false
0001163165
0001163165
2024-05-28
2024-05-28
0001163165
us-gaap:CommonStockMember
2024-05-28
2024-05-28
0001163165
cop:SevenPercentDebenturesDueTwentyTwentyNineMember
2024-05-28
2024-05-28
iso4217:USD
xbrli:shares
iso4217:USD
xbrli:shares
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(D)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
May 29, 2024 (May 28, 2024)
ConocoPhillips
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
|
001-32395 |
|
01-0562944 |
(State or other
jurisdiction of
incorporation) |
|
(Commission
File
Number) |
|
(IRS Employer
Identification No.) |
925 N. Eldridge Parkway
Houston, Texas 77079
(Address
of principal executive offices and zip code)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) (281) 293-1000
Check the appropriate box below if the
Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following
provisions:
x Written
communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨ Soliciting
material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
¨ Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered
pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of each class |
|
Trading
Symbol(s) |
|
Name of each exchange on which
registered |
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value |
|
COP |
|
New York Stock Exchange |
7% Debentures due 2029 |
|
CUSIP
– 718507BK1 |
|
New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging
growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth
company ¨
If an emerging
growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with
any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Item 1.01. | Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement. |
On May 28, 2024, ConocoPhillips, a Delaware corporation
(“ConocoPhillips”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger
Agreement”) with Marathon Oil Corporation (“Marathon”), a Delaware
corporation, and Puma Merger Sub Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips (“Merger
Sub”).
The Merger Agreement provides that, among other
things and subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, (1) Merger Sub will be merged with and into Marathon (the “Merger”),
with Marathon surviving and continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger, and, (2) at the effective time of the Merger (the
“Effective Time”), each outstanding share of common stock of Marathon (other
than certain excluded shares) will be converted into the right to receive 0.255 shares of common stock of ConocoPhillips. The
Merger Agreement also specifies the treatment of outstanding Marathon equity awards in connection with the Merger.
The completion of the Merger is subject to
satisfaction or waiver of certain customary mutual closing conditions, including (1) the receipt of the required approvals from
Marathon stockholders, (2) the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements
Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), (3) certain other specified
regulatory approvals having been obtained, (4) the absence of any governmental order or law that makes consummation of the Merger
illegal or otherwise prohibited, (5) the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed by ConocoPhillips
pursuant to which the shares of ConocoPhillips common stock to be issued in connection with the Merger are registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and (6) the
authorization for listing of ConocoPhillips common stock to be issued in connection with the Merger on the NYSE. The obligation of
each party to consummate the Merger is also conditioned upon (1) the other party’s representations and warranties being true
and correct (subject to certain materiality exceptions), (2) the other party having performed in all material respects its
obligations under the Merger Agreement, (3) the absence of a material adverse effect on the other party and (4) the receipt of an
officer’s certificate from the other party confirming that the foregoing conditions (1)-(3) have been satisfied.
The Merger Agreement contains customary representations
and warranties of ConocoPhillips and Marathon relating to their respective businesses, financial statements and public filings, in each
case generally subject to customary materiality qualifiers. Additionally, the Merger Agreement provides for customary pre-closing covenants
for each party including, subject to certain exceptions, covenants to conduct their respective businesses in the ordinary course consistent
with past practice and to refrain from taking certain actions without the other party’s consent. ConocoPhillips and Marathon also
agreed to use their respective reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to be consummated, to obtain expiration or termination of the
waiting period under the HSR Act and to obtain other specified regulatory approvals, subject to certain limitations set forth in the Merger
Agreement.
The Merger Agreement provides that, during the
period from the date of the Merger Agreement until the Effective Time, Marathon will be subject to certain restrictions on its ability
to solicit alternative competing proposals from third parties, to provide non-public information to third parties and to engage in discussions
with third parties regarding alternative competing proposals, subject to customary exceptions. Marathon is required to call a meeting
of its stockholders to approve the Merger Agreement and, subject to certain exceptions, to recommend that its stockholders approve the Merger
Agreement.
The Merger Agreement contains termination
rights for each of ConocoPhillips and Marathon, including, among others, if the consummation of the Merger does not occur on or
before May 28, 2025 (subject to two potential extensions to November 28, 2025 and May 28, 2026 if the required regulatory
approvals have not been received but all other conditions to closing have been satisfied or waived (except for those conditions that
by their nature are to be satisfied at closing)). Additionally, the Merger Agreement permits Marathon, subject to compliance with
certain requirements and payment of a termination fee (described below), to terminate the Merger Agreement to enter into a
definitive agreement for a superior alternative competing proposal than the Merger.
Upon termination of the Merger Agreement under
specified circumstances, including, among others, the (1) termination by Marathon to enter into a definitive agreement for a superior
alternative competing proposal than the Merger, (2) termination by ConocoPhillips in the event of a change of recommendation by the
Marathon board of directors or (3) termination by ConocoPhillips because Marathon, its subsidiaries or any of its directors or officers
materially breached its non-solicitation obligations, Marathon would be required to pay ConocoPhillips a termination fee of $557 million.
In addition, if the Merger Agreement is terminated because of a failure of Marathon’s stockholders to approve the Merger,
Marathon will be required to pay ConocoPhillips $86 million. In
no event will ConocoPhillips be entitled to receive more than one termination fee, net of any expense reimbursement.
The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement
and the transactions contemplated thereby in this Current Report on Form 8-K is only a summary and does not purport to be complete
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 hereto
and incorporated by reference herein.
The Merger Agreement has been included to provide
investors with information regarding its terms. It is not intended to provide any other factual information about ConocoPhillips, Merger
Sub or Marathon. The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Merger Agreement were made only for purposes of the Merger
Agreement as of the specific dates therein, were solely for the benefit of the parties to the Merger Agreement, may be subject to limitations
agreed upon by the contracting parties, including being qualified by confidential disclosures made for the purposes of allocating contractual
risk between the parties to the Merger Agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts, and may be subject to standards of materiality
applicable to the contracting parties that differ from those applicable to investors. Investors are not third-party beneficiaries under
the Merger Agreement and should not rely on the representations, warranties and covenants or any descriptions thereof as characterizations
of the actual state of facts or condition of the parties thereto or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. Moreover, information
concerning the subject matter of representations and warranties may change after the date of the Merger Agreement, which subsequent information
may or may not be fully reflected in ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s public disclosures.
Item 7.01. | Regulation FD Disclosure. |
On
May 29, 2024, ConocoPhillips and Marathon issued a joint press release announcing
the entry into the Merger Agreement. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K
and is incorporated by reference herein.
On
May 29, 2024, in connection with the announcement of the Merger Agreement, ConocoPhillips intends to hold a conference call available
to investors and the public. Details for accessing the conference call can be found in the press release attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
A presentation (the “Investor Presentation”) for reference during such call is attached as Exhibit 99.2 to
this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.
The information contained in Item 7.01 of this
report, including Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2, shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. The information contained in Item 7.01 of this
report, including Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2, shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing of the registrant, whether made
before, on, or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, unless expressly incorporated by
specific reference to such filing.
Item 9.01. | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
* Certain schedules and other similar attachments
to this exhibit have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The registrant will provide a copy of
such omitted documents to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
⸸ Furnished, not filed.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes “forward-looking statements”
as defined under the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact included or incorporated by reference
in this communication, including, among other things, statements regarding the proposed business combination transaction between ConocoPhillips
(“ConocoPhillips”) and Marathon Oil Corporation (“Marathon”), future events, plans and anticipated results of
operations, business strategies, the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, the anticipated impact of the proposed transaction
on the combined company’s business and future financial and operating results, the expected amount and timing of synergies from
the proposed transaction, the anticipated closing date for the proposed transaction and other aspects of ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s
operations or operating results are forward-looking statements. Words and phrases such as “ambition,” “anticipate,”
“estimate,” “believe,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “intend,”
“may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” “will,”
“would,” “expect,” “objective,” “projection,” “forecast,” “goal,”
“guidance,” “outlook,” “effort,” “target” and other similar words can be used to identify
forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. Where, in any
forward-looking statement, ConocoPhillips or Marathon expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, such expectation or belief
is expressed in good faith and believed to be reasonable at the time such forward-looking statement is made. However, these statements
are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s
control. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in the forward-looking statements.
The following important factors and uncertainties,
among others, could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements: ConocoPhillips’
ability to successfully integrate Marathon’s businesses and technologies, which may result in the combined company not operating
as effectively and efficiently as expected; the risk that the expected benefits and synergies of the proposed transaction may not be fully
achieved in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that ConocoPhillips or Marathon will be unable to retain and hire key personnel; the
risk associated with Marathon’s ability to obtain the approval of its stockholders required to consummate the proposed transaction
and the timing of the closing of the proposed transaction, including the risk that the conditions to the transaction are not satisfied
on a timely basis or at all or the failure of the transaction to close for any other reason or to close on the anticipated terms, including
the anticipated tax treatment (and with respect to increases in ConocoPhillips’ share repurchase program, such increases are not
intended to exceed shares issued in the transaction); the risk that any regulatory approval, consent or authorization that may be required
for the proposed transaction is not obtained or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; the occurrence of any event,
change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; unanticipated difficulties, liabilities
or expenditures relating to the transaction; the effect of the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed transaction on the
parties’ business relationships and business operations generally; the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction
on the parties’ common stock prices and uncertainty as to the long-term value of ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s common
stock; risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of ConocoPhillips or Marathon and their respective management
teams and potential difficulties in hiring or retaining employees as a result of the proposed transaction; rating agency actions and ConocoPhillips’
and Marathon’s ability to access short- and long-term debt markets on a timely and affordable basis; changes in commodity prices,
including a prolonged decline in these prices relative to historical or future expected levels; global and regional changes in the demand,
supply, prices, differentials or other market conditions affecting oil and gas, including changes resulting from any ongoing military
conflict, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the global response to such conflict, security threats on facilities
and infrastructure, or from a public health crisis or from the imposition or lifting of crude oil production quotas or other actions that
might be imposed by Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producing countries and the resulting company or third-party
actions in response to such changes; insufficient liquidity or other factors that could impact ConocoPhillips’ ability to repurchase
shares and declare and pay dividends such that ConocoPhillips suspends its share repurchase program and reduces, suspends or totally eliminates
dividend payments in the future, whether variable or fixed; changes in expected levels of oil and gas reserves or production; potential
failures or delays in achieving expected reserve or production levels from existing and future oil and gas developments, including due
to operating hazards, drilling risks or unsuccessful exploratory activities; unexpected cost increases, inflationary pressures or technical
difficulties in constructing, maintaining or modifying company facilities; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing global climate
change or other environmental concerns; public health crises, including pandemics (such as COVID-19) and epidemics and any impacts or
related company or government policies or actions; investment in and development of competing or alternative energy sources; potential
failures or delays in delivering on ConocoPhillips’ current or future low-carbon strategy, including ConocoPhillips’ inability
to develop new technologies; disruptions or interruptions impacting the transportation for ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s oil
and gas production; international monetary conditions and exchange rate fluctuations; changes in international trade relationships or
governmental policies, including the imposition of price caps, or the imposition of trade restrictions or tariffs on any materials or
products (such as aluminum and steel) used in the operation of ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s business, including any sanctions
imposed as a result of any ongoing military conflict, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; ConocoPhillips’ ability
to collect payments when due, including ConocoPhillips’ ability to collect payments from the government of Venezuela or PDVSA; ConocoPhillips’
ability to complete any other announced or any other future dispositions or acquisitions on time, if at all; the possibility that regulatory
approvals for any other announced or any future dispositions or any other acquisitions will not be received on a timely basis, if at all,
or that such approvals may require modification to the terms of those transactions or ConocoPhillips’ remaining business; business
disruptions following any announced or future dispositions or other acquisitions, including the diversion of management time and attention;
the ability to deploy net proceeds from ConocoPhillips’ announced or any future dispositions in the manner and timeframe anticipated,
if at all; potential liability for remedial actions under existing or future environmental regulations; potential liability resulting
from pending or future litigation; the impact of competition and consolidation in the oil and gas industry; limited access to capital
or insurance or significantly higher cost of capital or insurance related to illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international
financial markets or investor sentiment; general domestic and international economic and political conditions or developments, including
as a result of any ongoing military conflict, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; changes in fiscal regime or tax,
environmental and other laws applicable to ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s businesses; disruptions resulting from accidents,
extraordinary weather events, civil unrest, political events, war, terrorism, cybersecurity threats or information technology failures,
constraints or disruptions; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s
businesses generally as set forth in their filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The registration
statement on Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus that will be filed with the SEC will describe additional risks in connection with
the proposed transaction. While the list of factors presented here is, and the list of factors to be presented in the registration statement
on Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement
of all potential risks and uncertainties. For additional information about other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those described in the forward-looking statements, please refer to ConocoPhillips’ and Marathon’s respective periodic
reports and other filings with the SEC, including the risk factors contained in ConocoPhillips’ and Marathon’s most recent
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements represent current expectations and are inherently
uncertain and are made only as of the date hereof (or, if applicable, the dates indicated in such statement). Except as required by law,
neither ConocoPhillips nor Marathon undertakes or assumes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result
of new information or to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is not intended to and
shall not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any vote
or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful
prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made, except
by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Additional Information about the Merger
and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed transaction,
ConocoPhillips intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4, which will include a proxy statement of Marathon that
also constitutes a prospectus of ConocoPhillips common shares to be offered in the proposed transaction. Each of ConocoPhillips and Marathon
may also file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. This communication is not a substitute for the
proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document that ConocoPhillips or Marathon may file with the SEC. The
definitive proxy statement/prospectus (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of Marathon. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS
ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC,
AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE
THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain
free copies of the registration statement and proxy statement/prospectus (if and when available) and other documents containing important
information about ConocoPhillips, Marathon and the proposed transaction, once such documents are filed with the SEC through the website
maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by ConocoPhillips will be available free of charge
on ConocoPhillips’ website at www.conocophillips.com or by contacting ConocoPhillips’ Investor Relations Department
by email at investor.relations@conocophillips.com or by phone at 281-293-5000. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Marathon
will be available free of charge on Marathon’s website at www.ir.marathonoil.com or by contacting Marathon at 713-629-6600.
Participants in the Solicitation
ConocoPhillips,
Marathon and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of
proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of ConocoPhillips is set
forth in (i) ConocoPhillips’ proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting of stockholders under the headings “Executive
Compensation”, “Item 1: Election of Directors and Director Biographies” (including “Related Party
Transactions” and “Director Compensation”), “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Executive
Compensation Tables” and “Stock Ownership”, which was filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024 and is available
at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1163165/000130817924000384/cop4258041-def14a.htm,
(ii) ConocoPhillips’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including under the headings
“Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance”, “Item 11. Executive Compensation”,
“Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” and
“Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, which was filed with the SEC on
February 15, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1163165/000116316524000010/cop-20231231.htm
and (iii) to the extent holdings of ConocoPhillips securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts
set forth in ConocoPhillips’ proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, such changes have been or will be
reflected on Initial Statement of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3, Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form
4 or Annual Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 5, filed with the SEC (which are available at EDGAR
Search Results https://www.sec.gov/edgar/search/#/category=form-cat2&ciks=0001163165&entityName=CONOCOPHILLIPS%2520(COP)%2520(CIK%25200001163165)).
Information about the directors and executive officers of Marathon is set forth in (i) Marathon’s proxy statement for its 2024
annual meeting of stockholders under the headings “Proposal 1: Election of Directors”, “Director
Compensation”, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”, “Compensation Discussion
and Analysis”, “Executive Compensation” and “Transactions with Related Persons”, which was filed with
the SEC on April 10, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/101778/000010177824000082/mro-20240405.htm,
(ii) Marathon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including under the headings
“Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance”, “Item 11. Executive Compensation”,
“Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” and
“Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, which was filed with the SEC on
February 22, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/101778/000010177824000023/mro-20231231.htm
and (iii) to the extent holdings of Marathon securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set
forth in Marathon’s proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, such changes have been or will be reflected
on Initial Statement of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3, Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4, or
Annual Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 5, filed with the SEC (which are available at EDGAR Search
Results https://www.sec.gov/edgar/search/#/category=form-cat2&ciks=0000101778&entityName=MARATHON%2520OIL%2520CORP%2520(MRO)%2520(CIK%25200000101778)).
Other information regarding the participants
in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained
in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction when such materials
become available. Investors should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or
investment decisions. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by ConocoPhillips and Marathon will be available free of charge through
the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Additionally, copies of documents filed with the SEC by ConocoPhillips will be
available free of charge on ConocoPhillips’ website at www.conocophillips.com/ and those filed by Marathon will be available
free of charge on Marathon’s website at www.ir.marathonoil.com/.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
|
CONOCOPHILLIPS |
|
|
|
/s/ Kelly B. Rose |
|
Kelly B. Rose
Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary |
May 29, 2024
Exhibit 2.1
EXECUTION VERSION
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
among
CONOCOPHILLIPS,
PUMA MERGER SUB CORP.
and
MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Dated as of May 28, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
|
|
Page |
|
|
|
|
Article I |
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS |
|
1.1 |
Certain Definitions |
|
2 |
1.2 |
Terms Defined Elsewhere |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
Article II |
THE MERGER |
|
2.1 |
The Merger |
|
4 |
2.2 |
Closing |
|
4 |
2.3 |
Effect of the Merger |
|
5 |
2.4 |
Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation |
|
5 |
2.5 |
Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation |
|
5 |
2.6 |
Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation |
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
Article III |
EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE COMPANY AND MERGER SUB; EXCHANGE |
|
3.1 |
Effect of the Merger on Capital Stock |
|
5 |
3.2 |
Treatment of Equity Compensation Awards |
|
6 |
3.3 |
Payment for Securities; Exchange |
|
9 |
3.4 |
No Appraisal Rights |
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
Article IV |
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY |
|
4.1 |
Organization, Standing and Power |
|
13 |
4.2 |
Capital Structure |
|
14 |
4.3 |
Authority; No Violations; Consents and Approvals |
|
15 |
4.4 |
Consents |
|
16 |
4.5 |
SEC Documents; Financial Statements |
|
16 |
4.6 |
Absence of Certain Changes or Events |
|
17 |
4.7 |
No Undisclosed Material Liabilities |
|
17 |
4.8 |
Information Supplied |
|
17 |
4.9 |
Company Permits; Compliance with Applicable Law |
|
18 |
4.10 |
Compensation; Benefits |
|
19 |
4.11 |
Labor Matters |
|
22 |
4.12 |
Taxes |
|
23 |
4.13 |
Litigation |
|
24 |
4.14 |
Intellectual Property |
|
25 |
4.15 |
Real Property |
|
25 |
4.16 |
Rights-of-Way |
|
26 |
4.17 |
Oil and Gas Matters |
|
26 |
4.18 |
Environmental Matters |
|
28 |
4.19 |
Material Contracts |
|
29 |
4.20 |
Derivative Transactions |
|
31 |
4.21 |
Insurance |
|
31 |
4.22 |
Opinion of Financial Advisor |
|
32 |
4.23 |
Brokers |
|
32 |
4.24 |
Related Party Transactions |
|
32 |
4.25 |
Regulatory Matters |
|
33 |
4.26 |
Takeover Laws |
|
33 |
4.27 |
No Additional Representations |
|
33 |
|
|
|
|
Article V |
REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB |
|
5.1 |
Organization, Standing and Power |
|
34 |
5.2 |
Capital Structure |
|
34 |
5.3 |
Authority; No Violations; Consents and Approvals |
|
35 |
5.4 |
Consents |
|
36 |
5.5 |
SEC Documents; Financial Statements |
|
37 |
5.6 |
Absence of Certain Changes or Events |
|
37 |
5.7 |
No Undisclosed Material Liabilities |
|
37 |
5.8 |
Information Supplied |
|
37 |
5.9 |
Taxes |
|
38 |
5.10 |
Litigation |
|
38 |
5.11 |
Ownership of Company Common Stock |
|
38 |
5.12 |
Business Conduct |
|
38 |
5.13 |
No Additional Representations |
|
38 |
|
|
|
|
Article VI |
COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS |
|
6.1 |
Conduct of Company Business Pending the Merger |
|
39 |
6.2 |
Conduct of Parent Business Pending the Merger |
|
44 |
6.3 |
Control of Business |
|
45 |
6.4 |
No Solicitation by the Company |
|
45 |
6.5 |
Preparation of Proxy Statement and Registration Statement |
|
51 |
6.6 |
Company Stockholders Meeting |
|
52 |
6.7 |
Access to Information |
|
54 |
6.8 |
HSR and Other Approvals |
|
55 |
6.9 |
Employee Matters |
|
58 |
6.10 |
Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance |
|
61 |
6.11 |
Transaction Litigation |
|
63 |
6.12 |
Public Announcements |
|
63 |
6.13 |
Reasonable Best Efforts |
|
64 |
6.14 |
Advice of Certain Matters; Notifications |
|
64 |
6.15 |
Section 16 Matters |
|
64 |
6.16 |
Stock Exchange Listing and Delistings |
|
64 |
6.17 |
Certain Indebtedness |
|
65 |
6.18 |
Tax Matters |
|
68 |
6.19 |
Takeover Laws |
|
69 |
6.20 |
Obligations of Merger Sub |
|
69 |
6.21 |
Coordination of Quarterly Dividends |
|
69 |
6.22 |
Resignations |
|
69 |
|
|
|
|
Article VII |
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT |
|
7.1 |
Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Consummate the Merger |
|
69 |
7.2 |
Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub |
|
70 |
7.3 |
Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company |
|
71 |
|
|
|
|
Article VIII |
TERMINATION |
|
8.1 |
Termination |
|
72 |
8.2 |
Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination |
|
73 |
8.3 |
Expenses and Other Payments |
|
74 |
|
|
|
|
Article IX |
GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
9.1 |
Schedule Definitions |
|
75 |
9.2 |
Survival |
|
76 |
9.3 |
Notices |
|
76 |
9.4 |
Rules of Construction |
|
77 |
9.5 |
Counterparts |
|
79 |
9.6 |
Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries |
|
79 |
9.7 |
Governing Law; Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial |
|
79 |
9.8 |
Severability |
|
80 |
9.9 |
Assignment |
|
80 |
9.10 |
Affiliate Liability |
|
80 |
9.11 |
Specific Performance |
|
81 |
9.12 |
Amendment |
|
81 |
9.13 |
Extension; Waiver |
|
81 |
Annex A |
Certain Definitions |
Annex B |
Form of Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation |
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER,
dated as of May 28, 2024 (this “Agreement”), among ConocoPhillips, a Delaware corporation (“Parent”),
Puma Merger Sub Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), and Marathon
Oil Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors
of the Company (the “Company Board”), at a meeting duly called and held by unanimous vote, (i) determined that
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company (the “Merger”),
are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and the holders of Company Common Stock, (ii) approved and declared advisable
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger and (iii) resolved to recommend that the holders of
Company Common Stock approve and adopt this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors
of Parent (the “Parent Board”), at a meeting duly called and held by unanimous vote, (i) determined that this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the issuance of the shares of common stock of Parent, par value $0.01 per
share (“Parent Common Stock”), pursuant to this Agreement (the “Parent Stock Issuance”), are fair
to, and in the best interests of, Parent and the holders of Parent Common Stock and (ii) approved and declared advisable this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Parent Stock Issuance;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors
of Merger Sub (the “Merger Sub Board”) has unanimously (i) determined that this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, including the Merger, are fair to, and in the best interests of, Merger Sub and Merger Sub’s sole stockholder
and (ii) approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger;
WHEREAS, Parent, as the sole
stockholder of Merger Sub, will approve and adopt this Agreement promptly following its execution;
WHEREAS, Parent and the Company
desire to effect a strategic business combination on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and this Agreement constitute and be adopted as a “plan
of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations §§ 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration
of the foregoing and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and for other valuable consideration,
the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company agree as follows:
Article I
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
1.1 Certain
Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the capitalized terms have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Annex A or as otherwise
defined elsewhere in this Agreement.
1.2 Terms
Defined Elsewhere. As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms are defined in this Agreement as referenced in the following
table:
Definition |
Section |
Agreement |
Preamble |
Antitrust Authority |
6.8(b) |
Antitrust Laws |
6.8(b) |
Average Price |
3.2(c) |
Book-Entry Shares |
3.3(b)(ii) |
Certificate of Merger |
2.2(b) |
Certificates |
3.3(b)(i) |
Closing |
2.2(a) |
Closing Date |
2.2(a) |
Code |
Recitals |
Company |
Preamble |
Company Affiliate |
9.10 |
Company Alternative Acquisition Agreement |
6.4(d)(iv) |
Company Board |
Recitals |
Company Board Recommendation |
4.3(a) |
Company Capital Stock |
4.2(a) |
Company Change of Recommendation |
6.4(d)(vii) |
Company Common Stock |
3.1(b)(i) |
Company Contracts |
4.19(b) |
Company Disclosure Letter |
Article IV |
Company DSU Award |
3.2(a)(ii) |
Company Employee |
6.9(a) |
Company Equity Awards |
3.2(e) |
Company Independent Petroleum Engineers |
4.17(a)(i) |
Company Insurance Policies |
4.21 |
Company Intellectual Property |
4.14(a) |
Company Material Adverse Effect |
4.1 |
Company Material Leased Real Property |
4.15(a) |
Company Material Real Property Lease |
4.15(b) |
Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations |
6.17(b) |
Company Option Award |
3.2(b) |
Company Owned Real Property |
4.15(a) |
Company Performance Unit Award |
3.2(c) |
Company Permits |
4.9(a) |
Company Preferred Stock |
4.2(a) |
Company Related Party Transaction |
4.24(c) |
Company Reserve Reports |
4.17(a)(i) |
Company RSU Award |
3.2(a)(i) |
Company SEC Documents |
4.5(a) |
Company Stock Plan |
3.2(a)(i) |
Company Stockholders Meeting |
4.4(b) |
Confidentiality Agreement |
6.7(b) |
Consent Solicitations |
6.17(b) |
Converted Shares |
3.1(b)(iii) |
Creditors’ Rights |
4.3(a) |
D&O Insurance |
6.10(c) |
Debt Offer Documents |
6.17(b) |
DGCL |
2.1 |
Divestiture Action |
6.8(b) |
Effect |
Annex A |
Effective Time |
2.2(b) |
Eligible Shares |
3.1(b)(i) |
e-mail |
9.3(b) |
End Date |
8.1(b)(ii) |
Exchange Agent |
3.3(a) |
Exchange Fund |
3.3(a) |
Exchange Ratio |
3.1(b)(i) |
Excluded Shares |
3.1(b)(iii) |
Existing Credit Facility |
6.17(a) |
FCPA |
4.9(e) |
First Extended End Date |
8.1(b)(ii) |
GAAP |
4.5(a) |
Government Official |
4.9(c) |
HSR Act |
4.4(a) |
Indemnified Person |
6.10(a)(i) |
Initial End Date |
8.1(b)(ii) |
Letter of Transmittal |
3.3(b)(i) |
Merger |
Recitals |
Merger Consideration |
3.1(b)(i) |
Merger Consideration Value |
3.2(b) |
Merger Sub |
Preamble |
Merger Sub Board |
Recitals |
Non-U.S. Plan |
4.10(l) |
OFAC |
Annex A |
Offers to Exchange |
6.17(b) |
Offers to Purchase |
6.17(b) |
Parent |
Preamble |
Parent Affiliate |
9.10 |
Parent Board |
Recitals |
Parent Capital Stock |
5.2(a)(ii) |
Parent Closing Price |
3.3(h) |
Parent Common Stock |
Recitals |
Parent Disclosure Letter |
Article V |
Parent Material Adverse Effect |
5.1 |
Parent Preferred Stock |
5.2(a)(ii) |
Parent RSU Award |
3.2(a)(i) |
Parent SEC Documents |
5.5(a) |
Parent Stock Issuance |
Recitals |
Parent Stock Plans |
5.2(a)(ii)(B) |
Payoff Letter |
6.17(a) |
PBGC |
4.10(h) |
Proxy Statement |
4.4(b) |
Registration Statement |
4.8(a) |
Rights-of-Way |
4.16 |
Specified Regulatory Approvals |
7.1(b) |
Surviving Corporation |
2.1 |
Terminable Breach |
8.1(b)(iii) |
Transaction Litigation |
6.11 |
Article II
THE MERGER
2.1 The
Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time, Merger Sub will be merged with and
into the Company in accordance with the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).
As a result of the Merger, the separate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and the Company shall continue its existence under the laws
of the State of Delaware as the surviving corporation (in such capacity, the Company is sometimes referred to herein as the “Surviving
Corporation”).
2.2 Closing.
(a) The
closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place at 8:00 a.m., Houston, Texas time, on the date that is the third
(3rd) Business Day immediately following the satisfaction or (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) waiver in accordance with this
Agreement of all of the conditions set forth in Article VII (other than any such conditions which by their nature cannot be
satisfied until the Closing Date, which shall be required to be so satisfied or (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) waived in
accordance with this Agreement on the Closing Date) at the offices of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in New York, New York, or
such other place as Parent and the Company may agree in writing. For purposes of this Agreement, “Closing Date” shall
mean the date on which the Closing occurs.
(b) As
soon as practicable on the Closing Date after the Closing, a certificate of merger prepared and executed in accordance with the relevant
provisions of the DGCL (the “Certificate of Merger”) shall be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware. The Merger shall become effective upon the filing and acceptance of the Certificate of Merger with the Office of the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at such later time as
shall be agreed upon in writing by Parent and the Company and specified
in the Certificate of Merger (the “Effective Time”).
2.3 Effect
of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the Merger shall have the effects set forth in this Agreement and the applicable provisions
of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, all the property, rights, privileges,
powers and franchises of each of the Company and Merger Sub shall vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities, obligations,
restrictions, disabilities and duties of each of the Company and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities, obligations, restrictions,
disabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.
2.4 Certificate
of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, the certificate of incorporation of the Company in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be amended and restated in its entirety as of the Effective Time to be in the form set forth in Annex
B, and as so amended shall be the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation, until duly amended, subject to Section 6.10(a)(ii),
as provided therein or by applicable Law.
2.5 Bylaws
of the Surviving Corporation. The Parties shall take all actions necessary so that the bylaws of Merger Sub in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, until duly amended, subject to Section 6.10(a)(ii),
as provided therein or by applicable Law.
2.6 Directors
and Officers of the Surviving Corporation. The Parties shall take all necessary action such that from and after the Effective Time,
the directors of Merger Sub shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation and the officers of Merger Sub shall be the officers of
the Surviving Corporation, and such directors and officers shall serve until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and
qualified or until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the Organizational Documents of the Surviving Corporation.
Article III
EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE COMPANY AND MERGER SUB; EXCHANGE
3.1 Effect
of the Merger on Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Merger
Sub, the Company, or any holder of any securities of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company:
(a) Capital
Stock of Merger Sub. Each share of capital stock of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall
be converted into and shall represent one (1) fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the
Surviving Corporation, which shall constitute the only outstanding share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation immediately following
the Effective Time.
(b) Capital
Stock of the Company.
(i) Subject
to the other provisions of this Article III, each share of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company (“Company
Common Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (excluding any Excluded Shares and
any Converted
Shares) (such shares of Company Common Stock, the “Eligible Shares”), shall be converted into the right to receive
from Parent that number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio (the “Merger
Consideration”), subject to Section 3.3(h). As used in this Agreement, “Exchange Ratio” means
0.2550.
(ii) All
such shares of Company Common Stock, when so converted, shall cease to be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and cease to
exist. Each holder of a share of Company Common Stock that was outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than Excluded
Shares and Converted Shares) shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive (A) the Merger Consideration,
(B) any dividends or other distributions in accordance with Section 3.3(g) and (C) any cash to be paid in lieu
of any fractional shares of Parent Common Stock in accordance with Section 3.3(h), in each case to be issued or paid in consideration
therefor upon the exchange of any Certificates or Book-Entry Shares, as applicable, in accordance with Section 3.3(a).
(iii) All
shares of Company Common Stock held by the Company as treasury shares or by Parent or Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time
and, in each case, not held on behalf of third parties (collectively, “Excluded Shares”) shall automatically be canceled
and cease to exist as of the Effective Time, and no consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor. Each share of Company Common
Stock that is owned by any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company or Parent (other than Merger Sub) (“Converted Shares”)
shall automatically be converted into a number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio
(subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 3.1(c)).
(c) Impact
of Stock Splits, Etc. In the event of any change in (i) the number of shares of Company Common Stock, or securities convertible
or exchangeable into or exercisable for shares of Company Common Stock, or (ii) the number of shares of Parent Common Stock, or securities
convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for shares of Parent Common Stock (including options to purchase Parent Common Stock),
in each case issued and outstanding after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time by reason of any stock split, reverse
stock split, stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification, recapitalization, combination, exchange of shares or the like, the Exchange
Ratio shall be equitably adjusted to reflect the effect of such change and, as so adjusted, shall from and after the date of such event, be
the Merger Consideration, subject to further adjustment in accordance with this Section 3.1(c). Nothing in this Section 3.1(c) shall
be construed to permit the Parties to take any action except to the extent consistent with, and not otherwise prohibited by, the terms
of this Agreement.
3.2 Treatment
of Equity Compensation Awards.
(a) Company
RSU Awards.
(i) Except
as set forth in Section 3.2(a)(ii), at the Effective Time, each outstanding award of restricted stock units in respect of
Company Common Stock that vests solely based on service (a “Company RSU Award”) granted pursuant to the Company’s
2019 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time, or any
predecessor plan (the “Company Stock Plan”),
shall be canceled and converted into an award of restricted stock units in respect of Parent Common Stock (a “Parent RSU Award”)
covering that number of shares of Parent Common Stock (rounded to the nearest whole share) equal to the product of (i) the total
number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Company RSU Award immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by
(ii) the Exchange Ratio. Each Parent RSU Award corresponding to a Company RSU Award outstanding as of the date hereof shall, except
as otherwise provided in this Section 3.2(a), be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as applied to the
corresponding Company RSU Award immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(ii) At
the Effective Time, each Company RSU Award and each outstanding award of deferred stock units in respect of Company Common Stock (a
“Company DSU Award”), in each case, granted to a non-employee director of the Company pursuant to the Company
Stock Plan that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue of the occurrence of the Closing and without
any action by Parent, Merger Sub, the Company or the holder thereof, immediately vest with respect to 100% of the shares of Company
Common Stock subject to such Company RSU Award or Company DSU Award, which shares of Company Common Stock shall be converted into
the right to receive (A) the Merger Consideration in accordance with Section 3.1(b) with respect to each share
of Company Common Stock and (B) an amount in cash equal to the accrued but unpaid dividend equivalents with respect to such
Company RSU Award or Company DSU Award, payable by the Surviving Corporation as promptly as administratively possible after the
Closing, but in no event later than ten (10) Business Days following the Closing.
(b) Company
Option Awards. At the Effective Time, each outstanding and vested compensatory option to purchase shares of Company Common Stock (a
“Company Option Award”) granted pursuant to the Company Stock Plan shall be canceled and converted into the right to
receive that number of shares of Parent Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) equal to the quotient of (i) the product
of (A) the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration Value over the per share exercise price of the applicable Company Option Award,
multiplied by (B) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Option Award immediately prior to the
Effective Time, divided by (ii) the Parent Closing Price. Any Company Option Award that has an exercise price per share of
Company Common Stock that is equal to or greater than the Merger Consideration Value shall be canceled for no consideration. The term
“Merger Consideration Value” means the product of (x) the Exchange Ratio multiplied by (y) the Parent
Closing Price.
(c) Company
Performance Unit Awards. At the Effective Time, each outstanding award of performance units
denominated in shares of Company Common Stock (a “Company Performance Unit Award”) granted pursuant to the Company
Stock Plan shall, by virtue of the occurrence of the Closing and without any action by Parent, Merger Sub, the Company or the holder thereof,
immediately vest and be converted into the right to receive (i) in the case of Company Performance Unit Awards that vest based on
total shareholder return, (A) that number of shares of Parent Common Stock (rounded to the nearest whole share) equal to the product
of (x) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Performance Unit Award immediately prior to the Effective
Time reflecting the attainment of the applicable performance metrics at the maximum level of performance (which, for the avoidance of
doubt,
shall be equal to 200% of the target number of performance units subject to such Company Performance Unit Award) multiplied
by (y) the Exchange Ratio and (B) an amount in cash equal to the accrued but unpaid dividend equivalents with respect to
each such share of Company Common Stock, or (ii) in the case of Company Performance Unit Awards that vest based on free cash flow,
an amount in cash reflecting the attainment of the applicable performance metrics at the maximum level of performance (which, for the
avoidance of doubt, shall be equal to 200% of the target number of performance units subject to such Company Performance Unit Award) multiplied
by the average of the daily closing price of a share of Company Common Stock during the final thirty (30) calendar days ending on the
last trading day immediately preceding the Closing Date (the “Average Price ”); provided, however that
if any values were banked under such award based on a price per share of Company Common Stock that is greater than the Average Price then
such higher price shall be used for such portion of the award, plus any dividend equivalents accrued with respect to such Company Performance
Unit Award, in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), as promptly as administratively possible after
the Closing, but in no event later than ten (10) Business Days after the Closing.
(d) Section 409A.
To the extent that any award described in this Section 3.2 constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A
of the Code, any payment contemplated hereby with respect to such award shall be made in accordance with this Agreement and the applicable
award’s terms or, if later, at the earliest time permitted under the terms of such award that will not result in the application
of a tax or penalty under Section 409A of the Code.
(e) Administration.
Prior to the Effective Time, the Company Board and/or the compensation committee of the Company Board shall take such action and adopt
such resolutions as are required or appropriate to (i) effectuate the treatment of the Company RSU Awards, Company DSU Awards, Company
Performance Unit Awards and Company Option Awards (collectively, the “Company Equity Awards”) pursuant to the terms
of this Section 3.2, (ii) if requested by Parent in writing, cause the Company Stock Plan to terminate effective as of
the Effective Time and (iii) take all actions reasonably required to effectuate any provision of this Section 3.2, including
to ensure that from and after the Effective Time, neither Parent nor the Surviving Corporation will be required to deliver shares of Company
Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company to any Person pursuant to or in settlement of any equity awards of the Company, including
any Company Equity Awards. Parent shall take such actions as are necessary for the conversion of Company RSU Awards pursuant to this Section 3.2,
including reservation, issuance and listing of shares of Parent Common Stock as are necessary to
effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Section 3.2. Parent shall prepare
and file with the SEC a registration statement on an appropriate form, or a post-effective amendment to a registration statement previously
filed under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of Parent Common Stock subject to the Parent RSU Awards and, where applicable,
shall use its reasonable best efforts to have such registration statement declared effective as of the Effective Time and to maintain
the effectiveness of such registration statement covering the Parent RSU Awards (and to maintain the current status of the prospectus
contained therein) for so long as the Parent RSU Awards remain outstanding.
3.3 Payment
for Securities; Exchange.
(a) Exchange
Agent; Exchange Fund. Prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall enter into an agreement with Parent’s or the Company’s
transfer agent to act as agent for the holders of Company Common Stock in connection with the Merger (the “Exchange Agent”)
and to receive the Merger Consideration and cash sufficient to pay cash in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to Section 3.3(h) to
which such holders shall become entitled pursuant to this Article III. At or prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall deposit,
or cause to be deposited, with the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the holders of Eligible Shares, for issuance in accordance with
this Article III through the Exchange Agent, the number of shares of Parent Common Stock issuable in respect of Eligible Shares
pursuant to Section 3.1. Parent agrees to make available to the Exchange Agent, from time to time as needed, cash sufficient
to pay any dividends and other distributions pursuant to Section 3.3(g) and to make payments in lieu of fractional shares
pursuant to Section 3.3(h). The Exchange Agent shall, pursuant to irrevocable instructions, deliver the Merger Consideration
contemplated to be issued in exchange for Eligible Shares pursuant to this Agreement out of the Exchange Fund. Except as contemplated
by this Section 3.3(a), Section 3.3(g) and Section 3.3(h), the Exchange Fund shall not be used
for any other purpose. Any cash and shares of Parent Common Stock deposited with the Exchange Agent (including as payment for fractional
shares in accordance with Section 3.3(h) and any dividends or other distributions in accordance with Section 3.3(g))
shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Exchange Fund.” Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall pay all charges
and expenses, including those of the Exchange Agent, in connection with the exchange of Eligible Shares pursuant to this Agreement. The
cash portion of the Exchange Fund may be invested by the Exchange Agent as reasonably directed by Parent. To the extent, for any reason,
the amount in the Exchange Fund is below that required to make prompt payment of the aggregate cash payments contemplated by this Article III,
Parent shall promptly replace, restore or supplement the cash in the Exchange Fund so as to ensure that the Exchange Fund is at all times
maintained at a level sufficient for the Exchange Agent to make the payment of the aggregate cash payments contemplated by this Article III.
Any interest or other income resulting from investment of the cash portion of the Exchange Fund shall become part of the Exchange Fund,
and any amounts in excess of the amounts payable hereunder shall, at the discretion of Parent, be promptly returned to Parent or the Surviving
Corporation.
(b) Payment
Procedures.
(i) Certificates.
As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Exchange Agent to deliver to each record holder, as of immediately
prior to the Effective Time, of an outstanding certificate or certificates that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented Eligible
Shares (“Certificates”), a notice advising such holders of the effectiveness of the Merger and a letter of transmittal
(“Letter of Transmittal”) (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to Certificates
shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent, and which shall be in a customary form and agreed to
by Parent and the Company prior to the Closing) and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of Certificates for payment of the
Merger Consideration set forth in Section 3.1(b)(i). Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of a Certificate, together with
the Letter of Transmittal, duly completed and validly executed in accordance with the instructions thereto, and such other customary documents
as may be reasonably required by the Exchange Agent, the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled
to receive in exchange therefor
(A) one or more shares of Parent Common Stock (which shall be in uncertificated book-entry form) representing, in the aggregate,
the whole number of shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to Section 3.1
(after taking into account all shares of Company Common Stock then held by such holder) and (B) a check in the amount equal to the
cash payable in lieu of any fractional shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to Section 3.3(h) and dividends and other
distributions pursuant to Section 3.3(g).
(ii) Non-DTC
Book-Entry Shares. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Exchange Agent to deliver to each record
holder, as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, of Eligible Shares represented by book-entry (“Book-Entry Shares”)
not held through DTC, (A) a notice advising such holders of the effectiveness of the Merger, (B) a statement reflecting the
number of shares of Parent Common Stock (which shall be in uncertificated book-entry form) representing, in the aggregate, the whole number
of shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to Section 3.1 (after taking
into account all shares of Company Common Stock then held by such holder) and (C) a check in the amount equal to the cash payable
in lieu of any fractional shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to Section 3.3(h) and dividends and other distributions
pursuant to Section 3.3(g).
(iii) DTC
Book-Entry Shares. With respect to Book-Entry Shares held through DTC, Parent and the Company shall cooperate to establish procedures
with the Exchange Agent and DTC to ensure that the Exchange Agent will transmit to DTC or its nominees as soon as reasonably practicable
on or after the Closing Date, upon surrender of Eligible Shares held of record by DTC or its nominees in accordance with DTC’s customary
surrender procedures, the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, and any unpaid non-stock
dividends and any other dividends or other distributions, in each case, that DTC has the right to receive pursuant to this Article III.
(iv) No
interest shall be paid or accrued on any amount payable for Eligible Shares pursuant to this Article III.
(v) With
respect to Certificates, if payment of the Merger Consideration (including any dividends or other distributions with respect to Parent
Common Stock pursuant to Section 3.3(g) and any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to
Section 3.3(h)) is to be made to a Person other than the record holder of such Eligible Shares, it shall be a condition of
payment that shares so surrendered shall be properly endorsed or shall be otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the Person requesting
such payment shall have paid any transfer and other Taxes required by reason of the payment of the Merger Consideration to a Person other
than the registered holder of such shares surrendered or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Surviving Corporation that
such Taxes either have been paid or are not applicable. With respect to Book-Entry Shares, payment of the Merger Consideration (including
any dividends or other distributions with respect to Parent Common Stock pursuant to Section 3.3(g) and any cash in lieu
of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to Section 3.3(h)) shall only be made to the Person in whose name such
Book-Entry Shares are registered in
the stock transfer books of the Company as of the Effective Time. Until surrendered as contemplated
by this Section 3.3(b)(v), each Certificate shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right
to receive upon such surrender the Merger Consideration payable in respect of such shares of Company Common Stock, cash in lieu of any
fractional shares of Parent Common Stock to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 3.3(h) and any dividends
or other distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 3.3(g).
(c) Termination
of Rights. All Merger Consideration (including any dividends or other distributions with respect to Parent Common Stock pursuant to
Section 3.3(g) and any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to Section 3.3(h))
paid upon the surrender of and in exchange for Eligible Shares in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to have been paid in
full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such Company Common Stock. At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of the Surviving
Corporation shall be closed immediately, and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the stock transfer books of the Surviving
Corporation of the shares of Company Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective
Time, Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation for any reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged for the Merger Consideration
payable in respect of the Eligible Shares previously represented by such Certificates, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent
Common Stock to which the holders thereof are entitled pursuant to Section 3.3(h) and any dividends or other distributions
to which the holders thereof are entitled pursuant to Section 3.3(g), without any interest thereon.
(d) Termination
of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains undistributed to the former stockholders of the Company on the one
hundred eightieth (180th) day after the Closing Date shall be delivered to Parent, upon demand, and any former common stockholders of
the Company who have not theretofore received the Merger Consideration, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock to
which they are entitled pursuant to Section 3.3(h) and any dividends or other distributions with respect to Parent Common
Stock to which they are entitled pursuant to Section 3.3(g), in each case without interest thereon, to which they are entitled
under this Article III shall thereafter look only to the Surviving Corporation and Parent for payment of their claim for such
amounts.
(e) No
Liability. None of the Surviving Corporation, Parent, Merger Sub or the Exchange Agent shall be liable to any holder of Company Common
Stock for any amount of Merger Consideration properly delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat
or similar Law. If any Certificate has not been surrendered prior to the time that is immediately prior to the time at which Merger Consideration
in respect of such Certificate would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any Governmental Entity, any such shares, cash, dividends
or distributions in respect of such Certificate shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, become the property of Parent, free
and clear of all claims or interest of any Person previously entitled thereto.
(f) Lost,
Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates. If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of
that fact by the Person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if reasonably required by the Surviving Corporation,
the posting by such Person of a bond in such reasonable amount as the Surviving Corporation may
direct as indemnity against any claim
that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent shall issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed
Certificate the Merger Consideration payable in respect of the shares of Company Common Stock formerly represented by such Certificate,
any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock to which the holders thereof are entitled pursuant to Section 3.3(h) and
any dividends or other distributions to which the holders thereof are entitled pursuant to Section 3.3(g).
(g) Distributions
with Respect to Unexchanged Shares of Parent Common Stock. No dividends or other distributions declared or made with respect to shares
of Parent Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect
to the whole shares of Parent Common Stock that such holder would be entitled to receive upon surrender of such Certificate and no cash
payment in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock shall be paid to any such holder, in each case until such holder shall surrender
such Certificate in accordance with this Section 3.3. Following surrender of any such Certificate, there shall be paid to
such holder of whole shares of Parent Common Stock issuable in exchange therefor, without interest, (i) promptly after the time of
such surrender, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect
to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock, and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions
with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to such surrender and a payment date subsequent to such surrender payable with respect
to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock. For purposes of dividends or other distributions in respect of shares of Parent Common Stock,
all whole shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger shall be entitled to dividends pursuant to the immediately
preceding sentence as if such whole shares of Parent Common Stock were issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time.
(h) No
Fractional Shares of Parent Common Stock. No certificates or scrip or shares representing fractional shares of Parent Common Stock
shall be issued upon the exchange of Eligible Shares and such fractional share interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or
to have any rights of a stockholder of Parent or a holder of shares of Parent Common Stock. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, each holder of Eligible Shares exchanged pursuant to the Merger who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction
of a share of Parent Common Stock (after taking into account all Certificates and Book-Entry Shares held by such holder) shall receive,
in lieu thereof, cash (without interest) in an amount equal to the product of (i) such fractional part of a share of Parent Common
Stock multiplied by (ii) the volume-weighted average price of Parent Common Stock for the five (5) consecutive trading
days ending two (2) trading days prior to the Closing Date as reported by Bloomberg, L.P. (the “Parent Closing Price”).
As promptly as practicable after the determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be paid to holders of fractional interests, the Exchange
Agent shall so notify Parent, and Parent shall cause the Exchange Agent to forward payments to such holders of fractional interests subject
to and in accordance with the terms hereof. The payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock is not a separately
bargained-for consideration but merely represents a mechanical rounding-off of the fractions in the exchange.
(i) Withholding
Taxes. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Parent, Merger Sub, the Surviving Corporation and the Exchange
Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any amounts otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement any
amount required to be
deducted and withheld with respect to the making of such payment under applicable Law and shall pay the amount deducted or withheld to
the appropriate Taxing Authority in accordance with applicable Law; provided that, except as otherwise required by Law, the Parties
agree that the Merger Consideration payable or deliverable pursuant to this Agreement shall not be subject to withholding under Section 1445
of the Code or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. Parent, Merger Sub, the Surviving Corporation and the Exchange Agent,
as the case may be, shall cooperate in good faith to minimize any such deduction or withholding. To the extent such amounts are deducted
or withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by Parent, Merger Sub, the Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent,
as the case may be, such deducted or withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person
in respect of which such deduction or withholding was made.
3.4 No
Appraisal Rights. In accordance with the DGCL, no appraisal rights shall be available with respect to the Transactions.
Article IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except
as set forth in the disclosure letter dated as of the date of this Agreement and delivered by the Company to Parent and Merger Sub on
or prior to the date of this Agreement (the “Company Disclosure Letter”) and except as disclosed in the Company
SEC Documents (including all exhibits and schedules thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein) filed with or furnished to
the SEC and available on Edgar since December 31, 2022 and on or prior to two (2) calendar days prior to the date of this Agreement
(excluding any disclosures set forth or referenced in any risk factor section or in any other section, in each case, to the extent they
are forward-looking statements or cautionary, predictive, non-specific or forward-looking in nature), the Company represents and warrants
to Parent and Merger Sub as follows:
4.1 Organization,
Standing and Power. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company duly organized,
as the case may be, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, with all
requisite entity power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted, other
than, in the case of the Company’s Subsidiaries, where the failure to be so organized or to have such power, authority or standing
would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company (a “Company
Material Adverse Effect”). Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do
business in each jurisdiction in which the business it is conducting, or the operation, ownership or leasing of its properties, makes
such qualification or license necessary, other than where the failure to be so qualified, licensed or in good standing would not reasonably
be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company has heretofore made available to
Parent complete and correct copies of its Organizational Documents, each as amended prior to the execution of this Agreement and each
as made available to Parent is in full force and effect, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any of
the provisions of such Organizational Documents.
4.2 Capital
Structure.
(a) As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized capital stock of the
Company consists of (i) 1,925,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock and (ii) 26,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value
per share (“Company Preferred Stock” and, together with the Company Common Stock, the “Company Capital Stock”).
At the close of business on May 24, 2024: (A) 559,537,721 shares of Company Common Stock were issued and outstanding and no
shares of Company Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding; (B) 18,897,425 shares of Company Common Stock remained available for
issuance pursuant to the Company Stock Plan (after accounting for the stock-settled Company Equity Awards included herein with stock-settled
Company Performance Unit Awards included assuming satisfaction of applicable performance goals at the maximum level); (C) there were
340,651 shares of Company Common Stock subject to outstanding Company Option Awards (which awards have a weighted average exercise price
of $27.64 per share); (D) there were 3,813,286 shares of Company Common Stock subject to outstanding Company RSU Awards; (E) there
were 187,237 shares of Company Common Stock subject to outstanding Company DSU Awards; (F) there were 638,079 shares (assuming satisfaction
of applicable performance goals at the target level) or 1,276,158 shares (assuming satisfaction of applicable performance goals at the
maximum level) of Company Common Stock subject to outstanding Company Performance Unit Awards that are by their terms settleable in shares
of Company Common Stock; and (G) there were 471,036 shares (assuming satisfaction of applicable performance goals at the target level)
or 942,072 shares (assuming satisfaction of applicable performance goals at the maximum level) of Company Common Stock subject to outstanding
Company Performance Unit Awards that are by their terms settleable in cash based on the value of Company Common Stock.
(b) All
outstanding shares of Company Common Stock have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and are not
subject to preemptive rights. All outstanding shares of Company Common Stock have been issued and granted in compliance in all material
respects with (i) applicable securities Laws and other applicable Law and (ii) all requirements set forth in applicable contracts
(including the Company Stock Plan). All outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the Subsidiaries of the Company
are owned by the Company, or a direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company, are free and clear of all Encumbrances (other
than Permitted Encumbrances) and have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Except as set forth in this
Section 4.2, and except for changes since May 24, 2024 resulting from the exercise of stock options outstanding at such
date (and the issuance of shares thereunder), or stock grants or other employee awards granted from the close of business on May 24,
2024 to the date of this Agreement, as of the date of this Agreement, there are outstanding: (A) no Voting Debt or other voting securities
of the Company, (B) no securities of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable
for shares of Company Capital Stock, Voting Debt or other voting securities of the Company and (C) no options, warrants, subscriptions,
calls, rights (including preemptive and appreciation rights), commitments or agreements to which the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company is a party or by which it is bound in any case obligating the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to issue, deliver, sell,
purchase, redeem or acquire, or cause to be issued, delivered, sold, purchased, redeemed or acquired, additional shares of Company Capital
Stock or any Voting Debt or other voting securities of the Company, or obligating the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to grant,
extend or enter into any such option, warrant,
subscription, call, right, commitment or agreement. There are no stockholder agreements,
voting trusts or other agreements to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or they are bound relating
to the voting of any shares of capital stock or other equity interest of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. No Subsidiary of the
Company owns any shares of Company Capital Stock (or any option, warrant or other right to acquire Company Capital Stock).
(c) As
of the date of this Agreement, except as set forth on Schedule 4.2(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter, neither the Company nor any
of its Subsidiaries has any (i) interests in a material joint venture or, directly or indirectly, equity securities or other similar
equity interests in any Person or (ii) obligations, whether contingent or otherwise, to consummate any material additional investment
in any Person other than its Subsidiaries and its joint ventures listed on Schedule 4.2(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter.
4.3 Authority;
No Violations; Consents and Approvals.
(a) The
Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company, subject, only with respect to consummation of
the Merger, to the Company Stockholder Approval. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the
due and valid execution of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable
against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforceability, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
and other Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general principles of equity regardless
of whether such enforceability is considered in a Proceeding in equity or at law (collectively, “Creditors’ Rights”).
The Company Board, at a meeting duly called and held, has by unanimous vote (i) determined that this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, including the Merger, are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and holders of Company Common Stock,
(ii) approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, and (iii) resolved
to recommend that the holders of Company Common Stock approve and adopt this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including
the Merger (such recommendation described in this clause (iii), the “Company Board Recommendation”). The Company
Stockholder Approval is the only vote of the holders of any class or series of the Company Capital Stock necessary to approve and adopt
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger.
(b) The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the Transactions will not (with or without notice
or lapse of time, or both), (i) contravene, conflict with or result in a violation of any material provision of the Organizational
Documents of the Company (assuming that the Company Stockholder Approval is obtained) or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) assuming the
consummation of the actions described in Section 6.17, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, result in a violation
of, a termination (or right of termination) of or default under, the creation or acceleration of any obligation or the loss of a benefit
under, or result in the creation of any Encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under,
any provision of any loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement, permit, franchise or license
to which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of its Subsidiaries or its or their respective properties
or assets are bound, or (iii) assuming the Consents referred to in Section 4.4 are duly and timely obtained or made and
the Company Stockholder Approval has been obtained, contravene, conflict with or result in a violation of any Law applicable to the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets, other than, in the case of the foregoing clauses (ii) and
(iii), any such contraventions, conflicts, violations, defaults, acceleration, losses, or Encumbrances that would not reasonably
be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not party to any contract, arrangement
or other commitment that does or would entitle any Person to appoint one (1) or more directors to the Company Board.
4.4 Consents.
No Consent from or filings with any Governmental Entity is required to be obtained or made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in
connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company or the consummation by the Company of the Transactions,
except for: (a) (i) the filing of a premerger notification report by the Company under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements
Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “HSR Act”), and the expiration
or termination of any applicable waiting period with respect thereto, and (ii) filings in connection with the Specified Regulatory
Approvals and the receipt of the Specified Regulatory Approvals; (b) the filing with the SEC of (i) a proxy statement in preliminary
and definitive form (the “Proxy Statement”) relating to the meeting of the stockholders of the Company to consider
the approval and adoption of this Agreement (including any postponement, adjournment or recess thereof, the “Company Stockholders
Meeting”) and (ii) such reports under Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, and such other compliance with the Exchange
Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions; (c) the
filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; (d) filings with the NYSE;
(e) such filings and approvals as may be required by any applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws or Takeover Laws;
and (f) any such Consent that the failure to obtain or make would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate,
a Company Material Adverse Effect.
4.5 SEC
Documents; Financial Statements.
(a) Since
December 31, 2021, the Company has filed or furnished with the SEC, on a timely basis, all forms, reports, certifications, schedules,
statements and documents required to be filed or furnished under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable (such forms, reports,
certifications, schedules, statements and documents, collectively, the “Company SEC Documents”). As of their respective
dates, each of the Company SEC Documents, as amended, complied, or if not yet filed or furnished, will comply as to form in all material
respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as the case may be, and
the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable to such Company SEC Documents, and none of the Company SEC Documents contained,
when filed or, if amended prior to the date of this Agreement, as of the date of such amendment with respect to those disclosures that
are amended, or if filed with or furnished to the SEC subsequent to the date of this Agreement, will contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(b) The
financial statements of the Company included in the Company SEC Documents, including all notes and schedules thereto, complied, or, in
the case of Company SEC Documents filed after the date of this Agreement, will comply, in all material respects, when filed or if amended
prior to the date of this Agreement, as of the date of such amendment, with the rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto,
were, or, in the case of Company SEC Documents filed after the date of this Agreement, will be, prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved
(except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of the unaudited statements, as permitted by Rule 10-01 of Regulation
S-X of the SEC) and fairly present in all material respects in accordance with applicable requirements of GAAP (subject, in the case of
the unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments) the financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries,
as of their respective dates and the results of operations and the cash flows of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the
periods presented therein.
4.6 Absence
of Certain Changes or Events.
(a) From
December 31, 2023 through the date of this Agreement, there has not been any Company Material Adverse Effect or any event, change,
effect or development that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) From
December 31, 2023 through the date of this Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries have conducted their business in the Ordinary
Course in all material respects.
4.7 No
Undisclosed Material Liabilities. There are no liabilities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any kind whatsoever, whether
accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise, other than: (a) liabilities adequately provided for on the
balance sheet of the Company dated as of March 31, 2024 (including the notes thereto) contained in the Company’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the three (3) months ended March 31, 2024; (b) liabilities incurred in the Ordinary Course
subsequent to March 31, 2024; (c) liabilities incurred in connection with the Transactions; (d) liabilities incurred after
the date of this Agreement to the extent permitted under Section 6.1(b)(ix); and (e) liabilities that would not reasonably
be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
4.8 Information
Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (a) the
registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed with the SEC by Parent pursuant to which shares of Parent Common Stock issuable in
the Merger will be registered with the SEC (including any amendments or supplements, the “Registration Statement”)
shall, at the time the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading or (b) the Proxy Statement will, at the date it is first mailed to stockholders
of the Company and at the time of the Company Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they are made, not misleading. Subject to the accuracy of the first sentence of Section 5.7, the Proxy Statement will
comply as to form in all material respects with
the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder; provided,
however, that no representation is made by the Company with respect to statements made therein based on information supplied by
Parent or Merger Sub specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.
4.9 Company
Permits; Compliance with Applicable Law.
(a) The
Company and its Subsidiaries hold and at all times since December 31, 2021, held all permits, licenses, certifications, registrations,
consents, authorizations, variances, exemptions, orders, franchises and approvals of all Governmental Entities necessary to own, lease
and operate their respective properties and assets and for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses as they were or are now being
conducted, as applicable (collectively, the “Company Permits”), and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable
in connection therewith, except where the failure to so hold or make such a payment would not reasonably be expected to have, individually
or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. All Company Permits are in full force and effect and no suspension or cancellation
of any of the Company Permits is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, and the Company and its Subsidiaries are in
compliance with the terms of the Company Permits, except where the failure to be in full force and effect or failure to so comply would
not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The
businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries are not currently being conducted, and at no time since December 31, 2021 have been
conducted, in violation of any applicable Law, except for violations that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, no investigation or review by any Governmental Entity
with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is pending or threatened in writing, other than those the outcome of which would
not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, since December 31,
2021, (i) none of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, nor any Company or Subsidiary director, officer, employee, nor, to the knowledge
of the Company, any representative, agent, or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has violated any
Anti-Corruption Law, and (ii) none of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries nor any Company or Subsidiary director, officer, employee,
nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any representative, agent or any other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
in each case in its capacity as such, has offered, paid, given, promised, or authorized the payment of, anything of value (including,
but not limited to, money, checks, wire transfers, tangible and intangible gifts, favors, services, employment or entertainment and travel)
directly or indirectly to any employee, officer, or representative of, or any person otherwise acting in an official capacity for or on
behalf of a Governmental Entity, whether elected or appointed, including an officer or employee of a state-owned or state-controlled enterprise,
a political party, political party official or employee, candidate for public office, or an officer or employee of a public international
organization (such as the World Bank, United Nations, International Monetary Fund, or Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)
(any such person, a “Government Official”) (A) for the purpose of (1) influencing
any act or decision of
a Government Official or any other person in his or her official capacity, (2) inducing a Government Official or any other person
to do or omit to do any act in violation of his or her lawful duties, (3) securing any improper advantage, (4) inducing a Government
Official or any other person to influence or affect any act or decision of any Governmental Entity or (5) assisting the Company,
any Subsidiary of the Company, or any Company or Subsidiary director, officer employee, agent, representative, or any other person acting
on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in obtaining or retaining business, or (B) in a manner which would constitute
or have the purpose or effect of public or commercial bribery or corruption, acceptance of, or acquiescence in extortion, kickbacks, or
other unlawful or improper means of obtaining or retaining business or any improper advantage, in each case in violation of applicable
Anti-Corruption Laws.
(d) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Company,
each of its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees, and, to the knowledge of the Company, agents, representatives
and other persons acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case in its capacity as such, are, and at all times
since December 31, 2021 have been, in compliance with all applicable Economic Sanctions/Trade Laws and all applicable Money Laundering
Laws and (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries carries on, or has carried on since December 31, 2021, any business,
directly or knowingly indirectly, involving Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, the Crimea region, or the so-called Donetsk or Luhansk
People’s Republics or any Sanctions Target in violation of applicable Economic Sanctions/Trade Laws.
(e) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, since December 31,
2021 (i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has conducted or initiated any internal investigation, review or audit,
or made a voluntary, directed, or involuntary disclosure to any Governmental Entity or third party with respect to any alleged or suspected
act or omission arising under or relating to any potential noncompliance with any applicable Anti-Corruption Law, Economic Sanctions/Trade
Law, or Money Laundering Law, (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any of their respective directors or officers,
nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any agents, employees (other than officers), representatives, or any other person acting at the
direction of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice, request or citation for any actual or potential noncompliance
with any applicable Anti-Corruption Law, Economic Sanctions/Trade Law or Money Laundering Law, (iii) the Company and its Subsidiaries
have implemented and have maintained internal controls, policies and procedures to ensure material compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt
Practice Act of 1977, as amended (the “FCPA”) and other applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, applicable Economic Sanctions/Trade
Laws and applicable Money Laundering Laws, and (iv) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have at all times made and maintained
accurate books and records in material compliance with the FCPA and other applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, applicable Economic Sanctions/Trade
Laws and applicable Money Laundering Laws.
4.10 Compensation;
Benefits.
(a) Set
forth on Schedule 4.10(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter is a list of all of the material Company Plans.
(b) True,
correct and complete copies of each of the material Company Plans (or, in the case of any material Company Plan not in writing, a description
of the material terms thereof) and related trust documents and favorable determination letters, if applicable, have been furnished or
made available to Parent or its Representatives, along with the most recent summary plan description with respect to each Company Plan
and most recently prepared financial statements and actuarial reports (if any).
(c) Each
Company Plan has been maintained in compliance with all applicable Laws, including ERISA and the Code, except where the failure to so
comply would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Each Company Plan
that is in any part a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” subject to Section 409A of the Code complies and has
complied, both in form and operation, with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the final regulations and other applicable
guidance thereunder.
(d) There
are no Proceedings pending (other than routine claims for benefits) or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against, or with respect
to, any of the Company Plans within the past three (3) years except for such Proceedings that would not reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(e) All
material contributions required to be made by the Company to the Company Plans pursuant to their terms have been timely made in all material
respects.
(f) There
are no material unfunded benefit obligations that have not been properly accrued for in the Company’s financial statements, and
all contributions or other amounts payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to each Company Plan in respect of current
or prior plan years have been paid or accrued in accordance with GAAP.
(g) Each
Company Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter
from the Internal Revenue Service or may rely on an opinion or advisory letter from the Internal Revenue Service as to its qualified status
and, to the knowledge of the Company, nothing has occurred that would adversely affect the qualification or tax exemption of any such
Company Plan. With respect to any Company Plan, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in a transaction in connection
with which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries reasonably could be subject to either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 409
or 502(i) of ERISA or a tax imposed pursuant to Section 4975 or 4976 of the Code in an amount that could reasonably be expected
to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(h) Except
as set forth on Schedule 4.01(h) of the Company Disclosure Letter, none of the Company or any member of its Aggregated Group sponsors,
maintains, contributes to or has ever in the past six (6) years sponsored, maintained or had an obligation to contribute to, and
no Company Plan is, a plan subject to Title IV of ERISA (including a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA),
Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 or 4971 of the Code. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.01(h) of the Company Disclosure
Letter, with respect to each Company Plan that is subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 or 4971 of the
Code: (i) there does not exist any accumulated funding deficiency within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302
of ERISA, whether or not waived; (ii) the fair market value
of the assets of such Company Plan equals or exceeds the actuarial present
value of all accrued benefits under such Company Plan (whether or not vested) on a termination basis; (iii) within the past six (6) years,
no reportable event within the meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA for which the thirty (30)-day notice requirement has not
been waived has occurred, and the consummation of the Transactions will not result in the occurrence of any such reportable event; (iv) all
premiums to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the “PBGC”) have been timely paid in full in all material respects;
(v) no material liability (other than for premiums to the PBGC) under Title IV of ERISA has been or is expected to be incurred by
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and (vi) the PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate any such Company Plan and,
to the Company’s knowledge, no condition exists that presents a risk that such proceedings will be instituted or which would constitute
grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any such Company Plan.
Neither the Company nor any Affiliate has engaged in, or is a successor or affiliate of an entity that has engaged in, a transaction that
is described in Section 4069 or Section 4212(c) of ERISA.
(i) Except
as required by applicable Law or as set forth on Schedule 4.01(i) of the Company Disclosure Letter, no Company Plan provides retiree
or post-employment health, life insurance or other welfare benefits to any Person, and none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
has any obligation to provide such benefits.
(j) Except
as set forth on Schedule 4.10(j) of the Company Disclosure Letter, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation
of the Transactions will, either alone or in combination with another event, (i) entitle any employee or other service provider of
the Company or its Subsidiaries to severance pay or any material increase in severance pay, (ii) accelerate the time of payment or
vesting, or increase the amount of compensation due to any such employee or other service provider, (iii) directly or indirectly
cause the Company to transfer or set aside any material amount of assets to fund any benefits under any Company Plan, (iv) otherwise
give rise to any material liability under any Company Plan, (v) limit or restrict the right to materially amend, terminate or transfer
the assets of any Company Plan on or following the Effective Time or (vi) result in any “excess parachute payment” within
the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.
(k) Neither
the Company nor any Subsidiary has any obligation to provide, and no Company Plan or other agreement provides any individual with the
right to, a gross up, indemnification, reimbursement or other payment for any excise or additional Taxes, interest or penalties incurred
pursuant to Section 409A or 4999 of the Code or due to the failure of any payment to be deductible under Section 280G of the
Code.
(l) Except
as set forth on Schedule 4.10(l) of the Company Disclosure Letter, no material Company Plan is maintained outside the jurisdiction
of the United States or covers any employee or other service provider of the Company or its Subsidiaries who resides or works outside
of the United States (each a “Non-U.S. Plan”). No Non-U.S. Plan is a defined benefit pension plan. Each Non-U.S. Plan
(i) has been maintained in accordance with all applicable requirements; (ii) if intended to qualify for special tax treatment,
meets all requirements for such treatment; and (iii) if required to be funded and/or book-reserved, is fully funded and/or book reserved,
as appropriate, based upon reasonable actuarial assumptions, in each case of the
foregoing items (i) through (iii), except as would
not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
4.11 Labor
Matters.
(a) (i) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any collective bargaining agreement or other similar agreement with any labor union,
(ii) there is no pending union representation petition involving employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and (iii) the
Company does not have knowledge of any activity or Proceeding of any labor organization (or representative thereof) to organize any such
employees.
(b) There
is no unfair labor practice charge or grievance arising out of a collective bargaining agreement, other similar agreement with any labor
union, or other labor-related grievance Proceeding against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pending, or, to the knowledge of the
Company, threatened, other than such matters that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
(c) There
is no strike, concerted slowdown, work stoppage or lockout pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, against the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries involving any employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than such matters that would
not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(d) The
Company and its Subsidiaries are, and since December 31, 2021 have been, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable
Laws respecting employment and employment practices, and there are no Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened
against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, by or on behalf of any applicant for employment, any current or former employee or other
individual independent contractor or any class of the foregoing, relating to any of the foregoing applicable Laws, or alleging breach
of any express or implied contract of employment, wrongful termination of employment, or alleging any other discriminatory, wrongful or
tortious conduct in connection with the employment relationship, other than any such matters described in this sentence that would not
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Since December 31, 2021, neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of the intent of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,
the National Labor Relations Board, the Department of Labor or any other Governmental Entity responsible for the enforcement of labor
or employment Laws to conduct an investigation with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which would reasonably be expected
to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Since
December 31, 2021, except as has not been and would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, to the knowledge of the Company: (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries have reasonably investigated all sexual harassment
and sexual misconduct allegations against officers, directors, and employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries; (ii) with respect
to each such allegation (except any that the Company and its Subsidiaries reasonably determined to not have merits), the Company and its
Subsidiaries have taken corrective action reasonably calculated to prevent further improper action;
(iii) no allegations of sexual
harassment or sexual misconduct have been made against any current or former officer, director or employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries;
and (iv) there are no Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened related to allegations of sexual harassment
or sexual misconduct by any current or former officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Since December 31,
2021, except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any
of its Subsidiaries has entered into any settlement agreements related to allegations of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct by any
current or former officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
4.12 Taxes.
(a) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect:
(i) (A) all
Tax Returns required to be filed (taking into account extensions of time for filing) by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have been
filed with the appropriate Taxing Authority, and all such filed Tax Returns are complete and accurate; (B) all Taxes that are due
and payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate Proceedings and for
which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP in the financial statements included in the Company SEC Documents)
have been timely paid in full; (C) all withholding Tax requirements imposed on or with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
have been satisfied, and all Taxes required to be withheld have been timely withheld or collected and timely paid in full, or are properly
holding for timely payment in full; and (D) the Company and its Subsidiaries have complied with all information reporting related
to Taxes (and related withholding) and record retention requirements;
(ii) there
is not in force any waiver or agreement for any extension of time for the assessment or payment of any Tax by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than pursuant to extensions of time to file Tax Returns obtained in the Ordinary Course);
(iii) (A) there
is no outstanding claim, assessment or deficiency against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any Taxes that has been asserted
or threatened in writing by any Governmental Entity and (B) there are no audits, examinations or Proceedings pending or threatened
in writing regarding any Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(iv) (A) neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any Tax allocation, sharing or indemnity contract or arrangement (not including,
for the avoidance of doubt (x) an agreement or arrangement solely between or among the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries, or
(y) any customary Tax sharing or indemnification provisions contained in any commercial agreement entered into in the Ordinary Course
and not primarily relating to Tax (e.g., leases, credit agreements or other commercial agreements)) and (B) neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries has (x) been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated U.S. federal income Tax Return (other
than a group the common parent of which is or was the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) or (y) any
liability for Taxes of any Person
(other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulations § 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local
or foreign Law) or as a transferee or successor;
(v) neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has participated, or is currently participating, in a “listed transaction,” as defined
in Treasury Regulations § 1.6011-4(b)(2);
(vi) neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has constituted a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation”
in a distribution of stock intended to qualify for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code (A) in the two (2) years
prior to the date of this Agreement or (B) as part of a “plan” or “series of related transactions” (within
the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code) in conjunction with the Transactions;
(vii) in
the past three (3) years, no written claim has been made by any Taxing Authority in a jurisdiction where the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries does not currently file a Tax Return that it is or may be subject to any Tax in such jurisdiction, nor has any such assertion
been threatened or proposed in writing and received by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(viii) neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has requested, has received or is subject to any written ruling of a Taxing Authority that will
be binding on it for any taxable period ending after the Closing Date or has entered into any “closing agreement” as described
in Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law);
(ix) there
are no Encumbrances for Taxes on any of the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except for Permitted Encumbrances; and
(x) the
Company is, and has been since formation, properly classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a corporation.
(b) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is aware of the existence of any fact, or has taken or agreed to take any action, that would reasonably
be expected to prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of
the Code.
4.13 Litigation.
Except for such matters as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect
or as may arise under Antitrust Laws after the date hereof with respect to the Transactions, there is no (a) Proceeding pending,
or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their Oil and Gas Properties
or (b) judgment, decree, injunction, ruling, order, writ, stipulation, determination or award of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator
outstanding against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
4.14 Intellectual
Property.
(a) The
Company and its Subsidiaries own or have the right to use all Intellectual Property used in or necessary for the operation of the businesses
of each of the Company and its Subsidiaries as presently conducted (collectively, the “Company Intellectual Property”)
free and clear of all Encumbrances except for Permitted Encumbrances, except where the failure to own or have the right to use such properties
has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) To
the knowledge of the Company, the use of the Company Intellectual Property by the Company and its Subsidiaries in the operation of the
business of each of the Company and its Subsidiaries does not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate, and since December 31,
2021 has not infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated, any Intellectual Property of any other Person, except for such matters
that have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) To
the knowledge of the Company, since December 31, 2021, no Person has challenged, infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated
any material Company Intellectual Property or any rights of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in any licensed Company Intellectual
Property.
(d) The
Company and its Subsidiaries have taken reasonable measures consistent with prudent industry practices to protect the confidentiality
of trade secrets used in the businesses of each of the Company and its Subsidiaries, except where failure to do so has not had and would
not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the
IT Assets owned, used, or held for use by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (i) are sufficient for the current needs of the
businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries; (ii) have not malfunctioned or failed within the past three (3) years and (iii) to
the knowledge of the Company, are free from any malicious code.
(f) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect (i) the
Company and each of its Subsidiaries have used commercially reasonable measures to ensure the confidentiality, privacy and security of
Personal Information collected or held for use by the Company or its Subsidiaries; and (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, there
has been no unauthorized access to or unauthorized use of any IT Assets, Personal Information or trade secrets owned or held for use by
the Company or its Subsidiaries.
4.15 Real
Property. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect
and with respect to clauses (a) and (b), except with respect to any of the Company’s Oil and Gas Properties,
(a) the Company and its Subsidiaries have good, valid and defensible title to all material real property owned by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company Owned Real Property”) and valid
leasehold estates in all material
real property leased, subleased, licensed or otherwise occupied (whether as tenant, subtenant or pursuant to other occupancy arrangements)
by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (collectively, including the improvements thereon, the “Company Material Leased
Real Property”), in each case free and clear of all Encumbrances and defects and imperfections, except Permitted Encumbrances,
(b) each agreement under which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is the landlord, sublandlord, tenant, subtenant, or
occupant with respect to the Company Material Leased Real Property (each, a “Company Material Real Property Lease”)
to the knowledge of the Company is in full force and effect and is valid and enforceable against the parties thereto in accordance with
its terms, subject, as to enforceability, to Creditors’ Rights, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge
of the Company, any other party thereto, has received written notice of any default under any Company Material Real Property Lease, and
(c) there does not exist any pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, condemnation or eminent domain Proceedings
that affect any of the Company’s Oil and Gas Properties, Company Owned Real Property or Company Material Leased Real Property.
4.16 Rights-of-Way.
Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has such Consents, easements, rights-of-way, permits and licenses from each Person (collectively,
“Rights-of-Way”) as are sufficient to conduct its business in the manner presently conducted by the Company and its
Subsidiaries, except for such Rights-of-Way the absence of which would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate,
a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material
Adverse Effect, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has fulfilled and performed all its material obligations with respect to such
Rights-of-Way and has conducted its business in a manner that does not violate any of the Rights-of-Way and no event has occurred that
allows, or after notice or lapse of time would allow, revocation or termination thereof or would result in any impairment of the rights
of the holder of any such Rights-of-Way. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company
Material Adverse Effect, all pipelines operated by the Company and its Subsidiaries are subject to Rights-of-Way or are located on real
property owned or leased by the Company, and there are no gaps (including any gap arising as a result of any breach by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries of the terms of any Rights-of-Way) in the Rights-of-Way.
4.17 Oil
and Gas Matters.
(a) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, and except for property
(i) sold or otherwise disposed of in the Ordinary Course since the date of the reserve report audits prepared by Ryder Scott Company
and Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (collectively, the “Company Independent Petroleum Engineers”)
relating to the Company interests referred to therein as of December 31, 2023 (the “Company Reserve Reports”),
(ii) reflected in the Company Reserve Reports or in the Company SEC Documents as having been sold or otherwise disposed
of, or (iii) sales or dispositions after the date hereof that were permitted under Section 6.1(b)(v) or otherwise
consented to by Parent in writing, the Company and its Subsidiaries have good and defensible title to all Oil and Gas Properties forming
the basis for the reserves reflected in the Company Reserve Reports and in each case as attributable to interests owned by the Company
and its Subsidiaries, free and clear of any Encumbrances, except for Permitted Encumbrances. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, “good
and defensible title” means that the Company’s or one
or more of its Subsidiaries’, as applicable, title (as of the
date hereof and as of the Closing) to each of the Oil and Gas Properties held or owned by them (or purported to be held or owned by them)
(1) entitles the Company (or one or more of its Subsidiaries, as applicable) to receive (after satisfaction of all Production Burdens
applicable thereto), not less than the net revenue interest share shown in the Company Reserve Reports of all Hydrocarbons produced from
such Oil and Gas Properties throughout the life of such Oil and Gas Properties, (2) obligates the Company (or one or more of its
Subsidiaries, as applicable) to bear a percentage of the costs and expenses for the maintenance and development of, and operations relating
to, such Oil and Gas Properties, of not greater than the working interest shown on the Company Reserve Reports for such Oil and Gas Properties,
unless such increase is accompanied by a proportionate (or greater) increase in net revenue interest in such Oil and Gas Properties and
(3) is free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances).
(b) Except
for any such matters that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect,
the factual, non-interpretive data supplied by the Company to the Company Independent Petroleum Engineers relating to the Company interests
referred to in the Company Reserve Reports, by or on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries that was material to such firm’s
estimates of proved oil and gas reserves attributable to the Oil and Gas Properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries in connection
with the preparation of the Company Reserve Reports was, as of the time provided, accurate in all respects. Except for any such matters
that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the oil and gas reserve
estimates of the Company set forth in the Company Reserve Reports fairly reflect, in all respects, the oil and gas reserves of the Company
at the dates indicated therein and are in accordance with SEC guidelines applicable thereto applied on a consistent basis throughout the
periods involved. Except for changes generally affecting the oil and gas exploration, development and production industry (including changes
in commodity prices) and normal depletion by production, there has been no change in respect of the matters addressed in the Company Reserve
Reports that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, and except for amounts
being held in suspense (by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, any third-party operator thereof or any other Person) in accordance with
applicable Law, as reported in the Company SEC Documents, as a result of the ongoing preparation and approval of division order title
opinions for recently drilled Wells, or for amounts contested in good faith in the Ordinary Course, (i) all rentals, shut-ins and
similar payments owed to any Person or individual under (or otherwise with respect to) any Oil and Gas Leases have been properly and timely
paid, (ii) all royalties, minimum royalties, overriding royalties and other Production Burdens with respect to any Oil and Gas Properties
owned or held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have been timely and properly paid and (iii) neither the Company nor any
of its Subsidiaries (and, to the Company’s knowledge, no third-party operator) has violated any provision of, or taken or failed
to take any act that, with or without notice, lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default under the provisions of any Oil and Gas
Lease (or entitle the lessor thereunder to cancel or terminate such Oil and Gas Lease) included in the Oil and Gas Properties owned or
held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(d) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, all proceeds from the
sale of Hydrocarbons produced from the Oil and Gas Properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries are being received by them in a timely
manner (other than those being contested in good faith in the Ordinary Course and for which reserves have been established in accordance
with GAAP) and are not being held in suspense (by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, any third-party operator thereof or any other
Person) for any reason other than awaiting preparation and approval of division order title opinions for recently drilled Wells, in accordance
with applicable Law, or as reported in the Company SEC Documents.
(e) All
of the Wells and all water, CO2, injection or other wells located on the Oil and Gas Properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries or
otherwise associated with an Oil and Gas Property of the Company or its Subsidiaries have been drilled, completed and operated within
the limits permitted by the applicable contracts entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries related to such wells and applicable
Law, and all drilling and completion (and plugging and abandonment) of such wells and all related development, production and other operations
have been conducted in compliance with all applicable Law except, in each case, as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually
or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(f) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of the material
Oil and Gas Properties of the Company or its Subsidiaries is subject to any preferential purchase, consent or similar right that would
become operative as a result of the Transactions.
4.18 Environmental
Matters. Except for those matters that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material
Adverse Effect:
(a) the
Company and its Subsidiaries and their respective operations and assets are, and since December 31, 2021 have been, in compliance
with Environmental Laws;
(b) the
Company and its Subsidiaries are not subject to any pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened in writing Proceedings under
Environmental Laws; and
(c) there
have been no Releases of Hazardous Materials at any property currently or, to the knowledge of the Company, formerly owned, operated or
otherwise used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, which Releases are reasonably likely to result in liability to the Company under
Environmental Law, and, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has since December 31, 2021 received any written notice asserting
a liability or obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any Environmental Laws with respect to the investigation, remediation,
removal, or monitoring of the Release of any Hazardous Materials at or from any property currently or formerly owned, operated, or otherwise
used by the Company, or at or from any offsite location where Hazardous Materials from the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’
operations have been sent for treatment, disposal, storage or handling, the subject of which is unresolved.
4.19 Material
Contracts.
(a) Schedule
4.19(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, together with the lists of exhibits contained in the Company SEC Documents and Schedule
4.10(a) and 4.10(l) listing material Company Plans, sets forth a true and complete list, as of the date of this Agreement, of:
(i) each
“material contract” (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act);
(ii) each
contract that provides for the acquisition, disposition, license, use, distribution or outsourcing of assets, services, rights or properties
(other than Oil and Gas Properties) with respect to which the Company reasonably expects that the Company and its Subsidiaries will make
annual payments in excess of $100,000,000;
(iii) each
contract relating to Indebtedness (including commitments with respect thereto) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (whether incurred,
assumed, guaranteed or secured by any asset) in excess of $100,000,000, other than agreements solely between or among the Company and
its Subsidiaries;
(iv) each
contract for lease of personal property or real property (other than Oil and Gas Properties) involving payments in excess of $100,000,000
in any calendar year or over the life of the contract that are not terminable without penalty or other liability to the Company (other
than any ongoing obligation pursuant to such contract that is not caused by any such termination) within ninety (90) days, other than
contracts related to drilling rigs;
(v) each
contract that is a non-competition contract or other contract that (A) purports to limit in any material respect either the type
of business in which the Company or its Subsidiaries (or, after the Effective Time, Parent or its Subsidiaries) may engage or the manner
or locations in which any of them may so engage in any business (including any contract containing any area of mutual interest, joint
bidding area, joint acquisition area, or non-compete or similar type of provision), (B) could require the disposition of any material
assets or line of business of the Company or its Subsidiaries (or, after the Effective Time, Parent or its Subsidiaries) or (C) prohibits
or limits the rights of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to make, sell or distribute any products or services, or use, transfer
or distribute, or enforce any of their rights with respect to, any of their material assets;
(vi) each
contract involving the pending acquisition or sale of (or option to purchase or sell) any assets or properties of the Company for which
the aggregate consideration (or the fair market value of such consideration, if non-cash) payable to or from the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries exceeds $100,000,000, other than contracts involving the acquisition or sale of (or option to purchase or sell) Hydrocarbons
in the Ordinary Course;
(vii) each
material partnership, joint venture or limited liability company agreement, other than with arrangements exclusively among the Company
and/or its wholly owned Subsidiaries and other than any customary joint operating agreements, unit
agreements or participation agreements
affecting the Oil and Gas Properties of the Company;
(viii) each
joint development agreement, exploration agreement, participation, farmout, farmin or program agreement or similar contract (A) requiring
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to make expenditures from and after January 1, 2024, that would reasonably be expected to
be in excess of $150,000,000 in the aggregate or (B) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and that includes
a third-party investment or funding commitment greater than $150,000,000 (such contract in the case of this subclause (B), a “Development
Agreement”), other than, in each case, customary joint operating agreements and continuous development obligations under Oil
and Gas Leases;
(ix) any
contract (A) that provides for the sale by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Hydrocarbons or water (1) in excess of
35,000 barrels of oil equivalent of Hydrocarbons or water per day over a period of one (1) month (calculated on a yearly average
basis) or (2) for a term greater than ten (10) years or (B) pursuant to which the Company reasonably expects that it will
receive or make aggregate payments under in excess of $150,000,000 in any of the next three (3) succeeding fiscal years or over the
life of the contract that, in the case of the foregoing subclauses (A) or (B), (x) has a remaining term of greater
than ninety (90) days and does not allow the Company or such Subsidiary to terminate it without penalty to the Company or such Subsidiary
within ninety (90) days and (y) provides for a “take-or-pay” clause or any similar prepayment obligation and acreage
dedication, minimum volume commitments or capacity reservation fees to a gathering, transportation or other arrangement downstream of
the wellhead, that cover, guaranty or commit volumes;
(x) each
collective bargaining agreement with a labor union to which the Company is a party or bound;
(xi) each
agreement under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has advanced or loaned any amount of money to any of its officers, directors,
employees or consultants, in each case with a principal amount in excess of $120,000;
(xii) each
contract for any Company Related Party Transaction; or
(xiii) each
agreement that contains any “most favored nation” or most favored customer provision, call or put option, preferential right
or rights of first or last offer, negotiation or refusal to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Affiliates
is subject and that is material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except for (A) any agreement
in which such provision is solely for the benefit of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (B) customary royalty pricing provisions
in Oil and Gas Leases or (C) customary preferential rights in joint operating agreements, unit agreements or participation agreements.
(b) Collectively,
the contracts set forth or required to be set forth in Section 4.19(a) are herein referred to as the “Company
Contracts.” A complete and correct copy of each of the Company Contracts has been made available to Parent. Except as would
not reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, each Company Contract is legal,
valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms on the Company and each of its Subsidiaries that is a party thereto and, to
the knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect, subject, as to enforceability, to Creditors’
Rights. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in breach or default under any Company Contract nor, to the knowledge of the Company, is any
other party to any such Company Contract in breach or default thereunder, and no event has occurred that, with the lapse of time or the
giving of notice or both, would constitute a default thereunder by the Company or its Subsidiaries, or, to the knowledge of the Company,
any other party thereto. There are no disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened with respect to any Company Contract
and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of the intention of any other party to any Company
Contract to terminate for default, convenience or otherwise any Company Contract, nor to the knowledge of the Company, is any such party
threatening to do so, in each case except as has not had or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate,
a Company Material Adverse Effect.
4.20 Derivative
Transactions.
(a) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, all Derivative Transactions
entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or for the account of any of its customers since December 31, 2021 were entered
into in accordance with applicable Laws, and in accordance with the investment, securities, commodities, risk management and other policies,
practices and procedures employed by the Company and its Subsidiaries, and were entered into with counterparties believed at the time
to be financially responsible and able to understand (either alone or in consultation with their advisers) and to bear the risks of such
Derivative Transactions.
(b) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and each
of its Subsidiaries have duly performed in all respects all of their respective obligations under the Derivative Transactions to the extent
that such obligations to perform have accrued, and there are no breaches, violations, collateral deficiencies, requests for collateral
or demands for payment, or defaults or allegations or assertions of such by any party thereunder.
(c) The
Company SEC Documents accurately summarize, in all material respects, the outstanding positions under any Derivative Transaction of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, including Hydrocarbon and financial positions under any Derivative Transaction of the Company attributable
to the production and marketing of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as of the dates reflected therein. Schedule 4.20(c) of the Company
Disclosure Letter lists, as of the date of this Agreement, all Derivative Transactions to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
is a party.
4.21 Insurance.
Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, each of the insurance
policies held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement (collectively, the “Company Insurance
Policies”) is in full force and effect on the date of this Agreement. The Company
Insurance Policies are with reputable
insurance carriers, provide full and adequate coverage for all normal risks incident to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries
and their respective properties and assets, and are in breadth of coverage and amount at least equivalent to that carried by Persons engaged
in similar businesses and subject to the same or similar perils or hazards, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually
or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, all premiums payable under the Company Insurance Policies have been duly paid, and neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action or failed to take any action that (including with respect to the Transactions),
with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a breach or default, or permit a termination of any of the Company Insurance Policies.
Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, since December 31,
2021, no written notice of cancellation or termination has been received with respect to any Company Insurance Policy. As of the date
hereof, the Company does not have any claims pending with insurers that are reasonably expected to result in an insurance recovery of
more than $15,000,000 in the aggregate.
4.22 Opinion
of Financial Advisor. The Company Board has received the oral opinion of Morgan Stanley &
Co. LLC addressed to the Company Board, to be subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion, to the effect that, based upon
and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations, and other matters set forth therein, as of the date of the opinion, the Merger
Consideration to be received by the holders of shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement is fair, from a financial point
of view, to the holders of Company Common Stock (other than Parent, Merger Sub and their respective Affiliates). A copy of the written
opinion will be provided (solely for informational purposes) by the Company to Parent promptly following the execution of this Agreement
and receipt thereof by the Company (it being agreed that such opinion is for the benefit of the Company Board and may not be relied upon
by Parent or Merger Sub or any other Person).
4.23 Brokers.
Except for the fees and expenses payable to Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, no broker, investment banker, or other Person is entitled
to any broker’s, finder’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made
by or on behalf of the Company. The Company has made available to Parent complete and correct copies of all agreements under which such
fee, commission, or other like payment is payable and all indemnification and other agreements under which any such fee or commission
is payable.
4.24 Related
Party Transactions. Schedule 4.24 of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth, as of the date of this Agreement, a complete and correct
list of any transaction or arrangement involving in excess of $120,000 under which the Company and any (a) present or former executive
officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (b) beneficial owner (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of
the Exchange Act) of 5% or more of any class of the equity securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries whose status as a 5% holder
is known to the Company as of the date of this Agreement or (c) Affiliate, “associate” or member of the “immediate
family” (as such terms are respectively defined in Rules 12b-2 and 16a-1 of the Exchange Act) of any of the foregoing (but
only, with respect to the Persons in the foregoing clause (b), to the knowledge of the Company) is a party (each of the foregoing,
a “Company Related Party Transaction”).
4.25 Regulatory
Matters.
(a) The
Company is not (i) an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company”
within the meaning of the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 or (ii) a “holding company,” a “subsidiary company”
of a “holding company,” an Affiliate of a “holding company,” a “public utility” or a “public-utility
company,” as each such term is defined in the U.S. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005.
(b) All
natural gas pipeline systems and related facilities constituting the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ properties are (i) “gathering
facilities” that are exempt from regulation by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Natural Gas Act of 1938 and
(ii) not subject to rate regulation or comprehensive nondiscriminatory access regulation under the Laws of any state or other local
jurisdiction.
4.26 Takeover
Laws. Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.11, the approval of the Company
Board of this Agreement and the Transactions represents all the action necessary to render inapplicable to this Agreement and the Transactions
any Takeover Law or any anti-takeover provision in the Company’s Organizational Documents that is applicable to the Company, the
shares of Company Common Stock or the Transactions.
4.27 No
Additional Representations.
(a) Except
for the representations and warranties made in this Article IV, neither the Company nor any other Person makes any express
or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses, operations, assets,
liabilities or conditions (financial or otherwise) in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions, and the Company hereby disclaims
any such other representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing disclaimer, neither the Company nor any other
Person makes or has made any representation or warranty to Parent, Merger Sub, or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives
with respect to (i) any financial projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospect information relating to the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses; or (ii) except for the representations and warranties made by the Company in this
Article IV, any oral or written information presented to Parent or Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives
in the course of their due diligence investigation of the Company, the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the Transactions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 4.27 shall limit Parent’s or Merger Sub’s remedies with
respect to claims of fraud arising from or relating to the express representations and warranties made by the Company in this Article IV.
(b) Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company acknowledges and agrees that none of Parent, Merger Sub or any other
Person has made or is making any representations or warranties relating to Parent or its Subsidiaries (including Merger Sub) whatsoever,
express or implied, beyond those expressly given by Parent and Merger Sub in Article V, including any implied representation
or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding Parent furnished or made available to the Company or any of
its Representatives and that the Company has not relied on any such other representation or warranty not set forth in this Agreement.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Company acknowledges that no representations or warranties are made with respect
to any projections, forecasts, estimates, budgets or prospect information that may have been made available to the Company or any of its
Representatives (including in certain “data rooms,” “virtual data rooms,” management presentations or in any other
form in expectation of, or in connection with, the Merger or the other Transactions).
Article V
REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
Except
as set forth in the disclosure letter dated as of the date of this Agreement and delivered by Parent and Merger Sub to the Company on
or prior to the date of this Agreement (the “Parent Disclosure Letter”) and except as disclosed in the Parent
SEC Documents (including all exhibits and schedules thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein) filed with or furnished to
the SEC and available on Edgar since December 31, 2022 and on or prior to two (2) calendar days prior to the date of this Agreement
(excluding any disclosures set forth or referenced in any risk factor section or in any other section, in each case, to the extent they
are forward-looking statements or cautionary, predictive, non-specific or forward-looking in nature), Parent and Merger Sub jointly and
severally represent and warrant to the Company as follows:
5.1 Organization,
Standing and Power. Each of Parent and its Subsidiaries is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company duly organized,
as the case may be, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, with all
requisite entity power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted, other
than, in the case of Parent’s Subsidiaries, where the failure to be so organized or to have such power, authority or standing would
not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent (a “Parent Material
Adverse Effect”). Each of Parent and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business in each
jurisdiction in which the business it is conducting, or the operation, ownership or leasing of its properties, makes such qualification
or license necessary, other than where the failure to be so qualified, licensed or in good standing would not reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect. Each of Parent and Merger Sub has heretofore made available
to the Company complete and correct copies of its Organizational Documents, each as amended prior to the execution of this Agreement,
and each as made available to the Company is in full force and effect, and neither Parent nor Merger Sub is in violation of any of the
provisions of such Organizational Documents.
5.2 Capital
Structure.
(a) As
of the date of this Agreement, the authorized capital stock of Parent consists of (i) 2,500,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock
and (ii) 500,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Parent Preferred Stock” and, together
with the Parent Common Stock, the “Parent Capital Stock”). At the close of business on May 24, 2024: (A) 1,164,305,918
shares of Parent Common Stock were issued and outstanding, and no shares of Parent Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding; (B) there
were outstanding options to purchase 2,364,975 shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to Parent’s 2023 Omnibus Stock and Performance
Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, and prior plans (the “Parent Stock Plans”); and (C) there were outstanding
other stock-settled equity-based awards (other than shares
of restricted stock or other equity based awards included in the number of
shares of Parent Common Stock outstanding set forth above) with respect to 7,778,183 shares of Parent Common Stock.
(b) All
outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and are not
subject to preemptive rights. The Parent Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement, when issued, will be validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable and not subject to preemptive rights. All outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock have been issued and granted
in compliance in all material respects with (i) applicable securities Laws and other applicable Law and (ii) all requirements
set forth in applicable contracts (including the Parent Stock Plans). The Parent Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement,
when issued, will be issued in compliance in all material respects with (A) applicable securities Laws and other applicable Law and
(B) all requirements set forth in applicable contracts. All outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the
Subsidiaries of Parent that are owned by Parent, or a direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent, are owned free and clear of all Encumbrances
(other than Permitted Encumbrances) and have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Except as set forth in
this Section 5.2, and except for changes since May 24, 2024 resulting from the exercise of stock options outstanding
at such date (and the issuance of shares thereunder), or stock grants or other employee awards granted from the close of business on May 24,
2024 to the date of this Agreement, as of the date of this Agreement, there are outstanding: (1) no Voting Debt or other voting securities
of Parent; (2) no securities of Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of
Parent Capital Stock, Voting Debt or other voting securities of Parent; and (3) no options, warrants, subscriptions, calls, rights
(including preemptive and appreciation rights), commitments or agreements to which Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent is a party or by
which it is bound in any case obligating Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent to issue, deliver, sell, purchase, redeem or acquire, or cause
to be issued, delivered, sold, purchased, redeemed or acquired, additional shares of capital stock or any Voting Debt or other voting
securities of Parent, or obligating Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent to grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, subscription,
call, right, commitment or agreement. There are not any stockholder agreements, voting trusts or other agreements to which Parent or any
of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it is bound relating to the voting of any shares of capital stock or other equity interest
of Parent. No Subsidiary of Parent owns any shares of Parent Common Stock or any other shares of Parent Capital Stock. As of the date
of this Agreement, the authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, all
of which shares are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by Parent.
5.3 Authority;
No Violations; Consents and Approvals.
(a) Each
of Parent and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations
hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub and the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the
Transactions have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of each of Parent and Merger Sub (other than the
approval and adoption of this Agreement by Parent as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub, which shall occur immediately after the execution
and delivery of this Agreement). This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of Parent and Merger Sub, and, assuming the
due and valid execution of this
Agreement by the Company, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each of Parent and Merger Sub
enforceable against Parent and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforceability to Creditors’ Rights. The Parent
Board, at a meeting duly called and held, has by unanimous vote (i) determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby, including the Parent Stock Issuance, are fair to, and in the best interests of, Parent and the holders of Parent Common Stock
and (ii) approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Parent Stock Issuance.
The Merger Sub Board has by unanimous vote (A) determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including
the Merger, are fair to, and in the best interests of, Merger Sub and the sole stockholder of Merger Sub and (B) approved and declared
advisable this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger. Parent, as the owner of all of the outstanding
shares of capital stock of Merger Sub, will immediately after the execution and delivery of this Agreement adopt this Agreement in its
capacity as sole stockholder of Merger Sub. No vote of the holders of any class or series of Parent Capital Stock is necessary to approve
the Parent Stock Issuance.
(b) The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the Transactions will not (with or without notice
or lapse of time, or both) (i) contravene, conflict with or result in a violation of any material provision of the Organizational
Documents of either Parent or Merger Sub, (ii) with or without notice, lapse of time or both, result in a violation of, a termination
(or right of termination) of or default under, the creation or acceleration of any obligation or the loss of a benefit under, or result
in the creation of any Encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries under, any provision of any
loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement, permit, franchise or license to which Parent or any
of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which Parent or Merger Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries or their respective properties
or assets are bound or (iii) assuming the Consents referred to in Section 5.4 are duly and timely obtained or made, contravene,
conflict with or result in a violation of any Law applicable to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties
or assets, other than any such contraventions, conflicts, violations, defaults, acceleration, losses or Encumbrances that would not reasonably
be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
5.4 Consents.
No Consent from or filings with any Governmental Entity is required to be obtained or made by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries in connection
with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub or the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of
the Transactions, except for: (a) (i) the filing of a premerger notification report by Parent under the HSR Act, and the expiration
or termination of any applicable waiting period with respect thereto, and (ii) filings in connection with the Specified Regulatory
Approvals and the receipt of the Specified Regulatory Approvals; (b) the filing with the SEC of (i) the Proxy Statement and
the Registration Statement and (ii) such reports under Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, and such other compliance with
the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, as may be required in connection with this Agreement
and the Transactions; (c) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;
(d) filings with the NYSE; (e) such filings and approvals as may be required by any applicable state securities or “blue
sky” laws or Takeover Laws; and (f) any such Consent that the failure to obtain or make would not reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
5.5 SEC
Documents; Financial Statements.
(a) Since
December 31, 2021, Parent has filed or furnished with the SEC, on a timely basis, all forms, reports, certifications, schedules,
statements and documents required to be filed or furnished under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable (such forms, reports,
certifications, schedules, statements and documents, collectively, the “Parent SEC Documents”). As of their respective
dates, each of the Parent SEC Documents, as amended, complied, or if not yet filed or furnished, will comply as to form in all material
respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as the case may be, and
the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable to such Parent SEC Documents, and none of the Parent SEC Documents contained,
when filed or, if amended prior to the date of this Agreement, as of the date of such amendment with respect to those disclosures that
are amended, or if filed with or furnished to the SEC subsequent to the date of this Agreement, will contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(b) The
financial statements of Parent included in the Parent SEC Documents, including all notes and schedules thereto, complied, or, in the case
of Parent SEC Documents filed after the date of this Agreement, will comply, in all material respects, when filed or if amended prior
to the date of this Agreement, as of the date of such amendment, with the rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto,
were, or, in the case of Parent SEC Documents filed after the date of this Agreement, will be, prepared in accordance with GAAP applied
on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of the unaudited statements,
as permitted by Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the SEC) and fairly present in all material respects in accordance with applicable
requirements of GAAP (subject, in the case of the unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments) the financial position of
Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of their respective dates and the results of operations and the cash flows of Parent and its
consolidated Subsidiaries for the periods presented therein.
5.6 Absence
of Certain Changes or Events. From December 31, 2023 through the date of this Agreement, there has not been any Parent Material
Adverse Effect or any event, change, effect or development that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have
a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
5.7 No
Undisclosed Material Liabilities. There are no liabilities of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of any kind whatsoever, whether accrued,
contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise, other than: (a) liabilities adequately provided for on the balance sheet
of Parent dated as of March 31, 2024 (including the notes thereto) contained in the Parent’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the three (3) months ended March 31, 2024; (b) liabilities incurred in the Ordinary Course subsequent to March 31,
2024; (c) liabilities incurred in connection with the Transactions; and (d) liabilities that would not reasonably be expected
to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
5.8 Information
Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Parent for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (a) the
Registration Statement shall, at the time the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading or (b) the Proxy Statement will, at the date it is first
mailed to stockholders of the Company and at the time of the Company Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Subject to the accuracy of the first sentence of Section 4.8,
the Registration Statement will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the Securities
Act, respectively, and the rules and regulations thereunder; provided, however, that no representation is made by Parent
with respect to statements made therein based on information supplied by the Company specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference
therein.
5.9 Taxes.
Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is aware of the existence of any fact, or has taken or agreed to take any action, that would
reasonably be expected to prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of
the Code.
5.10 Litigation.
Except for such matters as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect,
there is no (a) Proceeding pending, or to the knowledge of Parent, threatened against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of
its Subsidiaries or any of their Oil and Gas Properties, or (b) judgment, decree, injunction, ruling, order, writ, stipulation, determination
or award of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator outstanding against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.
5.11 Ownership
of Company Common Stock. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any shares of Company Common Stock (or other securities convertible
into, exchangeable for or exercisable for shares of Company Common Stock).
5.12 Business
Conduct. Since its inception, Merger Sub has not engaged in any activity, other than such actions in connection with (a) its
organization and (b) the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the Transactions. Merger Sub has no operations,
has not generated any revenues and has no assets or liabilities other than those incurred in connection with the foregoing and in association
with the Merger as provided in this Agreement.
5.13 No
Additional Representations.
(a) Except
for the representations and warranties made in this Article V, neither Parent nor any other Person makes any express or implied
representation or warranty with respect to Parent or its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities
or conditions (financial or otherwise) in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions, and Parent hereby disclaims any such other
representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing disclaimer, neither Parent nor any other Person makes or
has made any representation or warranty to the Company or any of its Affiliates or Representatives with respect to (i) any financial
projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospect information relating to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses;
or (ii) except for the representations and warranties made by Parent in this Article V, any oral or written information
presented to the Company or any of its Affiliates or Representatives in the course of their due diligence
investigation of Parent, the
negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the Transactions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 5.13
shall limit the Company’s remedies with respect to claims of fraud arising from or relating to the express written representations
and warranties made by Parent and Merger Sub in this Article V.
(b) Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, Parent acknowledges and agrees that none of the Company or any other Person has
made or is making any representations or warranties relating to the Company or its Subsidiaries whatsoever, express or implied, beyond
those expressly given by the Company in Article IV, including any implied representation or warranty as to the accuracy or
completeness of any information regarding the Company furnished or made available to Parent or any of its Representatives and that neither
Parent nor Merger Sub has relied on any such other representation or warranty not set forth in this Agreement. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, Parent acknowledges that no representations or warranties are made with respect to any projections, forecasts, estimates,
budgets or prospect information that may have been made available to Parent or any of its Representatives (including in certain “data
rooms,” “virtual data rooms,” management presentations or in any other form in expectation of, or in connection with,
the Merger or the other Transactions).
Article VI
COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
6.1 Conduct
of Company Business Pending the Merger.
(a) Except
(i) as set forth on Schedule 6.1(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, (ii) as expressly permitted or required by this Agreement,
(iii) as may be required by applicable Law, the rules and regulations of the NYSE or the terms of a Company Plan, or (iv) as
otherwise consented to by Parent in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), the Company covenants
and agrees that, until the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VIII, it
shall use its reasonable best efforts to, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to use its reasonable best efforts to, conduct its
businesses in the Ordinary Course, and use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve substantially intact its present business organization,
goodwill and assets, comply in all material respects with applicable Laws and the Company Contracts, and maintain in effect all existing
material Company Permits, keep available the services of its current officers and employees and preserve its existing relationships with
Governmental Entities and its material customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees, distributors, lessors and others having material business
dealings with it; provided that this Section 6.1(a) shall not prohibit the Company and any of the Company Subsidiaries
from taking commercially reasonable actions outside of the Ordinary Course in response to an emergency condition that presents, or is
reasonably likely to present, a significant risk of imminent harm to human health, any material property or asset of the Company or any
of the Company Subsidiaries or the environment; provided, further, however, that the Company shall, as promptly as
reasonably practicable, inform Parent of such condition and any such actions taken pursuant to the prior proviso.
(b) Except
(i) as set forth on the corresponding subsection of Schedule 6.1(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter, (ii) as expressly
permitted or required by this Agreement,
(iii) as may be required by applicable Law or the rules and regulations of the NYSE,
or (iv) as otherwise consented to by Parent in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned),
until the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VIII, the Company shall
not, and shall not permit its Subsidiaries to:
(i) (A) declare,
set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distribution in respect of any outstanding capital stock of, or other equity interests
in, the Company or its Subsidiaries, except for (w) regular quarterly cash dividends (or corresponding dividend equivalents in respect
of equity awards) payable by the Company in the Ordinary Course (and, for avoidance of doubt, excluding any special dividends) in an amount
not to exceed $0.11 per share of Company Common Stock and consistent with past practice, (x) dividends and distributions by a direct
or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or another direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company,
and (y) dividends or distributions set forth on Schedule 6.1(b)(i) of the Company Disclosure Letter; (B) split, combine
or reclassify any capital stock of, or other equity interests in, or issue or authorize or propose the issuance of any other securities
in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for equity interests in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (C) purchase, redeem
or otherwise acquire, or offer to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any capital stock of, or other equity interests in, the Company
or any Subsidiary of the Company, except (x) as required by the terms of any capital stock or equity interest of any Company Subsidiary
outstanding on the date of this Agreement, (y) as required by the terms of any Company Equity Awards outstanding on the date hereof
or issued in accordance with this Agreement, or (z) to satisfy any applicable Tax withholding in respect of the vesting, exercise
or settlement of any Company Equity Awards outstanding as of the date hereof, in accordance with the terms of the Company Stock Plan and
applicable award agreements as of the date hereof;
(ii) offer,
issue, deliver, grant or sell, or authorize or propose to offer, issue, deliver, grant or sell, any capital stock of, or other equity
interests in, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any securities convertible into, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire,
any such capital stock or equity interests, other than: (A) the delivery of Company Common Stock upon the vesting of, exercise of
or lapse of any restrictions on any Company Equity Awards outstanding on the date hereof in accordance with the terms of the Company Stock
Plan and applicable award agreements as of the date hereof; (B) the sale of shares of Company Common Stock issued pursuant to the
exercise or vesting of Company Equity Award outstanding on the date hereof, in each case, if necessary to effectuate exercise or the withholding
of Taxes; (C) issuances by a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company of such Subsidiary’s capital stock or other equity interests
to the Company or any other wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company; and (D) shares of capital stock issued as a dividend made in
accordance with Section 6.1(b)(i);
(iii) amend
or propose to amend the Company’s Organizational Documents or the Organizational Documents of any Company Subsidiary;
(iv) (A) merge,
consolidate, combine or amalgamate with any Person or (B) acquire or agree to acquire (including by merging or consolidating with,
purchasing
any equity interest in or a substantial portion of the assets of, licensing, or by any other manner), any business or any corporation,
partnership, association or other business organization or division thereof, in each case other than (w) any such action solely between
or among the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or between or among wholly owned Company Subsidiaries, (x) acquisitions of
inventory in the Ordinary Course, (y) acquisitions of other assets in the Ordinary Course pursuant to a Contract of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries as in effect on the date of this Agreement and listed in Schedule 6.4(b)(iv) of the Company Disclosure
Letter or (z) acquisitions for which the consideration is less than $75,000,000 individually or in the aggregate;
(v) sell,
lease, transfer, farmout, license, Encumber (other than Permitted Encumbrances), discontinue or otherwise dispose of, or agree to sell,
lease, transfer, farmout, license, Encumber (other than Permitted Encumbrances), discontinue or otherwise dispose of, any portion of its
assets or properties (including Intellectual Property); other than (A) sales, leases or dispositions for which the consideration
(or the fair market value of such consideration, if non-cash) is less than $50,000,000 for any individual transaction or $75,000,000 in
the aggregate; (B) the sale of Hydrocarbons in the Ordinary Course; (C) asset swaps the fair market value of which are less
than $50,000,000 for any individual transaction or $75,000,000 in the aggregate; (D) pursuant to a Contract of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries as in effect on the date of this Agreement and listed in Schedule 6.1(b)(v) of the Company Disclosure Letter;
(E) among the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiaries; (F) sales of obsolete or worthless equipment; (G) the expiration
of any Oil and Gas Lease in accordance with its terms and in the Ordinary Course; or (H) non-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property
in the Ordinary Course; provided that the Company shall not be permitted to sell any asset if, as a result of such sale, the Company
would fail the “substantially-all test” of Section 368(a) of the Code;
(vi) authorize,
recommend, propose, enter into, adopt a plan or announce an intention to adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or dissolution,
merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than consolidation,
liquidation or dissolution of dormant wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Company;
(vii) change
in any material respect their material accounting principles, practices or methods, except as required by GAAP or applicable Law;
(viii) (A) make
(other than in the Ordinary Course), change or revoke any material election relating to Taxes, (B) change an annual Tax accounting
period with respect to material Taxes, (C) adopt (other than in the Ordinary Course) or change any material Tax accounting method,
(D) file any material amended Tax Return that is reasonably likely to result in a material increase to a Tax liability (other than
as required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code (or any analogous provision
of state, local or foreign Law)), (E) enter into any closing agreement with respect to material Taxes, (F) settle or compromise
any Tax claim, audit, assessment or dispute or surrender any right to claim a refund, except where the amount of any such settlements
or compromises or forgone refunds does not exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate and, for the absence of doubt, the Company and its Subsidiaries
shall act
reasonably in reaching such settlements or compromises or in forgoing such refunds, or (G) agree to an extension or waiver
of the statute of limitations with respect to the assessment or determination of any material Tax (other than in the Ordinary Course);
(ix) (A) grant
any increases in the compensation or benefits payable or to become payable to any of its current or former directors, officers, employees
or other service providers, except as required by applicable Law, as required by the terms of a Company Plan as in effect as of the date
hereof or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in connection with promotions in respect of employees whose
annualized target compensation opportunity (including base compensation, target annual bonus opportunity and target long-term incentive
opportunity) is less than $300,000; (B) take any action to accelerate the vesting or lapsing of restrictions or payment, or fund
or in any other way secure the payment, of compensation or benefits; (C) grant any new equity-based or non-equity awards, amend or
modify the terms of any outstanding equity-based or non-equity awards, pay any incentive or performance-based compensation or benefits
or approve treatment of outstanding equity awards in connection with the Transactions that is inconsistent with the treatment contemplated
by Section 3.2; (D) pay or agree to pay to any current or former director, officer, employee or other service provider
any pension, retirement allowance or other benefit not required by the terms of any Company Plan as in effect as of the date hereof; (E) enter
into any new, or amend any existing, employment or severance or termination agreement with any current or former director, officer, employee
or other service provider, other than entering into offer letters with employees permitted to be hired pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(ix)(G) on
the Company’s standard form in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice that can be terminated within thirty
(30) days without penalty or payment of severance in excess of any severance required by applicable Law; (F) establish any Company
Plan which was not in existence prior to the date of this Agreement, or amend or terminate any Company Plan in existence on the date of
this Agreement, other than (I) amendments that do not have the effect of enhancing any compensation or benefits thereunder or otherwise
resulting in increased costs to the Company or its Subsidiaries in an aggregate annual amount as a result of all such amendments in excess
of $500,000, or imposing restrictions on the Company or its Subsidiaries, or (II) immaterial changes or amendments made as a result
of annual enrollment or annual renewal of welfare plans or restatements of such plans; (G) hire or promote any employee or engage
any other service provider (who is a natural person) who has (or would have) a title of Vice President or above or who has (or would have)
an annualized target compensation opportunity (including base compensation, target annual bonus opportunity and target long-term incentive
opportunity) in excess of $300,000; (H) terminate the employment of any employee or other service provider who has an annualized
target compensation opportunity (including base compensation, target annual bonus opportunity and target long-term incentive opportunity)
in excess of $300,000 or with a title of Vice President or above, in each case, other than for cause; or (I) enter into, amend or
terminate any collective bargaining agreement or other similar labor agreement with a union or other similar labor organization, except
as required by applicable Law;
(x) (A) retire,
repay, defease, repurchase, discharge, satisfy or redeem all or any portion of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Company’s
Indebtedness that has a repayment cost, “make whole” amount, prepayment penalty or similar obligation
(other than (i) breakage,
funding, indemnity or similar costs and (ii) retirements, repayments, discharges and satisfactions in the Ordinary Course of Indebtedness
incurred by the Company or its direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiaries and owed to the Company or its direct or indirect wholly-owned
Subsidiaries); (B) incur, create or assume any Indebtedness or guarantee any such Indebtedness of another Person; (C) create
any Encumbrances on any property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any Indebtedness thereof, other
than Permitted Encumbrances; or (D) permit the Municipal Bonds due 2024 to remain outstanding after July 1, 2024 or remarket
such bonds; provided, however, that the foregoing clauses (B) and (C) shall not restrict (1) the
incurrence of Indebtedness under the Existing Commercial Paper Program and Existing Credit Facility in the Ordinary Course in an amount
not to exceed in the aggregate at any time outstanding $1,500,000,000 (which amount shall include amounts borrowed to refinance the Municipal
Bonds due 2024); (2) the incurrence of Indebtedness in the Ordinary Course by the Company that is owed to any wholly-owned Subsidiary
of the Company or by any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company that is owed to the Company or a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company;
or (3) the creation of any Encumbrances securing any Indebtedness permitted by the foregoing clauses (1) or (2);
(xi) (A) enter
into any Contract that would be a Company Contract if it were in effect on the date of this Agreement, (B) subject in the case of
Development Agreements to the following clause (C), materially modify, materially amend, terminate or assign, or waive, release or assign
any rights, claims or benefits under, any Company Contract, (C) enter into, materially modify, materially amend, terminate, extend,
or make or permit any material election under any Development Agreement, or (D) enter into any material Derivative Transaction;
(xii) cancel,
modify or waive any debts or claims held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or waive any rights held by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries having, in each case, a value in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate;
(xiii) waive,
release, assign, settle or compromise or offer or propose to waive, release, assign, settle or compromise, any Proceeding (excluding any
audit, claim or other proceeding in respect of Taxes) other than the settlement of such Proceedings that (A) involve only the payment
of monetary damages by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries not exceeding $15,000,000 individually or in the aggregate (but excluding
any amounts paid on behalf of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries by any applicable insurance policy maintained by the Company
or any of the Company Subsidiaries), (B) do not impose any restrictions or limitations upon the assets, operations, business or conduct
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any equitable or injunctive remedies on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (C) do
not involve the admission of any criminal wrongdoing by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; provided, that the Company shall
be permitted to settle any Transaction Litigation in accordance with Section 6.11;
(xiv) make or commit to make any capital expenditures other than (x) the
capital expenditures permitted by Schedule 6.1(b)(xiv) of the Company Disclosure Letter and (y) capital expenditures to repair
damage resulting from insured casualty events or capital
expenditures required on an emergency basis or for the safety of individuals,
assets or the environment (provided that the Company shall notify Parent of any such expenditure as soon as reasonably practicable);
(xv) take
any action, cause any action to be taken, knowingly fail to take any action or knowingly fail to cause any action to be taken, which action
or failure to act would prevent or impede, or would be reasonably likely to prevent or impede, the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;
(xvi) take
any action or omit to take any action that is reasonably likely to cause any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VII
to not be satisfied;
(xvii) make
any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person, other than for acquisitions permitted by clause
(iv) of this Section 6.1(b);
(xviii) fail
to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain in full force and effect any Material Company Insurance Policies (or substantially
similar replacements thereto); provided that in the event of a termination, cancellation or lapse of any Material Company Insurance
Policy, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly obtain replacement policies providing substantially comparable
insurance coverage with respect to the material assets, operations and activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently in
effect as of the date hereof; or
(xix) agree
to take any action that is prohibited by this Section 6.1(b).
6.2 Conduct
of Parent Business Pending the Merger.
(a) Except
(i) as set forth on Schedule 6.2(a) of the Parent Disclosure Letter, (ii) as expressly permitted or required by this Agreement,
(iii) as may be required by applicable Law or the rules and regulations of the NYSE, or (iv) as otherwise consented to
by the Company in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), Parent covenants and agrees that,
until the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VIII, it shall use its reasonable
best efforts to, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to use its reasonable best efforts to, conduct its businesses in the Ordinary
Course, and use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve substantially intact its present material business organization, goodwill
and assets and preserve its existing relationships with Governmental Entities and its material customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees,
distributors, lessors and others having material business dealings with it; provided that this Section 6.2(a) shall
not prohibit Parent and any of Parent’s Subsidiaries from taking commercially reasonable actions outside of the Ordinary Course
in response to an emergency condition that presents, or is reasonably likely to present, a significant risk of imminent harm to human
health, any material property or asset of Parent or any of Parent’s Subsidiaries or the environment; provided, further,
however, that Parent shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable, inform the Company of such condition and any such actions taken
pursuant to the prior proviso.
(b) Except
(i) as set forth on the corresponding subsection of Schedule 6.2(b) of the Parent Disclosure Letter, (ii) as expressly
permitted or required by this Agreement, (iii) as may be required by applicable Law or the rules and regulations of the NYSE,
or (iv) as otherwise
consented to by the Company in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned),
until the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VIII, Parent shall not:
(i) declare,
set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distribution in respect of any outstanding capital stock of, or other equity interests
in, Parent (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, stock buybacks), except for quarterly cash dividends (which may include the ordinary
dividend and/or variable return of cash) and corresponding dividend equivalents in respect of equity awards payable by Parent, together
with increases that are materially consistent with past practice;
(ii) amend
or propose to amend Parent’s Organizational Documents (other than in immaterial respects) in a manner that would prevent, materially
delay or materially impair the ability of the Parties to consummate the Transactions or otherwise materially and adversely affect the
consummation of the Transactions, or be materially adverse to the Company’s stockholders (as compared to other stockholders of Parent);
(iii) adopt
a plan or announce an intention to adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or dissolution of Parent; or
(iv) agree
to take any action that is prohibited by this Section 6.2.
6.3 Control
of Business. Without limiting in any way any Party’s rights or obligations under this Agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement
shall give any Party, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the other Party and its Subsidiaries’ operations prior
to the Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, each of the Parties shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, complete control and supervision over its and its Subsidiaries’ respective operations.
6.4 No
Solicitation by the Company.
(a) From
and after the date of this Agreement, the Company and its officers and directors will, will cause the Company’s Subsidiaries and
their respective officers and directors to, and will use their reasonable best efforts to cause the other Representatives of the Company
and its Subsidiaries to, immediately cease, and cause to be terminated, any discussion or negotiations with any Person conducted heretofore
by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Representatives with respect to any inquiry, proposal or offer that constitutes, or could
reasonably be expected to lead to, a Company Competing Proposal. Within one (1) Business Day of the date of this Agreement the Company
shall deliver a written notice to each Person that has received non-public information regarding the Company within the twelve (12) months
prior to the date of this Agreement pursuant to a confidentiality agreement with the Company for purposes of evaluating any transaction
that could be a Company Competing Proposal and for whom no similar notice has been delivered prior to the date of this Agreement requesting
the prompt return or destruction of all confidential information concerning the Company and any of its Subsidiaries heretofore furnished
to such Person or its Representatives. The Company will immediately terminate any physical and electronic data access related to any such
potential Company Competing Proposal previously granted to such Persons.
(b) From
and after the date of this Agreement, the Company and its officers and directors will not, will cause the Company’s Subsidiaries
and their respective officers and directors not to, and will use their reasonable best efforts to cause the other Representatives of the
Company and its Subsidiaries not to, directly or indirectly:
(i) initiate,
solicit, propose, knowingly encourage, or knowingly facilitate any inquiry or the making of any proposal or offer that constitutes, or
could reasonably be expected to result in, a Company Competing Proposal;
(ii) engage
in, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions with any Person with respect to or negotiations with any Person with respect
to, relating to, or in furtherance of a Company Competing Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that could reasonably be expected
to lead to a Company Competing Proposal;
(iii) furnish
any information regarding the Company or its Subsidiaries, or access to the properties, assets or employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries,
to any Person in connection with or in response to any Company Competing Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that could reasonably
be expected to lead to a Company Competing Proposal;
(iv) enter
into any letter of intent or agreement in principle, or other agreement providing for a Company Competing Proposal (other than a confidentiality
agreement as provided in Section 6.4(e)(ii) entered into in compliance with Section 6.4(e)(ii)); or
(v) submit
any Company Competing Proposal to the vote of the stockholders of the Company;
provided,
that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company or any of its Representatives may, in response to an inquiry
or proposal from a third party, inform a third party or its Representative of the restrictions imposed by the provisions of this Section 6.4
(without conveying, requesting or attempting to gather any other information, except as otherwise specifically permitted hereunder).
(c) From
and after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall promptly (and in any event within 24 hours) notify Parent of the receipt by the
Company (directly or indirectly) of any Company Competing Proposal or any expression of interest, inquiry, proposal or offer with respect
to, or that could reasonably be expected to lead to, a Company Competing Proposal made on or after the date of this Agreement, any request
for information or data relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries made by any Person in connection with a Company Competing Proposal
or any request for discussions or negotiations with the Company or a Representative of the Company relating to, or that could reasonably
be expected to lead to, a Company Competing Proposal (including the identity of such Person), and the Company shall provide to Parent
promptly (and in any event within the 24 hours) (i) a copy of any such expression of interest, inquiry, proposal or offer made in
writing provided to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any such expression of interest, inquiry, proposal or offer that
is not (or any portion thereof is not) made in writing, a written summary of the material financial and other terms thereof. Thereafter
the Company shall (i) keep Parent reasonably informed, on a prompt basis
(and in any event within 24 hours), of any material development
regarding the status or terms of any such expressions of interest, inquiry, proposal or offer (including any amendments thereto) or material
requests and shall promptly (and in any event within 24 hours) apprise Parent of the status of any such discussions or negotiations and
(ii) provide to Parent as soon as practicable after receipt or delivery thereof (and in any event within 24 hours) copies of all
material written correspondence and other material written materials provided to the Company or its Representatives from any Person. Without
limiting the foregoing, the Company shall notify Parent if the Company determines to begin providing information or to engage in discussions
or negotiations concerning a Company Competing Proposal, prior to providing any such information or engaging in any such discussions or
negotiations.
(d) Except
as permitted by Section 6.4(e), the Company Board, including any committee thereof, agrees it shall not:
(i) withhold,
withdraw, qualify or modify, or publicly propose or announce any intention to withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify, in a manner adverse
to Parent or Merger Sub, the Company Board Recommendation;
(ii) fail
to include the Company Board Recommendation in the Proxy Statement;
(iii) approve,
endorse or recommend, or publicly propose or announce any intention to approve, endorse or recommend, any Company Competing Proposal;
(iv) publicly
declare advisable or publicly propose to enter into, any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition
agreement, merger agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement or other agreement (other than a confidentiality
agreement referred to in Section 6.4(e)(ii) entered into in compliance with Section 6.4(e)(ii)) relating
to a Company Competing Proposal (a “Company Alternative Acquisition Agreement”);
(v) in
the case of a Company Competing Proposal that is structured as a tender offer or exchange offer pursuant to Rule 14d-2 under the
Exchange Act for outstanding shares of Company Common Stock (other than by Parent or an Affiliate of Parent), fail to recommend, in a
Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9, against acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer by its stockholders
on or prior to the earlier of (A) three (3) Business Days prior to the date of the Company Stockholders Meeting (or promptly
after commencement of such tender offer or exchange offer if commenced on or after the third (3rd) Business Day prior to the date of the
Company Stockholders Meeting) or (B) ten (10) business days (as such term is used in Rule 14d-9 of the Exchange Act) after
commencement of such tender offer or exchange offer;
(vi) if
a Company Competing Proposal shall have been publicly announced or disclosed (other than pursuant to the foregoing clause (v)),
fail to publicly reaffirm the Company Board Recommendation on or prior to the earlier of (A) five (5) Business Days after Parent
so requests in writing or (B) three (3) Business Days prior to the date of the Company Stockholders Meeting (or promptly after
announcement or disclosure of such
Company Competing Proposal if announced or disclosed on or after the third (3rd) Business Day prior
to the date of the Company Stockholders Meeting); or
(vii) cause
or permit the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into a Company Alternative Acquisition Agreement (together with any of the actions
set forth in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi), a “Company
Change of Recommendation”).
(e) Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary:
(i) the
Company Board may, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, make such disclosures as the Company Board determines in good faith
are necessary to comply with Rule 14d-9 or Rule 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act or other disclosure required
to be made in the Proxy Statement by applicable U.S. federal securities laws; provided, however, that if such disclosure
has the effect of withdrawing or adversely modifying the Company Board Recommendation, such disclosure shall be deemed to be a Company
Change of Recommendation and Parent shall have the right to terminate this Agreement as set forth in Section 8.1(c);
(ii) prior
to, but not after, the receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval, the Company and its Representatives may engage in the activities prohibited
by Sections 6.4(b)(ii) or 6.4(b)(iii) with any Person if (A) the Company receives a bona fide
written Company Competing Proposal from such Person that was not solicited at any time following the execution of this Agreement and (B) such
Company Competing Proposal did not arise from a material breach of the obligations set forth in this Section 6.4; provided,
however, that (1) no information that is prohibited from being furnished pursuant to Section 6.4(b) may be
furnished until the Company receives an executed confidentiality agreement from such Person containing limitations on the use and disclosure
of non-public information furnished to such Person by or on behalf of the Company that are no less favorable in all material respects
than the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, as determined by the Company Board in good faith after consultation with its legal counsel
(provided, further, that such confidentiality agreement does not contain provisions which prohibit the Company from providing
any information to Parent in accordance with this Section 6.4 or that otherwise prohibits the Company from complying with
the provisions of this Section 6.4), (2) any such non-public information has previously been made available to, or is
made available to, Parent prior to or concurrently with (or in the case of oral non-public information only, promptly (and in any event
within 24 hours) after) the time such information is made available to such Person, (3) prior to taking any such actions, the Company
Board or any committee thereof determines in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that
such Company Competing Proposal is, or would reasonably be expected to lead to, a Company Superior Proposal and (4) prior to taking
any such actions, the Company Board determines in good faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel that failure to take such
action would be inconsistent with the fiduciary duties owed by the Company Board to the stockholders of the Company under applicable Law;
(iii) prior
to, but not after, the receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval, in response to a bona fide written Company Competing Proposal
from a third party that was not solicited at any time following the execution of this Agreement and did not arise from a material breach
of the obligations set forth in this Section 6.4, if the Company Board so chooses, the Company Board may effect a Company
Change of Recommendation (other than of the type described in clause (vi) of the definition thereof) or terminate this Agreement
pursuant to and in accordance with Section 8.1(e) in order to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to such
Company
Superior Proposal; provided, however, that such a Company Change of Recommendation or termination of this Agreement,
as applicable, may not be made unless and until:
(A) the
Company Board determines in good faith after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel that such Company Competing
Proposal is a Company Superior Proposal;
(B) the
Company Board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, that failure to effect a Company Change of
Recommendation in response to such Company Superior Proposal or terminate this Agreement to enter into a definitive agreement with respect
to such Company Superior Proposal would be inconsistent with the fiduciary duties owed by the Company Board to the stockholders of the
Company under applicable Law;
(C) the
Company provides Parent written notice of such proposed action and the basis thereof five (5) Business Days in advance, which notice
shall set forth in writing that the Company Board intends to consider whether to take such action and include a copy of the available
proposed Company Competing Proposal and any applicable transaction and financing documents;
(D) after
giving such notice and prior to effecting such Company Change of Recommendation or terminating this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(e),
the Company negotiates (and causes its officers, employees, financial advisor and outside legal counsel to negotiate) in good faith with
Parent (to the extent Parent wishes to negotiate) to make such adjustments or revisions to the terms of this Agreement as would permit
the Company Board not to effect a Company Change of Recommendation or terminate this Agreeement in response thereto; and
(E) at
the end of the five (5) Business Day period, prior to taking action to effect a Company Change of Recommendation or terminating this
Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(e), the Company Board takes into account any adjustments or revisions to the terms of this
Agreement proposed by Parent in writing and any other information offered by Parent in response to the notice, and determines in good
faith after consultation with its financial advisors
and outside legal counsel, that the Company Competing Proposal remains a Company
Superior Proposal and that the failure to effect a Company Change of Recommendation in response to such Company Superior Proposal, or
terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(e) to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to such Company
Superior Proposal, as applicable, would be inconsistent with the fiduciary duties owed by the Company Board to the stockholders of the
Company under applicable Law; provided, that in the event of any material amendment or material modification to any Company Superior
Proposal (it being understood that any amendment or modification to the economic terms of any such Company Superior Proposal shall be
deemed material), the Company shall be required to deliver a new written notice to Parent and to comply with the requirements of
this Section 6.4(e)(iii) with respect to such new written notice, except that the advance written notice obligation
set forth in this Section 6.4(e)(iii) shall be reduced to three (3) Business Days; provided, further,
that any such new written notice shall in no event shorten the original five (5) Business Day notice period; and
(iv) prior
to, but not after, receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval, in response to a Company Intervening Event that occurs or arises after
the date of this Agreement and that did not arise from or in connection with a breach of this Agreement by the Company, the Company may,
if the Company Board so chooses, effect a Company Change of Recommendation; provided, however, that such a Company Change
of Recommendation may not be made unless and until:
(A) the
Company Board determines in good faith after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel that a Company Intervening
Event has occurred;
(B) the
Company Board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, that failure to effect a Company Change of
Recommendation in response to such Company Intervening Event would be inconsistent with the fiduciary duties owed by the Company Board
to the stockholders of the Company under applicable Law;
(C) the
Company provides Parent written notice of such proposed action and the basis thereof five (5) Business Days in advance, which notice
shall set forth in writing that the Company Board intends to consider whether to take such action and includes a reasonably detailed description
of the facts and circumstances of the Company Intervening Event;
(D) after
giving such notice and prior to effecting such Company Change of Recommendation, the Company negotiates (and causes its officers, employees,
financial advisor and outside legal counsel to negotiate) in good faith with Parent (to the extent Parent wishes to negotiate) to make
such adjustments or revisions to the terms of this Agreement as would permit the Company Board not to effect a Company Change of Recommendation
in response thereto; and
(E) at
the end of the five (5) Business Day period, prior to taking action to effect a Company Change of Recommendation, the Company Board
takes into account any adjustments or revisions to the terms of this Agreement proposed by Parent in writing and any other information
offered by Parent in response to the notice, and determines in good faith after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal
counsel, that the failure to effect a Company Change of Recommendation in response to such Company Intervening Event would be inconsistent
with the fiduciary duties owed by the Company Board to the stockholders of the Company under applicable Law; provided, that in
the event of any material changes regarding any Company Intervening Event, the Company shall be required to deliver a new written notice
to Parent and to comply with the requirements of this Section 6.4(e)(iv) with respect to such new written notice, except
that the advance written notice obligation set forth in this Section 6.4(e)(iv) shall be reduced to three (3) Business
Days; provided, further, that any such new written notice shall in no event shorten the original five (5) Business
Day notice period.
(f) During
the period commencing with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the Effective Time and termination
of this Agreement in accordance with Article VIII, the Company shall not (and it shall cause its Subsidiaries not to) terminate,
amend, modify or waive any provision of any confidentiality, “standstill” or similar agreement to which it or any of its Subsidiaries
is a party; provided, that, notwithstanding any other provision in this Section 6.4, prior to, but not after, the time
the Company Stockholder Approval is obtained, if, in response to an unsolicited request from a third party to waive any “standstill”
or similar provision, the Company Board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel that the failure to
take such action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties owed by the Company Board to the stockholders of the Company under applicable
Law, the Company may waive any such “standstill” or similar provision solely to the extent necessary to permit a third party
to make a Company Competing Proposal, on a confidential basis, to the Company Board and communicate such waiver to the applicable third
party; provided, however, that the Company shall advise Parent at least two (2) Business Days prior to taking such
action. The Company represents and warrants to Parent that it has not taken any action that (i) would be prohibited by this Section 6.4(f) or
(ii) but for the ability to avoid actions inconsistent with the fiduciary duties owed by the Company Board to the stockholders of
the Company under applicable Law, would have been prohibited by this Section 6.4(f), in each case, during the thirty (30)
days prior to the date of this Agreement.
(g) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Section 6.4, any action, or failure to take action, that is taken by a director or officer
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by any Representative of the Company or its Subsidiaries acting at the Company’s direction
or on its behalf, in each case, in violation of this Section 6.4, shall be deemed to be a breach of this Section 6.4
by the Company.
6.5 Preparation
of Proxy Statement and Registration Statement.
(a) Parent
and the Company will jointly prepare and cause to be filed with the SEC the Registration Statement (in which the Proxy Statement will
be included) and the Proxy Statement and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such filing to be made no later than thirty
(30) days after the date hereof. The Company, Parent and Merger Sub shall cooperate with each other in the preparation of the Registration
Statement and the Proxy Statement and furnish all information concerning itself and its Affiliates that is required in connection with
the preparation of the Registration Statement or Proxy Statement and any amendments or supplements
thereto. No filing of, or amendment
or supplement to, the Registration Statement or Proxy Statement or response to SEC comments will be made by Parent or the Company without
providing the other Party a reasonable opportunity to review and comment thereon and such Party shall give reasonable consideration to
any comments made by the other Party and its Representatives; provided, that with respect to documents filed by a Party related
to the Transactions which are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or Proxy Statement, the other Party’s right
to comment shall not apply with respect to information (if any) relating to the filing Party’s business, financial condition or
results of operations. Each of Parent and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause the Registration
Statement and the Proxy Statement at the date that it (and any amendment or supplement thereto) is first published, sent, or given to
the holders of Company Common Stock and at the time of the Company Stockholders Meeting, to (A) comply as to form in all material
respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and Exchange Act, respectively, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder
and (B) not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements
made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (ii) have the Registration Statement declared
effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after its filing and keep the Registration Statement effective for so long
as necessary to consummate the Merger.
(b) Parent
and the Company shall make all necessary filings with respect to the Merger and the Transactions under the Securities Act and the Exchange
Act and applicable “blue sky” laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Each Party will advise the other Party,
promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time when the Registration Statement has become effective or any supplement or amendment
has been filed or the issuance of any stop order or the suspension of the qualification of the Parent Common Stock issuable in connection
with the Merger for offering or sale in any jurisdiction. Each of the Company and Parent will use reasonable best efforts to have any
such stop order or suspension lifted, reversed or otherwise terminated.
(c) If
at any time prior to the Effective Time, Parent or the Company discovers any information relating to Parent or the Company, or any of
their respective Affiliates, officers or directors that should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement
or the Proxy Statement, so that such documents would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the Party that discovers
such information shall promptly notify the other Party and an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information shall be
promptly filed with the SEC and, to the extent required by applicable Law, disseminated to the stockholders of the Company.
6.6 Company
Stockholders Meeting.
(a) The
Company shall take all action necessary in accordance with applicable Laws and the Organizational Documents of the Company to duly give
notice of, convene and hold (in person or virtually, in accordance with applicable Law) a meeting of its stockholders for the purpose
of obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval, to be held as promptly as reasonably practicable following the clearance of the Proxy Statement
by the SEC and the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC (and in any event will use reasonable best efforts to
convene
such meeting within forty (40) days thereof). Except as expressly permitted by Section 6.4, the Company Board shall recommend
that the stockholders of the Company vote in favor of the adoption of this Agreement at the Company Stockholders Meeting and the Company
Board shall solicit from stockholders of the Company proxies in favor of the adoption of this Agreement, and the Proxy Statement shall
include the Company Board Recommendation. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Parent (such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld, conditioned or delayed), adjourn, postpone or otherwise delay the Company Stockholders Meeting; provided that the Company
may, notwithstanding the foregoing, without the prior written consent of Parent, and shall if requested by Parent, adjourn or postpone
the Company Stockholders Meeting (i) if, after consultation with Parent, the Company believes in good faith that such adjournment
or postponement is reasonably necessary to allow reasonable additional time to (A) solicit additional proxies necessary to obtain
the Company Stockholder Approval, or (B) distribute any supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement the distribution of which
the Company Board has determined in good faith to be necessary under applicable law after consultation with, and taking into account the
advice of, outside legal counsel or (ii) for an absence of a quorum, and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain
such a quorum as promptly as practicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) the Company may not, without the prior written consent
of Parent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) postpone or adjourn the Company Stockholder Meeting (x) more
than a total of three (3) times pursuant to clause (i)(A) or (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence or
(y) for a period exceeding ten (10) Business Days in the aggregate pursuant to clause (i)(A) or (ii) of
the immediately preceding sentence; and (2) if the Company Stockholders Meeting is postponed or adjourned, the Company shall reconvene
the Company Stockholders Meeting at the earliest practicable date on which the Company reasonably expects to have sufficient affirmative
votes to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval; and provided, further that the Company Stockholders Meeting shall not
be adjourned or postponed to a date on or after three (3) Business Days prior to the End Date. If requested by Parent, the Company
shall promptly provide all voting tabulation reports relating to the Company Stockholders Meeting that have been prepared by the Company
or the Company’s transfer agent, proxy solicitor or other Representative, and shall otherwise keep Parent reasonably informed regarding
the status of the solicitation and any material oral or written communications from or to the Company’s stockholders with respect
thereto. Unless there has been a Company Change of Recommendation in accordance with Section 6.4, the Parties agree to cooperate
and use their reasonable best efforts to defend against any efforts by any of the Company’s stockholders or any other Person to
prevent the Company Stockholder Approval from being obtained.
(b) The
Company will, as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, establish a record date (and commence a broker search
pursuant to Section 14a-13 of the Exchange Act in connection therewith), which record date shall be prior to (or as promptly as reasonably
practicable following) the effectiveness of the Registration Statement. Once the Company has established a record date for the Company
Stockholders Meeting, the Company shall not change such record date or establish a different record date for the Company Stockholders
Meeting without the prior written consent of Parent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless
required to do so by applicable Law or its Organizational Documents.
(c) Without
the prior written consent of Parent or as required by applicable Law, (i) the adoption of this Agreement shall be the only matter
(other than a non-binding advisory proposal regarding compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers
of the Company in connection with the Merger and matters of procedure) that the Company shall propose to be acted on by the stockholders
of the Company at the Company Stockholders Meeting and the Company shall not submit any other proposal to such stockholders in connection
with the Company Stockholders Meeting or otherwise (including any proposal inconsistent with the adoption of this Agreement or the consummation
of the Transactions) and (ii) the Company shall not call, hold or convene any meeting of the stockholders of the Company other than
the Company Stockholders Meeting and the regular annual meeting of stockholders of the Company for 2025 and 2026 (provided that
(x) the proposals presented at any such annual stockholders’ meeting are the same as those customarily presented by the Company
at its annual stockholders’ meetings, and (y) the Company does not present any proposal at any such annual stockholders’
meeting that would violate the terms of this Agreement or would reasonably be expected to materially delay, materially impede or prevent
the consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement).
(d) Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company agrees that (x) its obligations pursuant to this Section 6.6 shall
not be affected by the commencement, announcement, disclosure, or communication of any Company Competing Proposal or other proposal (including
a Company Superior Proposal) or the occurrence or disclosure of any Company Intervening Event, and (y) prior to the valid termination
of this Agreement pursuant to Article VIII, its obligations to hold the Company Stockholders Meeting pursuant to this Section 6.6
shall not be affected by the making of a Company Change of Recommendation.
(e) Promptly
after the execution of this Agreement, Parent shall duly approve and adopt this Agreement in its capacity as the sole stockholder of Merger
Sub in accordance with applicable Law and the Organizational Documents of Merger Sub and deliver to the Company evidence of its vote or
action by written consent so approving and adopting this Agreement.
6.7 Access
to Information.
(a) Subject
to applicable Law, Section 6.8(c) and the other provisions of this Section 6.7, the Company shall (and shall
cause its Subsidiaries to), upon request by Parent, furnish Parent with all information concerning itself, its Subsidiaries, directors,
officers and stockholders and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with any statement, filing,
notice or application made by or on behalf of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to any third party or any Governmental Entity in connection
with the Transactions. The Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, afford to Parent and its Representatives, during
the period prior to the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article VIII,
reasonable access, at reasonable times upon reasonable prior notice, to the officers, key employees, agents, properties, offices and other
facilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries and to their books, records, contracts and documents and shall, and shall cause each of
its Subsidiaries to, furnish reasonably promptly to Parent and its Representatives such information concerning its and its Subsidiaries’
business, properties, contracts, records and personnel as may be reasonably requested, from time to time, by or on behalf of Parent. Parent
and its Representatives shall conduct any such activities in such a manner as not to interfere
unreasonably with the business or operations
of the Company or its Subsidiaries or otherwise cause any unreasonable interference with the prompt and timely discharge by the employees
of the Company and its Subsidiaries of their normal duties. Notwithstanding the foregoing:
(i) the
Company shall not be required to, or to cause any of its Subsidiaries to, grant access or furnish information, as applicable, to Parent
or any of its Representatives to the extent that such information is subject to an attorney/client privilege or the attorney work product
doctrine or that such access or the furnishing of such information, as applicable, is prohibited by applicable Law or an existing contract
or agreement (provided, however, that the Company shall inform Parent as to the general nature of what is being withheld
and the Company shall reasonably cooperate with Parent to make appropriate substitute arrangements to permit reasonable disclosure that
does not suffer from any of the foregoing impediments, including through the use of commercially reasonable efforts to (A) obtain
the required consent or waiver of any third party required to provide such information and (B) implement appropriate and mutually
agreeable measures to permit the disclosure of such information in a manner to remove the basis for the objection, including by arrangement
of appropriate clean room procedures, redaction or entry into a customary joint defense agreement with respect to any information to be
so provided, if the Parties determine that doing so would reasonably permit the disclosure of such information without violating applicable
Law or jeopardizing such privilege);
(ii) Parent
shall not be permitted to conduct any sampling or analysis of any environmental media or building materials at any facility of the Company
or its Subsidiaries without the prior written consent of the Company (granted or withheld in its sole discretion); and
(iii) no
investigation or information provided pursuant to this Section 6.7 shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation
or warranty made by the Company or to operate as a non-compete obligation against Parent and its Subsidiaries.
(b) The
Confidentiality Agreement dated as of May 10, 2024 between Parent and the Company (the “Confidentiality Agreement”)
shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and shall apply to all information furnished thereunder or hereunder; provided,
that section 8 of the Confidentiality Agreement shall be of no force and effect as of the date hereof. From and after the date of this
Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time and termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article VIII, each
Party shall continue to provide access to the other Party and its Representatives to the data relating to the Transactions maintained
by or on its behalf to which the other Party and its Representatives were provided access prior to the date of this Agreement.
6.8 HSR
and Other Approvals.
(a) Except
for the filings and notifications made pursuant to Antitrust Laws to which Sections 6.8(b) through 6.8(e), and not
this Section 6.8(a), shall apply, promptly following the execution of this Agreement, the Parties shall proceed to prepare
and file with the appropriate Governmental Entities and other third parties all authorizations, consents, notifications, certifications,
registrations, declarations and filings that are necessary in order to consummate the
Transactions and shall diligently and expeditiously
prosecute, and shall cooperate fully with each other in the prosecution of, such matters. Notwithstanding the foregoing (but subject to
Sections 6.8(b) and 6.8(e)), in no event shall either the Company or Parent or any of their respective Affiliates be
required to pay any consideration to any third parties or give anything of value to obtain any such Person’s authorization, approval,
consent or waiver to effectuate the Transactions, other than filing, recordation or similar fees, provided, that the Company shall
take such actions if requested by Parent so long as such actions are conditioned on the occurrence of the Closing and Parent has agreed
to reimburse the Company for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs in connection with such actions in the event that the Closing does not
occur. Parent and the Company shall have the right to review in advance and each will consult with the other on and consider in good faith
the views of the other in connection with, all of the information relating to Parent or the Company, as applicable, and any of their respective
Subsidiaries, that appears in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any third party or any Governmental Entity in connection
with the Transactions (including the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement). The Company and its Subsidiaries shall not agree to
any actions, restrictions or conditions with respect to obtaining any consents, registrations, approvals, permits, expirations of waiting
periods or authorizations in connection with the Transactions without the prior written consent of Parent (which consent, subject to Section 6.8(b),
may be withheld in Parent’s sole discretion).
(b) As promptly as reasonably practicable following the execution of this
Agreement, (x) the Parties shall file, or cause to be filed all required Notification and Report Forms under the HSR Act with respect
to this Agreement and the Transactions (which shall be filed no later than ten (10) Business Days following the date of this Agreement,
provided that there are no changes in effect in the applicable regulations under the HSR Act between the date hereof and the date
of filing pursuant to the HSR Act, in which instance the Company and Parent shall use reasonable best efforts to file or cause to be filed
any and all required notification and report forms under the HSR Act as promptly as commercially practicable thereafter); and (y) Parent
shall, at its own cost, and with the cooperation and support of the Company and its Subsidiaries, file, or cause to be filed any required
merger notifications in connection with the Specified Regulatory Approvals (which shall be filed no later than twenty (20) Business Days
following the date of this Agreement). Each of Parent and the Company shall cooperate fully with each other and shall furnish to the other
such necessary information and reasonable assistance as the other may reasonably request in connection with its preparation of any filings
under any applicable Antitrust Laws. Unless otherwise agreed, Parent and the Company shall each use its reasonable best efforts to ensure
the prompt expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, ensure the prompt receipt of the Specified Regulatory
Approvals or the expiration or lapse of any legislated review periods (including any extensions thereof) in the jurisdictions where Specified
Regulatory Approvals are sought (as applicable), and bring about the Closing as promptly as practicable. Parent and the Company shall
each use its reasonable best efforts to respond to and comply with any request for information or documentary materials from any Governmental
Entity (“Antitrust Authority”) charged with enforcing, applying, administering, or investigating the HSR Act or any
other Law designed to govern competition, trade or foreign investment, or to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions with the purpose or
effect of monopolization, restraint of trade, lessening of competition, or foreign investment for the purpose of national security, public
order, or defense matters (collectively, “Antitrust Laws”).
(c) Each
Party shall: (i) promptly notify the other Parties of, and if in writing, furnish the others with copies of (or, in the case of oral
communications, advise the others of the contents of) any communication to such Person from an Antitrust Authority or other Governmental
Entity and permit the others to review and discuss in advance (and to consider in good faith any comments made by the others in relation
to) any proposed written communication to an Antitrust Authority or other Governmental Entity, (ii) keep the others informed of any
developments, meetings or discussions with any Antitrust Authority or other Governmental Entity in respect of any filings, investigation,
or inquiry concerning the Transactions and (iii) not independently participate in any meeting or discussions with an Antitrust Authority
or other Governmental Entity in respect of any filings, investigation or inquiry concerning the Transactions without giving the other
parties prior notice of such meeting or discussions and, unless prohibited by such Antitrust Authority or other Governmental Entity, the
opportunity to attend or participate. However, (A) each of Parent and the Company may designate any non-public information provided
to any Antitrust Authority or other Governmental Entity as restricted to “Outside Antitrust Counsel Only” and any such information
shall not be shared with employees, officers, managers or directors or their equivalents of the other Parties hereto without approval
of the Party providing the non-public information, and (B) materials may be redacted (x) to remove references concerning the
valuation of the Company, (y) as necessary to comply with contractual arrangements and (z) as necessary to address reasonable
attorney-client or other privilege or confidentiality concerns.
(d) In
furtherance of the foregoing, Parent shall take any and all actions necessary, including but not limited to (i) selling or otherwise
disposing of, or holding separate and agreeing to sell or otherwise dispose of, assets, categories of assets, or businesses of the Company
or Parent or their respective Subsidiaries; (ii) terminating, transferring or creating any existing relationships, contractual rights
or obligations of the Company or Parent or their respective Subsidiaries; (iii) terminating any venture or other arrangement; (iv) creating
any relationship, contractual rights or obligations of the Company or Parent or their respective Subsidiaries, or accepting any restriction
on Parent’s freedom of action following the Closing; or (v) effectuating any other change or restructuring of the Company or
Parent or their respective Subsidiaries (and, in each case, Parent shall enter into agreements or stipulate to the entry of an order or
decree or file appropriate applications with any Antitrust Authority in connection with any of the foregoing) (each a “Divestiture
Action”) to avoid the entry of or effect the dissolution of any Law preliminarily or permanently restraining, enjoining or prohibiting
the consummation of the Merger, or to ensure the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act, and to receive the
Specified Regulatory Approvals, as promptly as reasonably practicable; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any other
provisions of this Agreement, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to (1) take or agree to take (and, without
the express prior written consent of Parent, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall not take or agree to take) any Divestiture Action
or other action that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the business,
financial condition or operations of Parent and its Subsidiaries from and after the Effective Time (but, for purposes of determining whether
any effect is material, calculated as if Parent and its Subsidiaries from and after the Effective Time were collectively the same size
as Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement), taken as a whole or (2) agree to or otherwise accept a requirement
for Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (including at or after the Closing, the Company and any of its Subsidiaries) to provide prior notice
to, or obtain prior approval from, any Antitrust Authority or other Governmental Entity, provided, that subject to and as specified
in Schedule 6.8(d) of the Company
Disclosure Letter, Parent shall, if required by any applicable Antitrust Authority or other Governmental
Entity, agree to any requirement to provide prior notice to, or to obtain prior approval from, any Antitrust Authority or other Governmental
Entity to the extent such requirement is immaterial to Parent. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 6.8, nothing
in this Agreement shall require Parent to take or agree to take any Divestiture Action or other action (other than de minimis actions)
with respect to Parent and its Subsidiaries (other than with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries (from and after the Effective
Time)). The Company shall agree to take any Divestiture Action requested by Parent if such actions are only effective after the Effective
Time and conditioned upon the Closing. In the event that any Divestiture Action is proposed by or acceptable to a Governmental Entity,
Parent shall have the right to determine the manner in which to implement the requirement of such Governmental Entity; provided,
that in no event shall Parent or the Company (or any of their respective Subsidiaries or other Affiliates) be required to take or effect
any Divestiture Action that is not conditioned upon the Closing. In the event that any action is threatened or instituted challenging
the Merger as violative of any Antitrust Law, Parent and the Company shall cooperate with each other to avoid, contest or resist (as applicable)
any such litigation, action or proceeding and to have vacated lifted, reversed or overturned as promptly as practicable any Law that is
in effect and that prohibits, prevents or restricts consummation of the Merger, in each case so as bring about the Closing as promptly
as practicable and in any event no later than the End Date. The Parties shall jointly determine the strategy to be pursued in seeking
to remove impediments to the Closing related to Antitrust Laws and jointly direct any related Proceedings with any Antitrust Authority,
Governmental Entity or other Person, provided, however, in the event of a disagreement between the Parties relating to any
of the foregoing, that Parent, subject to its obligations in this Section 6.8, and, after considering the views of the Company
in good faith, shall be entitled to make the final determination of the approach to be pursued by the Parties.
(e) Parent
and the Company shall not, and each of Parent and the Company shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to not, acquire or agree to acquire
any other Person or business or any assets or properties of any other Person if such acquisition would reasonably be expected to materially
impede, prevent or materially delay the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act, receipt of the Specified Regulatory
Approvals, or the Closing.
6.9 Employee
Matters.
(a) The
following provisions shall apply with respect to the compensation and benefits to be provided after the Effective Time in respect of each
individual who is employed as of the Effective Time by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof (a “Company Employee”):
(i) The
Company and Parent have agreed that, consistent with the current practices of the Company and Parent, the Company and Parent will seek
after the Effective Time to attract and retain superior quality executive, managerial, technical and administrative personnel in every
market in which they conduct activities and will generally implement compensation and benefit plans and policies necessary or appropriate
to achieve this objective. It is the specific intention that, in each of the markets in which they operate, the compensation and benefit
programs of the Company and Parent will be competitive with those provided generally in their industry, both with respect to the type
and variety of programs as well as the level of benefits afforded.
(ii) Without limiting the generality of clause (i) above, except
as otherwise expressly set forth herein, and subject to applicable Law and any obligations under any collective bargaining agreement,
the Company and Parent agree that, until the first anniversary of the Closing Date, Parent shall cause each Company Employee who remains
employed by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (including the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries) to be provided with (A) base
compensation (salary or wages, as applicable) and post-termination severance pay, in each case, not less than the level in effect for
such Company Employee as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, (B) target annual cash incentive compensation opportunities
and target long-term incentive (equity-based) compensation opportunities each not less than that in effect for such Company Employee as
of immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (C) employee benefits (including defined benefit retirement plan participation under
the cash balance portion of the Company Retirement Plan and defined contribution retirement plan participation but excluding any other
defined benefit pension and any change in control and other severance benefits) that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to
those provided to such Company Employee immediately prior to the Effective Time; provided that Parent agrees to maintain the following
benefits without reduction or any other material changes except as required for compliance with tax qualification or other requirements
under applicable Law: (I) for the period beginning at the Closing Date and ending on the first anniversary of the Closing Date, defined
benefit pension benefits under the cash balance portion of the Company Retirement Plan; and (II) for the period beginning at the
Closing Date and ending on December 31, 2025, retiree health and life insurance benefits for those individuals who are participants
in the Company’s or its Subsidiary’s retiree health and life insurance benefits as of immediately prior to the Effective Time
and individuals who become eligible to participate in such retiree health and life insurance benefits during the period beginning at the
Closing Date and ending on December 31, 2025. For each Company Employee covered by a change in control severance plan of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time, such coverage shall continue in accordance with the terms of such
plan immediately prior to the Effective Time until the first to occur of (x) the employee’s separation from service, (y) the
employee’s voluntary waiver of such benefit, and (z) the second anniversary of the Closing Date.
(b) From and after the Effective Time, Parent shall, or shall cause the
Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, to credit the Company Employees for purposes of vesting and eligibility to
participate and, solely for vacation and paid time off policies, severance plans and policies and disability plans and policies, determining
levels of benefits under the Parent Plans (other than to the extent it would result in a duplication of benefits) in which the Company
Employees may be eligible to participate after the Effective Time, for such Company Employees’ service with the Company and its
Subsidiaries, to the same extent and for the same purposes that such service was taken into account under a corresponding Company Plan
immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(c) From
and after the Effective Time, Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, to take commercially
reasonable efforts to (i) cause each Company Employee to be immediately eligible to participate, without any waiting time, in any
and all Parent Plans to the extent coverage under such Parent Plan replaces coverage under the
comparable Company Plan in which such
Company Employee participated immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) waive any limitation on health and welfare coverage
of any Company Employee and his or her eligible dependents due to pre-existing conditions and/or waiting periods, active employment requirements
and requirements to show evidence of good health under the applicable health and welfare Parent Plan to the extent such Company Employee
and his or her eligible dependents are covered under a Company Plan immediately prior to the Effective Time, and such conditions, periods
or requirements were satisfied or waived under such Company Plan and (iii) give each Company Employee credit for the plan year in
which the Closing Date occurs towards applicable deductibles, coinsurance and annual out-of-pocket limits for expenses incurred prior
to the Closing Date for which payment has been made under the applicable Company Plan for purposes of satisfying all deductibles, coinsurance
and annual out-of-pocket limits applicable to such Company Employee and his or her eligible dependents under the applicable Parent Plan
for the applicable plan year as if such amounts had been paid in accordance with such Parent Plan.
(d) Except
as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, from and after the Effective Time, Parent shall honor, and shall cause its Subsidiaries
(including the Surviving Corporation) to honor, in accordance with its terms (including terms related to the amendment or termination
thereof), the Company Plans and each employment, severance, retention, change in control and termination arrangement between the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries, and any current or former officer, director or employee of any such company, to the extent such terms are
in effect on the date hereof.
(e) It
is acknowledged and agreed that the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will constitute a “change of control”
(or “change in control” or transaction of similar import) for purposes of all Company Plans, policies, programs or agreements
(including, but not limited to severance plans and award agreements under the Company Stock Plan that include the term “change in
control” or “change of control”, as applicable).
(f) To
the extent permitted by applicable Law, the Company shall provide Parent with a true, complete and correct list of the following with
respect to (i) each employee of the Company or a Subsidiary thereof: name, employer, title, hire date, work location, whether full-
or part-time, whether active or on leave (and, if on leave, the nature of the leave and the expected return date), service dates (rehire
date, vacation eligibility date, service credit date, if different from initial date of hire, and experience date), visa requirements,
name of person to whom each employee reports, current detailed organization chart of employees, eligibility for any location premiums,
eligibility for legacy retirement benefit, eligibility for retiree medical benefits, whether exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act,
annual salary or wage rate, most recent annual bonus and long-term incentive grant received and current annual bonus opportunity and long-term
incentive opportunity, which shall be provided not later than thirty (30) Business Days following the date of this Agreement; (ii) each
former employee of the Company or a Subsidiary thereof currently receiving or eligible to receive retiree health and welfare benefits:
name, retirement date, expected date retiree coverage will end, and coverage level, which shall be provided not later than thirty (30)
Business Days following the date of this Agreement; and (iii) each individual independent contractor whose engagement involves providing
material services to the Company: name, entity for which services are provided, services provided, service commencement date, rate of
compensation and scheduled termination date, which shall be provided not later than thirty (30) Business Days following the date of this
Agreement.
(g) Nothing
in this Agreement shall constitute an amendment to, or be construed as amending, any Company Plan or any Parent Plan or any other benefit
or compensation plan, program, policy, agreement or arrangement sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Company, Parent or any
of their respective Subsidiaries. The provisions of this Section 6.9 are for the sole benefit of the Parties and nothing herein,
expressed or implied, is intended or will be construed to confer upon or give to any Person (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any
Company Employee or other current or former employee of the Company or any of their respective Affiliates), other than the Parties and
their respective permitted successors and assigns, any third-party beneficiary, legal or equitable or other rights or remedies (including
with respect to the matters provided for in this Section 6.9) under or by reason of any provision of this Agreement. Nothing
in this Agreement is intended to prevent Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of their Affiliates (i) from amending or terminating
any of their respective Employee Benefit Plans or, after the Effective Time, any Company Plan in accordance with their terms or any other
benefit or compensation plan, program, policy, agreement or arrangement (ii) after the Effective Time, from terminating the employment
of any Company Employee.
6.10 Indemnification;
Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance.
(a) Without
limiting any other right that an Indemnified Person may have pursuant to any employment agreement or indemnification agreement in effect
on the date hereof or otherwise, the Surviving Corporation shall, and Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporation, to do the following:
(i) For
six (6) years after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the Surviving Corporation shall indemnify,
defend and hold harmless (and advance expenses in connection therewith, subject to a customary undertaking from the applicable Indemnified
Person to return such advances if it is determined by the final adjudication of a court of law that the Indemnified Person is not entitled
to indemnification hereunder) the present and former directors, officers, employees, fiduciaries and agents of the Company and its Subsidiaries,
and any individuals serving in such capacity at or with respect to other Persons at the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ request
(each, an “Indemnified Person”) from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses (including
attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges
paid or payable in connection with or in respect thereof) in respect of the Indemnified Persons having served in such capacity at or prior
to the Effective Time, in each case, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL or provided under the Organizational Documents of the
Company and its Subsidiaries in effect on the date hereof. If any Indemnified Person is made party to any Proceeding arising out of or
relating to matters that would be indemnifiable pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, the Surviving Corporation shall advance
fees, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) as incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with
and prior to the final disposition of such claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation in each case to the extent the Company is
required to do so and on the same terms as provided in the Organizational Documents of the Company and its Subsidiaries in effect on the
date hereof; provided that any Indemnified Person wishing to claim indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Section 6.10,
upon learning of any such Proceeding, shall notify the Surviving Corporation (but the
failure so to notify shall not relieve the Surviving
Corporation from any obligations that it may have under this Section 6.10 except to the extent such failure materially
prejudices such party’s position with respect to such claims); and
(ii) For
six (6) years after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporation to maintain in effect provisions in the Organizational
Documents of the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries (or in such documents of any successor to the business thereof) regarding
elimination of liability of directors and officers, indemnification of officers, directors, employees, fiduciaries and agents and advancement
of fees, costs and expenses that are no less advantageous to the intended beneficiaries than the corresponding provisions in existence
on the date of this Agreement.
(b) From
and after the Effective Time, Parent shall guarantee and stand surety for, and shall cause the Surviving Corporation to honor its obligations
under Section 6.10(a).
(c) For
six (6) years after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries to honor and comply with
their respective obligations under any indemnification agreement with any Indemnified Person that is set forth in Schedule 6.10(b) of
the Company Disclosure Letter, and not amend, repeal or otherwise modify any such agreement in any manner that would materially and adversely
affect any right of any Indemnified Person thereunder.
(d) Prior
to the Effective Time, the Company shall or, if the Company is unable to, Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporation as of the Effective
Time to, obtain and fully pay the premium for the non-cancellable extension of the directors’ and officers’ liability coverage
of the Company’s existing directors’ and officers’ insurance policies and the Company’s existing fiduciary liability
insurance policies (collectively, “D&O Insurance”), which D&O Insurance shall (i) be for a claims reporting
or discovery period of at least six (6) years from and after the Effective Time with respect to any claim related to any period of
time at or prior to the Effective Time, (ii) be from an insurance carrier with the same or better credit rating as the Company’s
current insurance carrier with respect to D&O Insurance and (iii) have terms, conditions, retentions and limits of liability
that are no less favorable than the coverage provided under the Company’s existing policies with respect to any actual or alleged
error, misstatement, misleading statement, act, omission, neglect, breach of duty or any matter claimed against an Indemnified Person
by reason of him or her having served in such capacity that existed or occurred at or prior to the Effective Time (including in connection
with this Agreement or the Transactions); provided that the Company shall give Parent a reasonable opportunity to participate in
the selection of such tail policy and the Company shall give reasonable and good faith consideration to any comments made by Parent with
respect thereto; provided, further that the cost of any such tail policy shall not exceed 350% of the aggregate annual premium
paid by the Company in respect of the D&O Insurance (which amount is set forth in Schedule 6.10(d) of the Company Disclosure
Letter); and provided, further, that if the aggregate premiums of such tail policy exceed such amount, the Company shall,
or Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, as applicable, obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available, with respect
to matters occurring prior to the Effective Time, for a cost not exceeding such amount.
(e) If
either Parent or the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into
any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger, or (ii) transfers
or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person or consummates any division transaction, then, and in each
such case, to the extent necessary, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Parent or the Surviving Corporation
(as applicable) shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 6.10.
(f) The
rights of each Indemnified Person under this Section 6.10 shall be in addition to any rights such Person may have under
the Organizational Documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under the DGCL or any other applicable Law or under any agreement
of any Indemnified Person with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is set forth in Schedule 6.10(b) of the Company
Disclosure Letter.
6.11 Transaction
Litigation. In the event any Proceeding by any stockholder of the Company or Parent is commenced or, to the knowledge of the Company
or Parent, as applicable, threatened, that questions the validity or legality of the Transactions or seeks damages in connection therewith
(“Transaction Litigation”), the Company or Parent, as applicable, shall promptly notify the other Party of such Transaction
Litigation and shall keep the other Party reasonably informed with respect to the status thereof. The Company shall give Parent a reasonable
opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement of any Transaction Litigation and shall consult regularly with Parent in good
faith and give reasonable consideration to Parent’s advice with respect to such Transaction Litigation; provided, that the
Company shall not cease to defend, consent to the entry of any judgment, settle or offer to settle any Transaction Litigation without
the prior written consent of Parent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
6.12 Public
Announcements. The initial press release with respect to the execution of this Agreement shall be a joint press release to be reasonably
agreed upon by the Parties. No Party shall, and each Party will cause its Representatives not to, issue any public announcements or make
other public disclosures regarding this Agreement or the Transactions, without the prior written approval of the other Party. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, a Party, its Subsidiaries or its or their Representatives may issue a public announcement or other public disclosures (a) required
by applicable Law, (b) required by the rules of any stock exchange upon which such Party’s or its Subsidiary’s capital
stock is traded or (c) consistent with the final form of the joint press release announcing the Merger and the investor presentation
given to investors on the morning of announcement of the Merger; provided, in each case, such Party uses reasonable best efforts
to afford the other Party an opportunity to first review the content of the proposed disclosure and provide reasonable comments thereon;
and provided, however, that (x) no provision in this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict in any manner a Party’s
ability to communicate with its employees (provided, that prior to making any written (or prepared broad-based) communications
to the directors, officers or employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pertaining to compensation or benefit matters that are
affected by the Transactions or compensation or benefits that are payable or to be provided following the Effective Time, the Company
shall provide Parent with a copy of the intended communication (or written summary of any prepared broad-based oral communication), the
Company shall provide Parent a reasonable period of time to review and comment on the communication, and the Company shall consider any
timely comments in good
faith) and (y) the Company shall not be required by this Section 6.12 to consult with or obtain
any approval from Parent with respect to a public announcement or press release issued in connection with the receipt and existence of
a Company Competing Proposal or a Company Change of Recommendation, other than as set forth in Section 6.4.
6.13 Reasonable
Best Efforts. Except to the extent that the Parties’ obligations are specifically set forth elsewhere in this Article VI
(including filings, notifications, required efforts, actions and other matters with respect to Antitrust Laws governed by Section 6.8),
upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement (including Section 6.4), each of the Parties shall
use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with
the other Party in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner reasonably
practicable, the Merger and the other Transactions.
6.14 Advice
of Certain Matters; Notifications. Subject to compliance with applicable Law, the Company and Parent, as the case may be, shall confer
on a regular basis with each other and shall promptly advise each other orally and in writing of any change or event having, or which
would be reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect or Parent Material Adverse Effect,
as the case may be. Except with respect to Antitrust Laws as provided in Section 6.8, the Company and Parent shall promptly
provide each other (or their respective counsel) copies of all filings made by such Party or its Subsidiaries with the SEC or any other
Governmental Entity in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions. Subject to applicable Law and as otherwise required by any
Governmental Entity, the Company and Parent each shall keep the other apprised of the status of matters relating to the consummation of
the Transactions, including promptly furnishing the other with copies of notices or other communications received by Parent or the Company,
as applicable, or any of its Subsidiaries, from any third party or any Governmental Entity with respect to the Transactions (including
those alleging that the approval or consent of such Person is or may be required in connection with the Transactions). The Company shall
give prompt notice to Parent, and Parent shall give prompt notice to the Company, upon becoming aware of (a) any condition, event
or circumstance that will result in any of the conditions in Article VII not being met, or (b) the failure by such Party
to comply with or satisfy in any material respect any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it under this
Agreement; provided, however, that no such notification shall affect the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
of the Parties or the conditions to the obligations of the Parties under this Agreement.
6.15 Section 16
Matters. Prior to the Effective Time, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company shall take all such steps as may be required to cause any
dispositions of equity securities of the Company (including derivative securities) or acquisitions of equity securities of Parent (including
derivative securities) in connection with this Agreement by each individual who is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of
the Exchange Act with respect to the Company, or will become subject to such reporting requirements with respect to Parent, to be exempt
under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.
6.16 Stock
Exchange Listing and Delistings. Parent shall take all action necessary to cause the Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger
to be approved for listing on the NYSE prior to the Effective Time, subject to official notice of issuance. Prior to the Closing Date,
the
Company shall cooperate with Parent and use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to
be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under applicable Law and rules and policies of the NYSE
to enable the delisting by the Surviving Corporation of the shares of Company Common Stock from the NYSE and the deregistration of the
shares of Company Common Stock under the Exchange Act as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, and in any event no more than
ten (10) days after the Effective Time. If the Surviving Corporation is required to file any quarterly or annual report pursuant
to the Exchange Act by a filing deadline that is imposed by the Exchange Act and which falls on a date within the fifteen (15) days following
the Closing Date, the Company shall make available to Parent, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, a substantially
final draft of any such annual or quarterly report required to be filed during such period.
6.17 Certain
Indebtedness.
(a) If
requested by Parent in writing, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to deliver all notices and take all other actions
reasonably necessary to facilitate (i) the termination at the Closing Date of all commitments in respect of the Existing Credit Facility
and (ii) the repayment in full on the Closing Date of all obligations with respect to the Existing Credit Facility and the Existing
Commercial Paper Program; provided that to the extent the Company does not have unrestricted cash on hand in an amount sufficient
to make such repayment in full, the Company shall have received funds from Parent in an amount sufficient to make such repayment. In furtherance
and not in limitation of the foregoing, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver to Parent
at least one Business Day prior to the Closing Date, executed payoff letters (each, a “Payoff Letter ”), in a form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, from the lenders, or the administrative agent (or similar Person) on behalf of the lenders,
under the Existing Credit Facility and the Existing Commercial Paper Program. Such Payoff Letter shall (A) confirm the aggregate
outstanding amount required to be paid to fully satisfy all principal, interest, prepayment premiums, penalties, breakage costs or any
other outstanding and unpaid Indebtedness under the Existing Credit Facility or the Existing Commercial Paper Program as of the anticipated
Closing Date (and the daily accrual of interest thereafter), (B) contain payment instructions and (C) evidence the satisfaction,
release and discharge of the Indebtedness under the Existing Credit Facility or the Existing Commercial Paper Program.
(b) Parent
or one or more of its Subsidiaries (or, in connection with any municipal bonds, any municipality on their behalf) may (i) commence
any of the following: (A) one or more offers to purchase any or all of the outstanding debt issued under the Indentures for cash
(the “Offers to Purchase”) or (B) one or more offers to exchange any or all of the outstanding debt issued under
the Indentures for securities issued by (x) Parent or any of its Affiliates or (y) a municipality if such securities are supported
by an agreement by Parent or any of its Affiliates to make payments sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such securities
(the “Offers to Exchange”) and (ii) solicit the consent of the holders of debt issued under the Indentures regarding
certain proposed amendments to the applicable Indenture or otherwise seek or obtain such proposed amendments (the “Consent Solicitations”
and together with the Offers to Purchase and Offers to Exchange, if any, the “Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations”);
provided that the closing of any such transaction shall be conditioned on the occurrence of, and shall not be consummated until,
the Closing and any such transaction shall be funded solely using
consideration provided by Parent. Any Company Note Offers and Consent
Solicitations shall be made on such terms and conditions (including price to be paid and conditionality) as are proposed by Parent and
which are permitted by the terms of the applicable Indenture and applicable Laws, including SEC rules and regulations. Parent shall
consult with the Company regarding the material terms and conditions of any Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations, including the
timing and commencement of any Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations and any tender deadlines. Parent shall have provided the
Company with the necessary offer to purchase, offer to exchange, consent solicitation statement, letter of transmittal and press release,
if any, in connection therewith, and each other document relevant to the transaction that will be distributed by Parent in the applicable
Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations (collectively, the “Debt Offer Documents”) a reasonable period of time
in advance of commencing the applicable Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations to allow the Company and its counsel a reasonable
opportunity to review and comment on such Debt Offer Documents, and Parent shall give reasonable and good faith consideration to any comments
made or input provided by the Company and its legal counsel; provided that such Debt Offer Documents shall not include any non-public
information provided by the Company or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Representatives unless the Company approves such disclosures
in writing. Subject to the receipt of the requisite consents or opinion, as applicable, in connection with any or all of the Consent Solicitations,
the Company shall execute a supplemental indenture or other supplemental documentation to the applicable Indenture in accordance with
the terms thereof amending the terms and provisions of such Indenture as described in the applicable Debt Offer Documents in a form as
reasonably requested by Parent; provided that the amendments effected by such supplemental indenture or other document shall not
become effective until the Closing. The Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, and shall use its commercially reasonable
efforts to cause its and their Representatives to, use its commercially reasonable efforts to provide all reasonable and customary cooperation
as may be requested by Parent in writing to assist Parent in connection with any Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations (including,
but not limited to, upon Parent’s written request, using commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Company’s legal counsel
to provide any customary legal opinions and the Company’s independent accountants to provide customary consents for use of their
reports, in each case, to the extent required in connection with any Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations). The dealer manager,
solicitation agent, information agent, depositary or other agent retained in connection with any Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations
will be selected by Parent, retained by Parent, and their fees and out-of-pocket expenses will be paid directly by Parent. If, at any
time prior to the completion of the Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one
hand, or Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, discovers any information that should be set forth in an amendment or supplement
to the Debt Offer Documents, so that the Debt Offer Documents shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of circumstances under
which they are made, not misleading, such Party that discovers such information shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly
notify the other Party, and an appropriate amendment or supplement prepared by Parent describing such information shall be disseminated
to the holders of the applicable notes, debentures or other debt securities of the Company outstanding under the applicable Indenture.
(c) If
requested by Parent in writing, in lieu of or in addition to Parent or the Company commencing any Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations,
the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts, to the extent permitted by the Indentures, to (A) issue one or more notices of
optional redemption for all or a portion of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the notes or bonds (which may be delivered at
Parent’s request in advance of the Closing Date so long as the redemption of such notes or bonds is expressly conditioned upon the
occurrence of the Closing), pursuant to the redemption provisions of the respective Indenture and (B) take any other actions reasonably
requested by Parent to facilitate the satisfaction and discharge, defeasance or other similar action of the notes or bonds pursuant to
the satisfaction and discharge, defeasance or other similar provisions of the respective Indenture and the other provisions of each such
Indenture applicable thereto; provided that (1) any such redemption or satisfaction and discharge shall be consummated
using funds provided by Parent and (2) consummation of any such redemption or satisfaction and discharge, defeasance or other similar
action shall not be a condition to Closing. If reasonably requested by Parent, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause
its legal counsel to provide all customary legal opinions required in connection with the redemptions contemplated by this Section 6.17(c) to
the extent such legal opinions are required to be delivered prior to the Effective Time.
(d) If
requested by Parent in writing, the Company shall deliver to Parent on or prior to the Closing Date evidence that any commercial paper
facilities of the Company or its Subsidiaries are terminated and repaid in full on or prior to the Closing.
(e) Without
limiting the foregoing, (i) the Company and Parent shall reasonably cooperate with each other with respect to customary actions for
transactions of this type that are reasonably requested by Parent to be taken by the Company or its Subsidiaries under the Existing Commercial
Paper Program, the Existing Credit Facility or any of the outstanding Indebtedness of the Company (including as obligor under municipal
bonds) in connection with the Merger, including in connection with any Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations, the execution of
any supplemental indentures or other supplemental documentation described in the Debt Offer Documents and any notice of redemption. Notwithstanding
any provision in this Section 6.17 to the contrary, nothing in this Section 6.17 shall require (i) any cooperation
to the extent that it would, in the good faith determination of the Company, unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any instrument or contract, or
agree to any change or modification to any instrument or contract or take any action with respect to its existing Indebtedness prior to
the occurrence of the Closing that would be effective if the Closing does not occur (other than one or more supplemental indentures or
other supplemental documents so long as the amendments effected by such documents shall not become effective until the Closing), (iii) the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to deliver any notice of prepayment or redemption or similar notice that does not provide that such
prepayment or redemption is conditioned upon the occurrence of the Closing, (iv) the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or their respective
boards of directors (or equivalent bodies) to adopt any resolution, grant any approval or authorization or otherwise take any corporate
or similar action (other than in connection with one or more supplemental indentures or other supplemental documents in connection with
the Company Note Offers and Consent Solicitations so long as the amendments effected by such supplemental indentures or supplemental documents
shall not become effective until the Closing), (v) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to pay any commitment or other fees, reimburse
any expenses or otherwise incur any liabilities unless
reimbursed by Parent or give any indemnities prior to the Closing, (vi) the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to provide any pro forma adjustments to the financial statements reflecting the transactions
contemplated or required hereunder (which shall be Parent’s sole responsibility), (vii) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
to take any action that would conflict with or violate the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ Organizational Documents
or any applicable Law, or result in a material breach of or material default under any material contract, (viii) the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries to take any action that would cause any condition to the Closing set forth herein to not be satisfied or otherwise
cause any breach of this Agreement, (ix) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to provide any information the disclosure of which
is prohibited or legally privileged or (x) any Representative of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to deliver any certificate
or take any other action that would reasonably be expected to result in personal liability to such Representative.
(f) Except
as a result of fraud or willful misconduct by the Company, its Subsidiaries or its or their Representatives, or arising from a material
misstatement contained in information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries provided in writing by the Company, its Subsidiaries
or its or their Representatives for inclusion in the Debt Offer Documents, Parent shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company,
its Subsidiaries and its and their respective Representatives from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, claims, penalties,
fines, taxes, costs, fees and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of one outside legal counsel, accountants, investment bankers,
experts, consultants and other advisors, and the costs of all filing fees and printing costs) actually suffered or incurred by them in
connection with any cooperation provided by the Company under this Section 6.17 and any information utilized in connection
therewith. In addition, Parent shall, promptly upon written request by the Company, reimburse the Company for all reasonable and documented
out-of-pocket fees and expenses (including reasonable fees, costs and expenses of outside legal counsel, accountants, investment bankers,
experts, consultants and other advisors, and the costs of all filing fees and printing costs) incurred by the Company, its Subsidiaries
or any of their respective Representatives in connection with any cooperation provided by the Company under this Section 6.17.
This Section 6.17(f) shall survive the Closing and any termination of this Agreement, regardless of whether or not the
Merger is consummated, and is intended to benefit, and may be enforced by, the Representatives of the Company and its Subsidiaries, who
are each third-party beneficiaries of this Section 6.17(f).
(g) Parent
and Merger Sub acknowledge and agree that their obligations to consummate the Transactions are not conditioned on the consummation of
any Company Note Offer and Consent Solicitation.
6.18 Tax
Matters.
(a) Each
of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company will (and will cause its respective Subsidiaries to) use its reasonable best efforts to cause the
Merger to qualify, and will not take or knowingly fail to take (and will cause its Subsidiaries not to take or knowingly fail to take)
any action that would, or would reasonably be expected to, prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying, as a “reorganization”
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. At the request of Parent or the Company, each of Parent, Merger Sub and the
Company will use its reasonable best efforts and will cooperate with one another to obtain any opinion(s) of counsel to be issued
in connection with (i) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and/or (ii) the declaration of effectiveness
of the Registration Statement by the SEC, in each case, regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, which cooperation shall include, for the avoidance of doubt, the delivery by Parent, Merger Sub and the Company of
duly executed certificates containing such representations, warranties and covenants as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to
enable such counsel to render any such opinion(s).
(b) Each
of the Company and Parent will notify the other party promptly after becoming aware of any reason to believe that the Merger may not qualify
as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
(c) This
Agreement is intended to constitute, and is hereby adopted as, a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of Sections 354 and
361 of the Code and within the meaning of Treasury Regulations §§ 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a).
6.19 Takeover
Laws. None of the Parties will take any action that would cause the Transactions to be subject to requirements imposed by any Takeover
Laws, and each of them will take all reasonable steps within its control to exempt (or ensure the continued exemption of) the Transactions
from the Takeover Laws of any state that purport to apply to this Agreement or the Transactions.
6.20 Obligations
of Merger Sub. Parent shall take all action necessary to cause Merger Sub and the Surviving Corporation to perform their respective
obligations under this Agreement.
6.21 Coordination
of Quarterly Dividends. Parent and the Company shall each coordinate their record and payment dates for their regular quarterly dividends
to ensure that the holders of Company Common Stock shall not receive two (2) dividends, or fail to receive one (1) dividend,
in any quarter with respect to their Company Common Stock and the Parent Common Stock that such holders receive in exchange therefor in
the Merger.
6.22 Resignations.
Prior to the Effective Time, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to cause each director of the Company to execute and deliver
a letter to the Company effectuating such director’s resignation, effective as of the Effective Time, as a director of the Company.
Article VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
7.1 Conditions
to Each Party’s Obligation to Consummate the Merger. The respective obligation of each Party to consummate the Merger is subject
to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions, any or all of which may be waived jointly by the Parties,
in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(a) Stockholder
Approval. The Company Stockholder Approval shall have been obtained in accordance with applicable Law and the Organizational Documents
of the Company.
(b) Regulatory
Approval. (x) Any waiting period (including any extensions thereof) applicable to
the Transactions under the HSR Act shall have been terminated or shall have expired and (y) any applicable waiting period, clearance,
or affirmative or deemed approval of any Governmental Entity or other condition set forth in Schedule 7.1(b) of the Company Disclosure
Letter (the “Specified Regulatory Approvals”) shall have expired or terminated, been obtained or satisfied, as applicable,
as specified in Section 7.1(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter.
(c) No
Injunctions or Restraints. No Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over any Party shall have issued any order, decree, ruling,
injunction or other action that is in effect (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting
the consummation of the Merger and no Law shall have been adopted that makes consummation of the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibited.
(d) Registration
Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act and shall not be the
subject of any stop order or Proceedings seeking a stop order.
(e) NYSE
Listing. The shares of Parent Common Stock issuable to the holders of shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement shall
have been authorized for listing on the NYSE, upon official notice of issuance.
7.2 Additional
Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub. The obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger are subject
to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions, any or all of which may be waived exclusively by Parent,
in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(a) Representations
and Warranties of the Company. (i) The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in the first sentence of Section 4.1
(Organization, Standing and Power), Section 4.2(a) (Capital Structure), the fourth sentence of Section 4.2(b) (Capital
Structure), Section 4.3(a) (Authority), Section 4.3(b)(i) (Authority) (solely with respect to the Company)
and Section 4.6(a) (Absence of Certain Changes or Events), shall have been true and correct as of the date of this Agreement
and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except, with respect to Section 4.2(a) and
the fourth sentence of Section 4.2(b), for any De Minimis Inaccuracies) (except that representations and warranties
that speak as of a specified date or period of time shall have been true and correct only as of such date or period of time), (ii) all
other representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 4.2(b) (Capital Structure) (except for the second
sentence of Section 4.2(b)), and the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 4.22
(Opinion of Financial Advisors) and Section 4.23 (Brokers) shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of
the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of
the Closing Date (except that representations and warranties that speak as of a specified date or period of time shall have been true
and correct in all material respects only as of such date or period of time), and (iii) all other representations and warranties
of the Company set forth in Article IV shall have been true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true
and correct as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except that representations and warranties that speak
as of a specified date or period of time shall have been true and correct only as of such date or period of time), except, in the case
of this clause (iii), where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct (without regard to qualification
or exceptions contained therein as to “materiality”, “in all material respects” or “Company Material Adverse
Effect”) would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Performance
of Obligations of the Company. The Company shall have performed, or complied with, in all material respects, all agreements and covenants
required to be performed or complied with by it under this Agreement on or prior to the Effective Time.
(c) Absence
of Company Material Adverse Effect. There shall not have occurred since the date hereof a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Compliance
Certificate. Parent shall have received a certificate of the Company signed by an executive officer of the Company, dated the Closing
Date, confirming that the conditions in Sections 7.2(a), (b) and (c) have been satisfied.
7.3 Additional
Conditions to Obligations of the Company. The obligation of the Company to consummate the Merger is subject to the satisfaction at
or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions, any or all of which may be waived exclusively by the Company, in whole or
in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(a) Representations
and Warranties of Parent and Merger Sub. (i) The representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub set forth in the first
sentence of Section 5.1 (Organization, Standing and Power), Section 5.2(a) (Capital Structure), the second
sentence and the sixth sentence of Section 5.2(b) (Capital Structure), Section 5.3(a) (Authority), Section 5.3(b)(i) (Authority)
and Section 5.6 (Absence of Certain Changes or Events) shall have been true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and
shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except, with respect to Section 5.2(a) and
the second sentence and the sixth sentence of Section 5.2(b) for any De Minimis Inaccuracies) (except that representations
and warranties that speak as of a specified date or period of time shall have been true and correct only as of such date or period of
time), (ii) all other representations and warranties of Parent set forth in Section 5.2(b) (Capital Structure) (except
for the third sentence of Section 5.2(b)) shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this
Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date
(except that representations and warranties that speak as of a specified date or period of time shall have been true and correct in all
material respects only as of such date or period of time), and (iii) all other representations and warranties of Parent and Merger
Sub set forth in Article V shall have been true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct
as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except that representations and warranties that speak as of a specified
date or period of time shall have been true and correct only as of such date or period of time), except where the failure of such representations
and warranties to be so true and correct (without regard to qualification or exceptions contained therein as to “materiality”,
“in all material respects” or “Parent Material Adverse Effect”) that would not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Performance
of Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub. Parent and Merger Sub each shall have performed, or complied with, in all material respects,
all agreements and covenants required to be performed or complied with by them under this Agreement at or prior to the Effective Time.
(c) Absence
of Parent Material Adverse Effect. There shall not have occurred since the date hereof a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Compliance
Certificate. The Company shall have received a certificate of Parent signed by an executive officer of Parent, dated the Closing Date,
confirming that the conditions in Sections 7.3(a), (b) and (c) have been satisfied.
Article VIII
TERMINATION
8.1 Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether (except as expressly
set forth below) before or after the Company Stockholder Approval has been obtained:
(a) by
mutual written consent of the Company and Parent;
(b) by
either the Company or Parent:
(i) if
any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over any Party shall have issued any order, decree, ruling or injunction or taken any other
action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Merger and such order, decree, ruling or injunction
or other action shall have become final and nonappealable, or if there shall be adopted any Law that permanently makes consummation of
the Merger illegal or otherwise permanently prohibited; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under
this Section 8.1(b)(i) shall not be available to any Party whose failure to fulfill any material covenant or agreement
under this Agreement has been the cause of or resulted in the action or event described in this Section 8.1(b)(i) occurring;
(ii) if
the Merger shall not have been consummated on or before 5:00 p.m. Houston time, on May 28, 2025 (such date, the “Initial
End Date”, and the Initial End Date, as it may be extended pursuant to this Section 8.1(b)(ii), the “End
Date”); provided that (x) if as of five (5) Business Days before the Initial End Date the conditions set forth
in Section 7.1(b) or Section 7.1(c) shall not have been satisfied or waived (and in the
case of Section 7.1(c), only if the relevant condition shall not have been satisfied due to an Antitrust Law or the
Specified
Regulatory Approvals), or a voluntary agreement with any Governmental Entity not to consummate the Merger is in effect, but all of the
other conditions set forth in Article VII have been satisfied or waived (or are then capable of being satisfied if the Closing
were to take place on such date in the case of those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing), then the End Date shall automatically
be extended to November 28, 2025 (the “First Extended End Date”), and (y) if as of five (5) Business
Days before the First Extended End Date the conditions set forth in Section 7.1(b) or Section 7.1(c) (shall
not have been satisfied or waived (and in the case of Section 7.1(c), only if the relevant condition shall not have been satisfied
due to an Antitrust Law or the Specified Regulatory Approvals), or a voluntary agreement with any Governmental Entity not to consummate
the Merger is in effect, but all of the other conditions set forth in Article VII have been satisfied or waived (or are then
capable of being satisfied if the Closing were to take place on such date in the case of those conditions to be satisfied at the Closing),
then the End Date shall automatically be extended to May 28, 2026; provided, further, that the right to terminate this
Agreement under this Section 8.1(b)(ii) shall not be available to any Party whose failure to fulfill any material covenant
or agreement under this Agreement has been the cause of or resulted in the failure of the Merger to occur on or before such date;
(iii) in
the event of a breach by the other Party of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement (in
the case of the Company, other than Section 6.4(b) (which is addressed in Section 8.1(d))) which would give rise
to the failure of a condition set forth in Sections 7.2(a) or (b) or Sections 7.3(a) or (b),
as applicable (and such breach is not curable prior to the End Date, or if curable prior to the End Date, has not been cured by the earlier
of (i) thirty (30) days after the giving of written notice to the breaching Party of such breach and (ii) two (2) Business
Days prior to the End Date) (a “Terminable Breach”); provided, however, that the terminating Party is
not itself then in Terminable Breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement; or
(iv) if
the Company Stockholder Approval shall not have been obtained upon a vote held at a duly held Company Stockholders Meeting, or at any
adjournment or postponement thereof;
(c) by
Parent, prior to, but not after, the time the Company Stockholder Approval is obtained, if the Company Board or a committee thereof shall
have effected a Company Change of Recommendation (whether or not such Company Change of Recommendation is permitted by this Agreement);
(d) by
Parent, if the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of the Company’s directors or executive officers shall have materially breached
the obligations set forth in Section 6.4(b) (No Solicitation by the Company); or
(e) by
the Company, prior to obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval in order to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Company
Superior Proposal, provided, that the Company shall not be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(e) unless
the Company has complied in all material respects with the requirements of Section 6.4 before the Company terminates pursuant
to this Section 8.1(e) and prior to or concurrently with such termination the Company pays or causes to be paid to Parent
the Company Termination Fee in accordance with the second sentence of Section 8.3(b).
8.2 Notice
of Termination; Effect of Termination.
(a) A
terminating Party shall provide written notice of termination to the other Party specifying with particularity the reason for such termination
and any termination shall be effective immediately upon delivery of such written notice to the other Party.
(b) In
the event of termination of this Agreement by any Party as provided in Section 8.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become
void and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of any Party except with respect to this Section 8.2, Section 6.7(b),
Section 6.17, Section 8.3 and Articles I and IX (and the provisions that substantively define any
related defined terms not substantively defined in Article I); provided, however, that notwithstanding anything
to the contrary herein, no such termination shall relieve any Party from liability for any damages for a Willful and Material Breach of
any covenant, agreement or obligation hereunder or fraud.
8.3 Expenses
and Other Payments.
(a) Except
as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each Party shall pay its own expenses incident to preparing for, entering into and carrying out
this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions, whether or not the Merger shall be consummated.
(b) If
Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(c) (Company Change of Recommendation) or Section 8.1(d) (No
Solicitation by the Company), then the Company shall pay Parent the Company Termination Fee, in each case, in cash by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to an account designated by Parent no later than three (3) Business Days after notice of termination
of this Agreement. If the Company terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(e) (Company Superior Proposal), then
the Company shall pay Parent the Company Termination Fee in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds prior to or concurrently
with such termination.
(c) If
either the Company or Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(b)(iv) (Failure to Obtain Company Stockholder
Approval), then the Company shall pay Parent the Parent Expenses.
(d) If
(i) (A) Parent or the Company terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(b)(iv) (Failure to Obtain Company
Stockholder Approval), and on or before the date of any such termination a Company Competing Proposal shall have been publicly announced
or publicly disclosed and not been publicly withdrawn without qualification at least seven (7) Business Days prior to the Company
Stockholders Meeting or (B) the Company or Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(b)(ii) (End
Date) or Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(b)(iii) (Company Terminable Breach) and following the
execution of this Agreement and on or before the date of any such termination a Company Competing Proposal shall have been announced,
disclosed or otherwise communicated to the Company Board and not withdrawn without qualification at least seven (7) Business Days
prior to the date of such termination, and (ii) within twelve (12) months after the date of such termination, the Company enters
into a definitive agreement with respect to a Company Competing Proposal (or publicly approves or recommends to the stockholders of the
Company or otherwise does not oppose, in the case of a tender or exchange offer, a Company Competing Proposal) or consummates a Company
Competing Proposal, then the Company shall pay Parent the Company Termination Fee less any amount previously paid by the Company pursuant
to Section 8.3(c). It is understood and agreed that (1) with respect to the preceding clause (ii), any reference
in the definition of Company Competing Proposal to “20%” shall be deemed to be a reference to “50%”, (2) with
respect to the preceding clause (i), a Company Competing Proposal will not be deemed to
have been “publicly withdrawn”
by any Person if, within twelve (12) months of the termination of the Agreement, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries will have entered
into a definitive agreement with respect to, or will have consummated, or will have approved or recommended to the stockholders of the
Company or otherwise not opposed, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer, a Company Competing Proposal (as defined for purposes
of the preceding clause (i)) made by or on behalf of such Person or any of its Affiliates and (3) any Company Competing Proposal
made prior to the execution of this Agreement will be deemed to have been made following the execution of this Agreement if the Company
breaches its obligations under Section 6.3 with respect thereto.
(e) In
no event shall Parent be entitled to receive more than one (1) payment of the Company Termination Fee or more than one (1) payment
of Parent Expenses. If Parent receives the Company Termination Fee, then Parent will not be entitled to also receive a payment of the
Parent Expenses; upon payment of any Company Termination Fee, any previously paid Parent Expenses shall be credited against the amount
of the Company Termination Fee. The Parties agree that the agreements contained in this Section 8.3 are an integral part of
the Transactions, and that, without these agreements, the Parties would not enter into this Agreement. The Parties also agree that the
Company Termination Fee and Parent Expenses are liquidated damages and not penalties, and the payment of the Company Termination Fee and/or
Parent Expenses in the circumstances specified herein is supported by due and sufficient consideration. If the Company or Parent fails
to promptly pay the amount due by it pursuant to this Section 8.3, interest shall accrue on such amount from the date such
payment was required to be paid pursuant to the terms of this Agreement until the date of payment at the rate of 8% per annum. If, in
order to obtain such payment, the Company or Parent, as applicable, commences a Proceeding that results in judgment for the Company or
Parent, as applicable, then Parent or the Company, as applicable, shall pay the Company or Parent, as applicable, its reasonable out-of-pocket
costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred in connection with such Proceeding. The Parties
agree that the monetary remedies set forth in this Section 8.3 and the specific performance remedies set forth in Section 9.11
shall be the sole and exclusive remedies of Parent and Merger Sub against the Company and its Subsidiaries and any of their respective
former, current or future directors, officers, shareholders, Representatives or Affiliates for any loss suffered as a result of the failure
of the Merger to be consummated, except in the case of fraud or a Willful and Material Breach of any covenant, agreement or obligation
(in which case only the Company shall be liable for damages for such fraud or Willful and Material Breach), and upon payment of such amount,
none of the Company and its Subsidiaries or any of their respective former, current or future directors, officers, shareholders, Representatives
or Affiliates shall have any further liability or obligation relating to or arising out of this Agreement or the Transactions, except
for the liability of the Company in the case of fraud or a Willful and Material Breach of any covenant, agreement or obligation.
Article IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 Schedule
Definitions. All capitalized terms in the Company Disclosure Letter and the Parent Disclosure Letter shall have the meanings ascribed
to them herein (including in Annex A) except as otherwise defined therein.
9.2 Survival.
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, none of the representations, warranties, agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement
will survive the Closing; provided, however, that those covenants and agreements contained herein that by their terms apply,
or that are to be performed in whole or in part, after the Closing, shall survive the Closing until performed. The Confidentiality Agreement
shall (a) survive termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms and (b) terminate as of the Effective Time.
9.3 Notices.
All notices, requests and other communications to any Party under, or otherwise in connection with, this Agreement shall be in writing
and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) if delivered in person; (b) if transmitted by electronic mail (“e-mail”)
(but only if confirmation of receipt of such e-mail is requested and received; provided that each notice Party shall use reasonable
best efforts to confirm receipt of any such email correspondence promptly upon receipt of such request); or (c) if transmitted by
national overnight courier, in each case as addressed as follows:
(i) if
to Parent or Merger Sub, to:
ConocoPhillips
925 N. Eldridge Parkway
Houston,
Texas 77079
Attention: Kelly B. Rose
Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
E-mail: Kelly.B.Rose@conocophillips.com
with a required copy to (which copy shall
not constitute notice):
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
51 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Gregory
E. Ostling
Zachary
S. Podolsky
E-mail: GEOstling@wlrk.com
ZSPodolsky@wlrk.com
(ii) if
to the Company, to:
Marathon
Oil Corporation
990 Town and Country Boulevard,
Houston, Texas 77024
Attention: Kimberly
O. Warnica
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
E-mail: kwarnica@marathonoil.com
with a required copy to (which copy shall
not constitute notice):
Kirkland &
Ellis LLP
609 Main Street
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Sean T. Wheeler, P.C.
Debbie
P. Yee, P.C.
Camille E. Walker
Email: sean.wheeler@kirkland.com
debbie.yee@kirkland.com
camille.walker@kirkland.com
9.4 Rules of
Construction.
(a) Each
of the Parties acknowledges that it has been represented by counsel of its choice throughout all negotiations that have preceded the execution
of this Agreement and that it has executed the same with the advice of said independent counsel. Each Party and its counsel cooperated
in the drafting and preparation of this Agreement and the documents referred to herein, and any and all drafts relating thereto exchanged
between the Parties shall be deemed the work product of the Parties and may not be construed against any Party by reason of its preparation.
Accordingly, any rule of law or any legal decision that would require interpretation of any ambiguities in this Agreement against
any Party that drafted it is of no application and is hereby expressly waived.
(b) The
inclusion of any information in the Company Disclosure Letter or Parent Disclosure Letter shall not be deemed an admission or acknowledgment,
in and of itself and solely by virtue of the inclusion of such information in the Company Disclosure Letter or Parent Disclosure Letter,
as applicable, that such information is required to be listed in the Company Disclosure Letter or Parent Disclosure Letter, as applicable,
that such items are material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
as the case may be, or that such items have resulted in a Company Material Adverse Effect or a Parent Material Adverse Effect, as applicable.
The headings, if any, of the individual sections of each of the Parent Disclosure Letter and the Company Disclosure Letter are inserted
for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part thereof or a part of this Agreement. The Company Disclosure Letter and
Parent Disclosure Letter are arranged in sections corresponding to the Sections of this Agreement merely for convenience, and the disclosure
of an item in one section of the Company Disclosure Letter or Parent Disclosure Letter, as applicable, as an exception to a particular
representation or warranty shall be deemed adequately disclosed as an exception with respect to all other representations or warranties
to the extent that the relevance of such item to such representations or warranties is reasonably apparent on its face, notwithstanding
the presence or absence of an appropriate section of the Company Disclosure Letter or Parent Disclosure Letter with respect to such other
representations or warranties or an appropriate cross reference thereto.
(c) The
specification of any dollar amount in the representations and warranties or otherwise in this Agreement or in the Company Disclosure Letter
or Parent Disclosure Letter is
not intended and shall not be deemed to be an admission or acknowledgment of the materiality of such amounts
or items, nor shall the same be used in any dispute or controversy between the Parties to determine whether any obligation, item or matter
(whether or not described herein or included in any schedule) is or is not material for purposes of this Agreement.
(d) All
references in this Agreement to Annexes, Exhibits, Schedules, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding
Annexes, Exhibits, Schedules, Articles, Sections, subsections and other subdivisions of this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise.
Titles appearing at the beginning of any Articles, Sections, subsections or other subdivisions of this Agreement are for convenience only,
do not constitute any part of such Articles, Sections, subsections or other subdivisions, and shall be disregarded in construing the language
contained therein. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and “hereof”
and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The
words “this Section,” “this subsection” and words of similar import, refer only to the Sections or subsections
hereof in which such words occur. The word “including” (in its various forms) means “including, without limitation.”
Pronouns in masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender and words, terms and titles
(including terms defined herein) in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise
expressly requires. Unless the context otherwise requires, all defined terms contained herein shall include the singular and plural and
the conjunctive and disjunctive forms of such defined terms. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to a specific time
shall refer to Houston, Texas time. The word “or” is not exclusive. The word “extent” in the phrase “to
the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends and such phrase shall not mean simply “if.”
The term “dollars” and the symbol “$” mean United States Dollars. The table of contents and headings herein are
for convenience of reference only, do not constitute part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect any of
the provisions hereof.
(e) In
this Agreement, except as the context may otherwise require, references to: (i) any agreement (including this Agreement), contract,
statute or regulation are to the agreement, contract, statute or regulation as amended, modified, supplemented, restated or replaced from
time to time (in the case of an agreement or contract, to the extent permitted by the terms thereof and, if applicable, by the terms of
this Agreement); (ii) any Governmental Entity includes any successor to that Governmental Entity; (iii) any applicable Law refers
to such applicable Law as amended, modified, supplemented or replaced from time to time (and, in the case of statutes, include any rules and
regulations promulgated under such statute) and references to any section of any applicable Law or other law include any successor to
such section; (iv) “days” means calendar days; when calculating the period of time within which, or following which,
any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference day in calculating such period shall be
excluded and if the last day of the period is a non-Business Day, the period in question shall end on the next Business Day or if any
action must be taken hereunder on or by a day that is not a Business Day, then such action may be validly taken on or by the next day
that is a Business Day; and (v) “made available” means, with respect to any document, that such document was previously
made available in the electronic dataroom relating to the Transactions maintained by the Company or Parent, as applicable, or in the Company
SEC Documents or Parent SEC Documents, on or prior to two (2) calendar days prior to the date of execution of this Agreement.
9.5 Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, including via facsimile or email in “portable document format”
(“.pdf”) form transmission, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when two
(2) or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties, it being understood that all
Parties need not sign the same counterpart.
9.6 Entire
Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement (together with the Confidentiality Agreement and any other documents and instruments
executed pursuant hereto) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral,
among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Company Disclosure Letter and the Parent Disclosure Letter are “facts
ascertainable” as that term is used in Section 251(b) of the DGCL, and do not form part of this Agreement but instead
operate upon the terms of this Agreement as provided herein. Except for the provisions of (a) Article III (including,
for the avoidance of doubt, the rights of the former holders of Company Common Stock to receive the Merger Consideration) but only from
and after the Effective Time and (b) Section 6.10 (which from and after the Effective Time is intended for the benefit
of, and shall be enforceable by, the Persons referred to therein and by their respective heirs and Representatives) but only from and
after the Effective Time, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any Person other than the
Parties any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
9.7 Governing
Law; Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) THIS
AGREEMENT, AND ALL CLAIMS OR CAUSES OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT) THAT MAY BE BASED UPON, ARISE OUT OF RELATE TO THIS AGREEMENT,
OR THE NEGOTIATION, EXECUTION OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW THEREOF.
(b) THE
PARTIES IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR, IF THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF
THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR THE DELAWARE SUPREME COURT DETERMINES THAT, NOTWITHSTANDING SECTION 111 OF THE DGCL, THE COURT OF CHANCERY
DOES NOT HAVE OR SHOULD NOT EXERCISE SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION OVER SUCH MATTER, THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND THE
FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LOCATED IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE SOLELY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY DISPUTE THAT ARISES IN RESPECT
OF THE INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN RESPECT
OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, AND HEREBY WAIVE, AND AGREE NOT TO ASSERT, AS A DEFENSE IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING FOR
INTERPRETATION OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF OR ANY SUCH DOCUMENT THAT IT IS NOT SUBJECT THERETO OR THAT SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING MAY NOT
BE BROUGHT OR IS NOT MAINTAINABLE IN SAID COURTS OR THAT VENUE THEREOF MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE OR THAT THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY SUCH
DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE ENFORCED IN OR BY
SUCH COURTS, AND THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY AGREE THAT ALL CLAIMS WITH RESPECT TO SUCH ACTION,
SUIT OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED EXCLUSIVELY BY SUCH A DELAWARE STATE OR FEDERAL COURT. THE PARTIES HEREBY CONSENT TO
AND GRANT ANY SUCH COURT JURISDICTION OVER THE PERSON OF SUCH PARTIES AND OVER THE SUBJECT MATTER OF SUCH DISPUTE AND AGREE THAT MAILING
OF PROCESS OR OTHER PAPERS IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN SECTION 9.3 OR IN
SUCH OTHER MANNER AS MAY BE PERMITTED BY LAW SHALL BE VALID AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE THEREOF.
(c) EACH
PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT
ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY
IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS
AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED,
EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER; (II) SUCH
PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE FOREGOING WAIVER; (III) SUCH PARTY MAKES THE FOREGOING WAIVER VOLUNTARILY
AND (IV) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVER AND CERTIFICATIONS IN
THIS SECTION 9.7.
9.8 Severability.
Each Party agrees that, should any court or other competent authority hold any provision of this Agreement or part hereof to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision
of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such other term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination
that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement
so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the Transactions
be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
9.9 Assignment.
Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the Parties (whether by operation
of Law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other Party. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding
upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Any purported assignment
in violation of this Section 9.9 shall be void.
9.10 Affiliate
Liability. Each of the following is herein referred to as a “Company Affiliate”: (a) any direct or indirect
holder of equity interests or securities in the Company (whether stockholders or otherwise), and (b) any director, officer, employee,
Representative or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any Person who controls the Company. No Company Affiliate
shall have any liability
or obligation to Parent or Merger Sub of any nature whatsoever in connection with or under this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby or thereby other than for fraud, and Parent and Merger Sub hereby waive and release all claims of any such liability and obligation,
other than for fraud. Each of the following is herein referred to as a “Parent Affiliate”: (x) any direct or indirect
holder of equity interests or securities in Parent (whether stockholders or otherwise), and (y) any director, officer, employee,
Representative or agent of (i) Parent or (ii) any Person who controls Parent. No Parent Affiliate shall have any liability or
obligation to the Company of any nature whatsoever in connection with or under this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby
or thereby other than for fraud, and the Company hereby waives and releases all claims of any such liability and obligation, other than
for fraud.
9.11 Specific
Performance. The Parties agree that irreparable damage, for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy, would occur in
the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached
by the Parties. Prior to the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1, it is accordingly agreed that the Parties
shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions, or any other appropriate form of specific performance or equitable relief, to prevent
breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court of competent jurisdiction, in each
case in accordance with this Section 9.11, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled under the
terms of this Agreement at law or in equity. Each Party accordingly agrees not to raise any objections to the availability of the equitable
remedy of specific performance to prevent or restrain breaches or threatened breaches of, or to enforce compliance with, the covenants
and obligations of such Party under this Agreement all in accordance with the terms of this Section 9.11. Each Party further
agrees that no other Party or any other Person shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection
with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 9.11, and each Party irrevocably waives any right
it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument. If prior to the End Date, any Party
hereto brings an action to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof by any other Party, the End Date shall
automatically be extended by such other time period established by the court presiding over such action. Notwithstanding anything herein
to the contrary, while the Company may pursue both a grant of specific performance to the extent expressly permitted by this Section 9.11
and the payment of monetary damages, under no circumstances shall Parent or Merger Sub be obligated to both specifically perform the terms
of this Agreement and pay monetary damages.
9.12 Amendment.
This Agreement may be amended by the Parties at any time before or after adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of the Company,
but, after any such adoption, no amendment shall be made which by Law or the rules of the NYSE would require the further approval
by such stockholders without first obtaining such further approval. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing
signed on behalf of each of the Parties.
9.13 Extension;
Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the Company and Parent may, to the extent legally allowed:
(a) extend
the time for the performance of any of the obligations or acts of the other Party hereunder;
(b) waive
any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other Party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto;
or
(c) waive
compliance with any of the agreements or conditions of the other Party contained herein.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,
no failure or delay by the Company or Parent in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single
or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any other right hereunder. No agreement on the part of a Party to
any such extension or waiver shall be valid unless set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such Party.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Party
hereto has caused this Agreement to be signed by its respective officer thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first written above.
|
CONOCOPHILLIPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Ryan M. Lance |
|
Name: |
Ryan M. Lance |
|
Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
|
PUMA MERGER SUB CORP. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Ryan M. Lance |
|
Name: |
Ryan M. Lance |
|
Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
[Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Merger]
|
MARATHON OIL CORPORATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Lee M. Tillman |
|
Name: |
Lee M. Tillman |
|
Title: |
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
[Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Merger]
ANNEX A
Certain Definitions
“Affiliate”
means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with,
such Person, through one or more intermediaries or otherwise.
“Aggregated Group”
means all entities under common control with the Company and any Person within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of
the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA.
“Anti-Corruption
Laws” means any applicable law for the prevention or punishment of public or commercial corruption or bribery, including the
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and any other applicable anti-corruption or anti-bribery law of any other applicable jurisdictions
where the Company and its Subsidiaries conduct business, conduct financial transactions or own assets.
“beneficial ownership,”
including the correlative term “beneficially owning,” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 13(d) of
the Exchange Act.
“Business Day”
means a day other than a day on which banks in the State of New York or the State of Texas are authorized or obligated to be closed.
“Company Competing
Proposal” means any contract, proposal, offer or indication of interest relating to any transaction or series of related transactions
(other than transactions only with Parent or any of its Subsidiaries) involving, directly or indirectly: (a) any acquisition (by
asset purchase, stock purchase, merger, or otherwise) by any Person or group of any business or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
(including capital stock of or ownership interest in any Subsidiary) that generated 20% or more of the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’
assets (by fair market value), net revenue or earnings before interest, Taxes, depreciation and amortization for the preceding twelve
(12) months, or any license, lease or long-term supply agreement having a similar economic effect, (b) any acquisition of beneficial
ownership by any Person or group of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock or any other securities entitled to
vote on the election of directors or any tender or exchange offer that if consummated would result in any Person or group beneficially
owning 20% or more of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock or any other securities entitled to vote on the election of directors
or (c) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction
involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Company Intervening
Event” means a material development or change in circumstance that occurs or arises after the date of this Agreement that was
not known to or reasonably foreseeable by the Company Board as of the date of this Agreement (or, if known or reasonably foreseeable,
the magnitude or material consequences of which were not known or reasonably foreseeable by the Company Board as of the date of this Agreement);
provided, however, that in no event shall (i) the receipt, existence or terms of an actual or possible Company Competing
Proposal or Company Superior Proposal, (ii) any Effect relating to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries that does not amount to a Material
Adverse Effect, individually or in the aggregate, (iii) any change, in and of itself, in the price or trading volume of shares of
Company Common Stock or Parent Common Stock (it being understood that the underlying facts giving rise or contributing to
such change
may be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Company Intervening Event, to the extent otherwise permitted by this
definition), (iv) the fact that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries exceeds (or fails to meet) internal or published projections
or guidance or any matter relating thereto or of consequence thereof (it being understood that the underlying facts giving rise or contributing
to such change may be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Company Intervening Event, to the extent otherwise permitted
by this definition) or (v) conditions (or changes in such conditions) in the oil and gas exploration and production industry (including
changes in commodity prices, general market prices and political or regulatory changes affecting the industry or any changes in applicable
Law), constitute a Company Intervening Event.
“Company Plan”
means an Employee Benefit Plan sponsored, maintained, or contributed to by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or with respect to which
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have any liability (other than any Employee Benefit Plans sponsored or contributed to by AMPCO
Services, L.L.C., AMPCO Marketing, L.L.C. and Equatorial Guinea LNG Holdings Limited (“EGLNG”)).
“Company Retirement
Plan” means the Retirement Plan of Marathon Oil Company.
“Company Stockholder
Approval” means the adoption of this Agreement by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock
in accordance with the DGCL and the Organizational Documents of the Company.
“Company Superior
Proposal” means a bona fide written Company Competing Proposal that is not solicited after the date of this Agreement
and is made after the date of this Agreement (with references in the definition thereof to “20% or more” being deemed to be
replaced with references to “all or substantially all”) that, in the good faith determination of the Company Board, after
consultation with its outside legal and financial advisors, (i) is more favorable to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
point of view than the Merger (after taking into account the time likely to be required to consummate such proposal and any adjustments
or revisions to the terms of this Agreement offered by Parent in response to such proposal or otherwise), (ii) is reasonably likely
to be consummated on the terms proposed, taking into account any legal, financial, regulatory and stockholder approval requirements, the
sources, availability and terms of any financing, financing market conditions and the existence of a financing contingency, the likelihood
of termination, the timing of closing, the identity of the Person or Persons making the proposal and any other aspects considered relevant
by the Company Board and (iii) for which, if applicable, financing is fully committed or reasonably determined to be available by
the Company Board.
“Company
Termination Fee” means $557,000,000.
“Consent”
means any filing, notice, report, registration, approval, consent, ratification, permit, permission, waiver, expiration of waiting periods
or authorization.
“control”
and its correlative terms, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“De Minimis
Inaccuracies” means any inaccuracies that individually or in the aggregate are de minimis relative to the total fully
diluted equity capitalization of the Company or Parent, as the case may be.
“Derivative Transaction”
means any swap transaction, option, warrant, forward purchase or sale transaction, futures transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction
or collar transaction relating to one or more currencies, commodities (including, without limitation, natural gas, natural gas liquids,
crude oil and condensate), bonds, equity securities, loans, interest rates, catastrophe events, weather-related events, credit-related
events or conditions or any indexes, or any other similar transaction (including any put, call or other option with respect to any of
these transactions) or combination of any of these transactions, including collateralized mortgage obligations or other similar instruments
or any debt or equity instruments evidencing or embedding any such types of transactions, and any related credit support, collateral or
other similar arrangements related to such transactions.
“DTC” means
The Depositary Trust Company.
“Economic Sanctions/Trade
Laws” means all applicable laws relating to anti-terrorism, the importation of goods, export controls, antiboycott, and Sanctions
Targets, including prohibited or restricted international trade and financial transactions and lists maintained by any governmental body,
agency, authority or entity targeting countries, territories, entities or persons, including the United States and any such applicable
laws of other jurisdiction where the Company and its Subsidiaries conduct business, conduct financial transaction or own assets. For the
avoidance of doubt, the applicable laws referenced in the foregoing sentence include (1) any of the Trading With the Enemy Act, the
International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the United Nations Participation Act, or the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty
Act, or any regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Controls (“OFAC”), or any export control
law applicable to U.S.-origin goods, technology, or software, or any enabling legislation or executive order relating to any of the above,
as collectively interpreted and applied by the U.S. Government at the prevailing point in time and (2) any U.S. sanctions related
to or administered by the U.S. Department of State.
“Edgar”
means the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System administered by the SEC.
“Employee Benefit
Plan” of any Person means any “employee benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, regardless
of whether such plan is subject to ERISA), and equity option, restricted equity, equity purchase plan, equity compensation plan, phantom
equity or appreciation rights plan, collective bargaining agreement, bonus plan or arrangement, incentive award plan or arrangement, vacation
or holiday pay policy, retention or severance pay plan, policy or agreement, deferred compensation agreement or arrangement, change in
control, hospitalization or other medical, dental, vision, accident, disability, life or other insurance, executive compensation or supplemental
income arrangement, individual consulting agreement, employment agreement, and any other employee benefit plan, agreement, arrangement,
program, practice, or understanding for any present or former director, employee or contractor of the Person, other than those plans,
programs, or arrangements that are maintained by a Governmental Entity
or which the Company or such of its Subsidiaries are required to
maintain pursuant to applicable Law.
“Encumbrances”
means liens, pledges, charges, encumbrances, claims, hypothecation, mortgages, deeds of trust, security interests, restrictions, rights
of first refusal, defects in title, prior assignment, license sublicense or other burdens, options or encumbrances of any kind or any
agreement, option, right or privilege (whether by Law, contract or otherwise) capable of becoming any of the foregoing (any action of
correlative meaning, to “Encumber”).
“Environmental Laws”
means any and all applicable Laws pertaining to prevention of pollution or protection of the environment (including, without limitation,
any natural resource damages or any generation, use, storage, treatment, disposal or Release of Hazardous Materials into the environment)
in effect as of the date hereof.
“ERISA”
means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“Exchange Act”
means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
“Existing Commercial
Paper Program” means the Company’s commercial paper program, pursuant to which it may issue unsecured notes in a maximum
aggregate face amount of $2.5 billion outstanding at any time, with maturities up to 365 days from the date of issuance.
“Existing Credit
Facility” means the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2014, among the Company, the lenders from
time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, as amended by the First Amendment, dated as of May 5,
2015, as supplemented by the Incremental Commitments Supplement, dated as of March 4, 2016, as amended by the Second Amendment, dated
as of June 22, 2017, as supplemented by the Incremental Commitment Supplement, dated as of July 11, 2017, as amended by the
Third Amendment, dated as of October 18, 2018, as amended by the Fourth Amendment, dated as of September 24, 2019, as amended
by the Fifth Amendment, dated as of December 4, 2020, as amended by the Sixth Amendment, dated as of June 21, 2021, as amended
by the Seventh Amendment, dated as of July 28, 2022, as supplemented by the Incremental Commitment Supplement, dated as of September 19,
2023 and as otherwise amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Governmental Entity”
means any court, governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, council or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality,
domestic or foreign.
“group”
has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.
“Hazardous Materials”
means any (a) chemical, product, substance, waste, pollutant, or contaminant that is defined or listed as hazardous or toxic or that
is otherwise regulated under any Environmental Law due to its dangerous or deleterious properties or characteristics; (b) asbestos
containing materials, whether in a friable or non-friable condition, lead-containing material, polychlorinated biphenyls, naturally occurring
radioactive materials or radon; and (c) Hydrocarbons.
“Hydrocarbons”
means any hydrocarbon-containing substance, crude oil, natural gas, condensate, drip gas and natural gas liquids, coalbed gas, ethane,
propane, iso-butane, nor-butane, gasoline, scrubber liquids and other liquids or gaseous hydrocarbons or other substances (including minerals
or gases), or any combination thereof, produced or associated therewith.
“Indebtedness”
of any Person means, without duplication: (a) indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money; (b) obligations of such Person
to pay the deferred purchase or acquisition price for any property of such Person; (c) reimbursement obligations of such Person in
respect of drawn letters of credit or similar instruments issued or accepted by banks and other financial institutions for the account
of such Person; (d) obligations of such Person under a lease to the extent such obligations are required to be classified and accounted
for as a finance lease on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP; and (e) indebtedness of others as described in clauses (a) through
(d) above guaranteed by such Person or as to which such Person otherwise provides credit support; provided, however,
that Indebtedness does not include accounts payable to trade creditors, or accrued expenses arising in the Ordinary Course, in each case,
that are not yet due and payable, or are being disputed in good faith, and the endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in
the Ordinary Course.
“Indentures”
means, collectively, (i) the indenture dated as of February 26, 2002, by and between the Company, as issuer, and JP Morgan Chase
Bank, as trustee, governing the 6.800% senior notes due 2032, the 6.600% senior notes due 2037, the 5.200% senior notes due 2045, the
4.400% senior notes due 2027, the 5.300% senior notes due 2029 and the 5.700% senior notes due 2034, as amended, supplemented, restated
or modified from time to time in compliance with this Agreement and (ii) the Municipal Bond Documents.
“Intellectual Property”
means any and all proprietary, industrial and intellectual property rights, under the applicable Law of any jurisdiction or rights under
international treaties, both statutory and common law rights, including: (a) utility models, supplementary protection certificates,
invention disclosures, registrations, patents and applications for same, and extensions, divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part,
reexaminations, revisions, renewals, substitutes, and reissues thereof; (b) trademarks, service marks, certification marks, collective
marks, brand names, d/b/a’s, trade names, slogans, domain names, symbols, logos, trade dress and other identifiers of source, and
registrations and applications for registrations thereof and renewals of the same (including all common law rights and goodwill associated
with the foregoing and symbolized thereby); (c) published and unpublished works of authorship, whether copyrightable or not, copyrights
therein and thereto, together with all common law and moral rights therein, database rights, and registrations and applications for registration
of the foregoing, and all renewals, extensions, restorations and reversions thereof; (d) trade secrets, know-how, and other rights
in information, including designs, formulations, concepts, compilations of information, methods, techniques, procedures, and processes,
whether or not patentable; (e) Internet domain names and URLs; and (f) all other intellectual property, industrial or proprietary
rights.
“IT Assets”
means computers, software, servers, networks, workstations, routers, hubs, circuits, switches, data communications lines, and all other
information technology equipment, and all associated documentation.
“knowledge”
means the actual knowledge (after reasonable inquiry of their direct reports) of, (a) in the case of the Company, the individuals
listed in Schedule 1.1 of the Company Disclosure Letter and (b) in the case of Parent, the individuals listed in Schedule 1.1 of
the Parent Disclosure Letter.
“Law” means
any law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, judgment, order, treaty, convention, governmental directive or other legally enforceable requirement,
U.S. or non-U.S., of any Governmental Entity, including common law.
“Material Adverse
Effect” means, when used with respect to any Party, any fact, circumstance, effect, change, event or development (“Effect”)
that (a) would prevent, materially delay or materially impair the ability of such Party or its Subsidiaries to consummate the Transactions
or (b) has, or would have, a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities business, or
results of operations of such Party and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided, however, that with respect to this
clause (b) only, no Effect (by itself or when aggregated or taken together with any and all other Effects) to the extent directly
or indirectly resulting from, arising out of, attributable to, or related to any of the following shall be deemed to be or constitute
a “Material Adverse Effect” or shall be taken into account when determining whether a “Material Adverse Effect”
has occurred or may, would or could occur:
(i) general
economic conditions (or changes in such conditions) or conditions in the global economy generally;
(ii) conditions
(or changes in such conditions) in the securities markets, credit markets, currency markets or other financial markets, including (A) changes
in interest rates and changes in exchange rates for the currencies of any countries and (B) any suspension of trading in securities
(whether equity, debt, derivative or hybrid securities) generally on any securities exchange or over-the-counter market;
(iii) conditions
(or changes in such conditions) in the oil and gas exploration, development or production industry (including changes in commodity prices,
general market prices and regulatory changes affecting the industry);
(iv) political
conditions (or changes in such conditions) or acts of war, sabotage or terrorism (including any escalation or general worsening of any
such acts of war, sabotage or terrorism);
(v) earthquakes,
hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods, mudslides, wildfires or other natural disaster or weather conditions;
(vi) any
epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak or other public health condition, or any other force majeure event, or any escalation or worsening
thereof;
(vii) the
announcement of this Agreement or the pendency or consummation of the Transactions (other than with respect to any representation or warranty
that is intended to address the consequences of the announcement or consummation of the Transactions);
(viii) the
identity of the Parties or their respective Affiliates, or any action expressly required or expressly permitted by this Agreement or taken
at the express written request of or with the express prior written consent of the other Party; provided that the exception in
this clause (viii) shall not apply to (x) references to “Company Material Adverse Effect” in the representations
and warranties set forth in Section 4.3(b) and Section 4.17(f), and, to the extent related thereto, the condition
set forth in Section 7.2(a), and (y) references to “Parent Material Adverse Effect” in the representations
and warranties set forth in Section 5.3(b), and, to the extent related thereto, the condition set forth in Section 7.3(a);
(ix) changes
after the date of this Agreement in Law or other legal or regulatory conditions applicable to such Party or its assets or operations after
the date of this Agreement, or the interpretation thereof, or changes after the date of this Agreement in applicable GAAP or other accounting
standards (or the interpretation thereof);
(x) any
changes in such Party’s stock price or the trading volume of such Party’s stock, or any failure by such Party to meet any
analysts’ estimates or expectations of such Party’s revenue, earnings or other financial performance or results of operations
for any period, or any failure by such Party or any of its Subsidiaries to meet any internal budgets, plans or forecasts of its revenues,
earnings or other financial performance or results of operations (it being understood that the facts, circumstances, effects, changes,
events or developments giving rise to or contributing to such changes or failures (unless excepted under the other clauses of this definition)
may constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been or will be, a Material Adverse Effect);
(xi) any
downgrade in rating by Moody’s Investor Service, S&P Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings of any Indebtedness or debt securities
of a Party or any of its Subsidiaries (it being understood that the facts, circumstances, effects, changes, events or developments giving
rise to or contributing to such downgrade may constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been or will be, a
Material Adverse Effect);
(xii) any
Proceedings commenced after the date of this Agreement by a stockholder of a Party (on its own behalf or on behalf of such Party) arising
out of or related to this Agreement or the Merger or the other Transactions; and
(xiii) any
Proceeding commenced after the date hereof under Antitrust Law in relation to the Merger and the other Transactions;
provided,
however, except to the extent such Effects directly or indirectly resulting from, arising out of, attributable to or related to
the matters described in the foregoing clauses (i) – (vi) disproportionately adversely affect such Party
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other similarly situated participants operating in the industries in which such
Party and its Subsidiaries operate, in which case only the incremental disproportionate impact shall be taken into account when determining
whether a “Material Adverse Effect” has occurred or may, would or could occur.
“Money Laundering
Laws” means, any applicable law or regulation governing financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements where the Company
and its Subsidiaries conduct business, conduct financial transactions or own assets, including the U.S. Currency and Foreign Transaction
Reporting Act of 1970, the U.S. Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2011.
“Municipal Bond Documents”
means the indenture dated as of December 1, 2017, between the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, as issuer, and
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, governing the series 2017 revenue refunding bonds and all documentation related
thereto or to the remarketing thereof including documentation entered into by the Company requiring it to make sufficient payments to
the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds, each as amended, supplemented,
restated or modified from time to time in compliance with this Agreement.
“Municipal Bonds
due 2024” means the Sub-Series 2017A-2 Municipal Bonds and the Sub-Series 2017B-1 Municipal Bonds.
“NYSE”
means the New York Stock Exchange.
“Oil and Gas Leases”
means all leases, subleases, licenses or other occupancy or similar agreements (including any series of related leases with the same lessor)
under which a Person leases, subleases or licenses or otherwise acquires or obtains rights to produce Hydrocarbons from real property
interests.
“Oil and Gas Properties”
means all interests in and rights with respect to (a) oil, gas, mineral, and similar properties of any kind and nature, including
working, leasehold and mineral interests and operating rights and royalties, overriding royalties, production payments, net profit interests
and other non-working interests and non-operating interests (including all Oil and Gas Leases, operating agreements, unitization and pooling
agreements and orders, division orders, transfer orders, mineral deeds, royalty deeds, and in each case, interests thereunder), surface
interests, fee interests, reversionary interests, reservations and concessions and (b) all Wells located on or producing from such
leases and properties.
“Ordinary Course”
means, with respect to an action taken by any Person, that such action is consistent with the ordinary course of business and past practices
of such Person.
“Organizational Documents”
means (a) with respect to a corporation, the charter, articles or certificate of incorporation, as applicable, and bylaws thereof,
(b) with respect to a limited liability company, the certificate of formation or organization, as applicable, and the operating or
limited liability company agreement thereof, (c) with respect to a partnership, the certificate of formation and the partnership
agreement, and (d) with respect to any other Person the organizational, constituent and/or governing documents and/or instruments
of such Person.
“other Party”
means, (a) when used with respect to the Company, Parent and Merger Sub and (b) when used with respect to Parent or Merger Sub,
the Company.
“Parent Expenses” means a cash amount equal to $86,000,000.
“Parent Plan”
means an Employee Benefit Plan sponsored, maintained, or contributed to by Parent or its Affiliates or with respect to which Parent or
its Affiliates have any liability.
“Party”
or “Parties” means a party or the parties to this Agreement, except as the context may otherwise require.
“Permitted Encumbrances”
means:
(a) to
the extent not applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or to the extent otherwise waived prior to the Effective
Time, preferential purchase rights, rights of first refusal, purchase options and similar rights granted pursuant to any contracts, including
joint operating agreements, joint ownership agreements, stockholders agreements, Organizational Documents and other similar agreements
and documents;
(b) contractual
or statutory mechanic’s, materialmen’s, warehouseman’s, journeyman’s and carrier’s liens and other similar
Encumbrances arising in the Ordinary Course for amounts not yet delinquent and Encumbrances for Taxes or assessments or other governmental
charges that are not yet delinquent or, in all instances, if delinquent, that are being contested in good faith and in each case for which
adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP by the party responsible for payment thereof;
(c) Production
Burdens payable to third parties that are deducted in the calculation of discounted present value in the Company Reserve Reports and any
Production Burdens payable to third parties affecting any Oil and Gas Property;
(d) (i) contractual
or statutory Encumbrances securing obligations for labor, services, materials and supplies furnished to Oil and Gas Properties that are
customary for the oil and gas industry, (ii) Encumbrances on pipeline or pipeline facilities which arise out of operation of Law,
or (iii) Encumbrances arising in the Ordinary Course under operating agreements, joint venture agreements, partnership agreements,
Oil and Gas Leases, farm-out agreements, division orders, contracts for the sale, purchase, transportation, processing or exchange of
Hydrocarbons, unitization and pooling declarations and agreements, area of mutual interest agreements, development agreements, joint ownership
arrangements and other agreements that are customary in the oil and gas industry, provided, however, that, in each case,
such Encumbrance (A) secures obligations that are not Indebtedness or a deferred purchase price and are not delinquent and (B) would
not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact, on the value, use or operation of
the property encumbered thereby;
(e) such
Encumbrances as the Company (in the case of Encumbrances with respect to properties or assets of Parent or its Subsidiaries) or Parent
(in the case of Encumbrances with respect to properties or assets of the Company or its Subsidiaries), as applicable, may have expressly
waived in writing;
(f) all
easements, covenants, restrictions (including zoning restrictions), rights-of-way, servitudes, permits, surface leases and other similar
rights in respect of surface operations, and easements for pipelines, streets, alleys, highways, telephone lines, power lines, railways
and other easements and rights-of-way, on, over or in respect of any of the properties of the Company or Parent, as applicable, or any
of their respective Subsidiaries, that are of record and customarily
granted in the oil and gas industry and do not materially interfere
with the operation, value or use of the property or asset affected;
(g) any
Encumbrances discharged at or prior to the Effective Time (including Encumbrances securing any Indebtedness that will be paid off in connection
with Closing);
(h) Encumbrances
imposed or promulgated by applicable Law or any Governmental Entity with respect to real property, including zoning, building or similar
restrictions;
(i) Encumbrances,
exceptions, defects or irregularities in title, easements, imperfections of title, claims, charges, security interests, rights-of-way,
covenants, restrictions and other similar matters that would be accepted by a reasonably prudent purchaser of oil and gas interests, that
would not reduce the net revenue interest share of the Company or Parent, as applicable, or such Party’s Subsidiaries, in any Oil
and Gas Lease below the net revenue interest share shown in the Company Reserve Reports, with respect to such lease, or increase the working
interest of the Company or Parent, as applicable, or of such Party’s Subsidiaries, in any Oil and Gas Lease above the working interest
shown on the Company Reserve Reports, with respect to such lease unless such increase is accompanied by a proportionate (or greater) increase
in net revenue interest in such Oil and Gas Lease;
(j) Encumbrances
incurred in the Ordinary Course on cash or securities pledged in connection with workmen’s compensation, unemployment insurance
or other forms of governmental insurance or benefits, or to secure performance of tenders, statutory obligations, leases and contracts
(other than for Indebtedness) entered into in the Ordinary Course (including lessee and operator obligations under statute, governmental
regulations or instruments related to the ownership, exploration and production of oil, gas and minerals on state, federal or foreign
lands or waters) or to secure obligations on surety or appeal bonds;
(k) customary
Encumbrances for the fees, costs and expenses of trustees and escrow agents pursuant to the indenture, escrow agreement or other similar
agreement establishing such trust or escrow arrangement entered in the Ordinary Course; or
(l) restrictions
on transfer arising under securities Laws.
“Person”
means any individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint stock company, trust, estate, joint venture, Governmental
Entity, association or unincorporated organization, or any other form of business or professional entity.
“Personal Information”
means any information that, alone or in combination with other information held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, identifies
or could reasonably be used to identify an individual, and any other personal information that is subject to any applicable Laws.
“Proceeding”
means any claim (including a claim of a violation of applicable Law), cause of action, action, audit, demand, litigation, suit, proceeding,
investigation, summons, subpoena, inquiry, hearing, originating application to a tribunal, arbitration or other proceeding at law or in
equity by or before any Governmental Entity or arbitration panel, in each case whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative
or otherwise.
“Production Burdens”
means any royalties (including lessor’s royalties), overriding royalties, production payments, net profit interests or other burdens
upon, measured by or payable out of oil, gas or mineral production.
“Release”
means any depositing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, placing, emitting, discarding, abandoning, emptying, discharging, injecting,
escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment.
“Representatives”
means, with respect to any Person, the officers, directors, employees, accountants, consultants, agents, legal counsel, financial advisors
and other representatives of such Person.
“Sanctions Target”
means (a) any country or territory that is the target of country-wide or territory-wide Economic Sanctions/Trade Laws, which, as
of the date of this Agreement, are Iran, Cuba, Syria, North Korea, the Crimea region or the so-called Donetsk or Luhansk People’s
Republics, (b) a person that is on the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons or any of the other sanctioned
persons lists published by OFAC, or any equivalent list of sanctioned persons issued by the U.S. Department of State, (c) a person
that is located or resident in or organized under the laws of a country or territory that is identified as the subject of country-wide
or territory-wide Economic Sanctions/Trade Laws or (d) an entity owned fifty percent (50%) or more or, where relevant under applicable
Economic Sanctions/Trade Laws, controlled by, a country or territory identified in clause (a) or person in clause (b) above.
“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”
means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
“SEC” means
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act”
means the Securities Act of 1933.
“Subsidiary”
means, with respect to a Person, any Person, whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which (a) more than fifty percent (50%) of
the securities or ownership interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other
Persons performing similar functions, (b) a general partner interest or (c) a managing member interest, is directly or indirectly
owned or controlled by the subject Person or by one or more of its Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, EGLNG shall be deemed to
be a Subsidiary of the Company for purposes of this Agreement; provided that all obligations of the Company in respect of EGLNG
pursuant to this Agreement that relate to the management, operation and control of EGLNG shall be limited to the extent within the power
or authority of the Company or its Subsidiaries (other than EGLNG) to cause EGLNG to take or refrain from taking any action.
“Sub-Series 2017A-2
Municipal Bonds” means the sub-series 2017A-2 revenue refunding bonds governed by the Municipal Bond Documents in an aggregate
amount outstanding of $200,000,000 and having a mandatory purchase date of July 1, 2024.
“Sub-Series 2017B-1
Municipal Bonds” means the sub-series 2017B-1 revenue refunding bonds governed by the Municipal Bond Documents in an aggregate
amount outstanding of $200,000,000 and having a mandatory purchase date of July 1, 2024.
“Takeover Law”
means any “fair price,” “moratorium,” “control share acquisition,” “business combination”
or any other anti-takeover statute or similar statute enacted under applicable Law, including Section 203 of the DGCL.
“Tax Returns”
means any return, report, statement, information return or other document (including any related or supporting information) filed or required
to be filed with any Taxing Authority in connection with the determination, assessment, collection or administration of any Taxes, including
any schedule or attachment thereto and any amendment thereof.
“Taxes”
means any and all taxes and similar charges, duties, levies or other assessments of any kind, including, but not limited to, income, estimated,
business, occupation, corporate, gross receipts, transfer, stamp, employment, occupancy, license, severance, capital, impact fee, production,
ad valorem, excise, property, sales, use, turnover, value added and franchise taxes, deductions, withholdings and custom duties, imposed
by any Governmental Entity, including interest, penalties, and additions to tax imposed with respect thereto.
“Taxing Authority”
means any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction in matters relating to Tax matters.
“Transactions”
means the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each other agreement to be executed and delivered in connection
herewith and therewith.
“Treasury Regulations”
means the regulations promulgated under the Code.
“Voting Debt”
of a Person means bonds, debentures, notes or other Indebtedness having the right to vote (or convertible into securities having the right
to vote) on any matters on which stockholders of such Person may vote.
“Wells”
means all oil or gas wells, whether producing, operating, shut-in or temporarily abandoned, located on an Oil and Gas Lease or any pooled,
communitized or unitized acreage that includes all or a part of such Oil and Gas Lease or otherwise associated with an Oil and Gas Property
of the applicable Person or any of its Subsidiaries, together with all oil, gas and mineral production from such well.
“Willful and Material
Breach” including the correlative term “Willfully and Materially Breach,” shall mean a material breach (or the committing
of a material breach) that is a consequence of an act or failure to take an act by the breaching party with the knowledge that the taking
of such act (or the failure to take such act) may constitute a breach of this Agreement.
ANNEX B
Form of Certificate of Incorporation of
the Surviving Corporation
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
[COMPANY]
[·],
202[·]
FIRST. The name of the corporation is [·] (the “Corporation”).
SECOND.
The address of the corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is [·]. The name of its registered agent
at such address is [·].
THIRD. The purpose of the
Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware, as amended (the “DGCL”).
FOURTH. The total number of
shares that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 1,000 shares of Common Stock, and the par value of each such share is $0.01.
Except as otherwise provided by law, the Common Stock shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and for all
other purposes. Each share of Common Stock shall have one vote and the Common Stock shall vote together as a single class.
FIFTH. The board of directors
of the Corporation is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws of the Corporation.
SIXTH. Elections of directors
need not be by written ballot except and to the extent provided in the bylaws of the Corporation.
SEVENTH. No director or
officer shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty by
such director or officer as a director or officer, as applicable, except (i) for breach of the director’s or
officer’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) with respect to any director, pursuant to Section 174
of the DGCL, (iv) for any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit or
(v) with respect to any officer, in any action by or in the right of the Corporation. No amendment to or repeal of this Article Seventh
shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any director or officer of the Corporation for or
with respect to any acts or omissions of such director or officer occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.
Exhibit 99.1
|
925
North Eldridge Parkway
Houston, TX 77079
Media Relations: 281-293-1149
www.conocophillips.com/media |
NEWS RELEASE
May 29, 2024
ConocoPhillips to acquire Marathon Oil Corporation in all-stock
transaction; provides shareholder distribution update
| · | Acquisition
of Marathon Oil Corporation is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings, cash flows
and return of capital per share. |
| · | ConocoPhillips
expects to achieve at least $500 million of run rate cost and capital savings within the
first full year following the closing of the transaction. |
| · | Independent
of the transaction, ConocoPhillips expects to increase its ordinary base dividend by 34%
to 78 cents per share starting in the fourth quarter of 2024. |
| · | Upon
closing of the transaction, ConocoPhillips expects share buybacks to be over $20 billion
in the first three years, with over $7 billion in the first full year, at recent commodity
prices. |
HOUSTON
– ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) and Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) announced today that they have entered into a
definitive agreement pursuant to which ConocoPhillips will acquire Marathon Oil in an all-stock transaction with an enterprise value
of $22.5 billion, inclusive of $5.4 billion of net debt. Under the terms of the agreement, Marathon Oil shareholders will receive 0.2550
shares of ConocoPhillips common stock for each share of Marathon Oil common stock, representing a 14.7% premium to the closing share
price of Marathon Oil on May 28, 2024, and a 16.0% premium to the prior 10-day volume-weighted average price.
“This acquisition of Marathon Oil further
deepens our portfolio and fits within our financial framework, adding high-quality, low cost of supply inventory adjacent to our leading
U.S. unconventional position,” said Ryan Lance, ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer. “Importantly, we
share similar values and cultures with a focus on operating safely and responsibly to create long-term value for our shareholders. The
transaction is immediately accretive to earnings, cash flows and distributions per share, and we see significant synergy potential.”
“This is a proud moment to look back on what we achieved at
Marathon Oil. Powered by our dedicated employees and contractors, we built a top performing portfolio with a multi-year track record
of peer-leading operational execution, strong financial results and compelling return of capital to our shareholders - all while holding
true to our core values of safety and environmental excellence. ConocoPhillips is the right home to build on that legacy, offering a
truly unique combination of added scale, resilience and long-term durability. With its premier global asset base, strong balance sheet
and laser focus on operational excellence, ConocoPhillips’ track record of long-term investments, differentiated shareholder distributions
and active portfolio management are unmatched. When combined with the global ConocoPhillips portfolio, I’m confident our assets
and people will deliver significant shareholder value over the long term,” said Lee Tillman, Marathon Oil chairman, president and
chief executive officer.
Transaction benefits
| · | Immediately
accretive: This acquisition is immediately accretive to ConocoPhillips on earnings, cash
from operations, free cash flow and return of capital per share to shareholders. |
| · | Delivers
significant cost and capital synergies: Given the adjacent nature of the acquired assets
and a common operating philosophy, ConocoPhillips expects to achieve the full $500 million
of cost and capital synergy run rate within the first full year following the closing of
the transaction. The identified savings will come from reduced general and administrative
costs, lower operating costs and improved capital efficiencies. |
| · | Further
enhances premier Lower 48 portfolio: This acquisition will add highly complementary acreage
to ConocoPhillips’ existing U.S. onshore portfolio, adding over 2 billion barrels of
resource with an estimated average point forward cost of supply of less than $30 per barrel
WTI. |
Return of capital update
Independent of the transaction, ConocoPhillips expects
to increase its ordinary base dividend by 34% to 78 cents per share starting in the fourth quarter of 2024. Upon closing of the transaction
and assuming recent commodity prices, ConocoPhillips plans to:
| · | Repurchase
over $7 billion in shares in the first full year, up from over $5 billion standalone. |
| · | Repurchase
over $20 billion in shares in the first three years. |
“We remain
committed to our differentiated cash from operations distribution framework of returning greater than 30% to our shareholders, with a
track record of returning over 40% since our 2016 strategy reset,” added Lance. “We plan to raise our ordinary dividend
by 34% in the fourth quarter and we will continue to target top-quartile dividend growth relative to the S&P 500 going forward. Additionally,
we intend to prioritize share repurchases following the close of the transaction, with a plan to retire the equivalent amount of newly
issued equity in the transaction in two to three years at recent commodity prices.”
Transaction details
The transaction is subject to the approval
of Marathon Oil stockholders, regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the
fourth quarter of 2024.
ConocoPhillips
will host a conference call today at 10 a.m. Eastern time to discuss this announcement. To listen to the call and view related presentation
materials, go to www.conocophillips.com/investor.
Advisors
Evercore is serving as ConocoPhillips’
financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as ConocoPhillips’ legal advisor for the transaction.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as Marathon Oil’s financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as
Marathon Oil’s legal advisor for the transaction.
--- # # # ---
About ConocoPhillips
ConocoPhillips is one of the world’s
leading exploration and production companies based on both production and reserves, with a globally diversified asset portfolio. Headquartered
in Houston, Texas, ConocoPhillips had operations and activities in 13 countries, $95 billion of total assets, and approximately 10,000
employees at March 31, 2024. Production averaged 1,902 MBOED for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and proved reserves
were 6.8 BBOE as of Dec. 31, 2023. For more information, go to www.conocophillips.com.
Contacts
Dennis Nuss (media)
281-293-1149
dennis.nuss@conocophillips.com
Investor Relations
281-293-5000
investor.relations@conocophillips.com
About Marathon Oil
Marathon Oil (NYSE: MRO) is an independent
oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) company focused on four of the most competitive resource plays in the U.S. - Eagle Ford, Texas;
Bakken, North Dakota; Permian in New Mexico and Texas, and STACK and SCOOP in Oklahoma, complemented by a world-class
integrated gas business in Equatorial Guinea. The Company’s Framework for Success is founded in a strong balance sheet, ESG excellence
and the competitive advantages of a high-quality multi-basin portfolio. For more information, please visit www.marathonoil.com.
Contacts
Karina Brooks (media)
713-296-2191
Investor Relations
Guy Baber: 713-296-1892
John Reid: 713-296-4380
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes “forward-looking statements”
as defined under the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact included or incorporated by reference
in this news release, including, among other things, statements regarding the proposed business combination transaction between ConocoPhillips
(“ConocoPhillips”) and Marathon Oil Corporation (“Marathon”), future events, plans and anticipated results of
operations, business strategies, the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, the anticipated impact of the proposed transaction
on the combined company’s business and future financial and operating results, the expected amount and timing of synergies from
the proposed transaction, the anticipated closing date for the proposed transaction and other aspects of ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s
operations or operating results are forward-looking statements. Words and phrases such as “ambition,” “anticipate,”
“estimate,” “believe,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “intend,”
“may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” “will,”
“would,” “expect,” “objective,” “projection,” “forecast,” “goal,”
“guidance,” “outlook,” “effort,” “target” and other similar words can be used to identify
forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. Where, in
any forward-looking statement, ConocoPhillips or Marathon expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, such expectation or
belief is expressed in good faith and believed to be reasonable at the time such forward-looking statement is made. However, these statements
are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s
control. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in the forward-looking statements.
The following important factors and uncertainties,
among others, could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements: ConocoPhillips’
ability to successfully integrate Marathon’s businesses and technologies, which may result in the combined company not operating
as effectively and efficiently as expected; the risk that the expected benefits and synergies of the proposed transaction may not be
fully achieved in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that ConocoPhillips or Marathon will be unable to retain and hire key personnel;
the risk associated with Marathon’s ability to obtain the approval of its stockholders required to consummate the proposed transaction
and the timing of the closing of the proposed transaction, including the risk that the conditions to the transaction are not satisfied
on a timely basis or at all or the failure of the transaction to close for any other reason or to close on the anticipated terms, including
the anticipated tax treatment (and with respect to increases in ConocoPhillips’ share repurchase program, such increases are not
intended to exceed shares issued in the transaction); the risk that any regulatory approval, consent or authorization that may be required
for the proposed transaction is not obtained or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; the occurrence of any event,
change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; unanticipated difficulties, liabilities
or expenditures relating to the transaction; the effect of the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed transaction on the
parties’ business relationships and business operations generally; the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction
on the parties’ common stock prices and uncertainty as to the long-term value of ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s common
stock; risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of ConocoPhillips or Marathon and their respective management
teams and potential difficulties in hiring or retaining employees as a result of the proposed transaction; rating agency actions and
ConocoPhillips’ and Marathon’s ability to access short- and long-term debt markets on a timely and affordable basis; changes
in commodity prices, including a prolonged decline in these prices relative to historical or future expected levels; global and regional
changes in the demand, supply, prices, differentials or other market conditions affecting oil and gas, including changes resulting from
any ongoing military conflict, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the global response to such conflict, security
threats on facilities and infrastructure, or from a public health crisis or from the imposition or lifting of crude oil production quotas
or other actions that might be imposed by Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producing countries and the resulting
company or third-party actions in response to such changes; insufficient liquidity or other factors that could impact ConocoPhillips’
ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends such that ConocoPhillips suspends its share repurchase program and reduces,
suspends or totally eliminates dividend payments in the future, whether variable or fixed; changes in expected levels of oil and gas
reserves or production; potential failures or delays in achieving expected reserve or production levels from existing and future oil
and gas developments, including due to operating hazards, drilling risks or unsuccessful exploratory activities; unexpected cost increases,
inflationary pressures or technical difficulties in constructing, maintaining or modifying company facilities; legislative and regulatory
initiatives addressing global climate change or other environmental concerns; public health crises, including pandemics (such as COVID-19)
and epidemics and any impacts or related company or government policies or actions; investment in and development of competing or alternative
energy sources; potential failures or delays in delivering on ConocoPhillips’ current or future low-carbon strategy, including
ConocoPhillips’ inability to develop new technologies; disruptions or interruptions impacting the transportation for ConocoPhillips’
or Marathon’s oil and gas production; international monetary conditions and exchange rate fluctuations; changes in international
trade relationships or governmental policies, including the imposition of price caps, or the imposition of trade restrictions or tariffs
on any materials or products (such as aluminum and steel) used in the operation of ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s business,
including any sanctions imposed as a result of any ongoing military conflict, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East;
ConocoPhillips’ ability to collect payments when due, including ConocoPhillips’ ability to collect payments from the government
of Venezuela or PDVSA; ConocoPhillips’ ability to complete any other announced or any other future dispositions or acquisitions
on time, if at all; the possibility that regulatory approvals for any other announced or any future dispositions or any other acquisitions
will not be received on a timely basis, if at all, or that such approvals may require modification to the terms of those transactions
or ConocoPhillips’ remaining business; business disruptions following any announced or future dispositions or other acquisitions,
including the diversion of management time and attention; the ability to deploy net proceeds from ConocoPhillips’ announced or
any future dispositions in the manner and timeframe anticipated, if at all; potential liability for remedial actions under existing or
future environmental regulations; potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation; the impact of competition and consolidation
in the oil and gas industry; limited access to capital or insurance or significantly higher cost of capital or insurance related to illiquidity
or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets or investor sentiment; general domestic and international economic
and political conditions or developments, including as a result of any ongoing military conflict, including the conflicts in Ukraine
and the Middle East; changes in fiscal regime or tax, environmental and other laws applicable to ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s
businesses; disruptions resulting from accidents, extraordinary weather events, civil unrest, political events, war, terrorism, cybersecurity
threats or information technology failures, constraints or disruptions; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors
affecting ConocoPhillips’ or Marathon’s businesses generally as set forth in their filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”). The registration statement on Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus that will be filed with
the SEC will describe additional risks in connection with the proposed transaction. While the list of factors presented here is, and
the list of factors to be presented in the registration statement on Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus are considered representative,
no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. For additional information about
other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, please refer
to ConocoPhillips’ and Marathon’s respective periodic reports and other filings with the SEC, including the risk factors
contained in ConocoPhillips’ and Marathon’s most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K.
Forward-looking statements represent current expectations and are inherently uncertain and are made only as of the date hereof (or, if
applicable, the dates indicated in such statement). Except as required by law, neither ConocoPhillips nor Marathon undertakes or assumes
any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or to reflect subsequent events or circumstances
or otherwise.
No Offer or Solicitation
This news release is not intended to and
shall not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any
vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful
prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made, except
by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Additional Information about the Merger
and Where to Find It
In connection
with the proposed transaction, ConocoPhillips intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4, which will include
a proxy statement of Marathon that also constitutes a prospectus of ConocoPhillips common shares to be offered in the proposed transaction.
Each of ConocoPhillips and Marathon may also file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. This news
release is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document that ConocoPhillips or
Marathon may file with the SEC. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of Marathon.
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS
THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF
AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and
security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and proxy statement/prospectus (if and when available)
and other documents containing important information about ConocoPhillips, Marathon and the proposed transaction, once such documents
are filed with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the
SEC by ConocoPhillips will be available free of charge on ConocoPhillips’ website at www.conocophillips.com or by contacting
ConocoPhillips’ Investor Relations Department by email at investor.relations@conocophillips.com or by phone at 281-293-5000. Copies
of the documents filed with the SEC by Marathon will be available free of charge on Marathon’s website at ir.marathonoil.com
or by contacting Marathon at 713-629-6600.
Participants in the Solicitation
ConocoPhillips, Marathon and certain of their
respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed
transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of ConocoPhillips is set forth in (i) ConocoPhillips’
proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting of stockholders under the headings “Executive Compensation”, “Item 1: Election
of Directors and Director Biographies” (including “Related Party Transactions” and “Director Compensation”),
“Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Executive Compensation Tables” and “Stock Ownership”, which
was filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1163165/000130817924000384/cop4258041-def14a.htm,
(ii) ConocoPhillips’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including under the
headings “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance”, “Item 11. Executive Compensation”,
“Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” and “Item
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, which was filed with the SEC on February 15,
2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1163165/000116316524000010/cop-20231231.htm and (iii) to
the extent holdings of ConocoPhillips securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in ConocoPhillips’
proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statement of Beneficial
Ownership of Securities on Form 3, Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4 or Annual Statement of Changes in
Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 5, filed with the SEC (which are available at EDGAR Search Results https://www.sec.gov/edgar/search/#/category=form-cat2&ciks=0001163165&entityName=CONOCOPHILLIPS%2520(COP)%2520(CIK%25200001163165)).
Information about the directors and executive officers of Marathon is set forth in (i) Marathon’s proxy statement for its
2024 annual meeting of stockholders under the headings “Proposal 1: Election of Directors”, “Director Compensation”,
“Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Executive
Compensation” and “Transactions with Related Persons”, which was filed with the SEC on April 10, 2024 and is available
at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/101778/000010177824000082/mro-20240405.htm, (ii) Marathon’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including under the headings “Item 10. Directors, Executive
Officers and Corporate Governance”, “Item 11. Executive Compensation”, “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” and “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,
and Director Independence”, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/101778/000010177824000023/mro-20231231.htm
and (iii) to the extent holdings of Marathon securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set
forth in Marathon’s proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, such changes have been or will be reflected on
Initial Statement of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3, Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4,
or Annual Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 5, filed with the SEC (which are available at EDGAR
Search Results https://www.sec.gov/edgar/search/#/category=form-cat2&ciks=0000101778&entityName=MARATHON%2520OIL%2520CORP%2520(MRO)%2520(CIK%25200000101778)).
Other information
regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings
or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the
proposed transaction when such materials become available. Investors should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes
available before making any voting or investment decisions. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by ConocoPhillips and Marathon
will be available free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Additionally, copies of documents
filed with the SEC by ConocoPhillips will be available free of charge on ConocoPhillips’ website at www.conocophillips.com/
and those filed by Marathon will be available free of charge on Marathon’s website at ir.marathonoil.com/.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
and Other Terms – This news release contains certain financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with GAAP,
including cash from operations (CFO), free cash flow and net debt. CFO is calculated by removing the impact from operating working capital
from cash provided by operating activities. Free cash flow is CFO net of capital expenditures and investments. Net debt is total balance
sheet debt less cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. This news release also contains the terms enterprise value, cost of
supply and return of capital. Enterprise value included in this release is calculated based on the sum of net debt as of March 31,
2024, and anticipated shares to be issued at the fixed exchange ratio of 0.2550 measured at ConocoPhillips’ closing share price on May 28,
2024. Cost of supply is the WTI equivalent price that generates a 10 percent after-tax return on a point-forward and fully burdened basis.
Fully burdened includes capital infrastructure, foreign exchange, price-related inflation, G&A and carbon tax (if currently assessed).
If no carbon tax exists for the asset, carbon pricing aligned with internal energy scenarios are applied. All barrels of resource are
discounted at 10 percent. Return of capital is defined as the total of the ordinary dividend, share repurchases and variable return of
cash (VROC).
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors
– The SEC permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved, probable and possible
reserves. We may use the term “resource” in this release that the SEC’s guidelines prohibit us from including in filings
with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the oil and gas disclosures in our Form 10-K and other reports and filings
with the SEC. Copies are available from the SEC and from the ConocoPhillips website.
Table 1: Reconciliation of debt to net debt |
$ millions, except as indicated |
|
Quarter-Ended |
3/31/2024 |
| |
Marathon Oil Corporation | |
Total debt* | |
| 5,428 | |
Less: | |
| | |
Cash and cash equivalents | |
| (49 | ) |
Short-term investments | |
| - | |
Net debt | |
| 5,379 | |
*Total
debt includes the following balance sheet accounts: “long-term debt”, “commercial paper”, and “long-term
debt due within one year” for $4.578B, $0.45B and $0.4B, respectively.
Exhibit 99.2
v3.24.1.1.u2
X |
- DefinitionBoolean flag that is true when the XBRL content amends previously-filed or accepted submission.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_AmendmentFlag |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionFor the EDGAR submission types of Form 8-K: the date of the report, the date of the earliest event reported; for the EDGAR submission types of Form N-1A: the filing date; for all other submission types: the end of the reporting or transition period. The format of the date is YYYY-MM-DD.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:dateItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionThe type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word 'Other'.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_DocumentType |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:submissionTypeItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionAddress Line 1 such as Attn, Building Name, Street Name
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1 |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- Definition
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionCode for the postal or zip code
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionName of the state or province.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:stateOrProvinceItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionA unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12 -Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityCentralIndexKey |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:centralIndexKeyItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionIndicate if registrant meets the emerging growth company criteria.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12 -Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionCommission file number. The field allows up to 17 characters. The prefix may contain 1-3 digits, the sequence number may contain 1-8 digits, the optional suffix may contain 1-4 characters, and the fields are separated with a hyphen.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityFileNumber |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:fileNumberItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionTwo-character EDGAR code representing the state or country of incorporation.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:edgarStateCountryItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionThe exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12 -Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityRegistrantName |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionThe Tax Identification Number (TIN), also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a unique 9-digit value assigned by the IRS.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12 -Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:employerIdItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionLocal phone number for entity.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_LocalPhoneNumber |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionBoolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 13e -Subsection 4c
+ Details
Name: |
dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionBoolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 14d -Subsection 2b
+ Details
Name: |
dei_PreCommencementTenderOffer |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionTitle of a 12(b) registered security.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12 -Subsection b
+ Details
Name: |
dei_Security12bTitle |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:securityTitleItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionName of the Exchange on which a security is registered.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12 -Subsection d1-1
+ Details
Name: |
dei_SecurityExchangeName |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:edgarExchangeCodeItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionBoolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Section 14a -Number 240 -Subsection 12
+ Details
Name: |
dei_SolicitingMaterial |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionTrading symbol of an instrument as listed on an exchange.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_TradingSymbol |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:tradingSymbolItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionBoolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Securities Act -Number 230 -Section 425
+ Details
Name: |
dei_WrittenCommunications |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
us-gaap_CapitalUnitsByClassAxis=us-gaap_CommonStockMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
us-gaap_CapitalUnitsByClassAxis=cop_SevenPercentDebenturesDueTwentyTwentyNineMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP)
Historical Stock Chart
From Oct 2024 to Nov 2024
ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2023 to Nov 2024