UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Maryland 43-2048643
------------------------------- ------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. |_|Yes |X| No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). |_|Yes |X| No
The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of September 30, 2004 was 7,055,100.
PROSPECT ENERGY CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION...........................................................................1
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)...................................................1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
Consoldated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
Consolidated Statement of Investments (unaudited)
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)..........................................6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations..........12
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.....................................23
Item 4. Controls and Procedures........................................................................23
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION..............................................................................24
Item 1. Legal Proceedings..............................................................................24
Item 2. Unregistered Sales in Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds....................................24
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities................................................................25
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............................................25
Item 5. Other Information..............................................................................25
Item 6. Exhibits ......................................................................................26
Signatures.....................................................................................27
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
In this Quarterly Report, the "Company," "Prospect Energy," "PEC," "PSEC", "we," "us" and "our" refer to Prospect Energy Corporation and its consolidated subsidiary unless the context otherwise states.
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
PROSPECT ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30, June 30,
2004 2004
----------------------------------------------------------- --------------- -------------------
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $422 $1
Investments, including accrued interest (cost - $96,877) 97,027 -
Due from affiliate 53 -
Other assets 299 -
----- --
Total assets $97,801 $1
======= ==
Liabilities
Accounts payable $595 $-
Due to affiliate - 100
Accrued expenses 735 -
Other liabilities 50 -
-- -
Total liabilities $1,380 $100
------ ----
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, par value $.001 per share, 100,000,000 $7 $0
common shares authorized, 7,055,100 issued and
outstanding
Paid-in capital in excess of par 96,955 1
Accumulated net investment loss (534) (100)
Net unrealized depreciation (7) -
--- --
Total stockholders' equity $96,421 $(99)
------- -----
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $97,801 $1
======= ==
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See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
PROSPECT ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the period from July For the period from April
1, 2004 through 13, 2004 (inception)
September 30, 2004 through
June 30, 2004
------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------------------
Operating Income
Interest income $266 $-
---- --
Total operating income 266 $0
Operating Expenses
Investment advisory fee $337 $-
Administration fee 73 -
Insurance expense 61 -
Legal and professional fees 160 100
General and administrative expenses 69 -
-- -
Total operating expenses 700 100
--- ---
Net investment loss $(434) $(100)
Net unrealized depreciation (7) 0
--- -
Net decrease in stockholders' equity
resulting from operations $(441) $(100)
====== ======
Basic net decrease in stockholders'
equity per common share resulting
from operations (see note 7) (0.09) (1.00)
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See notes to unaudited consolidated
financial statements.
PROSPECT ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except shares)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the period from April 13, 2004 (inception)
through September 30, 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCK ACCUMULATED NET
SHARES AMOUNT PAID IN INVESTMENT LOSS TOTAL
CAPITAL IN AND UNREALIZED STOCKHOLDERS'
EXCESS OF PAR DEPRECIATION EQUITY
------------------------------------ -------------- ------------ --------------- ----------------- -------------------
Balance, April 13, 2004
(inception) - - - - -
Sale of common stock 100 - $ 1 - $ 1
Net decrease in stockholders'
equity resulting from
operations for the period
from April 13, 2004
(inception) to June 30, 2004 - - - $(100) (100)
- - - ------ -----
Balance, June 30, 2004 100 - 1 $(100) (99)
Sale of common stock from public
offering (net of underwriting
costs) 7,055,000 7 98,417 - 98,424
Offering costs - - (1,463) - (1,463)
Net decrease in stockholders'
equity resulting from
operations for the period
from July 1, 2004 to
September 30, 2004 - - - (441) (441)
- - - ----- -----
Balance, September 30, 2004 7,055,100 7 $96,955 $(541) $96,421
========== = ======= ====== =======
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See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
PROSPECT ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the period For the period
from July 1, from April 13,
2004 through 2004 (inception)
September 30, through June 30,
2004 2004
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- -------------------
Cash Flows from Operating and Investing Activities:
Net decrease in stockholders' equity resulting from operations $(441) (100)
Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in stockholders' equity resulting from
operations to net cash used in operating activities:
Unrealized depreciation 7 -
Increase in amounts due from affiliate (53) -
Increase in other assets (299) -
Increase in accounts payable 595 -
(Decrease) increase in amounts due to affiliate (100) 100
Increase in accrued expenses 735 -
Increase in deposits 50 -
Purchases of investments, net of maturities (96,877)
Increase in accrued interest (157)
Net cash used in operating and investing activities $(96,540) -
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock $98,424 $1
Offering costs from the issuance of common stock (1,463) -
------- -
Net cash provided by financing activities $96,961 $1
------- --
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents $421 $1
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 1 0
- -
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $422 $1
==== ==
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See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
PROSPECT ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30, 2004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS INDUSTRY PRINCIPAL COST FAIR VALUE (2) % OF NET
AMOUNT ASSETS
--------------------------- ------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------------- ---------------
Gas Solutions II Ltd. Gas gathering and
("Gas Solutions") processing
- Partnership Interest (1) $5,344 $5,344 5.54%
- $25 million secured
note, at 15% interest,
due September 23, 2011
from Gas Solutions $25,000 25,000 25,072 26.01%
------- ------- ------ ------
Total Portfolio $30,344 $30,416 31.55%
Investments ------- ------- ------
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U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES YIELD PAR VALUE COST FAIR VALUE % OF NET ASSETS
----------------------------------- ------------ ----------------- ---------------- ------------------- ------------------
U.S. Treasury Bill 10/07/04 1.2615% 10,023 $9,999 $10,021 10.39%
U.S. Treasury Bill 10/14/04 1.2912% 9,863 9,837 9,858 10.22%
U.S. Treasury Bill 10/21/04 1.3039% 10,681 10,660 10,672 11.07%
U.S. Treasury Bill 10/28/04 1.3230% 10,030 10,020 10,019 10.39%
U.S. Treasury Bill 11/04/04 1.4253% 4,005 4,000 4,000 4.15%
U.S. Treasury Bill 11/18/04 1.3567% 11,043 11,006 11,020 11.43%
U.S. Treasury Bill 11/26/04 1.4792% 11,049 11,011 11,021 11.43%
------- ------- ------
Total U.S. Government
Securities $66,533 $66,611 69.08%
------- ------- ------
Total Investments $96,877 $97,027 100.63%
======= ======= =======
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(1) Our portfolio company, Gas Solutions, is indirectly 100% owned and controlled by Prospect Energy, as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the "1940 Act." The securities issued by Gas Solutions that we acquired are exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the "Securities Act." These securities may be resold only in transactions that are exempt from registration under the Securities Act.
(2) Fair value is determined by or under the direction of the board of directors of Prospect Energy (see note 2).
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Note 1. Organization and Consolidated Financial Statements
Prospect Energy, a Maryland corporation, was organized on April 13, 2004 and is a closed-end investment company that has filed an election to be treated as a business development company under the 1940 Act. Prospect Energy focuses primarily on investments in energy companies and invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in these companies. Prospect Energy is a non-diversified company within the meaning of the 1940 Act.
Prospect Energy has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with Prospect Capital Management, LLC ("Prospect Capital"), the investment adviser, under which the investment adviser, subject to the overall supervision of Prospect Energy's board of directors, manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment advisory services to, Prospect Energy.
Prospect Energy concentrates on making investments in energy companies having annual revenues of less than $250 million and in transaction sizes of less than $100 million. In most cases, these companies are privately held or have thinly traded public equity securities.
On July 27, 2004, we closed our initial public offering and sold 7,000,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $15.00 per share, less underwriting discounts and commissions totaling $1.05 per share. On August 27, 2004, we issued an additional 55,000 shares for a price of $15.00 per share, less underwriting discounts and commissions of $1.05 per share in connection with the exercise of an over-allotment option with respect to such offering. We have prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or "GAAP," applicable to interim financial information and the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements for the period, are included in these consolidated financial statements. The current period's results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of results that we ultimately achieve for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005.
As an investment company, Prospect Energy only consolidates subsidiaries which are also investment companies. As discussed further in Note 4, on September 24, 2004, we acquired indirectly all of the assets and all of the equity of Gas Solutions, and on September 30, 2004, we transferred indirect ownership of Gas Solutions to a wholly owned subsidiary, Prospect Energy Holdings Inc. ("PEHI"). PEHI is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.
Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported period. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause our actual results to differ.
The significant accounting policies consistently followed by Prospect Energy are:
Cash Equivalents:
The Company defines cash equivalents to include commercial paper, money market funds, and treasury bills with original maturities of three months or less. At September 30, 2004, cash and cash equivalents consisted primarily of money market funds of $422,398.
Investments:
(a) Security transactions are accounted for on the appropriate trade date.
(b) (1) Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at such market quotations.
(2) Bank debt, senior secured debt and other debt securities with trading markets and original maturities greater than 60 days are valued by an independent pricing service or at the mean between the bid and ask prices obtained from at least two brokers or dealers (if available, or otherwise by a principal market maker or a primary market dealer).
(3) Debt and equity securities whose market prices are not readily available are valued at fair value, as determined in good faith by or under the direction of our board of directors. Because we expect that there will not be a readily available market value for most of the investments in our portfolio, we expect to value substantially all of our portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of our
board of directors using a documented valuation policy and a consistently applied valuation process.
The factors that we may take into account in fair value pricing our investments include, as relevant, the portfolio company's ability to make payments, its earnings and discounted cash flow, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparisons to securities of similar publicly traded companies and other relevant factors. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments, and any such differences could be material.
(c) Gains or losses on the sale of investments are calculated using the specific identification method.
(d) Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis.
(e) We typically accrete origination, facility, commitment, consent and other advance fees received by us on loan agreements or other investments over the term of the loan.
Federal and State Income Taxes
(a) Prospect Energy intends to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), that are applicable to regulated investment companies. The Company intends to annually distribute or retain through a deemed distribution all of its taxable income to shareholders; therefore, the Company has made no provision for income taxes. PEHI is a corporation subject to federal and state income taxes and records a benefit or expense for income taxes as appropriate.
(b) At the close of the Company's taxable year, we will reclassify book and tax basis differences relating to stockholder distributions and other permanent book and tax differences as paid-in capital. In addition, the character of income and gains that we will distribute is determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from GAAP.
Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the applicable record date. The amount, if any, to be paid out as a dividend is determined by the board of directors each quarter and is generally based upon the earnings estimated by management. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.
Note 3. Cash Investments
FAIR MARKET
TOTAL CASH EQUIVALENTS COST VALUE
---------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------
First Amer. Prime Obligations. Fund $422,398 $422,398
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As of June 30, 2004, all of our assets, totaling $1,500, were invested in cash.
Note 4. Portfolio Investments
Gas Solutions Purchase
On September 24, 2004, Prospect Energy acquired through 100% owned entities substantially all of the assets and all of the equity of Gas Solutions II Ltd. ("Gas Solutions") pursuant to the Amended and Restated Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 23, 2004. The acquisition cost was $28,503,000 plus acquisition expenses of $1,841,000, principally underwriting fees and legal and professional fees, for a total cost of $30,344,000. In connection with the purchase, a $25,000,000 note was issued to Prospect Energy.
On September 30, 2004, Gas Solutions was transferred to PEHI, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, which is a corporation and not expected to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, and accordingly will be subject to federal and state and local income tax. PEHI is expected to record a benefit or expense for income taxes, as appropriate.
For more information, please refer to "Portfolio and Investment Activity" of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Note 5. Organizational and Offering Expenses
A portion of the net proceeds of our initial public offering of 7,055,000 shares of common stock (including the subsequent exercise of the over-allotment option offering on August 27, 2004) was used for organizational and offering expenses of approximately $125,000 and $1,463,000, respectively. Organizational expenses were expensed as incurred. Offering expenses were charged against paid-in capital in excess of par. All organizational and offering expenses were borne by Prospect Energy.
Note 6. Net Asset Value Per Share
At September 30, 2004, Prospect Energy's total net assets and net asset value per share were $96,421,000 and $13.67, respectively.
Note 7. Earnings Per Share
The following information sets forth the computation of basic net decrease in stockholders' equity per share resulting from operations for the period beginning July 1, 2004) through September 30, 2004:
Numerator for basic per share: $(440,667) Denominator for basic weighted average shares: 5,024,649 Basic net decrease in stockholders' equity per common share resulting from operations: $(.09)
Note 8. Financial Highlights
The following is a schedule of financial highlights for the period from July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004:
Per Share Data:
Net asset value, July 1, 2004 (1) $ (.01)
Proceeds from initial public offering 13.95
Net unrealized depreciation on investments 0
Net decrease in stockholders' equity resulting from
operations (2) (.06)
Costs related to the initial public offering (.21)
-----
Net asset value at September 30, 2004 $ 13.67
========
Per share market value at September 30, 2004 $ 14.95
Total return (3) (0.33)%
Shares outstanding at September 30, 2004 7,055,100
Ratio/Supplemental Data:
Net assets at end of period (in thousands) $ 96,421
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets (4) 2.91%
Ratio of net operating loss to average net assets (4) (1.81)%
(1) Calculated based on 7,055,100 shares outstanding.
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(2) Calculated in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Form N-2, Part A, Item 4.1.9.
(3) Total return is based on the change in market price per share assuming an investment at the initial offering price of $15.00 per share. Total return also takes into account dividends and distributions, if any, reinvested in accordance with Prospect Energy's dividend reinvestment plan. The total return is not annualized.
(4) Annualized.
Note 9. Agreements
The Advisory Agreement with Prospect Capital provides for base management fees and incentive fees. For the period ended June 30, 2004, there was neither a base management fee nor any incentive fee payable. For the period beginning July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004, Prospect Energy paid its adviser Prospect Capital $337,000 in base management fees and no incentive fee.
Prospect Energy has also entered into an Administration Agreement (the "Administration Agreement") with Prospect Administration, LLC, or "Prospect Administration," under which Prospect Administration provides administrative services and facilities for Prospect Energy. For the period ended June 30, 2004, there were no payments of administration service fees. For the period beginning July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004, the Company paid $72,774 in administrative services fees.
Note 10. Litigation
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may be a defendant or co-defendant in legal actions. It is the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, that the resolution of all known actions will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial position nor on the consolidated results of operations. For more detail, please refer to Item 1, Legal Proceedings of Part II, Other Information.
Note 11. Subsequent Events
On November 11, 2004, we announced a cash dividend of $0.10 per share to holders of record on December 10, 2004, payable on December 30, 2004. Item 2.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this report that relate to estimates or expectations of our future performance or financial condition may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:
o our future operating results;
o our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;
o the impact of investments that we expect to make;
o the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;
o the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;
o our expected financings and investments;
o the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and
o the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies.
We may use words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "will," "should," "may" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. We base such statements on currently available operating, financial and competitive information; such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations. You should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, as they speak only as of the date on which they are made. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is contained in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the "SEC."
All of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, filed with or furnished to the SEC on or after April 13, 2004, are available free of charge through our internet website, www.prospectenergy.com, as soon as reasonably practical after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the SEC.
Overview
Prospect Energy was incorporated under the Maryland General Corporation Law in April 2004. We have elected to be treated as a business development company under the 1940 Act. As such,
we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our total assets in "qualifying assets," including securities of private or thinly traded public U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less.
On July 27, 2004, we completed our initial public offering and became an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end investment company. In addition, for tax purposes we intend to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code. Under these elections and assuming that we remain in compliance with the relevant requirements, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level taxes on any income that we distribute to our stockholders (See Note 4).If we do not make such an election, taxes may be imposed on our net income.
We are subject to regulation under the 1940 Act and the Code, including rules with respect to the diversification of our assets. These regulations specify certain test dates as of which our investments must comply with such diversification guidelines. We have managed and we are managing our business in such a way as to remain in compliance. We have adopted a code of ethics and a compliance manual, as required by the 1940 Act. In order to maintain compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to Prospect Energy, we may buy or sell investments, rebalance the portfolio, elect a year for tax purposes of August 31 (but retaining June 30 as our year for financial reporting purposes), or take other actions deemed advisable.
We have entered into an Advisory Agreement with Prospect Capital, the investment adviser, under which the investment adviser, subject to the overall supervision of Prospect Energy's board of directors, manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment advisory services to, Prospect Energy. In addition, we employ directly one employee located at the corporate office in New York, New York. The employee is not represented by a labor union. We consider our relations with our employee to be satisfactory.
Investment Activity
We completed our first quarter of operations on September 30, 2004 with our portfolio invested 68.65% in obligations of the United States Treasury and 31.35% in our investment in Gas Solutions, including the related Secured Promissory Note in the principal amount of $25 million, with a 15% interest rate, due September 23, 2011, or the "Note."
Regulated Investment Company Status
We currently intend to elect an August 31st fiscal year end for income tax reporting purposes, commencing with the initial taxable year ended August 31, 2004. Our fiscal year-end for financial reporting purposes will remain June 30th. As such, the Company has qualified and intends to elect to be subject to tax as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code for the taxable year ended August 31, 2004. As long as the Company continues to so qualify as a regulated investment company, the Company will not be subject to tax on its investment company taxable income or its net capital gains, to the extent that such taxable income or gains are distributed, or deemed to be distributed, as dividends to our shareholders on a timely basis. We expect distributions to differ from net income for the fiscal year due to
temporary recognition of income and expenses, gains and losses, returns of capital, and net realized appreciation or depreciation in our investments, which may not be included in our taxable income.
To remain in compliance with Subchapter M of the Code with respect to the Company's taxable year, the Company is generally required to maintain its registration as an investment company or its status as a business development company in accordance with the 1940 Act, as amended, with the SEC, derive at least 90 percent of its gross income from dividends, interest, gains from the sales of securities and other specified types of income required under Subchapter M of the Code, satisfy certain asset diversification requirements as defined in Subchapter M of the Code, and distribute to shareholders at least 90 percent of the Company's investment company taxable income as defined in Subchapter M of the Code. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to qualify for such treatment in future taxable years. If the Company fails to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Company will be subject to corporate-level taxes on its taxable income, whether or not such taxable income is distributed to its shareholders. The imposition of corporate-level taxes on the Company will substantially reduce the amount of income available for distribution to our shareholders. Even if the Company qualifies as a regulated investment company for any taxable year in question, the Company will be subject to corporate-level income tax on any income not distributed to its shareholders. Moreover, the Company will be subject to a four percent, entity-level excise tax, for any calendar year in which the Company does not distribute an amount equal to or exceeding the sum of 98% of the Company's calendar year ordinary income and 98% of the Company's capital gain net income for the one-year period ended October 31st, computed in accordance with Section 4982 of the Code.
On September 24, 2004, Prospect Energy acquired indirectly substantially all of the assets and equity interests of Gas Solutions pursuant to the Amended and Restated Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 23, 2004. The acquisition cost was $28,503,000 plus acquisition expenses of $1,841,000, principally underwriting fees and legal and professional fees, for a total cost of $30,344,000.
Also on September 24, 2004, Gas Solutions signed a Secured Promissory Note in the amount of $25 million payable to Prospect Energy, and executed a first mortgage and security agreement encumbering all of Gas Solutions' assets to secure that Note. On September 30, 2004, Prospect Energy transferred Gas Solutions to a wholly owned subsidiary, PEHI. PEHI is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.
The agreement for the purchase of Gas Solutions included customary representations and warranties and standard seller indemnities and purchase price adjustment provisions, which are to be calculated no later than December 22, 2004, or 90 days after the closing of the investment on September 23, 2004. Our investment plan also assumed that we would fund Gas Solutions' working capital requirements up to $1,000,000. On October 27, 2004, we funded a working capital facility in the amount of $200,000 to be used primarily for capital expenditures and
general operating expenses prior to receipt of significant contracted revenues expected on or about November 23, 2004.
We anticipate that we will restructure the Gas Solutions debt. Such restructuring will likely result in average interest rates that equal or exceed the present 15% on the Note, and include an origination fee of 3% of the aggregate principal amount of debt, which would be amortized over the life of the related debt.
We are currently in discussions with, and have received indicative term sheets from two senior lenders regarding the refinancing of a portion of the Note and expect to reach closing on or before December 30, 2004. The term sheets provided to us by the senior lenders indicate an expected interest rate of between 3 and 5%. However, we can offer no assurances that such financing will be offered or consummated, or at the interest rates discussed.
For purposes of this discussion, Gas Solutions also refers to the predecessor company, Gas Solutions Ltd.
Business of Gas Solutions
Gas Solutions owns and operates a major gas gathering system in the East Texas field in Gregg, Upshur and Rusk Counties Texas, as well as a smaller system in Smith County Texas, both of which support two processing facilities, the Longview Plant and the Chapel Hill Plant. The East Texas field has been producing oil and gas continuously since 1931 and is believed to be one of the largest oil reservoirs in North America. With approximately 1,000 miles of pipeline, Gas Solutions owns and operates the only casinghead gas-gathering system in the East Texas field and Chapel Hill area. Gas Solutions serves approximately 700 leases and approximately 2,500 associated wells. Gas Solutions is currently processing approximately 32 MMcf/day with a total processing capacity of approximately 90 MMcf/day and, accordingly, is actively seeking additional gas throughput. There can be no assurance that the volume of gas derived from the fields will not decline or that any portion will be replaced by new drilling or new customers.
The Longview Plant -- Historical
Gas Solutions was initially formed in 1998 as a Texas limited partnership for purposes including purchasing and operating a natural gas gathering system and processing plant located in Longview, Texas. Gas Solutions purchased and continued operations of the Longview Plant effective March 1, 1999, when it purchased the Longview Plant, formerly owned by Atlantic Richfield Corporation ("ARCO") and in operation since 1934. Gas Solutions purchased a second gas gathering system located in Price, Texas from Cleco Energy LLC on December 1, 1999.
Effective April 1, 2000, Gas Solutions entered into an agreement with Sulphur River Gathering LP ("SRG") to operate and maintain SRG's low pressure gathering system, compress and process casinghead gas, and perform some administrative and accounting functions for SRG. This agreement was assigned by SRG to Enbridge Pipelines, LLC ("EPL") during 2002 coincident with EPL's purchase of SRG. For those services, EPL now pays a monthly fee as
specified in the contract. In addition, Gas Solutions receives a compression fee for each stage of compression, with approximately four stages of compression required.
In August 2001, Gas Solutions entered into a processing agreement with ExxonMobil with respect to ExxonMobil's East Texas Field, whereby Gas Solutions agreed to process gas formerly processed by ExxonMobil and thereby became the primary gas processing facility for the East Texas Field. Additionally, Gas Solutions expects to undertake capital investment in future periods of up to $2.5 million for a natural gas liquids transportation and fractionation arrangement.
The Longview Plant - Current
The Longview Plant is currently processing approximately 26 MMcf/day of oil well gas and gas well gas from approximately 600 leases and approximately 2,350 associated wells. The Longview Plant has the ability to increase its processing capacity to approximately 70 MMcf/day, and Gas Solutions is actively seeking new reserves for additional processing.
On October 1, 2004, Gas Solutions executed an amended gathering and compression agreement with ONEOK Texas Energy Resources, LP ("ONEOK"), whereby the gas deliverability capacity in the agreement was increased to 20 MMcf/day from 15 MMcf/day. This represents a four-fold increase from the initial deliverability of 5 MMcf/day in October 2000.
The Chapel Hill Plant -- Historical
In September 2003, Gas Solutions purchased the Chapel Hill Plant from Mustang Fuel Corporation and continued operations of the plant. The Chapel Hill Plant is located near Winona, Texas, and has been in operation since approximately 1982. This plant includes approximately 100 miles of pipeline, which is used for gathering and processing gas from numerous operators in Smith County, Texas. Since the acquisition of the Chapel Hill Plant, the facility has experienced increases in gas volumes coming from the Cotton Valley and Travis Peak formations.
The Chapel Hill Plant -- Current
The Chapel Hill Plant is processing approximately 6 MMcf/day of gas well gas from approximately 100 leases and approximately 150 associated wells. The Chapel Hill Plant has the capacity to process approximately 20 MMcf/day, and Gas Solutions is actively seeking new reserves for additional throughput.
Production and Contracts
The natural gas purchased by Gas Solutions is produced from the East Texas oilfield's Woodbine formation, the Chapel Hill Field in Smith County and various Cotton Valley reservoirs near the Longview Plant. Gas Solutions has contracts with the oil and gas well lease operators with respect to the leases referenced above to gather, via pipeline, the gas mixture produced from the
leases. These contracts determine the lease operator's portion, if any, of the liquid and dry gas sales, normally determined according to a sliding scale based on production.
Gas Solutions gathers gas from oil and gas well lease operators and processes the gas to create liquid products. The natural gas liquid ("NGL") products are ethane, propane, n-butane and isobutane, and natural gasoline. The natural gas liquid products are marketed by truck to various customers, and the remaining gas is delivered to a major pipeline. Sales prices are generally tied to Mt. Belvieu, Texas, price indices for those liquid products. A significant portion of the dry residue gas is used to fuel the operations of the plant and the rest is sold to natural gas pipelines or sold back to the lease operators for lease operations. All products are metered and revenues are recognized each month based on the pipeline meter readings for products delivered. Gas Solutions has product sales agreements with major chemical, oil and gas, and pipeline companies, including Eastman Chemical. While there can be no assurances that there will not be customer turnover, Gas Solutions has historically maintained good relationships with its customers and has not experienced any significant customer loss. Gas Solutions also generates service fee income from several processing and operating agreements associated with the Longview Plant and gathering system.
Operating Results
Gas Solutions generates cash. In August and September 2004, the assets included within Gas Solutions generated unaudited net operating income (revenues less operating expenses) of $1,078,804 and $1,221,008, respectively. These cash flows should allow Gas Solutions to provide acceptable coverage of its interest expense on the $25 million Note provided by Prospect Energy, which carries a monthly interest expense of approximately $312,500. Additionally, we expect that Gas Solutions will generate at least $10 million of cash from operating activities, as determined under GAAP, or operating cash flow, for 2004.
Employees
Gas Solutions maintains an integrated staff of 24 employees who manage the company including field operations, engineering, sales and marketing, and accounting, as well as the construction of additional plant equipment. 20 of the 24 employees were existing plant employees at the time of the acquisition of the Longview Plant by Gas Solutions in 1999. Nineteen of the 24 employees each have more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Additionally, we have entered into a consulting agreement with the senior management who has operated the Longview plant since 1999. This agreement provides for senior management to continue operating the Gas Solutions business in exchange for a profit sharing arrangement as an incentive to maximize cash flows of the business.
Hedging
We are currently working with several financial institutions and energy industry participants to structure a commodity price hedge to effectively reduce earnings and cash flow volatility due to commodity price changes.
Prospect Energy's investment in Gas Solutions is comprised of the Note, which has an aggregate principal amount of $25 million, plus accrued interest, and an equity investment aggregating $5,344,000. Current interest payable on the Note is $3,750,000 annually, or $312,500 monthly and $937,500 quarterly. Operating cash flow, which we expect to be available for distribution to the holder of common equity after payments of interest on the note and before the commencement of amortization payments on principal, is currently expected to be approximately $800,000 monthly and $2,400,000 quarterly. There can be no assurance that we will achieve this level of performance in any quarter. Because Prospect Energy's total investment in Gas Solutions, including the amount invested in debt and equity investments, and all related fees and expenses, is less than four times expected operating cash flow, when senior loans have been made at levels up to four times operating cash flow, and mezzanine loans have been made at even higher multiples of operating cash flow, we believe that our equity investment in Gas Solutions will not entail significantly more risk to capital than would a typical mezzanine loan.
Prospect Energy was attracted to make an equity investment in Gas Solutions in addition to its debt investment because we believe that this investment provides significant control over the disposition of cash generated by Gas Solutions and because it provides Prospect Energy with significant, relatively low risk potential for equity appreciation that would not have been available to our shareholders from a debt investment. However, Prospect Energy does not expect to utilize all of the cash flow from operations generated by Gas Solutions to pay dividends to Prospect Energy. To sustain and, if possible, increase the value of its investment in Gas Solutions, Prospect Energy expects to reinvest a portion of the cash flow from operations of Gas Solutions to fund increases in working capital, capital expenditures, opportunistic acquisitions and for other purposes. We currently expect that Gas Solutions will invest up to $1,000,000 annually in maintenance capital expenditures. Accordingly, we cannot predict the amount of cash flow generated by the operations of Gas Solutions that will be available to Prospect Energy in the form of dividends in any given quarter. We believe that dividends on our investment in the common stock of Gas Solutions will be similar in amount to, or exceed, the payments of interest and principal on the Note, but we can offer no assurance in that regard. While we believe that Gas Solutions is an attractive investment for our shareholders, and will seek to make other similar investments in the future, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to identify and consummate other similarly attractive investments in the future. Accordingly, we caution that our portfolio may, over time, include debt and equity investments with lower yields than what we believe will be provided by our investment in Gas Solutions.
Results of Operations
Overview
We commenced operations on July 30, 2004 and therefore have no period with which to compare operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.
Revenues
We generate revenue in the form of interest payable on the debt that we hold, and capital gains and any dividends on equity securities, warrants, options or other equity interests that we acquire in portfolio companies. Our investments, if in the form of debt securities, will typically have a term of one to ten years and bear interest at a fixed or floating rate. To the extent achievable, we will seek to collateralize our investments by obtaining security interests in our portfolio companies' assets. We also may acquire minority or majority equity interests in our investments, which may pay cash dividends on a recurring or customized basis. In addition, we generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, structuring or due diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance and possibly consulting fees. Any such fees generated in connection with our investments are recognized as earned.
Expenses
Our primary operating expenses include the payment of investment advisory fees and overhead expenses, including our allocable portion of overhead under the Administration Agreement with Prospect Administration under which Prospect Administration provides administrative services and facilities for Prospect Energy. Our investment advisory fees compensate our investment adviser for its work in identifying, evaluating, negotiating, closing and monitoring our investments. We bear all other costs and expenses of our operations and transactions in accordance with our Administration Agreement with Prospect Administration.
Operating Income
Investment income was modest during our initial quarter of operations as it largely reflects income generated from funds invested in short-term treasury bills.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the period beginning July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004 were approximately $700,000. This amount consisted of investment advisory and management fees, insurance expense, administrative services fees, professional fees, directors' fees and other general and administrative expenses. It also included a non-recurring charge of approximately $25,000 in expenses related to the organization of Prospect Energy. The investment advisory fee for the quarter was approximately $337,000, representing the base fee as provided for in the Advisory agreement. No incentive fee was incurred for the quarter, pursuant to the Investment Advisory contract. Administrative services fees incurred under the Administration Agreement were approximately $73,000.
Net Operating Loss
Prospect Energy's net operating loss was approximately $441,000 for the period beginning July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004.
Net Unrealized Depreciation on Investments and Cash Equivalents
As of September 30, 2004, Prospect Energy's treasury bill investments had $7,000 of estimated net unrealized depreciation.
Net Decrease in Stockholders' Equity From Operations
Prospect Energy had a net decrease in stockholders' equity resulting from operations of $441,000 for the period beginning July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004. Based on a weighted-average of 5,024,649 shares outstanding, our net decrease in stockholders' equity from operations was $0.09 per share.
The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices on the NASDAQ Stock Market of Prospect Energy's common stock for the periods indicated, as reported by NASDAQ.
SELECTED STOCK TRADING INFORMATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2004
High Low Dividend
------------------------------------ ------------ ---------------- -------------
Quarter ended September 30, 2004 $15.75 $14.35 $0.00
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Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
We generate cash primarily from the sale of securities, including the net proceeds of our initial offering, as well as cash flows from operations, including income earned from the temporary investment of cash in U.S. government securities. In the future, we may also fund a portion of our investments through borrowings from banks and issuances of senior securities. We may also securitize a portion of our investments in mezzanine or senior secured loans or other assets. Our primary use of funds will be investments in portfolio companies and cash distributions to holders of our common stock.
Investment Pipeline
In the prospectus filed in connection with our initial public offering, we identified 12 companies as potential investment candidates. At that time, we stated that the consummation of any such transactions would be subject to the satisfactory completion of due diligence and the negotiation of customary documentation in forms mutually satisfactory to the parties. We have continued to pursue these investments since the closing of the initial public offering, and we anticipate that in the future we may consummate investments in approximately four of these 12 companies, subject to completion of due diligence and the negotiation of customary documentation in forms mutually satisfactory to the parties. We cannot, however, guarantee that transactions will be consummated with any of these four companies. Of the other eight companies, two have not survived our final due diligence, four now appear unlikely to survive our final due diligence, and in two cases the seller's offer to sell was withdrawn. We continue to consider investments in four of the identified companies, which remain subject to additional due diligence and
negotiation. At the present time, we do not believe that investments in the remaining eight companies named in our initial prospectus will be completed.
Following the closing of our initial public offering, and the market's recognition that Prospect Energy has fresh capital to invest in energy transactions, Prospect Capital has hired additional originators and has seen its pipeline of potential transactions grow in variety, number and quality. Transactions originated after the initial public offering, such as Gas Solutions, are believed in many cases to carry less risk and offer more attractive returns than some of the proposed transactions listed in our prospectus. Prospect Energy is requiring all transactions, whether listed in the prospectus or not, to meet the same stringent standards (focusing on preservation of capital and on high current returns from existing cash flow) that Prospect Energy applies to new transactions and, as a result, transactions listed in the prospectus that cannot meet those stringent due diligence standards are likely to be replaced by other transactions that can meet those standards. While this upgrading process could temporarily slow the pace of investment, Prospect believes any such slowing to be temporary, and the resulting investments in more attractive transactions instead to be in the best long term interest of its shareholders.
At present we have approximately 50 potential investments in our pipeline. While no assurances can be made, based upon the current status of due diligence, we are targeting one to two investment closings within 45 to 60 days, aggregating$10 to $20 million.
We anticipate that substantially all the net proceeds of our initial public offering will be invested by June 30, 2005. At that time, we expect that our portfolio will consist primarily of mezzanine loans and related equity investments. We can offer no assurances that we will be able to invest all our net proceeds within this time frame, as our investment progress will depend on the availability of appropriate investment opportunities consistent with our investment objective and market conditions.
Dividends
Assuming that we maintain our status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, we intend to make distributions to our stockholders on a quarterly basis of substantially all of our net operating income. We may also make distributions of net realized capital gains, as appropriate.
Tax characteristics of all dividends will be reported to shareholders, as appropriate, on Form 1099-DIV after the end of the year. The board of directors of Prospect Energy presently intends to declare and pay quarterly dividends on the common stock. Prospect Energy's ability to pay dividends could be affected by future business performance, liquidity, capital needs, alternative investment opportunities and loan covenants.
On November 11, 2004, we announced a cash dividend of $0.10 per share to holders of record on December 10, 2004, payable on December 30, 2004. We anticipate that this dividend will be paid fully out of our taxable income for the applicable period.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ. Our critical accounting policies are those applicable to the valuation of investments and certain revenue recognition matters as discussed below.
Valuation of Portfolio Investments. As a business development company, we invest in illiquid securities including debt and equity securities of companies. Our investments are generally subject to restrictions on resale and generally have no established trading market. We value substantially all of our investments at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors in accordance with our valuation policy. We determine fair value to be the amount for which an investment could be exchanged in an orderly disposition over a reasonable period of time between willing parties other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Our valuation policy considers the fact that no ready market exists for substantially all of the securities in which we invest. Our valuation policy is intended to provide a consistent basis for determining the fair value of the portfolio. We will record unrealized depreciation on investments when we believe that an investment has become impaired, including where collection of a loan or realization of an equity security is doubtful, or when the enterprise value of the portfolio company does not currently support the cost of our debt or equity investments. Enterprise value means the entire value of the company to a potential buyer, including the sum of the values of debt and equity securities used to capitalize the enterprise at a point in time. We will record unrealized appreciation if we believe that the underlying portfolio company has appreciated in value and, therefore, our equity security has also appreciated in value. The value of investments in publicly traded securities is determined using quoted market prices discounted for restrictions on resale, if any.
Loans. For loans, fair value generally approximates cost unless the borrower's enterprise value, overall financial condition or other factors lead to a determination of fair value at a different amount.
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. Interest on loans is not accrued if we have doubt about interest collection. Loan origination fees are capitalized and then amortized into interest income using the effective interest method. Upon the prepayment of a loan, any unamortized loan origination fees are recorded as interest income. Prepayment premiums are recorded on loans and when received.
Equity and Partnership Interests. Our equity and partnership interests in portfolio companies for which there is no liquid public market are valued at fair value based on the enterprise value of the portfolio company, which is determined using various factors, including cash flow from operations of the portfolio company and other pertinent factors, such as recent offers to purchase a portfolio company, recent transactions involving the purchase or sale of the
portfolio company's equity securities, or other liquidation events. The equity and partnership values so determined are generally discounted to account for restrictions on resale and minority ownership positions.
Dividend income is recorded on equity securities and partnership interests on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected, and on common equity securities on the record date for private companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded companies.
Net Realized Gains or Losses and Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation. Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the cost basis of the investment without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, and includes investments charged off during the year, net of recoveries. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the change in portfolio investment values during the reporting period, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation when gains or losses are realized.
Fee Income. Fee income includes fees for services rendered by us to portfolio companies such as management services, and other advisory services. Management and other advisory services fees are generally recognized as income as the services are rendered.
Within the context of these critical accounting policies, we are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different amounts being reported.
At this time, we do not have any off-balance sheet liabilities or other contractual obligations, other than the Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. We expect that many of the loans in our portfolio will have floating rates. To date, a significant percentage of our assets are invested in short-term U.S. Treasury bills. We may hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using standard hedging instruments such as futures, options and forward contracts subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. While hedging activities may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they may also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of higher interest rates with respect to our portfolio of investments. During the period beginning July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004, we did not engage in hedging activities.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, Prospect Energy carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of PEC's management, including PEC's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of PEC's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer have concluded that PEC's current disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely
alerting them of material information relating to PEC that is required to be disclosed by PEC in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
There have been no changes in PEC's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period beginning July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, PEC's internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
We have been named as a defendant in Karen O. Donnelly, Attorney at Law, v. Prospect Street, et al. and Charles M. Costenbader, filed August 4, 2004 in the 164th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas. Donnelly alleges she is the former attorney of Christian Operating Co. and Christian Intergy, Inc., companies with which Prospect Energy formerly considered entering into a credit facility. Donnelly alleges she had a finder's fee contract with these companies, and that Prospect Energy tortuously interfered with her contractual arrangement with these companies. Donnelly seeks damages of $1,283,000, plus attorney's fees and court costs. We do not believe this claim has any merit and we intend to defend this matter vigorously.
We have received a letter from a former officer of Prospect Energy following his separation from the company suggesting, among other things, that improprieties may have occurred. We have investigated these statements and are not aware at this time of any fact substantiating these vague assertions. We believe that any actions that may arise as a result of this matter are without merit and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves in connection with any such actions.
We are not aware of any other material pending legal proceeding, and no such material proceedings are known to be contemplated, to which Prospect Energy is a party or of which any of its property is the subject.
Item 2. Unrealized Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
(a) We did not issue any equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act during the period beginning July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004.
(b) On July 27, 2004, our registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-114552), for the initial public offering of 7,000,000 shares of our common stock became effective. All 7,000,000 shares were sold upon completion of the initial public offering at an aggregate offering price of $105.0 million, reflecting an initial offering price of $15.00 per share.
Ferris, Baker Watts acted as Book-Running Manager. D.A. Davidson & Co., Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc., and Wunderlich Securities also acted as underwriters for the initial public offering.
In connection with the initial public offering, we registered and offered the underwriters an option to purchase an additional 1,050,000 shares of common stock at the $15 per share offering price. The underwriters exercised this option in respect of over-allotments in our initial public offering and acquired and resold an additional 55,000 shares for a price of $15.00 per share for net proceeds to us of $767,500.
In connection with the initial public offering, we incurred expenses of approximately $1,463,000. Of that, no amounts were paid directly or indirectly to our directors, officers or associates, or to persons owning 10% or more of our common stock or that of other affiliates. After deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other expenses, we received net proceeds of $767,250 from the initial public offering.
There has been no material change in the planned use of proceeds as described in our final prospectus.
(c) We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the period beginning July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
Not Applicable.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not Applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
Executive Compensation
Other Annual
Name and Principal Position Salary Bonus Compensation
---------------------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
John F. Barry III, CEO None None None
Karen Gattegno, CFO and CCO $150,000 None None
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
John F. Barry III, owns, beneficially, 67,667 share of common stock, or 1% of such class. There has been no change in control.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
KPMG LLP is our independent auditor. We have paid the following fees for its services during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.
Audit fees $26,000 Audit related fees $46,000 Tax fees $0 All other fees $0 |
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits.
Listed below are the exhibits that are filed herewith as part of this report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
Exhibit No. Description of Document
----------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.1 Amended and Restated Purchase and Sale Agreement between Gas Solutions Ltd. and MNW
Partners, LLC*
11.1 Computation of Per Share Earnings (included in the notes to the financial statements
included in this report).
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, 18 U.S.C. 1350
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, 18 U.S.C. 1350
* Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedules to the SEC upon
request.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
PROSPECT ENERGY CORPORATION
(Registrant)
Dated: November 12, 2004 By: /s/ John F. Barry
----------------- -----------------------
John F. Barry III
Chief Executive Officer
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AMENDED AND RESTATED
Purchase and Sale Agreement
by and between
GAS SOLUTIONS, LTD.,
a Texas Limited Partnership ,
Seller,
and
MNW PARTNERS, LLC
a Texas Limited Liability Company,
Buyer
Dated September 23, 2004
Execution Copy
AMENDED AND RESTATED
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Purchase and Sale Agreement (this "Agreement") dated as of the 23rd day of September, 2004, is made and entered into by and between GAS SOLUTIONS, LTD., a Texas limited partnership ("Seller"), and MNW PARTNERS, LLC, a Texas limited liability company ("Buyer").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Seller and MNW Acquisition, LP, a Texas limited partnership ("Original Buyer") entered into that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement dated July 29, 2004 (the "Original Agreement").
WHEREAS, Original Buyer assigned its rights and obligation under the Original Agreement to Buyer pursuant to that certain Assignment of Contract dated as of September 23, 2004.
WHEREAS, Seller and Buyer desire to amend and restate the Original Agreement to make certain revisions, changes and corrections to such Original Agreement as have come to the parties' attention during the due diligence review period.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the benefits to be derived by each party hereunder and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Seller and Buyer agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
PURCHASE AND SALE
1.01 Description of Assets. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Seller agrees to sell and convey to Buyer, and Buyer agrees to purchase and pay for, all of Seller's right, title and interest in and to the following described assets (herein called the "Assets"), to-wit:
(a) All real property, including without limitation, lands, rights-of-way, servitudes, easements, buildings and other permanent improvements used or held for use for Seller's benefit in connection with Seller's ownership or operation of the Longview Gas Plant in Gregg County, Texas (the "Longview Facility"), and the Chapel Hill Gas Plant in Smith County, Texas (along with the Longview Facility, the "Plants"), including, but not limited to, those properties, rights and interests more particularly described on Exhibit "A-1" and Exhibit "A-2" attached hereto (the "Real Property");
(b) All tangible personal property relating to the maintenance, use or operation of the Plants, including without limitation, the compression equipment, processing equipment, injection equipment, gathering systems, residue return lines, truck loading facilities, regulators, meters, measurement equipment, measurement telemetry, valves, plant stock, vehicles, trucks, warehouse inventory, parts, supplies, office furniture, fixtures and equipment,
computers, printers, software (but only to the extent actually owned by Seller), telephone systems and all other tangible assets used or held for use for Seller's benefit solely in connection with Seller's ownership or operation of the Plants including, but not limited to, the vehicles listed on Exhibit "A-3" attached hereto (the "Personal Property");
(c) All intangible property such as trademarks, service marks, logos, contracts, agreements, construction and operating agreements, permits, licenses and all other instruments, used or held for use for Seller's benefit in connection with Seller's ownership or operation of the Plants (including, but not limited to, any assignable contracts providing third party indemnification for environmental liabilities) all as more particularly described on Exhibit "B" attached hereto (the "Contracts"); and
(d) All of Seller's books, records, files, documents and data related to the Plants, including tax information and records relating to ad valorem, property and similar taxes and assessments based on or measured by the ownership and/or assessed value of property with respect to the Assets, but excluding previous offers and economic analysis associated with the purchase and/or sale of the Assets, proprietary information, process licenses, information covered by non-disclosure obligations, information covered by legal privilege and tax information and records relating to income, franchise and other taxes assessed with respect to Seller's general operations and not specifically limited to or based on the Assets to be transferred to Buyer as herein provided (the "Records"); provided, however, Seller shall retain the originals of all historical accounting, insurance, employee and environmental Records, but Buyer shall be entitled to copy all such original Records retained by Seller at Closing.
SAVE AND EXCEPT the assets and properties described in Exhibit "C" attached hereto (the "Excluded Assets").
1.02 LaSalle Street Natural Resources Corporation Net Profits Royalty Interest. Seller and Buyer acknowledge that LaSalle Street Natural Resources Corporation, a Delaware corporation, owns a four percent (4%) net profits royalty interest limited to the Longview Facility (the "LaSalle NPI") pursuant to the terms of the following documents (the "NPI Documents"):
(a) Assignment and Conveyance of Net Profits Royalty Interest dated February 26, 1999, from Gas Solutions, Ltd. to LaSalle Street Natural Resources Corporation;
(b) Certificate as to Net Profits Royalty Interests dated February 26, 1999, made by Daniel M. Mitchell, President of Danmark Energy Services, Inc., the sole general partner of Gas Solutions, Ltd. as of that date;
(c) Agreement Concerning NPI Interests between Gas Solutions, Ltd. and LaSalle Street Natural Resources Corporation; and
(d) Agreement as to Certain Tax Matters dated February 26, 1999, among Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, LaSalle Street Natural Resources Corporation and Gas Solutions, Ltd.
The sale and conveyance of the Assets by Seller to Buyer is expressly subject to the LaSalle NPI and all of the terms, conditions, covenants and agreements contained in or referenced in the related NPI Documents. Upon Closing, Buyer shall assume and agree to perform all duties, obligations and responsibilities related to or arising out of the LaSalle NPI and/or the NPI Documents attributable to the period of time on and after the Effective Time.
1.03 Effective Time. The purchase and sale of the Assets shall be effective as of 7:00 a.m. local time at the location of the Assets on the second day of the calendar month in which Closing (as herein defined) actually occurs (herein called the "Effective Time").
1.04 Disclosure of Relationship. Seller and Buyer acknowledge that Daniel M. Mitchell ("Mitchell"), a limited partner in Seller, has served as a consultant to the general partner of Seller concerning the day-to-day business operations of Seller and has been paid a consulting fee by Seller for his services in that regard. A copy of the agreement containing the terms and conditions of Mitchell's consulting arrangement with Buyer following the Closing Date is attached hereto as Exhibit "D".
ARTICLE II.
PURCHASE PRICE
2.01 Purchase Price. The purchase price payable by Buyer for the Assets shall be $25,475,000.00 in immediately available funds (the "Purchase Price").
2.02 Adjustments to Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be subject to adjustment as follows:
(a) The Purchase Price shall be increased by the following:
(i) The amount of all verifiable expenditures (net to Seller's interest) incurred and paid or to be paid by or on behalf of Seller that are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Assets and to the period of time from and after the Effective Time, including without limitation, capital expenditures, royalties, ad valorem and property taxes and assessments, severance taxes, sales taxes, production taxes, rentals and similar charges and amounts billed under applicable operating agreements or other similar arrangements or agreements and, in the absence of such agreements, such expenses of the sort customarily billed thereunder;
(ii) An amount equal to all prepaid expenses attributable to the Assets that are paid by Seller or any affiliate of Seller that inure to the benefit of Buyer and that are, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, attributable to the period after the Effective Time, including, without limitation, prepaid ad valorem, property, production, severance and similar taxes (but not including income taxes) based upon or measured by the ownership of property or the production of hydrocarbons or the receipt of proceeds therefrom;
(iii) The amount of all third party costs incurred and paid by Seller in connection with the agreements with ExxonMobil described in Section 4.01(d) as budgeted in writing or as otherwise approved by Buyer, whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld; and
(iv) Any other amount mutually agreed upon by Seller and Buyer.
(b) The Purchase Price shall be reduced by the following:
(i) Proceeds (net to Seller's interest) earned and received or to be received by or on behalf of Seller that are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Assets and to the period of time from and after the Effective Time;
(ii) An amount equal to all unpaid ad valorem, property and similar taxes and assessments (but not including income or franchise taxes) based upon or measured by the ownership and/or assessed value of property accruing to the Assets prior to the Effective Time;
(iii) An amount equal to all rent, utilities, third party services, or any other expenses incurred, in part or entirely, prior to the Effective Time and paid by Buyer;
(iv) The amount of all verifiable expenditures paid by Buyer for work actually done and performed in connection with the Assets prior to the Effective Time; and
(v) Any other amount mutually agreed upon by Seller and Buyer.
2.03 Allocation of Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be allocated among the Assets as set forth in Exhibit "E" hereto (the "Allocated Value"), and Seller and Buyer agree to file their tax returns in accordance with the allocations set forth on Exhibit "E".
2.04 Performance Deposit. If Buyer does not elect to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 6.02, Buyer shall deposit with Seller on or before September 3, 2004, at 4:00 p.m. C.D.T., a performance deposit in the amount of $500,000.00 (the "Performance Deposit"). The Performance Deposit will be credited against the Closing Amount (as defined in Section 8.02(b)) at Closing, will not bear interest and is not refundable except as expressly provided in this Agreement. Once Buyer has deposited the Performance Deposit with Seller, Buyer shall not be entitled to a return or refund of the Performance Deposit unless Seller is in material default under this Agreement as provided in Section 11.02.
ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
3.01 Representations and Warranties of Seller. Except as provided below, Seller represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:
(a) Seller is a limited partnership duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Texas, and has all requisite power and authority to own and lease the properties and assets it currently owns and leases and to carry on its business as such business is currently conducted. SB Gas Services, LLC is a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Texas, and has all requisite power and authority to own and lease the properties and assets it currently owns and leases and to carry on its business as such business is currently conducted.
(b) Seller has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to perform all the terms and conditions hereof to be performed by it. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller, the performance by Seller of all the terms and conditions hereof to be performed by it and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been, or will be, duly authorized and approved by the appropriate governing body of Seller. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(c) This Agreement and the execution and delivery hereof by Seller does not, and the fulfillment and compliance with the terms and conditions hereof and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not conflict with, or require the consent of any person under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of the partnership agreement of Seller, or any law, order, contract or permit to which Seller is subject or a party.
(d) Seller is not in default in any material respect under, and to the knowledge of Seller, no condition exists that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a material default under (i) any mortgage, indenture, loan, credit agreement or other agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money to which Seller is a party or by which Seller is bound or to which any of the Assets are subject, or any other agreement, contract, lease, license or other instrument, or (ii) any order, judgment or decree of any court, commission, board, agency or other governmental body, if such default would have a material adverse effect upon the Assets.
(e) Exhibit "B" hereto sets forth a list of all material Contracts affecting the Assets. To the best of Seller's knowledge, all of such Contracts are in full force and effect and are the valid and legally binding obligations of the parties thereto. Seller is not in breach or default with respect to any material obligations pursuant to any material Contract. To the best of Seller's knowledge, no other party to any Contract (or any successor in interest thereto) is in breach or default with respect to any of its material obligations thereunder. Seller has not given nor received notice of any action to terminate, cancel, rescind or procure a judicial reformation of any material Contract.
(f) To the best of Seller's knowledge, all ad valorem, property and similar taxes and assessments based on or measured by the ownership of property with respect to the Assets which are currently due have been properly paid.
(g) To the best of Seller's knowledge, all valid laws, regulations and orders of all governmental agencies having jurisdiction over the Assets have been and shall continue to be complied with in all respects until the Closing, all material necessary permits from and reports to governmental agencies having jurisdiction in connection with the Assets have been obtained and have been timely, properly and accurately made and will continue to be timely, properly and accurately made through Closing, if the failure to comply or obtain the permit in question would have a material adverse effect upon the Assets or their operation. No governmental consents are
required to effect the sale of the Assets to Buyer. To Seller's actual knowledge, there are no material violations of any law pertaining to environmental protection or protection of human health or safety, including without limitation those arising under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, the Federal Clean Air Act or the Toxic Substances Control Act.
(h) Seller has incurred no liability, contingent or otherwise, for brokers' or finders' fees relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which Buyer shall have any responsibility whatsoever.
(i) Except as may be set forth in Exhibit "F" hereto, on the date hereof no suit, action or other proceeding is pending before any court or governmental agency to which Seller is a party and which might result in impairment or loss of Seller's title to any part of the Assets or that might hinder or impede operation of the Assets and, to the knowledge of Seller, no such suit, action or other proceeding is threatened. Seller shall promptly notify Buyer of any such proceeding which comes to Seller's attention after the date of this Agreement.
(j) Schedule 3.01(j) lists each non-qualified deferred
compensation plan, qualified defined contribution retirement plan, qualified
defined benefit retirement plan or other material fringe benefit plan or program
that Seller maintains or to which Seller contributes. With respect to any
employee benefit plan, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), which is subject to ERISA and
which is sponsored, maintained or contributed to, or has been sponsored,
maintained or contributed to, within six years prior to the Closing Date, by
Seller or any person deemed to be affiliated or aggregated with Seller under
Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the
"Code") or Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA, (a) no unsatisfied withdrawal liability
or obligation, within the meaning of Section 4201 of ERISA, has been incurred,
(b) no unsatisfied liability or obligation to the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation has been incurred by any Seller Party or any ERISA Affiliate, (c) no
accumulated funding deficiency, whether or not waived, within the meaning of
Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code has been incurred and (d) all
contributions (including installments) to such plan required by Section 302 of
ERISA and Section 412 of the Code have been timely made. With respect to any
kind of employee benefit plan, such plan has been funded and maintained in
compliance with all Laws applicable thereto and the requirements of such plan's
governing documents.
(k) Set forth on Schedule 3.01(k) are the following financial statements (the "Financial Statements") of Seller: (a) audited balance sheets and statements of income, changes in partners' capital and cash flow as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003; and (b) unaudited balance sheet (the "Most Recent Balance Sheet") and statements of income (the "Interim Financial Statements") as of and for the five months ended May 31, 2004 (the "Balance Sheet Date"). The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby, present fairly Seller's financial condition as of such dates and Seller's results of operations for such periods and are consistent with Seller's books and records; provided, however, that the Interim Financial Statements are
subject to normal year-end adjustments (which will not be material individually or in the aggregate) and lack footnotes and other presentation items. Seller is not now insolvent, nor will Seller be rendered insolvent by any of the Transactions. A person is "insolvent" for purposes of this Section when the sum of its liabilities and obligations is greater than a fair valuation of all of its property.
(l) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.01(l), since the Balance Sheet Date, Seller has operated in the ordinary course of business consistent with past custom and practice (including with respect to quantity, quality and frequency) ("Ordinary Course of Business"), and, from the Balance Sheet Date to the Closing Date, there have been no events, series of events, or the lack of occurrence thereof with respect to the Assets that, singularly or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Business or Assets.
(m) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(m), (a) the Assets constitute and include all the assets necessary for the conduct of the business as currently conducted and as currently proposed to be conducted, and (b) there are no material assets used in or relied upon for the conduct of the business other than the Assets.
(n) Seller is not subject to any liability or obligation for any federal, state, local, or foreign income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, occupation, customs, ad valorem, duties, franchise, withholding, social security, unemployment, real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer, registration, estimated or other tax of any kind whatsoever, including any interest, penalty or addition thereto, whether disputed or not, the nonpayment of which could be the basis for a lien upon the Assets to be transferred to Buyer ("Taxes"), including Taxes relating to prior periods, other than those reflected or reserved against on the Most Recent Balance Sheet (rather than disclosed in any notes thereto) or those incurred since the Balance Sheet Date in Seller's Ordinary Course of Business. Except for Permitted Encumbrances, there are no encumbrances for Taxes upon, or pending or threatened against, any Asset.
3.02 Representations and Warranties of Buyer. Except as provided below, Buyer hereby represents and warrants to the Seller as follows:
(a) Buyer is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas.
(b) Buyer has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to perform all the terms and conditions hereof to be performed by it. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer, the performance by Buyer of all the terms and conditions hereof to be performed by it and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized and approved by the appropriate governing body of Buyer. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally and general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(c) This Agreement and the execution and delivery hereof by Buyer does not, and the fulfillment and compliance with the terms and conditions hereof and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not conflict with, or require the consent of any person under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of the articles of incorporation, articles of organization, partnership agreement, bylaws, regulations or other organizational document of Buyer as the case may be.
(d) Buyer has or will have prior to the Closing Date, sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it to make payment of the Purchase Price at the Closing.
(e) There is no action, suit, proceeding or governmental investigation or inquiry pending, or to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened against Buyer or its subsidiaries or any of its properties that might delay, prevent or hinder the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(f) Buyer has incurred no liability, contingent or otherwise, for brokers' or finders' fees relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which Seller shall have any responsibility whatsoever.
(g) Buyer acknowledges that the Assets which are the subject of this Agreement have been utilized by Seller and its predecessors for the purposes of processing, transporting and storage of hydrocarbons and related products and associated oil field operations, possibly including the storage and disposal of waste materials or hazardous substances. Buyer acknowledges that in the past there may have been spills of wastes, crude oil, produced water or other materials including, without limitation, any toxic, hazardous or extremely hazardous substances, onto the Assets. In addition, some of the Assets may contain asbestos and/or naturally occurring radioactive material ("NORM"). Buyer expressly understands that NORM may affix or attach itself to the inside of materials and equipment as scale or in other forms, that said materials and equipment located on or included in the Assets may contain NORM and that NORM-containing material may have been buried or otherwise disposed of on the Assets. Buyer also expressly understands that special procedures may be required for the remediation, removal, transportation and disposal of asbestos, NORM or other materials from the Assets where such material may be found and that Buyer assumes all liability for or in connection with the assessment, containment, removal, remediation, transportation and disposal of any such materials in accordance with (i) all past, present or future applicable laws, rules, regulations and other requirements of any governmental or judicial entities having jurisdiction, and (ii) the terms and conditions of the Contracts.
(h) Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, Buyer acknowledges and agrees that Buyer shall acquire the Assets (including Assets for which a notice is given under Section 6.02) in an "AS IS, WHERE IS" condition and shall assume all risks that the Assets may contain waste materials (whether toxic, hazardous, extremely hazardous or otherwise) or other adverse physical conditions, including, but not limited to, the presence of unknown
abandoned wells, sumps, pits, pipelines or other waste or spill sites which may not have been revealed by Buyer's investigation. ON AND AFTER THE EFFECTIVE TIME, ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY RELATED TO THE CONDITION OF THE ASSETS, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, FIXED OR CONTINGENT, SHALL BE TRANSFERRED FROM SELLER TO BUYER WITHOUT RECOURSE ON SELLER. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, BUYER WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO RECOVER FROM SELLER AND FOREVER RELEASES AND DISCHARGES SELLER AND AGREES TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD SELLER HARMLESS FROM ANY AND ALL DAMAGES, CLAIMS, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, PENALTIES, FINES, LIENS, JUDGEMENTS, COSTS AND EXPENSES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS), WHETHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, THAT MAY ARISE OR MAY HAVE ARISEN PRIOR TO, ON OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE TIME ON ACCOUNT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL OR OTHER PHYSICAL CONDITION OF THE ASSETS OR ANY VIOLATION BY SELLER, BUYER OR ANY OTHER PARTY OF ANY APPLICABLE EXISTING OR FUTURE LAW, REGULATION, ORDER OR OTHER DIRECTIVE OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL OR JUDICIAL ENTITY, HAVING JURISDICTION APPLICABLE THERETO, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION AND LIABILITY ACT OF 1980, AS AMENDED, THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY ACT OF 1976, THE CLEAN WATER ACT, THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT, THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION ACT, THE TOXIC SUBSTANCE CONTROL ACT, THE CLEAN AIR ACT, AS AMENDED, THE CLEAN AIR ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1990 AND ALL STATE AND LOCAL LAWS, AND ANY REPLACEMENT OR SUCCESSOR LEGISLATION OR REGULATION THERETO.
(i) Buyer has the right under this Agreement to conduct, at its sole cost, such title examination or investigation, environmental assessments, physical inspections and other due diligence examinations and investigations, as it may choose to conduct with respect to the Assets to satisfy itself as to the condition of the Assets and the legal, contractual and other obligations related to the ownership and operation of the Assets which will or may have an effect on Buyer's operations following Closing.
ARTICLE IV.
COVENANTS
4.01 Covenants of Seller. Seller covenants and agrees with Buyer that:
(a) Prior to Closing, Seller will make available to Buyer for examination at Seller's offices in White Oak, Texas, title, legal, engineering, accounting and other information relating to the ownership and operation of the Assets insofar as the same are in Seller's possession and will cooperate with Buyer in Buyer's efforts to obtain from third parties, at Buyer's expense, such additional information relating to the Assets as Buyer may reasonably request. Seller shall permit Buyer, at Buyer's expense, to inspect and photocopy such information and records at any reasonable time, but only to the extent, in each case, that Seller may do so without violating any contractual commitment to a third party. Seller shall not be
obligated to furnish any updates of abstracts, title opinions or additional title information, but shall cooperate with Buyer in Buyer's efforts to obtain, at Buyer's expense, such additional title information as Buyer may reasonably request.
(b) After the Effective Time and prior to Closing, Seller has and will continue to cause the Assets operated by Seller to be produced, operated and maintained in a good and workmanlike manner consistent with prior practices, will not abandon any of the Assets, will maintain insurance now in force with respect to the Assets, will pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses due to be paid in connection therewith, will keep the Contracts in full force and effect and will perform and comply with all the material covenants and conditions contained in the Contracts and all agreements relating to the Assets.
(c) Seller shall permit Buyer's authorized representatives to consult with Seller and its agents and employees during reasonable business hours and to conduct, at Buyer's sole risk and expense, on-site inspections, tests and inventories of the Assets. During any such inspections of the Assets, Buyer and Buyer's representatives shall have the right to review the Assets and all facilities used in connection with the operation thereof, and to conduct such assessments and investigations as Buyer may deem reasonably necessary or appropriate to determine the condition of the Assets.
(d) Seller has negotiated agreements with ExxonMobil Gas & Power Marketing Company ("ExxonMobil") whereby Seller will construct a natural gas liquids pipeline, at Seller's expense, from the ExxonMobil facilities in the Hawkins Field in Wood County, Texas, to the Longview Facility for processing and further disposition of natural gas liquids pursuant to an Agreement for the Exchange of Natural Gas Liquids, an Ethane/Propane Mix Sale Agreement and related agreements between Seller and ExxonMobil, all of which are included as part of the Contracts listed on Exhibit "B". Seller and ExxonMobil are in the process of executing the final versions of those agreements as of the date of this Agreement. The agreements with ExxonMobil require Seller to make expenditures for land and title research, pipeline right-of-way acquisition and construction of the liquids pipeline, and Seller has commenced those activities and begun incurring associated costs prior to the date of this Agreement. Seller agrees to continue to perform the necessary actions required under the terms of the agreements with ExxonMobil in the ordinary course of business from the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date in exchange for Buyer's agreement to reimburse Seller for all reasonable out-of-pocket third party costs incurred and paid by Seller in connection therewith, regardless of whether incurred or paid before or after the date of this Agreement or before or after the Effective Time. At or prior to Closing, Seller shall obtain the written consent of ExxonMobil to the assignment to Buyer at Closing of Seller's interests under said agreements.
(e) Seller will use its best efforts to obtain the satisfaction of the conditions to Closing set forth in Section 7.01 hereof.
(f) Seller may solicit and receive any back up proposal or offer from any existing interested parties relating to the acquisition of the equity interests or the assets of Seller. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller may not execute any agreement or enter into formal negotiations regarding a term sheet, letter of intent or other binding contractual arrangement (including, but not limited to, a back up contract) related to the equity interests or the assets of
Seller. Furthermore, Seller may not permit any third party to initiate due diligence (legal, financial or otherwise).
(g) Seller hereby expressly consents to Buyer changing its legal name to "Gas Solutions Partnership II, L.P." following the Closing. Seller acknowledges and agrees that all intellectual property rights and goodwill associated with the name "Gas Solutions" including, but not limited to, any registered or unregistered trademarks, logos, service marks, and other graphical items are transferred to Buyer pursuant to Section 1.01 and Seller hereby waives any residual right to bring any claim for infringement with the name "Gas Solutions, Ltd." Goodwill arising out of Seller's use of the name "Gas Solutions, Ltd" or any similar name shall inure to the benefit of Buyer, and Seller hereby assigns to Buyer any rights to such goodwill that inure to it, if any. Seller is expressly prohibited from assigning, transferring or conveying any rights in the name "Gas Solutions, Ltd." If Seller dissolves or abandons the name "Gas Solutions, Ltd.", all rights and title to such name shall be immediately assigned and transferred to Buyer pursuant to this Section 4.01(g).
4.02 Covenants of Buyer. Buyer covenants and agrees with Seller that:
(a) Buyer will use its best efforts to obtain the satisfaction of the conditions to Closing set forth in Section 7.02 hereof.
(b) In the event that this Agreement is terminated or, if not terminated, until the Closing, the confidentiality of any data or information received by Buyer regarding the business and assets of Seller shall be maintained by Buyer and its representatives in accordance with any applicable confidentiality agreements executed by Buyer.
(c) Buyer shall release, indemnify, defend and hold Seller harmless from any claim, cause of action, judgment, liability, loss, damage or other cost whatsoever brought by or in favor of any person for injury, illness or death or damage to or loss of property caused by or resulting from Buyer's access to the Assets for purposes of conducting Buyer's due diligence investigations contemplated by this Agreement.
(d) From and after Closing, Buyer shall properly handle, remove, transport and dispose of any material, substance or waste (whether toxic, hazardous, extremely hazardous or otherwise) from the Assets (including, but not limited to, produced water, drilling fluids and other associated wastes), whether present before or after the Effective Time, in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. To the extent that the Assets are not sold in fee to Buyer, Buyer shall keep records of the types, amounts and location of materials, substances and wastes which are transported, handled, discharged, released or disposed onsite and offsite. When and if any portion of the Assets is abandoned or Buyer's rights to use and occupy same are terminated, Buyer shall take whatever additional testing, assessment, closure, reporting or remedial action with respect to the affected Assets as is necessary to meet any local, state or federal requirements directed at protecting human health or the environment in effect at that time, and any other action as necessary to restore the Assets to an acceptable condition in accordance with applicable law and the Contracts.
(e) Buyer hereby expressly consents to Seller's use of the name "Gas Solutions, Ltd." following the Closing.
ARTICLE V.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES
5.01 SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND NEGATES ANY AND ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, AT COMMON LAW, BY STATUTE OR OTHERWISE RELATING TO (i) THE CONDITION OF THE ASSETS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE, OR CONFORMITY TO MODELS OR SAMPLES OF MATERIALS OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION, (ii) ANY INFRINGEMENT BY SELLER OF ANY PATENT OR PROPRIETARY RIGHT OF ANY THIRD PARTY, AND (iii) ANY INFORMATION, DATA OR OTHER MATERIALS (WRITTEN OR ORAL) FURNISHED TO BUYER BY OR ON BEHALF OF SELLER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, PRICING ASSUMPTIONS, ABILITY TO RENEW OR CONTINUE EXISTING CONTRACTS UPON THEIR EXPIRATION OR TERMINATION, THE RIGHT TO CONTINUE TO USE EXISTING PIPELINE AND GATHERING SYSTEMS OR ANY OTHER MATTER. BUYER SHALL ASSUME ALL RISKS AND HAVE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ACTIONS TAKEN BY OR ON BEHALF OF BUYER IN RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION, RECORDS AND DATA, IF ANY, TRANSFERRED OR PROVIDED TO BUYER PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT.
ARTICLE VI.
BUYER'S DUE DILIGENCE INVESTIGATIONS AND REVIEW
6.01 Due Diligence Review Period . Buyer shall have the right for a period commencing upon execution of this Agreement by both parties and ending on the Closing Date, to conduct such title review and research, environmental assessment, physical inspections, contract and other records review, financial review and other due diligence investigations, inspections and review with respect to the Assets as Buyer deems advisable, necessary and/or appropriate to satisfy itself as to the condition of the Assets and the title thereto and the legal, contractual and other obligations related to the ownership and operation of the Assets which will or may have an effect on Buyer's ownership and operation of the Assets after Closing. Seller agrees to cooperate, as reasonably requested by Buyer, in providing Buyer and Buyer's representatives access to the Assets and Records in connection with such due diligence activities by Buyer. With respect to any physical inspections or on-site environmental assessment activities, Buyer shall provide Seller three (3) days prior written notice of a desired date(s) for such inspections and/or assessments and Seller shall have the right to have a representative present during any inspection and/or assessment and, if any testing is conducted, Seller may require splitting of all samples. Buyer shall treat all information regarding the Assets as confidential, whether material or not, and shall not make any contact with any governmental authority or third party regarding same without Seller's written consent, unless required by applicable law or other directive.
6.02 Termination if Buyer Dissatisfied. On or before September 3, 2004, at 4:00 p.m. C.D.T., Buyer shall advise Seller in writing if Buyer is dissatisfied with the results of its due diligence review of the Assets and elects to terminate this Agreement. If Buyer delivers to Seller written notice of Buyer's election to terminate this Agreement prior to the above deadline, then
Seller and Buyer shall be released from all further obligations under this Agreement; provided, however Buyer shall continue to be obligated to (i) comply with any applicable confidentiality agreements with Seller concerning the Assets, and (ii) indemnify Seller as provided in Section 10.04(b). If Buyer does not deliver to Seller written notice of termination prior to the above deadline, then Buyer shall have no further right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Article VI or Section 11.01(b), and Buyer shall be obligated to purchase the Assets in an "AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH ALL FAULTS" condition without right of recourse against Seller or adjustment to the Purchase Price, excepting only matters arising out of a material default by Seller under this Agreement or any Contract occurring during the period of time from September 3, 2004 until the Closing Date.
ARTICLE VII.
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
7.01 Conditions to the Obligations of Buyer. The obligations of Buyer to proceed with the Closing contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing of all of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived, in whole or in part, in writing by Buyer:
(a) The representations and warranties made herein by Seller shall be correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing as though such representations and warranties were made at and as of the Closing, and Seller shall have complied in all material respects with all the covenants hereof required by this Agreement to be performed by Seller at or prior to the Closing.
(b) The Closing hereunder shall not violate any order or decree of any court, agency, commission, tribunal or other governmental authority having competent jurisdiction over the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) There has been no material adverse change in the condition of
the Assets which is not covered by insurance. For purposes of this subsection
(c), a "material adverse change" is any one or more acts, omissions, occurrences
or conditions with respect to the Assets which, in the aggregate, would
reasonably be expected to impair or diminish the value of the Assets in the
amount of $100,000.00 or more.
(d) Delivery to Buyer of a legal opinion of counsel to Seller reasonable acceptable to Buyer, which counsel shall have professional liability insurance, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "H".
7.02 Conditions to the Obligations of Seller. The obligations of Seller to proceed with the Closing contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing of all of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived, in whole or in part, in writing by Seller:
(a) The representations and warranties made hereby by Buyer shall be correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing as though such representations and warranties
were made at and as of the Closing, and Buyer shall have complied in all material respects with all the covenants hereof required by this Agreement to be performed by Buyer at or prior to the Closing.
(b) The Closing hereunder shall not violate any order or decree of any court, agency, commission, tribunal or other governmental authority having competent jurisdiction over the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) Delivery to Seller of a legal opinion of counsel to Buyer substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "I".
ARTICLE VIII.
CLOSING
8.01 Time and Place of Closing. Unless the parties agree otherwise and subject to the conditions stated in this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (herein called the "Closing") shall be held at the offices of Seller's general partner in Dallas, Texas, on September 23, 2004. The date on which Closing occurs is referred to herein as the "Closing Date."
8.02 Closing Obligations. At the Closing, the following events shall occur, each being a condition precedent to the others and each being deemed to have occurred simultaneously with the others:
(a) Seller shall assign, transfer and convey the Assets to Buyer. Seller shall execute one or more assignments of all or part of the Assets to be conveyed by it, as may be reasonably requested by Buyer, on the form of "Assignment, Conveyance and Bill of Sale" attached hereto as Exhibit "J" and made a part hereof. Seller shall also execute such additional deeds (including, but not limited to, special warranty deeds for each of the Plants), conveyances and bills of sale as may be necessary to convey the Assets to Buyer; provided that any such additional deeds, conveyances or bills of sale shall not warrant the condition of the Assets, and shall warrant title only against claims made by persons claiming by, through or under Seller, but not otherwise. In addition to the foregoing, the instruments executed pursuant to this Section 8.02(a) shall be executed in multiple originals and counterparts sufficient to facilitate recording.
(b) Seller and Buyer shall execute and deliver a settlement statement prepared by Seller and approved by Buyer (herein called the "Preliminary Settlement Statement") that shall set forth the Closing Amount (as hereinafter defined) and each adjustment and the calculation of such adjustments used to determine such amount. The term "Closing Amount" shall mean the Purchase Price less the Performance Deposit, adjusted in accordance with Section 2.02 using for such adjustments the best information (including estimated data) then available.
(c) Buyer shall pay the Closing Amount to Seller by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account or accounts designated by Seller in writing.
(d) Seller shall deliver to Buyer exclusive possession of the Assets, subject to the rights of third parties under operating agreements and similar arrangements.
(e) Buyer shall deliver evidence reasonably satisfactory to Seller that Buyer is a qualified operator in the State of Texas and has satisfied all bonding and other requirements established by the Railroad Commission of Texas with regard to abandonment and restoration obligations associated with the Assets.
(f) Seller, if it has not previously done so, shall resign as operator of any of the Assets which it operates. Seller and Buyer shall execute all necessary or appropriate forms to provide for the change of operator and cause such forms to be filed with the Railroad Commission of Texas and other appropriate governmental bodies, if applicable.
(g) Seller and Buyer shall execute transfer orders or letters-in-lieu thereof in form and substance reasonably acceptable to both parties directing all purchasers of production to make payment to Buyer of proceeds attributable to the Assets assigned to Buyer from and after the Effective Time to the extent such payments have not already been made by such purchasers.
(h) Seller and Buyer shall each deliver to the other party certified copies of corporate resolutions, partner consents and similar documentation reasonably requested by the other party to evidence the proper authorization of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the execution and delivery of all documents contemplated hereby by a duly authorized officer, agent or representative.
(i) Seller and Buyer shall each deliver to the other party a bring down certificate as of the Closing Date duly executed by its chief executive officer.
ARTICLE IX.
OBLIGATIONS AFTER CLOSING
9.01 Post-Closing Adjustments. As soon as practicable after the Closing, but not later than ninety (90) days after the Closing, Seller shall prepare and deliver to Buyer, in accordance with this Agreement and generally accepted accounting principles, a statement (the "Final Settlement Statement") setting forth each adjustment to Purchase Price that was not finally determined as of the Closing and showing the calculation of such adjustments. As soon as practicable after receipt of such Final Settlement Statement from Seller, and no later than thirty (30) days thereafter, Buyer shall deliver to Seller a written report containing any changes that Buyer proposes be made to the Final Settlement Statement proposed by Seller. The parties shall undertake to agree with respect to the amounts due pursuant to such Final Settlement Statement not later than one hundred fifty (150) days after the Closing Date. The final agreed price paid by Buyer to Seller for the Assets after all adjustments is hereinafter referred to as the "Final Purchase Price." The date upon which such agreement is reached or upon which the Final Purchase Price is established, shall be herein called the "Final Settlement Date." If the Buyer and Seller are unable to agree upon a Final Purchase Price within one hundred fifty (150) days from the Closing Date, Seller shall select an independent accounting firm from a list of three (3) such firms provided by Buyer, which firm shall audit the disputed items on the Final Settlement Statement and determine the Final Purchase Price. The decision of such independent accounting firm shall be binding on Buyer and Seller, and the fees and expenses of such independent accounting firm shall be borne one-half (1/2) by each of Buyer and Seller.
9.02 Sales Taxes and Recording Fees. Buyer shall pay all sales taxes occasioned by the sale of the Assets and all documentary, filing and recording fees required in connection with the filing and recording of any documents of conveyance.
9.03 Further Assurances. After Closing, Seller and Buyer shall execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause to be executed, acknowledged and delivered such instruments and take such other action, including payment of monies, as may be necessary or advisable to carry out their obligations under this Agreement and under any document, certificate or other instrument delivered pursuant hereto or required by law.
9.04 Buyer's Post-Closing Obligations. Except to the extent such items have already been taken into account as an adjustment to the Purchase Price, all monies, proceeds, receipts, credits and income attributable to the Assets for all periods of time prior to the Effective Time shall be the property of Seller. If, at any time subsequent to the Closing, Buyer comes into possession of money or property belonging to the Seller attributable to ownership or operation of the Assets prior to the Effective Time, Buyer shall promptly deliver such money or other property to the Seller. Buyer shall allow Seller access to the Records pertaining to the period of time prior to the Effective Time during Buyer's normal business hours after Closing in connection with any rights which Seller has retained under this Agreement, for the purpose of filing or amending a tax return, responding to a governmental inquiry, third party litigation or any other legitimate business purpose; provided that any copies of Records made by Seller shall be at the sole expense of Seller.
9.05 Seller's Post-Closing Obligations. Except to the extent such items have already been taken into account as an adjustment to the Purchase Price, all monies, proceeds, receipts, credits and income attributable to the Assets for all periods of time after the Effective Time shall be the property of Buyer. If, at any time subsequent to the Closing, Seller comes into possession of money or property belonging to the Buyer attributable to ownership or operation of the Assets after the Effective Time, Seller shall promptly deliver such money or other property to the Buyer.
9.06 Files and Records. At Closing, Seller shall deliver the Records to Buyer.
9.07 Survival. The representations and warranties by Seller and Buyer in this Agreement shall survive the Closing for a period of twelve (12) months from the Closing Date. All covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing indefinitely.
ARTICLE X.
ASSUMPTION AND INDEMNIFICATION
10.01 Definitions.
(a) "Assumed Obligations" means, except as constitutes Retained Obligations, (i) all liabilities, duties, and obligations that arise from the ownership or operation of the Assets after the Effective Time; (ii) all liabilities and obligations with respect to Abandonment; (iii) all duties, liabilities and obligations under the Contracts and the NPI Documents arising after the Effective Time; (iv) the Environmental Obligations; and (v) all other duties, liabilities and obligations assumed by Buyer under this Agreement.
(b) "Environmental Law" means any laws, statutes, treaties, rules, codes, ordinances, regulations, certificates, orders, interpretations, licenses and permits of any governmental body, including the common or civil law, (including, without limitation, those pertaining to occupational health and safety, consumer product safety, employee benefits, the environment, securities or zoning) and all judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs, orders or like action of any court, arbitrator or other governmental body of competent jurisdiction relating to pollution of air, soil or water, the protection of the environment, or the handling, release or disposal of hazardous, toxic or waste materials.
(c) "Environmental Obligations" means, except for Abandonment, any Losses or obligations arising from the following occurrences, conditions, events and activities on or related to the Assets, regardless of whether resulting from acts or omissions prior to the Effective Time or the Closing Date, or the condition of the Assets at Closing: (i) any condition, environmental pollution or contamination with respect to the air, land, soil, surface, subsurface strata, surface water, ground water, or sediments, (ii) underground injection activities and waste disposal; or (iii) necessary remediation, and the cost of such remediation, or any control, assessment, or compliance with respect to any pollution, contamination or condition which causes an Asset to not be in compliance with an Environmental Law or Contract.
(d) "Losses" means any and all losses, liabilities, claims, demands, penalties, fines, settlements, damages, actions, or suits of whatsoever kind and nature (but expressly excluding punitive and consequential damages), whether or not subject to litigation, including, without limitation (i) claims or penalties arising from products liability, negligence, statutory liability or violation of any applicable law, statute, treaty, rule, code, ordinance, regulation, certificate, order, interpretation, license or permit of any governmental body, or in tort (strict, absolute or otherwise), and (ii) loss of or damage to any property, and all reasonable out-of-pocket costs, disbursements and expenses (including, without limitation, legal, accounting, consulting and investigation expenses and litigation costs).
(e) "Abandonment" means all abandonment, removal, disposal or restoration associated with the Assets, including, but not limited to, all abandonment, removal, surface restoration (including without limitation wetlands and marsh restoration), site clearance and disposal of the Plants, facilities, structures, fixtures and personal property located on or associated with the Assets (whether placed on an Asset prior to or after the Effective Time), the removal and capping of all associated pipelines, gathering lines and flow lines, the restoration of the surface, site clearance, and any disposal of related waste materials, including without limitation naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) and asbestos, all in accordance with any applicable law, statute, treaty, rule, code, ordinance, regulation, certificate, order, interpretation, license or permit of any governmental body and the terms and conditions of the Contracts.
(f) "Retained Obligations" means, with respect to any Asset, except as constitutes Environmental Obligations, any liabilities and obligations of Seller (i) arising from the payment of the costs and expenses of operation of the Assets prior to the Effective Time; (ii) due, accrued or owed prior to the Effective Time to third Persons arising from property damage or personal injury sustained prior to the Effective Time; (iii) arising from any existing litigation disclosed on Exhibit "F" pending as of the Effective Time; (iv) arising from or
attributable to any Excluded Asset; and (v) to be retained by Seller as expressly provided in this Agreement.
10.02 Assumption of Assumed Obligations by Buyer. Upon Closing, Buyer shall be deemed to have assumed all of the Assumed Obligations. From and after the Closing Date, Buyer covenants and agrees to perform all duties and responsibilities related to or arising out of the Assumed Obligations.
10.03 Indemnification by Seller. Seller shall indemnify, defend and hold Buyer and Buyer's officers, directors, partners, members, managers, employees, agents and representatives harmless from and against all Losses based upon, arising out of, in connection with, or relating to the following, provided that Buyer has delivered to Seller a Claim Notice in compliance with Section 10.07 on or before the expiration of twelve (12) months following the Closing Date:
(a) any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Seller contained in this Agreement; and
(b) if the Closing occurs, the Retained Obligations .
10.04 Indemnification by Buyer. Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold Seller and Seller's officers, directors, partners, members, managers, employees, agents and representatives harmless from and against all Losses based upon, arising out of, in connection with, or relating to the following, provided that Seller has delivered to Buyer a Claim Notice in compliance with Section 10.07 on or before the expiration of twelve (12) months following the Closing Date with respect to claims under subsection (a) below, or at any time with respect to claims under subsections (b), (c) or (d) below:
(a) any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Buyer contained in this Agreement;
(b) Buyer's inspection and environmental assessment of the Assets prior to Closing ;
(c) if the Closing occurs, any Environmental Obligations owed to third parties, regardless of whether any act, omission or occurrence which is the basis for the subject claim or other matter took place before or after the Effective Time or the Closing Date; and
(d) if the Closing occurs, the Assumed Obligations.
10.05 Limitations on Indemnification Obligations. The indemnity obligations of Seller and Buyer contained in Sections 10.03 and 10.04 are subject to the following limitations:
(a) Neither Seller nor Buyer shall be liable to the other for any punitive, exemplary, consequential or special damages, provided that such limitation shall not apply to assumption and indemnity obligations with respect to claims made by any third party;
(b) Except as provided in Section 10.05(d), neither Seller nor Buyer shall be liable to, nor have any obligation to indemnify the other party unless and until the other party has
incurred aggregate Losses arising out of the matters described in Section 10.03 or 10.04 of this Agreement, as the case may be, in excess of a deductible of $100,000.00, after which the indemnifying party shall be obligated to indemnify the other party from and against any further Losses which are in excess of such deductible amount up to, but not exceeding, an aggregate amount of $1,000,000.00 for all Losses incurred by the other party; and
(c) Except as provided in Section 10.05(d), no Party shall be obligated to indemnify the other for the breach of any representation or warranty, or for any other matter, to the extent that the Party claiming a Loss as a result thereof had actual knowledge of such breach or other matter at or prior to the Closing; and
(d) The limitations set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of this
Section 10.05 shall not be applicable to (i) third party claims arising out of
Buyer's assumption and indemnity obligations with respect to Abandonment and/or
Environmental Obligations, (ii) claims related to the adjustments to and final
settlement of the Purchase Price pursuant to Sections 2.02, 8.02(b) and 9.01,
nor (iii) claims arising out of Buyer's failure to pay or otherwise satisfy
obligations arising under the Contracts, the NPI Documents or other obligations
of Seller which are assumed by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement attributable to
the period of time after the Effective Time.
10.06 Indemnity of a Party for Its Negligence. EACH PARTY'S INDEMNITY
OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTIONS 10.03 and 10.04 SHALL APPLY REGARDLESS OF THE FAULT
OR NEGLIGENCE OF THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY, INCLUDING STRICT OR STATUTORY LIABILITY
OF SUCH INDEMNIFIED PARTY UNDER ANY APPLICABLE LAW.
10.07 Procedures for Asserting Claims. All claims for indemnification under this Agreement shall be asserted and resolved as follows, provided that the provisions of this Section 10.07 shall be covenants and not conditions to the defense and indemnity obligations to which they apply:
(a) Third Person Claims. In the event that any claim for which a
party providing indemnification (the "Indemnifying Party") would be liable to a
party or any of its officers, directors, partners, employees, agents or
representatives entitled to indemnification hereunder (the "Indemnified Party")
is asserted against or sought to be collected by a third person, the Indemnified
Party shall promptly notify the Indemnifying Party of such claim, specifying the
nature of such claim and the amount or the estimated amount thereof to the
extent then feasible (which estimate shall not be conclusive of the final amount
of such claim) (the "Claim Notice"). The Indemnifying Party shall have thirty
(30) days from its receipt of the Claim Notice (the "Notice Period") to notify
the Indemnified Party (i) whether or not it disputes its liability to the
Indemnified Party hereunder with respect to such claim; and (ii) if it does not
dispute such liability, whether or not it desires, at its sole cost and expense,
to defend the Indemnified Party against such claim; provided, however, that the
Indemnified party is hereby authorized prior to and during the Notice Period to
file any motion, answer or other pleading, submission or document which it shall
deem necessary or appropriate to protect its interests. In the event that the
Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party within the Notice Period that
it does not dispute such liability and desires to defend against such claim or
demand, then, except as hereinafter provided, the Indemnifying Party shall have
the right to defend such claim or
demand by appropriate proceedings, which proceedings shall be promptly settled or prosecuted to a final conclusion, in such a manner as to avoid any risk of the Indemnified Party becoming subject to liability. If the Indemnified Party desires to participate in, but not control, any such defense or settlement, it may do so at its own cost and expense. If the Indemnifying Party disputes its liability with respect to such claim, or elects not to defend against such claim, whether by not giving timely notice as provided above or otherwise, the Indemnified Party shall have the right but not the obligation to defend against such claim, and the amount of any such claim, or if the same be contested by the Indemnifying Party or by the Indemnified Party, then that portion thereof as to which such defense is unsuccessful, shall be conclusively deemed to be a liability of the Indemnifying Party hereunder (subject, if it has timely disputed liability, to a determination that the disputed liability is covered by this Article X).
(b) Other Claims. In the event that the Indemnified Party shall have a claim against the Indemnifying Party hereunder which does not involve a claim or demand being asserted or sought to be collected from it by a third person, the Indemnified Party shall promptly send a Claim Notice with respect to such claim to the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party within the Notice Period that it disputes such claim, the amount of such claim shall be conclusively deemed a liability of the Indemnifying Party hereunder.
(c) Payment of Undisputed Amount. In the event that the Indemnifying Party is required to make any payment under this Article X, the Indemnifying Party shall promptly pay the Indemnified Party the amount so determined. If there should be dispute as to the amount or manner of determination of any indemnity obligation owed under this Article X, the Indemnifying Party shall nevertheless pay when due such portion, if any, of the obligation as shall not be subject to dispute. The difference, if any, between the amount of the obligation ultimately determined as properly payable under this Article X and the portion, if any theretofore paid, shall bear interest as provided in Section 10.07(d). Upon the payment in full of any claim, the Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to the rights of the Indemnified Party against any Person or other entity with respect to the subject matter of this claim.
(d) Interest. If all or part of any indemnification obligation under this Agreement is not paid when due upon resolution of the claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall pay upon demand to the Indemnified Party interest at a per annum rate equal to the post-judgment interest rate determined in accordance with Texas Finance Code Section 304.003 (or any successor statute) on the unpaid amount of the obligation for each day from the date the amount became due until payment in full; provided, however, in no event shall such rate of interest so determined exceed the highest lawful rate which may be charged and received with respect to an obligation of the type described in this Agreement.
(e) Disputed Claims. If the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party during the Notice Period that it disputes any claim under subsections (a) or (b) above, then either party shall have the right to institute an action in a Texas state court of competent jurisdiction for a judicial determination of the validity of and responsibility for the disputed claim in accordance with the allocation of risk set forth in this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI.
TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
11.01 Termination. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby may be terminated prior to Closing in the following instances:
(a) By Buyer, if the conditions set forth in Section 7.01 are not satisfied in all material respects or waived by Buyer prior to the Closing Date, or pursuant to any provision of this Agreement expressly permitting such termination by Buyer;
(b) By Buyer, if Buyer, as determined in its own discretion, is not wholly satisfied with the results of, and its due diligence investigations with respect to, the operations, affairs, prospects, properties, assets, existing and potential liabilities, obligations, profits or condition (financial or otherwise) of the business and the Assets and Buyer delivers written notice of termination to Seller on or before September 3, 2004, at 4:00 p.m. C.D.T.;
(c) By Seller, if the conditions set forth in Section 7.02 are not satisfied in all material respects or waived by Seller prior to the Closing Date, or pursuant to any provision of this Agreement expressly permitting such termination by Seller; or
(d) At any time by the mutual written agreement of Buyer and Seller.
11.02 Liabilities Upon Termination. If Closing does not occur due solely to Seller's violation of the terms of this Agreement, then Buyer shall be entitled to receive a refund of the Performance Deposit and may seek such legal or equitable remedies as Buyer may desire, including, without limitation, damages for the breach or failure of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Seller contained herein and the right to enforce specific performance of this Agreement. If Closing does not occur due to Buyer's violation of the terms of this Agreement, Seller shall be entitled to retain the entire Performance Deposit and may seek such legal or equitable remedies as Seller may desire, including, without limitation, damages for the breach or failure of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Buyer contained herein and the right to enforce specific performance of this Agreement. The covenant of Buyer set forth in Section 12.16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Article XI.
ARTICLE XII.
GENERAL
12.01 Claims. Buyer shall be entitled to the rights and benefits of all claims Seller may have against third parties with respect to the Assets arising out of events occurring subsequent to the Effective Time. Seller shall cooperate with Buyer in the prosecution of such claims, but Buyer shall bear all expenses related to the prosecution of such claims.
12.02 Expenses. All fees, costs and expenses incurred by Buyer or Seller in negotiating this Agreement or in consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring the same including, without limitation, legal and accounting fees, costs and expenses.
12.03 Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly made if delivered by (i) personal delivery, (ii) recognized third party messenger or overnight delivery service, (iii) telecopy or facsimile transmission, or (iv) deposit into the custody of the United States Postal Service, postage prepaid, first class certified mail, return receipt requested. Notice given in accordance herewith shall be effective upon receipt at the address of the addressee. For purposes of notice, the addresses of the parties shall be as follows unless and until changed by written notice to the other party in accordance herewith:
All notices to Seller shall be delivered to:
Gas Solutions, Ltd.
c/o SB Gas Services, LLC, General Partner
1601 Elm Street, Suite 300
Dallas, Texas 75201
Attention: Mr. James E. Sowell
Phone: (214) 871-3320 Fax: (214) 871-1620
All notices to Buyer shall be delivered to:
MNW Partners, LLC
15455 Dallas Parkway, Suite 200
Addison, Texas 75001-4690
Attention: Mr. David Nelson
Phone: (214) 954-4455 Fax: (214) 954-1521
With a copy to:
Brandon C. Janes
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
300 W. 6th St., Suite 2100
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 499-6294 Fax: (512) 499-6290
12.04 Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended nor any rights hereunder waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the party to be charged with such amendment or waiver and delivered by such party to the party claiming the benefit of such amendment or waiver.
12.05 Headings. The headings of the articles and sections of this Agreement are for guidance and convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement.
12.06 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by Buyer and Seller via facsimile and in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original instrument, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
12.07 References. References made in this Agreement, including use of a pronoun, shall be deemed to include, where applicable, masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural, individuals, partnerships or corporations. As used in this Agreement, "person" shall mean any natural person, corporation, partnership, trust, estate or other entity.
12.08 Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Texas, and exclusive venue for any judicial action or proceeding relating to or arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be in Gregg County, Texas.
12.09 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the Exhibits hereto and any confidentiality agreements referenced in Section 4.02(b) hereof) constitutes the entire understanding among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, superseding all negotiations, prior discussions and prior agreements and understandings relating to such subject matter.
12.10 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and, except as otherwise prohibited, their respective successors and assigns; and except as otherwise stated herein, nothing contained in this Agreement, or implied herefrom, is intended to confer upon any other person or entity any benefits, rights or remedies.
12.11 Assignments. Except as otherwise provided herein, Buyer and Seller may assign all or any portion of their respective rights or delegate any portion of their duties hereunder, so long as the respective assigning parties remain liable for the performance of their obligations hereunder.
12.12 Public Announcements. The parties hereto agree that prior to making any public announcement or statement with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the party desiring to make such public announcement or statement shall consult with the other party hereto and exercise their best efforts to agree upon the text of a joint public announcement or statement to be made solely by Seller or Buyer, as the case may be; provided, however, if either Seller or Buyer are required by law, by a listing agreement, or by the rules and regulations of any securities exchange to make such public announcement or statement, then the same may be made without the approval of the other party. The opinion of counsel of either party shall be conclusive evidence of such requirement.
12.13 Notices After Closing. Buyer and Seller hereby agree that each party shall notify the other of its receipt, after the Closing Date, of any instrument, notification or other document affecting the Assets while owned by such other party.
12.14 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any clause or provision of this agreement is void, illegal or unenforceable, the other clauses and provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and the clauses and provisions which are determined to be void, illegal unenforceable shall be limited so that they shall remain in effect to the extent permissible by law.
12.15 Waiver of Right to Recover Certain Damages. As a material part of the consideration for the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Seller and Buyer, respectively, each hereby waive, release and relinquish the right to recover any punitive, exemplary, consequential or special damages from the other party to this Agreement in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the respective rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement, provided that such waiver by Seller shall not apply to a failure by Buyer to satisfy its assumption and indemnity obligations with respect to Environmental Obligations.
12.16 Seller's Employees. In the event Buyer fails to close the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for any reason, Buyer agrees not to hire any employee of Seller for a term of one (1) year after the date of termination of this Agreement.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
SELLER:
GAS SOLUTIONS, LTD.
By: SB Gas Services, LLC, its
General Partner
By:/s/ Keith Martin
---------------------------------
Keith Martin, Manager
|
BUYER:
MNW PARTNERS, LLC
By:/s/ David Nelson
---------------------------------
David Nelson, Manager
|
Exhibit "A-1" - Rights-of-Way and Easements Exhibit "A-2" - Description of the Real Property Deeds and Leases Exhibit "A-3" - List of Vehicles Being Transferred Exhibit "B" - Contracts Exhibit "C" - Excluded Assets Exhibit "D" - Mitchell Consulting Agreement Exhibit "E" - Allocated Value Exhibit "F" - Pending Litigation and Other Proceedings Exhibit "G" - Seller's Revenue Interest and Cost Interest Exhibit "H" - Form of Opinion of Counsel to Seller Exhibit "I" - Form of Opinion of Counsel to Buyer Exhibit "J" - Form of Assignment, Conveyance and Bill of Sale |
Schedule 3.01(j) - ERISA Schedule 3.01(k) - Financial Statements Schedule 3.01(l) - Material Adverse Effect Schedule 3.01(m) - Other Assets |
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
I, John F. Barry III, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Prospect Energy Corporation, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Prospect Energy Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over the financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Dated this 12th day of November, 2004
/s/ John F. Barry ----------------------------------- John F. Barry III Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
I, Karen Gattegno, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Prospect Energy Corporation, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Prospect Energy Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over the financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Dated this 12th day of November, 2004
/s/ Karen Gattegno ----------------------------------- Karen Gattegno Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002, 18 U.S.C. 1350
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004 (the "Report") of Prospect Energy Corporation (the "Registrant"), as filed with the Securities and Commission on the date hereof, I, John F. Barry III, the Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
/s/ John F. Barry --------------------------- Name: John F. Barry III Date: November 12, 2004 |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Prospect Energy Corporation and will be retained by Prospect Energy Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely to accompany the Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Registrant, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002, 18 U.S.C. 1350
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004 (the "Report") of Prospect Energy Corporation (the "Registrant"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Karen Gattegno, the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
/s/ Karen Gattegno --------------------------- Name: Karen Gattegno Date: November 12, 2004 |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Prospect Energy Corporation and will be retained by Prospect Energy Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely to accompany the Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Registrant, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.