0001104659-11-044301.txt : 20110805 0001104659-11-044301.hdr.sgml : 20110805 20110805163037 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-11-044301 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 FILED AS OF DATE: 20110805 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20110805 GROUP MEMBERS: ACOF EXCO 892 INVESTORS, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: ACOF EXCO, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: ACOF MANAGEMENT II, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: ACOF MANAGEMENT, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: ACOF OPERATING MANAGER II, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: ACOF OPERATING MANAGER, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: ARES CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND II, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: ARES EXCO 892 INVESTORS, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: ARES EXCO, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: ARES MANAGEMENT LLC GROUP MEMBERS: ARES PARTNERS MANAGEMENT CO LLC SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: EXCO RESOURCES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000316300 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS [1311] IRS NUMBER: 741492779 STATE OF INCORPORATION: TX FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-35504 FILM NUMBER: 111014579 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 12377 MERIT DR STREET 2: SUITE 1700 CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75251 BUSINESS PHONE: 2143682084 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 12377 MERIT DR STREET 2: SUITE 1700 CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75251 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ARES CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND LP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001189523 IRS NUMBER: 412056096 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS STREET 2: SUITE 1900 CITY: LOS ANGELES STATE: CA ZIP: 90067 BUSINESS PHONE: 3102014100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS STREET 2: SUITE 1900 CITY: LOS ANGELES STATE: CA ZIP: 90067 SC 13D/A 1 a11-23876_1sc13da.htm SC 13D/A

 

 

UNITED STATES

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 13D

 

 

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. 5)*

 

EXCO Resources, Inc.

(Name of Issuer)

 

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

(Title of Class of Securities)

 

269279 40 2

(CUSIP Number)

 

Thomas C. Sadler, Esq.

Latham & Watkins LLP

355 South Grand Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90071

(213) 485-1234

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

 

August 5, 2011

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-l(e), 240.13d-l(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box. x

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See §240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

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

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

 



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund, L.P.

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
6,005,951 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
6,005,951 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
6,005,951 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
2.81%(1)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
PN

 


(1) Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.

 

2



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

ACOF EXCO, L.P.

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
45,262 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
45,262 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
45,262 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
0.02% (2)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
PN

 


(2)  Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.

 

3



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

ACOF EXCO 892 Investors, L.P.

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
262,630 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
262,630 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
262,630 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
0.12%(3)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
PN

 


(3)  Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.

 

4



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

ACOF Management, L.P.

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
6,313,843 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
6,313,843 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
6,313,843 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
2.95%(4)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
PN

 


(4)  Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.

 

5



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

ACOF Operating Manager, L.P.

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
6,313,843 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
6,313,843 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
6,313,843 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
2.95%(5)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
PN

 


(5)  Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.

 

6



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund II, L.P.

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
3,883,157 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
3,883,157 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
3,883,157 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
1.81%(6)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
PN

 


(6)  Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.

 

7



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

Ares EXCO, L.P.

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
1,050,525 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
1,050,525 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
1,050,525 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
0.49%(7)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
PN

 


(7)  Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.

 

8



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

Ares EXCO 892 Investors, L.P.

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
1,645,262 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
1,645,262 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
1,645,262 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
0.77%(8)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
PN

 


(8)  Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.

 

9



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

ACOF Management II, L.P.

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
6,578,944 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
6,578,944 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
6,578,944 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
3.07%(9)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
PN

 


(9)  Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.

 

10



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

ACOF Operating Manager II, L.P.

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
6,578,944  (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
6,578,944  (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
6,578,944  (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
3.07%(10)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
PN

 


(10)  Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.

 

11



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

Ares Management LLC

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
12,951,537 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
12,951,537 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
12,951,537 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
6.05%(11)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
OO

 


(11)  Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.  Includes 58,750 options to acquire shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Jeffrey Serota, which is the vested portion of 70,000 options granted to Mr. Serota in his capacity as a director of the Issuer.

 

12



 

CUSIP No. 269279 40 2

 

 

1.

Names of Reporting Persons
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only)

Ares Partners Management Company LLC

 

 

2.

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

 

 

(a)

 o

 

 

(b)

 x

 

 

3.

SEC Use Only

 

 

4.

Source of Funds (See Instructions)
OO

 

 

5.

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)     o

 

 

6.

Citizenship or Place of Organization
Delaware

 

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each
Reporting
Person With

7.

Sole Voting Power
0

 

8.

Shared Voting Power
12,951,537 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

9.

Sole Dispositive Power
0

 

10.

Shared Dispositive Power
12,951,537 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

11.

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
12,951,537 (See Items 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

12.

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)   o

 

 

13.

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)
6.05%(12)

 

 

14.

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)
OO

 


(12)  Based upon an aggregate of 214,051,219 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2011, as reported by the Issuer on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011.  Includes 58,750 options to acquire shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Jeffrey Serota, which is the vested portion of 70,000 options granted to Mr. Serota in his capacity as a director of the Issuer.

 

13



 

Item 1.

Security and Issuer

 

This Amendment No. 5 to the Schedule 13D (this “Amendment No. 5”) amends and supplements the statement on Schedule 13D filed on April 9, 2007, Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13D (“Amendment No. 1”) filed on September 4, 2007, Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D (“Amendment No. 2”) filed on September 11, 2007, Amendment No. 3 to the Schedule 13D (“Amendment No. 3”) filed on November 2, 2010,  Amendment No. 4 to the Schedule 13D (“Amendment No. 4”) filed on January 25, 2011 (as amended by Amendment No. 1, Amendment No. 2, Amendment No. 3, Amendment No. 4 and this Amendment No. 5, the “Schedule 13D”), and relates to the Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”) of EXCO Resources, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Issuer”).  The principal executive offices of the Issuer are located at 12377 Merit Drive, Dallas, Texas 75251.

 

Except as specifically provided herein, this Amendment No. 5 does not modify any of the information previously reported on the Schedule 13D.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings previously given to them on the Schedule 13D.

 

 

Item 4.

Purpose of Transaction

 

Item 4 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended by adding the following at the end thereof:

 

On July 8, 2011, the Special Committee announced that it had terminated its review of strategic alternatives, including consideration of a non-binding indication of interest by Mr. Douglas H. Miller to acquire all of the outstanding Common Stock not currently owned by him and certain other potential investors, including the Ares Entities, and the Ares Entities are no longer considering participation in such potential transaction.

 

On August 5, 2011, Ares Management entered into a standstill agreement (the “Standstill Agreement”) with the Issuer and the Special Committee, which replaced, superseded and terminated the Confidentiality Agreement in its entirety.  Pursuant to the Standstill Agreement, from the date of execution of the Standstill Agreement until the closing of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on February 3, 2013 (the “Standstill Period”), Ares Management may not, and will cause certain of its affiliates not to, acquire any outstanding equity securities of the Issuer that would cause Ares Management and such affiliates to beneficially own in the aggregate twenty percent (20%) or more of the Issuer’s outstanding equity securities (the “20% Limitation”).

 

In addition, during the Standstill Period, the Standstill Agreement restricts Ares Management and certain of its affiliates from, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, (i) acquiring or offering to acquire an amount of the Issuer’s Common Stock that would exceed the 20% Limitation or any other rights or interests that would increase the aggregate economic or voting interest of Ares Management and certain of its affiliates in the Issuer in excess of the 20% Limitation, (ii) making any offers to acquire a majority of the voting or other equity securities of the Issuer or a majority of the assets of the Issuer, or engaging in any other transactions that would result in a change of control of the Issuer (a “Control Transaction”); (iii) entering into agreements or arrangements, or joining or forming any groups, for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of the Issuer’s equity securities or to otherwise act in concert with respect to the Issuer’s equity securities; (iv) soliciting proxies for the voting of Issuer securities in connection with any Control Transaction; (v) making any director nomination or shareholder proposal with respect to the Issuer (other than pursuant to Ares Management’s and its affiliates’ contractual right to nominate a director to the Company’s Board); (vi) soliciting proxies to vote in favor of the election of any candidate for election to the Issuer’s Board nominated by any party other than the Issuer; (vii) taking any of the foregoing actions in a manner that is hostile to and unsupported by the Special Committee if it exists, or the Board if the Special Committee no longer exists; (viii) advising, assisting, encouraging or providing financing to any other person or group undertaking any of the foregoing actions; (ix) publicly disclosing any intention to take any of the foregoing actions; (x) taking any action that would require the Issuer, the Special Committee if it exists or the Board if the Special Committee no longer exists, to make any public disclosure regarding any of the foregoing actions or in response thereto; or (xi) publicly requesting the Issuer, the Special Committee or the Board if the Special Committee no longer exists, to amend any of the aforementioned provisions of the Standstill Agreement.

 

The foregoing description of the Standstill Agreement is qualified in its entirety by the Standstill Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.5 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Without limiting the foregoing, the Ares Entities reserve the right to exercise any and all of their rights in a manner consistent with their equity interests, contractual rights and restrictions and other duties, if any, including the

 

14



 

Standstill Agreement.  Subject to compliance with the Standstill Agreement, and depending on their evaluation of various factors, including the investment potential of the Common Stock and/or other Company securities, the Issuer’s business prospects and financial position, other developments concerning the Issuer, the price level and availability of the Common Stock and/or other Company securities, available opportunities to acquire or dispose of the Common Stock and/or other Company securities, or realize trading profits or minimize trading losses, conditions in the securities markets and general economic and industry conditions, reinvestment opportunities, developments relating to the business of the Ares Entities and the Ares Funds and other factors deemed relevant, the Ares Entities may take such actions with respect to their holdings in the Issuer as they deem appropriate in light of circumstances existing from time to time. Such actions may include the purchase of additional shares of Common Stock or other Company securities in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions with third parties or otherwise, or the sale at any time, in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions with third parties or otherwise, of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock or other Company securities now owned or hereafter acquired by any of them.  In addition, the Ares Entities may, individually or in the aggregate, from time to time enter into or unwind hedging or other derivative transactions with respect to the Common Stock or other Company securities or otherwise pledge their interests in the Issuer as a means of obtaining liquidity or as credit support for loans for any purpose.  These potential actions could involve one or more of the events referred to in paragraphs (a) through (j), inclusive, of Item 4 of Schedule 13D, including, potentially, one or more mergers, consolidations, sales or acquisitions of assets, change in control, issuances, purchases, dispositions or pledges of securities, dividend policy or other changes in capitalization. In addition, from time to time the Ares Entities and their representatives and advisers may communicate with the Board, the Special Committee, Company management, other shareholders, industry participants and other interested parties concerning the Issuer.

 

Except as set forth in this Schedule 13D, none of the Ares Entities, nor, to the best of their knowledge, any of the other persons identified in response to Item 2, presently has any additional plans or proposals that relate to or would result in any of the transactions described in subparagraphs (a) through (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D.

 

 

Item 6.

Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer

 

Item 6 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended by adding the following at the end thereof:

 

The information set forth in response to this Item 6 is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Standstill Agreement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

In all other respects, Item 6 remains unchanged.

 

 

Item 7.

Material to be Filed as Exhibits

 

Exhibit 99.5

 

Standstill Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2011, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of EXCO Resources, Inc. and Ares Management LLC.

 

15



 

SIGNATURES

 

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and belief, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

 

 

ARES CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND, L.P.

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF OPERATING MANAGER, L.P.

 

 

Its Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

ACOF EXCO, L.P.

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF MANAGEMENT, L.P.

 

 

Its General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF OPERATING MANAGER, L.P.

 

 

 

Its General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

ACOF EXCO 892 INVESTORS, L.P.

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF MANAGEMENT, L.P.

 

 

Its General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF OPERATING MANAGER, L.P.

 

 

 

Its General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

ACOF MANAGEMENT, L.P.

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF OPERATING MANAGER, L.P.

 

 

Its General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

ACOF OPERATING MANAGER, L.P.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

16



 

 

ARES CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES FUND II, L.P.

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF OPERATING MANAGER II, L.P.

 

 

Its Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

ARES EXCO, L.P.

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF MANAGEMENT II, L.P.

 

 

Its General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF OPERATING MANAGER II, L.P.

 

 

 

Its General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

ARES EXCO 892 INVESTORS, L.P.

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF MANAGEMENT II, L.P.

 

 

Its General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF OPERATING MANAGER II, L.P.

 

 

 

Its General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

ACOF MANAGEMENT II, L.P.

 

 

 

 

BY: ACOF OPERATING MANAGER II, L.P.

 

 

Its General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

ACOF OPERATING MANAGER II, L.P.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

17



 

 

ARES MANAGEMENT LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

ARES PARTNERS MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

18



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

 

 

 

99.5

 

Standstill Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2011, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of EXCO Resources, Inc. and Ares Management LLC.

 

19


EX-99.5 2 a11-23876_1ex99d5.htm EX-99.5

Exhibit 99.5

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

STANDSTILL AGREEMENT

 

This STANDSTILL AGREEMENT, dated as of August 5, 2011 and effective as of the Effective Date (as defined below) (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and among Ares Management LLC (together with one or more of its funds under management, “Ares”), EXCO Resources, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company,” which term shall, for purposes of this Agreement, include its subsidiaries and joint ventures), and the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company formed on November 3, 2010 (the “Special Committee”) (each, a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Parties have previously entered into a letter agreement, dated as of January 21, 2011, addressing certain confidentiality, standstill and other matters (the “NDA”);

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into this Agreement to replace and supersede the NDA in its entirety; and

 

WHEREAS, this Agreement shall be effective as of the first trading day following the earlier of (x) the filing by the Company of a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the issuance of a press release by the Company, in each case announcing the execution of this Agreement, or (y) the filing by Ares of a Schedule 13D with the SEC attaching this Agreement as an exhibit thereto (the “Effective Date”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement and other consideration, the adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereby agree to replace and supersede the NDA in its entirety as follows:

 

1.             Definitions.

 

1.1           The term “affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that except as used in Section 6.11, “affiliate” shall not include any Excluded Entities (as defined in Section 6.11).

 

1.2           The term “beneficially own” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

1.3           The term “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules, regulations and schedules promulgated thereunder.

 

1.4           The term “group” shall have the meaning given to that term (or as that term is used) in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

 

1.5           The term “person” shall be broadly interpreted to include any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, group or other entity.

 



 

1.6           The term “proxy” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 14a-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

1.7           The term “solicitation” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 14a-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

1.8           The term “trading day” means a day on which shares are traded in the ordinary course of business on the New York Stock Exchange or such other exchange which is the primary stock exchange on which shares of the Company’s common stock trade.

 

2.             Share Ownership.

 

2.1           Limitation on Share Ownership.  From the Effective Date until the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on February 3, 2013 (the “Standstill Period”), Ares and its affiliates shall not acquire any outstanding equity securities of the Company that would cause Ares and its affiliates to beneficially own in the aggregate twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s outstanding equity securities (the “20% Limitation”); provided, however, that Ares shall not be in breach of the 20% Limitation to the extent that its beneficial ownership percentage exceeds the 20% Limitation solely as a result of a reduction in the number of the Company’s outstanding equity securities (whether due to a share buyback, reverse stock split or other transaction).

 

3.             Standstill and Related Provisions.

 

3.1           Standstill Provisions.  During the Standstill Period, unless expressly authorized in writing to do so by the Special Committee if it exists or the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Company Board”) if the Special Committee no longer exists, Ares shall not, and shall cause its affiliates not to, directly or indirectly, acting alone or as part of a group:

 

(i)            Acquire, offer to acquire or agree to acquire, directly or indirectly, by purchase or otherwise, (a) an amount of the Company’s common stock that would exceed the 20% Limitation, or (b) any other rights or interests, including without limitation, options, warrants, swaps, derivatives, convertible securities, stock appreciation rights or other rights or instruments, whether real or synthetic, that would increase the aggregate economic or voting interest of Ares and its affiliates in the Company in excess of the 20% Limitation;

 

(ii)           Make, submit or declare any offer, proposal or indication of interest to (a) acquire a majority of the voting or other equity securities of the Company or a majority of the assets of the Company or (b) engage in any other transaction or series of related transactions that would result in a change of control of the Company (a “Control Transaction”); provided, however, that so long as Ares complies with Section 3.1(x), Ares may confidentially submit to the Special Committee if it exists or the Company Board if the Special Committee no longer exists proposals to engage in a Control Transaction;

 

2



 

(iii)          Enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or form, join or in any way participate in any group, with any other person (excluding Ares and any investment fund and investment account managed by Ares) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of the Company’s equity securities or to otherwise act in concert with respect to the Company’s equity securities;

 

(iv)          Make, or in any way participate in, directly or indirectly, any solicitation of proxies or shareholder written consents to vote, or seek to advise or influence any person or entity with respect to the voting of, any voting securities of the Company in connection with or related in any way to any Control Transaction;

 

(v)           Make any director nomination or shareholder proposal with respect to the Company; provided, however, that so long as Ares complies with Section 3.1(x), Ares may make non-public recommendations to the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee with respect to such matters; provided, further, that the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall have no obligation to nominate or recommend any candidate requested for nomination or recommendation by Ares; provided, however, that the foregoing shall in no way limit Ares’s contractual right to nominate a director to the Company Board pursuant to that certain letter agreement between the Company, Ares and certain of its affiliates dated March 28, 2007;

 

(vi)          Make, or in any way participate in, directly or indirectly, any solicitation of proxies to vote in favor of the election of any candidate for election to the Company Board nominated by any party other than the Company;

 

(vii)         Take any of the foregoing actions in a manner that is hostile to and unsupported by the Special Committee if it exists or the Company Board if the Special Committee no longer exists;

 

(viii)        Advise, assist, encourage or provide financing to any other person or group, or join any group, that is undertaking or seeking to undertake any of the foregoing actions;

 

(ix)           Publicly disclose any intention to take any of the foregoing actions;

 

(x)            Take any action that would require the Company, the Special Committee if it exists or the Company Board if the Special Committee no longer exists to make any public disclosure regarding any of the foregoing actions or in response thereto; or

 

(xi)           Publicly request the Company, the Special Committee if it exists or the Company Board if the Special Committee no longer exists to amend any of the foregoing provisions.

 

3.2           Sale and Voting of Shares; Disclosure Matters.  For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions set forth in Section 3.1 shall not restrict Ares’s ability to (i) sell or transfer (in whole or in part) or vote (or grant any proxy to vote) any securities of the Company in its sole and

 

3



 

absolute discretion or (ii) file or amend any Schedule 13D as legally required (it being understood, however, that this clause (ii) shall not be construed to permit Ares to take actions otherwise prohibited by this Agreement).

 

4.             Representations and Warranties.

 

4.1           Compliance with Laws.  Ares represents, warrants and agrees that (i) Ares is aware, and that it will advise its affiliates, that federal and state securities laws prohibit any person who has material, non-public information about a company from purchasing or selling securities of such a company or from communicating such information to any other person under circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that the person is likely to purchase or sell those securities, and (ii) Ares will, and will cause its affiliates to, comply with federal and state securities laws in connection with any purchase of the Company’s securities contemplated by this Agreement.

 

5.             Rights Agreement.

 

5.1           Qualifying Standstill Agreement.  This Agreement shall constitute a “standstill agreement” for purposes of the definition of “Acquiring Person” as defined in the Rights Agreement, dated as of January 12, 2011, by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent (the “Rights Agreement”).

 

5.2           Rights Agreements Amendments.  In the event that any amendments or modifications are made to the Rights Agreement or any subsequent rights agreement, such amendments or modifications shall not restrict Ares’s ability to acquire beneficial ownership of the Company’s outstanding equity securities up to the 20% Limitation as permitted in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

6.             Miscellaneous.

 

6.1           Breach.  Ares shall be responsible for any breach of this Agreement by Ares or any of its affiliates of the terms applicable to its affiliates, and Ares agrees, at its sole expense, to take all reasonable measures to avoid any breach of this Agreement by any of its affiliates of the terms applicable to its affiliates.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Ares agrees that where this Agreement provides that Ares shall cause its affiliates to take or refrain from taking certain actions, Ares acknowledges and agrees that the failure of such affiliate to take or refrain from taking any such action shall constitute a breach of this Agreement for which Ares shall be responsible hereunder.  The foregoing obligation shall not limit the remedies available to the Company or the Special Committee for any such breach of this Agreement.

 

6.2           Modification and Waiver.  This Agreement may be modified or waived only by a separate writing by the Company, the Special Committee if it exists or the Company Board if the Special Committee no longer exists, and Ares, expressly so modifying or waiving this Agreement.  It is understood and agreed that no failure or delay by the Company, the Special Committee if it exists or the Company Board if the Special Committee no longer exists or Ares in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder.

 

4



 

6.3           Severability.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions of this Agreement.  In the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction or applicable stock exchange to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such provisions shall be deemed limited or eliminated only to the minimum extent necessary so that this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

 

6.4           Entire Agreement.  This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the Company, the Special Committee and Ares concerning the subject matter hereof and, as of the Effective Date, shall amend, supersede and terminate the NDA in its entirety (including, without limitation, Section 4.5 thereof).

 

6.5           Remedies.  It is understood and agreed that money damages may not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Agreement by Ares and its affiliates and, in addition to all other remedies that the Company and the Special Committee may have at law or in equity, the Company, the Special Committee if it exists and the Company Board if the Special Committee no longer exists shall be entitled to equitable relief, including, without limitation, injunction and specific performance, as a remedy for any such breach and Ares hereby waives any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy.

 

6.6           Governing Law; Venue.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.  The Parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consent to the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of, and waive any objection to the laying of venue in, the federal and state courts sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, New York (collectively, the “Appropriate Courts”) for any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, and agree not to commence any action, suit or proceeding related thereto except in an Appropriate Court.  Each of the Parties further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by registered mail to its address set forth in the NDA shall be effective service of process for any action, suit or proceeding brought against it in any Appropriate Court.

 

6.7           Assignment; Binding Effect.  Without the prior consent of the other Parties, no Party may assign its rights or obligations (in the case of the Company, other than by operation of law) under this Agreement to any person.  This Agreement shall be binding upon Ares and its successors and permitted assigns and shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Company and its successors and permitted assigns.

 

6.8           Expenses.  All costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement shall be paid by the Party incurring such cost or expense.

 

6.9           Headings.  Headings included in this Agreement are for the convenience of the Parties only and shall be given no substantive or interpretive effect.

 

6.10         Counterparts; Signatures.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  This Agreement or any counterpart may be executed

 

5



 

and delivered by facsimile or electronic transmission copies, each of which shall be deemed to be an original.

 

6.11         Excluded Parties.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement will (i) restrict any leveraged finance fund associated with or affiliated with Ares from making passive investments in debt securities of the Company in the ordinary course of business and/or (ii) apply to or restrict any of the portfolio companies of any investment fund directly or indirectly managed by Ares (the entities described in clauses (i) and (ii) above, collectively, the “Excluded Entities”), but, in the case of clause (ii), only to the extent that such Excluded Entities are not taking action on behalf or at the direction of Ares.

 

(Signature page follows)

 

6



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

 

 

SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF EXCO RESOURCES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Vincent J. Cebula

 

Name:

Vincent J. Cebula

 

Title:

Chairman of the Special Committee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXCO RESOURCES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Harold L. Hickey

 

Name:

Harold L. Hickey

 

Title:

Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARES MANAGEMENT LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Weiner

 

Name:

Michael D. Weiner

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

7