Document:

exv10w2

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

by and among

APPROACH RESOURCES INC.,

THE STOCKHOLDERS OF

APPROACH OIL & GAS INC.,

APPROACH OIL & GAS INC.,

LUBAR EQUITY FUND, LLC,

YORKTOWN ENERGY PARTNERS VII, L.P.

and

NEO CANYON EXPLORATION, L.P.

and joined in by

THE GENERAL PARTNER OF NEO CANYON EXPLORATION, L.P.

June 29, 2007

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Page
	ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS
	 	 	1	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE II. CONTRIBUTION TRANSACTION
	 	 	9	 
	2.1 Contribution of AOG Common Stock to ARI
	 	 	9	 
	2.2 Contribution of Neo Canyon Assets to ARI
	 	 	9	 
	2.3 Contribution of Lubar Note to ARI
	 	 	9	 
	2.4 Contribution of Yorktown Note to ARI
	 	 	9	 
	2.5 Issuance of New Certificates
	 	 	9	 
	2.6 Certificate Legends
	 	 	9	 
	2.7 Fractional Shares
	 	 	10	 
	2.8 Certain Adjustments
	 	 	10	 
	2.9 Proration of Costs and Revenues
	 	 	10	 
	2.10 Receipts Not Reflected
	 	 	10	 
	2.11 Expenses Not Reflected
	 	 	11	 
	2.12 Transfer Taxes
	 	 	11	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE III. CLOSING
	 	 	11	 
	3.1 Time and Place
	 	 	11	 
	3.2 Deliveries at Closing
	 	 	12	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF AOG
	 	 	12	 
	4.1 Organization and Power
	 	 	12	 
	4.2 Authorizations; Execution and Validity
	 	 	12	 
	4.3 Capitalization
	 	 	12	 
	4.4 Financial Statements; Other Financial Data
	 	 	13	 
	4.5 Consents
	 	 	13	 
	4.6 No Defaults or Conflicts
	 	 	14	 
	4.7 Agreements, Contracts and Commitments
	 	 	14	 
	4.8 Litigation
	 	 	14	 
	4.9 ERISA Compliance; Labor
	 	 	14	 
	4.10 Taxes
	 	 	15	 
	4.11 Brokers
	 	 	16	 
	4.12 Absence of Certain Changes or Events
	 	 	16	 
	4.13 Compliance with Laws
	 	 	16	 
	4.14 Transactions with Related Parties
	 	 	16	 
	4.15 Agents
	 	 	17	 
	4.16 Books and Records
	 	 	17	 
	4.17 Information Furnished
	 	 	17	 
	4.18 Directors and Officers
	 	 	17	 
	4.19 Bank Accounts
	 	 	17	 
	4.20 Owned Real Property
	 	 	17	 

i 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Page
	4.21 Leased Real Property
	 	 	17	 
	4.22 Insurance
	 	 	18	 
	4.23 Title to Oil and Gas Properties
	 	 	18	 
	4.24 Environmental Matters
	 	 	18	 
	4.25 Patents, Trademarks and Similar Rights
	 	 	20	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NEO CANYON
	 	 	20	 
	5.1 Organization and Power
	 	 	20	 
	5.2 Authorization; Execution and Validity
	 	 	20	 
	5.3 Consents
	 	 	20	 
	5.4 No Defaults or Conflicts
	 	 	21	 
	5.5 Brokers
	 	 	21	 
	5.6 Litigation
	 	 	21	 
	5.7 Title to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties
	 	 	21	 
	5.8 Environmental Matters
	 	 	21	 
	5.9 Taxes and Assessments
	 	 	22	 
	5.10 Outstanding Capital Commitments
	 	 	23	 
	5.11 Compliance with Laws
	 	 	23	 
	5.12 Forward Sales
	 	 	23	 
	5.13 Properties
	 	 	23	 
	5.14 Consents and Preferential Purchase Rights
	 	 	23	 
	5.15 Contracts
	 	 	23	 
	5.16 Intentionally Omitted
	 	 	23	 
	5.17 Intentionally Omitted
	 	 	24	 
	5.18 Intellectual Property
	 	 	24	 
	5.19 Accredited Investor
	 	 	24	 
	5.20 Restricted Securities
	 	 	24	 
	5.21 Investment Intent
	 	 	24	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE VI. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE AOG STOCKHOLDERS,
LUBAR AND YORKTOWN VII
	 	 	24	 
	6.1 Organization and Good Standing
	 	 	24	 
	6.2 Authority and Enforceability
	 	 	25	 
	6.3 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents
	 	 	25	 
	6.4 Ownership
	 	 	25	 
	6.5 Accredited Investor
	 	 	25	 
	6.6 Restricted Securities
	 	 	25	 
	6.7 Investment Intent
	 	 	26	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE VII. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ARI
	 	 	26	 
	7.1 Organization and Power
	 	 	26	 
	7.2 Authorizations; Execution and Validity
	 	 	26	 
	7.3 Capitalization
	 	 	27	 
	7.4 Financial Statements; Other Financial Data
	 	 	28	 

ii 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Page
	7.5 Consents
	 	 	28	 
	7.6 No Defaults or Conflicts
	 	 	28	 
	7.7 Agreements, Contracts and Commitments
	 	 	28	 
	7.8 Litigation
	 	 	29	 
	7.9 ERISA Compliance; Labor
	 	 	29	 
	7.10 Taxes
	 	 	29	 
	7.11 Brokers
	 	 	30	 
	7.12 Absence of Certain Changes or Events
	 	 	30	 
	7.13 Compliance with Laws
	 	 	30	 
	7.14 Transactions with Related Parties
	 	 	31	 
	7.15 Agents
	 	 	31	 
	7.16 Books and Records
	 	 	31	 
	7.17 Information Furnished
	 	 	31	 
	7.18 Directors and Officers
	 	 	32	 
	7.19 Bank Accounts
	 	 	32	 
	7.20 Owned Real Property
	 	 	32	 
	7.21 Leased Real Property
	 	 	32	 
	7.22 Insurance
	 	 	32	 
	7.23 Title to Oil and Gas Properties
	 	 	33	 
	7.24 Environmental Matters
	 	 	33	 
	7.25 Patents, Trademarks and Similar Rights
	 	 	34	 
	7.26 Plugging and Abandonment
	 	 	34	 
	7.27 Additional Drilling Obligations
	 	 	34	 
	7.28 Gas Imbalances
	 	 	34	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE VIII. COVENANTS
	 	 	34	 
	8.1 Ordinary Course of Business
	 	 	34	 
	8.2 AOG Restricted Activities and Transactions
	 	 	35	 
	8.3 Neo Canyon Restricted Activities and Transactions
	 	 	36	 
	8.4 HSR and Other Regulatory Matters
	 	 	37	 
	8.5 Commercially Reasonable Efforts
	 	 	37	 
	8.6 New ARI Charter
	 	 	38	 
	8.7 Officers and Directors
	 	 	38	 
	8.8 Access to Information
	 	 	38	 
	8.9 Section 351
	 	 	38	 
	8.10 ARI Registration Statement
	 	 	38	 
	8.11 Blue Sky
	 	 	39	 
	8.12 Notification Of Certain Matters
	 	 	39	 
	8.13 Consents and Preferential Rights
	 	 	39	 
	8.14 Assumption and Indemnification
	 	 	39	 
	8.15 Indemnification Procedures
	 	 	41	 
	8.16 Limits on Indemnification
	 	 	42	 
	8.17 Further Assurances
	 	 	42	 
	8.18 Over-allotment Option
	 	 	42	 

iii 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Page
	ARTICLE IX. CONDITIONS
	 	 	42	 
	9.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party
	 	 	42	 
	9.2 Conditions to Obligations of Neo Canyon
	 	 	43	 
	9.3 Conditions to Obligations of ARI
	 	 	44	 
	9.4 Conditions to Obligations of AOG
	 	 	45	 
	9.5 Conditions to Obligations of each of the AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII
	 	 	46	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE X. TERMINATION
	 	 	47	 
	10.1 Termination
	 	 	47	 
	10.2 Effect of Termination
	 	 	47	 
	10.3 Fees and Expenses
	 	 	47	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE XI. MISCELLANEOUS
	 	 	48	 
	11.1 Waiver And Amendment
	 	 	48	 
	11.2 Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties
	 	 	48	 
	11.3 Assignment
	 	 	48	 
	11.4 Notices
	 	 	48	 
	11.5 Governing Law
	 	 	49	 
	11.6 Severability
	 	 	49	 
	11.7 Counterparts
	 	 	49	 
	11.8 Headings
	 	 	49	 
	11.9 Enforcement Of The Contribution Agreement
	 	 	50	 
	11.10 Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries
	 	 	50	 
	11.11 Certain Assignments
	 	 	50	 
	11.12 Representation
	 	 	50	 
	11.13 Joinder
	 	 	50	 

iv 

 

EXHIBITS

	 	 	 	 	 
	Exhibit A

	 	—
	 	AOG Oil and Gas Properties – Leases and Wells
	Exhibit B

	 	—
	 	ARI Oil and Gas Properties – Leases and Wells
	Exhibit C

	 	—
	 	Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties – Leases and Wells
	Exhibit D

	 	—
	 	Form of Conveyance
	Exhibit E

	 	—
	 	Registration Rights Agreement

DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES

	 	 	 	 	 
	Schedule 4.3(b)

	 	—
	 	AOG Subsidiaries
	Schedule 4.3(c)

	 	—
	 	AOG Stockholders’ Agreements and Voting Trusts
	Schedule 4.4

	 	—
	 	AOG Financial Statements
	Schedule 4.5

	 	—
	 	AOG Consents
	Schedule 4.7

	 	—
	 	AOG Material Contracts
	Schedule 4.8

	 	—
	 	AOG Legal Proceedings
	Schedule 4.9

	 	—
	 	AOG Employee Benefit Plans
	Schedule 4.10

	 	—
	 	AOG Taxes
	Schedule 4.12

	 	—
	 	Absence of Certain Changes (AOG)
	Schedule 4.14

	 	—
	 	AOG Related Parties
	Schedule 4.15

	 	—
	 	AOG Agents
	Schedule 4.18

	 	—
	 	AOG Directors and Officers
	Schedule 4.19

	 	—
	 	AOG Bank Accounts
	Schedule 4.21

	 	—
	 	AOG Real Property Leases
	Schedule 4.22

	 	—
	 	AOG Insurance
	Schedule 4.23

	 	—
	 	Title to AOG Oil and Gas Properties
	Schedule 4.24

	 	—
	 	AOG Environmental Matters
	Schedule 4.25

	 	—
	 	AOG Intellectual Property
	Schedule 5.3

	 	—
	 	Neo Canyon Consents
	Schedule 5.6

	 	—
	 	Neo Canyon Legal Proceedings
	Schedule 5.7

	 	—
	 	Title to Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties
	Schedule 5.8

	 	—
	 	Neo Canyon Environmental Matters
	Schedule 5.10

	 	—
	 	Neo Canyon Capital Commitments
	Schedule 5.12

	 	—
	 	Neo Canyon Forward Sales
	Schedule 5.13

	 	—
	 	Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties Subject to Sales Contract
	Schedule 5.14

	 	—
	 	Neo Canyon Leases Subject to Consents or Preferential Purchase Rights
	Schedule 5.15

	 	—
	 	Neo Canyon Contracts
	Schedule 5.18

	 	—
	 	Neo Canyon Intellectual Property
	Schedule 7.3(a)

	 	—
	 	ARI Capitalization
	Schedule 7.3(b)

	 	—
	 	ARI Subsidiaries
	Schedule 7.3(c)

	 	—
	 	ARI Stockholders’ Agreements and Voting Trusts
	Schedule 7.4

	 	—
	 	ARI Financial Statements
	Schedule 7.5

	 	—
	 	ARI Consents
	Schedule 7.7

	 	—
	 	ARI Material Contracts
	Schedule 7.8

	 	—
	 	ARI Legal Proceedings

v 

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	Schedule 7.9

	 	—
	 	ARI Employee Benefit Plans
	Schedule 7.10

	 	—
	 	ARI Taxes
	Schedule 7.12

	 	—
	 	ARI Financial Statements
	Schedule 7.14

	 	—
	 	ARI Related Parties
	Schedule 7.15

	 	—
	 	ARI Agents
	Schedule 7.18

	 	—
	 	ARI Directors and Officers
	Schedule 7.19

	 	—
	 	ARI Bank Accounts
	Schedule 7.21

	 	—
	 	ARI Real Property Leases
	Schedule 7.22

	 	—
	 	ARI Insurance
	Schedule 7.23

	 	—
	 	Title to ARI Oil and Gas Properties
	Schedule 7.24

	 	—
	 	ARI Environmental Matters
	Schedule 7.25

	 	—
	 	ARI Intellectual Property
	Schedule 7.27

	 	—
	 	ARI Additional Drilling Obligations
	Schedule 7.28

	 	—
	 	ARI Gas Imbalances
	Schedule 8.2

	 	—
	 	Restricted Activities

vi 

 

Execution version

CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

     THIS CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT, dated as of June 29, 2007 (this “Contribution Agreement”), is by
and among Approach Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ARI”), Approach Oil & Gas Inc., a
Delaware corporation (“AOG”), all of the stockholders of AOG listed on the signature pages hereto
(the “AOG Stockholders”), Lubar Equity Fund, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“Lubar”),
Yorktown Energy Partners VII, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Yorktown VII”), and Neo Canyon
Exploration, L.P., a Texas limited partnership (“Neo Canyon”), and is joined in by J. Cleo Thompson
Petroleum Management, L.L.C., a Texas limited liability company and the general partner of Neo
Canyon (“Neo Canyon GP”).

W I T N
E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, the AOG Stockholders currently own all of the outstanding common stock of AOG and
have agreed to transfer to ARI all of the outstanding capital stock of AOG owned by them in
exchange for shares of ARI Common Stock;

     WHEREAS, Neo Canyon currently owns certain oil and gas properties in the Ozona Northeast Field
located in Crockett and Schleicher Counties, Texas and has agreed to transfer to ARI all of its
interest in such oil and gas properties in exchange for shares of ARI Common Stock on the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;

     WHEREAS, the parties intend for the foregoing transfers to qualify under Section 351(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); and

     WHEREAS, the transactions contemplated by this Contribution Agreement shall be effective upon
the consummation of the ARI Initial Public Offering.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, representations, warranties and
agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

     The terms set forth below in this Article I shall have the meanings ascribed to them
below or in the part of this Contribution Agreement referred to below:

     “Acquisition Proposal” means (i) any proposal for a merger, consolidation or other business
combination involving ARI or AOG, (ii) any proposal or offer to acquire in any manner a substantial
equity interest in ARI or AOG, (iii) any proposal or offer to acquire in any manner a substantial
portion of the ARI Oil and Gas Properties or the AOG Oil and Gas Properties, (iv) any proposal or
offer with respect to any recapitalization or restructuring (whether of equity or debt or a
combination thereof) with respect to ARI or AOG, or (v) any proposal or offer with respect to any
other transaction similar to any of the foregoing with respect to ARI or AOG.

     “AFEs” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.10 hereto.

 

 

     “Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 of the general rules
and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on the date of this
Contribution Agreement.

     “Aggregated Group” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.9(a) hereto.

     “AOG” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.

     “AOG Audited Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4 hereto.

     “AOG Board” means the board of directors of AOG.

     “AOG Common Stock” means the common stock of AOG, par value $0.01 per share.

     “AOG Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4 hereto.

     “AOG Oil and Gas Properties” means all Oil and Gas Properties of AOG or any of its
Subsidiaries. Attached hereto as Exhibit A is a description of each Lease belonging to
AOG, or in which AOG has an interest, which Exhibit A shall be a part of the definition of
“AOG Oil and Gas Properties.” The respective “net revenue interest” and “working interest” of AOG
or any of its Subsidiaries in the AOG Oil and Gas Properties described on Exhibit A shall
be a part of the definition of “AOG Oil and Gas Properties.”

     “AOG Preferred Stock” means the preferred stock of AOG, par value $0.01 per share.

     “AOG Stockholders” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.

     “AOG Unaudited Balance Sheet” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4 hereto.

     “ARI” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.

     “ARI Audited Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4 hereto.

     “ARI Board” means the board of directors of ARI.

     “ARI Bylaws” means the bylaws of ARI, dated as of September 12, 2002, as amended.

     “ARI Common Stock” means the common stock of ARI, par value $0.01 per share, which par value
is subject to adjustment in connection with the ARI Initial Public Offering.

     “ARI Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4 hereto.

     “ARI Initial Public Offering” means the initial public offering of the ARI Common Stock
contemplated by the ARI Registration Statement.

     “ARI Material Adverse Effect” means a Material Adverse Effect on ARI, AOG and Neo Canyon,
taken as a whole.

2

 

     “ARI Oil and Gas Properties” means all Oil and Gas Properties of ARI or any of its
Subsidiaries. Attached hereto as Exhibit B is a description of each Lease and Well
belonging to ARI, or in which ARI has an interest, which Exhibit B shall be a part of the
definition of “ARI Oil and Gas Properties.” The respective “net revenue interest” and “working
interest” of ARI or any of its Subsidiaries in the ARI Oil and Gas Properties described on
Exhibit B shall be a part of the definition of “ARI Oil and Gas Properties.”

     “ARI Preferred Stock” means the preferred stock of ARI, par value $0.01 per share.

     “ARI Registration Statement” means the Registration Statement on Form S-1 relating to the ARI
Common Stock to be filed with the Commission by ARI in accordance with Section 8.9, and any
amendments thereto.

     “ARI Stockholders” means the holders of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of ARI
as of the date hereof.

     “ARI Unaudited Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4 hereto.

     “ARI’s Senior Lender” means Frost National Bank, N.A.

     “Basket Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.16.

     “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any other day when banks are
not open for business generally in the State of New York.

     “CERCLA” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as
amended.

     “CERCLIS” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Information System List.

     “Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 hereto.

     “Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 hereto.

     “Code” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

     “Contribution Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.

     “Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

     “Conveyance” shall mean a Conveyance to effect the sale, transfer and conveyance of the Neo
Canyon Oil and Gas Properties, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D.

     “Defensible Title” means with, respect to the Oil and Gas Properties, such title and ownership
by ARI, AOG or Neo Canyon, as applicable, that:

3

 

     (a) Except as set forth on Schedules 4.23, 5.7 and 7.23,
respectively entitles ARI, AOG or Neo Canyon, as applicable, to receive and retain, without
reduction, suspension or termination, not less than the percentage set forth in Exhibits
A, B or C, respectively, as the “net revenue interest” of all
Hydrocarbons produced, saved and marketed from each Lease comprising such Oil and Gas
Property as set forth in Exhibits A, B or C, respectively, through
plugging, abandonment and salvage of all wells comprising or included in such Oil and Gas
Property, and except for changes or adjustments that result from the establishment of units,
changes in existing units (or the participating areas therein), or the entry into of pooling
or unitization agreements after the date hereof;

     (b) obligates ARI, AOG or Neo Canyon, as applicable, to bear not greater than the
percentage set forth in Exhibits A, B or C, respectively, as the
“working interest” of the costs and expenses relating to the maintenance, development and
operation of each Lease comprising such Oil and Gas Property (including the plugging and
abandonment and site restoration with respect to all existing and future wells located
thereon or attributable thereto), through plugging, abandonment and salvage of all wells
comprising or included in such Oil and Gas Property, and except for changes or adjustments
that result from the establishment of units, changes in existing units (or the participating
areas therein), or the entry into of pooling or unitization agreements after the date
hereof;

     (c) is free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens;

     (d) reflects that all royalties, rentals, Pugh clause payments, shut-in gas payments
and other payments due with respect to such Oil and Gas Property have been properly and
timely paid, except for payments held in suspense for title or other reasons which are
customary in the industry and which will not result in grounds for cancellation of the
Company’s rights in such Oil and Gas Property as such suspense payments are set forth on
Schedules 4.23, 5.7 and 7.23, respectively; and

     (e) reflects that all consents to assignment, notices of assignment or preferential
purchase rights which are applicable to or must be complied with in connection with the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement, or any prior sale, assignment or the transfer of
such Oil and Gas Property as such rights are set forth on Schedule 5.7, have been
obtained and complied with to the extent the failure to obtain or comply with the same could
have an ARI Material Adverse Effect;

provided, that: (i) the legal proceedings, if any, scheduled on Schedule 4.8,
Schedule 5.6 and Schedule 7.8 shall not be considered to effect a reduction in the
value of the assets, and (ii) no fact, circumstance or condition of the title to an Oil and Gas
Property shall be considered to effect a reduction in the value of the assets, unless such fact,
circumstance or condition is of the type that can generally be expected to be encountered in the
area involved and is usually and customarily acceptable to reasonable and prudent operators,
interest owners and purchasers engaged in the business of the ownership, development and operation
of Oil and Gas Properties.

     “Effective Time” means the date and time of the closing under the Underwriting Agreement.

4

 

     “Employee Benefit Plan” means any “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3)
of ERISA and any bonus, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, stock ownership, stock
purchase, stock option, phantom stock, vacation, severance, disability, death benefit,
hospitalization or insurance plan providing benefits to any present or former employee or
contractor of the Company or any member of the Aggregated Group maintained by any such entity.

     “Environmental Law” means any Law of any Governmental Authority whose purpose is to conserve
or protect human health, the environment, wildlife or natural resources, including: the Clean Air
Act, as amended, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the Rivers and Harbors Act of
1899, as amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, CERCLA, the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986, as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as
amended, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Act of 1984, as amended, the Toxic Substances
Control Act, as amended, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended, the Hazardous
Materials Transportation Act, as amended, and any other federal, state and local law.

     “Governmental Authorities” means the federal, state, county, city and political subdivisions
in which any property of ARI, AOG or Neo Canyon, respectively, is located or which exercises
jurisdiction over any such property or entity, and any agency, department, commission, board,
bureau or instrumentality of any of them which exercises jurisdiction over any such property or
entity.

     “Hazardous Material” means (i) any “hazardous substance,” as defined by CERCLA; (ii) any
“hazardous waste” or “solid waste,” in either case as defined by the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act of 1976, as amended; (iii) any solid, hazardous, dangerous or toxic chemical,
material, waste or substance, within the meaning of and regulated by any Environmental Law; (iv)
any asbestos containing materials in any form or condition; (v) any polychlorinated biphenyls in
any form or condition; (vi) petroleum, petroleum hydrocarbons, or any fraction or byproducts
thereof; or (vii) any air pollutant which is so designated by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency as authorized by the Clean Air Act, as amended.

     “Hedging Transaction” means any futures, hedge, swap, collar, put, call, floor, cap, option or
other contract that is intended to benefit from, relate to or reduce or eliminate the risk of
fluctuations in the price of commodities, including Hydrocarbons, interest rates, currencies or
securities.

     “HSR Act” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

     “Hydrocarbons” means oil, condensate, gas, casinghead gas and other liquid or gaseous
hydrocarbons.

     “Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.15.

     “Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.15.

     “Intellectual Property” means (a) patent rights, (b) trademark rights, and (c) copyrights.

5

 

     “Knowledge” means actual knowledge of any officer or director of such party and, in the case
of Neo Canyon, the actual knowledge of any officer or manager of Neo Canyon GP.

     “Law” means any federal, state, local or foreign law, statute, rule, ordinance, code or
regulation.

     “Legal Proceedings” means any judicial, administrative or arbitral action, suit, proceeding
(public or private), litigation, investigation, complaint, claim or governmental proceeding.

     “Lien” means a lien, mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit
arrangement, easement, preference, priority, assessment, security interest, lease, sublease,
charge, claim, adverse claim, levy, interest of other Persons or other encumbrance of any kind.

     “Lubar” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.

     “Lubar Note” means that certain Convertible Promissory Note dated June 25, 2007 in the
principal amount of $10,000,000 payable by AOG to Lubar.

     “Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on the business, operations,
prospects, properties (including intangible properties), assets, operating results or condition
(financial or otherwise) liabilities or reserves of such Person; provided, however, that a general
deterioration in the economy or changes in oil and gas prices or other changes affecting the oil
and gas industry generally shall not be deemed to be a Material Adverse Effect.

     “Material Contracts” means all leases, contracts, agreements and instruments to which such
Person is a party as of the date hereof involving payment by or to such Person of more than
$1,000,000 and extending for a term of more than six months from the date of this Contribution
Agreement and not terminable without payment or penalty upon less than sixty (60) days’ notice.

     “Neo Canyon” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.

     “Neo Canyon GP” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.

     “Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties” means all Oil and Gas Properties of Neo Canyon, except as
specifically excluded on Exhibit C. Attached hereto as Exhibit C is a description
of each Lease and Well belonging to Neo Canyon, or in which Neo Canyon has an interest, which
Exhibit C shall be a part of the definition of “Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties.” The
respective “net revenue interest” and “working interest” of Neo Canyon or any of its Subsidiaries
in the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties described on Exhibit C shall be a part of the
definition of “Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties.”

     “New ARI Bylaws” shall mean the Amended and Restated Bylaws of ARI in such form as shall be
approved by the ARI Board prior to the Closing.

     “New ARI Charter” shall mean the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of ARI in
such form as shall be approved by the ARI Board and the ARI Stockholders prior to

6

 

the Closing and which shall authorize a sufficient number of ARI Common Stock as shall be
necessary to cover the shares of ARI Common Stock issuable pursuant to Article II.

     “Oil and Gas Properties” means all right, title, interest and estate, real or personal,
recorded or unrecorded, movable or immovable, tangible or intangible, in and to: (i) oil and gas
leases, oil, gas and mineral leases, subleases and other leaseholds, royalties, overriding
royalties, net profit interests, mineral fee interests, carried interests and other properties and
interests (the “Leases”) and the lands covered thereby (“Land(s)”) and any and all oil, gas, water
or injection wells thereon or applicable thereto (the “Wells”); (ii) any pools or units which
include all or a part of any Land or include any Well (the “Units”) and including, without
limitation, all right, title and interest in production from any such Unit, whether such Unit
production comes from wells located on or off of the Lands, and all tenements, hereditaments and
appurtenances belonging to, used or useful in connection with the Leases, Lands and Units; (iii)
interests under or derived from all contracts, agreements and instruments applicable to or by which
such properties are bound or created, to the extent applicable to such properties, including,
without limitation, operating agreements, gathering agreements, marketing agreements (including
commodity swap, collar and/or similar derivative agreements), transportation agreements, processing
agreements, seismic, geological and geophysical agreements, unitization, pooling and
communitization agreements, declarations and orders, joint venture agreements, and farmin and
farmout agreements; (iv) easements, permits, licenses, servitudes, rights-of-way, surface leases
and other surface rights appurtenant to, and used or held for use to the extent applicable to such
properties; (v) equipment, machinery, fixtures and other tangible personal property and
improvements located on or used or obtained in connection with such properties and (vi) seismic and
interpretive data applicable to such properties.

     “Order” means any order, judgment, injunction, ruling, writ, award, decree, statute, Law,
ordinance, rule or regulation.

     “Over-allotment Option” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.18.

     “Permit” means any permit, license, certificate (including a certificate of occupancy)
registration, authorization, application, filing, notice, qualification, waiver of any of the
foregoing or approval of a Governmental Authority.

     “Permitted Liens” means Liens (including mechanics’, workers’, repairers’, materialmens’,
warehousemens’, landlord’s and other similar Liens) arising in the ordinary course of business as
would not individually or in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of, or materially
adversely interfere with the use of, the property subject to them.

     “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership (limited or general), limited liability
company, trust, joint stock company, Governmental Authority, unincorporated association or other
legal entity.

     “Property Costs” means all operating and production expenses of the Oil and Gas Properties
(including, without limitation, costs of insurance and ad valorem, property, severance, production
and similar Taxes based upon or measured by the ownership or operation of the Oil and Gas
Properties or the production of Hydrocarbons therefrom, but excluding any other

7

 

Taxes), capital expenditures incurred in the ownership and operation of the Oil and Gas
Properties in the ordinary course of business (including, without limitation, cash advances or cash
call amounts paid under applicable operating agreements), and overhead costs charged to the Oil and
Gas Properties under the applicable operating agreement or if none, charged to the Oil and Gas
Properties on the same basis as charged on the date of this Contribution Agreement.

     “Proscribed Action” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.9.

     “Real Property Leases” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.21 hereto.

     “Registration Rights Agreement” means the registration rights agreement providing for the
registration under the Securities Act of the shares of ARI Common Stock to be received by the ARI
Stockholders, the AOG Stockholders, Lubar, Yorktown VII and Neo Canyon pursuant to this
Contribution Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E.

     “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     “Stockholders’ Agreement” means that certain Voting and Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of
January 1, 2003, by and among ARI and each of the ARI Stockholders.

     “Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries” means, with respect to any Person, each entity as to which such
Person (either alone or through or together with any other Subsidiary) (i) owns beneficially or of
record or has the power to vote or control, 50% or more of the voting securities of such entity or
of any class of equity interests of such entity the holders of which are ordinarily entitled to
vote for the election of the members of the board of directors or other persons performing similar
functions, (ii) in the case of partnerships, serves as a general partner, (iii) in the case of a
limited liability company, serves as a managing member or owns a majority of the equity interests
or (iv) otherwise has the ability to elect a majority of the directors, trustees or managing
members thereof.

     “Tax” or “Taxes” means all income, profits, franchise, gross receipts, capital, sales, use,
withholding, value added, ad valorem, transfer, employment, social security, disability,
occupation, asset, property, severance, documentary, stamp, excise and other taxes, duties and
similar governmental charges or assessments imposed by or on behalf of any Governmental Authority
and any interest, fines, penalties or additions relating to any such tax, duty, charge or
assessment.

     “Tax Return” means any return, report, information statement, or similar statement required to
be filed with respect to any Taxes (including any attached schedules), including, without
limitation, any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated
Tax.

     “Underwriting Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(d) hereto.

     “Yorktown VII” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereto.

     “Yorktown Note” means that certain Convertible Promissory Note dated June 25, 2007 in the
principal amount of $10,000,000 payable by AOG to Yorktown VII.

8

 

ARTICLE II.

CONTRIBUTION TRANSACTION

     2.1 Contribution of AOG Common Stock to ARI. Subject to Section 2.8, immediately prior
to the Effective Time, each AOG Stockholder shall contribute all of its shares of AOG Common Stock
to ARI in exchange for the number of shares of ARI Common Stock set forth opposite such Person’s
name in the table below:

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Number of AOG Shares	 	Number of ARI
	 	 	Owned and to be	 	Shares to be
	Stockholder	 	Contributed to ARI	 	Received
	Yorktown Energy Partners V, L.P.
	 	 	25,000	 	 	 	54,964	 
	Yorktown Energy Partners VI, L.P.
	 	 	125,000	 	 	 	274,755	 

     2.2 Contribution of Neo Canyon Assets to ARI. Subject to Section 2.8,
immediately prior to the Effective Time, Neo Canyon shall contribute, transfer and assign to ARI
all of its right, title and interest in and to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties, and ARI shall
acquire the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties in exchange for 1,413,081 shares of ARI Common Stock.

     2.3 Contribution of Lubar Note to ARI. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, Lubar
shall contribute to ARI the Lubar Note in exchange for that number of shares of ARI Common Stock
into which the Lubar Note is convertible on the IPO Conversion Date (as such term is defined in the
Lubar Note).

     2.4 Contribution of Yorktown Note to ARI. Immediately prior to the Effective Time,
Yorktown VII shall contribute to ARI the Yorktown Note in exchange for that number of shares of ARI
Common Stock into which the Yorktown Note is convertible on the IPO Conversion Date (as such term
is defined in the Yorktown Note).

     2.5 Issuance of New Certificates. At the Effective Time, ARI shall issue to each AOG
Stockholder, Neo Canyon, Lubar and Yorktown VII a certificate or certificates representing the
number each of shares of ARI Common Stock to be issued to such Person pursuant to Sections
2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4, subject to adjustment as provided in Section
2.8. Each such certificate shall be registered in the name of the Person or Persons specified
by the recipient thereof to ARI in writing at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing.

     2.6 Certificate Legends. The certificates evidencing the ARI Common Stock delivered
pursuant to Section 2.5 shall bear a legend substantially in the form set forth below and
containing such other information as ARI may deem necessary or appropriate:

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR

9

 

ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND NEITHER THE SECURITIES NOR
ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE
DISPOSED OF EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SUCH ACT
AND
SUCH LAWS OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM WHICH, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR
THE HOLDER, WHICH COUNSEL AND OPINION ARE REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL FOR
THIS CORPORATION, IS AVAILABLE.

     2.7 Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of ARI Common Stock or scrip shall be
issued as a result of the transactions contemplated by Sections 2.3, 2.4 and
2.8. Any fractional share of ARI Common Stock which would otherwise be issuable as a
result of the such transactions shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share.

     2.8 Certain Adjustments. The ARI Board may adjust the number of shares of ARI Common
Stock to be issued to each AOG Stockholder and to Neo Canyon pursuant to Sections 2.1 and
2.2 in order to reflect a capitalization of ARI that the ARI Board reasonably determines to
be in the best interests of ARI and its stockholders (including the AOG Stockholders and Neo
Canyon) based on (i) the actual pricing of the ARI Initial Public Offering, (ii) the number of
shares of ARI Common Stock issuable pursuant to Sections 2.3 and 2.4 and (iii)
subject to Section 10.1(d), the relative net asset valuations (as determined in the
reasonable business judgment of the ARI Board using the same valuation methodology for ARI Oil and
Gas Properties and Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties) of ARI, AOG and the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas
Properties after giving effect to any financing transactions and acquisitions consummated by AOG or
ARI (in each case to have been approved by the AOG Board or the ARI Board, as applicable) after the
execution of this Contribution Agreement and before the Effective Time.

     2.9 Proration of Costs and Revenues. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this
Contribution Agreement, ARI shall be entitled to all production of Hydrocarbons from or
attributable to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties at and after the Closing Date (and all
products and proceeds attributable thereto) and to all other income, proceeds, receipts and credits
earned with respect to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties at or after the Closing Date, and
shall be responsible for (and entitled to any refunds with respect to) all Property Costs incurred
at and after the Closing Date. Neo Canyon shall be entitled to all production of Hydrocarbons from
or attributable to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties prior to the Closing Date (and all
products and proceeds attributable thereto), and to all other income, proceeds, receipts and
credits earned with respect to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties prior to the Closing Date, and
shall be responsible for (and entitled to any refunds with respect to) all Property Costs incurred
prior to the Closing Date. “Earned” and “incurred”, as used in this Contribution Agreement, shall
be interpreted in accordance with GAAP and the Council of Petroleum Accountant Societies (COPAS)
standards.

     2.10 Receipts Not Reflected. Except as otherwise provided in this Contribution
Agreement, any production of Hydrocarbons from or attributable to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas
Properties (and all products and proceeds attributable thereto) and any other income, proceeds and
receipts earned with respect to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties shall be treated as follows:
(i) all production of Hydrocarbons from or attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties

10

 

(and all
products and proceeds attributable thereto) and all other income, proceeds and receipts earned with
respect to the Oil and Gas Properties to which ARI is entitled under Section 2.9 shall be
the sole property and entitlement of ARI, and, to the extent received by Neo Canyon, Neo Canyon
shall fully disclose, account for and remit the same promptly to ARI, and (ii) all production of
Hydrocarbons from or attributable to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties (and all products
and proceeds attributable thereto) and all other income, proceeds and receipts earned with respect
to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties to which Neo Canyon is entitled under Section 2.9
shall be the sole property and entitlement of Neo Canyon and, to the extent received by ARI, ARI
shall fully disclose, account for and remit the same promptly to Neo Canyon.

     2.11 Expenses Not Reflected. Except as otherwise provided in this Contribution
Agreement, any Property Costs shall be treated as follows: (i) all Property Costs for which Neo
Canyon is responsible under Section 2.9 shall be the sole obligation of Neo Canyon and Neo
Canyon shall promptly pay, or if paid by ARI, promptly reimburse ARI for and hold ARI harmless from
and against same; and (ii) all Property Costs for which ARI is responsible under Section
2.9 shall be the sole obligation of ARI and ARI shall promptly pay, or if paid by Neo Canyon,
promptly reimburse Neo Canyon for and hold Neo Canyon harmless from and against same. Neo Canyon
is entitled to resolve all joint interest audits and other audits of Property Costs covering
periods for which Neo Canyon is responsible under the terms of this Contribution Agreement. ARI is
entitled to resolve all joint interest audits and other audits of Property Costs covering periods
for which ARI is in whole or in part responsible, provided that ARI shall not agree to any
adjustments to previously assessed costs for which Neo Canyon is liable without the prior written
consent of Neo Canyon, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. ARI shall provide Neo Canyon
with a copy of all applicable audit reports and written audit agreements received by ARI and
relating to periods for which Neo Canyon is partially responsible.

     2.12 Transfer Taxes. All transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration and
other such taxes and fees (“Transfer Taxes”) incurred in connection with the contribution
transaction contemplated by Article II of this Contribution Agreement shall be borne 70% by ARI and
AOG on the one hand, and 30% by Neo Canyon on the other; provided, that such allocations shall be
adjusted proportionately with any adjustments made pursuant to Section 2.9. The parties
shall reasonably cooperate with each other to provide any information and documentation reasonably
requested that may be necessary to obtain any exemption from any Transfer Taxes.

ARTICLE III.

CLOSING

     3.1 Time and Place. The closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the
“Closing”) shall be held at the offices of Thompson & Knight LLP, 1700 Pacific Avenue, Dallas,
Texas 75201 at 10:00 a.m., Dallas time, immediately prior to the Effective Time; provided that all
of the conditions contained in Article IX have been satisfied or waived, or at such other
place or time as the parties hereto may mutually agree. The date of the Closing is referred to
herein as the “Closing Date.”

11

 

     3.2 Deliveries at Closing. Subject to the provisions of Article IX hereof, at
the Closing there shall be delivered the certificates and other documents required to be delivered
pursuant to Article IX hereof.

ARTICLE IV.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF AOG

     AOG represents and warrants to ARI and Neo Canyon that the statements contained in this
Article IV are correct and complete as of the date hereof (it being recognized that each
such representation and warranty with respect to AOG’s operations and the AOG Oil and Gas
Properties shall be deemed to refer to AOG and each of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole).

     4.1 Organization and Power. Each of AOG and its Subsidiaries is duly incorporated or
formed (as the case may be), validly existing and in good standing (as applicable) under the Laws
of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, and is qualified and in good standing
to transact business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required by Law, except
where the failure to be so qualified would not have an ARI Material Adverse Effect. AOG has all
requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this
Contribution Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. AOG has heretofore
delivered or made available to ARI and Neo Canyon complete and correct copies of (a) its
certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended to date, and (b) its Subsidiaries’
respective certificates of incorporation and bylaws, or other comparable organizational documents,
each as amended to date.

     4.2 Authorizations; Execution and Validity. The execution and delivery of this
Contribution Agreement by AOG, the performance of this Contribution Agreement by AOG and the
consummation by AOG of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby to be consummated by it,
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and no other corporate action on the
part of AOG is necessary with respect thereto. This Contribution Agreement has been duly executed
and delivered by AOG and, when duly and validly executed and delivered, will constitute a valid and
binding obligation of AOG and is enforceable against and AOG in accordance with its terms, except
as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar Laws
affecting creditors generally and by the availability of equitable remedies.

     4.3 Capitalization.

          (a) The authorized capital stock of AOG consists solely of 1,000,000 shares of AOG Common
Stock and 100,000 shares of AOG Preferred Stock. As of the date hereof, there are an aggregate of
150,000 shares of AOG Common Stock issued and outstanding, all of which shares are owned of record
and beneficially by the AOG Stockholders with each AOG Stockholder owning the number of shares set
forth in Section 2.1 hereto, and have been duly authorized and validly issued, and are
fully-paid and non-assessable. No shares of AOG Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding. As of
the date hereof, the issued and outstanding amount of AOG Common Stock on a fully diluted basis is
150,000 shares. Except as contemplated by the Lubar Note, the Yorktown Note, future issuances of
equity or convertible

12

 

debt in connection with financing transactions or acquisitions that the AOG
Board reasonably determines to be in the best interests of AOG and its stockholders, and with
respect to options, warrants, rights or other equity based awards issued as part of reasonable
compensation plans approved by the AOG Board, as of the Closing Date, there shall be no outstanding
options, subscriptions, warrants,
calls, commitments, pre-emptive rights or other rights obligating AOG to issue or sell any
shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares of its
capital stock, or otherwise requiring AOG to give any Person the right to receive any benefits or
rights similar to any rights enjoyed by or accruing to the holders of shares of capital stock of
AOG or any rights to participate in the equity or net income of AOG. All of the issued shares of
AOG’s capital stock were issued, and to the extent purchased or transferred, have been so purchased
or transferred, in compliance with all applicable Laws, including federal and state securities
Laws, and any preemptive rights and any other statutory or contractual rights of any AOG
Stockholder.

          (b) AOG has no Subsidiaries other than those set forth on Schedule 4.3(b). AOG,
directly or indirectly, owns all capital of and other equity interests in its Subsidiaries, and
there are no outstanding options, subscriptions, warrants, calls, commitments, pre-emptive rights
or other rights in favor of any Person other than AOG or other AOG Subsidiaries obligating AOG or
any of its Subsidiaries to issue or sell any shares or other equity interests of any of AOG’s
Subsidiaries or any securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares or other equity
interests of any such Subsidiary, or otherwise requiring AOG or any of its Subsidiaries to give any
Person (other than AOG or any of its Subsidiaries) the right to receive any benefits or rights
similar to any rights enjoyed by or accruing to the holders of shares or other equity interests of
any such Subsidiary or any rights to participate in the equity or net income of any such
Subsidiary. AOG does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital of or other equity interest in
or have any other investment in any other Person other than its Subsidiaries. Except as otherwise
set forth on Schedule 4.3(c), there are no stockholders’ agreements, voting trusts or other
agreements or understandings between or among AOG Stockholders or to which AOG is a party or by
which it is bound with respect to the transfer or voting of any capital stock of AOG, none of which
shall be in effect following the Closing.

     4.4 Financial Statements; Other Financial Data. Attached hereto on Schedule
4.4 are correct and complete copies of the audited consolidated balance sheet of AOG and its
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 with the related consolidated statements of operations,
changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (the “AOG Audited Financial
Statements”) and the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of AOG and its Subsidiaries as of March
31, 2007 (the “AOG Unaudited Balance Sheet” and, together with the AOG Audited Financial
Statements, the “AOG Financial Statements”). The AOG Financial Statements present fairly in all
material respects the financial position of AOG as of the dates indicated, and the results of its
operations for the respective periods indicated. The AOG Audited Financial Statements are in
conformity with GAAP, consistently applied. The AOG Unaudited Balance Sheet is unaudited and,
therefore, is subject to normal recurring year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

     4.5 Consents. Neither the execution and delivery by AOG of this Contribution
Agreement nor the consummation or performance by AOG of the transactions contemplated by this
Contribution Agreement to be consummated or performed by it will require prior to the

13

 

Closing (on
the part of AOG) any consent from, authorization or approval or other action by, notice to or
declaration, filing or a registration with, any Governmental Authority or any other third party,
except, if required, to comply with the HSR Act or as specified in Schedule 4.5.

     4.6 No Defaults or Conflicts. Neither the execution and delivery by AOG of this
Contribution Agreement nor the consummation or performance by AOG of the transactions contemplated
by this Contribution Agreement to be consummated or performed by it (i) results or will result in
any violation of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of AOG or other organizational or
governing documents of AOG or any of its Subsidiaries; or (ii) violates or conflicts with, or
constitutes a breach of any of the terms or provisions of or a default under, or results in the
creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property or asset of AOG, the trigger of any charge,
payment or requirement of consent, or the acceleration or increase of the maturity of any payment
date under: (A) any Material Contract to which AOG is a party or (B) any applicable Law or Order to
which AOG or any of its respective properties is subject, other than, in each case, where such
failure, conflict or breach would not have an ARI Material Adverse Effect.

     4.7 Agreements, Contracts and Commitments. AOG has listed in Schedule 4.7 all
Material Contracts to which it is a party (true and correct copies of each such document have been
previously delivered or made available to ARI and Neo Canyon). Except as set forth in Schedule
4.7, AOG has not breached, nor to AOG’s Knowledge is there any claim or any legal basis for a
claim that AOG or any third party has breached, any of the terms or conditions of any Material
Contract if any such breach, whether considered individually or in the aggregate, could result in
the imposition of damages or the loss of benefits in an amount or of a kind that would have an ARI
Material Adverse Effect to AOG and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

     4.8 Litigation. Schedule 4.8 lists all Legal Proceedings pending or, to AOG’s
Knowledge, threatened against or affecting AOG or any of its assets. Except as disclosed on
Schedule 4.8, AOG is not subject to any Order. There are no Legal Proceedings pending
against or, to AOG’s Knowledge, threatened in writing against, AOG that questions the validity or
legality of any of this Contribution Agreement or any action taken or to be taken by AOG in
connection herewith or therewith.

     4.9 ERISA Compliance; Labor.

          (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9, neither AOG nor any other entity required to
be aggregated with AOG under Section 414 of the Code (the “Aggregated Group”) including AOG
sponsors, maintains or contributes to any Employee Benefit Plan.

          (b) No labor associations, organizations, or unions have been certified to represent any
employee of AOG, and no collective bargaining agreement or other labor union contract has been
requested by any employee or group of employees of AOG, and no discussions or negotiations with
respect to any such agreement or contract have occurred.

          (c) AOG and its Subsidiaries are in material compliance with all Laws, rules, regulations and
Orders relating to the employment of labor, including all such Laws, rules, regulations and Orders
relating to wages, hours, collective bargaining, discrimination, civil

14

 

rights, safety and health,
workers’ compensation and the collection and payment of withholding or Social Security Taxes and
similar Taxes.

     4.10 Taxes. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.10:

          (a) All material Tax Returns required to be filed on or before the Closing Date by or on
behalf of AOG have been or will be filed within the time prescribed by Law (including extensions of
time permitted by Law) and such Tax Returns are true, correct, complete and accurate in all
material respects and reflect accurately in all material respects all liability for Taxes of AOG or
any of its Subsidiaries.

          (b) AOG has paid, on a timely basis, all material Taxes of AOG and of any of its Subsidiaries
that are due on or before December 31, 2006, and will have paid all material Taxes of AOG and of
any of its Subsidiaries that are due on or before the Closing Date.

          (c) The provision for Taxes and other accrued Tax liabilities reflected in the Financial
Statements are sufficient to cover all material liabilities for Taxes in respect of Tax Periods
ending at or prior to the relevant Financial Statement date.

          (d) There are no Liens for Taxes upon any of the properties or assets of AOG or of any of its
Subsidiaries (except for Permitted Liens).

          (e) There are no pending Orders, audits, actions, proceedings, investigations, disputes or
claims instigated by any Governmental Authority with respect to any Taxes payable by or asserted
against AOG or any of its Subsidiaries. Neither AOG nor any of its Subsidiaries has received
notice from any taxing authority of its intent to examine or audit any of its Tax Returns.

          (f) Neither AOG nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to Tax or has done business in any
country other than the United States.

          (g) No agreements relating to allocation or sharing of, or liability or indemnification for,
Taxes exist between AOG or any of its Subsidiaries and any other Person. Any internal tax
allocation agreement shall terminate at the Closing.

          (h) All Taxes required to be withheld, collected or deposited by AOG or any of its
Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, amounts required to be withheld, collected or
deposited with respect to amounts paid or owing to any employee, creditor, independent contractor
or other Person) have been timely withheld, collected or deposited and, to the extent required,
have been timely paid to the relevant taxing authority.

          (i) Neither AOG nor any of its Subsidiaries has made any payments, is obligated to make any
payments, or is a party to any agreement that could obligate it to make any payments that will not
be deductible under Section 280G of the Code.

          (j) There are no outstanding agreements or waivers that would extend the statutory period in
which a taxing authority may assess or collect a Tax against AOG or any of its Subsidiaries.

15

 

     4.11 Brokers. AOG has not paid or become obligated to pay any fee or commission to
any broker, finder or intermediary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby for
which AOG, ARI or Neo Canyon shall have liability following the Closing.

     4.12 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth on Schedule
4.12 or as disclosed in the AOG Audited Financial Statements or the AOG Unaudited Balance Sheet
or as contemplated by the Lubar Note or the Yorktown Note, since March 31, 2007, there has not been
any transaction or occurrence in which AOG has:

          (a) suffered any Material Adverse Effect;

          (b) declared, set aside or paid any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or
property) with respect to any of its outstanding capital stock, or made any redemption, purchase or
other acquisition of any of its equity securities;

          (c) cancelled any debts or waived any receivables, claims or rights in excess of $500,000
individually;

          (d) suffered any uninsured casualty loss or damage in excess of $500,000 individually;

          (e) amended any term of any equity security of AOG other than as contemplated by this
Contribution Agreement; or

          (f) made any change in its accounting methods, principles or practices.

     4.13 Compliance with Laws. AOG holds all material Permits necessary for the lawful
conduct of its business and is in compliance in all material respects, with all Laws and Orders
applicable to its business and has filed with the proper authorities all statements and reports
required by the Laws and Orders to which AOG or any of its properties or operations are subject.
No claim has been made by any Governmental Authority (and, to AOG’s Knowledge, no such claim is
anticipated) to the effect that the business conducted by AOG fails to comply, in any respect, with
any Law.

     4.14 Transactions with Related Parties. Except for transactions with any of AOG’s
Subsidiaries and as otherwise set forth on Schedule 4.14:

          (a) No Affiliate has entered into, or has had any direct or indirect financial interest in,
any AOG Material Contract, transaction or business dealings involving AOG;

          (b) No Affiliate owns or has any interest in, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, any
tangible or intangible property used in the conduct of the business of AOG;

          (c) Other than amounts owed to AOG pursuant to any intercompany debts, joint interest billing
and general and administrative allocations, or expense advance reimbursements in the ordinary
course of business, no Affiliate owes any money to, nor is any such Affiliate owed any money by,
AOG other than as set forth in this Contribution Agreement; and

16

 

          (d) AOG has not, directly or indirectly, guaranteed or assumed any indebtedness for borrowed
money or otherwise for the benefit of any Affiliate of AOG.

     4.15 Agents. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.15, AOG has not designated or
appointed any person or other entity to act for it or on its behalf pursuant to any power of
attorney or any agency which is presently in effect (other than such of AOG’s directors, officers
and employees to whom AOG has given the authority to act for AOG in the ordinary course of its
business) or shall continue after the Closing Date.

     4.16 Books and Records. The minute books and records of AOG are current as of the
date hereof (and shall be current as of the Closing) with respect to all undertakings and
authorizations, and contain a true, complete and correct record of all actions taken at all
meetings and by all written consents in lieu of meetings of AOG’s board of directors, or any
committees thereof, and AOG Stockholders. The stock ledger and related stock transfer records of
AOG contain a true, complete and correct record of the original issuance, transfer and other
capitalization matters of the capital stock of AOG. The accounting, financial reporting, tax and
business books and records of AOG accurately and fairly reflect in all material respects the
business and condition of AOG and the transactions and the assets and liabilities of AOG with
respect thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, AOG has not engaged in any
transaction with respect to its business or operations, maintained any bank account therefor or
used any funds of AOG in the conduct thereof except for transactions, bank accounts and funds that
have been and are reflected in the normally maintained books and records of the business.

     4.17 Information Furnished. AOG has made available to ARI and Neo Canyon and their
respective directors, officers, employees, counsel, representatives, financing sources, customers,
creditors, accountants and auditors, true and correct copies of all agreements, documents, and
other items listed on the Schedules to this Contribution Agreement and all books and records of
AOG.

     4.18 Directors and Officers. Schedule 4.18 lists all of the directors and
officers of AOG as of the date hereof.

     4.19 Bank Accounts. Attached hereto as Schedule 4.19 is a list of all banks
or other financial institutions with which AOG has an account, showing the type and account number
of each such account.

     4.20 Owned Real Property. Other than the AOG Oil and Gas Properties, AOG does not own
any real property.

     4.21 Leased Real Property. Other than the AOG Oil and Gas Properties, Schedule
4.21 contains a complete and correct list of all real property leases and any and all
amendments thereto relating to the leased real property to which AOG is a party or is bound (the
“Real Property Leases”). AOG has provided or made available to ARI and Neo Canyon correct and
complete copies of the Real Property Leases. Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.21, (i)
each of the Real Property Leases is in full force and effect, and, to AOG’s Knowledge, is
enforceable against the landlord which is party thereto in accordance with its terms (except as
such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar laws

17

 

affecting creditors generally and by the availability of equitable remedies), (ii) there are no
subleases under the Real Property Leases and none of the Real Property Leases has been assigned
(other than collateral assignments to AOG’s Senior Lender), (iii) no notices of default
or notices of termination have been received by AOG with respect to the Real Property Leases
which have not been withdrawn or canceled and (iv) AOG is not, and to AOG’s Knowledge, no other
party is, in default under any Real Property Lease. There is no AOG Knowledge of, nor has there
been receipt of any written notice of a proceeding in eminent domain or other similar proceeding
affecting property listed on Schedule 4.21.

     4.22 Insurance. Schedule 4.22 contains a true and complete list of all
insurance policies, directors and officers liability policies, and formal self-insurance programs,
and other forms of insurance and all fidelity bonds held by or applicable to AOG and its owned or
leased properties. Schedule 4.22 describes (a) whether each insurance policy listed on
Schedule 4.22 is occurrence-based or claims made based and (b) each pending claim
thereunder for more than $500,000 per claim and a history of all such claims made against any such
insurance policy of AOG for the past three (3) years. All insurance policies listed on
Schedule 4.22 have been made available to ARI and Neo Canyon and are subject to the
deductibles or retentions referenced on Schedule 4.22. AOG maintains insurance for its
benefit, in coverages and amounts to be customary and adequate in the oil and gas industry. AOG is
not in default with respect to any provision in any current policy maintained for its benefit, and
all such insurance is in full force and effect. AOG has not received, nor is there any AOG
Knowledge of, any notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of any such insurance policy. AOG has not
failed to give any notice or present any claim for more than $500,000 under any of the policies for
the benefit of AOG in due and timely fashion. AOG has not been refused any insurance with respect
to its assets, properties or businesses, nor has any such coverage been materially limited by any
insurance carrier to which AOG has applied for any such insurance or with which AOG has carried
insurance during the past three (3) years. Other than as described on Schedule 4.22, no
further payments of premiums will be due following the Closing by AOG with respect to insurance
coverages prior to the Closing. Neither this Contribution Agreement nor any of the transactions
contemplated by this Contribution Agreement to occur at the Closing will adversely affect AOG’s
coverage under the terms of the insurance policies with respect to periods prior to the Closing.

     4.23 Title to Oil and Gas Properties. AOG has Defensible Title to all AOG Oil and Gas
Properties. All proceeds from the sale of AOG’s share of the Hydrocarbons being produced from the
AOG Oil and Gas Properties are currently being paid in full to AOG by the purchasers thereof on a
timely basis, and none of such proceeds are currently being held in suspense by such purchaser or
any other party, except as set forth in Schedule 4.23.

     4.24 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.24:

          (a) to AOG’s Knowledge, it has conducted its business and operated its assets, and is
conducting its business and operating its assets, and the condition of all facilities and
properties (including off site storage or disposal of any Hazardous Materials from such facilities
or properties) currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by AOG is, in material compliance
with all Environmental Laws;

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          (b) AOG has not been notified by any Governmental Authority or other third party that any of
the operations or assets of AOG is the subject of any investigation or inquiry by any Governmental
Authority or other third party evaluating whether any material remedial action is
needed to respond to a release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or to the
improper storage or disposal (including storage or disposal at offsite locations) of any Hazardous
Material where such investigation or inquiry has not been fully resolved and satisfied as of the
date hereof;

          (c) neither AOG nor, to AOG’s Knowledge, any other Person has filed any notice under any
federal, state or local Law indicating that (i) AOG is responsible for the improper release into
the environment, or the improper storage or disposal, of any Hazardous Material, or (ii) any
Hazardous Material is improperly stored or disposed of upon any property of AOG;

          (d) to AOG’s Knowledge, it does not have any material liability (contingent or otherwise) in
connection with (i) the release or threatened release into the environment at, beneath or on any
property now or previously owned or leased by AOG, or (ii) the storage or disposal of any Hazardous
Material;

          (e) AOG has not received any claim, complaint, notice, inquiry or request for information
involving any matter which remains unresolved as of the date hereof with respect to any alleged
violation of any Environmental Law or regarding current or potential liability under any
Environmental Law or any personal injury, property damage or natural resource damage claim relating
to operations or conditions of any facilities or property (including off site storage or disposal
or release of any Hazardous Material from such facilities or property) currently or formerly owned,
leased or operated by AOG;

          (f) to AOG’s Knowledge, no property now or previously owned, leased or operated by AOG is
listed on the National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA or on the CERCLIS or on any other federal
or state list as sites requiring investigation or cleanup;

          (g) to AOG’s Knowledge, it is not directly transporting, has not directly transported, is not
directly arranging for the transportation of, or has not directly transported, any Hazardous
Material to any location which is listed on the National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA, on the
CERCLIS, or on any similar federal or state list or which is the subject of federal, state or local
enforcement actions or other investigations that may lead to material claims against AOG for
remedial work, damage to natural resources or personal injury, including claims under CERCLA;

          (h) except for the draining and backfilling of pits associated with drilling activities in the
ordinary course, there are no sites, locations or operations at which AOG is obligated to
undertake, is currently undertaking, or has completed, any remedial or response action relating to
any disposal or release, as required by Environmental Laws; and

          (i) AOG does not own or operate any underground storage tanks or solid waste disposal
facilities.

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     4.25 Patents, Trademarks and Similar Rights. AOG owns or is properly licensed to use
or otherwise has rights to use all Intellectual Property (specifically including any seismic
license or Permit) material to the operations of the business of AOG as currently conducted. To
AOG’s Knowledge, except as set forth on Schedule 4.25, (i) the entry into this Contribution
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby will not have any effect on any contracts
related to
Intellectual Property, and (ii) neither AOG nor, to AOG’s Knowledge, any other party, is in
breach of or default under any Intellectual Property license or any other contract or legal
requirement relating to the Intellectual Property, in each such case.

ARTICLE V.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NEO CANYON

     Each of Neo Canyon and Neo Canyon GP jointly and severally represents and warrants to ARI,
AOG, the AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII that the statements contained in this Article
V are correct and complete as of the date hereof.

     5.1 Organization and Power. Neo Canyon is duly formed (as the case may be), validly
existing and in good standing (as applicable) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of formation, and
is qualified and in good standing to transact business in each jurisdiction in which such
qualification is required by Law, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have an ARI
Material Adverse Effect. Neo Canyon has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute,
deliver and perform its obligations under this Contribution Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. Neo Canyon and Neo Canyon GP have heretofore delivered or made
available to ARI, AOG, the AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII their respective certificates
of formation, partnership or operating agreements or other comparable organizational documents,
each as amended to date.

     5.2 Authorization; Execution and Validity. The execution and delivery of this
Contribution Agreement by Neo Canyon, the performance of this Contribution Agreement by Neo Canyon
and the consummation by Neo Canyon of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby to be
consummated by it, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and no other
corporate action on the part of Neo Canyon is necessary with respect thereto. This Contribution
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Neo Canyon and, when duly and validly executed
and delivered, will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Neo Canyon and is enforceable
against Neo Canyon in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar Laws affecting creditors generally and by the
availability of equitable remedies.

     5.3 Consents. Neither the execution and delivery by Neo Canyon of this Contribution
Agreement nor the consummation or performance by Neo Canyon of the transactions contemplated by
this Contribution Agreement to be consummated or performed by it will require prior to the Closing
(on the part of Neo Canyon) any consent from, authorization or approval or other action by, notice
to or declaration, filing or a registration with, any Governmental Authority or any other third
party, except, if required, to comply with the HSR Act or as specified in Schedule 5.3.

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     5.4 No Defaults or Conflicts. Neither the execution and delivery by Neo Canyon of
this Contribution Agreement nor the consummation or performance by Neo Canyon of the transactions
contemplated by this Contribution Agreement to be consummated or performed by it (i) results or
will result in any violation of the certificate of limited partnership or agreement of limited
partnership of Neo Canyon or other organizational or governing documents of Neo
Canyon or any of its Subsidiaries; or (ii) violates or conflicts with, or constitutes a breach
of any of the terms or provisions of or a default under, or results in the creation or imposition
of any Lien upon any property or asset of Neo Canyon, the trigger of any charge, payment or
requirement of consent, or the acceleration or increase of the maturity of any payment date under:
(A) any Material Contract to which Neo Canyon is a party or (B) any applicable Law or Order to
which Neo Canyon or any of its respective properties is subject, other than, in each case, where
such failure, conflict or breach would not have an ARI Material Adverse Effect.

     5.5 Brokers. Neo Canyon has not paid or become obligated to pay any fee or commission
to any broker, finder or intermediary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby for
which ARI, AOG, the AOG Stockholders or Neo Canyon shall have liability following the Closing.

     5.6 Litigation. Schedule 5.6 lists all Legal Proceedings pending or, to Neo
Canyon’s Knowledge, threatened against or affecting Neo Canyon or any of its assets. Except as
disclosed on Schedule 5.6, Neo Canyon is not subject to any Order. There are no Legal
Proceedings pending against or, to Neo Canyon’s Knowledge, threatened in writing against, Neo
Canyon that questions the validity or legality of any of this Contribution Agreement or any action
taken or to be taken by Neo Canyon in connection herewith or therewith.

     5.7 Title to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties. Neo Canyon has Defensible Title
to all of the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties. All proceeds from the sale of the Hydrocarbons
being produced from the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties are currently being paid in full to Neo
Canyon by the purchasers thereof on a timely basis, and none of such proceeds are currently being
held in suspense by such purchaser or any other party, except as set forth in Schedule 5.7.

     5.8 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.8:

          (a) to Neo Canyon’s Knowledge, the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties have been and are being
operated in compliance with all Environmental Laws;

          (b) Neo Canyon has not been notified by any Governmental Authority or other third party that
any of the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties are the subject of any investigation or inquiry by any
Governmental Authority or other third party evaluating whether any material remedial action is
needed to respond to a release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or to the improper
storage or disposal (including storage or disposal at offsite locations) of any Hazardous Material
where investigation or inquiry remains unresolved as of the date hereof;

          (c) neither Neo Canyon nor, to Neo Canyon’s Knowledge, any other Person has filed any notice
under any federal, state or local Law indicating that (i) Neo Canyon is

21

 

responsible for the
improper release into the environment, or the improper storage or disposal, of any Hazardous
Material, or (ii) any Hazardous Material is improperly stored or disposed of upon the Neo Canyon
Oil and Gas Properties;

          (d) to Neo Canyon’s Knowledge, Neo Canyon does not have any material liability (contingent or
otherwise) in connection with (i) the release or threatened release into the environment at,
beneath or on the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties, or (ii) the storage or disposal of any
Hazardous Material thereon;

          (e) Neo Canyon has not received any claim, complaint, notice, inquiry or request for
information involving any matter which remains unresolved as of the date hereof with respect to any
alleged violation of any Environmental Law or regarding current or potential liability under any
Environmental Law or any personal injury, property damage or natural resource damage claim relating
to operations or conditions of the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties (including off site release of
any Hazardous Material from the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties);

          (f) to Neo Canyon’s Knowledge, none of the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties are listed on the
National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA or on the CERCLIS or on any other federal or state list
as sites requiring investigation or cleanup;

          (g) to Neo Canyon’s Knowledge, Neo Canyon is not directly transporting, has not directly
transported, is not directly arranging for the transportation of, or has not directly transported,
any Hazardous Material to any location which is listed on the National Priorities List pursuant to
CERCLA, on the CERCLIS, or on any similar federal or state list or which is the subject of federal,
state or local enforcement actions or other investigations that may lead to material claims against
the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties for remedial work, damage to natural resources or personal
injury, including claims under CERCLA; and

          (h) there are no sites, locations or operations with respect to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas
Properties at which Neo Canyon is obligated to undertake, is currently undertaking, or has
completed, any remedial or response action relating to any disposal or release, as required by
Environmental Laws.

     5.9 Taxes and Assessments Neo Canyon has caused to be timely filed all material Tax returns relating to the Neo
Canyon Oil and Gas Properties the failure to pay which could result in the placement of a Lien on
all or a portion of the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties. Neo Canyon has paid or caused to be
paid all ad valorem, property, production, severance and similar Taxes based upon or measured by
the ownership of or the production of Hydrocarbons from the Oil and Gas Properties, except those
being contested in good faith and disclosed to ARI in writing. Neo Canyon has not received written
notice of any pending claim against Neo Canyon from any applicable taxing authority for assessment
of Taxes with respect to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties. There are no audits of Neo Canyon
by any applicable taxing authority with respect to Taxes attributable to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas
Properties. Except for statutory liens for property taxes and ad valorem taxes not yet due and
payable, there are no tax liens on or with respect to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties.

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     5.10 Outstanding Capital Commitments. Except for Neo Canyon’s commitments under the
Authorizations for Expenditures (“AFEs”) for the currently drilling Wells and the matters which are
set forth in Schedule 5.10, there are no pending AFEs and there are no outstanding AFEs or
other commitments to make capital expenditures, which are binding on Neo Canyon or the Neo Canyon
Oil and Gas Properties and which Neo Canyon reasonably anticipates will individually (per AFE)
require expenditures as of such date in excess of $150,000.00. However, the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas
Properties are subject to active and ongoing exploration and Neo Canyon anticipates that there
could be further well proposals at any time.

     5.11 Compliance with Laws. Neo Canyon holds all material Permits necessary for the
lawful conduct of its business and is in compliance in all material respects, with all Laws and
Orders applicable to its business and has filed with the proper authorities all statements and
reports required by the Laws and Orders to which Neo Canyon or any of its properties or operations
are subject. No claim has been made by any Governmental Authority (and, to Neo Canyon’s Knowledge,
no such claim is anticipated) to the effect that the business conducted by Neo Canyon fails to
comply, in any respect, with any Law.

     5.12 Forward Sales. Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.12, Neo Canyon is not
obligated by virtue of a take or pay payment, advance payment or other similar payment (other than
royalties, overriding royalties and similar arrangements reflected on Exhibit C), to
deliver Hydrocarbons, or proceeds from the sale thereof, attributable to the Leases at some future
time without receiving payment therefor at or after the time of delivery.

     5.13 Properties. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.13 and except for
Hydrocarbon sales contracts with a term not greater than thirty (30) days, no Hydrocarbons produced
from the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties are subject to a sales contract or other agreement
relating to the marketing of Hydrocarbons, and no person has any call upon, option to purchase or
similar rights with respect to such Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties or the rights therefrom,
except for third party operator rights under operating agreements covering the Neo Canyon Oil and
Gas Properties.

     5.14 Consents and Preferential Purchase Rights. Except as set forth in Schedule
5.14, none of the Leases are subject to any preferential rights to purchase or restrictions on
assignment or required third-party consents to assignment which may be applicable to the
transactions contemplated by this Contribution Agreement, except for governmental consents and
approvals of assignments that are customarily obtained after Closing.

     5.15 Contracts. Neither Neo Canyon nor to Neo Canyon’s Knowledge, any other party is
in default under any contract except for such defaults as would not have an ARI Material Adverse
Effect. There are no contracts with Affiliates of Neo Canyon which will be binding on the Neo
Canyon Oil and Gas Properties after Closing. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.15, none of
the contracts consist of, nor are the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties subject to any, Hedging
Transaction which will be binding on ARI.

     5.16 Intentionally Omitted.

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     5.17 Intentionally Omitted.

     5.18 Intellectual Property. Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.18, Neo Canyon
does not own or use any Intellectual Property in the ownership and operation of the Neo Canyon Oil
and Gas Properties. Neo Canyon has received no written notice, and has no knowledge of, any
infringements or unauthorized or unlawful use of any Intellectual Property by Neo Canyon or any
allegation that Neo Canyon’s use of such Intellectual Property has infringed similar properties of
others.

     5.19 Accredited Investor. Neo Canyon is an “accredited investor” within the meaning
of Regulation D, Rule 501(a), promulgated by the Commission.

     5.20 Restricted Securities. Neo Canyon understands that the shares of ARI Common
Stock will not have been registered pursuant to the Securities Act or any applicable state
securities laws, that the shares of ARI Common Stock will be characterized as “restricted
securities” under federal securities laws, and that under such laws and applicable regulations the
shares of ARI Common Stock cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of without registration under the
Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. In this connection, Neo Canyon represents that it is
familiar with Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as currently in effect, and
understands the resale limitations imposed thereby and by the Securities Act. A legend indicating
that the shares of ARI Common Stock have not been registered under applicable federal and state
securities laws and referring to the restrictions on transferability and sale of the ARI Common
Stock pursuant to this Contribution Agreement or otherwise may be placed on any certificate(s) or
other document delivered to Neo Canyon or any substitute therefor and any transfer agent of ARI may
be instructed to require compliance therewith.

     5.21 Investment Intent. The ARI Common Stock is being acquired for Neo Canyon’s own
investment portfolio and account (and not on behalf of, and without the participation of, any other
Person) with the intent of holding the ARI Common Stock for investment and without the intent of
participating, directly or indirectly, in a distribution of the ARI Common Stock and not with a
view to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution of the ARI Common Stock in violation of
applicable securities laws or any portion thereof in violation of applicable securities laws. As
of the Closing Date, Neo Canyon does not have plans to transfer any of the ARI Common Stock on a
specified date or to a specified person, other than as contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE VI.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE AOG STOCKHOLDERS, LUBAR AND YORKTOWN VII

     Each of the AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII severally and not jointly represents and
warrants to ARI and Neo Canyon that the statements contained in this Article VI are correct
and complete as of the date hereof.

     6.1 Organization and Good Standing. Each of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown
VII is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction in
which it is organized and has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver

24

 

and perform its
obligations under this Contribution Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby.

     6.2 Authority and Enforceability. The execution and delivery by each of such AOG
Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII of this Contribution Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (if such AOG Stockholder is not a natural Person) have been duly
and validly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action and no other corporate or other
proceedings are necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Contribution
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered and constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of each of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII, enforceable against each of
such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII in accordance with its terms, except as such
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization and similar Laws affecting creditors generally and by the
availability of equitable remedies.

     6.3 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents. The execution and delivery of this
Contribution Agreement by each of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII do not, and the
performance by each of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby will not violate, conflict with, require any consent under or result
in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default (with or without due notice or lapse of time
or both) under, or give any party the right to terminate or accelerate any obligation, or give rise
to the creation of any Lien upon any property or asset of AOG under, any of the terms, conditions,
or provisions of any organizational document, contract or other instrument or obligation to which
each of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII is a party or by which it may be bound, or
violate any Law or Order of any Governmental Authority binding upon each of such AOG Stockholders,
Lubar and Yorktown VII. No consent of or registration, declaration, or filing with any
Governmental Authority is required by or with respect to each of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and
Yorktown VII in connection with the execution and delivery of this Contribution Agreement by each
of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.

     6.4 Ownership. Such AOG Stockholder is the holder of record of and owns beneficially
the AOG Common Stock identified as being owned by such AOG Stockholder in Section 2.1 and
to be acquired by ARI in accordance with Section 2.1, and, as of the Closing Date, such AOG
Stockholder will be the holder of record and will own beneficially the AOG Common Stock, free and
clear of all Liens. On the Closing Date, ARI will receive good and valid title to the AOG Common
Stock owned by such AOG Stockholder, free and clear of all Liens.

     6.5 Accredited Investor. Each of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII is an
“accredited investor” within the meaning of Regulation D, Rule 501(a), promulgated by the
Commission.

     6.6 Restricted Securities. Each of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII
understands that the shares of ARI Common Stock will not have been registered pursuant to the
Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws, that the shares of ARI Common Stock will be
characterized as “restricted securities” under federal securities laws, and that under such laws

25

 

and applicable regulations the shares of ARI Common Stock cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of
without registration under the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. In this connection, each
of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII represents that it is familiar with Rule 144
promulgated under the Securities Act, as currently in effect, and understands the resale
limitations imposed thereby and by the Securities Act. A legend indicating that the shares of ARI
Common Stock have not been registered under applicable federal and state securities laws and
referring to the restrictions on transferability and sale of the ARI Common Stock pursuant to this
Contribution Agreement or otherwise may be placed on any certificate(s) or other document delivered
to each of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII or any substitute therefor and any
transfer agent of ARI may be instructed to require compliance therewith.

     6.7 Investment Intent. The ARI Common Stock is being acquired for the own investment
portfolio and account (and not on behalf of, and without the participation of, any other Person) of
each of such AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII with the intent of holding the ARI Common
Stock for investment and without the intent of participating, directly or indirectly, in a
distribution of the ARI Common Stock and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any
distribution of the ARI Common Stock in violation of applicable securities laws or any portion
thereof in violation of applicable securities laws. As of the Closing Date, none of each AOG
Stockholder, Lubar or Yorktown VII has plans to transfer any of the ARI Common Stock on a specified
date or to a specified person, other than in connection with the ARI Initial Public Offering.

ARTICLE VII.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ARI

     ARI represents and warrants to AOG, the AOG Stockholders, Lubar, Yorktown VII and Neo Canyon
that the statements contained in this Article VII are correct and complete as of the date
hereof (it being recognized that each such representation and warranty with respect to ARI’s
operations and the ARI Oil and Gas Properties shall be deemed to refer to ARI and each of its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole).

     7.1 Organization and Power. Each of ARI and its Subsidiaries is duly incorporated or
formed (as the case may be), validly existing and in good standing (as applicable) under the Laws
of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, and is qualified and in good standing
to transact business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required by Law, except
where the failure to be so qualified would not have an ARI Material Adverse Effect. ARI has all
requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this
Contribution Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. ARI has heretofore
delivered or made available to the AOG Stockholders and Neo Canyon complete and correct copies of
(a) its certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended to date, and (b) its Subsidiaries’
respective certificates of incorporation and bylaws, or other comparable organizational documents,
each as amended to date.

     7.2 Authorizations; Execution and Validity. The execution and delivery of this
Contribution Agreement by ARI, the performance of this Contribution Agreement by ARI and

26

 

the
consummation by ARI of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby to be consummated by it,
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and, except for the approval of the New
ARI Charter as provided herein, no other corporate action on the part of ARI is necessary with
respect thereto. This Contribution Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by ARI and, when
duly and validly executed and delivered, will constitute a valid and binding obligation of ARI and
is enforceable against ARI in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar Laws affecting creditors generally
and by the availability of equitable remedies.

     7.3 Capitalization.

          (a) As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of ARI consists solely of 4,000,000
shares of ARI Common Stock and 1,000,000 shares of ARI Preferred Stock. As of the date hereof,
there are an aggregate of 2,852,085 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding, all of which
shares are owned of record and beneficially, by the ARI Stockholders with each ARI Stockholder
owning the number of shares set forth on Schedule 7.3(a) hereto, and have been duly
authorized and validly issued, and are fully-paid and non-assessable. No shares of ARI Preferred
Stock are issued and outstanding. As of the date hereof, ARI had outstanding options which had
been issued to the individuals and entities listed on Schedule 7.3(a) totaling 115,385
shares of ARI Common Stock. As of the date hereof, the issued and outstanding amount of ARI Common
Stock on a fully diluted basis is 2,967,470 shares. Except as contemplated by the ARI Registration
Statement, the Lubar Note, the Yorktown Note, future issuances of equity or convertible debt in
connection with financing transactions or acquisitions that the ARI Board reasonably determines to
be in the best interests of ARI and its stockholders, and with respect to options, warrants, rights
or other equity based awards issued as part of reasonable compensation plans approved by the ARI
Board, as of the Closing Date, there shall be no outstanding options, subscriptions, warrants,
calls, commitments, pre-emptive rights or other rights obligating ARI to issue or sell any shares
of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares of its
capital stock, or otherwise requiring ARI to give any Person the right to receive any benefits or
rights similar to any rights enjoyed by or accruing to the holders of shares of capital stock of
ARI or any rights to participate in the equity or net income of ARI. All of the issued shares of
ARI’s capital stock were issued, and to the extent purchased or transferred, have been so purchased
or transferred, in compliance with all applicable Laws, including federal and state securities
Laws, and any preemptive rights and any other statutory or contractual rights of any ARI
Stockholder.

          (b) ARI has no Subsidiaries other than those set forth on Schedule 7.3(b). ARI,
directly or indirectly, owns all capital of and other equity interests in its Subsidiaries, and
there are no outstanding options, subscriptions, warrants, calls, commitments, pre-emptive rights
or other rights in favor of any Person other than ARI or other ARI Subsidiaries obligating ARI or
any of its Subsidiaries to issue or sell any shares or other equity interests of any of ARI’s
Subsidiaries or any securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares or other equity
interests of any such Subsidiary, or otherwise requiring ARI or any of its Subsidiaries to give any
Person (other than ARI or any of its Subsidiaries) the right to receive any benefits or rights
similar to any rights enjoyed by or accruing to the holders of shares or other equity interests of
any such Subsidiary or any rights to participate in the equity or net income of any such
Subsidiary. ARI does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital of or other equity interest in
or

27

 

has any other investment in any other Person other than its Subsidiaries. Except for the
Stockholders’ Agreement and as otherwise set forth on Schedule 7.3(c), there are no
stockholders’ agreements, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings between or among ARI
Stockholders or to which ARI is a party or by which it is bound with respect to the transfer or
voting of any capital stock of ARI, none of which, except as disclosed in Schedule 7.3(c),
shall be in effect following the Closing.

     7.4 Financial Statements; Other Financial Data. Attached hereto on Schedule
7.4 are correct and complete copies of the audited consolidated balance sheet of ARI and its
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 with the related consolidated statements of operations,
changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (the “ARI Audited Financial
Statements”) and the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of ARI and its Subsidiaries as of
March 31, 2007 with the related unaudited consolidated statements of operations, changes in
stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the quarter then ended (the “ARI Unaudited Financial
Statements” and, together with the ARI Audited Financial Statements, the “ARI Financial
Statements”). The ARI Financial Statements present fairly in all material respects the financial
position of ARI as of the dates indicated, and the results of its operations for the respective
periods indicated. The ARI Audited Financial Statements are in conformity with GAAP, consistently
applied. The ARI Unaudited Financial Statements are unaudited and, therefore, are subject to
normal recurring year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

     7.5 Consents. Neither the execution and delivery by ARI of this Contribution
Agreement nor the consummation or performance by ARI of the transactions contemplated by this
Contribution Agreement to be consummated or performed by it will require prior to the Closing (on
the part of ARI) any consent from, authorization or approval or other action by, notice to or
declaration, filing or a registration with, any Governmental Authority or any other third party,
except, if required, to comply with the HSR Act or as specified in Schedule 7.5.

     7.6 No Defaults or Conflicts. Neither the execution and delivery by ARI of this
Contribution Agreement nor the consummation or performance by ARI of the transactions contemplated
by this Contribution Agreement to be consummated or performed by it (i) results or will result in
any violation of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of ARI or other organizational or
governing documents of ARI or any of its Subsidiaries; or (ii) subject to obtaining the required
consent, if any, from ARI’s Senior Lender, violates or conflicts with, or constitutes a breach of
any of the terms or provisions of or a default under, or results in the creation or imposition of
any Lien upon any property or asset of ARI, the trigger of any charge, payment or requirement of
consent, or the acceleration or increase of the maturity of any payment date under: (A) any
Material Contract to which ARI is a party or (B) any applicable Law or Order to which ARI or any of
its respective properties is subject, other than, in each case, where such failure, conflict or
breach would not have an ARI Material Adverse Effect.

     7.7 Agreements, Contracts and Commitments. ARI has listed in Schedule 7.7 all
Material Contracts to which it is a party (true and correct copies of each such document have been
previously delivered or made available to the AOG Stockholders and Neo Canyon). Except as set
forth in Schedule 7.7, ARI has not breached, nor to ARI’s Knowledge is there any claim or
any legal basis for a claim that ARI or any third party has breached, any of the terms or
conditions of any Material Contract if any such breach, whether considered individually or in the

28

 

aggregate, could result in the imposition of damages or the loss of benefits in an amount or of a
kind that would have an ARI Material Adverse Effect to ARI and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

     7.8 Litigation. Schedule 7.8 lists all Legal Proceedings pending or, to ARI’s
Knowledge, threatened against or affecting ARI or any of its assets. Except as disclosed on
Schedule 7.8, ARI is not subject to any Order. There are no Legal Proceedings pending
against or, to ARI’s Knowledge, threatened in writing against, ARI that questions the validity or
legality of any of this Contribution Agreement or any action taken or to be taken by ARI in
connection herewith or therewith.

     7.9 ERISA Compliance; Labor.

          (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 7.9, neither ARI nor any other Aggregated Group
sponsors, maintains or contributes to any Employee Benefit Plan.

          (b) No labor associations, organizations, or unions have been certified to represent any
employee of ARI, and no collective bargaining agreement or other labor union contract has been
requested by any employee or group of employees of ARI, and no discussions or negotiations with
respect to any such agreement or contract have occurred.

          (c) ARI and its Subsidiaries are in material compliance with all Laws, rules, regulations and
Orders relating to the employment of labor, including all such Laws, rules, regulations and Orders
relating to wages, hours, collective bargaining, discrimination, civil rights, safety and health,
workers’ compensation and the collection and payment of withholding or Social Security Taxes and
similar Taxes.

     7.10 Taxes. Except as disclosed on Schedule 7.10:

          (a) All material Tax Returns required to be filed on or before the Closing Date by or on
behalf of ARI have been or will be filed within the time prescribed by Law (including extensions of
time permitted by Law) and such Tax Returns are true, correct, complete and accurate in all
material respects and reflect accurately in all material respects all liability for Taxes of ARI or
any of its Subsidiaries.

          (b) ARI has paid, on a timely basis, all material Taxes of ARI and of any of its Subsidiaries
that are due on or before December 31, 2006, and will have paid all material Taxes of ARI and of
any of its Subsidiaries that are due on or before the Closing Date.

          (c) The provision for Taxes and other accrued Tax liabilities reflected in the Financial
Statements are sufficient to cover all material liabilities for Taxes in respect of Tax Periods
ending at or prior to the relevant Financial Statement date.

          (d) There are no Liens for Taxes upon any of the properties or assets of ARI or of any of its
Subsidiaries (except for Permitted Liens).

          (e) There are no pending Orders, audits, actions, proceedings, investigations, disputes or
claims instigated by any Governmental Authority with respect to any Taxes payable

29

 

by or asserted
against ARI or any of its Subsidiaries. Neither ARI nor any of its Subsidiaries has received
notice from any taxing authority of its intent to examine or audit any of its Tax Returns.

          (f) Neither ARI nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to Tax or has done business in any
country other than the United States.

          (g) All Taxes required to be withheld, collected or deposited by ARI or any of its
Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, amounts required to be withheld, collected or
deposited with respect to amounts paid or owing to any employee, creditor, independent contractor
or other Person) have been timely withheld, collected or deposited and, to the extent required,
have been timely paid to the relevant taxing authority.

          (h) There are no outstanding agreements or waivers that would extend the statutory period in
which a taxing authority may assess or collect a Tax against ARI or any of its Subsidiaries.

     7.11 Brokers. Other than the commission payable pursuant to the Underwriting
Agreement, ARI has not paid or become obligated to pay any fee or commission to any broker, finder
or intermediary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby for which ARI, AOG or Neo
Canyon shall have liability following the Closing.

     7.12 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth on Schedule
7.12 or as disclosed in the ARI Audited Financial Statements or the ARI Unaudited Financial
Statements, since March 31, 2007, there has not been any transaction or occurrence in which ARI
has:

          (a) suffered any Material Adverse Effect;

          (b) declared, set aside or paid any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or
property) with respect to any of its outstanding capital stock, or made any redemption, purchase or
other acquisition of any of its equity securities;

          (c) cancelled any debts or waived any receivables, claims or rights in excess of $2,500,000
individually;

          (d) suffered any uninsured casualty loss or damage in excess of $2,500,000 individually;

          (e) amended any term of any equity security of ARI other than as contemplated by this
Contribution Agreement; or

          (f) made any change in its accounting methods, principles or practices.

     7.13 Compliance with Laws. ARI holds all material Permits necessary for the lawful
conduct of its business and is in compliance in all material respects, with all Laws and Orders
applicable to its business and has filed with the proper authorities all statements and reports
required by the Laws and Orders to which ARI or any of its properties or operations are subject.
No claim has been made by any Governmental Authority (and, to ARI’s Knowledge, no such

30

 

claim is
anticipated) to the effect that the business conducted by ARI fails to comply, in any respect, with
any Law.

     7.14 Transactions with Related Parties. Except for the Stockholders’ Agreement,
transactions with any of ARI’s Subsidiaries and as otherwise set forth on Schedule 7.14:

          (a) No Affiliate has entered into, or has had any direct or indirect financial interest in,
any ARI Material Contract, transaction or business dealings involving ARI;

          (b) No Affiliate owns or has any interest in, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, any
tangible or intangible property used in the conduct of the business of ARI;

          (c) Other than amounts owed to ARI pursuant to any intercompany debts, joint interest billing
and general and administrative allocations, or expense advance reimbursements in the ordinary
course of business, no Affiliate owes any money to, nor is any such Affiliate owed any money by,
ARI other than as set forth in this Contribution Agreement; and

          (d) ARI has not, directly or indirectly, guaranteed or assumed any indebtedness for borrowed
money or otherwise for the benefit of any Affiliate of ARI.

     7.15 Agents. Except as set forth on Schedule 7.15, ARI has not designated or
appointed any person or other entity to act for it or on its behalf pursuant to any power of
attorney or any agency which is presently in effect (other than such of ARI’s directors, officers
and employees to whom ARI has given the authority to act for ARI in the ordinary course of its
business) or shall continue after the Closing Date.

     7.16 Books and Records. The minute books and records of ARI are current as of the
date hereof (and shall be current as of the Closing) with respect to all undertakings and
authorizations, and contain a true, complete and correct record of all actions taken at all
meetings and by all written consents in lieu of meetings of the ARI Board, or any committees
thereof, and the ARI Stockholders. The stock ledger and related stock transfer records of ARI
contain a true, complete and correct record of the original issuance, transfer and other
capitalization matters of the capital stock of ARI. The accounting, financial reporting, tax and
business books and records of ARI accurately and fairly reflect in all material respects the
business and condition of ARI and the transactions and the assets and liabilities of ARI with
respect thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, ARI has not engaged in any
transaction with respect to its business or operations, maintained any bank account therefor or
used any funds of ARI in the conduct thereof except for transactions, bank accounts and funds that
have been and are reflected in the normally maintained books and records of the business.

     7.17 Information Furnished. ARI has made available to AOG and Neo Canyon and their
respective directors, officers, employees, counsel, representatives, financing sources, customers,
creditors, accountants and auditors, true and correct copies of all agreements, documents, and
other items listed on the Schedules to this Contribution Agreement and all books and records of
ARI.

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     7.18 Directors and Officers. Schedule 7.18 lists all of the directors and
officers of ARI as of the Closing Date.

     7.19 Bank Accounts. Attached hereto as Schedule 7.19 is a list of all banks
or other financial institutions with which ARI has an account, showing the type and account number
of each such account.

     7.20 Owned Real Property. Other than the ARI Oil and Gas Properties, ARI does not own
any real property.

     7.21 Leased Real Property. Other than the ARI Oil and Gas Properties, Schedule
7.21 contains a complete and correct list of all Real Property Leases. ARI has provided or
made available to the AOG Stockholders and Neo Canyon correct and complete copies of the Real
Property Leases. Except as disclosed in Schedule 7.21, (i) each of the Real Property
Leases is in
full force and effect, and, to ARI’s Knowledge, is enforceable against the landlord which is
party thereto in accordance with its terms (except as such enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar laws affecting creditors generally and by the
availability of equitable remedies), (ii) there are no subleases under the Real Property Leases and
none of the Real Property Leases has been assigned (other than collateral assignments to ARI’s
Senior Lender), (iii) no notices of default or notices of termination have been received by ARI
with respect to the Real Property Leases which have not been withdrawn or canceled and (iv) ARI is
not, and to ARI’s Knowledge, no other party is, in default under any Real Property Lease. There is
no ARI Knowledge of, nor has there been receipt of any written notice of a proceeding in eminent
domain or other similar proceeding affecting property listed on Schedule 7.21.

     7.22 Insurance. Schedule 7.22 contains a true and complete list of all
insurance policies, directors and officers liability policies, and formal self-insurance programs,
and other forms of insurance and all fidelity bonds held by or applicable to ARI and its owned or
leased properties. Schedule 7.22 describes (a) whether each insurance policy listed on
Schedule 7.22 is occurrence-based or claims made based and (b) each pending claim
thereunder for more than $1,000,000 per claim and a history of all such claims made against any
such insurance policy of ARI for the past three (3) years. All insurance policies listed on
Schedule 7.22 have been made available to the AOG Stockholders and Neo Canyon and are
subject to the deductibles or retentions referenced on Schedule 7.22. ARI maintains
insurance for its benefit, in coverages and amounts to be customary and adequate in the oil and gas
industry. ARI is not in default with respect to any provision in any current policy maintained for
its benefit, and all such insurance is in full force and effect. ARI has not received, nor is
there any ARI Knowledge of, any notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of any such insurance policy.
ARI has not failed to give any notice or present any claim for more than $1,000,000 under any of
the policies for the benefit of ARI in due and timely fashion. ARI has not been refused any
insurance with respect to its assets, properties or businesses, nor has any such coverage been
materially limited by any insurance carrier to which ARI has applied for any such insurance or with
which ARI has carried insurance during the past three (3) years. Other than as described on
Schedule 7.22, no further payments of premiums will be due following the Closing by ARI
with respect to insurance coverages prior to the Closing. Neither this Contribution Agreement nor
any of the transactions contemplated by this Contribution Agreement to occur at the Closing will
adversely affect ARI’s coverage under the terms of the insurance policies with respect to periods
prior to the Closing.

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     7.23 Title to Oil and Gas Properties. ARI has Defensible Title to all ARI Oil and Gas
Properties. All proceeds from the sale of ARI’s share of the Hydrocarbons being produced from the
ARI Oil and Gas Properties are currently being paid in full to ARI by the purchasers thereof on a
timely basis, and none of such proceeds are currently being held in suspense by such purchaser or
any other party, except as set forth in Schedule 7.23.

     7.24 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Schedule 7.24:

          (a) to ARI’s Knowledge, it has conducted its business and operated its assets, and is
conducting its business and operating its assets, and the condition of all facilities and
properties (including off site storage or disposal of any Hazardous Materials from such facilities
or properties) currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by ARI is, in material compliance
with all Environmental Laws;

          (b) ARI has not been notified by any Governmental Authority or other third party that any of
the operations or assets of ARI is the subject of any investigation or inquiry by any Governmental
Authority or other third party evaluating whether any material remedial action is needed to respond
to a release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or to the improper storage or disposal
(including storage or disposal at offsite locations) of any Hazardous Material where such
investigation or inquiry has not been fully resolved and satisfied as of the date hereof;

          (c) neither ARI nor, to ARI’s Knowledge, any other Person has filed any notice under any
federal, state or local Law indicating that (i) ARI is responsible for the improper release into
the environment, or the improper storage or disposal, of any Hazardous Material, or (ii) any
Hazardous Material is improperly stored or disposed of upon any property of ARI;

          (d) to ARI’s Knowledge, it does not have any material liability (contingent or otherwise) in
connection with (i) the release or threatened release into the environment at, beneath or on any
property now or previously owned or leased by ARI, or (ii) the storage or disposal of any Hazardous
Material;

          (e) ARI has not received any claim, complaint, notice, inquiry or request for information
involving any matter which remains unresolved as of the date hereof with respect to any alleged
violation of any Environmental Law or regarding current or potential liability under any
Environmental Law or any personal injury, property damage or natural resource damage claim relating
to operations or conditions of any facilities or property (including off site storage or disposal
or release of any Hazardous Material from such facilities or property) currently or formerly owned,
leased or operated by ARI;

          (f) to ARI’s Knowledge, no property now or previously owned, leased or operated by ARI is
listed on the National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA or on the CERCLIS or on any other federal
or state list as sites requiring investigation or cleanup;

          (g) to ARI’s Knowledge, it is not directly transporting, has not directly transported, is not
directly arranging for the transportation of, or has not directly transported, any Hazardous
Material to any location which is listed on the National Priorities List pursuant to

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CERCLA, on the
CERCLIS, or on any similar federal or state list or which is the subject of federal, state or local
enforcement actions or other investigations that may lead to material claims against ARI for
remedial work, damage to natural resources or personal injury, including claims under CERCLA;

          (h) except for the draining and backfilling of pits associated with drilling activities in the
ordinary course, there are no sites, locations or operations at which ARI is obligated to
undertake, is currently undertaking, or has completed, any remedial or response action relating to
any disposal or release, as required by Environmental Laws; and

          (i) ARI does not own or operate any underground storage tanks or solid waste disposal
facilities.

     7.25 Patents, Trademarks and Similar Rights. ARI owns or is properly licensed to use
or otherwise has rights to use all Intellectual Property (specifically including any seismic
license or Permit) material to the operations of the business of ARI as currently conducted. To
ARI’s
Knowledge, except as set forth on Schedule 7.25, (i) the entry into this Contribution
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby will not have any effect on any contracts
related to Intellectual Property, and (ii) neither ARI nor, to ARI’s Knowledge, any other party, is
in breach of or default under any Intellectual Property license or any other contract or legal
requirement relating to the Intellectual Property, in each such case.

     7.26 Plugging and Abandonment. As to Wells operated by ARI, there are no Wells that:
(i) ARI is currently obligated by Law or contract to plug and abandon; or (ii) have been plugged
and abandoned in a manner that does not comply in all material respects with Law, in each such
case, where the obligation or failure to comply would reasonably be expected to have an ARI
Material Adverse Effect.

     7.27 Additional Drilling Obligations. To ARI’s Knowledge, except as set forth on
Schedule 7.27, there are no current obligations or assessments of ARI or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than implied obligations under leases to which ARI is a party concerning
protection from drainage and further development that is customary in the oil and gas industry)
that require the drilling of additional Wells or other material development operations (including
re-entry of existing Wells) in order to earn or to continue to hold all or any portion of the Oil
and Gas Properties, where the obligation or assessment would, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have an ARI Material Adverse Effect.

     7.28 Gas Imbalances. Except as set forth in Schedule 7.28, ARI has no gas
production imbalances attributable to the ARI Oil and Gas Properties.

ARTICLE VIII.

COVENANTS

     8.1 Ordinary Course of Business. Except as otherwise contemplated herein or in
connection with the ARI Initial Public Offering, between the date of this Contribution Agreement
and the earlier to occur of the Closing Date or the termination of this Contribution Agreement,
ARI, AOG and Neo Canyon, as applicable, will carry on their respective businesses

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diligently and in
the ordinary and usual course and consistent with past practice, and, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, and ARI, AOG and Neo Canyon will use, and Neo Canyon GP will cause Neo
Canyon to use, commercially reasonable efforts to preserve their respective business organizations
intact, keep available the services of their respective present executive officers and employees
and preserve their respective present relationships with persons having business dealings with it.

     8.2 AOG Restricted Activities and Transactions. Except as otherwise contemplated
herein or in connection with the ARI Initial Public Offering, as set forth on Schedule 8.2,
or as otherwise consented to in writing by ARI, AOG, Neo Canyon, Lubar and Yorktown VII, between
the date of this Contribution Agreement and the earlier to occur of the Closing Date or the
termination of this Contribution Agreement, (i) the AOG Stockholders shall not sell, transfer or
otherwise deliver their common stock in AOG, and (ii) AOG will not:

          (a) except (i) as contemplated by the Lubar Note and the Yorktown Note, (ii) subject to
Section 10.1(d), for future issuances of equity or convertible debt in connection with
financing transactions or acquisitions that the ARI Board reasonably determines to be in the best
interests of ARI and its stockholders, or (iii) for options, warrants, rights, or other
equity-based awards issued as part of reasonable compensation plans approved by the ARI Board or
the AOG Board, issue or commit to issue any of its capital stock or other ownership or equity
interests;

          (b) except (i) as contemplated by the Lubar Note and the Yorktown Note, (ii) subject to
Section 10.1(d), for future issuances of equity or convertible debt in connection with
financing transactions or acquisitions that the ARI Board reasonably determines to be in the best
interests of ARI and its stockholders, or (iii) for options, warrants, rights, or other
equity-based awards issued as part of reasonable compensation plans approved by the ARI Board or
the AOG Board, grant or commit to grant any options, warrants, convertible securities or other
rights to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock or other
ownership or equity interests;

          (c) declare, set aside, or pay any dividend or distribution or make any other payment with
respect to its capital stock or other ownership interests except in the ordinary and usual course
and consistent with past practice;

          (d) directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire or commit to acquire any of
its capital stock or other ownership or equity interests;

          (e) effect a split or reclassification of any of its capital stock or a recapitalization or
other reorganization;

          (f) amend or otherwise alter its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, limited liability
agreement or limited partnership agreement or other governing instruments;

          (g) enter into or make any change in any of its Employee Benefit Plans or grant any increase
in compensation (other than increases in compensation in the ordinary course of business for field
and office personnel who are not managers or executives), or provide any special severance
arrangement involving any of its employees, officers or directors;

35

 

          (h) except in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise permitted under this
Contribution Agreement and except for budgeted capital expenditures, enter into or agree to enter
into any agreement or transaction involving the incurrence of an obligation to pay an amount in
excess of an aggregate of $30,000,000;

          (i) create, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any of its assets, tangible or intangible,
except (i) as permitted under its existing credit facilities with banks and any renewals,
modifications or rearrangements thereof on terms and conditions not materially less favorable to
the respective borrower or (ii) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

          (j) except as in the ordinary and usual course of business and consistent with past practice
or as otherwise contemplated or permitted herein, (i) cancel or agree to cancel any debts or
claims, (ii) lease, sublease, sell or transfer, agree to sublease, sell or transfer, or grant or
agree to grant any preferential rights to lease or acquire, any of its assets, property or rights
having a
fair market value in excess of $2,000,000 or (iii) make or permit any material amendment or
termination of any Material Contract, agreement, license or other right to which it is a party;

          (k) settle any threatened or pending litigation that is not fully covered by insurance other
than for immaterial consideration or for an amount less than that reserved as of the date hereof
for such litigation on its books and records; or

          (l) commit itself to do any of the foregoing.

     8.3 Neo Canyon Restricted Activities and Transactions. Between the date of this
Contribution Agreement and the earlier to occur of the Closing Date or the termination of this
Agreement, Neo Canyon will and Neo Canyon GP will cause Neo Canyon to (except as consented to in
writing by ARI, AOG, Lubar and Yorktown VII or otherwise permitted under this Agreement):

          (a) not terminate, amend or extend any material contracts affecting the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas
Properties, or enter into or commit to enter into any new material contract relating to the Neo
Canyon Oil and Gas Properties, or settle, compromise or waive any right relating to the Neo Canyon
Oil and Gas Properties,

          (b) maintain insurance coverage on the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties in the amounts and of
the types presently in force,

          (c) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the operator to maintain in full force and
effect the Leases and other Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties, and pay all costs and expenses and
perform all material obligations of the owner of the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties promptly
when due,

          (d) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the operator to maintain all Permits,

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          (e) not transfer, sell, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any Neo Canyon Oil and
Gas Properties except for sales and dispositions of Hydrocarbons made in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices,

          (f) not grant or create any preferential right to purchase, right of first opportunity or
other transfer restriction or requirement with respect to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties
except in connection with the renewal or extension of Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties after the
Closing Date if granting or creating such right or requirement is a condition of such renewal or
extension,

          (g) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the operator to maintain the equipment in at
least as good a condition as it is on the date hereof, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and

          (h) not make any change in any method of accounting or accounting practice or policy with
respect to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties.

     8.4 HSR and Other Regulatory Matters. Each of the parties hereto agrees to make all
necessary filings on a timely basis with respect to the HSR Act, and other applicable laws and will
use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any other regulatory approvals which may be
required to consummate the transactions contemplated herein. Notwithstanding anything in this
Contribution Agreement to the contrary, if any party hereto or any Affiliate thereof is required to
make a filing under any such acts in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Contribution Agreement, the filing fees of such Person shall be borne by the party whose equity
ownership gave rise to such filing obligation.

     8.5 Commercially Reasonable Efforts. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
hereof, each of the parties hereto agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or
cause to be taken, all appropriate action, and to do or cause to be done, all things necessary,
proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the transactions as contemplated by this
Contribution Agreement and to cooperate in connection with the foregoing, including commercially
reasonable efforts:

          (a) to obtain any necessary waivers, consents and approvals from other parties to material
notes, licenses, agreements and other instruments and obligations;

          (b) to obtain any material consents, approvals, authorizations and Permits required to be
obtained under any Law or Order;

          (c) to defend all lawsuits or other Legal Proceedings challenging this Contribution Agreement
or the consummation of the transactions as contemplated hereby; and

          (d) to effect promptly all necessary filings and notifications including, but not limited to,
filings under the HSR Act, and prompt submissions of information requested by Governmental
Authorities.

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     8.6 New ARI Charter. Subject to approval of the New ARI Charter by the ARI
Stockholders, ARI will file the New ARI Charter with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware.

     8.7 Officers and Directors. The duly elected officers and directors of ARI who hold
office immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the officers and directors of ARI and shall
thereafter continue to hold such positions until their successors have been duly elected.

     8.8 Access to Information. From the date hereof to the Effective Time, each of the
parties hereto shall afford the officers, employees and representatives of the others, complete
access at all reasonable times to its respective officers, employees, agents, properties, books and
records, as applicable, and shall furnish the others all financial, operating and other data and
information as the others, through their officers, employees or representatives, may reasonably
request.

     8.9 Section 351. For United States federal income tax purposes and any applicable
state or local income tax purposes, the parties hereto recognize that (i) the contributions
described in Section 2.1 will be treated to the AOG Stockholders as contributions by the
AOG Stockholders of common stock in AOG to ARI in exchange for shares of ARI Common Stock to which
Section 351(a) of the Code applies, (ii) the contributions described in Section 2.2 will be
treated to Neo Canyon as contributions by Neo Canyon of assets in Neo Canyon to ARI in exchange for
shares of ARI Common Stock to which Section 351(a) of the Code applies and (iii) the
contribution described in Sections 2.3 and 2.4 will be treated to Lubar and
Yorktown VII as contributions by them of notes payable to ARI in exchange for shares of ARI Common
Stock to which Section 351(a) of the Code applies. No party shall file any income Tax Return or
otherwise take any position for income Tax purposes that is inconsistent with such treatment unless
required to do so pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code
or the corresponding provision of state or local income Tax Law. Additionally, each party agrees
to take no action which, alone or in combination with the actions of others, reasonably could
prevent the transactions from qualifying for nonrecognition of gain or loss under Section 351(a) of
the Code (a “Proscribed Action”), including, without limitation, any prearranged sale, contribution
or other disposition of ARI Common Stock. For purposes of this Section 8.9, the parties
shall assume that Neo Canyon will sell to third parties in a registered secondary offering in
connection with the ARI Initial Public Offering up to the maximum number of shares that it could
sell without violating the “control” requirements in Section 351 of the Code and any such sale by
Neo Canyon of such shares of ARI Common Stock shall not, with respect to Neo Canyon, be considered
a Proscribed Action. A Proscribed Action shall not include a distribution of ARI Common Stock by
the AOG Stockholders and Yorktown VII to their respective partners.

     8.10 ARI Registration Statement. Each of the parties hereto shall cooperate in the
preparation and filing of the ARI Registration Statement and to consummate the ARI Initial Public
Offering. As promptly as is practicable following the execution of this Contribution Agreement,
AOG, the AOG Stockholders and Neo Canyon shall cooperate with ARI to cause such ARI Registration
Statement to be filed with the Commission under and pursuant to the provisions of the Securities
Act for the purpose of registering ARI Common Stock for sale to the public in the ARI Initial
Public Offering.

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     8.11 Blue Sky. ARI will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain prior to the
Effective Time all necessary Blue Sky Permits and approvals required to permit the issuance of ARI
Common Stock in accordance with the provisions of this Contribution Agreement.

     8.12 Notification Of Certain Matters. Each party hereto will give prompt notice of
(i) the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event, the occurrence or nonoccurrence of which would
be likely to cause any representation or warranty of such Person contained herein to be untrue or
inaccurate in any material respect at or prior to the Effective Time, (ii) any material failure of
any such Person to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with
or satisfied by such Person hereunder and (iii) any material adverse change in the business,
operations, operating results or condition (financial or otherwise) of such party. The delivery or
deemed delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 8.12 shall not be deemed to (i)
modify the representations or warranties hereunder of the party delivering such notice, (ii) modify
the conditions set forth in Article IX, or (iii) limit or otherwise affect the remedies
available hereunder to the party receiving such notice.

     8.13 Consents and Preferential Rights. Neo Canyon shall promptly prepare and send,
and Neo Canyon GP shall cause Neo Canyon to promptly prepare and send, (i) notices to the holders
of any required consents to assignment which are set forth on Schedule 5.3 requesting such
consents and (ii) notices to the holders of any applicable preferential rights to purchase which
are set forth on the Schedules requesting waivers of such preferential rights to purchase. Neo
Canyon shall use, and Neo Canyon GP shall cause Neo Canyon to use, commercially reasonable efforts
to cause such consents and waivers of preferential rights to purchase (or the exercise thereof) to
be obtained and delivered prior to Closing. ARI shall cooperate with Neo Canyon in seeking to
obtain such consents and waivers of preferential rights.

     8.14 Assumption and Indemnification.

          (a) FROM AND AFTER CLOSING, AND EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 8.14(b), ARI SHALL
INDEMNIFY, DEFEND AND HOLD HARMLESS NEO CANYON, NEO CANYON GP AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES,
OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM AND AGAINST ALL LOSSES (as defined
below in Section 8.14(c)) INCURRED OR SUFFERED BY NEO CANYON:

          (i) CAUSED BY OR ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM THE OWNERSHIP, USE OR OPERATION OF
THE NEO CANYON OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES, ON OR AFTER THE CLOSING DATE (INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, ANY OBLIGATION TO PLUG AND ABANDON ANY INACTIVE WELL THAT IS PART OF THE
PROPERTIES OR TO REMEDIATE ANY ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION WHETHER SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION
AROSE PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE CLOSING DATE),

          (ii) CAUSED BY OR ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM ARI’S BREACH OF ANY OF ARI’S
COVENANTS OR AGREEMENTS THAT SPECIFICALLY SURVIVES CLOSING AS SET FORTH IN SECTION
11.2 OF THIS CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT.

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Upon and after Closing, ARI shall assume and perform all the rights, duties, obligations and
liabilities of ownership and operation of the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties including, without
limitation: (i) all of Neo Canyon’s express and implied obligations and covenants after the
Closing Date under the terms of the Leases, the Material Contracts, and all other orders, rules and
regulations to which the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties are subject; (ii) responsibility for all
royalties, overriding royalties, rentals, shut-in payments and other burdens or encumbrances to
which the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties are subject accruing after the Closing Date; (iii)
responsibility for compliance with all applicable Laws pertaining to the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas
Properties, and the procurement and maintenance of all permits required by public authorities in
connection with the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties after the Closing Date; and (iv) all other
obligations assumed by ARI under this Contribution Agreement. With respect to non operating
interests in the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties being contributed to ARI under this Contribution
Agreement, ARI shall assume full responsibility and liability for that portion of the foregoing
rights, duties, obligations and liabilities for which non-operators are responsible. Neo Canyon
remains responsible for all costs, expenses and liabilities incurred by Neo Canyon in connection
with the ownership or operation of the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties before the Closing Date,
except (i) those for which ARI indemnifies Neo Canyon, or (ii) those which ARI expressly assumes in
this Contribution Agreement.

          (b) FROM AND AFTER CLOSING, AND EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 8.14(a), NEO CANYON AND
NEO CANYON GP SHALL INDEMNIFY, DEFEND AND HOLD HARMLESS ARI AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS,
EMPLOYEES AND REPRESENTATIVES AGAINST AND FROM NEO CANYON’S SHARE OF ALL LOSSES INCURRED OR
SUFFERED BY ARI:

               (i) CAUSED BY OR ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM THE OWNERSHIP, USE OR OPERATION OF
THE NEO CANYON OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE;

               (ii) ATTRIBUTABLE TO OR ARISING OUT OF THE ACTIONS, SUITS, OR PROCEEDINGS, IF ANY, SET
FORTH ON SCHEDULE 5.6;

               (iii) CAUSED BY OR ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM NEO CANYON’S BREACH OF ANY OF ITS
COVENANTS OR AGREEMENTS THAT SPECIFICALLY SURVIVES CLOSING AS SET FORTH IN SECTION
11.2 OF THIS CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT.

          (c) “Losses,” for purposes of this Article VIII shall mean the amount of any actual
liability, loss, cost, expense, claim, award or judgment incurred or suffered by any Indemnified
Party (as defined in Section 8.15) arising out of or resulting from the indemnified matter,
including reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys, consultants, accountants or other agents and
experts reasonably incident to matters indemnified against, and the costs of investigation and/or
monitoring of such matters, and the costs of enforcement of the indemnity; provided, however, that
ARI, Neo Canyon and Neo Canyon GP shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section
8.14 for, and “Losses” shall not include, (i) loss of profits or other consequential damages
suffered by the party claiming indemnification, or (ii) any special

40

 

or punitive damages (other than
indirect, consequential, special or punitive damages suffered by third Persons and payable by an
Indemnified Person).

          (d) The indemnity of each party provided in this Article VIII shall be for the benefit
of and extend to such party’s present and former Affiliates, and its and their respective
directors, officers, employees, and agents. Any claim for indemnity under this Article
VIII by any such Affiliate, director, officer, employee, or agent must be brought and
administered by the applicable party to this Contribution Agreement. No Indemnified Party other
than Neo Canyon, Neo Canyon GP and ARI shall have any rights against Neo Canyon or Neo Canyon GP,
on the one hand, and ARI, on the other hand, under the terms of this Article VIII except as
may be exercised on its behalf by ARI or Neo Canyon GP, as applicable, pursuant to this Section
8.14(d). Neo Canyon and ARI may elect to exercise or not exercise indemnification rights under
this Section 8.14 on behalf of the other Indemnified Parties affiliated with it in its sole
discretion and shall have no liability to any such other Indemnified Party for any action or
inaction under this Section 8.14. For purposes of this Article VIII, but not for
any other purpose, each of the AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII shall be considered
Affiliates of ARI.

     8.15 Indemnification Procedures.

          (a) If any third party asserts any claim against a party to this Contribution Agreement which,
if successful, would entitle the party to indemnification under this Article VIII (the
“Indemnified Party”), it shall give notice of such claim to the party from whom it intends to seek
indemnification (the “Indemnifying Party”) and the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to
assume the defense and, subject to Section 8.15(b), settlement of such claim at its expense
by representatives of its own choosing acceptable to the Indemnified Party (which acceptance shall
not be unreasonably withheld). The failure of the Indemnified Party to notify the Indemnifying
Party of such claim shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of any liability that the Indemnifying
Party may have with respect to such claim, except to the extent that the defense is materially
prejudiced by such failure. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to participate in the
defense of such claim at its expense (which expense shall not be deemed to be a Loss), in which
case the Indemnifying Party shall cooperate in providing information to and consulting with the
Indemnified Party about the claim. If the Indemnifying Party fails or does not assume the defense
of any such claim within fifteen (15) days after written notice of such claim has been given by the
Indemnified Party to the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party may defend against or, subject
to Section 8.15(b), settle such claim with counsel of its own choosing at the expense (to
the extent reasonable under the circumstances) of the Indemnifying Party.

          (b) If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of a claim involving the asserted
liability of the Indemnified Party under this Article VIII, no settlement of such claim
shall be made by the Indemnified Party without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If the Indemnifying Party assumes the
defense of such a claim, (i) no settlement thereof may be effected by the Indemnifying Party
without the Indemnified Party’s consent unless (A) there is no finding or admission of any
violation of Law or any violation of the rights of any Person and no effect on any other claim that
may be made against the Indemnified Party, (B) the sole relief provided is monetary damages that
have been paid in full by the Indemnifying Party, and (C) the settlement includes, as an
unconditional term thereof, the giving by the claimant or the plaintiff

41

 

to the Indemnified Party of
a release in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, from all
liability in respect of such claim, and (ii) the Indemnified Party shall have no liability with
respect to any compromise or settlement thereof effected without its consent.

     8.16 Limits on Indemnification. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Contribution Agreement:

          (a) Neo Canyon and Neo Canyon GP shall not have any obligation to provide indemnification for
Losses with respect to any specific occurrence, event or circumstance giving rise to a right to be
indemnified pursuant to Section 8.14 unless the amount of the claim giving rise to the
right to be indemnified with respect to such specific occurrence, event or circumstance exceeds
$250,000 (the “Basket Amount”).

          (b) ARI shall not have any obligation to provide indemnification for Losses with respect to
any specific occurrence, event or circumstance giving rise to a right to be indemnified pursuant to
Section 8.14 unless the amount of the claim giving rise to the right to be indemnified with
respect to such specific occurrence, event or circumstance exceeds the Basket Amount.

     8.17 Further Assurances. The parties hereto agree to execute and deliver, or cause to
be executed and delivered, such further instruments or documents or take such other action as may
be reasonably necessary or convenient to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby.

     8.18 Over-allotment Option.  If the underwriters exercise the over-allotment
option to purchase additional shares of ARI Common Stock in the ARI Initial Public Offering (the
“Over-allotment Option”), Neo Canyon shall be entitled to sell in a registered secondary offering
in connection with the Over-allotment Option the maximum number shares of ARI Common Stock owned by
Neo Canyon which would allow the transactions described in Section 8.9 to qualify under
Section 351 of the Code (as determined by Neo Canyon in its reasonable discretion). ARI shall
apply a portion of the net proceeds received by it from the Over-allotment Option to purchase from
Neo Canyon (at a price per share equal to the initial public offering price per share of ARI Common
Stock less the underwriting discount) that number of its shares of ARI Common Stock equal to the
quotient of (i) a proportionate dollar amount of the gross proceeds received from the
Over-allotment Option based on the ratio that the aggregate purchase price paid to Neo Canyon by
ARI pursuant to Section 9.2(e) bears to the aggregate gross proceeds realized by ARI and
Neo Canyon in the ARI Initial Public Offering (excluding any proceeds realized in the
Over-allotment Option), divided by (ii) the initial public offering price per share of ARI
Common Stock.

ARTICLE IX.

CONDITIONS

     9.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party. Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Contribution Agreement, the respective obligations of each party to effect the transactions

42

 

contemplated by this Contribution Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the
Closing Date of the following conditions:

          (a) the waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated;

          (b) no Order shall have been entered and remained in effect in any action or proceeding before
any federal, foreign, state or provincial court or Governmental Authority or other federal,
foreign, state or provincial regulatory or administrative agency or commission that would prevent
or make illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein;

          (c) the ARI Registration Statement shall be effective on the Closing Date and all
post-effective amendments filed shall have been declared effective or shall have been withdrawn,
and no stop order suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have been issued and no proceedings
for that purpose shall have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the parties, threatened by the
Commission;

          (d) ARI and the underwriters named in the ARI Registration Statement shall have executed an
underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) for a firm commitment underwriting as
described in the ARI Registration Statement; and

          (e) all other approvals of Governmental Authorities and of non-governmental persons or
entities shall have been obtained (i) the granting of which is necessary for the consummation of
the transactions contemplated herein and (ii) the non-receipt of which will have an ARI Material
Adverse Effect.

     9.2 Conditions to Obligations of Neo Canyon. Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Contribution Agreement, the obligations of Neo Canyon to effect the transactions contemplated
by this Contribution Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date
of the following conditions:

          (a) the conditions set forth in Section 9.1;

          (b) the representations and warranties of AOG, each of the AOG Stockholders, Lubar and
Yorktown VII contained in this Contribution Agreement shall have been true and correct as of the
Closing Date (or, if given as of a specific date, at and as of such date), except for such failures
to be true which (i) have been cured prior to the Closing Date or (ii) do not, in the aggregate,
constitute an ARI Material Adverse Effect;

          (c) the contributions of the AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII pursuant to Article
II and covenants of each of the parties hereto (other than Neo Canyon) to be complied with or
performed on or before the Closing Date pursuant to the terms hereof shall have been duly complied
with or performed, except for such failures to comply or perform which do not, in the aggregate,
constitute an ARI Material Adverse Effect;

          (d) (d) the ARI Registration Statement shall have included for sale in a registered secondary
offering by Neo Canyon in connection with the ARI Initial Public Offering

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the maximum number shares
of ARI Common Stock owned by Neo Canyon which would allow the transactions described in Section
8.9 to qualify under Section 351 of the Code (as determined by Neo Canyon in its reasonable
discretion) (the “351 Limit Shares”), provided, however, if the managing underwriter or
underwriters advise ARI in writing that, in its view, the total amount of Included Shares proposed
to be sold in such registered secondary offering may adversely affect the success of the ARI
Initial Public Offering or prevent ARI from offering a sufficient number of shares in the ARI
Initial Public Offering to repay its then outstanding indebtedness under its Credit Facility, then
the amount of Included Shares to be offered by Neo Canyon shall be reduced to the extent necessary
to reduce the total amount of securities to be included in the ARI Initial Public Offering to the
amount recommended by such managing underwriter or underwriters;

          (e) (e) a portion of the net proceeds from the ARI Initial Public Offering (excluding any
proceeds from the Over-allotment Option) shall be applied to purchase from Neo Canyon (at a price
per share equal to the initial public offering price per share of ARI Common Stock less the
underwriting discount) that number of additional shares of ARI Common Stock equal to the quotient
of (A) the difference of (i) $60,000,000 minus (ii) the underwriting discount attributable
to $60,000,000 in gross proceeds from the ARI Initial Public Offering minus (iii) the
aggregate gross proceeds realized by Neo Canyon from its sale of the 351 Limit Shares, divided
by, (B) the initial public offering price per share of ARI Common Stock;

          (f) assignment agreements and stock powers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to ARI
evidencing the transfers of the AOG Common Stock, the Lubar Note and the Yorktown Note contemplated
by Article II shall have been executed and delivered by each of the AOG Stockholders, Lubar
and Yorktown VII, as applicable;

          (g) the Registration Rights Agreement duly executed by all parties thereto, other than Neo
Canyon;

          (h) the New ARI Charter shall have been approved by the ARI Stockholders and filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; and

          (i) the New ARI Bylaws shall have been approved by the ARI Board.

     9.3 Conditions to Obligations of ARI. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Contribution Agreement, the obligations of ARI to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Contribution Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions:

          (a) the conditions set forth in Section 9.1;

          (b) the representations and warranties of AOG, Neo Canyon, each of the AOG Stockholders, Lubar
and Yorktown VII contained in this Contribution Agreement shall have been true and correct as of
the Closing Date (or, if given as of a specific date, at and as of such date), except for such
failures to be true which (i) have been cured prior to the Closing Date or (ii) do not, in the
aggregate, constitute an ARI Material Adverse Effect;

44

 

          (c) the contributions of the AOG Stockholders, Neo Canyon, Lubar and Yorktown VII pursuant to
Article II and covenants of each of the parties hereto (other than ARI) to be complied with
or performed on or before the Closing Date pursuant to the terms hereof shall have been duly
complied with or performed, except for such failures to comply or perform which do not, in the
aggregate, constitute an ARI Material Adverse Effect;

          (d) assignment agreements and stock powers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to ARI
evidencing the transfers of the AOG Common Stock, the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties, the Lubar
Note and the Yorktown Note contemplated by Article II shall have been executed and
delivered by each of the AOG Stockholders, Neo Canyon, Lubar and Yorktown VII, as applicable;

          (e) the Registration Rights Agreement duly executed by all parties thereto, other than ARI;

          (f) the New ARI Charter shall have been approved by the ARI Stockholders and filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

          (g) the New ARI Bylaws shall have been approved by the ARI Board; .

          (h) the Conveyance in sufficient duplicate originals to allow recording in all appropriate
jurisdictions and offices, duly executed and delivered by Neo Canyon; and

          (i) Letters-in-lieu of transfer orders covering the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties, duly
executed and delivered by Neo Canyon.

     9.4 Conditions to Obligations of AOG. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Contribution Agreement, the obligations of AOG to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Contribution Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions:

          (a) the conditions set forth in Section 9.1;

          (b) the representations and warranties of Neo Canyon and ARI contained in this Contribution
Agreement shall have been true and correct as of the Closing Date (or, if given as of a specific
date, at and as of such date), except for such failures to be true which (i) have been cured prior
to the Closing Date or (ii) do not, in the aggregate, constitute an ARI Material Adverse Effect;

          (c) the contributions of the Neo Canyon pursuant to Article II and covenants of each
of the parties hereto (other than ARI) to be complied with or performed on or before the Closing
Date pursuant to the terms hereof shall have been duly complied with or performed, except for such
failures to comply or perform which do not, in the aggregate, constitute an ARI Material Adverse
Effect;

          (d) assignment agreements in form and substance reasonably acceptable to ARI evidencing the
transfers of the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties contemplated by Article II shall have
been executed and delivered by New Canyon;

45

 

          (e) the Conveyance in sufficient duplicate originals to allow recording in all appropriate
jurisdictions and offices, duly executed and delivered by Neo Canyon; and

          (f) Letters-in-lieu of transfer orders covering the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties, duly
executed and delivered by Neo Canyon.

     9.5 Conditions to Obligations of each of the AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contribution Agreement, the obligations of each of the
AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Contribution Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions:

          (a) the conditions set forth in Section 9.1;

          (b) the representations and warranties of Neo Canyon and ARI contained in this Contribution
Agreement shall have been true and correct as of the Closing Date (or, if given as of a specific
date, at and as of such date), except for such failures to be true which (i) have been cured prior
to the Closing Date or (ii) do not, in the aggregate, constitute an ARI Material Adverse Effect;

          (c) the contributions of Neo Canyon pursuant to Article II and covenants of each of
the parties hereto (other than the AOG Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII) to be complied
with or performed on or before the Closing Date pursuant to the terms hereof shall have been
duly complied with or performed, except for such failures to comply or perform which do not, in the
aggregate, constitute an ARI Material Adverse Effect;

          (d) assignment agreements and stock powers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to ARI
evidencing the transfers of the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties contemplated by Article
II shall have been executed and delivered by Neo Canyon;

          (e) the Registration Rights Agreement duly executed by all parties thereto, other than the AOG
Stockholders, Lubar and Yorktown VII;

          (f) the New ARI Charter shall have been approved by the ARI Stockholders and filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

          (g) the New ARI Bylaws shall have been approved by the ARI Board; .

          (h) the Conveyance in sufficient duplicate originals to allow recording in all appropriate
jurisdictions and offices, duly executed and delivered by Neo Canyon; and

          (i) Letters-in-lieu of transfer orders covering the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties, duly
executed and delivered by Neo Canyon.

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ARTICLE X.

TERMINATION

     10.1 Termination. This Contribution Agreement may be terminated and the transactions
contemplated herein may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time:

          (a) by any party hereto if the Effective Time shall not have occurred on or before March 31,
2008 (unless the Effective Time has not occurred as the result of a breach of the terms hereof by
the party desiring to exercise the termination right, which date may be extended by mutual
agreement of the parties hereto);

          (b) by any party hereto if a final unappealable Order to restrain, enjoin or otherwise
prevent, or awarding substantial damages in connection with, consummation of this Contribution
Agreement or the transactions contemplated in connection herewith shall have been entered;

          (c) with the written consent of (i) ARI, (ii) each of the AOG Stockholders, (iii) Neo Canyon,
(iv) Lubar and (v) Yorktown VII;

          (d) by Neo Canyon, if ARI or AOG consummates a financing transaction or an acquisition that
reduces Neo Canyon’s pro forma ownership percentage in ARI (after giving effect to Sections
2.1 and 2.2, but excluding any reduction resulting from the ARI Initial Public Offering
and the issuance of shares pursuant to Sections 2.3 and 2.4) by 17.5% or
more;

          (e) by ARI, if ARI receives an Acquisition Proposal that the ARI Board determines in good
faith is reasonably likely to be consummated and is in the best interests of ARI and its
stockholders and necessary in order for the ARI Board to discharge its fiduciary duties to
ARI’s stockholders under applicable Law; provided, however, that, prior to any such termination,
ARI shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Neo Canyon Oil and Gas Properties to be
included in such Acquisition Proposal; or

          (f) by AOG, if AOG receives an Acquisition Proposal that the AOG Board determines in good
faith is reasonably likely to be consummated and is in the best interests of AOG and its
stockholders and necessary in order for the AOG Board to discharge its fiduciary duties to AOG’s
stockholders under applicable Law.

     10.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of any termination of this Contribution
Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1, the parties hereto shall have no obligation or
liability to any other party hereto except the provisions of this Section 10.2 and
Sections 10.3, 11.5, 11.6, 11.8, 11.9, 11.10, and
11.12 hereof shall survive any such termination and, except as provided in this Section
10.2, all documents executed in connection with this Contribution Agreement shall be null and
void.

     10.3 Fees and Expenses. Each party shall bear their own costs and expenses incurred
by it hereto in connection with this Contribution Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby.

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ARTICLE XI.

MISCELLANEOUS

     11.1 Waiver And Amendment. Any provision of this Contribution Agreement may be waived
at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefits thereof. This Contribution Agreement may
not be amended or supplemented at any time, except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of
each party hereto.

     11.2 Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties. No representation and warranty
made in this Contribution Agreement shall survive the Effective Time. This Section 11.2
shall not limit the term of any covenant or agreement which by its terms contemplates performance
after the Closing Date.

     11.3 Assignment. This Contribution Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors,
heirs, devisees and assigns. Except as set forth in this Contribution Agreement, this Contribution
Agreement shall not be assignable until after the Closing Date (except by inheritance or devise) by
the parties hereto, except with the prior written consent of the other parties.

     11.4 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered if
delivered in person, by cable, telegram, telex, or telecopy and shall be deemed to have been duly
given three (3) Business Days after deposit with a United States post office if delivered by
registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties
as follows:

          If to ARI, AOG, the AOG Stockholders or Yorktown VII:

Approach Resources Inc.

6300 Ridglea Place, Suite 1107

Fort Worth, Texas 76116

Fax: (817) 989-9001

Attn: J. Ross Craft

          with a copy to:

Thompson & Knight LLP

1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 3300

Dallas, TX 75201

Fax: (214) 969-1751

Attn: Jeffrey A. Zlotky, Esq.

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          if to Neo Canyon or Neo Canyon GP:

Neo Canyon Exploration, L.P.

325 North Saint Paul, Suite 4300

Dallas, Texas 75201

Fax: (214) 969-7433

Attn: James Cleo Thompson, Jr.

          with a copy to:

Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & Blumenthal, L.L.P.

901 Main Street, Suite 5500

Dallas Texas, 75202

Fax: (214) 758-3732

Attn: David G. Drumm, Esq.

          If to Lubar:

Lubar Equity Fund, LLC

700 N. Water Street, Suite 1200

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Fax: (414) 291-9061

Attn: David Kuehl

or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the others in writing in
accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall only be effective upon receipt.

     11.5 Governing Law. This Contribution Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the substantive law of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.

     11.6 Severability. If any term or other provisions of this Contribution Agreement is
invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other
conditions and provisions of this Contribution Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force
and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is
not affected in any manner material to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other
provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in
good faith to modify this Contribution Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties
as closely as possible.

     11.7 Counterparts. This Contribution Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each
of which shall be an original document, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
agreement.

     11.8 Headings. The section headings herein are for convenience only and are not
intended to be part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of the Contribution Agreement.

49

 

     11.9 Enforcement Of The Contribution Agreement. The parties hereto agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Contribution
Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or otherwise breached. It is
accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to any injunction or injunctions to
prevent breaches of this Contribution Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and
provisions hereof, this being in addition to any other remedies to which they are entitled at law
or in equity. In addition, each of the parties hereto consents to submit itself to the personal
jurisdiction of any federal or state court sitting in the State of Delaware in the event any
dispute arises out of this Contribution Agreement and agrees that it will not attempt to deny or
defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court.

     11.10 Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Contribution Agreement,
including the documents and information supplied in writing, and instruments referred to herein,
constitute the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior agreements, and understandings, both
oral and written, among the parties or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. This
Contribution Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto,
and nothing in this Contribution Agreement, including the documents and information supplied in
writing, and instruments referred to herein, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any
other person any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this
Contribution Agreement.

     11.11 Certain Assignments. Each of the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that each
AOG Stockholder, Lubar and Yorktown VII may transfer and assign their respective shares, or their
right to receive such shares, of ARI Common Stock to be received pursuant to Section 2.5 to
an Affiliate of such AOG Stockholder, Lubar and Yorktown VII, respectively; provided, however, that
each transferee pursuant to this Section 11.11 shall in connection with such transfer agree
to be bound by, and shall become a party to, this Contribution Agreement.

     11.12 Representation. The parties hereto agree that in connection with the
negotiation and execution of this Contribution Agreement, Thompson & Knight LLP has represented
ARI, AOG, the AOG Stockholders and Yorktown VII. Each of Neo Canyon, Neo Canyon GP and Lubar
hereby acknowledges that it has been advised to consult with its own counsel regarding legal
matters concerning this Contribution Agreement and has been afforded the opportunity to consult
with counsel that such party deems advisable in connection with the negotiation and execution of
this Contribution Agreement.

     11.13 Joinder. Neo Canyon GP is joining in this Contribution Agreement for the
purpose of making specified representations and warranties covenants and conditions as set forth
herein, including those set forth in Articles V, VIII, IX and XI.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

[Signature pages follow]

50

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Contribution Agreement have caused it to be duly
executed as of the date first above written.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	ARI:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	APPROACH RESOURCES INC.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:

Name:
	 	/s/ J. Ross Craft
 

J. Ross Craft
	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	President and Chief Executive Officer	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	AOG:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	APPROACH OIL & GAS INC.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:

Name:
	 	/s/ J. Ross Craft
 

J. Ross Craft
	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	President and Chief Executive Officer	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	NEO CANYON:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	NEO CANYON EXPLORATION, L.P.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By: J. Cleo Thompson Petroleum Management,	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	L.L.C., its general partner	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:

Name:
	 	/s/ James Cleo Thompson, Jr.
 

James Cleo Thompson, Jr.
	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	Member-Manager	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	NEO CANYON GP:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	J. CLEO THOMPSON PETROLEUM MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:

Name:
	 	/s/ James Cleo Thompson, Jr.
 

James Cleo Thompson, Jr.
	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	Member-Manager	 	 

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	AOG STOCKHOLDERS:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	YORKTOWN ENERGY PARTNERS V, L.P.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By: Yorktown V Company LLC, its general partner	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:

Name:
	 	/s/ W. Howard Keenan, Jr.
 

W. Howard Keenan, Jr.
	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	Managing Member	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	YORKTOWN ENERGY PARTNERS VI, L.P.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By: Yorktown VI Company LP, its general partner	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By: Yorktown VI Associates LLC, its general partner	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:

Name:
	 	/s/ W. Howard Keenan, Jr.
 

W. Howard Keenan, Jr.
	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	Managing Member	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	LUBAR:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	LUBAR EQUITY FUND, LLC	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By: Lubar & Co., Incorporated, Manager	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:

Name:
	 	/s/ David Lubar
 

David Lubar
	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	President	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	YORKTOWN VII:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	YORKTOWN ENERGY PARTNERS VII, L.P.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By: Yorktown VII Company LP, its general partner	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By: Yorktown VII Associates LLC, its general partner	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:

Name:
	 	/s/ W. Howard Keenan, Jr.
 

W. Howard Keenan, Jr.
	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	Managing Member	 	 

 

 

Exhibit A

AOG OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES — LEASES AND WELLS

Exhibit A-1

 

 

Exhibit B

ARI OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES — LEASES AND WELLS

Exhibit B-1

 

 

Exhibit C

NEO CANYON OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES — LEASES AND WELLS

Exhibit C-1

 

 

Exhibit D

FORM OF CONVEYANCE

Exhibit D-1

 

 

Exhibit E

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Exhibit E-1exv10w3

 

Exhibit 10.3

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of January 1, 2003 (the
“Effective Date”), by and between APPROACH RESOURCES INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”),
and J. ROSS CRAFT, an individual residing in the State of Texas (“Employee”).

RECITALS

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Employee as its President pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement;

     WHEREAS, Employee desires to be employed by the Company as its President pursuant to the terms
of this Agreement;

     WHEREAS, both the Company and Employee have read and understood the terms of this Agreement,
and have been afforded a reasonable opportunity to review this Agreement with their respective
legal counsel;

     WHEREAS, Employee acknowledges that in the course of his employment by the Company and
performance of services on behalf of the Company and its subsidiaries, if any (collectively, the
“Related Parties”), he will become privy to various business opportunities of the Related Parties;

     WHEREAS, it is a condition to (i) the sale of the Company’s common stock to Employee occurring
on or about the Effective Date, (ii) the grant to Employee of options to acquire common stock of
the Company occurring on or about the Effective Date, and (iii) the continuing employment of
Employee by the Related Parties, that Employee enter into this Agreement; and

     WHEREAS, in connection with the sale on even date herewith to Employee of shares of the
Company’s common stock, Employee is simultaneously purchasing 19,950 shares of the Company’s common
stock in consideration of a promissory note payable to the Company (and committing to purchase an
additional 28,500 shares of the Company’s common stock) (collectively, the “Note Shares”);

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this
Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

	1.	 	Employment. The Company will employ Employee as its President, subject to the terms
of this Agreement. Employee hereby accepts employment as the Company’s President, subject to
the terms of this Agreement.
	 
	2.	 	Duties. Employee will perform in the capacity described in paragraph 1 and shall
have such duties, responsibilities, and authorities as may be reasonably assigned by the
Company’s Board of
Directors (the “Board”), in its sole discretion. Employee will devote his full time, best
efforts, abilities, knowledge, and experience to the Company’s business and affairs as
necessary to faithfully perform his duties, responsibilities, and authorities under this
Agreement.

 

 

	3.	 	Place of Performance. In connection with his employment under this Agreement,
Employee shall be based at the Company’s offices maintained in Fort Worth, Texas. The Company
shall provide without cost to Employee such office space, secretarial, and administrative
services, equipment, furniture, and furnishings as are suitable and appropriate to Employee’s
titles and duties.
	 
	4.	 	Term of Agreement. The term of this Agreement shall be defined and determined as
follows:

	 	a.	 	Initial Term. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect
for two years (the “Initial Term”), commencing on the Effective Date and expiring on
the second anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Expiration Date”), unless terminated
before the Expiration Date in accordance with paragraph 6.
	 
	 	b.	 	Renewal Term. Notwithstanding paragraph 4(a), the term of this
Agreement will automatically be extended for an additional one year term (a “Renewal
Term”) on the Expiration Date and on each successive anniversary of the Expiration
Date, unless and until the Agreement terminated in accordance with paragraph 6.

	5.	 	Compensation and Employment Benefits. The Company agrees to pay Employee the
following compensation and employment benefits during his employment under this Agreement:

	 	a.	 	Base Salary. From the Effective Date until changed as provided in this
paragraph, the Company agrees to pay Employee an annual base salary of $175,000.00 (the
“Base Salary”), pro-rated for any partial period of employment. The Base Salary will
be payable semi-monthly in accordance with the Company’s ordinary payroll policies and
procedures for employee compensation. The Company agrees that during Employee’s
employment under this Agreement, Employee’s Base Salary will be subject to an annual
review and adjustment by the Board; provided, however, that once established at an
increased specified rate, at no time thereafter during Employee’s employment under this
Agreement will the Base Salary be reduced below the increased amount set forth in this
paragraph.
	 
	 	b.	 	Bonus.

	 	(i)	 	In addition to the Base Salary, Employee is eligible to
participate in an annual employee bonus pool (the “Pool”) to be determined
annually, in its discretion, by the Board or a committee of two members of the
Board designated as the Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”),
initially comprised of Bryan H. Lawrence and J. Ross Craft.
	 
	 	(ii)	 	If the Board or the Compensation Committee gives Employee the
option,

Employment Agreement — Page 2

 

	 	 	 	Employee may choose to receive his bonus in cash or shares of the
Company’s common stock (with the valuation thereof set by the Board or the
Compensation Committee), or any combination thereof.
	 
	 	(iii)	 	The Board, or the Compensation Committee, as the case may be,
in its discretion, will determine Employee’s participation in the Pool based on
the relative contribution of Employee during the year for which the Pool is
determined to the profitability and welfare of the Company.

	 	c.	 	Employment Benefits. The Company agrees to provide Employee with the
employment benefits that the Company ordinarily provides to its employees. Such
employment benefits shall be governed by the applicable plan documents, insurance
policies, and/or employment policies, and may be modified, suspended, or revoked in
accordance with the terms of the applicable documents or policies. In addition to
those benefits, the Company agrees to provide or cause to provide the following
benefits upon satisfaction by Employee of the any eligibility requirements, subject to
the following limitations:

	 	(1)	 	Sick-Leave Benefits and Disability Insurance. To the
extent made available to other employees of the Company, and unless this
Agreement is terminated pursuant to paragraph 6, Employee shall be paid sick
leave benefits at his then prevailing Base Salary rate during his absence due
to illness or other incapacity.
	 
	 	(2)	 	Vacations. The Company will provide Employee with a
minimum of 20 business days paid vacation per calendar year during his
employment under this Agreement. Such vacation must be utilized in the
calendar year in which it is granted or else it will be forfeited, unless the
Company has adopted a plan pursuant to which some or all of such days of paid
vacation may be rolled over to the next succeeding year. Employee agrees that
the time and duration of any vacation shall be subject to advance notice to the
Board. The Company also agrees to provide Employee with all paid holidays
ordinarily given by the Company to its employees. The Company also agrees to
pay Employee for any accrued unused vacation should this Agreement terminate
pursuant to paragraph 6.

	 	d.	 	Reimbursement of Business Expenses. Employee is authorized to incur
ordinary, necessary, and reasonable business expenses in connection with the
performance of his duties, responsibilities, and authorities under this Agreement and
for the promotion of the Company’s business and activities during this Agreement,
including but not limited to expenses for necessary travel and entertainment and other
items of expenses required in the normal and routine course of Employee’s employment
under this Agreement. The Company will promptly reimburse Employee from time to time
for all such business expenses incurred pursuant to and in conformity with this
paragraph and the policies and
practices of the Company then in effect relative to the

Employment Agreement — Page 3

 

	 	 	 	reimbursement of business
expenses.

	6.	 	Termination of Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated as follows:

	 	a.	 	Death. This Agreement shall terminate immediately in the event of
Employee’s death; provided, however, that Employee’s estate shall be paid the Base
Salary that Employee earned through the date of his death in the time and manner in
which Employee would have been paid such compensation.
	 
	 	b.	 	Disability. This Agreement shall terminate immediately in the event
that Employee becomes “Disabled” as defined below. For purposes of this Agreement,
Employee shall be deemed to have become “Disabled” when (i) he receives disability
benefits under either Social Security or the Company’s disability plan, if any, (ii)
the Board, upon the written report of a qualified physician designated by the Board or
its insurers, shall have determined (after a complete physical examination of Employee
at any time after he has been absent from the Company for a period of at least 120
calendar days since the Effective Date) that Employee has become physically and/or
mentally incapable of performing his essential job functions with or without reasonable
accommodation as required by law, or (iii) Employee is otherwise unable for a
continuous period of 180 calendar days to perform his essential job functions with or
without reasonable accommodation as required by law due to injury, illness, or other
incapacity (physical or mental).
	 
	 	c.	 	With Cause. The Company shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement
immediately, without any further liability to Employee, except as provided otherwise in
this Agreement, for any “Cause” as defined below.

	 	(i)	 	For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall be defined as
follows:

	 	(A)	 	the willful and continued failure by Employee
substantially to perform his duties hereunder (other than any such
failure resulting from Employee becoming Disabled);
	 
	 	(B)	 	the willful engaging by Employee in misconduct
that is materially injurious to the Company;
	 
	 	(C)	 	any misconduct in the course and scope of
Employee’s employment under this Agreement, including but not limited
to dishonesty, disloyalty, disorderly conduct, insubordination,
harassment of other employees or third parties, abuse of alcohol or
controlled substances, or other violations of the Company’s rules; or
	 
	 	(D)	 	any material violation of this Agreement or the
Voting and Stockholders’ Agreement dated even date herewith among the
Company and its stockholders.

Employment Agreement — Page 4

 

	 	 	 	For purposes of this paragraph, no act, or failure to act, on Employee’s
part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by
him not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or
omission was in the best interest of the Company.

	 	(ii)	 	If the Company believes Cause exists for terminating this
Agreement pursuant to this paragraph, it shall give Employee written notice of
the acts or omissions constituting Cause, and no termination of this Agreement
shall be effective unless and until Employee fails to cure such acts or
omissions within 10 days after receiving such notice.

	 	d.	 	Without Cause. The Company shall be entitled to terminate this
Agreement for any reason other than death, disability, or Cause, at any time during
Employee’s employment by providing 90 days written notice to Employee that the Company
is terminating the Agreement without Cause as defined in this paragraph (a termination
“without Cause”).
	 
	 	e.	 	Good Reason. At his option, Employee may terminate his employment
hereunder (a termination for “Good Reason”) in the event of:

	 	(i)	 	a material change in the nature or scope of Employee’s
authorities, powers, functions, duties, or responsibilities, including without
limitation, a material change in the business or operations of the Company (it
being recognized that the purchase or sale of oil and gas properties by the
Company, regardless of the location of such properties, does not constitute a
material change for this purpose);
	 
	 	(ii)	 	any demotion of Employee to a non-officer position or an
officer position junior to the position indicated in paragraph 1 hereof or a
removal from or any failure to elect or reelect Employee to the Board, except
in connection with termination of Employee’s employment as permitted in the
foregoing provisions of this paragraph 6; or
	 
	 	(iii)	 	any material breach of this Agreement by the Company, provided
that the Company has failed to cure any such material breach within 10 days of
Employee providing notice of such breach to the Board.

	 	f.	 	Expiration of Term. The Employee’s employment shall terminate upon the
expiration of the Initial Term or any successive Renewal Term, provided that the
Company notify Employee
at least 60 days before the expiration of the Initial Term or any successive Renewal
Term of its intention not to extend this Agreement pursuant to paragraph 4(b).

	7.	 	Compensation Upon Termination. Upon termination of Employee’s employment for one of

Employment Agreement — Page 5

 

	 	 	the following reasons, whether before or after the consummation of a Change in Control (as
defined below), Employee shall be entitled to the following compensation:

	 	a.	 	Cause. If Employee’s employment shall be terminated for Cause, the
Company shall pay Employee his Base Salary then in effect through the Date of
Termination, prorated as provided in paragraph 5(a), and the Company shall have no
further obligations to Employee under this Agreement.
	 
	 	b.	 	Breach by the Company or for Good Reason. If (i) in breach of this
Agreement the Company shall terminate Employee’s employment (it being understood that a
purported termination of Employee’s employment by the Company pursuant to any provision
of this Agreement that is disputed and finally determined not to have been proper shall
be a termination by the Company in breach of this Agreement) or (ii) Employee should
terminate his employment for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay or provide
Employee, in lieu of any further salary payments to Employee for any remaining portion
of the Term of this Agreement following the Date of Termination:

	 	(A)	 	on or before the 20th day following the Date of Termination, a
lump sum in cash equal to 50% of his Base Salary in effect as of the Date of
Termination;
	 
	 	(B)	 	on or before the 90th day following the Date of Termination, a
lump sum in cash equal to 150% of Employee’s Base Salary in effect as of the
Date of Termination;
	 
	 	(C)	 	all benefits Employee may be entitled to receive pursuant to
any pension or employee benefit plan or other arrangement or life insurance
policy maintained by the Company; and
	 
	 	(D)	 	for a period of one year following the Date of Termination, a
continuation of all benefits then applicable to Employee and his immediate
family under any pension or employee benefit plan or other arrangement then
maintained by the Company, including without limitation health, dental and life
insurance benefits.

	 	c.	 	Without Cause or Expiration of Term of Agreement. If Employee’s
employment shall be terminated without Cause as provided in paragraph 6(d) or if the
Company elects not to extend this Agreement as provided in paragraph 6(f), the Company
shall continue to pay Employee his Base Salary plus benefits for the period of 24
months from the date of termination. Such Base Salary and benefits shall be paid from
time to time during such 24 month period in accordance with the time periods set forth
in paragraph 5(a). Additionally,
upon a termination of Employee’s employment without Cause or if the Company elects
not to extend this Agreement, within 60 days after such event, the Company hereby
agrees to purchase from Employee, and Employee hereby agrees to sell to the Company,
all of the Note Shares in consideration for the

Employment Agreement — Page 6

 

	 	 	 	forgiveness of the outstanding
indebtedness under any promissory note made to purchase the Note Shares. The
acquisition of the Note Shares by the Company shall be at a price no less than the
price paid by the Employee for the Note Shares; provided that to the extent such
purchase price is below the fair market value of the common stock of the Company at
the time of such purchase, Employee shall be responsible for any taxes associated
with the Company’s purchase of the Note Shares. Notwithstanding the preceding two
sentences, Employee shall have the right to pay off the indebtedness in full under
any promissory note made to purchase the Note Shares within 30 days after the notice
of termination without Cause.

	8.	 	Change in Control. The parties acknowledge that Employee has entered into this
Agreement based on his confidence in the current stockholders of the Company and the support
of the Board. Accordingly, if the Company should undergo a “Change in Control” as defined in
this paragraph, the parties agree as follows:

	 	a.	 	Compensation. If there is a “Change in Control” as defined in this
paragraph, then Employee will be deemed to be terminated without Cause.
	 
	 	b.	 	Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control”
shall be deemed to exist in the following circumstances:

	 	(1)	 	Change in Control: a Change in Control of the Company
shall be deemed to have occurred if members of the Incumbent Board cease for
any reason at any time prior to any Public Offering to constitute at least a
majority of the Board, except to the extent that the Incumbent Board consents
to such change; provided, that the words “upon,” “after,” “at the time
of” or any other words of similar import, when used with reference to a Change
in Control, shall mean and shall be deemed to include any period of time during
which events occur in support or furtherance of or which otherwise directly or
indirectly result in a Change in Control. A Change in Control also shall be
deemed to have occurred upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
(1) any consolidation or merger of the Company in which the Company is not the
continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which shares of the
Company’s common stock would be converted into cash, securities or other
property, other than a merger of the Company in which the holders of the
Company’s common stock immediately prior to the merger have the same
proportionate ownership of common stock of the surviving corporation
immediately after the merger; or (2) any sales, lease, exchange or other
transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all, or
substantially all, of the
assets of the Company; or (3) the stockholders of the Company approve any
plan or proposal for liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
	 
	 	(2)	 	Incumbent Board: shall mean all individuals who, as of
the Effective Date, constitute the Board of the Company; provided, however,
that in the case of

Employment Agreement — Page 7

 

	 	 	 	any member of the Board that is employed by Yorktown
Partners LLC or its affiliates, shall include any successor to such person who
is also employed by Yorktown Partners LLC.

	 	(3)	 	Person: shall include any natural person, group or
association of persons, or legal entity of any nature whatsoever.
	 
	 	(4)	 	Public Offering: shall mean an offering of the
Company’s equity securities with the result that such securities become
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder.

	 	 	 	Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph 8(b), a transaction shall not
constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s
incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same
proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such
transaction.

	9.	 	Other Provisions Relating to Termination.

	 	a.	 	Notice of Termination. Any termination of Employee’s employment by the
Company or by Employee (other than termination because of Death) shall be communicated
by written Notice of Termination to the other party thereto. For purposes of this
Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a notice that shall indicate the
specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, and shall set forth in
reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for
termination of Employee’s employment under the provision so indicated.
	 
	 	b.	 	Date of Termination. For purposes of this Agreement, “Date of
Termination” shall mean (i) if Employee’s employment is terminated by Death, the date
of Death; (ii) if Employee’s employment is terminated because of Employee becoming
Disabled, then 60 days after Notice of Termination is given (provided that Employee
shall not have returned to the performance of his duties on a full-time basis during
such 60 day period); (iii) if (a) Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company
for Cause or by Employee for Good Reason or (b) Employee’s employment is terminated by
Employee, then in each case the date specified in the Notice of Termination; (iv) if
this Agreement is not renewed, the last date of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term as
the case may be; and (v) if Employee’s employment is terminated for any other reason,
the date on which a Notice of Termination is given; provided that if within 30 days
after any Notice of Termination is given (other than
with respect to a termination without Cause) the party receiving such Notice of
Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the
termination, the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the dispute is
finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, by a binding
and final arbitration award, or by a final judgment order or decree of a court of
competent jurisdiction (the time for

Employment Agreement — Page 8

 

	 	 	 	appeal therefrom having expired and no appeal
having been perfected), as applicable.

	 	c.	 	Mitigation. Employee shall not be required to mitigate the amount of
any payment provided for in paragraph 7 by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor
shall the amount of any payment provided for therein be reduced by any compensation
earned by Employee as the result of employment by another employer after the Date of
Termination, or otherwise.
	 
	 	d.	 	Interest. Until paid, all past due amounts required to be paid by the
Company under any provision of this Agreement shall bear interest at 8% per annum
compounded daily.

	10.	 	Business Opportunities and Intellectual Property; Personal Investments; Confidentiality;
Covenant not to Compete.

	 	a.	 	Employee shall promptly disclose to the Company all “Business Opportunities”
and “Intellectual Property” (as defined below).
	 
	 	b.	 	For purposes hereof “Business Opportunities” shall mean all business ideas,
prospects, proposals or other opportunities pertaining to the lease, acquisition,
exploration, production, gathering or marketing of hydrocarbons and related products
and the exploration potential of geographical areas on which hydrocarbon exploration
prospects are located, that are developed by Employee during the period that Employee
is employed by any of the Related Parties (the “Employment Term”) or originated by any
third party and brought to the attention of Employee during the Employment Term,
together with information relating thereto (including, without limitation, geological
and seismic data and interpretations thereof, whether in the form of maps, charts,
logs, seismographs, calculations, summaries, memoranda, opinions, or other written or
charted means).
	 
	 	c.	 	For purposes hereof, “Intellectual Property” shall mean all ideas, inventions,
discoveries, processes, designs, methods, substances, articles, computer programs, and
improvements (including, without limitation, enhancements to, or further interpretation
or processing of, information that was in the possession of Employee prior to the date
of this Agreement), whether or not patentable or copyrightable, that do not fall within
the definition of Business Opportunities, that Employee discovers, conceives, invents,
creates, or develops, alone or with others, during the Employment Term, if such
discovery, conception, invention, creation, or development (i) occurs in the course of
Employee’s employment with the Related Parties or (ii) occurs with the use of any of
the Related Parties’ time, materials, or facilities.

	11.	 	Non-Compete Obligations During Employment Term. Employee agrees that during the
Employment Term and except as provided below or as otherwise permitted by the Company (acting
upon the instruction of the Board):

Employment Agreement — Page 9

 

	 	a.	 	Employee will not, other than through the Related Parties, engage or
participate in any manner, whether directly or indirectly through any family member or
as an employee, employer, consultant, agent, principal, partner, more than one percent
shareholder, officer, director, licensor, lender, lessor, or in any other individual or
representative capacity, in any business or activity that is engaged in leasing,
acquiring, exploring, developing or producing hydrocarbons and related products; and
	 
	 	b.	 	all investments made by Employee (whether in his own name or in the name of any
family members or made by Employee’s controlled affiliates), which relate to the lease,
acquisition, exploration, development or production of hydrocarbons and related
products shall be made solely through the Related Parties; and Employee will not
(directly or indirectly through any family members), and will not permit any of his
controlled affiliates to: (A) invest or otherwise participate alongside the Related
Parties in any Business Opportunities or (B) invest or otherwise participate in any
business or activity relating to a Business Opportunity, regardless of whether any of
the Related Parties ultimately participates in such business or activity;

	 	 	provided that this paragraph 11 shall not apply to (x) the existing personal oil and gas
investments owned by Employee, his family members and his controlled affiliates as of the
date hereof (the “Existing Personal Investments”); (y) future expenditures made by Employee
and his family members and his controlled affiliates that are required to maintain, but not
increase, their respective current ownership interests in the Existing Personal Investments,
excluding however, any expenditure to participate in the acquisition, exploration, or
development of any acreage that is not currently included in the Existing Personal
Investments as of the date hereof; and (z) any opportunity that is first offered to, and
subsequently declined by, the Company (acting through the Board).

	12.	 	Confidentiality Obligations.

	 	a.	 	Employee hereby acknowledges that all trade secrets and confidential or
proprietary information of the Related Parties (collectively referred to herein as
“Confidential Information”) constitute valuable, special and unique assets of the
Related Parties’ business, and that access to and knowledge of such Confidential
Information is essential to the performance of Employee’s duties. Employee agrees that
during the Employment Term and during the one-year period following the Date of
Termination, Employee will hold the Confidential Information in strict confidence and
will not publish, disseminate, or otherwise disclose, directly or indirectly, to any
person other than the Related Parties and their respective officers, directors, and
employees, any Confidential Information or use any
Confidential Information for Employee’s own personal benefit or for the benefit of
anyone other than the Related Parties. The Company agrees to provide Confidential
Information to Employee in exchange for Employee’s agreement to keep such
Confidential Information, and any Confidential Information to which Employee has
already become privy, in strict confidence as provided in this Agreement.

Employment Agreement — Page 10

 

	 	b.	 	For purposes of this paragraph 12, it is agreed that Confidential Information
includes, without limitation, any information heretofore or hereafter acquired,
developed, or used by any of the Related Parties relating to Business Opportunities or
Intellectual Property or other geological, geophysical, economic, financial, or
management aspects of the business, operations, properties, or prospects of the Related
Parties whether oral or in written form in a Related Parties’ business records, but
shall exclude any information that (i) has become part of common knowledge or
understanding in the oil and gas industry or otherwise in the public domain (other than
from disclosure by Employee in violation of this Agreement), or (ii) was rightfully in
the possession of Employee, as shown by Employee’s records, prior to the date of this
Agreement (including Employee’s method of selecting, purchasing, and reworking oil and
gas properties, which the Company and Employee may utilize subsequent to the Employment
Term (subject to the other limitations contained in this Agreement)); provided,
however, that Employee shall provide to the Company copies of all information described
in clause (ii); provided further, however, that this paragraph12 shall not be
applicable to the extent Employee is required to testify in a judicial or regulatory
proceeding pursuant to the order of a judge or administrative law judge after Employee
requests that such Confidential Information be preserved.

	13.	 	Obligations After Termination Date.

	 	a.	 	The purpose of the provisions of paragraph 12 and this paragraph 13 are to
protect the Company from unfair loss of goodwill and business advantage and to shield
Employee from pressure to use or disclose Confidential Information or to trade on the
goodwill belonging to the Company. Accordingly, during the “Post-Termination
Non-Compete Term” (as defined below), Employee will not engage or participate in any
manner, whether directly or indirectly through any family member or as an employee,
employer, consultant, agent, principal, partner, shareholder, officer, director,
licensor, lender, lessor, or in any other individual or representative capacity, in any
business or activity that is in engaged in leasing, acquiring, exploring, developing or
producing hydrocarbons and related products within the boundaries of, or within a three
(3) mile radius of the boundaries of, any mineral property interest of any of the
Related Parties (including, without limitation, a mineral lease, overriding royalty
interest, production payment, net profits interest, mineral fee interest, or option or
right to acquire any of the foregoing, or an area of mutual interest as designated
pursuant to contractual agreements between the Related Party and any third party) or
any other property on which the Related Parties have an option, right, license, or
authority to conduct or direct exploratory activities, such as three dimensional
seismic acquisition or
other seismic, geophysical and geochemical activities (but not including any
preliminary geological mapping), as of the Termination Date or as of the end of the
six-month period following such Termination Date; provided that, this paragraph 13
shall not preclude Employee from making personal investments in securities of oil
and gas companies that are registered on a national stock exchange, if the aggregate
amount owned by Employee

Employment Agreement — Page 11

 

	 	 	 	and all family members and affiliates does not exceed one
percent (1%) of such company’s outstanding securities.

	 	b.	 	For purposes hereof, the “Post Termination Non-Compete Term” is:

	 	(i)	 	in the event that (A) Employee voluntarily resigns or otherwise
terminates his position as an officer or employee of the Related Parties other
than on account of a Change of Control, or (B) Employee’s employment or
engagement by the Related Parties is terminated for Cause, the one-year period
following the Termination Date;
	 
	 	(ii)	 	if Employee terminates his employment for Good Reason other
than on account of a Change of Control, the sixth month period following the
Termination Date;
	 
	 	(iii)	 	in the event that Employee’s employment is terminated on
account of a Change of Control, there shall not be a Post Termination
Non-Compete Term; and
	 
	 	(iv)	 	in the event that Employee’s employment is terminated without
Cause, the one-year period following the Termination Date.

	 	c.	 	Employee will not, during the one-year period following the Termination Date,
solicit, entice, persuade, or induce, directly or indirectly, any employee (or person
who within the preceding ninety (90) days was an employee) of any of the Related
Parties or any other person who is under contract with or rendering services to any of
the Related Parties, to (i) terminate his employment by, or contractual relationship
with, such person, (ii) refrain from extending or renewing the same (upon the same or
new terms), (iii) refrain from rendering services to or for such person, (iv) become
employed by or to enter into contractual relations with any Persons other than such
person, or (v) enter into a relationship with a competitor of any of the Related
Parties.

	14.	 	Common Law Duties. Employee acknowledges and agrees that his restrictive covenants
in paragraphs 10, 11, 12, and 13 of this Agreement will supplement, rather than supplant, his
common law duties of confidentiality and loyalty owed to the Company.
	 
	15.	 	Survival of Covenants; Enforcement of Covenants; and Remedies.

	 	a.	 	Survival of Covenants. Employee acknowledges and agrees that his
covenants in
paragraphs 10, 11, 12, and 13 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of
this Agreement and shall be construed as agreements independent of any other
provision of this Agreement, and the existence of any claim or cause of action of
Employee against the Company whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise shall
not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of those covenants.

Employment Agreement — Page 12

 

	 	b.	 	Enforcement of Covenants. Employee acknowledges and agrees that his
covenants in paragraphs 10, 11, 12 and 13 of this Agreement are ancillary to the
otherwise enforceable agreements to provide Employee with Confidential Information and
are supported by independent, valuable consideration. Employee further acknowledges
and agrees that the limitations as to time, geographical area, and scope of activity to
be restrained by those covenants are reasonable and acceptable to Employee and do not
import any greater restraint than is reasonably necessary to protect the Company’s
goodwill and other legitimate business interests. Employee further agrees that if, at
some later date, a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the covenants
in paragraphs 10,11, 12, or 13 are unreasonable, any such covenants shall be reformed
by the court and enforced to the maximum extent permitted under the law.
	 
	 	c.	 	Remedies. In the event of breach or threatened breach by Employee of
any of his covenants in paragraphs 10, 11, 12, and 13 of this Agreement, the Company
shall be entitled to equitable relief by temporary restraining order, temporary
injunction, or permanent injunction or otherwise, in addition to other legal and
equitable relief to which it may be entitled, including any and all monetary damages
that the Company may incur as a result of said breach, violation, or threatened breach
or violation. The Company may pursue any remedy available to it concurrently or
consecutively in any order as to any breach, violation, or threatened breach or
violation, and the pursuit of one of such remedies at any time will not be deemed an
election of remedies or waiver of the right to pursue any other of such remedies as to
such breach, violation, or threatened breach or violation, or as to any other breach,
violation, or threatened breach or violation.

	16.	 	Successors and Assigns. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement may
not be assigned by the Company to any other person or entity without Employee’s written
consent; provided, however, that in the event of a Change in Control, the Company shall cause
the surviving entity in any such transaction to assume the payment obligations of paragraph 6,
to the extent such obligations have not yet been fully performed. The parties further
acknowledge and agree that Employee’s duties, responsibilities, authorities, compensation, and
benefits are personal to Employee and may not be assigned to any person or entity other than a
Related Party without written consent from the Board. In the event of Employee’s death, this
Agreement shall be enforceable by Employee’s estate, executors, or legal representatives, but
only to the extent that such person may collect any compensation due to Employee under this
Agreement, as provided in paragraph 6(a). This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors, and
assigns; provided, however, that
Employee may not assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any of Employee’s rights or
obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Board.
	 
	17.	 	Representations of Employee. Employee hereby represents and warrants that he has not
previously assumed any obligations inconsistent with those contained in this Agreement.

Employment Agreement — Page 13

 

	 	 	Employee further represents and warrants that he has entered into this Agreement pursuant to
his own initiative and that the Company did not induce him to execute this Agreement in
contravention of any existing commitments. Employee further acknowledges that the Company has
entered into this Agreement in reliance upon the foregoing representations of Employee.

	18.	 	Dispute Resolution. The parties agree to the following dispute resolution terms:

	 	a.	 	Definition of “Dispute”. Any controversy, claim, or cause of action,
whether based on statute, contract, tort, misrepresentation, or any other legal theory,
arising out of or relating to this Agreement (a “Dispute”), shall be resolved solely in
accordance with the terms of this paragraph; provided, however, that the term “Dispute”
shall not include (i) Employee’s claims for workers’ compensation or unemployment
compensation benefits (although any claim asserted under Ch. 451 of the Texas Labor
Code shall be considered a “Dispute” subject to dispute resolution under this
paragraph), or (ii) the Company’s claims for injunctive and/or other equitable relief
for Employee’s breach or threatened breach of his restrictive covenants in paragraphs
10, 11, 12, or 13. The parties acknowledge and agree that, notwithstanding the
provisions of this paragraph, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require
the mediation or arbitration of any claim arising out of or relating to Employee’s
covenants in paragraphs 10, 11, 12, or 13. Those covenants shall be enforceable by any
court of competent jurisdiction, in accordance with paragraph 26, and shall not be
subject to dispute resolution under this paragraph.
	 
	 	b.	 	Mediation. If a Dispute cannot be settled by good faith negotiation
between the parties, the parties shall submit the Dispute to nonbinding mediation. If
complete agreement cannot be reached within 30 calendar days of submission to mediation
(“Mediation Period”), any remaining issues will be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with the provisions of this paragraph. The Federal Arbitration Act, 9
U.S.C. §§ 1-15, not state law, will govern the arbitrability of all Disputes.
	 
	 	c.	 	Arbitration. A mutually agreeable arbitrator who is knowledgeable of
the Company’s industry or in commercial matters will conduct the arbitration. If the
parties cannot select a mutually agreeable arbitrator within 15 days after the
expiration of the Mediation Period, the mediator shall be selected according to rules
of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The arbitrator’s decision and award
will be final and binding and may be entered in any court with jurisdiction. The
arbitrator will not have authority to limit, expand, or otherwise modify the terms of
this Agreement.
	 
	 	d.	 	Rules of Conduct for Mediation and Arbitration. The mediation and, if
necessary, the arbitration will be conducted under the then current rules of the
alternate dispute resolution (“ADR”) firm selected by the parties, or if the parties
are unable to agree on an ADR firm, the parties will conduct the mediation and, if
necessary, the arbitration under the then current rules and supervision of the AAA.
Each party will bear its own attorneys’ fees associated with the mediation and, if
necessary, the

Employment Agreement — Page 14

 

	 	 	 	arbitration. The parties will pay all other costs and expenses of the
mediation/arbitration as the rules of the selected ADR firm provide. The parties and
their representatives shall hold the existence, content, and result of the mediation
and arbitration in confidence.

	 	e.	 	Limit on Discovery. There shall be no discovery during the mediation
process. If arbitration is necessary, no discovery shall be conducted except by
agreement of the parties or after approval by the arbitrator, who shall attempt to
minimize the burden of discovery.

	19.	 	Waiver of Rights to Jury Trial and Class-Action Participation. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Agreement, Employee agrees to irrevocably waive the right to trial by
jury or participate in any class or collective action with respect to any Dispute,
controversy, claim, or cause of action arising out of or relating to Employee’s employment
with the Company, the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company, or this Agreement
(either alleged breach or enforcement).
	 
	20.	 	Attorneys’ Fees and Other Costs. If either party breaches this Agreement, or if a
dispute arises between the parties based on or involving this Agreement, the party that
enforces its rights under this Agreement against the breaching party, or that prevails in the
resolution of such dispute, is entitled to recover from the other party its reasonable
attorneys’ fees, court costs, and expenses incurred in enforcing such rights or resolving such
dispute. For purposes of this paragraph 20, the finder of fact shall be requested to answer
affirmatively as to whether a party “prevailed” in order to recoup attorneys’ fees and other
costs pursuant to this paragraph 20.
	 
	21.	 	Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties concerning the Agreement’s subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties with respect to its subject
matter.
	 
	22.	 	Amendment of Agreement. This Agreement may not be modified or amended in any respect
except by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom such modification or
amendment is sought to be enforced. No modification or amendment may be enforced against the
Company unless such modification or amendment is in writing and signed by the Board.
	 
	23.	 	Waiver. The waiver by either party of a breach of any term of this Agreement shall
not operate or be construed as a waiver of a subsequent breach of the same provision by either
party or of the breach of any other term or provision of this Agreement.
	 
	24.	 	Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or
unenforceable, (a) this Agreement shall be considered divisible, (b) such provision shall be
deemed inoperative to the extent it is deemed illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, and (c) in
all other respects this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect; provided, however,
that if

Employment Agreement — Page 15

 

	 	 	any such provision may be made enforceable by limitation thereof, then such provision
shall be deemed to be so limited and shall be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by
applicable law.

	25.	 	Governing Law; Venue. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement
shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of
Texas. Exclusive venue for purposes of any controversy, claim, or cause of action not covered
by paragraph 18, and brought by any party under this Agreement, is in any state or federal
court of competent jurisdiction in and for Tarrant County, Texas. Nothing in this Agreement,
however, precludes the Company or Employee from seeking to remove a civil action from any
state court to federal court.
	 
	26.	 	Notices. All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been delivered on the date personally delivered or three calendar days after the date
deposited in a receptacle maintained by the United States Postal Service for such purpose,
postage prepaid, by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the Company at its
headquarters or Employee at the address of such person as set forth in the Company’s records.
Either party may designate a different address by providing written notice of such new address
to the other party.
	 
	27.	 	Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the
same instrument.

[signature page to follow]

Employment Agreement — Page 16

 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	EMPLOYEE:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	/s/ J. Ross Craft	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Name: J. Ross Craft	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	COMPANY:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	APPROACH RESOURCES INC.	 	 
	 	 	a Delaware Corporation	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:
	 	/s/ David A. Badley	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Name:
	 	David A. Badley	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	Executive Vice President	 	 

Employment Agreement — Page 17

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