Filed by the Registrant | x |
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant | o |
Check the appropriate box:
x | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
o | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
o | Definitive Proxy Statement |
o | Definitive Additional Materials |
o | Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
o | No fee required. |
o | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
(1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
Common shares of Solana Resources Limited (Common Shares)
(2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
126,426,792 Common Shares; 3,945,000 options to purchase Common Shares with an exercise price of less than US$3.89 per share; and 7,500,000 warrants to purchase Common Shares with an exercise price of less than US$1.89 per share (U.S. dollar amounts based on an exchange rate of CDN$1.00 = US$0.9428 (the Exchange Rate)).
(3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
Calculated solely for purposes of determining the filing fee. The maximum aggregate value of the transaction was determined by adding: (A) 126,426,792 Common Shares multiplied by US$3.87 per share (value of one Common Share, based on the high and low prices of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on September 3, 2008, converted to U.S. dollars based on the Exchange Rate); (B) options to purchase 3,945,000 Common Shares multiplied by US$2.09 (which is the difference between US$3.87 and the weighted average exercise price of US$1.78 per share, based on the Exchange Rate); and (C) warrants to purchase 7,500,000 Common Shares multiplied by US$1.98 (which is the difference between US$3.87 and the weighted average exercise price of US$1.89 per share based on the Exchange Rate). In accordance with Section 14(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the filing fee was determined by multiplying 0.0000393 by the sum of the preceding sentence.
(4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
$512,366,735.
(5) | Total fee paid: |
$20,136.
x | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
o | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
(1) | Amount Previously Paid: |
(2) | Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
(3) | Filing Party: |
(4) | Date Filed: |
Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.
ANNEX A | Form of Arrangement Resolution | |||||||
ANNEX B | Arrangement Agreement | |||||||
ANNEX C | Interim Order of the Court | |||||||
ANNEX D | Plan of Arrangement | |||||||
ANNEX E | Provisions Attaching to the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares | |||||||
ANNEX F | Form of Support Agreement | |||||||
ANNEX G | Form of Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement | |||||||
ANNEX H | Opinion of Blackmont Capital Inc. | |||||||
ANNEX I | Opinion of Tristone Capital Inc. | |||||||
ANNEX J | Section 191 of the Alberta Business Corporations Act Respecting Dissenters Rights of Appraisal | |||||||
ANNEX K | Text of amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation, as described in Gran Tierras Proposal 2 | |||||||
ANNEX L | Text of amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation, as described in Gran Tierras Proposal 3 |
UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THIS JOINT MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION CIRCULAR AND PROXY STATEMENT ARE EXPRESSED IN U.S. DOLLARS.
To Our Stockholders:
We invite you to participate in a special meeting of the stockholders of Gran Tierra Energy Inc., or Gran Tierra, to be held at , Calgary, Alberta at 9:00 a.m., Mountain Time, on November 12, 2008.
On July 28, 2008, Gran Tierra and Solana Resources Limited, or Solana, entered into an agreement providing for the business combination of the two companies. The proposed transaction requires the approval of our stockholders to approve: (1) the issuance of the shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be issued in the transaction; and (2) an amendment to our articles of incorporation to create a new special voting share to enable the exchangeable shares to be issued in the proposed transaction to vote, as well as to make several technical changes, all as more fully described in the attached Joint Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement, which we refer to as the Joint Proxy Statement. At the special meeting, we will ask our stockholders to approve this issuance and amendment. In addition, we are also taking the opportunity to ask our stockholders to approve (a) an amendment to our articles of incorporation to increase the number of shares of our authorized common stock and change the board voting requirement for issuance of common stock from unanimous to a simple board action, and (b) an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our equity incentive plan. Neither of these latter two proposals are necessary for the completion of the combination of Gran Tierra and Solana; however, they will facilitate operating the combined company, and will only be implemented if the combination of the two companies occurs.
Under the terms of the agreement with Solana, each Solana shareholder will receive, for each Solana common share held, either: (1) 0.9527918 of a share of Gran Tierra common stock; or (2) 0.9527918 of a common share of a Canadian subsidiary of Gran Tierra, or a GTESolana Exchangeable Share. The GTESolana Exchangeable Shares: (a) will have the same voting rights, dividend entitlements and other attributes as Gran Tierra common stock; (b) will be exchangeable, at each stockholders option, on a one-for-one basis into Gran Tierra common stock; and (c) subject to compliance with the original listing requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, will be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will automatically be exchanged for Gran Tierra common stock five years from closing, and in specified other events. The transaction will also result in Solana optionholders and Solana warrantholders receiving either Solana common shares pursuant to a cashless exercise of their options or warrants or cash payments, in both cases based on the above exchange ratio. In addition, Solana options held by an employee, officer, director or consultant continuing with the combined company may be exchanged for options to purchase shares of Gran Tierra common stock; and holders of Solana warrants may elect to continue to hold their warrants, which would then be exercisable into shares of Gran Tierra common stock pursuant to the terms of the warrants.
The transaction is structured to be completed as a statutory plan of arrangement pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), or the ABCA. Upon completion of the transaction, Solana will become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra. On a diluted basis, upon the closing of the plan of arrangement, former Solana securityholders will own approximately 49% of the combined company and the current Gran Tierra securityholders will own approximately 51% of the combined company. The proposed transaction is subject to regulatory, stock exchange, court and stockholder approvals.
The combined company will create a more substantial South American oil and gas exploration and production company with significant oil reserves, production and land positions in Colombia. Importantly, it will provide for the consolidation of a 100% working interest in the Costayaco field, a major light oil discovery made in Colombia in 2007 currently undergoing delineation and development. The increased efficiency of developing this field with a 100% working interest, with its growing reserves, production and cash flow, will drive the continued exploration and development of the combined entitys existing assets, and position the
company for growth in the near term and continued new venture activities in the future. We expect the combined company to have a 2008 production exit rate of approximately 15,000 barrels of oil per day net after royalties. Following the transaction, Gran Tierra will have a working interest in 26 exploration and production licenses (24 operated by Gran Tierra), with a vast land base encompassing 7.1 million gross acres (6.2 million net acres) in three countries: Colombia, Peru and Argentina.
The board of directors of Gran Tierra has received an opinion from Blackmont Capital Inc. that, subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the exchange ratio of 0.9527918 GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or shares of Gran Tierra common stock for each Solana common share is fair, from a financial point of view, to Gran Tierra.
The attached Joint Proxy Statement contains a description of this business combination, as well as information regarding Solana, Gran Tierra and Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc. Please give this material your careful consideration and, if you require assistance, consult your financial, tax or other professional advisors.
The board of directors of Gran Tierra unanimously recommends that stockholders vote in favor of all four proposals. Each company has scheduled a special stockholders meeting to be held on November 12, 2008. We invite you to attend our meeting, details of which are included in the enclosed Notice of Special Meeting and Joint Proxy Statement. Regardless of the number of shares you own or whether you plan to attend the meeting, it is important that your shares be represented and voted. Voting instructions are included.
On behalf of your management team and board of directors, I thank you for your support and urge you to vote For approval of each of (1) the issuance of the shares of Gran Tierra common stock in the transaction, (2) the amendment to our articles of incorporation to create the new share of special voting stock and make several technical changes, (3) the amendment to our articles of incorporation to increase the number of shares of our authorized common stock and change the board voting requirement for the issuance of common stock, and (4) the amendment and restatement of our equity incentive plan to increase the number of shares that may be issued under the plan.
Sincerely,
/s/ Dana Coffield
Dana Coffield
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Mailing Date: , 2008
Dear Shareholders, Optionholders and Warrantholders:
You are being asked to attend a special meeting of the common shareholders, optionholders and warrantholders, collectively, the Solana Securityholders, of Solana Resources Limited, or Solana, to be held at at a.m. (Mountain Time) on November 12, 2008. At the meeting you will be asked to consider a proposed arrangement, or the Arrangement, involving Solana, Gran Tierra Energy Inc., or Gran Tierra, Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc., a Canadian subsidiary of Gran Tierra, or Exchangeco, and the Solana Securityholders.
On July 28, 2008, Solana agreed to combine with Gran Tierra. If the transaction is completed, the Arrangement will result in the holders of Solana common shares, the Solana Shareholders, receiving either (i) 0.9527918 of a share of common stock of Gran Tierra or (ii) 0.9527918 of a common share of Exchangeco, a GTESolana Exchangeable Share, for each Solana common share held. The GTESolana Exchangeable Shares: (i) will have the same voting rights, dividend entitlements and other attributes as Gran Tierra common stock; (ii) will be exchangeable, at each shareholders option, on a one-for-one basis, into Gran Tierra common shares; and (iii) subject to compliance with the original listing requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, will be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will automatically be exchanged for Gran Tierra common shares five years from closing, and in specified other events. The Arrangement will also result in Solana optionholders and Solana warrantholders receiving either Solana common shares pursuant to a cashless exercise of their options or warrants or cash payments, in both cases based on the above exchange ratio. In addition, Solana options held by an employee, officer, director or consultant continuing with the combined company may be exchanged for options to purchase shares of Gran Tierra common stock; and holders of Solana warrants may elect to continue to hold their warrants, which would then be exercisable into shares of common stock of Gran Tierra pursuant to the terms of the warrants.
The transaction is structured to be completed as a statutory plan of arrangement pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), or the ABCA. Upon completion of the transaction, Solana will become an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra. On a diluted basis, upon the closing of the plan of arrangement, former Solana Securityholders will own approximately 49% of the combined company and the current Gran Tierra security holders will own approximately 51% of the combined company. The proposed transaction is subject to regulatory, stock exchange, court and stockholder approvals.
The special resolution approving the Arrangement must be approved by at least 66 2/3% percent of the votes cast by Solana Securityholders as a single class, either in person or by proxy, at the special meeting. Gran Tierra stockholders will meet on the same day to consider the approval of, among other things, the issuance of Gran Tierra common stock in connection with the transaction.
The combined company will create a more substantial South American oil and gas exploration and production company with significant oil reserves, production and land positions in Colombia. Importantly, it will provide for the consolidation of a 100% working interest in the Costayaco field, a major light oil discovery made in Colombia in 2007 currently undergoing delineation and development. The increased efficiency of developing this field with a 100% working interest, with its growing reserves, production and cash flow, will drive the continued exploration and development of the combined entitys existing assets, and position the company for growth in the near term and continued new venture activities in the future. We expect the combined company to have a 2008 production exit rate of approximately 15,000 barrels of oil per day net after royalties. Following the transaction, the combined company will have a working interest in 26 exploration and production licenses (24 operated by the combined company) with a vast land base encompassing 7.1 million gross acres (6.2 million net acres) in three countries: Colombia, Peru and Argentina.
Solanas board of directors has unanimously determined that the Arrangement is in the best interests of our company as well as the Solana Securityholders and recommends that you vote in favor of the Arrangement at the special meeting. Solanas board of directors also received an opinion from Tristone Capital Inc. as of the date thereof that the consideration to be received by holders of Solanas common shares is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. Our management and directors, who own approximately 6.4% of Solanas outstanding common shares, and approximately 13.4% of Solanas outstanding common shares on a diluted basis, have entered into support agreements with Gran Tierra whereby they have agreed to vote in favor of the Arrangement at the special meeting.
The attached Joint Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement contains a description of the Arrangement, as well as information regarding Solana, Gran Tierra and Exchangeco. Please give this material your careful consideration and, if you require assistance, consult your financial, tax or other professional advisors. Also enclosed is a letter of transmittal to allow holders of Solanas common shares to receive shares of Gran Tierra common stock or GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, as applicable. Please follow the instructions in the letter of transmittal. Letters of transmittal to allow Solana optionholders and warrantholders to make elections and receive the applicable cash payments or securities in respect of their Solana options and/or warrants will be delivered separately from the proxy materials.
It is important that your Solana securities be represented at the special meeting. Whether or not you are able to attend, we urge you to complete the enclosed form of proxy and return it in the envelope provided or by fax to the attention of Valiant Trust Company, Proxy Department at (403) 233-2857 not later than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays) prior to the commencement of the special meeting.
On behalf of the directors of Solana, I would like to express our gratitude for the support that our shareholders have demonstrated with respect to our decision to combine with Gran Tierra.
Yours very truly, | ||
/s/ J. Scott Price J. Scott Price President and Chief Executive Officer |
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of stockholders of GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC., a Nevada corporation. The meeting will be held on November 12, 2008 at 9:00 a.m., Mountain Time, at , for the following purposes:
1. To approve the issuance of shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be issued in connection with the acquisition of the outstanding securities of Solana Resources Limited;
2. To approve an amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation to create a new special voting share to enable the exchangeable shares to be issued in the proposed transaction with Solana Resources Limited to vote, as well as to make several technical changes;
3. To approve an amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation to increase the total authorized number of shares of common stock from 300,000,000 to 600,000,000 and change the board voting requirement for issuance of common stock from unanimous to a simple board action;
4. To approve Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, to increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder from 9,000,000 shares to 18,000,000 shares; and
5. To conduct any other business properly brought before the meeting.
These items of business are more fully described in the Joint Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.
If the first proposal is not approved by Gran Tierras stockholders, the proposals numbered 2, 3 and 4 above will not be implemented, notwithstanding that they may have been approved by Gran Tierras stockholders.
The record date for the special meeting is September 15, 2008. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on that date may vote at the special meeting or any adjournment thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors | ||
/s/ Martin Eden Martin Eden Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
, 2008
You are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy, or vote over the Internet as instructed in these materials, as promptly as possible in order to ensure your representation at the meeting. A return envelope (which is postage prepaid if mailed in the United States) is enclosed for your convenience. Even if you have voted by proxy, you may still vote in person if you attend the meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at the meeting, you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from that record holder.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting (the Solana Special Meeting) of the holders of the common shares (Solana Shares), options and warrants (collectively, with the Solana Shares, the Solana Securities) of Solana Resources Limited (Solana) will be held at , at a.m. (Mountain Time) on November 12, 2008 for the following purpose:
(a) to consider and, if thought advisable, to pass, with or without variation, a special resolution (the Arrangement Resolution), the full text of which is set forth in Annex A to the accompanying Joint Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement dated , 2008 (the Joint Proxy Statement), to approve an arrangement (the Arrangement) involving Solana, Gran Tierra Energy Inc., Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc. and the holders of the Solana Securities (Solana Securityholders), all as more particularly described in the Joint Proxy Statement; and
(b) to transact such further and other business as may properly be brought before the Solana Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Specific details of the matters to be put before the Solana Special Meeting are set forth in the Joint Proxy Statement.
The record date (the Solana Record Date) for determination of Solana Securityholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Solana Special Meeting is September 25, 2008. Only Solana Securityholders whose names have been entered in the registers of the Solana Securityholders on the close of business on the Solana Record Date will be entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Solana Special Meeting, provided that, to the extent a holder of Solana Shares transfers the ownership of any Solana Shares after the Solana Record Date and the transferee of those Solana Shares establishes ownership of such Solana Shares and demands, not later than 10 days before the Solana Special Meeting, to be included in the list of holders of Solana Shares eligible to vote at the Solana Special Meeting, such transferee will be entitled to vote those Solana Shares at the Solana Special Meeting.
A Solana Securityholder may attend the Solana Special Meeting in person or may be represented by proxy. Solana Securityholders who are unable to attend the Solana Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof in person are requested to date, sign and return the accompanying form of proxy for use at the Solana Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof. To be effective, the form of proxy for Solana Securityholders must be received by Solana c/o Valiant Trust Company, 310, 606 4th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1T1 or by fax to the attention of the Proxy Department at (403) 233-2857 no later than forty-eight (48) hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays) prior to the commencement of the Solana Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof. The time limit for the deposit of proxies may be waived by the chairman of the Solana Special Meeting in his discretion, without notice.
Registered holders of Solana Shares have the right to dissent (Dissenting Shareholders) with respect to the Arrangement Resolution and, if the Arrangement Resolution becomes effective, to be paid the fair value of their Solana Shares in accordance with the provisions of Section 191 of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), (the ABCA), and the Interim Order (the Interim Order), a copy of which is attached as Annex C. A Solana Shareholders right to dissent is more particularly described in the Joint Proxy Statement and the text of Section 191 of the ABCA as set forth in Annex J to the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement. A Dissenting Shareholder must send to Solana a written objection to the Arrangement Resolution, which written objection must be received by Solana, care of its counsel, Davis LLP, 1000, 250 2nd Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0C1, Attention: Kenneth P. Reh by 4:00 p.m. on the fifth Business Day immediately preceding the date of the Solana Special Meeting.
Failure to strictly comply with the requirements set forth in Section 191 of the ABCA, may result in the loss of any right to dissent. Persons who are beneficial owners of Solana Shares registered in the name of a broker, custodian, nominee or other intermediary who wish to dissent should be aware that only the registered holders of Solana Shares are entitled to dissent. Accordingly, a beneficial owner of Solana Shares desiring to exercise the right to dissent must make arrangements for the Solana Shares
beneficially owned by such holder to be registered in the holders name prior to the time the written objection to the Arrangement Resolution is required to be received by Solana or, alternatively, make arrangements for the registered holder of such Solana Shares to dissent on behalf of the holder.
Dated at the City of Calgary, in the Province of Alberta, this th day of , 2008.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF SOLANA RESOURCES LIMITED
/s/ Ray Antony
Ray Antony
Chairman
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a petition (the Petition) has been filed with the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta, Judicial District of Calgary (the Court) on behalf of Solana Resources Limited (Solana) with respect to a proposed arrangement (the Arrangement) under section 193 of the ABCA, involving Solana, Gran Tierra, Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc. (Exchangeco) and holders of common shares, options and warrants of Solana (Solana Securityholders) which Arrangement is described in greater detail in the Joint Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement of Solana and Gran Tierra dated , 2008, accompanying this Notice of Petition. At the hearing of the Petition, Solana intends to seek:
(a) a declaration that the terms and conditions of the Arrangement are fair to the Solana Securityholders from a substantive and a procedural point of view;
(b) an order approving the Arrangement pursuant to the provisions of section 193 of the ABCA;
(c) a declaration that the Arrangement will, upon the filing of the Articles of Arrangement pursuant to the provisions of Section 193 of the ABCA, become effective in accordance with its terms and will be binding on and after the Effective Date as defined in the Arrangement; and
(d) such other and further orders, declarations and directions as the Court may deem just.
AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the said Petition was directed to be heard before a Justice of the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta, 601 5th Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, on the th day of , 2008 at p.m. (Calgary time), or as soon thereafter as counsel may be heard. Any Solana Securityholder or any other interested party desiring to support or oppose the Petition, may appear at the time of hearing in person or by counsel for that purpose. Any Solana Securityholder or any other interested party desiring to appear at the hearing is required to file with the Court, and serve upon Solana on or before noon on , 2008, a notice of intention to appear, including an address for service in the Province of Alberta together with any evidence or materials which are to be presented to the Court. Service on Solana is to be effected by delivery to the solicitors for Solana, at the addresses below. If any Solana Securityholder or any other interested party does not attend, either in person or by counsel, at that time, the Court may approve the Arrangement as presented, or may approve it subject to such terms and conditions as the Court shall deem fit, without any further notice.
AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that no further notice of the Petition will be given by Solana and that in the event the hearing of the Petition is adjourned only those persons who have appeared before the Court for the application at the hearing shall be served with notice of the adjourned date.
AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Court, by order dated October , 2008, has given directions as to the calling of the meeting of Solana Securityholders for the purpose of such holders voting upon the resolution to approve the Arrangement.
AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a copy of the said Petition and other documents in the proceedings will be furnished to any Solana Securityholders or other interested party requesting the same by the undermentioned solicitors for Solana upon written request delivered to such solicitors as follows:
Davis LLP
1000, 250 2nd Street S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2P OC1
Attention: Kenneth P. Reh
i
DATED at the City of Calgary, in the Province of Alberta, this th day of October, 2008.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF SOLANA RESOURCES LIMITED
/s/ J. Scott Price
J. Scott Price
President and Chief Executive Officer
ii
On , 2008, the exchange rate for one Canadian dollar expressed in U.S. dollars based on the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was US$ .
For each period, the following table provides the high and low exchange rates for one Canadian dollar expressed in U.S. dollars, the average of these exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period, and the exchange rate at the end of the period, in each case based upon the inverse of the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in Canadian dollars, as certified for customer purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York:
Six Month Period Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twelve Month Period Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||
High | US$1.0291 | US$1.0908 | US$0.9100 | US$0.8690 | US$0.8493 | US$0.7738 | ||||||||||||||||||
Low | 0.9714 | 0.8437 | 0.8528 | 0.7872 | 0.7158 | 0.6384 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average | 0.9950 | 0.9376 | 0.8844 | 0.8276 | 0.7702 | 0.7186 | ||||||||||||||||||
Period End | 0.9818 | 1.0120 | 0.8582 | 0.8579 | 0.8310 | 0.7738 |
On , 2008, the exchange rate for one U.S. dollar expressed in Canadian dollars based on the noon spot rate of the Bank of Canada was CDN$ .
For each period, the following table provides the high and low exchange rates for one U.S. dollar expressed in Canadian dollars, the average of these exchange rates on the last day of each month during such period, and the exchange rate at the end of such period, based upon the noon spot rate of the Bank of Canada:
Six Month Period Ended June 30, 2008 |
Twelve Month Period Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||
High | CDN$1.0324 | CDN$1.1853 | CDN$1.1726 | CDN$1.2704 | CDN$1.3968 | CDN$1.5747 | ||||||||||||||||||
Low | 0.9719 | 0.9170 | 1.0990 | 1.1507 | 1.1774 | 1.2924 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average | 1.0054 | 1.0666 | 1.1308 | 1.2085 | 1.2980 | 1.3914 | ||||||||||||||||||
Period End | 1.0186 | 0.9881 | 1.1653 | 1.1659 | 1.2036 | 1.2924 |
iii
Oil and Natural Gas Liquids | Natural Gas | |||||
Bbl | barrel | Mcf | thousand cubic feet | |||
Bbls | barrels | MMcf | million cubic feet | |||
MBbls | thousand barrels | Mcf/d | thousand cubic feet per day | |||
MMbbls | million barrels | |||||
Bbls/d | barrels per day | |||||
BOPD | barrels of oil per day |
Boe | barrel of oil equivalent of natural gas and crude oil on the basis of 1 Boe for 6 Mcf of natural gas | |
Boe/d | barrel of oil equivalent per day | |
CDN$ | Canadian dollars | |
Col$ | Colombian pesos | |
MBoe | 1,000 barrels of oil equivalent | |
WTI | West Texas Intermediate, the reference price paid in United States dollars at Cushing, Oklahoma for crude oil of standard grade | |
GAAP | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles |
To Convert from | To | Multiply by | ||||||
Mcf | Cubic metres | 28.174 | ||||||
Cubic metres | Cubic feet | 35.494 | ||||||
Bbls | Cubic metres | 0.159 | ||||||
Cubic metres | Bbls oil | 6.290 | ||||||
Feet | Metres | 0.305 | ||||||
Metres | Feet | 3.281 | ||||||
Miles | Kilometres | 1.609 | ||||||
Kilometres | Miles | 0.621 | ||||||
Acres | Hectares | 0.405 | ||||||
Hectares | Acres | 2.471 |
The term barrels of oil equivalent may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Boe conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet per barrel (6 Mcf: 1 Bbl) of natural gas to barrels of oil equivalence is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.
iv
Questions and Answers for Gran Tierra Stockholders and Solana Shareholders, Warrantholders and Optionholders
Why am I receiving these materials?
You are receiving these materials because Gran Tierra Energy Inc., or Gran Tierra, and Solana Resources Limited, or Solana, want to combine their businesses, and you are either:
| a stockholder of Gran Tierra, and the Gran Tierra board of directors, or the Gran Tierra Board, is soliciting your proxy to vote at a special meeting of the stockholders of Gran Tierra, or the Gran Tierra Special Meeting, relating to, among other things, this transaction, or |
| a shareholder, optionholder or warrantholder of Solana, and the Solana board of directors, or the Solana Board, is soliciting your proxy to vote at a special meeting of the securityholders of Solana, or the Solana Special Meeting, relating to this transaction. |
Gran Tierra intends to mail this Joint Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement, or Joint Proxy Statement, and its accompanying proxy card on or about , 2008 to all Gran Tierra stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting.
Solana intends to mail this Joint Proxy Statement, its accompanying proxy card and letter of transmittal on or about , 2008 to all holders of Solana common shares, or Solana Shareholders, optionholders and warrantholders, or collectively with the Solana Shareholders the Solana Securityholders, of record entitled to vote at the Solana Special Meeting.
When and where are the special meetings?
Both meetings will take place on November 12, 2008. The Gran Tierra Special Meeting, will be held at 9:00 a.m., Mountain Time, at . The Solana Special Meeting will be held at a.m., Mountain Time, at .
How will the combination of the two companies be accomplished?
If approved, the combination of the two companies will be accomplished by a statutory plan of arrangement involving Solana, Gran Tierra, Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc., an indirect wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary of Gran Tierra, or Exchangeco, and Solana Securityholders, all as more particularly described in this Joint Proxy Statement, and which is referred to as the Arrangement.
Why do Gran Tierra and Solana want to combine their businesses?
Gran Tierra and Solana are both oil and gas exploration and production companies the primary asset of which is their respective ownership interests in the Costayaco field, a major oil and gas discovery located in Colombia currently under delineation and development, as well as other complementary interests and operations in Colombia. Gran Tierra and Solana believe that the proposed combination will complement each of its existing businesses. By combining the businesses of both companies, Gran Tierra and Solana expect to consolidate 100% of the working interest in the Costayaco field allowing for more efficient development of the field, and creating a stronger oil and gas exploration company with approximately 7.1 million gross acres (6.2 million net acres), production capacity of approximately 15,000 boe/d net after royaties at the end of 2008 and proved reserves of approximately 18 million barrels.
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Who will manage the combined company after the combination?
If completed, under the terms of the Arrangement, Gran Tierra will acquire 100% of the outstanding common shares of Solana, or Solana Shares, and Solana will become a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Gran Tierra. The combined company, which will retain the name Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and be headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, will be managed by the current Gran Tierra management team, and will have a seven member board of directors which will initially include the five current members of the Gran Tierra Board. Scott Price, Solanas current President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ray Antony, Solanas current Chairman of the Board, will also join as members of the Gran Tierra Board.
What votes are required to complete the Arrangement?
The Arrangement requires the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Solana Shares, options and warrants, referred to collectively as the Solana Securities, voting in person or by proxy as a single class, at the Solana Special Meeting. The issuance of the Gran Tierra common stock in connection with the consummation of the Arrangement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting and entitled to vote. The approval of the amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation that create the special voting share to facilitate the voting of the exchangeable shares of Exchangeco, or the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares, and make technical changes to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation requires the vote of (a) the holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock and the exchangeable shares of Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc., or GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares, entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the combined voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares, and (b) the holders of shares of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares.
What votes are required to complete Gran Tierras other proposals?
The amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation to increase the total authorized number of shares of common stock from 300,000,000 to 600,000,000 and change the board voting requirement for issuance of common stock from unanimous to a simple board action requires the affirmative vote of the holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the combined voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. The amendment and restatement of Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, to increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder from 9,000,000 shares to 18,000,000 shares, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting and entitled to vote.
What are the other material conditions to consummation of the Arrangement?
The Arrangement is subject to the receipt of required governmental and regulatory approvals, and approval of the plan of arrangement, attached to the Joint Proxy Statement as Annex D, the Plan of Arrangement, giving effect to the Arrangement by the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta, or the Court. In addition, Gran Tierra is obligated to file a registration statement on Form S-3 which must be declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, prior to completion of the Arrangement and, pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, attached hereto as Annex B, the Arrangement must be completed on or before November 15, 2008, unless extended by the parties. The Arrangement is also subject to other customary closing conditions.
When do you expect the Arrangement to be completed?
We expect to complete the Arrangement on or before November 15, 2008.
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Who do I call if I have more questions?
For questions about voting and proxies, Gran Tierra stockholders may call:
The Altman Group
Phone: 866-530-8636
For other information, Gran Tierra stockholders may contact:
Martin Eden
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Phone: (403) 265-3221
Fax: (403) 265-3242
For questions about voting and proxies, Solana Securityholders may call:
Valiant Trust Company
Phone: (403) 233-2801
Fax: (403) 233-2857
For questions about the letters of transmittal, Solana Securityholders may call:
Computershare Investor Services Inc.
Phone: 1-800-564-6253
Email: corporateactions@computershare.com
For other information, Solana Securityholders may contact:
J. Scott Price
President and Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (403) 770-1822
Fax: (403) 770-1826
E-mail: jsp@solanaresources.com
Additional Questions and Answers for Gran Tierra Stockholders
Why is Gran Tierra entering into this transaction?
Gran Tierra believes the transaction is in the best interest of Gran Tierra and its stockholders. The benefits of the transaction include:
| Gran Tierra expects the combined company to have a larger asset base with a 100% working interest in the Costayaco field, one of the major oil discoveries in Colombia in recent years, allowing for more efficient development of the field; |
| Gran Tierra expects the combined company to have substantially increased cash flows and working capital which will allow for the pursuit of additional exploration opportunities on the combined companys large undeveloped land base in Colombia, Argentina and Peru, and additional new venture growth opportunities; |
| Gran Tierra expects the combined company to have a larger market capitalization and better access to capital and financial markets, which would enable the combined company to raise additional capital more easily, if needed, to fund its expansion plans than either company could if not combined; |
| Gran Tierra expects the shares of the combined company to have greater public float and liquidity; and |
| Gran Tierra expects to achieve economies of scale and synergies by combining the two companies. |
Why is Gran Tierra seeking to amend its articles of incorporation to provide for a new special voting share and make other technical amendments?
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In order for the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares to have the voting power of a share of Gran Tierra common stock, there must be a share of Gran Tierra capital stock through which they are entitled to vote. The creation of the new special voting share enables this voting mechanism. In addition, Gran Tierra believes that it is prudent to clarify that the current special voting share created to facilitate the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares will vote together with the common stock, the new special voting share and any other shares of preferred stock in the future, as this may not currently be clear in the Gran Tierra articles of incorporation.
Why is Gran Tierra seeking to increase its authorized common stock?
Gran Tierra believes that the combination of the two companies will approximately double the asset base and outstanding number of shares of its common stock, and significantly increase the number of its employees. In addition, Gran Tierra believes that it will hire additional personnel in the future. As a result, the Gran Tierra Board believes that it is therefore appropriate to also double the authorized number of shares of its common stock to enable Gran Tierra to be in a position to issue additional shares of its common stock in connection with stock options granted and to be granted, or for purposes of acquiring other companies and assets as the Gran Tierra Board deems advisable. In addition, Gran Tierra believes that Gran Tierra Board action by majority vote, rather than by unanimous vote, is typical and appropriate for the approval of issuances of authorized but unissued Gran Tierra common stock, and so has included this change as well in the amendment to its articles of incorporation.
Why is Gran Tierra seeking to increase the number of shares available to it under its 2007 Equity Incentive Plan?
Gran Tierra believes that the combination of the two companies will approximately double the asset base and outstanding shares of the company and significantly increase its work force. In addition, Gran Tierra intends to hire additional personnel following the combination of the two companies. Gran Tierra therefore believes that it is appropriate to double the number of shares available for issuance under its 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. The granting of stock awards under this plan enables Gran Tierra to attract and retain its employees and consultants, who will be critical to the success of the combined company.
Additional Questions and Answers for Solana Shareholders, Optionholders and Warrantholders
Why is Solana entering into this transaction?
Solana believes the transaction is in the best interest of Solana Securityholders. The benefits of the transaction include:
| 0.9527918 of a share of Gran Tierra common stock or 0.9527918 of a GTE-Solana Exchangeable Share represents a significant premium of approximately 26% over the trading price of Solana Shares immediately prior to the announcement of the combination; |
| Solana expects the combined company to have a larger asset base with a 100% working interest in the Costayaco field, one of the major oil discoveries in Colombia in recent years, allowing for more efficient development of the field; |
| Solana expects the combined company to have a larger market capitalization and better access to capital and financial markets, which would enable the combined company to raise additional capital more easily, if needed, to fund its expansion plans than either company could if not combined; |
| Solana expects the shares of the combined company to have greater public float and liquidity; |
| Solana expects the combined company to have substantially increased cash flows which will allow for the pursuit of additional exploration opportunities on the combined companys large undeveloped land base in Colombia, Argentina and Peru, and additional new venture growth opportunities, thereby increasing the probability of additional exploration success; |
| the transaction is structured to provide a tax deferral opportunity for certain Canadian resident Solana Shareholders; |
| Solana expects the combined company to benefit from the strong leadership of directors from both Solana and Gran Tierra; and |
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| Solana warrantholders and some Solana optionholders can elect to participate in the combined company by ultimately receiving shares of Gran Tierra common stock or GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares, as applicable, or can elect to receive a cash payment in exchange for their securities, or a combination of the foregoing, providing alternatives for such securityholders. |
What will I receive as a result of this transaction?
Canadian resident Solana Shareholders (other than Dissenting Shareholders, as defined in the section below entitled Dissenters Rights on page 13, Solana Shareholders who are partnerships that are not Canadian partnerships for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and shareholders who are exempt from tax under Part I of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) will receive 0.9527918 of a GTE-Solana Exchangeable Share issued by Exchangeco for each Solana Share. All other Solana Shareholders (other than Dissenting Shareholders) will receive 0.9527918 of a share of Gran Tierra common stock. The Arrangement will also result in Solana optionholders and Solana warrantholders receiving either Solana Shares pursuant to a cashless exercise of their options or warrants or cash payments, in both cases based on the above exchange ratio of 0.9527918, or the Exchange Ratio. In addition, Solana options held by a Solana employee, officer, director or consultant continuing with the combined company may be exchanged for options to purchase shares of Gran Tierra common stock; and holders of Solana warrants may elect to continue to hold warrants, which would be exercisable into shares of common stock of Gran Tierra pursuant to the terms of the warrants.
What are the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares?
Each GTE-Solana Exchangeable Share has economic and voting rights equivalent to one share of Gran Tierra common stock. Holders of GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares will be entitled to:
| exchange their shares for Gran Tierra common stock on a one-for-one basis (GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares will automatically be exchanged for Gran Tierra common stock five years from closing of the transaction, and in specified other events); |
| vote indirectly through a voting trust arrangement at meetings of Gran Tierra stockholders; and |
| receive dividends, if any, on the same basis as Gran Tierra stockholders. |
Will the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares be listed on a stock exchange?
Yes. An application has been made to the Toronto Stock Exchange, or the TSX, to conditionally approve the listing of the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares, subject to Exchangeco fulfilling the original listing requirements of the TSX. The GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares will not be quoted on the American Stock Exchange, on the AMEX. Actions will be taken to de-list the Solana Shares from the TSX Venture Exchange and the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange plc, or the AIM, effective upon completion of the Arrangement.
Why would I continue to hold GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares?
The GTE-Solana Exchangeable Share structure will be implemented to provide tax deferral opportunities for Canadian resident Solana Shareholders that are not exempt from tax under Part I of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and, in the case of partnerships, are Canadian partnerships for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada). As long as the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares remain listed on a Canadian stock exchange, they will qualify as an investment that can be held by specified investment vehicles such as RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs and other savings and pension plans.
How do I exchange my Solana security certificates?
Enclosed with this Joint Proxy Statement is a letter of transmittal that will allow you to receive your GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares or Gran Tierra common stock, as applicable, which are issuable to you pursuant to this transaction. Letters of transmittal to allow Solana optionholders and warrantholders to make elections and receive the applicable cash payments or securities in respect of their Solana options and/or warrants will be delivered separately from the Joint Proxy Statement. The letters of transmittal and your Solana security certificates, as applicable, must be delivered to Computershare Investor Services Inc. in accordance with the instructions contained therein.
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The following is a summary of specified information contained elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement. The information contained in this summary is qualified in its entirety by and should be read in conjunction with the more detailed information contained in this Joint Proxy Statement, including the annexes hereto, and the documents incorporated by reference herein.
The transaction will combine the businesses of Gran Tierra and Solana, which the companies believe complement each other, to create a more substantial South American oil and gas exploration and production company with significant oil reserves, production and land positions in Colombia. Importantly, it will provide for the consolidation of a 100% working interest in the Costayaco field, a major light oil discovery made in Colombia in 2007 currently undergoing delineation and development.
We will implement the transaction through a share exchange under a Plan of Arrangement. Upon completion of the Plan of Arrangement:
| Solana will become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra; |
| Solana Shareholders will cease to be shareholders of Solana and (other than Dissenting Shareholders) will receive, for each Solana Share held, either 0.9527918 of a share of Gran Tierra common stock or, if a Canadian resident that is not exempt from tax under Part I of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and, if a partnership, is a Canadian partnership for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), 0.9527918 of a GTESolana Exchangeable Share; |
| each GTESolana Exchangeable Share will have economic and voting rights equivalent to one share of Gran Tierra common stock, will be exchangeable at the option of the holder for one share of Gran Tierra common stock, and will automatically be exchanged for Gran Tierra common stock five years from closing and in specified other events; |
| each Solana option will fully vest and terminate and the holder of such options will either receive Solana Shares or cash equal to the value of the Solana option or, if the holder will continue as an employee, officer, director or consultant of the combined company or a subsidiary of the combined company, the holder may exchange such Solana option for an option to purchase Gran Tierra common stock, or any combination thereof; and |
| each holder of Solana warrants will either receive Solana Shares or cash equal to the value of the Solana warrant or, if the holder elects, such Solana warrants will become exercisable for Gran Tierra common stock under the terms of the warrants, or any combination thereof. |
See Description of the Arrangement Transaction Mechanics and Description of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares on page 59.
Gran Tierra is an independent international energy company involved in oil and natural gas exploration, development and production. Gran Tierras exploration, development and production operations are located in Colombia, Argentina and Peru. Gran Tierra made its initial acquisition of oil and gas producing and non-producing properties in Argentina in September 2005. During 2006, it acquired oil and gas producing and non-producing assets in Colombia, non-producing assets in Peru and additional properties in Argentina. Gran Tierras common stock is listed on the AMEX and the TSX, under the symbol GTE. Gran Tierras principal executive offices are located at 300, 611 10th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2R 0B2, Canada, and its telephone number at its principal executive office is (403) 265-3221.
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Solana is a corporation incorporated and subsisting pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), the ABCA. Solana is an international resource company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas. Solana is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Solanas exploration and development properties are located in Colombia, South America and are held through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Solana Petroleum Exploration (Colombia) Limited incorporated in the Cayman Islands, or Solana Colombia. Solana currently holds various working interests in nine blocks in Colombia and Solana is the operator in respect of six of these blocks. Five of the blocks contain producing assets. Solana is a reporting issuer in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario and the Solana Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol SOR and on the AIM under the trading symbol SORL. Solanas head office is located at Suite 100, 522 11 Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2R 0C8 and the registered office is located at 1000, 250 2 Street, S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0C1.
The combined company will be a more substantial independent oil and gas company with operations in South America. At December 31, 2007, Gran Tierra and Solana combined pro forma worldwide proved reserves, net of all royalties and third party interests, were approximately 14.8 million barrels of oil.
On a pro forma combined basis, assuming the consummation of the Arrangement, the combined company had:
| 2007 oil and natural gas liquids production, net of royalties, of 2,177 barrels per day; |
| first six months of 2008 oil and natural gas liquids production, net of royalties, of 5,763 barrels per day; |
| 2007 year end total land holdings of 6.5 million acres; |
| 2007 worldwide gas production of 994 thousand cubic feet per day; and |
| first six months of 2008 worldwide gas production of 44 thousand cubic feet per day. |
In addition, in July 2008, Gran Tierra updated its proved reserves from the Costayaco field in Colombia at June 30, 2008, which were 6.67 million barrels of oil net of royalties compared to 3.27 million barrels of oil net of royalties at year end 2007, an increase of 104%.
The respective boards of directors and management of Gran Tierra and Solana periodically review their strategic objectives with a view to ensuring that shareholder value is maximized. Each company frequently considers both acquisition and joint venture opportunities involving other participants in the oil and gas sector. Beginning in April of 2007, Gran Tierra and Solana engaged in preliminary discussions regarding a possible business combination of the two companies. However, in November 2007 the companies determined not to proceed, and terminated discussions regarding a potential combination of the two companies.
Beginning in May 2008, Gran Tierra and Solana again began discussions regarding a potential combination, which discussions resulted in the two companies engaging in extensive due diligence with respect to each other and, ultimately, the negotiation of the Arrangement Agreement, which was executed by Gran Tierra and Solana on July 28, 2008.
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Gran Tierra: The Gran Tierra Board has unanimously approved the combination of Gran Tierra and Solana. In reaching this determination, the Gran Tierra Board consulted with Gran Tierras management, as well as its financial and legal advisors, and considered the following material factors:
| The anticipated business advantages of the combination, including: |
| Gran Tierra expects the combined company to have a larger asset base with a 100% working interest in the Costayaco field, one of the major oil discoveries in Colombia in recent years, allowing for more efficient development of the field; |
| Gran Tierra expects the combined company to have substantially increased cash flows and working capital which will allow for the pursuit of additional exploration opportunities on the combined companys large undeveloped land base in Colombia, Argentina and Peru, and additional new venture growth opportunities; |
| Gran Tierra expects the combined company to have a larger market capitalization and better access to capital and financial markets, which would enable the combined company to raise additional capital more easily, if needed, to fund its expansion plans than either company could if not combined; |
| Gran Tierra expects the shares of the combined company to have greater public float and liquidity; and |
| Gran Tierra expects to achieve economies of scale and synergies by combining the two companies. |
The Gran Tierra Board also considered the opinion of Blackmont Capital Inc., or Blackmont, financial advisor to Gran Tierra, delivered verbally on July 28, 2008 and subsequently confirmed in writing as of that date, to the effect that, based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the Exchange Ratio of 0.9527918 shares of Gran Tierra common stock or GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, as applicable, for each Solana Share was fair, from a financial point of view, to Gran Tierra.
Solana: The Solana Board, has unanimously approved the combination of Gran Tierra and Solana. In reaching this determination, the Solana Board consulted with Solanas management, as well as its financial and legal advisors, and considered the following material factors:
| the consideration offered under the Arrangement represented a significant premium over the trading price of Solana Shares immediately prior to the announcement of the combination; |
| Solana believes that the combined company will have a larger asset base and greater geographical diversity of operations and markets. The combination creates a company with a 100% working interest in the Costayaco field, one of the most important oil discoveries in Colombia in recent years, allowing for more efficient development of the field; |
| Solana expects the combined company to have a larger market capitalization and better access to capital and financial markets, which would enable the combined company to raise additional capital more easily, if needed, to fund its expansion plans than either company could if not combined; |
| Solana expects the shares of the combined company to have greater public float and liquidity; |
| Solana expects the combined company to have substantially increased cash flows which will allow for the pursuit of additional exploration opportunities on the combined companys large undeveloped land base in Colombia, Argentina and Peru, and additional new venture growth opportunities, thereby increasing the probability of additional exploration success; |
| the structure of the transaction provides a tax deferral opportunity for certain Canadian resident Solana Shareholders, but may be a taxable transaction for non-Canadian holders of Solana Shares; |
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| Solana expects the combined company to benefit from the strong leadership of directors from both Solana and Gran Tierra; and |
| Solana warrantholders and some Solana optionholders can elect to participate in the combined company by ultimately receiving shares of Gran Tierra common stock or GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, as applicable, or can elect to receive a cash payment in exchange for their securities, or a combination of the foregoing, providing alternatives for such securityholders. |
The Solana Board also considered the opinion of Tristone Capital Inc., or Tristone, financial advisor to Solana, delivered orally on July 28, 2008 and subsequently confirmed in writing as of that date, to the effect that, based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the consideration to be received pursuant to the Arrangement by Solana Shareholders was fair, from a financial point of view, to Solana Shareholders.
In deciding to approve the Arrangement, the board of directors of each of Gran Tierra and Solana considered the opinion of their respective financial advisor. Gran Tierra received an opinion from Blackmont delivered verbally on July 28, 2008 and subsequently confirmed in writing as of that date, to the effect that, based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to Gran Tierra. Solana received an opinion from Tristone, delivered orally on July 28, 2008 and subsequently confirmed in writing as of that date, that, based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the consideration to be received pursuant to the Arrangement by Solana Shareholders was fair, from a financial point of view, to Solana Shareholders. These opinions are attached as Annexes H and I, respectively. We encourage you to read these opinions.
The Gran Tierra Board believes that the Arrangement is fair to its stockholders and is in their best interest, and it unanimously recommends that its stockholders vote (1) For the issuance of Gran Tierra common stock pursuant to the Arrangement, (2) For the amendment of the Gran Tierra articles of incorporation to create a new share of special voting stock, referred to as the Special B Voting Stock, to represent the votes cast by the holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, and make several technical amendments, (3) For the amendment of the Gran Tierra articles of incorporation to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized and change the board voting requirement for issuance of common stock, and (4) For the approval of the Gran Tierra 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, to increase the number of shares issuable under the plan.
The Solana Board, believes that the Arrangement is fair to the Solana Securityholders and in their best interest and unanimously recommends that the Solana Securityholders vote For the approval of the Arrangement.
Pursuant to the Arrangement, Solana Shareholders who are eligible shareholders (Canadian resident Solana Shareholders who are not exempt from Part I tax under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and, in the case of partnerships, are Canadian partnerships for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)), other than Dissenting Shareholders, will receive 0.9527918 of a GTESolana Exchangeable Share for each Solana Share held by the shareholder immediately prior to the time at which the Articles of Arrangement are filed with the Registrar, each as defined in the Plan of Arrangement attached hereto as Annex D, on the date the Arrangement becomes effective under the ABCA, such time being referred to herein as the Effective Time.
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Pursuant to the Arrangement, Solana Shareholders who are ineligible shareholders (Solana Shareholders that are not eligible shareholders), other than Dissenting Shareholders, will receive 0.9527918 of a Gran Tierra common share for each Solana Share held by such shareholder immediately before the Effective Time.
Each GTESolana Exchangeable Share (i) will have voting rights, dividend entitlements and other attributes equivalent to one share of Gran Tierra common stock; (ii) will be exchangeable, at each shareholders option, on a one-for-one basis, into shares of Gran Tierra common stock; and (iii) subject to compliance with the original listing requirements of the TSX, will be listed on the TSX. The GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will automatically be exchanged for shares of Gran Tierra common stock five years from the effective date of the Arrangement under the ABCA, or Effective Date, and in specified other events.
Subject to the rights of Continuing Optionholders discussed below, Solana optionholders will receive one or any combination of the following:
| if the Solana optionholder elects to receive Solana Shares pursuant to the cashless exercise of its Solana options, referred to as the Exchange Options, each such Exchange Option will be deemed to be surrendered to Solana by cashless exercise in exchange for such number of Solana Shares as is equal to the in-the-money value of each Exchange Option divided by the five day weighted trading price (ending on the seventh trading day before the Effective Date) on the TSX of a share of Gran Tierra common stock multiplied by 0.9527918 and these Solana Shares will then be exchanged for shares of Gran Tierra common stock or GTESolana Exchangeable Shares pursuant to the Arrangement (where the in-the-money value of each Exchange Option is equal to the amount by which the Imputed Transaction Value exceeds the exercise price of such Exchange Option; and where Imputed Transaction Value is the five day weighted trading price, ending on the seventh trading day before the Effective Date, on the TSX of a share of Gran Tierra common stock multiplied by 0.9527918); or |
| if the Solana optionholder elects to receive a cash payment pursuant to the cashless exercise of its Solana options, each such Solana option will be deemed to be surrendered to Solana by cashless exercise in exchange for the in-the-money value of each Solana option (where the in-the-money value of each Solana option is equal to the amount by which the Imputed Transaction Value exceeds the exercise price of such Solana option). |
In addition, Solana optionholders who are Continuing Optionholders (Solana optionholders who will be any of a director, officer, employee or consultant of Gran Tierra or a subsidiary of Gran Tierra immediately subsequent to the Effective Time) may elect to exchange some or all of their Solana options for 0.9527918 of a Gran Tierra option. The exercise price of each such Gran Tierra option will be equal to the exercise price of the Solana option exchanged divided by 0.9527913, and converted to U.S. dollars.
Pursuant to the Arrangement, if Solana warrantholders elect to effect a cashless exercise of their Solana warrants, the Solana warrantholders will receive one or any combination of the following:
| if the Solana warrantholder elects to receive Solana Shares pursuant to the cashless exercise of its Solana warrants, referred to as the Exchange Warrants, each such Exchange Warrant will be deemed to be surrendered to Solana by cashless exercise in exchange for such number of Solana Shares as is equal to the in-the-money value of each Exchange Warrant divided by the five day weighted trading price (ending on the seventh trading day before the Effective Date) on the TSX of a share of Gran Tierra common stock multiplied by 0.9527918 and these Solana Shares will then be exchanged for shares of Gran Tierra common stock or GTESolana Exchangeable Shares pursuant to the Arrangement (where the in-the-money value of each Exchange Warrant is equal to the amount by which the Imputed Transaction Value exceeds CDN$2.00); or |
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| if the Solana warrantholder elects to receive a cash payment pursuant to the cashless exercise of its Solana warrants, each such Solana warrant will be deemed to be surrendered to Solana by cashless exercise in exchange for the in-the-money value of each Solana warrant (where the in-the-money value of each Solana warrant is equal to the amount by which the Imputed Transaction Value exceeds CDN$2.00). |
If Solana warrantholders do not elect to effect a cashless exercise of all of their Solana warrants, they will continue to hold such Solana warrants, which would be exercisable into shares of Gran Tierra common stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of such Solana warrants.
Gran Tierra is party to a Colombian Participation Agreement, dated June 22, 2006, between Argosy Energy International, Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and Crosby Capital, LLC, as amended, the Colombian Participation Agreement, entered into in connection with Gran Tierras original acquisition of its interests in Colombia, pursuant to which Gran Tierra is obligated to pay specified amounts based on production from the properties acquired. In July 2008, Gran Tierra negotiated an amendment to the Colombian Participation Agreement to provide that, in the event that the Arrangement is consummated, Gran Tierra will issue two million shares of Gran Tierra common stock to the holders of the rights to receive payments under that agreement, in consideration for the holders agreeing that their rights to receive payments on production from the properties Gran Tierra acquired would not apply to Solanas interests in the properties in which Solana and Gran Tierra have joint working interests, even after the combination of the two companies. In the event that combination of Gran Tierra and Solana does not occur, then Gran Tierra would not be obligated to issue the two million shares, and the rights of the royalty holders under the Colombian Participation Agreement would not be affected.
Gran Tierra common stock was first cleared for quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board, or the OTCBB, on November 11, 2005 and traded on the OTCBB from that time until April 8, 2008, under the symbol GTRE.OB. On February 19, 2008, Gran Tierra common stock was listed on the TSX, and is trading under the symbol GTE on the TSX. On April 8, 2008, Gran Tierra common stock was listed on the AMEX, and is trading under the symbol GTE on the AMEX. Upon listing on the AMEX, Gran Tierras common stock ceased trading on the OTCBB.
Solana Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, under the symbol SOR and on the AIM, under the symbol SORL.
On July 28, 2008, the last full trading day for each of Gran Tierra and Solana before the public announcement of the Arrangement, Gran Tierra common stock closed at CDN$5.73 on the TSX and $5.57 on the AMEX and Solana Shares closed at CDN$4.35 on the TSX Venture Exchange and £2.13 on the AIM.
It is a mutual condition to the completion of the Arrangement that (i) the TSX shall have conditionally approved the listing of the shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement, and (ii) the AMEX shall have conditionally approved the listing of the shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement, subject to official notice of issuance.
Exchangeco has applied to the TSX for conditional approval to list the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, subject to Exchangeco meeting the original listing requirements of the TSX.
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Only stockholders of record at the close of business on September 15, 2008, the Gran Tierra Record Date, will be entitled to vote at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting. On the Gran Tierra Record Date, there were 104,595,774 shares of Gran Tierra common stock outstanding and entitled to vote, and one share of special voting stock, or Special Voting Stock. On the record date, the share of Special Voting Stock was entitled to 10,984,126 votes, which equals the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exchange of the GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares, outstanding as of the Gran Tierra Record Date, that were issued in connection with the transaction between the former shareholders of Gran Tierra Energy Inc., a privately-held Alberta corporation, referred to as Gran Tierra Canada, and Gran Tierra Goldstrike, Inc.
Only Solana Securityholders of record at the close of business on September 25, 2008, the Solana Record Date, will be entitled to receive notice of, and attend and vote at, the Solana Special Meeting, except to the extent a holder of Solana Shares transfers any of such securities after the Solana Record Date and the transferee of those Solana Shares establishes ownership of the Solana Shares, and demands, not later than 10 days before the Solana Special Meeting, that the transferees name be included in the list of holders of Solana Shares entitled to vote, in which case such transferee shall be entitled to vote such Solana Shares at the Solana Special Meeting. As at the Solana Record Date, a total of 126,426,792 Solana Shares, 3,945,000 Solana options and 7,500,000 Solana warrants were issued and outstanding for a total of 137,871,792 Solana securities being issued and outstanding. Each Solana Securityholder is entitled to one vote for each Solana security held and the Solana Securityholders will vote as one class.
Each share of Gran Tierra common stock and GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Share has one vote. The votes required to approve the Gran Tierra proposals are as follows:
| to be approved, Proposal 1, the approval of issuance of Gran Tierra common stock pursuant to the Arrangement, must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting and entitled to vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect and abstentions will have the same effect as Against votes; |
| to be approved, Proposal 2, the amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation to create a new special voting share to enable the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares to vote, as well as to make several technical changes, must receive a For vote from: |
| the holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the combined voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares; and |
| the holders of shares of GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares. |
Broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as Against votes;
| to be approved, Proposal 3, the increase in the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock authorized for issuance and change the board voting requirement for issuance of common stock, |
12
must receive a For vote from the holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the combined voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares. Broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as Against votes; and |
| to be approved, Proposal 4, the approval of Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting and entitled to vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect and abstentions will have the same effect as Against votes. |
References to voting power of GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares refers to the voting power exercised through the Olympia Trust Company, referred to as the Goldstrike Trustee, with respect to the GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares, whether by the Goldstrike Trustee or by proxy.
The approval of the Arrangement requires approval by two-thirds of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Solana Special Meeting.
Pursuant to the Interim Order of the Court under subsection 193(4) of the ABCA, or the Interim Order, registered holders of Solana Shares are, subject to the provisions of the Interim Order and the Arrangement Agreement, accorded the right of dissent, or Dissent Rights, under Section 191 of the ABCA with respect to the approval of the special resolution to approve the Arrangement under the ABCA, the Arrangement Resolution. A Dissenting Shareholder may exercise such Dissent Rights by providing a written objection to the Arrangement Resolution to Solana c/o Davis LLP, Livingston Place 1000 250 2nd St SW Calgary, AB, Canada T2P 0C1, Attention: Kenneth P. Reh, by 4:00 p.m. on the fifth business day immediately preceding the date of the Solana Special Meeting; provided that the Dissenting Shareholder has not voted his or her Solana Shares at the Solana Special Meeting, either by proxy or in person, in favor of the Arrangement Resolution, the dissenting Solana Shareholder exercises the Dissent Rights in respect of all of the Solana Shares held by such Solana Shareholder, and such holder also complies with Section 191 of the ABCA, as modified by the Interim Order, such Dissenting Shareholder referred to herein as a Dissenting Shareholder.
The statutory provisions covering the right to dissent are technical and complex. Failure to strictly comply with the requirements set forth in Section 191 of the ABCA, as modified by the Interim Order, may result in the loss of any right to dissent. Persons who are beneficial owners of Solana Shares registered in the name of a broker, custodian, nominee or other intermediary who wish to dissent, should be aware that only the registered holder is entitled to dissent. Accordingly, a beneficial owner of Solana Shares desiring to exercise the right to dissent must make arrangements for such Solana Shares beneficially owned to be registered in such holders name prior to the time the written objection to the Arrangement Resolution approving the Arrangement is required to be received by Solana, as the case may be, or alternatively, make arrangements for the registered holder of such Solana Shares to dissent on such holders behalf. Pursuant to the Interim Order, a Solana Shareholder may not exercise their Dissent Rights in respect of only a portion of such holders Solana Shares. See Description of the Arrangement Dissenting Shareholders Rights.
When considering the recommendation of the Solana Board with respect to the Arrangement, Solana Securityholders should be aware that a number of Solana directors and officers have interests in the transaction that may differ from those of Solana Securityholders generally.
13
The acquisition of the Solana Securities pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement will be accounted for by Gran Tierra using the purchase method under U.S. GAAP. Under the purchase method, the cost of the purchase will be based on the market value of the Gran Tierra securities issued and the direct transaction costs. The cost of the purchase will be allocated to the Solana assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date, with any excess of the cost over the amounts allocated being recognized as goodwill. Financial statements of Gran Tierra issued after the acquisition would reflect these fair values and include Solanas results of operations from the date of acquisition; they would not be restated retroactively to reflect to the historical financial position or results of operations of Solana. This method may result in the carrying value of net assets, including goodwill, acquired from Solana being substantially different from the former carrying values of those net assets in Solanas historical financial statements.
In addition to the approval of Solana Securityholders, Gran Tierra stockholders and the Court, it is a mutual condition precedent to the implementation of the Arrangement that all requisite regulatory approvals be obtained. See Description of the Arrangement Regulatory Matters.
The obligations of the parties to complete the Arrangement are subject to the approval by the antitrust authority of Colombia, the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce, or the SIC, pursuant to the Colombian merger control regime. By law, Gran Tierra and Solana shall file a notice before the SIC in order to obtain such approval. Once such notice is filed, the SIC has a period of thirty (30) business days to review the filing and issue a decision. If within this thirty (30) business day period the SIC requests from any of the parties to the transaction additional information regarding the filing, this period will commence again from the date of the answer to such request. If the SIC does not issue a decision within the thirty (30) business days counted as of the date the notification was filed or the date of the response to the request for additional information, the transaction shall be deemed approved.
On August 27, 2008 Gran Tierra and Solana filed a request to obtain the necessary authorization to complete the Arrangement before the SIC.
We do not expect that any of the abovementioned regulatory approvals, filings or any other required regulatory filings, will delay consummation of the Arrangement.
The completion of the Arrangement depends upon the satisfaction of a number of conditions, including:
| the receipt of the Interim Order of the Court; |
| the approval of the Arrangement by the Solana Securityholders; |
| the approval of the issuance of Gran Tierra common stock by Gran Tierra stockholders; |
| the absence of any action, suit, proceeding, or objection threatening, or any law or court order prohibiting the Arrangement; |
| the receipt of a final order of the Court approving the Arrangement pursuant to subsection 193(9) of the ABCA, or the Final Order; |
| the receipt of all required consents and regulatory approvals; |
| the receipt of the conditional approval to list the Gran Tierra common stock on the TSX and the AMEX; |
| a registration statement on Form S-3 filed by Gran Tierra having been declared effective; |
| the Articles of Arrangement having been filed with the registrar; |
| the Arrangement becoming effective by November 15, 2008; |
| if required, the approval of the Arrangement by Gran Tierras and Solanas lenders; |
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| the furnishing of board and stockholder resolutions approving the Arrangement by both sides; |
| the representations and warranties of the parties set out in the Arrangement Agreement being materially accurate as of the closing of the Arrangement; |
| the absence of any material adverse change in the business, operations, assets, capitalization, financial condition or prospects of either party; |
| performance by the parties of their pre-closing obligations under the Arrangement Agreement; |
| Solana and Gran Tierra having no debt; |
| all outstanding debt owed to Solana by any Solana director or officer being repaid in full; |
| Solanas employment related obligations not exceeding $1.5 million and Solanas expenses related to the Arrangement not exceeding $5 million; |
| receipt by Gran Tierra of resignations and releases from Solanas directors and officers; and |
| receipt by Gran Tierra of non-solicitation agreements from specified officers of Solana. |
Each party has the right to waive the conditions (except for the requisite shareholder and regulatory approvals) to its obligations under the Arrangement Agreement.
Either Gran Tierra or Solana may terminate the Arrangement Agreement if any of the following occurs:
| there has been a material breach of the representations and warranties of the other party, by the other party; |
| all closing conditions have not been satisfied or waived on or before November 15, 2008; |
| the required approvals of holders of Gran Tierra common stock or Solana Securityholders are not obtained at the respective meetings; or |
| a law or court order prohibits the Arrangement. |
Gran Tierra can also terminate the Arrangement Agreement if the Solana Board withdraws or modifies its recommendation adversely to Gran Tierra or fails to reaffirm its recommendation upon request by Gran Tierra or after an alternative acquisition proposal meeting specified requirements is announced.
Solana can also terminate the Arrangement Agreement if any of the following occurs:
| the Gran Tierra Board withdraws or modifies adversely to Solana its recommendation; or |
| the Solana Board accepts, recommends, approves or implements a proposal superior to this transaction in compliance with the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, a Solana Superior Proposal. |
Solana must reimburse Gran Tierras transaction costs in cash up to $1.5 million if Gran Tierra terminates the Arrangement Agreement because of a material breach by Solana of its representations and warranties.
Solana must pay Gran Tierra a termination fee of $21 million in cash if:
| Gran Tierra terminates the Arrangement Agreement because the Solana Board withdraws or modifies adversely its recommendation or fails to reaffirm its recommendation when requested by Gran Tierra to do so or after an alternative acquisition proposal meeting specified requirements is announced; or |
| Solana terminates the Arrangement Agreement in order to accept a superior proposal permitted under the Arrangement Agreement. |
Gran Tierra must reimburse Solanas transaction costs in cash up to $1.5 million if Solana terminates the Arrangement Agreement because of a material breach by Gran Tierra of its representations and warranties.
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Gran Tierra must pay Solana a termination fee of $21 million in cash if Solana terminates the Arrangement Agreement because the Gran Tierra Board withdraws or modifies its recommendation adversely to Solana.
If either party fails to pay the above fees promptly, then it shall also pay the other partys costs in recovering those fees in addition to interest on the unpaid amount at the prime rate of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
Solana may not solicit or encourage any alternative acquisition proposals. However, if a superior, unsolicited proposal is made by a third party, the Solana Board may enter into discussions and negotiations with, and provide information to, the party making the acquisition proposal in order to satisfy its fiduciary duties. Gran Tierra has the right to match any such superior proposal made to Solana.
We have included the Arrangement Agreement and the Plan of Arrangement as Annexes B and D, respectively, to this Joint Proxy Statement. We encourage you to read these agreements as they are the principal legal documents that govern the Arrangement.
The transaction structure provides tax-deferral opportunities in Canada for Canadian resident Solana Shareholders that are not exempt from Part I tax under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and, in the case of partnerships, are Canadian partnerships for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), through the exchange of such Solana Shares for GTESolana Exchangeable Shares. This tax-deferral benefit may continue as long as such holders continue to hold the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and for so long as Exchangeco has not exercised its automatic redemption right, which right cannot (subject to specified limited exceptions) be exercised by Exchangeco prior to the five year anniversary of the Arrangement.
Holders of Solana Shares who are not resident in Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) will generally not be taxed in Canada with respect to the exchange of such shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock under the Arrangement, provided that Solana Shares do not constitute taxable Canadian property to such holders.
It is not clear whether a U.S. Solana Shareholder, as defined below in the section entitled Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Arrangement on page 164, that exchanges Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock must recognize a gain or loss on the exchange. Provided specified conditions are satisfied, Gran Tierra intends to take the position that the Arrangement qualifies as a reorganization. Generally, if the Arrangement qualifies as a reorganization no gain or loss would be recognized by a U.S. Solana Shareholder on the exchange of Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock. If the Arrangement does not qualify as a reorganization, gain or loss will be recognized on the exchange. The amount of the gain or loss recognized would equal the difference between the fair market value of the Gran Tierra common stock received in the exchange at the date of such exchange and the U.S. Solana Shareholders tax basis in the Solana Shares surrendered. The gain or loss recognized would be a capital gain or loss if the Solana Shares were held as a capital asset at the time of the exchange. Provided the Solana Shares were held for more than one year at the time of their exchange, gain recognized would qualify for taxation at preferential long-term capital gain rates. The recognition and the deduction of capital losses are subject to limitations. The tax consequences of the exchange may be significantly altered if Solana was a passive foreign investment company at anytime when the U.S. Solana Shareholder held the Solana Shares surrendered in the exchange. U.S. Solana Shareholders in special circumstances, such as those receiving GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares for their Solana Shares, should consult their tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of the transaction to them.
16
For a description of the material federal income tax consequences of the Arrangement, see Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Arrangement.
As in any significant business combination transaction, there are a number of risk factors to consider in connection with the Arrangement that are described in the section of this Joint Proxy Statement entitled Risk Factors beginning on page 22, or incorporated by reference herein as described in the sections entitled Documents Incorporated By Reference beginning on page 143 and on page 0. Securityholders should carefully consider all such risk factors in evaluating whether to approve the Arrangement, in the case of Solana Securityholders, and whether to approve the Gran Tierra proposals as described above, in the case of Gran Tierra stockholders.
The following tables set forth certain selected pro forma consolidated financial information. Such information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements of Gran Tierra after giving effect to the Arrangement for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and as at and for the year ended December 31, 2007 beginning on page 186 in this Joint Proxy Statement.
The pro forma adjustments are based upon the assumptions described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements. The pro forma consolidated financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the operating or financial results that would have occurred had the Arrangement actually occurred at the times contemplated by the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements or of the results expected in future periods.
(Dollars in Thousands Except per Share Amounts) | Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
||||||
Statement of Operations Data |
||||||||
Revenues and other income |
||||||||
Oil and natural gas sales | $ | 50,147 | $ | 101,731 | ||||
Interest | 1,516 | 1,172 | ||||||
Total revenues | 51,663 | 102,903 | ||||||
Expenses | ||||||||
Operating | 14,418 | 12,049 | ||||||
Depletion, depreciation and accretion | 29,991 | 40,695 | ||||||
General and administrative | 29,001 | 15,321 | ||||||
Liquidated damages | 7,367 | | ||||||
Derivative financial instruments | 3,040 | 7,462 | ||||||
Foreign exchange loss | 18,872 | 10,562 | ||||||
Total expenses | 102,689 | 86,089 | ||||||
Income (loss) before income tax | (51,026 | ) | 16,814 | |||||
Income tax | 5,051 | (8,576 | ) | |||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (45,975 | ) | $ | (8,238 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per common share basic | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | 0.04 | |||
Net income (loss) per common share diluted | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | 0.03 |
17
(Dollars in Thousands Except per Share Amounts) | Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
||||||
Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 96,328 | ||||||
Working capital (including cash) | 68,457 | |||||||
Oil and gas properties | 873,595 | |||||||
Deferred tax asset long term | 684 | |||||||
Total assets | 1,060,137 | |||||||
Deferred tax liability long term | 215,510 | |||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 7,329 | |||||||
Shareholders equity | $ | 740,208 |
The following table sets forth summary historical consolidated financial data for Gran Tierra as of and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2007 and as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. The summary historical consolidated financial data has been presented in U.S. dollars under U.S. GAAP
The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement.
(Dollars in Thousands, Except per Share Amounts) | Year Ended December 31, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues and other income |
||||||||||||||||||||
Oil and natural gas sales | $ | 31,853 | $ | 11,721 | $ | 1,059 | $ | 53,791 | $ | 7,935 | ||||||||||
Interest | 425 | 352 | | 172 | 332 | |||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 32,278 | 12,073 | 1,059 | 53,963 | 8,267 | |||||||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | 10,474 | 4,233 | 395 | 6,253 | 4,106 | |||||||||||||||
Depletion, depreciation and accretion | 9,415 | 4,088 | 462 | 8,464 | 4,701 | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 10,232 | 6,999 | 2,482 | 8,774 | 4,619 | |||||||||||||||
Liquidated damages | 7,367 | 1,528 | | | 7,367 | |||||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments | 3,040 | | | 7,462 | 677 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | (77 | ) | 371 | (31 | ) | (383 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||||||
Total expenses | 40,451 | 17,219 | 3,308 | 30,570 | 21,463 | |||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax | (8,173 | ) | (5,146 | ) | (2,249 | ) | 23,393 | (13,196 | ) | |||||||||||
Income tax | (294 | ) | (678 | ) | 29 | (10,191 | ) | 1,474 | ||||||||||||
Net Income (loss) | $ | (8,467 | ) | $ | (5,824 | ) | $ | (2,220 | ) | $ | 13,202 | $ | (11,722 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) per common share basic | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | 0.13 | $ | (0.12 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) per common share diluted | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | 0.11 | $ | (0.12 | ) |
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Year Ended December 31, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
2007 (As Restated)(1) |
2006 (As Restated)(1) |
2005 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Statement of Cash Flows Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Operating activities | $ | 8,762 | $ | 2,010 | $ | (1,877 | ) | $ | 12,422 | $ | (3,689 | ) | ||||||||
Investing activities | (15,393 | ) | (48,207 | ) | (9,108 | ) | (11,764 | ) | (10,569 | ) | ||||||||||
Financing activities | 719 | 68,076 | 13,206 | 16,456 | | |||||||||||||||
(Decrease) Increase in cash | $ | (5,912 | ) | $ | 21,879 | $ | 2,221 | $ | 17,114 | $ | (14,258 | ) |
At December 31, | At June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 18,189 | $ | 24,101 | $ | 2,221 | $ | 35,303 | $ | 9,842 | ||||||||||
Working capital (including cash) | 8,058 | 14,541 | 2,765 | 31,699 | 7,154 | |||||||||||||||
Oil and gas properties | 63,202 | 56,093 | 7,887 | 71,771 | 60,715 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred tax asset | 2,058 | 444 | | 1,832 | 496 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets | 112,797 | 105,537 | 12,371 | 167,607 | 98,764 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred tax liability | (11,675 | ) | (9,876 | ) | | (10,582 | ) | (11,373 | ) | |||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | (1,986 | ) | (634 | ) | (68 | ) | (3,932 | ) | (2,037 | ) | ||||||||||
Shareholders equity | $ | (76,792 | ) | $ | (76,195 | ) | $ | (11,039 | ) | $ | (107,578 | ) | $ | (72,203 | ) |
(1) | As discussed in Note 13 to Gran Tierras December 31, 2007 consolidated financial statements, cashflows from operating activities and cash flows from investing activities have been restated as a result of a misclassification of accounts payable and accrued liabilities between the two categories. |
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The following table sets forth summary historical consolidated financial data for Solana as of and for each of the preceding five years ended December 31, 2007 and as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008. The summary historical consolidated financial data have been presented in U.S. dollars and under Canadian GAAP.
The data set forth below has been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the associated consolidated financial statements and related notes as filed on SEDAR.
Year Ended December 31, | Period Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues and other income |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oil sales | $ | | $ | | $ | 6,010,571 | $ | 8,561,235 | $ | 17,441,340 | $ | 2,383,884 | $ | 47,921,945 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas sales | | 350,864 | 749,930 | 919,676 | 853,049 | 417,584 | 18,403 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest | 2,468 | 132,892 | 714,397 | 1,531,032 | 1,091,321 | 470,399 | 999,774 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 2,468 | 483,756 | 7,474,898 | 11,011,943 | 19,385,710 | 3,271,867 | 48,940,122 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | | 394,327 | 1,454,204 | 3,123,305 | 3,944,131 | 1,474,253 | 6,051,140 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Depletion, impairment, depreciation and accretion | 274,626 | 1,246,080 | 4,809,927 | 35,163,420 | 5,789,093 | 2,212,543 | 6,478,965 | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 121,946 | 964,060 | 2,849,913 | 4,602,952 | 5,129,153 | 2,380,267 | 2,811,552 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | | 938,946 | 1,801,780 | 3,029,830 | 13,640,012 | 2,825,074 | 3,480,991 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | 39,255 | 428,204 | (203,808 | ) | (2,145,686 | ) | 77,290 | 224,888 | (248,301 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total expenses | 435,827 | 3,971,617 | 10,712,016 | 43,773,821 | 28,579,679 | 9,177,425 | 18,574,347 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Loss before income tax | (433,359 | ) | (3,487,861 | ) | (3,237,118 | ) | (32,761,878 | ) | (9,193,969 | ) | (5,845,558 | ) | 30,365,775 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (recovery) | | 153,238 | 213,552 | (5,153,272 | ) | 89,257 | 89,257 | 3,119,646 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (433,358 | ) | $ | (3,641,099 | ) | $ | (3,450,670 | ) | $ | (27,608,606 | ) | $ | (9,283,226 | ) | $ | (5,934,815 | ) | $ | 27,246,129 | ||||||||
Net loss per common share basic | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | 0.21 | ||||||||
Net loss per common share diluted | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | 0.22 | ||||||||
Statement of Cash Flows Data |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating activities | $ | (102,014 | ) | $ | 2,514,525 | $ | 5,453,812 | $ | 7,114,937 | $ | 12,893,927 | $ | (1,484,716 | ) | $ | 23,680,156 | ||||||||||||
Investing activities | (246,536 | ) | (14,855,544 | ) | (32,184,351 | ) | (29,112,940 | ) | (31,908,116 | ) | (12,595,370 | ) | (28,076,989 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Financing activities | 2,975,856 | 54,473,335 | 1,068,660 | 34,428,044 | 57,348,910 | 23,711 | 6,259,129 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | | 169,776 | 270,000 | (300,000 | ) | 19,676 | 58,156 | 1,644 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Decrease) Increase in cash | $ | 2,627,306 | $ | 42,302,092 | $ | (25,391,879 | ) | $ | 12,130,041 | $ | 38,354,397 | $ | (13,998,219 | ) | $ | 1,863,940 |
At December 31, | At June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,209,868 | $ | 45,780,741 | $ | 20,660,693 | $ | 29,909,168 | $ | 71,537,827 | $ | 18,158,274 | $ | 73,401,767 | ||||||||||||||
Working capital (including cash) | 2,168,827 | 48,750,038 | 24,407,788 | 37,106,929 | 70,974,442 | 18,039,837 | 88,303,377 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Oil and gas properties | 2,566,986 | 37,638,845 | 63,142,705 | 54,313,189 | 81,963,075 | 70,078,418 | 102,929,728 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax asset | | | | | | | 4,000,375 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 5,550,076 | 89,052,743 | 95,897,095 | 98,615,541 | 166,641,302 | 97,884,761 | 211,120,142 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax liability | | 5,067,880 | 5,231,970 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | | 351,452 | 536,547 | 1,556,823 | 1,973,938 | 7,350,731 | 2,134,858 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders equity | $ | 5,489,373 | $ | 81,984,051 | $ | 84,180,499 | $ | 93,654,111 | $ | 155,359,807 | $ | 90,534,030 | $ | 192,346,056 |
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The following table sets forth summary historical consolidated financial data for Solana as of and for each of the two years ended December 31, 2007. The summary historical consolidated financial data have been presented in U.S. dollars and adjusted to U.S. GAAP.
The data set forth below has been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto after applying the appropriate adjustments to U.S. GAAP, as included in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements included at page 207 of this Joint Proxy Statement.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2006 | 2007 | |||||||
Statement of Operations Data |
||||||||
Revenues and other income |
||||||||
Oil sales | $ | 8,561,235 | $ | 17,441,340 | ||||
Natural gas sales | 919,676 | 853,049 | ||||||
Interest | 1,531,032 | 1,091,321 | ||||||
Total revenues | 11,011,943 | 19,385,710 | ||||||
Expenses |
||||||||
Operating | 3,123,305 | 3,944,131 | ||||||
Depletion, impairment, depreciation and accretion | 43,078,099 | 4,593,556 | ||||||
General and administrative | 4,602,952 | 5,129,153 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | 3,029,830 | 13,640,012 | ||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | (2,145,686 | ) | 77,290 | |||||
Total expenses | 51,688,500 | 27,384,142 | ||||||
Loss before income tax | (40,676,557 | ) | (7,998,432 | ) | ||||
Income tax expense (recovery) | (5,153,272 | ) | 89,257 | |||||
Net loss | $ | (35,523,285 | ) | $ | (8,087,689 | ) | ||
Net loss per common share basic and diluted | $ | (0.43 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | ||
Statement of Cash Flows Data |
||||||||
Operating activities | $ | (799,742 | ) | $ | 14,089,464 | |||
Investing activities | (21,198,261 | ) | (33,103,653 | ) | ||||
Financing activities | 34,428,044 | 57,348,910 | ||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | (300,000 | ) | 19,676 | |||||
Increase in cash | $ | 12,130,041 | $ | 38,354,397 |
At December 31, | ||||||||
2006 | 2007 | |||||||
Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 29,909,168 | $ | 71,537,827 | ||||
Working capital (including cash) | 37,106,929 | 70,974,442 | ||||||
Oil and gas properties | 43,679,601 | 72,525,024 | ||||||
Total assets | 87,981,954 | 157,203,251 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 1,556,823 | 1,973,938 | ||||||
Shareholders equity | $ | 83,020,523 | $ | 145,921,756 |
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In deciding how to vote on the Arrangement and related matters described in this Joint Proxy Statement, you should consider the following risk factors in addition to (i) the risk factors set forth in Gran Tierras most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC, and (ii) the risk factors set forth in Solanas most recent Annual Information Form, as filed on SEDAR.
In evaluating the terms of the transaction, Gran Tierra and Solana each analyzed their respective businesses and made numerous assumptions concerning their respective future operations. A key assumption was that the transaction would result in a combined entity with operating results that would be substantially better than those recently experienced by either of the constituent companies. These operating results may not be achieved.
U.S. Solana Shareholders who participate in the Arrangement will receive shares of Gran Tierra common stock in exchange for their Solana Shares. A U.S. Solana Shareholder generally will recognize gain or loss on this exchange for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless the Arrangement qualifies as a reorganization. Notwithstanding that the Arrangement qualifies as a reorganization it may be necessary to recognize gain on the exchange if Solana is or has been a passive foreign investment company at any point in time when the U.S. Solana Shareholder held the Solana Shares. The Arrangement may qualify as a reorganization only if, among other requirements, the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares (along with certain voting and related rights) are treated as shares of Gran Tierra common stock for U.S. federal tax purposes. The status of Solana as a passive foreign investment company is determined separately for each U.S. Solana Shareholder and is based on the nature of Solanas income and assets for each taxable year in which the U.S. Solana Shareholder held the Solana Shares. No ruling from the Internal Revenue Service nor any legal opinion from U.S. counsel will be sought with respect to the issues of whether the Arrangement qualifies as a reorganization for U.S. federal tax purposes or whether Solana is or has been a passive foreign investment company, and there is the possibility of U.S. federal taxation of a U.S. Solana Shareholders gain in the Solana shares upon the exchange pursuant to the Arrangement. If the Arrangement is a taxable exchange the recognition and the deductibility of losses may be subject to limitations.
A U.S. Solana Shareholder who exercises Dissent Rights in the Arrangement will have a taxable transaction for U.S. federal tax purposes.
For a description of the material federal income tax consequences of the Arrangement, see Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Arrangement.
The proposed issuance of Gran Tierra common stock to Solana Securityholders in connection with the Arrangement will increase the total number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock outstanding. On a diluted basis, upon the consummation of the Arrangement, former Solana Securityholders will own approximately 49% of the combined company and the current Gran Tierra securityholders will own approximately 51% of the combined company. Increasing the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock outstanding would have dilutive effects on the voting power of the current holders of Gran Tierra common stock. Other than the effects incidental to increasing the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock outstanding, the proposed issuance of shares of common stock to Solana Securityholders would not affect the rights of the holders of Gran Tierras currently outstanding common stock.
Following this transaction, and assuming Proposal 3 does not pass, the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock outstanding or reserved for issuance under Gran Tierras outstanding GTE-Goldstrike
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Exchangeable Shares, warrants and options will be approximately 270 million shares, leaving only approximately 30 million shares available to use for the purpose of acquiring additional businesses or assets. If Proposal 3 does not pass Gran Tierra may not have sufficient shares of its common stock authorized and available for issuance to acquire additional businesses without a vote of its stockholders, which could delay or prevent the consummation of additional transactions.
Some of the current Solana Securityholders may want to liquidate their investment in the combined company following the combination. The sale of a significant number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock by these Solana Securityholders could have a negative impact upon the stock price of the Gran Tierra common stock, particularly in the short term.
The market price of the Gran Tierra common stock may, following the consummation of the Arrangement, decline below the levels currently prevailing. The market price of Gran Tierras common stock may be adversely affected by numerous factors, including:
| actual or anticipated fluctuations in its operating results; |
| changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; and |
| general market conditions and other factors. |
Gran Tierras future operating results may fluctuate significantly depending upon a number of factors, including the level of oil and gas drilling activity and general industry conditions. See Risks Relating to the Operations of the Combined Company and Risks Relating to The Combined Companys Industry below.
Pursuant to the Arrangement, Solana Securityholders may receive shares in the common stock of Gran Tierra. Solana is a corporation governed by the laws of Alberta and Gran Tierra is a corporation governed by the laws of Nevada. While the rights and privileges of shareholders of an Alberta corporation are, in many instances, comparable to those of stockholders of a Nevada corporation, there are numerous differences that a Solana Securityholder may find disadvantageous. See Comparison of Stockholder Rights on page 145.
The combined company will need to integrate its personnel, accounting and other systems, and operations. This can be difficult to do and will require significant management and other resources. For example, the combined company will be subject to the requirements of the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to which Solana has not been subject. If there are difficulties in integrating Solanas systems into the Gran Tierra systems so that the combined company cannot meet all of its requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, this could cause a significant diversion of managements attention from running the business, may cause the combined company to report one or more material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting, may cause other failures to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or may be expensive in legal, financial or other costs to cause the combined company to become compliant, any of which could be time-consuming or costly and may also place undue strain on the personnel, systems and resources of the combined company and cause the stock price of the combined company to decline.
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Gran Tierras current business focuses on the oil and gas industry in a limited number of properties in Colombia, Argentina and Peru, with the majority of the focus in Colombia. Solanas current business consists exclusively of the exploration and development of oil and gas properties in Colombia. As a result, the combined companys operations will be highly concentrated in Colombia. The combined company intends to expand into other countries, but initially 90% of the combined companys proved oil and gas reserves and 95% of its production is expected to be in Colombia. There are risks specific to the Colombia operations, as well as general risks associated with the South American oil and gas industry, which are described in more detail below in Risks Related to The Combined Companys Industry. Larger companies have the ability to manage these types of risks through diversification. However, the combined company will lack diversification, both in terms of the nature and geographic scope of its business. As a result, factors affecting the oil and gas industry or the regions in which it operates will likely impact it more acutely than if the combined companys business was more diversified.
If the combined companys operations in South America are disrupted and/or the economic integrity of these projects is threatened for unexpected reasons, its business may be harmed. These unexpected events may be due to technical difficulties, operational difficulties which impact the production, transport or sale of the combined companys products, security risks related to guerrilla activities, geographic and weather conditions, political changes, business reasons or otherwise. Prolonged problems may threaten the commercial viability of its operations.
The bulk of oil sales in Colombia are made to Ecopetrol, a government agency, with the remainder sold to Meta Petroleum, a subsidiary of Pacific Rubiales, a Canadian public company. While oil prices in Colombia are related to international market prices, lack of competition for sales of oil may diminish prices and depress the financial results of the combined company.
The entire Argentine domestic refining market is small and export opportunities are limited by available infrastructure. As a result, the combined companys oil sales in Argentina will depend on a relatively small group of customers, and currently, on two customers in country. During 2007, Gran Tierra sold all of its production in Argentina to Refiner S.A. The lack of competition in this market could result in unfavorable sales terms which, in turn, could adversely affect the combined companys financial results. Currently, all operators in Argentina are operating without sales contracts. The combined company will not have any certainty as to when the situation will be resolved or what the final outcome will be.
Oil and natural gas exploration involves a high degree of risk. These risks are more acute in the early stages of exploration. The combined companys exploration expenditures may not result in new discoveries of oil or natural gas in commercially viable quantities. It is difficult to project the costs of implementing an exploratory drilling program due to the inherent uncertainties of drilling in unknown formations, the costs associated with encountering various drilling conditions, such as over-pressured zones and tools lost in the hole, and changes in drilling plans and locations as a result of prior exploratory wells or additional seismic data and interpretations thereof. If exploration costs exceed the combined companys estimates, or if its exploration efforts do not produce results which meet its expectations, its exploration efforts may not be commercially successful, which could adversely impact its ability to generate revenue from its operations.
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To the extent that the combined company succeeds in discovering oil and/or natural gas, reserves may not be capable of production levels it projects or in sufficient quantities to be commercially viable. On a long-term basis, the combined companys viability will depend on its ability to find or acquire, develop and commercially produce additional oil and gas reserves. Without the addition of reserves through exploration, acquisition or development activities, its reserves and production will decline over time as reserves are produced. The combined companys future reserves will depend not only on its ability to develop then-existing properties, but also on its ability to identify and acquire additional suitable producing properties or prospects, to find markets for the oil and natural gas it develops and to effectively distribute its production into its markets.
Future oil and gas exploration may involve unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells, but from wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and other costs. Completion of a well does not assure a profit on the investment or recovery of drilling, completion and operating costs. In addition, drilling hazards or environmental damage could greatly increase the cost of operations, and various field operating conditions may adversely affect the production from successful wells. These conditions include delays in obtaining governmental approvals or consents, shut-downs of connected wells resulting from extreme weather conditions, problems in storage and distribution and adverse geological and mechanical conditions. The combined company may not be able to optimally manage these conditions, and it will not be able to eliminate them completely in any case. Therefore, these conditions could diminish revenue and cash flow levels of the combined company and result in the impairment of its oil and natural gas interests.
The combined company will make estimates of oil and natural gas reserves, upon which it will base its financial projections. It will make these reserve estimates using various assumptions, including assumptions as to oil and natural gas prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. Some of these assumptions are inherently subjective, and the accuracy of its reserve estimates rely in part on the ability of its management team, engineers and other advisors to make accurate assumptions. Economic factors beyond its control, such as interest and exchange rates, will also impact the value of its reserves. The process of estimating oil and gas reserves is complex, and will require the combined company to use significant decisions and assumptions in the evaluation of available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data for each property. As a result, the combined companys reserve estimates will be inherently imprecise. Actual future production, oil and natural gas prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and gas reserves may vary substantially from those it estimates. If actual production results vary substantially from the combined companys reserve estimates, this could materially reduce its revenues and result in the impairment of its oil and natural gas interests.
The combined company will follow the full cost method of accounting for its oil and gas properties. A separate cost center is maintained for expenditures applicable to each country in which it will conduct exploration and/or production activities. Under this method, the net book value of properties on a country-by- country basis, less related deferred income taxes, may not exceed a calculated ceiling. The ceiling is the estimated after tax future net revenues from proved oil and gas properties, discounted at 10% per year. In calculating discounted future net revenues, oil and natural gas prices in effect at the time of the calculation are held constant, except for changes which are fixed and determinable by existing contracts. The net book value is compared to the ceiling on a quarterly basis. The excess, if any, of the net book value above the ceiling is required to be written off as an expense. Under SEC full cost accounting rules, any write-off recorded may not be reversed even if higher oil and natural gas prices increase the ceiling applicable to future periods. Future price decreases could result in reductions in the carrying value of such assets and an equivalent charge to earnings.
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There are risks associated with the drilling of oil and natural gas wells, including encountering unexpected formations or pressures, premature declines of reservoirs, blow-outs, craterings, sour gas releases, fires and spills. The occurrence of any of these events could significantly reduce the combined companys revenue or cause substantial losses, impairing its future operating results. It may become subject to liability for pollution, blow-outs or other hazards. It will obtain insurance with respect to these hazards, but such insurance has limitations on liability that may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of such liabilities. The payment of such liabilities could reduce the funds available to the combined company or could, in an extreme case, result in a total loss of its properties and assets. Moreover, the combined company may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates that are considered reasonable. Oil and natural gas production operations are also subject to all the risks typically associated with such operations, including premature decline of reservoirs and the invasion of water into producing formations.
A 40-year armed conflict between government forces and anti-government insurgent groups and illegal paramilitary groups both funded by the drug trade continues in Colombia. Insurgents continue to attack civilians and violent guerrilla activity continues in many parts of the country.
Gran Tierra, through its acquisition of Argosy Energy International, has interests in two regions of Colombia in the Middle Magdalena and the Putumayo regions. The Putumayo region has been prone to guerrilla activity in the past. In 1989, Argosys facilities in one field were attacked by guerrillas and operations were briefly disrupted. Pipelines have also been targets, including the Trans-Andean export pipeline which transports oil from the Putumayo region. In March and April of 2008, sections of one of the Ecopetrol pipelines were blown up by guerrillas, which temporarily reduced Gran Tierras deliveries to Ecopetrol in the first quarter of 2008. Ecopetrol was able to restore deliveries within one to two weeks of these attacks and currently there are no interruptions to Gran Tierras deliveries.
Solana has interests in four regions of Colombia: the Llanos, lower Magdalena, Putumayo and Catatumbo basins. Solanas large Catguas block is located in the Catatumbo basin. This basin borders Venezuela and has historically been an area of high security risk where there continues to be guerrilla activity.
Continuing attempts to reduce or prevent guerrilla activity may not be successful and guerrilla activity may disrupt the combined companys operations in the future. The combined company may not be able to maintain the safety of its operations and personnel in Colombia and this violence may affect its operations in the future. Continued or heightened security concerns in Colombia could also result in a significant loss to the combined company.
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This Joint Proxy Statement, including the documents incorporated by reference from filings made by Gran Tierra with the SEC, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, regarding Gran Tierra. Statements regarding Gran Tierras plans, goals, strategies, intent, beliefs or current expectations are forward-looking statements regarding Gran Tierra. These statements are expressed by Gran Tierra in good faith and based upon a reasonable basis when made, but there can be no assurance that these expectations will be achieved or accomplished. These forward looking statements can be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as believe, plan, intend, anticipate, target, estimate, expect, and the like, and/or future-tense or conditional constructions may, could, should, etc. Items contemplating or making assumptions about, actual or potential future sales, discoveries, developments, market size, collaborations, and trends or operating results also constitute such forward-looking statements.
Although forward-looking statements made by Gran Tierra in this Joint Proxy Statement reflect the good faith judgment of Gran Tierras management, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, business, economic and other risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement. Gran Tierra assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this proxy statement, other than as may be required by applicable law or regulation. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by Gran Tierra in its reports filed with the SEC which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect Gran Tierras business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, Gran Tierras actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected.
Certain statements contained in this Joint Proxy Statement, including the documents incorporated by reference, may constitute forward-looking statements for Solana. These statements relate to future events or Solanas future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seek, anticipate, plan, continue, estimate, expect, may, will, project, predict, potential, targeting, intend, could, might, should, believe and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Solana believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this Joint Proxy Statement should not be unduly relied upon by investors. These statements speak only as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement and are expressly qualified, in their entirety, by this cautionary statement.
In particular, this Joint Proxy Statement, and the documents incorporated by reference, contain forward-looking statements, pertaining to the following:
| projections of market prices and costs; |
| supply and demand for oil and natural gas; |
| the quantity of reserves; |
| oil and natural gas production levels; |
| capital expenditure programs; |
| treatment under governmental regulatory and taxation regimes; and |
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| expectations regarding Solanas ability to raise capital and to continually add to reserves through acquisitions and development. |
With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this Joint Proxy Statement, and the documents incorporated by reference, Solana has made assumptions regarding, among other things:
| the Colombian legislative and regulatory environment; |
| the impact of increasing competition; and |
| Solanas ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms. |
Solanas actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth below and elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement:
| volatility in the market prices for oil and natural gas; |
| uncertainties associated with estimating reserves; |
| geological, technical, drilling and processing problems; |
| liabilities and risks, including environmental liabilities and risks, inherent in oil and natural gas operations; |
| incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; |
| competition for, among other things, capital, acquisitions of reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel; and |
| the other factors referred to under Risk Factors. |
The forward-looking statements or information contained in this Joint Proxy Statement are made as of the date hereof and Solana undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.
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We have sent you this Joint Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card because the Gran Tierra Board is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting. You are invited to attend the Gran Tierra Special Meeting to vote on the proposals described in this Joint Proxy Statement. However, you do not need to attend the meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card, or follow the instructions below to submit your proxy over the Internet.
We intend to mail this Joint Proxy Statement and accompanying proxy card on or about , 2008 to all stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting.
The Gran Tierra Special Meeting is to be held on November 12, 2008 at 9:00 a.m., Mountain Time, at .
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on September 15, 2008 will be entitled to vote at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting. On this record date, there were 104,595,774 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote, and one share of Special Voting Stock outstanding. On the record date, the share of Special Voting Stock was entitled to 10,984,126 votes, which equals the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exchange of the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares that were issued in connection with the transaction between the former shareholders of Gran Tierra Energy Canada and Goldstrike, Inc., a Nevada corporation, which came to be known as the current Gran Tierra Energy Inc. as a result of that transaction.
If on September 15, 2008 your shares of Gran Tierra common stock were registered directly in your name with Gran Tierras transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the meeting or vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to fill out and return the enclosed proxy card or vote by proxy over the Internet as instructed below to ensure your vote is counted.
If on September 15, 2008 your shares of Gran Tierra common stock were held, not in your name, but rather in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer, or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in street name and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent regarding how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the Gran Tierra Special Meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the meeting unless you request and obtain a valid proxy from your broker or other agent.
Holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares are entitled to instruct the Goldstrike Trustee as to how to vote their GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. The Goldstrike Trustee holds the one currently outstanding share of Special Voting Stock, which is entitled to as many votes as there are outstanding GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares on the record date, and may only vote the share of Special Voting Stock as directed by the holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. Holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares who do not hold their GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares in their own name are not entitled to instruct the Goldstrike Trustee as to how to exercise voting rights at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting. Only holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares whose names appear on the records of Gran Tierra as the registered holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares are entitled to instruct the Goldstrike Trustee as to how to exercise voting rights in respect of their GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting. Holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares may also obtain a proxy from the Goldstrike Trustee to vote their GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting. Holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares should follow the instructions sent to them by the Goldstrike Trustee in order to exercise their voting rights.
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There are four matters scheduled for a vote:
| to approve the issuance of shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be issued in connection with the acquisition of the outstanding securities of Solana; |
| to approve an amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation to create a new special voting share to enable the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares to be issued in the transaction to vote, as well as to make several technical changes; |
| to approve an amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation to increase the total number of shares of common stock authorized by 300,000,000 and change the board voting requirement for issuance of common stock; and |
| to approve Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, to increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder from 9,000,000 shares to 18,000,000 shares. |
For each of the matters to be voted on, you may vote For or Against or abstain from voting. The procedures for voting are as follows:
Whether or not you plan to attend the Gran Tierra Special Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted. You may still attend the Gran Tierra Special Meeting and vote in person even if you have already voted by proxy. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting, vote by proxy using the enclosed proxy card or vote by proxy on the Internet, as follows:
| to vote in person, come to the meeting and we will give you a ballot when you arrive; |
| to vote using the proxy card, simply complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the envelope provided. If you return your signed proxy card to us by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on November 11, 2008, we will vote your shares as you direct; and |
| to vote on the Internet, go to http://www.proxyvote.com to complete an electronic proxy card. You will be asked to provide the company number and control number from the enclosed proxy card. Your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on November 11, 2008 to be counted. |
If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank, or other agent, you should have received a proxy card and voting instructions with these proxy materials from that organization rather than from Gran Tierra. Simply complete and mail the proxy card to ensure that your vote is counted. Alternatively, you may vote over the Internet as instructed by your broker or bank. To vote in person at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank, or other agent. Follow the instructions from your broker or bank included with these proxy materials, or contact your broker or bank to request a proxy form.
If you are a holder of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares, you should have received voting instructions with these proxy materials from the Goldstrike Trustee, which is the holder of the share of Special Voting Stock. Follow the instructions from the Goldstrike Trustee, or contact the Goldstrike Trustee for further information. Instruments of proxy must be received by Olympia Trust Company, 2300, 125 - 9th Avenue S.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2G OP6, by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on November 11, 2008, or not less than 48 hours before the time for the holding of any adjournment of the meeting.
Gran Tierra provides Internet proxy voting to holders of Gran Tierra common stock to allow you to vote your shares on-line, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers.
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On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share of Gran Tierra common stock you own as of September 15, 2008, and one vote for each GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Share held as of September 15, 2008, with the votes of all outstanding GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares being represented by the one share of Special Voting Stock of Gran Tierra. Holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares should follow the instructions sent to them by the Goldstrike Trustee in order to exercise their voting rights.
If you return a signed and dated proxy card without marking any voting selections, your shares will be voted For the issuance of the shares of Gran Tierra common stock contemplated to consummate the Arrangement, For the amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation to create a new special voting share to enable the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares to vote as well as to make several technical changes, For the amendment of Gran Tierras articles of incorporation to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized and change the board voting requirement for issuance of common stock from unanimous to a simple board action, and For the approval of Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the plan. If any other matter is properly presented at the meeting, your proxyholder (one of the individuals named on your proxy card) will vote your shares using his or her best judgment.
Gran Tierra will pay for the entire cost of soliciting Gran Tierra proxies. In addition to these mailed proxy materials, the directors and employees of Gran Tierra may also solicit proxies in person, by telephone, or by other means of communication. Directors and employees will not be paid any additional compensation for soliciting proxies but The Altman Group will be paid its customary fee of approximately $5,500 plus out-of-pocket expenses if it solicits proxies for Gran Tierra. We may also reimburse brokerage firms, banks and other agents for the cost of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.
If you receive more than one proxy card, your shares are registered in more than one name or are registered in different accounts. Please complete, sign and return each proxy card to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
Yes. You can revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the meeting. If you are the record holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in any one of three ways:
| you may submit another properly completed later-dated proxy card, or vote again over the Internet; |
| you may send a timely written notice that you are revoking your proxy to Gran Tierra at 300, 611 - 10th Avenue, S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2R 0B2, attention: Secretary; or |
| you may attend the meeting and vote in person. Simply attending the meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy. |
If your shares are held by your broker or bank as a nominee or agent, you should follow the instructions provided by your broker or bank.
If you are a holder of GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares, you should follow the instructions provided by the Goldstrike Trustee.
The voting requirements are as follows:
| to be approved, Proposal 1, the approval of issuance of Gran Tierra common stock pursuant to the Arrangement, must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting and entitled to vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect and abstentions will have the same effect as Against votes; |
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| to be approved, Proposal 2, the amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation to create a new special voting share to enable the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares to vote, as well as to make several technical changes, must receive a For vote from: |
| the holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the combined voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares; and |
| the holders of shares of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. |
Broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as Against votes;
| to be approved, Proposal 3, the amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation to increase the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock authorized for issuance, must receive a For vote from the holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the combined voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. Broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as Against votes; and |
| to be approved, Proposal 4, the amendment and restatement of Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, which increases the number of shares of common stock available under the Incentive Plan from 9,000,000 to 18,000,000 shares in the aggregate, must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting and entitled to vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect and abstentions will have the same effect as Against votes. |
References to voting power of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares refers to the voting power exercised through the Goldstrike Trustee, with respect to the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares, whether by the Goldstrike Trustee or by proxy.
The directors and officers of Gran Tierra, together with their affiliates, hold 10.2% of the outstanding common stock of Gran Tierra (including GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares convertible into common stock of Gran Tierra), and 90.1% of the outstanding GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares.
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if stockholders holding at least a majority of the outstanding combined voting power of the Gran Tierra common stock and the Special Voting Stock (representing votes cast by the holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares) are present at the meeting in person or represented by proxy. On September 15, 2008, the record date for the meeting, there were 104,595,774 shares of common stock held by 96 holders of record, and 10,984,126 shares of common stock issuable upon exchange of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares and therefore entitled to vote through the share of Special Voting Stock held by 20 holders of record, outstanding and entitled to vote. Thus, the holders of 57,789,951 shares of common stock (including indirectly the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares) must be present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting or by proxy to have a quorum.
Your shares will be counted toward the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote in person at the meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted toward the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, the chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority of shares present at the meeting in person or represented by proxy must adjourn the meeting to another date.
To be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials for the Gran Tierra 2009 annual meeting of stockholders, stockholder proposals for actions for consideration at next years annual meeting must be submitted in writing by January 16, 2009, to Martin Eden at 300, 611 - 10th Avenue, S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada,
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T2R 0B2 and must otherwise comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that if the Gran Tierra 2009 annual meeting of stockholders is held before May 17, 2009 or after July 16, 2009, then the deadline is a reasonable amount of time prior to the date Gran Tierra begins to print and mail its proxy statement for the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders.
If you wish to submit a proposal for actions for consideration at next years annual meeting, even though the proposal is not included in next years proxy materials, you must do so between March 18, 2009 and April 17, 2009, unless the Gran Tierra 2009 annual meeting of stockholders is not held between May 17, 2009 and July 16, 2009, in which case notice must be received between 60 and 90 days prior to the meeting or no later than the date which is 10 days after notice of the meeting is first published by Gran Tierra. You are also advised to review Gran Tierras bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations.
Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the meeting, who will separately count For and Against votes, abstentions and broker non-votes. Abstentions will have the same effect as Against votes with respect to Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4. Broker non-votes will have the same effect as Against votes with respect to Proposals 2 and 3 but will have no effect on Proposals 1 and 4.
Broker non-votes occur when a beneficial owner of shares held in street name does not give instructions to the broker or nominee holding the shares as to how to vote on matters deemed non-routine. Generally, if shares are held in street name, the beneficial owner of the shares is entitled to give voting instructions to the broker or nominee holding the shares. If the beneficial owner does not provide voting instructions, the broker or nominee can still vote the shares with respect to matters that are considered to be routine, but not with respect to non-routine matters. Under the rules and interpretations of the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, non-routine matters are generally those involving a contest or a matter that may substantially affect the rights or privileges of stockholders, such as mergers or stockholder proposals. All of the Gran Tierra proposals are non-routine matters.
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the meeting. Final voting results will be published in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2008.
The Solana Special Meeting is to be held on November 12, 2008 at , Mountain Time, at .
This solicitation is made on behalf of the management of Solana. The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of both the form of proxy and this Joint Proxy Statement to Solana Securityholders will be borne by Solana.
It is expected that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail, but proxies may also be solicited personally or by telephone by officers and employees of Solana or persons retained by Solana for that purpose. Pursuant to National Instrument 54-101 Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer, arrangements have been made with clearing agencies, brokerage houses and other financial intermediaries to forward proxy solicitation material to the beneficial owners of Solana Securities. The cost of solicitation will be borne by Solana. Solana will reimburse brokers, custodians, nominees and other fiduciaries for their reasonable charges and expenses incurred in forwarding this proxy material to the beneficial owners of Solana Securities. See Advice To Non-Registered Shareholders below. In addition to solicitation by mail, some officers, directors and employees of Solana may solicit proxies by telephone, other electronic means or personally. These persons will receive no compensation for such solicitation other than their regular salaries.
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The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy are directors and/or officers of Solana. A Solana Securityholder desiring to appoint a person (who need not be a Solana Securityholder) to represent such Solana Securityholder at the Solana Special Meeting other than the persons designated in the applicable accompanying form of proxy may do so either by inserting such persons name in the blank space provided in the appropriate form of proxy or by completing another form of proxy and, in either case, sending or delivering the completed proxy to Valiant Trust Company, 310, 606 4th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1T1 or by fax to the attention of the Proxy Department at (403) 233-2857. The applicable form of proxy must be received by Valiant Trust Company, as applicable, at least 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, prior to the date of the Solana Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Unless waived by the Chairman of the Solana Special Meeting, failure to so deposit a form of proxy shall result in its invalidation.
A Solana Securityholder who has given a form of proxy may revoke it as to any matter on which a vote has not already been cast pursuant to its authority by an instrument in writing executed by such Solana Securityholder or by his attorney duly authorized in writing or, if the Solana Securityholder is a corporation, by an officer or attorney thereof duly authorized, and deposited either at the above mentioned office of Valiant Trust Company on or before the last business day preceding the day of the Solana Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof or with the chairman of the Solana Special Meeting on the day of the Solana Special Meeting, or any adjournment thereof.
The Solana Board has fixed the record date for the Solana Special Meeting as at the close of business on September 25, 2008. Solana Securityholders of record as at the record date are entitled to receive notice of, to attend and to vote at the Solana Special Meeting, except to the extent a holder of Solana Shares transfers any of such securities after the Solana Record Date and the transferee of those Solana Shares establishes ownership of the Solana Shares, and demands, not later than 10 days before the Solana Special Meeting, that the transferees name be included in the list of holders of Solana Shares entitled to vote, in which case such transferee shall be entitled to vote such Solana Shares at the Solana Special Meeting.
The form of proxy must be executed by the Solana Securityholder or his attorney authorized in writing, or if the Solana Securityholder is a corporation, the form of proxy should be signed in its corporate name under its corporate seal by an authorized officer whose title should be indicated. A proxy signed by a person acting as attorney or in some other representative capacity should reflect such persons capacity following his signature and should be accompanied by the appropriate instrument evidencing qualification and authority to act (unless such instrument has been previously filed with Solana).
The persons named in the accompanying form of proxy will vote the Solana Securities in respect of which they are appointed in accordance with the direction of the Solana Securityholder appointing them. In the absence of such direction, such Solana Securities will be voted FOR the approval of the Arrangement Resolution and any other matters to come before the Solana Special Meeting.
The enclosed form of proxy confers discretionary authority upon the persons named therein with respect to amendments or variations to matters identified in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting, or Solana Notice of Meeting, and this Joint Proxy Statement and with respect to other matters that may properly come before the Solana Special Meeting. At the date of this Joint Proxy Statement, management of Solana know of no amendments, variations or other matters to come before the Solana Special Meeting other than the matters referred to in the Solana Notice of Meeting.
The information set forth in this section is of significant importance to a Solana Shareholder who does not hold Solana Shares in his own name. Solana Shareholders who hold their Solana Shares through their brokers, intermediaries, trustees or other persons, or who otherwise do not hold Solana Shares in their own
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name, referred to in this Joint Proxy Statement as Solana Beneficial Shareholders, should note that only proxies deposited by Solana Shareholders whose names appear on the records of Solana as the registered holders of Solana Shares can be recognized and acted upon at the Solana Special Meeting. If Solana Shares are listed in an account statement provided to a Solana Shareholder by a broker, then in almost all cases those shares will not be registered in the Solana Shareholders name on the records of Solana. Such shares will more likely be registered under the name of the Solana Shareholders broker or an agent of that broker. In Canada, the majority of such shares are registered under the name of CDS & Co. (the registration name for The Canadian Depositary for Securities, which acts as nominee for many Canadian brokerage firms). In the United States, the majority of such shares are registered in the name of CEDE & Co., which company acts as a nominee for many U.S. brokerage firms. Solana Shares held by brokers or their nominees can only be voted (for or against resolutions) upon the instructions of the Solana Beneficial Shareholder. Without specific instructions, brokers/nominees are generally prohibited from voting shares for their clients. The directors and officers of Solana do not know for whose benefit the shares registered in the name of CDS & Co. or CEDE & Co. or of other brokers/agents are held. Therefore, each Solana Beneficial Shareholder should ensure that voting instructions are communicated to the appropriate person well in advance of the Solana Special Meeting.
Applicable regulatory policy requires intermediaries/brokers to seek voting instructions from Solana Beneficial Shareholders in advance of the Solana Special Meeting. Brokerage houses and other intermediaries, clearing agencies, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries are likely to forward proxy solicitation materials to Solana Beneficial Shareholders and Solana may reimburse reasonable fees and disbursements incurred by them in doing so. Intermediaries and your broker often have their own mailing procedures and provide their own return instructions, which you should carefully follow to ensure that your Solana Shares are voted at the Solana Special Meeting. The form of proxy supplied to you by your broker or other intermediary often appears substantially similar to the form of proxy provided to registered Solana Shareholders. However, its purpose is limited to instructing the registered Solana Shareholder how to vote on your behalf. The majority of brokers now delegate responsibility for obtaining instructions from clients to Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc., or Broadridge. Broadridge typically mails a scannable voting instruction form in lieu of the form or proxy, referred to as the Voting Instruction Form. You are asked to complete and return the Voting Instruction Form to Broadridge by mail or facsimile. Alternately, you can call Broadridges toll-free telephone number to vote your Solana Shares. Broadridge then tabulates the results of all instructions received and provides appropriate instructions respecting the voting of securities to be represented at the Solana Special Meeting. If you receive a Voting Instruction Form from Broadridge, please note that it cannot be used as a proxy to vote Solana Shares directly at the Solana Special Meeting; the form must be completed and returned to Broadridge well in advance of the Solana Special Meeting in order to have your Solana Shares voted. If you have any questions respecting the voting of Solana Shares held through a broker or other intermediary, please contact that broker or other intermediary for assistance.
In any case, Solana Beneficial Shareholders should carefully follow the specific instructions of the intermediary from whom they received proxy materials for the Solana Special Meeting, including those regarding how, when and where the proxy or the proxy authorization form is to be completed and delivered. Failure to do so may result in your Solana Shares not being voted at the Solana Special Meeting.
The Interim Order provides that Solana Securityholders of record at the close of business on the Solana Record Date are entitled to receive notice of, and attend and vote at, the Solana Special Meeting, except to the extent a holder of Solana Shares transfers any of such securities after the Solana Record Date and the transferee of those Solana Shares establishes ownership of the Solana Shares, and demands, not later than 10 days before the Solana Special Meeting, that the transferees name be included in the list of holders of Solana Shares entitled to vote, in which case such transferee shall be entitled to vote such Solana Shares at the Solana Special Meeting. As at the Solana Record Date, a total of 126,426,792 Solana Shares, 3,945,000 Solana options and 7,500,000 Solana warrants were issued and outstanding for a total of 137,871,792 Solana Securities being issued and outstanding. Pursuant to the Interim Order, each Solana Securityholder is entitled to one vote for each Solana Security held and the Solana Securityholders will vote as one class.
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Pursuant to the Interim Order, a quorum for the transaction of business at the Solana Special Meeting in respect of holders of Solana Securities is at least one person present in person or by proxy and representing in the aggregate not less than 5% of the outstanding Solana Shares.
The Interim Order provides that if a quorum of the Solana Securityholders is not present within 30 minutes from the time fixed for holding the Solana Special Meeting, the Solana Special Meeting will be adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place and no notice is required to be given with respect to such adjourned Solana Special Meeting. At the adjourned Solana Special Meeting, the Shareholders present in person or by proxy will form a quorum for that class and may transact the business for which the Solana Special Meeting was originally convened.
To the knowledge of the directors and officers of Solana, as at the date hereof, no person or company beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or exercised control or direction, over more than 10 percent of the Solana Securities.
The Interim Order provides that each Solana Securityholder at the close of business on the Solana Record Date will be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and to vote at, the Solana Special Meeting. Each such Solana Securityholder will be entitled to vote in accordance with the provisions set out below, provided that, to the extent that a Solana Shareholder transfers the ownership of any Solana Shares after the Solana Record Date and the transferee of those Solana Shares establishes ownership of the Solana Shares and demands, not later than 10 days before the Solana Special Meeting, to be included in the list of Solana Shareholders entitled to vote at the Solana Special Meeting, such transferee will be entitled to vote those Solana Shares at the Solana Special Meeting.
Pursuant to the Interim Order:
| each Solana Securityholder will be entitled to one vote at the Solana Special Meeting for each Solana Security held; |
| the majority required to pass the Arrangement Resolution, shall be, subject to further order of the Court, not less than two-thirds of the votes cast, either in person or by proxy, at the Solana Special Meeting by each of the Solana Securityholders, voting as a single class; and |
| the quorum at the Solana Special Meeting of the Solana Securityholders will be one person present in person or by proxy and holding or representing not less than 5 percent of the outstanding Solana Shares entitled to be voted at the Solana Special Meeting; and |
if no quorum of Solana Securityholders is present within 30 minutes of the appointed time of the Solana Special Meeting a quorum is not present, the Solana Special Meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week if a business day and, if such day is a not a business day, the Solana Special Meeting shall be adjourned to the next business day following one week after the day appointed for the Solana Special Meeting at the same time and place, and if at such adjourned meeting a quorum is not present, the Solana Shareholders present shall be a quorum for all purposes.
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Upon completion of the proposed transaction:
| Solana will become an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra; |
| Solana Shareholders will cease to be shareholders of Solana; |
| Solana Shareholders (other than Dissenting Shareholders) who are ineligible shareholders will receive, for each Solana Share, 0.9527918 of a share of Gran Tierra common stock (a Solana Shareholder is an ineligible shareholder if it is either (i) not resident in Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), (ii) a partnership that is not a Canadian partnership for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), or (iii) exempt from tax under Part I of the Income Tax Act (Canada)); |
| Solana Shareholders (other than Dissenting Shareholders) who are eligible shareholders (i.e. not ineligible shareholders) will receive, for each Solana Share, 0.9527918 of a GTESolana Exchangeable Share; |
| each GTESolana Exchangeable Share will have economic and voting rights equivalent to one share of Gran Tierra common stock and will be exchangeable, at the option of the holder, subject to some limitations, for one share of Gran Tierra common stock; |
| Solana Shares held by Dissenting Shareholders shall be deemed to have been transferred to Exchangeco (free of any claims) and cancelled, and the Dissenting Shareholders shall cease to have any rights as shareholders and will only have the right to be paid the fair value of their Solana shares; holders of Solana options and warrants do not have dissenters rights; |
| each outstanding option to purchase a Solana Share will become fully vested as a result of the transaction and will be entitled to one or a combination of the following: |
| if the optionholder will be an employee, director, officer or consultant of the combined company, or a subsidiary of the combined company, and if so elected by the optionholder, be exchanged for 0.9527918 of an option to acquire a share of Gran Tierra common stock, with the exercise price being equal to the exercise price of the Solana option exchanged divided by 0.9527918, and converted to U.S. dollars. |
| if the optionholder does not meet the requirements or make the election to exchange the option for an option to purchase Gran Tierra common stock as described immediately above, but makes an exchange election with respect to any portion of such options held, then the options subject to that exchange election shall be deemed to have been surrendered to Solana before the completion of the Arrangement for the number of Solana Shares equal to, for each share subject to the Solana option, the fraction obtained by dividing (i) the Imputed Transaction Value less the exercise price of the Solana option, by (ii) the Imputed Transaction Value (the Imputed Transaction Value is the five day weighted trading price, ending on the seventh trading day before the Effective Date, on the TSX of a share of Gran Tierra common stock multiplied by 0.9527918); and |
| if the optionholder does not meet the requirements or make either of the elections described above in respect of any portion of the option, then the options held by that optionholder shall be deemed to have been surrendered to Solana before the transaction for cash in the amount of the Imputed Transaction Value less the exercise price of the Solana option; and |
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| each outstanding warrant to purchase a Solana Share will become fully vested as a result of the transaction and will be entitled to one or a combination of the following: |
| if the warrantholder elects to receive Solana Shares in exchange for any portion of such warrants prior to the completion of the Arrangement, then these warrants shall be deemed to have been surrendered to Solana before the transaction for the number of Solana Shares equal to, for each share subject to the warrant, the fraction obtained by dividing (i) the Imputed Transaction Value less CDN$2.00, by (ii) the Imputed Transaction Value; |
| if the warrantholder elects to receive cash in exchange for any portion of such warrants prior to the transaction, then these warrants shall be deemed to have been surrendered to Solana before the transaction for a cash payment, for each share subject to the warrant, equal to the Imputed Transaction Value less CDN$2.00; and |
| if the warrantholder does not make either of the elections described immediately above for any portion of such warrants, then these warrants held by that warrantholder shall entitle the holder to purchase shares of Gran Tierra common stock in accordance with the terms of the warrants. |
The respective boards of directors and management of Gran Tierra and Solana periodically review their strategic objectives with a view to ensuring that shareholder value is maximized. Each company frequently considers both acquisition and joint venture opportunities involving other participants in the oil and gas sector.
Beginning in April of 2007, Gran Tierra and Solana engaged in preliminary discussions regarding a possible business combination of the two companies, which potential transaction Gran Tierra code named Project Puerto Madero. During the course of these discussions, Gran Tierra engaged Westwind Partners to represent Gran Tierra, and Solana engaged Tristone to represent Solana, in Project Puerto Madero. On July 26, 2007, Gran Tierra and Solana entered into a confidentiality agreement to enable the two companies to disclose confidential information to each other, including operational, engineering, reserves and financial information, to better value potential benefits and synergies which could be obtained by combining the two companies. Discussions and due diligence did not advance past preliminary stages. In November 2007, the companies determined not to proceed with Project Puerto Madero, and terminated discussions regarding a potential combination of the two companies.
On May 4, 2008, Blackmont approached Jeffrey Scott, the Chairman of Gran Tierra, respecting his current views on considering discussions with Solana and pursuing a business combination transaction. Following this discussion, on May 6, 2008, Blackmont independently contacted Stan Grad, a shareholder and director of Solana, and on May 14, 2008, Blackmont met with Scott Price, the Chief Executive Officer of Solana, for the purposes of determining whether there might be sufficient interest to pursue meaningful discussions respecting the potential benefits that could be achieved by combining the businesses of Gran Tierra and Solana. After receiving a generally favorable response from these high-level conversations, Blackmont had further discussions with Gran Tierra respecting formally pursuing a potential combination of the two companies.
During the period May 11 to May 15, 2008, Mr. Scott and Dana Coffield, the Chief Executive Officer and President of Gran Tierra, attended an international energy conference in Paris, France, and became aware of rumors of a potential third-party offer to be made to acquire Solana. At this time, Messrs. Scott and Coffield discussed the possibility of a combination with Solana, and agreed to present this idea to the Gran Tierra Board.
On May 20, 2008, Mr. Scott discussed with Blackmont his views on the potential transaction, the perceived likelihood of the transaction proceeding and its anticipated reception in the marketplace.
On May 23, 2008, Mr. Scott met with Ray Antony, the Chairman of Solana, who confirmed Solanas interest in pursuing a combination of the two companies. Each of Mr. Scott and Mr. Antony agreed to consult with their respective boards and, assuming general board support was obtained, to proceed to formally retain financial advisors and further exchange relevant business information.
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On May 25, 2008, Mr. Scott outlined the general concept of the combination of the two companies to the Gran Tierra Board. The Gran Tierra Board unanimously agreed to pursue discussions to complete a transaction, and discussed potential financial advisors to represent Gran Tierra in the potential transaction. The potential transaction was codenamed Project K2.
On May 26, 2008, Mr. Scott, on behalf of Gran Tierra, delivered a letter to Mr. Antony dated May 25, 2008 confirming the Gran Tierra Boards interest in pursuing a combination of the two companies.
On May 28, 2008, the Solana Board held a special meeting for the purpose of discussing a possible business combination with Gran Tierra as a result of the May 25, 2008 letter from Gran Tierra expressing its desire to reopen merger discussions. The Solana Board was open to advancing discussions and charged Messrs. Price and Antony, with the assistance of Solana director and legal counsel Roy Hudson of Davis LLP, to inform Gran Tierra of Solanas decision and further investigate the potential transaction. It was further agreed that Tristone, Solanas financial advisors during the original merger discussions, be retained as financial advisors to Solana for the present transaction.
On May 28, 2008, Mr. Antony on behalf of Solana sent a response letter to Gran Tierra confirming its interest in pursuing merger discussions and highlighting that, in determining the potential exchange ratio for the proposed transaction, the parties should focus predominantly on asset value, given the significant overlapping assets of the two companies.
On May 28, 2008, Solana and Gran Tierra confirmed that the Confidentiality Agreement to facilitate the exchange of information between the two companies was still in force.
On May 28, 2008, Mr. Price initiated discussions with Tristone centered on Tristones experience in these types of arrangements, the scope of work envisioned, Tristones role and deliverables, execution methodology and potential advisor fees. Over a period of two days Mr. Price, in consultation with Messrs. Hudson and Antony, negotiated an arrangement with Tristone and, on May 30, 2008, Solana retained Tristone as Solanas financial advisor for this transaction. Immediately thereafter, Tristone commenced its review.
On May 30, 2008, Mr. Scott had a telephone conversation with Mr. Antony. They discussed a plan to engage in negotiations regarding the potential combination transaction, as well as the potential impact on the transaction of Gran Tierras Colombian Participation Agreement, entered into in connection with Gran Tierras original acquisition of its interests in Colombia. The Colombian Participation Agreement originally provided that, should Gran Tierra directly or indirectly expand its interest (which expansion would include the acquisition of Solana) in certain of its oil and gas properties, including the Costayaco oil field, then the existing overriding royalty payable to the royalty holders on Gran Tierras interest in the properties would also extend to Solanas interest in the properties. Gran Tierra and Solana agreed that, if this occurrence were to result, the parties would not proceed with the combination of the two companies. Accordingly, negotiations surrounding any potential combination of the two companies continued, but at a slower pace, as Gran Tierra pursued an acceptable resolution with the royalty holders.
From May 30 through June 10, 2008, Mr. Scott engaged in negotiations by telephone with the beneficial holders of the royalty under the Colombian Participation Agreement. Following extensive negotiations, Gran Tierra agreed, subject to receipt of the requisite board approval, to issue two million shares of Gran Tierra common stock to the holders of the royalty, in the event that the combination of Gran Tierra and Solana was consummated, in consideration for the royalty holders agreeing that their overriding royalty and net profit interest rights would not apply to Solanas interests in the properties in which Solana and Gran Tierra have joint working interests, even after the combination of the two companies. In the event that a combination of Gran Tierra and Solana does not occur by November 15, 2008, then Gran Tierra would not be obligated to issue the two million shares, and the royalty holders rights under the Colombian Participation Agreement would not be affected.
On June 7 and 8, 2008, Mr. Scott had discussions with Blackmont respecting its experience in transactions similar to the potential combination of Gran Tierra and Solana, including valuation experience, cross-border transaction expertise, expected deliverables, advisory fees, general board expectations and ongoing negotiation and support requirements.
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From June 9 through June 11, 2008, Mr. Scott, in consultation with Gran Tierras management and legal counsel, negotiated the terms of a financial advisory arrangement with Blackmont to represent Gran Tierra in the potential combination of Gran Tierra and Solana.
On June 11, 2008, the Gran Tierra Board met and approved the negotiated settlement regarding the Colombian Participation Agreement, pursuant to which Gran Tierra would, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, including completion of a business combination with Solana, issue two million shares of Gran Tierra common stock to the royalty holders. The Gran Tierra Board also approved the termination of Gran Tierras engagement with Westwind Partners.
On June 16, 2008, the Gran Tierra Board met and approved the appointment of Blackmont as financial advisors to Gran Tierra in connection with the potential combination of Gran Tierra and Solana, and Gran Tierra formally retained Blackmont as its financial advisor in connection with the potential business combination involving Gran Tierra and Solana.
On June 20, 2008, Mr. Scott met with Mr. Price, as well as with Jeff Lawson, Gran Tierras principal advisor from Blackmont. The parties discussed general merger terms, agreed generally to the fact that relative net asset values would be a significant consideration in finalizing the proposed exchange ratio for the transaction, and agreed to have their respective financial advisors assess the merits of the transaction based on information currently available and present their findings to the respective boards of Solana and Gran Tierra.
On July 2, 2008 the Solana Board held a special meeting to review the terms being considered for the proposed business combination. At that time, it was the consensus of the Solana Board, without resolution, to finalize a non-binding proposal, move ahead with all required due diligence, and finalize the definitive transaction structure.
On July 2, 2008 Mr. Scott received a letter from Mr. Antony, enclosing a draft non-binding letter of intent in respect of the proposed transaction, confirming Solanas interest in the proposed combination of the two companies and suggesting certain guidelines pursuant to which the companies would continue exchange ratio negotiations, again with a proposed significant weighting towards the relative value of their joint ownership of the Costayaco oil field.
On July 2, 2008, the Gran Tierra Board met with Gran Tierra management, its legal advisors and Blackmont. Gran Tierra management provided a full report to the Gran Tierra Board with respect to the negotiations with Solana as well as a review of Solanas properties and the due diligence investigations undertaken to date by Gran Tierras management. The Gran Tierra Board also received a presentation from Blackmont, including an overview of Solanas properties, transaction benefits and synergies, and a range of respective ownership interests of the security holders of Solana and Gran Tierra in the combined entity which would result in an equitable exchange ratio for the proposed transaction. The Gran Tierra Board received advice from its legal advisors with respect to the duties and responsibilities of the Gran Tierra Board and certain legal matters relating to the proposed transaction.
On July 3, 2008, Solana received an alternate non-binding letter of intent from Gran Tierra outlining the principal terms of the proposed transaction for negotiation. From July 3, 2008 through July 9, 2008, in consultation with their respective financial and legal advisors, Solana and Gran Tierra came to agreement on the non-binding letter of intent terms.
On July 10, 2008, Solana and Gran Tierra executed a non-binding letter of intent setting out the key transaction terms including an exchange ratio pursuant to which, on a fully diluted basis, the shareholders of Solana would hold an approximate 48% ownership interest in the combined entity and the stockholders of Gran Tierra would hold an approximate 52% ownership interest in the combined entity. The parties also agreed to conduct exclusive negotiations to complete the Arrangement Agreement by July 31, 2008.
On July 11, 2008, Mr. Price and Ricardo Montes, the Chief Financial Officer of Solana, met with Mr. Coffield and Martin Eden, the Chief Financial Officer of Gran Tierra, and Mr. Lawson of Blackmont, to discuss, principally, the parties requirements for completion of the requisite due diligence in respect of the transaction, the availability of due diligence materials, the coordination of counsel and accounting groups, and certain miscellaneous operating issues and proposed capital expenditure plans.
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On July 17, 2008, Mr. Montes of Solana and Mr. Eden of Gran Tierra met with Ernst & Young LLP and KPMG LLP to discuss certain ongoing financial and tax due diligence.
From July 17 through July 28, 2008, Solana and Gran Tierra and representatives of their respective financial and legal advisors conducted financial and legal due diligence regarding Solana and Gran Tierra and reviewed public and non-public information regarding Solana and Gran Tierra, and certain of such persons held various meetings and discussions with members of senior management of Solana and Gran Tierra relating to the business and financial condition of Solana and Gran Tierra and their respective plans and prospects. During this period, Solana and Gran Tierra and their respective advisors discussed the information that had been reviewed and the progress of investigations on a regular basis. Discussions between Solana and Gran Tierra through this period included establishing an acceptable exchange ratio. It was mutually agreed that the Costayaco field was the core asset for both companies comprising the bulk of their hard value, with the remaining value accruing from other producing assets, exploration acreage and operatorship, and tied to cost of capital considerations.
On July 21, 2008, Messrs. Price, Antony and Hudson, as well as David Vetters of Tristone, met to discuss Solanas increased understanding, arising from its ongoing due diligence, of the financial impact of the overriding royalty/net profits interest agreement encumbering Gran Tierras interest in the Costayaco field, and its resultant impact on the proposed exchange ratio. Following these discussions, there was agreement that Solana must revisit the proposed exchange ratio with Gran Tierra, with an adjustment required of the same.
On July 21, 2008, Mr. Lawson of Blackmont met with Mr. Vetters of Tristone to discuss the respective financial advisors valuations of Solana and Gran Tierra, the impact of the overriding royalty in the Colombian Participation Agreement on Gran Tierras interest and Tristones and Solanas perceived impact of that interest on the exchange ratio to be finalized for the Arrangement Agreement.
On July 21, 2008, Mr. Montes of Solana and Mr. Eden of Gran Tierra met with each of Ernst & Young LLP and KPMG LLP to complete further due diligence on each of Solana and Gran Tierra.
On July 21 and 22, 2008, Blackmont had several discussions with Mr. Scott and with senior management of Gran Tierra respecting the ongoing negotiations surrounding the exchange ratio and provided Blackmonts views on the exchange ratio.
On July 22, 2008, Messrs. Price and Antony of Solana met with Messrs. Coffield and Scott of Gran Tierra and, based on final due diligence information received to date, agreed, subject to their respective boards approvals, to a revision to the combined company ownership, pursuant to which, on a fully diluted basis, the former shareholders of Solana would hold an approximate 49% ownership interest in the combined entity and the current stockholders of Gran Tierra would hold an approximate 51% ownership interest in the combined entity, equivalent to an Exchange Ratio of 0.9527918 of a share of Gran Tierra common stock to be exchanged for each Solana Share. Each of Tristone and Blackmont concurred that this was an acceptable arrangement in respect of the ownership of the combined company.
On July 23, 2008, Mr. Price provided certain additional due diligence information on Solana to Gran Tierra.
On July 23, 2008, the Gran Tierra Board met and approved the continuing of negotiations based on the new Exchange Ratio.
At a meeting held July 28, 2008, the Solana Board met and received presentations from management and Tristone. Tristone provided the Solana Board with a verbal fairness opinion which stated that they had determined that the final Exchange Ratio was fair to Solana Shareholders from a financial point of view. After receiving such presentations, the Solana Board unanimously agreed that the terms of the Arrangement Agreement were fair and in the best interests of Solana shareholders and approved the Solana and Gran Tierra business combination and the Arrangement Agreement.
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At a meeting held July 28, 2008, the Gran Tierra Board met and received presentations from management, counsel to Gran Tierra and Blackmont. Counsel provided a comprehensive due diligence report and provided advice respecting the principal terms of the Arrangement Agreement. Blackmont provided the Gran Tierra Board with its verbal opinion that, on the basis of the particular assumptions and considerations presented to the Gran Tierra Board, as at that date, the consideration to be paid by Gran Tierra pursuant to the Arrangement is fair, from a financial point of view, to Gran Tierra. After duly considering the financial aspects and other considerations relating to the proposed transaction, including the terms of the proposed Arrangement Agreement and its duties and responsibilities to Gran Tierras stockholders, the Gran Tierra Board unanimously approved the execution of the Arrangement Agreement and unanimously determined that the proposed transaction is in the best interests of Gran Tierra and Gran Tierras stockholders.
On July 28, 2008, Solana and Gran Tierra entered into the Arrangement Agreement, and on July 29, 2008, publicly announced the transaction.
On September 5, 2008, Gran Tierra and Solana entered into an amendment to the Arrangement Agreement to provide that the payments to Solana dissenting stockholders would be made by Solana, and not by Gran Tierra.
The Gran Tierra Board considered the following factors in unanimously approving the transaction.
Asset Consolidation. Gran Tierra believes that the combined company will create a more substantial South American oil and gas exploration and production company with significant oil reserves, production and land position in Colombia. The combination creates a company with a 100% working interest in the Costayaco field, one of the major oil discoveries in Colombia in recent years currently undergoing delineation and development, allowing for more efficient development of the field. Upon consummation of the transaction, the combined company will have a working interest in 26 exploration and production licenses, 24 of which are operated by Gran Tierra, with a land base encompassing 7.1 million gross acres (6.2 million net acres) in Colombia, Peru and Argentina.
Enhanced Capability for Future Initiatives. Gran Tierra expects the combined company to have substantially increased cash flows and working capital which will allow for the pursuit of additional exploration opportunities on the combined companys large undeveloped land base in Colombia, Argentina and Peru, and additional new venture growth opportunities.
Enhanced Access to Capital and Financial Markets. Gran Tierra expects the combined company to have a larger market capitalization and better access to capital and financial markets, which would enable the combined company to raise additional capital more easily, if needed, to fund its expansion plans than either company could if not combined.
Synergistic Integration of Operations. Gran Tierra believes that the two companies will effectively integrate their administrative operations and exploration and production capabilities, thus resulting in cost-saving opportunities for the combined company due to economies of scale and elimination of redundant functions.
The transaction will increase the number of publicly-traded shares of Gran Tierra, which will result in an increase in market capitalization, and is likely to result in an increase in trading volume and institutional interest in the combined companys business and securities.
The Gran Tierra Board considered and evaluated managements presentation of information with respect to, among other factors, the results and scope of Gran Tierras due diligence review of Solanas business, the historical profitability of Solanas business, growth prospects for oil and gas exploration and production in the Costayaco field in Colombia and in other regions of South America, Solanas working interests in the Costayaco field, and cost-saving opportunities for the combined company.
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In deciding to approve the transaction, the Gran Tierra Board also considered the opinion of its financial advisor, Blackmont, delivered verbally on July 28, 2008 and subsequently confirmed in writing as of that date, to the effect that, based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to Gran Tierra.
The Gran Tierra Board recognized that there are risks associated with the combination of Gran Tierra and Solana. These factors, which are further discussed on page 22 under Risk Factors, include: some of the potential benefits described above may not be realized or significant costs may be incurred in realizing those benefits; dilution to Gran Tierra stockholders; the risks involved in integration of the two companies businesses; Solanas profitability may be less than estimated by Gran Tierra in determining Solanas value; and possible liquidation of a large number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock following consummation of the transaction by investors who have not previously owned Gran Tierra common stock.
In light of the factors described above, including those described under Potential Risks and the Risk Factors discussed on page 22, the Gran Tierra Board concluded that the potential benefits of the combination outweigh the potential risks, although no assurance can be given in this regard.
The Solana Board considered the following factors in unanimously approving the transaction.
Premium in Trading Price. The consideration offered under the Arrangement represents a significant premium over the trading price of Solana Shares immediately prior to the announcement of the combination.
Asset Consolidation. Solana believes that the combined company will have a larger asset base and greater geographical diversity of operations and markets. The combination creates a company with a 100% working interest in the Costayaco field, one of the major oil discoveries in Colombia in recent years.
Enhanced Access to Capital and Financial Markets. Solana expects the combined company to have a larger market capitalization and better access to capital and financial markets, which would enable the combined company to raise additional capital more easily, if needed, to fund its expansion plans than either company could if not combined.
Greater Liquidity. Solana expects the shares of the combined company to have greater public float and liquidity.
Enhanced Capability for Future Initiatives. Solana expects the combined company to have strong cash flows which will allow for the pursuit of additional exploration opportunities on the combined companys large undeveloped land base in Colombia, Argentina and Peru and new venture and growth opportunities, thereby increasing the probability of additional exploration success.
Tax Deferral. The structure of the transaction provides a tax deferral opportunity for Canadian resident Solana Shareholders that are not exempt from tax under Part I of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and, in the case of partnerships, are Canadian partnerships for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), but may be a taxable transaction for non-Canadian holders of Solana Shares.
Strong Leadership. Solana expects the combined company to benefit from the strong leadership of directors from both Solana and Gran Tierra.
Ability to Consider Competing Offers. Under the Arrangement Agreement, the Solana Board retains the ability to consider and respond to superior proposals on the specific terms and conditions set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.
Alternatives for Solana Optionholders and Solana Warrantholders. The Solana optionholders and Solana warrantholders can elect to continue to participate in the combined company by ultimately receiving shares in the common stock of Gran Tierra or can elect to receive a cash payment for their securities, providing alternatives for such securityholders depending on their financial situation.
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The Solana Board considered and evaluated managements presentation of information with respect to, among other factors, the results and scope of Solanas due diligence review of Gran Tierras business; growth prospects for oil and gas exploration and production in the Costayaco field in Colombia and Gran Tierras working interests in the Costayaco field.
In deciding to approve the transaction, the Solana Board also considered the opinion of its financial advisor, Tristone, delivered orally on July 28, 2008 and subsequently confirmed in writing as of that date that, based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the consideration to be received by Solana Shareholders was fair, from a financial point of view, to Solana Shareholders.
The Solana Board recognized that there are risks associated with the combination of Solana and Gran Tierra. These factors, which are further discussed on page 22 under Risk Factors, include: some of the potential benefits described above may not be realized or significant costs may be incurred in realizing those benefits; Gran Tierras possible loss of working interests in the Costayaco field in Colombia and other areas of South America; Gran Tierras financial results may be less than estimated by Solana in determining Gran Tierras value; and possible liquidation of a large number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock following consummation of the transaction by investors who have not previously owned Gran Tierra common stock.
In light of the factors described above, including those described under Potential Risks and the Risk Factors discussed on page 22, the Solana Board concluded that the potential benefits of the combination outweigh the potential risks, although no assurance can be given in this regard.
The Gran Tierra Board believes that the Arrangement is advisable and in the best interest of Gran Tierra stockholders. The Gran Tierra Board unanimously recommends that the Gran Tierra stockholders approve the issuance of the common stock pursuant to the Arrangement, the amendment of the Gran Tierra articles of incorporation to create a share of Special B Voting Stock, the amendment of the Gran Tierra articles of incorporation to increase the total number of common stock authorized for issuance, and the amendment and restatement of the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, which increases the number of shares of common stock available under the Incentive Plan from 9,000,000 shares to 18,000,000 shares in the aggregate.
The Solana Board believes that the Arrangement is advisable and in the best interest of Solana Securityholders. The Solana Board unanimously recommends that the Solana Securityholders approve the Arrangement.
On July 28, 2008, Tristone, in its capacity as financial adviser to Solana, rendered its opinion to the Solana Board that, as of that date and based upon and subject to certain factors and assumptions, the consideration to be received by the Solana Shareholders under the Arrangement was fair, from a financial point of view, to Solana Shareholders. The full text of Tristones written opinion, dated July 28, 2008, is attached to this Joint Proxy Statement as Annex I. Tristones opinion was approved by a committee of the managing directors of Tristone, each of whom is experienced in merger, acquisition, divestiture and valuation matters. This summary of Tristones opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. Solana Shareholders are urged to read the Tristone opinion carefully and in its entirety.
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Tristone provided its opinion for the information and assistance of the Solana Board in connection with its evaluation of the Arrangement. Tristones opinion did not address the merits of Solanas underlying decision to engage in the Arrangement or the relative merits of the Arrangement compared to any alternative business strategy or transaction in which Solana might engage. Further, Tristone expresses no opinion about the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation (if any) to any of the officers, directors or employees of any party to the Arrangement, or class of such persons, relative to the Solana Shareholders or otherwise. Tristones opinion and its related analysis reviewed with the Solana Board were only two of many factors taken into consideration by the Solana Board in making its determination to approve the Arrangement. The Tristone opinion is not a recommendation as to how any Solana Shareholder should vote with respect to the Arrangement.
In rendering its opinion, Tristone relied upon, and assumed the completeness, accuracy and fair representation of all financial information, business plans, forecasts and other information, data, advice, opinions and representations obtained by Tristone from public sources, including information relating to Solana and Gran Tierra, or provided to Tristone by Solana, Gran Tierra and their respective affiliates or advisors or otherwise, and its opinion is conditional upon such completeness, accuracy and fairness. Tristone did not attempt to verify independently the completeness, accuracy or fair presentation of any such information. Tristone assumed that all forecasts, projections, estimates and/or budgets provided to Tristone and used in its analysis were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and good faith judgments of the future financial performance of Solana or Gran Tierra (as the case may be), respectively, as stand alone entities and have assumed that the financial results reflected in such forecasts, projections, estimates and/or budgets will be realized in the amount and at the times projected. Tristone expressed no independent view as to the reasonableness of such forecasts, projections, estimates and/or budgets or the assumptions on which they were based.
Tristone was not engaged, nor did it assume any responsibility, to perform, and did not perform, an independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the securities, assets or liabilities of Solana or Gran Tierra, and was not furnished with any such valuations or appraisals (other than the reserve reports referred to below). Tristone did not assume any obligation to conduct, and did not conduct, any physical inspection of the property or facilities of Solana or Gran Tierra. Tristone did not investigate, and made no assumption regarding, any litigation or other claims affecting Solana or Gran Tierra.
Tristones opinion was rendered as of the date thereof on the basis of securities markets, economic and general business and financial conditions prevailing as at such date, and the condition and prospects, financial and otherwise, of Solana and Gran Tierra as they were reflected in the information and in other documents reviewed by Tristone and as they were represented to Tristone in its discussions with Solana and Gran Tierra management, as applicable. In rendering its opinion, Tristone assumed that there were no undisclosed material facts relating to Solana or Gran Tierra or their respective businesses, operations, capital or future prospects. Any changes therein may affect Tristones opinion and Tristone may change or withdraw its opinion in such event. Tristone does not have an obligation to advise any person of any change that may come to its attention or to update its opinion after the date thereof.
Tristone made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business, market and economic conditions and other matters in its analysis and in connection with the preparation of its opinion, many of which are beyond the control of any party involved in the Arrangement. In arriving at its opinion, Tristone assumed, in addition to the facts and conclusions contained in the information relied upon, among other things, the validity and efficacy of the procedures being followed to implement the Arrangement, and expressed no opinion on such procedures. Tristone relied on the advice of legal and tax counsel to Solana with respect to all legal and tax matters relating to the Arrangement and the implementation thereof, and expressed no view thereon. Tristone further assumed that all conditions precedent to the completion of the Arrangement can be satisfied in due course without waiver thereof and that all consents, permissions, exemptions or orders of relevant regulatory authorities will be obtained, without adverse conditions or qualification. Tristone expressed no view as to the likelihood that the conditions respecting the Arrangement will be satisfied or waived or that the Arrangement will be implemented within the time frame indicated in the Arrangement Agreement and described in this Joint Proxy Statement. Tristone expressed no opinion as to what
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the value of common shares of Gran Tierra actually will be when issued pursuant to the Arrangement or the price at which the common shares of Gran Tierra will trade at any time.
For the purpose of rendering its opinion, Tristone has reviewed, considered, conducted, undertaken, and relied upon, among other things:
| the Arrangement Agreement; |
| the audited financial statements of Solana as at and for the year ended December 31, 2007, together with the notes thereto, the auditors report thereon and the managements discussion and analysis related thereto; |
| the interim unaudited financial statements of Solana as at and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2008, September 30, 2007 and June 30, 2007, together with the notes thereto and the managements discussion and analysis related thereto; |
| Solanas Annual Information Form dated April 10, 2008, for the year ended December 31, 2007; |
| Solanas reserve report prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton Canada Limited, dated April 10, 2008 and as of December 31, 2007; |
| discussions with Solana management with regard to, among other things, the business, operations, quality of assets and future potential of Solana; |
| certain internal financial information, financial and operational projections of Solana as provided by Solana management; |
| the audited financial statements of Gran Tierra as at and for the year ended December 31, 2007, together with the notes thereto, the auditors report thereon and the managements discussion and analysis related thereto; |
| the interim unaudited financial statements of Gran Tierra as at and for the three month period ended March 31, 2008, together with the notes thereto and the managements discussion and analysis related thereto; |
| the prospectus dated April 15, 2008 filed with the SEC registering the offer and sale of shares of Gran Tierra common stock, including shares of common stock underlying warrants, to satisfy registration rights previously granted; |
| Gran Tierras Colombian Participation Agreement effective as of June 22, 2006 and amendments thereto; |
| Gran Tierras Annual Information Form dated May 23, 2008, for the year ended December 31, 2007; |
| Gran Tierras proxy statement dated April 28, 2008, filed with the SEC relating to the annual meeting of Gran Tierras stockholders held on June 16, 2008; |
| Gran Tierras reserve report prepared by Gaffney, Cline & Associates Limited, dated February 15, 2008 and as at December 31, 2007 and Gran Tierras reserve report prepared by GLJ Petroleum Consultants as at July 1, 2008; |
| communications with Gran Tierra management with regard to, among other things, the business, operations, quality of assets and future potential of Gran Tierra; |
| certain internal financial information, financial and operational projections of Gran Tierra as provided by Gran Tierra management; |
| data with respect to other transactions of a comparable nature considered by Tristone to be relevant; |
| certain public information relating to the business, financial condition and trading history of Gran Tierra and Solana; |
| other information, analyses and investigations as Tristone considered appropriate in the circumstances; |
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| a certificate of representation as to certain factual matters provided by Solana and dated as of July 28, 2008; and |
| a certificate of representation as to certain factual matters provided by Gran Tierra and dated as of July 28, 2008. |
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses delivered by Tristone to the Solana Board in connection with rendering the opinion described above. The following summary, however, does not purport to be a complete description of the financial analyses performed by Tristone, nor does the order of analyses described represent relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Tristone. Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before July 28, 2008 and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.
The summary includes information in a tabular format. In order to fully understand these financial analyses, the tables must be read together with the text accompanying each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of these financial analyses. Considering the data set forth in the tables without considering the full narrative description of these analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying these analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of these financial analyses performed by Tristone.
In arriving at its opinion regarding the consideration to be paid to Solana Shareholders, Tristone calculated the implied consideration per Solana Share on the basis of each Solana Share being exchanged for 0.9527918 of a share of Gran Tierra common stock. This implies a transaction price of CDN$5.55 per Solana Share based on the closing price of Gran Tierra on July 25, 2008 on the TSX. Tristone calculated the aggregate transaction value as the fully diluted shares outstanding multiplied by the per share transaction price of CDN$5.55, plus long term debt, less working capital surplus, less proceeds from the exercise of options and warrants resulting in a total transaction value of approximately CDN$652 million.
Tristone compared the price targets of Gran Tierra and Solana as prepared by independent equity research analysts at Tristone and other investment banks. The average 12-month price target for Solana was CDN$7.05 with a range of CDN$5.50 to CDN$8.25 and the average price target for Gran Tierra was CDN$7.90 with a range of CDN$5.25 to CDN$10.00. The ratio of average target prices was 0.892 compared to the proposed transaction Exchange Ratio of 0.9527918.
Tristone analyzed the historical trading prices of Solana and Gran Tierra from the January 1, 2007 to July 25, 2008 and from January 1, 2008 to July 25, 2008 to gain perspective on the historical relative prices of Gran Tierra common stock and Solana Shares. Tristone also calculated volume weighted average prices ranging from one to 60 days, in five day increments, of the common shares based on trading on the TSX and AMEX for Gran Tierra and the TSX Venture Exchange and AIM for Solana for the period ending July 25, 2008. The implied exchange ratio over this period, based on the volume weighted average prices for the periods described above, ranged from a low of 0.703 to a high of 0.761. Tristone noted that the proposed transaction exchange ratio of 0.9527918 compared favorably to the implied exchange ratios.
Tristone also calculated the implied transaction price per Solana Share by multiplying the Exchange Ratio of 0.9527918 by the volume weighted average prices of Gran Tierra over the same periods described above. The resulting values ranged from CDN$6.91 to CDN$5.55 per Solana share. These implied transaction prices were then compared to the Solana volume weighted average prices over the same periods to calculate implied premiums. The calculated implied premiums ranged from 25.2% to 35.6%.
Tristone analyzed publicly available information as well as forecasted production and cash flow estimates independently prepared by independent equity research analysts at Tristone and other investment banks for publicly traded companies that had oil and gas assets located in Colombia, Argentina and/or Peru. As a result of such analysis, Tristone determined that the following thirteen companies were relevant to an evaluation of both Solana and Gran Tierra.
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APCO Argentina Inc. | Interoil Exploration & Production ASA | Petro Andina Resources Inc. | ||
Emerald Energy PLC | Maple Energy PLC | PetroLatina Energy PLC | ||
GEOPARK | Establishment Maurel & Prom | Petrolifera Petroleum Ltd. | ||
Global Energy Development PLC | Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp. | Petrominerales Ltd. | ||
Trefoil Limited |
The selected companies were separated into two groups; those companies with enterprise values greater than or equal to CDN$1 billion and those with enterprise values less than CDN$1 billion. Tristone calculated the implied trading multiples for each group and compared the implied trading multiples with the trading multiples of Solana and Gran Tierra. The enterprise value of the companies was calculated as the fully diluted equity value as of July 25, 2008 plus long term debt less working capital surplus less proceeds from the exercise of options and warrants. The resulting enterprise value was divided by 2008 and 2009 production and debt adjusted cash flow (cash flow with estimated interest expenses added back) estimates and most recent reserve volume estimates to determine the respective trading multiples. Reserve volume estimates were obtained from a variety of sources including company estimates, independent equity research analysts, and other public disclosure. Estimates for all companies were not available for all metrics evaluated. A summary of this analysis is provided below.
Comparable Public Trading Multiples | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Canadian Dollars) | EV/BOED 2008 |
EV/BOED 2009 |
EV/DACF 2008 |
EV/DACF 2009 |
EV/BOE | |||||||||||||||
Enterprise Values > or = $1 billion |
||||||||||||||||||||
Average | $ | 123,501 | $ | 72,780 | 5.9x | 3.7x | $ | 21.56 | ||||||||||||
Enterprise Values < $1 billion |
||||||||||||||||||||
Average | $ | 55,544 | $ | 27,431 | 6.3x | 5.5x | $ | 28.84 | ||||||||||||
Average excluding high & low | $ | 50,297 | $ | 26,234 | 5.3x | 4.0x | $ | 24.97 | ||||||||||||
Gran Tierra | $ | 164,283 | $ | 96,184 | 9.2x | 5.3x | $ | 44.28 | ||||||||||||
Solana at Trading Price | $ | 137,864 | $ | 71,484 | 6.1x | 3.7x | $ | 34.32 | ||||||||||||
Solana at Transaction Price | $ | 180,441 | $ | 93,560 | 8.0x | 4.9x | $ | 44.92 |
NOTE: EV represents enterprise value, the calculation of which is described above. BOE represents barrel of oil equivalent and BOED represents barrel of oil equivalent per day. A conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of crude oil has been used. DACF represents debt adjusted cashflow, the calculation of which is described above.
Although the foregoing companies were compared to Solana and Gran Tierra for the purposes of this analysis, none of these companies is identical to either Solana or Gran Tierra because of differences in assets, regulatory environments, reporting standards, operations and other characteristics of Solana, Gran Tierra and the comparable companies. In evaluating comparable companies, Tristone made judgments and assumptions with regard to industry performance, general business, economic, regulatory, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Solana, Gran Tierra such as the impact of competition on the businesses of Solana and Gran Tierra and on the industry generally, industry growth and the absence of any adverse material change in the financial condition and prospects of Solana and Gran Tierra and of the industry or in the markets generally. Mathematical analysis (such as determining the average or median) is not in itself a meaningful method of using comparable company data.
Tristone analyzed the present value of the reserves of each of Solana and Gran Tierra based on NI 51-101 compliant reserve reports prepared by independent reserve engineers effective as of December 31, 2007. Additionally, Tristone analyzed the similarly prepared reserve report on the Costayaco field prepared for Gran Tierra and effective as of July 1, 2008. Tristone utilized the proved plus probable and the proved plus probable plus possible scenarios based on the pre tax, escalating price assumptions, discounted at 10% for its analysis. The commodity pricing assumptions used were those used by the independent engineers at the time the reports were effective and are summarized below.
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Solana | Gran Tierra | |||||||||||||||||||||||
DeGolyer and MacNaughton | Gaffney, Cline & Associates | GLJ Petroleum Consultants | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(As of December 31, 2007) | (As of December 31, 2007) | (As of July 1, 2008) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
WTI(1) | Natural Gas | WTI | Natural Gas | WTI | Natural Gas | |||||||||||||||||||
$US/bbl | $US/mcf | $US/bbl | $US/mcf | $US/bbl | $US/mcf | |||||||||||||||||||
2008 | $ | 90.00 | $ | 2.59 | $ | 89.61 | $ | 2.30 | $ | 125.55 | n/a | |||||||||||||
2009 | $ | 84.00 | $ | 2.79 | $ | 86.01 | $ | 2.39 | $ | 116.25 | n/a | |||||||||||||
2010 | $ | 80.00 | $ | 2.76 | $ | 84.65 | $ | 2.49 | $ | 102.30 | n/a | |||||||||||||
2011 | $ | 77.00 | $ | 2.74 | $ | 82.77 | $ | 2.59 | $ | 93.00 | n/a | |||||||||||||
2012 | $ | 75.00 | $ | 2.77 | $ | 82.26 | $ | 2.69 | $ | 93.00 | n/a | |||||||||||||
2013 | $ | 73.00 | $ | 2.79 | $ | 82.81 | $ | 2.80 | $ | 93.00 | n/a | |||||||||||||
2014 | $ | 71.00 | $ | 2.85 | $ | 84.46 | $ | 2.91 | $ | 94.26 | n/a | |||||||||||||
2015 | $ | 70.00 | $ | 2.91 | $ | 86.15 | $ | 3.03 | $ | 96.14 | n/a | |||||||||||||
2016 | $ | 70.00 | $ | 2.96 | $ | 87.87 | $ | 3.15 | $ | 98.07 | n/a | |||||||||||||
2017 | $ | 70.00 | $ | 3.02 | $ | 89.63 | $ | 3.27 | $ | 100.03 | n/a |
Escalate oil and gas product prices at 2.0% per year thereafter.
(1) | West Texas Intermediate. |
In order to account for the large proportion of assets that were jointly held by Solana and Gran Tierra (namely, Costayaco, Juanambu and Guayuyaco), Tristone adjusted both reserve reports so that jointly held assets were ascribed the same value. Specifically, Tristone subtracted the value attributable to Costayaco in the Solana December 31, 2007 report and added the value attributable to Costayaco from the July 1, 2008 Gran Tierra report and added the value of the Crosby Participating Interest as calculated in the same report. Similarly, Tristone subtracted the value attributable to the Costayaco, Juanambu and Guayuyco assets from the Gran Tierra December 31, 2007 report and added the value attributable to Costayaco from the July 1, 2008 Gran Tierra report and the value attributable to Juanambu and Guayuyaco from the Solana December 31, 2007 report.
Tristone then added working capital surplus, and proceeds from the exercise of options and warrants, and subtracted long term debt to arrive at a corporate net asset value for each of Solana and Gran Tierra. The net asset value was then divided by the fully diluted shares outstanding to arrive at a net asset value per share. The resulting proved plus probable net asset value per share for Solana was CDN$6.63 and the resulting proved plus probable plus possible net asset value per share for Solana was CDN$9.72. The resulting proved plus probable net asset value per share for Gran Tierra was CDN$6.17 and the resulting proved plus probable plus possible net asset value per share for Gran Tierra was CDN$9.36.
Tristone compared the contribution of each of Solana and Gran Tierra, based on a consensus of independent equity research analyst forecasts from Tristone and other investment banks for 2008 and 2009 production, 2008 and 2009 cash flow, independently estimated reserve volumes (as adjusted for the discounted cash flow analysis above) and risked exploration net asset value as prepared by Tristones independent equity research analyst for both companies. Risked exploration net asset value is a commonly used method of estimating a companys net asset value based on discovered estimated reserves plus value attributable to exploration prospects which have yet to be discovered.
Contribution of these metrics ranged from 44% to 52% from Solana. Tristone noted that the transaction exchange ratio of 0.9527918 implied pro forma Solana ownership of 49% and a total enterprise value contribution of 47%.
Tristone analyzed the pro forma impact of the transaction on Gran Tierras pro forma cash flow and production for 2008 and 2009; proved and probable reserves; proved and probable and possible reserves; proved and probable net asset value; proved and probable and possible net asset value; and risked exploration
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net asset value, all on a per share basis. Tristone assumed CDN$2 million of cash flow synergies resulting from the completion of the Arrangement. The accretion per share to Gran Tierra ranged from -9.7% to +6.2%. Tristone also completed the same analysis on the impact to a Solana Shareholder. The accretion per share to Solana ranged from -5.7% to +12.6%.
Tristone reviewed select publicly available information for ten oil and gas corporate and asset transactions announced between January 2006 and July 25, 2008 in which the target company had oil and gas operations located in Colombia and deemed by Tristone to be relevant for its analysis. The transactions included are listed below.
Acquirer | Seller | Announcement Date | ||
Suroco Energy Inc. | Alentar Holdings Inc. (Asset) | July 21, 2008 | ||
Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp. | Kappa Energy Holdings Ltd. (Corporate) | July 8, 2008 | ||
CEPSA | Hupecol Caracara LLC (Asset) | June 24, 2008 | ||
Brazalta Resources Corp. | Canacol Energy Inc. (Corporate) | June 10, 2008 | ||
Petro Rubiales Energy Corp. | Pacific Stratus Energy Ltd. (Corporate) | November 12, 2007 | ||
AGX Resources Corp. | Meta Petroleum Ltd. (Corporate) | May 25, 2007 | ||
Sinopec; ONGC Videsh | Omimex Resources Inc. (Asset) | September 21, 2006 | ||
PetroLatina Energy PLC | Petroleos del Norte S.A. (Corporate) | April 18, 2006 | ||
Pacific Stratus Energy Ltd. | Sipetrol; ENAP (Asset) | April 17, 2006 | ||
Gran Tierra Inc. | Argosy Energy International (Corporate) | April 3, 2006 |
Tristone calculated the implied transaction multiples, where information was available, for each transaction. The transaction multiples for the comparable transactions were calculated by dividing the total transaction value, calculated as above, by the best estimate of current production at the time of the transaction, the estimated annualized cash flow based on that production level and the most recently reported reserve volumes where appropriate. Not all of the transactions had available data for all metrics evaluated. The transaction multiples were compared to the transaction multiples of Solana implied at the transaction price. A summary of this analysis is below.
Comparables Transaction Metrics | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in Canadian Dollars) | EV/BOED | EV/BOE P+P |
EV/DACF | |||||||||
Average of Transaction Comparables | $ | 89,768 | $ | 19.08 | 5.6x | |||||||
Median of Transaction Comparables | $ | 61,185 | $ | 13.78 | 4.4x | |||||||
Solana Transaction Metrics | $ | 180,441 | $ | 44.92 | 8.0x |
Tristone analyzed transaction premiums paid for selected oil and gas corporate transactions announced during the period from January 1, 2007 to July 25, 2008 where the target company was listed on the TSX or TSX Venture Exchange. A total of 30 transactions were selected and the transaction price premium over the closing price on the previous day, the closing price on the day one week earlier and the closing price on the day one month earlier were calculated. The results were compared to the similarly calculated premiums Solana would receive based on the implied transaction price. A summary of this analysis is provided below.
Takeover Premiums | ||||||||||||
1 Day | 1 Week | 1 Month | ||||||||||
Average | 15 | % | 15 | % | 20 | % | ||||||
Average excluding high and low | 14 | % | 14 | % | 20 | % | ||||||
Median | 12 | % | 11 | % | 18 | % | ||||||
Gran Tierra/Solana | 25 | % | 25 | % | 5 | % |
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In reaching its opinion, Tristone did not assign any particular weight to any one analysis or the results yielded by that analysis. Rather, having reviewed these results in the aggregate, Tristone exercised its professional judgment in determining that, based on the aggregate of the analyses used and the results they yielded, the consideration to be received by the Solana Shareholders under the Arrangement was fair, from a financial point of view, to Solana Shareholders. Tristone believed that it was inappropriate to, and therefore did not, rely solely on the quantitative results of the analyses and, accordingly, also made qualitative judgments concerning differences between the characteristics of Solana and Gran Tierra respectively, and the Arrangement, and the data selected for use in its analyses, as further discussed below.
No single company or transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is identical to Solana or Gran Tierra, or the Arrangement, and an evaluation of the results of those analyses is not entirely mathematical. Rather, the analyses involve complex considerations and judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics and other factors that could affect the acquisition, public trading or other values of the companies, businesses, or transactions analyzed. The analyses were prepared solely for purposes of Tristone providing an opinion as to the fairness of the consideration to be received by the Solana Shareholders under the Arrangement, from a financial point of view, to Solana Shareholders and do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be acquired, which are inherently subject to uncertainty.
The opinion of Tristone as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the consideration to be received by the Solana Shareholders under the Arrangement was necessarily based upon market, economic, and other conditions that existed as of the date of its opinion and on information available to Tristone as of that date.
The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process that involves the application of subjective business judgment in determining the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances. Several analytical methodologies were used by Tristone and no one method of analysis should be regarded as critical to the overall conclusion reached. Each analytical technique has inherent strengths and weaknesses, and the nature of the available information may further affect the value of particular techniques. The overall conclusions of Tristone were based on all the analyses and factors presented herein taken as a whole and also on application of Tristones own experience and judgment. Such conclusions may involve significant elements of subjective judgment and qualitative analysis. Tristone therefore believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of the analyses and of the factors considered, without considering all factors and analyses, could create an incomplete or misleading view of the processes underlying its opinion.
The consideration to be received by the Solana Shareholders under the Arrangement was determined through arms-length negotiations between Solana and Gran Tierra and was approved by the Solana Board. Tristone provided advice to Solana during these negotiations. Tristone did not, however, recommend any specific amount of consideration to Solana or its board of directors or that any specific amount of consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the transaction.
As described above, Tristones opinion to the Solana Board was one of many factors taken into consideration by Solanas board of directors in making its determination to approve the Arrangement. The foregoing summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Tristone in connection with the fairness opinion and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the written opinion of Tristone attached as Annex I.
Tristone acts as a trader and dealer, both as principal and agent, in all major financial markets in Canada, England and in the US and, as such, may have had, may have and may in the future have, positions in the securities of Solana and Gran Tierra and from time to time, may have executed or may execute transactions on behalf of Solana and Gran Tierra for clients for which it received or may receive compensation. In addition, as an investment dealer, Tristone conducts research on securities and may, in the ordinary course of its business, provide research reports and investment advice to its clients on issues and investment matters, including research with respect to Solana and Gran Tierra. Tristone has acted as financial advisor to Solana in connection with, and has participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the transaction contemplated by
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the Arrangement Agreement. In addition, Tristone has provided certain investment banking and other financial services to Solana from time to time, including having acted as lead manager with respect to a public offering of Solanas common shares (aggregate offering amount of CDN$53,526,000) in October 2007; having acted as financial advisor to Solana with respect to pursuing a corporate acquisition in May through July of 2007; having acted as lead manager with respect to a public offering of Solanas common shares (aggregate offering amount of CDN$42,000,000) in March 2006 and having acted as Solanas designated broker on the AIM since October 2006. Tristone may, in the future, in the ordinary course of its business, perform financial advisory or investment banking services for Solana and Gran Tierra. In connection with the above-described investment banking services, Tristone has received, and may receive in the future, compensation.
Tristone, with its affiliates, is a fully registered investment dealer in Canada and the United States focusing on companies participating in oil and gas exploration, production and services, energy transportation, and energy income trusts. Tristone provides corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, equity sales, research and trading services to companies active in or investing in the energy industry. The Solana Board has selected Tristone to serve as its financial adviser with respect to the Arrangement and render its opinion based on Tristones experience and expertise.
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated May 30, 2008, Solana engaged Tristone to act as its financial advisor in connection with the Arrangement. Pursuant to the terms of this engagement letter, Tristone will receive a fee for its services upon delivery of its opinion, which is not contingent upon the successful completion of the Arrangement. In addition, for Tristones services as financial advisor to Solana in connection with the Arrangement, if the Arrangement is successfully completed, Tristone will receive an additional larger fee, against which the fee it received for delivery of its opinion will be credited. In addition, Solana has agreed to reimburse Tristone for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and indemnify Tristone and related persons for certain liabilities that may arise out of its engagement.
The Gran Tierra Board formally retained Blackmont Capital Inc. pursuant to an engagement agreement dated June 16, 2008, to among other things, provide financial advice to the Gran Tierra Board and its opinion, referred to as the Blackmont Fairness Opinion, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Arrangement to Gran Tierra stockholders. At the meeting of the Gran Tierra Board on July 2, 2008, Blackmont presented its view and analysis to the Gran Tierra Board which included an overview of Solanas properties, transaction benefits and synergies, and a range of respective ownership interests of the security holders of Solana and Gran Tierra in the combined entity which would result in an equitable exchange ratio for the proposed transaction. At the meeting on July 28, 2008, Blackmont rendered its verbal opinion to the Gran Tierra Board, subsequently confirmed in writing, that as of July 28, 2008, based upon the particular assumptions and considerations presented to the Gran Tierra Board, as at that date, the consideration to be paid by Gran Tierra pursuant to the Arrangement is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Gran Tierra stockholders.
The full text of the Blackmont Fairness Opinion, which sets forth material information relating to the Blackmont Fairness Opinion, including the assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of review undertaken by Blackmont, is attached as Annex H to this Joint Proxy Statement. This description of the Blackmont Fairness Opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to, and should be reviewed together with, the full text of the Blackmont Fairness Opinion. You are urged to read the Blackmont Fairness Opinion and consider it carefully. The Blackmont Fairness Opinion was addressed to the Gran Tierra Board and addressed only the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Arrangement to Gran Tierras stockholders. The terms of the Arrangement, including the exchange ratio, were determined through negotiations between Gran Tierra and Solana and were not determined or recommended by Blackmont. The Blackmont Fairness Opinion did not address the merits of the underlying decision of Gran Tierra to engage in the transaction and did not constitute, nor should it be construed as, a recommendation to any stockholder of Gran Tierra or Solana as to how to vote on the Arrangement. Additionally, Blackmont expressed no opinion as to the prices at which the shares of common stock of either Gran Tierra or Solana will trade following the announcement or completion of the Arrangement.
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In arriving at its opinion, Blackmont, among other things:
| reviewed various publicly available business and financial information relating to Solana and Gran Tierra that Blackmont deemed to be relevant; |
| reviewed information, including financial forecasts, relating to the business, production rates, cash flow and prospects of Gran Tierra and Solana, as well as the anticipated expenses, and amount and timing of cost savings expected to result, from the Arrangement, referred to as the Expected Synergies, furnished to Blackmont in discussions with Gran Tierra; |
| conducted discussions with members of senior management and other representatives of Gran Tierra concerning the matters described in the preceding two clauses, and conducted discussions with members of senior management of Gran Tierra and Solana concerning their respective businesses and prospects, both before and after giving effect to the Arrangement and the Expected Synergies; |
| reviewed the market prices and valuation multiples for Gran Tierra common stock and Solana common stock and compared them with those of a number of publicly traded companies that Blackmont deemed to be relevant; |
| participated in a number of discussions and negotiations among representatives of Gran Tierra and Solana and their financial and legal advisors; |
| reviewed the potential pro forma impact of the transaction; |
| reviewed drafts of, including the final draft of, the Arrangement Agreement dated July 28, 2008; and |
| reviewed such other financial studies and analyses and took into account such other matters as Blackmont deemed necessary, including its assessment of general economic, market and monetary conditions. |
In preparing the Blackmont Fairness Opinion, Blackmont has relied upon, and has assumed the completeness, accuracy and fair representation of all financial and other information, data, advice, opinions and representations obtained by it from public sources, including information relating to Gran Tierra and Solana, or provided to Blackmont by Gran Tierra and Solana and their respective affiliates or advisors or otherwise pursuant to the terms of Blackmonts engagement, and the Blackmont Fairness Opinion is conditional upon such completeness, accuracy and fair representation. Subject to the exercise of professional judgment and except as expressly described herein, Blackmont has not attempted to verify independently the accuracy or completeness of any such information, data, advice, opinions and representations.
The Blackmont Fairness Opinion is rendered on the basis of securities markets, economic and general business and financial conditions prevailing as at the date hereof, and the condition and prospects, financial and otherwise, of Gran Tierra and Solana as they were reflected in the information and documents reviewed by Blackmont and as they were represented to Blackmont in its discussions with management of Gran Tierra and Solana. In rendering the Blackmont Fairness Opinion, Blackmont has assumed that there are no undisclosed material facts relating to either Gran Tierra or Solana, or their business, operations, capital or future prospects. Any changes therein may affect the Blackmont Fairness Opinion and, although Blackmont reserves the right to change or withdraw the Blackmont Fairness Opinion in such event, Blackmont disclaims any obligation to advise any person of any change that may come to Blackmonts attention or to update the Blackmont Fairness Opinion after the date upon which it is rendered.
At the meeting of the Gran Tierra Board held on July 2, 2008, Blackmont presented a number of financial analyses accompanied by delivery of written materials in connection with its views on the proposed exchange ratio for the business combination. Subsequently, following completion of additional due diligence and final negotiations with Solana and Tristone respecting the final exchange ratio, at the meeting of the Gran Tierra Board held on July 23, 2008 and, subsequently, the meeting held July 28, 2008, Blackmont rendered its verbal opinion respecting the fairness of the proposed transaction and indicated that it would be in a position to provide its written Fairness Opinion which, when delivered, would be based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in the written opinion. The following is a summary of the material financial analyses performed by Blackmont in arriving at its opinion.
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Analyst Stock Price Targets. Using publicly available securities research analyst estimates, Blackmont noted that the range of the analyst stock price targets for Solana was $5.50 $8.25.
Comparable Public Trading Multiples Analysis. Using publicly available securities research analyst estimates and other information, Blackmont compared selected financial and trading data of Solana with similar data for selected publicly traded companies engaged in businesses that Blackmont determined to be reasonably comparable to those of Solana. These companies are listed below:
| Arawak Energy Limited |
| Brazalta Resources Corp. |
| Calvalley Petroleum Inc. |
| Candax Energy Inc. |
| Cirrus Energy Corporation |
| Harvest Natural Resources Inc. |
| Heritage Oil Corporation |
| Madalena Ventures Inc. |
| Orca Exploration Group Inc. |
| Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp. |
| Petro Andina Resources Inc. |
| PetroFalcon Corporation |
| Petrolifera Petroleum Limited |
| Petrominerales Ltd. |
| Tanganyika Oil Company Ltd. |
| TransGlobe Energy Corporation |
| Verenex Energy Inc. |
| Winstar Resources Ltd. |
For each of the companies identified above, Blackmont calculated various valuation multiples, including:
| the ratio of enterprise value to the estimated average production for the calendar years 2008 and 2009; |
| the ratio of enterprise value to net proved reserves, proved plus probable reserves and proved plus probable plus possible reserves as at December 31, 2007, evaluated by independent reserve engineers in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators, or NI 51-101; |
| the ratio of share price to the net asset value per share, or NAVPS, on a before and after tax basis; and |
| the ratio of share price to the estimated cash flow per share, or CFPS, for calendar years 2008 and 2009. |
Based upon its analysis of the full ranges of multiples calculated for those companies identified above and its consideration of various factors and judgments about current market conditions and the characteristics of those companies (including qualitative factors and judgments involving non-mathematical considerations),
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Blackmont determined multiples for those companies, with a view to extrapolating appropriate metrics to the Gran Tierra-Solana transaction. The relevant multiples, as determined by Blackmont, are set forth in the tables below.
For the purpose of its analysis, Blackmont calculated the enterprise value as fully diluted market capitalization plus total debt and preferred stock, less working capital and the proceeds from the exercise of in-the-money diluted instruments. To calculate these valuation multiples, Blackmont used: average yearly production, cash flow per share and net asset value per share projections reported by independent research analyst reports, First Call and Bloomberg estimates; independent engineering reports filed on SEDAR (or EDGAR, as applicable) by each individual company for the 2007 year end reserve estimates; and closing trading prices of equity securities of each identified company on June 27, 2008.
The following table summarizes the derived relevant multiples for the companies identified above:
Average | Median | |||||||
Enterprise Value/2008E Average Production (boe/d) | $ | 75,920 | $ | 70,194 | ||||
Enterprise Value/2009E Average Production (boe/d) | $ | 64,473 | $ | 50,608 | ||||
Enterprise Value/Proved Reserves (boe) | $ | 93.51 | $ | 47.40 | ||||
Enterprise Value/Proved + Probable Reserves (boe) | $ | 29.41 | $ | 27.04 | ||||
Enterprise Value/Proved + Probable + Possible Reserves (boe) | $ | 23.47 | $ | 17.51 | ||||
Share price/Net Asset Value (before tax) | 0.8x | 0.8x | ||||||
Share price/Net Asset Value (after tax) | 0.9x | 0.9x | ||||||
Share price/2008E Cash Flow per Share | 10.0x | 7.6x | ||||||
Share price/2009E Cash Flow per Share | 6.3x | 5.0x |
At the time of completing its analysis, Blackmont was of the view that Heritage Oil Corporation was trading at multiples anomalously higher than its peers; accordingly, when calculating the average and median figures for the public company trading analysis, Blackmont excluded Heritages multiples from the peer group average. No company used in the above analysis is identical to Solana. In evaluating companies identified by Blackmont as comparable to Solana, Blackmont made judgments and assumptions with regard to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Solana, such as the impact of competition on the business of Solana and the industry generally, industry growth and the absence of any material change in the financial condition and prospects of Solana or the industry or in the financial markets in general. A complete analysis involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the comparable companies and other factors that could affect the public trading values of such comparable companies to which they are being compared.
Comparable Transaction Analysis. Using publicly available securities research analyst estimates and other publicly available information, Blackmont examined selected multiples paid in a number of transactions that it deemed to be relevant. Precedent transactions that Blackmont considered to be relevant included the following:
Acquiror | Target | |
Advantage Energy Income Fund | Sound Energy Trust | |
Canetic Resources Trust | Titan Exploration | |
Compton Petroleum Corporation | Stylus Energy Inc. | |
Crescent Point Energy Trust | Innova Exploration Ltd. | |
Daylight Energy Trust | Cadence Energy Ltd. | |
Fairborne Energy Ltd. | Grand Banks Energy Corporation | |
Galleon Energy Inc. | ExAlta Energy Inc. | |
Harvest Energy Trust | Grand Petroleum Inc. | |
Iteration Energy Ltd. | Cyries Energy Inc. | |
Marathon Oil Corporation | Western Oil Sands | |
NuVista Energy Ltd. | Rider Resources Ltd. |
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Acquiror | Target | |
Penn West Energy Trust | Endev Energy Inc. | |
Penn West Energy Trust | Canetic Resources Trust | |
Penn West Energy Trust | Vault Energy Trust | |
Petro Rubiales Energy Corp. | Pacific Stratus Energy | |
Petrobank Energy and Resources Ltd. | Peerless Energy Inc. | |
Provident Energy Trust | Capitol Energy Resources | |
Sword Energy Inc. | Thunder Energy Trust | |
Talisman Energy Inc. | RSX Energy Inc. | |
Tristar Oil & Gas Ltd. | Real Resources Inc. |
For each of the transactions identified above, Blackmont calculated various valuation multiples, including the following:
| the ratio of enterprise value implied by the transaction to the estimated daily production at the time that the transaction was completed; |
| the ratio of enterprise value implied by the transaction to the proved reserves and proved plus probable reserves as at the date of the target issuers latest filing of its independent engineering report, filed in accordance with NI 51-101; and |
| the ratio of the termination fee to the total value of the transaction. |
Based upon its analysis of the full ranges of multiples calculated for the transactions identified above and its consideration of various factors and judgments about current market conditions and the characteristics of these transactions and the companies involved in these transactions (including qualitative factors and judgments involving non-mathematical considerations), Blackmont determined relevant multiples for these transactions. The relevant multiples, as determined by Blackmont, are set forth in the table below.
All calculations of multiples paid in the transactions identified above were based on public information available at the time of public announcement of such transactions. Blackmonts analysis did not take into account different market and other conditions during the period in which the transactions identified above occurred.
The following table summarizes the derived relevant multiples for the transactions identified:
Average | Median | |||||||
Enterprise Value/Estimated Average Daily Production (boe/d) | $ | 78,244 | $ | 63,061 | ||||
Enterprise Value/Proved Reserves (boe) | $ | 38.27 | $ | 29.75 | ||||
Enterprise Value/Proved + Probable Reserves (boe) | $ | 24.34 | $ | 18.79 | ||||
Termination Fee/Total Transaction Value | 2.8 | % | 2.7 | % |
No transaction utilized in the analysis above is identical to the proposed Arrangement.
As discussed under the heading Background to the Arrangement, Gran Tierra and Solana had mutually agreed early on in negotiations that business combination discussions would only proceed, and the transaction were only likely to occur, if the parties were to focus predominantly on relative asset values in determining the exchange ratio for the transaction, given the significant overlapping assets of the two companies. In addition, a complete analysis involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies involved in these transactions and other factors that could affect the transaction multiples in such transactions to which the proposed transaction is being compared.
Premiums Paid Analysis. Blackmont also reviewed the premiums to stock prices paid in the previous list of comparable transactions. Blackmont reviewed the premiums paid in these transactions over the price of the target stock on various dates (or for various periods) before the approximate date on which the public became aware of the possibility of such transactions.
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The following table summarizes the derived premiums:
Average | Median | |||||||
Share price/Day prior to Announcement Share Price | 19 | % | 11 | % | ||||
Share price/20-Day Weighted Average | 24 | % | 14 | % | ||||
Share price/60-Day Weighted Average | 25 | % | 22 | % |
No transaction utilized in the analysis above is identical to the proposed Arrangement. While premiums paid were a relevant consideration in connection with the anticipated reaction of the marketplace to the proposed transaction, a significant component of the proposed exchange ratio was, for Blackmonts analysis, weighted towards the relative net asset values of the two companies, which included the companies respective reserves and value of future discounted cash flows and included Blackmonts and Gran Tierras assessment of the relative values of the companies undeveloped lands. Notably, the value of undeveloped lands is largely subjective, given that such lands have yet to be drilled and, accordingly, attract a higher risk profile, with ascribed values tied to the level of perceived third party demand, and significant value differences often experienced as a result of commodity price fluctuations and exploration success in any given area. Blackmont also considered various other analyses and factors and gave weighting to, among other things, relative market capitalizations, trading premiums, operatorship, cost of capital considerations, royalty burdens, and other relevant considerations.
A complete analysis involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies involved in these transactions and other factors that could affect the premiums paid in such transactions to which the proposed transaction is being compared.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Blackmont performed a discounted projected cash flow analysis of Solana, without giving effect to the proposed transaction, for the period from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2031. Blackmont calculated ranges of net asset values per share of Solana common stock based upon the sum of the discounted net present value of Solanas twenty-four year stream of projected free cash flows which was adjusted for working capital as at March 31, 2008. The projected free cash flows were based on publicly available securities research analyst estimates for years 2008 and 2009, managements guidance for the remaining years of the analysis and various reasonable assumptions made by Blackmont.
Using a discount rate of 10.0% (which is the typical discount rate utilized by oil and gas issuers in presenting the value of their oil and gas reserves), Blackmont calculated the following range of implied net asset values per share of Solana common stock:
Low (Without Land Value) |
High (With Land Value) |
|||||||
Net Asset Value | $ | 7.52 | $ | 9.50 |
Analyst Stock Price Targets. Using publicly available securities research analyst estimates, Blackmont noted that the range of the analyst stock price targets for Gran Tierra was $5.25 to $10.00.
Comparable Public Trading Multiples Analysis. Using publicly available securities research analyst estimates and other information, Blackmont compared selected financial and trading data of Gran Tierra with similar data for selected publicly traded companies engaged in businesses that Blackmont determined to be reasonably comparable to those of Gran Tierra. These companies are listed above under Solana Valuation Analyses Comparable Public Trading Multiples Analysis. No company used in this analysis is identical to Gran Tierra. In evaluating companies identified by Blackmont as comparable to Gran Tierra, Blackmont made judgments and assumptions with regard to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Gran Tierra, such as the impact of competition on the business of Gran Tierra and the industry generally, industry growth and the absence of any material change in the financial condition and prospects of Gran Tierra or the industry or in
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the financial markets in general. A complete analysis involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the comparable companies and other factors that could affect the public trading values of such comparable companies to which they are being compared.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Blackmont performed a discounted projected cash flow analysis of Gran Tierra, without giving effect to the proposed transaction, for the period from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2031. Blackmont calculated ranges of net asset values per share of Gran Tierra common stock based upon the sum of the discounted net present value of Gran Tierras twenty-four year stream of projected free cash flows which was adjusted for working capital as at March 31, 2008. The projected free cash flows were based on publicly available securities research analyst estimates for years 2008 and 2009, managements guidance for the remaining years of the analysis and various reasonable assumptions made by Blackmont through it discussions with Gran Tierra.
Using a discount rate of 10.0%, Blackmont calculated the following range of implied net asset values per share of Gran Tierra common stock:
Low (Without Land Value) |
High (With Land Value) |
|||||||
Net Asset Value | $ | 7.55 | $ | 10.58 |
General Discussion. Each of the comparable public trading multiples analysis, comparable transaction analysis and premiums paid analysis were considered by Blackmont in assessing the exchange ratio and market acceptance of the proposed transaction. A significant component of the proposed exchange ratio was, for Blackmonts analysis, weighted towards relative net asset values of the two companies (which included an assessment of the companies respective reserves and relative discounted cash flows, as set out below), and Blackmont and Gran Tierras views as to the value of the respective companies undeveloped lands. Blackmont also made various qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of various other analyses and factors, including, without limitation, relative market capitalizations, trading premiums, operatorship, cost of capital considerations, royalty burdens, and other relevant considerations.
Relative Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Using the stand-alone discounted cash flow analyses summarized above, Blackmont calculated the following possible ownership percentages of the combined entity, assuming all assets of each company were combined into the pro forma company. Based upon this analysis, Blackmont calculated the following ownership percentage range, rounded to the nearest 0.1%:
Gran Tierra | Solana | |||||||
Low (without Land Value) | 49.7 | % | 50.3 | % | ||||
High (with Land Value) | 52.3 | % | 47.7 | % |
Based upon the ownership percentage analysis, Blackmont calculated the following implied exchange ratio range:
Low (Without Land Value) |
High (With Land Value) |
|||||||
Exchange Ratio | 1.0040743 | 0.9052308 |
Accretion/(Dilution) Analysis. Blackmont analyzed various pro forma effects expected to result from the business combination, including, among other things, the expected effect of the business combination on the estimated cash earnings per share for Gran Tierra for the calendar year 2008 and 2009. This analysis indicated that the transaction would be dilutive to Gran Tierras cash flow per share in 2008; however, the transaction would be accretive on all other metrics analyzed by Blackmont, assuming the Expected Synergies were achieved.
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The actual results achieved by the combined company after the business combination may vary from such estimated results and the variations may be material. The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Blackmont in arriving at its opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex analytical process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, such an opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. No company, business or transaction used in such analyses as a comparison is identical to Gran Tierra or Solana or the terms of the Arrangement, nor is an evaluation of such analyses entirely mathematical.
In arriving at its opinion, Blackmont did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor considered by it, other than to provide a greater weighting on the ultimate determination of the exchange ratio upon the parties relative net asset values and Gran Tierras and Blackmonts views on the values of the companies respective undeveloped lands. Blackmont also made various qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of various other analyses and factors, including, without limitation, relative market capitalizations, trading premiums, operatorship, cost of capital considerations, royalty burdens, and other relevant considerations. Accordingly, Blackmont believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and of the factors considered by it, without considering all factors and analyses, would, in the view of Blackmont, create an incomplete and misleading view of the analyses underlying Blackmonts opinion.
Gran Tierra retained Blackmont based upon Blackmonts experience and expertise. Blackmont is a registered investment dealer in Canada whose business includes providing corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions advice, equity sales, research and trading services to issuers active in or investing in the energy industry. Relevant areas of focus include international companies participating in oil and gas exploration and production, energy services, transportation and other oil and gas related businesses. The Blackmont Fairness Opinion appended to this Joint Proxy Statement is the opinion of Blackmont and the form and content of the Blackmont Fairness Opinion have been reviewed and approved for release by a committee of its officers, each of whom is experienced in merger, acquisition, and divestiture and valuation matters.
Under the terms of Blackmonts engagement, Blackmont provided financial advisory services and the Blackmont Fairness Opinion in connection with the Arrangement, and Gran Tierra agreed to pay Blackmont a customary fee. The fee for the Blackmont Fairness Opinion is not contingent upon completion of the Arrangement. Gran Tierra also agreed to reimburse Blackmont for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with Blackmonts engagement. In addition, Gran Tierra agreed to indemnify Blackmont and its affiliates, their respective directors, officers, agents, employees and controlling persons against various liabilities and expenses, including various liabilities under the federal securities laws, related to or arising out of Blackmonts engagement.
In the ordinary course of its business, Blackmont may actively trade Solana Shares, as well as Gran Tierra common stock, for its own account and for the accounts of its clients and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in those securities.
The following is a summary description of the material terms of:
| the Arrangement under section 193 of the ABCA which will give effect to the transaction; |
| the provisions attaching to the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, or the GTESolana Exchangeable Share Provisions; |
| the form of the Support Agreement (as defined below); and |
| the form of Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement (as defined below). |
This summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Arrangement Agreement and the documents listed above, which are included in Annexes D, E, F and G, and which are incorporated herein by reference.
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Pursuant to the Arrangement, the Solana Shares held by Solana Shareholders who are eligible shareholders (other than those previously held by Dissenting Shareholders) will be transferred to Exchangeco in exchange for such number of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares as is equal to the number of Solana Shares so exchanged, multiplied by the Exchange Ratio of 0.9527918. The Solana Shares held by Solana Shareholders who are ineligible shareholders (other than those previously held by Dissenting Shareholders) will be transferred to Exchangeco in exchange for such number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock as is equal to the number of Solana Shares so exchanged, multiplied by the Exchange Ratio of 0.9527918.
Solana options and Solana warrants will fully vest on the completion of the Arrangement. Solana optionholders are entitled to either (a) elect to receive Solana Shares in exchange for their Solana options immediately prior to the completion of the Arrangement, or (b) if the Solana optionholder is a director, officer, employee or consultant whose employment or other eligible services will continue with the combined company or any of its subsidiaries after the Effective Time, elect to have the Solana option exchanged for a Gran Tierra option. If the Solana optionholder makes neither of those two elections, the Solana options held by the Solana optionholder will be exchanged for cash. Solana warrantholders are entitled to elect to receive either Solana Shares or cash in exchange for their Solana warrants immediately prior to the completion of the Arrangement. If the Solana warrantholder makes neither of those two elections, the Solana warrants held by the Solana warrantholder will become warrants to purchase Gran Tierra common stock in accordance with the terms of the Solana warrants.
The following are rights relating to the exchange or redemption of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares into shares of Gran Tierra common stock:
| Solana Shareholder Rights to Exchange or Retract: rights, which are called exchange rights and retraction rights, to require a redemption by Exchangeco of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock or an exchange (in some limited circumstances involving an Exchangeco insolvency event) by Gran Tierra (or one of its subsidiaries as designated by Gran Tierra) or; |
| Automatic Exchange or Redemption Rights: rights (which are called the automatic redemption right, liquidation right and automatic exchange right) that automatically, upon the occurrence of specified events, result in the exchange or redemption of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock, without any action by the holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares; and |
| Call Rights: overriding call rights (called retraction call rights, liquidation call rights, redemption call rights and change of law call rights) granted to Gran Tierra Callco ULC, or Callco, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra, (or, in the case of the change of law call rights, Gran Tierra) that override the holders rights listed above, permitting Callco (or Gran Tierra, as the case may be) to require an exchange of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock if a holder exercises retraction rights or in any circumstance when Exchangeco would otherwise be required to redeem the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or in the event of applicable changes to Canadian income tax laws. Callco and Gran Tierra plan to exercise their respective call rights, when available, and currently foresee no circumstances under which they would not exercise their respective call rights. Therefore it is expected that holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will receive shares of Gran Tierra common stock through an exchange with Callco (or Gran Tierra), as opposed to a redemption by Exchangeco, of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock. While the consideration received upon an exchange or a redemption will be the same, the tax consequences will be substantially different. See Information About Tax Considerations Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations. |
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The transaction will be effected by means of an arrangement of Solana and the Solana Securityholders under the ABCA in accordance with the Plan of Arrangement. A copy of the form of the Plan of Arrangement is included as Annex D, which is incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy Statement.
An arrangement of a corporation under the ABCA requires approval by both a court of competent jurisdiction, in this case the Court, and the shareholders, and, if applicable, holders of options or rights to acquire shares of the subject corporation. Prior to the mailing of this circular, Solana obtained the Interim Order providing for the calling and holding of the Solana Special Meeting and other procedural matters.
Subject to the approval of the Arrangement by the Solana Securityholders at the Solana Special Meeting, the hearing in respect of the Final Order is scheduled to take place on , 2008 at p.m. (Calgary time) in the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta at the Court House, 601 5th Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the Final Order. All Solana Securityholders or other interested parties who wish to participate or be represented or to present evidence or arguments at that hearing must serve and file a notice of intention to appear as set out in the Notice of Petition to the Court, the Notice of Petition , for the Final Order and satisfy any other requirements. At the hearing of the application in respect of the Final Order, the Court will consider, among other things, the fairness of the Arrangement. The Court may approve the Arrangement as proposed or as amended in any manner the Court may direct, subject to compliance with such terms and conditions, if any, as the Court deems fit.
Assuming the Final Order is granted and the other conditions to the Arrangement Agreement are satisfied or waived, it is anticipated that the following will occur substantially simultaneously on the Effective Date:
| Articles of Arrangement will be filed with the registrar under the ABCA to give effect to the Arrangement; |
| the support agreement between Exchangeco, Callco and Gran Tierra substantially in the form of Annex F, or the Support Agreement, and the voting and exchange trust agreement between Exchangeco, Gran Tierra and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, or Computershare (referred to as the Exchangeco Trustee), substantially in the form of Annex G, referred to as the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, will each be executed and delivered; |
| Gran Tierra will issue the share of Special B Voting Stock to the Exchangeco Trustee, all as more particularly described below under the heading Voting, Dividend and Liquidation Rights of Holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares Voting Rights with Respect to Gran Tierra; and |
| the various other documents necessary to give effect to the transaction will be executed and delivered. |
The Final Order will constitute the basis for an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, such exemption being provided by Section 3(a)(10) thereof, with respect to the issuance of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and the exchange of Solana warrants and options pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement. Prior to the hearing on the Final Order, the Court will be informed of this effect of the Final Order.
Subject to the foregoing, it is presently anticipated that the transaction will become effective on or about , 2008.
The GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be issued by Exchangeco and will be exchangeable at any time on a one-for-one basis, at the option of the holder, for shares of Gran Tierra common stock. A GTESolana Exchangeable Share will provide a holder with economic terms and voting rights which are, as nearly as practicable, effectively equivalent to those of a share of Gran Tierra common stock. Canadian residents who receive GTESolana Exchangeable Shares may obtain a full or partial deferral of taxable capital
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gains for Canadian federal income tax purposes in specified circumstances. See Information about Tax Considerations Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations.
On the Effective Date of the Arrangement, Gran Tierra, Exchangeco and the Exchangeco Trustee will enter into the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement. By furnishing instructions to the Exchangeco Trustee under the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be able to exercise essentially the same voting rights with respect to Gran Tierra as they would have if they were Gran Tierra stockholders. Holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will also be entitled to receive from Exchangeco dividends that are equivalent to any dividends paid on shares of Gran Tierra common stock from time to time. Gran Tierra has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock. Gran Tierra does not intend to pay any cash dividends on its common stock for the foreseeable future. The GTESolana Exchangeable Shares are subject to adjustment or modification in the event of a stock split or other change to the capital structure of Gran Tierra so as to maintain the proportional relationship between the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and the shares of Gran Tierra common stock.
Retraction of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares. Subject to the exercise by Callco of the retraction call right described below, a holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be entitled at any time following the Effective Time of the Arrangement to retract (i.e., to require Exchangeco to redeem) any or all of the GTE Solana Exchangeable Shares owned by the holder and to receive an amount per share equal to the retraction price, which will be fully paid and satisfied by the delivery for each GTESolana Exchangeable Share of one share of Gran Tierra common stock and any dividends payable and unpaid on such GTESolana Exchangeable Share. A holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares may retract the holders GTESolana Exchangeable Shares by presenting to Exchangeco or its transfer agent: (i) certificates representing the number of GTE Solana Exchangeable Shares the holder desires to retract; (ii) such other documents as may be required to effect the retraction of such GTESolana Exchangeable Shares; and (iii) a duly executed retraction request:
| specifying the number of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares the holder desires to retract; |
| stating the retraction date on which the holder desires to have Exchangeco redeem the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares; and |
| acknowledging the retraction call right. |
When a holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares makes a retraction request, Callco will have an overriding retraction call right to purchase all but not less than all of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares subject to the retraction request. In order to exercise the retraction call right, Callco must notify Exchangeco of its determination to do so within five business days of notification given by Exchangeco to Callco of receipt of the retraction request. If Callco notifies Exchangeco within such five business day period, and provided that the retraction request is not revoked by the holder in the manner described below, Callco will acquire the retracted shares in exchange for the retraction price, which will be fully paid and satisfied by the delivery for each GTESolana Exchangeable Share of one share of Gran Tierra common stock and any dividends payable and unpaid on such GTESolana Exchangeable Share. In the event that Callco does not so notify Exchangeco, and provided that the retraction request is not revoked by the holder in the manner described below, Exchangeco will redeem the retracted shares on the retraction date.
A holder may revoke a retraction request by giving notice in writing to Exchangeco at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the retraction date, in which case the retracted shares will neither be purchased by Callco nor be redeemed by Exchangeco. If the retraction request is not revoked on or prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the retraction date, the retracted shares will either be purchased by Callco or redeemed by Exchangeco. Callco or Exchangeco, as the case may be, will then deliver or cause Exchangecos transfer agent to deliver the retraction price to such holder by mailing:
| certificates representing the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock equal to the number of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares purchased or redeemed, registered in the name of the holder or such other name as the holder may request; and |
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| if applicable, a cheque for the aggregate amount of dividends payable and unpaid on each such GTESolana Exchangeable Share to the holder, |
to the address recorded in the securities register of Exchangeco or to the address specified in the holders retraction request or by holding the same for the holder to pick up at the registered office of Exchangeco or the office of Exchangecos transfer agent as specified by Exchangeco, in each case less any amounts required to be withheld because of applicable taxes.
If, as a result of solvency requirements or applicable law, Exchangeco is not permitted to redeem all of the retracted shares tendered by a retracting holder, and provided Callco has not exercised its retraction call right with respect to such retracted shares, Exchangeco will redeem only those retracted shares tendered by the holder (rounded down to a whole number of shares) as would not be contrary to provisions of applicable law. The Exchangeco Trustee, on behalf of the holder of any retracted shares not so redeemed by Exchangeco or purchased by Callco, will require Gran Tierra to purchase the retracted shares not redeemed on the retraction date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, pursuant to the exchange right.
Redemption of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares. Subject to applicable law and the redemption call right, at any time on or after the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date Exchangeco may, and in the event of specified circumstances described below under Early Redemption will, redeem all but not less than all of the then outstanding GTESolana Exchangeable Shares for an amount per share equal to the redemption price, which will be fully paid and satisfied by the delivery for each GTESolana Exchangeable Share of one share of Gran Tierra common stock and any dividends payable and unpaid on such GTESolana Exchangeable Share. Exchangeco will, at least 45 days prior to the redemption date, or such number of days as the board of directors of Exchangeco may determine to be reasonably practicable under the circumstances in respect of a redemption date arising in connection with, among other events:
| a Gran Tierra control transaction, being any merger, amalgamation, tender offer, material sale of shares or rights or interests therein or thereto or similar transactions involving Gran Tierra, or any proposal to carry out the same; |
| a GTESolana Exchangeable Share voting event, being any matter that holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares are entitled to vote on as shareholders of Exchangeco, other than an exempt GTESolana Exchangeable Share voting event (described below), and, for greater certainty, excluding any matter that holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares are entitled to vote on (or instruct the Exchangeco Trustee to vote on) in their capacity as beneficiaries under the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement; or |
| an exempt GTESolana Exchangeable Share voting event, being any matter that holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares are entitled to vote on as shareholders of Exchangeco in order to approve or disapprove, as applicable, any change to, or in the rights of the holders of, the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, where the approval or disapproval of the change would be required to maintain the equivalence of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and the shares of Gran Tierra common stock; |
provide the registered holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares with written notice of the proposed redemption of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares by Exchangeco or the purchase of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares by Callco pursuant to the redemption call right described below. On or after the redemption date and provided Callco has not exercised its redemption call right, upon the holders presentation and surrender of the certificates representing the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and other documents as may be required by Exchangeco at the office of Exchangecos transfer agent or the registered office of Exchangeco, Exchangeco will deliver the redemption price to such holder by mailing:
| certificates representing the aggregate number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock equal to the number of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares purchased or redeemed, registered in the name of the holder or such other name as the holder may request; and |
| if applicable, a cheque for the aggregate amount of dividends payable and unpaid on each such GTESolana Exchangeable Share to the holder, |
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to the address recorded in the securities register of Exchangeco or by holding the same for the holder to pickup at the registered office of Exchangeco or the office of Exchangecos transfer agent as specified in the written notice of redemption, in each case less any amounts required to be withheld because of applicable taxes.
Callco will have an overriding redemption call right to purchase, on the redemption date, all but not less than all of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares then outstanding (other than GTESolana Exchangeable Shares held by Gran Tierra and its affiliates) for a purchase price per share equal to the redemption call purchase price, which will be fully paid and satisfied by the delivery for each GTESolana Exchangeable Share of one share of Gran Tierra common stock and any dividends payable and unpaid on such GTESolana Exchangeable Share. Upon the exercise of the redemption call right, holders will be obligated to sell their GTESolana Exchangeable Shares to Callco. If Callco exercises the redemption call right, Exchangecos right and obligation to redeem the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares on the redemption date will terminate upon payment by Callco of the purchase price in respect of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares.
Early Redemption. In specified circumstances, the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be redeemed by Exchangeco prior to the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date of the Arrangement. Early redemption will occur upon:
| the date that there are issued and outstanding less than 25,285,358 GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (other than GTESolana Exchangeable Shares held by Gran Tierra and its affiliates) and the board of directors of Exchangeco decides to accelerate the redemption of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares prior to the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date; |
| the occurrence of a Gran Tierra Control Transaction, as defined in the GTESolana Exchangeable Share Provisions, provided that the board of directors of Exchangeco determines (A) that it is not reasonably practicable to substantially replicate the terms and conditions of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares in connection with the Gran Tierra Control Transaction and (B) that the redemption of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares is necessary to enable the completion of the Gran Tierra Control Transaction; |
| a proposal being made for a GTESolana Exchangeable Share voting event, provided that the board of directors of Exchangeco determines that it is not reasonably practicable to accomplish the business purpose intended by the GTESolana Exchangeable Share voting event (which business purpose must be bona fide and not for the primary purpose of causing the occurrence of a redemption date); or |
| the failure by the holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares to approve or disapprove, as applicable, an exempt GTESolana Exchangeable Share voting event. |
Change of Law Call Right. Gran Tierra shall have the overriding right, in the event of any amendment to the Income Tax Act (Canada) and other applicable provincial income tax laws that permits holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares who are resident in Canada, hold the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares as capital property and deal at arms length with Gran Tierra and Exchangeco (all for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and other applicable provincial income tax laws) to exchange their GTESolana Exchangeable Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock on a basis that will not require such holders to recognize any gain or loss or any actual or deemed dividend in respect of such exchange for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and other applicable provincial income tax laws, to purchase (or to cause Callco to purchase) from all but not less than all of the holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (other than any holder which is an affiliate of Gran Tierra) all but not less than all of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares held by each such holder upon payment by Gran Tierra or Callco, as the case may be, of an amount per share equal to the GTESolana Exchangeable Share price applicable on the last business day prior to the date on which Gran Tierra or Callco intends to purchase such shares. Payment of the GTESolana Exchangeable Share price will be fully satisfied by the delivery for each GTESolana Exchangeable Share of one share of Gran Tierra common stock and any dividends payable and unpaid on such GTESolana Exchangeable Share.
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To exercise the foregoing right, Gran Tierra or Callco must notify the transfer agent for the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares of its intention to exercise such right at least 45 days before the date on which Gran Tierra or Callco intends to acquire the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares. Upon the exercise of this right, holders will be obligated to sell their GTESolana Exchangeable Shares to Gran Tierra or Callco, as the case may be.
Purchase for Cancellation. Exchangeco may, subject to applicable law and its articles, at any time and from time to time offer to purchase for cancellation all or any part of the outstanding GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, by tender to all holders of record of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares then outstanding or through the facilities of any stock exchange on which the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares are listed or quoted, at any price per share together with an amount equal to all declared and unpaid dividends for which the record date has occurred prior to the date of purchase.
In addition, subject to applicable law and its articles of incorporation, Exchangeco may at any time and from time to time purchase for cancellation GTESolana Exchangeable Shares by private agreement with any holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares.
On the Effective Date of the Arrangement, Gran Tierra, Exchangeco and the Exchangeco Trustee will enter into the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement.
Except as required by law or under the Support Agreement, the terms of the GTESolana Exchangeable Share Provisions or the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, the holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares are not entitled to receive notice of, attend or vote at any meeting of shareholders of Exchangeco. See Certain Restrictions, Amendment and Approval and Gran Tierra Support Obligations below.
Under the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, Gran Tierra will issue to the Exchangeco Trustee one share of Special B Voting Stock having attached thereto rights to that number of votes as is equal to the number of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares issued and outstanding from time to time (other than GTESolana Exchangeable Shares held by Gran Tierra and its affiliates), which will be held by the Exchangeco Trustee to enable the holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares to have voting rights that are effectively equivalent to those of Gran Tierra stockholders.
Each holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares on the record date for any meeting at which Gran Tierra stockholders are entitled to vote will be entitled to instruct the Exchangeco Trustee to cast and exercise one of the votes attaching to the Special B Voting Stock held by the Exchangeco Trustee for each GTESolana Exchangeable Share held by the holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares. The Exchangeco Trustee will exercise (either by proxy or in person) the voting rights only as directed by the relevant holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and, in the absence of voting instructions from a holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, will not exercise such votes. A beneficiary may, upon request to the Exchangeco Trustee, obtain a proxy from the Exchangeco Trustee entitling the holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares to exercise directly at the meeting that number of votes attaching to the Special B Voting Stock held by the Exchangeco Trustee that corresponds to the number of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares held by such holder.
Either the Exchangeco Trustee or Gran Tierra will send to each holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares on the record date the notice of each meeting at which Gran Tierra stockholders are entitled to vote, together with the related meeting materials and a statement as to the manner in which the beneficiary may instruct the Exchangeco Trustee to exercise the voting rights to which the beneficiary is entitled. Such mailing by the Exchangeco Trustee or Gran Tierra will commence on the same day as Gran Tierra sends such notice and materials to Gran Tierra stockholders. Either the Exchangeco Trustee or Gran Tierra will also send to each beneficiary copies of all proxy materials, information statements, interim and annual financial statements, reports and other materials sent by Gran Tierra to Gran Tierra stockholders at the same time as these materials are sent to Gran Tierra stockholders. To the extent that such materials are provided to the Exchangeco Trustee by Gran Tierra, the Exchangeco Trustee will also send to each beneficiary all materials sent by third parties to
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Gran Tierra stockholders, including dissident proxy circulars and tender and exchange offer circulars, as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are delivered to the Exchangeco Trustee. Gran Tierra may undertake to provide the materials to each beneficiary in lieu of the Exchangeco Trustee distributing the materials.
All rights of a holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares to instruct the Exchangeco Trustee to exercise voting rights will cease immediately before the exchange (whether by redemption, retraction, or through the exercise of the call rights) of all of such holders GTESolana Exchangeable Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock and upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Exchangeco or Gran Tierra. Holders will be entitled to vote the shares of Gran Tierra common stock they receive in such circumstances.
Subject to applicable law, holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be entitled to receive dividends from Exchangeco: (i) in the case of a cash dividend declared on the shares of Gran Tierra common stock, in an amount of cash for each GTESolana Exchangeable Share corresponding to the cash dividend declared on each share of Gran Tierra common stock; (ii) in the case of a stock dividend declared on the shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be paid in shares of Gran Tierra common stock, in the number of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares for each GTESolana Exchangeable Share as is equal to the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be paid on each share of Gran Tierra common stock; or (iii) in the case of a dividend declared on the shares of Gran Tierra common stock in property other than cash or shares of Gran Tierra common stock, in the type and amount of property as is the same as, or economically equivalent to (as determined by the board of directors of Exchangeco in good faith and in its sole discretion), the type and amount of property declared as a dividend on each share of Gran Tierra common stock. Cash dividends on the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares are payable in U.S. dollars or the Canadian dollar equivalent thereof, at the option of Exchangeco. The declaration date, record date and payment date for dividends on the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be the same as the relevant date for the corresponding dividends on the shares of Gran Tierra common stock.
Gran Tierra has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock. Any decision to pay dividends on the common stock will be made by the Gran Tierra Board on the basis of Gran Tierras earnings, financial requirements and other conditions that the Gran Tierra Board may consider appropriate in the circumstances.
In the case of a stock dividend declared on the shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be paid in shares of Gran Tierra common stock, in lieu of declaring a corresponding stock dividend on the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, the board of directors of Exchangeco may, in good faith and in its discretion and subject to applicable law, subdivide, redivide or change each issued and unissued GTESolana Exchangeable Share on the basis that each GTESolana Exchangeable Share before the subdivision becomes a number of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares as is equal to the sum of: (i) one share of Gran Tierra common stock; and (ii) the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be paid as a stock dividend on each share of Gran Tierra common stock. Such subdivision will become effective on the payment date for the dividend declared on the shares of Gran Tierra common stock without any further action on the part of the board of directors of Exchangeco. The record date to determine holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares entitled to receive GTESolana Exchangeable Shares in connection with any subdivision of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and the effective date of the subdivision will be the same dates as the record date and payment date, respectively, for the corresponding stock dividend declared on shares of Gran Tierra common stock.
On the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Exchangeco or any other distribution of the assets of Exchangeco among its shareholders for the purpose of winding-up its affairs, holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will have, subject to applicable law, preferential rights to receive from Exchangeco the liquidation amount for each GTESolana Exchangeable Share held. When a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up occurs, Callco will have an overriding liquidation call right to purchase all of the outstanding GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (other than GTESolana Exchangeable Shares held by Gran Tierra and its affiliates) from the holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares on the effective date of the liquidation,
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dissolution or winding-up of Exchangeco or any distribution of the assets of Exchangeco among its shareholders for the purpose of winding-up its affairs, for a purchase price per share equal to the liquidation amount, which will be fully paid and satisfied by the delivery of one share of Gran Tierra common stock and any dividends payable and unpaid on such GTESolana Exchangeable Share.
When an insolvency event occurs, and while it continues, each holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (other than Gran Tierra and its affiliates) will be entitled to instruct the Exchangeco Trustee to exercise the exchange right with respect to GTESolana Exchangeable Shares held by such holder, thereby requiring Gran Tierra to purchase such GTESolana Exchangeable Shares from the holder. As soon as practicable after the occurrence of an insolvency event or any event which may, with the passage of time and/or the giving of notice, become an insolvency event, Exchangeco and Gran Tierra will give written notice of the event to the Exchangeco Trustee. As soon as practicable after receiving the notice, the Exchangeco Trustee will notify each holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares of the event or potential event and advise the holder of its exchange right. The purchase price payable by Gran Tierra for each GTESolana Exchangeable Share purchased under the exchange right will be equal to the GTESolana Exchangeable Share price on the last business day prior to the day of closing of the purchase and sale of the GTESolana Exchangeable Share under the exchange right, which will be fully paid and satisfied by the delivery of one share of Gran Tierra common stock and any dividends payable and unpaid on such GTESolana Exchangeable Share.
An insolvency event will occur in respect of Exchangeco upon: (i) the institution by Exchangeco of any proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent or to be wound up, or the consent of Exchangeco to the institution of bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up proceedings against it; (ii) the filing of a petition, answer or consent seeking dissolution or winding-up under any bankruptcy, insolvency or analogous laws, including the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) and the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), and Exchangecos failure to contest in good faith such proceedings commenced in respect of Exchangeco within 30 days of becoming aware of the proceedings, or the consent by Exchangeco to the filing of any such petition or to the appointment of a receiver; (iii) the making by Exchangeco of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission in writing by Exchangeco of its inability to pay its debts generally as they come due; or (iv) Exchangeco not being permitted, pursuant to solvency requirements of applicable law, to redeem any retracted GTESolana Exchangeable Shares pursuant to the GTESolana Exchangeable Share conditions.
A liquidation event will occur in respect of Gran Tierra upon: (i) the determination by the Gran Tierra Board to institute voluntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up proceedings with respect to Gran Tierra or to effect any other distribution of its assets among its stockholders for the purpose of winding-up its affairs, at least 60 days prior to the proposed effective date of such liquidation, dissolution winding-up or other distribution; or (ii) receipt by Gran Tierra of notice of, or Gran Tierra otherwise becoming aware of, any threatened or instituted claim, suit, petition or other proceedings with respect to the involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Gran Tierra or to effect any distribution of assets of Gran Tierra among its stockholders for the purpose of winding-up its affairs, in each case where Gran Tierra has failed to contest in good faith any such proceeding commenced in respect of Gran Tierra within 30 days of becoming aware of the proceeding.
In order for the holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares to participate on a pro rata basis with the holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock, immediately prior to the effective time of a liquidation event, each GTESolana Exchangeable Share will, pursuant to the automatic exchange right, automatically be exchanged for such number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock equal to the GTESolana Exchangeable Share price under the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement. Upon a holders request and surrender of GTESolana Exchangeable Share certificates, duly endorsed in blank and accompanied by such instruments of transfer as Gran Tierra may reasonably require, Gran Tierra will deliver to the holder certificates representing an equivalent number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock. For a description of Gran Tierras obligations relating to the dividend and liquidation rights of the holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, see Certain Restrictions and Gran Tierra Support Obligations below.
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Each of Gran Tierra, Callco, Exchangeco, Exchangecos transfer agent and the Exchangeco Trustee will be entitled to deduct and withhold from any dividend or other consideration otherwise payable to any holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or shares of Gran Tierra common stock such amounts as each of Gran Tierra, Callco, Exchangeco, Exchangecos transfer agent or the Exchangeco Trustee is required to deduct and withhold with respect to such payment under the Income Tax Act (Canada), the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the Code, or any provision of federal, provincial, state, local or foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld, such withheld amounts will be treated for all purposes as having been paid to the holder of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or shares of Gran Tierra common stock, as the case may be, in respect of which the deduction and withholding was made, provided that the withheld amounts are actually remitted to the appropriate taxing authority. To the extent that the amount required to be deducted or withheld from any payment to a holder exceeds the cash portion of the dividend or other consideration otherwise payable to the holder, Gran Tierra, Callco, Exchangeco, Exchangecos transfer agent and the Exchangeco Trustee are authorized to sell or otherwise dispose of the portion of the consideration necessary to provide sufficient funds to Gran Tierra, Callco, Exchangeco, Exchangecos transfer agent or the Exchangeco Trustee, as the case may be, to enable it to comply with the deduction or withholding requirement and Gran Tierra, Callco, Exchangeco, Exchangecos transfer agent or the Exchangeco Trustee, as the case may be, will notify the holder and remit to the holder any unapplied balance of the net proceeds of such sale.
The GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will have a preference over the common shares of Exchangeco and any other shares ranking junior to the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Exchangeco, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of Exchangeco among its shareholders for the purpose of winding-up its affairs. See Information About The Share Capital of Gran Tierra and Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc.
So long as any of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares are outstanding, Exchangeco will not, without the approval of the holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares as described below under Amendment and Approval:
| pay any dividends on the common shares of Exchangeco or any other shares ranking junior to the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, other than stock dividends payable in common shares of Exchangeco or any other shares ranking junior to the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares; |
| redeem, purchase or make any capital distribution in respect of common shares of Exchangeco or any other shares ranking junior to the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or on any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Exchangeco or any other distribution of assets of Exchangeco; |
| redeem or purchase or make any capital distribution in respect of any other shares of Exchangeco ranking equally with the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or on any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Exchangeco or any other distribution of assets of Exchangeco; or |
| issue any GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or any other shares of Exchangeco ranking equally with, or superior to, the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares other than by way of stock dividends to the holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares. |
These restrictions do not apply if all dividends on the outstanding GTESolana Exchangeable Shares corresponding to dividends declared and paid to date on the shares of Gran Tierra common stock have been declared and paid on the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares.
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The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares may be added to, changed or removed only with the approval of the holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares. Any such approval or any other approval or consent to be given by the holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be deemed to have been sufficiently given if given in accordance with applicable law subject to a minimum requirement that approval or consent be evidenced by a resolution passed by not less than 66 2/3% of the votes cast on the resolution (other than by Gran Tierra and its affiliates) at a meeting of the holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares duly called and held at which holders of at least 25% of the outstanding GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (other than Gran Tierra and its affiliates) are present. In the event that no quorum is present at such meeting within one-half hour after the time appointed for the meeting, the meeting will be adjourned to a place and time (not less than five days later) designated by the chair of the meeting. At the adjourned meeting, the holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares present or represented by proxy may transact the business for which the meeting was originally called and a resolution passed at the adjourned meeting by the affirmative vote of not less than 66 2/3% of the votes cast on the resolution (other than by Gran Tierra and its affiliates) will constitute the approval or consent of the holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares.
On the Effective Date, Gran Tierra, Callco and Exchangeco will enter into a Support Agreement creating specified obligations. Pursuant to the terms of the Support Agreement, Gran Tierra will make the following covenants for so long as any GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (other than GTESolana Exchangeable Shares owned by Gran Tierra or its affiliates) remain outstanding:
| Gran Tierra will not declare or pay dividends on shares of Gran Tierra common stock unless Exchangeco: (i) simultaneously declares or pays, as the case may be, an equivalent dividend on the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and has sufficient money or other assets or authorized but unissued securities available to enable the due declaration and the due and punctual payment, in accordance with applicable law, of any such equivalent dividend; or (ii) subdivides the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares in lieu of a stock dividend thereon (as provided for in the GTESolana Exchangeable Share provisions) and has sufficient authorized but unissued securities available to enable the subdivision; |
| Gran Tierra will advise Exchangeco sufficiently in advance of the declaration of any dividend on shares of Gran Tierra common stock and take other reasonably necessary actions to ensure that: (i) the declaration date, record date and payment date for dividends on the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares are the same as those for the corresponding dividend on the shares of Gran Tierra common stock; or (ii) the record date and effective date for a subdivision of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares in lieu of a stock dividend (as provided for in the GTESolana Exchangeable Share Provisions, attached to the Plan of Arrangement as Exhibit A) are the same as the record date and payment date for the stock dividend on the shares of Gran Tierra common stock; |
| Gran Tierra will ensure that the record date for any dividend declared on the shares of Gran Tierra common stock is not less than ten business days after the declaration date of the dividend; |
| Gran Tierra will take all actions and do all things reasonably necessary or desirable to enable and permit Exchangeco, in accordance with applicable law, to pay to the holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares the applicable liquidation amount, redemption price or retraction price in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Exchangeco, a retraction request by a holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or a redemption of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares by Exchangeco, including delivering shares of Gran Tierra common stock to holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares; |
| Gran Tierra will take all actions and do all things reasonably necessary or desirable to enable and permit Callco, in accordance with applicable law, to perform its obligations arising upon the exercise by it of the call rights, including delivering shares of Gran Tierra common stock to holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares in accordance with the applicable call right; and |
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| Gran Tierra will not (and will ensure that Callco or any of its affiliates does not) exercise its vote as a shareholder to initiate the voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Exchangeco or any other distribution of the assets of Exchangeco among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs nor take any action or omit to take any action (and Gran Tierra will not permit Callco or any of its affiliates to take any action or omit to take any action) that is designed to result in the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Exchangeco or any other distribution of the assets of Exchangeco among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs. |
The Support Agreement and the GTESolana Exchangeable Share provisions provide that so long as any GTESolana Exchangeable Shares not owned by Gran Tierra or its affiliates are outstanding, Gran Tierra will not, without the prior approval of Exchangeco and the holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares given in the manner described above under Amendment and Approval, and subject to specified exceptions, issue or distribute shares of Gran Tierra common stock, securities exchangeable for or convertible into or carrying rights to acquire shares of Gran Tierra common stock, rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or to purchase shares of Gran Tierra common stock, evidences of indebtedness or other assets of Gran Tierra, to all or substantially all of the then outstanding holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock, nor will Gran Tierra subdivide, redivide, reduce, combine, consolidate, reclassify or otherwise change the shares of Gran Tierra common stock or effect an amalgamation, merger, reorganization or other transaction affecting the shares of Gran Tierra common stock, unless the same or an economically equivalent distribution or change is simultaneously made to the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (or in the rights of the holders thereof). The board of directors of Exchangeco is conclusively empowered to determine in good faith and in its sole discretion whether any corresponding distribution on or change to the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares is the same as, or economically equivalent to, any proposed distribution on or change to the shares of Gran Tierra common stock. In the event of any proposed tender offer, share exchange offer, issuer bid, take-over bid or similar transaction with respect to the shares of Gran Tierra common stock which is recommended or otherwise approved or consented to by the Gran Tierra Board and in connection with which the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares are not redeemed by Exchangeco or purchased by Callco under the redemption call right, Gran Tierra will use reasonable best efforts to take all actions necessary or desirable to enable holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares to participate in the transaction to the same extent and on an economically equivalent basis as the holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock.
The Support Agreement, the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement and the GTESolana Exchangeable Share Provisions also provide that in the event of a Gran Tierra control transaction: (i) in which Gran Tierra merges or amalgamates with, or in which all or substantially all of the then outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock are acquired by one or more other corporations to which Gran Tierra is, immediately before such merger, amalgamation or acquisition, related within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (otherwise than by virtue of a right referred to in paragraph 251(5)(b) thereof); (ii) which does not result in an acceleration of the redemption date in connection with the failure to approve an exempt GTESolana Exchangeable Share voting event; and (iii) in which all or substantially all of the then outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock are converted into or exchanged for shares or rights to acquire shares, referred to as the Other Shares, of another corporation, referred to as the Other Corporation, that, immediately after such Gran Tierra control transaction, owns or controls, directly or indirectly, Gran Tierra; then all references to Gran Tierra shall be deemed to be references to the Other Corporation, and all references in those documents to shares of Gran Tierra common stock will thereafter be and be deemed to be references to Other Shares (with appropriate adjustments, if any) without any need to amend the terms and conditions of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and without any further action required. In addition, Gran Tierra will cause the Other Corporation to deposit one or more voting securities of such Other Corporation to allow the holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (other than Gran Tierra and its affiliates) to exercise voting rights in respect of the Other Corporation substantially similar to those described under Voting Rights with Respect to Gran Tierra above.
In order to assist Gran Tierra in complying with its obligations under the Support Agreement and to permit Callco to exercise the call rights, Exchangeco is required to notify Gran Tierra and Callco if specified events occur, such as the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Exchangeco, Exchangecos receipt of a retraction request from a holder of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, the determination of a redemption date,
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the issuance by Exchangeco of any GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or rights to acquire GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, and upon receiving notice of a change of law.
Under the Support Agreement, Gran Tierra and Callco have agreed not to exercise any voting rights attached to the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares owned by it or any of its affiliates on any matter considered at meetings of holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares. Gran Tierra has also agreed to use reasonable best efforts to enable Exchangeco to maintain a listing for the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares on a Canadian stock exchange.
With the exception of administrative changes for the purpose of adding covenants, making specified necessary amendments or curing ambiguities or clerical errors (in each case provided that the board of directors of each of Gran Tierra, Exchangeco and Callco are of the opinion that such amendments are not prejudicial to the interests of the holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares), the Support Agreement may not be amended without the approval of the holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares given in the manner described above under Amendment and Approval.
Under the Support Agreement, Gran Tierra will agree to ensure that all shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be delivered by it under the Support Agreement or on the exercise of the rights granted to the Exchangeco Trustee under the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement are duly registered, qualified or approved under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws, if required, so that such shares may be freely traded by the holder thereof (other than any restriction on transfer by reason of a holder being a control person of Gran Tierra for purposes of Canadian law, or an affiliate of Gran Tierra for the purposes of U.S. law). In addition, Gran Tierra will take all actions necessary to cause all such shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be listed or quoted for trading on all stock exchanges or quotation systems on which outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock are then listed or quoted for trading (currently TSX and AMEX).
Pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement, each outstanding option to purchase Solana Shares granted under Solanas stock option plan will become fully vested, notwithstanding any contingent vesting provisions to which it might otherwise have been subject, at the Effective Time.
If a Solana optionholder provides to Gran Tierra, on or before the third business day prior to the Effective Date, a duly completed written election designating that any portion of its Solana options be exchanged for Solana Shares such option will be deemed surrendered to Solana at the Effective Time in exchange for the number of Solana Shares equal to, for each share subject to the Solana option, the fraction obtained by dividing (i) the Imputed Transaction Value less the exercise price of the Solana option, by (ii) the Imputed Transaction Value (the Imputed Transaction Value is the five day weighted trading price, ending on the seventh trading day before the Effective Date, on the TSX of a share of Gran Tierra common stock multiplied by 0.9527918).
If a Solana optionholder who is a director, officer, employee or consultant whose employment or other eligible services will continue with the combined company or any of its subsidiaries after the Effective Time provides to Gran Tierra, on or before the third business day prior to the Effective Date, a duly completed written election designating that any portion of its Solana options be exchanged for Gran Tierra options, such Solana options will be cancelled and exchanged for options to purchase 0.9527918 shares of Gran Tierra common stock for each Solana Share subject to the options, with the exercise price for each such Gran Tierra option being equal to the exercise price of the Solana option exchanged divided by 0.9527918, and converted to U.S. dollars. The expiration date of each option issued upon a roll-over election, or roll-over option, will remain the same as the corresponding Solana option exchanged; other terms and conditions of the roll-over option will be as set forth in Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
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Each portion of a Solana option held by a Solana optionholder which is not subject to a duly completed written exchange election or roll-over election, as set forth above, will be deemed surrendered to Solana at the Effective Time in exchange for a cash payment equal to the Imputed Transaction Value less the exercise price of the Solana option.
Pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement, each outstanding warrant to purchase Solana Shares will become fully vested, notwithstanding any contingent vesting provisions to which it might otherwise have been subject, at the Effective Time.
If a Solana warrantholder provides to Gran Tierra, on or before the third business day prior to the Effective Date, a duly completed written election designating that any portion of its Solana warrants be exchanged for Solana Shares, an exchange election, such Solana warrants will be deemed surrendered to Solana at the Effective Time in exchange for the number of Solana Shares, for each share subject to the warrant, equal to the fraction obtained by dividing (i) the Imputed Transaction Value less CDN$2.00, by (ii) the Imputed Transaction Value.
If a Solana warrantholder provides to Gran Tierra, on or before the third business day prior to the Effective Date, a duly completed written election designating that any portion of its Solana warrants be exchanged for cash, such Solana warrants will be deemed surrendered to Solana at the Effective Time in exchange for a cash payment, for each share subject to the warrant, equal to the Imputed Transaction Value less CDN$2.00.
Each Solana warrant held by a Solana warrantholder which is not subject to a duly completed written exchange election or cash-out election, as set forth above, will entitle the Solana warrantholder to purchase shares of Gran Tierra common stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of such Solana warrant. Such terms and conditions provide for: (a) an adjustment such that the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants is equal to the product obtained when the number of warrants is multiplied by the Exchange Ratio; and (b) an adjustment to the exercise price of the warrants equal to the quotient obtained when the exercise price of CDN$2.00 is divided by the Exchange Ratio.
No certificates representing fractional GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, shares of Gran Tierra common stock or Solana Shares shall be issued under the Arrangement. In lieu of any fractional shares, each registered holder of Solana Shares otherwise entitled to a fractional interest in a GTESolana Exchangeable Share or a share of Gran Tierra common stock will receive the nearest whole number of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or shares of Gran Tierra common stock, respectively (with fractions equal to exactly 0.5 being rounded up); each registered holder of Solana options otherwise entitled to a fractional interest in a Solana Share will receive the nearest whole number of Solana Shares (with all fractions being rounded down); and each registered holder of Solana warrants otherwise entitled to a fractional interest in a Solana common share will receive the nearest whole number of Solana Shares (with fractions equal to exactly 0.5 being rounded up).
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The following is a summary of the material terms of the Arrangement Agreement. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Arrangement Agreement, the complete text of which is included as Annex B to this Joint Proxy Statement.
Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, if the transaction is completed, each Solana Shareholder who is an eligible shareholder will receive 0.9527918 of a GTESolana Exchangeable Share for each Solana Share held. Each GTESolana Exchangeable Share will have economic and voting rights equivalent to one share of Gran Tierra common stock and will be exchangeable at any time for one share of Gran Tierra common stock, subject to limitations described in the GTESolana Exchangeable Share Provisions, the Support Agreement, the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement and the Plan of Arrangement. Each Solana Shareholder who is an ineligible shareholder will receive 0.9527918 of a share of Gran Tierra common stock for each Solana Share held.
The Arrangement Agreement provides that the respective obligations of each party to complete the transaction are subject to a number of conditions, including the following material conditions:
| receipt of Interim Order of the Court; |
| approval of the Arrangement by the Solana Securityholders, voting as a single class, and approval of the issuance of Gran Tierra common stock in connection with the Arrangement by the Gran Tierra stockholders; |
| there being no act, action, suit, proceeding, or objection preventing the consummation of the Arrangement nor any pending proceeding seeking any of the foregoing, and no law, regulation, policy, judgment, decision, order, ruling or directive threatened, enacted, entered or enforced that results in a material adverse change to either party or otherwise prohibits or renders illegal the consummation of the Arrangement; |
| receipt of the Final Order; |
| receipt of all regulatory approvals legally required for the consummation of the Arrangement, including the conditional approval to list the Gran Tierra common stock issuable under the Arrangement Agreement on the TSX, and the AMEX; |
| a registration statement on Form S-3, covering shares of Gran Tierra common stock issuable upon the exchange of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, or upon exercise of warrants or options issued in connection with the Arrangement, having been declared effective under the Securities Act and there being no proceedings commenced or threatened by the SEC or the Commissions (as defined below); |
| the Articles of Arrangement having been filed with the appropriate Canadian authorities; |
| the Arrangement becoming effective on or prior to 5:00 p.m., Mountain Time, on November 15, 2008; |
| if required, the approval of the Arrangement by Gran Tierras and Solanas lenders; |
| the furnishing of certified copies of the board resolutions and stockholder resolutions approving the Arrangement by both Gran Tierra and Solana; |
| the absence of any material adverse change in the business, operations, assets, capitalization, financial condition or prospects of either party; |
| the representations and warranties of both parties set forth in the Arrangement Agreement being true and correct in all material respects and the certification of such accuracy having been provided by both parties; |
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| the parties having performed in all material respects all agreements and covenants to be performed by them under the Arrangement Agreement; |
| Solana and Gran Tierra having no debt; |
| all outstanding loans owed to Solana by any Solana director or officer being repaid in full; |
| Solanas employment related obligations not exceeding $1.5 million and Solanas expenses related to the Arrangement not exceeding $5 million; |
| receipt by Gran Tierra of resignations and releases from all of Solanas directors and officers; and |
| receipt by Gran Tierra of the Non-Solicitation Agreement from specified officers of Solana. |
Under the Arrangement Agreement, Gran Tierra and Solana have agreed to a number of covenants, including the following:
The parties have agreed to apply for and use their reasonable best efforts to obtain all court, regulatory and other consents and approvals required for the consummation of the Arrangement and to use their reasonable best efforts to effect the transactions contemplated by the Arrangement Agreement;
Until the earlier of the termination of the Arrangement Agreement or the consummation of the Arrangement, each party has agreed that, except as set forth in the Arrangement Agreement or the disclosure letters thereto, it will operate its business only in the usual, regular and ordinary manner and to the extent consistent with such operation, use all commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact its present business organization and to consummate the Arrangement. Each party has agreed to refrain from taking any action which would be reasonably likely to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Arrangement;
Each party will use its reasonable best efforts to list the Gran Tierra common stock on the TSX and the AMEX;
Solana and its representatives will not directly or indirectly solicit, initiate or encourage any proposal which constitutes or may reasonably lead to a Solana Acquisition Proposal (as defined below) from any third party. Additionally, Solana will exercise all rights to require the return or destruction of confidential information previously provided to all other parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Solana may at any time prior to the approval of the Arrangement by the Solana Securityholders engage in discussions or negotiations with a third party who (without any direct or indirect solicitation, initiation or encouragement by Solana) seeks to initiate such discussions or negotiations and furnish such third party with information concerning Solana which has previously been provided to Gran Tierra, if, and only to the extent that:
| the third party has first made a bona fide written acquisition proposal, being a proposal that is (i) financially superior to the transaction contemplated by the Arrangement Agreement, and (ii) as to which the third party has demonstrated that the funds or other consideration necessary are available, as determined in good faith by the Solana Board, after consulting with its financial advisors, referred to herein as a Superior Proposal; and the Solana Board has concluded in good faith, after consulting with outside counsel, that such action is necessary for such board to act in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law; |
| prior to furnishing information to or entering into discussions or negotiations with the third party, Solana provides prompt notice orally and in writing to Gran Tierra specifying the identity of the third party and receives from the third party an executed confidentiality agreement having terms substantially similar to those contained in the confidentiality agreement executed by Solana and Gran |
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Tierra in connection with the Arrangement, providing full details forthwith of all material terms and conditions of the alternative proposal and any information provided to any such person or entity if not previously made available to Gran Tierra; and |
| Solana keeps Gran Tierra informed of the status and details of any such proposal. |
To the extent applicable, Solana must comply with the rules relating to tender or exchange offers under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Multilateral Instrument 62-104 Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids (Canada).
Solana may accept, recommend, approve or implement a Superior Proposal from a third party, but only if prior to such acceptance, recommendation, approval or implementation, the Solana Board has concluded in good faith, after giving effect to all proposals to adjust the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement and the Arrangement which may be offered by Gran Tierra during the 72 hour notice period described under Right to Match below, that such action is necessary for the Solana Board to act in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law and Solana terminates the Arrangement Agreement and concurrently therewith pays the fees described below; and
Solana must give Gran Tierra at least 72 hours advance notice in writing of any decision by the Solana Board to accept, recommend, approve or implement a Superior Proposal, which notice must identify the party making the Superior Proposal and must provide full details of all material terms and conditions thereof and any amendments thereto. Solana must inform Gran Tierra of the status (including all terms and conditions thereof) of any discussions and negotiations with that party. In addition Solana must, and must cause its financial and legal advisors to, negotiate in good faith with Gran Tierra to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement and the Plan of Arrangement as would enable Solana to proceed with the transactions contemplated by the Arrangement Agreement. In the event Gran Tierra proposes to amend the Arrangement Agreement and the Arrangement to provide equivalent value as is provided under the Superior Proposal, then Solana is not permitted to enter into any agreement regarding the Superior Proposal.
As used in the Arrangement Agreement, Solana Acquisition Proposal means a proposal or offer in writing to Solana or its shareholders from any person or group which constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, (i) an acquisition of 50% or more of the voting securities of Solana, (ii) an acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Solana, (iii) an amalgamation, arrangement, merger, or consolidation involving Solana, (iv) any take-over bid, issuer bid, exchange offer, reorganization, business combination or similar transaction involving Solana, or (v) any other transaction, the consummation of which would or could reasonably be expected to (a) impede, interfere with, prevent or delay the transactions contemplated by the Arrangement Agreement or (b) reduce the benefits to Gran Tierra under the Arrangement Agreement.
The Arrangement Agreement may be terminated prior to the Effective Time, as follows:
| by mutual agreement of both parties; |
| by either party, if the other party fails to keep true its representations and warranties as provided in the closing conditions of the Arrangement Agreement; |
| by either party, if all the conditions for closing the Arrangement have not been satisfied or waived before the Effective Time; |
| by either party, if the required approval of the Solana Securityholders or Gran Tierra stockholders has not been obtained; |
| by either party, if any final and non-appealable order has been entered in any action or proceeding before any governmental entity that prevents or makes illegal the consummation of the Arrangement; |
| by Solana, if the Gran Tierra Board or any of its committees withdraws or modifies adversely to Solana its approval or recommendation of the Arrangement Agreement, the Arrangement and the other transactions contemplated therein; |
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| by Gran Tierra, if the Solana Board or any of its committees: (i) withdraws or modifies adversely to Gran Tierra its approval or recommendation of the Arrangement Agreement, the Arrangement and the other transactions contemplated therein; or (ii) fails to reaffirm its approval or recommendation upon a request by Gran Tierra to do so or upon a Solana Acquisition Proposal being publicly announced or proposed, offered or made to the Solana Securityholders or to Solana; or |
| by Solana, if the Solana Board accepts, recommends, approves or implements a Superior Proposal and otherwise complies with the provisions of the Arrangement Agreement. |
Upon termination of the Arrangement Agreement in accordance with its terms, neither party nor its respective officers or directors shall have any further liability under the Arrangement Agreement except that the termination fees described below shall survive such termination, and the Confidentiality Agreement between Gran Tierra and Solana dated July 26, 2007 will survive any termination. However, neither party will be released from any liability arising from the breach by that party of the Arrangement Agreement.
Termination fees are payable under the Arrangement Agreement as follows:
| if Solana terminates the Arrangement Agreement due to a breach by Gran Tierra of the representations and warranties required by it, which has been or could reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to Solana, then Gran Tierra must pay Solana a cash termination fee equal to the Solanas transaction costs (including the fees and costs of professional advisors) incurred in connection with the negotiation and performance of the Arrangement and related transactions, subject to a maximum reimbursement of $1.5 million, at the time of termination; |
| if Gran Tierra terminates the Arrangement Agreement due to a breach by Solana of the representations and warranties required by it, which has been or could reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to Gran Tierra, then Solana must pay Gran Tierra a cash termination fee equal to Gran Tierras transaction costs (including the fees and costs of professional advisors) incurred in connection with the negotiation and performance of the Arrangement and related transactions, subject to a maximum reimbursement of $1.5 million, at the time of termination; |
| if Solana terminates the Arrangement Agreement in connection with a determination by the Solana Board to accept, recommend, approve or implement a Superior Proposal, or if Gran Tierra terminates the Arrangement Agreement in connection with (i) the withdrawal or adverse modification by the Solana Board of its approval or recommendation of the Arrangement Agreement, the Arrangement and the other transactions contemplated in it or (ii) the failure by the Solana Board to reaffirm its approval or recommendation upon a request by Gran Tierra to do so or upon a Solana Acquisition Proposal being publicly announced or proposed, offered or made to the Solana Securityholders or to Solana, a determination by the Solana Board to accept, recommend, approve or implement a Superior Proposal, then Solana must pay Gran Tierra a cash termination fee of $21 million, payable immediately upon written notice of termination being provided; and |
| if Solana terminates the Arrangement Agreement in connection with the withdrawal or adverse modification by the Gran Tierra Board of its approval or recommendation of the Arrangement Agreement, the Plan of Arrangement and the other transactions contemplated in it, then Gran Tierra must pay Solana a cash termination fee of $21 million, payable immediately upon written notice of termination being provided. |
If either party fails to promptly pay any of the above fees, then it shall pay the other partys costs and expenses in connection with any action, including the filing of any lawsuit or other legal action, taken to collect payment, together with interest on the amount of any unpaid fee at the publicly announced prime rate of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from the date such fee was first due.
The Arrangement Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of each of Solana and Gran Tierra relating to, among other things:
| the parties organization, capital structures and qualification; |
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| required consents; |
| periodic securities reports and financial information; |
| liabilities and litigation; |
| intellectual property rights; |
| absence of material adverse changes; |
| employee matters; |
| taxes; |
| environmental matters; |
| absence of defaults; |
| title to properties; |
| receipt of fairness opinion from each companys financial advisor; |
| non-existence of a Solana Shareholder rights plan that would impede the Arrangement; |
| compliance with necessary regulatory or governmental authorities; and |
| authority to enter into the Arrangement Agreement and to consummate the Arrangement. |
Gran Tierras common stock was first cleared for quotation on the OTCBB on November 11, 2005 and traded on the OTCBB from that time until April 8, 2008 under the symbol GTRE.OB. On April 8, 2008, Gran Tierras common stock was listed on the AMEX and is trading under the symbol GTE. On February 19, 2008, Gran Tierras common stock was listed on the TSX and is trading under the symbol GTE. Gran Tierras AMEX and TSX listings include shares of common stock issuable upon exchange of currently outstanding GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares.
Solanas Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SOR and on the AIM under the symbol SORL. Action will be taken to de-list the Solana Shares from the TSX Venture Exchange and the AIM on or after the Effective Date of the Arrangement.
On July 28, 2008, the last full trading day for Gran Tierra and Solana before the public announcement of the transaction, Gran Tierra common stock closed at CDN$5.73 on the TSX and $5.57 on the AMEX and Solana Shares closed at CDN$4.35 on the TSX Venture Exchange and £2.13 on the AIM.
On September 9, 2008, Gran Tierra applied to the TSX to conditionally approve the listing of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, subject to Exchangeco fulfilling the original listing requirements of the TSX. There is no current intention to list the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares on any other stock exchange.
It is a condition to the consummation of the Arrangement that the shares of Gran Tierra common stock issuable in connection with the Arrangement be conditionally approved for listing on the TSX and the AMEX.
On , 2008, the AMEX, and on September 22, 2008, the TSX, conditionally approved the additional listing application for trading of the additional shares of Gran Tierra common stock issued pursuant to the Arrangement.
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In the opinion of Davis LLP, Canadian counsel to Solana, and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Canadian counsel to Gran Tierra, the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, if listed on a designated stock exchange in Canada (which currently includes the TSX) at a particular time will, subject to the provisions of any particular plan, be qualified investments under the Income Tax Act (Canada) at such time for trusts governed by registered retirement savings plans, registered retirement income funds, registered education savings plans, deferred profit sharing plans and registered disability savings plans, collectively referred to as Exempt Plans.
Gran Tierra has indicated that it intends to take all actions necessary to cause Exchangeco to effect and maintain the listing of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares.
The rights of the holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares to direct the voting of the share of Gran Tierra Special B Voting Stock held by the Exchangeco Trustee under the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, and the rights granted to the Exchangeco Trustee to exchange GTESolana Exchangeable Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock in specified circumstances, will not be qualified investments for Exempt Plans. However, as indicated under Information About Tax Considerations Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations Shareholders Resident in Canada, Solana and Gran Tierra are of the view that the fair market value of any such rights is nominal.
Persons who hold or intend to cause Exempt Plans to acquire GTESolana Exchangeable Shares after the Arrangement should nevertheless contact their own tax advisors, for information concerning the potential impact of holding the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and such rights in such plans.
Shares of Gran Tierra common stock will, subject to the provisions of any particular plan, be qualified investments under the Income Tax Act (Canada) for Exempt Plans provided such shares remain listed on the AMEX or another designated stock exchange.
Gran Tierra and Solana have each agreed to use reasonable efforts in order to obtain all regulatory approvals required in order to consummate the Arrangement.
Gran Tierra and Solana conduct operations in a number of jurisdictions where regulatory filings or approvals may be required or advisable in connection with the completion of the Arrangement, including Colombia which is discussed below. Gran Tierra and Solana are currently reviewing whether filings or approvals may be required or advisable in other jurisdictions that may be material to Gran Tierra and Solana. It is possible that any of the regulatory authorities with which filings are made may seek regulatory concessions as conditions for granting approval of the Arrangement.
Although it is not anticipated that the parties will need to submit filings pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or the HSR Act, the Arrangement will still be subject to potential U.S. antitrust scrutiny. Even if no filing under the HSR Act is required, at any time before or after completion of the Arrangement, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice or any state could take such action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to enjoin the completion of the Arrangement, to rescind the Arrangement or to seek divestiture of particular assets of Gran Tierra or Solana. Private parties also may seek to take legal action under the antitrust laws under specified circumstances. As in every transaction, a challenge to the Arrangement on antitrust grounds may be made, and, if such a challenge is made, it is possible that Gran Tierra and Solana will not prevail.
Prior to completing the Arrangement, Gran Tierra and Solana must obtain requisite approvals from any other regulatory authorities if the failure to obtain approvals of those regulatory authorities would have a material adverse effect on Gran Tierra and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, or Solana and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, respectively, in each case after giving effect to the Arrangement.
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Although we do not expect regulatory authorities to raise any significant objections in connection with their review of the Arrangement, we cannot assure you that we will obtain all required regulatory approvals or that these regulatory approvals will not contain terms, conditions or restrictions that would be detrimental to the combined company after the completion of the Arrangement.
The obligations of the parties to complete the Arrangement is subject to the approval by the antitrust authority of Colombia, the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce, or the SIC, pursuant to the Colombian merger control regime. By law, Gran Tierra and Solana shall file a notice before the SIC in order to obtain such approval. Once such notice is filed, the SIC has a period of thirty (30) business days to review the filing and issue a decision. If within this thirty (30) business day period the SIC requests from any of the parties to the transaction additional information regarding the filing, this period will commence again from the date of the answer to such request. If the SIC does not issue a decision within the thirty (30) business days counted as of the date the notification was filed or the date of the response to the request for additional information, the transaction shall be deemed approved.
On August 27, 2008 Gran Tierra and Solana filed a request to obtain the necessary authorization to complete the Arrangement before the SIC.
We do not expect that any of the abovementioned regulatory approvals, filings or any other required regulatory filings, will delay consummation of the Arrangement.
As the issuer of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, Exchangeco, upon completion of the Arrangement, will be a reporting issuer in certain of the provinces of Canada. Exchangeco will be exempt from statutory financial and reporting requirements under applicable securities laws provided that Gran Tierra continues to file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities copies of certain of its reports filed with the SEC and that holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares receive certain materials that are sent to holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock, including annual and interim financial statements of Gran Tierra and Gran Tierra stockholder meeting materials. Exchangeco expects that it will be exempt from the TSX financial and reporting requirements based on the exemptions provided under applicable securities laws.
After the completion of the Arrangement, holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will receive annual and interim financial statements of Gran Tierra in lieu of financial statements of Exchangeco.
Under Nevada law, holders of Gran Tierra common stock will not have appraisal or dissenters rights relating to the Arrangement.
The following description of the right to dissent and appraisal to which Solana Shareholders are entitled is not a comprehensive statement of the procedures to be followed by a person exercising such rights of dissent who seeks payment of the fair value of such Dissenting Shareholders securities and is qualified in its entirety by the reference to the full text of the Interim Order, which is attached to this Joint Proxy Statement as Appendix C, and the text of Section 191 of the ABCA, which is attached to this Joint Proxy Statement as Appendix J. A Dissenting Shareholder who intends to exercise the right to dissent and appraisal should carefully consider and comply with the provisions of the ABCA, as modified by the Interim Order. Failure to strictly comply with the provisions of that section, as modified by the Interim Order, and to adhere to the procedures established therein may result in the loss of all rights thereunder.
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A Court hearing the application for the Final Order has the discretion to alter the rights of dissent described herein based on the evidence presented at such hearing. Pursuant to the Interim Order, a Dissenting Shareholder is entitled, in addition to any other right such Dissenting Shareholder may have, to dissent and to be paid by Solana the fair value of the securities held by such Dissenting Shareholder in respect of which such Dissenting Shareholder dissents, determined as of the close of business on the last business day before the day on which the Arrangement Resolution from which such Dissenting Shareholder dissents was adopted. A Dissenting Shareholder may dissent in respect of the Arrangement Resolution only with respect to all of the Solana securities held by such Dissenting Shareholder or on behalf of any one beneficial owner and registered in the Dissenting Shareholders name. Only registered holders of securities may dissent. Persons who are beneficial owners of Solana securities registered in the name of a broker, custodian, nominee or other intermediary who wish to dissent, should be aware that they may only do so through the registered owner of such securities. A registered holder, such as a broker, who holds securities as nominee for beneficial holders, some of whom wish to dissent, must exercise dissent rights on behalf of such beneficial owners with respect to the securities held for such beneficial owners. In such case, the demand for dissent should set forth the number of securities covered by it.
Dissenting Shareholders must provide a written objection to the Arrangement Resolution to Solana c/o Davis LLP, Livingston Place 1000 250 2nd St SW Calgary, AB, Canada T2P 0C1, Attention: Kenneth P. Reh, by 4:00 p.m. on the fifth business day immediately preceding the date of the Solana Special Meeting. No Solana Shareholder who has voted in favor of the Arrangement Resolution shall be entitled to dissent with the respect to the Arrangement. Under the ABCA, a vote Against the proposal will not satisfy the requirement to provide written objection.
An application may be made to the Court by Solana or by a Dissenting Shareholder after the adoption of the Arrangement Resolution to fix the fair value of the Dissenting Shareholders shares. If such an application to the Court is made, Solana must, unless the Court otherwise orders, send to each Dissenting Shareholder a written offer to pay the Dissenting Shareholder an amount considered by the Solana Board to be the fair value of such securities. The offer, unless the Court otherwise orders, will be sent to each Dissenting Shareholder at least 10 days before the date on which the application is returnable, if Solana is the applicant, or within 10 days after Solana is served with notice of the application, if a Dissenting Shareholder is the applicant. The offer will be made on the same terms to each Dissenting Shareholder, and will be accompanied by a statement showing how the fair value was determined.
A Dissenting Shareholder may make an agreement with Solana for the purchase of such holders Solana Shares in the amount of the offer made by Solana (or otherwise) at any time before the Court pronounces an order fixing the fair value of the Solana securities.
A Dissenting Shareholder is not required to give security for costs in respect of an application and, except in special circumstances, will not be required to pay the costs of the application or appraisal. On the application, the Court will make an order fixing the fair value of the Solana Shares held by all Dissenting Shareholders who are parties to the application, giving judgment in that amount against Solana and in favor of each of those Dissenting Shareholders, and fixing the time within which Solana must pay that amount payable to the Dissenting Shareholders. The Court may in its discretion allow a reasonable rate of interest on the amount payable to each Dissenting Shareholder calculated from the date on which the Dissenting Shareholder ceases to have any rights as a securityholder, until the date of payment.
On the Arrangement becoming effective, or upon the making of an agreement between Solana and the Dissenting Shareholder as to the payment to be made by Solana to the Dissenting Shareholder, or upon the pronouncement of a Court order, whichever occurs first, the Dissenting Shareholder will cease to have any rights as a securityholder other than the right to be paid the fair value of such holders securities, in the amount agreed to between Solana and the Dissenting Shareholder or in the amount of the judgment, as the case may be. Until one of these events occurs, the Dissenting Shareholder may withdraw the Dissenting Shareholders dissent, or if the Arrangement has not yet become effective, Solana may rescind the Arrangement Resolution, and in either event the dissent and appraisal proceedings in respect of that Dissenting Shareholder will be discontinued.
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Solana will not make a payment to a Dissenting Shareholder in accordance with Section 191 if there are reasonable grounds for believing that Solana is or would after the payment be unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or that the realizable value of the assets of Solana would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities. In such event, Solana shall notify each Dissenting Shareholder that it is unable lawfully to pay Dissenting Shareholders for their securities, as applicable, in which case the Dissenting Shareholder may, by written notice to Solana within 30 days after receipt of such notice, withdraw such holders written objection, in which case Solana shall be deemed to consent to the withdrawal and such Dissenting Shareholder shall be reinstated with full rights as a securityholder, failing which such Dissenting Shareholder retains status as a claimant against Solana, to be paid as soon as Solana is lawfully entitled to do so or, in a liquidation, to be ranked subordinate to the rights of creditors of Solana, but in priority to its shareholders.
All Shares held by Dissenting Shareholder who exercise their right to dissent will, if the holders are ultimately entitled to be paid the fair value thereof, be deemed to be transferred to Solana and cancelled in exchange for such fair value or will, if such Dissenting Shareholder ultimately are not so entitled to be paid the fair value thereof, be deemed to be exchanged for GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or Gran Tierra common stock, as the case may be, on the same basis as all other securityholders pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement.
The above summary does not purport to provide a comprehensive statement of the procedures to be followed by a Dissenting Shareholder who seeks payment of the fair value of its securities. Section 191 of the ABCA requires adherence to the procedures established therein and failure to do so may result in the loss of all rights thereunder. Accordingly, each Dissenting Shareholder who might desire to exercise the right to dissent and appraisal should carefully consider and comply with the provisions of that section, the full text of which is set out in Annex J to this Joint Proxy Statement, and consult their own legal advisor.
The Arrangement Agreement provides that it is a condition to the obligations of Gran Tierra to complete the Arrangement that holders of not more than 5% of the issued and outstanding Solana Shares exercise their right of dissent as described above.
Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, Gran Tierra has agreed that all rights to indemnification existing at the time of execution of the Arrangement Agreement in favor of the directors and officers of Solana and its subsidiaries in accordance with the charter documents and bylaws of each entity and to the fullest extent permitted under the ABCA with respect to matters occurring prior to the Effective Time will continue in full force and effect without modification until the expiration of the statute of limitations with respect to those matters. Gran Tierra has further agreed that it will cause Solana to indemnify and hold harmless to the fullest extent permitted under the ABCA, each of the directors and officers of Solana against any claims, including costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees), that is based on, or arises out of, the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of Solana or any Solana subsidiary. Gran Tierra also has agreed to continue in effect director and officer liability insurance for such persons for a period of five years from the Effective Time on the same terms as Solana provided for its own directors and officers on the date of the Arrangement Agreement.
Pursuant to the terms of the Plan of Arrangement, all Solana options will vest in full upon consummation of the Arrangement. The directors and officers of Solana own in the aggregate 2,910,000 options, of which 1,650,005 are currently unvested. Each holder of a Solana option can elect to either (a) receive the value of that option in Solana Shares immediately prior to the completion of the combination, in which case they would be exchanged for shares of Gran Tierra common stock or GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, (b) receive the value of that option in cash, or (c) if they will be continuing in the employment of, or will continue to provide eligible services to, Gran Tierra or any of its subsidiaries, elect to cause those options to be exchanged for Gran Tierra options. See Treatment of Stock Options on page 71 for a description of the terms of exchange.
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Pursuant to the terms of the Plan of Arrangement, all Solana warrants (which have previously vested in accordance with their terms) will be deemed to have vested in full upon consummation of the Arrangement. The directors and officers of Solana own in the aggregate 7,500,000 warrants. Each holder of a Solana warrant can elect to either (a) receive the value of that warrant in Solana Shares immediately prior to the completion of the combination, in which case they would be exchanged for shares of Gran Tierra common stock or GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, (b) receive the value of that warrant in cash, or (c) take no action, in which case the Solana warrant will automatically become a warrant to purchase Gran Tierra common stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of such Solana warrant. See Treatment of Warrants on page 72 for a description of the terms of conversion.
Directors and officers of Solana own beneficially, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over, an aggregate of approximately 18,485,000 Solana Securities (approximately 6.4% of the issued and outstanding Solana Shares, 71.9% of the issued and outstanding Solana options, 100% of the issued and outstanding Solana warrants and 13.4% of the issued and outstanding Solana Securities). The directors and officers of Solana have agreed to vote the 18,485,000 Solana Securities beneficially owned by them, in favor of the Arrangement Resolution and all other matters to be considered at the Solana Special Meeting.
The employment agreements with each of Solanas executive officers do not contain change of control provisions, however, subject to certain conditions being met, these individuals will receive severance payments if they are terminated prior to expiration of their respective employment agreements, such amount not to exceed, in the aggregate, $1.5 million under the Arrangement Agreement. Solana has extended the expiration date of the employment agreements for each of Mr. J. Scott Price and Mr. Glenn Van Doorne from October 2, 2008 to December 31, 2008 and if there is no further extension of their respective agreements, no severance payments will be payable after that date. In addition, Mr. Ricardo Montess employment agreement provides that he is entitled to severance payments in the event that his employment is terminated prior to May 1, 2010 in an amount equal to 100% of the salary (currently CDN$235,000 per annum) that Mr. Montes would have earned if his employment had continued until May 1, 2010.
Following completion of the Arrangement, Mr. J. Scott Price, currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Solana, and Mr. Ray Antony, currently the Chairman of the Solana Board, will join the Gran Tierra Board and will receive compensation that may include options to acquire Gran Tierra common stock and other securities, for services rendered in such capacity.
Gran Tierra has retained Blackmont to be the financial advisor to Gran Tierra and the Gran Tierra Board with respect to the Arrangement. Blackmont will receive fees from Gran Tierra for such services.
Solana has retained Tristone to be the financial advisor to Solana and the Solana Board with respect to the Arrangement. Tristone will receive fees from Solana for such services.
None of the principal holders of Solana Shares or any director or officer of Solana or any associate or any affiliate of any foregoing persons, has or had any material interest in any transaction in the last three years or any proposed transaction that materially affected, or will materially affect, Solana or any of its affiliates except as disclosed above or elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement or the appendices hereto.
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The combined company will be a more substantial independent oil and gas company with operations in South America. The combined company will retain the name Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and will have its executive offices in Calgary, Canada, at Gran Tierras current executive offices.
At December 31, 2007, Gran Tierra and Solana had combined pro forma worldwide proved reserves, net of all royalties and third party interests, of approximately 14.8 million barrels of oil. On a pro forma combined basis, assuming the consummation of the Arrangement, the combined company had:
| 2007 oil and natural gas liquids production, net of royalties, of 2,177 barrels per day; |
| first six months of 2008 oil and natural gas liquids production, net of royalties, of 5,763 barrels per day; |
| 2007 year end total land holdings of 6.5 million acres; |
| 2007 worldwide gas production of 994 thousand cubic feet per day; and |
| first six months of 2008 worldwide gas production of 44 thousand cubic feet per day. |
In addition, in July 2008, Gran Tierra updated its proved reserves from the Costayaco field in Colombia at June 30, 2008, which were 6.67 million barrels of oil net of royalties compared to 3.27 million barrels of oil net of royalties at year end 2007, an increase of 104%.
At June 30, 2008, on a pro forma combined basis, the combined company had:
| total assets of approximately $1,060 million; |
| total shareholders equity of approximately $740 million; |
| no debt; |
| approximately 233 million outstanding shares of common stock (including Gran Tierra common stock issuable (a) in the Arrangement, (b) upon exchange of the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares issued in the Arrangement, and (c) upon exchange of the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares); and |
| approximately 180 employees in Canada and South America. |
For the six month period ended June 30, 2008, and for the year ended December 31, 2007, on a pro forma combined basis, the combined company had:
| revenues of approximately $103 million and $52 million, respectively. |
See Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information About the Combined Company on page 186.
Plans for Solana. Upon the combination becoming effective, Solana will become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra. Gran Tierra has no present plans or proposals which relate to or would result in an extraordinary corporate transaction with Solana following consummation of the Arrangement, such as a merger, reorganization, liquidation, a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets or any other material changes to Solanas corporate structure or business.
Board of Directors of the Combined Company. Following the consummation of the Arrangement, the Gran Tierra Board will be increased to seven members. This seven member board will include all five members of the current Gran Tierra Board, plus two additional members from the Solana Board: J. Scott Price,
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Solanas current President and Chief Executive Officer; and Ray Antony, Solanas current Chairman of the Board, will also join as members of the Gran Tierra Board.
Management of the Combined Company. The combined company will be managed by the current management of Gran Tierra.
Dividend Policy. Gran Tierra has not declared or paid cash dividends on its common stock since incorporation. After the transaction, Gran Tierra currently intends to retain earnings to finance the growth and development of its business and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the near future. Any payment of cash dividends in the future will depend upon Gran Tierras financial condition, capital requirements and earnings as well as other factors the Gran Tierra Board may deem relevant. Gran Tierras credit facility with commercial lenders restricts the dividends Gran Tierra can pay to its stockholders.
For the periods indicated, the following table sets forth the high and low bid prices per share of Gran Tierra common stock on the OTCBB, traded under the symbol GTRE.OB, until April 8, 2008. These prices represent inter-dealer quotations without retail markup, markdown, or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. For the period beginning April 8, 2008, these prices represent high and low sale prices per share of Gran Tierra common stock on the AMEX traded under the symbol GTE.
The following table also sets forth the high and low sale prices per share of Solana Shares, traded under the symbol SOR, on the TSX Venture Exchange, and traded under the symbol SORL, on the AIM, for the periods indicated. The quotations are as reported in published financial sources.
Price Range | Trading Volume |
|||||||||||
Period | High | Low | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | |||||||||||
2005 |
||||||||||||
November 14 through December 31 | $ | 2.83 | $ | 1.01 | 5,150,499 | |||||||
2006 |
||||||||||||
Quarter ended March 31 | $ | 6.06 | $ | 2.94 | 18,677,360 | |||||||
Quarter ended June 30 | $ | 5.12 | $ | 2.57 | 8,145,342 | |||||||
Quarter ended September 30 | $ | 3.70 | $ | 1.45 | 5,823,943 | |||||||
Quarter ended December 31 | $ | 1.85 | $ | 1.08 | 10,432,143 | |||||||
2007 |
||||||||||||
Quarter ended March 31 | $ | 1.64 | $ | 0.88 | 9,852,467 | |||||||
Quarter ended June 30 | $ | 1.49 | $ | 0.90 | 13,796,290 | |||||||
Quarter ended September 30 | $ | 2.16 | $ | 1.31 | 29,105,829 | |||||||
Quarter ended December 31 | $ | 2.69 | $ | 1.39 | 19,097,575 | |||||||
2008 |
||||||||||||
Quarter ended March 31 | $ | 4.26 | $ | 2.31 | 61,072,626 | |||||||
Quarter ended June 30 | $ | 8.78 | $ | 3.29 | 126,163,767 | |||||||
July 1 through September 5, 2008 | $ | 8.14 | $ | 3.99 | 76,846,460 |
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Price Range | Trading Volume |
|||||||||||
Period | High | Low | ||||||||||
CDN$ | CDN$ | |||||||||||
Five Most Recent Full Years |
||||||||||||
Year ended 2003 | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.16 | 590,106 | |||||||
Year ended 2004 | $ | 3.65 | $ | 1.50 | 19,843,743 | |||||||
Year ended 2005 | $ | 4.50 | $ | 0.98 | 82,653,048 | |||||||
Year ended 2006 | $ | 3.40 | $ | 0.84 | 63,105,987 | |||||||
Year ended 2007 | $ | 2.80 | $ | 0.73 | 133,234,658 | |||||||
2006 (Quarterly) |
||||||||||||
Quarter ended March 31 | $ | 3.40 | $ | 1.85 | 21,104,197 | |||||||
Quarter ended June 30 | $ | 2.40 | $ | 1.14 | 11,102,318 | |||||||
Quarter ended September 30 | $ | 1.89 | $ | 0.94 | 10,955,964 | |||||||
Quarter ended December 31 | $ | 1.35 | $ | 0.84 | 19,943,508 | |||||||
2007 (Quarterly) |
||||||||||||
Quarter ended March 31 | $ | 1.25 | $ | 0.75 | 36,162,225 | |||||||
Quarter ended June 30 | $ | 1.12 | $ | 0.73 | 30,535,103 | |||||||
Quarter ended September 30 | $ | 2.20 | $ | 1.40 | 19,943,437 | |||||||
Quarter ended December 31 | $ | 2.80 | $ | 1.96 | 46,593,893 | |||||||
2008 (Quarterly) |
||||||||||||
Quarter ended March 31 | $ | 3.32 | $ | 2.25 | 28,622,833 | |||||||
Quarter ended June 30 | $ | 5.87 | $ | 3.85 | 53,684,097 | |||||||
2008 (Most Recent Six Months) |
||||||||||||
March | $ | 3.49 | $ | 2.86 | 12,873,082 | |||||||
April | $ | 4.08 | $ | 3.25 | 16,302,069 | |||||||
May | $ | 4.60 | $ | 3.85 | 16,374,527 | |||||||
June | $ | 5.87 | $ | 3.99 | 21,007,501 | |||||||
July | $ | 5.65 | $ | 4.19 | 57,683,628 | |||||||
August | $ | 5.03 | $ | 4.10 | 15,979,334 |
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Price Range | Trading Volume |
|||||||||||
Period | High | Low | ||||||||||
GBP£ | GBP£ | |||||||||||
Five Most Recent Full Years |
||||||||||||
Year ended 2003 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
Year ended 2004 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
Year ended 2006 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
Year ended 2006 | £ | 1.63 | £ | 0.40 | 687,700 | |||||||
Year ended 2007 | £ | 1.40 | £ | 0.34 | 1,115,591 | |||||||
2006 (Quarterly) |
||||||||||||
Quarter ended March 31 | £ | 1.63 | £ | 0.93 | 470,900 | |||||||
Quarter ended June 30 | £ | 1.20 | £ | 0.57 | 120,400 | |||||||
Quarter ended September 30 | £ | 0.80 | £ | 0.43 | 45,400 | |||||||
Quarter ended December 31 | £ | 0.60 | £ | 0.40 | 51,000 | |||||||
2007 (Quarterly) |
||||||||||||
Quarter ended March 31 | £ | 0.53 | £ | 0.34 | 106,977 | |||||||
Quarter ended June 30 | £ | 0.84 | £ | 0.34 | 224,658 | |||||||
Quarter ended September 30 | £ | 1.05 | £ | 0.70 | 362,400 | |||||||
Quarter ended December 31 | £ | 1.40 | £ | 1.02 | 421,551 | |||||||
2008 (Quarterly) |
||||||||||||
Quarter ended March 31 | £ | 1.76 | £ | 1.10 | 349,255 | |||||||
Quarter ended June 30 | £ | 2.34 | £ | 1.61 | 873,013 | |||||||
2008 (Most Recent Six Months) |
||||||||||||
March | £ | 1.76 | £ | 1.48 | 120,958 | |||||||
April | £ | 2.00 | £ | 1.61 | 156,703 | |||||||
May | £ | 2.34 | £ | 1.93 | 205,567 | |||||||
June | £ | 2.90 | £ | 2.10 | 510,743 | |||||||
July | £ | 2.77 | £ | 2.04 | 484,947 | |||||||
August | £ | 2.47 | £ | 1.99 | 880,443 |
On July 28, 2008, the last full trading day for Gran Tierra and Solana before the public announcement of the transaction, Gran Tierra common stock closed at $5.57 on the AMEX and Solana Shares closed at CDN $4.35 on the TSX Venture Exchange and £2.13 on the AIM. On September 3, 2008, the last closing price of Gran Tierra common stock was $4.12 and on September 3, 2008, the last closing price of Solana Shares was CDN$4.11.
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The following table sets forth certain historical per common share data for Gran Tierra and Solana and unaudited pro forma and equivalent pro forma combined per common share data after giving effect to the proposed transaction under the purchase method of accounting at the exchange ratio of 0.9527918 of a share (common share of GTE-Solana Exchangeable Share) for each Solana common share. Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share and Cash Dividends per Common Share are presented for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and for the year ended December 31, 2007. Book Value per Common Share and Payout Ratio are presented as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
The data should be read in conjunction with the selected historical consolidated financial data and the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements included in this Joint Proxy Statement and the separate historical consolidated financial statements of Gran Tierra and Solana, including the notes thereto, incorporated by reference or included in this Joint Proxy Statement. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data are not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred had the transaction been consummated at the beginning of the earliest period presented and should not be construed as indicative of future operations.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
|||||||
Historical Gran Tierra |
||||||||
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share(1) | (0.09 | ) | 0.13 | |||||
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share(1) | (0.09 | ) | 0.11 | |||||
Cash Dividend per Common Share(2) | | | ||||||
Book Value per Common Share(3) | 0.81 | 0.97 | ||||||
Historical Solana |
||||||||
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share(1) | (0.08 | ) | 0.25 | |||||
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share(1) | (0.08 | ) | 0.24 | |||||
Cash Dividend per Common Share(2) | | | ||||||
Book Value per Common Share(3) | 1.18 | 1.48 | ||||||
Pro Forma per Common Share Data |
||||||||
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share(4) | (0.21 | ) | 0.04 | |||||
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share(4) | (0.21 | ) | 0.03 | |||||
Cash Dividend per Common Share(2) | | | ||||||
Pay Out Ratio(5) | | | ||||||
Book Value per Common Share(3) | | 3.31 | ||||||
Consolidated Equivalent Pro Forma per Common Share Data(6) |
||||||||
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share | (0.20 | ) | 0.04 | |||||
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share | (0.20 | ) | 0.03 | |||||
Cash Dividend per Common Share | | | ||||||
Book Value per Common Share | | 3.16 |
(1) | The Historical Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares of Gran Tierra and Solana outstanding for each period. The Historical Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares and equivalent common shares outstanding for each period. |
(2) | Gran Tierra and Solana neither declared nor paid a dividend during any of the periods presented. |
(3) | The Historical Book Value per Common Share is computed by dividing shareholders equity by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of each period. |
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(4) | The unaudited Pro Forma Earnings per Common Share Data are based upon the weighted average number of common shares and equivalent common shares outstanding of Gran Tierra and Solana for each period at the exchange ratio of 0.9527918 Gran Tierra share for each Solana common share. |
(5) | Gran Tierra and Solana neither declared nor paid a dividend during any of the periods presented therefore no unaudited Pro Forma Payout Ratio is calculated. |
(6) | The unaudited Equivalent Pro Forma per Common Share Data is calculated by multiplying the Pro Forma per Common Share Data by the exchange ratio of 0.9527918. |
The following tables set forth certain selected pro forma consolidated financial information. Such information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements of Gran Tierra after giving effect to the Arrangement for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and as at and for the year ended December 31, 2007 beginning on page 186 in this Joint Proxy Statement.
The pro forma adjustments are based upon the assumptions described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements. The pro forma consolidated financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the operating or financial results that would have occurred had the Arrangement actually occurred at the times contemplated by the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements or of the results expected in future periods.
(Dollars in Thousands Except per Share Amounts) | Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
||||||
Statement of Operations Data |
||||||||
Revenues and other income |
||||||||
Oil and natural gas sales | $ | 50,147 | $ | 101,731 | ||||
Interest | 1,516 | 1,172 | ||||||
Total revenues | 51,663 | 102,903 | ||||||
Expenses |
||||||||
Operating | 14,418 | 12,049 | ||||||
Depletion, depreciation and accretion | 29,991 | 40,695 | ||||||
General and administrative | 29,001 | 15,321 | ||||||
Liquidated damages | 7,367 | | ||||||
Derivative financial instruments | 3,040 | 7,462 | ||||||
Foreign exchange loss | 18,872 | 10,562 | ||||||
Total expenses | 102,689 | 86,089 | ||||||
Income (loss) before income tax | (51,026 | ) | 16,814 | |||||
Income tax | 5,051 | (8,576 | ) | |||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (45,975 | ) | $ | 8,238 | |||
Net income (loss) per common share basic | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | 0.04 | |||
Net income (loss) per common share diluted | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | 0.03 | |||
Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 96,328 | ||||||
Working capital (including cash) | 68,457 | |||||||
Oil and gas properties | 873,595 | |||||||
Deferred tax asset long term | 684 | |||||||
Total assets | 1,060,137 | |||||||
Deferred tax liability long term | 215,510 | |||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 7,329 | |||||||
Shareholders equity | $ | 740,208 |
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The following table sets out certain pro forma operational information for the oil and natural gas assets owned, directly or indirectly, on a consolidated basis by the combined company following completion of the Arrangement, for the periods indicated. Important information concerning the oil and natural gas properties and operations of Gran Tierra and Solana is contained in the Gran Tierra Annual Report on Form 10-K/A and Solana Annual Information Form, respectively, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are encouraged to carefully review those documents as the information set forth in the table below is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information contained in those documents.
Pro Forma Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Pro Forma Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
|||||||
Average Daily Production |
||||||||
Light and medium crude oil and natural gas liquids (Bbls/d) | 5,763 | 2,177 | ||||||
Natural gas (Mcf/d) | 44 | 994 | ||||||
Total (Boe/d) | 5,807 | 3,171 |
Pro Forma as at December 31, 2007 |
||||
Total Proved Reserves(1) |
||||
Light and medium crude oil (Mbbls) | 14,756 | |||
Natural gas liquids (Mbbls) | | |||
Natural gas (MMcf) | | |||
Total (Mboe) | 14,756 | |||
Net Land Holdings as at December 31, 2007 (acres) | 6,505,086 |
(1) | Reserves for Gran Tierra have been evaluated by Gaffney, Cline & Associates, independent consultants, effective December 31, 2007. Reserves for Solana have been evaluated by DeGolyer and MacNaughton Canada Limited effective December 31, 2007. Reserves for Gran Tierra for the Costayaco Field were updated by GLJ Petroleum Consultants effective July 1, 2008, using 3-D seismic and drilling results from four wells (Costayaco-1 through -4, not including test results of Costayaco-4 as these test results were not yet available), which indicated that the Costayaco field has gross proved reserves of 20.4 million barrels of oil, compared to 8.6 million barrels of oil for these properties at December 31, 2007. |
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The following table sets forth the name, municipality of residence and proposed office for each of the proposed directors and officers of the combined company upon completion of the Arrangement, together with their principal occupations during the last five years and the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock and Solana Shares (and resultant combined company after giving effect to the Arrangement) beneficially owned, or over which control or direction is exercised, by such persons. The calculations assume that the Solana Shares are exchanged directly for shares of Gran Tierra common stock. The directors of the combined company shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the combined companys shareholders or until their respective successors have been duly elected or appointed.
For purposes of the disclosure below, beneficial ownership includes shares owned or over which the person has voting or dispositive power, and any additional shares which the person has the right to acquire in the future, whether or not that right is currently exercisable.
Name and Municipality of Residence |
Proposed Office | Principal Occupation for the Five Previous Years | Number of Gran Tierra/Solana Shares (Gran Tierra Common Stock Post-Transaction) Owned(1) |
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Dana Coffield Calgary, Alberta |
President and Chief Executive Officer; Director | Before joining Gran Tierra as President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director in May, 2005, Mr. Coffield led the Middle East Business Unit for EnCana Corporation, North Americas largest independent oil and gas company, from 2003 through 2005. His responsibilities included business development, exploration operations, commercial evaluations, government and partner relations, planning and budgeting, environment/health/safety, security and management of several overseas operating offices. From 1998 through 2003, he was New Ventures Manager for EnCanas predecessor AEC International where he expanded activities into five new countries on three continents. Mr. Coffield was previously with ARCO International for ten years, where he participated in exploration and production operations in North Africa, SE Asia and Alaska. He began his career as a mud-logger in the Texas Gulf Coast and
later as a Research Assistant with the Earth Sciences and Resources Institute where he conducted geoscience research in North Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Mr. Coffield has participated in the discovery of over 130,000,000 barrels of oil equivalent reserves. Mr. Coffield graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Masters of Science degree and a doctorate (PhD) in Geology, based on research conducted in the Oman Mountains in Arabia and Gulf of Suez in Egypt, respectively. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. Mr. Coffield is a member of the AAPG and the CSPG, and is a Fellow of the Explorers Club. |
2,434,663* shares of Gran Tierra common stock/no Solana Shares (2,434,663* shares of Gran Tierra common stock post-transaction) * includes 1,689,683 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares exchangeable for shares of Gran Tierra common stock, 600,000 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options, and 48,328 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of warrants |
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Name and Municipality of Residence |
Proposed Office | Principal Occupation for the Five Previous Years | Number of Gran Tierra/Solana Shares (Gran Tierra Common Stock Post-Transaction) Owned(1) |
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Martin H. Eden Calgary, Alberta |
Chief Financial Officer | Mr. Eden joined Gran Tierra as Chief Financial Officer on January 2, 2007. He has over 26 years experience in accounting and finance in the energy industry in Canada and overseas. He was Chief Financial Officer of Artumas Group Inc., a publicly listed Canadian oil and gas company from April 2005 to December 2006 and was a director from June to October, 2006. He has been president of Eden and Associates Ltd., a financial consulting firm, from January 1999 to present. From October 2004 to March 2005 he was CFO of Chariot Energy Inc., a Canadian private oil and gas company. From January 2004 to September 2004, he was CFO of Assure Energy Inc., a publicly traded oil and gas company listed in the United States. From January 2001 to December 2002, he was CFO of Geodyne Energy Inc., a publicly listed Canadian oil and gas company. From 1997 to 2000, he was Controller and subsequently CFO of Kyrgoil Corporation, a publicly listed Canadian oil and gas company with operations in Central Asia. He spent nine years with Nexen Inc. (1986 1996), including three years as Finance Manager for Nexens Yemen operations and six years in Nexens financial reporting and special projects areas in its Canadian head office. Mr. Eden has worked in public practice, including two years as an audit manager for Coopers & Lybrand in East Africa. Mr. Eden holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Birmingham University, England, a Masters of Business Administration from Henley Management College/Brunel University, England, and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. | 339,000* shares of Gran Tierra common stock/no Solana Shares (339,000* shares of Gran Tierra common stock post-transaction) * includes 325,000 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options |
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Name and Municipality of Residence |
Proposed Office | Principal Occupation for the Five Previous Years | Number of Gran Tierra/Solana Shares (Gran Tierra Common Stock Post-Transaction) Owned(1) |
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Max Wei Calgary, Alberta |
Vice President, Operations | Mr. Wei is a Petroleum Engineering graduate from University of Alberta and has twenty-five years of experience as a reservoir engineer and project manager for oil and gas exploration and production in Canada, the US, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Egypt, Yemen, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, Netherlands, Philippines, Malaysia, Venezuela and Ecuador, among other countries. Mr. Wei began his career with Shell Canada and later with Imperial Oil, in Heavy Oil Operations. He moved to the US in 1986 to work with Bechtel Petroleum Operations at Naval Petroleum Reserves in Elk Hills, California and eventually joined Occidental Petroleum in Bakersfield. Mr. Wei returned to Canada in 2000 as Team Leader for Qatar and Bahrain operations with AEC International and its successor, EnCana Corporation, where he worked until 2004. He completed a project management position with Petronas in Malaysia in April, 2005, before joining Gran Tierra in
May, 2005. Mr. Wei is specialized in reservoir engineering, project management, production operations, field acquisition and development, and mentoring. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of California and a member of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta. Mr. Wei has a BSc in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Alberta and Certification in Petroleum Engineering from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. |
2,092,167* shares of Gran Tierra common stock/no Solana Shares (2,092,167* shares of Gran Tierra common stock post-transaction) * includes 1,689,683 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares exchangeable for shares of Gran Tierra common stock, 362,500 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options, and 13,328 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of warrants |
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Name and Municipality of Residence |
Proposed Office | Principal Occupation for the Five Previous Years | Number of Gran Tierra/Solana Shares (Gran Tierra Common Stock Post-Transaction) Owned(1) |
|||
Rafael Orunesu Buenos Aires, Argentina |
President and General Manager Gran Tierra Energy Argentina S.A. | Mr. Orunesu joined Gran Tierra in March 2005 and brings a mix of operations management, project evaluation, production geology, reservoir and production engineering as well as leadership skills to Gran Tierra, with a South American focus. He was most recently Engineering Manager for Pluspetrol Peru, from 1997 through 2004, responsible for planning and development operations in the Peruvian North jungle. He participated in numerous evaluation and asset purchase and sale transactions covering Latin America and North Africa, incorporating 200,000,000 barrels of oil over a five-year period. Mr. Orunesu was previously with Pluspetrol Argentina from 1990 to 1996 where he managed the technical/economic evaluation of several oil fields. He began his career with YPF, initially as a geologist in the Austral Basin of Argentina and eventually as Chief of Exploitation Geology and Engineering for the Catriel Field in the Nuequén
Basin, where he was responsible for drilling programs, workovers and secondary recovery projects. Mr. Orunesu has a postgraduate degree in Reservoir Engineering and Exploitation Geology from Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires and a degree in Geology from Universidad Nacional de la Plata, Argentina. |
2,147,183* shares of Gran Tierra common stock/no Solana Shares (2,147,183* shares of Gran Tierra common stock post-transaction) * includes 1,689,683 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares exchangeable for shares of Gran Tierra common stock, 337,500 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options, and 40,000 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of warrants |
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Name and Municipality of Residence |
Proposed Office | Principal Occupation for the Five Previous Years | Number of Gran Tierra/Solana Shares (Gran Tierra Common Stock Post-Transaction) Owned(1) |
|||
Edgar Dyes Bogata, Colombia |
President and General Manager Gran Tierra Energy Colombia Ltd. | Mr. Dyes joined Gran Tierra through the acquisition of Argosy Energy International L.P., where he was Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. His experience in the Colombian oil industry spans twenty-one years, with the last six years in charge of Argosy Energys planning, management, finance and administration activities. Mr. Dyes began his career with Union Texas Petroleum as a petroleum accountant, where he eventually advanced into supervision and management positions in international operations for the company. He subsequently worked for Quintana Energy Corporation; Jackson Exploration, Inc.; CSX Oil and Gas; and Garnet Resources Corporation, where he held the position of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Dyes has worked in various financial and management roles on projects located in the United Kingdom, Germany, Indonesia, Oman, Brunei, Egypt, Somalia, Ecuador and Colombia. Mr. Dyes holds a Bachelors degree in Business Management from Stephen F. Austin State University, with postgraduate studies in accounting. | 300,000* shares of Gran Tierra common stock/no Solana Shares (300,000* shares of Gran Tierra common stock post-transaction) * consists solely of shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options |
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Jeffrey Scott Calgary, Alberta |
Chairman of the Board of Directors | Mr. Scott has served as Chairman of the Gran Tierra Board since January 2005. Since 2001, Mr. Scott has served as President of Postell Energy Co. Ltd., a privately held oil and gas producing company. He has extensive oil and gas management experience, beginning as a production manager of Postell Energy Co. Ltd in 1985 advancing to President in 2001. Mr. Scott is also currently a Director of Suroco Energy, Inc., an oil and gas company Essential Energy Services Trust, and Galena Capital Corp., all of which are publicly traded companies. Mr. Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Calgary, and a Masters of Business Administration from California Coast University. | 2,913,861* shares of Gran Tierra common stock/no Solana Shares (2,913,861* shares of Gran Tierra common stock post-transaction) * includes 1,688,889 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares exchangeable for shares of Gran Tierra common stock, 400,000 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options, and 274,991 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of warrants |
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Name and Municipality of Residence |
Proposed Office | Principal Occupation for the Five Previous Years | Number of Gran Tierra/Solana Shares (Gran Tierra Common Stock Post-Transaction) Owned(1) |
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Walter Dawson Calgary, Alberta |
Director | Mr. Dawson has served as a director since January 2005. Mr. Dawson is the founder of Saxon Energy Services Inc., an international oilfield services company that until recently had been a publicly traded company, and served as Chairman of the board of directors of Saxon until 2008. Before his time at Saxon, Mr. Dawson served for 19 years as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director and founded what became known as Computalog Gearhart Ltd., which is now an operating division of Precision Drilling Corp. Computalogs primary businesses are oil and gas logging, perforating, directional drilling and fishing tools. Mr. Dawson instituted a technology center at Computalog, located in Fort Worth, Texas, a developer of electronics designed to develop wellbore logging tools. In 1993 Mr. Dawson founded what became known as Enserco Energy Services Company Inc., formerly Bonus Resource Services Corp. Enserco entered the well servicing businesses through the acquisition of 26 independent Canadian service rig operators. Mr. Dawson is currently Chairman and a director of VGS Seismic Canada Inc., and a director of Suroco Energy Inc. and Action Energy Inc. (formerly High Plains Energy Inc.), all of which are publicly traded companies. Mr. Dawson is the sole owner and President of Perfco Investments, Ltd., an investment company. | 2,938,889* shares of Gran Tierra common stock/no Solana Shares (2,938,889* shares of Gran Tierra common stock post-transaction) * includes 1,688,889 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares exchangeable for shares of Gran Tierra common stock, and 225,000 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options |
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Name and Municipality of Residence |
Proposed Office | Principal Occupation for the Five Previous Years | Number of Gran Tierra/Solana Shares (Gran Tierra Common Stock Post-Transaction) Owned(1) |
|||
Verne Johnson Calgary, Alberta | Director | Mr. Johnson has served as a director since January 2005. Starting with Imperial Oil Limited in 1966, he has spent his entire career in the petroleum industry, primarily in western Canada, contributing to the growth of oil and gas companies of various sizes. He worked with Imperial Oil Limited until 1981 (including two years with Exxon Corporation in New York from 1977 to 1979). From 1981 to 2000, Mr. Johnson served in senior capacities with companies such as Paragon Petroleum Ltd., ELAN Energy Inc., Ziff Energy Group and Enerplus Resources Group. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of ELAN Energy Inc., President of Paragon Petroleum and Senior Vice President of Enerplus Resources Group until February 2002. Mr. Johnson retired in February 2002. Mr. Johnson is a director of Fort Chicago Energy Partners LP, Harvest Energy Trust, Essential Energy Services Trust, and Suroco Energy Inc., all publicly traded companies. Mr. Johnson received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manitoba in 1966. He is currently president of his private family company, KristErin Resources Inc. | 2,251,376* shares of Gran Tierra common stock/no Solana Shares (2,251,376* shares of Gran Tierra common stock post-transaction) * includes 1,688,889 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares exchangeable for shares of Gran Tierra common stock, 322,500 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options, and 112,496 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of warrants |
|||
Nicholas G. Kirton Calgary, Alberta |
Director | Mr. Kirton has served as a director since March 27, 2008. Mr. Kirton is a Chartered Accountant and former KPMG partner who retired after a thirty-eight year career at KPMG. He currently sits on the boards of directors of Canexus Income Fund and Result Energy Inc. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Governors of the University of Calgary and is a member of the Education and Qualifications Committee of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. Mr. Kirton received a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Physics) in 1966 from Bishops University, his Chartered Accountant designation in Quebec in 1969 and was named a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (FCA) in Alberta in 1996, and in 2006 received the designation of ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors. | 130,000* shares of Gran Tierra common stock/no Solana Shares (130,000* shares of Gran Tierra common stock post-transaction) * includes 100,000 shares of Gran Tierra common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options |
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Name and Municipality of Residence |
Proposed Office | Principal Occupation for the Five Previous Years | Number of Gran Tierra/Solana Shares (Gran Tierra Common Stock Post-Transaction) Owned(1) |
|||
Raymond Peter Antony Calgary, Alberta |
Director (current Chairman of Solana) | Independent businessman since September 2006. Most recently President of Breakside Energy Ltd., a private oil and gas exploration and production company from January, 2004 to August, 2006. Prior thereto, President of Resolution Resources Ltd., a public oil and gas exploration and production company since October, 2001. Previously held position of President of Solana until the appointment of Stephen Newton on August 12, 2004. Mr. Antony was also the Chief Financial Officer of Solana until the appointment of Scott Hamilton on March 1, 2005. | No shares of Gran Tierra stock/780,000 Solana Shares* (743,178 shares* of Gran Tierra common stock post-transaction) * includes 410,000 Solana Shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options |
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J. Scott Price Calgary, Alberta |
Director (current President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Solana) | Since October 2006 President & CEO of Solana. Prior thereto Founder, President & CEO of Breakaway Energy Inc. a private international resource company, from January 2004. Also, co-founder and non-executive Chairman of Virgin Resources, a private oil and gas exploration company focussed on the Middle East, since May 2005. Prior thereto Founder and President and CEO of Prospect International Inc., a private international resource company since May 2003. Prior thereto President of Aventura Energy Inc., a public international oil and gas exploration and production company, from June 2000 to February 2003. | No shares of Gran Tierra stock/7,840,000 Solana Shares* (7,469,888 shares* of Gran Tierra common stock post-transaction) * includes 300,000 Solana Shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options, and 3,750,000 Solana Shares that maybe acquired upon exercise of warrants |
(1) | Based on information provided by management. |
Assuming that the Arrangement is completed, it is anticipated that the combined companys board will review the composition of the combined companys board committees following the completion of the Arrangement.
After giving effect to the Arrangement, and based on certain assumptions, the number of combined companys shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction will be exercised, by all of the proposed directors and officers of the combined company and their associates, will be an aggregate of approximately 23,958,636 combined company shares (representing approximately 8.9% of the issued and outstanding combined companys shares), including shares issuable upon exchange of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares, and exercise of options and warrants held.
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The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the combined company as at June 30, 2008 after giving effect to the completion of the Arrangement on a pro forma basis. See also Selected Pro Forma Financial Information Regarding the Combined Company.
Designation (Authorization) (US$ Thousands) | Outstanding as of June 30, 2008 as Reported by Gran Tierra(1) |
Outstanding as of June 30, 2008 Giving Effect to the Arrangement(2) |
||||||
Bank loan and long term debt | | | ||||||
Shareholders Equity |
||||||||
Common shares | $ | 218 | $ | 341 | ||||
Additional paid in capital | 99,807 | 735,673 | ||||||
Warrants | 10,862 | 10,862 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (3,309 | ) | (6,668 | ) | ||||
Total Shareholders Equity | $ | 107,578 | $ | 740,208 |
(1) | 110,775,173 common shares and exchangeable shares, par value $0.001 per share, issued and outstanding as at June 30, 2008 prior to giving effect to the Arrangement. |
(2) | 233,233,584 common shares and exchangeable shares, issued and outstanding as at June 30, 2008 after giving effect to the Arrangement. |
After giving effect to the Arrangement, to the best of the knowledge of the directors and officers of Gran Tierra and Solana, no person will own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over the combined company shares carrying more than 10% of the votes attached to all of the issued and outstanding combined company shares.
An investment in the combined companys shares should be considered highly speculative due to the nature of its activities and would be subject to certain risks. Investors should carefully consider the risks described under the headings Certain Information About Grant Tierra Risk Factors and Certain Information About Solana Risk Factors in this Joint Proxy Statement (including those risk factors incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement) as well as the risk factors described on page 22 of this Joint Proxy Statement.
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Gran Tierra is an independent energy company engaged in oil and gas exploration, development and production. Gran Tierra owns oil and gas properties in Colombia, Argentina and Peru.
Gran Tierra made its initial acquisition of oil and gas producing and non-producing properties in Argentina in September 2005. During 2006, Gran Tierra acquired oil and gas producing and non-producing assets in Colombia, non-producing assets in Peru and additional properties in Argentina. As a result of these acquisitions Gran Tierra holds:
| 1,191,498 gross acres in Colombia (935,953 net) covering seven exploration and production contracts and two technical evaluation areas, three of which are producing and all are operated by Gran Tierra; |
| 1,906,418 gross acres (1,488,558 net) in Argentina covering eight exploration and production contracts, three of which are producing, and all but one is operated by Gran Tierra; and |
| 3,436,040 acres in Peru owned 100% by Gran Tierra, which constitute frontier exploration, in two exploration and production contracts operated by Gran Tierra. |
Gran Tierras plan is to build an international oil and gas company through acquisition and exploitation of opportunities in oil and natural gas exploration, development and production. Gran Tierras initial focus is in select countries in South America, currently Argentina, Colombia and Peru.
Gran Tierra is applying a two-stage approach to growth, initially establishing a base of production, development and exploration assets by selective acquisitions, and secondly achieving future growth through drilling. Gran Tierra intends to duplicate this business model in other areas as opportunities arise. Gran Tierra pursues opportunities in countries with prolific petroleum systems and attractive royalty, taxation and other fiscal terms. In the petroleum industry geologic settings with proven petroleum source rocks, migration pathways, reservoir rocks and traps are referred to as petroleum systems.
A key to Gran Tierras business plan is positioning being in the right place at the right time with the right resources. The fundamentals of this strategy are described in more detail below:
| Position in countries that are welcoming to foreign investment, that provide attractive fiscal terms and/or offer opportunities that Gran Tierra believes have been previously ignored or undervalued; |
| Build a balanced portfolio of production, development and exploration assets and opportunities; |
| Engage qualified, experienced and motivated professionals; |
| Establish an effective local presence; |
| Create alliances with companies that are active in areas and countries of interest, and consolidate initial land/property positions; and |
| Assess and close opportunities expeditiously. |
Gran Tierras access to opportunities stems from a combination of experience and industry relationships of the management team and board of directors, both within and outside of South America. An active market with many available deals is critical to growing a portfolio efficiently and effectively so that Gran Tierra can capitalize on its capabilities today and into the future as it grows in scale and its needs evolve.
Ecopetrol S.A., or Ecopetrol, a government agency, is the purchaser of most crude oil sold in Colombia. Gran Tierra delivers its oil to Ecopetrol through its transportation facilities which include pipelines, gathering
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systems and trucking. Gran Tierra markets its own share of production in Argentina. The purchaser of all Gran Tierras oil in Argentina is Refineria del Norte S.A, or Refiner S.A. Gran Tierras oil in Argentina is good quality light oil and the bulk of Gran Tierras production is transported by pipeline and truck to Refiner S.A., although minor volumes of natural gas and natural gas liquids are sold locally. There were no sales in any other country other than Colombia and Argentina in 2007, 2006 and 2005.
As of December 31, 2007, Gran Tierras proved reserves were 6.42 million barrels of oil net of royalties. In addition, in July 2008, Gran Tierra updated its proved reserves from the Costayaco field in Colombia at June 30, 2008, which were 6.67 million barrels of oil net of royalties compared to 3.27 million barrels of oil net of royalties at year end 2007, an increase of 104%.
Gran Tierra is party to a Colombian Participation Agreement, entered into in connection with Gran Tierras original acquisition of Argosy Energy International, or Argosy, from Crosby Capital, LLC, or Crosby, pursuant to which Gran Tierra acquired its interests in Colombia. Pursuant to the Colombian Participation Agreement:
| Crosby receives 2% of the net after government royalties sales proceeds from the properties owned by Argosy at the time of the purchase of Argosy, referred to as the historical properties; |
| if Gran Tierras net after royalty sales proceeds with respect to a new commercial hydrocarbon discovery in the historical properties, made in the 10 years after the agreement, equals or exceeds 200% of Gran Tierras share of capital expenditures with respect to that discovery, then Crosby can convert its right to receive the 2% of net after government royalty sales proceeds into the right to receive an interest in the net profits, calculated in accordance with a formula and schedule, and shall increase once Gran Tierras net after government royalty sales proceeds with respect to the commercial hydrocarbon discovery equals or exceeds 300% of Gran Tierras shared capital expenditures with respect to that discovery; and |
| Crosby will also receive a conditional overriding royalty, which is in addition to the amounts payable as described above, calculated based on the amount of hydrocarbons produced from the historical properties owned by Argosy, the WTI price, and Crosbys adjusted net revenue interest with respect to the historical properties. |
In July 2008, Gran Tierra negotiated an amendment to the Colombian Participation Agreement to provide that, in the event that the Arrangement is consummated, Gran Tierra will issue two million shares of Gran Tierra common stock to the holders of the rights to receive payments under that agreement, in consideration for the holders agreeing that their rights to receive payments on production from the properties Gran Tierra acquired would not apply to Solanas interests in the properties in which Solana and Gran Tierra have joint working interests, even after the combination of the two companies. In the event that the combination of Gran Tierra and Solana does not occur, then Gran Tierra would not be obligated to issue the two million shares, the rights of the holders described above would not be affected and the Colombian Participation Agreement would not be amended.
In September 2008 Gran Tierra announced conceptual development plans for the Costayaco Field in Colombia. Test results from the recently drilled Costayaco-5 delineation well suggest new oil reserves encountered by the well will require increasing the scale of the full field development, in addition to the reservoir productivity confirmed by the recently tested development well, Costayaco-4. The drilling of Costayaco-6 and Costayaco-7 remain on the 2008 drilling program, with a continuous delineation and development drilling campaign in the Costayaco field continuing through 2009. The details of the 2009 program are expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2008.
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The positive well test results at Costayaco-5 further extends the fields western boundary and Gran Tierra expects it to add proved, probable, and possible reserves to the Costayaco Field. The recent mid-year Costayaco reserves update reported proved reserves of 20.54 MMBO, excluding any new reserve potential associated with Costayaco-5 results.
The base case conceptual field development prepared prior to drilling of Costayaco-5 included 50 MMBO of gross reserves for the Costayaco Field with a plateau production rate of 35,000 BOPD gross beginning in the first quarter of 2010. With the new additional reserve potential, Gran Tierra is evaluating increasing the plateau rate with additional drilling and infrastructure upgrades.
An 8-inch, 10 kilometer pipeline from the Costayaco field to the Uchupayaco Station on the existing pipeline system was completed on July 29, 2008 and is currently transporting approximately 9,000 barrels of oil per day. This new pipeline has capacity of 25,000 BOPD. Initial throughput will be constrained due to facility capacity limitations further downstream in the existing pipeline system.
Gran Tierra completed drilling the Proa.x-1 exploration well on August 28, 2008. The company conducted a production test and obtained a stabilized gross flow rate of 2,324 BOPD. The price per barrel of oil paid to Gran Tierra by its refiner in Argentina is substantially less than the price received by Gran Tierra in Colombia and, as a result, the percentage increase in production resulting from production in Argentina will not result in a corresponding percentage increase in Gran Tierra revenues.
Long-term production testing and commercial oil sales have commenced. Crude oil is being transported through an existing 3-1/2 inch 15 kilometer pipeline with approximately 4,000 BOPD capacity to existing facilities at the Gran Tierra-operated Chivil field in the adjacent Chivil Block.
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The following table sets forth summary historical consolidated financial data for Gran Tierra as of and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 and as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. The summary historical consolidated financial data have been presented in U.S. dollars under U.S. GAAP
The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement.
Year Ended December 31, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands, Except per Share Amounts) | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues and other income |
||||||||||||||||||||
Oil and natural gas sales | $ | 31,853 | $ | 11,721 | $ | 1,059 | $ | 53,791 | $ | 7,935 | ||||||||||
Interest | 425 | 352 | | 172 | 332 | |||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 32,278 | 12,073 | 1,059 | 53,963 | 8,267 | |||||||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | 10,474 | 4,233 | 395 | 6,253 | 4,106 | |||||||||||||||
Depletion, depreciation and accretion | 9,415 | 4,088 | 462 | 8,464 | 4,701 | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 10,232 | 6,999 | 2,482 | 8,774 | 4,619 | |||||||||||||||
Liquidated damages | 7,367 | 1,528 | | | 7,367 | |||||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments | 3,040 | | | 7,462 | 677 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | (77 | ) | 371 | (31 | ) | (383 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||||||
Total expenses | 40,451 | 17,219 | 3,308 | 30,570 | 21,463 | |||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax | (8,173 | ) | (5,146 | ) | (2,249 | ) | 23,393 | (13,196 | ) | |||||||||||
Income tax | (294 | ) | (678 | ) | 29 | (10,191 | ) | 1,474 | ||||||||||||
Net Income (loss) | $ | (8,467 | ) | $ | (5,824 | ) | $ | (2,220 | ) | $ | 13,202 | $ | (11,722 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) per common share basic | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | 0.13 | $ | (0.12 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) per common share diluted | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | 0.11 | $ | (0.12 | ) |
Year Ended December 31, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
2007 (As Restated)(1) | 2006 (As Restated)(1) | 2005 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Statement of Cash Flows Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Operating activities | $ | 8,762 | $ | 2,010 | $ | (1,877 | ) | $ | 12,422 | $ | (3,689 | ) | ||||||||
Investing activities | (15,393 | ) | (48,207 | ) | (9,108 | ) | (11,764 | ) | (10,569 | ) | ||||||||||
Financing activities | 719 | 68,076 | 13,206 | 16,456 | | |||||||||||||||
(Decrease) Increase in cash | $ | (5,912 | ) | $ | 21,879 | $ | 2,221 | $ | 17,114 | $ | (14,258 | ) |
At December 31, | At June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 18,189 | $ | 24,101 | $ | 2,221 | $ | 35,303 | $ | 9,842 | ||||||||||
Working capital (including cash) | 8,058 | 14,541 | 2,765 | 31,699 | 7,154 | |||||||||||||||
Oil and gas properties | 63,202 | 56,093 | 7,887 | 71,771 | 60,715 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred tax asset | 2,058 | 444 | 29 | 1,832 | 496 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets | 112,797 | 105,537 | 12,371 | 167,607 | 98,764 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred tax liability | (11,675 | ) | (9,876 | ) | | (10,582 | ) | (11,373 | ) | |||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | (1,986 | ) | (634 | ) | (68 | ) | (3,932 | ) | (2,037 | ) | ||||||||||
Shareholders equity | $ | (76,792 | ) | $ | (76,195 | ) | $ | (11,039 | ) | $ | (107,578 | ) | $ | (72,203 | ) |
(1) | As discussed in Note 13 to Gran Tierras December 31, 2007 consolidated financial statements, cashflows |
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from operating activities and cash flows from investing activities has been restated as a result of a misclassification of accounts payable and accrued liabilities between the two categories. |
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of Gran Tierra common stock as of August 5, 2008 by (1) each of its directors and named executive officers and (2) all of Gran Tierras executive officers and directors as a group. To Gran Tierras knowledge, there is no person who beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding shares of its common stock. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the following table, each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power and that persons address is 300, 611 10th Avenue, S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2R 0B2, Canada. Shares of common stock subject to options or warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days following August 5, 2008 are deemed outstanding for computing the share and percentage ownership of the person holding such options and warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. All share numbers and ownership percentage calculations below assume that all GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares have been converted on a one-for-one basis into corresponding shares of Gran Tierra common stock.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percentage of Class Before Arrangement |
Percentage of Class After Arrangement |
|||||||||
Dana Coffield(2) | 2,009,663 | 1.74 | % | * | ||||||||
Martin Eden(3) | 89,000 | * | * | |||||||||
Max Wei(4) | 1,871,335 | 1.63 | % | * | ||||||||
Rafael Orunesu(5) | 1,951,351 | 1.69 | % | * | ||||||||
Edgar Dyes(6) | 33,334 | * | * | |||||||||
Jeffrey Scott(7) | 2,647,195 | 2.29 | % | * | ||||||||
Walter Dawson(8) | 3,055,953 | 2.66 | % | 1.3 | % | |||||||
Verne Johnson(9) | 1,712,884 | 1.49 | % | * | ||||||||
Nicholas G. Kirton | 25,000 | * | * | |||||||||
Directors and officers as a group (total of 9 persons)(10) | 13,395,715 | 11.51 | % | 5.7 | % |
* | Less than 1% |
(1) | Beneficial ownership is calculated based on 114,996,734 shares of Gran Tierra common stock issued and outstanding as of August 5, 2008, which number includes 10,984,126 shares of common stock issuable upon the exchange of the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares issued to certain former holders of Gran Tierra Canadas common stock. Percentage of class after Arrangement includes 120,458,410 shares of Gran Tierra common stock into which outstanding Solana Shares will convert. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act. The number of shares beneficially owned by a person includes shares of common stock underlying options or warrants held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008. The shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of those options or warrants are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding those options and warrants but are not deemed outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to the shares set forth opposite that persons name, subject to community property laws, where applicable. |
(2) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 175,001 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008, and shares issuable upon exercise of warrants to acquire 48,327 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008. The number of shares beneficially owned also includes 1,689,683 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. |
(3) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 75,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008. The number beneficially owned includes 14,000 shares of common stock directly owned by Mr. Edens spouse. |
(4) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 141,668 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008, and shares issuable upon exercise of a warrant to acquire |
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13,328 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008. The number of shares beneficially owned also includes 1,689,683 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. |
(5) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 141,668 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008, and shares issuable upon exercise of a warrant to acquire 40,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008. The number of shares beneficially owned also includes 1,689,683 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. |
(6) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 33,334 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008. |
(7) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 133,334 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008, and shares issuable upon exercise of warrants to acquire 274,991 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008. The number of shares beneficially owned also includes 1,688,889 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. |
(8) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 83,334 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008. The number of shares beneficially owned also includes 825,000 shares of common stock directly owned by Perfco Investments Ltd., or Perfco, and 158,730 shares of common stock directly owned by Mr. Dawsons spouse. The number of shares beneficially owned includes 1,688,889 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares, of which 1,587,302 are held by Perfco. Mr. Dawson is the sole owner of Perfco and has sole voting and investment power over the shares beneficially owned by Perfco. Mr. Dawson disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares owned by Mr. Dawsons spouse. |
(9) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 83,334 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008, and shares issuable upon exercise of a warrant to acquire 112,496 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008. The number of shares beneficially owned includes 1,292,063 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares, of which 396,825 are held by KristErin Resources, Inc., or KristErin, a private family-owned business of which Mr. Johnson is the President. Mr. Johnson has sole voting and investment power over the shares held by KristErin. |
(10) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes options to acquire 866,673 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008, and warrants to acquire 489,142 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008. The number of shares beneficially owned also includes 9,738,890 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. |
In addition, upon completion of the Arrangement, the following two directors of Solana will join the Gran Tierra Board and beneficially own the following number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock, and the total number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock held by directors and executive officers following Mr. Antonys and Mr. Prices election to the Gran Tierra Board will be as follows:
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percentage of Class |
||||||
Raymond Peter Antony(2) | 743,178 | *% | ||||||
J. Scott Price(3) | 7,469,888 | 3.12 | ||||||
Directors and officers as a group (total of 11 persons)(4) | 21,608,781 | 8.96 | % |
* | Less than 1% |
(1) | See footnote 1 to previous table. |
(2) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes options to acquire 390,645 shares of Gran Tierra common stock into which Mr. Antonys Solana options will be exchanged. |
(3) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes options to acquire 285,838 shares of Gran Tierra common stock into which Mr. Prices Solana options will be exchanged, and 3,572,969 shares of Gran Tierra common stock into which Mr. Prices Solana warrants will be exchanged. |
(4) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes options to acquire 866,673 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008, and warrants to acquire 489,142 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of August 5, 2008. The number of shares beneficially owned also includes |
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9,738,890 GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. The number of shares beneficially owned also includes the shares beneficially owned by Mr. Antony and Mr. Price. See notes 2 and 3 above. |
All dollar amounts discussed below are in U.S. dollars. To the extent that contractual amounts are in Canadian dollars, they have been converted into U.S. dollars for the purposes of the discussion below. For discussion of 2008 salary and 2007 bonus amounts, the conversion rate at December 31, 2007 of one Canadian dollar to US $0.9881 is used. For discussion of 2007 salary and 2006 bonus amounts, the conversion rate at December 31, 2006 of one Canadian dollar to US $0.8581 is used.
The overall objectives of Gran Tierras compensation program are to attract and retain key executives who are the best suited to make Gran Tierra successful and to reward individual performance to motivate Gran Tierras executives to accomplish Gran Tierras goals.
The Compensation Committee of the Gran Tierra Board, or the Compensation Committee, recommends amounts of compensation for Gran Tierras Chief Executive Officer, or the Chief Executive Officer, for approval by the Gran Tierra Board. The Chief Executive Officer recommends amounts of compensation for Gran Tierras other executive officers to the Compensation Committee, which considers these recommendations in connection with the goals and criteria discussed below. The Compensation Committee then makes its determination, taking the Chief Executive Officers recommendations into account, and makes its recommendations to the Gran Tierra Board for approval.
Gran Tierras practice is to consider compensation annually (at year-end), including the award of equity based compensation. Prior to 2007, Gran Tierras compensation practices were largely discretionary. During 2007, Gran Tierra has adopted an increasingly formalized framework whereby the Compensation Committee has defined items of corporate performance to be considered in future compensation, which include budget targets (production, reserves, capital expenditures, operating costs), and which it expects will include financial measures (e.g., liquidity) and share price performance, in addition to other objectives. The Compensation Committee has defined elements of personal performance to be met by the achievement of agreed objectives. This process was initiated by the Chief Executive Officer, whose objectives have been documented and accepted by the Gran Tierra Board. Objectives for the remaining executives are within the context of the Chief Executive Officers objectives and include other, more specific goals.
The Compensation Committee, which consists of three non-executive directors, has determined that Gran Tierra shall have three basic elements of compensation base salary, cash bonus and equity incentives. Each component has a different purpose.
Gran Tierra believes that base salaries at this stage in Gran Tierras growth must be competitive in order to retain executives. Gran Tierra believes that principal performance incentives should be in the form of long-term equity incentives given the financial resources of Gran Tierra and the longer-term nature of Gran Tierras business plan. Long-term incentives to date have been in the form of stock options but Gran Tierras equity plan also provides for other incentive forms, such as restricted stock and stock bonuses, which the Compensation Committee is not considering at this time. Short-term cash bonuses are a common element of compensation in Gran Tierras industry and among Gran Tierras peers to which Gran Tierra must pay attention, but Gran Tierras ability and desire to use cash bonuses are closely tied to its immediate cash resources. The Compensation Committee ultimately considers the split between the three forms of compensation relative to Gran Tierras peers for each position, relative to the contributions of each executive, the operational and financial achievements of Gran Tierra and Gran Tierras financial resources. This exercise has been based on consensus among the members of the Compensation Committee.
Executive compensation through 2005 and the first part of 2006 was sufficient to attract and retain Gran Tierras management team but had fallen significantly behind industry norms by the end of 2006 and as Gran
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Tierra grew beyond a start-up phase. In late-2006, the Compensation Committee determined that it was necessary to review compensation and subscribed to the compensation survey described below as a starting point for a more structured and competitive compensation process. Gran Tierras goal is to provide competitive compensation and an appropriate compensation structure for an emerging oil and gas company relative to Gran Tierras stage of growth, financial resources and success.
In late 2006, Gran Tierra subscribed to the 2006 Mercer Total Compensation Survey for the Petroleum Industry, which covers oil and gas companies located in Canada, and which presents compensation components and statistical ranges by position description for peer groupings within the industry. The survey is published annually and is widely recognized as a leading survey of its kind in Canada. In 2007, the company subscribed to the 2007 Mercer Total Compensation Survey for the Petroleum Industry in order to provide information for 2008 salaries and 2007 bonuses.
The survey provider is Mercer Human Resource Consulting. The primary purpose of the survey is to collect and consolidate meaningful data on salaries and benefits in the oil and gas industry in Canada, including those with international operations. The original survey participants were 158 companies in the oil and gas industry based in Canada, including those with international operations. The survey divided the 158 companies into six peer groups based on relative levels of production and revenues. There are 48 companies in Gran Tierras peer group with average production between 1,000 and 4,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, including those with international operations. The results of the survey and the participants are confidential and cannot be disclosed in accordance with the confidentiality agreement signed with the survey provider.
Salary amounts for Gran Tierras executive officers for 2006 were pre-determined based on individually-negotiated agreements with each of the executive officers when they joined Gran Tierra. Prior to November 2005, Gran Tierra was a private Canadian company incorporated in January 2005. For 2005 and for 2006, the four inaugural executives of Gran Tierra received the same base salary of approximately $150,000 per year. Rafael Orunesu, who is President of Gran Tierras operations in Argentina, was Gran Tierras first hire in March 2005. Mr. Orunesu negotiated his employment agreement directly with the Gran Tierra Board. Dana Coffield, James Hart and Max Wei, who are located in Calgary, joined Gran Tierra in May 2005 and collectively negotiated terms of their employment with the Gran Tierra Board. As a start-up company with limited financial resources, base salary in all instances was a discount to prior base salaries for each executive at their previous employer. All executives agreed to the same base compensation to reflect the team nature of the venture. All signed employment agreements outlined the potential for base salary increases, equity incentives and cash bonuses if deemed appropriate by the Gran Tierra Board. The agreements did not specify the amount or any criteria for determining the bonuses and equity incentives, and so these determinations may be made by the Gran Tierra Board in its sole discretion. The executives purchased founding shares to substantiate their commitment to Gran Tierra and provide additional financial incentives.
In April 2006, Mr. Dyes became Gran Tierras President, Argosy Energy/Gran Tierra Energy Colombia. He too negotiated his employment agreement, which provided for his annual base salary of $105,000 plus an annual supplemental salary of up to $42,000, the exact amount to be determined by the amount of time that he spends in Colombia in excess of what is required under the employment agreement. This agreement, too, did not specify the amount or any criteria for determining the bonuses and equity incentives, and so these determinations may be made by the Gran Tierra Board in its sole discretion.
In January 2007, Mr. Eden became Gran Tierras Chief Financial Officer. The terms of Mr. Edens employment agreement were individually negotiated by Mr. Eden, and are described below in Agreements with Executive Officers. The agreement did not specify the amount or any criteria for determining the bonuses and equity incentives, and so these determinations may be made by the Gran Tierra Board in its sole discretion.
James Hart, Gran Tierras previous Chief Financial Officer, continued as an employee in the capacity of Chief Strategy Officer until February 28, 2007. After his resignation as an employee, he continued with Gran Tierra as a director until October 10, 2007, at which time he resigned his directorship.
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Base salaries for 2008 will be as follows:
Mr. Coffield $261,847
Mr. Eden $233,439
Mr. Wei $216,809
Mr. Orunesu $207,000
Mr. Dyes $220,000
For 2007, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Gran Tierra Board, and the Gran Tierra Board approved, modest increases to the salaries of Gran Tierras executive officers, so that their annual salaries for 2007 were as follows:
Mr. Coffield $214,525
Mr. Hart $193,073
Mr. Wei $171,620
Mr. Orunesu $180,000
Mr. Dyes $180,000
Mr. Eden $193,073
Base salaries were determined by the Compensation Committee based upon its review of the Mercer survey, targeting the 50th 70th percentile as being appropriate to retain the services of Gran Tierras executives, the exact amount determined by the Compensation Committees subjective assessment of the appropriate salary for each executive given their performance and roles within Gran Tierra.
In 2006, the Compensation Committee used the Mercer survey to establish bonuses for Gran Tierras executives. In doing so, the Compensation Committee targeted the 50th 75th percentile for the position within the peer group for the industry as being appropriate to retain the services of Gran Tierras executives. In doing so, the Compensation Committee did not use any pre-determined criteria or formulas, but rather based its decisions within that range based on its subjective assessment of the executives contribution to Gran Tierra, Gran Tierras operational and financial results, and Gran Tierras financial resources, taken as a whole.
Target bonuses for 2007 for Gran Tierras executive officers were not established. For 2007, the Compensation Committee used the 2007 Mercer survey to establish the level of bonuses for Gran Tierras executives. The Compensation Committee again targeted the 50th 75th percentile for the position within the peer group for the industry as being appropriate to retain the services of Gran Tierras executives. The Compensation Committee determined bonuses for Gran Tierras executives based on assessment of performance against individual objectives for 2007, in addition to consideration of Gran Tierras operational and financial results, and financial resources.
The weighting of all of the individual performance objectives and the percentage contribution of the individual performance objectives was assessed by the Compensation Committee in determining bonuses.
Individual objectives defined for 2007 were as follows:
Chief Executive Officer The principal objectives for Gran Tierras Chief Executive Officer and President, which have been recommended by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Gran Tierra Board, are as follows:
| execute approved $13.5 million capital expenditure work program (within +/- 10% of budget) which includes the drilling of 10 exploration wells, 8 in Colombia and 2 in Argentina; |
| exit 2007 at production rate of 2,000 barrels of oil per day, net after royalty; |
| add 2.9 million barrels of proven, probable and possible oil reserves; |
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| maintain direct finding costs for new oil reserves at $4.67 per barrel; |
| reduce general and administration costs by 10% on a barrel of oil produced basis; |
| reduce operating costs by 10% per barrel of oil produced; |
| environment Health Safety and Security meet or exceed relevant industry standards; target zero lost time incidents; |
| ensure all regulatory and financial commitments with host government agencies are met; |
| ensure, with the Chief Financial Officer, that all financial reporting, controls and procedures, budgeting and forecasting, and corporate governance requirements are identified and maintained; |
| move Gran Tierra off the OTC Bulletin Board to a senior exchange; |
| resolve current registration statement and associated penalty issues; |
| revise Gran Tierras strategy and position to execute next step change in growth; and |
| increase both personal and Gran Tierra exposure to current and potential new shareholder base. |
Chief Financial Officer The principal objectives for Gran Tierras Chief Financial Officer are as follows:
| maintain, develop and enhance management and financial reporting systems; |
| develop and enhance budgeting and forecasting systems; |
| assist the Chief Executive Officer in developing corporate strategy and long-term plan; |
| ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements, including implementation of corporate governance, internal controls and financial disclosure controls; |
| secure additional sources of financing as required; |
| assist the Chief Executive Officer in developing and implementing an investor relations strategy; |
| address tax planning strategies; and |
| assist the Chief Executive Officer in developing administration and human resources function. |
Vice-President, Operations The principal objectives for Gran Tierras Vice-President, Operations are:
| exit 2007 at 2,000 barrels of oil per day, net after royalty; |
| add 2.9 million barrels of proven, probable and possible oil reserves; |
| reduce operating costs by 10% per barrel of oil produced; |
| meet or exceed relevant Environment Health Safety and Security industry standards, targeting zero lost time incidents; |
| design, implement, test and monitor emergency response plans for all operating arenas; |
| complete 2007 drilling/workover program within budget and without incidents; |
| design and manage peer review of all proposed drilling, production and facility upgrade projects, ensuring standardized commercial evaluations are undertaken for each; |
| design and manage post-mortem reviews of all drilling, production and facility upgrade projects, explaining any deviations from plan or budget, and distributing learnings to peers for integration into future projects; |
| identify opportunities from current portfolio of exploration and development leads on Gran Tierras existing land base for 2008 drilling; and |
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| ensure integration of all IT (Information Technology) applications and hardware in all Gran Tierras operating offices. |
President, Gran Tierra Energy Colombia and the President, Gran Tierra Argentina The principal objectives for the President, Gran Tierra Energy Colombia and the President, Gran Tierra Argentina for 2007 have been defined in context of the 2007 Budget, which defines a work program, capital expenditure budget and operating results for the year. No personal objectives have been defined at this time.
Target bonuses for 2008 for Gran Tierras executive officers have not been set. The weighting of all of the individual performance goals have not been determined, nor has the percentage contribution of the individual performance goals to bonus determination been determined, but will be set prior to the end of 2008.
Individual objectives defined for 2008 are as follows:
Chief Executive Officer The principal objectives for Gran Tierras Chief Executive Officer and President, which have been recommended by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Gran Tierra Board, are as follows:
| execute approved 2008 budget including $56.8 million capital expenditure work program (within +/- 10% of budget) which includes the drilling of 6 development wells in Colombia, and 3 exploration wells, 2 in Colombia and 1 in Argentina; |
| exit 2008 at production rate of 4,200 barrels of oil per day, net after royalty; |
| improve operating efficiencies to reduce general and administrative costs and operating costs on a barrel of oil produced basis; |
| ensure appropriate Environmental, Health, Safety and Security programs are designed, implemented and monitored to meet or exceed relevant industry standards. Target zero Lost Time Incidents amongst employees; |
| ensure effective community relations programs are designed, implemented and monitored in all of Gran Tierra Energys operating environments; |
| finalize Stock Exchange Listings in Canada and US; |
| ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements, including implementation of corporate governance, internal controls, and financial disclosure controls, and IT controls, and develop a Sarbanes-Oxley Act maintenance program for 2008 and beyond; |
| ensure management and financial reporting systems, budgeting and forecasting systems are developed and maintained; |
| ensure all tax, regulatory and contractual obligations are maintained in all jurisdictions where Gran Tierra Energy operates; |
| develop corporate strategy and long-term plan and identify new opportunities to support plan; |
| identify and secure additional sources of equity financing as required; |
| maintain active investor relations program targeting existing and potential new investors (press releases, road shows, analysts coverage and website); and |
| ensure Human Resource staffing, procedures and policies are consistent with the needs to meet 2008 Budget and commitments, and future growth of the company, and Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance. |
Chief Financial Officer The principal objectives for Gran Tierras Chief Financial Officer are as follows:
| ensure compliance with shareholder and regulatory reporting requirements in the U.S. and Canada; |
| finalize and maintain Stock Exchange Listings in Canada and U.S.; |
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| ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements, including implementation and maintenance of corporate governance, internal controls and financial disclosure controls; |
| maintain, develop and enhance management, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting systems; |
| address tax planning strategies; |
| develop and maintain Treasury, IT and Corporate Secretarial functions and systems; |
| assist the Chief Executive Officer in developing corporate strategy and long-term plan; |
| secure additional sources of financing as required; |
| assist the Chief Executive Officer in developing and implementing an investor relations strategy; and |
| assist the Chief Executive Officer in developing administration and human resources function. |
Vice-President, Operations The principal objectives for the Vice-President, Operations are:
| exit 2008 at 4,200 barrels of oil per day, net after royalty; |
| reduce operating costs on a barrel of oil produced basis; |
| meet or exceed relevant Environment Health Safety and Security industry standards, targeting zero lost time incidents; |
| design, implement, test and monitor emergency response plans for all operating arenas; |
| complete 2008 drilling/workover program within budget and without incidents; |
| design and manage peer review of all proposed drilling, production and facility upgrade projects, ensuring standardized commercial evaluations are undertaken for each; |
| design and manage post-mortem reviews of all drilling, production and facility upgrade projects, explaining any deviations from plan or budget, and distributing learnings to peers for integration into future projects; and |
| identify opportunities from current portfolio of exploration and development leads on Gran Tierras existing land base for 2009 drilling. |
President, Gran Tierra Energy Colombia and the President, Gran Tierra Argentina The principal objectives for the President, Gran Tierra Energy Colombia and the President, Gran Tierra Argentina for 2008 have been defined in context of the 2008 Budget, which defines a work program, capital expenditure budget and operating results for the year. No personal objectives have been defined at this time.
In November 2005, an equal number of stock options (162,500) were granted to each executive officer then with Gran Tierra when Gran Tierra became a public company and under the terms of Gran Tierras 2005 Equity Incentive Plan. These awards were deemed appropriate by the Gran Tierra Board based on its subjective assessment as to the appropriate level, and were equal to reflect the equal contributions of each executive. No options had been granted prior to this time.
In November 2006, the Compensation Committee granted options to each of Gran Tierras executive officers as follows: Mr. Coffield, 200,000 shares; Mr. Hart, 125,000 shares; Mr. Wei, 100,000 shares; Mr. Orunesu, 100,000 shares; and Mr. Dyes, 100,000 shares. The Compensation Committee determined the level of these awards based on the Mercer survey, again targeting the 50th 75th percentile for the position within the peer group for the industry based on value according to a Black-Scholes calculation. In doing so, the Compensation Committee did not use any pre-determined criteria or formulas, but rather based its decisions within that range based on its subjective assessment of the appropriate incentive level given the executives respective roles within Gran Tierra.
In connection with Mr. Eden joining Gran Tierra, the Compensation Committee granted him an option to purchase 225,000 shares of Gran Tierras common stock. The amount of the stock options was negotiated with Mr. Eden in connection with the negotiation of his employment agreement.
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In December 2007, the Compensation Committee granted options under the terms of Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan to each of Gran Tierras executive officers as follows: Mr. Coffield 237,500 shares; Mr. Eden 100,000 shares; Mr. Wei 100,000 shares; Mr. Orunesu 75,000 shares; and Mr. Dyes 200,000 shares. The levels of these awards were based on the 2007 Mercer survey, using the 50th to 75th percentile for the position with in the peer group for the industry based on value according to a Black-Scholes calculation. For 2007, the Compensation Committee also considered elements of individual, business unit and corporate performance in determining grant levels.
Gran Tierras employment agreements with Gran Tierras executive officers contain termination and change in control provisions. These provisions provide that Gran Tierras executive officers will receive severance payments in the event that their employment is terminated other than for cause or if they terminate their employment with us for good reason, as discussed in Agreements with Executive Officers below. The termination and change-in control provisions are industry standard clauses reached with the executives in arms-length negotiations at the time that they entered into the employment agreements with us.
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All dollar amounts set forth in the following tables reflecting executive officer and director compensation are in U.S. dollars.
The following table shows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, compensation awarded to or paid to, or earned by, Gran Tierras Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Gran Tierras three other most highly compensated executive officers at December 31, 2007, Gran Tierras named executive officers:
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($)(1) |
Bonus ($) |
Option Awards ($)(2)(3) |
All Other Compensation ($)(4) |
Total ($) |
||||||||||||||||||
Dana Coffield President and Chief Executive Officer |
2007 | $ | 214,525 | $ | 148,215 | $ | 112,825 | $ | 475,565 | |||||||||||||||
2006 | $ | 154,458 | $ | 92,250 | $ | 23,400 | | $ | 270,108 | |||||||||||||||
Martin Eden Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer |
2007 | $ | 193,073 | $ | 74,108 | $ | 128,470 | $ | 395,651 | |||||||||||||||
2006 | N/A | N/A | N/A | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rafael Orunesu President, Gran Tierra Argentina |
2007 | $ | 180,000 | $ | 40,000 | $ | 55,468 | $ | 275,468 | |||||||||||||||
2006 | $ | 150,000 | $ | 42,907 | $ | 11,700 | $ | 9,200 | $ | 213,807 | ||||||||||||||
Max Wei Vice President, Operations |
2007 | $ | 171,620 | $ | 64,227 | $ | 57,117 | $ | 292,964 | |||||||||||||||
2006 | $ | 154,458 | $ | 42,907 | $ | 17,503 | | $ | 214,868 | |||||||||||||||
Edgar Dyes President, Argosy Energy/Gran Tierra Energy Columbia |
2007 | $ | 180,000 | $ | 100,000 | $ | 59,828 | $ | 339,828 | |||||||||||||||
2006 | $ | 138,750 | $ | 25,000 | | | $ | 163,750 | ||||||||||||||||
James Hart Former Vice President, Finance and Former Chief Financial Officer |
2007 | $ | 32,178 | $ | N/A | $ | | $ | 32,178 | |||||||||||||||
2006 | $ | 154,458 | $ | 92,250 | $ | 14,625 | | $ | 261,133 | |||||||||||||||
(1) | Dana Coffield, James Hart, Max Wei and Martin Eden salaries and bonus are paid in Canadian dollars and converted into U.S. dollars for the purposes of the above table at the December 31, 2006 exchange rate of one Canadian dollar to US $0.8581 for 2006 information and at the December 31, 2007 exchange rate of one Canadian dollar to US $0.9881 for 2007 information. |
(2) | Granted under terms of Gran Tierras 2005 and 2007 Equity Incentive Plans. |
(3) | Assumptions made in the valuation of stock options granted are discussed in Note 6 to Gran Tierras 2006 Consolidated Financial Statements. Reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the fiscal year in accordance with FAS 123R. disregarding estimates of forfeiture. |
(4) | Cost of living allowance. |
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The following table shows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, certain information regarding grants of plan-based awards to Gran Tierras named executive officers:
Name | Grant Date | All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) |
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($)(1) |
||||||||||||
Mr. Coffield | 12/17/2007 | 237,500 | 2.14 | $ | 308,750 | |||||||||||
Mr. Eden | 12/17/2007 | 100,000 | 2.14 | $ | 130,000 | |||||||||||
Mr. Wei | 12/17/2007 | 100,000 | 2.14 | $ | 130,000 | |||||||||||
Mr. Orunesu | 12/17/2007 | 75,000 | 2.14 | $ | 97,500 | |||||||||||
Mr. Dyes | 12/17/2007 | 200,000 | 2.14 | $ | 260,000 |
(1) | Represents the grant date fair value of such option award as determined in accordance with SFAS 123R. These amounts have been calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 123R using the Black Scholes valuation model. |
Gran Tierra has entered into executive employment agreements with all members of Gran Tierras current management executive team, referred to collectively as the Executives. The employment agreements entered into between Gran Tierra and Dana Coffield, James Hart and Max Wei have identical terms except for the position held by each such person and terms related to participation on the Gran Tierra Board for Mr. Coffield and Mr. Hart. The respective employment agreements provide for an initial annual base salary of CDN$180,000 and provide (a) for the executive to receive an annual bonus as determined by the Gran Tierra Board, and (b) the right to participate in Gran Tierras stock option plans in the event of an initial public offering of Gran Tierras common stock. The bonuses are to be paid within 60 days of the end of the preceding year based on the executive performance. The agreements do not provide for any criteria for determining the magnitude of the bonuses and option grants and, therefore, the determination of the bonuses and grants are in the sole discretion of the Gran Tierra Board, using the criteria the Gran Tierra Board deem appropriate.
The Executives employment agreements became effective on May 1, 2005 and have initial terms of three-years, subject to extension or earlier termination and provide for severance payments to each Executive, in the event the Executive is terminated without cause or the Executive terminates the agreement for good reason, in the amount of two times total compensation for the prior year. Good reason includes an adverse change in the Executives position, title, duties or responsibilities, or any failure to re-elect him to such position (except for termination for cause). Initial contract terms for the Executives included rights to purchase 200,000 shares of Gran Tierras common stock before an initial public offering. These rights have been removed, with the mutual consent of Gran Tierra and the applicable executives. All agreements include standard indemnity, insurance, non-competition and confidentiality provisions.
Gran Tierra has also entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Orunesu, through Gran Tierras Ecuadorian subsidiary which provides for an initial annual base salary of $150,000, annual bonuses and options as may be determined by the Gran Tierra Board in its sole discretion. The contract includes provision for payment of a cost of living adjustment of $55,200 per year. The agreement became effective on March 1, 2005 and has an initial term of two years, which is subject to extension or earlier termination. The agreement provides for severance payments in the event of the employees termination without cause or for good reason, in an amount equal to the salary payable under the employment agreement during any remaining time in the initial two year term. Initial rights provided in Mr. Orunesus agreement, to purchase 200,000 shares of Gran Tierras common stock before an initial public offering, have since been removed with mutual consent of Gran Tierra and Mr. Orunesu.
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Gran Tierra entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Dyes, President of Gran Tierra Colombia, formerly Argosy Energy International, which provides for an initial base salary of $108,000 per year plus a supplemental amount of up to $42,000 per year if he provides services in excess of 15 days per month in Colombia. In addition, the agreement provides for an annual bonus along the same terms as described above for Messrs. Coffield, Hart and Wei, as well as the right to participate in Gran Tierras companys stock option plans, without specifying the amount or criteria used. The contract became effective on April 1, 2006 and terminated on April 1, 2008. Mr. Dyes also receives reasonable living expenses while performing his duties in Colombia. The agreement provides for severance payments equal to the amount of base salary plus bonus received for the prior 12-month period in the event of termination without cause, termination for good reason or termination for disability, prorated for the remaining term of the agreement, payable within 30 days.
On December 1, 2006, Gran Tierra entered into an executive employment agreement with Mr. Eden that provides for an initial annual base salary of CDN$225,000. In addition, the agreement provides for an annual bonus along the same terms as described above of Messrs. Coffield, Hart and Wei, as well as the right to participate in Gran Tierras companys stock option plans, without specifying the amount of criteria used. Mr. Edens employment agreement became effective on January 2, 2007 and has an initial term of three years, subject to extension or earlier termination and provides for severance payments, in the event he is terminated without cause or terminates the agreement for good reason, in the amount of the greater of total cash compensation of the remaining term and one years total cash compensation, with total cash compensation meaning annualized salary plus bonus for the prior 12-month period. Good reason includes an adverse change in Mr. Edens position, title, duties or responsibilities, or any failure to re-elect him to such position (except for termination for cause). Mr. Edens employment agreement includes customary indemnity, insurance, non-competition and confidentiality provisions.
On January 1, 2007, Mr. Hart resigned his position as Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, but remained with the company in an executive capacity as Chief Strategy Officer. On February 28, 2007 Mr. Hart resigned as an employee of the company. He remained as a director until October 10, 2007.
On June 11, 2008, the Gran Tierra Board approved new employment agreements for its executive officers, including Messrs. Coffield, Eden, Dyes, Wei, and Orunesu. All of the agreements were executed by the parties on June 17, 2008.
The employment agreements entered into with Messrs. Coffield, Eden, Wei, Dyes and Orunesu have virtually identical terms except for:
| the position held by each such person; |
| the number of weeks of vacation allowed (5 weeks of paid vacation for each executive except Mr. Dyes who is permitted 4 weeks of paid vacation); |
| limitations on business class travel (Messrs. Wei, Dyes and Orunesu may only travel business class for international flights and coach class for domestic travel whereas Messrs. Coffield and Eden may travel business class for most flights); |
| travel to the United States by Mr. Dyes from Colombia, at the expense of Gran Tierra Energy Colombia Ltd., for personal business, as often as reasonably necessary, subject to residency requirements of Colombia; and |
| reasonable housing, auto, club and living expenses in Colombia provided for Mr. Dyes by Gran Tierra Energy Colombia Ltd. consistent with the benefits provided to Mr. Dyes in the first quarter of 2006 |
The employment agreements provide that the respective executive will:
| receive a base salary, as determined by the Gran Tierra Board; |
| be eligible to receive an annual bonus, as determined by the Board; and |
| be eligible to participate in the stock option plans of Gran Tierra. |
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The bonuses are to be paid within 60 days of the end of the preceding year based on the executive performance.
The employment agreements do not have terms of specified duration. The employment agreements provide for severance payments to each executive, in the event the executive is terminated without cause or the executive terminates the agreement for good reason, in the amount of two times total compensation for the prior year (in the case of Messrs. Coffield and Wei) or in the amount of one times total compensation for the prior year (in the case of Messrs. Eden, Dyes and Orunesu).
Good reason includes (i) an adverse change in the executives position, title, duties or responsibilities, or any failure to re-elect him to such position (except for termination for cause), (ii) a reduction in the executives base salary unless all other executive officers are similarly reduced, or a change in the basis upon which the executives annual compensation is paid or determined except that annual performance bonuses are discretionary and shall not be considered adverse under the agreement if a performance bonus is reduced from a prior year or not paid, (iii) a change in control, or (iv) any breach by the employer of any material provision of the employment agreement.
A Change in Control is defined as (i) a dissolution, liquidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Gran Tierra; (ii) a merger or consolidation in which Gran Tierra is not the surviving corporation; (iii) a reverse merger in which Gran Tierra is the surviving corporation but the shares of Gran Tierras common stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger are converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise; or (iv) the acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act (excluding any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by Gran Tierra or any affiliate of Gran Tierra) of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of securities of Gran Tierra representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors.
All agreements include standard insurance, non-competition and confidentiality provisions.
The following table shows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, certain information regarding outstanding equity awards at fiscal year end for the Gran Tierra named executive officers.
The following table provides information concerning unexercised options for each Gran Tierra named executive officer outstanding as of December 31, 2007.
Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable | Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
||||||||||||
Dana Coffield | 108,333 | (1) | 54,167 | (2) | $ | 0.80 | 11/10/2015 | |||||||||
66,666 | (3) | 133,334 | (4) | $ | 1.27 | 11/8/2016 | ||||||||||
237,500 | (6) | $ | 2.14 | 12/17/2017 | ||||||||||||
Martin Eden | 225,000 | (5) | $ | 1.19 | 01/02/2017 | |||||||||||
100,000 | (6) | $ | 2.14 | 12/17/2017 | ||||||||||||
Max Wei | 108,333 | (1) | 54,167 | (2) | $ | 0.80 | 11/10/2015 | |||||||||
33,333 | (3) | 66,666 | (4) | $ | 1.27 | 11/8/2016 | ||||||||||
100,000 | (6) | $ | 2.14 | 12/17/2017 | ||||||||||||
Rafael Orunesu | 108,333 | (1) | 54,167 | (2) | $ | 0.80 | 11/10/2015 | |||||||||
33,333 | (3) | 66,667 | (4) | $ | 1.27 | 11/8/2016 | ||||||||||
75,000 | (6) | $ | 2.14 | 12/17/2017 | ||||||||||||
Edgar Dyes | 33,333 | (3) | 66,667 | (4) | $ | 1.27 | 11/8/2016 | |||||||||
200,000 | (6) | $ | 2.14 | 12/17/2017 | ||||||||||||
James Hart | 54,167 | (7) | $ | 0.80 | 01/10/2008 |
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(1) | The right to exercise the option vested one half on November 10, 2006 and one half on November 10, 2007. |
(2) | The right to exercise the option will vest on November 10, 2008, in such case if the optionholder is still employed by Gran Tierra on such date. |
(3) | The right to exercise the option vested on November 8, 2007. |
(4) | The right to exercise one-half of the option will vest on each of November 8, 2008 and November 8, 2009, in each such case if the optionholder is still employed by Gran Tierra on such date. |
(5) | The right to exercise one-third of the option will vest on each of January 2, 2008, January 2, 2009 and January 2, 2010 in each such case if the optionholder is still employed by Gran Tierra on such date. |
(6) | The right to exercise one third of the option will vest on each of December 17, 2008, December 17, 2009 and December 17, 2010 in each such case if the optionholder is still employed by Gran Tierra on such date. |
(7) | The right to exercise the option vested on November 10, 2006. |
In the event of a termination for good reason including a change in control of the company, Messrs. Coffield, Eden and Wei are eligible to receive a payment of two times the prior years total compensation. Payment to Mr. Orunesu is equal to salary payable under the agreement from the time of the event to the remaining term of the contract. Payment to Mr. Dyes is equal to prior year compensation. Mr. Hart was previously entitled to contractual severance arrangements consistent with those of Messrs. Coffield, Eden and Wei. However, Mr. Hart left service as an officer of the company in February 2007. If a change in control had occurred on December 31, 2007, and Gran Tierras named executive officers terminated for good reason, or if they were terminated other than for cause, they would have received the following payments:
Name | Payment | |||
Mr. Coffield | $ | 725,480 | ||
Mr. Eden | $ | 534,362 | ||
Mr. Wei | $ | 471,694 | ||
Mr. Orunesu | $ | 0 | ||
Mr. Dyes | $ | 280,000 |
Name | Director Compensation |
Option Awards ($)(1) |
Total ($) | |||||||||
Jeffrey Scott | $ | 71,437 | $ | 60,116 | $ | 131,553 | ||||||
Walter Dawson | $ | 40,331 | $ | 30,656 | $ | 70,987 | ||||||
Verne Johnson | $ | 61,569 | $ | 30,656 | $ | 92,225 | ||||||
Nadine C. Smith(2) | $ | 55,347 | $ | 30,656 | $ | 86,003 | ||||||
James Hart(3) | $ | 16,518 | $ | | $ | 16,518 |
(1) | The stock options were granted under terms of Gran Tierras 2005 Equity Incentive Plan in 2005. Assumptions made in the valuation of stock options granted are discussed in Note 6 to Gran Tierras 2007 Consolidated Financial Statements. Reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the fiscal year in accordance with FAS 123R, disregarding estimates of forfeiture. |
(2) | Ms. Smith resigned as a director effective March 27, 2008. |
(3) | Mr. Hart resigned as a director effective October 10, 2007. |
In 2007, Gran Tierra paid a fee of $12,872 per year to each director who serves on the Gran Tierra Board and an additional $12,872 per year for the Chairman of the Gran Tierra Board. Gran Tierra also paid an additional fee of $6,436 per year for each committee chair (except for the audit committee) and $4,291 for
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each committee member (except for the audit committee). The audit committee chair was paid a fee of $25,743 per year and each member paid $12,872 per year. In addition, a fee of $644 was paid for each meeting attended. Directors who are not Gran Tierra employees are eligible to receive awards under Gran Tierras 2005 and 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. Compensation arrangements with the directors who are also Gran Tierra employees are described in the preceding sections of this Joint Proxy Statement under the heading Gran Tierra Executive Compensation and Related Information.
Gran Tierras Compensation Committee currently consists of Mr. Johnson, Mr. Scott and Mr. Dawson. None of the members of the Compensation Committee has at any time been an officer or employee of Gran Tierra. No member of the Gran Tierra Board or of the Compensation Committee served as an executive officer of another entity that had one or more of Gran Tierras executive officers serving as a member of that entitys board or compensation committee.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Joint Proxy Statement. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Gran Tierra Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Joint Proxy Statement.
Verne Johnson
Walter Dawson
Jeffrey Scott
The Certificate of Amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on June 1, 2006, authorized the issuance of 325,000,001 shares of Gran Tierra capital stock, of which 300 million shares were designated as common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 25 million shares were designated as preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 1 share was designated as Special Voting Stock, par value $0.001 per share.
As of August 5, 2008, there were issued and outstanding 104,012,608 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of August 5, 2008, another 10,984,126 shares of common stock issuable upon the exchange of the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares outstanding issued to certain former holders of Gran Tierra Canadas common stock, no shares of preferred stock outstanding and 1 share of Special Voting Stock outstanding.
The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of Gran Tierra, effective December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 (dollars in thousands).
Outstanding as at December 31, 2007 | Outstanding as at June 30, 2008 | |||||||
Gran Tierra common stock | $ | 72,553 (80,389,676 shares of Gran Tierra common stock, and 14,787,303 shares of Gran Tierra common stock issuable upon exchange of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares) |
$ | 100,025 (99,582,314 shares of Gran Tierra common stock, and 11,192,859 shares of Gran Tierra common stock issuable upon exchange of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares) |
||||
Bank Loan | Nil | Nil |
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There were no sales of shares of Gran Tierra common stock distributed within the twelve (12) months preceding the date hereof, other than pursuant to the exercise of Gran Tierra options and Gran Tierra warrants.
The following description of Gran Tierras capital stock is derived from various provisions of its articles of incorporation and its bylaws as well as provisions of applicable law. Such description is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant provisions of Gran Tierras articles of incorporation and its bylaws.
Gran Tierra is authorized to issue 300,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. Holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a stockholder vote. Holders of Gran Tierra common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. Therefore, holders of a majority of the shares of common stock voting for the election of directors can elect all of the directors on the Gran Tierra Board. Holders of the common stock representing a majority of the voting power of the capital stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, are necessary to constitute a quorum at any meeting of stockholders. A vote by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock is required to effectuate certain fundamental corporate changes such as liquidation, merger or an amendment to the Gran Tierra articles of incorporation.
Holders of common stock are entitled to share in all dividends that the Gran Tierra Board, in its discretion, declares from legally available funds. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each outstanding share entitles its holder to participate pro rata in all assets that remain after payment of liabilities and after providing for each class of stock, if any, having preference over the common stock. Holders of the common stock have no pre-emptive rights, no conversion rights and there are no redemption provisions applicable to the common stock.
Gran Tierra is authorized to issue 25,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, none of which, as of August 5, 2008 was designated, issued or outstanding. The Gran Tierra Board is vested with authority to divide the shares of preferred stock into series and to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of the shares of any such series. Once authorized, the dividend or interest rates, conversion rates, voting rights, redemption prices, maturity dates and similar characteristics of the preferred stock will be determined by the Gran Tierra Board, without the necessity of obtaining approval of its stockholders.
The one currently existing share of Gran Tierras Special Voting Stock was designated to allow the holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares, defined below, issued in connection with the transaction between the former shareholders of Gran Tierra Canada and Goldstrike to vote at Gran Tierras stockholder meetings. The holder of the share of Special Voting Stock is not entitled to receive dividends or distributions, but has the right to vote on each matter on which holders of Gran Tierras common stock are entitled to vote and to cast that number of votes equal to the number of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares outstanding that are not owned by Gran Tierra or Gran Tierras affiliates. In connection with the share exchange transaction involving the former shareholders of Gran Tierra Canada, the share of Special Voting Stock was issued to the Goldstrike Trustee, as trustee for the holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. The Goldstrike Trustee may only cast votes with respect to the share of Special Voting Stock based on instructions received from the holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. The GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares are described more fully below.
In the share exchange transaction involving the former shareholders of Gran Tierra Canada and Goldstrike, the Gran Tierra Canada stockholders were permitted to elect to receive, for each share of Gran Tierra Canadas common stock held before the share exchange, 1.5873016 of a GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Share. Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc. is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Gran Tierra. The GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares are a means to defer taxes paid in Canada. Each GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Share can be exchanged by the holder for one share of Gran Tierras common stock at any time, and will receive the same dividends payable on Gran Tierras common stock. At the time of exchange, taxes may be due from the
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holders of the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. The GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares have voting rights through the Special Voting Stock described above, and the holders thereof are able to vote on all matters on which the holders of Gran Tierras common stock are entitled to vote.
In order to exchange GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares for shares of common stock of Gran Tierra, a holder of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares must submit a retraction request to Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc. together with the share certificate representing the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. 120367 Alberta Inc. is a corporation incorporated under the laws of Alberta and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra. Pursuant to a Voting Exchange and Support Agreement among Gran Tierra, 1203647 Alberta Inc., Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc. and Olympia Trust Company, which is referred to as the Goldstrike Voting Exchange and Support Agreement, 120367 Alberta Inc. has an overriding right to purchase any GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares for which a retraction request has been submitted by providing the holder of the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares subject to a retraction request with one share of common stock for each GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. Pursuant to the terms of the Goldstrike Voting Exchange and Support Agreement, Gran Tierra is obligated to deliver shares of its common stock to 120367 Alberta Inc. in order to satisfy the obligations of 120367 Alberta Inc.
Holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares have the right to instruct the Goldstrike Trustee to cause 120367 Alberta Inc. to purchase GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares for shares of common stock of Gran Tierra if Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc. becomes insolvent or institutes insolvency proceedings. In addition, 120367 Alberta Inc. will be deemed to have purchased the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares for shares of common stock if Gran Tierra becomes subject to liquidation, wound up or dissolved.
The GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares are subject to retraction by Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc. for shares of common stock of Gran Tierra at the earlier of: (i) November 10, 2012; (ii) the date that less than 10% of the issued and outstanding GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares are held by parties not affiliated with Gran Tierra; (iii) the date when the holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares fail to approve a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Gran Tierra Goldstrike Inc. when requested to do so by Gran Tierra; (iv) the date when holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares fail to approve a change in the terms of the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares that is required to maintain their economic equivalence to shares of common stock; or (v) if there is a change of control transaction with respect to Gran Tierra. 120367 Alberta Inc has the right to purchase all GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares for common stock on the occurrence of any of these retraction events or if Goldstrike Exchange Co is being liquidated. In addition, Gran Tierra has the right to purchase (or to cause 120367 Alberta Inc. to purchase) all GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares if there is a change of law that permits holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares to exchange their GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares for shares of common stock on a basis that will not require holders to recognize a capital gain for Canadian tax purposes.
As of August 5, 2008, options representing the right to purchase 5,600,000 shares of Gran Tierra common stock were issued and outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $1.71. The outstanding options were granted pursuant to Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, which is an amendment and restatement of Gran Tierras 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, to certain of Gran Tierra employees, officers and directors and are exercisable for 10 years from the date of grant.
As of August 5, 2008, the following warrants to purchase Gran Tierra common stock were issued and outstanding:
| warrants representing the right to purchase 3,561,133 shares of Gran Tierra common stock. The outstanding warrants were issued on varying dates between September 2005 and February 2006, and are exercisable for five years from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $1.25 per share; and |
| warrants representing the right to purchase 10,656,170 shares of Gran Tierra common stock. The outstanding warrants are exercisable until June 2012 at an exercise price of $1.05 per share. The warrants can be called by Gran Tierra if its common stock trades above $3.50 for 20 consecutive days. |
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Nevada Revised Statutes, or the NRS, Sections 78.7502 and 78.751 provide Gran Tierra with the power to indemnify any of its directors and officers. The director or officer must have conducted himself/herself in good faith and reasonably believe that his/her conduct was in, or not opposed to Gran Tierras best interests. In a criminal action, the director, officer, employee or agent must not have had reasonable cause to believe his/her conduct was unlawful.
Under NRS Section 78.751, advances for expenses may be made by agreement if the director or officer affirms in writing that he/she believes he/she has met the standards and will personally repay the expenses if it is determined such officer or director did not meet the standards.
Gran Tierras bylaws include an indemnification provision under which it has the power to indemnify its directors, officers, employees and former directors, officers and employees (including heirs and personal representatives) to the fullest extent permitted under Nevada law.
Gran Tierras articles of incorporation and bylaws provide a limitation of liability in that no director or officer shall be personally liable to Gran Tierra or any of its stockholders for damages for breach of fiduciary duty as director or officer involving any act or omission of any such director or officer, provided there was no intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of the law, or payment of dividends in violation of NRS Section 78.300.
Gran Tierras employment agreements with certain of its executive officers contain provisions which require it to indemnify them for costs, charges and expenses incurred in connection with (i) civil, criminal or administrative actions resulting from the executive officers service as such, and (ii) actions by or on behalf of Gran Tierra to which the executive officer is made a party. Gran Tierra is required to provide such indemnification if (i) the executive officer acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of Gran Tierra, and (ii) in the case of a criminal or administrative proceeding or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary policy, the executive officer had reasonable grounds for believing that his conduct was lawful.
Gran Tierra has also entered into an indemnity agreement with all of its officers and directors. The agreement provides that Gran Tierra will indemnify officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by law, including indemnification in third party claims and derivative actions. The agreement also provides that Gran Tierra will provide an advancement for expenses incurred by the officers or directors.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted for Gran Tierras directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, it has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
Gran Tierra may be or in the future it may become subject to Nevadas control share law. A corporation is subject to Nevadas control share law if it has more than 200 stockholders, at least 100 of whom are stockholders of record and residents of Nevada, and if the corporation does business in Nevada or through an affiliated corporation.
The law focuses on the acquisition of a controlling interest which means the ownership of outstanding voting shares is sufficient, but for the control share law, to enable the acquiring person to exercise the following proportions of the voting power of the corporation in the election of directors: (1) one-fifth or more but less than one-third, (2) one-third or more but less than a majority, or (3) a majority or more. The ability to exercise such voting power may be direct or indirect, as well as individual or in association with others.
The effect of the control share law is that the acquiring person, and those acting in association with it, obtain only such voting rights in the control shares as are conferred by a resolution of the stockholders of the corporation, approved at a special or annual meeting of stockholders. The control share law contemplates that voting rights will be considered only once by the other stockholders. Thus, there is no authority to take away voting rights from the control shares of an acquiring person once those rights have been approved. If the stockholders do not grant voting rights to the control shares acquired by an acquiring person, those shares do
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not become permanent non-voting shares. The acquiring person is free to sell its shares to others. If the buyers of those shares themselves do not acquire a controlling interest, their shares do not become governed by the control share law.
If control shares are accorded full voting rights and the acquiring person has acquired control shares with a majority or more of the voting power, any stockholder of record, other than an acquiring person, who has not voted in favor of approval of voting rights is entitled to demand fair value for such stockholders shares.
Nevadas control share law may have the effect of discouraging corporate takeovers.
In addition to the control share law, Nevada has a business combination law, which prohibits certain business combinations between Nevada corporations and interested stockholders for three years after the interested stockholder first becomes an interested stockholder unless the corporations board of directors approves the combination in advance. For purposes of Nevada law, an interested stockholder is any person who is (1) the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation, or (2) an affiliate or associate of the corporation and at any time within the three previous years was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of the corporation. The definition of the term business combination is sufficiently broad to cover virtually any kind of transaction that would allow a potential acquirer to use the corporations assets to finance the acquisition or otherwise to benefit its own interests rather than the interests of the corporation and its other stockholders.
The effect of Nevadas business combination law is to potentially discourage parties interested in taking control of Gran Tierra from doing so if it cannot obtain the approval of the Gran Tierra Board.
The following summary of certain provisions of Exchangecos share capital does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the articles and bylaws of Exchangeco and by the provisions of applicable law.
The authorized capital of Exchangeco consists of an unlimited number of common shares. The share capital of Exchangeco will be amended prior to the Effective Time to create the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares.
All of the issued and outstanding common shares of Exchangeco are held by Callco. There are currently 100 common shares issued and outstanding with a par value of CDN$0.01 per common share. The holders of the common shares of Exchangeco are entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote at any meeting of the shareholders of Exchangeco on the basis of one vote for each common share held at the time of any such meeting. Subject to the rights of holders of GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares, the holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends declared as and if declared by the board of directors of Exchangeco; and are entitled to share in the remaining property of Exchangeco upon liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, winding-up or other distribution of the assets of Exchangeco among its shareholders for the purpose of winding-up its affairs.
See Description of the Arrangement Transaction Mechanics and Description of GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares for a summary of certain provisions of the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares which will be created prior to the Effective Time.
Gran Tierra has not declared or paid cash dividends on its common stock since incorporation. Following the consummation of the Arrangement, Gran Tierra intends to retain earnings to finance the growth and development of Gran Tierras businesses. Any payment of cash dividends in the future will depend upon Gran
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Tierras financial condition, capital requirements and earnings as well as other factors the Gran Tierra Board may deem relevant. Gran Tierras revolving credit facility with commercial lenders restricts the amount of dividends Gran Tierra can pay to Gran Tierras stockholders.
Gran Tierra and Solana are partners in two blocks (Guayuyaco and Chaza) and one well in the Santana block (Inchiyaco). Gran Tierra and Solana each hold a 35% working interest in the Guayuyaco block and each hold a 50% working interest in the Chaza block. Solana has a 9.17% working interest in the Inchiyaco well, with Gran Tierra holding a 35% working interest. Gran Tierra is the operator of all three properties, and as operator bills Solana for its share of expenses related to each block. Oil produced from the Inchiyaco well and Guayuyaco block is sold by Gran Tierra to Ecopetrol, and Gran Tierra pays Solana its share of sales. For the Chaza block, Gran Tierra and Solana each sell their own share of the oil produced separately. Solana has provided contributions to each of the blocks for 2006, 2007 and the first six months of 2008 as follows:
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Guayuyaco | $ | 2,835,448 | $ | 5,359,531 | $ | 2,139,797 | ||||||
Chaza | 369,999 | 8,853,888 | 13,651,150 | |||||||||
Inchiyaco | 152,522 | 106,110 | 51,622 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 3,359,975 | $ | 14,321,536 | $ | 15,844,577 |
Solana has received net after royalty revenue related to Guayuyaco and Inchiyaco for the same time periods as follows:
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Guayuyaco | $ | 7,109,372 | $ | 7,599,534 | $ | 6,291,842 | ||||||
Inchiyaco | 369,600 | 276,932 | 206,162 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 7,478,972 | $ | 7,876,466 | $ | 6,498,004 |
Gran Tierras share of expenses for the same periods was:
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Guayuyaco | $ | 2,835,448 | $ | 5,359,531 | $ | 2,139,797 | ||||||
Chaza | 369,999 | 8,853,888 | 13,651,150 | |||||||||
Inchiyaco | 429,401 | 298,735 | 145,333 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 3,634,848 | $ | 14,512,154 | $ | 15,936,280 |
Gran Tierras share of net after royalty revenues was:
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Guayuyaco | $ | 7,038,278 | $ | 7,447,543 | $ | 5,893,539 | ||||||
Inchiyaco | 1,019,737 | 764,064 | 568,807 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 8,058,015 | $ | 8,211,607 | $ | 6,462,346 |
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An investment in Gran Tierra is subject to certain risks. Investors should carefully consider the risk factors described under the heading Risk Factors in the risk factors set forth in Gran Tierras most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC, incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement, as well as the risk factors described on page 22 of this Joint Proxy Statement.
The independent chartered accountants engaged by Gran Tierra are Deloitte & Touche LLP. Deloitte & Touche LLP was engaged by Gran Tierra on January 26, 2005. Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. 350 Indiana Street, Suite 800, Golden, CA, 80401, Attn: Dan Konecny, is transfer agent and registrar of the Gran Tierra common stock. Concurrently with the closing of the Arrangement, Computershare Trust Company of Canada will be appointed as transfer agent and registrar for the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares. Computershare Trust Company of Canada will also be the trustee under the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement.
Certain legal matters in connection with the Arrangement have been passed upon, on behalf of Gran Tierra, by Cooley Godward Kronish LLP, as to matters of U.S. law, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, as to matters of Canadian law, and Gomez-Pinzon Zuleta as to matters of Colombian law, and on behalf of Solana, by Davis LLP, as to matters of Canadian law and Hodgson Russ LLP as to matters of U.S. law.
Gran Tierra files its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments to such reports and all other filings pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act which it makes available as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. Such filings are available free of charge to the public on the Gran Tierra website at http://www.grantierra.com. To access Gran Tierras SEC filings, select SEC Filings on the investor relations page on Gran Tierras website. Gran Tierras website address is provided solely for informational purposes. Gran Tierra does not intend, by this reference, that its website should be deemed to be part of this Joint Proxy Statement. Any materials Gran Tierra has filed with the SEC may be read and/or copied at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street N.E. Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding Gran Tierra. The SECs website address is www.sec.gov.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representation not contained in this Joint Proxy Statement and, if given or made, such information or representation should not be relied upon as having been authorized. This Joint Proxy Statement does not constitute the solicitation of a proxy, by any person in any jurisdiction in which such a solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such a solicitation. Neither delivery of this Joint Proxy Statement nor any distribution of the securities referred to in this Joint Proxy Statement shall, under any circumstances, create an implication that there has been no change in the information set forth herein since the date of this Joint Proxy Statement.
Gran Tierra is organized under the laws of the State of Nevada, United States. Many of the experts named herein are residents of the United States. In addition, substantial portions of the assets of Gran Tierra and of such individuals and experts are located outside of Canada. Although Gran Tierra has appointed Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, 855 2nd Street S.W. Suite 3500, Bankers Hall East Tower, Calgary AB T2P 4J8 Canada, as its agent for service of process in Canada, it may be difficult or impossible for persons who become securityholders of Gran Tierra to effect service of process upon such persons within Canada with
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respect to matters arising under Canadian securities laws or to enforce against them in Canadian courts judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of Canadian securities laws. There also is some doubt as to the enforceability in the United States in original actions, or in actions for enforcement of judgments of Canadian courts, of civil liabilities predicated upon the Canadian securities laws. In addition, awards of punitive damages in actions against Gran Tierra sought in Canada or elsewhere may be unenforceable in the United States.
See page 226 for a description of the documents Gran Tierra incorporates by reference into this Joint Proxy Statement.
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Solana was incorporated pursuant to the provisions of the ABCA on July 18, 1985 as Knight Mining Corp. Solana changed its name by Certificate of Amendment to Choice Software Systems Ltd. on September 19, 1991, to Timbuktu Gold Corp. on October 30, 1995, to Marchmont Gold Corp. on May 6, 1997, to Adulis Minerals Corp. on January 19, 2000, to Adulis Resources Inc. on April 30, 2001, and finally to its current name Solana Resources Limited on October 14, 2005.
Solana has two wholly-owned subsidiaries which are Solana Petroleum Exploration (Colombia) Limited incorporated in the Cayman Islands, or Solana Colombia, and Bayford Investments Ltd., incorporated in Barbados. Bayford Investments Ltd. had no operations and was dissolved July 24, 2008.
Solana is a reporting issuer in the Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. The Solana Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol SOR and on AIM under the trading symbol SORL.
Solanas head office is located at Suite 100, 522 11 Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2R 0C8 and the registered office is located at 1000, 250 2 Street, S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0C1.
Solana is an international resource company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas. Solana is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Solanas exploration and development properties are located in Colombia, South America and are held through its wholly owned subsidiary, Solana Colombia. Solana currently holds various working interests in nine blocks in Colombia and Solana is the operator in respect of six of these blocks. Five of the blocks contain producing assets.
On June 30, 2008, drilling commenced on the Costayaco-5 well and reached a total measured depth of 8,703 feet. The Costayaco-5 well is located on the west flank of the Costayaco field, approximately 3,450 feet northwest of Costayaco-1. A combination of drill stem testing and production testing was conducted on the two major reservoir sequences, the Caballos and the Villeta T formations in August and September 2008. The Middle Caballos tested 100% water while the Upper Caballos produced 27° API oil at a rate of 20 BOPD with a 5% water cut from 20 feet of perforations. The Lower Villeta T also produced 100% water while the Upper Villeta T produced 30° API oil at a gross rate of 1,152 BOPD with a 1% water cut from 22 feet of perforations using a jet pump. These results are the first indication of a water leg in the Villeta T in the Costayaco Field. The depth of the oil water contact is poorly defined but is interpreted to be located at approximately 8,375 feet.
Costayaco-4 is a deviated well drilled from the Costayaco-2 surface location near the crest of the Costayaco field to a total measured depth of 8,884 feet (true vertical depth of 8,616 feet). The bottom-hole location is approximately 1,775 feet northeast of the surface location. Approximately 77 feet of core was obtained from the Caballos and Villeta T formations during drilling. A combination of drill stem testing, flow testing and production testing was conducted on the two major reservoir sequences, the Caballos and the Villeta T formations in August and September 2008. The Caballos tested 30° API oil at a stabilized gross production rate of 3,042 BOPD with a 1% water cut from 95 feet of perforations with a jet pump. The Villeta T tested 30° API oil at a stabilized natural flow gross production rate of 1,401 BOPD with a 2% water cut from 48 feet of perforations.
A continuous delineation and development drilling campaign in the Costayaco field is planned for the balance of 2008 and through 2009, and management expects the details of this program to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2008.
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Additionally, an 8 inch diameter, 10 kilometer pipeline from the Costayaco field to the Uchupayaco Station on the existing pipeline system comissioned in late July, 2008, and is currently transporting approximately 9,000 BOPD. This new pipeline is designed to have a capacity of 25,000 BOPD. Initial throughput is constrained due to capacity limitations further downstream in the existing pipeline system. Options to increase production utilizing trucks to bypass infrastructure constraints, are being developed with gross Costayaco field production expected to rise to approximately 15,000 BOPD by year end 2008.
Solana holds a non-operated 50% working interest in the Chaza block, with Gran Tierra, the operator, holding the other 50%. The Chaza block is subject to an Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos contract.
Drilling commenced on the Primavera-1 well, on February 20, 2008 and reached a total depth of 7,405 feet on March 1, 2008. Preliminary test results for the Primavera -1 well completed in May 2008 yielded 650 BOPD (gross) from eight feet of perforations over a twenty-four hour period in the Carbonera C-7 formation. The Primavera-1 well was subsequently placed on a long term in mid August 2008 and produced 40° API oil at a gross average rate of 1,205 BOPD over a one week period. Water cut was stable and averaged 52% during this period.
In June 2008, Solana suspended testing operations of the Palmitas -2 well located on the Guachiría Sur block. The Palmitas -2 well reached a total depth of 6,905 feet in March 28, 2008, and following logging, sidewall coring and MDT tests was cased. While initial log interpretations and MDT tests indicated potential oil pay in the Carbonera C-7 formation, subsequent extensive cased hole testing failed to yield commercial oil rates. A work-over, attempting to reduce water production, was subsequently performed without success. The well is now slated to be abandoned.
In addition, drilling commenced on the Los Aceites-1 exploration well on August 2, 2008, and reached a total vertical depth of 7,108 feet on August 8, 2008. Completion and testing operations were performed with the drilling rig in late August 2008. During a short (4.5 hour) clean up, the well flowed at an average rate in excess of 5,000 BOPD from 10 feet of perforations in the Carbonera C-7 formation. A short term test is anticipated to commence late-September 2008.
Solana is the operator and holds a 100% working interest in the Guachiría and Guachiría Sur blocks with Lewis Energy Colombia holding a 30% beneficial interest in both blocks. The Guachiría Sur block is subject to an Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos contract and the Guachiría block is subject to an Ecopetrol S.A. contract with an additional 13% overriding royalty payable to Ecopetrol that is applied after government royalties.
In May 2008, the Topocho-1 well located on the Garibay block in the Llanos Basin was drilled and abandoned. In November 2007, Solana farmed out 50% and operatorship of the Garibay block to CEPSA Colombia SA. Under the farmout terms, Solana retains a 50% working interest in the Garibay block and CEPSA Colombia SA. is responsible for 100% of the drilling, completing and testing costs associated with the Topocho-1 well. The Garibay block is subject to an Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos contract.
On June 18, 2008, Solana relinquished its 100% interest in the Colonia block after the acquisition, processing and interpretation of 55 km2 of 3D seismic failed to identify any viable prospects.
In January 2008 Pacific Rubiales initiated gas production from the La Creciente block greatly increasing local line pressure and effectively backing out production from Solanas Güepajé gas field. Güepajé restarted production at market restricted rates into a low pressure line supplying local needs in late June 2008. A new compressor is expected to be in service in late September 2008 allowing Güepajé to produce at capacity. Solana holds a 37.8% operator interest in the Magangue block which is subject to an association contract.
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The following table sets forth summary historical consolidated financial data for Solana as of and for each of the preceding five years ended December 31, 2007 and as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008. The summary historical consolidated financial data have been presented in U.S. dollars and under Canadian GAAP.
The data set forth below has been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the associated consolidated financial statements and related notes as filed on SEDAR.
Year Ended December 31, | Period Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues and other income |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oil sales | $ | | $ | | $ | 6,010,571 | $ | 8,561,235 | $ | 17,441,340 | $ | 2,383,884 | $ | 47,921,945 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas sales | | 350,864 | 749,930 | 919,676 | 853,049 | 417,584 | 18,403 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest | 2,468 | 132,892 | 714,397 | 1,531,032 | 1,091,321 | 470,399 | 999,774 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 2,468 | 483,756 | 7,474,898 | 11,011,943 | 19,385,710 | 3,271,867 | 48,940,122 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | | 394,327 | 1,454,204 | 3,123,305 | 3,944,131 | 1,474,253 | 6,051,140 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Depletion, impairment, depreciation and accretion | 274,626 | 1,246,080 | 4,809,927 | 35,163,420 | 5,789,093 | 2,212,543 | 6,478,965 | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 121,946 | 964,060 | 2,849,913 | 4,602,952 | 5,129,153 | 2,380,267 | 2,811,552 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | | 938,946 | 1,801,780 | 3,029,830 | 13,640,012 | 2,825,074 | 3,480,991 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | 39,255 | 428,204 | (203,808 | ) | (2,145,686 | ) | 77,290 | 224,888 | (248,301 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total expenses | 435,827 | 3,971,617 | 10,712,016 | 43,773,821 | 28,579,679 | 9,177,425 | 18,574,347 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Loss before income tax | (433,359 | ) | (3,487,861 | ) | (3,237,118 | ) | (32,761,878 | ) | (9,193,969 | ) | (5,845,558 | ) | 30,365,775 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (recovery) | | 153,238 | 213,552 | (5,153,272 | ) | 89,257 | 89,257 | 3,119,646 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (433,358 | ) | (3,641,099 | ) | $ | (3,450,670 | ) | $ | (27,608,606 | ) | $ | (9,283,226 | ) | $ | (5,934,815 | ) | $ | 27,246,129 | |||||||||
Net loss per common share basic | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | 0.21 | ||||||||
Net loss per common share diluted | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | 0.22 | ||||||||
Statement of Cash Flows Data |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating activities | $ | (102,014 | ) | $ | 2,514,525 | $ | 5,453,812 | $ | 7,114,937 | $ | 12,893,927 | $ | (1,484,716 | ) | $ | 23,680,156 | ||||||||||||
Investing activities | (246,536 | ) | (14,855,544 | ) | (32,184,351 | ) | (29,112,940 | ) | (31,908,116 | ) | (12,595,370 | ) | (28,076,989 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Financing activities | 2,975,856 | 54,473,335 | 1,068,660 | 34,428,044 | 57,348,910 | 23,711 | 6,259,129 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | | 169,776 | 270,000 | (300,000 | ) | 19,676 | 58,156 | 1,644 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Decrease) Increase in cash | $ | 2,627,306 | $ | 42,302,092 | $ | (25,391,879 | ) | $ | 12,130,041 | $ | 38,354,397 | $ | (13,998,219 | ) | $ | 1,863,940 |
At December 31, | At June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,209,868 | $ | 45,780,741 | $ | 20,660,693 | $ | 29,909,168 | $ | 71,537,827 | $ | 18,158,274 | $ | 73,401,767 | ||||||||||||||
Working capital (including cash) | 2,168,827 | 48,750,038 | 24,407,788 | 37,106,929 | 70,974,442 | 18,039,837 | 88,303,377 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Oil and gas properties | 2,566,986 | 37,638,845 | 63,142,705 | 54,313,189 | 81,963,075 | 70,078,418 | 102,929,728 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax asset | | | | | | | 4,000,375 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 5,550,076 | 89,052,743 | 95,897,095 | 98,615,541 | 166,641,302 | 97,884,761 | 211,120,142 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax liability | | 5,067,880 | 5,231,970 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | | 351,452 | 536,547 | 1,556,823 | 1,973,938 | 7,350,731 | 2,134,858 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders equity | $ | 5,489,373 | $ | 81,984,051 | $ | 84,180,499 | $ | 93,654,111 | $ | 155,359,807 | $ | 90,534,030 | $ | 192,346,056 |
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The following table sets forth summary historical consolidated financial data for Solana as of and for each of the two years ended December 31, 2007. The summary historical consolidated financial data have been presented in U.S. dollars and adjusted to U.S. GAAP.
The data set forth below has been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto after applying the appropriate adjustments to U.S. GAAP, as included in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements included at page 207 of this Joint Proxy Statement.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2006 | 2007 | |||||||
Statement of Operations Data |
||||||||
Revenues and other income |
||||||||
Oil sales | $ | 8,561,235 | $ | 17,441,340 | ||||
Natural gas sales | 919,676 | 853,049 | ||||||
Interest | 1,531,032 | 1,091,321 | ||||||
Total revenues | 11,011,943 | 19,385,710 | ||||||
Expenses |
||||||||
Operating | 3,123,305 | 3,944,131 | ||||||
Depletion, impairment, depreciation and accretion | 43,078,099 | 4,593,556 | ||||||
General and administrative | 4,602,952 | 5,129,153 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | 3,029,830 | 13,640,012 | ||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | (2,145,686 | ) | 77,290 | |||||
Total expenses | 51,688,500 | 27,384,142 | ||||||
Loss before income tax | (40,676,557 | ) | (7,998,432 | ) | ||||
Income tax expense (recovery) | (5,153,272 | ) | 89,257 | |||||
Net loss | $ | (35,523,285 | ) | $ | (8,087,689 | ) | ||
Net loss per common share basic and diluted | $ | (0.43 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | ||
Statement of Cash Flows Data |
||||||||
Operating activities | $ | (799,742 | ) | $ | 14,089,464 | |||
Investing activities | (21,198,261 | ) | (33,103,653 | ) | ||||
Financing activities | 34,428,044 | 57,348,910 | ||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | (300,000 | ) | 19,676 | |||||
Increase in cash | $ | 12,130,041 | $ | 38,354,397 |
At December 31, | ||||||||
2006 | 2007 | |||||||
Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 29,909,168 | $ | 71,537,827 | ||||
Working capital (including cash) | 37,106,929 | 70,974,442 | ||||||
Oil and gas properties | 43,679,601 | 72,525,024 | ||||||
Total assets | 87,981,954 | 157,203,251 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 1,556,823 | 1,973,938 | ||||||
Shareholders equity | $ | 83,020,523 | $ | 145,921,756 |
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Solana is an oil and gas exploration and development company based in Calgary, Alberta with all of its exploration, development and producing properties located in Colombia. Solanas primary objective is to explore and develop prospective international oil and gas properties.
Solana currently holds various working interests in ten properties in Colombia and is the operator of seven of these properties. Four of the properties contain oil or gas producing wells. This portfolio is comprised of producing, under development and exploration assets and is held through Solanas wholly owned Colombian subsidiary.
Solanas management believes that Colombia offers significant oil and gas exploration potential. Solana is currently evaluating and will continue to evaluate other opportunities in Colombia and elsewhere with a view to acquiring additional interests in development or prospective exploration properties.
Solana currently has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Bayford Investments Ltd. and Solana Colombia. Bayford Investments Ltd. is a corporation incorporated in Barbados on November 3, 2003, with its registered office at White Park Road, Bridgetown, Barbados. Bayford Investments Ltd. registered a branch in Colombia on August 13, 2004, permitting Bayford Investments Ltd. to carry on business in Colombia; however, it is not carrying on active operations. Another subsidiary, Breakaway Energy, Inc. was acquired on October 2, 2006 but was voluntarily dissolved on February 28, 2007. Breakaway had no operations.
Solana acquired Solana Colombia in December 2004. Solana Colombia was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on May 8, 1998 and registered a branch in Colombia on October 26, 1998, permitting Solana Colombia to carry on business in Colombia. The operations office of Solana Colombia is Calle 113 No. 7-21 Of. 706, Torre A Edificio Teleport, Bogota D.C., Colombia.
Solanas financial results were reported in Canadian dollars before the year ending December 31, 2006, at which time the financial results began to be reported in US dollars.
On October 30, 2007, Solana filed on SEDAR restated interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007 and its related managements discussion and analysis. The restatement reflected a decrease in depletion expense and a corresponding decrease in the Solanas net loss of $800,000 for the three month period ended June 30, 2007, and $1,600,000 for the six month period ended June 30, 2007. The restatement reduced Solanas three and six month loss per share to ($0.03) and ($0.06) from ($0.05) and ($0.08) respectively.
Subsequently, on November 16, 2007, Solana filed on SEDAR restated financial statements and restated MD&A for each of the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, for the three month period ended March 31, 2007, and the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007. The restatement of the financial results reflected Solanas determination, in consultation with its auditors, that the amount originally allocated to intangible assets in connection with the acquisition of Solanas Breakaway subsidiary in October, 2006, should have been accounted for as a compensation expense over the vesting period of the common shares issued pursuant to the acquisition of Breakaway.
The following discussion and analysis of Solanas financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Solanas consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Solanas consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP, which differ from U.S. GAAP. For a discussion of these differences, see Note 20 to Solanas consolidated financials included below. Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed below are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed below. Figures are expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
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The following table summarizes selected financial data for Solana for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. This consolidated financial information includes the revenue and expenses of Solana Colombia for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.
June 30, 2008 | June 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
|||||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||
Revenue |
||||||||||||||||
Production revenue, net of royalties | 31,673,778 | 47,940,348 | 1,387,542 | 2,801,468 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs | 3,757,695 | 6,051,140 | 817,675 | 1,474,253 | ||||||||||||
27,916,083 | 41,889,208 | 569,867 | 1,327,215 | |||||||||||||
Expenses general and administrative | 1,320,953 | 2,811,552 | 1,319,363 | 2,380,667 | ||||||||||||
Depletion, depreciation and accretion | 4,174,757 | 6,478,965 | 945,635 | 2,212,543 | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | (758,723 | ) | (248,301 | ) | 199,233 | 224,888 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 872,983 | 3,480,991 | 1,207,881 | 2,825,074 | ||||||||||||
5,609,970 | 12,523,207 | 3,672,112 | 7,643,172 | |||||||||||||
Other income/(expenses) |
||||||||||||||||
Interest and other | 265,071 | 999,774 | 339,285 | 470,399 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | (3,053,711 | ) | (3,119,646 | ) | (39,257 | ) | (89,257 | ) | ||||||||
(2,788,640 | ) | (2,119,872 | ) | 300,028 | 381,142 | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 19,517,473 | 27,246,129 | (2,802,217 | ) | (5,934,815 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share, basic | 0.17 | 0.22 | (0.03 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share, diluted | 0.16 | 0.21 | (0.03 | ) | (0.06 | ) |
Revenue for the three month period ended June 30, 2008 increased 2,197% to $31,673,778, as compared to revenue of $1,378,542 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The quarterly increase in revenues of $30,295,236 was due to Solanas increased oil production of 239,071 barrels more than was produced in the second quarter of 2007, as well as increased average oil prices.
Revenue for the six month period ended June 30, 2008 increased 1,611% to $47,940,348, as compared to revenue of $2,801,468 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in revenues of $45,138,880 was due to Solanas increased production from the Costayaco and Juanambu discoveries in 2007. During the first half of 2008, Solana produced 402,351 barrels more than was produced in the first half of 2007.
Operating profit for the three month period ended June 30, 2008 increased by 4,798% to $27,916,083, as compared to $569,867 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Operating profit for the six month period ended June 30, 2008 increased by 3,056% to $41,889,208, as compared to $1,327,215 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in operating profits of $27,346,216 and $40,561,993, respectively, was attributable to Solanas increased oil production from the Costayaco and Juanambu discoveries in 2007, together with increased average oil prices during the period.
Solanas net income for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by 796% to $19,517,473 as compared to a net loss of $2,802,217 for the quarter ended June 30, 2007. Solanas net income for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by 559% to $27,246,129 as compared to a net loss of $5,934,815 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 is attributable to increased oil production from Solanas operations in Colombia, as well as higher average oil prices.
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Crude oil and gas production for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased 460% to 2,642 barrels, from 468 barrels for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in production is due primarily to the addition of production from the Juanambu and Costayaco wells which were discovered in fiscal 2007.
Operating costs for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by 360% to $3,757,695 as compared to $817,675 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Operating costs for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by 310% to $6,051,140 as compared to $1,474,253 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in operating costs reflect higher volumes produced as compared to the same periods in 2007.
These costs are mainly incurred in relation to the extraction of oil, light processing of the extracted oil and the transportation of oil produced during the year.
General and administrative expenses for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 amounted to $1,320,953 and $2,811,552, respectively, as compared to $1,319,363 and $2,380,667, respectively, for the three and six month period ended June 30, 2007. The major components of general and administrative expenses are as follows:
June 30, 2008 | June 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
|||||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
General office | 162,747 | 291,247 | 158,482 | 217,076 | ||||||||||||
Salaries & benefits | 680,821 | 1,788,829 | 707,559 | 1,506,687 | ||||||||||||
Professional fees | 360,171 | 474,020 | 135,429 | 212,503 | ||||||||||||
Public company cost | 107,171 | 185,831 | 156,548 | 202,160 | ||||||||||||
Consulting fees | 10,043 | 71,625 | 161,345 | 242,241 | ||||||||||||
1,320,953 | 2,811,552 | 1,319,363 | 2,380,667 |
Salaries and benefits expense increased as employees were added in response to a growing level of activity across the organization related to exploration on the oil and gas properties where Solana has a working interest. Professional fees and public company costs are mainly comprised of consultancy and legal expenses, which increased in accordance with Solanas activity levels.
Depletion, depreciation and accretion amounted to $4,174,757 and $6,478,965 for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008, compared to the same periods in 2007, which were $945,635 and $2,212,543 respectively. The variance is due mainly to the impact of the booking additional reserves and higher production rates.
Foreign exchange gain amounted to $758,723 and $248,301 for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008, as compared with a loss of $199,233 and $224,888 for the comparable three and six month periods in 2007. The increase is attributable to variations of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar during these periods. Solana incurs costs in Colombian pesos and Canadian dollars and sells its production in US dollars.
Stock-based compensation amounted to $872,983 and $3,480,991 for the three and six month period ended June 30 2008, respectively, as compared to $1,207,881 and $2,825,074 for the comparable periods ended June 30, 2007. The increase is mainly due to the additional stock compensation expense of $763,208 related to performance warrants recognized as part of the Breakaway acquisition (see Note 3 to the financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006).
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Interest income increased by 112%, to $999,774 at June 30, 2008, as compared to $470,399 at June 30, 2007. Even though interest rates were lower during the first half of 2008 in comparison with the first half of 2007, higher cash balances held throughout the current period resulted in higher interest income.
Income tax expense increased by 3,395% to $3,119,646 for the six month period ended June 30, 2008 as compared to $89,257 for the six month period ended June 30, 2007. This increase corresponds to a change in Solanas taxable base in Colombia from presumptive tax to taxes based on earnings resulting from the significant increase in expenses in 2008.
Subject to confirmation by taxation authorities, Solana has approximately CDN$10.2 million ($9.94 million) of Canadian non-capital loss carry forwards which are available to be carried forward and which expire between 2008 and 2027. The consolidated financial statements do not reflect the potential tax benefit of these losses, as they do not meet the more likely than not criteria for recognition.
Subject to confirmation by taxation authorities, Solana has approximately Col$98 billion ($49.6 million) of Colombian loss carry forwards which have no expiration term and are available to offset future taxable income. The consolidated financial statements reflect the potential tax benefit of these losses, as with the currently expected taxable income they meet the more likely than not criteria. Accordingly, a future tax asset of $4,000,375 was recognized at June 30, 2008.
The following table summarizes selected financial data for Solana for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
$ | $ |
$ |
||||||||||
Production Revenue, net of royalties | 18,294,389 | 9,480,911 | 6,760,501 | |||||||||
Operating costs | 3,944,131 | 3,123,305 | 1,454,204 | |||||||||
14,350,258 | 6,357,606 | 5,306,297 | ||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||
General and administrative | 5,129,153 | 4,602,952 | 2,849,913 | |||||||||
Depletion, depreciation and accretion | 5,789,093 | 5,340,876 | 4,809,927 | |||||||||
Impairment | | 29,822,544 | | |||||||||
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | 77,290 | (2,145,686 | ) | (203,808 | ) | |||||||
Stock-based compensation | 13,640,012 | 3,029,830 | 1,801,780 | |||||||||
24,635,548 | 40,650,516 | 9,257,812 | ||||||||||
Other (income)/expenses | ||||||||||||
Interest and other | (1,091,321 | ) | (1,531,032 | ) | (714,397 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense (recovery) | 89,257 | (5,153,272 | ) | 213,552 | ||||||||
(1,002,064 | ) | (6,684,304 | ) | (500,845 | ) | |||||||
Net loss | (9,283,226 | ) | (27,608,606 | ) | (3,450,670 | ) | ||||||
Net loss per share | (0.09 | ) | (0.34 | ) | (0.05 | ) |
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As at December 31, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Share capital and warrants | 187,223,652 | 122,962,256 | 87,017,320 | |||||||||
Working capital | 70,974,442 | 37,106,929 | 24,407,788 | |||||||||
Petroleum and natural gas properties | 81,963,075 | 54,313,189 | 63,142,705 | |||||||||
Total assets | 166,641,302 | 98,615,541 | 95,897,095 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 9,307,557 | 3,404,607 | 5,948,079 | |||||||||
Shareholders equity | 155,359,807 | 93,654,111 | 84,180,499 |
This consolidated financial information includes the revenue and expenses of Solana Colombia for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased by 93% to $18,294,389, as compared to revenue of $9,480,911 for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in revenues of $8,813,478 was due to Solanas increased oil production of 51,851 barrels more than was produced in fiscal 2006. During the same time oil prices increased to an average of $50 per barrel as compared to an average of $40 per barrel during fiscal 2006. Operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased by 126% to $14,350,258, as compared to $6,357,606 for the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase in operating profits of $7,992,652 was attributable to Solanas increased oil production along with increased average oil prices during fiscal 2007.
Solanas net loss for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased by 66% to $9,283,226 as compared to a net loss of $27,608,606 for the year ended December 31, 2006. This change is primarily due to the impact of the impairment adjustment of $29,822,544 taken during fiscal year 2006. This impairment adjustment resulted from Solanas termination of its rights and obligations under an Exploration Participation Agreement with Ramshorn International Limited.
Crude oil and gas production for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased 20% to 317,282 barrels, as compared from 265,431 barrels for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in production is due primarily to the addition of production from the Juanambu and Costayaco wells which were discovered in fiscal 2007.
Operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased by 26% to $3,944,131 as compared to $3,123,305 for the year ended December 31, 2006, reflecting higher volumes produced as compared to fiscal 2006. These costs are mainly incurred in relation to the extraction of oil, light processing of the extracted oil and the transportation of oil produced during the year.
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased by 10% to $5,129,153 from $4,602,952 for the same period ended December 31, 2006. The major components of general and administrative expenses are as follows:
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
$ | $ | |||||||
General office | 237,649 | 404,102 | ||||||
Salaries | 3,180,637 | 1,509,249 | ||||||
Professional fees | 794,218 | 1,743,014 | ||||||
Public company costs | 388,619 | 454,672 | ||||||
Consulting fees | 150,079 | 196,363 | ||||||
Travel | 377,951 | 295,552 | ||||||
5,129,153 | 4,602,952 |
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Most of Solanas general and administrative expenses increased in comparison with the year ended December 31, 2006, except for salaries and travel expenses. These expenses increased as a result of significantly higher level of drilling and exploration activities during 2007 required to meet the contractual obligations related to exploration on the oil and gas properties where Solana has a working interest.
Depletion, depreciation and accretion for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased by 8% to $5,789,093 as compared to $5,340,876 for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Depletion is calculated based on the depletable asset base, annual production and the proved reserves listed in Solanas annual reserve report. Depletion increased for the year ended December 31, 2007 by 9% to $5,639,189, as compared to $5,186,532 for the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase is due mainly to a combination of a higher depletable asset base and increased production during fiscal 2007, but was offset by additional proved reserves discovered in fiscal 2007 at Solanas Juanambú and Costayaco blocks.
Depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased by 3% to $149,904, as compared to $113,912 for the year ended December 31, 2006. Depreciation costs related primarily to depreciation of office furniture, office equipment, vehicles and leasehold improvements.
Accretion expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased by 233% to $134,549, as compared to $40,432, for the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase relates primarily to Solanas re-assessment of future estimated costs to plug and abandon its petroleum and natural gas wells at the end of their useful lives.
While there was no impairment charge for the year ended December 31, 2007, for the year ended December 31, 2006, Solanas impairment charge amounted to $29,822,544. This impairment charge was incurred upon the December 1, 2006 termination of Solanas rights and obligations under an Exploration Participation Agreement with Ramshorn International Limited. Pursuant to this agreement Solana participated in the exploration of five Colombian oil and gas exploration prospects. Upon termination of the Exploration Participation Agreement, effective September 1, 2006, Solana incurred the impairment adjustment described above which primarily related to exploration expenses incurred during the life of the agreement.
Foreign exchange loss for the year ended December 31, 2007 amounted to $77,290 as compared to a foreign exchange gain of $2,145,686 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. This change is substantially due to the appreciation of the Colombian peso and the Canadian dollar against the US dollar during fiscal year 2007. This is because Solana incurs costs in Colombian pesos and the Canadian dollars and sells its production in US dollars.
Stock based compensation expense increased 350%, or $10,610,182, to $13,640,012 in 2007 from $3,029,830 in 2006. This increase is primarily attributable stock compensation expenses of $6,912,486 and $5,724,064 recognized for shares of common stock and performance warrants, respectively, related to the Breakaway acquisition (see Note 3 to the financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006).
Stock-based compensation expense associated with options decreased 34%, or $509,476, from $1,512,938 in 2006 as compared with $1,003,462 in 2007. This decrease is due to a reduction in the amortization costs associated with the vesting of options granted throughout 2007.
Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased by 29% to $1,091,321, as compared to $1,531,032 at December 31, 2006. This decrease is due to lower cash balances held by Solana throughout most of fiscal 2007.
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Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased by 55% to $89,257, as compared to $201,233 for the year ended December 31, 2006. This decrease corresponds to a reduction in Solanas taxable base. Under Colombian tax regulations a company which holds an asset which does not produce revenue must pay a tax on the assessed value of such asset. If such asset produces revenue in a future period, any historical taxes paid on the assessed value of the asset may be used to offset taxes owing on revenues produced from the asset. This carry-forward may be used for five years. Solanas tax carry forward under this regulation amounts to $5,354,505 at December 31, 2007.
Solana has approximately $10,355,500 of Canadian non-capital tax-loss carry forwards, and $38,695,000 of Colombian tax-loss carry forwards. Solanas consolidated financial statements do not reflect the potential tax benefit of these losses, as they do not meet the more likely than not criteria provided for under Canadian GAAP.
This consolidated financial information includes the revenue and expenses of Solana Colombia for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by 40% to $9,480,911, as compared to revenue of $6,760,501 for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in revenues of $2,720,410 was due to an increase in oil production of 56,508 barrels more than was produced in fiscal 2006. During the same time oil prices increased to an average of $40 per barrel as compared to an average of $32 per barrel during fiscal 2006. Operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by 20% to $6,357,606, as compared to $5,306,297 for the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase in operating profits of $1,051,309 was attributable to increased oil production along with increased average oil prices during fiscal 2006.
Solanas net loss increased by 700% to $27,608,606 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to a net loss of $3,450,670 for the year ended December 31, 2005. This change is primarily due to the impact of an impairment adjustment of $29,822,544 taken during fiscal year 2006. This impairment adjustment resulted from Solanas termination of its rights and obligations under an Exploration Participation Agreement with Ramshorn International Limited. Pursuant to this agreement Solana participated in the exploration of five Colombian oil and gas exploration prospects. Upon termination of the Exploration Participation Agreement, effective September 1, 2006, Solana incurred the impairment adjustment described above which primarily related to exploration expenses incurred during the life of the agreement.
Crude oil and gas production for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased 27% to 265,431 barrels, from 208,923 barrels for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in production is due primarily to the addition of production from the Guayuyaco 1 and Guayuyaco 2 wells which were discovered in fiscal 2006.
Operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by 115% to $3,123,305 as compared to $1,454,204 for the year ended December 31, 2005 reflecting higher volumes produced in comparison with the prior period. These costs are mainly incurred in relation to the extraction of oil, light processing of the extracted oil and the transportation of oil produced during the year.
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General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by 62% to $4,602,952 from $2,849,913 for the same period ended December 31, 2005. The major components of general and administrative expenses are as follows:
2006 | 2005 | |||||||
$ | $ | |||||||
General office | 404,102 | 486,790 | ||||||
Salaries | 1,509,249 | 946,379 | ||||||
Professional fees | 1,743,014 | 718,628 | ||||||
Public company costs | 454,672 | 194,598 | ||||||
Consulting fees | 196,363 | 353,583 | ||||||
Travel | 295,552 | 149,935 | ||||||
4,602,952 | 2,849,913 |
All the categories of general and administrative expenses increased during fiscal year 2006 as compared to fiscal year 2005 due to the significantly increased operation and exploration activities Solana.
Depletion, depreciation and accretion increased by 11% to $5,340,876 for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to $4,809,927 for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Depletion is calculated based on the depletable asset base, annual production and the proved reserves pursuant to Solanas annual reserve report. Depletion increased by 18% to $5,520,977 for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to $4,670,866 for the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase is mainly due to additional proved properties being added during fiscal 2006 as a consequence of the intensive drilling campaign during 2006.
Depreciation increased by 19% to $113,912 for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to $95,599 for the year ended December 31, 2005. Depreciation costs related primarily to depreciation of office furniture, office equipment, vehicles and leasehold improvements.
Accretion expense decreased by 17% to $40,432 for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to $48,730 for the year ended December 31, 2005. This decrease relates primarily to Solanas re-assessment of future estimated costs to plug and abandon its petroleum and natural gas wells at the end of their useful lives.
While there was no impairment charge for the year ended December 31, 2005, for the year ended December 31, 2006, Solanas impairment charge amounted to $29,822,544. This impairment charge was incurred upon the December 1, 2006 termination of Solanas rights and obligations under an Exploration Participation Agreement with Ramshorn International Limited. Pursuant to this agreement Solana participated in the exploration of five Colombian oil and gas exploration prospects. Upon termination of the Exploration Participation Agreement, effective September 1, 2006, Solana incurred the impairment adjustment described above which primarily related to exploration expenses incurred during the life of the agreement.
Foreign exchange gain for the year ended December 31, 2006 amounted to $2,145,686 as compared to a foreign exchange gain of $203,808 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. This change was primarily attributable to the appreciation of the Colombian peso and the Canadian dollar against the US dollar during fiscal year 2007. This is because Solana incurs costs in Colombian pesos and the Canadian dollars and sells its production in US dollars.
Stock based compensation expense increased 68%, or $1,228,050, to $3,029,830 in 2006 from $1,801,780 in 2005. This increase is primarily attributable to the amortization of the costs associated with the vesting of options granted throughout 2006.
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Interest income increased by 114%, to $1,531,032 at December 31, 2006, as compared to $714,397 at December 31, 2005. This increase is due to larger cash balances held by Solana throughout most of fiscal year 2006.
Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 decreased by 6% to $201,233 as compared to $213,552 for the year ended December 31, 2005. This decrease corresponds to a reduction in Solanas taxable base. Under Colombian tax regulations a company which holds an asset which does not produce revenue must pay a tax on the assessed value of the asset. If such asset produces revenue in a future period, any historical taxes paid on the assessed value of the asset may be used to offset taxes owing on such revenues. This carry-forward may be used for 5 years. Solanas tax carry forward under the regulation described above amounts to $5,354,505 in fiscal year 2006.
At December 31, 2006 Solana had approximately CDN$7,421,000 of Canadian non-capital tax loss carry forwards, and Colombian tax losses totaling Col$68,546,000 which are available to be carried forward. The consolidated financial statements do not reflect the potential tax benefit of these losses, as they do not meet the more likely than not criteria provided for under Canadian GAAP.
Solanas working capital increased from $70,974,442 at December 31, 2007, to $88,303,377 at June 30, 2008, an increase of 24%, largely due to the increase in accounts receivable corresponding to crude sales from the Costayaco and Juanambu fields.
Solanas cash balances at June 30, 2008 of $73,401,767 are committed to Solanas planned capital expenditure program in Colombia. Solana does not currently require additional financing in order to fund its ongoing exploration, appraisal and development programs.
Solanas shareholders equity increased from $155,359,807 at December 31, 2007 to $192,346,056 at June 30, 2008, an increase of 23.8%, mainly due to the net income obtained in the period and proceeds from the exercise of 750,000 stock options and 2,500,000 warrants during the period.
On December 20, 2007, Solana secured a $100 million reserves based credit facility with BNP Paribas Bank. The facility is secured by Solanas Colombian oil and gas reserves and the amount available for draw down will be adjusted pursuant to the lenders review of semi-annual reserve reports. The initial amount available under the facility is $26 million and amounts drawn down bear an interest rate that varies with Solanas net production ranging from 2.375% to 3.125% over LIBOR. As of June 30, 2008, Solana had not accessed this facility and had no immediate plans to do so.
Solana had cash inflows from operations amounting to $33,204,066 for the six month period ended June 30, 2008, as compared to $804,160 for the comparable period in 2007. This difference is substantially due to the impact of higher production and higher oil prices.
Solanas net cash inflow from financing activities amounted to $6,259,129 for the six month period ended June 30, 2008, due to proceeds obtained from stock option and warrant exercises in May and June 2008. By comparison, Solana did not have any net cash inflow from financing activities during the six month period ended June 30, 2007.
Solana had cash outflows from its investing activities of $28,076,989 for the six month period ended June 30, 2008 as compared to $12,571,659 for the six month period ended June 30, 2007. The majority of the cash outflow for the six month period ended June 30, 2008 was attributable to expenditures on petroleum and natural gas properties totaling $27,302,065.
For the year ended December 31, 2007, Solana relied on cash provided by operations and the proceeds of Solanas November 2007 financing. During fiscal year 2006 Solana relied on cash provided by proceeds of Solanas April, 2006 financing.
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During fiscal 2007 Solanas working capital increased 91% to $70,974,442 as compared to $37,106,929 for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $24,407,788 for 2005. The increase in working capital in 2007 was due primarily to proceeds of Solanas November 2007 offering of 27,300,000 common shares at a price of CDN$2.20 per share, yielding gross proceeds of CDN$60,060,000. The increase in working capital in 2006 was due primarily to the sale of common shares by Solana in a private placement offering which closed during April 2006. In connection with such placement Solana issued and sold 21,000,000 common shares at a price of CDN$2.00 per share for gross proceeds of CDN$42,000,000.
On December 20, 2007, Solana secured a $100 million reserves based credit facility with BNP Paribas Bank. The facility is secured by Solanas Colombian oil and gas reserves and the amount available to be drawn down will be adjusted pursuant to the lender review of semi-annual reserve reports. The initial amount available under the facility is $26 million and amounts drawn down bear an interest rate that varies with Solanas net production ranging from 2.375% to 3.125% over LIBOR. As of December 31, 2007, Solana had not accessed this facility and has no immediate plans to do so.
Cash balances at December 31, 2007, amounted to $71,537,827, including $57,348,910 in net proceeds from Solanas November 26, 2007 financing, as compared to $29,909,168 at December 31, 2006, and $20,660,693 at December 31, 2005.
Shareholders equity increased 66% at December 31, 2007 to $155,359,807 from $93,654,111 at December 31, 2006. This increase was due to Solanas November 26, 2007 financing, net of a significant increase in the cumulative deficit due to the impairment adjustment recognized in 2006, as described above. Shareholders equity increased 21% at December 31, 2006 to $93,654,111 from $84,180,499 at December 31, 2005. This increase was due to Solanas April 2006 financing, net of a significant increase in the cumulative deficit due to the impairment adjustment recognized in 2006 as described above.
Solanas cash inflow from operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 amounted to $12,893,927 compared to a cash inflow from operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 of $7,114,937. This increase was due to additional oil production from the Juanambú and Costayaco fields discovered in 2007 and increased oil prices during fiscal 2007, as described above. Solanas cash inflow from operations during fiscal 2006 amounted to $7,114,937 compared to a cash inflow in fiscal 2005 of $5,453,812. This increase was due to oil production from the Guayuyaco field and future tax liability adjustments.
Solanas net cash inflow from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2007 amounted to $57,348,910 compared to $34,428,044 for the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was due to the cash provided by Solanas November 26, 2007 financing. Solanas net cash inflow from financing activities amounted to $34,428,044 for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to $1,068,660 for the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase was due to proceeds from the issuance of 21,000,000 common shares.
Solanas cash outflows during the year ended December 31, 2007 related to investments in exploration activities of $31,955,538 as compared to $29,112,940 for the year ended December 31, 2006. The majority of the cash outflows related to expenditures which were incurred in drilling exploratory wells and acquiring seismic data on petroleum and natural gas properties on which Solana has a working interest. Solana had cash outflows from its investing activities of $29,112,940 in fiscal year 2006 as compared to $32,184,351 in fiscal year 2005. The majority of the cash outflows related to expenditures for the acquisition of rights to and exploration on petroleum and natural gas properties.
Solanas cash requirements and balances are projected based on forecasted operations and capital expenditures. Solana expects to meet these requirements through a combination of available funds from operations, equity financing on an as-needed basis, project debt financing and cash to be provided by the exercise of warrants and share options in the future.
Solana does not currently, and has not previously, had research and development policies in place. Over the past three fiscal years, no funds were expended by Solana on research and development activities.
Solana does not know of any trends that would be material to its operations.
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Solanas business is subject to risks inherent in oil and gas exploration and development operations. In addition, there are risks associated with the foreign jurisdiction in which Solana operates. Solana has identified certain risks pertinent to its business, including: exploration and reserve risks, drilling and operating risks, costs and availability of materials and services, capital markets and the requirement for additional capital, loss of or changes to production sharing, joint venture or related agreements, economic and sovereign risks, possibly less developed legal systems, reliance on strategic relationships, market risk, volatility of future oil and gas prices and foreign currency risk.
Solana attempts to monitor, assess and mitigate certain of these risks by retaining an experienced team of professionals and using modern technology. Further, Solana has focused its activities in known hydrocarbon basins in a jurisdiction that has previously established long-term oil and gas ventures with foreign oil and gas companies, existing infrastructure of services and oil and gas transportation facilities, and reasonable proximity to markets. Solana also retains consultants resident in Colombia to monitor economic and political developments and to assist with operating, administrative and legal matters. There are certain risks, however, over which Solana has little or no control.
Solana follows the full cost method of accounting for petroleum and natural gas operations, whereby all costs of exploring for and developing petroleum and natural gas reserves are capitalized in country-by-country cost centers. Such costs include land acquisition costs, geological and geophysical costs, carrying charges on non-producing properties, costs of drilling both productive and non-productive wells, interest costs on major development projects and overhead charges directly related to acquisition, exploration and development activities.
Solana does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on Solanas financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.
As of December 31, 2007, Solanas known contractual obligations are set forth in the following table. These contractual obligation did not change materially as of June 30, 2008.
Contractual Obligations Due | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 and Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Land related | *$47,239,700 | nil | nil | nil | nil | $ | 47,239,700 | |||||||||||||||||
Canadian lease obligations | $ | 123,726 | $ | 123,726 | $ | 123,726 | $ | 123,726 | $ | 247,452 | $ | 742,356 | ||||||||||||
Colombian lease obligations | $ | 27,000 | $ | 27,000 | $ | 27,000 | $ | 27,000 | $ | 27,000 | $ | 135,000 | ||||||||||||
Total contractual obligations | $ | 47,390,426 | $ | 150,726 | $ | 150,726 | $ | 150,726 | $ | 274,452 | $ | 48,117,056 |
* | This amount reflects an estimate of costs required for Solana to meet its exploration obligations pursuant to licenses during 2008. To the extent such obligations are met similar or greater costs may be incurred in subsequent years. |
Solanas principal market risk relates to oil prices. Solana has not hedged these risks in the past. Essentially 100% of our revenues are from oil sales at prices which are defined by contract relative to international prices using the average of the WTI adjusted for transportation and quality, for each month.
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Currency risk is the risk that the value of financial instruments will fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates. Currency risk arises when future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not Solanas measurement currency. Solana is exposed to foreign exchange risk mainly with respect to its certain expenditures and expenses from various currencies primarily the Colombian pesos and Canadian dollars in relation to the U.S. dollars. However, the revenues received by Solana for the production of crude oil are primarily in U.S. dollars thereby Solanas cash flow from commodity sales would not be materially impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency. Solanas management monitors the exchange rate fluctuations on a regular basis and does not use currency derivative instruments to manage Solanas exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. At December 31, 2007, the carrying amount of Solanas foreign currency denominated net monetary assets was approximately $5.7 million and net monetary liabilities were $6.4 million. Assuming all other variables remain constant, a fluctuation of one cent in the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the US dollar would result in a change in income of approximately $60 thousand dollars. As well, a fluctuation of one cent in the exchange rate of the Colombian peso to the US dollar would result in a change in income of approximately $14 thousand dollars. At December 31, 2006, the carrying amount of Solanas foreign currency denominated net monetary assets was approximately $4.2 million and net monetary liabilities were $1 million.
Interest rate risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. Solana currently does not have any debt nor has it drawn on its credit facility. Solana believes that it has no significant concentration of interest risk related to its cash equivalents as most of these are invested in financial institutions with high credit ratings.
Due to the volatility of commodity prices Solana is potentially exposed to adverse consequences of declining oil or natural gas prices. Solana may enter into oil and natural gas contracts in order to protect its cash flow on future sales from the potential adverse impact of declining prices. These contracts would reduce the fluctuation in sales revenue by locking in prices with respect to future deliveries of oil and natural gas. As at December 31, 2007 and 2006, Solana had not entered into any such contracts.
Solana is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Solana Shares, of which 126,426,792 are currently issued and outstanding. Holders of Solana Shares are entitled to one vote per Solana Share at meetings of shareholders of Solana, to dividends if, as and when declared by the Solana Board and to receive pro rata the remaining property and assets of Solana upon its liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Solana.
The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of Solana, effective December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 in U.S. dollars.
Outstanding as at December 31, 2007 |
Outstanding as at June 30, 2008(1) |
|||||||
Solana Shares | $ | 187,223,652 | $ | 197,179,178 | ||||
(123,176,792 Solana Shares) | (126,426,792 Solana Shares) | |||||||
Bank Loan(1) | Nil | Nil |
Note:
(1) | Solana, as guarantor, and Solana Colombia, as borrower, has a $100,000,000 senior secured credit facility with BNP Paribas which currently has not been drawn on. |
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Solana has not declared or paid any dividends since incorporation. Any decision to pay dividends on Solana Shares will be made by the Solana Board on the basis of Solanas earnings, financial requirements and other conditions existing at such future time.
The outstanding Solana Shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SOR and on AIM under the symbol SORL.
The following table sets forth the price range (high and low) in Canadian dollars of Solana Shares and volume traded on the TSX Venture Exchange for the periods indicated.
Period | High | Low | Trading Volume |
|||||||||
2007 |
||||||||||||
January 2007 | $ | 0.99 | $ | 0.79 | 16,244,890 | |||||||
February 2007 | $ | 0.98 | $ | 0.75 | 11,418,311 | |||||||
March 2007 | $ | 1.25 | $ | 0.82 | 8,499,024 | |||||||
April 2007 | $ | 0.94 | $ | 0.77 | 4,490,425 | |||||||
May 2007 | $ | 1.12 | $ | 0.73 | 12,444,436 | |||||||
June 2007 | $ | 1.07 | $ | 1.75 | 13,600,242 | |||||||
July 2007 | $ | 2.00 | $ | 1.53 | 5,138,868 | |||||||
August 2007 | $ | 2.05 | $ | 1.52 | 7,460,597 | |||||||
September 2007 | $ | 2.20 | $ | 1.40 | 7,343,972 | |||||||
October 2007 | $ | 2.75 | $ | 2.00 | 24,805,933 | |||||||
November 2007 | $ | 2.80 | $ | 2.23 | 10,893,980 | |||||||
December 2007 | $ | 2.46 | $ | 1.96 | 10,893,980 | |||||||
2008 |
||||||||||||
January 2008 | $ | 3.32 | $ | 2.25 | 13,865,207 | |||||||
February 2008 | $ | 2.98 | $ | 2.62 | 1,884,544 | |||||||
March 2008 | $ | 3.32 | $ | 2.62 | 12,873,082 | |||||||
April 2008 | $ | 3.25 | $ | 4.08 | 16,302,069 | |||||||
May 2008 | $ | 3.85 | $ | 4.60 | 16,374,527 | |||||||
June 2008 | $ | 5.87 | $ | 3.99 | 21,007,501 | |||||||
July 2008 | $ | 5.65 | $ | 4.19 | 57,683,628 | |||||||
August 2008 | $ | 5.03 | $ | 4.10 | 15,979,334 |
On July 28, 2008, the last trading day on which the Solana Shares traded prior to announcement of, the Arrangement, the closing price of the Solana Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange was CDN$4.35 and £2.13 on the AIM.
The only Solana Shares distributed within the twelve (12) months preceding the date hereof, other than pursuant to the exercise of Solana options, are as follows:
Date | Number of Solana Shares |
Issue Price Per Solana Share |
Total Issue Price |
Nature of Consideration Received |
Purpose of Issuance |
|||||||||||||||
November 26, 2007 | 27,300,000 | CDN$2.20 | CDN$60,060,000 | Cash | Capital | |||||||||||||||
May 9, 2008 | 700,000 | CDN$2.00 | CDN$1,400,000 | Cash | Capital | |||||||||||||||
May 21, 2008 | 1,800,000 | CDN$2.00 | CDN$3,600,000 | Cash | Capital |
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The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of Solanas Shares as of August 20, 2008 by (1) each of its directors and named executive officers and; (2) all of Solanas executive officers and directors as a group. To Solanas knowledge, there is no person who beneficially owns more than 5% of its outstanding shares other than as set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the following table, each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power and that persons address is Suite 100, 522 11th Avenue, S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2R 0C8, Canada. Solana Shares subject to options or warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days following August 20, 2008 are deemed outstanding for computing the share and percentage ownership of the person holding such options and warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percentage of Class |
||||||
J. Scott Price(2) | 7,840,000 | 6.01 | % | |||||
Ricardo Montes(3) | 700,000 | * | ||||||
Glenn Van Doorne(4) | 7,740,000 | 5.93 | % | |||||
Raymond P. Antony(5) | 780,000 | * | ||||||
Grant R. Howard(6) | 475,000 | * | ||||||
Roy H. Hudson(7) | 500,000 | * | ||||||
Keith Jackson(8) | 250,000 | * | ||||||
Luis Miguel Morelli(9) | 200,000 | * | ||||||
Directors and officers as a group (total of 8 persons)(10) | 18,485,000 | 13.4 | % |
* | Less than 1% |
(1) | Beneficial ownership is calculated based on 126,426,792 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of August 20, 2008. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act. The number of shares beneficially owned by a person includes shares of common stock underlying options or warrants held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008. The shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of those options or warrants are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding those options and warrants but are not deemed outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to the shares set forth opposite that persons name, subject to community property laws, where applicable. |
(2) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 300,000 Solana Shares exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008, and warrants to acquire 3,750,000 Solana Shares, exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008. |
(3) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 700,000 Solana Shares exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008. |
(4) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 300,000 Solana Shares exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008, and warrants to acquire 3,750,000 Solana Shares, exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008. |
(5) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 410,000 Solana Shares exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008. |
(6) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 300,000 Solana Shares exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008. |
(7) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 400,000 Solana Shares exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008. |
(8) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 250,000 Solana Shares exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008. |
(9) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 200,000 Solana Shares exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008. |
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(10) | The number of shares beneficially owned includes an option to acquire 2,860,000 Solana Shares exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008, and warrants to acquire 7,500,000 Solana Shares, exercisable within 60 days of August 20, 2008. |
An investment in Solana is subject to certain risks. Investors should carefully consider the risk factors described under the heading Risk Factors in the Solana Annual Information Form incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement, as well as the risk factors set forth elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement.
Information has been incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement from documents filed with the securities commissions or similar authorities in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario (collectively, the Commissions). Copies of the documents incorporated herein by reference may be obtained on request without charge from the Chief Executive Officer of Solana, at Suite 100, 522 11 Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2R 0C8, Telephone (403) 770-1822, and are also available electronically on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) website at www.sedar.com.
The following documents of Solana, filed with the securities commissions or similar authorities in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, are specifically incorporated by reference into and form an integral part of this Joint Proxy Statement:
| Solanas Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2007 dated April 10, 2008; |
| the audited consolidated financial statements of Solana under Canadian GAAP as at and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, together with the notes thereto and the auditors report thereon, filed on SEDAR on April 10, 2008; |
| the managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of Solana for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed on SEDAR on April 10, 2008; |
| Solanas management proxy and information circular dated April 9, 2008 relating to the annual and special meeting of shareholders held on May 7, 2008; |
| managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of Solana for the six month period ended June 30, 2008, filed on SEDAR on August 18, 2008; and |
| Solanas material change report dated August 6, 2008 with respect to the Arrangement. |
Any material change reports (excluding confidential reports), comparative interim financial statements, comparative annual financial statements and the auditors report thereon, information circulars, annual information forms (excluding those portions that are not required pursuant to applicable securities legislation to be incorporated by reference herein) filed by Solana with the securities commissions or similar authorities in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario subsequent to the date of this Joint Proxy Statement and prior to the termination of the Solana Meeting, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes of this Joint Proxy Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. The modifying or superseding statement need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set forth in the document that it modifies or supersedes. The making of a modifying or superseding statement shall not be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Joint Proxy Statement.
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There are no outstanding legal proceedings material to Solana to which Solana or its subsidiaries is a party to, or in respect of which any of their respective properties are subject, nor are there any such proceedings known to be contemplated.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 there were (i) no penalties or sanctions imposed against Solana by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority; (ii) no other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision; and (iii) no settlement agreements entered into by Solana with a court relating to securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority.
The auditors of Solana are Deloitte & Touche LLP, 3000 Scotia Centre, 700 2nd Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0S7.
Valiant Trust Company, 310, 606 4th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P, 1T1, Attn: Bonnie Steadman, is transfer agent and registrar of the Solana Shares.
Certain legal matters in connection with the Arrangement have been passed upon, on behalf of Solana, by Davis LLP, as to matters of Canadian law and Hodgson Russ LLP as to matters of U.S. law, and on behalf of Gran Tierra, by Cooley Godward Kronish LLP, as to matters of U.S. law, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, as to matters of Canadian law, and Gomez-Pinzon Zuleta as to matters of Colombian law.
Additional information relating to Solana may be found on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com. Financial information concerning Solana is provided in its Canadian GAAP comparative financial statements and managements discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2007 and its comparative unaudited financial statements and managements discussion and analysis for the six months ended June 30, 2008, all of which are also available on SEDAR.
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If the Arrangement is consummated, holders of Solana Securities will surrender their Solana Securities in consideration for cash payments, GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, Gran Tierra common stock or options to purchase Gran Tierra common stock. Holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will have the right to exchange or retract the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares for an equivalent number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock. Solana is a corporation governed by Alberta law. Gran Tierra is a corporation organized under Nevada law. While the rights and privileges of shareholders of an Alberta corporation are, in many instances, comparable to those of stockholders of a Nevada corporation, there are certain differences. These differences arise from differences between Alberta and Nevada law, and between Solanas articles of incorporation and bylaws and Gran Tierras articles of incorporation and bylaws. For a description of the rights of the holders of Gran Tierra common stock, see Certain Information Regarding Gran Tierra Information About the Share Capital of Gran Tierra and Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc. on page 117.
Provision/Right
Solana Shareholders
Gran Tierra Stockholders
Corporate Governance
The rights of Solana Shareholders are currently governed by Alberta law and Solanas articles of incorporation and bylaws. Upon completion of the Arrangement, the rights of former Solana Shareholders will be governed by Nevada law and Gran Tierras articles of incorporation and bylaws (and, to a limited extent, holders of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be governed by Alberta law and Exchangecos articles of incorporation and bylaws).
Upon completion of the Arrangement, the rights of Gran Tierra stockholders will be governed by Nevada law and Gran Tierras articles of incorporation and bylaws.
Outstanding Capital Stock
Solana has only one class of common shares outstanding. Solana Shareholders are entitled to all of the rights and obligations provided to common shareholders under Alberta law and Solanas articles of incorporation and bylaws.
Gran Tierra has one class of common stock and one share of Special Voting Stock outstanding. Holders of Gran Tierra common stock are entitled to all of the rights and obligations provided to common shareholders under Nevada law and Gran Tierras articles of incorporation and bylaws. Holders of Special Voting Stock are not entitled to receive dividends, but are entitled to cast as many votes as there are outstanding exchangeable shares affiliated with the Special Voting Stock on any matter on which common stockholders are entitled to vote.
Authorized Capital Stock
Solana is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares.
The authorized capital stock of Gran Tierra consists of 300,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 1 share of Special Voting Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. In conjunction with the Arrangement, the Gran Tierra articles of incorporation shall be amended to authorize the issuance of a special voting share in order to enable the creation of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares. Following the completion of Arrangement, and assuming that Gran Tierras Proposal 3 is approved by its stockholders, the authorized number of shares of Gran Tierra Common Stock will be increased to 600,000,000.
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Provision/Right
Solana Shareholders
Gran Tierra Stockholders
Special Meetings of Stockholders
Solanas bylaws are silent on special shareholder meetings.
Under Nevada law, unless otherwise provided in a corporations articles of incorporation or bylaws, a special meeting of stockholders may be called by the entire board of directors, any two directors or the president.
Gran Tierras bylaws provide that a special meeting may be called only by the Chairman of the Board or by a vote of a majority of the directors then in office.
Stockholder Proposals and Nominations of Candidates for Election to the Board of Directors
Alberta law provides that a shareholder (registered or beneficial) who is entitled to vote at an annual general meeting may require the corporation to give notice of any proposal that the shareholders can properly propose at the meeting. To be eligible to submit a proposal, the shareholder must have been a holder for the six-month period preceding submission of the proposal of the lesser of 1% of the outstanding voting shares and the number of voting shares equal to $2000 of the fair market value of such shares and the shareholder proposal must have the support of registered holders or beneficial owners of shares of the corporation representing at least 5% of the issued voting shares of the corporation.
A corporation that solicits proxies in respect of such meeting is required to set out the proposal in the information circular and if requested by the shareholder, include in the information circular a statement of the shareholders in support of the proposal. A proposal may include nominations for election of directors if the proposal is signed by not less than five percent of the class of shares entitled to vote at the meeting.
A corporation is not required to include the proposal and supporting statement in the information circular if: the proposal is submitted to the corporation less than 90 days before the anniversary of the previous annual meeting; the proposal clearly does not relate in a significant way to the business or affairs of the corporation; the shareholder made a proposal within the preceding two years and failed to present the proposal, in person or by proxy; or a proposal in substantially the same form was submitted to a meeting of shareholders within the preceding five years and did not receive a minimum prescribed level of support.
Gran Tierra is subject to the Exchange Act, which provides that a shareholder who continuously holds at least $2,000 in market value or 1% of a companys voting securities entitled to vote for at least one year prior to the submission of a proposal and through the meeting date may, subject to certain conditions, include the proposal in the companys proxy materials sent to shareholders.
Gran Tierras bylaws provide for stockholder nominations and proposals, as long as the stockholders fulfill certain notice and procedure requirements as provided therein.
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Provision/Right
Solana Shareholders
Gran Tierra Stockholders
Number of Directors
Solanas articles of incorporation provide that the Solana Board may consist of no less than one and no more than fifteen directors.
Following the business combination, the size of the Gran Tierra Board will be increased from five to seven, and two individuals who previously served as directors of Solana will be appointed to fill those vacancies.
Gran Tierras bylaws provide that the Gran Tierra Board may consist of no less than one and no more than nine directors, and that the number of directors can be fixed and changed from time to time by a resolution of the Gran Tierra Board.
Removal of Directors
Under Alberta law, shareholders representing a majority of the votes at a special meeting may remove any director or the entire Solana Board. Solanas bylaws are silent as to the removal of directors.
Under Nevada law, stockholders representing no less than two-thirds of the companys voting power may remove any director or the entire board.
Gran Tierras bylaws require an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding voting power to remove a director.
Filling Director Vacancies
Solanas articles of incorporation provides that the Solana Board may appoint additional directors between annual shareholder meetings, as long as the number of such additional directors does not exceed one third of the number of directors in office as of the last shareholder meeting. In addition, Solanas Board can fill vacancies by majority vote of the remaining directors. Under Alberta law, if there is not a quorum of the board of directors, the vacancies may be filled at a special shareholder meeting.
Under Nevada law, unless provided otherwise in a corporations articles of incorporation, a director vacancy may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors in office, without a requirement of a quorum.
Gran Tierras bylaws provide that the directors may appoint additional directors to fill vacancies, and that such appointed directors shall hold office until the next stockholder meeting, when they will be voted on by the stockholders.
Vote Required for Extraordinary Transactions
Under Alberta law, the approval of at least two-thirds of votes cast at a meeting is required for extraordinary corporate actions, including:
| amalgamations; |
| continuances; |
| sales, leases or exchanges of all or substantially all of the property of a corporation; |
| liquidations and dissolutions; and |
| arrangements (if ordered by a court). |
Alberta law may also require the separate approval by the holders of a class or series of shares for extraordinary corporate actions and other actions where the rights of such class or series are adversely affected.
Under Nevada law, the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote is required for a:
| merger; |
| conversion; |
| dissolution; or |
| sale, lease or exchange of all of the assets of the corporation. |
Gran Tierras bylaws require the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote for a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the corporation.
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Provision/Right
Solana Shareholders
Gran Tierra Stockholders
Amendment to Governing Documents
Under Alberta law, the approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast at the meeting is required to amend the articles of the corporation.
If the amendment would affect the rights of any holders of a class or series of shares differently than other shares, the amendment also requires the approval of two-thirds of the shares of the class or series.
Under Alberta law, the creation, amendment or repeal of bylaws requires that, after being approved by the directors of the corporation, the creation, amendment or repeal of the bylaw must be approved by a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the next shareholder meeting.
Under Nevada law, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting power is required to approve a proposed amendment to the articles of incorporation, following the adoption of the amendment by the board of directors of the corporation, provided that the articles of incorporation may provide for a greater vote.
If the amendment would adversely change the rights of any holders of any class or series of outstanding shares, the amendment also requires the approval of a majority of the voting power of that class or series.
Gran Tierras articles of incorporation and bylaws do not require any vote higher than the majority of the outstanding shares of voting stock to amend the governing documents.
Under Nevada law, unless prohibited by a bylaw adopted by the stockholders, the board of directors has the power to adopt, alter and repeal bylaws; the articles of incorporation may grant the authority to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws exclusively to the board of directors.
Gran Tierras articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that the Gran Tierra Board may make, alter and repeal any bylaw.
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Provision/Right
Solana Shareholders
Gran Tierra Stockholders
Dissenters Rights
Under Alberta law, each of the matters listed below will entitle shareholders to exercise rights of dissent and to be paid the fair value of their shares:
| any amalgamation with another corporation (other than with certain affiliated corporations); |
| an amendment to the corporations articles to add, change or remove any provisions restricting or constraining the issue or transfer of that class of shares; |
| an amendment to the corporations articles to add, change or remove any restriction upon the business or businesses that the corporation may carry on; |
| a continuance under the laws of another jurisdiction; |
| a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all the property of the corporation other than in the ordinary course of business; |
| a court may permit shareholders to dissent in connection with an application to the court for an order approving an arrangement; or |
| amendments to the articles of a corporation which require a separate class or series vote, provided that a shareholder is not entitled to dissent if an amendment to the articles is effected by a court order approving a reorganization or by a court order made in connection with any action for an oppression remedy. |
Alberta law provides these dissent rights for both listed and unlisted shares.
Nevada law provides that stockholders have the right to dissent and instead demand payment of the fair cash value of their shares in the event of:
| a merger, if approval by the stockholders is required or if the Nevada corporation is a subsidiary and is merged with its parent, |
| a plan of exchange in which the Nevada corporations securities will be acquired, or |
| any corporate action taken pursuant to a vote of the stockholders, if the articles of incorporation, bylaws or a board resolution provides for dissenters rights. |
Gran Tierras bylaws provide that any stockholder of any class is entitled to dissent from, and obtain payment of the fair market value of his shares in the event of the following corporate actions:
| An amendment to Gran Tierras articles of incorporation to add, change or remove any (1) provision restricting or constraining the issue, transfer or ownership of shares of that class, or (2) restriction on the business that may be conducted by the corporation; or |
| The sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the corporations assets. |
Unless a corporations articles of incorporation provide otherwise, dissenters do not have rights of appraisal with respect to a merger or consolidation by a corporation, if the shares of the corporation are either:
| listed on a national securities exchange, |
| designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or |
| held by at least 2,000 stockholders of record. |
However, this exception does not apply if the stockholders receive in exchange for their shares anything other than cash, shares, or cash and shares. In each case, the shares must be of the surviving corporation or of another corporation that is publicly listed or held by more than 2,000 stockholders.
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Provision/Right
Solana Shareholders
Gran Tierra Stockholders
Oppression Remedy
Alberta law provides an oppression remedy that allows a complainant who is:
| a present or former shareholder (registered or beneficial) of the corporation or its affiliates. |
| a present or former director or officer of the corporation or its affiliates; |
| a creditor in respect of a derivative action; and |
| any other person who in the discretion of the court is a proper person to make the application, |
to apply to court for relief where:
| any act or omission of the corporation or an affiliate effects a result; |
| the business or affairs of the corporation or an affiliate are or have been carried on or conducted in a manner; or |
| the powers of the directors of the corporation or an affiliate are or have been exercised in a manner, |
that is oppressive or unfairly prejudicial to or that unfairly disregards the interest of a shareholder, creditor, director or officer.
Nevada law does not provide for a similar remedy.
Derivative Action
Under Alberta law, a complainant may not bring an action in the name of, or on behalf of a corporation, or intervene in an existing action on behalf of the corporation or its subsidiaries, unless the complainant has given reasonable notice to the directors of the corporation or its subsidiaries and the complainant satisfies the court that:
| the directors of the corporation will not bring, diligently prosecute or defend or discontinue the action; |
| the complainant is acting in good faith; and |
| it appears to be in the interest of the corporation or its subsidiaries that the action be brought, prosecuted, defended or discontinued. |
Under Nevada law, a stockholder may bring a derivative action in Nevada on behalf of, and for the benefit of, the corporation, provided that:
| the stockholder must state in his complaint that he was a stockholder of the corporation at the time of the transaction that is the subject of the complaint; and |
| the stockholder must first make demand on the corporation that it bring an action and the demand be refused, unless it is shown that the demand would have been futile. |
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Provision/Right
Solana Shareholders
Gran Tierra Stockholders
Shareholder Consent in Lieu of Meeting
Under Alberta law, a written resolution signed by all the shareholders of the corporation who would have been entitled to vote on the resolution at a meeting is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of the shareholders.
Under Nevada law, unless otherwise provided in the corporations articles of incorporation or the bylaws, a written consent signed by holders of stock holding at least a majority of the voting power is sufficient to take action without a meeting, except that if a different proportion of voting power is required for such action at a meeting, then that proportion of written consents is required.
Gran Tierras bylaws provide that any action required to be taken at a stockholder meeting may be taken without a meeting, as long as there are written consents signed by stockholders that represent the proportion of voting stock that would have been required to approve the action in a meeting.
Director Qualifications
Under Alberta law, at least one-quarter of the directors of a corporation governed by the ABCA must be resident Canadians. Alberta law also requires that a corporation whose securities are publicly traded must have not fewer than three directors, at least two of whom are not officers or employees of the corporation or any of its affiliates.
Nevada law does not have comparable requirements.
Fiduciary Duties of
Directors
Under Alberta law, directors have a duty of care to the corporation. The duty of care requires that the directors exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances and that the directors act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation.
Under Nevada law, directors must exercise their powers in good faith and with a view to the interests of the corporation. Directors, in deciding upon matters of business, are presumed to act in good faith, on an informed basis and with a view to the interests of the corporation.
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Provision/Right
Solana Shareholders
Gran Tierra Stockholders
Indemnification of Officers and Directors
Under Alberta law, except in respect of an action by or on behalf of a corporation to procure a judgment in its favor, which would require court approval, a corporation may indemnify present and former directors and officers against costs, charges and expenses (including settlements and judgments) provided that:
| they acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation; and |
| in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty they had reasonable grounds for believing that their conduct was lawful. |
The Solana bylaws provide for indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by Alberta law.
The Solana bylaws do not expressly provide for advance payment of an indemnitees expenses.
Nevada law provides that a corporation may indemnify its present and former directors, officers, employees and agents against all reasonable expenses (including attorneys fees) and, except in actions initiated by or in the right of the corporation, against all judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement of actions brought against them, provided that they:
| acted in good faith and in a manner which they reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation; and |
| in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. |
Except in certain circumstances, or unless the articles of incorporation provide for greater individual liability, a director or officer is not individually liable to the corporation or its stockholders or creditors for any damages as a result of any act or failure to act in his capacity as a director or officer unless it is proven that:
| His act or failure to act constituted a breach of his fiduciary duties as a director or officer; and |
| His breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law. |
The Gran Tierra bylaws provide for indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by Nevada law.
Nevada law and the Gran Tierra bylaws allow for the advance payment of an indemnitees expenses prior to the final disposition of an action, provided that indemnitee undertakes to repay any such amount advanced if it is later determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification with regard to the action for which the expenses were advanced.
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Provision/Right
Solana Shareholders
Gran Tierra Stockholders
Director Liability
Alberta law does not permit the limitation of a directors liability as Nevada law does.
Nevada law provides that unless the articles of incorporation provide for greater liability, a director or officer is not individually liable to the corporation or its stockholders for a breach of a fiduciary duty, provided such liability does not arise from an action or failure to act which constituted a breach of fiduciary duties through intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law.
The Gran Tierra articles of incorporation contain a provision limiting the liability of its directors to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law.
Anti-Takeover Provisions and Interested Stockholder Transactions
Alberta law does not contain specific anti-takeover provisions with respect to business transactions. However, the policies of Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including Multi-Lateral Instrument 61-101 (MI 61-101) contains requirements in connection with any transaction by which an issuer, directly or indirectly:
| acquires or transfers an asset; |
| acquires or issues securities; |
| assumes or transfers a liability; or |
| borrows or lends monies from or to, as the case may be, |
a director, senior officer, holder of 10% or more of the voting securities of the issuer or a holder of sufficient securities to affect materially the control of the issuer.
MI 61-101 requires more detailed disclosure in the proxy material sent to security holders in connection with a transaction as described above, including, subject to certain exceptions, the inclusion of a formal valuation of the subject matter of the transaction and any non-cash consideration offered therefor. MI 61-101 also requires, subject to certain exceptions, that the minority shareholders of the issuer separately approve the transaction.
Nevada law provides that if a person beneficially owns ten percent or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of a Nevada corporation that has 200 or more stockholders of record, or if a person is an affiliate or associate of such a corporation and at any time within the previous three years was the beneficial owner of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares, that person may not engage in certain combination transactions with the corporation for a period of three years unless one of the following three exceptions applies:
| the board of directors approved the combination prior to the time that the person became an interested stockholder; or |
| the board of directors approved the transaction by which that person became an interested stockholder; |
| the form and amount of consideration to be received by stockholders (excluding the interested stockholder) of the corporation satisfies certain tests and, with limited exceptions, the interested stockholder has not become the beneficial owner of additional voting shares of the corporation after becoming an interested stockholder and before the business combination is consummated. |
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Provision/Right
Solana Shareholders
Gran Tierra Stockholders
Under Nevada law, a person or association of persons who acquires a controlling interest in a Nevada corporation that does business in Nevada and has two hundred or more stockholders of record, at least one hundred of whom have addresses in Nevada, have only those voting rights in the control shares as are conferred by a resolution of approved at a special or annual meeting by a majority of the stockholders of the corporation, and if the acquisition would adversely alter or change any preference or any relative or other right given to any other class or series of outstanding shares, approved by the holders of a majority of each class or series affected.
A controlling interest means the ownership of outstanding voting shares sufficient, but for the control share law, to enable the acquiring person to exercise the following proportions of the voting power of the corporation in the election of directors: (i) one-fifth or more but less than one-third, (ii) one-third or more but less than a majority, or (iii) a majority or more.
In certain circumstances, when a person or association of persons has acquired a controlling share in the corporation, a Nevada corporation may call for redemption of not less than all of the controlling shares at the average price paid for the controlling shares.
Under Nevada law, unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws of the issuing corporation in effect on the 10th day following the acquisition of a controlling interest by an acquiring person, if the control shares are accorded full voting rights, and the acquiring person has acquired control shares with a majority or more of all the voting power, any stockholder, other than the acquiring person, may dissent and obtain payment of the fair value of his shares.
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Subject to the qualifications and assumptions contained herein, in the opinion of Davis LLP, Canadian counsel to Solana, and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Canadian counsel to Gran Tierra, the following is a fair and adequate summary of the material Canadian federal income tax considerations, as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement, generally applicable to shareholders, optionholders or warrantholders who at all relevant times, for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), referred to herein as the Tax Act, hold their Solana warrants and Solana Shares and will hold their GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and shares of Gran Tierra common stock, as capital property, deal at arms length with, and are not affiliated with, Solana, Exchangeco or Gran Tierra, and following the completion of the Arrangement, will not alone or together with non-arms length persons control Gran Tierra or Exchangeco or beneficially own shares of Gran Tierra or Exchangeco having a fair market value of more than 50% of the fair market value of all outstanding shares of Gran Tierra or Exchangeco, any such person being referred to in this discussion as a Securityholder. Generally, Solana Shares, GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, shares of Gran Tierra common stock and options and warrants to acquire shares of Gran Tierra common stock will constitute capital property to a holder provided such holder does not hold such securities in the course of carrying on a business and has not acquired such securities in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade. Securityholders who do not hold their Solana Shares or will not hold their GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, shares of Gran Tierra common stock or options or warrants to acquire shares of Gran Tierra common stock as capital property should consult their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances.
This summary is not applicable to a Securityholder that is a financial institution for purposes of the mark-to-market rules contained in the Tax Act, a Securityholder that is a specified financial institution, a Securityholder an interest in which is a tax shelter or a tax shelter investment, or a Securityholder with respect to whom Gran Tierra is a foreign affiliate, each as defined in the Tax Act, a Securityholder who is exempt from paying tax under Part I of the Tax Act, or a Securityholder to whom the functional currency reporting rules contained in subsection 261(4) of the Tax Act would apply. Any such Securityholders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the consequences of the Arrangement to them.
This summary is based upon the provisions of the Tax Act in force as of the date hereof, all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act that have been publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof, which we refer to as the Proposed Amendments, and counsels understanding, based on publicly available published materials, of the current administrative policies and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency, or the CRA, and certificates of Solana and Gran Tierra with respect to certain factual matters. Further, this summary assumes that the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be listed on the TSX at all relevant times.
This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations and, except for the Proposed Amendments, does not take into account any changes in the law, whether by legislative, regulatory or judicial action, or any changes in the administrative policies and assessing practices of the CRA, nor does it take into account provincial, territorial or foreign tax legislation or considerations, which may differ significantly from those discussed herein.
This discussion is of a general nature only. Therefore, Securityholders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances.
For purposes of the Tax Act, all amounts relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of Gran Tierra common stock, including the receipt of dividends and the calculation of any adjusted cost base amounts and proceeds of disposition, must be converted into Canadian dollars based on the prevailing United States dollar exchange rate at the time such amounts arise.
The following portion of this discussion is generally applicable to Securityholders who, for the purposes of the Tax Act and any applicable income tax treaty or convention, are resident or deemed to be resident in Canada at all relevant times, such Securityholders being referred to herein as Resident Solana Shareholders.
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The Arrangement has been structured so that each Resident Solana Shareholder who participates in the Arrangement and receives GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be considered to have received any of the ancillary rights and benefits associated with the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares in consideration for the grant by the shareholder to Gran Tierra, Exchangeco and Callco of certain rights and benefits as against the shareholder in respect of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (for example, the call rights provided to Gran Tierra). To the extent the value of the ancillary rights and benefits received by a Resident Solana Shareholder exceeds the value of the rights and benefits given up by the shareholder to Gran Tierra, Exchangeco and Callco the Arrangement provides that the shareholder will be considered to have disposed of a portion of such holders Solana Shares in consideration for such excess ancillary rights and benefits, and to have disposed of the remaining portion of such Solana Shares solely in consideration for GTESolana Exchangeable Shares.
Each of Solana and Gran Tierra is of the view that any such ancillary rights and benefits given up or received by a Resident Solana Shareholder pursuant to the Arrangement will have nominal, if any, value. Such determinations of value are not binding on the CRA and counsel can express no opinion on matters of factual determination such as this. On the assumption that such determinations of value are correct, all or substantially all of a Resident Solana Shareholders Solana Shares will be disposed of in exchange for GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, and only a nominal portion, if any, of a Resident Solana Shareholders Solana Shares will be disposed of in exchange for such ancillary rights and benefits. If the value of such rights and benefits were determined to have greater than nominal value, it is possible that more than a nominal portion of a Resident Solana Shareholders Solana Shares will be disposed of in exchange for the ancillary rights and benefits received by the shareholder. In such event, it is also possible that a Resident Solana Shareholder could realize more than a nominal capital gain on the disposition of such portion of their Solana Shares.
A Resident Solana Shareholder will generally qualify for a tax deferred share-for-share exchange pursuant to section 85.1 of the Tax Act, as described below, with respect to that portion of the Resident Solana Shareholders Solana Shares which are disposed of in exchange for GTESolana Exchangeable Shares. The disposition of the remaining portion, if any, of such Resident Solana Shareholders Solana Shares in exchange for such excess ancillary rights and benefits will constitute a taxable disposition of such Solana Shares and will generally give rise to a capital gain (or a capital loss) to the extent that the value of such excess ancillary rights and benefits received for such shares exceeds (or is less than) the aggregate of the adjusted cost base of such shares and any reasonable costs associated with the disposition.
Resident Solana Shareholders who are not exempt from tax under Part I of the Tax Act and, in the case of partnerships, are Canadian partnerships for purposes of the Tax Act, referred to herein as Eligible Shareholders, may also make an election under section 85 of the Tax Act and the corresponding provision of any applicable provincial tax legislation. Eligible Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors to determine whether they should make any such elections, as described below.
Pursuant to section 85.1 of the Tax Act, a Resident Solana Shareholder will not realize any immediate tax consequences as a result of exchanging Solana Shares solely for GTESolana Exchangeable Shares provided that such shareholder does not make a joint election under section 85 of the Tax Act and the corresponding provision of any applicable provincial tax legislation in respect of the exchange as discussed below and does not, in such shareholders return of income for the taxation year in which the exchange occurs, include in computing its income, any portion of the capital gain or capital loss otherwise determined from such exchange.
Instead, the Resident Solana Shareholder will be deemed:
| to have disposed of such portion of their Solana Shares for proceeds of disposition equal to the adjusted cost base to the shareholder of such shares immediately before such exchange; and |
| to have acquired the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares at a cost equal to the deemed proceeds of disposition of the shareholders Solana Shares. |
Where a Resident Solana Shareholder includes in computing income for the taxation year in which the exchange occurs any portion of the capital gain or capital loss from the exchange of the portion of Solana
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Shares solely for GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, or if the Resident Solana Shareholder makes a joint election pursuant to section 85 of the Tax Act with respect to the Solana Shares, section 85.1 of the Tax Act will not apply. In these circumstances, the Resident Solana Shareholder will (unless such holder files an election under Section 85 of the Tax Act in respect of the disposition as described below) be considered to have disposed of such Solana Shares for proceeds of disposition equal to the fair market value of the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares received on the exchange and to have acquired the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares at a cost equal to such fair market value. A Resident Solana Shareholder who so chooses to realize a capital gain or capital loss on the exchange will realize a capital gain (or a capital loss) to the extent that the holders proceeds of disposition, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base of such Solana Shares immediately before the exchange.
The consequences to a Resident Solana Shareholder of realizing a capital gain or capital loss are described below.
An Eligible Shareholder who disposes of Solana Shares to Exchangeco and receives GTESolana Exchangeable Shares may obtain a full or partial tax deferral by making a joint tax election with Exchangeco under section 85 of the Tax Act and the corresponding provision of any applicable provincial tax legislation in respect of such Solana Shares and specifying therein an elected transfer price within the limits described below, such election hereinafter referred to as a Joint Tax Election.
Exchangeco will make available for use by Eligible Shareholders a web-based system to allow Eligible Shareholders to complete the applicable election form prescribed by the CRA (i.e. T2057 or, for Eligible Shareholders that are partnerships, T2058) and any applicable provincial forms. The link to that system will be made available at www.grantierra.com.
An Eligible Shareholder who wishes to make a Joint Tax Election must indicate that intention using the web-based system described above or by checking the appropriate box labelled Election Form Required in the letter of transmittal (enclosed with this Joint Proxy Statement). Eligible Shareholders who check the box in the letter of transmittal will receive from Gran Tierra a tax instruction letter, explaining the election process, at or about the time that the Eligible Shareholder is sent the consideration to which the Eligible Shareholder is entitled under the Arrangement.
All Eligible Shareholders wishing to make a Joint Tax Election must provide the required information in accordance with the procedures set out in the instructions on the web-based system or in the tax instruction letter, as applicable, on or before 90 days after the Effective Date.
Subject to the election form complying with the provisions of the Tax Act (and any applicable provincial legislation), the form will be executed by Exchangeco and returned to such Eligible Shareholder for filing with the CRA (and any applicable provincial taxation authority).
Where Solana Shares are held in joint ownership and two or more of the co-owners wish to make a Joint Tax Election, one of the co-owners designated for such purpose should complete the applicable election form by using the web-based system described above or, alternatively, provide Exchangeco with the required number of copies of the applicable election forms, which will be executed by Exchangeco and returned to such designated co-owner for filing with the CRA. Where the Solana Shares are held as partnership property, a partner designated by the partnership must complete the applicable election form by using the web-based system described above or, alternatively, provide Exchangeco with the required number of copies of the applicable election forms, which will be executed by Exchangeco and returned to such designated partner for filing with the CRA.
In general, where an election is made, the elected amount specified in the election must comply with the following rules:
| the elected amount must not be less than fair market value of the ancillary rights and benefits received by the Eligible Shareholder; |
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| the elected amount may not be less than the lesser of: (i) the adjusted cost base to the Eligible Shareholder of the Solana Shares, determined immediately before the time of the Arrangement; and (ii) the fair market value of the Solana Shares at that time; and |
| the elected amount may not exceed the fair market value of the Solana Shares at the time of the Arrangement. |
Where an Eligible Shareholder and Exchangeco make a Joint Tax Election, the tax treatment to the Eligible Shareholder generally will be as follows:
| the shareholder will be deemed to have disposed of the Solana Shares for proceeds of disposition equal to the elected amount; |
| if such deemed proceeds of disposition are equal to the adjusted cost base of the Solana Shares to the shareholder immediately before the exchange, net of any reasonable costs incurred by the shareholder in connection with the exchange, the shareholder will not realize any capital gain or capital loss on the exchange; |
| subject to the detailed rules in the Tax Act, if such deemed proceeds of disposition exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base to the shareholder of the Solana Shares immediately before the exchange, net of any reasonable costs incurred by the shareholder in connection with the exchange, the shareholder generally will realize a capital gain (or capital loss) equal to the amount of such excess (or shortfall); and |
| the cost to the Eligible Shareholder of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares received in exchange for Solana Shares will be equal to the amount by which the elected amount exceeds the fair market value of the ancillary rights and benefits received on the disposition of Solana Shares. |
In order for the CRA to accept a Joint Tax Election without a late filing penalty being paid by the Eligible Shareholder, the election must be received on or before the day that is the earliest of the days on or before which either Exchangeco or the Eligible Shareholder is required to file an income tax return for the taxation year in which the exchange occurs. Exchangecos taxation year is scheduled to end on December 31, 2008. Thus, the Joint Tax Election will, in the case of an Eligible Shareholder who is an individual (other than a trust) generally have to be received by the CRA by April 30, 2009 (being, generally, the last day for filing a tax return for the individuals 2008 taxation year). Eligible Shareholders other than individuals are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors as soon as possible respecting the deadline applicable to their own particular circumstances.
Exchangeco will not be responsible for the proper completion of any election form. Exchangeco agrees only to execute any properly completed election form received within 90 days of the Effective Date and to return such election form by mail or using the web-based system within 30 days after the receipt thereof to the Eligible Shareholder. Compliance with the requirements for a valid election, including selection of the appropriate elected amount, will be the sole responsibility of the Eligible Shareholder making the Joint Tax Election. Accordingly, Exchangeco will not be responsible or liable for taxes, interest, penalties, damages or expenses resulting from the failure by anyone to properly complete or timely file any Joint Tax Election in the form and within the time prescribed under the Tax Act.
Any Eligible Shareholder who does not ensure that Exchangeco has received a duly completed election form in accordance with the procedures set out herein within 90 days of the Effective Date will not be able to benefit from the rollover provisions in section 85 of the Tax Act. Accordingly, all Eligible Shareholders who wish to make a Joint Tax Election with Exchangeco should give their immediate attention to this matter. Eligible Shareholders are referred to Information Circular 76-19R3 and Interpretation Bulletin IT-291R3 issued by the CRA for further information respecting the Joint Tax Election. Eligible Shareholders wishing to make a Joint Tax Election should consult their own tax advisers in respect of whether to make the election, to select the appropriate elected amount in the election and in respect of any applicable provincial tax legislation. The law in this area is complex and contains numerous technical requirements, and the comments herein with respect to such elections are provided for general assistance only.
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One-half of any capital gain (a taxable capital gain) must be included in a Resident Solana Shareholders income for the year of disposition. One-half of any capital loss (an allowable capital loss) generally may be deducted by the Resident Solana Shareholder against taxable capital gains for the year of disposition. Any allowable capital losses in excess of taxable capital gains for the year of disposition generally may be carried back up to three taxation years or carried forward indefinitely and deducted against taxable capital gains in such other years to the extent and under the circumstances described in the Tax Act.
Capital gains realized by an individual or trust, other than certain specified trusts, may give rise to alternative minimum tax under the Tax Act.
A Resident Solana Shareholder that is throughout the relevant taxation year a Canadian-controlled private corporation, as defined in the Tax Act, may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax of 6 2/3% on its aggregate investment income for the year which will include an amount in respect of taxable capital gains.
If a Resident Solana Shareholder is a corporation, the amount of any capital loss arising from a disposition or deemed disposition of shares may be reduced by the amount of dividends received or deemed to have been received by it on such shares to the extent and under circumstances prescribed by the Tax Act. Similar rules may apply where a corporation is a member of a partnership or a beneficiary of a trust that owns shares or where a trust or partnership of which a corporation is a beneficiary or a member is a member of a partnership or a beneficiary of a trust that owns shares. Resident Solana Shareholders to whom these rules may be relevant should consult their own tax advisors.
In the case of a Resident Solana Shareholder who is an individual, dividends received or deemed to be received on the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be included in computing the shareholders income, and will be subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules normally applicable to taxable dividends received from taxable Canadian corporations, including the enhanced gross-up and dividend tax credit rules for eligible dividends. Eligible dividends will generally include dividends paid after 2005 by taxable Canadian corporations, such as Exchangeco, where those dividends have been designated as eligible dividends by the dividend-paying corporation. There are limitations on the ability of a corporation to designate dividends as eligible dividends.
In the case of a Resident Solana Shareholder that is a corporation, dividends received or deemed to be received on the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares normally will be included in the corporations income and will be deductible in computing its taxable income.
A Resident Solana Shareholder that is a private corporation, as defined in the Tax Act, or any other corporation resident in Canada and controlled or deemed to be controlled by or for the benefit of an individual or a related group of individuals may be liable under Part IV of the Tax Act to pay a refundable tax of 33 1/3% of dividends received or deemed to be received on the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares to the extent that such dividends are deductible in computing the shareholders taxable income.
A Resident Solana Shareholder that is throughout the relevant taxation year a Canadian-controlled private corporation, as defined in the Tax Act, may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax of 6 2/3% on its aggregate investment income for the year which will include dividends or deemed dividends that are not deductible in computing taxable income.
On the redemption (including a retraction) of a GTESolana Exchangeable Share by Exchangeco, the holder of such GTESolana Exchangeable Share will be deemed to have received a dividend equal to the amount, if any, by which the redemption proceeds exceed the paid-up capital at the time of the GTESolana Exchangeable Share so redeemed. For these purposes, the redemption proceeds will be the fair market value of Gran Tierra common stock received from Exchangeco at the time of the redemption plus the amount, if any, of all then accrued but unpaid dividends on the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares paid on the redemption. The amount of such deemed dividend generally will be subject to the same tax treatment accorded to
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dividends on the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares as described above. On the redemption, the holder of a GTESolana Exchangeable Share will also be considered to have disposed of the GTESolana Exchangeable Share, but the amount of the deemed dividend will be excluded in computing the holders proceeds of disposition for purposes of computing any capital gain or capital loss arising on the disposition. In the case of a Resident Solana Shareholder that is a corporation, in some circumstances, the amount of any such deemed dividend may be treated as proceeds of disposition and not as a dividend. The taxation of capital gains and capital losses is described above.
On the exchange by a Resident Solana Shareholder of a GTESolana Exchangeable Share with Gran Tierra or Callco for a share of Gran Tierra common stock, the shareholder will generally realize a capital gain (or a capital loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition of the GTESolana Exchangeable Share, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base to the holder of the GTESolana Exchangeable Share immediately before the exchange. For these purposes, the proceeds of disposition will be the fair market value at the time of exchange of the Gran Tierra Share plus any other amount received by the Shareholder from Gran Tierra or a subsidiary of Gran Tierra as part of the exchange consideration other than amounts required to be included in income as a dividend. The taxation of capital gains and capital losses is described above.
A disposition or deemed disposition of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares by a Resident Solana Shareholder, other than on the redemption, retraction or exchange of the shares, will generally result in a capital gain (or a capital loss) to the extent that the proceeds of disposition, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base to the holder of those Exchangeable Shares immediately before the disposition. The taxation of capital gains and capital losses is described above.
Dividends on Gran Tierra common stock will be included in the recipients income for the purposes of the Tax Act. Such dividends received by an individual shareholder will not be subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules in the Tax Act. A Resident Solana Shareholder that is a corporation will include such dividends in computing its income and generally will not be entitled to deduct the amount of such dividends in computing its taxable income. A shareholder that is throughout the relevant taxation year a Canadian-controlled private corporation, as defined in the Tax Act, may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax of 6 2/3% on its aggregate investment income for the year which will include such dividends. United States non-resident withholding tax on such dividends received by Canadian residents will be generally eligible for foreign tax credit or deduction treatment, where applicable, under the Tax Act.
The cost of Gran Tierra common stock received on a retraction, redemption or exchange of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be equal to the fair market value of such shares at the time of such event. The adjusted cost base to a holder of Gran Tierra common stock acquired on a retraction, redemption or exchange of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will be determined by averaging the cost of such shares with the adjusted cost base of all other Gran Tierra common stock held by such holder as capital property immediately before the retraction, redemption or exchange, as the case may be. A disposition or deemed disposition of Gran Tierra common stock by a holder will generally result in a capital gain (or a capital loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base to the holder of such shares immediately before the disposition. The taxation of capital gains and capital losses is described above.
Pursuant to the Arrangement, a Solana optionholder that elects to receive Solana Shares or cash pursuant to the cashless exercise of its Solana options will be considered to have disposed of such Solana optionholders Solana options for proceeds of disposition equal to the value of the Solana Shares or cash which such
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Solana optionholder receives in exchange for the Solana options. If the Solana options were acquired by a Solana optionholder who is a current or former employee of Solana in respect of, in the course of, or by virtue of, such employment, the difference between the amount paid for such Solana optionholders Solana options and the proceeds of disposition will be a taxable benefit that will be included in the Solana optionholders income for the year of disposition.
If certain conditions set out in the Tax Act are met, such Solana optionholder may be able to deduct in computing his or her taxable income for the year of disposition 50% of the amount of the taxable benefit described above. The availability of the 50% deduction will depend on the Solana optionholders particular circumstances, including the date of the grant of the Solana options and the fair market value of the Solana Shares at that time.
A Solana optionholder who elects to receive Solana Shares may also be eligible to file an election under the Tax Act to defer the recognition of all or a portion of the taxable benefit realized when the Solana optionholder receives the Solana Shares. This deferral may continue to apply when the Solana Shares acquired pursuant to the Solana option are exchanged for GTESolana Exchangeable Shares.
The availability of this election, the amounts of the taxable benefit that can be deferred, and the general application of the Tax Act to options are dependent on the particular circumstances of the Solana optionholder. Solana optionholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the election and the general application of the Tax Act to their particular circumstances.
In addition, Solana optionholders who are Continuing Optionholders and who exchange Solana options for Gran Tierra options will not be considered to have disposed of such Solana options provided: (i) the only consideration received by the Continuing Optionholder on the exchange are Gran Tierra options, and (ii) the total value of the share of Gran Tierra common stock the Continuing Optionholder is entitled to acquire under the Gran Tierra options received by the Continuing Optionholder immediately after the exchange (in excess of the total amount payable by the Continuing Optionholder to acquire the common stock of Gran Tierra upon the exercise of the Gran Tierra options) does not exceed the total value of the Solana Shares the Continuing Optionholder was entitled to acquire under the Solana options immediately before the exchange (in excess of the amount payable by the Continuing Optionholder to acquire the Solana Shares upon the exercise of the Solana options), such requirements being the Option Rollover Requirements.
Whether the Option Rollover Requirements are met with respect to any particular Continuing Optionholder can not be known with certainty prior to the Effective Date. In particular, it is possible that the in the money amount of the Gran Tierra options may exceed the in the money amount of the Solana options. Since Continuing Optionholders who wish to exchange Solana options for Gran Tierra options must so indicate by providing to Gran Tierra a duly completed and executed Optionholder Election Form on or before the date which is three Business Days prior to the Effective Date and designating therein the number of Solana options to be exchanged, Continuing Optionholders will not be able to know with certainty whether the Option Rollover Requirements are met with respect to such exchange at the time that they decide whether to exchange their Solana options for Gran Tierra options or exchange their Solana options for Solana Shares or cash. If a Continuing Optionholder chooses to exchange Solana options for Gran Tierra options and the Option Rollover Requirements are not met, such exchange will be a taxable disposition and the Continuing Optionholder will be considered to have disposed of such Solana options for proceeds of disposition equal to the value of the Gran Tierra options received on the exchange. The amount by which the value of such Gran Tierra options exceeds the amount paid by such Continuing Optionholder for such holders Solana options will be a taxable benefit that will be included in the Continuing Optionholders income for the year of disposition.
Pursuant to the Arrangement, a holder of a warrant to purchase Solana Shares who delivers a warrantholder election form designating such Solana warrantholders Solana warrants as being subject to the election (such Solana warrants being Exchange Warrants), will be considered to have disposed of such Exchange Warrants for proceeds of disposition equal to the value of the Solana Shares or cash which the Solana warrantholder receives in exchange for the Exchange Warrants. To the extent that such proceeds of disposition for such Exchange Warrants exceed (or are less than) the Solana warrantholders adjusted cost base of the
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Exchange Warrants and any reasonable costs of disposition, the Solana warrantholder will recognize a capital gain (or capital loss). The taxation of capital gains is discussed above under the heading Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital Losses.
Although not entirely free from doubt and based on counsels understanding of the administrative policies and assessing practices of the CRA, if a Solana warrantholder does not deliver a warrantholder election form such Solana warrantholder will not be considered to have disposed of its Solana warrants as the Solana warrants include provisions that adjust the terms of the Solana warrants upon Solana completing certain transactions such as the Arrangement. As a result, after the Effective Date, each whole Solana warrant will entitle the holder to receive, upon exercise, the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock that the holder would have been entitled to receive as a result of the transactions contemplated by the Arrangement, if immediately prior to the Effective Time, such holder had been the registered holder of the number of Solana Shares to which such holder was therefore entitled upon exercise of such holders Solana warrants. Such Solana warrantholders should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of participating in the Arrangement and not delivering a warrantholder election form, with respect to their own particular circumstances.
A Securityholder that is a specified Canadian entity for a taxation year or a fiscal period and whose total cost amount of specified foreign property at any time in the year or fiscal period exceeds CDN$100,000 will be required to file an information return for the year or period disclosing prescribed information in respect of such property, such as the cost amount of such property and the amount of any dividends, interest and gains or losses realized in the year in respect of such property. Subject to certain exceptions, a taxpayer resident in Canada in the year will be a specified Canadian entity. Specified foreign property is defined in the Tax Act to include shares of the capital stock of a non-resident corporation and property that, under the terms or conditions thereof or any agreement related thereto, is convertible into, exchangeable for or confers a right to acquire, property that is a share of the capital stock of a non-resident corporation.
The GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and the options and warrants to acquire shares of Gran Tierra common stock will be and the Gran Tierra common stock is, specified foreign property. As a result, if the aggregate cost amount of any specified foreign property held by a Securityholder that is a specified Canadian entity (including any GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, Gran Tierra common stock and options and warrants to acquire shares of Gran Tierra common stock) at any time in a taxation year or fiscal period exceeds CDN$100,000, the Securityholder will be required to file an information return for the year as described above. Resident Solana Shareholders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors as to whether they must file an information return under these rules.
Bill C-10, which received second reading in the Senate and was referred to the Banking, Trade and Commerce Committee on December 4, 2007, will amend the Tax Act (if passed by the Senate and enacted in its current form) in relation to the income tax treatment of investments by Canadian residents in non-resident entities that constitute foreign investment entities, each being referred to as an FIE, applicable for taxation years commencing after 2006, the FIE Tax Rules. In general terms, the FIE Tax Rules, as currently drafted, would apply to require a Securityholder that holds a participating interest (that is not an exempt interest) in a non-resident entity that is a FIE at the entitys taxation year-end to take into account in computing the Securityholders income for the Securityholders taxation year that includes such taxation year-end: (i) an amount based on a prescribed rate of return on the designated cost of such participating interest held by the Securityholder at the end of each month ending in the Securityholders taxation year at which time the participating interest is held by the Securityholder; (ii) in certain limited circumstances, any gains or losses accrued on such participating interest for the year; or (iii) in certain limited circumstances, the Securityholders proportionate share of the FIEs income (or loss) for the year calculated using Canadian tax rules. For the purposes of the FIE Tax Rules, the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares, shares of Gran Tierra common stock and options and warrants to acquire shares of Gran Tierra common stock will constitute participating interests in Gran Tierra.
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Gran Tierra will not be a FIE at the end of a taxation year provided that, at that time, the carrying value of all of Gran Tierras investment property is not greater than one-half of the carrying value of all of its property or, throughout the taxation year, its principal undertaking was the carrying on of a business other than an investment business as determined for purposes of the FIE Tax Rules. Gran Tierra is of the view, and has advised counsel, that if Gran Tierra had a taxation year-end on the Effective Date, it would not be a FIE on that date on the basis that on the Effective Date the carrying value of its investment property would not be greater than one-half of the carrying value of all of its property. However, the determination of whether or not Gran Tierra is a FIE must be made on an annual basis at the end of each taxation year of Gran Tierra and no assurance can be given that Gran Tierra will not be a FIE at the end of any of its taxation years.
Even if Gran Tierra were an FIE at the end of one of its taxation years, a GTESolana Exchangeable Share or a share of Gran Tierra common stock would be an exempt interest to a Resident Solana Shareholder so long as (i) the GTESolana Exchangeable Share or share of Gran Tierra common stock, as applicable, qualified as an arms length interest (as defined under the FIE Tax Rules) to the Resident Solana Shareholder; (ii) the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or shares of Gran Tierra common stock, as applicable, are listed on a designated stock exchange; and (iii) it is reasonable to conclude that the Resident Solana Shareholder has no tax avoidance motive. The determination of whether a Resident Solana Shareholder will have a tax avoidance motive in respect of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or Gran Tierra common stock within the meaning of the FIE Tax Rules will depend on the particular circumstances of the Resident Solana Shareholder. Resident Solana Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the determination of whether they have such a tax avoidance motive. The GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or shares of Gran Tierra common stock, as applicable, will generally qualify as an arms length interest at any time for the purposes of the FIE Tax Rules if (i) it is reasonable to conclude that there are at least 150 persons each of which holds at that time GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or shares of Gran Tierra common stock, as applicable, having a total market value of at least $500; (ii) it is reasonable to conclude that the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or shares of Gran Tierra common stock, as applicable, can normally be acquired and sold by members of the public in the open market; and (iii) the aggregate fair market value at that time of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or shares of Gran Tierra common stock, as applicable, that are held by the Resident Solana Shareholder, or an entity or individual with whom the Resident Solana Shareholder does not deal at arms length, does not exceed 10% of the aggregate fair market value of all of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares or shares of Gran Tierra common stock, as applicable, at that time.
The FIE Tax Rules are complex and have been subject to extensive amendments. No assurances can be given that these provisions will be enacted in the form proposed. Resident Solana Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the FIE Tax Rules to their particular circumstances.
Pursuant to the Arrangement a Dissenting Shareholder will be entitled, if the Arrangement becomes effective, to be paid by Solana, the fair market value of the Solana Shares held by such Dissenting Shareholder.
A Dissenting Shareholder who is Resident Solana Shareholder and receives a cash payment in respect of the fair market value of such Dissenting Shareholders Solana Shares will be deemed to have received a taxable dividend equal to the amount by which the cash received (other than any interest awarded by a court) exceeds the paid-up capital (computed for the purposes of the Tax Act) of such Solana Shares.
Such Dissenting Shareholders will also be considered to have disposed of Solana Shares for proceeds of disposition equal to the amount received by such Dissenting Shareholder (other than interest) less the amount of any deemed dividend referred to above. As a result, such Dissenting Shareholder will also realize a capital gain (or loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition exceed (or is less than) the adjusted cost base to the Dissenting Shareholder of the Solana Shares plus any reasonable costs of disposition.
Any deemed dividend received, and any capital gain or capital loss realized, by a Dissenting Shareholder that is a Resident Solana Shareholder will be treated in the same manner as described above under the headings Dividends on GTESolana Exchangeable Shares and Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital Losses.
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Interest awarded by a court will be included in such Dissenting Shareholders income of the purposes of the Tax Act.
The following portion of the discussion is applicable to a holder of Solana Shares who, for purposes of the Tax Act and any applicable tax treaty or convention, has not been and will not be resident or deemed to be resident in Canada at any time while it has held Solana Shares or will hold Gran Tierra common stock and who has not used or held (and has not been deemed to use or hold) the Solana Shares, and will not use or hold or be deemed to use or hold the Gran Tierra common stock, in the course of carrying on a business (including an insurance business) in Canada and, except as specifically discussed below, to whom such shares are not taxable Canadian property, as defined in the Tax Act. We refer to each such Securityholder as a Non-Resident Solana Shareholder. The following portion of the discussion is not applicable to the surrender or exchange of options or warrants. Holders of Solana options or warrants who are not resident, or deemed resident, in Canada should consult with their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances
Generally, Solana Shares will not be taxable Canadian property to a Non-Resident Solana Shareholder provided: (a) the Non-Resident Solana Shareholder has not, alone or in combination with persons with whom the Non-Resident Solana Shareholder does not deal at arms length, owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of the capital stock of Solana, as the case may be, at any time within the 60 month period preceding the relevant time; (b) the Non-Resident Solana Shareholder has not elected under the Tax Act to treat such shares as taxable Canadian property upon ceasing to be a resident of Canada; and (c) the shares are not otherwise deemed to be taxable Canadian property of the Non-Resident Solana Shareholder under the Tax Act. Gran Tierra common stock will generally not constitute taxable Canadian property.
A Non-Resident Solana Shareholder who participates in the Arrangement and receives Gran Tierra common stock in exchange for Solana Shares will realize a capital gain (or a capital loss) equal to the amount by which the fair market value of the Gran Tierra common stock received on the exchange, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceeds the adjusted cost base of the Solana Shares exchange. A Non-Resident Solana Shareholder who holds Solana Shares that are not taxable Canadian property to the holder will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on any capital gain triggered by the exchange of Solana Shares for Gran Tierra common stock. A Non-Resident Solana Shareholder who holds Solana Shares that are taxable Canadian property to the holder will be subject to tax under the Tax Act in the manner described above for Resident Solana Shareholders under Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital Losses and will be required to report the disposition of such shares by filing a tax return under the Tax Act.
Non-Resident Solana Shareholders who, consequent upon the exercise of Dissent Rights, dispose of Solana Shares in consideration for a cash payment from Solana, or Non-Resident Dissenting Shareholders, will be deemed to have received a dividend from Solana computed in the same manner as described above for residents of Canada. Such dividends are subject to withholding tax of 25%, subject to the reduction of such rate under an applicable income tax convention. Unless the Solana Shares are taxable Canadian property to a Non-Resident Dissenting Shareholder, any capital gain or capital loss (computed in the same manner as described above for Dissenting Shareholders that are residents of Canada) realized by such Non-Resident Dissenting Shareholder will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act. If the Solana Shares are taxable Canadian property to a Non-Resident Dissenting Shareholder, such holder will be required to report the disposition of such shares by filing a tax return under the Tax Act.
The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to holders of Solana Shares that exchange their Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock pursuant to the Arrangement. This summary is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as being, legal or tax advice. Further, this summary does not address any tax consequences arising under the income or other tax laws of
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any state, local or foreign jurisdiction or any tax treaties. Holders of Solana Shares should consult their own tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of the proposed transaction.
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the Code, applicable Treasury Regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, each as in effect as of the date hereof, all of which may change, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change could affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions discussed below and the tax consequences of the Arrangement. This summary assumes that holders of Solana Shares hold their shares as capital assets. Except as expressly indicated below (see the section below entitled Consequences of the Arrangement for Non-U.S. Solana Shareholders), this discussion does not address the consequences of the proposed transaction to any person that is not a U.S. Solana Shareholder as defined below. This summary does not address all tax consequences that may be relevant to particular holders in light of their individual circumstances, or the tax consequences to holders subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation:
| banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions; |
| broker-dealers; |
| persons who exchange Solana Shares for GTESolana Exchangeable Shares; |
| traders; |
| expatriates; |
| tax-exempt organizations; |
| persons who are subject to the alternative minimum tax; |
| persons who hold Solana Shares as a position in a straddle or as part of a hedging, conversion or other risk reduction transaction; |
| persons deemed to sell their Solana Shares under the constructive sale provisions of the Code; |
| persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar; |
| persons who acquired their Solana Shares through share option or share purchase programs or other compensation arrangements; |
| any person that owns or at any time owned Solana Shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of Solana Shares; and |
| any person that holds its Solana Shares through a partnership or other pass-through entity. |
This discussion does not address the tax consequences of any transactions other than those relating to Solana Shares directly effectuated under the Arrangement agreement, and, among other things, does not address transactions outside the Arrangement agreement in which Solana Shares or shares of Gran Tierra common stock are acquired or disposed of; transactions involving shares of Gran Tierra common stock other than in exchange for Solana Shares; or transactions pertaining to common share options or warrants that are assumed, exercised or exchanged, as the case may be, in connection with the Arrangement.
We have not requested, nor do we intend to request, an opinion from United States legal counsel regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the exchange of Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock. In addition, no ruling has been or will be sought from the Internal Revenue Service as to the tax consequences of the Arrangement, and the following summary is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the courts. As a result, the Internal Revenue Service could adopt a contrary position, and a contrary position could be sustained by a court.
We urge each holder of Solana Shares to consult his or her own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income and other tax consequences of the Arrangement to such holder.
For purposes of this discussion, a U.S. Solana Shareholder means a holder of Solana Shares that is:
| a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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| a corporation (or an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any State or the District of Columbia; |
| an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
| a trust if it has validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over its administration, and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions. |
A Non-U.S. Solana Shareholder is a holder other than a U.S. Solana Shareholder.
If a partnership or other pass-through entity holds Solana shares, the tax treatment of a member of the partnership or other pass-through entity will generally depend upon the status of the member and the activities of the partnership or other entity. Partnerships and other pass-through entities holding Solana Shares, and their members, should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Arrangement to them.
The exchange by a U.S. Solana Shareholder of Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock will generally be a taxable exchange on which gain or loss is recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes (measured by the difference between the fair market value of the Gran Tierra common stock received in the exchange and such holders tax basis in the shares of Solana surrendered in the exchange) unless the Arrangement qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Code (subject however to the possible application of the passive foreign investment company rules, discussed below). In order for the Arrangement to qualify as a reorganization, among other things, Exchangeco must acquire at least 80 percent of the Solana Shares outstanding and the acquisition of such shares must be solely for shares of Gran Tierras common stock. Assuming, as is contemplated, that certain Solana Shareholders will receive GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (and certain voting and related rights) rather than shares of Gran Tierra common stock, qualification of the Arrangement as a reorganization will depend upon the characterization of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (and certain voting and related rights) as shares of Gran Tierra common stock for federal income tax purposes, so that the exchange of Solana Shares for GTESolana Exchangeable Shares may be treated as an exchange of Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock. Qualification of the Arrangement as a reorganization also will depend on the absence of any payment of non-qualifying consideration (e.g., cash) to Solana Shareholders.
The closing of the Arrangement is not conditioned on the receipt by Solana or Gran Tierra of opinions from counsel regarding the tax consequences of the Arrangement nor has the Arrangement been structured so as to necessarily ensure its qualification as a reorganization.
As noted above, the consideration for the Solana Shares acquired by Exchangeco must consist solely of shares of Gran Tierra common stock. Solana Shares purchased from Dissenting Shareholders by Solana with cash received from Gran Tierra will be treated as an indirect acquisition of Solana Shares for cash and thereby prevent the Arrangement from qualifying as a reorganization. We do not know whether the consideration paid by Gran Tierra will include cash payments to Dissenting Shareholders because we will not know at the closing of the Arrangement whether Solana will have sufficient cash, independent of any cash it receives from Gran Tierra, to satisfy the claims of Dissenting Shareholders. If it does not and a portion of the consideration paid to Dissenting Shareholders is from cash Solana receives directly or indirectly from Gran Tierra, the consideration paid by Gran Tierra to Solana Shareholders will not consist solely of shares of Gran Tierras common stock and the Arrangement will not qualify as a reorganization.
As noted above, treatment of the Arrangement as a reorganization requires that the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares be treated as shares of Gran Tierra common stock. There is no direct authority addressing the proper characterization of financial instruments with characteristics similar to the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The receipt of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares (and certain voting and related rights) in the exchange will be substantially economically equivalent to the receipt of Gran Tierra common stock in the exchange because holders of the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares will (i) have economic rights (e.g., the right to dividends and liquidating distributions) and legal rights (e.g., voting rights) that are substantially similar to the economic and legal rights of holders of Gran Tierra common stock, and (ii) be allowed to convert, or forced to convert under certain circumstances (e.g., the
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liquidation of Exchangeco or the passage of five years from the closing of the Arrangement) their GTESolana Exchangeable Shares into shares of Gran Tierra common stock based on a price that will result in their receiving the same number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock that they would have received at the time the Arrangement was closed had they exchanged their Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock in accordance with the terms of the Arrangement Agreement. Provided that the consideration paid by Gran Tierra consists solely of shares of Gran Tierra common stock and does not include cash payments (provided directly or indirectly by Gran Tierra) to Dissenting Shareholders, and in the absence of specific applicable authority to the contrary, Gran Tierra intends to take the position that the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares are shares of Gran Tierra common stock for U.S. federal tax purposes, and will treat the exchange of Solana Shares for GTESolana Exchangeable Shares as well as the exchange of Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock, as exchanges of Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock that, as such, allow for the possible qualification of the transaction as a reorganization.
The characterization of GTESolana Exchangeable Shares as Gran Tierra common stock and the treatment of the exchange of Solana Shares for the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares as an exchange of Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service, which may determine that the GTESolana Exchangeable Shares should not be treated as shares of Gran Tierra common stock and, accordingly, that the exchange of Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock pursuant to the Arrangement is a taxable exchange and not a reorganization.
Assuming the Arrangement constitutes a reorganization (and that the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below do not apply to a U.S. Solana Shareholder), the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Solana Shareholder who receives shares of Gran Tierra common stock in exchange for Solana Shares generally will be as follows:
| The U.S. Solana Shareholder will not recognize gain or loss upon the receipt of shares of Gran Tierra common stock for the holders Solana Shares; |
| The aggregate tax basis of the shares of Gran Tierra common stock received by a U.S. Solana Shareholder will be the same as the aggregate basis of the holders Solana Shares surrendered in the exchange; and |
| The holding period of the shares of Gran Tierra common stock received by a U.S. Solana Shareholder will include the holding period of the holders Solana Shares surrendered in the exchange. |
If the Arrangement does not qualify as a reorganization then, subject to the discussion below in the section entitled Passive Foreign Investment Companies, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Solana Shareholder who receives shares of Gran Tierra common stock in exchange for Solana Shares generally will be as follows:
| The U.S. Solana Shareholder will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the fair market value of the shares of Gran Tierra common stock received and (ii) the holders adjusted basis in the Solana Shares surrendered in the exchange; |
| The aggregate tax basis in the shares of Gran Tierra common stock received by the U.S. Solana Shareholder in the exchange will equal the fair market value of such shares as of the closing of the Arrangement; and |
| The holding period in the shares of Gran Tierra common stock received by the U.S. Solana Shareholder in the exchange will begin the day after the closing of the Arrangement. |
Gain or loss recognized will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holders holding period for the Solana Shares surrendered exceeds one year at the closing of the Arrangement. The recognition and the deductibility of capital losses are subject to limitations. U.S. Solana Shareholders who acquired multiple blocks of Solana Shares at different prices or different times should consult their tax advisors concerning the allocation of basis and holding period among their Solana Shares.
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If a U.S. Solana Shareholder receives cash pursuant to the exercise of Dissent Rights, such holder generally will recognize gain or loss (regardless of whether the Arrangement qualifies as a reorganization), measured by the difference between the cash received and such holders tax basis in the Solana Shares surrendered.
In general, if Solana Shares held by a U.S. Solana Shareholder are treated as shares of a passive foreign investment company, any gain recognized on an exchange of Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock will be taxed under the passive foreign investment company excess distribution regime, unless the U.S. Solana Shareholder made a timely qualified electing fund election or mark-to-market election with respect to such Solana Shares. Under the excess distribution regime, federal income tax on the gain would be calculated by allocating the gain ratably to each day the U.S. Solana Shareholder held the Solana Shares. Gain allocated to years preceding the first year in which Solana was a passive foreign investment company in the U.S. Solana Shareholders holding period and gain allocated to the current year would be treated as gain arising in the current year and taxed as ordinary income. Gain allocated to other years would be taxed at the highest ordinary income tax rate in effect for each of those years and interest would be calculated and added to the tax due as if the tax was due and payable with the U.S. Solana Shareholders tax returns that were filed for those years. Under certain circumstances, and subject to possible exceptions, the passive foreign investment company rules may result in gain recognition to a shareholder notwithstanding that the Arrangement qualifies as a reorganization.
Because Solanas current taxable year has not yet ended, it cannot be determined with certainty whether Solana will be classified as a passive foreign investment company. However, Solana does not expect it will be a passive foreign investment company for the current taxable year and does not believe it was a passive foreign investment company in the immediately prior taxable year. However, there can be no assurance that Solana was not a passive foreign investment company for any prior taxable year. Solana would have been classified as a passive foreign investment company for any prior taxable year in which either: (a) 75 percent or more of its gross income was passive income; or (b) 50 percent or more of the value of its average assets consisted of assets that produced, or were held for the production of, passive income (passive assets for this purpose includes cash and cash equivalents held as working capital). Subject to certain limited exceptions, Solana shares held (or deemed held) by a U.S. Solana Shareholder at any time during a taxable year in which Solana was a passive foreign investment company are treated as shares of a passive foreign investment company in the hands of the holder for all subsequent years even though Solana did not meet the gross income or passive asset thresholds necessary to be classified as a passive foreign investment company in a subsequent year.
The passive foreign investment company rules are extremely complex and could, if they apply, have significant adverse effects on the taxation of a U.S. Solana Shareholder in the Arrangement. Accordingly, U.S. Solana Shareholders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors to determine the potential application of the passive foreign investment company rules to their particular circumstances and any elections available for alternative treatment.
A Non-U.S. Solana Shareholder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain realized on the exchange of Solana Shares for shares of Gran Tierra common stock unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by such holder in the United States, or (ii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Solana Shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual, such individual is present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met.
If you are a Non-U.S. Solana Shareholder with gain described in (i) above, you may be required to pay tax on the net gain derived from the exchange at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates, and corporate Non-U.S. Solana Shareholders with gain described in (i) above may be subject to the branch profits tax at a statutory rate of 30%. If you are an individual Non-U.S. Solana Shareholder described in (ii) above, you may be required to pay a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the exchange. The potential reduction of these
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30% tax rates under an applicable tax treaty between the U.S. and a Non-U.S. Solana Shareholders country of residence is beyond the scope of this summary.
If the Arrangement qualifies as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Solana Shareholder may be required to attach a special information statement to the holders U.S. federal income tax return for the year in which the Arrangement is closed that would include the tax basis in the Solana Shares surrendered in the Arrangement and a description of the shares of Gran Tierra common stock received.
Pursuant to tax treaties or certain other agreements, the Internal Revenue Service may make its reports available to tax authorities in a Non-U.S. Solana Shareholders country of residence.
Certain noncorporate holders of Solana Shares may be subject to backup withholding, currently at a 28% rate, on amounts received pursuant to the Arrangement. Backup withholding generally will not apply, however, to a Solana Shareholder who:
| furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that he, she or it is not subject to backup withholding on the substitute Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or successor form) included in the Letter of Transmittal to be delivered to the Solana Shareholders following the closing of the Arrangement; |
| provides a certification of foreign status on Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or other appropriate form; or |
| is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. |
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be eligible for a refund or allowed as a credit against a Solana Shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the shareholder furnishes the required information to the Internal Revenue Service.
EACH SOLANA SHAREHOLDER IS ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE ARRANGEMENT AND THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF SHARES OF GRAN TIERRA COMMON STOCK, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAX LAWS, AND OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGES IN APPLICABLE LAWS.
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Pursuant to its approval of the Arrangement on July 28, 2008, the Gran Tierra Board authorized the issuance of shares of Gran Tierra common stock in connection with the exchange of Solana Shares, or issuable upon retraction of the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares. Gran Tierra believes that the total number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock that it will issue pursuant to the Arrangement will not exceed approximately 131,400,000 shares. Gran Tierra is requesting that stockholders approve this Proposal 1.
The Gran Tierra Board considered the following factors in unanimously approving the transaction.
Gran Tierra believes that the combined company will create a more substantial South American oil and gas exploration and production company with significant oil reserves, production and land position in Colombia. The combination creates a company with a 100% working interest in the Costayaco field, one of the major oil discoveries in Colombia in recent years currently undergoing delineation and development. Upon consummation of the transaction, the combined company will have a working interest in 26 exploration and production licenses, 24 of which are operated by Gran Tierra, with a land base encompassing 7.1 million gross acres (6.2 million net acres) in Colombia, Peru and Argentina.
Gran Tierra expects the combined company to have substantially increased cash flows and working capital which will allow for the pursuit of additional exploration opportunities on the combined companys large undeveloped land base in Colombia, Argentina and Peru and additional new venture growth opportunities.
Gran Tierra expects the combined company to have a larger market capitalization and better access to capital and financial markets, which would enable the combined company to raise additional capital more easily, if needed, to fund its expansion plans than either company could if not combined.
Gran Tierra believes that the two companies will effectively integrate their administrative operations and exploration and production capabilities, thus resulting in cost-saving opportunities for the combined company due to economies of scale and elimination of redundant functions.
The transaction will increase the number of publicly-traded shares of Gran Tierra, which will result in an increase in market capitalization, and is likely to result in an increase in trading volume and institutional interest in the combined companys business and securities.
The Gran Tierra Board considered and evaluated managements presentation of information with respect to, among other factors, the results and scope of Gran Tierras due diligence review of Solanas business, the historical profitability of Solanas business, growth prospects for oil and gas exploration and production in the Costayaco field in Colombia and in other regions of South America, Solanas working interests in the Costayaco field, and cost-saving opportunities for the combined company.
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In deciding to approve the transaction, the Gran Tierra Board also considered the opinion of its financial advisor, Blackmont, delivered verbally on July 28, 2008 and subsequently confirmed in writing as of that date, to the effect that, based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to Gran Tierra.
The Gran Tierra Board recognized that there are risks associated with the combination of Gran Tierra and Solana. These factors, which are further discussed on page 22 under Risk Factors, include: some of the potential benefits described above may not be realized or significant costs may be incurred in realizing those benefits; dilution to Gran Tierra stockholders; the risks involved in integration of the two companies businesses; Solanas profitability may be less than estimated by Gran Tierra in determining Solanas value; and possible liquidation of a large number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock following consummation of the transaction by investors who have not previously owned Gran Tierra common stock.
In light of the factors described above, including those described under Potential Risks and the Risk Factors discussed on page 22, the Gran Tierra Board concluded that the potential benefits of the combination outweigh the potential risks, although no assurance can be given in this regard.
Gran Tierra is subject to the listing requirements set forth in the Company Guide of the American Stock Exchange because Gran Tierra common stock is listed on the AMEX. Section 712 of the AMEX Company Guide requires stockholder approval as a prerequisite to approval of applications to list additional shares to be issued as consideration for an acquisition of the stock or assets of another company where the present or potential issuance of common stock could result in an increase in outstanding common shares of twenty percent (20%) or more. The issuance of Gran Tierra common stock as here proposed will result in an increase in outstanding common shares of more than twenty percent (20%).
In addition, the Arrangement Agreement requires approval of the issuance of Gran Tierra common stock in connection with the Arrangement by Gran Tierras stockholders as a condition to completing the transaction. Accordingly, Gran Tierra is seeking stockholder approval to ensure compliance with the listing requirements set forth in the AMEX Company Guide and satisfaction of the conditions precedent contained in the Arrangement Agreement.
On a diluted basis, upon the closing of the plan of arrangement, former Solana Securityholders will own approximately 49% of the combined company and the current Gran Tierra securityholders will own approximately 51% of the combined company. The issuance of securities as described in this Proposal 1 would therefore result in a significant increase in the number of shares of Gran Tierra common stock outstanding on a diluted basis, and, if the transaction is completed, current stockholders would own a smaller percentage of Gran Tierras outstanding common stock.
If Gran Tierra fails to obtain stockholder approval of this proposal, the Arrangement Agreement will terminate and the Arrangement will not be implemented.
Each share of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Share has one vote. To be approved, this proposal must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting and entitled to vote. For the purposes of this vote broker non-votes will not be counted for any purpose in determining whether this matter has been approved and abstentions will have the same effect as Against votes.
References to voting power of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares refers to the voting power exercised through the Goldstrike Trustee with respect to the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares, whether by the Goldstrike Trustee or by proxy.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
A VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 1.
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The Gran Tierra Board has adopted, subject to stockholder approval, a certificate of amendment to Gran Tierras amended and restated articles of incorporation, referred to as the Voting Stock Certificate of Amendment. If this Proposal 2 is approved, the fourth article of Gran Tierras amended and restated articles of incorporation, as amended, shall be amended to read in its entirety as set forth in Annex K.
The Voting Stock Certificate of Amendment creates a share of Special B Voting Stock to be issued to a trustee in connection with the consummation of the Arrangement. The purpose of the Special B Voting Share is to permit the holders of GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares to exercise their voting power with respect to the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares issued in connection with the Arrangement, either through the trustee on behalf of the holders of GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares or directly as proxy for the trustee, at meetings of the stockholders of Gran Tierra. The trustee holder of the share of Special B Voting Stock will not be entitled to receive dividends or distributions in its capacity as a holder or owner of Special B Voting Stock. The sole rights that the trustee will have is to vote on each matter on which holders of Gran Tierra common stock are entitled to vote and to cast that number of votes equal to the number of GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares which are then outstanding and are not owned by Gran Tierra or its affiliates, other than GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares that are voted directly by the holders thereof in accordance with the provisions relating to the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares. The GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares are described more fully in Description of the Arrangement Transaction Mechanics and Description of GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares on page 59. The Voting Stock Certificate of Amendment also renames the current share of Gran Tierra Special Voting Stock in Gran Tierras current articles of incorporation as Special A Voting Stock to distinguish it from the new share of Special B Voting Stock created.
In addition, the Voting Stock Certificate of Amendment clarifies that all shares of Gran Tierra voting stock, whether existing now or created later, vote together as a single class on matters to be presented to the Gran Tierra stockholders, except as otherwise required by law. The current Gran Tierra articles of incorporation provide that, except as otherwise provided by law or in the Gran Tierra articles of incorporation, the current share of Gran Tierra Special Voting Stock, through which the holders of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares vote, votes together with the common stock on all matters presented to the Gran Tierra stockholders. This language may be interpreted as unclear as to what the voting rights are when a new class or series is created. The Voting Stock Certificate of Amendment revises the language of the voting provisions of the Special Voting Stock, to be renamed Special A Voting Stock, to clarify that the Special A Voting Stock votes together with the Series B Voting Stock and common stock, and any other class or series of voting stock created by an amendment to the articles of incorporation or certificate of designation in accordance with the voting rights of that additional class or series, on matters to be presented to the Gran Tierra stockholders for a vote.
If Gran Tierra fails to obtain stockholder approval of this proposal, the Arrangement Agreement will terminate and the Arrangement will not be implemented.
If Proposal 1 is not approved by Gran Tierras stockholders, then the proposed Voting Stock Certificate of Amendment will not be implemented, notwithstanding that it may have been approved by Gran Tierras stockholders.
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Each share of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Share has one vote. In order for Proposal 2 to be approved by Gran Tierras stockholders, it must receive a For vote from:
| the holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares collectively entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the combined voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares; and |
| the holders of shares of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. |
References to voting power of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares refers to the voting power exercised through the Goldstrike Trustee with respect to the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares, whether by the Goldstrike Trustee or by proxy.
THE GRAN TIERRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
A VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 2.
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The Gran Tierra Board has adopted, subject to stockholder approval, a certificate of amendment to the Gran Tierra amended and restated articles of incorporation, or the Share Increase Certificate of Amendment. If approved, the fourth article of Gran Tierras amended and restated articles of incorporation, as amended, will be amended to provide (a) that the total number of authorized shares of Gran Tierra common stock shall be 600,000,000 shares, and therefore that the total authorized shares, including the current 25,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock and shares of Special Voting Stock shall be 625,000,002 shares, and (b) that for the Gran Tierra Board to approve the issuance of Gran Tierra common stock, a corporate action of the Gran Tierra Board, i.e. the approval of a majority of the members of the Gran Tierra Board at a duly called meeting at which a quorum is present, shall be required, rather than a unanimous action of the Gran Tierra Board. If this Proposal 2 is approved, the first two paragraphs of the fourth article of Gran Tierras amended and restated articles of incorporation, as amended, shall be amended to read in their entirety as set forth in Annex L.
The additional shares of common stock to be authorized by adoption of the Share Increase Certificate of Amendment will have rights identical to Gran Tierras currently outstanding common stock. Adoption of the proposed Share Increase Certificate of Amendment and issuance of the common stock would not affect the rights of the holders of Gran Tierras currently outstanding common stock, except for effects incidental to increasing the number of shares of Gran Tierras common stock outstanding, such as dilution of the earnings per share and voting rights of current holders of Gran Tierras common stock. If the Share Increase Certificate of Amendment is adopted, it will become effective upon filing of the Share Increase Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada.
In addition to the 114,996,734 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of August 5, 2008, which number includes 10,984,126 shares of common stock issuable upon the exchange of the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares issued to certain former holders of Gran Tierra Canadas common stock, approximately 5,600,000 shares were issuable upon exercise of outstanding options, approximately 14,217,303 shares were issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants and approximately 3,190,836 shares were reserved for future grants under Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. If Proposal 4 is approved, the number of shares reserved under Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan will be increased from 9,000,000 shares to 18,000,000 shares.
The approval of the Share Increase Certificate of Amendment will not alter Gran Tierras present ability to issue up to 25,000,000 shares of its blank check preferred stock.
Although, at present, the Gran Tierra Board has no plans to issue any of the additional shares of common stock other than in connection with the Arrangement, as discussed in Proposal 1, it desires to have such additional shares available to provide flexibility to use its capital stock for business and financial purposes in the future. Gran Tierra believes it is important to retain a significant reserve of authorized but unissued common stock that could be used to raise additional capital through the sale of securities, declare stock dividends or stock splits, acquire another company or its business or assets, create negotiating leverage and flexibility in the event of an unfriendly takeover bid or establish a strategic relationship with a corporate partner, among other uses.
If approved, the proposed Share Increase Certificate of Amendment would authorize additional shares of common stock that will be available in the event that the Gran Tierra Board determines to authorize stock dividends or stock splits, to raise additional capital through the sale of securities, to acquire another company or its business or assets, to create negotiating leverage and flexibility in the event of an unfriendly takeover bid or to establish a strategic relationship with a corporate partner, among other uses. In addition, if a person or group of persons attempts a hostile takeover of Gran Tierra, such shares could be issued in connection with a stockholder rights plan, or poison pill or rights plan which would allow stockholders (other than the hostile parties) to purchase Gran Tierras common stock at a discount to the then current market price, which would have a dilutive effect on the hostile parties. Although this proposal to increase the authorized Gran Tierra
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common stock has been prompted by business and financial considerations and not by the threat of any hostile takeover attempt (nor is the Gran Tierra Board currently aware of any such attempts directed at us), stockholders should be aware that approval of the proposal could facilitate Gran Tierras future efforts to deter or prevent changes in the control of Gran Tierra, including transactions in which the stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over the then current market prices. Any additional equity financings may be dilutive to stockholders, and a debt financing, if available, may involve restrictions on stock dividends and other restrictions on Gran Tierra. Moreover, while Gran Tierra continually evaluates potential acquisitions and other strategic transactions, it has no present agreements or commitments with respect to issuing shares of common stock as part of any acquisition, other than the proposed Arrangement with Solana.
If the Share Increase Certificate of Amendment is adopted, 300,000,000 additional shares of Gran Tierras common stock will be available for issuance at the discretion of the Gran Tierra Board, except that certain large issuances, such as future new issuances or series of related issuances that would result in an increase of the current shares outstanding by 20% or more, may require stockholder approval in accordance with the requirements of the AMEX and Nevada law, and certain stock-based employee benefit plans may require stockholder approval in order to obtain desirable treatment under tax or securities laws and accounting regulations.
The Gran Tierra Board believes it desirable that Gran Tierra have the flexibility to issue the additional shares as described above. As is typical in publicly held energy companies, the holders of common stock have no pre-emptive rights to purchase any stock of Gran Tierra. Stockholders should be aware that the issuance of additional shares could have a dilutive effect on earnings per share and on the equity ownership of the present holders of common stock. No actions are currently being taken with respect to any large issuance of additional shares, other than in connection with the Arrangement.
The Voting Stock Certificate of Amendment also revises the requirement for Gran Tierra Board approval of the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of Gran Tierra common stock to be approval by the Gran Tierra Board, i.e. the approval of a majority of the members of the Gran Tierra Board at a duly called meeting at which a quorum is present, rather than a unanimous action of the Gran Tierra Board as is currently the case. The Gran Tierra Board believes that it is desirable that the Gran Tierra Board have this flexibility so that it can authorize the issuance of Gran Tierra common stock in situations in which a Gran Tierra Board member is unable to attend a meeting, or in which a majority of the members present at a Gran Tierra Board meeting determine that the issuance of common stock is in the best interests of Gran Tierra and its stockholders, even if a minority of the members of the Gran Tierra Board may disagree. The Gran Tierra Board further believes that this flexibility is a more prevalent structure than as is currently the case.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock will be required to approve the Share Increase Certificate of Amendment. As a result, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as negative votes.
Each share of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Share has one vote. In order for Proposal 3 to be approved by Gran Tierras stockholders, it must receive a For vote from the holders of shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares collectively entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the combined voting power of the total number of outstanding shares of Gran Tierra common stock and GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares.
References to voting power of GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares refers to the voting power exercised through the Goldstrike Trustee with respect to the GTE-Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares, whether by the Goldstrike Trustee or by proxy.
If Proposals 1 and 2 are not approved by Gran Tierras stockholders, then this proposed amendment to the Gran Tierra articles of incorporation will not be implemented, notwithstanding that it may have been approved by Gran Tierras stockholders.
THE GRAN TIERRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
A VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 3.
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On September 3, 2008, the Gran Tierra Board authorized an amendment to Gran Tierras 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, referred to as the Incentive Plan, to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Incentive Plan from 9,000,000 shares to 18,000,000 shares in the aggregate. Gran Tierra is requesting that stockholders approve this amendment to the Incentive Plan.
The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that Gran Tierra has a sufficient reserve of common stock available under the Incentive Plan to continue to grant stock options and other awards at levels determined appropriate by the Gran Tierra Board, given the roughly doubling of the size of the company as a result of the Arrangement. The Incentive Plan will also continue to provide us with flexibility in designing equity incentives including stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance stock awards, and performance cash awards. Accordingly, the Incentive Plan will allow us to utilize a broad array of equity incentives in order to secure and retain the services of Gran Tierras employees, consultants and directors, and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for Gran Tierras success or the success of Gran Tierras affiliates.
At August 5, 2008, stock awards (net of cancelled or expired awards) covering an aggregate of 5,600,000 shares were outstanding under the Incentive Plan and 3,190,836 shares remained available for future grant under the Incentive Plan. However, given that the Arrangement will roughly double the size of the company, including the combined employee base, the Gran Tierra Board has determined that it is also appropriate to double the total number of shares that may be issued under the Incentive Plan. Consequently, the Gran Tierra Board has adopted, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment to the Incentive Plan to increase the aggregate number of shares issuable under the Incentive Plan by an additional 9,000,000 shares of common stock.
If Proposals 1 and 2 are not approved by Gran Tierras stockholders, then this proposed amendment to the Incentive Plan will not be implemented, notwithstanding that it may have been approved by Gran Tierras stockholders.
Each share of Gran Tierra common stock and GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Share has one vote. To be approved, the Incentive Plan, as amended, must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting and entitled to vote. For purposes of this vote broker non-votes will not be counted for any purpose in determining whether this matter has been approved and abstentions will have the same effect as Against votes.
References to voting power of GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares refers to the voting power exercised through the Goldstrike Trustee with respect to the GTEGoldstrike Exchangeable Shares, whether by the Goldstrike Trustee or by proxy.
THE GRAN TIERRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
A VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 4.
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The essential features of the Incentive Plan are outlined below:
The Incentive Plan, which is an amendment and restatement of Gran Tierras 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and other stock awards, collectively referred to as Awards. Stock options granted under the Incentive Plan are not intended to qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, as amended. Stock appreciation rights granted under the Incentive Plan may be tandem rights, concurrent rights or independent rights. See the section of this Proposal 4 entitled U.S. Federal Income Tax Information, below, for a discussion of the tax treatment of Awards. To date, Gran Tierra has granted only stock options under the Incentive Plan.
The Gran Tierra Board adopted the Incentive Plan to provide a means by which employees, directors and consultants of Gran Tierra and its affiliates may be given an opportunity to purchase stock in Gran Tierra, to assist in retaining the services of such persons, to secure and retain the services of persons capable of filling such positions and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of Gran Tierra and its affiliates. All of the approximately 130 employees, directors and consultants of Gran Tierra and its affiliates are eligible to participate in the Incentive Plan as will all of the approximately 51 employees of Solana following the Arrangement.
The Gran Tierra Board administers the Incentive Plan. Subject to the provisions of the Incentive Plan, the Gran Tierra Board has the power to construe and interpret the Incentive Plan and to determine the persons to whom and the dates on which Awards will be granted, the number of shares of common stock to be subject to each award, the time or times during the term of each Award within which all or a portion of such award may be exercised, the exercise price, the type of consideration and other terms of the Award.
The Gran Tierra Board has the power to delegate administration of the Incentive Plan to a committee composed of not fewer than two members of the Gran Tierra Board. A committee may consist solely of two or more outside directors in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code or solely of two or more non-employee directors in accordance with Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act. The Gran Tierra Board has delegated administration of the Incentive Plan to the Compensation Committee of the Gran Tierra Board. As used in this description of Proposal 4 with respect to the Incentive Plan, the Board refers to any committee the Gran Tierra Board appoints as well as to the Gran Tierra Board itself.
Subject to this Proposal, an aggregate of 18,000,000 shares of common stock is reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan. If Awards granted under the Incentive Plan expire or otherwise terminate without being exercised, the shares of common stock not acquired pursuant to such Awards again become available for issuance under the Incentive Plan.
Employees (including officers), directors, and consultants of both Gran Tierra and its affiliates are eligible to receive all types of awards under the Incentive Plan. Under the Incentive Plan, no person may be granted awards exercisable for more than 1,000,000 shares of common stock during any calendar year.
Stockholder approval of this Proposal 4 will also constitute re-approval of the foregoing limit for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. This limitation assures that any deductions to which Gran Tierra would otherwise be entitled upon the exercise of options or stock appreciation rights granted under the Incentive Plan will not be subject to the $1 million limitation on the income tax deductibility of compensation paid per covered executive officer imposed by Section 162(m) of the Code.
The following is a description of the permissible terms of options under the Incentive Plan. Individual option grants may be more restrictive as to any or all of the permissible terms described below.
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The exercise price of options may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. If options were granted to covered executives with exercise prices below fair market value, deductions for compensation attributable to the exercise of such options could be limited by Section 162(m) of the Code. See U.S. Federal Income Tax Information. The closing price of Gran Tierras common stock as reported on the AMEX on , 2008 was $ per share.
The fair market value of Gran Tierras common stock on a particular day is generally the closing sales price for the common stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on the primary exchange or market upon which Gran Tierras common stock trades. If that day is not a market trading day, then the last market trading day prior to the day of determination is used. If Gran Tierras common stock were not to be traded on a market, the Gran Tierra Board would make a good faith determination of the fair market value in a manner that complies with specified U.S. tax requirements.
The exercise price of options granted under the Incentive Plan must be paid either in cash at the time the option is exercised or at the discretion of the Gran Tierra Board, (i) by delivery of other common stock of Gran Tierra, (ii) pursuant to a deferred payment arrangement, (iii) by a net exercise arrangement, or (iv) in any other form of legal consideration acceptable to the Gran Tierra Board.
Options granted under the Incentive Plan may become exercisable in cumulative increments, or vest, as determined by the Gran Tierra Board. Shares covered by currently outstanding options under the Incentive Plan typically vest over a three year period in three equal annual installments during the participants employment by, or service as a director or consultant to, Gran Tierra or an affiliate, collectively referred to as Service. Shares covered by options granted in the future under the Incentive Plan may be subject to different vesting terms. The Gran Tierra Board has the power to accelerate the time during which an option may vest or be exercised. In addition, options granted under the Incentive Plan may permit exercise prior to vesting, but in such event the participant may be required to enter into an early exercise stock purchase agreement that allows Gran Tierra to repurchase unvested shares, generally at their exercise price, should the participants Service terminate before vesting. To the extent provided by the terms of an option, a participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the exercise of such option by a cash payment upon exercise, by authorizing Gran Tierra to withhold a portion of the stock otherwise issuable to the participant, by delivering already-owned common stock of Gran Tierra or by a combination of these means.
The maximum term of options under the Incentive Plan is 10 years. Options under the Incentive Plan generally terminate three months after termination of the participants Service unless (i) such termination is due to the participants permanent and total disability (as defined in the Code), in which case the option may, but need not, provide that it may be exercised (to the extent the option was exercisable at the time of the termination of Service) at any time within 12 months of such termination; (ii) the participant dies before the participants Service has terminated, or within three months after termination of such Service, in which case the option may, but need not, provide that it may be exercised (to the extent the option was exercisable at the time of the participants death) within 18 months of the participants death by the person or persons to whom the rights to such option pass by will or by the laws of descent and distribution; or (iii) the option by its terms specifically provides otherwise. A participant may designate a beneficiary who may exercise the option following the participants death. Individual option grants by their terms may provide for exercise within a longer period of time following termination of Service.
The option term generally may be extended in the event that exercise of the option within these periods is prohibited. A participants option agreement may provide that if the exercise of the option following the termination of the participants Service would be prohibited because the issuance of stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the option will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the option or (ii) three months after the termination of the participants service during which the exercise of the option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.
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The Gran Tierra Board may grant stock options that are transferable to the extent provided in the stock option agreement. Shares subject to repurchase by Gran Tierra under an early exercise stock purchase agreement may be subject to restrictions on transfer that the Gran Tierra Board deems appropriate.
The Gran Tierra Board determines the purchase price under a restricted stock purchase agreement but the purchase price may not be less than the par value of Gran Tierras common stock on the date of purchase. The Gran Tierra Board may award stock bonuses in consideration of past services without a purchase payment.
The purchase price of stock acquired pursuant to a restricted stock purchase agreement under the Incentive Plan must be paid either in cash at the time of purchase or at the discretion of the Gran Tierra Board, (i) by delivery of other common stock of Gran Tierra, (ii) pursuant to a deferred payment arrangement or (iii) in any other form of legal consideration acceptable to the Gran Tierra Board.
Shares of stock sold or awarded under the Incentive Plan may, but need not be, subject to a repurchase option in favor of Gran Tierra in accordance with a vesting schedule as determined by the Gran Tierra Board. The Gran Tierra Board has the power to accelerate the vesting of stock acquired pursuant to a restricted stock purchase agreement under the Incentive Plan.
Rights under a stock bonus or restricted stock bonus agreement may be transferred only upon the terms and conditions of the award agreement as the Gran Tierra Board shall determine in its discretion, except where such assignment is required by law or expressly authorized by the terms of the applicable stock bonus or restricted stock purchase agreement.
The Incentive Plan authorizes the grant of stock appreciation rights. Stock appreciation rights entitle the participant to receive upon exercise an appreciation distribution equal to the fair market value of that number of shares equal to the number of share equivalents in which the participant is vested under the independent stock appreciation rights less the fair market value of such number of shares of stock on the date of grant of the independent stock appreciation rights. Appreciation distributions payable upon exercise of stock appreciation rights may, at the Gran Tierra Boards discretion, be made in cash, in shares of stock or a combination thereof.
Transactions not involving receipt of consideration by Gran Tierra, such as a merger, consolidation, reorganization, stock dividend, or stock split, may change the type(s), class(es) and number of shares of common stock subject to the Incentive Plan and outstanding awards. In that event, the Incentive Plan will be appropriately adjusted as to the type(s), class(es) and the maximum number of shares of common stock subject to the Incentive Plan, and outstanding Awards will be adjusted as to the type(s), class(es), number of shares and price per share of common stock subject to such Awards.
In the event of the consummation of (i) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Gran Tierra, (ii) the sale or other disposition of at least fifty percent of the outstanding securities of Gran Tierra, or (iii) certain specified types of merger, consolidation or similar transactions, or collectively, a corporate transaction, any surviving or acquiring corporation may continue or assume awards outstanding under the Incentive Plan or may substitute similar awards. If any surviving or acquiring corporation does not assume such awards or substitute similar Awards, then with respect to Awards held by participants whose
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Service with Gran Tierra or an affiliate has not terminated as of the Effective Date of the corporate transaction, the vesting of such awards (and, if applicable, the time during which such awards may be exercised) will be accelerated in full and the awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to such Effective Date.
The Incentive Plan provides, that in the event of certain change of control events, any outstanding stock awards may be subject to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after such change of control event, if such acceleration is provided for in the individual award holders stock award agreement
The acceleration of an Award in the event of a corporate transaction or a change in control event may be viewed as an anti-takeover provision, which may have the effect of discouraging a proposal to acquire or otherwise obtain control of Gran Tierra.
The Gran Tierra Board may suspend or terminate the Incentive Plan without stockholder approval or ratification at any time or from time to time.
The Gran Tierra Board may at any time, or from time to time, amend or revise the Incentive Plan. However, no amendment will be effective unless approved by the stockholders of Gran Tierra within 12 months before or after its adoption by the Gran Tierra Board to the extent such approval is necessary to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. The Gran Tierra Board may submit any other amendment to the Incentive Plan for stockholder approval.
For so long as Gran Tierras stock is listed on the TSX, under the rules and policies of the TSX any amendment to the Incentive Plan is subject to pre-clearance of such amendment by the TSX, and no amendment, suspension or discontinuance of the Incentive Plan may contravene the requirements of the TSX.
Stock options, restricted stock purchase awards and stock bonuses granted under the Incentive Plan generally have the following federal income tax consequences.
There are no tax consequences to the participant or Gran Tierra by reason of the grant. Upon acquisition of the stock, the participant normally will recognize taxable ordinary income equal to the excess, if any, of the stocks fair market value on the acquisition date over the purchase price. However, to the extent the stock is subject to certain types of vesting restrictions, the taxable event will be delayed until the vesting restrictions lapse unless the participant elects to be taxed on receipt of the stock. With respect to employees, Gran Tierra is generally required to withhold from regular wages or supplemental wage payments an amount based on the ordinary income recognized. Subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, Gran Tierra will generally be entitled to a business expense deduction equal to the taxable ordinary income realized by the participant.
Upon disposition of the stock, the participant will recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the selling price and the sum of the amount paid for such stock plus any amount recognized as ordinary income upon acquisition (or vesting) of the stock. Such gain or loss will be long-term or short-term depending on whether the stock was held for more than one year. Slightly different rules may apply to participants who acquire stock subject to certain repurchase options or who are subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
No taxable income is realized upon the receipt of a stock appreciation right, but upon exercise of the stock appreciation right the fair market value of the shares (or cash in lieu of shares) received must be treated as compensation taxable as ordinary income to the participant in the year of such exercise. Generally, with respect to employees, Gran Tierra is required to withhold from the payment made on exercise of the stock appreciation right or from regular wages or supplemental wage payments an amount based on the ordinary income recognized. Subject to the requirement of reasonableness, Section 162(m) of the Code and the satisfaction of a reporting obligation, Gran Tierra will be entitled to a business expense deduction equal to the taxable ordinary income recognized by the participant.
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Section 162(m) of the Code denies a deduction to any publicly held corporation for compensation paid to certain covered employees in a taxable year to the extent that compensation to such covered employee exceeds $1 million. It is possible that compensation attributable to awards, when combined with all other types of compensation received by a covered employee from Gran Tierra, may cause this limitation to be exceeded in any particular year.
Certain kinds of compensation, including qualified performance-based compensation, are disregarded for purposes of the deduction limitation. In accordance with Treasury Regulations issued under Section 162(m), compensation attributable to stock options and stock appreciation rights will qualify as performance-based compensation if (i) the award is granted by a compensation committee comprised solely of outside directors, (ii) the plan contains a per-employee limitation on the number of shares for which such awards may be granted during a specified period, (iii) the per-employee limitation is approved by the stockholders, and (iv) the exercise price of the award is no less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. Subject to stockholder approval of this Proposal 4, it is intended that all options and stock appreciation rights granted under the Incentive Plan qualify as performance-based compensation that is exempt from the $1 million deduction limitation until the first meeting of stockholders that occurs in 2013.
Compensation attributable to all other Awards granted under the Incentive Plan will not qualify as performance-based compensation, and therefore will remain subject to the $1 million deduction limitations imposed by Section 162(m) of the Code.
In September 2008, the Gran Tierra Board amended the Incentive Plan to make technical and administrative changes to the Incentive Plan, including the following:
| To provide enhanced provisions with respect to the Gran Tierra Boards authority to interpret the Incentive Plan and settle all controversies regarding the Incentive Plan and stock awards, which will provide certainty as to these matters rather than leave them open for litigation; |
| To revise a number of provisions to conform to current law and current accounting standards; |
| To revise a number of provisions to provide that award grants will not be made at a discount or otherwise in a manner that causes adverse tax consequences; and |
| To provide clarification as to various matters, including that the Gran Tierra Board has the authority to establish subplans as necessary or appropriate to facilitate granting of stock awards internationally, that stock may be held in certificated or book-entry form, that stock award grants cannot be granted in violation of law, that Gran Tierra is not required to notify holders of awards or warn holders of impending expiration of awards or adverse tax consequences, the precise time that a stock award is granted and when the holder becomes a holder of the underlying common stock, and adjustments to stock awards in the event of a capital adjustment. |
These changes to the Incentive Plan did not require stockholder approval. The changes do not constitute material changes requiring stockholder approval under the AMEX rules. Further, the Incentive Plan itself provides that changes that do not require stockholder approval under Section 422 of the Code may be made without stockholder approval, and none of these changes would require stockholder approval under Section 422. Under Section 613(k) of the TSX Company Manual, these amendments can be made to the Incentive Plan without securityholder approval as the Incentive Plan empowers the Gran Tierra Board to make such amendments.
The following table provides certain information with respect to all of Gran Tierras equity compensation plans in effect as of the end of December 31, 2007:
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Plan Category | Number of Securities to Be Issued Upon Exercise of Options |
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options |
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance(1) |
|||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 5,724,168 | $ | 1.52 | 3,275,832 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | | | | |||||||||
Total | 5,724,168 | 3,275,832 |
(1) | The only equity compensation plan approved by Gran Tierras stockholders is the Gran Tierra 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, which is an amendment and restatement of the Incentive Plan, under which the Gran Tierra Board is currently authorized to issue options or other rights to acquire up to 9,000,000 shares of Gran Tierras common stock. If Gran Tierra Proposal 4 is approved by Gran Tierra stockholders, the Gran Tierra Board will be authorized to issue options or other rights to acquire up to 18,000,000 shares of Gran Tierras common stock, and the numbers of shares in the far right column of the table above, giving retroactive effect to the approval of Proposal 4, would be 12,275,832 shares. |
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The Gran Tierra Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration of the Gran Tierra Special Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Gran Tierra Special Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying Gran Tierra proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or more shareholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those shareholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding, potentially means extra convenience for shareholders and cost savings for companies.
This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are Gran Tierra stockholders will be householding Gran Tierra proxy materials. A single proxy statement will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be householding communications to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement and annual report, please notify your broker. Direct your written request to Gran Tierra Energy Inc., Martin Eden, Secretary, 300, 611 10th Avenue, S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2R 0B2 or contact Martin Eden at (403) 265-3221. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the proxy statement at their addresses and would like to request householding of their communications should contact their brokers.
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Gran Tierra is not aware of any individuals who are, or who at any time during the most recently completed financial year were, a director or executive officer of Gran Tierra, or an associate of any of those directors or executive officers, who are, or have been at any time since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year of Gran Tierra, indebted to Gran Tierra or any of its subsidiaries or whose indebtedness to another entity is, or at any time since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year of Gran Tierra has been, the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar arrangement or understanding provided by Gran Tierra or any of its subsidiaries.
Solana is not aware of any individuals who are, or who at any time during the most recently completed financial year were, a director or executive officer of Solana, or an associate of any of those directors or executive officers, who are, or have been at any time since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year of Solana, indebted to Solana or any of its subsidiaries or whose indebtedness to another entity is, or at any time since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year of Solana has been, the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar arrangement or understanding provided by Solana or any of its subsidiaries.
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement (including the documents incorporated by reference herein and the Appendices hereto), Gran Tierra is not aware of any material interest, direct or indirect, of any informed person of Gran Tierra, or any associate or affiliate of any informed person, in any transaction since the commencement of Gran Tierras most recently completed financial year, or in any proposed transaction, that has materially affected or would materially affect Gran Tierra or any of its subsidiaries.
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement (including the documents incorporated by reference herein and the Appendices hereto), Solana is not aware of any material interest, direct or indirect, of any informed person of Solana, or any associate or affiliate of any informed person, in any transaction since the commencement of Solanas most recently completed financial year, or in any proposed transaction, that has materially affected or would materially affect Solana or any of its Subsidiaries.
For the purposes of this Joint Proxy Statement an informed person means a director or executive officer of a person or company that is itself an informed person or subsidiary of Gran Tierra or Solana and any person or company who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, voting securities of Gran Tierra or Solana or who exercises control or direction over voting securities of Gran Tierra or Solana or a combination of both carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all outstanding voting securities of Gran Tierra or Solana, as applicable.
Neither Gran Tierra or Solana is aware of any material facts concerning the securities of Gran Tierra or Solana, respectively, or of Exchangeco or any other matter not described in this Joint Proxy Statement that has not been previously disclosed and is known to either Gran Tierra or Solana but which would reasonably be expected to affect the decision of the Gran Tierra stockholders or Solana Securityholders, respectively, with respect to the matters to be voted upon at the special meetings.
As at September 15, 2008 there were 104,595,774 Gran Tierra common stock issued and outstanding, and the Special Voting Share was entitled to 10,984,126 votes as a result of that number of issued and outstanding GTE Goldstrike Exchangeable Shares. To the knowledge of the directors and officers of Gran Tierra, as at the date hereof, no person or company beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over, Gran Tierra common stock entitled to more than 10% of the votes which may be cast at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting.
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As at September 25, 2008 there were 126,426,792 Solana Shares issued and outstanding. To the knowledge of the directors and officers of Solana, as at the date hereof, no person or company beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over, Solana Shares entitled to more than 10% of the votes which may be cast at the Solana Special Meeting.
Certain legal matters relating to the Arrangement are to be passed upon at the closing by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP and Cooley Godward Kronish LLP, on behalf of Gran Tierra and Davis LLP and Hodgson Russ LLP, on behalf of Solana. As at , 2008, the partners and associates of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, and Cooley Godward Kronish LLP beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of the outstanding Gran Tierra common stock and less than 1% of the outstanding Solana Shares. As at , 2008, the partners and associates of Davis LLP, and Hodgson Russ LLP beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of the outstanding Solana Shares and less than 1% of the outstanding Gran Tierra common stock. As at , 2008, the principals of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, Solanas impendent reserve evaluator, do not beneficially own any outstanding Solana Shares. Mr. Roy Hudson, a director and the Corporate Secretary of Solana, is a partner of Davis LLP, which law firm renders legal services to Solana. As at , 2008, the principals of GLJ Petroleum Consultants, Gran Tierras impendent reserve evaluator, and Gaffney, Cline & Associates Limited, Gran Tierras former impendent reserve evaluator, do not beneficially own any outstanding Solana Shares.
Deloitte & Touche LLP, Chartered Accountants, are independent within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta.
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On July 29, 2008, Gran Tierra announced that it had entered into an agreement providing for the business combination of Gran Tierra and Solana. Under the terms of the agreement with Solana, each Solana shareholder will receive, for each Solana common share held, either: (1) 0.9527918 of a share of Gran Tierra common stock; or (2) 0.9527918 of a GTE-Solana Exchangeable Share. The GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares: (a) will have the same voting rights, dividend entitlements and other attributes as Gran Tierra common stock; (b) will be exchangeable, at each stockholders option, on a one-for-one basis into Gran Tierra common stock; and (c) subject to compliance with the original listing requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, will be listed on the TSX. GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares will automatically be exchanged for Gran Tierra common stock five years from closing, and in certain other events. The Arrangement will also result in Solana optionholders and Solana warrantholders receiving either Solana common shares pursuant to a cashless exercise of their options or warrants or cash payments, in both cases based on the above exchange ratio. In addition, certain Solana options may be exchanged for options of Gran Tierra, and holders of Solana warrants may elect to continue to hold their warrants, which would be exercisable into shares of common stock of Gran Tierra pursuant to the terms of such warrants.
The transaction will be completed pursuant to a Plan of Arrangement in accordance with the ABCA. Upon completion of the transaction, Solana will become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra. On a diluted basis, upon the closing of the Plan of Arrangement, Solana security holders will own approximately 49% of the combined company and Gran Tierra security holders will own approximately 51% of the combined company.
The proposed transaction is subject to regulatory, stock exchange, court and shareholder approvals.
The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as at June 30, 2008 and unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007 (collectively, the Pro Forma Statements) have been prepared related to the acquisition by Gran Tierra of all of the shares of Solana under the Arrangement.
The Pro Forma Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by the management of Gran Tierra. Accounting policies used in the preparation of the Pro Forma Statements are consistent with those disclosed in the audited consolidated financial statements of Gran Tierra as at and for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as at and for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet gives effect to the transactions described in Notes 1 and 2 as if they occurred on June 30, 2008 and the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations give effect to the transactions described in Notes 1 and 2 as if they occurred on January 1, 2007. In the opinion of management, the Pro Forma Statements include all material adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the ongoing entity in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The Pro Forma Statements have been prepared from, and should be read in conjunction with, the following financial statements, which are included or incorporated by reference into the Joint Proxy Statement:
| The audited consolidated financial statements of Gran Tierra and Solana for the year ended December 31, 2007. |
| The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Gran Tierra and Solana as at and for the six months ended June 30, 2008. |
The Pro Forma Statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be indicative of the financial position or results of operations that actually would have occurred if the events reflected therein had been in effect on the dates indicated or the results which may be obtained in the future. In preparing the Pro Forma Statements, no adjustments have been made to reflect the potential operating synergies and administrative cost savings that could result from the combination of the Gran Tierra and Solana operations.
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(US $ Thousands) | Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Historical |
Solana Resources Limited Historical (Canadian GAAP) |
Solana U.S. GAAP Adjustments |
Pro Forma Adjustments |
Note | Pro-Forma Consolidated |
||||||||||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current Assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 35,303 | 73,402 | | (12,377 | ) | 1(h) | 96,328 | |||||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | 39,157 | 27,139 | | (1,013 | ) | 1(d) | 65,283 | |||||||||||||||||
Inventory | 628 | | | | 628 | |||||||||||||||||||
Taxes receivable | 1,272 | | | | 1,272 | |||||||||||||||||||
Prepaids | 486 | 402 | | | 888 | |||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax asset | 1,148 | 4,000 | 2,877 | (6,877 | ) | 1(e) | 1,148 | |||||||||||||||||
Total Current Assets | 77,994 | 104,943 | 2,877 | (20,267 | ) | 165,547 | ||||||||||||||||||
Oil and Gas Properties (using the full cost method of accounting) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proved | 50,116 | 102,930 | (8,719 | ) | 327,122 | 1(b) | 471,449 | |||||||||||||||||
Unproved | 21,655 | | | 380,491 | 1(b) | 402,146 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Oil and Gas Properties | 71,771 | 102,930 | (8,719 | ) | 707,613 | 873,595 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Assets | 1,593 | 964 | | (94 | ) | 1(b) | 2,463 | |||||||||||||||||
Total Property, Plant and Equipment | 73,364 | 103,894 | (8,719 | ) | 707,519 | 876,058 | ||||||||||||||||||
Long Term Assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax asset | 684 | | | | 684 | |||||||||||||||||||
Taxes receivable | 560 | | | | 560 | |||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill | 15,005 | | | | 15,005 | |||||||||||||||||||
Investment | | 379 | | | 379 | |||||||||||||||||||
Deposits | | 1,179 | | | 1,179 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other receivables | | 725 | | | 725 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Long Term Assets | 16,249 | 2,283 | | | 18,532 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Assets | 167,607 | 211,120 | (5,842 | ) | 687,252 | 1,060,137 | ||||||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable | 13,307 | 9,141 | | (1,013 | ) | 1(d) | 21,435 | |||||||||||||||||
Accrued liabilities | 13,825 | 378 | | 9,796 | 1(i) | 23,999 | ||||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments | 5,540 | | | | 5,540 | |||||||||||||||||||
Rollover Warrants | | | | 25,343 | 1(g) | 25,343 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current taxes payable | 12,843 | 7,120 | | | 19,963 | |||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax liability | 810 | | | | 810 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 46,325 | 16,639 | | 34,126 | 97,090 | |||||||||||||||||||
Long term liabilities | 115 | | | | 115 | |||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax liability | 8,510 | | | 207,000 | 1(e) | 215,510 | ||||||||||||||||||
Deferred remittance tax | 1,262 | | | | 1,262 | |||||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments | 2,879 | | | | 2,879 | |||||||||||||||||||
Asset retirement obligations | 938 | 2,135 | | | 1(c) | 3,073 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Liabilities | 60,029 | 18,774 | | 241,126 | 319,929 | |||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares Gran Tierra | 218 | | | 123 | 1(g) | 341 | ||||||||||||||||||
Additional paid in capital Gran Tierra | 99,807 | | | 635,866 | 1(g) | 735,673 | ||||||||||||||||||
Warrants Gran Tierra | 10,862 | | | | 10,862 | |||||||||||||||||||
Share capital and warrants Solana | | 197,179 | | (197,179 | ) | 1(f) | | |||||||||||||||||
Contributed surplus Solana | | 11,547 | (2,760 | ) | (8,787 | ) | 1(h) | | ||||||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income Solana | | 5,792 | (165 | ) | (5,627 | ) | 1(f) | | ||||||||||||||||
Accumulated deficit | (3,309 | ) | (22,172 | ) | (2,917 | ) | (3,590 | ) | 1(h) | (6,668 | ) | |||||||||||||
(4,100 | ) | 1(i) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
32,779 | 1(f) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(3,359 | ) | 1(g) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Shareholders Equity | 107,578 | 192,346 | (5,842 | ) | 446,126 | 740,208 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Liabilities and Equity | 167,607 | 211,120 | (5,842 | ) | 687,252 | 1,060,137 |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements.
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(US $ Thousands Except per Share Amounts) | Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Historical |
Solana Resources Limited Historical (Canadian GAAP) |
Solana U.S. GAAP Adjustments |
Pro Forma Adjustments |
Note | Pro-Forma Consolidated |
||||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oil and natural gas | 31,853 | 18,294 | | | 50,147 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest | 425 | 1,091 | | | 1,516 | |||||||||||||||||||
32,278 | 19,385 | | | 51,663 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | 10,474 | 3,944 | | | 2(e) | 14,418 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and accretion | 9,415 | 5,789 | (1,196 | ) | 15,983 | 2(a) | 29,991 | |||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 10,232 | 5,129 | 13,640 | | 2(e),(d) | 29,001 | ||||||||||||||||||
Liquidated damages | 7,367 | | | | 7,367 | |||||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments | 3,040 | | | | 3,040 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | (77 | ) | 77 | | 18,872 | 2(c) | 18,872 | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | | 13,640 | (13,640 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||||
40,451 | 28,579 | (1,196 | ) | 34,855 | 102,689 | |||||||||||||||||||
Loss before income taxes | (8,173 | ) | (9,194 | ) | 1,196 | (34,855 | ) | (51,026 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) recovery | (294 | ) | (89 | ) | | 5,434 | 2(b) | 5,051 | ||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | (8,467 | ) | (9,283 | ) | 1,196 | (29,421 | ) | (45,975 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Loss per share |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | (0.09 | ) | 2(f) | (0.21 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | (0.09 | ) | 2(f) | (0.21 | ) |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements.
188
(US $ Thousands Except per Share Amounts) | Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Historical |
Solana Resources Limited Historical (Canadian GAAP) |
Solana U.S. GAAP Adjustments |
Pro Forma Adjustments |
Note | Pro-Forma Consolidated |
||||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oil and natural gas | 53,791 | 47,940 | | | 101,731 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest | 172 | 1,000 | | | 1,172 | |||||||||||||||||||
53,963 | 48,940 | | | 102,903 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | 6,253 | 6,051 | | (255 | ) | 2(e) | 12,049 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and accretion | 8,464 | 6,479 | (719 | ) | 26,471 | 2(a) | 40,695 | |||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 8,774 | 2,811 | 3,481 | 255 | 2(e),(d) | 15,321 | ||||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments | 7,462 | | | | 7,462 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | (383 | ) | (248 | ) | | 11,193 | 2(c) | 10,562 | ||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | | 3,481 | (3,481 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||||
30,570 | 18,574 | (719 | ) | 37,664 | 86,089 | |||||||||||||||||||
Earnings before income taxes | 23,393 | 30,366 | 719 | (37,664 | ) | 16,814 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) recovery | (10,191 | ) | (3,120 | ) | 2,877 | 1,858 | 2(b) | (8,576 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net earnings for the period | 13,202 | 27,246 | 3,596 | (35,806 | ) | 8,238 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 0.13 | 2(f) | 0.04 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 0.11 | 2(f) | 0.03 |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements.
189
Under the terms of the Arrangement, Gran Tierra will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Solana in exchange for approximately 120,458,411 shares of Gran Tierra common shares and/or GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares. The number of common shares and/or GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares assumed to be issued pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement is calculated as follows:
Solana shares outstanding as at June 30, 2008 | 126,426,792 | |||
Exchange ratio | 0.9527918 | |||
Gran Tierra shares to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement | 120,458,411 |
For the purposes of these Pro Forma Statements, it is assumed that all of the Solana options are settled by Solana for cash immediately prior to the Arrangement, in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement, and all of the 7,500,000 Solana warrants outstanding as of the date of the Joint Proxy Statement are exchanged at the exchange rates for 7,145,938 of Gran Tierra warrants (Rollover Warrants). These assumptions will not reflect the future decisions of all of the optionholders and warrantholders of Solana (see notes 1(a) and (h)).
In addition, in the event that Gran Tierra closes the Arrangement on or before November 15, 2008, Gran Tierra contractually agreed on July 3, 2008 to issue 2 million common shares to acquire the participating interest in Solanas properties that, under the Colombian Participation Agreement entered into in 2006 as part of the acquisition of Argosy, would accrue to the former owners of Argosy. For the purposes of these Pro Forma Statements, the ascribed value of common shares to be issued has been included in the purchase consideration for the Arrangement. The shares will be issued in a private placement and will be subject to a registration rights agreement.
The actual number of Gran Tierra common shares and/or GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares to be issued as a result of the Arrangement will depend on the actual number of Solanas shares outstanding at the closing date of the Arrangement. The Arrangement will be accounted for using the purchase method, with Gran Tierra being the acquirer, whereby the Solana assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recorded at their fair values at the acquisition date.
The table below reflects managements preliminary assessment of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and is subject to change due to several factors, including, but not limited to: (1) the fair values of Solanas assets and liabilities as of the closing date of the Arrangement; (2) the actual transaction costs incurred; (3) the number of Solanas shares, stock options and warrants outstanding at the closing date of the Arrangement and the actual decisions of Solana warrantholders and optionsholders as to the settlement or rollover of their warrants and options; and (4) the receipt of any additional information with respect to the valuation of certain assets and liabilities, and changes in Gran Tierras valuation estimates that may be made between now and the time of the final purchase price allocation. These changes will not be known until after the closing date of the Arrangement.
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For the purposes of the Pro Forma Statements, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been allocated as follows:
(a) | Purchase price allocation: |
Purchase Price | ($ Thousands) | |||
Common Shares/GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares to be issued (120,458,411 shares at $5.195 per share) | $ | 625,781 | ||
Rollover Warrants | 21,984 | |||
Common shares to be issued under the Participation Agreement (2,000,000 shares at $5.195 per share) | 10,390 | |||
Estimated transaction costs | 5,514 | |||
$ | 663,669 |
Allocation of the Purchase Price | ||||
Oil and Gas Properties |
||||
Proved | $ | 421,333 | ||
Unproved | 380,491 | |||
Other Assets | 870 | |||
Deposits | 1,179 | |||
Other receivables | 725 | |||
Investment | 379 | |||
Net working capital (including cash acquired) | 67,827 | |||
Asset retirement obligations | (2,135 | ) | ||
Deferred income taxes | (207,000 | ) | ||
$ | 663,669 |
The fair value of Gran Tierras shares (including the shares to be issued with respect to the Colombian Participation Agreement as discussed above) was determined as the weighted average closing price of the common shares of Gran Tierra for the five day period around the announcement date, being two days prior to and after the Arrangement was agreed to and announced, and the announcement date. It is assumed that the fair value of each GTE-Solana Exchangeable Share to be issued is equal to the fair value of a common share of Gran Tierra.
For the purpose of these Pro Forma Statements, the value of the Rollover Warrants was estimated on the same date as the value of Gran Tierra common shares and GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares, as discussed above, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
Exercise price (CDN$ per warrant) | $ | 2.00 | ||
Risk-free interest rate | 2.28 | % | ||
Expected life | 1.7 years | |||
Volatility | 75 | % | ||
Expected annual dividend per share | Nil | |||
Estimated fair value per warrant | $ | 3.55 |
Based on the conditions existing at the time of the preparation of the Pro Forma Statements, it is anticipated that the fair value of the Rollover Warrants to be issued by Gran Tierra will exceed the fair value of the Solana warrants exchanged by approximately $3.4 million, which would be
191
recorded by Gran Tierra immediately as compensation cost. However, this amount is subject to change depending on the actual conditions that will exist at the time the business combination is consummated.
The estimated purchase price includes an estimate of transaction costs expected to be incurred by Gran Tierra consisting primarily of financial advisory fees, legal and accounting fees, proxy and solicitation fees, printing fees and other costs directly related to the Arrangement, which are expected to be approximately $5.5 million. In addition, approximately $4.1 million is expected to be incurred by Solana. There is no agreement in place for Gran Tierra to reimburse the costs incurred by Solana and therefore, it is expected that Solana would record the acquisition-related costs incurred as an expense. The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as at June 30, 2008 reflects an adjustment of $4.1 million with respect to the estimated transaction costs to be incurred by Solana (see note 1(i)). This adjustment is not included in the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations because it will not have a continuing impact on Gran Tierra.
(b) | Solanas oil and gas properties and other assets have been increased (decreased) by $327.1 million, $380.5 million and ($0.1) million for proved oil and gas properties, unproved oil and gas properties and other assets, respectively, to reflect the estimated fair value of the acquired assets on June 30, 2008. |
(c) | Asset retirement obligations assumed as a result of the Arrangement have been measured on the assumptions and terms consistent with those currently used by Gran Tierra, that is, the liability is based on estimates established by current legislation, initially measured at fair value and capitalized to property, plant and equipments as an asset retirement cost. No material adjustments to asset retirement obligations are expected as a result of the Arrangement. |
(d) | The adjustment of $1.0 million is required in order to eliminate the amounts receivable/payable between Gran Tierra and Solana. |
(e) | The deferred tax asset of $6.9 million recorded by Solana has been removed, and a deferred income tax liability of $207 million has been recorded to reflect the temporary differences resulting from the Arrangement, calculated using the Colombian statutory tax rate of 33%. |
(f) | Elimination of Solanas shareholders equity as a result of the Arrangement. |
(g) | Gran Tierras common shares and additional paid in capital have been increased by $0.1 million and $635.9 million, respectively, to reflect the issuance of common shares and/or GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares, net of share issuance costs of $0.2 million. Gran Tierra has recorded a $25.3 million liability to reflect the issuance of the Rollover Warrants, of which $3.4 million described in note 1(a) has been charged to accumulated deficit. Gran Tierra has recorded the fair value of the Rollover Warrants as a liability due to the Canadian dollar denominated exercise price of these warrants being different than the U.S. dollar functional currency of Gran Tierra. This adjustment is not included in the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations because it will not have a continuing impact on Gran Tierra. Upon completion of the Arrangement, Gran Tierra will be re-determining the fair value of these Rollover Warrants as at each subsequent reporting date and recording that change through net income until such time as these warrants expire or are exercised. The change in fair value of the Rollover Warrants may be material. As the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares are the economic and voting equivalents of Gran Tierras common shares, the GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares are accounted for in these Pro Forma Statements as equity instruments of Gran Tierra. |
(h) | For purposes of the Pro Forma Statements, as estimated on the same date as the value of Gran Tierra common shares and GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares, it is assumed that the settlement of |
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Solana options for cash would result in a payment of approximately $12.4 million by Solana. To reflect the expected settlement of the options, the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as at June 30, 2008 includes a charge to contributed surplus of $8.8 million and a charge to accumulated deficit of $3.6 million. These estimated amounts are subject to change due to several factors, including the actual decisions of Solana optionholders with respect to the options, and the actual conditions at the time of the settlement or rollover. If Solana optionholders elected to receive Solana common shares pursuant to a cashless exercise, the purchase consideration would increase by approximately $12.4 million as a result of Gran Tierra issuing approximately 2.4 million additional shares, which would be allocated to working capital of Solana. |
(i) | Accrued liabilities have been increased by $9.8 million to reflect an accrual for transaction and share issuance costs, of which $5.7 million is expected to be incurred by Gran Tierra ($5.5 million in costs directly related to the Arrangement, and $0.2 million in share issuance costs), and $4.1 million is expected to be incurred by Solana. |
(a) | Depletion, depreciation and accretion expense has been increased by $26.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and $16.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to reflect the effect of the pro forma adjustments to the carrying value of property and equipment outlined in Note 1(b) above and the oil and gas reserves and production of the consolidated entity. |
(b) | Income tax expense has been decreased by $8.7 million and $5.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and for the year ended December 31, 2007, respectively, to reflect the tax effect on the pro forma adjustments described above, at the Colombian statutory tax rates of 33% and 34% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and for the year ended December 31, 2007, respectively. |
Solanas historic unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reported $6.9 million of income tax recovery and deferred income tax asset related to recognition of a future tax asset that, upon application of purchase accounting (see Note 1(a)), would not have been recorded. The combined effect of the above adjustments for the six months ended June 30, 2008 is a reduction in income tax expense of $2.9 million.
(c) | Foreign exchange gain has been decreased by $11.2 million and $18.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and for the year ended December 31, 2007, respectively, to account for the fluctuations in the exchange rate of Colombian pesos versus U.S. dollars, applied to the additional deferred tax liability related to Solanas Colombia properties. |
(d) | As a result of the Arrangement and in accordance with the original terms of the awards, all the issued but unvested options, warrants and escrowed shares of Solana will become immediately vested and exercisable. However, because there were no unvested Solana options, warrants or escrowed shares as at June 30, 2008, it is not expected that Solana will record an additional expense for any previously measured but unrecognized compensation cost associated with these instruments as a result of the Arrangement. |
Solana had historical non-cash stock-based compensation expenses of $13.6 million and $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively (included in General and Administrative expenses in the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations). Gran Tierra did not assume any of Solanas equity compensation arrangements. Other than as described in note 1(h), no pro forma adjustments have been made with respect to the historical stock-based compensation expenses included in Solanas historical consolidated financial statements.
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(e) | Reflects the elimination of $0.3 million in overhead charged by Gran Tierra to Solana for the six months ended June 30, 2008 in respect of operating costs on certain oil and gas properties prior to the Arrangement. There were no significant charges between the two companies during the year ended December 31, 2007. |
(f) | The calculation of earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of Gran Tierras common shares and/or Exchangeable Shares for the respective period and gives effect to the issuance of 122,458,411 common shares and/or GTE-Solana Exchangeable shares expected to be issued as a result of the Arrangement, as described above. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the calculation of the diluted loss per share excludes the impact of the Rollover Warrants as the impact would be anti-dilutive. |
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares and Exchangeable Shares Outstanding |
Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
||||||
Gran Tierra Basic as previously disclosed | 95,096,311 | 101,054,083 | ||||||
To be issued as a result of the Arrangement | 122,458,411 | 122,458,411 | ||||||
Basic pro forma | 217,554,722 | 223,512,494 | ||||||
Impact of options and warrants as previously disclosed | | 18,082,824 | ||||||
Impact of Rollover Warrants | | 2,547,694 | ||||||
Diluted pro forma | 217,554,722 | 244,143,0122 |
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June 30, 2008 |
December 31, 2007 |
|||||||
$ | $ | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 73,401,767 | 71,537,827 | ||||||
Accounts receivable | 27,138,494 | 7,954,162 | ||||||
Future income tax asset (Note 11) | 4,000,375 | | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | 401,969 | 790,010 | ||||||
104,942,605 | 80,281,999 | |||||||
Deposits (Note 3) | 1,178,750 | 3,156,750 | ||||||
Petroleum and natural gas properties | 102,929,728 | 81,963,075 | ||||||
Other capital assets | 964,670 | 877,051 | ||||||
Other receivables | 725,753 | | ||||||
Investment (Note 4) | 378,636 | 362,427 | ||||||
211,120,142 | 166,641,302 | |||||||
LIABILITIES |
||||||||
Current: |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 9,519,207 | 9,307,557 | ||||||
Income tax payable | 7,120,021 | | ||||||
16,639,228 | 9,307,557 | |||||||
Asset retirement obligations (Note 5) | 2,134,858 | 1,973,938 | ||||||
18,774,086 | 11,281,495 | |||||||
Shareholders Equity |
||||||||
Share capital (Note 6) | 197,179,178 | 187,223,652 | ||||||
Contributed surplus (Note 6) | 11,547,195 | 11,762,601 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 5,791,923 | 5,791,923 | ||||||
Deficit | (22,172,240 | ) | (49,418,369 | ) | ||||
(16,380,317 | ) | (43,626,446 | ) | |||||
192,346,056 | 155,359,807 | |||||||
211,120,142 | 166,641,302 |
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June 30, 2008 | June 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
Three Months Ended |
Six months Ended |
|||||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
Revenue |
||||||||||||||||
Oil and gas revenues, net of royalties | 31,673,778 | 47,940,348 | 1,387,542 | 2,801,468 | ||||||||||||
Interest | 265,071 | 999,774 | 339,285 | 470,399 | ||||||||||||
31,938,849 | 48,940,122 | 1,726,827 | 3,271,867 | |||||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Operating | 3,757,695 | 6,051,140 | 817,675 | 1,474,253 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | 1,320,953 | 2,811,552 | 1,319,363 | 2,380,667 | ||||||||||||
Depletion, depreciation and accretion | 4,174,757 | 6,478,965 | 945,635 | 2,212,543 | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | (758,723 | ) | (248,301 | ) | 199,233 | 224,888 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation (Note 6) | 872,983 | 3,480,991 | 1,207,881 | 2,825,074 | ||||||||||||
9,367,665 | 18,574,347 | 4,489,787 | 9,117,425 | |||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 22,571,184 | 30,365,775 | (2,762,960 | ) | (5,845,558 | ) | ||||||||||
Income taxes (Note 11) |
||||||||||||||||
Current | 7,054,086 | 7,120,021 | 39,257 | 89,257 | ||||||||||||
Future | (4,000,375 | ) | (4,000,375 | ) | | | ||||||||||
3,053,711 | 3,119,646 | 39,257 | 89,257 | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) | 19,517,473 | 27,246,129 | (2,802,217 | ) | (5,934,815 | ) | ||||||||||
Deficit, beginning of period | (41,689,713 | ) | (49,418,369 | ) | (43,267,742 | ) | (40,135,144 | ) | ||||||||
Deficit, end of period | (22,172,240 | ) | (22,172,240 | ) | (46,069,959 | ) | (46,069,959 | ) | ||||||||
Income (loss) per share, basic (Note 7) | 0.16 | 0.22 | (0.03 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||
Income (loss) per share, diluted (Note 7) | 0.15 | 0.21 | (0.03 | ) | (0.06 | ) |
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June 30, 2008 | June 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
Three Months Ended |
Six months Ended |
|||||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
Operating Activities |
||||||||||||||||
Net Income (loss) | 19,517,473 | 27,246,129 | (2,802,217 | ) | (5,934,815 | ) | ||||||||||
Items not involving cash: |
||||||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) | (1,428 | ) | (1,644 | ) | (47,736 | ) | 93,038 | |||||||||
Depletion, depreciation and accretion | 4,174,757 | 6,478,965 | 945,635 | 2,212,543 | ||||||||||||
Future income tax | (4,000,375 | ) | (4,000,375 | ) | | | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 872,983 | 3,480,991 | 1,207,881 | 2,825,074 | ||||||||||||
20,563,410 | 33,204,066 | (696,437 | ) | (804,160 | ) | |||||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital | (7,600,857 | ) | (9,523,910 | ) | (769,540 | ) | (680,556 | ) | ||||||||
12,962,553 | 23,680,156 | (1,465,977 | ) | (1,484,716 | ) | |||||||||||
Financing Activities |
||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the exercise of options | 1,259,166 | 1,259,166 | | | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants | 4,999,963 | 4,999,963 | | | ||||||||||||
6,259,129 | 6,259,129 | | | |||||||||||||
Investing Activities |
||||||||||||||||
Additions to petroleum and natural gas properties | (14,046,819 | ) | (27,302,065 | ) | (10,486,480 | ) | (17,907,040 | ) | ||||||||
Additions to investments | 13,215 | (16,209 | ) | (91,794 | ) | (91,794 | ) | |||||||||
Additions to capital assets | (173,796 | ) | (231,172 | ) | (349,834 | ) | (340,723 | ) | ||||||||
Sale of capital assets | | | 23,711 | 23,711 | ||||||||||||
Deposits | | 1,978,000 | (5,241 | ) | (5,241 | ) | ||||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital | 5,961,873 | (2,505,543 | ) | 2,266,859 | 5,749,428 | |||||||||||
(8,245,527 | ) | (28,076,989 | ) | (8,642,779 | ) | (12,571,659 | ) | |||||||||
Foreign exchange on cash balances | 1,427 | 1,644 | 58,626 | 58,156 | ||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 10,977,582 | 1,863,940 | (10,050,130 | ) | (13,998,219 | ) | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 62,424,185 | 71,537,827 | 29,235,341 | 33,183,430 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period (Note 9) | 73,401,767 | 73,401,767 | 19,185,211 | 19,185,211 |
197
The interim consolidated financial statements of Solana Resources Limited (Solana or the Company) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 have been prepared by management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2007 except for new standards adopted as described in Note 2. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by Canadian generally accepted accounting principles applicable to the annual consolidated financial statements; therefore, they should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2007 audited consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the new Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) standards related to Section 3251, Equity and Section 1506, Accounting Changes. Section 3251 replaces Section 3250, Surplus, and describes standards for the presentation of equity and changes in equity for reporting periods as a result of the application of Section 1530, Comprehensive Income. The only impact of Section 1506, Accounting Changes, on Solanas financial statements is to provide disclosure of when an entity has not applied a new source of GAAP that has been issued but is not yet effective.
On January 1, 2008, the Company also adopted standards related to Section 3862, Financial Instruments-Disclosures, Section 3863, Financial Instruments-Presentations and Section 1535, Capital Disclosures. Sections 3862 and 3863 require additional disclosures regarding the significance of financial instruments to the entitys financial position and performance; and the nature, extent and management of risks arising from financial instruments to which the entity is exposed. Section 1535 establishes standards for disclosing information about the Companys capital and how it is managed. It requires disclosures of the Companys objectives, policies and processes for managing capital, the quantitative data about what the Company regards as capital, whether the Company has complied with any capital requirements and if it has not complied, the consequences of such non-compliance. The disclosures required pursuant to the adoption of these sections are included in Note 13.
The Company had funds on deposit totaling $1,178,750 as of June 30, 2008, and $3,156,750 as of December 31,2007, equal to 10% of work commitments on the Companys Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH) acreage. These funds will be returned to the Company upon completion of the work commitments on the Guachiría Norte, Catguas, Guachiría Sur, Garibay, Colonia and San Pablo blocks. The average interest rate income on these deposits is 4.5% pa.
The Company has invested, as at the end of June 2008, $378,636 (2007 $362,427) in the Colombian Hydrocarbon Investment Fund (Fund), and expects to invest a maximum amount of $500,000. The Fund is managed by a US based fund manager who specializes in South American natural resources sector investments. The Fund is expected to have an investment period of four years. After this period, it is expected that the Fund will be wound up, and any remaining capital and any earned profits will be distributed to the investors over a maximum period of seven years.
198
The following table represents the reconciliation of the Companys obligations associated with the retirement of oil and gas properties:
Asset retirement obligations, December 31, 2007 | $ | 1,973,938 | ||
Liabilities incurred during period | 119,401 | |||
Liabilities settled during period | | |||
Accretion | 41,519 | |||
Asset retirement obligations, June 30, 2008 | $ | 2,134,858 |
These obligations will be settled at the end of the useful lives of the underlying assets, which currently extend up to 7 years into the future. This amount has been computed using a credit-adjusted risk-free discount rate of 10% per annum and an inflation rate of 2.5% per annum.
Authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares.
Continuity of Common Shares | Number of Shares |
Amount $ |
||||||
Balance, December 31, 2007 | 123,176,792 | 187,223,652 | ||||||
Shares in escrow earned in period | | 1,123,917 | ||||||
Exercise of performance warrants | 2,500,000 | 6,621,780 | ||||||
Exercise of stock options | 750,000 | 2,209,829 | ||||||
Balance, June 30, 2008 | 126,426,792 | 197,179,178 |
Continuity of Warrants | Number | |||
Balance, December 31, 2007 | 10,000,000 | |||
Exercised in period | (2,500,000 | ) | ||
Balance, June 30, 2008 | 7,500,000 |
Warrant Terms |
||||
Strike price | Cdn$2.00/share | |||
Expiry | April 4, 2010 |
All warrants are fully vested as the Companys shares traded at a weighted average price greater than Cdn$2.75 per share for a 45 consecutive day period in the first quarter of 2008.
Contributed surplus: |
||||
Balance, December 31,2007 | 11,762,601 | |||
Stock-based compensation expense stock options | 1,593,866 | |||
Performance warrants earned in period | 763,208 | |||
Stock options exercised in period | (950,663 | ) | ||
Performance warrants exercised in period | (1,621,817 | ) | ||
Balance, June 30, 2008 | 11,547,195 |
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June 30, 2008 |
December 31, 2007 |
|||||||||||||||
Number of Options |
Weighted Average Price | Number of Options |
Weighted Average Price | |||||||||||||
(Cdn$ Per Option) |
(Cdn$ Per Option) |
|||||||||||||||
Outstanding, beginning period | 4,625,000 | 1.75 | 4,350,000 | 1.64 | ||||||||||||
Granted during period | 230,000 | 4.01 | 1,965,000 | 2.14 | ||||||||||||
Exercised during period | (750,000 | ) | 1.67 | | | |||||||||||
Expired or cancelled during period | (60,000 | ) | 2.33 | (1,690,000 | ) | 1.92 | ||||||||||
Outstanding, end of period | 4,045,000 | 1.89 | 4,625,000 | 1.75 | ||||||||||||
Exercisable, end of period | 1,423,330 | 1.59 | 1,873,333 | 1.55 |
Exercise Price (Cdn$) |
Number of Options Outstanding |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
Number of Options Exercisable |
Weighted Average Exercisable Option Price (Cdn$) |
||||||||||||||||
4.13 | 200,000 | 4.92 | 66,666 | 3.03 | ||||||||||||||||
3.25 | 30,000 | 4.76 | | | ||||||||||||||||
2.75 | 290,000 | 1.42 | 290,000 | 2.14 | ||||||||||||||||
2.50 | 75,000 | 4.32 | | | ||||||||||||||||
2.25 | 1,565,000 | 4.45 | | | ||||||||||||||||
2.11 | 30,000 | 2.78 | 20,000 | 1.65 | ||||||||||||||||
1.70 | 25,000 | 4.12 | | | ||||||||||||||||
1.67 | 300,000 | 2.16 | 199,998 | 1.30 | ||||||||||||||||
1.19 | 200,000 | 3.72 | 100,000 | 0.90 | ||||||||||||||||
1.15 | 1,050,000 | 3.29 | 466,666 | 0.86 | ||||||||||||||||
0.60 | 280,000 | 0.43 | 280,000 | 0.46 | ||||||||||||||||
1.89 | 4,045,000 | 3.46 | 1,423,330 | 1.59 |
For the first half of 2008, stock based compensation expense of $1,593,866 (2007 $528,958) related to options has been recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss). Additional stock-based compensation expense of $1,123,917 (2007 $2,296,116) related to shares in escrow and $763,208 (2007 Nil) related to performance warrants recognized as part of the Breakaway acquisition was recognised. The fair values of all common share options and warrants granted are estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of options granted and the assumptions used in their determination are:
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 |
|||||||
Risk-free interest rate (percent) | 2.98 | % | 3.99 | % | ||||
Expected life (years) | 5 | 5 | ||||||
Volatility (percent) | 93 | % | 96 | % | ||||
Weighted average fair value of options granted | 1.43 | 1.07 | ||||||
Expected annual dividend per share | | |
200
The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used for the computation of per-share amounts is:
June 30, 2008 | June 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended |
For the Six Months Ended |
For the Three Months Ended |
For the Six Months Ended |
|||||||||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | 124,444,014 | 123,806,902 | 95,876,792 | 95,876,792 | ||||||||||||
Shares issuable pursuant to stock options | 1,300,124 | 1,131,563 | 1,879,999 | 189,091 | ||||||||||||
Shares issuable pursuant to performance warrants | 5,034,724 | 4,223,836 | | | ||||||||||||
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding | 130,778,862 | 129,162,301 | 97,756,791 | 96,065,883 |
Canada | Colombia | Total | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Revenue | | 31,673,778 | 31,673,778 | |||||||||
Operating costs | | (3,757,695 | ) | (3,757,695 | ) | |||||||
| 27,916,083 | 27,916,083 | ||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 879,969 | 440,984 | 1,320,953 | |||||||||
Depletion, depreciation, and accretion | 20,349 | 4,154,408 | 4,174,757 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange gain | (132,113 | ) | (626,610 | ) | (758,723 | ) | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | 872,983 | | 872,983 | |||||||||
Interest income | (186,580 | ) | (78,491 | ) | (265,071 | ) | ||||||
1,454,608 | 3,890,291 | 5,344,899 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) before taxes | (1,454,608 | ) | 24,025,792 | 22,571,184 | ||||||||
Income taxes | | 3,053,711 | 3,053,711 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | (1,454,608 | ) | 20,972,081 | 19,517,473 | ||||||||
Identifiable assets | 123,401,972 | 87,718,170 | 211,120,142 | |||||||||
Capital expenditures | | 14,220,615 | 14,220,615 |
Canada | Colombia | Total | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Revenue | | 47,940,348 | 47,940,348 | |||||||||
Operating costs | | (6,051,140 | ) | (6,051,140 | ) | |||||||
| 41,889,208 | 41,889,208 | ||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 1,483,999 | 1,327,553 | 2,811,552 | |||||||||
Depletion, depreciation, and accretion | 24,271 | 6,454,694 | 6,478,965 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange gain | (133,064 | ) | (115,237 | ) | (248,301 | ) | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | 3,480,991 | | 3,480,991 | |||||||||
Interest income | (716,723 | ) | (283,051 | ) | (999,774 | ) | ||||||
4,139,474 | 7,383,959 | 11,523,433 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) before taxes | (4,139,474 | ) | 34,505,249 | 30,365,775 | ||||||||
Income taxes | | 3,119,646 | 3,119,646 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | (4,139,474 | ) | 31,385,603 | 27,246,129 | ||||||||
Identifiable assets | 123,401,972 | 87,718,170 | 211,120,142 | |||||||||
Capital expenditures | | 27,533,237 | 27,533,237 |
201
Canada | Colombia | Total | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Revenue | | 1,387,542 | 1,387,542 | |||||||||
Operating costs | | 817,675 | 817,675 | |||||||||
| 569,867 | 569,867 | ||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 259,262 | 1,060,101 | 1,319,363 | |||||||||
Depletion, depreciation, and accretion | 3,359 | 942,276 | 945,635 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange loss | 3,101 | 196,132 | 199,233 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 1,207,881 | | 1,207,881 | |||||||||
Interest income | (328,744 | ) | (10,541 | ) | (339,285 | ) | ||||||
1,144,859 | 2,187,968 | 3,332,827 | ||||||||||
Loss before taxes | (1,144,859 | ) | (1,618,101 | ) | (2,762,960 | ) | ||||||
Income taxes | | 39,257 | 39,257 | |||||||||
Net loss | (1,144,859 | ) | (1,657,358 | ) | (2,802,217 | ) | ||||||
Identifiable assets | 38,583,413 | 59,301,348 | 97,884,761 | |||||||||
Capital expenditures | | 10,836,314 | 10,836,314 |
Canada | Colombia | Total | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Revenue | | 2,801,468 | 2,801,468 | |||||||||
Operating costs | | 1,474,253 | 1,474,253 | |||||||||
| 1,327,215 | 1,327,215 | ||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 723,215 | 1,657,452 | 2,380,667 | |||||||||
Depletion, depreciation, and accretion | 7,644 | 2,204,899 | 2,212,543 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange loss | 35,994 | 188,894 | 224,888 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 2,825,074 | | 2,825,074 | |||||||||
Interest income | (448,122 | ) | (22,277 | ) | (470,399 | ) | ||||||
3,143,805 | 4,028,968 | 7,172,773 | ||||||||||
Loss before taxes | (3,143,805 | ) | (2,701,753 | ) | (5,845,558 | ) | ||||||
Income taxes | | 89,257 | 89,257 | |||||||||
Net loss | (3,143,805 | ) | (2,791,010 | ) | (5,934,815 | ) | ||||||
Identifiable assets | 38,583,413 | 59,301,348 | 97,884,761 | |||||||||
Capital expenditures | | 18,247,763 | 18,247,763 |
At June 30, 2008, cash and cash equivalents includes $68,699,701 (2007 $13,468,735) in term deposits earning an average interest rate of 2.22% (2007 4.34%).
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 |
|||||||
Cash interest paid | | | ||||||
Cash taxes paid | | |
202
In the six month period ended June 30, 2008, service fees in the amount of $30,169 (2007 $28,158) were paid to a company controlled by a director of the Company and are included in general and administrative expenses. Additionally $3,640 (2007 Nil) was paid to a director for consulting services in Colombia. These fees are for services rendered in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.
Subject to confirmation by taxation authorities, the Company has approximately Cdn$10.2 million ($9.94 million) of Canadian non-capital loss carry forwards which are available to be carried forward and which expire between 2008 and 2027. The consolidated financial statements do not reflect the potential tax benefit of these losses, as they do not meet the more likely than not criteria for recognition.
Subject to confirmation by taxation authorities, the Company has approximately Col$98 billion ($49.6 million) of Colombian loss carry forwards which have no expiration term and are available to offset future taxable income. The consolidated financial statements reflect the potential tax benefit of these losses, as with the currently expected taxable income they meet the more likely than not criteria. Accordingly, a future tax asset of $4,000,375 was recognized at June 30, 2008.
The Company estimates remaining 2008 commitments are $27,308,750 which relate mainly to the drilling of two exploration wells and three development wells.
The Company undertakes transactions in a range of financial instruments including the following categories:
June 30, 2008 |
December 31, 2007 |
|||||||
$ | $ | |||||||
Held for trading(a): |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 73,401,767 | 71,537,827 | ||||||
Loans & receivables(b): |
||||||||
Accounts receivable | 27,138,494 | 7,954,162 | ||||||
Deposits | 1,178,750 | 3,156,750 | ||||||
Other receivables | 725,753 | | ||||||
Available for sale(c): |
||||||||
Investment | 378,636 | 362,427 | ||||||
Other financial liabilities(b): |
||||||||
Accounts payable | 9,519,207 | 9,307,557 |
(a) | Measured at fair value which equals the carrying value. |
(b) | Measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method which is not significantly different from the fair values due to the short term to maturity of these financial instruments. |
(c) | Measured at cost as the fair value is not readily available (Note 4). |
203
The Companys activities result in exposure to a number of financial risks, including the following:
A substantial portion of the Companys accounts receivable are with the Colombian state oil company, Ecopetrol. Crude oil production is sold to Ecopetrol as determined by market based prices which are denominated in U.S. dollars and adjusted for quality differentials. Typically, the Companys maximum credit exposure is revenue from two months sales. The Company monitors on a continuous basis the ageing profile of its receivables.
The credit risk on cash is considered by management to be limited because the counter parties are financial institutions with high credit ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies.
The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset in the balance sheet. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses if there should be any impairment of the financial assets. There are no material financial assets that the Company considers past due and there is no impairment of financial assets as at June 30, 2008.
Currency risk is the risk that the value of financial instruments will fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates. Currency risk arises when future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not the Companys measurement currency. The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk mainly with respect to its certain expenditures and expenses from various currencies primarily the Colombian pesos and Canadian dollars in relation to the U.S. dollars. However, the revenues received by the Company for the production of crude oil are primarily in U.S. dollars thereby the Companys cash flow from commodity sales would not be materially impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency.
The Companys management monitors the exchange rate fluctuations on a regular basis and does not use currency derivative instruments to manage the Companys exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.
At June 30, 2008, the carrying amount of the Companys foreign currency denominated net monetary assets was approximately $6 million and net monetary liabilities were $1.4 million. Assuming all other variables remain constant, a fluctuation of one cent in the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the US dollar would result in a change in income of approximately $60 thousand dollars. As well, a fluctuation of one cent in the exchange rate of the Colombian peso to the US dollar would result in a change in income of approximately $14 thousand dollars.
Liquidity risk is the risk that Solana will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they come due.
The Companys cash requirements and balances are projected based on forecasted operations and capital expenditures. The Company plans to meet these requirements through the mix of available funds, equity financing on a required basis, project debt financing and cash to be provided by the exercise of warrants and share options in the future. The Company also mitigates liquidity risk by maintaining an insurance program to minimize exposure to insurable losses.
Interest rate risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. The Company does not have any debt nor has it drawn on its credit facility as at June 30, 2008. The Company believes that it has no significant concentration of interest risk related to its cash equivalents as most of these are invested in financial institutions with high credit ratings.
204
The Company considers its capital structure to include shareholders equity, bank debt and working capital. In order to maintain or adjust its capital structure, the Company may from time to time issue shares and adjust its capital spending to manage current and projected debt levels targeted at maximum of 30% at a given period. As at June 30, 2008, the Company has an available cash of $73.4 million to fund its current and future operations and an undrawn credit facility of $100 million.
The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements other than the covenants on its credit facility with its lender to maintain its ratio of current assets to current liabilities (working capital) at a 1.0:1.0 level. The Company is currently in compliance with all its financial covenants as at June 30, 2008.
On July 29, 2008, Solana announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement providing for the business combination of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (Gran Tierra) and Solana.
Under the terms of the Agreement, each Solana shareholder will receive either (i) 0.9527918 of a common shares of Gran Tierra or; (ii) 0.9527918 of a common share of a Canadian subsidiary of Gran Tierra (an Exchangeable Share) for each common share of Solana held, which represents a premium of approximately 14.1% to the 20 day weighted average trading price to July 28, 2008 of the Solana shares on the TSX Venture Exchange and Gran Tierras July 28, 2008 closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange of CAD $5.73. The shares of the Canadian subsidiary of Gran Tierra: (i) will have the same voting rights, dividend entitlements and other attributes as Gran Tierra common stock; (ii) will be exchangeable, at each shareholders option, on a one-for-one basis, into Gran Tierra common stock; and (iii) subject to compliance with the original listing requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, will be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Exchangeable Shares will automatically be exchanged for Gran Tierra common shares five years from closing, and in certain other events.
The transaction will be completed as an arrangement pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). Upon completion of the transaction, Solana will become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra. The Plan of Arrangement will be accomplished on a tax-deferred basis in Canada, but may be a taxable transaction for non-Canadian holders of Solana securities. On a fully diluted basis, upon the closing of the Plan of Arrangement, Solana Securityholders will own approximately 49% of the combined company and Gran Tierra securityholders will own approximately 51% of the combined company.
The proposed transaction is subject to regulatory, stock exchange, court and shareholder approvals. Gran Tierra and Solana expect to hold shareholder meetings in October 2008. A joint proxy statement and management information circular is expected to be mailed to shareholders of the companies in September 2008. The parties have agreed to pay each other a termination fee of $21 million in certain circumstances and an expense reimbursement fee of $1.5 million in certain other circumstances.
205
To the Shareholders of Solana Resources Limited:
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Solana Resources Limited as at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the consolidated statements of loss, comprehensive loss and deficit and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian and United States generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Solana Resources Limited as at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis of designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly we express no such opinion.
On March 17, 2008 and April 25, 2007, we reported separately to the Companys Shareholders on our audits of the Companys consolidated financial statements as at and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles but did not include Note 20, Reconciliation of the Consolidated Financial Statements with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Calgary, Alberta
September 8, 2008
206
For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
$ (Note 2) |
$ (Note 2) |
$ (Note 2) |
||||||||||
Revenue |
||||||||||||
Oil and gas revenues, net of royalties | 18,294,389 | 9,480,911 | 6,760,501 | |||||||||
Interest | 1,091,321 | 1,531,032 | 714,397 | |||||||||
19,385,710 | 11,011,943 | 7,474,898 | ||||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||
Operating | 3,944,131 | 3,123,305 | 1,454,204 | |||||||||
General and administrative | 5,129,153 | 4,602,952 | 2,849,913 | |||||||||
DD&A, and impairment (Notes 7,8,9) | 5,789,093 | 35,163,420 | 4,809,927 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | 77,290 | (2,145,686 | ) | (203,808 | ) | |||||||
Stock-based compensation (Note 12) | 13,640,012 | 3,029,830 | 1,801,780 | |||||||||
28,579,679 | 43,773,821 | 10,712,016 | ||||||||||
Loss before income taxes | (9,193,969 | ) | (32,761,878 | ) | (3,237,118 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense (recovery) (Note 14) | 89,257 | (5,153,272 | ) | 213,552 | ||||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss | (9,283,226 | ) | (27,608,606 | ) | (3,450,670 | ) | ||||||
Deficit, beginning of year | (40,135,143 | ) | (12,526,537 | ) | (9,075,867 | ) | ||||||
Deficit, end of year | (49,418,369 | ) | (40,135,143 | ) | (12,526,537 | ) | ||||||
Net loss per share, basic and diluted (Note 15) | (0.09 | ) | (0.34 | ) | (0.05 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
207
At December 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
$ (Note 2) |
$ (Note 2) |
|||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 71,537,827 | 29,909,168 | ||||||
Cash in trust (Note 5) | | 3,274,262 | ||||||
Accounts receivable | 7,954,162 | 6,297,798 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | 790,010 | 1,030,308 | ||||||
80,281,999 | 40,511,536 | |||||||
Deposits (Note 6) | 3,156,750 | 3,041,509 | ||||||
Petroleum and natural gas properties (Notes 4,7) | 81,963,075 | 54,313,189 | ||||||
Other capital assets (Note 8) | 877,051 | 543,080 | ||||||
Investment (Note 10) | 362,427 | 206,227 | ||||||
166,641,302 | 98,615,541 | |||||||
LIABILITIES |
||||||||
Current: |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 9,307,557 | 3,404,607 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligations (Note 11) | 1,973,938 | 1,556,823 | ||||||
11,281,495 | 4,961,430 | |||||||
Shareholders Equity |
||||||||
Share capital and warrants (Note 12) | 187,223,652 | 122,962,256 | ||||||
Contributed surplus (Note 12) | 11,762,601 | 5,035,075 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 2) | 5,791,923 | 5,791,923 | ||||||
Deficit | (49,418,369 | ) | (40,135,143 | ) | ||||
(43,626,446 | ) | (34,343,220 | ) | |||||
155,359,807 | 93,654,111 | |||||||
166,641,302 | 98,615,541 |
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 3, 7 and 11)
APPROVED BY THE BOARD
Ray Antony, Director | Grant Howard, Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
208
For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
$ (Note 2) |
$ (Note 2) |
$ (Note 2) |
||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in): |
||||||||||||
Operating Activities |
||||||||||||
Net loss | (9,283,226 | ) | (27,608,606 | ) | (3,450,670 | ) | ||||||
Items not involving cash: |
||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss | (19,677 | ) | 451,324 | 654,614 | ||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 13,640,012 | 3,029,830 | 1,801,779 | |||||||||
Future income tax (recovery) | | (5,354,505 | ) | | ||||||||
Depletion, depreciation, accretion and impairment | 5,789,093 | 35,163,420 | 4,809,927 | |||||||||
Changes in working capital operating | 2,767,725 | 1,433,474 | 1,638,162 | |||||||||
12,893,927 | 7,114,937 | 5,453,812 | ||||||||||
Financing activities |
||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common shares | 57,348,910 | 34,415,917 | | |||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of options | | 12,127 | 47,036 | |||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of warrants | | | 1,104,816 | |||||||||
Repayment of demand loan | | | (83,192 | ) | ||||||||
57,348,910 | 34,428,044 | 1,068,660 | ||||||||||
Investing activities |
||||||||||||
Sales of capital assets | 23,711 | | | |||||||||
Additions to petroleum and natural gas properties | (33,289,074 | ) | (25,534,161 | ) | (27,807,764 | ) | ||||||
Additions to other capital assets | (507,586 | ) | (104,098 | ) | (366,314 | ) | ||||||
Deposits | (115,241 | ) | (1,198,120 | ) | (1,774,184 | ) | ||||||
Investment | (156,200 | ) | (203,987 | ) | (2,156 | ) | ||||||
Changes in working capital investing | 2,136,274 | (2,072,574 | ) | (2,233,933 | ) | |||||||
(31,908,116 | ) | (29,112,940 | ) | (32,184,351 | ) | |||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash held in foreign currency | 19,676 | (300,000 | ) | 270,000 | ||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 38,354,397 | 12,130,041 | (25,391,879 | ) | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | 33,183,430 | 21,053,389 | 46,445,268 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | 71,537,827 | 33,183,430 | 21,053,389 | |||||||||
Represented by: |
||||||||||||
Cash | 2,680,319 | 6,696,624 | 1,758,212 | |||||||||
Short term deposits | 68,857,508 | 23,212,544 | 18,902,481 | |||||||||
71,537,827 | 29,909,168 | 20,660,693 | ||||||||||
Cash in trust | | 3,274,262 | 392,696 | |||||||||
71,537,827 | 33,183,430 | 21,053,389 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
209
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Solana Resources Limited (Solana) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Solana Petroleum Exploration (Colombia) Limited (Solana Colombia), Breakaway Energy Inc. (Breakaway) and Bayford Investments Limited (Bayford).
Solana follows the full cost method of accounting for petroleum and natural gas operations, whereby all costs of exploring for and developing petroleum and natural gas reserves are capitalized in country-by-country cost centres. Such costs include land acquisition costs, geological and geophysical costs, carrying charges on non-producing properties, costs of drilling both productive and non-productive wells, interest costs on major development projects and overhead charges directly related to acquisition, exploration and development activities.
The costs (including exploratory dry holes) in cost centres from which there has been no commercial production are not subject to depletion until commercial production commences. The capitalized costs are assessed to determine whether it is likely such costs will be recovered in the future. To the extent there are costs which are not likely to be recovered in the future, they are written-off.
The costs in cost centres from which there is production, together with the cost of production equipment, are depleted and depreciated on the unit-of-production method, based on the estimated proved reserves after royalties. Petroleum and natural gas reserves and production are converted into equivalent units, based upon estimated relative energy content (i.e. based on six thousand cubit feet of natural gas to one barrel of crude oil). Costs of acquiring and evaluating significant unproved properties are excluded from the depletion calculations. These unproved properties are assessed to determine whether impairment has occurred. When proved reserves are assigned or the carrying value of the property is considered to be impaired, the cost of the property or the amount of the impairment is added to costs subject to depletion.
Petroleum and natural gas properties are subject to a ceiling test in each reporting period to determine that the costs are not impaired and do not exceed the fair value of the properties. The costs are assessed to be not impaired if the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected from the production of proved reserves plus the cost of unproved properties, net of impairment, exceed the net total carrying value of the petroleum and natural gas properties. If the carrying value of the petroleum and natural gas properties is determined to be impaired, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds an estimated fair value. The fair value estimate is normally based on the sum of the discounted cash flows expected from the production of proved and probable reserves plus the cost of unproved properties, net of impairment allowances. The cash flows are estimated using forecast product prices and costs and are discounted using a risk-free interest rate.
Proceeds from the sale of petroleum and natural gas properties are applied against capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recognized, unless such a sale would alter the depletion rate by more than 20%.
The fair value of obligations associated with the retirement, removal and site restoration of tangible long-lived assets are recorded in the period the asset is put into use, with a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related asset. The obligations recognized are estimates of statutory, contractual or legal obligations that Solana will reasonably be expected to incur and then discounted to their present value using Solanas adjusted risk-free interest rate. The liability is accreted over time for changes in the fair value of the liability through charges to accretion which are included in depletion, depreciation and accretion expense. The costs capitalized to the related assets are amortized to earnings in a manner consistent with the depletion and depreciation of the underlying asset. Actual costs incurred upon settlement of the retirement obligation are charged against the obligation to the extent of the liability recorded.
210
Substantially all of Solanas exploration, development and production activities are conducted jointly with others and accordingly, these consolidated statements reflect only Solanas proportionate interest in such activities.
Revenues associated with the sale of Solanas natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil are recognized when title passes to the customer.
Office furniture, equipment and vehicles are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life of the assets. The annual depreciation rates used for office furniture, equipment and vehicles are 10%, 10% and 30% respectively.
Leasehold improvements are recorded at cost. Amortization is calculated based on the lesser of the term of the lease or their useful lives.
All operations are considered financially and operationally integrated. Results of operations of foreign subsidiaries are translated using average exchange rates for revenues and expenses, except depletion, depreciation and accretion which are translated at the rates of exchange applicable to the related assets. Monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and non-monetary items are translated at rates of exchange in effect when the assets were acquired or obligations incurred. Foreign exchange gains and losses are recorded in the statements of loss and deficit.
Solana follows the fair value method of accounting for stock options and performance warrants. Stock-based compensation expense is calculated as the estimated fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and is recorded and reflected as stock-based compensation expense over the vesting period with a corresponding amount reflected in contributed surplus. When options and performance warrants are exercised, the associated amounts previously recorded as contributed surplus are reclassified to share capital.
Solana follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, future income tax assets and liabilities are measured based upon temporary differences between the carrying values of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Future income tax assets are only recognized to the extent it is more likely than not that sufficient future taxable income will be available to allow the future income tax asset to be realized.
Cash and cash equivalents includes short-term investments in money market instruments with an initial maturity from date of acquisition of 90 days or less.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, including petroleum and natural gas properties, and liabilities, including asset retirement obligations, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and
211
revenues and expenses, including depletion, depreciation and accretion, and impairment, during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty, in particular the amounts recorded based on estimates of reserves and future costs and actual results could differ materially from estimated amounts.
The basic earnings per share is determined using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Solana computes diluted earnings per share in the same manner as basic, except that the weighted average number of diluted common shares is used as the denominator. Solana uses the treasury method in computing the weighted average of diluted common shares outstanding. This method assumes that the proceeds on exercise of in-the-money stock options and warrants are used to repurchase Solanas common shares at the average market price during the relevant period.
Effective January 1, 2007, Solana adopted the new Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) standards related to Section 1530, Comprehensive Income, Section 3855, Financial Instruments Recognition and Measurement, Section 3861, Financial Instruments Disclosure and Presentation and Section 3865, Hedges. As required by the standards Solana has adopted these standards retrospectively without restatement.
Section 1530 of the CICA Handbook describes how to report and disclose comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive income is the change in a companys net assets during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Other than net earnings, it includes items that would not normally be included in net earnings. Upon adoption of Section 1530, amounts previously recognized on the balance sheet as cumulative translation adjustment have been reclassified as accumulated other comprehensive income.
Upon adoption of Section 3855, all financial instruments were classified into one of the following five categories: held-for-trading, loans and receivables, held-to-maturity investments, available-for-sale financial assets or other based on their initial classification. Held-for-trading financial assets are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income until the instrument is derecognized or impaired. All derivative instruments are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value unless they qualify for the normal sale and normal purchase exemption. All changes in their fair value are recorded in net income unless Solana applies cash flow hedge accounting in which case the changes in fair value is mostly recorded in other comprehensive income. The other categories of financial instruments are recognized at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
Upon adoption of these standards, Solana classified its cash and cash equivalents, and cash in trust as held-for-trading, items measured at fair value which equals the carrying value. Accounts receivable and deposits are classified as loans and receivables, which are measured at amortized cost. Investment has been classified as available-for-sale, which is measured at cost as the fair value is not readily available. Accounts payable are classified as other financial liabilities, which are measured at amortized cost.
Transaction costs related to financial assets and financial liabilities that are not classified as held-for-trading, are expensed using the effective interest rate method and are recorded within interest expense whereas transaction costs related to items designated as held for trading are charged to net earnings.
Section 3865 of the CICA Handbook describes when and how hedge accounting can be used. Hedging is an activity that may be used by a company to change an exposure to one or more risks by creating an offset between changes in the cash flows attributable to a hedge item or changes resulting from a risk exposure relating to a hedge item and a hedging item. Hedge accounting allows gains, losses, revenues and expenses
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from the derivative and the item it hedges to be recorded in the statement of loss in the same period. Solana monitors and when appropriate, may use derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices. Solana currently does not utilize hedges or other derivative financial instruments in its operations; as a result the adoption of Section 3865 currently has no material impact on the consolidated financial statements of Solana.
All prior periods have been recast to reflect Solanas financial statements as if they had been historically reported in United States dollars and this resulted in an accumulated other comprehensive income of $5,791,923.
Solana also adopted Section 3251, Equity, and Section 1506, Accounting Changes. Section 3251 replaces Section 3250, Surplus, and describes standards for the presentation of equity and changes on equity for that reporting period as a result of the application of Section 1530, Comprehensive Income. The only impact of Section 1506, Accounting Changes, is to provide disclosure of when an entity has not applied a new source of GAAP that has been issued but is not yet effective. This is the case with Section 3862, Financial Instruments Disclosures and 3863 Financial Instruments Presentation which are required to be adopted for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2007. Solana will adopt these standards on January 1, 2008 and it is expected that the only effect on Solana will be additional disclosures regarding the significance of financial instruments for the entitys financial position and performance; and the nature, extent and management of risk arising from financial instruments to which the entity is exposed.
Section 1535, Capital Disclosures is effective for annual periods beginning on or after October 1, 2007 and establishes standards for disclosing information about Solanas capital and how it is managed. It requires disclosures of Solanas objectives, policies and processes for managing capital, the quantitative data about what Solana regards as capital, whether Solana has complied with any capital requirements and if it has not complied, the consequences of such non-compliance. Solana is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this section on the consolidated financial statements.
The adoption of the above new standards had no impact on Solanas retained earnings as at January 1, 2007.
In addition, on October 1, 2006, Solana changed its reporting currency from Canadian dollars (CDN$) to United States dollars ($) as this currency is more appropriate for Solanas investors and other users of the financial statements. In making the change, Solana has followed recommendations of the Emerging Issues Committee (EIC) of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), set out in EIC-130, Translation Method When The Reporting Currency Differs From the Measurement Currency or There is a Change in The Reporting Currency. Financial statements for all periods presented have been translated from Canadian dollars into United States dollars using the current rate method, based on EIC-130 recommendations. Using this method, all consolidated assets and liabilities have been translated using the exchange rate at the balance sheet dates, while shareholders equity has been translated using the historical rates of exchange in effect on the dates of the corresponding transactions. The Consolidated Statements of Loss and Deficit have been translated using the prevailing average exchange rate for the period, except for equity transactions which have been translated using the historical rates of exchange in effect at the dates of the corresponding transactions. Any resulting exchange rate differences due to this translation are included in the shareholders equity as cumulative translation adjustment. All comparative financial information being presented has been restated to reflect Solanas financial statements as if they have been historically reported in United States dollars and this resulted in a cumulative translation adjustment and corresponding increase in Petroleum and Natural Gas properties of $5,791,923.
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On October 4, 2006 and pursuant to a share purchase agreement, Solana acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Breakaway Energy Inc. (Breakaway) in exchange for the issuance of 10 million Solana shares and 10 million performance warrants. Of the 10 million Solana shares, two thirds are issued subject to a voluntary escrow agreement and will be released as to one half on each of October 2, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The 10 million performance warrants are also subject to a voluntary escrow agreement and will be released as to one-half on each of October 2, 2007 and 2008, respectively, or earlier if the weighted average share price exceeds CDN$2.75 per share for a 45 consecutive day period. The performance warrants have a term of 42 months, an exercise price of CDN$2.00 per share, and are exercisable only if Solanas weighted average share price exceeds CDN$2.75 per share for a 45 consecutive day period. Subsequent to 2007 year end, all of the 10 million Solana shares and performance warrants have fully vested as discussed below.
Both the escrowed shares and the performance warrants are subject to certain vesting provisions over the 24 month period following completion of the Breakaway acquisition, including immediate vesting in the event of a change of control or in the event that Solanas weighted average share price exceeds CDN$2.75 per share for a 45 consecutive day period.
Solana executed two year employment agreements with two former Breakaway principals at a salary of CDN$250,000 per annum per person. These two employees also were each granted 200,000 stock options pursuant to Solanas stock option plan exercisable at a price of CDN$1.15 per share until October 4, 2011, with one half of the options vesting on October 4, 2007 and the remaining options vesting on October 4, 2008.
The Breakaway acquisition terms were approved by Solanas Board of Directors as being in the best interest of Solana taking into account, among other issues, the need to attract, retain and reward top quality management. The purchase price of CDN$10,782,500 (10 million Solana shares valued at CDN$10,782,500, equivalent to US dollars $9,553,295) was allocated to the fair value of net working capital acquired of CDN$78,930. No value was initially ascribed to the performance warrants as the likelihood of achieving the performance was considered remote at that time.
The shares held in escrow are presented as having been issued but there is a reduction to the value of such share capital to the extent that the related compensation expense has not been earned by the employees. Solana recognizes stock-based compensation expense and increases share capital by the same amount each period until the shares fully vest.
Subsequent to year end, the weighted average share price for a 45 day period exceeded $2.75 and thus the shares and performance warrants were released from escrow and considered fully vested at that time. As a result, the 2007 financial statements reflect the vesting of the shares and performance warrants by way of recognition of increased stock compensation expense over the accelerated vesting period of 17 months. The remaining fair value of the shares and performance warrants will be expensed in 2008 until the date that the shares and performance warrants vested. Solana recognized $5,724,064 (2006 $Nil) of stock compensation expense relating to the performance warrants in 2007 and $6,912,486 (2006 $1,516,892) related to the escrowed shares in 2007.
Pursuant to a strategic review of Solanas asset portfolio, on February 8, 2007 but having effect from December 1, 2006, Solana signed an agreement disposing 100% of its rights and obligations under an Exploration Participation Agreement (the EPA) with Ramshorn International Limited (Ramshorn) to Ramshorn. With this agreement, Ramshorn reacquired 100% of five Colombian oil and gas exploration prospects, specifically; Guayabillas, Puma, Guariquies, Alamo and Zeus.
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Cash in trust in the amount of $3,274,262 as of December 31, 2006 mainly comprised the escrow account established to satisfy Solanas share of Guariquies prospect costs. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement signed with Ramshorn (Note 4) the outstanding balance was refunded to Solana in 2007.
Solana has funds on deposit at the totaling of $3,156,750 as of December 31, 2007 and $3,041,509 as of December 31, 2006, relating to 10% of work commitments on acquired Agencia Nacional de Hydrocarburos (ANH) acreage. These funds will be returned to Solana on completion of the work commitments (Note 7) on the Guachiría Norte, Guachiría Sur, Garibay, Catguas Blocks, Colonia and San Pablo blocks.
Cost | Cumulative DD&A and Impairment |
Net Book Value |
||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Oil and gas properties | 126,298,776 | 46,918,526 | 79,380,250 | |||||||||
Inventory | 2,582,825 | | 2,582,825 | |||||||||
128,881,601 | 46,918,526 | 81,963,075 |
Cost | Cumulative DD&A and Impairment |
Net Book Value |
||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Oil and gas properties | 94,176,680 | 41,279,337 | 52,897,343 | |||||||||
Inventory | 1,415,846 | | 1,415,846 | |||||||||
95,592,526 | 41,279,337 | 54,313,189 |
Inventories, including pipe, drilling materials and supplies are classified as capital assets as they will be used in future oil and gas activities. These amounts are not depreciated, as they have yet to be used.
Unevaluated properties, inventory and undeveloped lands amounting to $26,712,319 are excluded from depletion and depreciation (2006 $25,497,601, 2005 $44,794,709).
At December 31, 2006, an impairment test calculation indicated that the property carrying amounts exceeded the discounted future net cash flows associated with the proved and probable reserves, resulting in recognition of a $29,822,544 impairment adjustment. This impairment was mainly a consequence of the asset disposition and termination of the Exploration Participation Agreement with Ramshorn (Note 4). Solana performed a ceiling test at December 31, 2005 and 2007 resulting in no requirement for impairment adjustments. The benchmark West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil prices used in the 2007 impairment calculation are:
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Year | $/Barrel | |||||||
2008 | 90.00 | |||||||
2009 | 86.52 | |||||||
2010 | 84.87 | |||||||
2011 | 83.32 | |||||||
2012 | 82.78 | |||||||
2013 | 82.19 | |||||||
2014 | 81.53 | |||||||
2015 | 81.99 | |||||||
2016 | 83.63 | |||||||
2017 | 85.30 | |||||||
Escalated thereafter |
2%/year |
Solana has minimum exploration commitments of $47,239,700 to be met during 2008.
Cost | Cumulative Amortization and Depreciation |
Net Book Value |
||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Office furniture, equipment and vehicles | 916,380 | 299,121 | 617,259 | |||||||||
Leasehold improvements | 344,678 | 84,886 | 259,792 | |||||||||
1,261,058 | 384,007 | 877,051 |
Cost | Cumulative Amortization and Depreciation |
Net Book Value |
||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Office furniture, equipment and vehicles | 513,944 | 157,360 | 356,584 | |||||||||
Leasehold improvements | 263,239 | 76,743 | 186,496 | |||||||||
777,183 | 234,103 | 543,080 |
Cumulative DD&A (depletion, depreciation and accretion), and impairment balance as follows:
December 31, 2006 |
Additions | December 31, 2007 |
||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
PNG properties DD&A | 11,456,793 | 5,639,189 | 17,095,982 | |||||||||
Other Assets Amortization and depreciation | 234,103 | 149,904 | 384,007 | |||||||||
Impairment of PNG properties | 29,822,544 | | 29,822,544 | |||||||||
41,513,440 | 5,789,093 | 47,302,533 |
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December 31, 2005 |
Additions | December 31, 2006 |
||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
PNG properties DD&A | 5,935,816 | 5,520,977 | 11,456,793 | |||||||||
Other Assets Amortization and depreciation | 120,191 | 113,912 | 234,103 | |||||||||
Impairment of PNG properties | | 29,822,544 | 29,822,544 | |||||||||
6,056,007 | 36,639,880 | 47,302,533 |
December 31, 2004 |
Additions | December 31, 2005 |
||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
PNG properties DD&A | 1,229,768 | 4,706,048 | 5,935,816 | |||||||||
Other Assets Amortization and depreciation | 16,312 | 103,879 | 120,191 | |||||||||
1,246,080 | 4,809,927 | 6,056,007 |
Solana has invested $362,427 (2006 $206,227).in the Colombian Hydrocarbon Investment Fund (Fund), and expects to invest a maximum amount of US $500,000. The Fund is managed by a U.S. based fund manager, who specializes in South American natural resource sector investments.
Solana has an obligation to plug and abandon its petroleum and natural gas wells at the end of their useful lives. The present value of this obligation has been projected using estimates of the future costs and the timing of abandonment. At December 31, 2007, Solana estimated the present value of its asset retirement obligations to be $1,973,938 based on a future liability of $2,204,081 (2006 $1,556,823 and $2,007,878 respectively). These costs are expected to be incurred in the next seven years when wells will be abandoned. A credit-adjusted risk-free discount rate of 10% and an inflation rate of 2.5% were used to calculate the present value.
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
$ | $ | |||||||
Balance, January 1 | 1,556,823 | 536,547 | ||||||
Obligations incurred during the year | 282,566 | 979,844 | ||||||
Accretion | 134,549 | 40,432 | ||||||
Balance, December 31 | 1,973,938 | 1,556,823 |
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Authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares.
Number | Amount | |||||||
$ | ||||||||
Common shares: |
||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2005 | 64,736,792 | 87,017,320 | ||||||
Exercise of stock options | 140,000 | 12,127 | ||||||
Private placement of common shares, net of issuance costs | 21,000,000 | 34,415,917 | ||||||
Shares issued in escrow Breakaway (Note 3) | 10,000,000 | 9,553,295 | ||||||
Shares in escrow to be earned (Note 3) | (8,036,403 | ) | ||||||
Balance, December 31, 2006 | 95,876,792 | 122,962,256 | ||||||
Private placement of common shares, net of issuance costs | 27,300,000 | 57,348,910 | ||||||
Shares issued in escrow earned in period (Note 3) | 6,912,486 | |||||||
Balance, December 31, 2007 | 123,176,792 | 187,223,652 | ||||||
Contributed surplus: |
||||||||
Balance, December 31,2005 | 3,522,137 | |||||||
Stock-based compensation expense stock options | 1,512,938 | |||||||
Balance, December 31,2006 | 5,035,075 | |||||||
Stock-based compensation expense stock options | 1,003,462 | |||||||
Warrants issued in escrow earned in period (Note 3) | 5,724,064 | |||||||
Balance, December 31, 2007 | 11,762,601 |
Solana has granted options to purchase common shares to directors, officers, employees and consultants. Each option permits the holder to purchase one common share of Solana at the stated exercise price. Options granted vest over two or three years commencing on the first anniversary date of the grant and are exercisable on a cumulative basis over five years. In accordance with Solanas stock option plan, these options have an exercise price equal to the market price at the date of grant. At December 31, 2007, 4,625,000 options were outstanding under the stock option plan (December 31, 2006 4,350,000). At December 31, 2007, 7,692,679 common shares were reserved for issuance under the stock option plan.
December 31, 2007 | December 31, 2006 | |||||||||||||||
Number of Shares |
Weighted Average Price |
Number of Shares |
Weighted Average Price |
|||||||||||||
(CDN$ per Share) |
(CDN$ per Share) |
|||||||||||||||
Outstanding, beginning year | 4,350,000 | 1.64 | 4,015,000 | 2.01 | ||||||||||||
Granted, during the year | 1,965,000 | 2.14 | 1,655,000 | 1.25 | ||||||||||||
Exercised during the year | | | (140,000 | ) | 0.10 | |||||||||||
Expired or cancelled during the year | (1,690,000 | ) | 1.92 | (1,180,000 | ) | | ||||||||||
Outstanding, end of year | 4,625,000 | 1.75 | 4,350,000 | 1.64 | ||||||||||||
Exercisable, end of year | 1,873,333 | 1.55 | 1,923,333 | 1.90 |
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Exercise Price | Number of Options Outstanding |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
Number of Options Exercisable |
Exercise Price |
||||||||||||||||
2.75 | 350,000 | 1.92 | 350,000 | 2.75 | ||||||||||||||||
2.72 | 200,000 | 2.90 | 200,000 | 2.72 | ||||||||||||||||
2.50 | 75,000 | 4.82 | | | ||||||||||||||||
2.25 | 1,665,000 | 4.96 | | | ||||||||||||||||
2.11 | 30,000 | 3.28 | 10,000 | 2.11 | ||||||||||||||||
1.70 | 25,000 | 4.63 | | | ||||||||||||||||
1.67 | 400,000 | 2.67 | 266,667 | 1.67 | ||||||||||||||||
1.19 | 200,000 | 4.22 | | | ||||||||||||||||
1.15 | 1,200,000 | 3.92 | 566,666 | 1.15 | ||||||||||||||||
0.60 | 480,000 | 0.93 | 480,000 | 0.60 | ||||||||||||||||
1.75 | 4,625,000 | 3.67 | 1,873,333 | 1.55 |
Stock-based compensation expense of $1,003,462 (2006 $1,512,938, 2005 $1,801,780) related to options has been recognized in accordance with the fair value method with a corresponding credit to contributed surplus. Additional stock based compensation expense of $6,912,486 (2006 $1,516,892) related with Breakaway acquisition shares and $5,724,064 (2006 Nil) related to Breakaway performance warrants was recognized (Note 19).
Solana estimates the fair value of stock options and warrants granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
December 31 | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Risk-free interest rate (%) | 3.87 | 4.25 | 3.81 | |||||||||
Expected life (years) | 5 | 5 | 5 | |||||||||
Volatility in the price of common shares (%) | 103.1 | 96.5 | 104 | |||||||||
Dividends per common share (CDN$ per share) | | | |
The resultant weighted average fair value per option amounts to CDN$1.55 (2006 CDN$0.88, 2005 CDN$1.65) and warrants fair value was CDN$0.73 (2006 and 2005 Nil).
For the year ended December 31, 2007 management fees of $56,076 (2006 $52,907, 2005 $79,294) were paid to a company controlled by a director of Solana and are included in general and administrative expenses.
These fees are for services rendered in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties. There are no receivable or payable balances with related parties at December 31, 2006 or 2007.
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The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts that would be computed by applying the combined income tax rates to the pre tax loss due to the following:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Statutory tax rate | 36.3 | % | 38 | % | 38 | % | ||||||
Loss before tax | (9,193,969 | ) | (32,761,878 | ) | (3,237,118 | ) | ||||||
(3,337,411 | ) | (12,449,514 | ) | (1,230,105 | ) | |||||||
Non-deductible stock-based compensation | 4,951,324 | 1,150,000 | 690,000 | |||||||||
Unrecognized income tax (expense) benefit | (1,613,913 | ) | 5,945,009 | 540,105 | ||||||||
Recovery of future income taxes | | 5,354,505 | | |||||||||
Current Income taxes | 89,257 | 201,233 | 213,552 | |||||||||
89,257 | (5,153,272 | ) | 213,552 |
The approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference that gives rise to Solanas future tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Property plant and equipment | 4,700,000 | 4,300,000 | (5,110,000 | ) | ||||||||
Asset retirement obligation | 630,000 | 510,000 | 110,000 | |||||||||
Non-capital losses carried forward | 3,200,000 | 3,300,000 | 990,000 | |||||||||
Share issue costs | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,160,000 | |||||||||
Less valuation allowance | (9,530,000 | ) | (9,110,000 | ) | (2,381,970 | ) | ||||||
Future income tax liability | | | (5,231,970 | ) |
Subject to confirmation from taxation authorities, Solana has approximately CDN$10.2 million of Canadian non-capital loss carry forwards which expire between 2008 and 2027, and Colombian tax losses totaling Col.$78 billion ($38.6 million) which are available to be carried forward. The consolidated financial statements do not reflect the potential tax benefit of these losses, as they do not meet the more likely than not criteria.
Current income taxes are based on presumptive income calculated as a percentage of Colombian equity levels and can be recovered against future income taxes for up to five years.
Basic net loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2007 which is 98,569,395 (2006 82,067,532, 2005 64,602,423). The impact of options and performance warrants was not included in the calculation of the net loss per share as this would be anti-dilutive.
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Solanas oil and gas activities are conducted exclusively in Colombia.
2007 | Canada | Colombia | Total | |||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Oil and gas revenues, net of royalties | | 18,294,389 | 18,294,389 | |||||||||
Interest | 906,747 | 184,574 | 1,091,321 | |||||||||
906,747 | 18,478,963 | 19,385,710 | ||||||||||
Operating expenses | | 3,944,131 | 3,944,131 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,418,500 | 2,710,653 | 5,129,153 | |||||||||
Depletion, depreciation and accretion | 12,989 | 5,776,104 | 5,789,093 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | 9,257 | 68,033 | 77,290 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 13,640,012 | | 13,640,012 | |||||||||
16,080,758 | 12,498,921 | 28,579,679 | ||||||||||
Loss before income taxes | (15,174,011 | ) | 5,980,042 | (9,193,969 | ) | |||||||
Income tax expense | | (89,257 | ) | (89,257 | ) | |||||||
Net income (loss) | (15,174,011 | ) | 5,890,785 | (9,283,226 | ) | |||||||
Total assets | 83,157,756 | 83,483,546 | 166,641,302 | |||||||||
Capital expenditures | | 33,289,074 | 33,289,074 |
2006 | Canada | Colombia | Total | |||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Oil and gas revenues, net of royalties | | 9,480,911 | 9,480,911 | |||||||||
Interest | 1,313,081 | 217,951 | 1,531,032 | |||||||||
1,313,081 | 9,698,862 | 11,011,943 | ||||||||||
Operating expenses | | 3,123,305 | 3,123,305 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 1,381,348 | 3,221,604 | 4,602,952 | |||||||||
Depletion, depreciation and accretion | 48,232 | 5,292,644 | 5,340,876 | |||||||||
Impairment | | 29,822,544 | 29,822,544 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange gain | (715,622 | ) | (1,430,064 | ) | (2,145,686 | ) | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | 3,029,830 | | 3,029,830 | |||||||||
3,743,788 | 40,030,033 | 43,773,821 | ||||||||||
Loss before income taxes | (2,430,707 | ) | (30,331,171 | ) | (32,761,878 | ) | ||||||
Income tax recovery | | 5,153,272 | 5,153,272 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | (2,430,707 | ) | (25,177,899 | ) | (27,608,606 | ) | ||||||
Total assets | 29,236,403 | 77,379,138 | 98,615,541 | |||||||||
Capital expenditures | 24,224 | 25,509,937 | 25,534,161 |
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2005 | Canada | Colombia | Total | |||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Oil and gas revenues, net of royalties | | 6,760,501 | 6,760,501 | |||||||||
Interest and other | 607,880 | 106,517 | 714,397 | |||||||||
607,880 | 6,867,018 | 7,474,898 | ||||||||||
Operating expenses | | 1,454,204 | 1,454,204 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 1,423,532 | 1,426,381 | 2,849,913 | |||||||||
Depletion, depreciation and accretion | 6,734 | 4,803,193 | 4,809,927 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | 1,012,940 | (1,216,747 | ) | (203,808 | ) | |||||||
Stock-based compensation | 1,801,779 | | 1,801,780 | |||||||||
4,244,985 | 6,467,031 | 10,712,016 | ||||||||||
(Loss) income before taxes | (3,637,105 | ) | 399,987 | (3,237,118 | ) | |||||||
Income tax expense | | (213,552 | ) | (213,552 | ) | |||||||
Net loss | (3,637,105 | ) | 186,435 | (3,450,670 | ) | |||||||
Total assets | 25,172,416 | 70,724,679 | 95,897,095 | |||||||||
Capital expenditures | 24,432 | 28,149,646 | 28,174,078 |
Solana is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations as it holds Canadian Dollars, United States Dollars and Colombian Pesos in cash and short-term investments. There are no exchange rate contracts in place.
The fair value of Solanas financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, cash in trust, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their carrying values due to their short maturity terms. The fair value of deposits is not significantly different than its carrying value.
The majority of the accounts receivable are in respect of oil and gas operations. Solana generally extends unsecured credit to its customers and therefore the collection of accounts receivable may be affected by changes in economic or other conditions. Management believes the risk is mitigated by the size and reputation of the companies to which they extend credit. Solana has not experienced any material credit loss in the collection of accounts receivable to date.
Due to the volatility of commodity prices Solana is potentially exposed to adverse consequences of declining prices. Solana may enter into oil and natural gas contracts in order to protect its cash flow on future sales from the potential adverse impact of declining prices. These contracts would reduce the fluctuation in sales revenue by locking in prices with respect to future deliveries of oil and natural gas. As at December 31, 2007 and 2006, Solana had not entered into any such contracts.
On December 20, 2007, Solana, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Solana Colombia, secured a $100 million senior first lien three year revolving secured credit facility with BNP Paribas Bank. The initial amount available for drawdown under the facility is $26 million and amounts drawn down bear an interest rate that varies with Solanas net production ranging from 2.375% to 3.125% over LIBOR. The facility is secured by
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Solanas Colombian oil and gas reserves and the amount available for drawdown will be adjusted pursuant to the lenders review of semi-annual reserve reports. During the year ended December 31, 2007, Solana did not draw on this credit facility.
Solanas shares traded at a weighted average price that exceeded CDN$2.75 per share for a 45 consecutive day period subsequent to the 2007 year-end. Thus, on February 5, 2008, all the remaining securities that were held in escrow (Note 3), were released in accordance with the voluntary share escrow agreement.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP which, in most respects, conforms to U.S. GAAP. Any differences in accounting principles as they have been applied to the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not material except as described below. Items required for financial disclosure under U.S. GAAP may be different from disclosure standards under Canadian GAAP; any such differences are not reflected here.
The application of U.S. GAAP would have the following effects on net loss as reported:
Ended December 31 | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
$(000) | $(000) | |||||||
Net loss under Canadian GAAP | $ | (9,283 | ) | $ | (27,609 | ) | ||
Adjustments |
||||||||
Write-down of property, plant and equipment (a) | | (8,373 | ) | |||||
Depletion, depreciation, amortization and accretion (b) | 1,196 | 458 | ||||||
Net loss under U.S. GAAP | $ | (8,087 | ) | $ | (35,524 | ) | ||
Net change in cumulative translation adjustment (e) | | (376 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive loss | $ | (8,087 | ) | $ | (35,900 | ) | ||
Basic and diluted |
||||||||
Net loss per share under U.S. GAAP | $ | (0.08 | ) | $ | (0.43 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||
Balance, beginning of year U.S. GAAP | $ | 5,627 | $ | 6,003 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (e) | | (376 | ) | |||||
Balance, end of year U.S. GAAP | $ | 5,627 | $ | 5,627 | ||||
Deficit |
||||||||
Balance, beginning of year U.S. GAAP | $ | 47,844 | $ | 12,320 | ||||
Net loss U.S. GAAP | 8,087 | 35,524 | ||||||
Balance, end of year U.S. GAAP | $ | 55,931 | $ | 47,844 |
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The application of U.S. GAAP would have the following effect on the consolidated balance sheets as reported:
December 31, 2007 | December 31, 2006 | |||||||||||||||
Canadian GAAP |
U.S. GAAP |
Canadian GAAP |
U.S. GAAP |
|||||||||||||
$(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Petroleum and natural gas properties(a),(b) | $ | 81,963 | $ | 72,525 | $ | 54,313 | $ | 43,680 | ||||||||
Shareholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||
Share capital | $ | 187,224 | $ | 187,224 | $ | 122,962 | $ | 122,962 | ||||||||
Contributed surplus(c) | $ | 11,763 | $ | 9,002 | $ | 5,035 | $ | 2,275 | ||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income(e) | $ | 5,792 | $ | 5,627 | $ | 5,627 | $ | 5,627 | ||||||||
Deficit(a),(b),(c) | $ | (49,418 | ) | $ | (55,931 | ) | $ | (40,135 | ) | $ | (47,844 | ) |
(a) | Under Canadian GAAP, Solana performs an impairment test that limits the capitalized costs of its petroleum and natural gas assets to the discounted estimated future net revenue from proved and probable petroleum and natural gas reserves plus the cost of unproved properties less impairment, using estimated future prices and costs. The discount rate used is equal to Solanas risk free interest rate. Under U.S. GAAP, entities using the full cost method of accounting for petroleum and natural gas activities perform an impairment test on each cost centre using discounted future net revenue from proved petroleum and natural gas reserves discounted at 10%. The prices used under the U.S. GAAP impairment test are those in effect at year end. There was no impairment under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2007. As at December 31, 2006, the application of the ceiling test under U.S. GAAP resulted in a write down of approximately $38.2 million, being $8.4 million greater than the write down under Canadian GAAP, of capitalized costs. |
(b) | Under Canadian GAAP, proved reserves are estimated using estimated future prices and costs. These proved reserves form the basis for the depletion calculation. |
Under U.S. GAAP, proved reserves used for the depletion calculation are estimated using constant prices and costs as of the date the estimate of reserves is made. In both the current and comparative year there were differences in proved reserves under U.S. GAAP and Canadian GAAP and as a result the difference is realized in the depletion expense. Additionally, the ceiling test write downs required under U.S. GAAP in 2005 and 2006 reduced the U.S. GAAP depletable asset base which resulted in a lower depletion expense in 2006 and 2007 by approximately $0.5 million and $1.2 million respectively.
(c) | Under Canadian GAAP, the Company has followed the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation whereby compensation costs have been recognized in the financial statements for stock-options granted to employees and directors since January 1, 2004. Under U.S. GAAP, for the year ended December 31, 2006 Solana adopted SFAS 123(R) Share Based Payments using the modified prospective approach. Prior to 2006, the Company used the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock options granted to employees and directors whereby no costs were recognized in the financial statements, per APB opinion No. 25 as interpreted by FASB Interpretation No. 44. SFAS 123(R) requires that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized as an expense in the financial statements using a fair value-based measurement method over the periods that the awards vest. Contributed surplus under U.S. GAAP does not reflect compensation costs recognized in the Canadian GAAP financial statements prior to 2006. Starting January 1, 2006, compensation costs have been recognized under both Canadian and U.S. GAAP. |
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(d) | The Canadian GAAP liability method of accounting for income taxes is similar to the U.S. GAAP SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires the recognition of tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in Solanas consolidated financial statements. Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, enacted tax rates are used to calculate deferred income tax, whereas Canadian GAAP uses substantively enacted rates. There are no differences for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 relating to tax rate differences. |
In its December 31, 2007 financial statements, Solana adopted the FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty for Income Taxes (FIN 48). FIN 48 is an interpretation of FASB Statement 109 Accounting for Income Taxes and outlines the recognition and related disclosure requirements of uncertain tax positions determined to be more likely than not, defined as greater than 50%, to be sustained on audit. This adoption did not result in a U.S. GAAP difference.
(e) | With the adoption of the new accounting standards for financial instruments under Canadian GAAP effective January 1, 2007, the cumulative translation adjustment generated upon translating the financial statements of Solanas foreign operations denominated in a foreign currency previously recognized as a separate component of equity is now recognized in comprehensive income consistent with the treatment under U.S. GAAP. |
(f) | The following are standards and interpretations that have been issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) which are not yet in effect for the periods presented but would become U.S. GAAP when implemented: In September 2006, FASB issued Statement 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Solana does not expect the adoption of this statement will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This pronouncement permits entities to use the fair value method to measure certain financial assets and liabilities by electing an irrevocable option to use the fair value method at specified election dates. After election of the option, subsequent changes in fair value would result in the recognition of unrealized gains or losses as period costs during the period the change occurred. SFAS No. 159 becomes effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted. However, entities may not retroactively apply the provisions of SFAS No. 159 to fiscal years preceding the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 159 may have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. |
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The SEC and the Canadian securities administrators allow us to incorporate by reference information into this Joint Proxy Statement, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this Joint Proxy Statement, except for any information superseded by information in, or incorporated by reference in, this Joint Proxy Statement.
This Joint Proxy Statement incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that Gran Tierra has previously filed. These documents contain important information about Gran Tierra and its finances.
The following Gran Tierra SEC filings are incorporated by reference:
| Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on March 14, 2008, as amended by Form 10-K/A, filed with the SEC on May 12, 2008; |
| Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2008, filed with the SEC on May 12, 2008, as amended by Form 10-Q/A, filed with the SEC on May 13, 2008; |
| Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2008; |
| Gran Tierras Current Reports on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on January 15, 2008, January 22, 2008, January 30, 2008, February 28, 2008, March 5, 2008, March 6, 2008, March 11, 2008, March 27, 2008, March 28, 2008, April 7, 2008, April 8, 2008, April 11, 2008, April 24, 2008, May 12, 2008, June 17, 2008, July 8, 2008, July 10, 2008, July 29, 2008 (reflecting disclosures under Items 8.01 and 9.01), August 1, 2008, and August 22, 2008; |
| The description of Gran Tierras capital stock set forth in Gran Tierras Form 8-A filed with the SEC on April 7, 2008, as updated by the description under Description of Capital Stock set forth in Post-Effective Amendment Number 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-140171) filed with the SEC on May 21, 2008; and |
| Proxy Statement for Gran Tierras 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed on April 29, 2008. |
All Gran Tierra SEC filings filed, but not furnished, after the date of this Joint Proxy Statement and before the date of the Gran Tierra Special Meeting are incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement.
Gran Tierra has supplied all information contained or incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement relating to Gran Tierra and Solana has supplied all such information relating to Solana.
Gran Tierra may have sent you some of the Gran Tierra documents incorporated by reference, but you can obtain any of them through Gran Tierra or the SEC at www.sec.gov. Gran Tierra documents incorporated by reference are available from Gran Tierra without charge. Each person to whom this Joint Proxy Statement is delivered may obtain Gran Tierra documents incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement by first class mail or other equally prompt means within one business day of receipt of a request in writing or by telephone at the following address:
Martin Eden
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary
300, 611-10th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2R 0B2
Canada
(403) 265-3221
You should rely on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement to vote at the Gran Tierra Special Meeting. Gran Tierra has not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from that contained in this Joint Proxy Statement. This Joint Proxy Statement is dated , 2008. You should not assume that the information contained in this Joint Proxy Statement is accurate as of
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any other date, and neither the mailing of this Joint Proxy Statement to shareholders nor the issuance of GTE-Solana Exchangeable Shares or Gran Tierra common stock in the Arrangement shall create any implication to the contrary.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes of this Joint Proxy Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. The modifying or superseding statement need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set forth in the document that it modifies or supersedes. The making of a modifying or superseding statement shall not be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Joint Proxy Statement.
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ANNEX A
BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
(1) | the arrangement (Arrangement) under section 193 of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) substantially as set forth in the Plan of Arrangement attached as Schedule A to Annex B to the Joint Management Information Circular and Joint Proxy Statement of Solana Resources Limited (Solana) and Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (Gran Tierra) dated , 2008 (the Joint Proxy Statement) is hereby approved and authorized; |
(2) | the arrangement agreement (the Arrangement Agreement) dated as of July 28, 2008 among Solana, Gran Tierra, and Gran Tierra Exchangeco Inc., a copy of which is attached as Annex B to the Joint Proxy Statement, with such amendments or variations thereto made in accordance with the terms of the Arrangement Agreement as may be approved by the persons referred to in paragraph 4 hereof, such approval to be evidenced conclusively by their execution and delivery of any such amendments or variations, is hereby confirmed, ratified and approved; |
(3) | notwithstanding that this resolution has been duly passed and/or has received the approval of the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta, the Solana Board may, if permitted pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement, and without further notice to or approval of the holders of Solana common shares, options or warrants, subject to the terms of the Arrangement, amend or terminate the Arrangement Agreement or the Plan of Arrangement or revoke this resolution at any time prior to the filing of Articles of Arrangement giving effect to the Arrangement; and |
(4) | any director or officer of Solana is hereby authorized, for and on behalf of Solana, to execute and deliver Articles of Arrangement and to execute, with or without the corporate seal, and, if, appropriate, deliver all other documents and instruments and to do all other things as in the opinion of such director or officer may be necessary or desirable to implement this resolution and the matters authorized hereby, such determination to be conclusively evidenced by the execution and delivery of any such document or instrument, and the taking of any such action. |
A-1
ANNEX B
The Arrangement Agreement was Amended by Amendment 1 and Amendment 2 thereto. Annex B-1, which is part of this Annex B, is the Arrangement Agreement as originally executed on July 28, 2008. Annex B-2 and Annex B-3, which are also part of this Annex B, are Amendment No. 1 and Amendment No. 2 to the Arrangement Agreement, which amended the Plan of Arrangement which is Exhibit A to the Arrangement Agreement.
B-1
ANNEX B-1
B-1-i
B-1-ii