exv10w8





Exhibit 10.8



EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT




     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and between Magnum Hunter Resources
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Company”), and H.C. “Kip” Ferguson (“Executive”).



W I T N E S S E T H:




     WHEREAS, Company is desirous of employing Executive in such capacity on the terms and
conditions, and for the consideration, hereinafter set forth and Executive is desirous of
continuing to be employed by Company on such terms and conditions and for such consideration;



     NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, and obligations
contained herein, Company and Executive agree as follows:



ARTICLE I




DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS




     1.1 Definitions.




     (a) “Annual Base Salary” shall mean Executive’s annual base salary as of the date of
his Involuntary Termination, determined pursuant to Section 4.1.




     (b) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of Company.




     (c) “Business Territories” shall mean all locations in which the Company has post or
present activities of any kind related to the exploration, investigation, search,
production, sale or other efforts related to the oil and gas industry, including but not
limited to, any location as to which the Company has devoted any efforts for production,
analysis, joint venture consideration or interest even if efforts for the actual exploration
or production of oil and gas have not yet commended and also specifically includes all
matters encompassed within Article VI, Paragraph 6.1 hereof.




     (d) “Cause” shall mean Executive (i) has engaged in gross negligence, gross
incompetence, or willful misconduct in the performance of his duties, (ii) has refused,
without proper reason, to perform his duties, (iii) has materially breached any provision of
this Agreement or corporate policy or code of conduct established by Company, (iv) has
willfully engaged in conduct that is materially injurious to Company or its subsidiaries
(monetarily or otherwise), (v) has committed an act of fraud, embezzlement, or breach of a
fiduciary duty to Company or an affiliate of Company (including the unauthorized disclosure
of confidential or proprietary material information of Company or an affiliate), (vi) has
been convicted of (or pleaded no contest to) a crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral
turpitude or any felony, or (vii) has been convicted for any violation of U.S. or foreign
securities laws or has entered into a cease and desist order



 









 






with the Securities and Exchange Commission alleging violation of U.S. or foreign
securities laws.




     (e) “Change of Control” shall mean a “Change in Control,” as defined under the
Incentive Plan as in effect on the Effective Date.




     (f) “Change of Control Period” shall mean, with respect to a Change of Control, the
one-year period beginning on the date upon which such Change of Control occurs.




     (g) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.




     (h) “Compensation Committee” shall mean the Compensation and Nominating Committee of
the Board.




     (i) “Disability” shall mean that, as a result of Executive’s incapacity due to physical
or mental illness, Executive shall have been absent from the full-time performance of his
duties for six consecutive months and shall not have returned to full-time performance of
his duties within 30 days after written notice of termination is given to Executive by
Company (provided, however, that such notice may not be given prior to 30 days before the
expiration of such six-month period).




     (j) “Effective Date” shall mean October 1, 2009.




     (k) “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any one or more of the following:




     (i) a material diminution in Executive’s Annual Base Salary not in accordance
with Section 4.1;




     (ii) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or
responsibilities from those applicable to him as of the Effective Date;




     (iii) a material change in the geographic location at which Executive must
perform services, which for purposes of this Agreement includes only Company
requiring Executive to involuntarily relocate the geographic location of Executive’s
principal place of employment by more than 10 miles from Houston, Texas; or




     (iv) a material breach by Company of any provision of this Agreement
(including, without limitation, the requirements of paragraphs 2.2, 4.2, or 4.3 of
this Agreement) .




Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.1(j) or any other provision in
this Agreement to the contrary, any assertion by Executive of a termination of employment
for “Good Reason” shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are
satisfied: (1) the condition described in clauses (i) through (iv) of this Section 1.1(j)
giving rise to Executive’s termination of employment must have arisen



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without Executive’s consent; (2) Executive must provide written notice to Company of such
condition in accordance with Section 9.3 within 30 days of the initial existence of the
condition; (3) the condition specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for a period
of 30 days following receipt of such notice by Company; and (4) the date of Executive’s
termination of employment must occur within one year following the initial existence of the
condition specified in such notice.




     (l) “Incentive Plan” shall mean the Company’s 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.




     (m) “Involuntary Termination” shall mean any termination of Executive’s employment with
Company which:




     (i) does not result from a resignation by Executive (other than a resignation
pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 1.1(l)); or




     (ii) results from a resignation by Executive for Good Reason;




provided, however, the term “Involuntary Termination” shall not include a
termination for Cause or any termination as a result of death or Disability.




     (n) “Payment Date” shall mean the later of (i) the date that is 30 days after
Executive’s termination of employment with Company or (ii) the date upon which the Release
described in Section 5.6 becomes irrevocable by Executive.



     1.2 Interpretations. In this Agreement, unless a clear contrary intention appears, (a) the
words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder,” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as
a whole and not to any particular Article, Section, or other subdivision, (b) reference to any
Article or Section means such Article or Section hereof, (c) the word “including” (and with
correlative meaning, “include”) means including, without limiting the generality of any description
preceding such term, and (d) where any provision of this Agreement refers to action to be taken by
either party, or which such party is prohibited from taking, such provision shall be applicable
whether such action is taken directly or indirectly by such party.



ARTICLE II




EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES




     2.1 Employment. Effective as of the Effective Date and continuing for the period of time set
forth in Section 3.1 of this Agreement, Executive’s employment by Company shall be subject to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement.



     2.2 Positions. From and after the Effective Date, Company shall employ Executive in the
positions of Executive Vice President Exploration of the Company or in such other position or
positions as the parties mutually may agree.



     2.3 Duties and Services. Executive agrees to serve in the positions referred to in Section
2.2 and to perform diligently and to the best of his abilities the duties and services



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appertaining to such offices, as well as such additional duties and services appropriate to
such offices which the parties mutually may agree upon from time to time. Executive also agrees to
serve, if elected, as an officer or director of any subsidiary or affiliate of Company so long as
such service is commensurate with Executive’s duties and responsibilities to Company. Executive’s
employment shall also be subject to the policies maintained and established by Company that are of
general applicability to Company’s Executives, as such policies may be amended from time to time.




     2.4 Other Interests. Executive agrees, during the period of his employment by Company, to
devote substantially all of his business time, energy, and best efforts to the business and affairs
of Company and its affiliates and not to engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business or
businesses, whether or not similar to that of Company, except with the consent of the Board. The
foregoing notwithstanding, the parties recognize and agree that Executive may engage in passive
personal investment and charitable activities that do not conflict with the business and affairs of
Company or interfere with Executive’s performance of his duties hereunder, which shall be at the
sole determination of the Board.



     2.5 Duty of Loyalty. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive owes a fiduciary duty
of loyalty to act at all times in the best interests of Company. In keeping with such duty,
Executive shall make full disclosure to Company of all business opportunities pertaining to
Company’s business and shall not appropriate for Executive’s own benefit business opportunities
concerning Company’s business.



     2.6 Place of Employment. Executive’s place of employment hereunder shall be at Company’s
executive offices in the greater Houston, Texas metropolitan area.



ARTICLE III




TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT




     3.1 Term. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, Company agrees to
employ Executive for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary
of the Effective Date.



     3.2 Company’s Right to Terminate. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3.1, Company
shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment under this Agreement at any time for any
of the following reasons:




     (a) upon Executive’s death;




     (b) upon Executive’s Disability;




     (c) for Cause; or




     (d) at any time, for any other reason whatsoever, in the sole discretion of the Board.



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     3.3 Executive’s Right to Terminate. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3.1, Executive
shall have the right to terminate his employment under this Agreement for any of the following
reasons:




     (a) for Good Reason; or




     (b) at any time for any other reason whatsoever, in the sole discretion of Executive.



     3.4 Notice of Termination. If Company desires to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder
at any time prior to expiration of the term of employment as provided in Section 3.1, it shall do
so by giving written notice to Executive that it has elected to terminate Executive’s employment
hereunder and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such
action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof or rights arising hereunder. If Executive
desires to terminate his employment hereunder at any time prior to expiration of the term of
employment as provided in Section 3.1, he shall do so by giving a 30-day written notice to Company
that he has elected to terminate his employment hereunder and stating the effective date and reason
for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof
or rights arising hereunder.



     3.5 Deemed Resignations. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Company and Executive prior
to the termination of Executive’s employment, any termination of Executive’s employment shall
constitute an automatic resignation of Executive as an officer of Company and each affiliate of
Company and an automatic resignation of Executive from the Board (if applicable) and from the board
of directors or similar governing body of any affiliate of Company and from the board of directors
or similar governing body of any corporation, limited liability entity, or other entity in which
Company or any affiliate holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or similar
governing body Executive serves as Company’s or such affiliate’s designee or other representative.



     3.6 Meaning of Termination of Employment. For all purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall
be considered to have terminated employment with Company when Executive incurs a “separation from
service” with Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code and applicable
administrative guidance issued thereunder.



ARTICLE IV




COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS




     4.1 Base Salary. During the period of this Agreement, Executive shall receive a minimum base
salary of $180,000 per annum. Executive’s base salary shall be reviewed by the Compensation
Committee on an annual basis, and, in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, such base
salary may be increased, but not decreased (except with the prior written consent of Executive),
effective as of any date determined by the Compensation Committee. Executive’s base salary shall
be paid in equal installments in accordance with Company’s standard policy regarding payment of
compensation to Executives but no less frequently than monthly.



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4.2 Bonuses and Long-Term Incentive.





     (a) Annual Bonus. Executive shall be eligible to participate in Company’s annual bonus
plan or plans applicable to Executive as approved from time to time by the Board or by the
Compensation Committee in amounts to be determined by the Compensation Committee based upon
criteria established by the Compensation Committee.




     (b) Long-Term Incentive Plan. Subject to the sole discretion of the Board or the
Compensation Committee, Executive shall also be eligible for participation in the Incentive
Plan or such other long-term incentive arrangement of Company as may from time to time be
made available to other Executives (and such other Executives as may be selected for
participation by the Board or Compensation Committee) of Company. Any awards made under the
Incentive Plan or such other arrangements shall be governed by Section 5.9 herein.



4.3 Other Perquisites. During his employment hereunder, Executive shall be afforded the
following benefits as incidences of his employment:





     (a) Business and Entertainment Expenses — Subject to Company’s standard policies and
procedures with respect to expense reimbursement as applied to its Executives generally,
Company shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf of Executive, reasonable and
appropriate expenses incurred by Executive for business-related purposes, including dues and
fees to industry and professional organizations and costs of entertainment and business
development.




     (b) Vacation — During his employment hereunder, Executive shall be entitled to four
weeks of paid vacation each calendar year (or a pro rata portion of such four-week vacation
period for any partial year) and to all holidays provided to Executives of Company
generally.




     (c) Other Company Benefits — Executive and, to the extent applicable, Executive’s
spouse, dependents, and beneficiaries, shall be allowed to participate in all benefits,
plans, and programs, including improvements or modifications of the same, which are now, or
may hereafter be, available to other Executives of Company. Such benefits, plans, and
programs shall include, without limitation, any profit sharing plan, thrift plan, health
insurance or health care plan, life insurance, disability insurance, pension plan,
supplemental retirement plan, vacation and sick leave plan, and the like which may be
maintained by Company. Company shall not, however, by reason of this paragraph be obligated
to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending, or discontinuing, any such
benefit plan or program, so long as such changes are similarly applicable to Executives
generally.



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ARTICLE V




EFFECT OF TERMINATION ON COMPENSATION; ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS




     5.1 Termination Other Than an Involuntary Termination. If Executive’s employment hereunder
shall terminate upon expiration of the term provided in Section 3.1 hereof or if Executive’s
employment hereunder shall terminate for any other reason except those described in Sections 5.2
and 5.3, then Company shall continue to provide all compensation and benefits to Executive
hereunder until the date of such termination of employment, and such compensation and benefits
shall terminate contemporaneously with such termination of employment.



     5.2 Involuntary Termination Other Than During a Change of Control Period. Subject to the
provisions of Sections 5.6 and 5.7 hereof, if Executive’s employment by Company or any subsidiary
thereof or successor thereto shall be subject to an Involuntary Termination which occurs prior to
the date that Change of Control Period begins or after the expiration of a Change of Control
Period, then Company shall, as additional compensation for services rendered to Company (including
its subsidiaries), pay to Executive the following amounts and take the following actions:




     (a) Pay Executive a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to Executive’s Annual Base
Salary on or before the Payment Date.




     (b) During the portion, if any, of the 12-month period commencing on the date of such
Involuntary Termination that Executive is eligible to elect and elects to continue coverage
for himself and his eligible dependents under Company’s or a subsidiary’s group health
plans, as applicable, under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as
amended, and/or Sections 601 through 608 of the Executive Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended, Company shall promptly reimburse Executive on a monthly basis for the
difference between the amount Executive pays to effect and continue such coverage and the
Executive contribution amount that active Executives of Company pay for the same or similar
coverage under such group health plans; provided, however, that such reimbursement shall
cease to be effective if and to the extent Executive becomes eligible to receive medical
and/or dental coverage from a subsequent employer (and any such eligibility shall be
promptly reported to Company by Executive).




     (c) If Executive’s employment with Company is subject to a termination due to
Executive’s death or Disability, any and all outstanding options to purchase common stock or
stock grants of Company held by Executive shall become fully vested and immediately
exercisable in full as of the Payment Date and shall cause any and all restricted shares of
the Company’s common stock held by Executive to become immediately nonforfeitable as of the
Payment Date.




     (d) Involuntary Termination During a Change of Control Period. Subject to the
provisions of Sections 5.6 and 5.7, if Executive’s employment by Company or any subsidiary
thereof or successor thereto shall be subject to an Involuntary Termination



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during a Change of Control Period, then Company shall, as additional compensation for
services rendered to Company (including its subsidiaries), pay to Executive the following
amounts and take the following actions:




     (e) Pay Executive a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to two times Executive’s
Annual Base Salary on or before the Payment Date.




     (f) During the portion, if any, of the 12-month period commencing on the date of such
Involuntary Termination that Executive is eligible to elect and elects to continue coverage
for himself and his eligible dependents under Company’s or a subsidiary’s group health
plans, as applicable, under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as
amended, and/or Sections 601 through 608 of the Executive Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended, Company shall promptly reimburse Executive on a monthly basis for the
difference between the amount Executive pays to effect and continue such coverage and the
Executive contribution amount that active Executives of Company pay for the same or similar
coverage under such group health plans; provided, however, that such reimbursement shall
cease to be effective if and to the extent Executive becomes eligible to receive medical
and/or dental coverage from a subsequent employer (and any such eligibility shall be
promptly reported to Company by Executive).




     (g) Cause any and all outstanding options to purchase common stock of Company held by
Executive to be fully vested and to become immediately exercisable in full as of the Payment
Date and cause any and all restricted shares of the Company’s common stock held by Executive
to become immediately nonforfeitable as of the Payment Date.



     5.3 Interest on Late Payments. If any payment provided for in Section 5.2 or 5.3 hereof is
not made when due (applying the deferred payment date provided for in Section 5.7 as the due date,
if applicable) then Company shall pay to Executive interest on the amount payable from the date
that such payment should have been made under such Section until such payment is made, which
interest shall be calculated at the prime or base rate of interest announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank
(or any successor thereto) at its principal office in New York and shall change when and as any
such change in such prime or base rate shall be announced by such bank.



     5.4 Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the
event that any payment, distribution, or provision of a benefit by Company to or for the benefit of
Executive, whether paid or payable, distributed or distributable, or provided or to be provided
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise
tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise
tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest or penalties, are hereinafter collectively
referred to as the “Excise Tax”), Company shall pay to Executive on or as soon as administratively
practicable following the day on which the Excise Tax is remitted by or on behalf of Executive (but
no later than the end of the taxable year following the year in which the Excise Tax is remitted)
an additional payment (a “Gross-up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by Executive of
all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed



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with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax imposed on any Gross-up Payment,
Executive retains an amount of the Gross-up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the
Payments. Company and Executive shall make an initial determination as to whether a Gross-up
Payment is required and the amount of any such Gross-up Payment. Executive shall notify Company in
writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service which, if successful, would require Company to
make a Gross-up Payment (or a Gross-up Payment in excess of that, if any, initially determined by
Company and Executive) within ten days of the receipt of such claim. Company shall notify
Executive in writing at least ten days prior to the due date of any response required with respect
to such claim if it plans to contest the claim. If Company decides to contest such claim,
Executive shall cooperate fully with Company in such action; provided, however, Company shall bear
and pay directly or indirectly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties)
incurred in connection with such action and shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an
after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect
thereto, imposed as a result of Company’s action. If, as a result of Company’s action with respect
to a claim, Executive receives a refund of any amount paid by Company with respect to such claim,
Executive shall promptly pay such refund to Company. If Company fails to timely notify Executive
whether it will contest such claim or Company determines not to contest such claim, then Company
shall immediately pay to Executive the portion of such claim, if any, which it has not previously
paid to Executive.




     5.5 Release and Full Settlement. As a condition to the receipt of any severance compensation
and benefits under this Agreement, Executive must first execute a release and agreement, in a form
reasonably satisfactory to Company, which (a) shall release and discharge Company and its
affiliates, and their officers, directors, Executives, and agents, from any and all claims or
causes of action of any kind or character, including all claims or causes of action arising out of
Executive’s employment with Company or its affiliates or the termination of such employment, and
(b) must be effective and irrevocable within 55 days after the termination of Executive’s
employment. If Executive is entitled to and receives the benefits provided hereunder, performance
of the obligations of Company hereunder will constitute full settlement of all claims that
Executive might otherwise assert against Company on account of Executive’s termination of
employment.



     5.6 Payments Subject to Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of
this Article 5, if the payment of any severance compensation or severance benefits under this
Agreement would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code because
the timing of such payment is not delayed as provided in Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, then
any such payments that Executive (or Executive’s estate) would otherwise be entitled to during the
first six months following the date of Executive’s termination of employment shall be accumulated
and paid on the date that is six months after the date of Executive’s termination of employment (or
if such payment date does not fall on a business day of Company, the next following business day of
Company), or such earlier date upon which such amount can be paid under Section 409A of the Code
without being subject to such additional taxes and interest. Executive hereby agrees to be bound
by Company’s determination of its “specified Executives” (as such term is defined in Section 409A
of the Code) in accordance with any of the methods permitted under the regulations issued under
Section 409A of the Code.



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     5.7 Liquidated Damages. In light of the difficulties in estimating the damages for an early
termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, Company and Executive hereby agree that
the payments, if any, to be received by Executive pursuant to this Article 5 shall be received by
Executive as liquidated damages.



     5.8 Other Benefits. This Agreement governs the rights and obligations of Executive and
Company with respect to Executive’s base salary and certain perquisites of employment. Except as
expressly provided herein, Executive’s rights and obligations both during the term of his
employment and thereafter with respect to stock options, restricted stock, incentive and deferred
compensation, life insurance policies insuring the life of Executive, and other benefits under the
plans and programs maintained by Company shall be governed by the separate agreements, plans and
other documents and instruments governing such matters.



ARTICLE VI




PROTECTION OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION




6.1 Disclosure to and Property of Company.





     (a) Confidential Information. All information, designs, ideas, concepts, improvements,
product developments, discoveries, and inventions, whether patentable or not, that are
conceived, made, developed, or acquired by Executive, individually or in conjunction with
others, during the period of Executive’s employment by Company (whether during business
hours or otherwise and whether on Company’s premises or otherwise) that relate to Company’s
(or any of its affiliates’) business, trade secrets, products, or services (including,
without limitation, all such information relating to corporate opportunities, product
specification, compositions, manufacturing and distribution methods and processes, research,
forms, policies, procedures, financial and sales data, pricing terms, costs, evaluations,
opinions, interpretations, acquisition prospects, Executive lists, property lists, the
identity of customers or their requirements, the identity of key contacts within the
customer’s organizations or within the organization of acquisition prospects, marketing and
merchandising techniques, business plans, negotiation and documentation strategies, computer
software or programs, computer software and database technologies, prospective names, and
marks (collectively, “Confidential Information”) shall be disclosed to Company and are and
shall be the sole and exclusive property of Company (or its affiliates).




     (b) Work Product. Moreover, all documents, videotapes, written presentations,
brochures, drawings, memoranda, notes, records, files, correspondence, manuals, models,
specifications, computer programs, E-mail, voice mail, electronic databases, maps, drawings,
architectural renditions, proposals, and all other writings or materials of any type
embodying any of such information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries, inventions,
and other similar forms of expression (including but not limited to (i) maps, data, and
reports that relate to results of exploration, drilling, drill cores, cuttings, and other
samples relating to the production and operation of Company’s oil and gas properties
(whether owned or prospective) and (ii) title opinions; abstracts of title; land,
accounting, production, or operating expense records; engineering,



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geological, or geophysical data; development plans and permits; or any other material
or writing of whatever kind embodying any other information relating to the production and
operation of Company’s oil and gas properties (whether owned or prospective)) (collectively,
“Work Product”) are and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Company (or its
affiliates).



     Upon Executive’s termination of employment with Company, for any reason, Executive promptly
shall deliver such Confidential Information and Work Product, and all copies thereof, to Company.



     6.2 Disclosure to Executive. Company has and will disclose to Executive, or place Executive
in a position to have access to or develop, Confidential Information and Work Product of Company
(or its affiliates); and/or has and will entrust Executive with business opportunities of Company
(or its affiliates); and/or has and will place Executive in a position to develop business good
will on behalf of Company (or its affiliates). Executive agrees to preserve and protect the
confidentiality of all Confidential Information or Work Product of Company (or its affiliates).



     6.3 No Unauthorized Use or Disclosure. Executive agrees that he will not, at any time during
or after Executive’s employment by Company, make any unauthorized disclosure of, and will prevent
the removal from Company premises of, Confidential Information or Work Product of Company (or its
affiliates), or will not make any use thereof, except in the carrying out of Executive’s
responsibilities during the course of Executive’s employment with Company. Executive shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to cause all persons or entities to which any Confidential
Information shall be disclosed by him hereunder to observe the terms and conditions set forth
herein as though each such person or entity was bound hereby. Executive shall have no obligation
hereunder to keep confidential any Confidential Information if and to the extent disclosure thereof
is specifically required by law; provided, however, that in the event disclosure is required by
applicable law, Executive shall provide Company with prompt notice of such requirement prior to
making any such disclosure, so that Company may seek an appropriate protective order. At the
request of Company at any time, Executive agrees to deliver to Company all Confidential Information
that he may possess or control. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information of Company
(whether now or hereafter existing) conceived, discovered, or made by him during the period of
Executive’s employment by Company exclusively belongs to Company (and not to Executive), and
Executive will promptly disclose such Confidential Information to Company and perform all actions
reasonably requested by Company to establish and confirm such exclusive ownership. Affiliates of
Company shall be third party beneficiaries of Executive’s obligations under this Article 6. As a
result of Executive’s employment by Company, Executive may also from time to time have access to,
or knowledge of, Confidential Information or Work Product of third parties, such as customers,
suppliers, partners, joint venturers, and the like, of Company and its affiliates. Executive also
agrees to preserve and protect the confidentiality of such third party Confidential Information and
Work Product to the same extent, and on the same basis, as Company’s Confidential Information and
Work Product.



     6.4 Ownership by Company. If, during Executive’s employment by Company, Executive creates any
work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression that is the



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subject matter of copyright (such as videotapes, written presentations, or acquisitions,
computer programs, E-mail, voice mail, electronic databases, drawings, maps, architectural
renditions, models, manuals, brochures, or the like) relating to Company’s business, products, or
services, whether such work is created solely by Executive or jointly with others (whether during
business hours or otherwise and whether on Company’s premises or otherwise), including any Work
Product, Company shall be deemed the author of such work if the work is prepared by Executive in
the scope of Executive’s employment; or, if the work is not prepared by Executive within the scope
of Executive’s employment but is specially ordered by Company as a contribution to a collective
work, as a part of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, as a translation, as a supplementary
work, as a compilation, or as an instructional text, then the work shall be considered to be work
made for hire and Company shall be the author of the work. If such work is neither prepared by
Executive within the scope of Executive’s employment nor a work specially ordered that is deemed to
be a work made for hire, then Executive hereby agrees to assign, and by these presents does assign,
to Company all of Executive’s worldwide right, title, and interest in and to such work and all
rights of copyright therein.




     6.5 Assistance by Executive. During the period of Executive’s employment by Company and
thereafter, Executive shall assist Company and its nominee, at any time, in the protection of
Company’s (or its affiliates’) worldwide right, title, and interest in and to Work Product and the
execution of all formal assignment documents requested by Company or its nominee and the execution
of all lawful oaths and applications for patents and registration of copyright in the United States
and foreign countries.



     6.6 Remedies. Executive acknowledges that money damages would not be sufficient remedy for
any breach of this Article 6 by Executive, and Company or its affiliates shall be entitled to
enforce the provisions of this Article 6 by terminating payments then owing to Executive under this
Agreement or otherwise and to specific performance and injunctive relief as remedies for such
breach or any threatened breach. Such remedies shall not be deemed the exclusive remedies for a
breach of this Article 6 but shall be in addition to all remedies available at law or in equity,
including the recovery of damages from Executive and his agents.



ARTICLE VII




NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION OBLIGATIONS




     7.1 General. As part of the consideration for Company’s employment of Executive and the
compensation and benefits that may be paid to Executive hereunder; to protect the trade secrets and
Confidential Information of Company and its affiliates that will in the future be disclosed or
entrusted to Executive, the business good will of Company and its affiliates that will in the
future be developed in Executive, or the business opportunities that will in the future be
disclosed or entrusted to Executive by Company or its affiliates; and as an additional incentive
for Company to enter into this Agreement, Company and Executive agree to the provisions of this
Article 7. Executive agrees that during his employment with Company and for a period of one year
following the termination of Executive’s employment with Company for any reason (the “Non-Compete
Period”), Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of Company:



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     (a) directly or indirectly participate in the ownership, management, operation, or
control of, or be connected as an officer, Executive, partner, director, consultant,
contractor, or otherwise with, or have any financial interest in or aid or assist anyone
else in the conduct of, any oil and gas exploration or production business in any of the
Business Territories of the Company (a “Competitive Operation”); provided, however, that
this provision shall not preclude Executive after the termination of his employment with
Company from owning less than 2% of the equity securities of any publicly held Competitive
Operation so long as Executive does not serve as an Executive, officer, director, or
consultant to such business;




     (b) call upon any prospective acquisition candidate on Executive’s own behalf or on
behalf of any Competitive Operation, which candidate is a Competitive Operation or which
candidate was, to Executive’s knowledge after due inquiry, either called upon by Company or
an affiliate or for which Company or an affiliate made an acquisition analysis, for the
purpose of acquiring such entity; or




     (c) directly or indirectly, either as principal, agent, independent contractor,
consultant, director, officer, Executive, employer, advisor, member, stockholder, partner,
or in any other individual or representative capacity whatsoever, either for his own benefit
or for the benefit of any other person or entity either (i) hire, contract, or solicit or
attempt any of the foregoing with respect to hiring any then present Executive (or person
who was an Executive at any time during the six-month period prior to termination of
Executive’s employment) of Company or any affiliate, or (ii) induce or otherwise counsel,
advise, or encourage any Executive of Company or any affiliate to leave the employment of
Company or any affiliate.



     7.2 Non-Disparagement. During Executive’s employment with Company and following any
termination of employment with Company, Executive and Company agree not to disparage, either orally
or in writing, Executive, Company, or any of affiliates’ business, products, services, or
practices, or any of Company’s or its affiliates’ directors, officers, agents, representatives,
stockholders, partners, members, Executives, or affiliates.



     7.3 New Employer. Executive agrees that prior to accepting any new employment during the
Non-Compete Period, Executive shall advise Company of the identity of the potential new employer.
Company may serve such new employer with notice of the non-competition restrictions set forth in
this Article 7 and may furnish such employer with a copy of this Agreement or the relevant portions
thereof.



     7.4 Remedies. Executive acknowledges that money damages would not be sufficient remedy for
any breach of this Article 7 by Executive, and Company or its affiliates shall be entitled to
enforce the provisions of this Article 7 by terminating payments then owing to Executive under this
Agreement or otherwise and to specific performance and injunctive relief as remedies for such
breach or any threatened breach. Such remedies shall not be deemed the exclusive remedies for a
breach of this Article 7 but shall be in addition to all remedies available at law or in equity,
including the recovery of damages from Executive and his agents.



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     7.5 Reformation. Company and Executive agree that the foregoing restrictions are reasonable
under the circumstances and that any breach of the covenants contained in this Article 7 would
cause irreparable injury to Company. Executive understands that the foregoing restrictions may
limit Executive’s ability to engage in certain businesses anywhere in the United States during the
Non-Compete Period but acknowledges that Executive will receive sufficiently high remuneration and
other benefits from Company to justify such restriction. Further, Executive acknowledges that his
skills are such that he can be gainfully employed in non-competitive employment and that the
agreement not to compete will in no way prevent him from earning a living. Nevertheless, if any of
the aforesaid restrictions are found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unreasonable, or
overly broad as to geographic area or time, or otherwise unenforceable, the parties intend for the
restrictions therein set forth to be modified by the court making such determination so as to be
reasonable and enforceable and, as so modified, to be fully enforced. By agreeing to this
contractual modification prospectively at this time, Company and Executive intend to make this
provision enforceable under the law or laws of all applicable States so that the entire agreement
not to compete and this Agreement as prospectively modified shall remain in full force and effect
and shall not be rendered void or illegal. Such modification shall not affect the payments made to
Executive under this Agreement.



ARTICLE VIII




DISPUTE RESOLUTION




     8.1 General. Executive and the Company explicitly recognize that no provision of this Article
VIII shall prevent either party from seeking to resolve any dispute relating to Article VI or
Article VII or this Agreement in a court of law.



     8.2 Negotiation. The parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute arising out
of or relating to this Agreement promptly by negotiations between Executive and an executive
officer of Company who has authority to settle the controversy. Any party may give the other party
written notice of any dispute not resolved in the normal course of business. Within ten days after
the effective date of such notice, Executive and an executive officer of Company shall meet at a
mutually acceptable time and place within the Houston, Texas metropolitan area, and thereafter as
often as they reasonably deem necessary, to exchange relevant information and to attempt to resolve
the dispute. If the matter has not been resolved within 30 days of the disputing party’s notice,
or if the parties fail to meet within ten days, either party may initiate arbitration of the
controversy or claim as provided in Section 8.3 below. If a negotiator intends to be accompanied
at a meeting by an attorney, the other negotiator shall be given at least three business days’
notice of such intention and may also be accompanied by an attorney. All negotiations pursuant to
this Section 8.2 shall be treated as compromise and settlement negotiations for the purposes of the
federal and state rules of evidence and procedure.



     8.3 Arbitration. Company and Executive agree that after efforts to negotiate any dispute in
accordance with Section 8.2 have failed, then either party may by written notice (the “Notice”)
demand arbitration of the dispute as set out below, and each party hereto expressly agrees to
submit to, and be bound by, such arbitration.



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     (a) Each party will, within ten business days of the Notice, nominate an arbitrator,
who shall be a non-neutral arbitrator. Each nominated arbitrator must be someone experienced
in dispute resolution and of good character without moral turpitude and not within the
employ or direct or indirect influence of the nominating party. The two nominated
arbitrators will, within ten business days of nomination, agree upon a third arbitrator, who
shall be neutral. If the two appointed arbitrators cannot agree on a third arbitrator within
such period, the parties may seek such an appointment through any permitted court proceeding
or by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The three arbitrators will set the
rules and timing of the arbitration, but will generally follow the rules of the AAA and this
Agreement where same are applicable and shall provide for a reasoned opinion.




     (b) The arbitration hearing will in no event take place more than 180 days after the
appointment of the third arbitrator.




     (c) The arbitration will take place in Houston, Texas unless otherwise unanimously
agreed to by the parties.




     (d) The results of the arbitration and the decision of the arbitrators will be final
and binding on the parties, and each party agrees and acknowledges that these results shall
be enforceable in a court of law.




     (e) All administrative costs and expenses of the mediation and arbitration shall be
borne equally by the Company and Executive during the pendency of the proceedings. Such
costs and expenses do not include attorney’s fees, expert witness fees or other party
generated expenses. Upon the conclusion of the proceedings, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover reasonable and necessary attorneys’ fees, expert witness fees, and costs
and expenses of arbitration.



ARTICLE IX




MISCELLANEOUS




     9.1 Indemnification. Company agrees that, in the event Executive’s employment by Company or
any subsidiary thereof or successor thereto shall be subject to an Involuntary Termination, Company
shall continue to indemnify Executive following such Involuntary Termination to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law consistent with the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of Company in
effect as of the date of the Involuntary Termination with respect to Executive’s sole, joint, or
concurrent negligence and any acts of or omissions he may have committed during the period during
which he was an officer, director, and/or Executive of (a) Company, (b) any subsidiary thereof for
which he served as an officer, director, or Executive at the request of Company, or (c) any
successor thereto. Any reimbursement of reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements required
under this Section 9.1 shall be made not later than the close of Executive’s taxable year following
the taxable year in which Executive incurs the expense; provided, however, that, upon Executive’s
termination of employment with Company, in no event shall any additional reimbursement be made
prior to the date that is six months after the date of Executive’s termination of employment to the
extent such payment



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delay is required under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code. In no event shall any
reimbursement be made to Executive for such fees and disbursements incurred after the later of (1)
Executive’s death or (2) the date that is ten years after the date of Executive’s termination of
employment with Company.




     9.2 Payment Obligations Absolute. Except as specifically provided in Sections 6.6 and 7.4,
Company’s obligation to pay (or cause one of its subsidiaries to pay) Executive the amounts and to
make the arrangements provided herein shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected
by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment,
defense, or other right which Company (including its subsidiaries) may have against Executive or
anyone else. All amounts payable by Company (including its subsidiaries hereunder) shall be paid
without notice or demand. Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation
of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Agreement, and, except as
provided in Sections 5.2(b) and 5.3(b) hereof, the obtaining of any such other employment shall in
no event effect any reduction of Company’s obligations to make (or cause to be made) the payments
and arrangements required to be made under this Agreement.



     9.3 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided
for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally
delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, addressed as follows:



	 	 	 	 	 

	 

	 	If to Company to:
	 	Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation

777 Post Oak Blvd.

Suite 910

Houston, Texas 77056

Attention: Chairman
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	If to Executive to:
	 	H.C. “Kip” Ferguson

6266 Burgoyne Drive

Houston, TX 77057






or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance
herewith, except that notices or changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.




     9.4 Applicable Law; Submission to Jurisdiction.




     (a) This Agreement is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by,
the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of law principals thereof.




     (b) With respect to any claim or dispute related to or arising under this Agreement,
the parties hereto hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction, forum, and venue of the
state or federal (to the extent federal jurisdiction exists) courts located in Harris County
in the State of Texas.



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     9.5 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by
the other party of or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement
shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any
prior or subsequent time.



     9.6 Severability. Any provision in this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction by reason of applicable law shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the
extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating or affecting the remaining
provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not
invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.



     9.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same
Agreement.



     9.8 Withholding of Taxes and Other Executive Deductions. Company may withhold from any
benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city, and other taxes as
may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other customary
Executive deductions made with respect to Company’s Executives generally.



     9.9 Headings. The Section headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall
not be used for interpretive purposes.



     9.10 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the
feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.



     9.11 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Company and
any successor of Company, by merger or otherwise. This Agreement shall also be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of Executive and his estate. If Executive shall die prior to full payment of
amounts due pursuant to this Agreement, such amounts shall be payable pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement to his estate. Executive shall not have any right to pledge, hypothecate, anticipate, or
assign this Agreement or the rights hereunder, except by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.



     9.12 Term. This Agreement has a term co-extensive with the term of employment provided in
Section 3.1. Termination of this Agreement shall not affect any right or obligation of any party
which is accrued or vested prior to such termination. The provisions of Section 3.5 and Articles 6
and 7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall be binding upon Executive and his
or her legal representatives, successors, and assigns following such termination.



     9.13 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with
regard to the subject matter hereof and contains all the covenants, promises, representations,
warranties, and agreements between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Without
limiting the scope of the preceding sentence, all understandings and agreements preceding the date
of execution of this Agreement and relating to the subject matter hereof are hereby null and void
and of no further force and effect, including, without limitation, all prior



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employment and severance agreements, if any, by and between Company and Executive. Any
modification of this Agreement will be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party
to be charged.




[Signatures begin on next page.]




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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the _____ day of
October 2009, to be effective as of the Effective Date.



	 	 	 	 	 

	 

	 	Company	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

Gary C. Evans
	 	 
	 

	 	Chairman	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Executive	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	/s/  H.C. “Kip” Ferguson	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	H.C. “Kip” Ferguson	 	 







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