Document:

exv10w1

EXHIBIT 10.1

THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT TO FORBEARANCE AND AMENDMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT TO FORBEARANCE AND AMENDMENT AGREEMENT (the “Amendment”) is
made as of May 7, 2010, by and among THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION, a Texas corporation (the
“Borrower”), the undersigned Guarantors (the “Guarantors”), the several banks,
financial institutions and other entities from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement (as
defined below) (collectively, the “Lenders”), and FORTIS CAPITAL CORP. (“Fortis” or
the “Administrative Agent”), as administrative agent for the Lenders.

R E C I T A L S:

     WHEREAS, the Borrower, Fortis as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders have entered into an
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 23, 2004, as amended by that certain
First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 25, 2008, further amended by that certain
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 19, 2008, and further amended by the
Forbearance Agreement (defined below) (as so amended, the “Credit Agreement”);

     WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Guarantors, Fortis, as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders have
entered into that certain Forbearance and Amendment Agreement dated as of September 3, 2009 (as
amended, the “Forbearance Agreement”);

     WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Administrative Agent and Lenders consent to
extend the time for performance by the Borrower of certain conditions subsequent required under the
Forbearance Agreement, and the Administrative Agent and Lenders have agreed to do so under the
terms and conditions set forth in this Amendment.

     NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, each of the Administrative Agent, the
Lenders, the Borrower and the Guarantors agree as follows:

     1. Definitions. Capitalized terms defined in the Recitals section of this Amendment
are incorporated herein by this reference and are used herein as so defined. Capitalized terms
used and not defined in this Amendment (including in the Recitals section of this Amendment) shall
have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Forbearance Agreement and the Credit Agreement.

     2. Amendments to the Forbearance Agreement. The Borrower, the Guarantors, the
Administrative Agent and the Lenders agree that the Forbearance Agreement will be amended as
follows:

     (a) Conditions Subsequent. Section 10(b) of the Forbearance Agreement
is amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

13th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement [Meridian]

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“(b) The transactions contemplated by the purchase and sale
agreement with Alta Mesa shall be consummated by May 14, 2010,
unless such date is extended with the consent of the Required
Lenders to allow for any necessary buyer diligence and obtaining
shareholder, corporate, or other necessary approvals to consummate
such transactions, which date shall in no event be later than May
31, 2010.”

     3. Conditions to Amendments. The amendments contained in Section 2 hereof are
subject to the conditions set forth below. Failure to comply with these conditions will be deemed
to be a Forbearance Default under Section 11 of the Forbearance Agreement.

     (a) The Borrower shall provide updates from time to time, via e-mail or conference
call, at the discretion of the Administrative Agent, to the Administrative Agent and the
Lenders with respect to the status of the transactions contemplated with Alta Mesa upon
request by the Administrative Agent.

     (b) No material amendment or modification of any provision of the Alta Mesa Merger
Agreement that is adverse to the Lenders shall be made without the written agreement of the
Required Lenders.

     4. Ratifications, Representations and Warranties.

     (a) Ratification of Loan Documents and Liens. Except as expressly modified and
superseded by this Amendment, the terms and provisions of the Loan Documents are ratified
and confirmed and shall continue in full force and effect. Each Credit Party, the
Administrative Agent and Lenders agree that the Loan Documents shall continue to be legal,
valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms. Each Credit Party
further expressly acknowledges and agrees that the Lenders have a valid, non-avoidable,
enforceable and perfected security interest in and lien against each item of collateral
described in the Security Documents, and that such security interest and lien secures the
payment Obligations and the performance of all other obligations of the Borrower under the
Loan Documents.

     (b) General Representations and Warranties. Each Credit Party hereby jointly
and severally represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and Lenders that (i) the
execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment has been duly authorized by all
requisite organizational action on the part of such Credit Party and will not violate the
constituent organizational documents of such Credit Party, contravene any contractual
restriction, any law, rule or regulation or court or administrative decree or order binding
on or affecting such Credit Party or result in, or require the creation or imposition of any
lien, security interest or encumbrance on any of the properties of such Credit Party; (ii)
this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by each Credit Party and is the legal,
valid and binding obligation of each Credit Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(iii) subject to the existence of the Designated Events of Default, the representations and
warranties contained in the Credit Agreement and any Loan Document are true and correct on
and as of the date hereof and on and as of the date of

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execution hereof as though made on and as of each such date; (iv) except for the
Designated Events of Default, no Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement has
occurred and is continuing; (v) except for the Designated Events of Default, such Credit
Party is in full compliance with all covenants and agreements contained in the Loan
Documents; and (vi) absent the effectiveness of this Amendment, the Administrative Agent and
Lenders are entitled to exercise immediately their respective rights and remedies under the
Loan Documents, including, but not limited to, the right to accelerate the maturity of the
Obligations and enforce their rights and remedies under the Security Documents.

     (c) Ratification of Guarantees. Each of the Guarantors hereby acknowledges and
consents to all of the terms and conditions of this Amendment and hereby ratifies and
confirms its respective guarantee under the Guarantee dated as of December 23, 2004 (the
“Guarantee”) for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and Lenders. Each
Guarantor hereby represents and acknowledges that the execution and delivery of this
Amendment shall in no way change or modify its obligations as a guarantor under the
Guarantee and shall not constitute a waiver by either the Administrative Agent or Lenders of
any of either the Administrative Agent’s or Lenders’ rights against such Guarantor.

     5. Condition Precedent. This Amendment shall become effective (the “Effective
Date”) upon receipt by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, of a copy of this
Amendment executed by the Required Lenders.

     6. Condition Subsequent. On May 12, 2010, the Borrower shall pay to the
Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, an amendment fee equal to 0.10% of the outstanding
principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans as of the Effective Date unless the transactions
contemplated by the purchase and sale agreement with Alta Mesa have been consummated on or before
such date.

     7. Miscellaneous Provisions.

     (a) Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and
warranties made in any Loan Document shall survive the execution and delivery of this
Amendment, and no investigation by the Administrative Agent or Lenders or any closing shall
affect the representations and warranties or the right of the Administrative Agent or
Lenders to rely upon them.

     (b) Limitation on Relationship between Parties. The relationship of the
Administrative Agent and Lenders, on the one hand, and the Credit Parties, on the other
hand, has been and shall continue to be, at all times, that of creditor and debtor. Nothing
contained in this Amendment, any instrument, document or agreement delivered in connection
therewith or in the Loan Documents shall be deemed or construed to create a fiduciary
relationship between the parties.

     (c) Expenses of the Administrative Agent or Lenders. The Borrower agrees to
pay on demand all reasonable costs and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the

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Administrative Agent and Lenders in connection with the preparation, negotiation,
execution and enforcement of this Amendment and any and all amendments, modifications, and
supplements thereto, including, without limitation, the reasonable costs and fees of the
Administrative Agent’s and Lenders’ legal counsel, and all costs and expenses incurred by
the Administrative Agent and Lenders in connection with the enforcement or preservation of
any rights under any Loan Document.

     (d) Severability. Any provision of this Amendment held by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable shall not impair or invalidate the remainder of
this Amendment and the effect thereof shall be confined to the provision so held to be
invalid or unenforceable.

     (e) Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Amendment shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors
and assigns, except that no Credit Party may assign or transfer any of its rights or
obligations under this Amendment without the prior written consent of the Administrative
Agent, and no other Person shall have any right, benefit or interest under or because of the
existence of this Amendment.

     (f) Amendments; Interpretation. No amendment or modification of any provision
of this Amendment shall be effective without the written agreement of each Credit Party and
the Required Lenders, and no waiver of any provision of this Amendment or consent to any
departure by any Credit Party therefrom, shall in any event be effective without the written
concurrence of the Required Lenders. Any waiver or consent shall be effective only in the
specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given.

     (g) Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed by one or more of the parties
hereto in any number of separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be
deemed to be an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the
same instrument, and all signature pages transmitted by electronic transmission shall be
considered as original executed counterparts. Each party to this Amendment agrees that it
will be bound by its own facsimile or electronic signature and that it accepts the facsimile
or electronic signatures of each other party.

     (h) Headings. The headings, captions, and arrangements used in this Amendment
are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Amendment.

     (i) Further Assurances. Each Credit Party agrees to execute such other and
further documents and instruments as the Administrative Agent may request to implement the
provisions of this Amendment and to perfect and protect the liens and security interests
created by the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

     (j) Reservation of Rights. Except as expressly consented to or agreed herein,
all covenants, obligations and agreements of the Borrower contained in the Credit Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms. Without

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limitation of the foregoing, the consents and agreements set forth herein are limited
precisely to the extent set forth herein and shall not be deemed to (i) be a consent or
agreement to, or waiver or modification of, any other term or condition of the Credit
Agreement or any other documents referred to therein, or a consent to or waiver of any
future action or inaction by the Borrower, or (ii) except as expressly set forth herein,
prejudice any right or rights which the Lenders may now have or may have in the future under
or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any of the documents referred to therein.
Except as expressly modified hereby, the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement and
any other documents or instruments executed in connection with any of the foregoing, are and
shall remain in full force and effect, and the same are hereby ratified and confirmed by the
Borrower in all respects.

     (k) Applicable Law. THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.

     (l) Release. EACH CREDIT PARTY HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS NO DEFENSE,
RECOUPMENT, COUNTERCLAIM, OFFSET, CROSS-COMPLAINT, CLAIM OR DEMAND OF ANY KIND OR NATURE
WHATSOEVER THAT CAN BE ASSERTED TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE ALL, OR ANY PART OF ITS LIABILITY TO
REPAY THE ANY OBLIGATIONS ARISING UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR
TO SEEK AFFIRMATIVE RELIEF OR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR
LENDERS (OR ANY OF THEM). EACH CREDIT PARTY HEREBY VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY RELEASES AND
FOREVER DISCHARGES THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND LENDERS, THEIR RESPECTIVE PREDECESSORS,
OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, ATTORNEYS, ACCOUNTANTS, CONSULTANTS,
REPRESENTATIVES, OWNERS, AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS, TRANSFEREES AND ASSIGNS (COLLECTIVELY, THE
“RELEASED PARTIES”), FROM ALL POSSIBLE CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTION,
DAMAGES, COSTS, EXPENSES, AND LIABILITIES WHATSOEVER, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, ANTICIPATED OR
UNANTICIPATED, SUSPECTED OR UNSUSPECTED, FIXED, CONTINGENT, OR CONDITIONAL, AT LAW OR IN
EQUITY, ORIGINATING IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THIS AMENDMENT IS EXECUTED,
WHICH SUCH CREDIT PARTY MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AGAINST ANY RELEASED PARTY, IF ANY, AND
IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER ANY SUCH CLAIMS ARISE OUT OF CONTRACT, TORT, VIOLATION OF LAW OR
REGULATIONS, OR OTHERWISE, AND ARISING FROM OR ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH ANY “LOANS”,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY CONTRACTING FOR, CHARGING, TAKING, RESERVING, COLLECTING
OR RECEIVING INTEREST IN EXCESS OF THE HIGHEST LAWFUL RATE APPLICABLE, THE EXERCISE OF ANY
RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, AND/OR
NEGOTIATION OF, OR EXECUTION OF, THIS

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AMENDMENT. IT IS AGREED THAT THE SCOPE OF THIS RELEASE UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL
INCLUDE ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS OR CAUSES OF ACTION ARISING IN WHOLE OR PART FROM THE NEGLIGENCE
OR STRICT LIABLITY OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER OR ANY OTHER RELEASED
PARTY. EACH CREDIT PARTY HEREBY COVENANTS AND AGREES NEVER TO INSTITUTE ANY ACTION OR
SUIT AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, NOR INSTITUTE, PROSECUTE, OR IN ANY WAY AID IN THE INSTITUTION OR
PROSECUTION OF, ANY CLAIM, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION, RIGHTS TO RECOVER DEBTS OR DEMANDS OF
ANY NATURE AGAINST ANY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO A RELEASED
PARTY’S ACTIONS, OMISSIONS, STATEMENTS, REQUESTS OR DEMANDS IN ADMINISTERING, ENFORCING,
MONITORING, COLLECTING OR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT, THE OBLIGATIONS, INDEBTEDNESS AND OTHER
OBLIGATIONS OF A CREDIT PARTY TO A RELEASED PARTY. EACH CREDIT PARTY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY
AND HOLD THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER HARMLESS FROM ANY AND ALL MATTERS RELEASED
PURSUANT TO THIS PARAGRAPH. EACH CREDIT PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE AGREEMENTS IN THIS
PARAGRAPH ARE INTENDED TO BE IN FULL SATISFACTION OF ALL OR ANY ALLEGED INJURIES OR DAMAGES
TO EACH CREDIT PARTY, ITS SUCCESSORS, AGENTS, ATTORNEYS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSIGNS AND
PERSONAL AND LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH MATTERS RELEASED PURSUANT
TO THE OTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH. EACH CREDIT PARTY REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS TO
LENDER THAT IT HAS NOT PURPORTED TO TRANSFER, ASSIGN OR OTHERWISE CONVEY ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR
INTEREST OF A CREDIT PARTY IN ANY RELEASED MATTER TO ANY OTHER PERSON AND THAT THE FOREGOING
CONSTITUTES A FULL AND COMPLETE RELEASE OF EACH CREDIT PARTY’S CLAIMS WITH RESPECT TO ALL
SUCH MATTERS. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 7(l) AND THE REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES,
RELEASES, WAIVERS, REMISES, ACQUITTANCES, DISCHARGES, COVENANTS, AGREEMENTS AND
INDEMNIFICATIONS CONTAINED HEREIN (A) CONSTITUTE A MATERIAL CONSIDERATION FOR AND INDUCEMENT
TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND LENDERS ENTERING INTO THIS AMENDMENT, (B) DO NOT CONSTITUTE
AN ADMISSION OF OR BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING ANY DUTY, OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY OF THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER TO A CREDIT PARTY OR ANY OTHER PERSON, (C) DO NOT
CONSTITUTE AN ADMISSION OF OR BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING ANY LIABILITY, WRONGDOING, OR VIOLATION
OF ANY OBLIGATION, DUTY OR AGREEMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR A LENDER TO A CREDIT
PARTY OR ANY OTHER PERSON, AND (D) SHALL NOT BE USED AS EVIDENCE AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATIVE
AGENT OR A LENDER BY A CREDIT PARTY OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANY PURPOSE.

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     (m) Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY
WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER SOUNDING IN
CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND LENDERS AND ANY CREDIT
PARTY OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH, RELATED TO OR
INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THEM IN THIS AMENDMENT. INSTEAD, ANY
DISPUTES RESOLVED IN COURT WILL BE RESOLVED IN A BENCH TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY.

     (n) Submission to Jurisdiction. Each Credit Party agrees that all disputes
among them and the Administrative Agent or any Lender arising out of, connected with,
related to, or incidental to the relationship established between them in this Amendment,
whether arising in contract, tort, equity, or otherwise, shall be resolved only by the
courts of the State of Texas, the federal courts sitting therein, and appellate court from
any thereof. Each Credit Party waives in all disputes any objection that any of them may
have to the location of the court considering the dispute which court shall have been chosen
in accordance with the foregoing.

     (o) Loan Documents. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document.

     (p) Final Agreement. THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE
ENTIRE EXPRESSION OF THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF ON THE DATE THIS
AMENDMENT IS EXECUTED. THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE LOAN DOCUMENTS MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED
BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE
ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. NO MODIFICATION, RESCISSION, WAIVER,
RELEASE OR AMENDMENT OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE MADE, EXCEPT BY A WRITTEN
AGREEMENT SIGNED BY EACH CREDIT PARTY, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND LENDERS.

[Signature Pages Follow]

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed as of
the day and year first written above.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	THE CREDIT PARTIES

BORROWER:

THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 

13th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement [Meridian]

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	GUARANTORS:

CAIRN ENERGY USA, INC.

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 
	 	THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE & EXPLORATION LLC

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 
	 	THE MERIDIAN PRODUCTION CORPORATION

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 
	 	THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 
	 	FBB ANADARKO CORP.

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 
	 	TE TMR CORP.

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 

13th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement [Meridian]

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	SUNDANCE ACQUISITION CORPORATION

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 
	 	LOUISIANA ONSHORE PROPERTIES LLC

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 
	 	TMR DRILLING CORPORATION

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 
	 	TMR EQUIPMENT CORPORATION

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 

13th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement [Meridian]

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:

FORTIS CAPITAL CORP.,

as Administrative Agent, Co-Lead Arranger, Bookrunner,

Issuing Lender, and a Lender

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 

13th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement [Meridian]

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	THE LENDERS:

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA,

as Co-Lead Arranger, Syndication Agent, and a Lender

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 

13th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement [Meridian]

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	COMERICA BANK,

as a Lender

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 

13th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement [Meridian]

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as a Lender

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 

13th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement [Meridian]

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	ALLIED IRISH BANKS plc,

as a Lender

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 	 
	 

13th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement [Meridian]ex10-1_form8k051810.htm

  
EXHIBIT 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT made effective as of the 1st day of October 2009

 

	
BETWEEN:

	  	  
	  	
Ivanhoe Energy Inc. a corporation continued under the laws of the Yukon Territory, having its principal executive office at Suite 654 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia and having an office at 19th Floor, 101-6th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 3P4

	  	  
	  	
(the "Company")

	  	  
	
AND:

	  
	  	
David A. Dyck

31261 Coyote Valley Road

Calgary, Alberta

T3L 2R1

 

(the "Executive")

	  	  
	
WHEREAS:

	 	 
	(A)	

the Company is in the business of oil and gas development and production using proprietary upgrading technology;

	 	 
	
(B)

	
the Company wishes to engage the Executive as President and CEO of Ivanhoe Canada Inc. (“IE Canada”);

	  	  
	
(C)

	
the parties hereto wish to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of fixing the compensation and terms applicable to the employment of the Executive during the period hereinafter set out.

NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSES that the parties hereto, in consideration of the respective covenants and agreements on the part of each of them herein contained do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

	
1.

	
Definitions and Interpretations

	  	  
	
1.1

	
In this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed thereto:

	  	  
	  	
“Agreement” means this agreement and all amendments made to it by written agreement between the Company and the Executive;

	  	  
	  	
“Board” means the board of directors of the Company;

	  	  
	  	
“Business Day” means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday in British Columbia;

	  	  
	  	
“Business” means the HTLTM business of the company or a company affiliate and/or any other business in the company or a company affiliate is engaged from time to time

  

  

  

	  	
“Change of Control” means an event occurring after the Commencement Date pursuant to which:

	  	  	  
	  	
(a)

	
a merger, amalgamation, arrangement, consolidation, reorganization or transfer takes place in which securities of the Company having more than 50% of the total combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding voting securities are acquired by a person or persons different from the persons holding those voting securities immediately prior to such event, and the composition of the Board following such event is such that the directors of the Company prior to the transaction constitute less than 50% of the Board membership following the event; or

	  	  	  
	  	
(b)

	
any person, or any combination of persons acting jointly or in concert by virtue of an agreement, arrangement, commitment, or understanding acquires, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the voting rights attached to all outstanding voting securities; or

	  	  	  
	  	
(c)

	
any person or any combination of persons acting jointly or in concert by virtue of an agreement, arrangement commitment or understanding acquires, directly or indirectly, the right to appoint a majority of the directors of the Company; or

	  	  	  
	  	
(d)

	
the Company sells, transfers or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of its assets, except that no Change of Control will be deemed to occur if such sale or disposition is made to a subsidiary or subsidiaries of the Company;

	  	  
	  	
“Affiliate” means one or more entities that directly or indirectly control the Company, are under common control with the Company, or are Subsidiaries of the Company;

	  	  
	  	
“Company Affiliate” means each Affiliate and Subsidiary of the Company;

	  	  
	  	
“Compensation Committee” means the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Company;

	  	  
	  	
“Disability” means a physical or mental incapacity of the Executive that has prevented the Executive from performing the duties customarily assigned to the Executive for one hundred and eighty (180) days, whether or not consecutive, out of any twelve (12) consecutive months and that in the opinion of the Board is likely to continue;

	  	  
	  	
“HTLTM Business” means the upgrading of heavy oil or bitumen by the use of the Company’s patented HTLTM technology, in a field, refinery or research and development setting so as to improve the quality of heavy oil, bitumen or refinery feed stocks;

	  	  
	  	
“Subsidiary” means an entity that is directly or indirectly controlled by the Company.

	  	  
	
1.2

	
For the purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided:

	  	  	  
	  	
(a)

	
“this Agreement” means this Agreement, including any schedules hereto, and not any particular part, section or other portion hereof, and includes any agreement, document or instrument entered into, made or delivered pursuant to the terms hereof, as the same may, from time to time, be supplemented or amended and in effect;

	  	  	  
	  	
(b)

	
all references in this Agreement to a designated “part”, “section” or other subdivision or to a schedule are references to the designated part, section or other subdivision of, or schedule to, this Agreement;

	  	  	  
	  	
(c)

	
the words “hereof”, “herein”, “hereto” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular part, section or other subdivision or schedule unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires;

  

  

  

	  	
(d)

	
the division of this Agreement into parts, sections and other portions and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to interpret, define or limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof;

	  	  	  
	  	
(e)

	
unless otherwise provided herein, all reference to currency in this Agreement are to lawful money of Canada and al amounts to be calculated or paid pursuant to this Agreement are to be calculated in lawful money of Canada;

	  	  	  
	  	
(f)

	
the singular of any term includes the plural and vice versa, and the use of any term is generally applicable to any gender and, where applicable, a body corporate, firm or other entity, and the word “or” is not exclusive and the word “including” is not limiting whether or not non-limiting language (such as “without limitation” or “but not limited to” or words of similar import) is used with reference thereto; and

	  	  	  
	  	
(g)

	
all references to “approval”, “authorization”, “consent”, or “direction” in this Agreement means written approval, authorization consent or direction.

	  	  
	
2.

	
Employment

	  	  
	  	
The Company hereby employs the Executive and the Executive shall perform services on behalf of the Company as its employee as provided herein during the Period of Active Employment (as defined hereinafter defined).

	  	  
	
3.

	
Period of Active Employment

	  	  
	  	
In this Agreement, “Period of Active Employment” shall mean the period beginning on October 1, 2009 and terminating on the date on which the first of the following occurs:

	  	  	  
	  	
(a)

	
the termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for cause as provided in Section 15.1 hereof;

	  	  	  
	  	
(b)

	
the resignation by the Executive pursuant to Section 15.2;

	  	  	  
	  	
(c)

	
the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 15.3 or 15.4;

	  	  	  
	  	
(d)

	
the Disablility of the Executive; or

	  	  	  
	  	
(e)

	
the death of the Executive.

	  	  
	
4.

	
Capacity and Services

	  	  
	  	
The Company shall employ the Executive as President and CEO of IE Canada (the “IE Canada President”), with such appointment to commence as of October 1, 2009 (the “Commencement Date”).  As such, the Executive shall be subject to the supervision of the President and CEO of the Company and shall perform such duties and have such authority as may from time to time be assigned, delegated or limited by the President and CEO of the Company.  The Executive shall perform these duties in accordance with the charter documents and by-laws and the rules and policies of each stock exchange upon which securities of the Company may be listed from time to time and applicable securities laws. The Executive agrees to comply with the terms and the spirit of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate Securities Trading Policy of the Company, as well as the other policies and codes of the Company in effect from time to time.  A copy of the current policy is included with this Agreement.  Subject to any amendment to these duties by the President and CEO of the Company and/or the Board or applicable Board committee, the duties and responsibilities of the IE Canada President shall include those duties

  

  

  

	  	
and responsibilities that are customarily carried out by persons holding similar positions in other oil and gas companies comparable in size to the Company, including, but not limited to, the following:

	  	  	  
	  	
•

	
Responsible for the overall direction of the business of IE Canada and for achieving maximum return on investment capital;

	  	  	  
	  	
•

	
Act as a key representative in the investment and financial community;

	  	  	  
	  	
•

	
Coordinate the efforts of other senior staff and work with them to develop and achieve long term goals;

	  	  	  
	  	
•

	
Communicate and maintain contact with all segments of the investment community including brokers, financial institutions, shareholders and investment managers with the purpose of attracting equity capital and financing;

	  	  	  
	  	
•

	
Be mentored by the President and CEO of the Company for future succession planning appointments within the Ivanhoe Energy entities;

	  	  	  
	  	
•

	
Provide direction and mentoring of staff in the execution of major projects;

	  	  
	  	
In connection with the Company’s succession planning and performance reviews of the Executive, the Executive will be considered by the Board for advancement within the Company upon the Executive completing 12 months, and again upon completing 18 months, with the Company, any such succession being in the discretion of Board.

	  	  
	
5.

	
Place of Employment

	  	  
	  	
The Executive’s place of work will be the Company’s offices in Calgary, Canada or such other location as mutually agreed to by the Executive and the President and CEO of the Company, but the Company may require the Executive to work at any place throughout the world on a temporary basis.

	  	  
	
6.

	
Full Time and Attention

	  	  
	  	
The Executive shall devote one hundred percent (100%) of the Executive’s business time to the Executive’s duties hereunder. The Executive may, however, serve as a member of the board of directors of another company if the Board or an appropriate committee thereof, determines in its sole discretion that such membership is not adverse to the interests of the Company.

	  	  
	
7.

	
Conflicts of Interest

	  	  
	  	
The Executive agrees that he shall refer to the President and CEO of the Company all matters and transactions in which a potential conflict of interest between the Executive and the Company or a Company Affiliate may arise and shall not proceed with such matters or transactions until the Board’s express approval thereof is obtained.  For purposes of clarification, this Section 7 is not intended to limit in any way the Executive’s other fiduciary obligations, to the Company and Company Affiliates which may arise in law or equity.

	  	  
	
8.

	
Base Salary

	  	  
	  	
The Company will initially pay the Executive the sum of CAD $350,000 per year, payable in semi-monthly installments, subject to standard payroll and tax deductions, (the “Base Salary”).  The Base Salary shall be subject to annual reviews and, as appropriate in connection with performance reviews of the Executive, increases as determined by the Board in its discretion on the advice of the Compensation Committee of the Board.

  

  

  

	
9.

	
Benefits

	  	  
	  	
The Company will provide the Executive and his eligible dependent immediate family members with the same comprehensive basic medical, extended health & dental, life and dependent life insurance & long term disability insurance as are available to the other executive officers of the Company, effective immediately on employment. Until such time as a standardized plan offering a substantially equivalent benefit to the Executive is instituted by the Company, the Company will also provide a Canadian Retirement Allowance by payment to the Executive of CAD$21,000 per calendar year, prorated for the first partial year of employment and payable to the Executive in semi-monthly installments.

	  	  
	
10.

	
Incentive Stock Options

	  	  
	  	
Subject to all requisite corporate and stock exchange approvals, the Executive will receive an initial grant of incentive stock options exercisable to purchase up to a total of 500,000 common shares of the Company pursuant to the Company’s Executives’ and Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) at a price per common share determined in accordance with the terms of the Plan. The Executive’s incentive stock options will vest and become exercisable in accordance with the following schedule:

	  	  	  
	  	
(a)

	
Options in respect of an initial 125,000 common shares will become exercisable as of the first (1st) anniversary of the Commencement Date;

	  	  	  
	  	
(b)

	
Options in respect of an additional 375,000 common shares will become exercisable as to 125,000 common shares on the second through the fourth anniversaries of the Commencement Date and;

	  	  	  
	  	
(c)

	
Subject to earlier termination pursuant to the terms of the Plan, any of the Executive’s incentive stock options remaining unexercised as of the seventh (7th) anniversary of the Commencement Date will expire and cease to be exercisable.

	  	  
	  	
In addition to the incentive stock options referred to above, the Executive may also be eligible to receive, as determined by the Board of Directors in its discretion on the advice of its Compensation Committee, additional incentive stock option grants from time to time when the Board’s compensation committee determines that it is appropriate to grant additional incentive stock options to the Company’s senior executive officers. All such grants will be made pursuant to, and in accordance with the terms of the Plan.  In determining such further grants to the Executive, the Board of Directors, and Compensation Committee shall consider, among other things, the aggregate options then currently held by the Executive by virtue of this Agreement or otherwise.

	 	 
	
11.

	
Short Term Incentive Plan

	  	  
	  	
The Executive shall be eligible for an annual bonus award calculated as a percentage of Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s compensation policy, such bonus award to be as determined by the Board in its discretion on the advice of the President and CEO of the Company and the Compensation Committee. The annual bonus award will be based on overall performance rating and job specific criteria. The bonus award will be a combination of cash and/or securities of the Company as determined by the Board on the advice of the Compensation Committee of the Board, and would be payable after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

	  	  
	
12.

	
Long Term Incentive Plan

	  	  
	  	
The Executive shall be eligible for long term incentive plan awards of a further annual bonus calculated as a percentage of Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s compensation policy, such bonus award to be, as determined in connection with performance reviews of the

  

  

  

	  	
Executive by the Board in its discretion on the advice of the President and CEO of the Company and the Compensation Committee. Any such bonus awards would be payable in the form of incentive stock options unless otherwise determined by the Board and would be payable at such time as determined by the Board of Directors.

	  	  
	
13.

	
Expenses incidental to Employment

	  	  
	  	
The Company will reimburse the Executive in accordance with its normal policies and practices for the Executive’s travel and other expenses or disbursements reasonably and necessarily incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement.  The Executive will furnish the Company with an itemized account of his expenses in such form or forms as may reasonably be required by the Company and at such times or intervals as may be required by the Company.

	  	  
	
14.

	
Vacation

	  	  
	  	
The Executive will be entitled to a paid vacation of five (5) weeks per annum based on a common anniversary date of January 1.  The terms of this Agreement, will be calculated from the date of commencement of employment set forth in Section 2 herein and prorated for the first year of employment. This vacation must be taken on dates which do not adversely compromise the Executive’s performance of his duties under this Agreement.

	  	  
	
15.

	
Termination

	  	  
	
15.1

	
This Agreement and the Executive's employment may be terminated by the Company summarily and without notice, payment in lieu of notice, severance payments, benefits, damages or any sums whatsoever, for any act or omission which constitutes cause under applicable law.  Without limiting the foregoing, any one or more of the following events shall constitute cause:

	  	  	  
	  	
(a)

	
the  Executive’s appropriation of corporate opportunities for his direct or indirect benefit or his failure to disclose any material conflict of  interest;

	  	  	  
	  	
(b)

	
the Executive’s failure to disclose material facts concerning his business interests or employment by other than the Company;

	  	  	  
	  	
(c)

	
any  of the following acts or circumstances of the Executive: fraud, illegality, breach of statute or regulation, or gross incompetence;

	  	  	  
	  	
(d)

	
the Executive’s breach of fiduciary duty to the Company;

	  	  	  
	  	
(e)

	
the Executive’s material breach of this Agreement or gross negligence in carrying out his duties under this Agreement;

	  	  	  
	  	
(f)

	
the failure of or refusal by the Executive to follow the reasonable and lawful directions of the Board  or to comply with the policies, rules and regulation of the Company, (except to the extent that such policies, rules and regulation expressly conflict with the provisions of this Agreement);

	  	  	  
	  	
(g)

	
any conduct which would materially impair or prevent the Executive from continuing as an officer of the Company under applicable corporate or securities laws, or the rules and policies of any stock exchange or securities market upon which the Company’s shares are listed from time to time; or

	  	  	  
	  	
(h)

	
the Executive’s plea of guilty to or conviction of an offence punishable by imprisonment.

  

  

  

	  	
In the event of the early termination of the Agreement pursuant to Section 15.1, the Executive shall only be entitled to such compensation as would otherwise be payable to the Executive hereunder up to and including such date of termination, as the case may be.  If the Company terminates this Agreement for cause under this Section 15.1, all vested incentive stock options will remain exercisable until the earlier of their respective expiry dates and the date that is one (1) month from the date that the Executive’s employment terminates, and all unvested incentive stock options will immediately terminate.

	  	  
	
15.2

	
This Agreement and the Executive's employment may be terminated on notice by the Executive to the Company for any reason, or for no reason, upon 90 days written notice of resignation to the Company.  In such event, the Executive will be entitled to payment of Base Salary and expenses until the date of termination after which notice was given. If the Executive resigns the Executive’s employment and terminates this Agreement for any reason, the Company shall have no further obligations or responsibilities hereunder to the Executive, and nothing herein contained shall be construed to limit or restrict in any way the Company’s ability to pursue any remedies it may have at law or equity pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all of the Executive’s vested incentive stock options will remain exercisable until the earlier of their respective expiry dates and the date that is one (1) month from the date that the Executive’s employment terminates, and all unvested incentive stock options will immediately terminate.

	  	  
	
15.3

	
The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time without cause or upon the Disability of the Executive.  Should the Company terminate the Executive without cause, the Company will provide the Executive with a lump sum payment of an amount equal to twelve months payments of the Executive’s Base Salary.  The payments provided for in this Section 15.3 shall be inclusive of the Executive’s entitlement to notice and severance pay at common law or by statute. The Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments under this agreement, except for payment of any reasonable expense due and owing pursuant to Section 13.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, those of the Executive’s unvested stock options that would have vested within one year from the date that the Executive’s employment terminates will be deemed to have vested, and all of the Executive’s unexercised stock options that have vested or are deemed to have vested will remain exercisable for a period of six (6) months from the date that the Executive’s employment terminated unless any such options expire earlier in accordance with their terms. All other unvested stock options will terminate on the date of termination of the Executive.

	  	  
	
15.4

	
If a Change of Control (as defined herein) occurs and this Agreement is terminated by the Company within twelve months of such Change of Control, the Executive shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to twelve monthly payments of the Executive’s base salary.  The payments provided in this section 15.4 shall be inclusive of the Executive’s entitlement to notice and severance pay at common law or by statute.  The Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments under this agreement, except for payment of any reasonable expense due and owing pursuant to Section 6.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, all of the Executive’s unexercised stock options, vested or unvested, will be deemed to have vested and will remain exercisable for a period of six (6) months from the date that the Executive’s employment terminates unless any such options expire earlier in accordance with their terms.

	  	  
	
15.5

	
If this agreement is terminated in accordance with Sections 15.3 or 15.4, the benefits provided to the Executive shall continue for the amount of months of base salary the Executive is entitled to following the termination of this Agreement or until the Executive commences alternative employment, whichever occurs first. At the Company’s option, it may satisfy this obligation by paying to the Executive the cost of providing such benefits, as determined at the time of the termination of Employment.

	  	  
	
15.6

	
Upon termination or resignation of the Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement, this Agreement and the employment of the Executive shall be wholly terminated with

  

  

  

	  	
the exception of Sections 16 to 19 of this Agreement and any other the clauses specifically contemplated to continue in full force and effect beyond the termination of this Agreement.  For greater certainties the payments or other compensation provided for on termination under Sections 15.3, 15.4 and 15.5 are not cumulative and only one of such Sections will be operative in the event of a termination.

	  	  
	
15.7

	
The terms set out in this Agreement, provided that such terms are satisfied by the Company, are in lieu of (and not in addition to) and in full satisfaction of any and all other claims or entitlements which the Executive has or may have upon the termination of the Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement and the compliance by the Company with these terms will affect a full and complete release of the Company and its parent and their respective affiliates, associates, subsidiaries and related companies from any and all claims which the Executive may have for whatever reason or cause in connection with the Executive’s employment and the termination of it, other than those obligations specifically set out in this Agreement. In agreeing to the terms set out in this Agreement, the Executive specifically agrees to execute a formal release document to that effect and will deliver upon request appropriate resignations from all offices and positions with the Company and its parent and their respective affiliated, associated subsidiary or affiliated companies if, as and when requested by the Company upon termination of the Executive’s employment within the circumstances contemplated by this Agreement.

	  	  
	
16.

	
Confidential Information

	  	  
	  	
Except in the normal and proper course of the Executive’s duties hereunder, the Executive will not use, for the Executive’s own account or disclose to anyone else, during or for a period of three (3) years after the Period of Active Employment, any confidential or proprietary information or material relating to the Business or the Company, its operations, or the Business or operations of the Company Affiliates which the Executive obtains by virtue of Executive’s employment with the Company.  Confidential or proprietary information or material includes, without limitation, the following types of information or material, both existing and contemplated, regarding the Company or the Company Affiliates: corporate information, plans, strategies, tactics, policies, resolutions, litigation or negotiations, financial information, including debt arrangements, equity structure, investors and holdings, operational and scientific information ,technical information and personnel information, including personnel lists, resumes, personnel data, organization structure and performance evaluations, trade secrets, inventions, products, designs, know-how, formulae, methods, techniques, systems, processes, software, projects, planning data, financial results and any other information (collectively “Confidential Information”). Any of the foregoing kinds of information that belong to any other person or company but to which Executive has had access solely by reason of this employment with the Company but which the Company or a Company Affiliate has agreed to keep confidential are also Confidential Information.

	  	  
	  	
The obligations of Executive under this section will survive the termination of Executive’s engagement for any reason or no reason, will be applicable regardless of any actual or alleged breach of this Agreement by Company, and will continue for a period of three (3) years from the end of the Period of Active Employment. The obligations of Executive under this section are in addition to, and not in limitation of or preemption of, all other obligations of confidentiality which Executive may have to Company or Company Affiliate under applicable law, including but not limited to the application of the fiduciary duties of Executive.

	  	  
	  	
Notwithstanding the preceding, “Confidential Information” shall not include information which is or becomes publicly known, except for any such information that becomes publicly known because of disclosure by the Executive in violation of this Agreement. It shall not be a breach of the confidentiality obligations hereof for Executive to disclose Confidential Information where, but only to the extent that, such disclosure is required by law or applicable legal process, provided in such case the Executive shall (i) give the earliest notice possible to Company that such disclosure is or may be required, and (ii) cooperate in protecting such confidential or proprietary nature of the Information which must so be disclosed.

  

  

  

	
17.

	
Return of Property and Documents

	  	  
	  	
The Executive agrees that all documents or property of any nature pertaining to activities of the Company and to the Company Affiliates, including Confidential Information, in the Executive’s possession now or at any time during the Period of Active Employment, are and shall be the property of the Company and/or a Company Affiliate, and that all such documents and all copies of them shall be surrendered to the Company whenever requested by the Company.  This provision shall survive termination of this Agreement.

	  	  
	
18.

	
Business Opportunities and Company Related Developments

	  	  
	
18.1

	
Any business opportunities related to the business of the Company which become known to the Executive during the Period of Active Employment hereunder must be fully disclosed and made available to the Board by the Executive and the Executive agrees not to take or omit to take any action if the result would be to divert from the Company any opportunity which is within the scope of its Business as known to the Executive from time to time.

	  	  
	
18.2

	
Executive will promptly disclose and assign, in writing, to the Company any inventions, improvements, or discoveries, methods, developments, software, and works of authorship, whether patentable or not, which are made, conceived, or improved by Executive, solely or jointly with others, during Executive’s employment hereunder, either during normal working hours, or outside of normal working hours (“Company Related Developments”) that (A) use equipment, supplies, facilities, trade secret information, or other Confidential Information of Company or any Company Affiliate, or (B) directly relate, at the time of conception, development, reduction to practice, or use, to the Rapid Thermal Pyrolysis (“RTPTM”) technology of the Company or a Company Affiliate (the “Technology”), or to actual research or development related to the Technology, or to the Company or a Company Affiliate, or (C) that result directly from any work performed by Executive for Company or a Company Affiliate.

	  	  
	
18.3

	
Upon request, the Executive will assist the Company and its nominees in every proper way at Company’s expense (and without additional compensation to Executive), both during Executive’s employment by the Company and thereafter, to obtain and retain for Company’s sole benefit patent protection for any and all Company Related Developments, which will remain the property of Company, its successors, assigns, or nominees, whether patented or not, and, for that purpose, upon written request by and at the expense of Company, Executive will within thirty (30) days following a request therefore execute any and all documents relating thereto that are deemed necessary by Company to the extent such request is reasonable.  All such Company Related Developments will be subject to the provision of section 16 (regarding Confidential Information).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that, after termination of Executive’s engagement, Executive incurs expenses, provides services, or otherwise assists Company or its nominees at such Party’s request, Company shall compensate Executive therefor, with such compensation to be reasonably agreed upon by Executive and Company.  The obligations of Executive and Company under this Section 18.3 will survive the termination of Executive’s engagement for any reason or no reason, will be applicable regardless of any actual or alleged breach of this Agreement by Company, and will continue indefinitely.

	  	  
	
19

	
Acknowledgements regarding Enforceability of Agreement Terms

	  	  
	
19.1

	
The Executive acknowledges that, in connection with the Executive’s employment by the Company, the Executive will receive or will become eligible to receive substantial benefits and compensation.  The Executive acknowledges that the Executive’s employment by the Company and all compensation and benefits and potential compensation and benefits to the Executive from such employment shall be conferred by the Company upon the Executive only because and

  

  

  

	  	
on condition of the Executive’s willingness to commit the Executive’s best efforts and loyalty to the Company, including protecting the Company’s right to have its Confidential Information protected and abiding by the confidentiality, non-competition and other provisions herein.

	  	  
	
19.2

	
The Executive understands the Executive’s duties and obligations as set forth in this Agreement and agrees that such duties and obligations would not unduly restrict or curtail the Executive’s legitimate efforts to earn a livelihood following any termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.  The executive agrees that the restrictions contained in this Agreement are reasonable and valid and all defenses to the strict enforcement thereof by the Company are waived by the Executive.  The Executive further acknowledges that irreparable damage would result to the Company if the restrictive covenants in this Agreement are not specifically enforced, and agrees that the Company shall be entitled to any appropriate legal, equitable, or other remedy, including injunctive relief, in respect of any failure or continuing failure to comply with the restrictive provisions contained in this Agreement.

	  	  
	
19.3

	
If any court determines that any provision contained in this Agreement including, without limitation, a restrictive covenant or any part thereof is unenforceable because of the duration or geographical scope of the provision or for any other reason, the duration or scope of the provision, as the case may be, shall be reduced so that the provision becomes enforceable and, in its reduced form, the provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.

	  	  
	
19.4

	
The Executive acknowledges that damages would be an insufficient remedy for a breach by him of this Agreement and agrees that the Company may apply for and obtain any relief available to it in a court of law or equity, including injunctive relief, to restrain breach or threat of breach of this Agreement by the Executive or to enforce the covenants contained therein and, in particular, the covenants contained in Sections 16, 17, and 18 of this Agreement, in addition to rights the Company may have to damages arising from said breach or threat of breach.

	  	  
	
20.

	
Representations and Warranties

	  	  
	
20.1

	
The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that the execution and performance of this Agreement will not result in or constitute a default, breach, or violation, or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would be a default, breach, or violation, of any understanding, agreement or commitment, written or oral, express or implied, to which the Executive is currently a party or by which the Executive or Executive's property is currently bound.

	  	  
	
20.2

	
The Executive shall defend, indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any liability, expense, or claim (including solicitor’s fees incurred in respect thereof) by any person in any way arising out of, relating to, or in connection with any incorrectness or breach of the representations and warranties in Section 20.1.

	  	  
	
20.3

	
The Executive acknowledges that a breach of Section 20.1 by the Executive shall entitle the Company to terminate the Executive’s employment and this Agreement for cause.

	  	  
	
20.4

	
The Company shall defend, indemnify and hold the Executive harmless from any liability, expense or claim (including solicitor’s fees incurred in respect thereof) in any way arising out of, relating to, or in connection with his performance of services for the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. The Company shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the Executive shall fully participate as a covered insured under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy with respect to the Period of Active Employment.

	  	  
	
21.

	
Governing Law

	  	  
	  	
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the laws of Canada applicable in that Province and shall be treated, in all respects, as a British Columbia contract.

  

  

  

	
22.

	
Entire Agreement

	  	  
	  	
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the relationship between the Company and the Executive and supersedes all prior arrangements and agreements, whether oral or in writing between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.  there are no conditions, warranties, representation or other agreements between the parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement (whether oral or written, express or implied, statutory or otherwise) except as specifically set out in this Agreement.

	  	  
	
23.

	
Amendments

	  	  
	  	
No amendment to or variation of the terms of this Agreement will be effective or binding upon the parties hereto unless made in writing and signed by both of the parties hereto.

	  	  
	
24.

	
Assignment

	  	  
	  	
This Agreement is not assignable by the Executive.  This Agreement is assignable by the Company to any other company which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company. The Company shall also have the right to assign this Agreement to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase amalgamation, arrangement, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company provided only that the Company must first require the successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.  The Executive by the Executive’s signature hereto expressly consents to such assignment. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and permitted assigns and the Executive and his heirs, executors and administrators.

	  	  
	
25.

	
Severability

	  	  
	  	
Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of the prohibition or unenforceability and shall be severed from the balance of this Agreement, all without affecting the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

	  	  
	
26.

	
Headings

	  	  
	  	
The division of this Agreement into Sections and the insertion of headings are for convenience or reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

	  	  
	
27.

	
Time of Essence

	  	  
	  	
Time shall be of the essence in all respects of this Agreement.

	  	  
	
28.

	
Rights and Waivers

	  	  
	
28.1

	
All rights and remedies of the parties are separate and cumulative, and none of them, whether exercised or not, shall be deemed to be to the exclusion of any other rights or remedies or shall be deemed to limit or prejudice any other legal or equitable rights or remedies or shall be deemed to limit or prejudice any other legal or equitable rights or remedies which either of the parties may have.

	  	  
	
28.2

	
Any purported waiver of any default, breach or non-compliance under this Agreement is not effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be bound by the waiver.  No waiver shall be

  

  

  

	  	
inferred from or implied by any failure to act or delay in acting by a party in respect of any default, breach or non-observance or by anything done or omitted to be done by the other party. The waiver by a party of any default, breach or non-compliance under this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of that party’s rights under the Agreement in respect of any continuing or subsequent default, breach or non-observance (whether of the same or any other nature).

	  	  
	
29.

	
Executive Acknowledgements

	  	  
	  	
The Executive acknowledges that agrees that he has had, or has had the opportunity to obtain, independent legal advice concerning the interpretation and effect of this Agreement in connection with the execution of this Agreement and has read this Agreement in its entirety, understands its contents and is signing this Agreement freely and voluntarily, without duress or undue influence from any party. The Executive has received a fully executed counterpart copy of this Agreement.

	  	  
	
30.

	
Notice

	  	  
	  	
Any notice required or permitted to be made or given under this Agreement to either party shall be in writing and shall be sufficiently given if delivered personally, by electronic transmission, or if sent by prepaid registered mail to the intended recipient of such notice at their respective addresses set forth below or to such other address as may, from time to time, be designated by notice given in the manner provided in this Section:

	  	  
	  	
in the case of Company:

	  	  	  
	  	  	
19th Floor, 101-6th Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta

T2P 3P4

Attention: Vice President, Human Resources

 

	  	  
	  	
with a copy to:

	  	  	  
	  	  	
Suite 654 – 999 Canada Place

Vancouver, British Columbia  Canada  V6C 3E1

Attention:  Corporate Secretary

 

	  	  
	  	
in the case of the Executive:

	  	  	  
	  	  	
Mr. David A. Dyck

31261 Coyote Valley Road

Calgary, Alberta  T3L 2R1

 

	  	  
	  	
Any notice delivered to the party to whom it is addressed shall be deemed to have been given and received on the day it is so delivered or, if such day is not a business day, then on the next business day following any such day.  Any notice mailed shall be deemed to have been given and received on the 10th business day following the date of mailing. In the case of facsimile transmission, notice is deemed to have been given or served on the party to whom it was sent at the time of dispatch if, following transmission, the sender receives a transmission confirmation report or, if the sender’s facsimile machine is not equipped to issue a transmission confirmation report, the recipient confirms in writing that the notice has been received. In the case of e-mail transmission, notice is deemed to have been given or served on the party to whom it was sent at the time of dispatch if, following transmission, the recipient confirms in writing that the notice has been received.

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and shall become operative when each party has executed and delivered at least one counterpart.

 

  

  

  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

SIGNED on behalf of Ivanhoe Energy Inc. on 10, November, 2009

	/s/ Robert Friedland 	  	/s/ Howard Balloch
	
Robert Friedland

	  	
Howard Balloch

	
Executive Co Chairman,

	  	
President  Director

	
& Chief Executive Officer

	  	
Chairman Compensation and Benefits

	
Committee

 

	  	  

SIGNED by the Executive on October 20, 2009:

 

/s/ David A. Dyck                      

David A. Dyck

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