i) by Federal Express, DHL or UPS or (ii) by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, in each case, addressed as
follows: If
to Sellers: James
T. Huffman 7 Richard
B. Stevens William
F. Skewes with
a copy to: Davis
Graham & Stubbs LLP If
to Purchaser: RCH
Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP With
a copy to: Andrews
Kurth LLP Each
of the Parties hereto shall be entitled to specify a different address by
giving notice as aforesaid to each of the other Parties hereto. 6.5
Fees and Expenses . All fees and expenses incurred by the
Parties in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall be borne
by the Party incurring such fees and expenses. 6.6
Governing Law; Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall
be governed by and be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Colorado, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws
thereof. The Parties to this Agreement submit to the exclusive
jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in the State of Colorado in
any dispute or action arising out of or relating to this Agreement and agree
that all claims in respect of such dispute or action will be heard and
determined in any such court. The Parties also agree not to bring any
dispute or action arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other
court. The Parties further agree that a final judgment in any dispute or
action so brought will be conclusive and may be enforced by dispute or action
on the judgment or in any other manner provided at law 8 (common,
statutory or other) or in equity, and waive any defense of inconvenient forum
to the maintenance of any dispute or action so brought, including waiver of
any bond, surety, or other security that might be required of any other Party
with respect thereto. 6.7
Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures . This Agreement may be
executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original,
but all of which taken together shall constitute one instrument.
Facsimile signatures shall have the same binding effect as original
signatures. 6.8
Severability . In the event that any provision hereof
would, under applicable law, be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, such
provision shall be construed by modifying or limiting it so as to be valid and
enforceable to the maximum extent compatible with, and possible under,
applicable law. The provisions hereof are severable, and in the event
any provision hereof should be held invalid or unenforceable in any respect,
it shall not invalidate, render unenforceable or otherwise affect any other
provision hereof. 6.9
Titles and Subtitles . The titles and subtitles used in
this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in
construing or interpreting this Agreement. 6.10
Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise provided
herein, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the Parties.
Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any
party other than the Parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns
any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this
Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement. [Signature
page follows] 9 IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement or caused
this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date first written above. PURCHASER RCH
ENERGY OPPORTUNITY FUND II, LP, a Delaware
limited partnership By:
RCH Energy Opportunity Fund II GP, LP; its By:
RR Advisors, LLC; its general partner By: /s/
W. Mark Meyer W.
Mark Meyer President SELLERS /s/
James T. Huffman James
T. Huffman /s/
Richard B. Stevens Richard
B. Stevens /s/
William F. Skewes William
F. Skewes 10 Exhibit
99.2 NEWS
RELEASE FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE DENVER,
COLORADO, June 4, 2008 –
CREDO Petroleum Corporation (NASDAQ: CRED), an independent oil and gas
company, reported today that the company and certain of its directors have
entered into agreements with RCH Energy Opportunity Fund II, LP (“RCH” or
the “Fund”) a private investment fund based in Houston, Texas, whereby RCH
will acquire approximately 17.5% of CREDO’s outstanding stock. Closing
under the agreements is subject to certain customary closing conditions. RCH
will acquire a total of 1,837,000 shares of the company’s stock at a price
of $14.50 per share, representing a 13% premium to the stock’s 30-day moving
average. CREDO will sell 1,150,000 newly issued common shares, or
approximately 11% of the company’s total outstanding shares on a proforma
basis. Directors Huffman, Stevens and Skewes will sell 425,000, 192,000
and 70,000 shares, respectively, or about 40% of the CREDO shares held by Mr. Huffman
and his family and approximately 50% of the shares held by Messrs. Stevens
and Skewes. CREDO’s Board will be expanded from six to seven members
and RCH will nominate two directors, one to fill a current vacancy on the
Board and another to fill the newly created Board seat. All
of the shares acquired by RCH will initially be restricted and not freely
tradable in the open market, however, RCH will have certain future
registration rights. The company agreement contains a standstill
provision providing that RCH will not purchase additional CREDO stock for a
period of two years from the date of the agreement without the consent of the
Board of Directors. James
T. Huffman, CREDO’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors, stated, “We are very pleased to have RCH as an investor and
strategic partner. RCH is a successful and highly regarded investor in
oil and gas companies, both public and private. We are excited about the
knowledge and experience they will bring to our business.” Mark
Meyer, President of RR Advisors, LLC, the General Partner of the Fund, said,
“We look forward to entering into a long-term partnership with CREDO and its
shareholders. Jim Huffman and his team have built a solid asset base and
a company which is uniquely positioned in the industry. We intend to
help the company further exploit its existing opportunity set, accelerate
growth through the capture of new opportunities, and enhance value for all of
its shareholders.” This
transaction represents the culmination of an extensive evaluation process
started last year whereby the company’s management and directors, in
consultation with Merrill Lynch & Co., have thoroughly reviewed and
explored strategic options and alternatives available to CREDO. In
addition to new capital, this transaction brings directors to CREDO’s Board
who have extensive technical engineering, financial and capital market
experience in the oil and gas industry. “CREDO
has a strong asset base with excellent growth potential in both its
conventional oil and gas and intellectual property assets,” Huffman said.
“The RCH transaction will allow us to accelerate development of our oil and
gas properties and to consolidate our Calliope ownership. In addition,
both CREDO and RCH expect this relationship to substantially increase
CREDO’s opportunities to monetize Calliope.” Merrill
Lynch & CO. represented CREDO in the transaction and Davis Graham &
Stubbs LLP acted as legal counsel to CREDO. Proceeds
from the RCH investment totaling $16,675,000 will be used, among other things,
to fund increased exploration and development of properties where the company
currently has unbooked reserves. In addition, the company will
consolidate ownership in its Calliope Gas Recovery System by purchasing the
Calliope patents together with the 13.75% ownership in Calliope and related
intellectual property that the company does not already own. CREDO
and RCH previously entered into a Calliope joint venture agreement in January of
this year. Subsequent discussions ultimately culminated in RCH
purchasing a significant stake in the company and becoming part of CREDO’s
policy and direction-setting team. The new relationship with RCH as an
equity owner and decision making partner is intended to meaningfully expand
the existing relationship, creating an enhanced opportunity for CREDO to
present, promote and implement Calliope as a growth opportunity to a larger
universe of private and public oil and gas companies. 2 About
CREDO Petroleum Corporation —
CREDO Petroleum Corporation
is a publicly traded independent energy company headquartered in Denver,
Colorado. The company is engaged in the exploration for and the
acquisition, development and marketing of natural gas and crude oil and in
application of its patented Calliope Gas Recovery System. CREDO owns
working and royalty interests in approximately 1,445 wells. The
company’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ System under the symbol “CRED”
and is quoted daily in the “NASDAQ Global Market” section of The Wall
Street Journal. About
RCH Energy Opportunity Fund II, LLP— RCH
Energy Opportunity Fund II, L.P. is a private investment fund headquartered in
Houston, Texas that focuses exclusively on the oil and gas sector. The
Fund’s investment in CREDO Petroleum Corporation is managed by John Rigas
and Mark Meyer, both of whom have extensive operating, technical and financial
experience in the oil and gas industry. *
*
*
*
* For
more information about the company, visit http://www.credopetroleum.com. Contact:
James T. Huffman President or David
E. Dennis Chief
Financial Officer 303-297-2200 Web
Site:
www.credopetroleum.com This
press release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements included in this press
release, other than statements of historical facts, address matters that the
company reasonably expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the
future. Such statements are subject to various assumptions, risks and
uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the company.
Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future
performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from
those described in the forward-looking statements. Investors are
encouraged to read the “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”
sections included in the company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K
for more information. Although the company may from time to time
voluntarily update its prior forward looking statements, it disclaims any
commitment to do so except as required by securities laws. 3 ©2000-2008 CREDO Petroleum Corporation. All rights
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