SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

SCHEDULE 13D

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. 3)*

 

 

Saratoga Resources, Inc.

(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

(Title of Class of Securities)

803521103

(CUSIP Number)

Marisa Beeney

GSO Capital Partners LP

345 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10154

(212) 583-5000

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

April 30, 2015

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of This Statement)

 

 

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(e), Rule 13d-1(f) or Rule 13d-1(g), check the following box.  ¨

 

 

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 13d-7(b) for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

 

 

 

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

 

 

 


13D

 

CUSIP No. 803521103 Page 1 of 5

 

Preliminary Note

This Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13D (“Amendment No. 3”) amends and supplements the Schedule 13D filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 10, 2014 (as amended and supplemented to date, the “Schedule 13D”) relating to the common stock, $0.001 par value (the “Common Stock”) of Saratoga Resources, Inc., (the “Issuer”) by each of the following (each a “Reporting Person” and together, the “Reporting Persons”): (i) Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Fund LP and Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Master Fund L.P. (collectively, the “GSO Funds”); (ii) Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Associates LLC, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Associates LLC, and GSO Holdings I L.L.C. (collectively, the “GSO Entities”); (iii) Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings I/II GP Inc., The Blackstone Group L.P., and Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. (collectively, the “Blackstone Entities”); (iv) Stephen A. Schwarzman; and (v) Bennett J. Goodman, J. Albert Smith III and Douglas I. Ostrover (collectively, the “GSO Executives”).

 

Item 4. Purpose of Transaction.

Item 4 is hereby amended and supplemented by the following:

On April 30, 2015, the Issuer, the GSO Funds, and all of the other holders (together with the GSO Funds, the “First Lien Lenders”) of the Issuer’s 10.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the “First Lien Notes”) entered into an amendment (the “Third Amendment to the First Lien Forbearance Agreement”) to the forbearance agreement dated January 30, 2015 relating to the First Lien Notes (the “First Lien Forbearance Agreement”), pursuant to which the First Lien Lenders have agreed to extend the forbearance period under the First Lien Forbearance Agreement until May 8, 2015, and, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, until May 22, 2015. The forbearance period will be extended to May 11, 2015 upon replenishment of the Retainer (as defined in the Third Amendment to the First Lien Forbearance Agreement) on or prior to May 8, 2015. If the Retainer is replenished, the forbearance period will be extended to May 22, 2015 upon appointment to the Issuer’s board of directors of an independent director acceptable to both of the First Lien Lenders and the Second Lien Lenders on or prior to May 11, 2015.

Also on April 30, 2015, the Issuer, the GSO Funds, and certain of the other holders (together with the GSO Funds, the “Second Lien Lenders”) of the Issuer’s 12.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 (the “Second Lien Notes”) entered into an amendment (the “Third Amendment to the Second Lien Forbearance Agreement” and, together with the Third Amendment to the First Lien Forbearance Agreement, the “Amendments”) to the forbearance agreement relating to the Second Lien Notes (the “Second Lien Forbearance Agreement”), pursuant to which the Second Lien Lenders have agreed to extend the forbearance period under the Second Lien Forbearance Agreement until May 8, 2015, and, subject to the satisfaction of those conditions described in the summary of the Third Amendment to the First Lien Forbearance Agreement, until May 11, 2015 or May 22, 2015.


13D

 

CUSIP No. 803521103    Page 2 of 5

 

The foregoing descriptions of the Amendments do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of such Amendments filed as exhibits to this Schedule 13D, and incorporated herein by reference.

During the extension of the forbearance periods as described above, the Reporting Persons intend to continue their dialogue with management and the board of directors of the Issuer regarding strategic alternatives for the Issuer including, but not limited to, any of the actions described in Item 4 of the Schedule 13D filed by the Reporting Persons on December 10, 2014. The Reporting Persons also expect to exercise their rights pursuant to the Amendments to recommend to the board of directors of the Issuer candidates who may be acceptable to the Reporting Persons as an independent member of the Issuer’s board of directors.

Except as set forth in this Item 4, the Reporting Persons have no present plans or proposals which would result in or relate to any of the transactions described in subparagraphs (a) through (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D.

 

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

Item 6 is hereby amended and supplemented by the following:

Item 4 above summarizes certain provisions of the Amendments and is incorporated herein by reference. A copy of each of the Amendments is filed as an exhibit to this Schedule 13D and each is incorporated herein by reference.

Except as set forth herein, none of the Reporting Persons has any contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships (legal or otherwise) with any person with respect to any securities of the Issuer, including, but not limited to, any contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships concerning the transfer or voting of such securities, finder’s fees, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees of profits, division of profits or losses, or the giving or withholding of proxies.

 

Item 7. Material to Be Filed as Exhibits.

Item 7 is hereby amended and supplemented by the following:

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

1    Joint Filing Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of Schedule 13D, filed by the Reporting Persons on December 10, 2014)
7    Third Amendment to Forbearance Agreement to First Lien Indenture, dated April 30, 2015
8    Third Amendment to Forbearance Agreement to Second Lien Indenture, dated April 30, 2015


13D

 

CUSIP No. 803521103 Page 3 of 5

 

SIGNATURES

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: May 6, 2015

 

Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Fund LP
By: Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Associates LLC, its general partner
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Authorized Signatory
Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Associates LLC
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Authorized Signatory
Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Master Fund L.P.
By: Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Associates LLC,
its general partner
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Authorized Signatory
Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Associates LLC
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Authorized Signatory


13D

 

CUSIP No. 803521103 Page 4 of 5

 

GSO Holdings I L.L.C.
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Authorized Signatory
Blackstone Holdings I L.P.
By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP Inc.,
its general partner
By:

/s/ John G. Finley

Name: John G. Finley
Title: Chief Legal Officer
Blackstone Holdings I/II GP Inc.
By:

/s/ John G. Finley

Name: John G. Finley
Title: Chief Legal Officer
The Blackstone Group L.P.
By: Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., its general partner
By:

/s/ John G. Finley

Name: John G. Finley
Title: Chief Legal Officer
Blackstone Group Management L.L.C.
By:

/s/ John G. Finley

Name: John G. Finley
Title: Chief Legal Officer
Stephen A. Schwarzman

/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman

Stephen A. Schwarzman


13D

 

CUSIP No. 803521103 Page 5 of 5

 

Bennett J. Goodman
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
J. Albert Smith III
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
Douglas I. Ostrover
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Attorney-in-Fact


Exhibit 7

Execution Version

THIRD AMENDMENT TO FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT TO

FIRST LIEN INDENTURE

This THIRD AMENDMENT TO FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT (this “Third Amendment”) is entered into as of April 30, 2015, by and among Saratoga Resources, Inc. (the “Issuer”), the Guarantors party to the First Lien Indenture (collectively, with Issuer, the “Credit Parties”) and the holders of Notes issued under the First Lien Indenture party hereto (each, a “Noteholder” and together, the “Noteholders”). Unless otherwise defined in this Third Amendment, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the First Lien Forbearance Agreement.

RECITALS

A. Issuer, the other Credit Parties and the Noteholders entered into a Forbearance Agreement to First Lien Indenture, dated January 30, 2015, and amended March 2, 2015, and further amended March 16, 2015 (the “First Lien Forbearance Agreement”).

B. Issuer has requested that the First Lien Forbearance Agreement be amended to extend the Forbearance Period to up to and including May 22, 2015 on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the terms, covenants and conditions contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Amendment.

Section 3(b)(iii) of the First Lien Forbearance Agreement is hereby amended to delete “April 30, 2015” and to insert, in place of such date, “May 8, 2015.”

Section 3(b) of the First Lien Forbearance Agreement is hereby amended to insert the following after the last sentence thereof:

“If the Forbearance Period has not been terminated in accordance with this Agreement, and on or prior to May 8, 2015, Issuer replenishes the Retainer with a payment to Latham of $200,000 to be held and applied as the Retainer, then the Forbearance Period shall be extended to May 11, 2015, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.”

“If the Forbearance Period has not been terminated in accordance with this Agreement, and on or prior to May 11, 2015, Issuer appoints an independent director to Issuer’s Board of Directors and its Independent Restructuring Committee, who is acceptable to the Noteholders, pursuant to board resolutions in form and substance acceptable to the Noteholders, then the Forbearance Period shall be extended to May 22, 2015, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.”


Section 4(f) of the First Lien Forbearance Agreement is hereby amended to delete “$75,000” in the second sentence of such sub-section and to insert, in place of such amount, “$200,000.”

SECTION 2. Effectiveness.

This Third Amendment shall become effective at the time (the “Third Amendment Effective Date”) that all of the following conditions precedent have been met (or waived) as determined by the Noteholders in their sole discretion:

(a) Amendment. The Noteholders shall have received duly executed signature pages for this Third Amendment signed by the Noteholders, Issuer and the other Credit Parties.

(b) Second Lien Forbearance Agreement Amendment. The Noteholders, Issuer and the other Credit Parties shall have executed and delivered an amendment to that certain Forbearance Agreement to Second Lien Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2015 and amended as of March 2, 2015 and further amended as of March 16, 2015, pursuant to which the Noteholders shall have agreed to extend the Forbearance Period to up to and including May 22, 2015 on the terms and conditions set forth therein.

SECTION 3. General Release; Indemnity.

(a) In consideration of, among other things, the Noteholders’ execution and delivery of this Third Amendment, each of Issuer and the other Credit Parties, on behalf of itself and its agents, representatives, officers, directors, advisors, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors and assigns (collectively, “Releasors”), hereby forever agrees and covenants not to sue or prosecute against any Releasee (as hereinafter defined) for and hereby forever waives, releases and discharges, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Releasee (as hereinafter defined) from any and all claims (including, without limitation, crossclaims, counterclaims, rights of set-off and recoupment), actions, causes of action, suits, debts, accounts, interests, liens, promises, warranties, damages and consequential damages, demands, agreements, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, controversies, variances, trespasses, judgments, executions, costs, expenses or claims whatsoever, that such Releasor now has or hereafter may have, of whatsoever nature and kind, whether known or unknown, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising at law or in equity (collectively, the “Claims”), against any or all of the Noteholders and Trustee in any capacity and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, shareholders and “controlling persons” (within the meaning of the federal securities laws), and their respective successors and assigns and each and all of the officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, advisors and other representatives of each of the foregoing (collectively, the “Releasees”), based in whole or in part on facts, whether or not now known, existing on or before the Third Amendment Effective Date, that relate to, arise out of or otherwise are in connection with: (i) any or all of the First Lien Documents or transactions contemplated thereby or any actions or omissions in connection therewith or (ii) any aspect of the dealings or relationships between or among Issuer and the other Credit Parties, on the one hand, and any or all of the Noteholders and Trustee, on the other hand, relating to any or all of the documents, transactions, actions or omissions referenced in clause (i) hereof. The receipt by Issuer or any other Credit Party of any financial accommodations made by any Noteholder or the Trustee after the date hereof shall constitute a

 

2


ratification, adoption, and confirmation by such party of the foregoing general release of all Claims against the Releasees that are based in whole or in part on facts, whether or not now known or unknown, existing on or prior to the date of receipt of any such financial accommodations. In entering into this Third Amendment, Issuer and each other Credit Party consulted with, and has been represented by, legal counsel and expressly disclaims any reliance on any representations, acts or omissions by any of the Releasees and hereby agrees and acknowledges that the validity and effectiveness of the releases set forth above do not depend in any way on any such representations, acts and/or omissions or the accuracy, completeness or validity thereof. The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Third Amendment, the First Lien Indenture, the other First Lien Documents and payment in full of the Obligations.

(b) Issuer and the other Credit Parties each hereby agrees that it shall be, jointly and severally, obligated to indemnify and hold the Releasees harmless with respect to any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever incurred by the Releasees, or any of them, whether direct, indirect or consequential, as a result of or arising from or relating to any proceeding by or on behalf of any Person, including, without limitation, the respective officers, directors, agents, trustees, creditors, partners or shareholders of Issuer, any other Credit Party, or any of their respective Subsidiaries, whether threatened or initiated, in respect of any claim for legal or equitable remedy under any statute, regulation or common law principle arising from or in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery, performance, administration and enforcement of the First Lien Indenture, the other First Lien Documents, this Third Amendment or any other document executed and/or delivered in connection herewith or therewith; provided, that neither Issuer nor any other Credit Party shall have any obligation to indemnify or hold harmless any Releasee hereunder with respect to liabilities to the extent they result from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of that Releasee as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. If and to the extent that the foregoing undertaking may be unenforceable for any reason, Issuer and other Credit Parties each agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction thereof that is permissible under applicable law. The foregoing indemnity shall survive the termination of this Third Amendment, the First Lien Indenture, the other First Lien Documents and the payment in full of the Obligations.

(c) Each of Issuer and the other Credit Parties, on behalf of itself and its successors, assigns, and other legal representatives, hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably, covenants and agrees with and in favor of each Releasee that it will not sue (at law, in equity, in any regulatory proceeding or otherwise) any Releasee on the basis of any Claim released, remised and discharged by Issuer or any other Credit Party pursuant to Section 3(a) hereof. If Issuer, any other Credit Party or any of its successors, assigns or other legal representatives violates the foregoing covenant, Issuer and the other Credit Parties, each for itself and its successors, assigns and legal representatives, agrees to pay, in addition to such other damages as any Releasee may sustain as a result of such violation, all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by any Releasee as a result of such violation.

SECTION 4. No Modifications.

Except as amended hereby, the First Lien Forbearance Agreement remains unmodified and in full force and effect, and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to

 

3


constitute a waiver of compliance with any term or condition contained in the First Lien Forbearance Agreement or any of the other First Lien Documents or constitute a course of conduct or dealing among the parties. Except as expressly stated herein, the Noteholders reserve all rights, privileges and remedies under the First Lien Forbearance Agreement. This Amendment shall constitute a First Lien Document.

SECTION 5. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue.

THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN ALL MATTERS ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH OR RELATING TO THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ITS VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION, PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY CLAIMS SOUNDING IN CONTRACT OR TORT LAW ARISING OUT OF THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND ANY DETERMINATIONS WITH RESPECT TO POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST). ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS THIRD AMENDMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT EXCLUSIVELY IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, OR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND, BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, EACH OF THE NOTEHOLDER AND THE OTHER CREDIT PARTIES HEREBY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS; PROVIDED THAT NOTHING IN THIS THIRD AMENDMENT SHALL LIMIT THE RIGHT OF THE NOTEHOLDERS TO COMMENCE ANY PROCEEDING IN THE FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION TO THE EXTENT THE NOTEHOLDERS DETERMINE THAT SUCH ACTION IS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS OR REMEDIES UNDER THE FIRST LIEN DOCUMENTS. THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTIONS. EACH CREDIT PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL LEGAL PROCESS, SUMMONS, NOTICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS AND OTHER SERVICE OF PROCESS OF ANY KIND AND CONSENTS TO SUCH SERVICE IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WITH RESPECT TO OR OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS THIRD AMENDMENT BY ANY MEANS PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF LAW, INCLUDING BY THE MAILING THEREOF (BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID) TO THE ADDRESS OF THE ISSUER SPECIFIED IN THE FIRST LIEN INDENTURE (AND SHALL BE EFFECTIVE WHEN SUCH MAILING SHALL BE EFFECTIVE, AS PROVIDED THEREIN). EACH CREDIT PARTY AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 5 SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE NOTEHOLDERS TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF LAW OR COMMENCE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR OTHERWISE PROCEED AGAINST ANY CREDIT PARTY IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

 

4


SECTION 6. Counterparts.

This Third Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument, and all signatures need not appear on any one counterpart. Any party hereto may execute and deliver a counterpart of this Third Amendment by delivering by facsimile or other electronic transmission a signature page of this Third Amendment signed by such party, and any such facsimile or other electronic signature shall be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature. Any party delivering by facsimile or other electronic transmission a counterpart executed by it shall promptly thereafter also deliver a manually signed counterpart of this Third Amendment; provided that the failure to deliver such manually signed counterpart shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of this Third Amendment.

[Signature pages to follow]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Third Amendment to First Lien Forbearance Agreement has been executed by the parties hereto as of the date first written above.

 

SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC., HARVEST OIL & GAS, LLC,
as Issuer as Credit Party
By:

/s/ Thomas F. Cooke

By:

/s/ Thomas F. Cooke

Name: Thomas F. Cooke Name: Thomas F. Cooke
Its: Chairman & CEO Its: Operating Manager
THE HARVEST GROUP LLC, LOBO OPERATING, INC.,
as Credit Party as Credit Party
By:

/s/ Thomas F. Cooke

By:

/s/ Thomas F. Cooke

Name: Thomas F. Cooke Name: Thomas F. Cooke
Its: Operating Manager Its: President

LOBO RESOURCES, INC.,

as Credit Party

By:

/s/ Thomas F. Cooke

Name: Thomas F. Cooke
Its: President

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO

THIRD AMENDMENT TO FIRST LIEN FORBEARANCE AGREEMENTNY


BLACKSTONE / GSO CAPITAL SOLUTIONS FUND LP,

as a Noteholder

By: Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions
Associates LLC,
its general partner
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Authorized Signatory

BLACKSTONE / GSO CAPITAL SOLUTIONS OVERSEAS MASTER FUND L.P.,

as a Noteholder

By: Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions
Overseas Associates LLC,
its general partner
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Authorized Signatory

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO

THIRD AMENDMENT TO FIRST LIEN FORBEARANCE AGREEMENTNY


STONEHILL MASTER FUND LTD.,

as a Noteholder

By:

/s/ Wayne Teetsel

Name: Wayne Teetsel
Title: Partner

STONEHILL INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.,

as a Noteholder

By:

/s/ Wayne Teetsel

Name: Wayne Teetsel
Title: Partner

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO

THIRD AMENDMENT TO FIRST LIEN FORBEARANCE AGREEMENTNY



Exhibit 8

Execution Version

THIRD AMENDMENT TO FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT TO

SECOND LIEN INDENTURE

This THIRD AMENDMENT TO FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT (this “Third Amendment”) is entered into as of April 30, 2015, by and among Saratoga Resources, Inc. (the “Issuer”), the Guarantors party to the Second Lien Indenture (collectively, with Issuer, the “Credit Parties”) and the holders of Notes issued under the Second Lien Indenture party hereto (each, a “Noteholder” and together, the “Noteholders”). Unless otherwise defined in this Third Amendment, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Second Lien Forbearance Agreement.

RECITALS

A. Issuer, the other Credit Parties and the Noteholders entered into a Forbearance Agreement to Second Lien Indenture, dated January 30, 2015, and amended March 2, 2015, and further amended March 16, 2015 (the “Second Lien Forbearance Agreement”).

B. Issuer has requested that the Second Lien Forbearance Agreement be amended to extend the Forbearance Period to up to and including May 22, 2015 on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the terms, covenants and conditions contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Amendment.

Section 3(b)(iii) of the Second Lien Forbearance Agreement is hereby amended to delete “April 30, 2015” and to insert, in place of such date, “May 8, 2015.”

Section 3(b) of the Second Lien Forbearance Agreement is hereby amended to insert the following after the last sentence thereof:

“If the Forbearance Period has not been terminated in accordance with this Agreement, and on or prior to May 8, 2015, Issuer replenishes the Retainer (as defined in the Forbearance Agreement to First Lien Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2015 and amended as of March 2, 2015, March 16, 2015 and the date hereof) with a payment to Latham of $200,000 to be held and applied as the Retainer, then the Forbearance Period shall be extended to May 11, 2015, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.”

“If the Forbearance Period has not been terminated in accordance with this Agreement, and on or prior to May 11, 2015, Issuer appoints an independent director to Issuer’s Board of Directors and its Independent Restructuring Committee, who is acceptable to the Noteholders, pursuant to board resolutions in form and substance acceptable to the Noteholders, then the Forbearance Period shall be extended to May 22, 2015, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.”


SECTION 2. Effectiveness.

This Third Amendment shall become effective at the time (the “Third Amendment Effective Date”) that all of the following conditions precedent have been met (or waived) as determined by the Noteholders in their sole discretion:

(a) Amendment. The Noteholders shall have received duly executed signature pages for this Third Amendment signed by the Noteholders, Issuer and the other Credit Parties.

(b) First Lien Forbearance Agreement Amendment. The Noteholders, Issuer and the other Credit Parties shall have executed and delivered an amendment to that certain Forbearance Agreement to First Lien Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2015 and amended as of March 2, 2015 and further amended as of March 16, 2015, pursuant to which the Noteholders shall have agreed to extend the Forbearance Period to up to and including May 22, 2015 on the terms and conditions set forth therein.

SECTION 3. General Release; Indemnity.

(a) In consideration of, among other things, the Noteholders’ execution and delivery of this Third Amendment, each of Issuer and the other Credit Parties, on behalf of itself and its agents, representatives, officers, directors, advisors, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors and assigns (collectively, “Releasors”), hereby forever agrees and covenants not to sue or prosecute against any Releasee (as hereinafter defined) for and hereby forever waives, releases and discharges, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Releasee (as hereinafter defined) from any and all claims (including, without limitation, crossclaims, counterclaims, rights of set-off and recoupment), actions, causes of action, suits, debts, accounts, interests, liens, promises, warranties, damages and consequential damages, demands, agreements, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, controversies, variances, trespasses, judgments, executions, costs, expenses or claims whatsoever, that such Releasor now has or hereafter may have, of whatsoever nature and kind, whether known or unknown, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising at law or in equity (collectively, the “Claims”), against any or all of the Noteholders and Trustee in any capacity and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, shareholders and “controlling persons” (within the meaning of the federal securities laws), and their respective successors and assigns and each and all of the officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, advisors and other representatives of each of the foregoing (collectively, the “Releasees”), based in whole or in part on facts, whether or not now known, existing on or before the Third Amendment Effective Date, that relate to, arise out of or otherwise are in connection with: (i) any or all of the Second Lien Documents or transactions contemplated thereby or any actions or omissions in connection therewith or (ii) any aspect of the dealings or relationships between or among Issuer and the other Credit Parties, on the one hand, and any or all of the Noteholders and Trustee, on the other hand, relating to any or all of the documents, transactions, actions or omissions referenced in clause (i) hereof. The receipt by Issuer or any other Credit Party of any financial accommodations made by any Noteholder or the Trustee after the date hereof shall constitute a ratification, adoption, and confirmation by such party of the foregoing general release of all Claims against the Releasees that are based in whole or in part on facts, whether or not now known or unknown, existing on or prior to the date of receipt of any such financial accommodations. In entering into this Third Amendment, Issuer and each other Credit Party

 

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consulted with, and has been represented by, legal counsel and expressly disclaims any reliance on any representations, acts or omissions by any of the Releasees and hereby agrees and acknowledges that the validity and effectiveness of the releases set forth above do not depend in any way on any such representations, acts and/or omissions or the accuracy, completeness or validity thereof. The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Third Amendment, the Second Lien Indenture, the other Second Lien Documents and payment in full of the Obligations.

(b) Issuer and the other Credit Parties each hereby agrees that it shall be, jointly and severally, obligated to indemnify and hold the Releasees harmless with respect to any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever incurred by the Releasees, or any of them, whether direct, indirect or consequential, as a result of or arising from or relating to any proceeding by or on behalf of any Person, including, without limitation, the respective officers, directors, agents, trustees, creditors, partners or shareholders of Issuer, any other Credit Party, or any of their respective Subsidiaries, whether threatened or initiated, in respect of any claim for legal or equitable remedy under any statute, regulation or common law principle arising from or in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery, performance, administration and enforcement of the Second Lien Indenture, the other Second Lien Documents, this Third Amendment or any other document executed and/or delivered in connection herewith or therewith; provided, that neither Issuer nor any other Credit Party shall have any obligation to indemnify or hold harmless any Releasee hereunder with respect to liabilities to the extent they result from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of that Releasee as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. If and to the extent that the foregoing undertaking may be unenforceable for any reason, Issuer and other Credit Parties each agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction thereof that is permissible under applicable law. The foregoing indemnity shall survive the termination of this Third Amendment, the Second Lien Indenture, the other Second Lien Documents and the payment in full of the Obligations.

(c) Each of Issuer and the other Credit Parties, on behalf of itself and its successors, assigns, and other legal representatives, hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably, covenants and agrees with and in favor of each Releasee that it will not sue (at law, in equity, in any regulatory proceeding or otherwise) any Releasee on the basis of any Claim released, remised and discharged by Issuer or any other Credit Party pursuant to Section 3(a) hereof. If Issuer, any other Credit Party or any of its successors, assigns or other legal representatives violates the foregoing covenant, Issuer and the other Credit Parties, each for itself and its successors, assigns and legal representatives, agrees to pay, in addition to such other damages as any Releasee may sustain as a result of such violation, all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by any Releasee as a result of such violation.

SECTION 4. No Modifications.

Except as amended hereby, the Second Lien Forbearance Agreement remains unmodified and in full force and effect, and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of compliance with any term or condition contained in the Second Lien Forbearance Agreement or any of the other Second Lien Documents or constitute a course of conduct or dealing among the parties. Except as expressly stated herein, the Noteholders reserve all rights, privileges and remedies under the Second Lien Forbearance Agreement. This Amendment shall constitute a Second Lien Document.

 

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SECTION 5. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue.

THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN ALL MATTERS ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH OR RELATING TO THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ITS VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION, PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY CLAIMS SOUNDING IN CONTRACT OR TORT LAW ARISING OUT OF THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND ANY DETERMINATIONS WITH RESPECT TO POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST). ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS THIRD AMENDMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT EXCLUSIVELY IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, OR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND, BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, EACH OF THE NOTEHOLDER AND THE OTHER CREDIT PARTIES HEREBY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS; PROVIDED THAT NOTHING IN THIS THIRD AMENDMENT SHALL LIMIT THE RIGHT OF THE NOTEHOLDERS TO COMMENCE ANY PROCEEDING IN THE FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION TO THE EXTENT THE NOTEHOLDERS DETERMINE THAT SUCH ACTION IS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS OR REMEDIES UNDER THE SECOND LIEN DOCUMENTS. THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTIONS. EACH CREDIT PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL LEGAL PROCESS, SUMMONS, NOTICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS AND OTHER SERVICE OF PROCESS OF ANY KIND AND CONSENTS TO SUCH SERVICE IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WITH RESPECT TO OR OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS THIRD AMENDMENT BY ANY MEANS PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF LAW, INCLUDING BY THE MAILING THEREOF (BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID) TO THE ADDRESS OF THE ISSUER SPECIFIED IN THE SECOND LIEN INDENTURE (AND SHALL BE EFFECTIVE WHEN SUCH MAILING SHALL BE EFFECTIVE, AS PROVIDED THEREIN). EACH CREDIT PARTY AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 5 SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE NOTEHOLDERS TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF LAW OR COMMENCE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR OTHERWISE PROCEED AGAINST ANY CREDIT PARTY IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

 

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SECTION 6. Counterparts.

This Third Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument, and all signatures need not appear on any one counterpart. Any party hereto may execute and deliver a counterpart of this Third Amendment by delivering by facsimile or other electronic transmission a signature page of this Third Amendment signed by such party, and any such facsimile or other electronic signature shall be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature. Any party delivering by facsimile or other electronic transmission a counterpart executed by it shall promptly thereafter also deliver a manually signed counterpart of this Third Amendment; provided that the failure to deliver such manually signed counterpart shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of this Third Amendment.

[Signature pages to follow]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Third Amendment to First Lien Forbearance Agreement has been executed by the parties hereto as of the date first written above.

 

SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC., HARVEST OIL & GAS, LLC,
as Issuer as Credit Party
By:

/s/ Thomas F. Cooke

By:

/s/ Thomas F. Cooke

Name: Thomas F. Cooke Name: Thomas F. Cooke
Its: Chairman & CEO Its: Operating Manager
THE HARVEST GROUP LLC, LOBO OPERATING, INC.,
as Credit Party as Credit Party
By:

/s/ Thomas F. Cooke

By:

/s/ Thomas F. Cooke

Name: Thomas F. Cooke Name: Thomas F. Cooke
Its: Operating Manager Its: President

LOBO RESOURCES, INC.,

as Credit Party

By:

/s/ Thomas F. Cooke

Name: Thomas F. Cooke
Its: President

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO

THIRD AMENDMENT TO SECOND LIEN FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT


BLACKSTONE / GSO CAPITAL SOLUTIONS FUND LP,

as a Noteholder

By: Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions
Associates LLC,
its general partner
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Authorized Signatory

BLACKSTONE / GSO CAPITAL SOLUTIONS OVERSEAS MASTER FUND L.P.,

as a Noteholder

By: Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions
Overseas Associates LLC,
its general partner
By:

/s/ Marisa Beeney

Name: Marisa Beeney
Title: Authorized Signatory

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO

THIRD AMENDMENT TO SECOND LIEN FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT


STONEHILL MASTER FUND LTD.,

as a Noteholder

By:

/s/ Wayne Teetsel

Name: Wayne Teetsel
Title: Partner

STONEHILL INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.,

as a Noteholder

By:

/s/ Wayne Teetsel

Name: Wayne Teetsel
Title: Partner

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO

THIRD AMENDMENT TO SECOND LIEN FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT