EX-10.24 5 v33987exv10w24.htm EXHIBIT 10.24 Exhibit 10.24
 

EXHIBIT 10.24
Asset Transfer Agreement — Shenfu Area
ChevronTexaco China Energy Company
Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd.
and
Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc
Sale of participating interest in the Production Sharing
Contract in respect of the resources in the Shenfu Area

 


 

Asset Transfer Agreement
 
Table of Contents
             
1.
  Definitions and Interpretation     4  
1.1
  Definitions     4  
1.2
  Interpretation     10  
2.
  Conduct before Completion     11  
2.1
  Conduct of business     11  
2.2
  Proceeds and Expenses     12  
3.
  Conditions     12  
3.1
  Conditions to Completion     12  
3.2
  Satisfaction of conditions     13  
3.3
  Other Contracts     14  
4.
  Right to Terminate     14  
4.1
  Relevant events     14  
4.2
  Limitations on right to terminate     15  
4.3
  Additional Rights     15  
5.
  Sale and Purchase     15  
5.1
  Sale and purchase     15  
5.2
  Excluded Assets     15  
5.3
  Purchase Price     16  
5.4
  Deposit     16  
5.5
  Allocation of Adjustments     16  
5.6
  Title and risk     17  
6.
  Completion     17  
6.1
  Place for Completion     17  
6.2
  Purchaser Completion Steps     17  
6.3
  Vendor Completion Steps     17  
6.4
  Contemporaneous effect     18  
6.5
  Liabilities     18  
6.6
  Insurance     18  
6.7
  Prepayments     19  
7.
  Cash Adjustment     19  
7.1
  Completion Accounts to be kept     19  
7.2
  Cashflow Account     20  
7.3
  Procedure to agree Adjustment Amount following Completion     20  
7.4
  Recognition of income and expenses     22  
8.
  Notice to Complete     22  
8.1
  Notice by the Purchaser     22  
 

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Asset Transfer Agreement
 
             
8.2
  Notice by the Vendor     22  
8.3
  Time of the essence     23  
9.
  Warranties and Purchaser Indemnity     23  
9.1
  Representations and Warranties of the Vendor     23  
9.2
  Disclosures     23  
9.3
  Limitation on liability     24  
9.4
  No reliance     25  
9.5
  Dealing with Warranty breach after Completion     26  
9.6
  Proceedings in respect of a claim     26  
9.7
  Insurance     27  
9.8
  Notification of Warranty breach before Completion     27  
9.9
  Each Party Warranties     27  
9.10
  Purchaser Warranties     28  
9.11
  Purchaser Indemnity     28  
10.
  Overdue Amount     28  
10.1
  Interest     28  
10.2
  Rate     29  
11.
  Access to Records after Completion     29  
12.
  No Disclosure     30  
12.1
  Confidentiality     30  
12.2
  Purchaser’s investigation     30  
12.3
  Exceptions     30  
12.4
  Public announcements     30  
12.5
  Confidentiality Agreement unaffected     30  
13.
  Amendment     31  
14.
  Further Assurances     31  
15.
  Entire Agreement     31  
16.
  Assignment     31  
17.
  Costs and Stamp Duty     31  
18.
  Governing Law     31  
19.
  Counterparts     32  
20.
  No Merger     32  
21.
  No Waiver     32  
22.
  FCPA     32  
23.
  Audit     33  
24.
  Consequential Loss     33  
25.
  Notices     33  
 

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Asset Transfer Agreement
 
         
Schedule 1
    36  
Notice of Proposed Transfer
    36  
Schedule 2
    40  
Notice of Assignment to CUCBM
    40  
Schedule 3
    42  
Disclosure Material
    42  
Schedule 4
    45  
Warranty Disclosures
    45  
Exhibit A
    46  
 
 

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Asset Transfer Agreement
 
       
Date
    September 7th, 2007
 
 
 
   
 
     
Parties
     
 
 
 
   
 
     
1.
    ChevronTexaco China Energy Company, a company organised and existing under the laws of Mauritius (the Vendor);
 
     
2.
    Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. a company organised and existing under the laws of Hong Kong (the Purchaser); and
 
     
3.
    Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. a company organised and existing under the laws of Delaware, the United States of America (PAPI).
 
     
       
 
     
Recitals
     
 
 
 
   
 
     
A
    The Vendor owns a 50% interest in the Contractor’s interest the Shenfu PSC with respect to the SGE Farmout Area and, subject to the execution of the Phase 2 Deed of Assignment and approval of the Phase 2 Modification Agreement, the Vendor owns a 35.7142% interest in Contractor’s interest in the Shenfu PSC with respect to the BHPB Farmout Area.
 
     
B
    The Vendor wishes to sell and the Purchaser wishes to buy the Sale Interest on the terms of this Agreement.
IT IS AGREED as follows.
1.   Definitions and Interpretation
 
1.1   Definitions
 
    The following definitions apply unless the context requires otherwise.
 
    Adjustment Amount means any difference between the Purchaser Account and the Vendor Account as determined under clause 7.
 
    Affiliate has the meaning given in the Shenfu PSC.
 
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Asset Transfer Agreement
 
    Agreement means this agreement, the asset transfer agreement for the Shenfu Area.
 
    Approval includes any consent, authorisation, registration, filing, lodgement, agreement, notarisation, certificate, permission, licence, approval, authority or exemption from, by or with a Governmental Agency.
 
    Base Purchase Price means US$ 9,000,000, payable by the Purchaser to the Vendor in accordance with the terms set out herein.
 
    BHPB means BHP Billiton World Exploration Inc., a company organised and existing under the laws of Canada.
 
    BHPB Farmout Agreement means the farmout agreement for the term of the Shenfu PSC dated 29 June 2004 between the Vendor and BHPB.
 
    BHPB Farmout Area means the area depicted as the “Retained BHPB FPO Area” in Exhibit A.
 
    BHPB Joint Operating Agreement means the joint operating agreement relating to the BHPB Farmout Area dated 29 June 2004 between the Vendor and BHPB.
 
    BHPB Deed of Novation means the deed of novation dated on or about the date of this Agreement between the Vendor, the Purchaser and BHPB pursuant to which the Vendor novates its rights and obligations under the BHPB Farmout Agreement and the BHPB Joint Operating Agreement to the Purchaser.
 
    Business means the Coalbed Methane, Liquid Hydrocarbons and Petroleum exploration, appraisal, development and production operations relating to the Sale Interest and the operations and activities associated with or related to those operations.
 
    Business Day means a weekday on which banks are open in the PRC.
 
    Coalbed Methane has the meaning given in the Shenfu PSC.
 
    Completion means completion of the sale and purchase of the Sale Interest under this Agreement.
 
    Completion Date means the Business Day in the month in which the last of all the conditions in clause 3.1 is satisfied or such other date as the parties may agree in writing.
 
    Completion Modification Agreement means the modification agreement dated on or about the date of this Agreement between the parties to this
 
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Asset Transfer Agreement
 
    Agreement, BHPB, SGE and CUCBM modifying the terms of the Shenfu PSC in contemplation of Completion occurring under this Agreement.
 
    Confidential Information includes know-how, trade secrets, technical processes, finances, contractual arrangements with customers or suppliers and other information which by its nature, or by the circumstances of its disclosure to the holder of the information, is or could reasonably be expected to be regarded as confidential.
 
    Contractor has the meaning given in the Shenfu PSC.
 
    CUCBM means China United Coalbed Methane Corporation, Ltd, a company organised and existing under the laws of the PRC having its headquarters domiciled in Beijing, PRC.
 
    Deeds of Assignment means the Phase 1 Deed of Assignment, the Phase 2 Deed of Assignment and the SGE Deed of Assignment.
 
    Deeds of Novation means the:
  (a)   BHPB Deed of Novation; and
 
  (b)   SGE Deed of Novation.
    Deposit means a cash amount equal to five percent (5%) of the Base Purchase Price, being US$ 450,000.
 
    Disclosure Material means the material disclosed to the Purchaser in respect of the Sale Interest up until the Completion Date, including the material described in Schedule 3.
 
    Effective Date means 30th June 2007.
 
    Encumbrance means an interest or power:
  (a)   reserved in or over any interest in any asset including any retention of title; or
 
  (b)   created or otherwise arising in or over any interest in any asset under a bill of sale, mortgage, charge, lien, pledge, trust or power,
    by way of security for the payment of debt or any other monetary obligation or the performance of any other obligation and whether existing or agreed to be granted or created.
 
    Environmental Law means a law or a provision of a law that relates to an aspect of the environment.
 
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Asset Transfer Agreement
 
    Farmout Agreement means the BHPB Farmout Agreement and the SGE Farmout Agreement.
 
    Governmental Agency means a government or a governmental, semi-governmental or judicial entity or authority. It also includes a self-regulatory organisation established under statute or a stock exchange.
 
    Guarantee means an obligation or offer to provide funds (including by subscription or purchase) or otherwise be responsible in respect of an obligation or indebtedness, or the financial condition or insolvency, of another person. It includes a guarantee, indemnity, letter of credit or legally binding letter of comfort, or an obligation or offer to purchase an obligation or indebtedness of another person.
 
    Interim Period means the period between the Effective Date and the Completion Date.
 
    Joint Management Committee has the meaning given in the Shenfu PSC.
 
    Joint Operating Agreements means the BHPB Joint Operating Agreement and the SGE Joint Operating Agreement.
 
    Liabilities means the Vendor’s liabilities in respect of the Sale Interest other than any liabilities which accrued in or relate to any period before the Effective Date, except that the term includes any liability of the Vendor relating to the Sale Interest to pay compensation to a landholder or a land rights holder, whenever determined or agreed and whenever or for whatever period that liability accrued or related to.
 
    Liquid Hydrocarbons has the meaning given in the Shenfu PSC.
 
    Modification Agreement means the Completion Modification Agreement and the Phase 2 Modification Agreement.
 
    MOFCOM means the PRC Ministry of Commerce or its relevant local representative office as appropriate.
 
    MOLAR means the PRC Ministry of Land and Natural Resources or its relevant local representative office as appropriate.
 
    Operator has the meaning given in the Joint Operating Agreements.
 
    Operating Committee has the meaning given in the Joint Operating Agreements.
 
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Asset Transfer Agreement
 
    Participating Interest means the Vendor’s interest in the rights and obligations of the Contractor under the Shenfu PSC or derived from the Shenfu PSC, being:
  (a)   35.7142% with respect to the BHPB Farmout Area; and
 
  (b)   50% with respect to the SGE Farmout Area.
    Petroleum has the meaning given in the Shenfu PSC.
 
    Phase 1 Deed of Assignment means the deed of assignment dated 29 June 2004 between the Vendor, BHPB and CUCBM comprising Exhibit A to the BHPB Farmout Agreement.
 
    Phase 2 Deed of Assignment means the deed of assignment between the Vendor, BHPB and CUCBM pursuant to which the Vendor assigned a further 28.5716% of its participating interest in the Shenfu PSC with respect to the BHPB Farmout Area to BHPB.
 
    Phase 2 Modification Agreement means the modification agreement dated between the Vendor, BHPB and CUCBM modifying the terms of the Shenfu PSC with respect to the BHPB Farmout Area in accordance with the terms of the Phase 2 Deed of Assignment.
 
    PRC means the People’s Republic of China.
 
    Purchaser Account means the account of the Purchaser as determined under clause 7.
 
    Purchase Price has the meaning given in clause 5.3.
 
    Relevant Rate means the rate per annum being the arithmetic mean during the applicable period, of 6 month term London Interbank Offer Rates (LIBOR rates) for US$ as published on the first Business Day of each month by the Financial Times of London.
 
    SAIC means the PRC State Administration of Industry and Commerce or its relevant local representative office as appropriate.
 
    Sale Interest means:
  (a)   the Participating Interest and the Vendor’s rights, title and interest attributable to that Participating Interest;
 
  (b)   the Vendor’s rights and obligations under the Joint Operating Agreements;
 
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Asset Transfer Agreement
 
  (c)   the Vendor’s rights and obligations under the Farmout Agreements; and
 
  (d)   all other commercial interests arising from and relating to the Shenfu PSC and the Joint Operating Agreements held by the Vendor.
    SGE means Sino Gas & Energy Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Western Australia, Australia.
 
    SGE Deed of Assignment means the deed of assignment dated 24 January 2006 between the Vendor, SGE and CUCBM under which the Vendor assigned 50% of its participating interest in the Shenfu PSC with respect to the SGE Farmout Area to SGE.
 
    SGE Deed of Novation means the deed of novation dated on or about the date of this Agreement between the Vendor, the Purchaser and SGE pursuant to which the Vendor novates its rights and obligations under the SGE Farmout Agreement and the SGE Joint Operating Agreement to the Purchaser.
 
    SGE Farmout Agreement means the farmout agreement for the term of the Shenfu PSC dated 24 January 2006 between the Vendor and SGE.
 
    SGE Farmout Area means the area depicted as the “SGE Farmout Area” in Exhibit A.
 
    SGE Joint Operating Agreement means the joint operating agreement relating to the SGE Farmout Area dated 24 January 2006 between the Vendor and SGE.
 
    Shenfu Area means that area designated as the Shenfu area in Annex IB to the Shenfu PSC.
 
    Shenfu Participation Agreements means the:
  (a)   Joint Operating Agreements; and
 
  (b)   Farmout Agreements.
    Shenfu PSC means the Production Sharing Contract for the Exploitation of Coalbed Methane Resources in the Shenfu Area, the People’s Republic of China between CUCBM and Texaco China B.V. dated 8 November 2000.
 
    Tax includes any tax, levy, impost, deduction, charge, rate, duty, compulsory loan or withholding that is levied or imposed by a Governmental Agency, and any related interest, penalty, charge, fee or other amount.
 
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    Vendor Account means the account of the Vendor as determined under clause 7.
 
    Warranty means any of the warranties given in clause 9.
 
    Work Program and Budget has the meaning given in the Joint Operating Agreement.
 
1.2   Interpretation
 
    Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. The following rules apply unless the context requires otherwise.
  (a)   The singular includes the plural, and the converse also applies.
 
  (b)   A gender includes all genders.
 
  (c)   If a word or phrase is defined, its other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning.
 
  (d)   A reference to a clause, schedule or annexure is a reference to a clause of, or schedule or annexure to, this Agreement.
 
  (e)   A reference to an agreement or document (including a reference to this Agreement) is to the agreement or document as amended, supplemented, novated or replaced, except to the extent prohibited by this Agreement or that other agreement or document, and includes the recitals, and schedules and annexures to that agreement or document.
 
  (f)   A reference to writing includes any method of representing or reproducing words, figures, drawings or symbols in a visible and tangible form.
 
  (g)   A reference to a party to this Agreement or another agreement or document includes the party’s successors and permitted assigns (and, where applicable, the party’s legal personal representatives).
 
  (h)   A reference to legislation or to a provision of legislation includes a modification or re-enactment of it, a legislative provision substituted for it and a regulation or statutory instrument issued under it.
 
  (i)   A reference to an agreement includes any undertaking, deed, agreement and legally enforceable arrangement, whether or not in writing, and a reference to a document includes an agreement (as so defined) in writing and any certificate, notice, instrument and document of any kind.
 
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Asset Transfer Agreement
 
  (j)   A reference to dollars and $ is to United States currency.
 
  (k)   A reference to a right or obligation of any two or more people comprising a single party confers that right, or imposes that obligation, as the case may be, on each of them severally and each two or more of them jointly. A reference to that party is a reference to each of those people separately (so that, for example, a representation or warranty by that party is given by each of them separately).
 
  (l)   All references to time are to PRC time.
 
  (m)   Mentioning anything after includes, including, for example, or similar expressions, does not limit what else might be included.
 
  (n)   Nothing in this Agreement is to be interpreted against a party solely on the ground that the party put forward this Agreement or a relevant part of it.
 
  (o)   A month means a calendar month.
 
  (p)   A day means a calendar day.
2.   Conduct before Completion
 
2.1   Conduct of business
 
    From the date of this Agreement to the Completion Date (inclusive) the Vendor shall:
  (a)   not do any of the following things (other than things expressly contemplated by this Agreement) without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed:
  (i)   conduct the Business other than in its ordinary course;
 
  (ii)   enter into any capital commitment relating to the Business other than as set out in the Work Program and Budget or as otherwise permitted by the Shenfu PSC or the Shenfu Participation Agreements without requiring the Vendor’s consent;
 
  (iii)   except for disposals of Coalbed Methane, Liquid Hydrocarbons and Petroleum in the ordinary and usual course
 
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      of the Business, dispose of, create any Encumbrance over, or declare itself trustee of the Sale Interest or any part of it; or
 
  (iv)   agree to vary any of the Shenfu Participation Agreements or the Shenfu PSC; and
  (b)   observe and perform all of its obligations and duties under the Shenfu Participation Agreements and the Shenfu PSC and shall not knowingly incur or assume any liability in connection with the Sale Interest other than in the normal and usual course of business.
2.2   Proceeds and Expenses
 
    The Vendor is entitled to the proceeds received from, and shall pay all amounts payable in respect of, the Sale Interest up to and including the Effective Date.
 
    The Vendor is responsible for any tax, levy, encumbrance that any PRC Governmental Agency imposes on the Vendor that relates directly to its transfer of the Sale Interest.
 
3.   Conditions
 
3.1   Conditions to Completion
 
    The sale and purchase of the Sale Interest as contemplated in this Agreement is subject to:
  (a)   BHPB waiving its pre-emptive right to acquire the Participating Interest as it relates to the BHPB Farmout Area, and consenting to the novation of the BHPB Farmout Agreement and BHPB Joint Operating Agreement to the Purchaser pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the form of such waiver and consent being set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1;
 
  (b)   SGE waiving its pre-emptive right to acquire the Participating Interest as it relates to the SGE Farmout Area, and consenting to the novation of the SGE Farmout Agreement and SGE Joint Operating Agreement to the Purchaser pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the form of such waiver and consent being set out in Part 2 of Schedule 1;
 
  (c)   CUCBM waiving its preferred right to be assigned the Participating Interest, and consenting to the transfer of the Participating Interest to
 
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      the Purchaser pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the form of such waiver and consent being set out in Schedule 2;
 
  (d)   approval of the Modification Agreements (prior to execution) by MOLAR;
 
  (e)   execution of the Phase 2 Deed of Assignment and Phase 2 Modification Agreement;
 
  (f)   execution of the Completion Modification Agreement;
 
  (g)   filing of the executed Modification Agreements with MOLAR;
 
  (h)   approval of the assignment of the Participating Interest and approval of the Modification Agreements by MOFCOM;
 
  (i)   either:
  (i)   the Purchaser registering with SAIC and including the Participating Interest in the registration details maintained by SAIC; or
 
  (ii)   if the Purchaser is already registered with SAIC, the Purchaser’s registration details with SAIC are amended to include the Participating Interest;
  (j)   the Vendor amending its registration details with SAIC to remove reference to the Participating Interest (provided the Vendor has previously registered the details of Participating Interest with SAIC);
 
  (k)   any other Approval or Guarantee required to make effective the sale and purchase of the Sale Interest contemplated by this Agreement; and
 
  (l)   the execution of the Shenfu Deeds of Novation by all the parties to them.
3.2   Satisfaction of conditions
  (a)   The Vendor will forthwith apply for and use all reasonable endeavours to obtain the waivers and consents to the transfer of the Participating Interest referred to in clauses 3.1(a), 3.1(b) and 3.1(c).
 
  (b)   The Vendor shall attend to the fulfilment of the conditions in clauses 3.1(d), 3.1(e) and 3.1(f). The Purchaser agrees to provide reasonable assistance to the Vendor in order for the Vendor to fulfil the conditions in clauses 3.1(d), 3.1(e) and 3.1(f).
 
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  (c)   After the waivers, consents and approvals referred to in clauses 3.1(a) to 3.1(h) have been obtained, the Purchaser will forthwith attend to the registration requirements referred to in clause 3.1(i).
 
  (d)   The Vendor shall inform the Purchaser if any consent or approval necessary for the satisfaction of any condition in clause 3.1 (other than clause 3.1(i)) is refused or if any consent or approval is conditional and provide a copy of all relevant correspondence and documents to the Purchaser. On being informed of any conditional consent or approval, the Purchaser will promptly inform the Vendor whether the conditions are acceptable to the Purchaser.
 
  (e)   A party will immediately inform each other party once a condition in clause 3.1 for which it is responsible is satisfied and each of the Vendor and the Purchaser will provide regular reports to each other on progress towards satisfaction of the conditions in clause 3.1 for which it is responsible.
3.3   Other Contracts
 
    The Vendor will, if requested by the Purchaser, or if the Vendor deems it appropriate, apply for the novations and assignments of any agreement relating to the Sale Interest other than the Shenfu Participation Agreements. The parties will use all reasonable endeavours to obtain those novations and assignments. If the novation or assignment of any such agreement is not obtained by Completion, then to the extent permitted by such agreement, the Vendor will hold the benefit of that agreement for the Purchaser and act in accordance with reasonable directions of the Purchaser and the Purchaser will indemnify the Vendor in respect of any liabilities under that agreement.
4.   Right to Terminate
 
4.1   Relevant events
 
    Subject to clause 4.2, either party may terminate this Agreement by giving notice to the other party before Completion if any condition referred to in clause 3.1 (other than those conditions in clauses 3.1(i) or (j)) is not satisfied or waived on or before the day that is nine months after the date of this Agreement.
 
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4.2   Limitations on right to terminate
 
    If any condition contained in clause 3.1 is not satisfied as a result of any breach of this Agreement by the Vendor or the Purchaser, this Agreement shall not be liable to be terminated in accordance with clause 4.1, but instead such breach shall constitute a breach of this Agreement by that party which shall entitle the other party to:
  (a)   terminate this Agreement and recover damages from the defaulting party; or
 
  (b)   sue for specific performance of this Agreement and damages in addition to or in lieu thereof.
4.3   Additional Rights
 
    The rights under this clause 4 are in addition to, and not in substitution for, all other rights which the other party may have at law or in equity in respect of such breach.
 
5.   Sale and Purchase
 
5.1   Sale and purchase
 
    The Vendor will sell and the Purchaser will purchase the Sale Interest free from Encumbrances with effect from the Effective Date.
5.2   Excluded Assets
  (a)   The Purchaser hereby acknowledges and agrees for the avoidance of doubt that any payments received by the Vendor on or prior to the Effective Date in respect of Coalbed Methane, Liquid Hydrocarbons or Petroleum sold as a consequence of the Vendor’s Participating Interest prior to the Effective Date, and any cash held by or belonging to the Vendor as at the Effective Date in no way form part of the Sale Interest.
 
  (b)   The Purchaser also acknowledges and agrees that the Vendor will be entitled to the benefit of any adjustments to payments made in respect of any period prior to the Effective Date, and will cooperate to permit any audit or other investigation or action in relation to any such potential adjustments, but at the expense of the Vendor to the extent such audit, investigation or other action relate to any period prior to the Effective Date.
 
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5.3   Purchase Price
 
    Subject to the Adjustment Amount, the Purchase Price shall comprise:
  (a)   the Base Purchase Price; and
 
  (b)   an amount equivalent to interest on the cash element of the Base Purchase Price less the Deposit at the Relevant Rate, for the period between the Effective Date and the Completion Date (both dates inclusive).
If any amount payable to the Vendor under clause 5.3(b) of this Agreement is subject to Tax in the PRC (including but not limited to, withholding tax or business tax), the Purchaser shall pay the Vendor any additional amounts actually paid by the Vendor to ensure that the Vendor receives a net amount (after payment of any Taxes in respect of those additional amounts) in the relevant currency equal to the full amount which it would have received had a deduction for Tax not been made. The Purchaser shall pay any such additional amount to the Vendor within 30 days of receiving confirmation in writing from the Vendor evidencing that an additional Tax was paid by the Vendor as noted above. The Purchaser shall indemnify the Vendor against the Tax and any amounts recoverable from the Vendor in respect of the Tax.
5.4   Deposit
  (a)   The Purchaser will, on the fifth Business Day immediately following the date of this Agreement, pay the Deposit to the nominated bank account of the Vendor.
 
  (b)   If this Agreement is terminated under clause 4.1 other than as a result of failure by the Purchaser to fulfil its obligations under this Agreement, or under clause 8.1, the Deposit will be repaid to the Purchaser within five Business Days of the date of termination.
 
  (c)   Otherwise, subject to Completion, the Deposit shall be released to the Vendor, and shall be applied towards the Purchase Price.
5.5   Allocation of Adjustments
If an amount is charged to the Vendor Account under clause 7, it shall be treated as a negative adjustment to the Purchase Price and if an amount is charged to the Purchaser Account under clause 7, it shall be treated as a
 
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positive adjustment to the Purchase Price. Such amounts shall be paid by the relevant party in accordance with clause 7.3.
5.6   Title and risk
Subject to Completion occurring, risk in the Sale Interest and title to the Sale Interest passes to the Purchaser on the Completion Date.
6.   Completion
 
6.1   Place for Completion
Completion will take place at the offices of the Vendor in Beijing or other agreed place before 1pm on the Completion Date.
6.2   Purchaser Completion Steps
On Completion, after satisfaction of the Vendor’s obligations under clause 6.3, the Purchaser shall pay to the Vendor (or as it may direct before Completion) by electronic transfer in immediately available funds (to an account nominated in writing by the Vendor to the Purchaser at least five Business Days before Completion) an amount equal to the Purchase Price, less the Deposit, and the Purchaser will execute all documents received from the Vendor under clause 6.3 (to the extent required to be executed by the Purchaser and not already executed by it) and, where appropriate, provide one copy of those documents to the Vendor.
6.3   Vendor Completion Steps
On Completion, the Vendor shall place the Purchaser in effective possession and control of the Sale Interest free from Encumbrances and shall deliver the following to the Purchaser:
  (a)   possession and control of all components of the Sale Interest, at the places where they are located;
 
  (b)   duly executed transfers or assignments of the Vendor’s undivided interest in any other assets which comprise part of the Sale Interest which the Purchaser reasonably requires and submits to the Vendor’s lawyers at least five Business Days prior to Completion;
 
  (c)   duly executed by the person to be bound by it, the waivers and consents set out in clause 3.1(a), 3.1(b) and 3.1(c);
 
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  (d)   duly executed originals where held by the Vendor, or otherwise complete copies of the Shenfu PSC, the Deeds of Assignment and the Shenfu Participation Agreements; and
  (e)   evidence to the satisfaction of the Purchaser (acting reasonably) that any representative on an Operating Committee or a Joint Management Committee who was nominated or appointed by the Vendor (and any alternate for such representative) has resigned or been removed from that office effective as of the Completion Date.
6.4   Contemporaneous effect
All of the events and deliveries identified in clauses 6.2 and 6.3 shall be deemed to occur simultaneously on the Completion Date, and no one event or delivery shall be deemed completed or shall take effect until all are completed.
6.5   Liabilities
  (a)   Subject to Completion occurring, and notwithstanding the Deed of Novation, the Purchaser will be responsible for and will indemnify the Vendor:
  (i)   in respect of the Liabilities and, unless otherwise expressly stated to the contrary in this Agreement, in respect of all other liabilities associated with the Sale Interest arising after the Completion Date; and
  (ii)   for all rehabilitation liabilities and obligations of the Vendor pursuant to the Sale Interest or under any Environmental Law arising after the Completion Date.
  (b)   The Vendor will be responsible for and will indemnify the Purchaser in respect of all Liabilities associated with the Sale Interest which accrued, or relate to any period, before the Completion Date.
6.6   Insurance
  (a)   The Vendor and the Purchaser will use reasonable endeavours to cause any insurance attributable to the Sale Interest to be changed to include the Purchaser’s interest as the owner of the Sale Interest at Completion but with effect from the Effective Date.
 
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  (b)   The Purchaser will reimburse the Vendor for a pro-rata share of annual premium costs of insurance attributable to the Sale Interest and incurred in respect of the Interim Period.
6.7   Prepayments
From Completion the Purchaser shall have the benefit of the prepayments made by the Vendor before the Effective Date on goods, services or other benefits in respect of the Sale Interest which will be received by the Purchaser after the Effective Date (or by the Vendor during the Interim Period).
7.   Cash Adjustment
 
7.1   Completion Accounts to be kept
This clause 7 provides for adjustments to take into account the following:
  (a)   The balance between the relevant Operator and the Vendor at the Effective Date (being the difference of cumulative cash call paid since inception to the Effective Date to the relevant Operator less billings received from the relevant Operator since inception to the Effective Date).
 
  (b)   All Vendor cash flow payments and receipts from the Effective Date to the Completion Date.
 
  (c)   The Vendor shall prepare a “cash adjustment statement” (the Cash Adjustment Statement) comprising the balance between the Vendor and the relevant Operator at the Effective Date (referred to in paragraph (a)) and a cashflow account (Cashflow Account) in respect of the Sale Interest for the Interim Period, taking into account the items under clause 7.2.
 
  (d)   Where the balance between the relevant Operator and the Vendor at the Effective Date is payable from the Vendor to the relevant Operator, it will be charged to the Vendor Account. Where the balance between the Vendor and the relevant Operator is a receivable from the relevant Operator it will be charged to the Purchaser Account.
 
  (e)   The Cashflow Account will record the adjustment to be made for all Vendor cash flow receipts and payments from the Effective Date to
 
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      the Completion Date. Net income received by the Vendor from the Effective Date will be charged to the Vendor Account and net expenses will be charged to the Purchaser Account.
  (f)   The Vendor shall periodically (but not less that every 30 days from the date of this Agreement) provide the Purchaser a copy of an updated Cash Adjustment Statement.
7.2   Cashflow Account
  (a)   The Cashflow Account shall take into account:
  (i)   the amount of any cash paid or payable by the Vendor in respect of operating costs in relation to the Participating Interest or which are invoiced or charged to, or otherwise incurred by, the Vendor in respect of the Participating Interest during the Interim Period (such amounts to be treated as expenses) and the Vendor shall pay any invoices in respect of such costs received prior to the Completion Date; and
 
  (ii)  
(A)      the amount of any cash received or entitled to be received by the Vendor in respect of sales of Coalbed Methane, Liquid Hydrocarbons or Petroleum invoiced in the Interim Period;
  (B)   any other income received or entitled to be received in respect of the Participating Interest in the Interim Period,
(such amounts to be treated as revenue).
  (b)   If the sum of the total of revenue exceeds the sum of the total of expenses incurred, then the amount of the difference (including interest under this clause) shall be charged to the Vendor Account, otherwise the amount of the difference shall be charged to the Purchaser Account.
7.3   Procedure to agree Adjustment Amount following Completion
  (a)   If agreed between the parties, within 30 days after the end of the month in which Completion occurs, the Vendor will prepare the final Cash Adjustment Statement and submit it to the Purchaser, made up to the Completion Date. The Vendor will provide supporting documentation reasonably adequate to justify all of the figures.
 
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  (b)   Within 15 Business Days of the date on which the Purchaser receives the Cash Adjustment Statement (or such shorter time as the parties agree), the Purchaser agrees to advise the Vendor in writing of any amounts to which it does not agree, including its reasons.
  (c)   The Vendor and the Purchaser will in good faith seek to reach agreement without delay on any amounts not agreed to between them.
  (d)   If no notice is given by the Purchaser under paragraph (b), then the Cash Adjustment Statement will be considered final for the purposes of determining the Adjustment Amount.
  (e)   If a notice is given under paragraph (b) and the Vendor and Purchaser do not resolve the matter within 10 Business Days following receipt of the notice, then that amount of the Adjustment Amount not disputed under paragraph (b) shall comprise the Adjustment Amount.
  (f)   If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute within 15 Business Days, the parties shall refer such dispute to a certified public accountant to be selected by the Vendor and the Purchaser, or failing which to be appointed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The decision of such chartered accountant as to the Adjustment Amount shall be final and binding on the Vendor and the Purchaser, and the Adjusted Amount thereon shall be paid or repaid by Purchaser or the Vendor (as the case may be ) within 5 Business Days of such decision by the chartered accountant.
  (g)   Subject to paragraph (f), the Adjustment Amount shall be settled between the parties within 20 Business Days of the date on which the Purchaser receives the Cash Adjustment Statement.
  (h)   Where the Vendor Account exceeds the Purchaser Account, the Adjustment Amount shall be payable by the Vendor to the Purchaser.
  (i)   Where the Purchaser Account exceeds the Vendor Account, the Adjustment Amount shall be payable by the Purchaser to the Vendor.
 
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7.4   Recognition of income and expenses
The Vendor and Purchaser agree that:
  (a)   the Vendor will recognise the income and expenditures attributable to the Sale Interest for income tax purposes for all periods up to and including the Completion Date; and
  (b)   the Purchaser will recognise the income and expenditures attributable to the Sale Interest after the Completion Date for income tax purposes.
The Vendor and the Purchaser agree to file all income tax returns on this basis.
The Vendor will indemnify the Purchaser for any liability for income tax arising on or prior to the Completion Date and for any other Tax attributable to the Sale Interest arising prior to or on the Effective Date and the Purchaser will indemnify the Vendor for any liability for income tax attributable to the Sale Interest arising after the Completion Date and for any other Tax attributable to the Sale Interest arising from the Effective Date.
8.   Notice to Complete
 
8.1   Notice by the Purchaser
If the Vendor fails to satisfy its obligations under clause 6 on or before the Completion Date, the Purchaser may give the Vendor a notice requiring it to satisfy those obligations within 14 days after the date of receipt of the notice. If the Vendor fails to satisfy those obligations on the date specified in the Purchaser’s notice, the Purchaser may, without affecting or limiting any other rights it might have, terminate this Agreement.
8.2   Notice by the Vendor
If the Purchaser fails to satisfy its obligations under clause 6 on or before the Completion Date, the Vendor may give the Purchaser a notice requiring it to satisfy those obligations within 14 days after the date of receipt of the notice. If the Purchaser fails to satisfy those obligations on the date specified in the Vendor’s notice, the Vendor may, without affecting or limiting any other rights it might have, terminate this Agreement.
 
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8.3   Time of the essence
When a notice is given under clause 8.1 or 8.2, time shall be of the essence under this Agreement.
9.   Warranties and Purchaser Indemnity
 
9.1   Representations and Warranties of the Vendor
The Vendor represents and warrants to the Purchaser, as at the date of this Agreement, that each of the following is true and complete in all material respects.
  (a)   (Title to Sale Interest) The Vendor has title and rights to the Sale Interest free and clear of all Encumbrances and there is not in effect any agreement or other commitment to create any Encumbrance over the Sale Interest.
  (b)   (No breach) The Vendor is not in breach of the Shenfu PSC or the Shenfu Participation Agreements.
  (c)   (Full disclosure) The Vendor has disclosed all material information in its possession or under its control relevant to the performance of its obligations under the Shenfu PSC and the Shenfu Participation Agreements.
  (d)   (Valid agreement) The Shenfu PSC and the Shenfu Participation Agreements are valid and subsisting in accordance with their terms and set out all of the Vendor’s rights in relation to those agreements.
  (e)   (Third party rights) To the best of the Vendor’s knowledge, the Vendor’s rights under the Shenfu PSC and the Shenfu Participation Agreements do not infringe the rights of any third party.
9.2   Disclosures
Each Warranty is subject to and qualified by any matter or transaction that:
  (a)   is provided for or described in this Agreement including the schedules;
 
  (b)   is disclosed in the Disclosure Material or in Schedule 4; or
 
  (c)   is known by the Purchaser.
 
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9.3   Limitation on liability
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, each of the following applies:
  (a)   the maximum aggregate liability of the Vendor under this Agreement (including under any of the Warranties or any indemnity) is limited to an amount equal to the Base Purchase Price plus any interest accrued;
 
  (b)   the Vendor will not have any liability in respect of any claim under this Agreement (including under the Warranties or any indemnity) unless reasonable particulars of the claim are given to the Vendor before the end of eighteen (18) calendar months from the end of the month in which the Completion Date occurs;
 
  (c)   the liability of the Vendor in respect of any claim under this Agreement (including under the Warranties or any indemnity) will be reduced or extinguished (as the case may be) to the extent that the claim has arisen as a result of any act or omission after Completion;
 
  (d)   if after the Vendor has made a payment to the Purchaser under a claim made under this Agreement (including under the Warranties or any indemnity), the Purchaser receives any benefit or credit by reason of the matters to which the claim relates, then the Purchaser shall immediately repay to the Vendor a sum corresponding to the amount of the payment or (if less) the amount of the benefit or credit;
 
  (e)   the Vendor will not be liable for a breach of Warranty in respect of any matter or transaction referred to in clause 9.2;
 
  (f)   the Vendor will not have any liability in respect of any proper claim under this Agreement (including under the Warranties or any indemnity) unless:
  (i)   the amount of any one claim exceeds US$ 200,000; and
  (ii)   the amount of the claim when aggregated with the amount of any other claims properly made against the Vendor under this Agreement exceeds the sum of US$ 400,000, but if such aggregate is exceeded then the whole amount, and not just the excess above US$ 400,000, shall be recoverable; and
  (g)   the Vendor will not be liable to the Purchaser for any claim under this Agreement (including under the Warranties or any indemnity):
 
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  (i)   where the claim is as a result of any legislation not in force at the date of this Agreement, including legislation which takes effect retrospectively; or
  (ii)   where the claim is as a result of or in respect of a change in the judicial interpretation of the law in any jurisdiction after the date of this Agreement.
  (h)   The limitation contained hereto shall not apply in the event of any fraudulent act or omission of the Vendor, its agents or advisors.
9.4   No reliance
The Purchaser acknowledges that:
  (a)   at no time has:
  (i)   the Vendor, or any person on behalf of the Vendor, made or given; or
 
  (ii)   the Purchaser relied on,
any representation, warranty, promise or forecast except those in clauses 9.1 and 9.9 and otherwise as is set out in this Agreement;
  (b)   no other statements or representations (written or oral) or other conduct by or on behalf of the Vendor:
  (i)   have induced or influenced the Purchaser to enter into this Agreement or agree to any or all of its terms;
  (ii)   have been relied on in any way as being accurate by the Purchaser;
 
  (iii)   have been warranted to the Purchaser as being true; or
 
  (iv)   have been taken into account by the Purchaser as being important to the Purchaser’s decision to enter into this Agreement or agree to any or all of its terms; and
  (c)   it has had the opportunity to make requests for further information relevant to the Sale Interest and such information has been supplied, and that this information and access has been granted by or on behalf of the Vendor to enable the Purchaser to make its own investigations and form its own views and to rely on those investigations and views in entering into this Agreement, which investigations and views it has relied upon.
 
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9.5   Dealing with Warranty breach after Completion
If the Purchaser becomes aware after Completion of any circumstances which constitute or could (whether alone or with any other possible circumstances) constitute a breach of any Warranty, including (without limitation) a claim against the Purchaser which if satisfied would result in a claim for breach of any Warranty, the Purchaser must do each of the following:
  (a)   promptly give the Vendor full details of the circumstances and any further related circumstances of which the Purchaser becomes aware;
 
  (b)   until it notifies the Vendor in accordance with paragraph (a), take reasonable steps to mitigate any loss which may give rise to a claim against the Vendor for breach of any Warranty;
 
  (c)   not make any admission of liability, agreement or compromise with any person in relation to the circumstances without first consulting with and obtaining the approval of the Vendor (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld);
 
  (d)   give the Vendor and its professional advisers reasonable access to:
  (i)   the personnel and premises of the Purchaser; and
 
  (ii)   relevant chattels, accounts, documents and records within the power, possession or control of the Purchaser,
to enable the Vendor and its professional advisers to examine the circumstances, premises, chattels, accounts, documents and records and to take copies or photographs of them at their own expense; and
  (e)   at the cost of the Vendor, take all action in good faith and with due diligence that the Vendor reasonably directs to avoid, remedy or mitigate the breach, including legal proceedings and disputing, defending, appealing or compromising the claim and any adjudication of it.
9.6   Proceedings in respect of a claim
 
    Any claim by the Purchaser under this Agreement (including under any Warranty or any indemnity) will (if not previously satisfied, settled or withdrawn) be taken to be waived or withdrawn and will be barred and unenforceable following the end of eighteen (18) calendar months from the end of the month in which the Completion Date occurs unless proceedings
 
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    in respect of the claim have been commenced against the Vendor. Proceedings will not be taken to be commenced unless they have been both issued and served on the Vendor.
9.7   Insurance
 
    The Vendor will not be liable to the Purchaser for any claim for breach of, or inaccuracy in, any Warranty to the extent that the Purchaser is entitled to claim, and does recover, under an indemnity against any loss or damage suffered by the Purchaser arising out of the breach or claim under the terms of any insurance policy.
 
9.8   Notification of Warranty breach before Completion
 
    If on or before Completion the Purchaser becomes aware of any breach or potential breach of any Warranty, the Purchaser must:
  (a)   notify the Vendor of this; and
 
  (b)   allow the Vendor a reasonable opportunity to remedy the breach or potential breach.
If the Vendor is unable to remedy it to the Purchaser’s reasonable satisfaction or if the Purchaser does not, in its reasonable opinion, accept the result as a remedy and the breach could expose the Vendor to a liability exceeding 25% of the Base Purchase Price as determined in good faith by the Purchaser, the Vendor may terminate this Agreement by giving notice to the Purchaser and the Vendor shall immediately return the Deposit and any other payments made against the Base Purchase Price, including interest accrued thereon, to the Purchaser.
9.9   Each Party Warranties
 
    Each party, both at the date of this Agreement and at the Completion Date, warrants for the benefit of each other party as follows:
  (a)   it is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the State or country of its incorporation;
  (b)   subject to the satisfaction of the conditions in clause 3.1, it has full power and authority to enter into, and has taken, or prior to the Completion Date will have taken, all necessary corporate action required by it for the execution of, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
 
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  (c)   this Agreement sets out and provides for its valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance with its terms and neither the execution and performance by it of this Agreement nor any transaction contemplated by it will violate in any respect:
  (i)   any law or treaty or any judgement, ruling, order, authorisation, requirement or decree of any Governmental Agency binding on it;
 
  (ii)   its constitution or other constituent documents; or
 
  (iii)   any other document or agreement which is binding upon it or its assets; and
  (d)   to the best of its knowledge, information and belief after due enquiry, no petition has been issued against it for winding up, no receiver, administrator, receiver and manager, official manager, liquidator or provisional liquidator has been appointed to it, no action has been taken to seize or take possession of any of its assets and there are no unsatisfied judgements against it nor has any sequestration order been made or writ of execution issued against it or any of its assets.
9.10   Purchaser Warranties
 
    The Purchaser warrants for the benefit of the Vendor that at the Completion Date it has all necessary approvals in place and will be in a position to fund the purchase of the Sale Interest and complete the transaction contemplated herein without undue delay.
 
9.11   Purchaser Indemnity
 
    PAPI hereby indemnifies, defends and holds harmless the Vendor in respect of all rights, obligations, acts and omissions of the Purchaser in relation to this Agreement.
 
10.   Overdue Amount
 
10.1   Interest
  (a)   Any amount due and payable but unpaid by a party in accordance with this Agreement will bear interest at the rate referred to in clause 10.2 accruing daily from the due date up to and including the date of actual payment before and (as a separate and independent legal obligation) after any judgement obtained in respect of that amount
 
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      (but excluding that day if payment is made in immediately available funds by 12.00 noon on that day).
 
  (b)   If any amount payable pursuant to this clause 10 is subject to Tax in the PRC (including but not limited to, withholding tax or business tax), the party responsible for such payment under paragraph (a) (the Responsible Party) shall pay the other party (the Owed Party) any additional amounts actually paid by the Owed Party to ensure that the Owed Party receives a net amount (after payment of any Taxes in respect of those additional amounts) in the relevant currency equal to the full amount which it would have received had a deduction for Tax not been made. The Responsible Party shall indemnify the Owed Party against the Tax and any amounts recoverable from the Owed Party in respect of the Tax.
10.2   Rate
 
    The rate of interest applicable for the purposes of clause 10.1 is the rate equal to the aggregate of 3% per annum and the Relevant Rate calculated on a daily basis.
 
11.   Access to Records after Completion
 
    After the Completion Date, to the extent reasonably necessary to enable each party to comply with its obligations and administer its affairs, in relation to any Tax:
  (a)   the Purchaser shall keep the books, records and other documents relating to the Sale Interest delivered to the Purchaser on Completion; and
 
  (b)   the Vendor shall keep the books, records and other documents relating to the Business required to be kept or maintained by the Vendor,
    for 10 years (or such greater period required under PRC law) from the date of the creation of the relevant document. Each party, to the extent reasonably necessary to enable the other party to comply with its obligations and administer its affairs, in relation to any Tax, shall permit the other party to have access to those books, records and documents during business hours as the other party reasonably requires.
 
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12.   No Disclosure
 
12.1   Confidentiality
 
    Subject to clauses 12.3 and 12.4, each party shall keep the terms of this Agreement confidential.
 
12.2   Purchaser’s investigation
 
    Subject to clause 12.3, any Confidential Information obtained by the Purchaser in relation to the Sale Interest must be kept confidential:
  (a)   until the Completion Date; and
 
  (b)   after the Completion Date, if Completion does not occur.
12.3   Exceptions
 
    A party may make any disclosures in relation to this Agreement or any Confidential Information as it thinks necessary:
  (a)   to its professional advisers, bankers, financial advisers and financiers, if those persons undertake to keep information disclosed confidential;
 
  (b)   to apply for and obtain any approvals or consents contemplated in clause 3.1;
 
  (c)   to comply with any applicable law or requirement of any Governmental Agency; or
 
  (d)   to any of its employees to whom it is necessary to disclose the information and who have an obligation to keep such information confidential.
12.4   Public announcements
 
    Except as required by applicable law or the requirements of any Governmental Agency, all press releases and other public announcements relating to the transactions dealt with by this Agreement to be made by the Vendor or the Purchaser must be in terms agreed by the other of them (acting reasonably).
 
12.5   Confidentiality Agreement unaffected
 
    If the Purchaser has entered into any separate agreement to keep confidential the Confidential Information of the Vendor or the Business,
 
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    nothing in this clause 12 shall limit or otherwise affect the terms of that agreement.
 
13.   Amendment
 
    This Agreement may be amended only by another agreement executed by the parties.
 
14.   Further Assurances
 
    Each party shall take all steps, execute all documents and do everything reasonably required by the other party to give effect to any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
15.   Entire Agreement
 
    This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter. It sets out the only conduct relied on by the parties and supersedes all earlier conduct and prior agreements and understandings between the parties in connection with its subject matter.
 
16.   Assignment
 
    The rights of the parties under this Agreement cannot be assigned, charged or otherwise dealt with.
 
17.   Costs and Stamp Duty
 
    Each party must bear its own costs arising out of the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. All stamp duty chargeable on this Agreement, on any instrument executed under it, and in respect of any transaction evidenced by this Agreement shall be borne equally by the parties.
 
18.   Governing Law
 
    This Agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts exercising jurisdiction there.
 
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19.   Counterparts
 
    This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts. All counterparts together will be taken to constitute one instrument.
 
20.   No Merger
 
    The rights and obligations of the parties will not merge on the completion of any transaction contemplated by this Agreement. They will survive the execution and delivery of any assignment or other document entered into for the purpose of implementing a transaction.
 
21.   No Waiver
 
    A failure to exercise or a delay in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement does not operate as a waiver. A single or partial exercise or waiver of the exercise of any right, power or remedy does not preclude any other or further exercise of that or any other right, power or remedy. A waiver is not valid or binding on the party granting that waiver unless made in writing.
 
22.   FCPA
 
    Each Party warrants that neither it nor its affiliates has made or will make, with respect to the matters provided for hereunder, any offer, payment, promise to pay or authorisation of the payment of any money, or any offer, gift, promise to give or authorisation of the giving of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to or for the use or benefit of any official or employee of any government authority or to or for the use or benefit of any political party, official, or candidate (Offer) unless such Offer is authorised by the applicable laws of any government authority. Each Party further warrants that neither it nor its affiliates has made or will make any such Offer to or for the use or benefit of any other person if the Party has a belief, or is aware that there is a high probability that the other person would use such Offer for any of the purposes described in the preceding sentence. The Purchaser understands that the Vendor does not authorize any payments which would be prohibited by the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) (or any other similar law or regulation of any other government having jurisdiction over this Agreement and/or the Parties) and acknowledges that no employee of the Vendor shall have authority to give any direction relating
 
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    to the making of any commitment by the Purchaser to any third party in violation of the FCPA (or other similar law or regulation).
 
23.   Audit
 
    Each Party shall be entitled to audit all accounts and financial records the other relating to the payments made and received under this Agreement for any calendar year upon thirty (30) days advance notice to the other Party. This right to audit must be exercised within a period of twenty-four (24) months from the end of the calendar year to which the charges relate. Payments of any advances or invoices shall not prejudice the right of any Party to challenge the correctness thereof. After the twenty-four (24) month period, all costs charged shall conclusively be presumed to be true and correct, except for costs detailed in written exceptions resulting from the audits provided such exceptions are received before the expiration of that period. All costs of the audit shall be borne by the Party conducting the audit.
 
24.   Consequential Loss
 
    Neither Party is liable in an action initiated by one against the other for special, indirect or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of this Agreement, including loss of profit or business interruptions, however these losses may be caused.
 
25.   Notices
 
    Any notice, demand, consent or other communication (a Notice) given or made under this Agreement:
  (a)   must be in writing and signed by the sender or a person duly authorised by the sender;
 
  (b)   must be addressed and delivered to the intended recipient at the address or fax number below or the address or fax number last notified by the intended recipient to the sender after the date of this Agreement:
         
 
  (i)    to the Vendor:   1218 China World Tower 2,
 
      1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue
 
      Beijing 100004, PRC
 
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      Attention: Tim Galvin
 
      Fax No: +86 10 6505 8209;
 
 
  (ii)    to the Purchaser:   250 East Hartsdale Ave
Hartsdale, NY 10530
 
      United States of America
 
      Attention: Frank Ingriselli
 
      Fax No: +1 914 472 6793; and
 
 
  (iii)   to PAPI:   250 East Hartsdale Ave
 
      Hartsdale, NY 10530
 
      United States of America
 
      Attention: Frank Ingriselli
 
      Fax No: +1 914 472 6793.
    will be taken to be duly given or made when delivered, received or left at the above fax number or address. If delivery or receipt occurs on a day that is not a business day in the place to which the Notice is sent or is later than 4pm (local time) at that place, it will be taken to have been duly given or made at the commencement of business on the next business day in that place.
 
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EXECUTED as an agreement
         
SIGNED for and on behalf of ChevronTexaco China Energy Company by its duly authorised signatory
 
   
Signed        
  Title     
  Witness     
 
 
SIGNED for and on behalf of Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. by its duly authorised signatory
 
   
Signed        
  Title      
  Witness     
 
 
SIGNED for and on behalf of Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. by its duly authorised signatory
 
   
Signed        
  Title      
  Witness     
 
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Schedule 1
Notice of Proposed Transfer
 
Part 1
To: BHP Billiton World Exploration Inc.
Joint Operating Agreement and Farmout Agreement in respect of the Shenfu Area, PRC
ChevronTexaco China Energy Company (CHEVRON) hereby gives you notice that it proposes to transfer its rights and obligations under the Joint Operating Agreement and Farmout Agreement between ChevronTexaco China Energy Company and BHPB each dated 29 June 2004, to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd.. As a consequence, CHEVRON will also transfer to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. its Participating Interest in the Production Sharing Contract for the Exploitation of Coalbed Methane Resources in the Shenfu Area, the People’s Republic of China between China United Coalbed Methane Corporation Ltd (CUCBM) and Texaco China B.V. dated 8 November 2000 (the PSC) as it relates to the BHPB Farmout Area. The proposed transfer of CHEVRON’s interest in the Joint Operating Agreement, Farmout Agreement and the PSC to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. is referred to hereafter as the Proposed Transfer.
CHEVRON intends to enter into a binding agreement with Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. in order for the Proposed Transfer to take place with effect on and from 30 June 2007 subject to obtaining all necessary approvals. We attach the form of agreement setting out the final terms and conditions of the Proposed Transfer (the Transfer Agreement).
Pursuant to the terms of the Joint Operating Agreement (Shenfu Area), you have a right, exercisable within 30 days of receipt of this notice, to acquire CHEVRON’s Participating Interest in the PSC with respect to the BHPB Farmout Area on the same terms as the attached Transfer Agreement. This right, if exercised, is subject to a final right of CUCBM to acquire CHEVRON’s interest on the same terms.
CHEVRON is also required to obtain your consent to proceed with the Proposed Transfer.
 
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We would be grateful if you could sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter indicating your consent to the Proposed Transfer and waiving your pre-emptive right.
         
     
For and on behalf of     
ChevronTexaco China Energy Company     
By counter-signing and returning this letter, we BHP Billiton World Exploration Inc.:
  (a)   waive the right to exercise our pre-emptive right to acquire CHEVRON’s Participating Interest on the terms specified in the Transfer Agreement; and
 
  (b)   consent to the Proposed Transfer to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. on the terms specified in the Transfer Agreement.
         
     
For and on behalf of     
BHP Billiton World Exploration Inc.     
 
[Transfer Agreement to be attached.]
 
Page 37

 


 

Asset Transfer Agreement
 
Part 2
To: Sino Gas & Energy Limited
Joint Operating Agreement and Farmout Agreement in respect of the Shenfu Area, PRC
ChevronTexaco China Energy Company (CHEVRON) hereby gives you notice that it proposes to transfer its rights and obligations under the Joint Operating Agreement and Farmout Agreement between ChevronTexaco China Energy Company and Sino Gas & Energy Limited (SGE) each dated 24 January 2006, to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd.. As a consequence, CHEVRON will also transfer to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. its Participating Interest in the Production Sharing Contract for the Exploitation of Coalbed Methane Resources in the Shenfu Area, the People’s Republic of China between China United Coalbed Methane Corporation Ltd (CUCBM) and Texaco China B.V. dated 8 November 2000 (the PSC) as it relates to the SGE Farmout Area. The proposed transfer of CHEVRON’s interest in the Joint Operating Agreement, Farmout Agreement and the PSC to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. is referred to hereafter as the Proposed Transfer.
CHEVRON intends to enter into a binding agreement with Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. in order for the Proposed Transfer to take place with effect on and from 30 June 2007 subject to obtaining all necessary approvals. We attach the form of agreement setting out the final terms and conditions of the Proposed Transfer (the Transfer Agreement).
Pursuant to the terms of the Joint Operating Agreement (Shenfu Area), you have a right, exercisable within 30 days of receipt of this notice, to acquire CHEVRON’s Participating Interest in the PSC with respect to the SGE Farmout Area on the same terms as the attached Transfer Agreement. This right, if exercised, is subject to a final right of CUCBM to acquire CHEVRON’s interest on the same terms.
CHEVRON is also required to obtain your consent to proceed with the Proposed Transfer.
We would be grateful if you could sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter indicating your consent to the Proposed Transfer and waiving your pre-emptive right.
 
Page 38

 


 

Asset Transfer Agreement
 
         
     
For and on behalf of     
ChevronTexaco China Energy Company     
By counter-signing and returning this letter, we Sino Gas & Energy Limited:
  (a)   waive the right to exercise our pre-emptive right to acquire CHEVRON’s Participating Interest on the terms specified in the Transfer Agreement; and
 
  (b)   consent to the Proposed Transfer to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. on the terms specified in the Transfer Agreement.
         
     
For and on behalf of     
Sino Gas & Energy Limited     
[Transfer Agreement to be attached.]
 
Page 39

 


 

Asset Transfer Agreement
 
Schedule 2
Notice of Assignment to CUCBM
 
     
To:
  China United Coalbed Methane Corporation, Ltd
 
  A88 Anwai Avenue,
 
  Beijing 100011, PRC
 
  Attention: Mr. Du Ming
 
  Facsimile: +86 10 64291881
Production Sharing Contract for the Exploitation of Coalbed Methane Resources in respect of the Shenfu area, PRC
ChevronTexaco China Energy Company (CHEVRON) gives you notice that it proposes to transfer its rights and obligations under the Production Sharing Contract for the Exploitation of Coalbed Methane Resources in the Shenfu Area, the People’s Republic of China between China United Coalbed Methane Corporation Ltd (CUCBM) and Texaco China B.V. dated 8 November 2000 (the PSC), to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. as it relates to both the BHPB Farmout Area and the SGE Farmout Area. The proposed transfer of CHEVRON’s participating interest in the PSC to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. is referred to hereafter as the Proposed Transfer.
CHEVRON intends to enter into a binding agreement with Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. in order for the Proposed Transfer to take place with effect on and from 30th June 2007 subject to obtaining all necessary approvals. We attach the form of agreement setting out the final terms and conditions of the proposed transfer to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. (the Transfer Agreement).
Pursuant to the terms of the PSC, you have a right, exercisable within 60 days of receipt of this notice, to acquire CHEVRON’s Participating Interest in the PSC on the same terms as the attached Transfer Agreement.
CHEVRON is also required to obtain your consent to proceed with the Proposed Transfer.
We would be grateful if you could sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter, indicating your consent to the Proposed Transfer and waiving your preferential right.
 
Page 40

 


 

Asset Transfer Agreement
 
         
     
For and on behalf of     
ChevronTexaco China Energy Company     
By counter-signing and returning this letter, we China United Coalbed Methane Corporation Ltd:
  (a)   waive the right to exercise our preferential right to acquire CHEVRON’s Participating Interest on the terms specified in the Transfer Agreement; and
 
  (b)   consent to the Proposed Transfer to Pacific Asia Petroleum, Ltd. on the terms specified in the Transfer Agreement.
         
     
For and on behalf of     
China United Coalbed Methane Corporation Ltd     
[Transfer Agreement to be attached.]
 
Page 41

 


 

Asset Transfer Agreement
 
Schedule 3
Disclosure Material
 
  1.   PSC — Shenfu Area (dd. November 8, 2000)
 
  2.   Modification Agreement for PSC (dd. June 29, 2004)
 
  3.   4th Modification Agreement for PSC (dd. April 6, 2006)
 
  4.   JOA (Sino Gas) — Shenfu (dd. January 24, 2006)
 
  5.   JOA — Shenfu Area (dd. June 29, 2004)
 
  6.   Farmout Agreement — Shenfu Area (dd. June 29, 2004)
 
  7.   Farmout Agreement (Sino Gas) (dd. January 24, 2006)
 
  8.   Deed of Assignment — Shenfu Area (dd. June 29, 2004)
 
  9.   Modification Agreement for PSC (dd. June 29, 2004)
 
  10.   Modification Agreement for PSC (dd. April 6, 2006)
 
  11.   JOA — Baode Area (dd. June 29, 2004)
 
  12.   Farmout Agreement — Baode Area (dd. June 29, 2004)
 
  13.   Deed of Assignment — Baode Area (dd. June 29, 2004)
                         
                 
  Date     Items     Description          
                 
  12-Jul-07     1CD     End of Well Report:   LXSG-1  
 
 
                  SJSG-1  
 
 
                  TB-1  
 
 
                  TB-2  
 
 
          TB-4 data       All Avialable Data  
 
 
          TB-3 data       All Available Data  
 
 
          Others:       TB-1, TB-2, TB-3, TB-4 FE analysis  
 
 
                  Ordos Play Map  
 
 
                  TB-1, TB-2, TB-3 wireline logs  
 
 
                  TB-4 Formation Evaluation  
                 
  30-Jul-07     Hard copy     BD Pilot producion reports (3 Jun-21 Jul)  
              TB-01 Daily Operations Reports (25 Jun-29 Jul)  
              TB-02 Daily Operations Reports (18 Jun -29 Jul)  
                 
  6-Aug-07     1CD     BD-7 & BD-8:   5-day Outlook  
 
 
                  Daily Drilling Reports  
 
 
                  Daily Geological Reports  
 
 
                  Mud Logs  
 
 
                  Wireline Logs  
 
 
          BD-9:       Daily Drilling Reports  
 
 
                  Daily Geological Report  
 
 
          BD-10:       Daily Drilling Reports  
 
 
                  Daily Geological Reports  
 
 
                  Mud Logs  
 
Page 42

 


 

Asset Transfer Agreement
 
                         
                 
  Date     Items     Description          
                 
              ChangQing Study-2003:  
CQ RI Final Report
 
 
 
                 
Hedong Report
 
 
 
                 
Attachments_tif
 
                 
  8-Aug-07     Electronic file     SF-2 mud log  
SF-2 wirelin log
 
              BD-11 wireline logs  
BD-11_BD6_4v_500
 
                 
  10-Aug-07     Electronic file     Linxing Block map      
                 
  28-Aug-07     1CD     JMC August 2007 FINAL 23Aug07.ppt  
 
 
                     
              BD-11 :   BD-11 Drilling Parameters.xls  
                  BD-11 DST1 S8_9_10_11_040707.ppt  
                  BD-11 DST2 S4_5_040707.ppt  
                  BD-11 DST3 S8_9_10_11Final_040707.ppt  
                  BD-11 Testing Summary040707.ppt  
                  BD-11_Final_Mudlog_040607.gif  
                  BD11 Daily Drilling Reports.zip  
                  BD11 Final Core Run Sheet.doc  
                  BD11_Final_Lithology_Detail_300507.doc  
                  BD11_Final_Mudlogging_Report_310507.pdf  
                  BD11_Predict_Actual_v1.ppt  
 
 
                     
              BD-6 :   BD6 Daily Drilling Reports.zip  
                  BD6 Testing Summary190707.ppt  
                  BD6_Detailed_Lithology_Description_150707.doc  
                  BD6_Gas_Content_test_result_260707.doc  
                  BD6_Predict_Actual_v1.ppt  
 
 
                     
              Permeability
Testing:
  Testing Campaign Summary150807.xls  
                  Testing Summary for 2006_7 Wells140807.ppt  
              Seam 89
Maps :
  Baode_Seam89_Floor_Structure_mAMS_ Aug2007.jpg  
                  Baode_Seam89_Isochore_Aug2007.jpg  
                  Baode_Seam89_Overburden_Aug2007.jpg  
 
 
                     
              SF-2 :   Prelim_SF2_Proximate_Analysis.doc  
                  SF2 Daily Drilling Reports.zip  
                  SF2 Final Core Run Sheet080507.doc  
                  SF2 Lithology Detail_Final_070507.doc  
                  SF2 S4 DST2 Prelim Interp090507.pdf  
                  SF2 S4 DST2 Prelim Interp110507.ppt  
 
Page 43

 


 

Asset Transfer Agreement
 
                         
                 
  Date     Items     Description          
                 
                  SF2 S8_9 DST3 Prelim Interp110507.pdf  
                  SF2 S8_9 DST3 Prelim Interp110507.ppt  
                  sf2samp_10-270.jpg  
                  sf2samp_1060-1130a.jpg  
                  sf2samp_275-470.jpg  
                  sf2samp_475-670.jpg  
                  sf2samp_675-870.jpg  
                  sf2samp_875-1055.jpg  
                  SF2_Final_Mudlogging_Report_030607.pdf  
                  SF2_Final_Mudlog_110507.jpg  
                  SF2_Predict_Actual_v3.ppt  
                 
 
Page 44

 


 

Asset Transfer Agreement
 
Schedule 4
Warranty Disclosures
 
 
Page 45

 


 

Asset Transfer Agreement
 
Exhibit A
(GRAPHIC)
 
Page 46