AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 19, 2001
REGISTRATION NOS. 333-68694 AND 333-68694-01
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
---------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 5
TO
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
---------------------
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Governing Instrument)
<Table>
DELAWARE 1311 73-1567067
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization) Classification Code Number) Identification Number)
</Table>
---------------------
AND
AMENDMENT NO. 3
TO
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
---------------------
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Governing Instrument)
<Table>
DELAWARE 1311 73-1620718
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization) Classification Code Number) Identification Number)
</Table>
---------------------
20 NORTH BROADWAY, SUITE 1500
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73102-8260
(405) 235-3611
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Each
Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
J. LARRY NICHOLS
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
20 NORTH BROADWAY, SUITE 1500
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73102-8260
(405) 235-3611
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
of Agent For Service)
---------------------
Copies to
<Table>
SCOTT J. DAVIS DUKE R. LIGON C. MICHAEL HARRINGTON
JAMES T. LIDBURY SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P.
MAYER, BROWN & PLATT AND GENERAL COUNSEL 2300 FIRST CITY TOWER
190 SOUTH LASALLE STREET DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION 1001 FANNIN
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603-3441 20 NORTH BROADWAY, SUITE 1500 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-6760
(312) 782-0600 OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73102-8260 (713) 758-2148
(405) 235-3611
</Table>
---------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
---------------------
THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This registration statement relates to Devon Energy Corporation's
acquisition of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. Under the terms of the merger
agreement described in this registration statement, Mitchell will be merged with
and into a wholly owned subsidiary of Devon. In that merger, the shares of Devon
common stock and associated preferred stock purchase rights registered hereby
will be issued to Mitchell stockholders. Under certain circumstances, however,
the transaction will be effected using an alternate structure in which Devon and
Mitchell would become subsidiaries of Devon Holdco Corporation, a newly created
holding company, which would change its name to Devon Energy Corporation. The
shares of Devon Holdco common stock and associated preferred stock purchase
rights registered hereby will be issued to Devon and Mitchell stockholders if
this alternate structure must be used. In no event will securities be issued by
both Devon and Devon Holdco under this registration statement.
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<Table>
<Caption>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSED PROPOSED
MAXIMUM MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES AMOUNT TO OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
TO BE REGISTERED BE REGISTERED PER UNIT OFFERING PRICE FEE(8)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per
share, of Devon Energy
Corporation................. 31,762,199 shares(1) Not applicable $1,410,506,220(6) $ 352,627
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rights to purchase shares of
Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, par value
$1.00 per share, of Devon Not Not
Energy Corporation.......... 31,762,199 rights(2) Not applicable applicable applicable
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per Not Not
share, of Devon 31,762,199 shares(3) Not applicable applicable applicable
Holdco Corporation.......... 134,120,478 shares(4) Not applicable $4,885,338,411(7) $1,221,335
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rights to purchase shares of
Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, par value
$1.00 per share, of DevonHoldco Not Not
Corporation................. 165,882,677 rights(5) Not applicable applicable applicable
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
(1) Consists of up to 31,762,199 shares of Devon Energy Corporation common stock
that may be issued in the merger described herein upon the conversion of (a)
49,911,612 shares of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. common stock
outstanding on August 10, 2001 and (b) up to 2,136,588 shares of Mitchell
Energy & Development Corp. common stock that may be issued pursuant to
outstanding options between August 10, 2001 and the effective time of the
merger.
(2) Devon Energy Corporation's preferred stock purchase rights will not be
exercisable or evidenced separately from Devon Energy Corporation common
stock prior to the occurrence of certain events. No additional registration
fee is payable with respect to the preferred stock purchase rights.
(3) Consists of up to 31,762,199 shares of Devon Holdco Corporation common stock
that may be issued in the alternate merger described herein involving
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. upon the conversion of (a) 49,911,612
shares of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. common stock outstanding on
August 10, 2001 and (b) up to 2,136,588 shares of Mitchell Energy &
Development Corp. common stock that may be issued pursuant to outstanding
options between August 10, 2001 and the effective time of such alternate
merger.
(4) Consists of up to 134,120,478 shares of Devon Holdco Corporation common
stock that may be issued in the alternate merger described herein involving
Devon Energy Corporation upon the conversion of (a) 125,983,553 shares of
Devon Energy Corporation common stock outstanding on August 10, 2001, (b) up
to 6,008,677 shares of Devon Energy Corporation common stock that may be
issued pursuant to outstanding options and stock awards between August 10,
2001 and the effective time of such alternate merger and (c) up to 2,128,248
shares of Devon Energy Corporation common stock that may be issued upon
exchange of outstanding exchangeable shares of Northstar Energy Corporation
between August 10, 2001 and the effective time of such alternate merger.
(5) Preferred stock purchase rights will be issued by Devon Holdco Corporation
pursuant to a shareholder rights agreement to be adopted by Devon Holdco
Corporation's board of directors prior to the consummation of the alternate
mergers described herein (if such alternate mergers are consummated). Devon
Holdco Corporation's preferred stock purchase rights will not be exercisable
or evidenced separately from Devon Holdco Corporation common stock prior to
the occurrence of certain events. No additional registration fee is payable
with respect to the preferred stock purchase rights.
(6)This amount was estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration
fee paid in connection with the original filing of this registration
statement on August 30, 2001. The amount was calculated pursuant to Rule
457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933 based on the product of $58.10 (the
average of the high and low prices of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.
common stock on August 29, 2001 on the New York Stock Exchange composite
tape) and 52,048,200 (the number of shares of Mitchell Energy & Development
Corp. common stock outstanding, plus the number of shares reserved for
issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options) less $1,613,494,200 (the
maximum aggregate cash to be paid by Devon Energy Corporation in the merger
to holders of shares of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. common stock).
(7)This amount was estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration
fee paid in connection with the amended filing of this registration statement
on October 31, 2001. The amount was calculated pursuant to Rule 457(f) under
the Securities Act of 1933 based on the product of $36.425 (the average of
the high and low prices of Devon Energy Corporation common stock on October
24, 2001 on the American Stock Exchange composite tape) and 134,120,478 (the
number of shares of Devon Energy Corporation common stock outstanding, plus
the number of shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding
options and stock awards or upon exchange of outstanding exchangeable shares
of Northstar Energy Corporation).
(8) Previously paid.
<Table>
MITCHELL ENERGY & (DEVON ENERGY LOGO)
(MITCHELL ENERGY LOGO) DEVELOPMENT CORP.
</Table>
PROPOSED MERGER -- YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT
Dear Stockholders:
On August 13, 2001, Devon Energy Corporation agreed to acquire Mitchell
Energy & Development Corp. by merging Mitchell into a wholly owned subsidiary of
Devon. In the merger, each Mitchell stockholder, other than those exercising
dissenters' rights, will receive $31.00 in cash and 0.585 of a share of Devon
common stock for each share of Mitchell common stock that the stockholder owns.
We expect that Mitchell stockholders will recognize gain for U.S. federal income
tax purposes as a result of the merger to the extent of the cash received but
otherwise will not recognize gain or loss for such purposes.
Mitchell and Devon amended their merger agreement on October 5, 2001 to
provide that, if the merger would not qualify for the desired tax treatment,
they will use an alternate structure to complete the transaction that has been
designed to ensure that the transaction will be taxable only to the extent that
Mitchell stockholders receive cash, but otherwise will be tax-free. In this
alternate structure, both Mitchell and Devon would become subsidiaries of a
newly created holding company that would change its name to Devon Energy
Corporation. The alternate structure will only be used if the transaction
otherwise cannot be consummated because the merger would not qualify for the
desired tax treatment.
The merger agreement requires the approval of Mitchell and Devon
stockholders. A vote to approve the merger agreement is a vote in favor of both
the merger and the alternate structure. Devon and Mitchell have each scheduled
special meetings of their stockholders on January 24, 2002, to vote on the
approval of the merger agreement. Regardless of the number of shares that you
own or whether you plan to attend a meeting, it is important that your shares be
represented and voted. Voting instructions are inside.
MITCHELL'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE MERGER AGREEMENT
AND DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS THAT IT
CONTEMPLATES ARE ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF MITCHELL AND ITS
STOCKHOLDERS. ACCORDINGLY, MITCHELL'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
MITCHELL STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
SIMILARLY, DEVON'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE MERGER
AGREEMENT AND DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS THAT IT
CONTEMPLATES ARE ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF DEVON AND ITS
STOCKHOLDERS. ACCORDINGLY, DEVON'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT DEVON
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
This document provides you with detailed information about the proposed
transaction. We encourage you to read the entire document carefully.
Mitchell's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "MND."
Devon's common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange under the
symbol "DVN." Each share of Devon common stock is accompanied by one right,
issued pursuant to Devon's stockholder rights plan, that trades with the Devon
common stock. In addition, a class of exchangeable shares issued by Devon's
subsidiary, Northstar Energy Corporation, is traded on The Toronto Stock
Exchange under the symbol "NSX." The Northstar exchangeable shares are
exchangeable at any time, on a one-for-one basis, for Devon common stock.
Holders of Devon common stock and Northstar exchangeable shares will vote as a
single class at the Devon meeting.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 17 OF THIS DOCUMENT FOR A DISCUSSION
OF RISKS RELEVANT TO THE TRANSACTION.
<Table>
/s/ THOMAS P BATTLE /s/ J LARRY NICHOLS
George P. Mitchell J. Larry Nichols
Chairman and Chief Executive Chairman, President and Chief
Officer Executive Officer
MITCHELL ENERGY & DEVELOPMENT CORP. DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
</Table>
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED UNDER THIS
DOCUMENT OR DETERMINED IF THIS DOCUMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This document is dated , 2001, and was first mailed to stockholders
on or about , 2001.
This document incorporates by reference important business and financial
information about both Devon and Mitchell that is not included in or delivered
with this document. See "Additional Information -- Where You Can Find More
Information."
You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference into this
document through Devon or Mitchell, as the case may be, or from the Securities
and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Documents incorporated
by reference are available from Devon and Mitchell without charge, excluding any
exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by
reference into this document. You may obtain documents incorporated by reference
into this document by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the
appropriate company as follows:
<Table>
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. Devon Energy Corporation
2001 Timberloch Place -- P.O. Box 4000 20 North Broadway, Suite 1500
Attention: Investor Relations Attention: Investor Relations
The Woodlands, Texas 77387-4000 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102-8260
Telephone: (713) 377-6625 Telephone: (405) 552-4570
</Table>
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, PLEASE DO
SO BY JANUARY 16, 2002, TO RECEIVE THEM BEFORE THE MEETING. PLEASE BE SURE TO
INCLUDE YOUR COMPLETE NAME AND ADDRESS IN YOUR REQUEST. IF YOU REQUEST ANY
DOCUMENTS, WE WILL MAIL THEM TO YOU BY FIRST CLASS MAIL, OR ANOTHER EQUALLY
PROMPT MEANS, WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY AFTER WE RECEIVE YOUR REQUEST.
---------------------
All information in this document concerning Devon and Devon Holdco
Corporation has been furnished by Devon. All information in this document
concerning Mitchell has been furnished by Mitchell, except as otherwise noted.
Devon has represented to Mitchell, and Mitchell has represented to Devon, that
the information furnished by and concerning it is true and complete.
For an explanation of oil and gas terms used in this document, see the
section titled "Commonly Used Oil and Gas Terms."
All references to "U.S.$," "$" or "dollars" in this document are references
to United States dollars unless stated as "C$," "Canadian $" or "Canadian
dollars," which are references to Canadian dollars.
<Table>
(MITCHELL ENERGY LOGO) MITCHELL ENERGY &
(DEVON ENERGY LOGO) DEVELOPMENT CORP.
</Table>
PROPOSED MERGER -- YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT
Dear Stockholders:
On August 13, 2001, Devon Energy Corporation agreed to acquire Mitchell
Energy & Development Corp. by merging Mitchell into a wholly owned subsidiary of
Devon. In the merger, each Mitchell stockholder, other than those exercising
dissenters' rights, will receive $31.00 in cash and 0.585 of a share of Devon
common stock for each share of Mitchell common stock that the stockholder owns.
We expect that Mitchell stockholders will recognize gain for U.S. federal income
tax purposes as a result of the merger to the extent of the cash received but
otherwise will not recognize gain or loss for such purposes.
Mitchell and Devon amended their merger agreement on October 5, 2001 to
provide that, if the merger would not qualify for the desired tax treatment,
they will use an alternate structure to complete the transaction that has been
designed to ensure that the transaction will be taxable only to the extent that
Mitchell stockholders receive cash, but otherwise will be tax-free. In this
alternate structure, both Mitchell and Devon would become subsidiaries of a
newly created holding company that would change its name to Devon Energy
Corporation. The alternate structure will only be used if the transaction
otherwise cannot be consummated because the merger would not qualify for the
desired tax treatment.
The merger agreement requires the approval of Mitchell and Devon
stockholders. A vote to approve the merger agreement is a vote in favor of both
the merger and the alternate structure. Devon and Mitchell have each scheduled
special meetings of their stockholders on January 24, 2002, to vote on the
approval of the merger agreement. Regardless of the number of shares that you
own or whether you plan to attend a meeting, it is important that your shares be
represented and voted. Voting instructions are inside.
DEVON'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE MERGER AGREEMENT
AND DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS THAT IT
CONTEMPLATES ARE ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF DEVON AND ITS
STOCKHOLDERS. ACCORDINGLY, DEVON'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT DEVON
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
SIMILARLY, MITCHELL'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE
MERGER AGREEMENT AND DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS
THAT IT CONTEMPLATES ARE ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF MITCHELL AND ITS
STOCKHOLDERS. ACCORDINGLY, MITCHELL'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
MITCHELL STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
This document provides you with detailed information about the proposed
transaction. We encourage you to read the entire document carefully.
Devon's common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange under the
symbol "DVN." Each share of Devon common stock is accompanied by one right,
issued pursuant to Devon's stockholder rights plan, that trades with the Devon
common stock. In addition, a class of exchangeable shares issued by Devon's
subsidiary, Northstar Energy Corporation, is traded on The Toronto Stock
Exchange under the symbol "NSX." The Northstar exchangeable shares are
exchangeable at any time, on a one-for-one basis, for Devon common stock.
Holders of Devon common stock and Northstar exchangeable shares will vote as a
single class at the Devon meeting.
Mitchell's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "MND."
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 17 OF THIS DOCUMENT FOR A DISCUSSION
OF RISKS RELEVANT TO THE TRANSACTION.
<Table>
/s/ J LARRY NICHOLS /s/ THOMAS P BATTLE
J. Larry Nichols George P. Mitchell
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION MITCHELL ENERGY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
</Table>
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED UNDER THIS
DOCUMENT OR DETERMINED IF THIS DOCUMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This document is dated , 2001, and was first mailed to
stockholders on or about , 2001.
This document incorporates by reference important business and financial
information about both Devon and Mitchell that is not included in or delivered
with this document. See "Additional Information -- Where You Can Find More
Information."
You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference into this
document through Devon or Mitchell, as the case may be, or from the Securities
and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Documents incorporated
by reference are available from Devon and Mitchell without charge, excluding any
exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by
reference into this document. You may obtain documents incorporated by reference
into this document by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the
appropriate company as follows:
<Table>
Devon Energy Corporation Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.
20 North Broadway, Suite 1500 2001 Timberloch Place -- P.O. Box 4000
Attention: Investor Relations Attention: Investor Relations
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102-8260 The Woodlands, Texas 77387-4000
Telephone: (405) 552-4570 Telephone: (713) 377-6625
</Table>
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, PLEASE DO
SO BY JANUARY 16, 2002, TO RECEIVE THEM BEFORE THE MEETING. PLEASE BE SURE TO
INCLUDE YOUR COMPLETE NAME AND ADDRESS IN YOUR REQUEST. IF YOU REQUEST ANY
DOCUMENTS, WE WILL MAIL THEM TO YOU BY FIRST CLASS MAIL, OR ANOTHER EQUALLY
PROMPT MEANS, WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY AFTER WE RECEIVE YOUR REQUEST.
---------------------
All information in this document concerning Devon and Devon Holdco
Corporation has been furnished by Devon. All information in this document
concerning Mitchell has been furnished by Mitchell, except as otherwise noted.
Devon has represented to Mitchell, and Mitchell has represented to Devon, that
the information furnished by and concerning it is true and complete.
For an explanation of oil and gas terms used in this document, see the
section titled "Commonly Used Oil and Gas Terms."
All references to "U.S.$," "$" or "dollars" in this document are references
to United States dollars unless stated as "C$," "Canadian $" or "Canadian
dollars," which are references to Canadian dollars.
MITCHELL ENERGY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
2001 TIMBERLOCH PLACE -- P.O. BOX 4000
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS 77387-4000
---------------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 24, 2002
---------------------
To Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. Stockholders:
We will hold a special meeting of stockholders of Mitchell Energy &
Development Corp. for the following purposes:
- To consider and vote on the approval of the Amended and Restated
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 13, 2001, by and among
Devon Energy Corporation, Devon NewCo Corporation, Devon Holdco
Corporation, Devon Merger Corporation, Mitchell Merger Corporation and
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.; and
- To transact other business as may properly be presented at the meeting or
any adjournments of the meeting.
A vote to approve the merger agreement will constitute a vote in favor of
both (1) the merger described in the accompanying proxy statement of Mitchell
Energy & Development Corp. with and into a wholly owned subsidiary of Devon
Energy Corporation and (2) implementing, if it is necessary to do so, the
alternate structure described in the accompanying proxy statement, including the
merger of Mitchell Merger Corporation with and into Mitchell Energy &
Development Corp., with Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. being the surviving
corporation of that merger and a wholly owned subsidiary of Devon Holdco
Corporation.
The date, time and place of the meeting are as follows:
January 24, 2002
10:00 a.m., local time
MND Learning Center
2002 Timberloch Place
The Woodlands, Texas
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on December 10, 2001,
are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and any adjournments of the
meeting. Mitchell will keep at its offices in The Woodlands, Texas, a list of
stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting available for inspection for any
purpose relevant to the meeting during normal business hours for the 10 days
before the meeting.
YOUR PROXY IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING,
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. IT REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ THOMAS P BATTLE
THOMAS P. BATTLE
Secretary
The Woodlands, Texas
December 19, 2001
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
20 NORTH BROADWAY, SUITE 1500
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73102-8260
---------------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 24, 2002
---------------------
To Devon Energy Corporation Stockholders:
We will hold a special meeting of stockholders of Devon Energy Corporation
for the following purposes:
- To consider and vote on the approval and adoption of the Amended and
Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 13, 2001, by
and among Devon Energy Corporation, Devon NewCo Corporation, Devon Holdco
Corporation, Devon Merger Corporation, Mitchell Merger Corporation and
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. and the transactions that it
contemplates; and
- To transact other business as may properly be presented at the meeting or
any adjournments of the meeting.
A vote to approve and adopt the merger agreement will constitute a vote in
favor of both (1) the issuance of up to 31,762,199 shares of Devon Energy
Corporation common stock in the merger described in the accompanying proxy
statement of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. with and into a wholly owned
subsidiary of Devon Energy Corporation and (2) implementing, if it is necessary
to do so, the alternate structure described in the accompanying proxy statement,
including the merger of Devon Merger Corporation with and into Devon Energy
Corporation, with Devon Energy Corporation being the surviving corporation of
that merger and a wholly owned subsidiary of Devon Holdco Corporation.
The date, time and place of the meeting are as follows:
January 24, 2002
10:00 a.m., local time
Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel
Ten North Broadway
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on December 10, 2001,
are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and any adjournments of the
meeting. Devon will keep at its offices in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a list of
stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting available for inspection for any
purpose relevant to the meeting during normal business hours for the 10 days
before the meeting.
YOUR PROXY IS IMPORTANT TO ASSURE A QUORUM AT THE MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT
YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE VOTE IN ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
- USE THE TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER SHOWN ON THE PROXY CARD;
- USE THE INTERNET WEBSITE SHOWN ON THE PROXY CARD; OR
- MARK, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. IT REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED
STATES.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ JANICE A DOBBS
JANICE A. DOBBS
Corporate Secretary
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
December 19, 2001
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE TRANSACTION
Q: Why am I receiving these materials?
A: Devon and Mitchell have agreed to combine their businesses by merging
Mitchell into a wholly owned subsidiary of Devon or, if that merger would
not achieve the desired tax treatment described in this document, by using
an alternate structure in which both Mitchell and Devon would become
subsidiaries of a newly created holding company. The transaction cannot be
completed without the approval of the stockholders of both Devon and
Mitchell.
Q: What will happen to Mitchell as a result of the merger?
A: Mitchell will merge with and into a Devon subsidiary, and the Devon
subsidiary will be the surviving company of the merger and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Devon.
Q: What will Mitchell stockholders receive in the merger?
A: Each Mitchell stockholder, other than those exercising dissenters' rights,
will receive $31.00 in cash and 0.585 of a share of Devon common stock (or
the common stock of a new holding company if the alternate structure
described in this document must be used to complete the transaction) for
each share of Mitchell common stock that the stockholder owns at the
effective time of the merger. Instead of issuing fractional shares, Devon
will pay cash, without interest, for any fractional shares based on the
average closing price for a share of Devon common stock on the American
Stock Exchange on the five trading days immediately prior to the last
business day before the date of the merger. If the market value of Devon
common stock is less than about $53 per share at the time the merger is
completed, as it was as of the date of this document, the cash portion of
the merger consideration will represent a greater portion of the market
value received by Mitchell stockholders than the stock portion.
Q: What is the purpose of the alternate structure of the transaction described
in this document?
A: The alternate structure eliminates the risk that Devon's stock price would
prevent the issuance of tax opinions, the receipt of which are a condition
to the transaction. One of the conditions to the merger is that Devon and
Mitchell each must receive a satisfactory tax opinion from its own legal
counsel regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the merger. A
decline in Devon's stock price could make it impossible for Devon or
Mitchell to obtain those tax opinions under the original structure. Under
those circumstances, the transaction would be completed using the alternate
structure. The alternate structure ensures that the transaction can be
completed even if tax opinions are unavailable under the original structure
and that the transaction will be taxable to the extent that Mitchell
stockholders receive cash for their shares of Mitchell common stock, but
will otherwise be tax-free.
Q: Should stockholders send in their stock certificates now?
A: No. After the transaction is completed, stockholders will receive written
instructions for exchanging their stock certificates. Please do not send in
your stock certificates with your proxy.
Q: When do you expect the transaction to be completed?
A: We are working to complete the transaction as soon as possible. A number of
conditions must be satisfied before we can complete the transaction,
including approval of the stockholders of both Devon and Mitchell. Although
we cannot be sure when all of the conditions to the transaction will be
satisfied, we hope to complete the transaction in early 2002.
i
Q: What do I need to do now?
A: You should carefully read this document. Then, if you choose to vote by
proxy, you should do so as soon as possible by completing, signing and
mailing your proxy card. Devon stockholders can also vote by proxy by
either (1) using the toll-free telephone number listed on their proxy cards
and following the recorded instructions or (2) going to the Internet
website listed on their proxy cards and following the instructions
provided.
Q: If I am planning on attending a meeting in person, should I still grant my
proxy?
A: Yes. Whether or not you plan to attend a meeting, you should grant your
proxy as described above. Your shares will not be voted if you neither
attend a meeting and vote in person nor grant your proxy. This would have
the same effect as a vote against approval of the merger agreement.
Assuming a quorum is present, the failure of a Devon stockholder to vote in
person or by proxy will not affect the outcome of the Devon vote with
respect to the issuance of Devon common stock in the merger but will have
the same effect as a vote against approval of the alternate merger
structure.
Q: Can I change my vote after I have granted my proxy?
A: Yes. You can change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the
meeting by following the procedures set forth in this document under "The
Special Meetings -- Voting Procedures -- Revocation."
Q: If my shares are held in "street name" by my broker, will my broker vote my
shares for me?
A: No. Your broker will NOT vote your shares unless you tell the broker how to
vote. To do so, you should follow the directions that your broker provides
you.
Q: Am I entitled to dissenters' rights of appraisal?
A: Yes, but only if you are a Mitchell stockholder and you comply with the
procedures described in this document under "The Merger -- Dissenters'
Rights of Appraisal." Devon common stockholders are not entitled to
dissenters' rights of appraisal in connection with the transaction.
Q: Whom do I call if I have further questions about voting, the meetings or
the transaction?
A: Mitchell stockholders may call Mitchell's Investor Relations at (713)
377-6625.
Devon stockholders may call Devon's Investor Relations at (405) 552-4570.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<Table>
<Caption>
PAGE
----
SUMMARY..................................................... 1
The Companies............................................. 1
The Special Meetings...................................... 1
What Mitchell Stockholders Will Receive in the Merger..... 2
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences...................... 3
The Alternate Structure................................... 3
Directors and Senior Management of the Combined Company
Following the Transaction.............................. 4
Market Prices of Devon and Mitchell Common Stock on
Important Dates........................................ 4
Our Recommendations to Stockholders....................... 5
Mitchell's Reasons for the Merger......................... 5
Devon's Reasons for the Merger............................ 5
Interests of Mitchell's Executive Officers and Directors
in the Transaction..................................... 5
Opinions of Financial Advisors............................ 6
The Merger Agreement...................................... 7
Agreements among Devon, George P. Mitchell and Cynthia
Woods Mitchell......................................... 8
Comparative Rights of Mitchell and Devon Stockholders..... 8
Devon's Acquisition of Anderson........................... 8
Other Information......................................... 9
Selected Historical Financial Data of Devon............... 10
Selected Historical Financial Data of Mitchell............ 11
Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial
and Other Data......................................... 12
RISK FACTORS................................................ 17
We may not be able to integrate the operations of Devon,
Mitchell and Anderson successfully..................... 17
The market value of the aggregate consideration to
Mitchell stockholders in the transaction has decreased
14.7% between the date on which the merger agreement
was signed and the date of this document; the market
value will decrease further if the market value of
Devon common stock continues to decrease............... 17
We expect to incur significant costs in connection with
the merger and in connection with Devon's acquisition
of Anderson............................................ 17
Mitchell's significant investment in the Barnett Shale in
North Texas may not generate the benefits expected by
Devon.................................................. 18
The combined company may not realize the accretion to
various financial measurements that Devon expects to
result from the merger and Devon's acquisition of
Anderson............................................... 18
The combined company will have significant assets located
in North Texas, which could heighten its exposure to
regulatory and environmental issues.................... 18
The combined company's debt level may limit its financial
flexibility............................................ 18
The combined company may not achieve the benefits that
Devon expects from Anderson's properties located in
Canada's Northern Frontier area if a sufficient gas
pipeline is not built to serve that area............... 19
Devon's offshore operations are exposed to the risk of
tropical weather disturbances.......................... 19
Devon is subject to uncertainties of foreign operations... 20
Devon may incur a tax liability as a result of its 1999
merger with PennzEnergy................................ 20
Reported natural gas, oil and plant NGL reserve data and
future net revenue estimates are uncertain............. 20
Product prices are volatile, and low prices can adversely
impact results......................................... 21
Devon has, and Devon Holdco will have, charter and other
provisions that may make it difficult for stockholders
to replace incumbent directors and implement management
changes................................................ 21
Devon may not succeed at divesting assets or may fail to
do so on favorable terms............................... 21
THE COMPANIES............................................... 22
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp........................ 22
Devon Energy Corporation.................................. 22
Devon Holdco Corporation.................................. 23
</Table>
iii
<Table>
<Caption>
PAGE
----
Anderson Exploration Ltd. ................................ 23
Recent Development........................................ 24
PROPERTIES OF THE COMBINED COMPANY.......................... 25
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash
Flows.................................................. 26
Primary Operating Areas................................... 26
Developed and Undeveloped Acreage......................... 30
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA.................................. 31
MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION...................... 33
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS........................................ 35
Time, Place and Date...................................... 35
Purposes.................................................. 35
Quorum.................................................... 35
Record Date............................................... 35
Shares Entitled to Vote................................... 35
Recommendations of the Board of Directors................. 36
Votes Required............................................ 36
Shares Outstanding........................................ 37
Voting Procedures......................................... 37
Solicitation of Proxies................................... 39
Shares Held in Street Name................................ 40
Auditors.................................................. 40
THE MERGER.................................................. 41
Background of the Merger.................................. 41
Recommendation of Mitchell's Board of Directors and
Reasons for the Merger................................. 44
Recommendation of Devon's Board of Directors and Reasons
for the Merger......................................... 46
Certain Prospective Production Data and Financial
Information (Unaudited)................................ 48
Opinions of Financial Advisors............................ 50
Interests of Mitchell's Executive Officers and Directors
in the Transaction..................................... 71
Devon's Financing of the Merger........................... 73
Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal........................... 74
Regulatory Requirements................................... 76
THE MERGER AGREEMENT........................................ 78
Structure of the Merger................................... 78
When the Merger Becomes Effective......................... 78
Conversion of Stock, Stock Options and Other Awards....... 78
Exchange of Shares; Fractional Shares..................... 79
Conditions to the Merger.................................. 81
Representations and Warranties............................ 81
Covenants and Other Agreements............................ 83
Termination............................................... 87
Termination Fees and Expenses............................. 87
Amendment; Extension and Waiver........................... 88
The Alternate Structure................................... 88
AGREEMENTS AMONG DEVON, GEORGE P. MITCHELL AND CYNTHIA WOODS
MITCHELL.................................................. 92
Principal Shareholders Agreement Containing a Voting
Agreement and an Irrevocable Proxy..................... 92
Investor Rights Agreement................................. 93
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMBINED COMPANY.... 94
Directors................................................. 94
Executive Officers........................................ 96
</Table>
iv
<Table>
<Caption>
PAGE
----
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS.................. 98
Tax Treatment of the Companies, Mitchell Stockholders and
Devon Stockholders..................................... 99
Treatment of Cash Received by Mitchell Stockholders if the
Merger is Consummated.................................. 99
Treatment of Cash Received by Mitchell Stockholders if the
Alternate Structure Mergers are Consummated............ 100
Exercise of Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal by Mitchell
Stockholders........................................... 100
Backup Withholding; Information Reporting................. 100
OWNERSHIP OF MITCHELL COMMON STOCK.......................... 101
COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF MITCHELL AND DEVON
STOCKHOLDERS.............................................. 102
Authorized Capital Stock.................................. 103
Size of Board of Directors................................ 103
Cumulative Voting......................................... 103
Classes of Directors...................................... 103
Removal of Directors...................................... 103
Vacancies on the Board of Directors....................... 104
Action by Written Consent................................. 104
Amendments to Charter..................................... 104
Amendments to Bylaws...................................... 105
Special Meetings of Stockholders.......................... 105
Vote on Extraordinary Corporate Transactions.............. 106
Inspection of Documents................................... 106
Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal........................... 107
State Anti-Takeover Statutes.............................. 108
Constituency Statute...................................... 108
Stockholder Rights Plan................................... 109
Special Voting Stock...................................... 109
Notice of Stockholder Proposals and Director
Nominations............................................ 110
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...................................... 111
Deadline for Future Stockholder Proposals................. 111
Legal Matters............................................. 111
Experts................................................... 111
Where You Can Find More Information....................... 112
Transfer Agents and Registrars............................ 114
Forward-Looking Statements................................ 114
COMMONLY USED OIL AND GAS TERMS............................. 116
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.......... 118
INDEX TO HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.................................. FS-1
INDEX TO HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION.................................. FS-1
ANNEXES
Annex A: Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
Merger.................................................... A-1
Annex B: Principal Shareholders Agreement Containing a
Voting Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy (as Amended
and Restated)..................................... B-1
Annex C: Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement.... C-1
Annex D: Opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co. to Mitchell's
Board of Directors................................ D-1
Annex E: Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. to
Mitchell's Board of Directors..................... E-1
Annex F: Opinion of UBS Warburg LLC to Devon's Board of
Directors......................................... F-1
Annex G: Articles 5.11, 5.12 and 5.13 of the Texas Business
Corporation Act (Dissenters' Rights of
Appraisal)........................................ G-1
</Table>
v
SUMMARY
This summary highlights some of the information in this document. It may
not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand the
transaction fully and for a more complete description of the legal terms of the
transaction, you should carefully read this document and the other documents to
which we have referred you. See "Additional Information -- Where You Can Find
More Information" for more details.
THE COMPANIES
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.
2001 Timberloch Place -- P.O. Box 4000
The Woodlands, Texas 77387-4000
Telephone: (713) 377-5500
Mitchell produces natural gas and natural gas liquids, or NGLs, in the
United States. The company finds, develops and produces natural gas and oil,
primarily in North Texas, East Texas and along the Texas Gulf Coast. Mitchell
enhances the value of those assets through its gas-gathering, processing and
marketing operations.
Devon Energy Corporation
20 North Broadway, Suite 1500
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102-8260
Telephone: (405) 235-3611
Devon is an independent energy company engaged primarily in oil and natural
gas exploration, development and production and in the acquisition of producing
properties. Devon currently owns oil and natural gas properties concentrated in
five operating divisions:
- - the Permian/Mid-Continent, Rocky Mountain and Gulf Divisions, which include
onshore properties in the continental United States and offshore properties
primarily in the Gulf of Mexico;
- - the Canadian Division, which includes properties in the Western Canadian
Sedimentary Basin in Alberta and British Columbia and northern Canada; and
- - the International Division, which includes properties in Azerbaijan, South
America, Southeast Asia, Egypt and West Africa.
Devon Holdco Corporation
20 North Broadway, Suite 1500
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102-8260
Telephone: (405) 235-3611
Devon formed Devon Holdco Corporation on October 4, 2001 for the purpose of
effecting the alternate structure that will be used to complete the transaction
in the event that the tax opinions that are a condition to the original
structure are not available. Devon Holdco is wholly owned by Devon and has not
engaged in any activity since its formation other than activities related to the
transaction. Devon Holdco will not undertake any operation except as may be
necessary to complete the transaction under the alternate structure. If the
alternate structure must be used to complete the transaction, Devon Holdco
common stock will be issued in the transaction instead of Devon common stock and
Devon Holdco will change its name to Devon Energy Corporation and become a
publicly traded holding company, with Mitchell and Devon being two of its
subsidiaries.
In this document, we sometimes refer to the combined businesses of Devon,
Mitchell and their respective subsidiaries as "we" or the "combined company."
Unless the context otherwise indicates, when we refer to the "combined company"
in this document we are including Anderson Exploration Ltd., which was acquired
by Devon in October 2001.
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
MITCHELL SPECIAL MEETING
Where and when: The Mitchell meeting will take place at MND Learning Center,
2002 Timberloch Place, The Woodlands, Texas, on January 24, 2002, at 10:00 a.m.,
local time.
What you are being asked to vote on: At the Mitchell meeting, Mitchell
stockholders will vote on the approval of the merger agreement. A vote to
approve the merger agreement will constitute a vote in favor of both the merger
and the merger involving Mitchell that is part of the alternate structure.
Mitchell stockholders also may be asked to consider other matters as may
properly come before the meeting. At the present time, Mitchell knows of no
other matters that will be presented for consideration at the meeting.
Who may vote: You may vote at the Mitchell meeting if you owned Mitchell common
stock at
1
the close of business on the record date, December 10, 2001. On that date, there
were 50,239,586 shares of Mitchell common stock outstanding and entitled to
vote. You may cast one vote for each share of Mitchell common stock that you
owned on that date.
What vote is needed: The affirmative vote, cast in person or by proxy, of the
holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of Mitchell common stock
outstanding on the record date is required for approval of the merger agreement.
DEVON SPECIAL MEETING
Where and when: The Devon meeting will take place at the Renaissance Oklahoma
City Hotel, Ten North Broadway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on January 24, 2002, at
10:00 a.m., local time.
What you are being asked to vote on: At the Devon meeting, Devon stockholders
will vote on the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the
transactions that it contemplates. A vote to approve and adopt the merger
agreement will constitute a vote in favor of both (1) the issuance of Devon
common stock in the merger and (2) the alternate structure, including the merger
involving Devon that would be effected under the alternate structure. Devon
stockholders also may be asked to consider other matters as may properly come
before the meeting. At the present time, Devon knows of no other matters that
will be presented for consideration at the meeting.
Who may vote: You may vote at the Devon meeting if you owned Devon common stock
or exchangeable shares issued by Devon's subsidiary, Northstar Energy
Corporation, at the close of business on December 10, 2001. On that date, there
were 126,092,673 shares of Devon voting stock outstanding and entitled to vote,
consisting of 124,022,835 shares of Devon common stock and 2,069,838 Northstar
exchangeable shares. Holders of Devon common stock and Northstar exchangeable
shares will vote as a single class. You may cast one vote for each share of
Devon common stock and one vote for each Northstar exchangeable share that you
owned on that date.
Voting Northstar Exchangeable Shares: Each exchangeable share issued by
Northstar is entitled to one vote at the Devon meeting through a voting
agreement. Under the voting agreement, the trustee exercises voting rights on
behalf of holders of the exchangeable shares. The trustee holds one share of
special voting stock of Devon. The special voting share is entitled to one vote
for each outstanding exchangeable share held by persons other than Devon. The
trustee will vote only as instructed by the holders of exchangeable shares.
What vote is needed: The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority
of the votes cast in person or by proxy by holders of Devon voting stock is
required to approve the issuance of Devon common stock in the merger. The
affirmative vote, cast in person or by proxy, of the holders of at least a
majority of the shares of Devon common stock and Northstar exchangeable shares
outstanding, voting as a single class, is required to approve the merger
involving Devon under the alternate structure.
If the required vote to approve the issuance of Devon common stock in the
merger is received but the required vote to approve the merger involving Devon
under the alternate structure is not received, the transaction will still be
completed using the original structure -- that is, the merger of Mitchell with
and into a wholly owned subsidiary of Devon -- if all of the other conditions to
the transaction are satisfied or waived, including delivery of the required tax
opinions. Failure to receive the higher vote required to complete the
transaction under the alternate structure would only mean that the parties could
not complete the transaction under the alternate structure.
WHAT MITCHELL STOCKHOLDERS WILL RECEIVE IN THE MERGER
Each Mitchell stockholder, other than those exercising dissenters' rights,
will receive $31 in cash and 0.585 of a share of Devon's common stock (or the
common stock of Devon Holdco, if the alternate structure described elsewhere in
this document must be used to complete the transaction) for each share of
Mitchell common stock that the stockholder owns at the effective time of the
merger. Instead of issuing fractional shares, Devon will pay cash, without
interest, for any fractional shares based on the average closing price for a
share of Devon common stock on the American Stock Exchange on the five trading
days immediately prior to the last business day before the date of the merger.
On a pro forma
2
basis, assuming that the merger had occurred on September 30, 2001, this would
have resulted in Devon paying approximately $1.6 billion in cash and issuing
approximately 29.4 million shares of its common stock to Mitchell stockholders.
If the market value of Devon common stock is less than about $53 per share at
the time the merger is completed, as it was as of the date of this document, the
cash portion of the merger consideration will represent a greater portion of the
market value received by Mitchell stockholders than the stock portion.
The market value of the aggregate consideration that Mitchell stockholders
will receive in the transaction depends on the trading price of Devon common
stock. If the transaction had been completed on August 13, 2001 (the last full
trading day before Devon and Mitchell announced the transaction), the market
value of the aggregate consideration would have been $60.40 per share. If the
transaction had been completed on December 18, 2001 (the last full trading day
before the date of this document), the market value of the aggregate
consideration would have been $51.53 per share. The 14.7% decrease between the
August 13, 2001 and December 18, 2001 per share market value of the aggregate
consideration is due to the decrease in Devon's stock price during that period.
If Devon's stock price decreases further, the market value of the aggregate
consideration will also decrease further. Similarly, if Devon's stock price
increases, the market value of the aggregate consideration will also increase.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The transaction has been structured so that, in general, Mitchell
stockholders will recognize gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a
result of the transaction only to the extent of the cash received for shares of
Mitchell common stock, but otherwise will not recognize gain or loss. As a
condition to the transaction, Mitchell and Devon must each receive a
satisfactory opinion from its own legal counsel regarding the U.S. federal
income tax treatment of the transaction.
Tax matters are very complicated. The tax consequences of the transaction
to you will depend on your own situation. We urge that you consult your tax
advisor for a full understanding of the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign
tax consequences of the transaction to you.
THE ALTERNATE STRUCTURE
If the tax opinions that are required to complete the transaction are not
available under the original structure -- that is, the merger of Mitchell into a
wholly owned subsidiary of Devon -- then an alternate structure will be used to
complete the transaction. Under this alternate structure, wholly owned
subsidiaries of Devon Holdco Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Devon,
would be merged with and into Mitchell and Devon. As a result of those mergers,
both Mitchell and Devon would become wholly owned subsidiaries of Devon Holdco,
which would change its name to Devon Energy Corporation.
Each Mitchell stockholder, other than those exercising dissenters' rights,
would receive $31.00 in cash and 0.585 of a share of Devon Holdco common stock
for each share of Mitchell common stock that the stockholder owns at the
effective time of merger involving Mitchell under the alternate structure. Each
Devon common stockholder would receive one share of Devon Holdco common stock
for each share of Devon common stock that the stockholder owns at the effective
time of the merger involving Devon under the alternate structure. The merger
agreement also requires the parties to take other actions, such as causing Devon
Holdco's board of directors to be identical to Devon's board of directors,
designed to ensure that the only material difference between the original
structure and the alternate structure would be the corporate structure of the
combined company.
3
The following diagrams illustrate the differences between the original
structure and the alternate structure:
[ORIGINAL STRUCTURE]
[ALTERNATE STRUCTURE]
The tax opinions that are a condition to the merger under the original
structure will not be available if Devon's stock price declines below $35.33 per
share, the point at which the market value of the Devon common stock issuable in
the merger would constitute less than 40% of the market value of the total
consideration paid to the Mitchell stockholders (0.585 X $35.33 = $20.67 = 40% X
($20.67+$31.00)). The closing price per share of Devon common stock has ranged
from $33.00 to $35.10 during the last five trading days before the date of this
document. The necessary tax opinions will be available under the alternate
structure regardless of Devon's stock price.
Devon and Mitchell are required to complete the transaction under the
original structure, assuming that all of the other conditions to the transaction
are satisfied or waived, unless the tax opinions required to complete the
transaction are not available under the original structure.
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF THE COMBINED COMPANY FOLLOWING THE
TRANSACTION
The board of directors of the combined company will consist of 10
directors: the nine members of Devon's current board of directors will retain
their positions and one new member designated by Mitchell, J. Todd Mitchell, who
is currently a member of Mitchell's board of directors, will be added to the
board.
J. Larry Nichols, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Devon, will be the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
combined company. The other members of Devon's executive staff will continue in
their current capacities with the combined company. The combined company may
select members of Mitchell's executive staff to augment its management team.
MARKET PRICES OF DEVON AND MITCHELL COMMON STOCK ON IMPORTANT DATES
Shares of Devon common stock are traded on the American Stock Exchange
under the symbol "DVN" and shares of Mitchell common stock are traded on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MND." The following table shows the
closing per share sales prices of Devon and Mitchell common stock on:
- - August 13, 2001 -- the last full trading day before Devon and Mitchell
announced the proposed transaction; and
4
- - December 18, 2001 -- the last full trading day before the date of this
document.
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON MITCHELL
DATE COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK
- ---- ------------ ------------
August 13, 2001...... $50.26 $45.65
December 18, 2001.... 35.10 51.35
</Table>
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS TO STOCKHOLDERS
TO MITCHELL STOCKHOLDERS:
Mitchell's board of directors has unanimously approved and adopted the
merger agreement and determined that the merger agreement and the transactions
that it contemplates are advisable and in the best interests of Mitchell and its
stockholders. Accordingly, the board recommends that Mitchell stockholders vote
to approve the merger agreement.
As of December 10, 2001, approximately 46% of the outstanding shares of
Mitchell common stock were held by Mitchell's directors, executive officers and
their respective affiliates, all of whom Mitchell expects will vote their shares
for approval of the merger agreement. George P. Mitchell, the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Mitchell, and his wife, Cynthia Woods Mitchell, have
granted Devon an irrevocable proxy to vote their shares for approval of the
merger agreement. As of December 10, 2001, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell collectively
beneficially owned approximately 45% of the outstanding shares of Mitchell
common stock, including 404,666 shares covered by outstanding options. Mr.
Mitchell does not intend to exercise these options prior to the effective date
of the transaction. Please refer to the section of this document entitled
"Ownership of Mitchell Common Stock" for information as to the beneficial
ownership of Mitchell's common stock by its management.
TO DEVON STOCKHOLDERS:
Devon's board of directors has unanimously approved and adopted the merger
agreement and determined that the merger agreement and the transactions that it
contemplates are advisable and in the best interests of Devon and its
stockholders. Accordingly, the board recommends that Devon stockholders vote to
approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions that it
contemplates.
As of December 10, 2001, less than 1% of Devon's outstanding voting shares
were held by Devon's directors, executive officers and their affiliates, all of
whom Devon expects will vote their shares for approval and adoption of the
merger agreement.
MITCHELL'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER
Mitchell's board of directors considered various factors in approving and
adopting the merger agreement and the transactions that it contemplates,
including the merger consideration, the opinions of Mitchell's financial
advisors, the tax consequences of the transaction and the other matters referred
to under "The Merger -- Recommendation of Mitchell's Board of Directors and
Reasons for the Merger."
DEVON'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER
Devon's board of directors considered various factors in approving and
adopting the merger agreement and the transactions that it contemplates,
including expected per share accretion in various financial measures on a pro
forma basis, opportunities for increased production, marketing and
transportation opportunities, the addition of significant midstream assets
(which are facilities that transport oil and gas, and process gas for the
removal of natural gas liquids, carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulfide and/or
compress gas between producing properties and major oil or gas pipelines),
expected benefits from improved technologies, increased size and the other
matters referred to under "The Merger -- Recommendation of Devon's Board of
Directors and Reasons for the Merger."
INTERESTS OF MITCHELL'S EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS IN THE TRANSACTION
Some of Mitchell's executive officers and directors have interests in the
transaction that are different from yours:
- - at the effective time of the transaction, J. Todd Mitchell, who is currently a
member of Mitchell's board of directors, or an alternate Mitchell designee,
will be appointed to the combined company's board of directors to serve until
his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or
removal;
5
- - George P. Mitchell, who is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Mitchell, and his wife, Cynthia Woods Mitchell, have entered into an
agreement with Devon and Devon Holdco that, subject to a number of conditions,
will provide them with rights to require Devon or Devon Holdco, as the case
may be, to use its reasonable best efforts to register the resale of the
shares of Devon or Devon Holdco common stock that they receive in the
transaction. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell will be subject to legal and
contractual restrictions on the resale of the shares of Devon or Devon Holdco
common stock that they receive in the transaction not generally applicable to
other Mitchell stockholders;
- - all outstanding stock options and bonus units, including those held by
Mitchell's executive officers, will fully vest at the effective time of the
transaction and, if not exercised at that time, will be converted into fully
vested options to purchase shares of Devon or Devon Holdco common stock and
bonus units redeemable for cash based on the appreciation of Devon or Devon
Holdco common stock, respectively, in each case subject to adjustment to
reflect the value of the consideration paid by Devon or Devon Holdco in the
transaction;
- - after the transaction, some Mitchell executive officers may remain executive
officers of the surviving corporation of the merger or may become officers of
the combined company;
- - Mitchell executive officers will be entitled to severance payments and
enhanced pension benefits in the event that their employment ceases after the
transaction;
- - benefits of Mitchell's executive officers under their individual severance
agreements cannot be reduced for 24 months following the transaction;
- - benefits under Mitchell's non-qualified retirement plans held by some of
Mitchell's executive officers will automatically be distributed as a lump sum
into the Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. 1998 Mutual Fund Option Plan upon
their retirement; and
- - the merger agreement generally requires Devon or Devon Holdco, as the case may
be, to honor Mitchell's existing employee benefit plans and commitments in
accordance with their terms after the transaction.
Mitchell's directors and executive officers beneficially owned
approximately 47% of the outstanding shares of Mitchell common stock as of
December 10, 2001, including shares covered by outstanding options. Devon's
directors and executive officers did not beneficially own any shares of Mitchell
common stock as of that date.
The boards of directors of both companies were aware of these interests and
considered them in approving the merger agreement and the transactions that it
contemplates.
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
The opinions of Mitchell's and Devon's financial advisors are attached as
Annexes D, E and F. We encourage you to read those opinions carefully, as well
as the descriptions of the analyses and assumptions on which the opinions were
based in the "The Merger -- Opinions of Financial Advisors" section of this
document. Each opinion is directed to the applicable company's board of
directors and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to any
matter relating to the transaction.
OPINIONS OF MITCHELL'S FINANCIAL ADVISORS
On August 13, 2001, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.,
Mitchell's financial advisors, each delivered its opinion to Mitchell's board of
directors to the effect that, as of the date of its opinion and subject to the
matters and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the consideration to be
received by the holders of Mitchell common stock in the merger was fair from a
financial point of view to the holders.
At the request of Mitchell's board of directors, JPMorgan delivered its
updated opinion dated as of September 7, 2001, to the effect that, as of the
date of its opinion and subject to the matters and assumptions set forth in the
opinion, the consideration to be received by the holders of Mitchell common
stock in the merger was fair from a financial point of view to the holders.
JPMorgan's updated opinion took into account Devon's acquisition of Anderson.
Mitchell's board of directors did not request, however, that Goldman Sachs
update its analysis or opinion to take into account Devon's acquisition of
Anderson because of the board's view that one updated opinion would suffice.
6
OPINION OF DEVON'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
UBS Warburg LLC, Devon's financial advisor, delivered its opinion to
Devon's board of directors on August 13, 2001 to the effect that, as of the date
of its opinion and subject to the matters and assumptions set forth in the
opinion, the consideration to be paid by Devon in connection with the merger was
fair from a financial point of view to Devon. This opinion did not take into
account Devon's subsequent acquisition of Anderson.
THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The merger agreement is attached as Annex A. We encourage you to read the
merger agreement because it is the legal document that governs the transaction.
WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO COMPLETE THE MERGER
Devon and Mitchell will complete the merger only if the conditions set
forth in the merger agreement are satisfied or, in some cases, waived. These
conditions are:
- - approval by Mitchell's stockholders of the merger agreement;
- - approval by Devon's stockholders of the issuance of Devon common stock in the
merger;
- - the expiration of applicable antitrust waiting periods or the receipt of
necessary antitrust approvals;
- - the absence of legal prohibitions to the merger;
- - the continued effectiveness of the registration statement of which this
document is a part;
- - the approval for listing on the American Stock Exchange of the shares of Devon
common stock to be issued in the merger;
- - the continued accuracy of each company's representations and warranties;
- - the performance by each company of its obligations under the merger agreement;
and
- - the receipt of legal opinions from counsel for each company as to the
treatment of the merger for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Either Devon or Mitchell may choose to complete the merger even though a
condition to that company's obligation has not been satisfied if the necessary
stockholder approvals have been obtained and the law allows the company to do
so.
TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
Devon and Mitchell can agree to terminate the merger agreement at any time
without completing the transaction, even after stockholder approval. In
addition, either company can terminate the merger agreement on its own without
completing the transaction if:
- - the transaction is not completed by March 13, 2002, other than due to a breach
of the merger agreement by the terminating party;
- - the necessary approval of the stockholders of the other company is not
obtained at their meeting and 20 days have passed since that meeting;
- - any legal prohibition to completing the transaction has become final and
non-appealable; or
- - the other company materially breaches the merger agreement and cannot or does
not correct the breach within a 30-day cure period.
Devon can terminate the merger agreement if Mitchell's board of directors:
- - withdraws, modifies or changes, in a manner adverse to Devon, its approval or
recommendation of the merger; or
- - recommends approval of a proposed business transaction with a third party that
conflicts with the merger.
Mitchell can terminate the merger agreement if Devon's board of directors
withdraws, modifies or changes, in a manner adverse to Mitchell, its approval or
recommendation of the merger.
TERMINATION FEES AND EXPENSES
If the merger agreement is terminated under circumstances involving a
proposed business transaction between either Mitchell or Devon and a third party
that conflicts with the merger and certain other conditions are satisfied,
either Mitchell will be required to pay Devon (if Mitchell received the proposal
from the third party) or Devon will be required to pay Mitchell (if Devon
received the proposal from the third party) a $100 million termination fee and,
in addition, reimburse the other party for all ex-
7
penses incurred by the other party in connection with the merger agreement up to
$10 million.
NO SOLICITATION BY MITCHELL
Mitchell has generally agreed not to initiate or continue any discussions
with another party regarding a business combination while the merger is pending
or to engage in any such discussions unless required by fiduciary obligations
under applicable law.
AGREEMENTS AMONG DEVON, GEORGE P. MITCHELL AND CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL
George P. Mitchell and Cynthia Woods Mitchell entered into two agreements,
discussed in the following paragraphs, with Devon and Devon Holdco in connection
with the transaction. As of December 10, 2001, they collectively beneficially
owned approximately 45% of the outstanding shares of Mitchell common stock,
including 404,666 shares covered by outstanding options. George P. Mitchell is
the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mitchell. Cynthia Woods Mitchell is
his wife.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT CONTAINING A VOTING AGREEMENT AND AN
IRREVOCABLE PROXY
The principal shareholders agreement was entered into as an inducement to
Devon to enter into the merger agreement and as a condition to Devon's
willingness to do so. Under that agreement, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, as well as a
family partnership to which Mr. Mitchell recently contributed 600,000 shares of
Mitchell common stock, have:
- - agreed for two years to vote all of the shares of Mitchell common stock
beneficially owned by them in favor of the approval of the merger agreement
and, generally, against any proposal inconsistent with the merger, including a
competing transaction; and
- - granted Devon an irrevocable proxy to vote their shares of Mitchell common
stock in accordance with the agreement.
The principal shareholders agreement cannot be terminated by Mr. and Mrs.
Mitchell unless the merger agreement is (1) terminated by Devon or (2)
terminated by Mitchell because any of the conditions to its obligation to
complete the merger is not and cannot be satisfied, other than the condition
that the merger agreement be approved by the required vote of Mitchell
stockholders. Together with the termination fees provided for in the merger
agreement, the principal shareholders agreement may have the effect of
discouraging a third party from proposing a competing transaction, including one
that might be more favorable than the merger to Mitchell stockholders.
INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT
The investor rights agreement contains restrictions on Mr. and Mrs.
Mitchell's ability to sell or otherwise dispose of the Devon common stock that
they will receive in the merger or the Devon Holdco common stock that they will
receive if the alternate structure is used. It also requires Devon to use
reasonable best efforts to register the resale of those shares at the request of
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, subject to some limitations.
COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF MITCHELL AND DEVON STOCKHOLDERS
Some of the rights of a Mitchell stockholder are different from the rights
of a Devon stockholder. One of the most important differences is that Devon has
a stockholder rights plan that may discourage unwelcome or hostile takeover
attempts. Mitchell has no such plan. Another difference is that Devon's board of
directors is divided into three classes, with only one class elected each year.
In contrast, Mitchell's entire board of directors stands for election every
year. If the alternate structure is used to complete the transaction, the rights
of a stockholder of Devon Holdco will be substantially identical to the rights
of a Devon stockholder. See "Comparison of the Rights of Mitchell and Devon
Stockholders" for more information concerning the comparative rights of Mitchell
and Devon stockholders.
DEVON'S ACQUISITION OF ANDERSON
On August 31, 2001, Devon entered into an agreement to acquire Anderson
Exploration Ltd., a Canadian-based independent oil and natural gas producer
engaged in oil and natural gas exploration, acquisition, development and
production in western and northern Canada. On October 17, 2001, Devon completed
its acquisition of Anderson. The cost to Devon of acquiring Anderson's
outstanding common shares and paying for the
8
intrinsic value of Anderson's outstanding options and appreciation rights was
about U.S.$3.5 billion.
Devon financed the Anderson acquisition with (1) $0.5 billion of borrowings
under a $3.0 billion senior unsecured credit facility that Devon entered into on
October 12, 2001 and (2) the proceeds from the issuance on October 3, 2001 of
$3.0 billion of debt securities of Devon Financing Corporation, U.L.C., an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Devon. Devon fully and unconditionally
guaranteed the obligations of Devon Financing Corporation, U.L.C. under those
debt securities. See "The Merger -- Devon's Financing of the Merger" for more
information regarding the terms of that credit facility and those debt
securities.
OTHER INFORMATION
ANTITRUST CLEARANCE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION
The transaction is subject to antitrust laws. We have made the required
filings with the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission relating
to the original structure and the alternate structure. On September 24, 2001,
the Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting period in
connection with the filings related to the original structure. On November 26,
2001, the Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting
period in connection with the filings related to the alternate structure.
Although we do not expect the federal or any state government to attempt to stop
the transaction, we cannot assure you that they will not try to do so.
DEVON'S FINANCING OF THE MERGER
Devon intends to finance the cash portion of the merger consideration with
borrowings under its $3.0 billion senior unsecured credit facility entered into
on October 12, 2001. See "The Merger -- Devon's Financing of the Merger."
Devon's obligation to complete the transaction is not subject to any financing
contingency.
LISTING OF COMMON STOCK TO BE ISSUED IN THE TRANSACTION
Devon expects to obtain approval to list on the American Stock Exchange the
additional shares of Devon common stock to be issued in the merger. Devon also
expects to obtain approval to list on the American Stock Exchange the shares of
Devon Holdco common stock that will be issued if the alternate structure must be
used to complete the transaction.
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL
Mitchell stockholders are entitled to exercise dissenters' rights of
appraisal in connection with the transaction in accordance with Texas law. Devon
common stockholders are not entitled to dissenters' rights of appraisal in
connection with the transaction. Holders of Devon's 6.49% cumulative preferred
stock, Series A, will be entitled to dissenters' rights of appraisal if the
alternate structure must be used to complete the transaction. See "The
Merger -- Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal" for more information regarding the
dissenters' rights of Mitchell and Devon stockholders.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
Devon will account for the transaction using the purchase method of
accounting. Under that method of accounting, the aggregate consideration that
Devon or Devon Holdco, as the case may be, pays to Mitchell stockholders will be
allocated to Mitchell's assets and liabilities based on their fair values, with
any excess being treated as goodwill.
9
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF DEVON
Devon is providing the following information to aid in your analysis of the
financial aspects of the merger. Devon derived this information from audited
financial statements for the years 1996 through 2000 and from unaudited
financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 2001. In
the opinion of Devon's management, the unaudited interim information reflects
all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary
for a fair presentation of Devon's results of operations and financial condition
for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 2001. Results for interim
periods should not be considered indicative of results for any other periods or
for the year.
This information is only a summary. You should read it along with Devon's
historical financial statements and related notes and the section titled
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" contained in Devon's annual reports, quarterly reports and other
information on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated
by reference into this document. See "Additional Information -- Where You Can
Find More Information."
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Oil, gas and NGL revenue................ $833,787 $ 966,268 $ 681,978 $1,256,872 $2,718,445 $1,879,603 $2,292,404
Other revenue........................... 36,470 48,255 24,248 20,596 65,658 54,438 43,060
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenue................... $870,257 $1,014,523 $ 706,226 $1,277,468 $2,784,103 $1,934,041 $2,335,464
======== ========== ========= ========== ========== ========== ==========
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary
item and cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle............... $157,003 $ (218,191) $(235,885) $ (149,944) $ 730,342 $ 423,433 $ 571,937
Extraordinary item...................... (6,000) -- -- (4,200) -- -- --
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle.................. -- -- -- -- -- -- 49,452
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss)..................... $151,003 $ (218,191) $(235,885) $ (154,144) $ 730,342 $ 423,433 $ 621,389
======== ========== ========= ========== ========== ========== ==========
Net earnings (loss) per share -- basic:
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary
item and cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle............... $ 2.08 $ (3.35) $ (3.32) $ (1.64) $ 5.66 $ 3.27 $ 4.40
Extraordinary item...................... (0.11) -- -- (0.04) -- -- --
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle.................. -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.39
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss)..................... $ 1.97 $ (3.35) $ (3.32) $ (1.68) $ 5.66 $ 3.27 $ 4.79
======== ========== ========= ========== ========== ========== ==========
Net earnings (loss) per share --diluted:
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary
item and cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle............... $ 2.03 $ (3.35) $ (3.32) $ (1.64) $ 5.50 $ 3.20 $ 4.26
Extraordinary item...................... (0.11) -- -- (0.04) -- -- --
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle.................. -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.37
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss)..................... $ 1.92 $ (3.35) $ (3.32) $ (1.68) $ 5.50 $ 3.20 $ 4.63
======== ========== ========= ========== ========== ========== ==========
Cash dividends per share................ $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.10 $ 0.14 $ 0.17 $ 0.12 $ 0.15
======== ========== ========= ========== ========== ========== ==========
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------- AS OF
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Investment in common stock of
ChevronTexaco Corporation............... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 614,382 $ 598,867 $ 601,083
Total assets.............................. 2,241,890 1,965,386 1,930,537 6,096,360 6,860,478 7,732,490
Debentures exchangeable into shares of
ChevronTexaco Corporation common
stock................................... -- -- -- 760,313 760,313 645,461
Other long-term debt...................... 361,500 427,037 735,871 1,656,208 1,288,523 1,339,316
Convertible preferred securities of
subsidiary trust........................ 149,500 149,500 149,500 -- -- --
Stockholders' equity...................... 1,159,772 1,006,546 749,763 2,521,320 3,277,604 3,769,005
</Table>
10
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF MITCHELL
Mitchell is providing the following information to aid in your analysis of
the financial aspects of the merger. Mitchell derived this information from
audited financial statements for the periods 1996 through 2000 and from
unaudited financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and
2001. In the opinion of Mitchell's management, the unaudited interim information
reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments,
necessary for a fair presentation of Mitchell's results of operations and
financial condition for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 2001.
Results for interim periods should not be considered indicative of results for
any other periods or for the year.
This information is only a summary. You should read it along with
Mitchell's historical financial statements and related notes and the section
titled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations" contained in Mitchell's annual reports, quarterly reports and
other information on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
incorporated by reference into this document. See "Additional
Information -- Where You Can Find More Information."
<Table>
<Caption>
MITCHELL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ELEVEN MONTHS NINE MONTHS ENDED
ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------------- -----------------------
1996(1) 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
------------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Exploration and production
revenue....................... $236,177 $273,953 $227,440 $265,888 $ 531,228 $ 343,119 $ 548,960
Gas services revenue............ 570,050 536,791 492,820 628,468 1,140,906 778,242 948,517
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenue........... $806,227 $810,744 $720,260 $894,356 $1,672,134 $1,121,361 $1,497,477
======== ======== ======== ======== ========== ========== ==========
Earnings (loss) from continuing
operations.................... $ 76,219 $ 44,291 $(32,854) $ 67,334 $ 257,146 $ 161,843 $ 211,431
Discontinued operations......... 15,757 (58,515) 3,250 -- -- -- --
Extraordinary item.............. -- (13,250) -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss)............. $ 91,976 $(27,474) $(29,604) $ 67,334 $ 257,146 $ 161,843 $ 211,431
======== ======== ======== ======== ========== ========== ==========
Net earnings (loss) per share --
basic:
From continuing operations...... $ 1.47 $ 0.87 $ (0.67) $ 1.37 $ 5.22 $ 3.29 $ 4.24
Discontinued operations......... 0.30 (1.15) 0.07 -- -- -- --
Extraordinary item.............. -- (0.26) -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss)............. $ 1.77 $ (0.54) $ (0.60) $ 1.37 $ 5.22 $ 3.29 $ 4.24
======== ======== ======== ======== ========== ========== ==========
Net earnings (loss) per share --
diluted:
From continuing operations...... $ 1.47 $ 0.87 $ (0.67) $ 1.37 $ 5.13 $ 3.25 $ 4.15
Discontinued operations......... 0.30 (1.15) 0.07 -- -- -- --
Extraordinary item.............. -- (0.26) -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss)............. $ 1.77 $ (0.54) $ (0.60) $ 1.37 $ 5.13 $ 3.25 $ 4.15
======== ======== ======== ======== ========== ========== ==========
Cash dividends per share:
Combined...................... $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A $ 0.2650 $ 0.1325 $ 0.3975
Class A....................... 0.4800 0.7200 0.4800 0.4800 0.5025 0.5025 N/A
Class B....................... 0.5300 0.7950 0.5300 0.5300 0.5150 0.5150 N/A
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------- AS OF
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets.......................... $1,691,271 $1,273,959 $1,163,415 $1,163,679 $1,519,765 $1,781,706
Long-term debt, including current
maturities.......................... 730,000 414,267 472,767 379,267 300,342 333,775
Stockholders' equity.................. 543,812 412,005 341,282 385,174 620,186 824,724
</Table>
- ---------------
(1) In 2000, Mitchell changed its fiscal year end from January 31 to December
31. Operating results related to the calendar years ended December 31, 1997,
1998 and 1999 were recast from the previously reported results ending on
January 31. To make this transition, it was necessary to have an
eleven-month transition reporting period ended December 31, 1996.
11
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
CONDENSED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
The following describes the pro forma effect of the transaction and the
Anderson acquisition on (1) the statements of operations data of Devon, Anderson
and Mitchell for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the nine months ended
September 30, 2001 and (2) the balance sheet data of Devon, Anderson and
Mitchell as of September 30, 2001. The following data assumes that Devon's
merger with Mitchell and its acquisition of Anderson had both occurred as of the
dates indicated. If the alternate structure must be used to complete the
transaction, the combined company's pro forma data would be substantially
identical to the following data.
This information is only a summary. You should read the unaudited pro forma
combined financial information and the accompanying notes that are included in
this document. You should also read the historical information and related notes
of Devon and Mitchell that are incorporated by reference into this document. You
should also read the historical consolidated financial statements and related
notes of Anderson that are included elsewhere in this document.
We are providing the unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial and
other information for informational purposes only. It does not purport to
represent what the financial position and results of operations of the combined
company would actually have been had the merger, the Anderson acquisition and
other pro forma adjustments in fact occurred at the dates indicated. It also
does not purport to represent the future results that the combined company will
achieve after the merger and the Anderson acquisition.
The unaudited pro forma combined condensed balance sheet data and the
unaudited pro forma combined condensed statements of operations data show the
estimated effects of the merger and the Anderson acquisition as if they had
occurred on September 30, 2001 and January 1, 2000, respectively.
Anderson's historical financial information is prepared in accordance with
accounting standards generally accepted in Canada, and is presented in Canadian
dollars. Anderson's historical volumetric production data is prepared in
accordance with the Canadian convention whereby such production data is shown
before applicable royalty deductions. Also, Anderson's fiscal year ends on
September 30, as opposed to Devon's year-end of December 31. For purposes of
providing the pro forma effect of the Anderson acquisition on Devon's financial
condition and results of operations, the following adjustments were made to
Anderson's historical financial data:
- - Anderson's historical results for the year ended September 30, 2000 were
converted to results for the year ended December 31, 2000. This conversion was
done by subtracting Anderson's historical interim results for the three months
ended December 31, 1999 and adding its historical interim results for the
three months ended December 31, 2000. Anderson's historical results for the
year ended September 30, 2001 were converted to results for the nine months
ended September 30, 2001. This conversion was done by subtracting Anderson's
historical interim results for the three months ended December 31, 2000.
- - Anderson's balance sheet data as of September 30, 2001, and its results of
operations for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the nine months ended
September 30, 2001, were converted to accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States, including the full cost method of accounting for oil and
gas properties. Such information was also converted to U.S. dollars using the
appropriate exchange rates.
- - Anderson's historical volumetric production data was converted to the U.S.
convention whereby such production data is shown after applicable royalty
deductions.
We prepared the pro forma information based on the following:
- - Devon uses the full cost method of accounting for its oil and gas activities,
while Mitchell uses the successful efforts method. Pro forma adjustments have
been made to estimate the effect of converting Mitchell's successful efforts
method to Devon's full cost method.
- - Devon will account for the merger and accounted for the Anderson acquisition
using the purchase method of accounting.
12
- - In the nine-month period ended September 30, 2001, Devon recognized a $49.5
million after-tax gain from the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle. This related to Devon's adoption, as of January 1, 2001, of a new
accounting principle related to accounting for derivative financial
instruments. The $49.5 million gain is not included in the summary unaudited
pro forma combined statements of operations for the nine months ended
September 30, 2001.
- - We have not reflected as an adjustment to the historical data annual cost
savings of approximately $20 million and $25 million that Devon expects to
result from the elimination of duplicate expenses after the merger and the
Anderson acquisition, respectively.
- - In June 2000, Anderson sold its 50% interest in a pipeline transportation
company. For the year ended December 31, 2000, Anderson recognized earnings
from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $44.2 million. This gain is not
included in the summary unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations
for the year ended December 31, 2000.
No pro forma adjustments have been made with respect to the following
unusual items. These items are reflected in the historical results of Devon,
Anderson or Mitchell, as applicable, and should be considered when making
period-to-period comparisons:
- - In 2000, Devon recognized $60.4 million of expenses related to its merger with
Santa Fe Snyder Corporation. Devon accounted for the Santa Fe Snyder merger
using the pooling-of-interests method of accounting and, therefore, the
expenses incurred related to the merger were expensed. The after-tax effect of
these expenses in 2000 was $37.2 million.
- - In 2000, Mitchell realized income tax savings of $12.8 million related to
prior years' Section 29 tax credits and $6.3 million related to the reversal
of prior years' deferred income taxes.
- - In 2000, Mitchell recognized a $4.9 million gain from the exchange of certain
gas services assets. Also in 2000, Mitchell recognized a $10.8 million
impairment expense related to other gas services assets. Net of tax, these two
events reduced Mitchell's 2000 net earnings by $3.8 million.
- - On May 17, 2000, Anderson acquired all of the outstanding shares of Ulster
Petroleums Ltd. The summary unaudited pro forma combined statements of
operations do not include any results from Ulster's operations prior to May
17, 2000.
- - On February 12, 2001, Anderson acquired all of the outstanding shares of Numac
Energy Inc. The summary unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations
do not include any results from Numac's operations prior to February 12, 2001.
- - During the first nine months of 2001, Devon elected to discontinue operations
in Malaysia, Qatar, Thailand and on certain properties in Brazil. Accordingly,
during the first nine months of 2001, Devon recorded an $87.9 million charge
associated with the impairment of those properties. The after-tax effect of
this reduction was $68.8 million.
- - Anderson had a compensation plan pursuant to which it periodically issued
awards referred to as "share appreciation rights" under which employees could
earn compensation based on increases in the market price of Anderson's stock.
Anderson awarded these rights in lieu of stock option grants. Pro forma
general and administrative expenses reported in the accompanying unaudited pro
forma statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the
nine months ended September 30, 2001 include $4.6 million and $5.6 million,
respectively, of expenses related to these plans. After taxes, these plans had
the effect of decreasing unaudited pro forma net earnings in the 2000 and 2001
periods by $2.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively. Devon acquired all
outstanding rights as part of the Anderson acquisition. Accordingly, these
rights will not affect the combined company's net earnings subsequent to the
closing of the Anderson acquisition.
- - Mitchell has incentive compensation plans pursuant to which it has
periodically issued awards referred to as "bonus units" under which employees
can earn compensation based on increases in the market price of Mitchell
common stock. Mitchell generally awards these bonus units in lieu of stock
option grants. Pro forma general and administrative expenses reported in the
accompanying unaudited pro
13
forma statements of operations for the year 2000 and the nine months ended
September 30, 2001, include $21.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of
expense related to these plans. After taxes, these plans had the effect of
decreasing unaudited pro forma net earnings in the 2000 and 2001 periods by
$13.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Devon will not issue bonus units
after the merger.
- - Devon's historical results of operations for the year 2000 and the first nine
months of 2001 include $41.3 million and $25.4 million, respectively, of
amortization expense for goodwill related to previous mergers. As of January
1, 2002, in accordance with new accounting pronouncements recently issued,
this goodwill will cease to be amortized and, instead, will be tested for
impairment at least annually. No goodwill amortization expense has been
recognized in the pro forma statements of operations for the goodwill related
to the merger and the Anderson acquisition.
<Table>
<Caption>
COMBINED COMPANY PRO FORMA
------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2000 SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
------------------- --------------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Operating Results:
Oil, gas and NGL sales.................................... $ 4,247,880 $ 3,862,073
Gas services revenue...................................... 1,201,866 1,000,618
Other revenue............................................. 47,451 23,754
----------- -----------
Total revenue...................................... 5,497,197 4,886,445
----------- -----------
Lease operating expenses.................................. 639,954 576,315
Transportation costs...................................... 118,835 113,141
Production taxes.......................................... 128,420 122,081
Gas services costs and expenses........................... 984,092 880,295
Depreciation, depletion and amortization of property and
equipment............................................... 1,191,453 1,010,799
Amortization of goodwill.................................. 41,332 25,384
General and administrative expenses....................... 205,291 150,763
Expenses related to previous mergers...................... 60,373 --
Interest expense.......................................... 501,102 368,936
Deferred effect of changes in foreign currency exchange
rate on subsidiary's long-term debt..................... 3,168 14,719
Change in fair value of derivative instruments............ -- 17,496
Reduction of carrying value of oil and gas properties..... -- 87,853
----------- -----------
Total costs and expenses........................... 3,874,020 3,367,782
----------- -----------
Earnings before income taxes.............................. 1,623,177 1,518,663
Income tax expense:
Current................................................. 171,152 155,689
Deferred................................................ 412,121 432,014
----------- -----------
Total income tax expense........................... 583,273 587,703
----------- -----------
Net earnings before cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle.................................... 1,039,904 930,960
Preferred stock dividends................................. 9,735 7,301
----------- -----------
Net earnings applicable to common stockholders............ $ 1,030,169 $ 923,659
=========== ===========
Net earnings per share:
Basic..................................................... $ 6.59 $ 5.87
Diluted................................................... 6.42 5.68
Cash dividends per share.................................... 0.18 0.15
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic..................................................... 156,256 157,468
Diluted................................................... 161,029 163,754
</Table>
14
<Table>
<Caption>
COMBINED COMPANY PRO FORMA
------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2000 SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
------------------- --------------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)
CASH FLOW DATA:
Net cash provided by operating activities................... $ 2,461,267 $ 2,626,702
Net cash used in investing activities....................... (7,764,317) (2,771,609)
Net cash provided by financing activities................... 4,707,137 (6,790)
OTHER DATA:
Modified EBITDA(1)(3)....................................... $ 3,360,232 $ 3,043,850
Cash margin(2)(3)........................................... 2,687,978 2,519,225
PRODUCTION, PRICE AND OTHER DATA:
Production:
Oil (MBbls)............................................... 53,907 42,956
Gas (MMcf)................................................ 708,112 599,193
NGLs (MBbls).............................................. 16,168 12,581
MBoe...................................................... 188,094 155,402
Average prices:
Oil (per Bbl)............................................. $ 25.68 $ 22.82
Gas (per Mcf)............................................. 3.56 4.40
NGLs (per Bbl)............................................ 21.15 19.67
Per Boe................................................... 22.58 24.85
Costs per Boe:
Operating costs........................................... $ 4.72 $ 5.22
Depreciation, depletion and amortization of full-cost oil
and gas properties...................................... 5.74 5.94
General and administrative expenses....................... 1.09 0.97
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
COMBINED COMPANY
PRO FORMA
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
--------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
FOR PER SHARE DATA)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Investment in common stock of ChevronTexaco Corporation..... $ 601,083
Total assets................................................ 18,610,183
Debentures exchangeable into shares of ChevronTexaco
Corporation common stock.................................. 645,461
Other long-term debt, including current maturities.......... 7,681,605
Stockholders' equity........................................ 5,298,109
Book value per share........................................ 34.10
</Table>
- ---------------
(1) Modified EBITDA represents earnings before interest (including the deferred
effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rate on a subsidiary's
long-term debt), taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, reduction
of carrying value of oil and gas properties and change in fair value of
derivative instruments.
(2) Cash margin represents total revenue less cash expenses. Cash expenses are
all expenses other than the non-cash expenses of depreciation, depletion and
amortization, deferred effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rate
on a subsidiary's long-term debt, reduction of carrying value of oil and gas
properties, deferred income tax expense and change in fair value of
derivative instruments. We use cash margin to measure the net cash that is
generated by our operations during a given period, without regard to the
period in which the cash is actually physically received or spent by us.
Cash margin ignores the non-operational effect on our "net cash provided by
operating activities," as measured by accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America, from our activities as an operator
of oil and gas wells and gas services facilities. Those activities produce
net increases or decreases in temporary cash funds held by us that have no
effect on our net earnings.
(3) Modified EBITDA is presented because it is a commonly used measurement in
the oil and gas industry as a financial indicator of a company's ability to
service or incur debt. Cash margin is
15
presented because it is a commonly used measurement in the oil and gas
industry as a financial indicator of a company's ability to fund capital
expenditures or service debt. Modified EBITDA and cash margin are also
presented because investors routinely request this information. Managements
of Devon and Mitchell use modified EBITDA and cash margin as supplemental
financial measurements in the evaluation of their businesses and interpret
the trends of modified EBITDA and cash margin in a similar manner as trends
in net earnings.
Neither modified EBITDA nor cash margin is a measurement of financial
performance under generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly,
neither should be considered as an alternative to net cash provided by
operating activities, as a measure of liquidity or as an alternative to net
income as indicators of operating performance or any other measure of
performance derived in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. There may be operational or
financial demands and requirements that reduce management's discretion over
the use of modified EBITDA and cash margin. Modified EBITDA and cash margin
may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
16
RISK FACTORS
You should consider carefully the following risk factors before deciding
how to vote.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO INTEGRATE THE OPERATIONS OF DEVON, MITCHELL AND ANDERSON
SUCCESSFULLY
The merger will present challenges to management, including the integration
of the operations, technologies and personnel of Devon and Mitchell. For
example, the addition of Mitchell will substantially increase the midstream
(i.e., gas processing and similar activities) business of Devon. Devon's
acquisition of Anderson presents similar integration challenges, significantly
increasing Devon's Canadian operations. Moreover, the simultaneous integration
of Devon, Mitchell and Anderson into one combined company will necessarily
involve more risk than if only two companies were being integrated. The merger
and Devon's acquisition of Anderson will also include other risks commonly
associated with similar transactions, including unanticipated liabilities,
unanticipated costs and diversion of management's attention. Any difficulties
that we encounter in the transition and integration processes could have an
adverse effect on the revenue, level of expenses and operating results of the
combined company. The combined company may also experience operational
interruptions or the loss of key employees, customers or suppliers. As a result,
we may not realize any of the anticipated benefits of the merger and Devon's
acquisition of Anderson.
THE MARKET VALUE OF THE AGGREGATE CONSIDERATION TO MITCHELL STOCKHOLDERS IN THE
TRANSACTION HAS DECREASED 14.7% BETWEEN THE DATE ON WHICH THE MERGER AGREEMENT
WAS SIGNED AND THE DATE OF THIS DOCUMENT; THE MARKET VALUE WILL DECREASE FURTHER
IF THE MARKET VALUE OF DEVON COMMON STOCK CONTINUES TO DECREASE
The market value of the aggregate consideration that Mitchell stockholders
will receive in the transaction depends on the trading price of Devon common
stock. The number of shares of Devon common stock that Mitchell stockholders
will receive in the merger is fixed. If the alternate structure is used to
complete the transaction, the number of shares of Devon Holdco common stock that
Mitchell stockholders will receive will be equal to the number of shares of
Devon common stock that they would have received had it been possible to
complete the transaction using the original structure. This means that there is
no "price protection" mechanism contained in the merger agreement that would
adjust the number of shares that Mitchell stockholders will receive based on any
increases or decreases in the trading price of Devon common stock. Devon's stock
price has decreased from $50.26 per share to $35.10 per share between August 13,
2001 (the last full trading day before Devon and Mitchell announced the
transaction) and December 18, 2001 (the last full trading day before the date of
this document). Accordingly, the market value of the aggregate consideration as
of December 18, 2001 is 14.7% less than the market value of the aggregate
consideration as of August 13, 2001. If Devon's stock price decreases further,
the market value of the aggregate consideration will also decrease further. For
historical and current market prices of Devon common stock and Mitchell common
stock, see "Market Prices and Dividend Information."
WE EXPECT TO INCUR SIGNIFICANT COSTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER AND IN
CONNECTION WITH DEVON'S ACQUISITION OF ANDERSON
We expect to incur costs of approximately $90 million related to the merger
and approximately $125 million related to the Anderson acquisition. These costs
will include investment banking expenses, severance, legal and accounting fees,
printing expenses and other related charges incurred by Devon, Mitchell and
Anderson. We may also incur additional unanticipated costs and expenses in
connection with the merger and the Anderson acquisition. In addition, Devon
expects to incur approximately $50 million of expenses in connection with its
financing of the Anderson acquisition and the cash portion of the merger
consideration.
17
MITCHELL'S SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN THE BARNETT SHALE IN NORTH TEXAS MAY NOT
GENERATE THE BENEFITS EXPECTED BY DEVON
Devon believes that a significant portion of Mitchell's value and future
potential is tied to its assets in the Barnett Shale in North Texas. To the
extent that these assets do not generate the return expected of them, the
benefits of the transaction to Devon will be reduced. For more information on
Mitchell's investment and operations in the Barnett Shale, see "Properties of
the Combined Company -- Primary Operating Areas -- Mitchell's
Properties -- Exploration and Production Operations."
THE COMBINED COMPANY MAY NOT REALIZE THE ACCRETION TO VARIOUS FINANCIAL
MEASUREMENTS THAT DEVON EXPECTS TO RESULT FROM THE MERGER AND DEVON'S
ACQUISITION OF ANDERSON
Devon expects the merger to be accretive to its reserves per share,
production per share, cash margin (i.e., revenue less cash expenses) per share
and earnings per share on a pro forma basis to varying degrees, although the
combination of both Anderson and Mitchell with Devon is expected to be dilutive
to earnings per share in the near term. However, the merger may not be accretive
to Devon's reserves per share, production per share, cash margin per share or
earnings per share for any future periods. It is possible that the merger or
Devon's acquisition of Anderson may, in fact, prove to be dilutive to Devon's
actual per share results in the future and it is possible that Devon's
acquisition of Anderson and the merger together will prove to be dilutive to
Devon's earnings per share beyond the near term. Future events and conditions
which could reduce or eliminate such accretion or cause such dilution include,
among other things, adverse changes in:
- energy market conditions;
- commodity prices for natural gas, oil and NGLs;
- maintenance and growth of production levels;
- anticipated reserve levels;
- future operating results;
- competitive conditions;
- the effectiveness of technologies;
- the availability of capital resources;
- laws and regulations affecting the energy business;
- capital expenditure obligations; and
- general economic conditions.
THE COMBINED COMPANY WILL HAVE SIGNIFICANT ASSETS LOCATED IN NORTH TEXAS, WHICH
COULD HEIGHTEN ITS EXPOSURE TO REGULATORY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Most of Mitchell's assets are located near large population centers in
North Texas. This means that the combined company will be particularly sensitive
to regulatory or environmental issues relating to these large population centers
that could adversely affect the combined company's operating results.
THE COMBINED COMPANY'S DEBT LEVEL MAY LIMIT ITS FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY
As of September 30, 2001, Devon had approximately $2.0 billion of total
debt and a total debt to total capital ratio of 26% as calculated under the
provisions of Devon's revolving credit facilities and its new $3 billion credit
facility. After giving effect to Devon's financing of the Anderson acquisition
and the cash portion of the merger consideration, as of September 30, 2001, the
combined company would have had approximately $8.3 billion of total debt and a
total debt to total capital ratio of 59%. The combined company may also incur
additional debt in the future, including in connection with other acquisitions.
The
18
level of the combined company's debt could have several important effects on the
combined company's future operations, including, among others:
- a significant portion of the combined company's cash flow from operations
will be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on the debt
and will not be available for other purposes;
- rating agencies may view the combined company's debt level negatively;
- covenants contained in Devon's existing debt arrangements, including
those contained in Devon's new $3.0 billion senior unsecured credit
facility that was used to finance a portion of the Anderson acquisition
and will be used to finance the cash portion of the merger consideration,
will require the combined company to meet financial tests that may affect
the combined company's flexibility in planning for and reacting to
changes in its business, including possible acquisition opportunities;
- the combined company's ability to obtain additional financing for working
capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate and other
purposes may be limited;
- the combined company may be at a competitive disadvantage to similar
companies that have less debt; and
- the combined company's vulnerability to adverse economic and industry
conditions may increase.
THE COMBINED COMPANY MAY NOT ACHIEVE THE BENEFITS THAT DEVON EXPECTS FROM
ANDERSON'S PROPERTIES LOCATED IN CANADA'S NORTHERN FRONTIER AREA IF A SUFFICIENT
GAS PIPELINE IS NOT BUILT TO SERVE THAT AREA
There currently is no gas pipeline to deliver to market the amount of
natural gas that Devon expects from Anderson's properties located in Canada's
Northern Frontier area, sometimes referred to as "North of 60." Plans to build a
gas pipeline that would enable the combined company to deliver natural gas from
North of 60 to southern markets have been under consideration for nearly 30
years, but no construction has begun to date. In 1977, Canada and the United
States executed a Transit Pipeline Agreement that provided specific requirements
for the Alaska Natural Gas Transmission System, a proposed natural gas pipeline
which would extend from Alaska through Canada to the United States. The Transit
Pipeline Agreement was documented in the Alaskan Natural Gas Transportation Act
which was ratified by the U.S. Congress in the late 1970's. Approvals to build
the pipeline were obtained by Foothills Pipe Lines, Ltd., which was owned 50% by
Westcoast Energy Inc. and 50% by TransCanada Pipelines, Ltd. However, the
pipeline has not been built and there is considerable discussion occurring
within the United States and Canada about what requirements will be necessary
for a pipeline to transport gas from Alaska and/or the MacKenzie Delta/Beaufort
Sea area through Canada to the United States. Whether such a gas pipeline will
be built and, if built, the timing of its construction and the gas pipeline's
location are uncertain and depend on a number of factors that are beyond our
control, including:
- the overall economic environment;
- political concerns, including relations between Canada and the United
States and relations among Canadian provinces and territories;
- possible legislative and regulatory changes in both Canada and the United
States; and
- related environmental risks and issues.
If a gas pipeline with sufficient capacity to deliver natural gas from North of
60 to southern markets is not built, the combined company will not achieve the
benefits that Devon expects from its North of 60 properties.
DEVON'S OFFSHORE OPERATIONS ARE EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF TROPICAL WEATHER
DISTURBANCES
Some of Devon's production and reserves are located offshore in the Gulf of
Mexico. Operations in this area are subject to tropical weather disturbances.
Some of these disturbances can be severe enough to cause substantial damage to
facilities and possibly interrupt production. Losses could occur for uninsurable
19
or uninsured risks or in amounts in excess of existing insurance coverage. Devon
may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates that it
considers to be reasonable, and particular types of coverage may be unavailable.
An event that is not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse
effect on the combined company's financial position and results of operations.
DEVON IS SUBJECT TO UNCERTAINTIES OF FOREIGN OPERATIONS
Devon has significant international operations in Azerbaijan, South
America, Southeast Asia and West Africa. Local political, economic and other
uncertainties may adversely affect these operations. These uncertainties
include:
- general strikes and civil unrest, such as those that occurred in
Argentina and Indonesia;
- the risk of war, acts of terrorism, expropriation, forced renegotiation
or modification of existing contracts;
- import and export regulations in China, Brazil, Egypt and other
countries;
- taxation policies, including royalty and tax increases and retroactive
tax claims, and investment;
- transportation regulations and tariffs;
- exchange controls, currency fluctuations, devaluation or other activities
that limit or disrupt markets and restrict payments or the movement of
funds, such as in Brazil and Argentina;
- laws and policies of the United States affecting foreign trade including
trade sanctions applicable to Azerbaijan;
- the possibility of being subject to exclusive jurisdiction of foreign
courts in connection with legal disputes relating to licenses to operate
and concession rights in countries where Devon currently operates;
- the possible inability to subject foreign persons to the jurisdiction of
courts in the United States; and
- difficulties in enforcing Devon's rights against a governmental agency
because of the doctrine of sovereign immunity and foreign sovereignty
over international operations in China and elsewhere.
DEVON MAY INCUR A TAX LIABILITY AS A RESULT OF ITS 1999 MERGER WITH PENNZENERGY
On August 17, 1999, Devon completed a merger with PennzEnergy Company. If
PennzEnergy's distribution to its stockholders of the stock of Pennzoil-Quaker
State Company in December 1998 were to be considered part of a plan or series of
related transactions that includes the merger of Devon with PennzEnergy, Devon
would recognize gain under section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code. Any
transaction within a four-year period beginning two years before the
distribution is presumed to be a part of such a plan. Devon may not be able to
overcome this presumption. Devon currently estimates its potential tax liability
if it cannot overcome this presumption to be $16 million in additional tax for
1998 and the elimination of approximately $183 million in net operating loss
carryovers.
REPORTED NATURAL GAS, OIL AND PLANT NGL RESERVE DATA AND FUTURE NET REVENUE
ESTIMATES ARE UNCERTAIN
Estimates of reserves are projections based on engineering data, projected
future rates of production and the timing of future expenditures. Mitchell's
estimates of its proved natural gas, oil and plant NGL reserves and projected
future net revenue are based on reserve reports that Mitchell prepares. Devon's
and Anderson's estimates of their respective proved natural gas, oil and plant
NGL reserves and projected future net revenue are based on reserve reports that
Devon or Anderson, as the case may be, prepares and on the reports of
independent consulting petroleum engineers that they hire for that purpose. The
process of estimating natural gas, oil and plant NGL reserves requires
substantial judgment, resulting in imprecise determinations, particularly for
new discoveries. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates
20
of reserve quantities and related revenue based on the same data. Future
performance that deviates significantly from the reserve reports could have a
material adverse effect on the combined company's financial position and results
of operations.
PRODUCT PRICES ARE VOLATILE, AND LOW PRICES CAN ADVERSELY IMPACT RESULTS
The results of operations of Devon, Mitchell and Anderson are highly
dependent on the prices of and demand for natural gas, oil and NGLs.
Historically, the markets for natural gas, oil and NGLs have been volatile and
are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. Accordingly, the prices
received by Devon, Mitchell and Anderson for their natural gas, oil and NGL
production depend on numerous factors beyond their control. These factors
include, among other things:
- the level of ultimate consumer product demand;
- governmental regulations and taxes;
- the price and availability of alternative fuels;
- the level of imports and exports of natural gas, oil and NGLs; and
- the overall economic environment.
Any significant decline in prices for natural gas, oil and NGLs, as has occurred
from time to time in the past, could have a material adverse effect on the
combined company's financial condition, results of operations and quantities of
reserves recoverable on an economic basis. Should the oil and gas industry
experience significant price declines or other adverse market conditions, the
combined company may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows from
operations to meet its obligations and to make planned capital expenditures.
DEVON HAS, AND DEVON HOLDCO WILL HAVE, CHARTER AND OTHER PROVISIONS THAT MAY
MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR STOCKHOLDERS TO REPLACE INCUMBENT DIRECTORS AND IMPLEMENT
MANAGEMENT CHANGES
Some provisions of Devon's charter and bylaws and of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, as well as Devon's stockholder rights plan, may make it
difficult for stockholders to replace incumbent directors with new directors who
are willing to entertain changes that stockholders believe will lead to
improvements in Devon's business or facilitate a business combination
transaction that stockholders believe is desirable. These provisions include:
- a classified board, the members of which serve staggered three-year terms
and may be removed by stockholders only for cause;
- a prohibition on stockholders calling special meetings or acting by
written consent; and
- rights issued under Devon's rights plan that would be triggered if a
person acquired 15% or more of Devon's common stock.
If the alternate structure is used to complete the transaction, Devon
Holdco's charter and bylaws would be substantially identical to Devon's charter
and bylaws, and Devon Holdco will have a stockholder rights plan substantially
identical to Devon's stockholder rights plan. Devon Holdco is also subject to
the same provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law to which Devon is
subject.
DEVON MAY NOT SUCCEED AT DIVESTING ASSETS OR MAY FAIL TO DO SO ON FAVORABLE
TERMS
Devon intends to divest certain assets and use the proceeds from those
divestitures to repay indebtedness. Devon may be unable to effect those
divestitures or may be able to make those divestitures only on unfavorable
terms. This may result in Devon being unable to reduce its indebtedness to the
extent desired, which may result in higher than expected financing costs and
limit Devon's financial flexibility in the future.
21
THE COMPANIES
MITCHELL ENERGY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Mitchell produces natural gas and NGLs in the United States. Mitchell's two
primary businesses are: (1) the exploration, development and production of
natural gas and NGLs and (2) the gathering, processing and marketing of natural
gas and NGLs. In 2000, Mitchell produced 101 Bcf of natural gas and 6.5 MMBbls
of liquid hydrocarbons (NGLs, oil and condensate). Additionally, Mitchell sold
13.7 MMBbls of NGLs through its midstream operations. (The volumes in this
paragraph are calculated on a "dry" gas basis which Devon uses to report its
production. Mitchell reports its production on a "wet" basis. When reported on a
wet basis, natural gas production volumes are reported based on the Mcfs
produced, without taking into account the effect of processing the natural gas
to extract NGLs produced with the natural gas. When reported on a "dry" basis,
production volumes of natural gas are reported based on the residual volumes of
natural gas remaining after shrinkage resulting from processing the natural gas
to extract NGLs. On a dry basis, the volumes of NGLs extracted from the natural
gas are also reported as production. Therefore, compared with the wet basis of
reporting, the dry basis will report reduced volumes of natural gas, but
increased volumes of NGLs.)
Exploration, Development and Production. As of December 31, 2000, Mitchell
had interests in approximately 3,400 gross wells and approximately 1.1 million
gross acres. Mitchell operates over 90% of its net wells and its proved reserve
base reached almost 2.1 Tcfe as of June 30, 2001 determined on a "wet" gas
basis. (On a "dry" gas basis, Devon estimates that Mitchell's June 30, 2001
proved reserves would have been 2.5 Tcfe.) These reserves are predominantly
natural gas with an average reserve life of 14 years.
Mitchell produced 101 Bcf of natural gas in 2000, a 25% increase from the
prior year, and is on pace to exceed the 25% growth target that it previously
set for 2001. With its large backlog of undrilled well locations, Mitchell
expects its gas production to increase at a compounded rate of more than 20%
over the three-year period ending December 31, 2003. Mitchell's intent and
belief is that such growth targets will be achieved from currently booked proved
reserves, although production growth could also be achieved by other means.
Gas Services. Mitchell owns and operates all of its major midstream
assets, including six natural gas processing plants and approximately 9,100
miles of natural gas gathering pipelines, virtually all of which are located in
Texas. Natural gas processing plants extract NGLs such as ethane, propane and
butanes from streams of natural gas. Mitchell increased NGL production by 13% in
2000 to 18.2 MMBbls and, at year-end, its proved plant NGL reserves (NGL
reserves committed to Mitchell-owned natural gas processing plants) totaled 175
MMBbls. (On a "dry" gas basis, Mitchell's 2000 midstream NGL sales volumes were
13.7 MMBbls. Also, on a "dry" gas basis, Devon estimates that Mitchell's plant
NGL reserves totaled 105 MMBbls at December 31, 2000 and 143 MMBbls at June 30,
2001.)
Mitchell's pipelines intersect with both interstate and intrastate
pipelines enhancing its natural gas marketing flexibility. In North Texas,
Mitchell benefits from the integration of its pipeline operations with its
natural gas production and processing operations. Mitchell also owns interests
in two significant downstream assets located in the Texas Gulf Coast area.
Specifically, the company has a one-third interest in an MTBE gasoline additive
plant and a 38.75% interest in an NGL fractionator.
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
Devon is an independent energy company engaged primarily in oil and natural
gas exploration, development and production and in the acquisition of producing
properties. Devon currently ranks among the five largest U.S.-based independent
oil and natural gas companies in terms of North American oil and natural gas
reserves, oil and natural gas production, equity market capitalization and
enterprise value (meaning total equity market capitalization plus long-term
debt). As of December 31, 2000, the company owned proved oil and natural gas
reserves of 1.1 billion Boe. Approximately 53% of these reserves were natural
gas and 47% were oil and NGLs. North American proved reserves accounted for 75%
of the
22
company's total reserves and were weighted 62% to natural gas. Devon's North
American reserves are concentrated in four operating divisions:
- the Gulf Division, which includes oil and natural gas properties located
primarily onshore in South Texas and South Louisiana and offshore in the
Gulf of Mexico;
- the Rocky Mountain Division, which includes oil and natural gas
properties located in the Rocky Mountains area of the United States
ranging from the Canadian border south into northern New Mexico;
- the Permian/Mid-Continent Division, which includes oil and natural gas
properties located in the United States other than those included in the
Gulf Division and Rocky Mountain Division; and
- the Canadian Division, which includes properties in the Western Canadian
Sedimentary Basin predominantly in Alberta and British Columbia.
Devon's proved reserves outside of North America totaled approximately 278
MMBoe as of December 31, 2000. The company's international activities are
concentrated in four core areas:
- Azerbaijan;
- South America, which includes Argentina and Brazil;
- Southeast Asia, which includes Indonesia and China; and
- West Africa and North Africa, which include Ghana, Gabon, Congo and
Egypt.
In addition to proved oil and natural gas properties, Devon has an
inventory of exploration acreage of approximately 17.6 million net acres as of
December 31, 2000. This includes 5.4 million net acres in North America.
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION
Devon formed Devon Holdco Corporation on October 4, 2001 for the purpose of
effecting the alternate structure that will be used to complete the transaction
in the event that the tax opinions that are a condition to the original
structure are not available. Devon Holdco is wholly owned by Devon and has not
engaged in any activity since its formation other than activities related to the
transaction. Devon Holdco will not undertake any operation except as may be
necessary to complete the transaction under the alternate structure. If the
alternate structure must be used to complete the transaction, Devon Holdco
common stock will be issued in the transaction instead of Devon common stock and
Devon Holdco will change its name to Devon Energy Corporation and become a
publicly traded holding company, with Mitchell and Devon being two of its
subsidiaries.
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
The reserve and production statistics in the following paragraphs are
before applicable royalty deductions.
Devon completed its acquisition of Anderson Exploration Ltd. on October 17,
2001. Anderson is a Canadian-based independent oil and natural gas producer
engaged in oil and natural gas exploration, acquisition, development and
production in western and northern Canada. As of December 31, 2000, adjusted for
the February 2001 Numac acquisition, approximately 62% of the company's proved
reserves and approximately 66% of the company's current production were natural
gas. Anderson has a large oil and natural gas reserve base, operates over 75% of
its production and internally initiates new oil and natural gas prospects.
The company operates exclusively in western and northern Canada with
production concentrated in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. Exploration
efforts are concentrated in the "west of 5" and "west of 6" areas of Alberta and
British Columbia, encompassing the Peace River Arch, Deep Basin,
23
Foothills and Northeast British Columbia. The company also holds exploration
acreage north of the 60th parallel in both the Mackenzie Delta/Beaufort Sea and
the Yukon.
Anderson's operations are divided into seven main regions of exploration
and development activity. This diversity enables Anderson to participate in a
broad arena of geological plays and to produce all types of hydrocarbons. Devon
believes that Anderson's portfolio of properties in western Canada provides
substantial exploration and development opportunities over the near and
intermediate term.
The company is the largest holder of exploration acreage in the Mackenzie
Delta region of the Northwest Territories and the shallow water Beaufort Sea
area. Anderson's diverse portfolio of northern properties exposes the company to
additional long-term exploration and development opportunities.
In fiscal 2000, Anderson achieved record cash flow from operations,
earnings and earnings per share, as well as the highest production levels in the
company's history. Also in fiscal 2000, Anderson replaced 283% of its natural
gas production, 325% of its crude oil production and 602% of its NGL production
with proved reserve additions. The company added 648 Bcf of proved natural gas
reserves, 34.5 MMbls of proved crude oil reserves and 25.0 MMBbls of proved NGL
reserves during fiscal 2000. On a Boe basis, Anderson replaced 316% of its
production with proved reserves in fiscal 2000.
RECENT DEVELOPMENT
On December 2, 2001, Enron Corp. and certain of its subsidiaries filed
voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States
Bankruptcy Code. Enron, or a subsidiary of Enron, was the counterparty in a
small number of Devon's natural gas hedging instruments and was also the
purchaser of a small portion of Devon's natural gas production. As a result of
Enron's bankruptcy petition, Devon estimates that its exposure as of November
30, 2001, is approximately $6.5 million relating to the hedging instruments.
Also, Devon sold approximately $11.3 million of natural gas production to Enron
and certain subsidiaries of Enron during November 2001 for which Devon has not
received payment. These amounts include the effect of Devon's acquisition of
Anderson in October 2001. Mitchell has no gas hedging instruments with Enron or
its subsidiaries and its exposure is approximately $1.2 million related to sales
of natural gas production to Enron and certain of its subsidiaries in November
2001.
24
PROPERTIES OF THE COMBINED COMPANY
The following table shows the total proved reserves, net of royalties, of
Devon, Anderson and Mitchell as of December 31, 2000, July 31, 2001 and June 30,
2001, respectively, and on a combined basis:
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON AS ANDERSON MITCHELL
OF AS OF AS OF
DECEMBER 31, JULY 31, JUNE 30,
BY OPERATING AREA 2000 2001(1) 2001(2) COMBINED MBoe%
- ----------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- --------- -----
NORTH AMERICA -- MBoe:
United States -- Onshore........... 587,634 -- 415,342 1,002,976 49%
United States -- Offshore.......... 103,639 -- -- 103,639 5%
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----
Total United States...... 691,273 -- 415,342 1,106,615 54%
Canada............................. 127,948 531,451 -- 659,399 32%
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----
Total North America...... 819,221 531,451 415,342 1,766,014 86%
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----
INTERNATIONAL -- MBoe:
Azerbaijan......................... 104,222 -- -- 104,222 5%
Southeast Asia..................... 94,521 -- -- 94,521 5%
South America...................... 70,395 -- -- 70,395 3%
Other.............................. 9,007 -- -- 9,007 1%
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----
Total International...... 278,145 -- -- 278,145 14%
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----
Total Company............ 1,097,366 531,451 415,342 2,044,159 100%
========= ========= ========= ========= ====
BY PRODUCT
- -----------------------------------
OIL -- MBbls:
United States...................... 225,537 -- 19,770 245,307 12%
Canada............................. 36,492 128,688 -- 165,180 8%
International...................... 197,215 -- -- 197,215 10%
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----
Total Company -- Oil..... 459,244 128,688 19,770 607,702 30%
========= ========= ========= ========= ====
NATURAL GAS -- MMcf:
United States...................... 2,521,307 -- 1,761,771 4,283,078 35%
Canada............................. 523,509 2,117,789 -- 2,641,298 22%
International...................... 413,368 -- -- 413,368 3%
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----
Total Company -- Natural
Gas.................... 3,458,184 2,117,789 1,761,771 7,337,744 60%
========= ========= ========= ========= ====
NGLS -- MBbls:
United States...................... 45,518 -- 101,943 147,461 7%
Canada............................. 4,204 49,798 -- 54,002 2%
International...................... 12,035 -- -- 12,035 1%
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----
Total Company -- NGLs.... 61,757 49,798 101,943 213,498 10%
========= ========= ========= ========= ====
Total Company -- MBoe.... 1,097,366 531,451 415,342 2,044,159 100%
========= ========= ========= ========= ====
</Table>
- ---------------
(1) These volumes represent Devon's estimates of Anderson's reserves as of July
31, 2001.
(2) These volumes represent Devon's estimates of Mitchell's reserves on a "dry"
gas basis, which Devon uses to report its reserves.
25
STANDARDIZED MEASURE OF DISCOUNTED FUTURE NET CASH FLOWS
The following table shows the standardized measure of discounted future net
cash flows relating to proved oil, natural gas and NGL reserves of Devon,
Anderson, Mitchell and the combined company on a pro forma basis as of December
31, 2000:
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMBINED
------- -------- -------- --------
(IN MILLIONS)
United States.................................. $ 9,629 $ -- $3,956 $13,585
Canada......................................... 1,777 4,643 -- 6,420
International.................................. 1,066 -- -- 1,066
------- ------ ------ -------
Total................................ $12,472 $4,643 $3,956 $21,071
======= ====== ====== =======
</Table>
Future cash inflows, which are a component of the standardized measure of
discounted future net cash flows, are computed by applying year-end prices to
the year-end quantities of proved reserves, except in those instances where
fixed and determinable price changes are provided by contractual arrangements in
existence at year-end. These year-end prices are adjusted for transportation and
other charges, and for geographic differentials. The December 31, 2000 NYMEX oil
price and Henry Hub gas price, upon which the combined company's actual net
prices were based before relevant adjustments, were $26.80 per barrel and $9.23
per Mcf, respectively. Recent prices for oil and gas are substantially less than
these December 31, 2000 prices. As of December 10, 2001, the NYMEX oil price was
$18.37 per barrel, and the Henry Hub gas price was $2.32 per Mcf.
PRIMARY OPERATING AREAS
Based upon the distribution of proved reserves, 86% of the combined
company's oil and gas operations will be within North America. The remainder is
in several other regions. Devon has organized its operations geographically into
five separate divisions. Each division controls an underlying base of producing
oil and gas wells and an inventory of undeveloped lands on which to explore for
new oil and gas reserves. Anderson's operations are located entirely in Canada.
Mitchell's operations are located entirely in the United States and primarily
within the state of Texas.
DEVON'S PROPERTIES
ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION
The Rocky Mountain Division extends north from New Mexico and includes the
states of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. Over a dozen oil and gas producing basins
are located in the Rocky Mountains. As of December 31, 2000, this area comprised
24% of Devon's proved oil and gas reserves.
Devon's Rocky Mountain assets include interests in conventional oil and gas
properties as well as three significant coalbed methane projects. The most
significant conventional properties in the division lie in the gas-prone
Washakie, Wind River, Big Horn and Green River basins in Wyoming and the oil
prone Uinta basin in Utah. Significant coalbed methane properties are located in
the San Juan Basin in northwest New Mexico and southern Colorado, the Powder
River Basin in Wyoming and the Raton Basin of northeast New Mexico.
Devon was a pioneer in the production of natural gas from underground coal
deposits, or coalbed methane. In the mid-1980s, Devon advanced one of the first
and most successful coalbed methane projects in the world -- the Northeast
Blanco Unit in the San Juan Basin. More than 15 years after its initial
development this property is still producing significant quantities of natural
gas.
Using the expertise gained in the San Juan Basin, Devon has established
significant positions in two additional coalbed methane plays in the Rocky
Mountains. In the Powder River Basin of Wyoming, Devon has drilled over 700
coalbed methane wells since 1998. Devon plans to drill an additional 344 wells,
which are currently classified as proved, in the area in the next three years.
In addition to the proved locations, there are more than 650 locations available
that are not proven at this time. Devon has a 75% interest in
26
the Thunder Creek Pipeline, which is a 24" transmission pipeline that transports
gas out of the Powder River Basin. The current capacity of this pipeline is 450
MMcf of gas per day, and Devon has contracted for 160 MMcf of gas per day. This
volume exceeds Devon's estimated peak production rate of 150 MMcf of gas per day
in 2002 and 2003, which is based on Devon's December 31, 2000 reserve report.
The Thunder Creek system has access to multiple interstate pipelines. Devon is
also aggressively developing coalbed methane production in the Raton Basin of
northeast New Mexico and southeast Colorado. With an interest in approximately
280,000 prospective acres, Devon has one of the largest land positions in the
play and expects to drill about 100 Raton Basin wells in each of the next few
years.
PERMIAN BASIN/MID-CONTINENT DIVISION
Permian Basin. The Permian Basin encompasses approximately 66,000 square
miles in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas and contains more than 500 major
oil and gas fields. The area is characterized by prolific, long-lived oil and
gas production from numerous formations found at a wide variety of depths. The
Permian Basin represented 18% of Devon's proved reserves at December 31, 2000.
In the first half of 2001, Devon acquired an additional 140,000 net acres
in the Permian Basin. The acquired acreage included 90,000 net acres in Lea and
Eddy counties in New Mexico. This increased Devon's holdings in these counties
to 330,000 net acres and provides an estimated 400 additional potential drilling
locations. Devon is now one of the largest exploration and production companies
in the area.
Mid-Continent. The majority of Devon's mid-continent assets are located in
the states of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. The
mid-continent covers a wide spectrum of geologic formations producing both oil
and natural gas. Advanced technologies such as 3-D seismic enable Devon to study
complex geologic environments and identify new exploratory prospects on its
extensive undeveloped acreage base. Application of nuclear magnetic resonance
logging and advanced fracture stimulation technology have enabled exploitation
of previously bypassed gas reserves in the Carthage-Bethany and Sligo fields of
east Texas and north Louisiana. At December 31, 2000, the mid-continent area
represented about 10% of Devon's proved reserves.
In the first half of 2001, Devon established a significant acreage position
in a coalbed methane project in the mid-continent. It acquired an average
working interest of almost 100% in over 370,000 acres in the Cherokee and Arkoma
Basins of southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma. Devon expects to drill up to
400 wells per year with a target of 2,500 wells over the life of the play.
GULF DIVISION
Offshore. At December 31, 2000, 9% of Devon's proved reserves were
attributable to the offshore Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico is comprised of
two major operating areas, as defined by water depth. In the "shelf" area, in
water depths up to 600 feet, Devon is among the largest oil and gas producers.
The shelf is a relatively mature producing region that is a vital source of U.S.
natural gas supply. Devon holds approximately 650,000 net acres on the shelf,
about one-half of which are developed.
The deepwater Gulf (600 feet to 5,000 feet in water depth) is a promising
frontier area. Devon holds 400,000 net acres in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico of
which about 90% are unexplored. Because deepwater exploration is capital
intensive, the company's strategy is to move cautiously. Devon generally avoids
ultra-deep water (greater than 5,000 feet) and focuses drilling efforts on
prospects at water depths for which production technology is well-established.
The company also shares projects with industry partners to further mitigate
risk.
Onshore. Devon's Gulf Division includes operations onshore in south Texas
and south Louisiana. This area accounted for 2% of proved reserves at year-end
2000. This area has a well-established infrastructure of pipelines and
production facilities. In south Texas, where exploration for oil and gas is
accelerating, Devon has 3-D seismic data covering its major acreage positions.
Much of this acreage is prospective for production from the Vicksburg, Frio and
Wilcox formations. The company's exploration
27
efforts in south Louisiana are focused on natural gas prospects in the lower,
mid and upper Miocene age formations.
CANADIAN DIVISION
Devon's Canadian operations are conducted through Devon Canada Corporation,
its subsidiary headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Canada accounted for 12% of
Devon's proved reserves at year-end 2000. Devon's October 2001 acquisition of
Anderson Exploration Ltd. significantly increased the relative importance of
Devon's Canadian operations. The acquisition of Anderson increased the company's
Canadian proved reserves by over 400 percent.
Devon's oil and gas operations in Canada are located almost entirely in
western and northern Canada. Devon's current oil and gas production is primarily
from conventional reservoirs. In addition, Devon has interests in both cold flow
and thermal heavy oil properties.
Devon's Canadian properties provide a variety of opportunities for
production and reserve growth through exploration. Devon has an extensive
inventory of undeveloped acreage on which to explore for new oil and gas
reserves. Devon is exploring for conventional oil and gas production and is
conducting pilot projects on lands that are prospective for coalbed methane
development.
Devon holds approximately eight million net undeveloped acres in western
Canada and approximately two million net undeveloped acres in northern Canada.
The western Canadian acreage is distributed throughout many established
producing regions. The northern Canadian acreage is located in the Northwest
Territories and the Yukon Territory. Within northern Canada, Devon's onshore
acreage is primarily located in the Mackenzie Delta region. Its offshore acreage
is primarily in the shallow waters of the Beaufort Sea.
INTERNATIONAL DIVISION
Approximately 25% of Devon's proved oil and gas reserves at December 31,
2000 were in countries outside North America. Most of these reserves are
concentrated in three countries: Azerbaijan, Indonesia and Argentina. As one of
the five largest U.S.-based independents, Devon has the technical capabilities
and financial strength necessary to support an international exploration and
production effort. Devon's international focus is on selected oil and gas
provinces outside North America that can provide reserve growth opportunities,
access to markets and favorable fiscal regimes.
Devon's international production is predominantly oil from operations in
Indonesia, Argentina, Gabon, Egypt, and Azerbaijan. Devon operates oil fields in
Indonesia and Egypt, and one field in Argentina. Devon has a 5.6% interest in
the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) oil field. Ryder Scott and Devon estimate that
the ACG field contains over 4 billion barrels of proved reserves, making it one
of the largest oil fields in the world. Devon produces natural gas from its
properties in the Neuquen Basin of Argentina. Additionally, Devon signed
agreements to supply Indonesian natural gas to Singapore in February 2001. These
reserves are located on the island of Sumatra, and we forecast this production
to commence from proved reserves in 2003. Devon holds substantial land positions
offshore Brazil, Ghana, Gabon and Congo where it has active exploration programs
underway. Devon will be conducting seismic surveys and drilling exploratory
wells on these blocks over the next few years. Devon is currently drilling an
exploration prospect offshore Brazil.
MITCHELL'S PROPERTIES
Mitchell's operations are located almost entirely within the state of
Texas. The operations include exploration and production activities in North
Texas, East Texas and the Texas Gulf Coast as well as significant gas
transportation, processing and marketing operations.
28
EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
In North Texas, Mitchell has held acreage in the Fort Worth Basin since the
1950s and originally focused most of its drilling activities on the shallow
conventional reservoirs above the Barnett Shale. Beginning in the early 1980s
Mitchell directed its efforts towards unlocking the gas producing potential of
the Barnett Shale. By the early 1990s, Mitchell was completing wells in the
Barnett Shale using traditional heavy gel fracturing techniques. In 1998,
Mitchell implemented the use of a new fracture completion technology in the
Barnett Shale referred to as light sand fracturing, or LSF. LSF injects large
volumes of water into the formation to create fissures within the rock that are
propped open with a small amount of sand. This contrasts with gel fracturing
where a smaller amount of water and a heavy gel are used to create fissures that
are propped open with large amounts of sand. In October 1998, when LSF was
adopted field wide, the cost of a standard LSF treatment was approximately
$140,000 (60%) less than for a heavy gel fracture treatment. In addition to
materially reducing total well costs, this also allowed completions in another
section of the formation that were not economic with the more expensive gel
fracs. As a result, well production rates and reserves were both increased.
Mitchell estimates that drilling on the current 55-acre spacing will
recover only about 8% of the Barnett Shale gas originally in place. Mitchell is
conducting pilot projects to determine how much additional gas can be recovered
from infill drilling at 27-acre spacing. While per well recovery from the
27-acre wells could be somewhat less than for 55-acre wells due to well
interference on the closer spacing, depending on the results of the pilot
program the potential number of economically viable well locations on existing
acreage could essentially be doubled, which would result in a doubling of the
well costs.
Mitchell has also used LSF to rework and refrac more than 130 existing
Barnett Shale wells that were originally completed with a conventional gel frac.
This has resulted in an average eight-fold increase in individual well
production rates with some wells actually producing at rates higher than when
they were originally completed. Mitchell plans to rework and refrac over 200
additional existing wells that were originally completed with gel fracturing.
In addition, Mitchell expects to refrac LSF wells one or more times over
their lives. Although none have been refraced to date because sufficient time
has not elapsed from the original drilling date, refracs of LSF wells are
expected to perform similarly to a refrac and rework of a conventional gel frac
well. Mitchell believes that 27-acre well spacing, multiple refrac and reworks
or some combination of the two will meaningfully raise recovery rates above the
current 8% level.
MIDSTREAM OPERATIONS
Mitchell's midstream operations are the largest among independent producers
in the United States. Mitchell owns 9,100 miles of natural gas transportation
pipelines, six natural gas processing plants, a one-third interest in an MTBE
plant and a 38.75% interest in an NGL fractionating plant. Concentration of
these facilities near Mitchell's core operating areas in Texas enables it to
gather approximately 87% of its own gas. About 46% of the NGLs produced at the
six plants is from Mitchell operated gas. The remaining 54% is from third party
operated gas. Mitchell markets its natural gas and NGL products primarily in the
Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas Gulf Coast areas and also has interconnects with
multiple interstate pipeline systems.
29
DEVELOPED AND UNDEVELOPED ACREAGE
The following tables set forth Devon's, Anderson's and Mitchell's combined
developed and undeveloped oil and gas lease and mineral acreage on a pro forma
basis. The information for Devon and Mitchell is as of December 31, 2000. The
information for Anderson is as of June 30, 2001.
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVELOPED -- GROSS DEVELOPED -- NET
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMBINED DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMBINED
----- -------- -------- -------- ----- -------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS OF ACRES)
United
States -- Onshore....... 2,545 -- 682 3,227 1,342 -- 521 1,863
United
States -- Offshore...... 756 -- -- 756 383 -- -- 383
Canada.................... 879 3,194 -- 4,073 540 1,983 -- 2,523
International............. 387 -- -- 387 102 -- -- 102
----- ----- --- ----- ----- ----- --- -----
Total............ 4,567 3,194 682 8,443 2,367 1,983 521 4,871
===== ===== === ===== ===== ===== === =====
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
UNDEVELOPED -- GROSS UNDEVELOPED -- NET
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMBINED DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMBINED
------ -------- -------- -------- ------ -------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS OF ACRES)
United
States -- Onshore..... 4,518 -- 388 4,906 2,549 -- 284 2,833
United
States -- Offshore.... 919 -- -- 919 653 -- -- 653
Canada.................. 3,117 12,095 -- 15,212 2,228 7,962 -- 10,190
International........... 19,419 -- -- 19,419 12,195 -- -- 12,195
------ ------ --- ------ ------ ----- --- ------
Total.......... 27,973 12,095 388 40,456 17,625 7,962 284 25,871
====== ====== === ====== ====== ===== === ======
</Table>
30
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
The following table presents: (1) historical per share data for Devon; (2)
pro forma per share data for Devon after giving effect to the Anderson
acquisition; (3) pro forma per share data of the combined company after giving
effect to the merger and the Anderson acquisition; and (4) historical and
equivalent pro forma per share data for Mitchell. The combined company pro forma
per share data was derived by combining information from the historical
consolidated financial statements of Devon, Anderson and Mitchell using the
purchase method of accounting for the merger and the Anderson acquisition. If
the alternate structure must be used to complete the transaction, the combined
company's pro forma data would be substantially identical to the pro forma data
presented in this table. You should read this table in conjunction with the
historical consolidated financial statements of Devon and Mitchell that are
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference
into this document. See "Additional Information -- Where You Can Find More
Information." You should also read this table in conjunction with the historical
consolidated financial statements of Anderson included elsewhere in this
document. You should not rely on the pro forma per share data as being
necessarily indicative of actual results had the merger and the Anderson
acquisition occurred prior to the relevant dates, or of future results.
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON MITCHELL
PRO FORMA ------------------------
AFTER COMBINED EQUIVALENT
DEVON ANDERSON COMPANY PRO
HISTORICAL ACQUISITION(1) PRO FORMA(2) HISTORICAL FORMA(6)
---------- -------------- ------------ ---------- -----------
Net earnings per share --
basic:
Year ended December 31,
2000.................. $ 5.66 $ 6.42 $ 6.59 $ 5.22 $ 3.86
Nine months ended
September 30,
2001(3)............... 4.40 5.63 5.87 4.24 3.43
Net earnings per share --
diluted:
Year ended December 31,
2000.................. 5.50 6.24 6.42 5.13 3.76
Nine months ended
September 30,
2001(3)............... 4.26 5.43 5.68 4.15 3.32
Cash dividends per share:
Year ended December 31,
2000(4)(5)............ 0.17 0.17 0.18 0.78 0.11
Nine months ended
September 30, 2001.... 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.40 0.09
Book value per share as of
September 30, 2001....... 29.91 29.91 34.10 16.43 19.95
</Table>
- ---------------
(1) Devon's pro forma data after the Anderson acquisition includes the effect of
the Anderson acquisition on the basis described in the notes to the
unaudited pro forma combined financial information included elsewhere in
this document.
(2) The combined company's pro forma data includes the effect of the merger and
the Anderson acquisition on the basis described in the notes to the
unaudited pro forma combined financial information included elsewhere in
this document.
(3) Devon's historical basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months
ended September 30, 2001 do not include the effect of a $49.5 million gain
related to the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The
gain related to Devon's adoption as of January 1, 2001, of a new accounting
principle related to accounting for derivative financial instruments. The
$49.5 million gain represented
31
$0.39 and $0.37 of basic and diluted earnings per share, respectively, for
the nine months ended September 30, 2001.
(4) For the year ended December 31, 2000, Devon's annual dividends were paid at
the rate of $0.20 per share. However, the table above presents Devon's 2000
historical dividends at the rate of $0.17 per share. The difference is
caused by the merger with Santa Fe Snyder Corporation, which was completed
on August 29, 2000. Devon accounted for the Santa Fe Snyder merger using the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting and, accordingly, historical
results for the year ended December 31, 2000 are presented as though Devon
and Santa Fe Snyder had been combined for the entire year. Since Santa Fe
Snyder did not pay dividends on its common stock prior to the merger, the
combined 2000 dividends per share of the two companies totaled $0.17, as
opposed to Devon's stand-alone dividend rate of $0.20 per share. The payment
of dividends by Devon in the future will depend on business conditions,
Devon's financial condition, earnings and other factors.
(5) Prior to June 29, 2000, Mitchell had two classes of common stock. On June
29, 2000, following stockholder approval, Mitchell combined the two classes
of common stock into a single class. Mitchell's historical 2000 dividends
per share of $0.78 are presented as though the single class of stock had
existed for the entire year. The $0.78 per share of historical dividends in
2000 includes a special dividend of $0.25 per share.
(6) Mitchell's equivalent pro forma amounts have been calculated by multiplying
the combined company's pro forma net earnings, cash dividends and book value
per share amounts by the exchange ratio of 0.585 shares of Devon common
stock for each share of Mitchell common stock. The Mitchell equivalent pro
forma amounts do not reflect the $31 per share that will be received in
addition to the 0.585 shares of Devon common stock.
32
MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
Shares of Devon common stock are traded on the American Stock Exchange
under the symbol "DVN" and shares of Mitchell common stock are traded on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MND." The following table sets forth, for
the periods indicated, the range of high and low sales prices per share for
Devon common stock, on the American Stock Exchange, and Mitchell common stock,
on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape, as well as information concerning
quarterly cash dividends paid on such shares. The sales prices are as reported
in published financial sources.
<Table>
<Caption>
SHARES OF DEVON COMMON STOCK SHARES OF MITCHELL COMMON STOCK
------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------
HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS(1) HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS
------ ------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
1999
First Quarter........... $31.75 $20.13 $ 0.05 Mitchell had two classes of common stock
Second Quarter.......... 37.44 25.94 0.05 until June 29, 2000. See the table below for
Third Quarter........... 44.94 33.00 0.05 market price and dividend information on the
Fourth Quarter.......... 42.00 29.50 0.05 two classes prior to their combination into
2000 one class of Mitchell common stock.
First Quarter........... 48.56 31.38 0.05
Second Quarter.......... 60.94 43.75 0.05
Third Quarter........... 62.56 42.56 0.05 $50.50 $28.81 $0.3825
Fourth Quarter.......... 64.74 48.00 0.05 64.00 43.25 0.1325
2001
First Quarter........... 66.30 53.78 0.05 62.50 44.50 0.1325
Second Quarter.......... 62.42 49.15 0.05 59.45 46.20 0.1325
Third Quarter........... 54.50 30.55 0.05 60.99 42.51 0.1325
Fourth Quarter (through
December 18, 2001)... 41.25 31.45 0.05 54.85 48.70 0.1325
</Table>
- ---------------
(1) Devon paid dividends on its common stock in 1999, 2000 and 2001 at a per
share rate of $0.05 per quarter. No dividends were paid during 1999 or 2000
on shares of Santa Fe Snyder common stock prior to the August 2000 merger
pursuant to which Santa Fe Snyder became a part of Devon. As adjusted for
the Santa Fe Snyder merger, which Devon accounted for using the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting, Devon's dividends per share
reported for accounting purposes are lower than the historical per share
rate of $0.05 per quarter. See "Summary -- Selected Historical Financial
Data of Devon."
Until June 29, 2000, Mitchell had two classes of common stock, Class A
shares and Class B shares. The two classes of Mitchell common stock were
combined on June 29, 2000 when each Class B share was changed and converted into
one Class A share. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated,
the range of high and low sales prices per share for Class A and Class B shares
of Mitchell common stock on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape, as well
as information concerning quarterly cash dividends paid on such shares.
<Table>
<Caption>
SHARES OF MITCHELL COMMON STOCK
----------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B
--------------------------- ----------------------------
HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS
------ ------ --------- ------- ------ ---------
1999
First Quarter................ $14.38 $10.50 $ 0.12 $15.00 $11.00 $0.1325
Second Quarter............... 19.31 12.63 0.12 18.75 12.81 0.1325
Third Quarter................ 24.44 17.56 0.12 23.50 17.19 0.1325
Fourth Quarter............... 25.25 21.25 0.12 24.81 21.00 0.1325
2000
First Quarter................ 24.50 20.25 0.12 24.44 20.13 0.1325
Second Quarter (through June
29, 2000)................. 32.00 20.50 0.1325 31.75 21.00 0.1325
</Table>
33
Devon is currently paying a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per
share. The payment of dividends by Devon in the future will depend on business
conditions, Devon's financial condition, earnings and other factors.
Mitchell has paid regular quarterly cash dividends for more than 20 years
and, if the merger is not completed as expected, Mitchell currently intends to
continue to pay regular quarterly cash dividends. The cash dividends of $0.3825
per share paid by Mitchell in the third quarter of 2000 included a special cash
dividend of $0.25 and, in making that payment, Mitchell emphasized that the
special cash dividend did not signal any future departure in the level of
regular quarterly cash dividends. If the merger is not completed as expected,
determination of the amount of future cash dividends to be declared and paid
will depend on, among other things, Mitchell's results of operations, cash
flows, anticipated capital requirements and restrictions contained in its debt
instruments.
34
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
<Table>
<Caption>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEVON MITCHELL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TIME, PLACE AND January 24, 2002 January 24, 2002
DATE 10:00 a.m., local time 10:00 a.m., local time
Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel MND Learning Center
Ten North Broadway 2002 Timberloch Place
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma The Woodlands, Texas
The meeting may be adjourned or The meeting may be adjourned or
postponed to another date or place postponed to another date or place
for proper purposes, including for for proper purposes, including for
the purpose of soliciting the purpose of soliciting
additional proxies. additional proxies.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURPOSES - To consider and vote on the - To consider and vote on the
approval and adoption of the approval of the Amended and
Amended and Restated Agreement Restated Agreement and Plan of
and Plan of Merger, dated as of Merger, dated as of August 13,
August 13, 2001, by and among 2001, by and among Devon Energy
Devon Energy Corporation, Devon Corporation, Devon NewCo
NewCo Corporation, Devon Holdco Corporation, Devon Holdco
Corporation, Devon Merger Corporation, Devon Merger
Corporation, Mitchell Merger Corporation, Mitchell Merger
Corporation and Mitchell Energy & Corporation and Mitchell Energy &
Development Corp., and the Development Corp.; and
transactions that it
contemplates; and - To transact other business as may
properly be presented at the
- To transact other business as may meeting or any adjournments of
properly be presented at the the meeting.
meeting or any adjournments of
the meeting. At the present time, Mitchell knows
of no other matters that will be
At the present time, Devon knows of presented for consideration at the
no other matters that will be meeting.
presented for consideration at the
meeting.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUORUM Presence, in person or by proxy, of Presence, in person or by proxy, of
stockholders holding a majority of stockholders holding a majority of
the shares entitled to vote at the the shares entitled to vote at the
meeting. meeting.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECORD DATE Close of business on December 10, Close of business on December 10,
2001. 2001.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES ENTITLED - You may vote at the Devon meeting - You may vote at the Mitchell
TO if you owned Devon common stock meeting if you owned Mitchell
VOTE or exchangeable shares issued by common stock as of the record
Devon's subsidiary, Northstar date.
Energy Corporation, as of the
record date. Holders of Devon - You may cast one vote for each
common stock and Northstar share of Mitchell common stock that
exchangeable shares will vote as you owned on the record date.
a single class.
- You may cast one vote for each
share of Devon common stock and one
vote for each Northstar
exchangeable share that you owned
on the record date.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
35
<Table>
<Caption>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEVON MITCHELL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDATIONS Devon's board of directors has Mitchell's board of directors has
OF THE BOARD approved and adopted the merger approved and adopted the merger
OF DIRECTORS agreement and determined that the agreement and determined that the
merger agreement and the merger agreement is advisable and
transactions that it contemplates in the best interests of Mitchell
are advisable and in the best and its stockholders. Accordingly,
interests of Devon and its the board recommends that Mitchell
stockholders. Accordingly, the stockholders vote to approve the
board recommends that Devon merger agreement.
stockholders vote to approve and
adopt the merger agreement and the
transactions that it contemplates.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VOTES REQUIRED - The affirmative vote of the - The affirmative vote, cast in
holders of at least a majority of person or by proxy, of the holders
the votes cast in person or by of at least two-thirds of the
proxy by holders of Devon voting shares of Mitchell common stock
stock is required to approve the outstanding on the record date is
issuance of Devon common stock in required for approval of the
the merger. merger agreement.
- The affirmative vote, cast in - A vote to approve the merger
person or by proxy, of the holders agreement will constitute a vote
of at least a majority of the in favor of both the merger and
shares of Devon common stock and the alternate structure,
Northstar exchangeable shares including the merger involving
outstanding, voting as a single Mitchell that would be effected
class, is required to approve the under the alternate structure.
merger involving Devon under the
alternate structure. - Abstentions will have the same
effect as votes against approval of
- A vote to approve and adopt the the merger agreement.
merger agreement will constitute
a vote in favor of both (1) the - The failure of a stockholder to
issuance of Devon common stock in vote in person or by proxy will
the merger and (2) the alternate also have the effect of a vote
structure, including the merger against approval of the merger
involving Devon that would be agreement.
effected under the alternate
structure.
- If the required vote to approve
the issuance of Devon common stock
in the merger is received but the
required vote to approve the
merger involving Devon under the
alternate structure is not
received, the transaction will
still be completed using the
original structure -- that is,
the merger of Mitchell with and
into a wholly owned subsidiary of
Devon -- if all of the other
conditions to the transaction are
satisfied or waived, including
delivery of the required tax
opinions. Failure to receive the
higher vote required to complete
the transaction under the
alternate structure would only
mean
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
36
<Table>
<Caption>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEVON MITCHELL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
that the parties could not
complete the transaction under
the alternate structure.
- Abstentions will not affect the
outcome of the vote with respect
to the issuance of Devon common
stock in the merger, but will
have the same effect as votes
against the merger involving
Devon under the alternate
structure.
- Assuming a quorum is present, the
failure of a stockholder to vote
in person or by proxy also will
not affect the outcome of the
vote with respect to the issuance
of Devon common stock in the
merger. However, the failure of a
stockholder to vote in person or
by proxy will have the effect of
a vote against the merger
involving Devon under the
alternate structure.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES As of the record date, there were As of the record date, there were
OUTSTANDING 126,092,673 shares of Devon voting 50,239,586 shares of Mitchell
stock outstanding and entitled to common stock outstanding and
vote, consisting of 124,022,835 entitled to vote.
shares of Devon common stock and
2,069,838 Northstar exchangeable
shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A proxy card will be sent to each Devon and Mitchell stockholder of
record.
VOTING PROCEDURES If you have timely and properly submitted your proxy, clearly indicated
your vote and have not revoked your proxy, your shares will be voted as
indicated. If you have timely and properly submitted your proxy but have
not clearly indicated your vote, your shares will be voted FOR the
proposal to approve the merger agreement.
If any other matters are properly presented at the meeting for
consideration, the persons named in your proxy will have the discretion
to vote on these matters in accordance with their best judgment. Proxies
voted against the proposals related to the merger will not be voted in
favor of any adjournment of the meeting for the purpose of soliciting
additional proxies.
Voting by Holders of Devon Common Voting by Holders of Mitchell
Stock Common Stock
Each share of Devon common stock is Each share of Mitchell common stock
entitled to one vote at the is entitled to one vote at the
meeting. You may vote using any of meeting. You may vote using either
the following methods: of the following methods:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
- phone the toll-free number listed - complete, sign and mail your
on your proxy card and follow the proxy card in the postage-paid
recorded instructions; envelope; or
- attend the meeting and vote in
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
37
<Table>
<Caption>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEVON MITCHELL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
person.
- go to the Internet website listed
on your proxy card and follow the
instructions provided;
- complete, sign and mail your
proxy card in the postage-paid
envelope; or
- attend the meeting and vote in
person.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voting by Holders of Northstar
Exchangeable Shares
Each Northstar exchangeable share
is also entitled to one vote at the
meeting through a voting and
exchange trust agreement. Under
that agreement, CIBC Mellon Trust
Company, the trustee, is entitled
to exercise voting rights on behalf
of holders of Northstar
exchangeable shares. The trustee
holds one share of special voting
stock of Devon. The share of
special voting stock is entitled to
a number of votes equal to the
number of Northstar exchangeable
shares outstanding that are held by
persons other than Devon. Each
holder of Northstar exchangeable
shares, other than Devon, is
entitled to give the trustee voting
instructions for a number of votes
equal to the number of that
holder's Northstar exchangeable
shares. A voting direction card is
a means by which a holder of
Northstar exchangeable shares may
authorize the voting of his or her
voting rights at the meeting. The
trustee will exercise each vote
only as directed by the relevant
holders on the voting direction
card. In the absence of
instructions from a holder as to
voting, the trustee will not
exercise those votes. A holder of
Northstar exchangeable shares may
also instruct the trustee to give
him or her a proxy entitling him or
her to vote personally the relevant
number of votes or to grant to
Devon's management a proxy to vote
those votes.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revocation Revocation
You may revoke your proxy at any You may revoke your proxy at any
time prior to its exercise by: time prior to its exercise by:
- giving written notice of - giving written notice of
revocation to the Corporate revocation to the Secretary of
Secretary of Devon; Mitchell;
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
38
<Table>
<Caption>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEVON MITCHELL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- appearing and voting in person at - appearing and voting in person at
the Devon meeting; or the Mitchell meeting; or
- properly completing and executing - properly completing and executing
a later dated proxy and delivering a later dated proxy and delivering
it to the Corporate Secretary of it to the Secretary of Mitchell
Devon at or before the Devon at or before the Mitchell
meeting. meeting.
Your presence without voting at the Your presence without voting at the
meeting will not automatically meeting will not automatically
revoke your proxy, and any revoke your proxy, and any
revocation during the meeting will revocation during the meeting will
not affect votes previously taken. not affect votes previously taken.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Validity Validity
The inspectors of election will The inspectors of election will
determine all questions as to the determine all questions as to the
validity, form, eligibility validity, form, eligibility
(including time of receipt) and (including time of receipt) and
acceptance of proxies. Their acceptance of proxies. Their
determination will be final and determination will be final and
binding. Devon's board of directors binding. Mitchell's board of
has the right to waive any directors has the right to waive
irregularities or conditions as to any irregularities or conditions as
the manner of voting. Devon may to the manner of voting. Mitchell
accept your proxy by any form of may accept your proxy by any form
communication permitted by Delaware of communication permitted by Texas
law so long as Devon is reasonably law so long as Mitchell is
assured that the communication is reasonably assured that the
authorized by you. communication is authorized by you.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOLICITATION OF The accompanying proxy is being The accompanying proxy is being
PROXIES solicited on behalf of Devon's solicited on behalf of Mitchell's
board of directors. The expenses of board of directors. The expenses of
preparing, printing and mailing the preparing, printing and mailing the
proxy and materials used in the proxy and materials used in the
solicitation will be borne by solicitation will be borne by
Devon. Mitchell.
Georgeson Shareholder Georgeson Shareholder
Communications, Inc., New York, New Communications, Inc., New York, New
York, has been retained by Devon to York, has been retained by Mitchell
aid in the solicitation of proxies to aid in the solicitation of
for a fee of $10,000 and the proxies for a fee of $10,000 and
reimbursement of out-of-pocket the reimbursement of out-of-pocket
expenses. Proxies may also be expenses. Proxies may also be
solicited from Devon's stockholders solicited from Mitchell
by personal interview, telephone stockholders by personal interview,
and telegram by Devon's directors, telephone and telegram by
officers and employees, who will Mitchell's directors, officers and
not receive additional compensation employees, who will not receive
for performing that service. additional compensation for
Arrangements also will be made with performing that service.
brokerage houses and other Arrangements also will be made with
custodians, nominees and brokerage houses and other
fiduciaries for the forwarding of custodians, nominees and
proxy materials to the beneficial fiduciaries for the forwarding of
owners of Devon shares held proxy materials to the beneficial
owners of Mitchell shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
39
<Table>
<Caption>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEVON MITCHELL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
by those persons, and Devon will held by those persons, and Mitchell
reimburse them for any reasonable will reimburse them for any
expenses that they incur. reasonable expenses that they
incur.
SHARES HELD General
IN STREET NAME
If you hold your shares in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee,
you should follow the instructions provided by your bank, broker or
nominee when voting your shares or when granting or revoking a proxy.
Absent specific instructions from you, your broker is NOT empowered to
vote your shares, also known as "broker non-votes."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of Broker Non-Votes Effect of Broker Non-Votes
Broker non-votes will be counted as Broker non-votes will be counted as
present and represented at the present and represented at the
Devon meeting and (1) will not Mitchell meeting and will have the
effect the outcome of the vote with same effect as a vote against
respect to the issuance of Devon approval of the merger agreement.
common stock in the merger, but (2)
will have the same effect as a vote
against the merger involving Devon
under the alternate structure.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUDITORS KPMG LLP serves as Devon's Arthur Andersen LLP serves as
independent auditors. Mitchell's independent auditors.
Representatives of KPMG LLP plan to Representatives of Arthur Andersen
attend the Devon meeting and will LLP plan to attend the Mitchell
be available to answer appropriate meeting and will be available to
questions. Its representatives will answer appropriate questions. Its
also have an opportunity to make a representatives will also have an
statement at the meeting if they so opportunity to make a statement at
desire, although it is not expected the meeting if they so desire,
that any statement will be made. although it is not expected that
any statement will be made.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
40
THE MERGER
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
For Mitchell, the proposed merger with Devon represents the culmination of
a lengthy and deliberate process.
In the late summer of 1999, Mitchell's board of directors determined to
explore strategic alternatives for the company in order to increase stockholder
returns. On October 6, 1999, Mitchell announced its engagement of Goldman, Sachs
& Co. and a predecessor firm of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. to advise Mitchell
regarding strategic alternatives, including possible transactions that might
result in a sale or merger. Mitchell engaged both Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan as
financial advisors because both firms (including their affiliates or
predecessors) had long-term relationships with Mitchell as investment or
commercial bankers and financial advisors.
Over the next six months, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan contacted on behalf of
Mitchell numerous parties, including Devon, as to their interest in
participating in an auction process leading to a possible business combination
with Mitchell. Conditions within the energy industry and the stock market during
the auction process were not, however, generally supportive of a business
combination at a price acceptable to Mitchell. At that point, Mitchell's board
of directors decided to terminate sales efforts.
In April 2000, Mitchell announced that, as a result of its review of
strategic alternatives, the company planned to continue operating as an
independent oil and gas company and to take several steps to improve its stock
price performance. These steps included (1) accelerating its development
drilling program, (2) expanding its North Texas gas processing facilities, (3)
reducing long-term debt and (4) combining its Class A and Class B common stock
into a single voting class. Mitchell believes that these efforts, combined with
a 50% increase in reserves at mid-year 2000, rapidly growing gas production
volumes, increasing gas prices and record earnings, contributed to a doubling of
Mitchell's stock price by the early fall of 2000 and the realization of a stock
trading multiple comparable to the leaders in the independent oil and natural
gas sector. By mid-fall of 2000, Mitchell's management felt that its future
outlook was promising enough to consider again a possible merger or sale of the
company. Discussions ensued with Mitchell's financial advisors about the
strategy and timing of such initiatives. Meanwhile, Mitchell's stock price
continued to increase throughout the remainder of 2000, reaching an all time
high of $64 per share in late December.
Beginning in late November and continuing into mid-December 2000, contacts
occurred between Mitchell's senior management and another independent oil and
gas company regarding that company's possible interest in pursuing a business
combination with Mitchell. Although no transaction resulted from these contacts,
in the course of discussions, several verbal merger proposals were made to
Mitchell. A final offer was made in early March 2001 that valued Mitchell at or
near the then current market price for Mitchell's stock. George P. Mitchell and
W.D. Stevens, Mitchell's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer,
respectively, responded that the offer did not represent fair value for the
company's assets and, consequently, Mitchell was not interested in pursuing the
proposal. All negotiations were then terminated. Throughout this process,
Mitchell management kept Mitchell's board of directors informed.
In the spring of 2001, George P. Mitchell, who was then the majority
stockholder of the company, decided to sell a significant block of his Mitchell
shares to meet certain personal estate planning, financial and philanthropic
goals. Specifically, in early May 2001, Mr. Mitchell sold 4.7 million shares of
Mitchell common stock in an underwritten public offering at a price to the
public of $53 per share, reducing his beneficial ownership of the outstanding
shares of Mitchell common stock to approximately 47%. Mr. Mitchell retained
Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P. to represent his personal interests in this
offering.
Later in May 2001, Mitchell asked its two financial advisors, during the
course of their routine contacts with a select group of energy companies, to
make these companies aware of Mitchell's openness to a possible sale or merger.
Some of these contacts expressed a possible interest, but no meaningful
follow-up by them resulted. Subsequently, however, a representative of Goldman
Sachs informally inquired
41
of J. Larry Nichols, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Devon,
whether or not Devon might be interested in assessing a possible business
combination with Mitchell. This inquiry met with a positive response from Devon.
Selected publicly available information regarding Mitchell was provided to
Devon.
On June 14, 2001, a meeting among Mr. Nichols, another then executive
officer of Devon, Mr. Stevens and Mitchell's Chief Financial Officer occurred in
Houston, Texas. At that meeting, Mitchell management confirmed Devon's interest
in evaluating a possible business combination in light of Mitchell's transaction
expectations in order to ensure that neither company would be wasting time and
effort, as had happened with Mitchell earlier in the year. Satisfied that there
was a reasonable basis for proceeding, the parties agreed generally on a
schedule for beginning the evaluation process. On June 21, 2001, Mitchell
entered into a confidentiality agreement with Devon. Shortly thereafter Devon
commenced a due diligence investigation of Mitchell. Over the next several
weeks, Mitchell furnished Devon with confidential evaluation materials in
several meetings which took place between senior operating management of the two
companies. Management of both companies informed the boards of directors of
their respective companies of these meetings.
On August 7, 2001, Mr. Nichols submitted a letter to Mitchell's financial
advisors proposing that Devon acquire Mitchell for cash of $30 per share and
0.585 of a share of Devon common stock for each share of Mitchell common stock.
The letter stated that the proposal would expire on August 17, 2001. The
Mitchell board of directors held a meeting the next day, August 8, 2001, at the
company's offices in Houston. At that meeting, Mitchell's management, together
with representatives of Mitchell's financial advisors and outside counsel,
reviewed with Mitchell's board of directors the proposal contained in Mr.
Nichols' August 7 letter as well as background information on Devon. Mitchell's
board of directors authorized Mitchell's management to negotiate with Devon.
Later that same day, August 8, a representative of Goldman Sachs telephoned
Mr. Nichols on behalf of Mitchell to inform him that Mitchell's board of
directors had considered Devon's proposal and to discuss the board's response to
that proposal.
At about this same time, Devon engaged UBS Warburg LLC to act as its
financial advisor in connection with its possible acquisition of Mitchell.
Mr. Nichols, in the course of a telephone conversation on the evening of
August 9 with a representative of Goldman Sachs, responded to the following
issues raised by Mitchell's board of directors in considering Devon's August 7
proposal: the proposed merger consideration; the possible imposition of a
"collar" around the share exchange ratio to protect Mitchell stockholders
against future decreases in the price of Devon's stock; and the extent to which
Devon might require Mr. and Mrs. George P. Mitchell to support the merger as
Mitchell stockholders. Mr. Nichols stated that Devon was prepared to raise the
cash portion of its offer to $31 per share. Mr. Nichols made it clear, however,
that a "collar" was unacceptable to Devon. He explained that, because the market
prices of both Devon's and Mitchell's common stock are sensitive to changes in
the price of natural gas, a collar would be unfair to Devon because its probable
effect would be to leave only his company's stockholders exposed to the impact
of future declines in the price of natural gas on stock market prices.
Furthermore, Mr. Nichols insisted that Devon would require Mr. and Mrs. George
P. Mitchell to grant Devon an irrevocable proxy to vote their Mitchell shares in
connection with the merger and an option to purchase those shares.
In telephone conversations on August 10, Mr. Stevens and a representative
of Goldman Sachs discussed with Mr. Nichols the proposed terms of the merger and
asked Devon to increase its offer again. Mr. Nichols refused to do so. Finally,
Messrs. Stevens and Nichols agreed to meet in Houston over the next several
days, together with their respective management teams, financial advisors and
legal counsel, to complete mutual due diligence and to determine if Devon and
Mitchell could agree on merger terms and if Devon could reach agreement with Mr.
and Mrs. George P. Mitchell on contractual support for the merger. Later that
same day, Devon instructed its outside legal counsel, Mayer, Brown & Platt, to
commence documentation of the proposed merger as well as the proposed
contractual arrangements between Devon and Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell.
42
The Devon and Mitchell groups met as proposed at the Houston offices of
Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. beginning on Saturday, August 11, and continuing until
the early evening of Monday, August 13. They were joined by Mr. and Mrs. George
P. Mitchell's legal counsel. At his initial meeting with Devon's General Counsel
and its outside legal counsel, Mayer, Brown & Platt, on August 11, Mr. and Mrs.
Mitchell's legal counsel explained his clients' objection to the proposed grant
of an option to Devon to purchase their Mitchell shares. In view of the
relatively large number of Devon shares that Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell would receive
in the proposed merger, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell's legal counsel also requested
that Devon grant Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell both demand and "piggyback" registration
rights. He indicated, however, that Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were generally
agreeable to entering an agreement with Devon to vote in favor of the merger and
not to sell their Mitchell shares during the next two years. By the following
Monday, August 13, Devon had reached the agreements with Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell
that are embodied in the principal shareholders agreement and the investor
rights agreement described under "Agreements among Devon, George P. Mitchell and
Cynthia Woods Mitchell."
Mayer, Brown & Platt presented Mitchell and its outside legal counsel,
Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., with a draft of the proposed merger agreement early on
Saturday evening, August 11. Over the ensuing 48-hour period, Devon and Mitchell
negotiated and documented a definitive merger agreement. For a description of
the terms of the definitive merger agreement, see "The Merger Agreement."
During the course of negotiations in Houston on August 11 and 12, Mitchell
and Devon and their financial advisors also completed their respective due
diligence work.
During the afternoon of Monday, August 13, 2001, Mitchell's board of
directors met at the company's offices in Houston to discuss the proposed
transaction. After a management presentation, a member of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
presented to Mitchell's board of directors an overview of the terms and
conditions of the proposed merger agreement and advised the board as to its
fiduciary duties. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell's legal counsel summarized for
Mitchell's board of directors the terms and conditions of the proposed principal
shareholders agreement and investor rights agreement among Devon and Mr. and
Mrs. Mitchell. Representatives of Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan then provided their
respective financial analyses with regard to the proposed merger agreement.
Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan then delivered their respective opinions to
Mitchell's board of directors to the effect that, as of that date and subject to
the assumptions and other matters set forth in the opinions, the consideration
to be received by the holders of Mitchell common stock pursuant to the merger
agreement was fair from a financial point of view to the holders. For a
discussion of the opinions of Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, see "-- Opinions of
Financial Advisors -- Opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co. -- Financial Advisor to
Mitchell" and "-- Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. -- Financial Advisor to
Mitchell." Based on the information presented, Mitchell's board of directors
unanimously approved and adopted the merger agreement and determined that the
merger agreement and the merger are advisable and in the best interests of
Mitchell and its stockholders. Mitchell's board of directors also adopted a
resolution recommending to Mitchell stockholders that they vote FOR approval of
the merger agreement.
On August 13, 2001, Devon's board of directors (with the exception of
Michael Kanovsky, who was unable to attend the meeting) also met to discuss the
proposed transaction. During that meeting, Devon's General Counsel and a
representative of Mayer, Brown & Platt presented to Devon's board of directors
and discussed with the board a legal overview of the terms and conditions of the
proposed merger agreement and the proposed principal shareholders agreement and
investor rights agreement among Devon and Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell. Representatives
of Devon's management and UBS Warburg LLC then provided an overview of
Mitchell's assets and a description of the combined company to Devon's board of
directors. UBS Warburg LLC also discussed with the board a strategic and
financial overview of the proposed merger. UBS Warburg LLC then delivered its
opinion to Devon's board of directors to the effect that the consideration to be
paid by Devon to holders of Mitchell common stock pursuant to the merger
agreement was fair to Devon from a financial point of view as of that date. For
a discussion of UBS Warburg LLC's opinion, see "-- Opinions of Financial
Advisors -- Opinion of UBS Warburg LLC -- Financial Advisor to Devon." Based on
the information presented, Devon's board of directors, by a unanimous vote of
those directors who attended the meeting, approved and adopted the merger
agreement
43
and determined that the merger agreement and the merger are advisable and in the
best interests of Devon and its stockholders. Devon's board of directors also
adopted a resolution recommending to Devon stockholders that they vote FOR
approval of the issuance of Devon common stock in the merger.
Devon purchased 100 shares of Mitchell common stock from Mr. Mitchell for
$6,212 and the merger agreement, the principal shareholders agreement and the
investor rights agreement were signed after the close of trading on August 13,
2001. Devon purchased 100 shares of Mitchell common stock in order to assure the
creation of an agreement among shareholders that would be enforceable under
Section B, Article 2.30 of the Texas Business Corporation Act and which would
help assure the enforceability of the irrevocable proxy granted to Devon in the
shareholders agreement. Devon and Mitchell issued a joint press release
announcing the merger the following morning before the stock markets opened.
On October 5, 2001, the parties amended and restated each of the merger
agreement, the principal shareholders agreement and the investor rights
agreement. The amendments agreed to by the parties provide for the alternate
structure described in this document and reflect several other minor changes
that do not materially affect the substantive terms of the transaction.
RECOMMENDATION OF MITCHELL'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND REASONS FOR THE MERGER
Mitchell's board of directors has approved and adopted the merger agreement
and determined that the merger agreement and the transactions that it
contemplates are advisable and in the best interests of Mitchell and its
stockholders. Accordingly, the board recommends that Mitchell stockholders vote
to approve the merger agreement.
Mitchell's board of directors considered various factors, including the
following, in unanimously approving the merger agreement and the merger (the
order does not reflect the relative significance):
- Merger Consideration -- The value of the merger consideration, as of
August 13, 2001, represented a 32% premium over the closing price of
Mitchell's common stock on that date and, in the board's view, was the
only offer it had received for the company that appropriately reflected
the company's enterprise value. The merger agreement requires Devon to
pay approximately $1.6 billion and to issue approximately 29.4 million
shares of its common stock to Mitchell stockholders. Accordingly,
Mitchell stockholders will obtain in the merger cash for a substantial
portion of the value of their shares and will also have the opportunity
to participate in any post-merger appreciation in the value of Devon
common stock.
- Increased Liquidity -- The combined company's common stock will be traded
on the American Stock Exchange in substantially greater dollar volumes
than that of Mitchell on the New York Stock Exchange, providing greater
liquidity for Mitchell stockholders and for new institutional investors.
- Complementary Assets and Diversification -- Mitchell's operations and its
reserves are concentrated in North Texas, East Texas and along the Texas
Gulf Coast, complementing Devon's core operating areas elsewhere in the
United States. Mitchell's largest field, the Newark East Barnett Shale
field in North Texas, will also add a new high-growth core area to
Devon's domestic natural gas assets and operations. Further, Devon's
United States, Canadian and international oil and gas operations will
provide Mitchell stockholders with a more diversified exploration and
exploitation portfolio. Lastly, Mitchell is one of the nation's largest
independent producers of NGLs, and Mitchell's NGL assets will expand
considerably Devon's midstream business.
- Industry Leadership Position -- Devon and Mitchell together produced
approximately 1.4 Bcf of natural gas per day in the United States during
the second quarter of 2001, and the combined company (without giving
effect to Devon's acquisition of Anderson) will be the second largest
independent natural gas producer in the United States in terms of total
per day natural gas production. Based on year-end 2000 reserve
information and on a pro forma basis, Mitchell's merger with Devon will
increase Devon's proved reserves by approximately 38% to 1.5 billion Boe.
44
- Strong Pro Forma Financial Profile -- Devon has a strong balance sheet
and its debt securities carry higher ratings than Mitchell's debt
securities. Mitchell's board of directors believes that the pro forma
financial profile of the combined company will result in an improved
ability to increase reserves and production through expanded exploration
and development drilling programs than had Mitchell elected to remain
independent.
- Tax Consequences of the Merger -- The merger is structured to be taxable,
for U.S. federal income tax purposes to Mitchell stockholders, only to
the extent that Mitchell stockholders receive cash in the merger, but
otherwise to be tax-free to all parties.
- Opinions of Financial Advisors -- Mitchell's board of directors also
considered the presentations and opinions of both Goldman Sachs and
JPMorgan described elsewhere in this document to the effect that, based
on their assumptions and other matters stated in their respective
opinions, the consideration to be received by holders of Mitchell's
common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial
point of view to the holders as of the date of those opinions.
On September 7, 2001, Mitchell's board of directors met to discuss Devon's
proposed acquisition of Anderson and the impact of that transaction on
Mitchell's proposed merger with Devon. After a management presentation,
representatives of JPMorgan reviewed with Mitchell's board of directors a
financial analysis of the potential impact of the Anderson transaction on the
proposed merger. JPMorgan then delivered its oral opinion, subsequently
confirmed in writing, to Mitchell's board of directors to the effect that, as of
that date and subject to the assumptions and other matters set forth in its
written opinion dated as of September 7, 2001, the consideration to be received
by the holders of common stock of Mitchell in the proposed merger with Devon was
fair, from a financial view, to the holders. (Mitchell's board had requested
only JPMorgan to update its opinion because of the board's view that one updated
opinion would suffice.) Based on the information presented with respect to the
Anderson transaction and its impact on the proposed merger, Mitchell's board of
directors confirmed, by a unanimous vote of those directors present at the
meeting, its earlier determination that the merger agreement and the merger are
advisable and in the best interests of Mitchell and its stockholders.
Mitchell's board of directors requested JPMorgan to update its opinion
because of the board's concern about the impact of the Anderson transaction on
Devon and, therefore, on Mitchell's proposed merger with Devon. The board,
however, does not intend to request either JPMorgan or Goldman Sachs to update
its opinion to address the alternate structure because the board believes that
the alternate structure involves no change for the Mitchell stockholders in the
economics of the transaction. Nor does the board intend to request either of its
financial advisors to update its opinion to address the decline in Devon's stock
price subsequent to August 13, 2001, inasmuch as the board realized, when it
first considered the merger agreement, that, in the absence of a collar for the
stock portion of the merger consideration, the market value of such
consideration to Mitchell stockholders in the transaction would vary based on
the market price of Devon's common stock. Mitchell's board of directors also
regarded the cash portion of the merger consideration, which is fixed at $31 per
share, as mitigating the absence of a collar for the stock portion. Furthermore,
the board believed that, in the absence of the proposed transaction, the market
price of Mitchell's common stock would have declined comparably to the market
price of Devon's common stock, both Devon and Mitchell being predominantly
natural gas producers and their stock prices being sensitive to changes in the
prices of the same commodity, natural gas. Although the board does not
contemplate requesting an update of either opinion in any other circumstances,
the board reserves the right to do so if, in its judgment, future events make it
advisable.
45
Mitchell's board of directors realized that there are risks associated with
the merger and an investment in the combined company, the principal risks being
that:
- the operations of the two companies may not be successfully integrated;
- the value of the aggregate consideration to Mitchell stockholders in the
transaction will decrease if the market value of Devon common stock
decreases;
- the combined company's debt level is significant and may limit its
financial flexibility; and
- the merger might not be completed as a result of a failure to satisfy the
conditions contained in the merger agreement.
The first three of these risks are discussed more fully under "Risk
Factors." In regard to the fourth risk, the conditions to the merger are
described in detail under "The Merger Agreement -- Conditions to the Merger."
The preceding discussion of the information and factors considered and
given weight by Mitchell's board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive.
However, Mitchell's board of directors believes that the discussion includes all
of the material factors that it considered. In reaching its decision to approve
and to recommend approval to Mitchell stockholders of the merger agreement,
Mitchell's board of directors did not assign any relative or specific weights to
the factors it considered. Individual directors may have given different weights
to different factors.
RECOMMENDATION OF DEVON'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND REASONS FOR THE MERGER
Devon's board of directors has approved and adopted the merger agreement
and determined that the merger agreement and the transactions that it
contemplates are advisable and in the best interests of Devon and its
stockholders. Accordingly, the board recommends that Devon stockholders vote to
approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions that it
contemplates.
The merger is part of Devon's overall business strategy for growth through
exploration and development of existing properties and through strategic mergers
and acquisitions. Following Devon's acquisitions of Anderson and Mitchell, Devon
will be the largest independent natural gas producer in North America based on
pro forma production for the quarter ended June 30, 2001. In reaching its
decision to approve and adopt the merger agreement, Devon's board of directors
consulted with Devon's management, as well as its financial and legal advisors.
Devon's board of directors believes that Devon and its stockholders will benefit
from the merger for the following reasons (the order does not reflect the
relative significance):
- Per Share Accretion -- Devon anticipates that the merger will provide
accretion, to varying degrees, in cash margin per share, earnings per
share, reserves per share and production per share on a pro forma basis
to varying degrees, although the combination of both Anderson and
Mitchell with Devon is expected to be dilutive to earnings per share in
the near term.
- Growth Oriented Asset Base -- Devon believes that there are significant
development and exploitation projects in each of Mitchell's core areas.
Devon expects these exploitation and development projects to provide
Devon with relatively low-risk (geological and technical) opportunities
to increase production for the next several years. Devon also anticipates
that the midstream business will grow significantly during the next two
years. Devon expects that this growth will come not only from the
expected production growth, but also from additional processing capacity
and efficiency to be realized from the investment of over $200 million
that Mitchell has made over the last two years to expand and upgrade its
midstream facilities.
- Marketing and Transportation Opportunities -- The pipeline infrastructure
that Mitchell owns currently transports gas both from Mitchell's wells
and from third parties' wells. These pipelines have multiple direct
connections to end users of natural gas and to major interstate pipelines
that can take gas to the east, midwest and southeast portions of the
United States. Because the Mitchell
46
pipelines have capacity to accept additional gas, Devon expects that
these facilities will provide Devon an opportunity to deliver and sell
its own gas to the most favorable of the multiple markets that the
pipelines serve. In addition, the gas produced from Mitchell's Texas
fields, when aggregated with Devon's east Texas and Permian Basin gas
production, is expected to provide Devon with increased ability to
negotiate the sale of its natural gas production.
- Midstream Opportunities -- Natural gas production often contains NGLs,
which can either be (1) left in the natural gas stream and sold along
with the natural gas or (2) extracted from the natural gas at a
processing facility and sold separately, depending on the quality of the
liquid, as pentane, butane, propane or similar products. The decision of
whether to sell the liquids with the gas stream or to extract the liquids
and sell them separately is based on a number of factors, including (1)
access to a processing facility; (2) fees charged by such facilities; and
(3) prices for natural gas and the separated liquids. Generally,
extracting the liquids and selling them separately results in more value
per Mcf produced than selling the natural gas with the liquids.
Mitchell's natural gas produced from the Barnett Shale, and natural gas
produced from some of Devon's other properties in the area, contain NGLs.
Owning Mitchell's processing facilities is expected to give Devon:
- the ability to increase the value of Devon's own natural gas production;
- additional revenue from processing third party natural gas; and
- a significant share of the regional NGL supply, which should enhance
Devon's ability to negotiate the sale of NGL production.
In addition to its tangible cash generating value, Devon believes that
there is significant intangible value to Mitchell's midstream business.
Although Devon currently has midstream operations associated with existing
producing properties, the merger would increase the size of Devon's
midstream assets by more than eight-fold. The addition of these assets and
the employees specialized in their operation is expected to enable Devon to
deepen and broaden its knowledge and experience base in this business. It
will also provide Devon a much larger platform on which to build.
- Knowledge and Experience with a Unique Technology -- In 1998, Mitchell
began implementing a new fracture completion technology referred to as
light sand fracturing, or LSF. LSF costs materially less than more
traditional hydraulic fracturing techniques. This has made it economical
to expand development of the Barnett Shale. Devon believes that LSF
technology can be used on other Devon assets to enhance recoveries and
economics. Devon views the merger as an opportunity to gain Mitchell's
experience and expertise with a lower-cost technology that is not yet
widely used.
- Increased Exposure to North American Natural Gas -- Mitchell's reserves
are in excess of 70% natural gas. Devon's reserves would increase from
53% natural gas to approximately 58% natural gas on a pro forma basis
after giving effect to the merger. Given the current supply/demand
balance within the North American natural gas market and the outlook for
this market, Devon believes that increasing its exposure to North
American natural gas is opportune.
- Larger Size -- The combined company (without giving effect to Devon's
acquisition of Anderson) will be the fourth largest oil and gas company
in North America, based on enterprise value. There are several intangible
advantages to the larger size:
- Devon expects to have even greater liquidity in the market for its
shares;
- Based on Devon's prior experience with making acquisitions, the combined
company's larger size should allow Devon to consider future transactions
that would not otherwise be possible; and
- The combined company's larger size is expected to give Devon greater
marketing, purchasing and operating strengths.
47
- Opinion of Financial Advisor -- Devon's board of directors also
considered the presentation and opinion of UBS Warburg LLC described
elsewhere in this document to the effect that, based on its assumptions
and other matters stated in its opinion, the merger consideration to be
paid by Devon in the merger was fair from a financial paint of view to
Devon as of the date of the opinion. Devon's board of directors does not
intend to request UBS Warburg LLC to update its opinion to address the
alternate structure because the board believes that the alternate
structure involves no change in the economics of the transaction. The
board also does not intend to request UBS Warburg LLC to update its
opinion to address the decline in Devon's stock price subsequent to
August 13, 2001, inasmuch as the board realized, when it first considered
the merger agreement, that the value of the stock portion of the
consideration would vary based on Devon's stock price.
Devon's board of directors realized that there are risks associated with
the merger and the merger agreement, including the following risks:
- Integration Risks -- The operations, technologies and personnel of the
two companies may not be successfully integrated. The merger will include
risks commonly associated with similar transactions, including
unanticipated liabilities, unanticipated costs and diversion of
management's attention. The combined company may also experience
operational interruptions or the loss of key employees, customers or
suppliers.
- Closing Conditions May Not Be Satisfied -- The merger might not be
completed as a result of a failure to satisfy the conditions contained in
the merger agreement. Neither Devon nor Mitchell is obligated to complete
the transaction unless the conditions in the merger agreement are
satisfied or, in some cases, waived.
- Significant Investment in Barnett Shale -- Mitchell's significant
investment in the Barnett Shale in North Texas may not generate the
benefits expected by Devon. Devon believes that a significant portion of
Mitchell's value and future potential is tied to its assets in the
Barnett Shale. To the extent that those assets do not generate the return
expected of them, the benefits of the transaction to Devon will be
reduced.
- Uncertainty as to Accretion -- The combined company may not realize the
accretion that Devon expects from the merger to its reserves per share,
production per share or cash margin per share. It is possible that the
merger may, in fact, be dilutive to Devon's actual per share results in
the future. Future events and conditions that could reduce or eliminate
such accretion or cause such dilution include adverse changes in energy
market conditions; commodity prices for natural gas, oil and NGLs;
maintenance and growth of production levels; anticipated reserve levels;
future operating results; competitive conditions; the effectiveness of
technologies; the availability of capital resources; laws and regulations
affecting the energy business; capital expenditure obligations; and
general economic conditions.
- Concentration of Assets in North Texas -- Mitchell has significant assets
located near large population centers in North Texas. This means that the
combined company will be particularly sensitive to regulatory or
environmental issues relating to these large population centers.
The preceding discussion of the information and factors considered and
given weight by Devon's board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive.
However, Devon's board of directors believes that the discussion includes all of
the material factors that it considered. In reaching its decision to approve the
merger agreement and the transactions that it contemplates and to recommend
approval to Devon stockholders of the issuance of Devon common stock in the
merger, Devon's board of directors did not assign any relative or specific
weights to the factors it considered. Individual directors may have given
different weights to different factors.
CERTAIN PROSPECTIVE PRODUCTION DATA AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Devon does not as a matter of course make public forecasts or projections
as to future revenue or results of operations beyond one fiscal year. However,
during the course of negotiations, Devon presented
48
certain production data and financial information to Mitchell that included
production and financial models prepared by Devon's management relating to
Devon's possible future production and financial performance. This Devon
prospective production data and financial information was not prepared with a
view towards public disclosure or compliance with either the published
guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding projections or
forecasts or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Guide for
Prospective Financial Statements. The Devon prospective production data and
financial information was not prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and was not audited or reviewed by independent auditors,
nor did any independent auditors perform any services with respect thereto. The
Devon prospective production data and financial information is summarized in
this document solely because it was furnished to Mitchell by Devon and
considered by Mitchell and its financial advisors in connection with evaluating
the merger.
The Devon prospective production data and financial information, while
presented with numerical specificity, was based on numerous estimates and
assumptions regarding energy market conditions, commodity prices for natural
gas, oil and NGLs, maintenance and growth of production levels, anticipated
reserve levels, future operating results, capital expenditures, obligations and
general economic conditions, all of which are inherently subject to significant
business, economic and competitive uncertainties, contingencies and risks and
are difficult to quantify and many of which are beyond the control of Devon.
Further, it does not give effect to Devon's acquisition of Anderson.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the results suggested by the Devon
prospective production data and financial information will be realized, and it
is likely that future results will vary from those set forth below, possibly by
material amounts.
The inclusion of the Devon prospective production data and financial
information should not be regarded as an indication that Devon, Mitchell or
their respective representatives considered or consider the Devon prospective
production data and financial information to be a reliable prediction of future
events, and the Devon prospective production data and financial information
should not be relied on as such. Devon is under no obligation to and has no
intention to update the Devon prospective production data and financial
information at any future time. The Devon prospective production data and
financial information included the information set forth below:
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
PROSPECTIVE PRODUCTION DATA AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(ALL AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
Production (Boe)......... 126,538 131,242 145,152 162,027 176,410
Total revenue............ $2,549,964 $2,713,905 $2,832,267 $2,935,804 $3,030,415
Earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and
amortization........... $1,934,747 $2,065,428 $2,160,202 $2,226,169 $2,311,082
Depreciation, depletion
and amortization of
property and
equipment.............. $ 721,965 $ 674,356 $ 778,507 $ 881,688 $ 999,836
Net income............... $ 676,540 $ 799,468 $ 773,470 $ 761,682 $ 752,029
</Table>
Mitchell also provided Devon with certain prospective production data and
financial information regarding Mitchell, but Devon did not rely on or use the
information due in part to technical difficulties with accessing the data and
due also to Devon's decision to independently develop its own financial models
for Mitchell's possible future performance. Because the Mitchell prospective
production data and financial information was not relied on or used by Devon in
its evaluation of the merger, the Mitchell prospective production data and
financial information is not summarized in this document.
49
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
OPINION OF GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. -- FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO MITCHELL
On August 13, 2001, Goldman Sachs delivered its opinion to Mitchell's board
of directors that as of the date of the opinion and based on and subject to the
various qualifications and assumptions described in the opinion, the
consideration to be received by the holders of shares of Mitchell common stock
pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such
holders.
The full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs, dated August 13,
2001, is attached as Annex D. You are urged to, and should, read the Goldman
Sachs opinion in its entirety. Goldman Sachs conducted its analysis and provided
its opinion for the information and assistance of Mitchell's board of directors
in connection with its consideration of the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement at the meeting of Mitchell's board of directors on August 13,
2001. Goldman Sachs has not been requested by Mitchell's board of directors to
update its analysis or its opinion for events occurring subsequent to August 13,
2001. As a result, neither Goldman Sachs' analysis nor its opinion takes into
account any events or circumstances relating to Mitchell or Devon that occurred
after the meeting of Mitchell's board of directors on August 13, 2001, including
the effects of Devon's acquisition of Anderson on the closing of the merger and
on Devon in the future. The Goldman Sachs opinion is not a recommendation as to
how any Mitchell stockholder should vote with respect to the approval of the
merger agreement.
In connection with its opinion, Goldman Sachs reviewed, among other things:
- the merger agreement;
- annual reports to stockholders and annual reports on Form 10-K of
Mitchell for the year ended December 31, 2000 and for the four fiscal
years ended January 31, 2000;
- annual reports to stockholders and annual reports on Form 10-K of Devon
for the five years ended December 31, 2000;
- interim reports to stockholders and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q of
Mitchell and Devon, including a draft report on Form 10-Q of Devon for
the six-month period ended June 30, 2001;
- other communications from Mitchell and Devon to their respective
stockholders;
- reports of Mitchell management with respect to the estimated oil and gas
reserves of Mitchell;
- reports of Devon management with respect to the estimated oil and gas
reserves of Devon; and
- internal financial analyses and forecasts for Mitchell and Devon prepared
by their respective managements, including certain cost savings and
operating synergies projected by the managements of Mitchell and Devon to
result from the merger.
Goldman Sachs also held discussions with the senior management of each of
Mitchell and Devon regarding their assessment of the strategic rationale for,
and the potential benefits of, the merger and the past and current business
operations, financial condition and future prospects of their respective
companies. In addition, Goldman Sachs:
- reviewed the reported price and trading activity for shares of Mitchell
common stock and shares of Devon common stock;
- compared financial and stock market information for Mitchell and Devon
with similar information for certain other companies that have publicly
traded securities;
- reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in
the oil and gas industry specifically and in other industries generally;
and
- performed other studies and analyses that Goldman Sachs considered
appropriate.
Goldman Sachs relied on the accuracy and completeness of all of the
financial, accounting and other information discussed with or reviewed by it and
assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of
50
rendering its opinion. In that regard, Goldman Sachs assumed, with the consent
of Mitchell's board of directors, that the financial forecasts prepared by the
managements of Mitchell and Devon have been reasonably prepared on a basis
reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of Mitchell and
Devon. In addition, Goldman Sachs did not make an independent evaluation or
appraisal of the assets and liabilities of Mitchell or Devon or any of their
subsidiaries and, except for the reserve reports provided by Devon's and
Mitchell's management, was not furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal.
The financial forecasts and other information provided to Goldman Sachs did not
include any effects of Devon's acquisition of Anderson.
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses used by
Goldman Sachs in connection with providing its opinion to Mitchell's board of
directors on August 13, 2001. This summary does not purport to be a complete
description of the analyses performed by Goldman Sachs. The following summary of
the financial analyses include information presented in tabular form. In order
to more fully understand each financial analysis used by Goldman Sachs, each
table must be read together with the full text of the related part of the
summary.
Selected Companies Analysis -- Mitchell. Goldman Sachs reviewed and
compared selected financial information, ratios and public market multiples
relating to Mitchell to corresponding financial information, ratios and public
market multiples for the following six publicly traded companies:
- Burlington Resources Inc.;
- Cross Timbers Oil Company;
- EOG Resources, Inc.;
- Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas Corp.;
- Newfield Exploration Company; and
- Noble Affiliates, Inc.
Although none of these companies was directly comparable to Mitchell, the
selected companies were chosen because they are publicly traded companies with
operations that for purposes of this analysis may be considered similar to
certain operations of Mitchell.
Goldman Sachs calculated and compared various financial multiples and
ratios based on the most recent publicly available information. The multiples
and ratios for Mitchell and each of the six selected companies were calculated
using closing share prices as of August 10, 2001. Goldman Sachs' analyses of the
selected companies compared the following to the results for Mitchell:
- closing share price on August 10, 2001 as a percentage of the highest
share price over the prior 52-week period;
- closing share price on August 10, 2001 as a multiple of the mean
estimated discretionary cash flow ("DCF") per share for 2001 and 2002 as
reported by First Call, an electronic service provided by Thompson
Financial that aggregates the earnings and cash flow estimates of equity
research analysts;
- total enterprise value, which is the market value of common equity plus
preferred stock plus minority interest plus total debt less working
capital, as a multiple of estimated debt adjusted cash flow, which is DCF
plus after-tax interest expense ("DACF"), for 2001 and 2002; and
- closing share price on August 10, 2001 as a multiple of First Call mean
estimated earnings per share for 2001 and 2002.
51
The results of these analyses are summarized as follows:
SELECTED PUBLICLY TRADED OIL AND GAS COMPANIES
<Table>
<Caption>
RANGE MEAN MEDIAN MITCHELL
----------- ----- ------ --------
August 10, 2001 closing share price as a
percentage of 52-week high share price......... 57.3%-75.5% 65.0% 63.4% 70.3%
August 10, 2001 closing share price as a multiple
of First Call mean estimated 2001 DCF per
share.......................................... 2.9x-4.3x 3.3x 3.2x 4.0x
August 10, 2001 closing share price as a multiple
of First Call mean estimated 2002 DCF per
share.......................................... 3.3x-5.2x 3.9x 3.7x 4.2x
Total enterprise value as a multiple of estimated
2001 DACF...................................... 3.7x-5.3x 4.4x 4.2x 4.5x
Total enterprise value as a multiple of estimated
2002 DACF...................................... 4.1x-6.2x 5.1x 5.1x 4.8x
August 10, 2001 closing share price as a multiple
of First Call mean estimated 2001 earnings per
share.......................................... 6.5x-10.9x 8.4x 8.3x 7.5x
August 10, 2001 closing share price as a multiple
of First Call mean estimated 2002 earnings per
share.......................................... 8.6x-17.6x 13.7x 13.7x 8.9x
</Table>
Goldman Sachs also compared the following for the selected companies:
- total enterprise value per Mcfe of proved reserves;
- proved reserves as a multiple of production; and
- percentage of proved gas reserves.
The results of these analyses are summarized as follows:
SELECTED PUBLICLY TRADED OIL AND GAS COMPANIES
<Table>
<Caption>
MITCHELL WITH
RESERVES AS OF
RANGE MEAN MEDIAN DECEMBER 31, 2000
------------ ----- ------ -----------------
Total enterprise value per Mcfe of
proved reserves....................... $0.90- $2.09 $1.23 $1.06 $1.73
Proved reserves as a multiple of
production............................ 5.5x- 12.6x 10.4x 11.2x 10.0x
% proved gas reserves................... 62%- 89% 79% 79% 95%
</Table>
Selected Companies Analysis -- Devon. Goldman Sachs also reviewed and
compared selected financial information, ratios and public market multiples
relating to Devon to corresponding financial information, ratios and public
market multiples for the following eight publicly traded companies:
- Anadarko Petroleum Corporation;
- Apache Corporation;
- Burlington Resources Inc.;
- EOG Resources, Inc.;
- Kerr-McGee Corporation;
- Murphy Oil Corporation;
52
- Ocean Energy, Inc.; and
- Unocal Corporation.
Although none of these companies was directly comparable to Devon, the
selected companies were chosen because they are publicly traded companies with
operations that for purposes of this analysis may be considered similar to
certain operations of Devon.
Goldman Sachs calculated and compared the same financial multiples and
ratios that were used with respect to Mitchell based also on the most recent
publicly available information and closing share prices as of August 10, 2001.
The results of these analyses are summarized as follows:
SELECTED PUBLICLY TRADED OIL AND GAS COMPANIES
<Table>
<Caption>
RANGE MEAN MEDIAN DEVON
----------- ----- ------ -----
August 10, 2001 closing share price as a
percentage of 52-week high share price...... 57.3%-89.3% 77.4% 78.8% 74.6%
August 10, 2001 closing share price as a
multiple of First Call mean estimated 2001
DCF per share............................... 3.3x-4.5x 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
August 10, 2001 closing share price as a
multiple of First Call mean estimated 2002
DCF per share............................... 3.6x-5.4x 4.5x 4.5x 4.3x
Total enterprise value as a multiple of
estimated 2001 DACF......................... 4.0x-5.9x 5.0x 5.1x 3.7x
Total enterprise value as a multiple of
estimated 2002 DACF......................... 5.0x-6.7x 5.7x 5.6x 4.5x
August 10, 2001 closing share price as a
multiple of First Call mean estimated 2001
earnings per share.......................... 7.6x-11.5x 9.8x 10.2x 8.4x
August 10, 2001 closing share price as a
multiple of First Call mean estimated 2002
earnings per share.......................... 9.8x-17.6x 13.8x 14.3x 12.9x
</Table>
Goldman Sachs also calculated and compared the same reserve multiples and
ratios used with respect to Mitchell for Devon and the selected companies with
operations similar to Devon. The results of these analyses are summarized as
follows:
SELECTED PUBLICLY TRADED OIL AND GAS COMPANIES
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON WITH
RESERVES AS OF
RANGE MEAN MEDIAN DECEMBER 31, 2000
------------ ----- ------ -----------------
Total enterprise value per Mcfe of
proved reserves...................... $1.05-$1.66 $1.34 $1.33 $1.10
Proved reserves as a multiple of
production........................... 8.7x-12.6x 10.1x 9.8x 8.9x
% proved gas reserves.................. 26%-88% 56% 52% 53%
</Table>
53
Premium Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed the historical trading prices for
Mitchell common stock and compared the closing prices to the $60.13 implied per
share value of the consideration to be received by the holders of Mitchell
common stock in the merger based on the closing price of Devon common stock as
of August 10, 2001. The following table presents the premium of such implied per
share value to the closing prices of Mitchell common stock for the periods
presented.
PREMIUM ANALYSIS
<Table>
<Caption>
CLOSING PRICE PREMIUM
------------- -------
August 10, 2001............................................. $44.97 34%
30-day Average.............................................. 45.08 33
60-day Average.............................................. 47.69 26
5-year High................................................. 64.00 (6)
5-year Low.................................................. 9.63 525
52 Week High................................................ 64.00 (6)
52 Week Low................................................. 32.17 87
</Table>
Selected Transactions Analysis. Goldman Sachs analyzed publicly available
information relating to 19 selected transactions in the oil and gas exploration
and production industry since 1998. Although none of the selected transactions
were directly comparable to the proposed merger, the selected transactions were
chosen because they involved companies with operations that, for purposes of
this analysis, may be considered similar to certain operations of Mitchell and
Devon. Goldman Sachs' analyses of the selected transactions compared the
following to the results for Mitchell:
- the percentage premium of the announced transaction price over the
acquired company's undisturbed market price;
- equity value as a multiple of DCF (one and two years forward); and
- reserve value, which is enterprise value less the value of nonreserve
assets, to proved reserves.
The following table summarizes the results of the selected transactions
analysis:
SELECTED TRANSACTIONS ANALYSIS
<Table>
<Caption>
MITCHELL AT DEVON
OFFER WITH RESERVES
RANGE MEDIAN AS OF MAY 31, 2001
----------- ------ -------------------
Percentage premium over undisturbed price...... 6%-61% 31% 34%
Equity value as a multiple of DCF:
1 year forward............................... 3.1x-10.3x 4.4x 5.4x
2 years forward.............................. 1.5x-9.6x 4.4x 5.7x
Reserve value/proved reserves.................. $0.60-$1.57 $0.91 $1.06
</Table>
The following table summarizes the results of those of the selected
transactions (five of the 19 selected transactions) in which gas comprised more
than 60% of reserves:
<Table>
<Caption>
MITCHELL AT DEVON
OFFER WITH RESERVES
RANGE MEDIAN AS OF MAY 31, 2001
----------- ------ -------------------
Percentage premium over undisturbed price...... 19%-61% 28% 34%
Equity value as a multiple of DCF:
1 year forward............................... 3.8x-8.6x 4.6x 5.4x
2 years forward.............................. 4.1x-9.6x 4.4x 5.7x
Reserve value/proved reserves.................. $1.08-$1.57 $1.22 $1.06
</Table>
Financial Analysis of 3-Year Forecast. Goldman Sachs performed analyses to
determine the present values as of August 10, 2001 of hypothetical future stock
prices for Mitchell and future Mitchell dividends
54
at Mitchell's current quarterly rate. These analyses were based on Mitchell
management's three-year financial forecast, including its oil and gas pricing
assumptions, and were calculated on the basis of both price to discretionary
cash flow terminal multiples and enterprise value to debt adjusted cash flow
terminal multiples.
The following tables present the ranges of present values indicated by
these analyses.
BASED ON PRICE/DISCRETIONARY CASH FLOW TERMINAL MULTIPLES
<Table>
<Caption>
TERMINAL YEAR 2002E TERMINAL YEAR 2003E
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY DISCOUNT RATE EQUITY DISCOUNT RATE
TERMINAL ------------------------------------------ TERMINAL ------------------------------------------
MULTIPLES 8.0% 9.0% 10.0% 11.0% 12.0% MULTIPLES 8.0% 9.0% 10.0% 11.0% 12.0%
- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
3.0X............ $36.79 $36.45 $36.12 $35.80 $35.48 3.0X.............. $38.20 $37.51 $36.84 $36.19 $35.55
3.5X............ 42.83 42.44 42.06 41.68 41.31 3.5X.............. 44.40 43.60 42.82 42.06 41.32
4.0X............ 48.88 48.43 48.00 47.57 47.14 4.0X.............. 50.60 49.69 48.80 47.93 47.09
4.5X............ 54.93 54.43 53.93 53.45 52.97 4.5X.............. 56.81 55.78 54.78 53.81 52.86
5.0X............ 60.97 60.42 59.87 59.33 58.80 5.0X.............. 63.01 61.87 60.76 59.68 58.62
</Table>
BASED ON ENTERPRISE VALUE/DEBT ADJUSTED CASH FLOW TERMINAL MULTIPLES
<Table>
<Caption>
TERMINAL YEAR 2002E TERMINAL YEAR 2003E
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY DISCOUNT RATE EQUITY DISCOUNT RATE
TERMINAL ------------------------------------------ TERMINAL ------------------------------------------
MULTIPLES 8.0% 9.0% 10.0% 11.0% 12.0% MULTIPLES 8.0% 9.0% 10.0% 11.0% 12.0%
- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
3.5X............ $39.30 $38.94 $38.59 $38.25 $37.91 3.5X.............. $43.58 $42.79 $42.03 $41.28 $40.56
4.0X............ 45.49 45.08 44.67 44.27 43.88 4.0X.............. 49.87 48.97 48.09 47.24 46.41
4.5X............ 51.68 51.21 50.75 50.29 49.85 4.5X.............. 56.17 55.15 54.16 53.20 52.26
5.0X............ 57.87 57.34 56.82 56.31 55.81 5.0X.............. 62.46 61.33 60.23 59.16 58.12
5.5X............ 64.06 63.48 62.90 62.34 61.78 5.5X.............. 68.76 67.51 66.30 65.12 63.97
</Table>
In addition, Goldman Sachs performed analyses with respect to the present
values as of August 10, 2001 of hypothetical future stock prices for Mitchell
and Mitchell dividends based on Mitchell management's forecasts as adjusted to
reflect alternative assumptions as to future oil and gas pricing. The following
table presents the ranges of present values indicated by the analyses using
alternative pricing assumptions identified by Mitchell management and assuming
the same range of discount rates and terminal multiples.
<Table>
<Caption>
ALTERNATIVE 1 PRICING ALTERNATIVE 2 PRICING
--------------------------- ---------------------------
TERMINAL YEAR TERMINAL YEAR
--------------------------- ---------------------------
2002E 2003E 2002E 2003E
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Based on price/discretionary cash
flow terminal multiples............ $38.64-66.44 $33.47-59.28 $36.85-63.33 $37.28-66.10
Based on enterprise value/debt
adjusted cash flow terminal
multiples.......................... $42.47-70.90 $38.23-64.66 $39.88-67.02 $43.35-72.89
</Table>
Mitchell Net Asset Valuation Analysis. Goldman Sachs analyzed the present
value of the net assets of Mitchell based on projections provided by Mitchell's
management, including estimates with respect to future production for proved,
probable and possible reserves based on a reserve summary prepared by Mitchell's
management as of May 31, 2001 and financial projections with respect to
Mitchell's natural gas gathering, processing and marketing assets, and oil and
gas pricing forecasts provided by Mitchell's management. The results of these
analyses suggested a range of net asset values of $47.89 to $63.27 per share of
Mitchell common stock. Goldman Sachs also performed these analyses on the net
asset values using two alternative oil and gas pricing assumptions provided by
Mitchell's management. Based on these alternative pricing assumptions, these
analyses suggested a range of net asset values of $44.32 to $56.69 per share of
Mitchell common stock using Alternative 1 pricing and $52.25 to $68.10 per share
of Mitchell common stock using Alternative 2 pricing.
55
Pro Forma Merger Analysis. Goldman Sachs prepared a pro forma analysis of
the financial impact of the merger on Devon. The analysis was based on First
Call mean estimates as of August 10, 2001 and guidance from Mitchell and Devon
management, and assumed $10 million and $20 million in pre-tax synergies in 2002
and 2003, respectively.
This analysis indicated that the merger would be accretive to Devon -- that
is, would represent an addition -- to both 2002 and 2003 estimated earnings per
share and 2002 and 2003 estimated discretionary cash flow per share.
The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not
necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting
portions of the analyses or of the summary set forth above, without considering
the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes
underlying Goldman Sachs' opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination,
Goldman Sachs considered the results of all such analyses and did not attribute
any particular weight to any factor or analysis considered by it. Rather,
Goldman Sachs made its determination on the basis of its experience and
professional judgment after considering the results of all of these analyses. No
company or transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is directly
comparable to Mitchell or Devon or the transaction contemplated by the merger
agreement.
The analyses were prepared as of August 13, 2001 solely for purposes of
providing an opinion to Mitchell's board of directors as to the fairness from a
financial point of view of the consideration to be received by the holders of
shares of Mitchell common stock in the merger. The analyses do not purport to be
appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities
actually may be sold. Analyses based on forecasts of future results are not
necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more
or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. Because such analyses are
inherently subject to uncertainty, being based on numerous factors or events
beyond the control of the parties or their respective advisors, none of
Mitchell, Devon, Goldman Sachs or any other person assumes responsibility if
future results are materially different from those forecast.
As described above, Goldman Sachs' opinion was one of many factors taken
into consideration by Mitchell's board of directors in making its determination
to approve the merger agreement and the merger. The foregoing summary does not
purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Goldman Sachs.
Goldman Sachs, as part of its investment banking business, is continually
engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes.
Goldman Sachs is familiar with Mitchell, having provided certain investment
banking services to Mitchell from time to time, including having acted as a
co-managing underwriter of a public offering in May 2001 of Mitchell common
stock, and having acted as its financial advisor in connection with, and having
participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the merger agreement.
Goldman Sachs received underwriting fees of approximately $2.3 million in
connection with the May 2001 public offering and will receive a fee in
connection with the merger as described below. Goldman Sachs has also provided
certain investment banking services to Devon from time to time and may provide
investment banking services to Devon in the future.
Goldman Sachs provides a full range of financial advisory and securities
services and, in the course of its normal trading activities, may from time to
time effect transactions and hold securities, including derivative securities,
of Mitchell or Devon for its own account and for the accounts of customers.
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated August 27, 1999, Mitchell engaged
Goldman Sachs to act as its financial advisor in connection with various
financial alternatives available to it, including a possible merger or sale of
Mitchell. Pursuant to the terms of that agreement, Mitchell has agreed to pay
Goldman Sachs a fee in cash upon consummation of the merger equal to 0.5% of the
aggregate consideration paid in connection with the merger. Based on the closing
per share sales price of Devon common stock on
56
December 18, 2001 and Mitchell's equity and balance sheet as of September 30,
2001, such fee will be approximately $15.3 million. Mitchell has also agreed to
reimburse Goldman Sachs for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including
attorneys' fees, and to indemnify Goldman Sachs against certain liabilities,
including certain liabilities under the federal securities laws.
OPINION OF J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC. -- FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO MITCHELL
On August 13, 2001 and on September 7, 2001, JPMorgan delivered its oral
opinions, subsequently confirmed in writing, to Mitchell's board of directors,
to the effect that, as of those dates and based on and subject to certain
matters stated in its written opinions, the merger consideration to be received
by the holders of Mitchell common stock in the merger was fair, from a financial
point of view, to the holders.
The full text of the JPMorgan's opinion, dated as of September 7, 2001, is
attached as Annex E. JPMorgan's written opinions were addressed to Mitchell's
board of directors, were directed only to the merger consideration to be
received by the holders of Mitchell common stock in the merger and did not
constitute a recommendation to any Mitchell stockholder as to how such
stockholder should vote on the merger or any other matter. The following summary
of the material provisions of JPMorgan's opinion dated as of September 7, 2001
is qualified by reference to the opinion. Mitchell stockholders are urged to
read JPMorgan's opinion in its entirety.
In arriving at its opinion, JPMorgan, among other things:
- reviewed the merger agreement and the principal shareholders agreement;
- reviewed the acquisition agreement between Devon and Anderson dated
August 31, 2001;
- compared certain publicly available business and financial information
concerning Mitchell, Devon and Anderson and the industries in which they
operate;
- compared the proposed financial terms of the merger and the Anderson
acquisition with the publicly available financial terms of certain
transactions involving companies deemed relevant and the consideration
received for such companies;
- compared the financial and operating performance of Mitchell, Devon and
Anderson with publicly available information concerning certain other
companies deemed relevant and the current and historical market prices of
Mitchell's, Devon's and Anderson's common stock and certain other
publicly traded securities of those other companies;
- reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by
the managements of Mitchell and Devon relating to their respective
businesses and certain financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the
management of Devon with respect to Anderson's business;
- reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by
certain engineering consultants, including each of LaRoche Petroleum
Consultants, Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Consultants and Paddock
Lindstrom & Associates relating to the oil, gas and natural gas liquids
reserves of Devon as of December 31, 2000; and
- reviewed other financial studies and analyses and other information
deemed relevant by JPMorgan.
JPMorgan held discussions with certain members of the managements of
Mitchell and Devon with respect to certain aspects of the merger, and the past
and current business operations of Mitchell and Devon, the financial condition
and future prospects and operations of Mitchell and Devon, the effects of the
merger on the financial condition and future prospects of Mitchell and Devon,
and certain other matters believed necessary or appropriate to JPMorgan's
inquiry. JPMorgan also held discussions with certain members of Devon with
respect to certain aspects of the Anderson acquisition, and the past and current
business operations of Anderson, the financial condition and future prospects
and operations of Anderson, the effects of the acquisition on the financial
condition and future prospects of Devon, and certain other matters JPMorgan
believed necessary or appropriate to its inquiry. JPMorgan noted that it relied
solely upon its discussions with, and other materials, including financial
forecasts, provided to it by,
57
Devon in connection with JPMorgan's review of Anderson, and that JPMorgan did
not receive any financial forecasts or other non-public information from
Anderson.
In rendering its opinion, JPMorgan relied on and assumed, without
independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information that
was publicly available or that was furnished to it by Mitchell, Devon and the
engineering consultants or otherwise reviewed by it, and JPMorgan did not assume
any responsibility or liability therefor. JPMorgan did not conduct any valuation
or appraisal of any assets or liabilities, nor have any valuations or appraisals
(other than the reserve reports written by the engineering consultants) been
provided to it. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to it,
JPMorgan assumed that they were reasonably prepared based on assumptions
reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments by management as
to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of
Mitchell, Devon and Anderson to which such analyses or forecasts relate. In
addition, JPMorgan assumed that the merger will qualify as a tax-free
reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and that the other
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will be consummated as
described in the merger agreement and the parties to the principal shareholders
agreement will perform their obligations under that agreement necessary for the
merger to be effected. JPMorgan further assumed that the Anderson acquisition
and the other transactions contemplated by the acquisition agreement will be
consummated as described in the acquisition agreement. JPMorgan further assumed
that all material governmental, regulatory or other consents necessary for the
consummation of the merger and the Anderson acquisition will be obtained without
any adverse effect on Mitchell, Devon or Anderson or on the contemplated
benefits of the merger or the Anderson acquisition.
The projections furnished to JPMorgan for Mitchell and Devon were prepared
by the respective managements of each company and the projections furnished to
JPMorgan for Anderson were prepared by the management of Devon. Neither Mitchell
nor Devon publicly discloses internal management projections of the type
provided to JPMorgan in connection with JPMorgan's analysis of the merger
consideration, and such projections were not prepared with a view toward public
disclosure. These projections were based on numerous variables and assumptions
that are inherently uncertain and may be beyond the control of management,
including, without limitation, factors related to general economic and
competitive conditions and prevailing interest rates. Accordingly, actual
results could vary significantly from those set forth in such projections.
JPMorgan's opinions were necessarily based on economic, market and other
conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to JPMorgan as
of, the dates of its opinions. Subsequent developments may affect the written
opinion dated as of September 7, 2001, and JPMorgan does not have any obligation
to update, revise or reaffirm such opinion. JPMorgan's opinions were limited to
the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the consideration to be
received by the holders of Mitchell common stock and JPMorgan expressed no
opinion as to the underlying decision by Mitchell to engage in the merger.
JPMorgan expressed no opinion as to the price at which Mitchell's or Devon's
common stock will trade at any future time.
JPMorgan's opinions noted that, although JPMorgan worked for Mitchell from
August 1999 through April 2000, that engagement did not result in the
consummation of a transaction. Since that time and in connection with the
preparation of its opinions dated as of August 13, 2001 and as of September 7,
2001, JPMorgan was not authorized to and did not solicit any expressions of
interest from any other parties with respect to the sale of all or any part of
Mitchell or any other alternative transaction. Therefore, JPMorgan assumed that
such terms were the most beneficial terms from Mitchell's perspective that could
under the circumstances be negotiated among the parties to those transactions,
and JPMorgan expressed no opinion whether any alternative transaction might
produce consideration for Mitchell stockholders in an amount in excess of that
contemplated in the merger.
In accordance with customary investment banking practice, JPMorgan employed
generally accepted valuation methods in reaching its opinions. The following is
a summary of the material financial analyses utilized by JPMorgan in connection
with delivering its opinion dated as of August 13, 2001.
58
Analysis of Mitchell
Net Asset Value Analysis. JPMorgan conducted a net asset value analysis to
determine the net asset value per share of Mitchell's common stock. Using
financial forecasts provided by Mitchell's management, JPMorgan estimated
Mitchell's net asset value by discounting the projected after-tax cash flows
from Mitchell's exploration and production business at rates of 8% to 10% and
Mitchell's natural gas gathering, processing and marketing business, referred to
as its midstream business, at rates of 10% to 12%. JPMorgan used higher discount
rates in its net asset valuation of Mitchell's midstream business than in
Mitchell's exploration and production business because of the heightened risk
inherent in the midstream business's cash flows which stem from the greater
uncertainty of natural gas liquid prices and relatively higher fixed costs.
These risks and uncertainties lead to a higher estimated cost of capital.
For the exploration and development business, free cash flows derived from
production of existing reserves were discounted to July 31, 2001, based on
management's current production forecast. Cash flows were taxed at an effective
rate of 35%, with adjustments for certain existing tax assets that were valued
at approximately $100 million in the aggregate. Based on the foregoing, this
analysis indicated a value range for the exploration and production business of
approximately $1,661 million to $1,895 million.
For the midstream business, free cash flows derived from financial
forecasts provided by Mitchell's management for 2001 to 2005 were discounted to
July 31, 2001. Cash flows were taxed at an effective rate of 35%. The present
value of the 2005 terminal value was derived by applying a 6x to 8x multiple to
2005 projected EBITDA for the business and discounting this estimate at the
above stated range of rates. Based on the foregoing, this analysis indicated a
value range for the midstream business of approximately $1,038 million to $1,397
million.
JPMorgan then calculated an implied net asset value by summing the above
value ranges and subtracting from this sum the net indebtedness of Mitchell and
adding the value of current net working capital, both of which values came from
Mitchell's June 30, 2001 unaudited financial statements. Based on the foregoing,
this analysis implied a net asset value range of between approximately $52 and
$57 per share of Mitchell common stock on a fully diluted basis, compared to the
implied value of the consideration to be received in the merger of $60.13 per
share of Mitchell common stock, based on the closing price per share of Devon
common stock on August 10, 2001 of $49.79. In addition, JPMorgan calculated an
implied asset value associated with further development of infill drilling
locations and the refracturing of existing wells, which implied an incremental
$2 of value per share of Mitchell common stock on a fully diluted basis.
Comparable Public Companies Analysis. Using publicly available
information, JPMorgan compared certain financial and operating information and
ratios for Mitchell with corresponding financial and operating information and
ratios for the following five exploration and production companies that JPMorgan
deemed generally comparable based upon their lines of business and their
financial and operating characteristics, including market capitalization, asset
composition and geographic location of operations:
- Cabot Corporation;
- EOG Resources, Inc.;
- Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas Corp.;
- Noble Affiliates, Inc.; and
- XTO Energy Inc.
This analysis indicated that:
- the ratio of the firm value to projected 2002 EBITDAX ranged from 3.8x to
4.6x, with a mean of 4.3x and a median of 4.5x; and
59
- the ratio of the equity value to projected 2002 cash flow ranged from
3.3x to 4.2x, with a mean and median of 3.7x.
This analysis indicated a range of implied prices per share of Mitchell's
common stock on a fully-diluted basis of approximately $42 to $48 value per
share by applying a range of 4.0x to 4.5x for the ratio of equity value to
projected 2002 cash flow. JPMorgan also calculated a range of implied prices per
share of Mitchell's common stock of approximately $44 to $50 by applying a range
of 4.0x to 4.5x for the ratio of firm value to 2002 estimated EBITDAX, compared
to the implied value of the consideration to be received in the merger of $60.13
per share of Mitchell common stock, based on the closing price per share of
Devon common stock on August 10, 2001 of $49.79.
Premiums Paid Analysis. JPMorgan reviewed the premiums paid in selected
business combinations in the oil and gas exploration and production industry
that JPMorgan deemed generally comparable based upon transaction size and the
companies' lines of business and their financial and operating characteristics,
including asset composition and geographic location of operations. The
transactions considered and the month and year in which each transaction was
announced were:
- Westport Resources Corporation's acquisition of Belco Oil & Gas Corp.
(June 2001);
- Conoco Inc.'s acquisition of Gulf Canada Resources Limited (May 2001);
- Kerr-McGee Corporation's acquisition of HS Resources, Inc. (May 2001);
- The Williams Companies, Inc. acquisition of Barrett Resources Corporation
(March 2001);
- Calpine Corporation's acquisition of Encal Energy Ltd. (February 2001);
- Anadarko Petroleum Corporation's acquisition of Berkely Petroleum Corp.
(December 2000);
- Pogo Producing Company's acquisition of NORIC Corporation (the parent of
North Central Oil Corporation) (November 2000);
- Gulf Canada Resources Limited's acquisition of Crestar Energy Inc.
(October 2000);
- Forest Oil Corporation's acquisition of Forcenergy Inc. (July 2000);
- Devon Energy Corporation's acquisition of Santa Fe Snyder Corporation
(May 2000); and
- Anadarko Petroleum Corporation's acquisition of Union Pacific Resources
Group Inc. (April 2000).
For each transaction listed above, JPMorgan calculated the premium
represented by the offer price over the target company's share price for the
period one day, one week and one month prior to the date of the transaction's
announcement. The analysis indicated that:
- the premium to the share price one day prior to the announcement ranged
from negative 4% to 61%, with a mean of 21.9% and a median of 21.0%, as
compared to the implied premium represented by the consideration to be
received in the merger to the average share price of Mitchell common
stock for the corresponding period of 33.7%;
- the premium to the average share price one week prior to the announcement
ranged from negative 2% to 63%, with a mean of 25.9% and a median of
28.7%, as compared to the implied premium represented by the
consideration to be received in the merger to the average share price of
Mitchell common stock for the corresponding period of 33.3%; and
- the premium to the average share price one month prior to the
announcement ranged from 4% to 55%, with a mean of 31.2% and a median of
32.0%, as compared to the implied premium represented by the
consideration to be received in the merger to the average share price of
Mitchell common stock for the corresponding period of 33.4%.
JPMorgan calculated a range of implied prices per share of Mitchell's
common stock by applying the median figures listed above to the corresponding
average closing share price of Mitchell's common stock for the periods one day,
one week and one month prior to the announcement. This analysis indicated an
60
implied offer price per share of Mitchell's common stock on a fully diluted
basis of approximately $54, $58 and $59, respectively, compared to the implied
value of the consideration to be received in the merger of $60.13 per share of
Mitchell common stock, based on the closing price per share of Devon common
stock on August 10, 2001 of $49.79.
Selected Transaction Analysis. Using publicly available information,
JPMorgan examined selected transactions in the oil and gas exploration and
production industry to value Mitchell's exploration and production business that
JPMorgan deemed generally comparable based upon transaction size and the
companies' lines of business and their financial and operating characteristics,
including asset composition and geographic location of operations. The
transactions selected were the same transactions listed above in the premiums
paid analysis. In addition, JPMorgan examined certain transactions involving
companies with significant midstream operations in order to value Mitchell's
midstream business.
The analysis of the exploration and production transactions indicated that:
- the consideration paid in the transaction divided by the most recently
disclosed quantity of estimated reserves, on a dollars per millions of
cubic feet equivalent, referred to as Mcfe, basis, ranged from $0.84 to
$1.40, with a mean of $1.14 and a median of $1.19; and
- the ratio of transaction value to projected two-year forward EBITDAX
ranged from 3.6x to 8.1x, with a mean of 5.2x and a median of 5.0x.
The analysis of the midstream transactions indicated that:
- the ratio of transaction value to LTM EBITDA ranged from 6.3x to 13.4x,
with a mean of 8.9x and a median of 8.4x.
Based on the ranges of multiples derived from the above analyses, JPMorgan
calculated the implied firm value of Mitchell by selecting a range of +/- 10%
around the median value from each of the above metrics and applying these ranges
to the relevant Mitchell statistics. JPMorgan combined the exploration and
production value derived by applying the range of values paid per Mcfe to the
range of values derived for the midstream business to arrive at a value per
share of Mitchell common stock on a fully diluted basis of approximately $60 to
$70. JPMorgan combined the exploration and production value derived by applying
the range of EBITDAX multiples to the range of values derived for the midstream
business to arrive at a value per share of Mitchell common stock on a fully
diluted basis of approximately $54 to $65, compared to the implied value of the
consideration to be received in the merger of $60.13 per share of Mitchell
common stock, based on the closing price per share of Devon common stock on
August 10, 2001 of $49.79.
Analysis of Devon
Comparable Public Company Analysis. Using publicly available information,
JPMorgan compared certain financial and operating information and ratios for
Devon with corresponding financial and operating information and ratios for the
following companies in lines of business believed to be generally comparable to
those of Devon based upon their lines of business and their financial and
operating characteristics, including market capitalization, asset composition
and geographic location of operations:
- Anadarko Petroleum Corporation;
- Apache Corporation;
- Burlington Resources Inc.;
- EOG Resources, Inc.;
- Kerr-McGee Corporation;
- Ocean Energy, Inc.; and
- Unocal Corporation.
61
This analysis indicated that:
- the ratio of the firm value to projected 2002 EBITDAX ranged from 4.2x to
6.2x, with a mean of 4.9x and a median of 4.8x;
- the ratio of the equity value to projected 2002 cash flow ranged from
3.6x to 5.4x, with a mean and median of 4.5x; and
- the ratio of firm value to total reserves on a dollars per Mcfe basis
ranged from $0.98 to $1.55, with a mean of $1.24 and a median of $1.20.
Using First Call consensus estimates of 2002 EBITDAX and cash flow, and
Devon's most recently published reserve estimate, and applying a ratio of equity
value to projected 2002 cash flow of between 4.0x and 5.0x, a ratio of firm
value to projected 2002 EBITDAX of between 4.25x and 5.25x and ratio of firm
value to total reserves on a dollars per Mcfe basis of between $1.10 and $1.30,
this analysis indicated a range of implied per share values of Devon common
stock on a fully diluted basis of approximately $46 to $57, $53 to $67 and $50
to $60, respectively, compared to the closing price per share of Devon common
stock on August 10, 2001 of $49.79.
Net Asset Value Analysis. JPMorgan conducted a net asset value analysis to
determine the net asset value per share of Devon's common stock. Using financial
forecasts provided by Devon's management, JPMorgan estimated Devon's net asset
value by discounting Devon's projected after-tax cash flows from Devon's
exploration and development business at rates of 8% to 10%. Cash flows derived
from production of existing reserves were discounted to July 31, 2001, based on
management's current production forecast. Cash flows were taxed at an effective
rate of 38%. Based on the foregoing, this analysis indicated a value range for
Devon's exploration and production business of approximately $9,746 million to
$10,877 million.
JPMorgan then calculated an implied net asset value by subtracting from
this range the net indebtedness of Devon and adding the value of current net
working capital, both of which values came from Devon's June 30, 2001 unaudited
financial statements. Based on the foregoing, this analysis implied a net asset
value range of between approximately $68 and $76 per share of Devon common stock
on a fully diluted basis, compared with the closing price per share of Devon
common stock on August 10, 2001 of $49.79.
Pro Forma Merger Analysis. JPMorgan also analyzed the pro forma effects of
the merger on the projected cash flow of Devon for fiscal year 2002 based on
projections provided by the managements of Mitchell and Devon. Incorporating
assumptions with respect to various structural considerations, transaction and
financing costs and estimated annual synergies of $20 million to be realized in
2002, this analysis indicated that the merger would be accretive to cash flow
and dilutive to earnings per share of Devon common stock in 2002.
In connection with its written opinion dated as of September 7, 2001, in
addition to the matters set forth in that opinion, JPMorgan reviewed the
analysis used to render its August 13, 2001 opinion by performing procedures to
update certain analyses and by reviewing the assumptions upon which such
analyses were based and the factors considered in connection therewith.
The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description
of the analyses or data presented by JPMorgan. The preparation of an opinion
regarding fairness is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to
partial analysis or summary description. JPMorgan believes that the summary set
forth above and its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting
portions thereof, without considering all of its analyses, could create an
incomplete view of the processes underlying its analyses and opinion. JPMorgan
based its analyses on assumptions that it deemed reasonable, including
assumptions concerning general business and economic conditions and
industry-specific factors. The other principal assumptions on which JPMorgan
based its analyses are set forth above under the description of each such
analysis. JPMorgan's analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual values or
actual future results that might be achieved, which values may be higher or
lower than those indicated. Moreover, JPMorgan's
62
analyses are not and do not purport to be appraisals or otherwise reflective of
the prices at which businesses actually could be bought or sold.
None of the comparable companies used in the comparable public companies
analysis described above is identical to Mitchell or Devon, and none of the
comparable transactions used in the comparable transactions analysis described
above is identical to the merger. Accordingly, an analysis of publicly traded
comparable companies and transactions is not exclusively mathematical; rather it
involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in
financial and operating characteristics of the comparable companies and other
factors that could affect the public trading value of the comparable companies
or company to which they are being compared.
As a part of its investment banking business, JPMorgan and its affiliates
are continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions, investments for passive and control
purposes, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements, and valuations for estate, corporate
and other purposes. JPMorgan was selected to advise Mitchell with respect to the
merger and deliver its opinions to Mitchell's board of directors with respect to
the merger on the basis of such experience and JPMorgan's familiarity with
Mitchell.
For services rendered in connection with the merger and the delivery of its
opinion, Mitchell has agreed to pay JPMorgan a fee payable in cash upon closing
of the merger in the amount of 0.20% of the aggregate merger consideration plus
all indebtedness for borrowed money of Mitchell, where the aggregate merger
consideration will be determined by the average of the last sales price for
Devon common stock on the five trading days ending prior to the consummation of
the merger. Based on the closing price per share of Devon common stock on
December 18, 2001 and Mitchell's equity and balance sheet as of September 30,
2001, this fee would be approximately $6.7 million. Mitchell has agreed to pay
JPMorgan an additional fee upon closing of the merger in connection with
JPMorgan's analysis of the potential financial impact of Devon's acquisition of
Anderson on the proposed merger in the amount of approximately $4.5 million,
representing 0.10% of the aggregate consideration paid for Anderson plus all
indebtedness of Anderson. In addition, Mitchell has agreed to reimburse JPMorgan
for its expenses incurred in connection with its services, including the fees
and disbursements of counsel, and will indemnify JPMorgan against certain
liabilities, including liabilities arising under the federal securities laws.
Certain affiliates of JPMorgan have, from time to time, performed certain
financial advisory and other commercial and investment banking services for
Mitchell and Devon, for which they received customary compensation, and in the
future may continue to perform, from time to time, certain financial advisory
and other commercial and investment banking services for Mitchell or Devon, for
which they would receive customary compensation. Affiliates of JPMorgan have
acted as co-lead manager for a secondary offering of shares of Mitchell common
stock of George P. Mitchell, have a commitment under Mitchell's revolving credit
facility and have a commitment under Devon's revolving credit facility that
currently has not been drawn upon. One of these affiliates is also the
documentation agent with regard to Devon's revolving credit facility and was
selected to be one of Devon's commercial paper dealers. Additionally, one of
JPMorgan's affiliates acted as a co-manager to an affiliate of Devon in
connection with the issuance on October 3, 2001 of $3.0 billion aggregate
principal amount of notes and debentures. In the last two years, JPMorgan
received aggregate fees in the amount of approximately $2.7 million from
Mitchell (or, in the case of the secondary offering, George P. Mitchell).
In addition, in the ordinary course of their businesses, JPMorgan and its
affiliates may actively trade the debt and equity securities and loans of
Mitchell, Devon or Anderson for their own account or for the accounts of
customers and, accordingly, they may at any time hold long or short positions in
such securities or loans.
OPINION OF UBS WARBURG LLC -- FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO DEVON
On August 13, 2001, UBS Warburg LLC rendered its oral opinion, which was
confirmed by its written opinion dated August 13, 2001, to Devon's board of
directors to the effect that, as of the date of
63
such opinion and based on and subject to various assumptions, matters considered
and limitations described in the opinion and discussed below, the merger
consideration to be paid by Devon in the merger was fair, from a financial point
of view, to Devon.
The full text of UBS Warburg LLC's opinion, dated August 13, 2001, which
sets forth a description of the assumptions made, general procedures followed,
matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken, is attached as
Annex F. UBS Warburg LLC's opinion is directed only to the fairness, from a
financial point of view, of the merger consideration to be paid by Devon in the
merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any Devon stockholder as to
how such stockholder should vote on the approval of the issuance of Devon common
stock in the merger. Devon stockholders are urged to read the opinion carefully
in its entirety, especially with regard to the assumptions made and matters
considered by UBS Warburg LLC. The summary of UBS Warburg LLC's opinion set
forth in this document is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full
text of such opinion.
In arriving at its opinion, UBS Warburg LLC, among other things:
- reviewed the August 13, 2001 draft of the merger agreement;
- reviewed certain publicly available business and historical financial
information relating to Devon and Mitchell;
- reviewed certain information and other data provided to it by Devon that
is not publicly available relating to the business and prospects of Devon
that was prepared by the management of Devon, including operating
estimates and financial forecasts;
- reviewed certain information and other data provided to it by Devon and
Mitchell that is not publicly available relating to the business and
prospects of Mitchell that was prepared by the managements of Devon and
Mitchell, including operating estimates and financial forecasts;
- considered estimates, prepared by the management of Devon and not
publicly available, of the amounts and timing of the synergies expected
to result from the merger;
- considered the pro forma financial effects of the merger on Devon;
- reviewed publicly available financial and stock market data with respect
to certain other companies in lines of business it believes to be
generally comparable to those of Devon and Mitchell;
- compared the financial terms of the merger with the financial terms of
certain other selected transactions that it deemed to be relevant;
- reviewed the historical market prices and trading volumes of both Devon
and Mitchell common stock;
- conducted discussions regarding Devon with selected members of Devon's
senior management;
- conducted discussions regarding Mitchell with selected members of the
senior management of Mitchell and Devon; and
- conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations, and
considered such other information, as it deemed necessary or appropriate.
Devon did not impose any limitations on the scope of UBS Warburg LLC's
analysis. In connection with its review, and at Devon's direction, UBS Warburg
LLC did not assume any responsibility for independent verification of any of the
information reviewed by UBS Warburg LLC for the purposes of its opinion and, at
Devon's direction, relied on its being complete and accurate in all material
respects. In addition, UBS Warburg LLC did not make any independent evaluation
or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of
Devon or Mitchell, nor has UBS Warburg LLC been furnished with any such
evaluation or appraisal.
UBS Warburg LLC's opinion does not address Devon's underlying business
decision to effect the merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any
Devon stockholder as to how such stockholder
64
should vote with respect to the approval of the issuance of Devon common stock
in the merger. UBS Warburg LLC was not asked to, nor did UBS Warburg LLC, offer
any opinion as to the material terms of the merger agreement or the form of the
merger. UBS Warburg LLC expressed no opinion as to what the value of Mitchell
common stock or Devon common stock would be at the time of the merger or the
prices at which either would trade at any time in the future. In rendering its
opinion, UBS Warburg LLC assumed, with Devon's consent, that Devon and Mitchell
would comply with all of the material terms of the merger agreement.
With respect to the projected operating and financial information,
estimates, pro forma effects and calculations of synergies referred to above,
UBS Warburg LLC assumed, at Devon's direction, that they were reasonably
prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and
judgments of the management of each company as to the future performance of
their respective companies. Moreover, UBS Warburg LLC assumed that all
governmental, regulatory and other consents and approvals necessary for the
consummation of the merger would be obtained without any adverse effect on Devon
or Mitchell. UBS Warburg LLC's opinion was necessarily based on economic,
monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made
available to UBS Warburg LLC as of, the date of the opinion.
The following paragraphs summarize the material quantitative analyses
performed by UBS Warburg LLC in arriving at the opinion dated August 13, 2001
presented to Devon's board of directors. The financial analyses summarized below
include information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand
UBS Warburg LLC's financial analyses, the tables must be read together with the
text of each summary. You should consider the tabular data below together with
the full narrative description of the financial analyses described below,
including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses.
Where published equity research estimates were utilized by UBS Warburg LLC
as referenced below, UBS Warburg LLC relied on research published by UBS Warburg
LLC, where applicable, and where UBS Warburg LLC had not published research with
respect to the applicable company, UBS Warburg LLC relied on the latest
published third party research.
Mitchell Valuation Analysis
Comparable Company Analysis. UBS Warburg LLC reviewed the public stock
market trading multiples for selected publicly traded independent exploration
and production companies with financial and operating characteristics, such as
market capitalization, location of proved reserves and the characterization of
those reserves, including a review of the ratio of oil reserves to gas reserves,
the ratio of proved developed reserves to proved undeveloped reserves and the
reserves to production ratio, that UBS Warburg LLC deemed to be similar to those
of Mitchell, including:
- EOG Resources, Inc.;
- Evergreen Resources, Inc.;
- Forest Oil Corporation;
- Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas Corp.;
- Newfield Exploration Company;
- Pioneer Natural Resources Company;
- Pogo Producing Company;
- Stone Energy Corporation;
- Western Gas Resources, Inc.; and
- XTO Energy, Inc.
65
Using publicly available information, including certain published equity
research estimates from UBS Warburg LLC equity research and elsewhere, UBS
Warburg LLC calculated and analyzed indicated reserve value ("IRV"), total
enterprise value ("TEV") and equity market value ("EMV") multiples of certain
historical and projected financial and operating metrics such as proved
reserves, earnings before interest, taxes, exploration expense, depreciation,
depletion and amortization ("EBITDA"), and cash flow from operations ("CFFO")
for each of these companies. The total enterprise value of each company was
obtained by adding its total debt at book value to the sum of the market value
of its common equity, the liquidation value of its preferred stock, the book
value of its long-term liabilities (excluding deferred taxes) and the book value
of any minority interest minus cash and cash equivalents. The indicated reserve
value of each company was obtained by subtracting from its total enterprise
value the value of its working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and
short-term debt, and an estimate of the value of its non-reserve tangible assets
and undeveloped acreage. The indicated reserve value per proved reserves
valuation for these companies ranged from $3.34 per Boe to $12.03 per Boe, with
a median of $6.15 per Boe. The total enterprise value to projected 2001 EBITDA
multiples ranged from 2.8x to 8.9x, with a median of 4.0x. The total enterprise
value to projected 2002 EBITDA multiples ranged from 3.6x to 8.7x, with a median
of 4.7x. The equity market value to projected 2001 CFFO multiples ranged from
2.4x to 8.5x, with a median of 3.3x. The equity market value to projected 2002
CFFO multiples ranged from 3.1x to 10.6x, with a median of 3.8x. UBS Warburg LLC
then calculated and analyzed the corresponding statistics for Mitchell at the
implied value per share of $60.13, based on the Devon closing price of $49.79 on
August 10, 2001. Based on this implied value per share, Mitchell's indicated
reserve value per proved reserves valuation was $6.23 per Boe. The total
enterprise value to projected 2001 EBITDA and 2002 EBITDA multiples were 5.1x
and 5.8x, respectively. The equity market value to projected 2001 CFFO and
projected 2002 CFFO multiples were 5.4x and 5.7x, respectively.
Because of the inherent differences between the corporate structure,
businesses, operations and prospects of Mitchell and the corporate structure,
businesses, operations and prospects of the companies included in the group of
selected comparable companies, UBS Warburg LLC believed that it was
inappropriate to, and therefore did not, rely solely on the quantitative results
of the analysis and, accordingly, also made qualitative judgments concerning
differences between the financial and operating characteristics of Mitchell and
those of the companies in the comparable company group that would affect the
public trading values of Mitchell and such comparable companies.
SUMMARY OF COMPARABLE COMPANY ANALYSIS
<Table>
<Caption>
COMPARABLE COMPANIES
--------------------- MITCHELL AT
VALUATION MEASURE LOW MEDIAN HIGH $60.13
- ----------------- ---- ------ ----- -----------
IRV/Proved Reserves ($/Boe)......................... 3.34 6.15 12.03 6.23
TEV/Projected 2001 EBITDA(x)........................ 2.8 4.0 8.9 5.1
TEV/Projected 2002 EBITDA(x)........................ 3.6 4.7 8.7 5.8
EMV/Projected 2001 CFFO(x).......................... 2.4 3.3 8.5 5.4
EMV/Projected 2002 CFFO(x).......................... 3.1 3.8 10.6 5.7
</Table>
Comparable Transactions Analysis. UBS Warburg LLC reviewed certain
acquisition multiples for selected independent exploration and production
company transactions announced between April 1997 and July 2001. UBS Warburg LLC
selected acquisitions of all public, US-based exploration and production
companies where total consideration exceeded $1 billion since 1997 and certain
other public US-based exploration and production acquisitions based on the
characterization of the reserves of the acquired company. The selected
transactions UBS Warburg LLC analyzed included:
- Amerada Hess Corporation/Triton Energy Limited;
- Westport Resources Corporation/Belco Oil & Gas Corp.;
- Kerr-McGee Corporation/HS Resources, Inc.;
- The Williams Companies, Inc./Barrett Resources Corporation;
66
- USX Marathon/Pennaco Energy, Inc.;
- Stone Energy Corporation/Basin Exploration, Inc.;
- Forest Oil Corporation/Forcenergy, Inc.;
- Devon Energy Corporation/Santa Fe Snyder Corporation;
- Anadarko Petroleum Corporation/Union Pacific Resources Group, Inc.;
- Devon Energy Corporation/PennzEnergy Company;
- Santa Fe Energy Resources Inc./Snyder Oil Corporation;
- Seagull Energy Corporation/Ocean Energy, Inc.;
- Kerr-McGee Corporation/Oryx Energy Company;
- Atlantic Richfield Co./Union Texas Petroleum Holdings, Inc.;
- Ocean Energy, Inc./United Meridian Corporation;
- Texaco, Inc./Monterey Resources Corp.;
- Burlington Resources Inc./Louisiana Land and Exploration Company; and
- Mesa Inc./Parker & Parsley Petroleum Co.
Using publicly available information, including certain published equity
research estimates, UBS Warburg LLC calculated and analyzed indicated reserve
value, total enterprise value and equity market value multiples of certain
historical and projected financial and operating metrics such as proved
reserves, EBITDA and CFFO. The indicated reserve value per proved reserves
valuation ranged from $4.86 per Boe to $12.87 per Boe, with a median of $7.12
per Boe. The total enterprise value to latest twelve months ("LTM") EBITDA
multiples ranged from 4.8x to 38.2x, with a median of 6.9x. The equity market
value to LTM CFFO multiples ranged from 2.2x to 33.7x, with a median of 6.1x.
The equity market value to one-year forward projected CFFO multiples ranged from
3.7x to 15.8x, with a median of 5.3x. The equity market value to two-year
forward projected CFFO multiples ranged from 2.6x to 8.7x, with a median of
4.4x. UBS Warburg LLC noted that commodity prices increased sharply in late-2000
and remained at these increased levels in early-2001. As a result, UBS Warburg
LLC deemed the six most recent transactions (the first six listed above)
beginning October 2000 to be the most relevant transactions. For this group of
six transactions, the median indicated reserve value per Boe was $8.21. The
median total enterprise value to LTM EBITDA multiple was 8.3x. The median
multiples of equity market value to LTM CFFO, and one-year and two-year forward
projected CFFO for this group were 6.9x, 5.4x and 5.2x, respectively. UBS
Warburg LLC then calculated and analyzed the corresponding statistics for
Mitchell at the implied value per share of $60.13. Based on this implied value
per share, Mitchell's indicated reserve value per proved reserves valuation was
$6.23 per Boe. The total enterprise value to LTM EBITDA
67
multiple was 4.9x. The multiples of equity market value to LTM CFFO, and
one-year and two-year forward CFFO were 5.3x, 5.4x and 5.7x, respectively.
SUMMARY OF COMPARABLE TRANSACTIONS ANALYSIS
<Table>
<Caption>
ALL COMPARABLE
TRANSACTIONS SIX MOST
--------------------- RECENT MITCHELL AT
VALUATION MEASURE LOW MEDIAN HIGH MEDIAN $60.13
- ----------------- ---- ------ ----- -------- -----------
IRV/Proved Reserves ($/Boe)............... 4.86 7.12 12.87 8.21 6.23
TEV/LTM EBITDA(x)......................... 4.8 6.9 38.2 8.3 4.9
EMV/LTM CFFO(x)........................... 2.2 6.1 33.7 6.9 5.3
EMV/Projected One-Year
Forward CFFO(x)........................... 3.7 5.3 15.8 5.4 5.4
EMV/Projected Two Years
Forward CFFO(x)........................... 2.6 4.4 8.7 5.2 5.7
</Table>
Because the market conditions, rationale and circumstances surrounding each
of the transactions analyzed were specific to such transaction and because of
the inherent differences between the businesses, operations and prospects of
Mitchell and those of the acquired businesses analyzed, UBS Warburg LLC believed
that it was inappropriate to, and therefore did not, rely solely on the
quantitative results of the analysis and, accordingly, also made qualitative
judgments concerning differences between the characteristics of each of these
transactions and the proposed transaction.
Net Asset Value Analysis. UBS Warburg LLC estimated the present value of
pre-tax cash flows that Devon expected Mitchell to generate from its total
proved, probable and possible reserves in each of Mitchell's major operating
regions. The present value calculations were performed as of June 1, 2001, used
a pre-tax discount rate of 10% and were calculated under four separate price
forecasts, set forth below. In addition, UBS Warburg LLC, at Devon's direction,
applied a risk adjustment of 47% to the value of Mitchell's probable reserves
and applied a risk adjustment of 45% to Mitchell's possible reserves.
In performing the net asset value analysis, UBS Warburg LLC used four
separate commodity price forecasts, hereinafter referred to as the "UBS Warburg
forecast", the "Devon price forecast", "the NYMEX strip price forecast" and the
"Wall Street consensus forecast". The "UBS Warburg forecast" was based on
commodity prices forecasted by UBS Warburg LLC equity research. The "Devon price
forecast" was based on commodity prices forecasted by Devon's management. The
"NYMEX strip price forecast" was based on the average futures prices listed on
the NYMEX as of August 10, 2001. The "Wall Street consensus forecast" was based
on the consensus forecasts for natural gas and oil prices as reported by First
Call.
UBS Warburg LLC included in the net asset value analysis an assessment of
the fair value of Mitchell's natural gas processing business. This assessment
was made by UBS Warburg LLC based on information and assumptions provided by
Devon's and Mitchell's managements and on various industry benchmarks.
Mitchell's aggregate net asset value was calculated by adding the risk-adjusted
present value of Mitchell's proved, probable and possible reserves to its
working capital (including cash and cash equivalents), the value of its natural
gas processing business and the value of its undeveloped acreage. After
subtracting Mitchell's total debt, and other long-term liabilities other than
deferred taxes, as of June 30, 2001, UBS Warburg LLC then determined a range of
net asset values per share on a diluted basis. A summary of the per share value
calculated as part of the net asset value analysis is set forth below:
SUMMARY OF NET ASSET VALUE ANALYSIS
<Table>
<Caption>
COMMODITY PRICE FORECASTS
-----------------------------------------------
NYMEX WALL STREET
($/SHARE) UBS WARBURG DEVON STRIP PRICE CONSENSUS
- --------- ----------- ----- ----------- -----------
Net Asset Value per Share.................. 59.24 47.28 64.72 63.69
</Table>
68
Premiums Paid Analysis. UBS Warburg LLC, using a sample of 18 selected
independent exploration and production company transactions announced between
April 1997 and July 2001, reviewed the premiums paid to the price of the target
one day, one week and one month prior to the announcement of the transaction.
Using this information, UBS Warburg LLC determined the mean and median premiums
paid one day prior to the announcement of such transactions to be 22.7% and
21.1%, respectively, the mean and median premiums paid one week prior to the
announcement of such transactions to be 27.2% and 30.9%, respectively, and the
mean and median premiums paid one month prior to the announcement of such
transactions to be 30.2% and 33.4%, respectively. Further, UBS Warburg LLC
reviewed 15 selected business combinations with disclosed total enterprise
values of $3 billion to $4 billion announced since August 1, 1999. Using this
information, UBS Warburg LLC determined the mean and median premiums paid one
day prior to the announcement of such transactions to be 26.3% and 22.7%,
respectively, the mean and median premiums paid one week prior to the
announcement of such transactions to be 29.4% and 32.8%, respectively, and the
mean and median premiums paid one month prior to the announcement of such
transactions to be 39.6% and 38.4%, respectively. Based on implied consideration
of $60.13 per share of Mitchell common stock, the premiums to Mitchell's stock
price one day, one week and four weeks prior to announcement were 33.7%, 29.9%
and 37.5%, respectively.
SUMMARY OF PREMIUMS PAID ANALYSIS
<Table>
<Caption>
MITCHELL AT
LOW MEAN MEDIAN HIGH $60.13
----- ---- ------ ----- -----------
Selected US E&P Transactions
One Day (%)................................ (7.5) 22.7 21.1 60.0 33.7
One Week (%)............................... (13.9) 27.2 30.9 65.0 29.9
One Month (%).............................. (15.6) 30.2 33.4 74.9 37.5
Selected M&A Transactions
One Day (%)................................ 9.1 26.3 22.7 60.6 33.7
One Week (%)............................... 7.3 29.4 32.8 56.6 29.9
One Month (%).............................. (1.1) 39.6 38.4 110.1 37.5
</Table>
Pro Forma Merger Consequences Analysis. UBS Warburg LLC analyzed certain
pro forma effects that could result from the merger. In connection with such
analyses, UBS Warburg LLC reviewed the estimates of UBS Warburg LLC equity
research for Devon and the First Call consensus estimates for Mitchell. Based on
these projections, certain financing assumptions and certain cost savings and
synergies that Devon's management expected to result from the merger, UBS
Warburg LLC examined the impact of the merger on Devon's diluted earnings per
share and CFFO per share. The analysis indicated that the merger, assuming that
the acquisition occurred at the beginning of each respective fiscal year, would
be accretive to both earnings per share and CFFO per share for 2001 and 2002.
Devon Valuation Analysis
UBS Warburg LLC performed a valuation of Devon using the following
methodologies: comparable company analysis and net asset value analysis.
Comparable Company Analysis. UBS Warburg LLC reviewed the public stock
market trading multiples for selected publicly traded independent exploration
and production companies with financial and operating characteristics, such as
market capitalization, location of proved reserves and the characterization of
those reserves, including a review of the ratio of oil reserves to gas reserves,
the ratio of proved developed reserves to proved undeveloped reserves and the
reserves to production ratio, that UBS Warburg LLC deemed to be similar to those
of Devon, including:
- Anadarko Petroleum Corporation;
- Apache Corporation;
69
- Burlington Resources, Inc.;
- EOG Resources, Inc.;
- Kerr-McGee Corporation;
- Noble Affiliates, Inc.;
- Ocean Energy, Inc.; and
- Unocal Corporation.
Using publicly available information, including certain published equity
research estimates from UBS Warburg LLC equity research and elsewhere, UBS
Warburg LLC calculated and analyzed indicated reserve value, total enterprise
value and equity market value multiples of certain historical and projected
financial and operating metrics such as proved reserves, EBITDA and CFFO for
each of these companies. The indicated reserve value per proved reserves
valuation for these companies ranged from $5.27 per Boe to $8.93 per Boe, with a
median of $6.28 per Boe. The total enterprise value to projected 2001 EBITDA
multiples ranged from 3.4x to 5.2x, with a median of 4.4x. The total enterprise
value to projected 2002 EBITDA multiples ranged from 4.4x to 6.6x, with a median
of 5.0x. The equity market value to projected 2001 CFFO multiples ranged from
3.1x to 4.3x, with a median of 3.6x. The equity market value to projected 2002
CFFO multiples ranged from 3.6x to 5.5x, with a median of 4.0x. UBS Warburg LLC
then calculated and analyzed the corresponding statistics for Devon at its
closing price as of August 10, 2001 of $49.79. Based on this price per share,
Devon's indicated reserve value per proved reserves valuation was $6.24 per Boe.
The total enterprise value to projected 2001 EBITDA and 2002 EBITDA multiples
were 3.4x and 4.2x, respectively. The equity market value to projected 2001 CFFO
and projected 2002 CFFO multiples were 3.5x and 4.3x, respectively.
SUMMARY OF COMPARABLE COMPANY ANALYSIS
<Table>
<Caption>
COMPARABLE COMPANIES
-------------------- DEVON AT
VALUATION MEASURE LOW MEDIAN HIGH $49.79
- ----------------- ---- ------ ---- --------
IRV/Proved Reserves ($/Boe)........................... 5.27 6.28 8.93 6.24
TEV/Projected 2001 EBITDA (x)......................... 3.4 4.4 5.2 3.4
TEV/Projected 2002 EBITDA (x)......................... 4.4 5.0 6.6 4.2
EMV/Projected 2001 CFFO (x)........................... 3.1 3.6 4.3 3.5
EMV/Projected 2002 CFFO (x)........................... 3.6 4.0 5.5 4.3
</Table>
Because of the inherent differences between the corporate structure,
businesses, operations and prospects of Devon and the corporate structure,
businesses, operations and prospects of the companies included in the group of
selected comparable companies, UBS Warburg LLC believed that it was
inappropriate to, and therefore did not, rely solely on the quantitative results
of the analysis and, accordingly, also made qualitative judgments concerning
differences between the financial and operating characteristics of Devon and
those of the companies in the comparable company group that would affect the
public trading values of Devon and such comparable companies.
Net Asset Value Analysis. UBS Warburg LLC estimated the present value of
pre-tax cash flows that Devon expected to generate from its total proved,
probable and possible reserves in each of its major operating regions. The
present value calculations were performed as of January 1, 2001, used a pre-tax
discount rate of 10% and were calculated assuming the same four commodity price
forecasts used to perform the net asset value analysis on Mitchell described
above. In addition, UBS Warburg LLC, at Devon's direction, applied a risk
adjustment of 40% to the value of Devon's probable reserves and applied a risk
adjustment of 30% to Devon's possible reserves.
Devon's aggregate net asset value was calculated by adding the
risk-adjusted present value of its proved, probable and possible reserves to its
working capital (including cash), the value of its other assets and undeveloped
acreage. After subtracting its total debt at book value, preferred stock at
liquidation value
70
and other long-term liabilities (excluding certain deferred tax liabilities) at
book value, as of March 31, 2001, a range of net asset values per share was then
determined on a diluted basis. A summary of the per share value calculated as
part of the net asset value analysis is set forth below:
SUMMARY OF NET ASSET VALUE ANALYSIS
<Table>
<Caption>
COMMODITY PRICE FORECASTS
-----------------------------------------------
NYMEX WALL STREET
($/SHARE) UBS WARBURG DEVON STRIP PRICE CONSENSUS
- --------- ----------- ----- ----------- -----------
Net Asset Value per Share.................. 62.16 61.42 70.86 70.01
</Table>
UBS Warburg LLC is an internationally recognized investment banking firm
that, as a part of its investment banking business, regularly is engaged in the
evaluation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and
acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive bids, secondary
distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and
valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. Devon's board of directors
selected UBS Warburg LLC on the basis of its experience and independence. Over
the past two years, UBS Warburg LLC and its predecessors have provided
investment banking services to Devon, including advisory and financing services
associated with the acquisition of Anderson, and received compensation for the
rendering of such services of approximately $25 million. UBS Warburg LLC may in
the future provide investment banking services to Devon and receive compensation
for such service. UBS Warburg LLC acted as joint lead manager and book runner
with respect to Devon Financing Corporation, U.L.C.'s issuance on October 3,
2001 of $3.0 billion of debt securities and was an initial purchaser of a
portion of those securities. UBS Warburg LLC acted as joint lead arranger with
respect to Devon's new $3.0 billion senior unsecured credit facility. An
affiliate of UBS Warburg LLC is the administrative agent and a lender under that
new credit facility. In the ordinary course of business, UBS Warburg LLC, its
successors and affiliates may trade securities of Devon or Mitchell for their
own accounts and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in
such securities.
Pursuant to the engagement letter, dated as of August 10, 2001, between
Devon and UBS Warburg LLC, Devon has agreed to pay UBS Warburg LLC a fee of $3.5
million for services rendered in connection with the merger. Devon also has
agreed to reimburse UBS Warburg LLC for the expenses reasonably incurred by it
entering into and performing services in connection with its engagement and to
indemnify UBS Warburg LLC and its officers, directors, employees, agents and
controlling persons against certain expenses, losses, claims, damages or
liabilities in connection with its services performed in connection with its
engagement.
INTERESTS OF MITCHELL'S EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS IN THE TRANSACTION
In considering the recommendation of Mitchell's board of directors with
respect to the transaction, Mitchell stockholders should be aware that some of
Mitchell's executive officers and directors have interests in the transaction
that are different from the interests of Mitchell stockholders generally. The
boards of directors of both companies were aware of these interests and
considered them in approving the merger agreement and the transactions that it
contemplates.
Appointment of Mitchell's Designee to the Combined Company's Board of
Directors
The merger agreement requires Devon's board of directors to appoint J. Todd
Mitchell to the combined company's board of directors immediately prior to the
effective time of the transaction. He will hold office until his successor is
elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal. If J. Todd
Mitchell becomes unavailable or unwilling to serve, a substitute Mitchell
designee acceptable to Devon will fill the vacancy on the combined company's
board of directors. Accordingly, either J. Todd Mitchell or a substitute
Mitchell designee will become a director of the combined company at the
effective time of the transaction. Additional information regarding J. Todd
Mitchell and his principal occupation and experience
71
during the past five years appears later in this document under "Directors and
Executive Officers of the Combined Company -- Directors."
Investor Rights Agreement among Devon, Devon Holdco, George P. Mitchell and
Cynthia Woods Mitchell
George P. Mitchell, who is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Mitchell, and his wife, Cynthia Woods Mitchell, have entered into an
agreement with Devon and Devon Holdco that, subject to a number of conditions,
will provide them with rights to require Devon or Devon Holdco, as the case may
be, to use its reasonable best efforts to register the resale of the shares of
Devon or Devon Holdco common stock that they receive in the transaction. This
agreement also imposes limitations on Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell's ability to sell or
transfer the shares of Devon or Devon Holdco common stock to be received by them
that will not apply to other Mitchell stockholders. More details regarding the
terms of this agreement can be found under "Agreements among Devon, George P.
Mitchell and Cynthia Woods Mitchell -- Investor Rights Agreement."
Other Interests
Mitchell's executive officers also have the following interests in the
transaction that are different from Mitchell stockholders' interests generally:
- All outstanding stock options and bonus units, including those held by
Mitchell's executive officers, will fully vest at the effective time of
the transaction and, if not exercised at that time, will be converted
into fully vested options to purchase shares of Devon or Devon Holdco
common stock and bonus units redeemable for cash based on the
appreciation of Devon or Devon Holdco common stock, respectively, in each
case subject to adjustment to reflect the value of the consideration to
be paid by Devon or Devon Holdco in the transaction.
- At the effective time of the transaction, 439,735 bonus units held by
Mitchell's executive officers and options held by them relating to
253,334 shares of Mitchell common stock, will vest.
- After the transaction, some Mitchell executive officers may remain
officers of the surviving corporation of the merger or may become
officers of the combined company.
- Mitchell executive officers will be entitled to severance payments and
enhanced pension benefits in the event that their employment ceases after
the transaction. If qualifying terminations are made after the merger,
the estimated amounts of the severance payments, exclusive of any
possible gross-ups for income taxes applicable to parachute payments,
that would be payable as of September 30, 2001 to Mitchell's executive
officers are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
NAME/TITLE AMOUNT
- ---------- ----------
George P. Mitchell....................................... $2,900,000
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
W.D. Stevens............................................. 4,000,000
President and Chief Operating Officer
Philip S. Smith.......................................... 2,200,000
Senior Vice President
Allen J. Tarbutton, Jr. ................................. 1,900,000
Senior Vice President
Thomas P. Battle......................................... 900,000
Senior Vice President
</Table>
- Benefits of Mitchell's executive officers under their individual
severance agreements cannot be reduced for 24 months following the
transaction.
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- Except for Mr. Mitchell, benefits under Mitchell's non-qualified
retirement plans held by Mitchell executive officers will automatically
be distributed as a lump sum into the Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.
1998 Mutual Fund Option Plan upon their retirement.
- The merger agreement generally requires Devon to honor Mitchell's
existing employee benefit plans and commitments in accordance with their
terms after the transaction. The merger agreement also provides
assurances that Mitchell officers and employees who become and remain
full-time employees of the combined company after the transaction will
receive employee benefits (other than stock-based benefits) no less
favorable than those provided to similarly situated Devon employees for a
two-year period after the transaction. Details regarding Devon's
obligations with respect to Mitchell's existing employee benefit plans
and commitments can be found under "The Merger Agreement -- Covenants and
Other Agreements -- Employee Benefits."
Mitchell's directors and executive officers beneficially owned, as of
December 10, 2001, approximately 47% of the outstanding shares of Mitchell
common stock, including shares covered by outstanding options. They will be
entitled to receive the same consideration as all other Mitchell stockholders.
Devon's directors and executive officers did not beneficially own any
shares of Mitchell common stock as of December 10, 2001.
DEVON'S FINANCING OF THE MERGER
Devon intends to finance the cash portion of the merger consideration with
borrowings under a new $3.0 billion senior unsecured credit facility of which
approximately $0.5 billion of the credit availability thereof was used to
complete Devon's acquisition of Anderson. Devon's obligation to complete the
transaction described in this document is not subject to any financing
contingency.
New Credit Facility
On October 12, 2001, Devon and Devon Financing Corporation, U.L.C. entered
into a new $3.0 billion senior unsecured credit facility arranged by UBS Warburg
LLC and Banc of America Securities LLC. The new credit facility has a term of
five years. Devon and Devon Financing Corporation, U.L.C. may borrow funds under
the new credit facility subject to conditions usual in commercial transactions
of this nature, including the absence of any default under the new credit
facility. Borrowings under the new credit facility may be based, at the
applicable borrower's option, at the London Interbank Offered Rate for the
relevant period or at UBS Warburg's base rate (which is the higher of UBS
Warburg LLC's prime commercial lending rate and the weighted average of rates on
overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System
plus .50%). The interest rates on each such borrowing will be equal to the rate
on which such borrowing is based plus a margin determined by Devon's long-term
senior, unsecured debt rating as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
LEVEL I LEVEL II LEVEL III LEVEL IV LEVEL V
-------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ --------------
A- BY BBB+ BY BBB BY BBB- BY BB+ BY S&P/
S&P/A3 S&P/Baa1 S&P/ S&P/Baa3 Ba1 BY
BY MOODY'S BY Baa2 BY BY MOODY'S
OR MOODY'S MOODY'S MOODY'S OR LOWER
HIGHER
LIBOR Interest Margin (%)..... 0.625 0.750 1.000 1.250 1.500
Base Rate Interest Margin
(%)......................... 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.250 0.500
Availability Fee (%).......... 0.100 0.125 0.150 0.200 0.300
</Table>
Notwithstanding the table above, the margin for borrowings based on the London
Interbank Offered Rate will be 1.0% for the six-month period following
completion of the syndication of the new credit facility to a broader group of
lenders, which is expected to occur in December of 2001. In addition, the
lenders under the new credit facility will be charging Devon a per annum
availability fee on their daily average unused lending commitments equal to the
percentage set forth in the table above. If the ratings established by Moody's
and S&P fall within different levels, the rating at the inferior level (e.g.,
Level II is inferior to Level I) will be disregarded, except that in the event
that the ratings differential is (i) two levels (e.g., Levels I and III), the
intermediate level will be used, (ii) three levels (e.g., Levels I and IV), the
higher
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of the two intermediate levels will be used (e.g., Level II is higher than Level
III) and (iii) four levels (i.e., Levels I and V), Level III will be used.
Currently, S&P and Moody's rate Devon's long-term senior, unsecured debt as
"BBB+" and "Baa2," respectively.
No borrowings under the new credit facility may be made after September 13,
2002. Amounts borrowed under the new credit facility will be required to be
repaid on the following dates in the following percentages:
<Table>
October 15, 2004...................................... 7.651715040%
April 15, 2005........................................ 19.788918206%
October 15, 2005...................................... 19.788918206%
April 15, 2006........................................ 26.385224274%
October 15, 2006...................................... 26.385224274%
</Table>
The new credit facility contains representations and warranties, events of
default (including with respect to a change in control of Devon),
indemnification provisions and covenants customary for credit facilities for
borrowers of comparable creditworthiness, including covenants restricting the
ability of the borrowers and their subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions,
(i) to incur or permit to exist certain types of indebtedness (including a
prohibition on Devon maintaining a ratio of consolidated total debt to total
capitalization in excess of 70% on or prior to June 30, 2002, or in excess of
65% after June 30, 2002), (ii) to incur or permit to exist certain liens, (iii)
to consummate certain mergers, (iv) to issue capital stock of subsidiaries, (v)
to engage in transactions with affiliates that are not on arm's-length terms and
(vi) to enter into or maintain contracts that restrict such subsidiaries from
making dividends, advances or other distributions or transfers to the relevant
borrower.
Devon Financing Corporation U.L.C. Debt Securities
On October 3, 2001, Devon Financing Corporation, U.L.C. issued $1.75
billion aggregate principal amount of 6.875% notes due September 30, 2011 and
$1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 7.875% debentures due September 30,
2031. The debt securities are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Devon
Financing Corporation U.L.C. Devon has fully and unconditionally guaranteed on
an unsecured and unsubordinated basis the obligations of Devon Financing
Corporation U.L.C. under the debt securities. If the alternate structure is used
to complete the transaction, Devon Holdco will guarantee those obligations on
the same basis.
Interest on the debt securities will be payable by Devon Financing
Corporation U.L.C. semiannually on March 30 and September 30 of each year,
beginning on March 30, 2002. The indenture governing the debt securities limits
both Devon Financing Corporation U.L.C.'s and Devon's ability to incur liens or
enter into mergers or consolidations, or transfer all or substantially all of
their respective assets, unless the successor company assumes Devon Financing
Corporation U.L.C.'s or Devon's obligations under the indenture.
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL
Mitchell Stockholders
Any stockholder of record of Mitchell may exercise dissenters' rights of
appraisal in connection with the transaction by properly complying with the
requirements of Articles 5.11, 5.12 and 5.13 of the Texas Business Corporation
Act. If you are a Mitchell stockholder and you want to exercise your dissenters'
rights, you must follow the required procedure set forth in Articles 5.11, 5.12
and 5.13 of the Texas Business Corporation Act exactly or you may lose your
right to dissent from the transaction. The information that follows is a general
summary of dissenters' rights available to Mitchell stockholders. If the
alternate structure is used to complete the transaction, references to Devon in
this summary of dissenters' rights of appraisal should be interpreted as
references to Devon Holdco. This summary is qualified by and not a substitute
for the provisions of Articles 5.11, 5.12 and 5.13 of the Texas Business
Corporation Act,
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the full text of which is attached as Annex G. Mitchell stockholders should read
Annex G in its entirety for more complete information concerning their right to
dissent from the transaction.
Mitchell stockholders of record who follow the procedures set forth in
Articles 5.11, 5.12 and 5.13 of the Texas Business Corporation Act will be
entitled to demand that Devon purchase their shares of Mitchell common stock for
a purchase price in cash equal to the fair value of their shares. Under Texas
law, fair value of shares for purposes of the exercise of dissenters' rights is
defined as the value of the shares as of the day immediately preceding the day
the vote is taken approving the merger agreement, excluding any appreciation or
depreciation in value of the shares in anticipation of the proposed merger.
In order to be entitled to exercise dissenters' rights, you must file a
written objection to the transaction with Mitchell prior to the date of the
Mitchell meeting. The written objection must state that you will exercise your
right to dissent if the transaction becomes effective and give your address
where notice of the effectiveness of the transaction should be delivered or
mailed. Mitchell stockholders who desire to exercise their dissenter's rights
should send this written objection to Mitchell Energy & Development Corp., P.O.
Box 4000, The Woodlands, Texas 77387-4000, Attention: General Counsel. Neither a
proxy nor a vote against the transaction is sufficient to constitute a written
objection as required under the Texas Business Corporation Act.
If the transaction is approved by the Mitchell stockholders and
subsequently becomes effective, within 10 days of the effectiveness of the
transaction, Devon must deliver or mail notice of the effectiveness of the
transaction to each dissenting stockholder that did not vote in favor of the
transaction. Any dissenting stockholder that did not vote to approve the merger
agreement may then make a written demand on Devon for the payment of the fair
value of the stockholder's shares within 10 days from the delivery or mailing of
the notice by Devon. The failure to vote against approval of the merger
agreement will not constitute a waiver of your right to dissent. Such demand
must state the number and class of shares of Mitchell stock owned by the
dissenting stockholder and the dissenting stockholder's estimate of the fair
value of the dissenting stockholder's Mitchell stock. Any dissenting stockholder
that fails to make such a demand within the 10-day period will lose the right to
dissent and will be bound by the terms of the merger agreement. In order to
preserve dissenters' rights, within 20 days of making a demand for payment, a
dissenting stockholder must also submit such dissenting stockholder's Mitchell
stock certificates to Devon for the appropriate notation of the demand. Devon,
at its option, may terminate the dissenting stockholder's rights under Article
5.12 of the Texas Business Corporation Act for failure to submit the Mitchell
stock certificates within the 20-day period unless a court of competent
jurisdiction directs otherwise upon a showing to the court that there is good
and sufficient cause.
Within 20 days of receipt of a proper demand for payment by a dissenting
stockholder, Devon must deliver or mail to the dissenting stockholder written
notice that either (1) Devon accepts the amount the dissenting stockholder
claimed and agrees to pay the amount of the stockholder's demand within 90 days
after the effectiveness of the transaction upon receipt of the dissenting
stockholder's duly endorsed Mitchell stock certificates or (2) (A) contains an
estimate by Devon of the fair value of the dissenting stockholders' Mitchell
stock and (B) includes an offer to pay the amount of Devon's estimate upon
receipt of the dissenting stockholder's duly endorsed Mitchell stock
certificates within 90 days after the effectiveness of the transaction, provided
that Devon receives notice from the stockholder within 60 days after the
effective date of the transaction that the dissenting stockholder agrees to
accept Devon's estimate. If the dissenting stockholder and Devon agree upon the
value of the dissenting stockholder's shares within 60 days after effectiveness
of the transaction, Devon must pay the amount of the agreed value to the
dissenting stockholder upon receipt of the dissenting stockholder's duly
endorsed Mitchell stock certificates within 90 days of the effectiveness of the
transaction. Upon payment of the agreed value, the dissenting stockholder will
no longer have any interest in such shares of Mitchell or in Devon.
If the dissenting Mitchell stockholder and Devon do not agree on the value
of the dissenting stockholder's shares within 60 days after the effectiveness of
the transaction, then either the dissenting stockholder or Devon may, within 60
days after the expiration of that 60-day period, file a petition in a court of
competent jurisdiction in the county in Texas where the principal office of
Mitchell is located
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(Montgomery County), seeking a determination of the fair value of the dissenting
stockholder's shares. Devon must file with the court a list of all stockholders
who have demanded payment for their shares with whom an agreement as to value
has not been reached within 10 days following receipt of a petition filed by a
dissenting stockholder or upon the filing of such a claim by Devon. The clerk of
the court will give notice of the hearing of any such claim to Devon and to all
of the dissenting stockholders on the list provided by Devon. All dissenting
stockholders notified in this manner and Devon will be bound by the final
judgment of the court as to the value of the shares.
In considering such a petition, the court will determine which of the
dissenting Mitchell stockholders have complied with the provisions of the Texas
Business Corporation Act and are entitled to the payment of the fair value of
their shares and will appoint one or more qualified appraisers to determine the
fair value of the shares who are directed to make such determination "upon such
investigation as to them may seem proper." The appraisers will also allow the
dissenting stockholders and Devon to submit to them evidence as to the fair
value of the shares.
Upon receipt of the appraisers' report, the court will determine the fair
value of the shares of the dissenting stockholders and will direct the payment
to the dissenting stockholders of the amount of the fair value of their Mitchell
shares, with interest from the date 91 days after the effectiveness of the
transaction to the date of the judgment, by Devon, upon receipt of the
dissenting stockholder's Mitchell stock certificates. Upon payment of the
judgment, the dissenting stockholders will no longer have any interest in such
Mitchell shares or in Devon. The court will allow the appraisers a reasonable
fee as court costs and will allocate all court costs between the parties in such
manner as it determines to be fair and equitable.
Any dissenting stockholder may withdraw his or her demand at any time
before receiving payment for the shares or before a petition has been filed
seeking determination of the fair value of the shares. No dissenting stockholder
may withdraw his or her demand after payment has been made or, unless Devon
consents to the withdrawal, where a petition has been filed.
Any dissenting stockholder who has properly demanded payment for his or her
shares of Mitchell stock will not have any rights as a stockholder, except the
right to receive payment for such shares and the right to claim that the merger
and the related transactions were fraudulent.
For a discussion of the tax consequences of exercising dissenters' rights,
please see "Material Federal Income Tax Considerations -- Exercise of
Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal by Mitchell Stockholders."
If you are a Mitchell stockholder who is considering dissenting from the
transaction, we urge you to consult with legal counsel.
Devon Stockholders
Devon stockholders are not entitled to dissenters' rights of appraisal in
connection with the merger. Holders of Devon's 6.49% cumulative preferred stock,
Series A, will be entitled to dissenters' rights of appraisal under Delaware law
if the alternate structure is used to complete the transaction. Devon's other
stockholders will not be entitled to dissenters' rights of appraisal if the
alternate structure must be used to complete the transaction.
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and the rules promulgated thereunder by the
Federal Trade Commission, the transaction cannot be completed until
notifications have been given and certain information has been furnished to the
Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice
and specified waiting period requirements have been satisfied. We filed
notification and report forms under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act with the Federal
Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division on August 30, 2001 relating to the
original structure. On September 24, 2001, the Federal Trade Commission granted
early termination of the waiting period in connection with those filings. On
November 9, 2001, we filed notification and report forms under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Act with the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust
Division relating to the alternate structure. On November 26,
76
2001, the Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting
period in connection with those filings.
At any time before or after completion of the transaction, the Antitrust
Division or the Federal Trade Commission or any state could take such action
under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public
interest, including seeking to enjoin the completion of the transaction, to
rescind the transaction or to seek divestiture of particular assets of Devon or
Mitchell. Private parties also may seek to take legal action under the antitrust
laws under certain circumstances. In addition, non-United States governmental
and regulatory authorities may seek to take action under applicable antitrust
laws. A challenge to the transaction on antitrust grounds may be made and, if
such a challenge is made, it is possible that Devon and Mitchell will not
prevail.
77
THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of the material terms of the merger agreement.
It is qualified in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement, a copy of
which is attached as Annex A. You should read the merger agreement because it,
and not this document, is the legal document that governs the transaction.
STRUCTURE OF THE MERGER
At the effective time of the merger, Mitchell will merge with and into
Devon NewCo Corporation, a newly formed, nominally capitalized Delaware
corporation that is wholly owned by Devon. Devon NewCo Corporation will be the
surviving corporation in the merger, and the surviving corporation will be
wholly owned by Devon.
The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Devon NewCo Corporation
immediately before the effective time of the merger will be the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of the surviving corporation until duly amended. The
directors of Devon NewCo Corporation at the effective time of the merger will be
the directors of the surviving corporation. In addition, at the effective time
of the merger, J. Todd Mitchell, or a substitute designee of Mitchell, will be
appointed to fill a vacancy on Devon's board of directors. See "The
Merger -- Interests of Mitchell's Executive Officers and Directors in the
Transaction -- Appointment of Mitchell's Designee to the Combined Company's
Board of Directors."
WHEN THE MERGER BECOMES EFFECTIVE
Mitchell and Devon NewCo Corporation will execute and file a certificate of
merger with the Delaware Secretary of State and articles of merger with the
Texas Secretary of State on the first business day after the day on which the
last condition to completing the merger is satisfied or waived or at such other
time as Devon and Mitchell may agree. The merger will become effective at the
time and on the date on which those documents are filed or such other time and
date on which the parties agree and specify in those documents. That time is
referred to as the "effective time of the merger."
CONVERSION OF STOCK, STOCK OPTIONS AND OTHER AWARDS
At the effective time of the merger:
- each outstanding share of Mitchell common stock, other than (1) shares
owned or held by Devon, Devon NewCo Corporation, Mitchell or their
respective subsidiaries, including treasury stock, and (2) shares held by
Mitchell stockholders who validly exercise their dissenters' rights under
Texas law, will be converted into the right to receive $31.00 in cash and
0.585 of a share of Devon common stock;
- shares of Mitchell common stock held by Mitchell stockholders who
exercise their dissenters' rights under Texas law will be treated as
described under "The Merger -- Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal," assuming
that those stockholders validly exercise their dissenters' rights; and
- shares of Mitchell common stock owned or held by Devon, Mitchell or their
respective subsidiaries and not held on behalf of third parties,
including treasury stock, will be canceled.
If, before the effective time of the merger, the issued and outstanding
shares of Devon or Mitchell common stock are changed into a different number of
shares as a result of a reclassification, stock split, reverse stock split,
stock dividend, stock distribution or similar event, an appropriate adjustment
will be made to the consideration to be received by the Mitchell stockholders.
Each outstanding option to purchase Mitchell common stock granted under
Mitchell's stock plans that is unexercised as of the effective time of the
merger will vest and will be converted automatically at the effective time of
the merger into, and will become, a fully vested option to purchase 1.20 shares
of Devon common stock for each share of Mitchell common stock covered by the
option before the merger. After conversion, the exercise price per share of
Devon common stock subject to each option will equal
78
the pre-conversion exercise price per share of Mitchell common stock subject to
each option, divided by 1.20. Bonus units issued by Mitchell will be similarly
converted into Devon bonus units.
For a description of Devon's or Mitchell's common stock and a description
of the comparative rights of holders of Devon common stock and Mitchell common
stock, see "Comparison of the Rights of Mitchell and Devon Stockholders."
EXCHANGE OF SHARES; FRACTIONAL SHARES
Exchange Agent. At or prior to the effective time of the merger, Devon
will (1) deposit with the exchange agent, for the benefit of the holders of
Mitchell common stock, an amount in cash sufficient to effect the conversion of
Mitchell common stock into the cash consideration to be paid in the merger and
(2) authorize the exchange agent to credit a sufficient number of shares of
Devon common stock to direct registration (book-entry) accounts maintained by
Devon's transfer agent, or to issue certificates representing those shares, to
effect the conversion of Mitchell common stock into the stock consideration to
be paid in the merger. Devon will also make funds available to the exchange
agent from time to time after the effective time of the merger as needed to pay
any cash instead of fractional shares or any dividends or other distributions
declared by Devon on its common stock with a record date after the effective
time of the merger and a payment date on or before the date the relevant
Mitchell stock certificate was surrendered.
At the effective time of the merger, the stock transfer books of Mitchell
will be closed and no further issuances or transfers of shares of Mitchell
common stock will be made. If, after the effective time, valid Mitchell stock
certificates are presented to the surviving corporation for any reason, they
will be cancelled and exchanged as described above to the extent allowed by
applicable law.
Exchange of Shares. If you own Mitchell common stock, promptly after the
merger, but in no event more than three business days following the effective
time of the merger, the exchange agent will mail to you a transmittal letter and
instructions explaining how to surrender your certificates to the exchange
agent.
Mitchell stockholders who surrender their stock certificates to the
exchange agent, together with a properly completed and signed transmittal letter
and any other documents required by the instructions to the transmittal letter,
will receive:
- the number of shares of Devon common stock to which each holder is
entitled in accordance with the 0.585 exchange ratio; and
- after giving effect to any required tax withholdings, a check in the
aggregate amount of:
- $31.00 per share of Mitchell common stock surrendered to the exchange
agent;
- the amount of cash being paid in lieu of fractional shares of Devon
common stock; and
- any cash dividends and any other dividends or other distributions
declared by Devon on its common stock with a record date after the
effective time of the merger and a payment date on or before the date
the relevant Mitchell stock certificate was surrendered.
Devon uses a direct registration (book-entry) program with respect to
record ownership of Devon common stock. Direct registration is a service that
allows shares to be owned, reported and transferred electronically without
having a physical stock certificate issued. Ownership of the shares is recorded
in the names of the owner electronically on Devon's books and records. Direct
registration is intended to alleviate problems relating to stolen, misplaced or
lost stock certificates and to reduce the paperwork relating to the transfer of
ownership of Devon common stock. Under direct registration, the voting, dividend
and other rights and benefits of holders of Devon common stock remain the same
as with holders of certificates.
Mitchell stockholders who surrender their stock certificates to the
exchange agent, together with a properly completed and signed transmittal letter
and any other documents required by the instructions to the transmittal letter,
will be issued the appropriate number of shares of Devon common stock through
79
direct registration. As soon as reasonably practicable following the crediting
of shares to their respective book-entry account, Mitchell stockholders will
receive account statements from Devon's transfer agent evidencing their
holdings, as well as general information on the book-entry form of ownership
through Devon's direct registration system. You are not required to maintain a
book-entry account and you may at any time obtain a physical stock certificate
for all or a portion of your shares of Devon common stock received in the merger
at no cost to you. Instructions describing how you can obtain stock certificates
will be included with the account statement mailed to you and can also be
obtained upon request from Devon's transfer agent.
If you have a Mitchell stock certificate, you should surrender that
certificate for exchange after the effective time of the merger. Until you
surrender your Mitchell stock certificates, dividends or other distributions
declared with a record date after the effective time of the merger will accrue,
but will not be paid, on shares of Devon common stock that you are entitled to
receive as a result of the conversion of your shares of Mitchell common stock.
When you surrender your certificates, any unpaid dividends or other
distributions will be paid, less the amount of any withholding taxes that may be
required. No interest will be paid or accrued on:
- the $31.00 in cash being paid per share of Mitchell common stock
surrendered to the exchange agent;
- the amount of cash being paid in lieu of fractional shares of Devon
common stock; or
- any cash dividends and any other dividends or other distributions
declared by Devon on its common stock with a record date after the
effective time of the merger and a payment date on or before the date the
relevant Mitchell stock certificate was surrendered.
The exchange agent will deliver to Devon any shares of Devon common stock
to be issued in the merger or funds set aside by Devon to pay the cash
consideration, cash in lieu of fractional shares in connection with the merger
or to pay dividends or other distributions on shares of Devon common stock to be
issued in the merger that are not claimed by former Mitchell stockholders within
180 days after the effective time of the merger. Thereafter, Devon will act as
the exchange agent and former Mitchell stockholders may look only to Devon for
payment of their shares of Devon common stock, cash consideration, cash in lieu
of fractional shares and unpaid dividends and distributions. None of Devon, the
surviving corporation, the exchange agent or any other person will be liable to
any former Mitchell stockholder for any amount properly delivered to a public
official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws.
If any shares of Devon common stock are to be issued in a name other than
that in which the Mitchell common stock certificate surrendered in exchange for
such shares is registered, the person requesting the exchange must (1) pay any
transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of shares of Devon
common stock in a name other than that of the registered holder of the
certificate surrendered or (2) establish to the satisfaction of Devon or the
exchange agent that such tax has been paid or is not applicable.
MITCHELL STOCK CERTIFICATES SHOULD NOT BE RETURNED WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY
CARD. A TRANSMITTAL LETTER AND ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE PROVIDED TO
MITCHELL STOCKHOLDERS FOLLOWING THE MERGER.
Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Devon common stock will be
issued to Mitchell stockholders. Instead of fractional shares, each Mitchell
stockholder otherwise entitled to a fractional share will receive, in cash and
without interest, an amount representing the fractional share, rounded to the
nearest one-hundredth of a share, multiplied by the average closing price of
Devon common stock as reported in The Wall Street Journal, Southwestern edition,
on the five trading days immediately prior to the last business day before the
effective time of the merger.
Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. If a Mitchell stock certificate
has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the exchange agent will issue the
consideration properly payable in accordance with the merger agreement, without
interest, upon receipt of (1) an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming
the
80
certificate is lost, stolen or destroyed and (2) appropriate and customary
indemnification or the posting of a bond in the form customarily required by
Devon to indemnify against any claim that may be made against it with respect to
such certificate.
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
Conditions to Each Company's Obligation to Effect the Merger. The
obligations of Devon and Mitchell to complete the merger are subject to the
following conditions:
- approval by Mitchell's stockholders of the merger agreement;
- approval by Devon's stockholders of the issuance of Devon common stock in
the merger;
- the expiration or early termination of the waiting period under (1) the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and (2) any
mandatory waiting period or required consent under any applicable
material foreign competition or antitrust law or regulation;
- the absence of any statute, rule, regulation, decree, order or injunction
prohibiting the consummation of the merger, provided that the parties
have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to have any applicable
decree, order or injunction lifted;
- the continued effectiveness of the registration statement of which this
document is a part, provided that the Securities and Exchange Commission
shall not have issued or threatened to issue a stop order suspending the
effectiveness of that registration statement; and
- the approval for listing on the American Stock Exchange of the shares of
Devon common stock to be issued in the merger, subject to official notice
of issuance.
Additional Conditions to Each Company's Obligations. The obligations of
Devon and Mitchell to complete the merger are subject to the following
additional conditions, unless waived by the other:
- material compliance with its agreements and covenants contained in the
merger agreement;
- the representations and warranties set forth in the merger agreement and
the documents delivered in connection with the merger agreement to the
extent (1) qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct and (2)
not qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in all material
respects; and
- receipt of a written opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., in the case of
Mitchell, and Mayer, Brown & Platt, in the case of Devon, to the effect
that:
- the merger will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a
reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code; and
- in the case of the Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. opinion, no gain or loss will
be recognized by Mitchell or its stockholders to the extent that they
receive Devon common stock, and, in the case of the Mayer, Brown & Platt
opinion, no gain or loss will be recognized by any corporation that is a
party to the merger.
Waiver of Conditions. Either Devon or Mitchell may choose to complete the
merger even though a condition to that company's obligation has not been
satisfied if the necessary stockholder approvals have been obtained and the law
allows the company to do so.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The merger agreement contains representations and warranties by Mitchell as
to itself and its subsidiaries concerning, among other things:
- incorporation, standing and authority;
- corporate authorization to enter into the merger and related
transactions;
81
- capital structure;
- significant subsidiaries;
- compliance with agreements, court orders and laws;
- the absence of defaults caused by execution or consummation of the merger
agreement;
- accuracy of financial statements and reports filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission;
- the absence of material litigation;
- the absence of certain changes or events;
- tax matters;
- employee benefits and labor matters;
- the absence of violations or liabilities under environmental laws;
- the ownership and rights to use intellectual property;
- title to properties;
- insurance matters;
- broker's and finder's fees;
- receipt of financial advisors' opinions;
- material contracts;
- required board and stockholder approvals;
- the inapplicability of Section 13.03 of the Texas Business Corporation
Act or any other fair price, moratorium, control share acquisition,
interested stockholder or other similar anti-takeover provision; and
- the absence of non-competition and material asset sale or purchase
contracts.
The merger agreement contains representations and warranties by Devon as to
itself and its subsidiaries concerning, among other things:
- incorporation, standing and authority;
- corporate authorization to enter into the merger and related
transactions;
- capital structure;
- significant subsidiaries;
- compliance with agreements, court orders and laws;
- the absence of defaults caused by the execution or consummation of the
merger agreement;
- accuracy of financial statements and reports filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission;
- the absence of certain changes or events;
- broker's and finder's fees;
- receipt of financial advisor's opinion;
- required board and stockholder approvals;
- ability to finance the merger;
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- the absence of material litigation; and
- title to properties.
COVENANTS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS
Operating Covenants. Prior to the merger and unless Devon has consented in
writing, with certain exceptions Mitchell has agreed:
- to conduct its operations in the ordinary course in substantially the
same manner as previously conducted and to use its reasonable best
efforts to preserve intact its business organization and goodwill;
- to keep available the services of its officers and maintain satisfactory
relationships with those persons with whom it has business relationships;
- not to amend its articles of incorporation or bylaws;
- to promptly notify Devon of any material change in its financial
condition or business or any material litigation or material governmental
complaints, investigations or hearings or the breach in any material
respect of any representation or warranty contained in the merger
agreement;
- to promptly deliver to Devon any filings made with the Securities and
Exchange Commission subsequent to the date of the merger agreement;
- not to issue any shares of its capital stock, effect any change in its
capitalization or grant any right to acquire shares of its capital stock,
other than to new employees consistent with past practice in an amount
not to exceed 100,000 shares of Mitchell common stock or pursuant to
existing contractual commitments;
- not to increase any compensation or benefits, other than in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice;
- not to enter into or amend any employment agreement with any of its
present or future officers or directors, except with new employees
consistent with past practice;
- not to adopt any new employee benefit plan or amend any existing employee
benefit plan in any material respect;
- not to declare, set aside or pay dividends, other than its ordinary
quarterly dividend, or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares
of its capital stock;
- not to dispose of material assets outside the ordinary course of
business;
- not to acquire businesses or entities for aggregate consideration in
excess of $3.0 million;
- not to change any of its accounting principles or practices, except as
may be required by a change in law or in generally accepted accounting
principles;
- to use its reasonable best efforts to maintain its insurance;
- not to make or rescind any tax election, settle or compromise any tax
liability, or materially change its method of reporting income or
deductions for U.S. federal income tax purposes from those used in the
preparation of its federal income tax return for the most recent fiscal
year for which a return has been filed, except as may be required by
applicable law or where it would not have a material adverse effect on
Mitchell;
- not to incur any indebtedness for borrowed money, except under credit
lines existing as of the date of the merger agreement;
- not to guarantee any indebtedness, issue any debt securities or warrants
or rights to acquire any debt securities or guarantee any debt securities
of others;
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- not to enter into any material leases or create any material mortgages,
liens, security interests or other encumbrances on its property in
connection with any indebtedness, except in the ordinary course of
business;
- not to make or commit to make any capital expenditures in excess of $50
million over its fiscal 2001 capital expenditures budget;
- not to take any action that is likely to delay materially or adversely
affect any party's ability to obtain any consent or approval of any
regulatory body or the expiration of any waiting period required to
consummate the merger;
- not to terminate, amend, modify or waive any provision of any
confidentiality or standstill agreement to which it is a party or fail to
enforce to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law the
provisions of those agreements;
- not to enter into or amend any agreement with any holder of Mitchell
common stock with respect to holding, voting or disposing of shares;
- not to cause the acceleration of rights, benefits or payments under any
of its benefit plans by a resolution of its board of directors; or
- not to enter into any additional hedging arrangements with respect to its
oil production and more than 10% of its budgeted natural gas production
for 2001 and, in any event, for a term longer than 12 months.
Other Agreements Relating to the Period Before the Effective Time. The
merger agreement contains additional agreements between Devon and Mitchell
relating to, among other things:
- the preparation, filing and distribution of this document and Devon's and
Devon Holdco's filing of the registration statements of which this
document is a part;
- the required recommendations by each company's board of directors to
their respective stockholders;
- convening and holding the Devon and Mitchell stockholders meetings;
- access to information and cooperation regarding filings with governmental
and other agencies and organizations;
- using their reasonable best efforts to satisfy the conditions to closing;
- Mitchell refraining from, without Devon's prior written consent,
committing to any divestitures, licenses, hold separate agreements or
similar matters, and Mitchell using its reasonable best efforts to effect
any such divestitures, licenses, hold separate arrangements or similar
matters as Devon may request, if such actions are contingent on the
consummation of the transaction;
- Devon's ability to enter into agreements with respect to other business
combinations, except where those agreements would not be reasonably
likely to prevent or delay the satisfaction of any of the conditions to
the merger;
- public announcements;
- the listing on the American Stock Exchange of the Devon common stock to
be issued in the merger and the Devon Holdco common stock to be issued if
the alternate structure must be used to complete the transaction;
- if requested by either Devon, Devon Holdco or Mitchell, the delivery of
"comfort letters" from Devon's and Mitchell's independent accountants;
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- actions or omissions that would result in the merger not qualifying as a
reorganization under section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
- the coordination of dividend record and payment dates so that Mitchell
stockholders do not fail to receive a dividend in any calendar quarter or
receive dividends on both Mitchell common stock and Devon common stock
received in the merger in any calendar quarter.
Employee Benefits. The merger agreement provides that Devon will honor
Mitchell's employee benefit plans and commitments entered into prior to the date
of the merger agreement, provided that Devon may modify any such plan or
commitment in accordance with its terms, subject to some exceptions.
Specifically, Devon has agreed to, among other things:
- continue retiree medical benefits for former Mitchell employees receiving
such benefits at the effective time of the merger and provide
substantially equivalent retiree medical benefits, upon termination, for
Mitchell employees that become or remain full-time employees of Devon,
referred to as continuing employees, who have attained the age of 55 and
have had 10 years of service with Mitchell at the effective time of the
merger;
- for at least one year after the effective time of the merger, provide to
continuing employees severance benefits at least as favorable as those
provided by Mitchell; and
- for at least one year after the effective time of the merger, either (1)
continue Mitchell's defined benefit pension plan and supplemental
retirement plans for continuing employees or (2) provide benefits under
another Devon defined benefit pension plan, and for at least 13 months
after the effective time of the merger, not amend the form of payment
provisions in Mitchell's supplemental retirement plans.
In addition, if Devon materially modifies the benefits of continuing
employees within two years of the effective time of the merger, Devon has agreed
to provide those employees for the remainder of such two-year period with
benefits, other than stock options and stock appreciation rights, no less
favorable than those provided to similarly situated Devon employees. Mitchell
employees that become participants in Devon's employee benefit plans will be
given credit under the plans for their prior service with Mitchell for purposes
of eligibility, vesting and benefit determination.
Affiliate Agreements. Mitchell has agreed to use its reasonable best
efforts to cause its affiliates, as defined by Rule 145 under the Securities Act
of 1933, to enter into written agreements prior to the effective time of the
merger that restrict their ability to sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any shares of Devon common stock issued to them in connection with
the merger or any shares of Devon Holdco common stock issued to them if the
alternate structure must be used to complete the transaction, except:
- in compliance with Rule 145 under the Securities Act of 1933;
- pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act
of 1933; or
- in reliance upon a written opinion of counsel delivered to Devon or Devon
Holdco, as the case may be, in a form and substance reasonably acceptable
to Devon or Devon Holdco, as the case may be, to the effect that such
sale, pledge, transfer or other disposition is exempt from registration
under the Securities Act of 1933.
Indemnification and Insurance. For a period of six years after the merger,
Devon will cause the surviving corporation to indemnify and hold harmless to the
fullest extent permitted under applicable law each person who is, or has been at
any time prior to the effective time of the merger, an officer or director of
Mitchell and each person who served at the request of Mitchell as a director,
officer, trustee or fiduciary of another entity. Those persons will be
indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law against all losses, including
fees and expenses of counsel, arising out of or pertaining to actions taken by
them, or failures to act, while serving in those capacities, whether claimed
before or after the effective time of the merger.
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The surviving corporation will maintain directors' and officers' liability
insurance for six years after the effective time of the merger to cover persons
who are or were covered by Mitchell's existing directors' and officers'
liability insurance policies at any time before the effective time of the
merger. The terms of the insurance will be substantially no less advantageous to
such persons than the existing insurance with respect to acts or omissions prior
to the effective time of the merger. However, the surviving corporation will not
be required to pay annual premiums in excess of 250% of the last annual premium
paid by Mitchell, but will be required to purchase as much coverage as
reasonably practicable for such amount. Devon has the right to cause Mitchell's
directors and officers liability insurance to be extended by obtaining a
six-year "tail" policy on terms no less advantageous than Mitchell's existing
directors and officers liability insurance.
Other Acquisition Proposals. In the merger agreement, Mitchell has agreed
that it and its subsidiaries:
- will not, and will not permit any of their officers, directors,
employees, agents or representatives to, solicit, initiate or encourage
any inquiry, proposal or offer for a third-party tender offer, merger,
consolidation, business combination or similar transaction involving 10%
or more of Mitchell's assets or capital stock, taken as a whole, or
participate in any discussions or negotiations concerning such an
acquisition proposal; and
- will immediately cease any existing negotiations with any third parties
with respect to any of the above transactions, except that Mitchell or
its board of directors may respond publicly to a third-party tender offer
as required by the federal securities laws or provide information prior
to the vote of its stockholders on a confidential basis to any person, or
have negotiations or discussions with any person, who makes an
unsolicited bona fide acquisition proposal, provided that:
- Mitchell (1) provides notice to Devon within 24 hours that it has
received the unsolicited request for information or an acquisition
proposal identifying the person requesting the information or making the
acquisition proposal and stating the material terms and conditions of
the acquisition proposal, and (2) continues to provide updates as to
material developments within 24 hours;
- Mitchell's board of directors in good faith (1) after consultation with
its financial advisors and taking into account the likelihood of
consummation, determines that the acquisition proposal is reasonably
likely to result in a transaction that is more favorable from a
financial point of view to Mitchell stockholders than the merger, and
(2) after consultation with its outside legal counsel, determines that
the failure to respond to the information request or to engage in
discussions would be inconsistent with its fiduciary obligations under
applicable law; and
- Mitchell may not enter into any agreement with respect to an acquisition
proposal prior to the termination of the merger agreement.
Prior to the effective time of the merger, the board of directors of Devon
or Mitchell may withdraw or change its original recommendation to stockholders
to vote for the merger, or recommend that stockholders vote instead for a
superior acquisition proposal, but only if the board determines in good faith,
after consultation with its outside legal counsel, that the failure to do so
would be inconsistent with its fiduciary obligations under applicable law.
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TERMINATION
Before the effective time of the merger, the merger agreement may be
terminated:
- by mutual written consent of Devon and Mitchell;
- by either Devon or Mitchell, in either case upon payment, if applicable,
of the termination fee described below, if:
- the merger is not consummated by March 13, 2002, so long as the party
seeking to terminate did not prevent the merger from occurring by
failing to perform or observe its obligations under the merger agreement
in any material respect;
- 20 days elapse after the meeting of the Mitchell stockholders at which
the stockholders fail to approve the merger agreement; or
- 20 days elapse after the meeting of the Devon stockholders at which the
stockholders fail to approve the issuance of shares of Devon common
stock in the merger.
- by either Devon or Mitchell, if there is a legal prohibition to closing
the merger that has become final and non-appealable, so long as the party
seeking termination has used its reasonable best efforts to remove the
prohibition;
- by Mitchell, after consultation with its legal advisors, if:
- Devon breaches any of its representations, warranties or agreements in
the merger agreement or if any representation or warranty of Devon
becomes untrue resulting in a condition of the merger not being
satisfied, and the breach is not cured within 30 days, provided that
Mitchell is not also in material breach of the merger agreement; or
- Devon's board of directors withdraws, modifies or changes, in a manner
adverse to Mitchell, its approval or recommendation of the merger, or
resolves to do so; or
- by Devon, after consultation with its legal advisors, if:
- Mitchell breaches any of its representations, warranties or agreements
in the merger agreement or if any representation or warranty of Mitchell
becomes untrue resulting in a condition of the merger not being
satisfied, and the breach is not cured within 30 days, provided that
Devon is not also in material breach of the merger agreement; or
- Mitchell's board of directors withdraws, modifies or changes, in a
manner adverse to Devon, its approval or recommendation of the merger or
recommends an acquisition proposal, or resolves to do so.
TERMINATION FEES AND EXPENSES
Termination Fees and Expenses Potentially Payable by Mitchell. Mitchell
has agreed to pay Devon a $100 million termination fee and to reimburse Devon
for expenses incurred in connection with the merger agreement up to a maximum of
$10 million if either of the following circumstances occurs:
- Devon terminates the merger agreement after Mitchell's board of directors
has (1) withdrawn, modified or changed, in a manner adverse to Devon, its
approval or recommendation of the merger or (2) recommended an
acquisition proposal, or resolves to do either; or
- Devon or Mitchell terminates the merger agreement after a person publicly
makes, or publicly announces an intention to make, an acquisition
proposal for Mitchell prior to or at the time of the Mitchell meeting
and, at the time of such termination, (1) the Devon stockholders have
approved the issuance of Devon common stock in the merger and (2) the
Mitchell stockholders have not approved the merger agreement.
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Termination Fees and Expenses Potentially Payable by Devon. Devon has
agreed to pay Mitchell a $100 million termination fee and reimburse Mitchell for
expenses incurred in connection with the merger agreement up to a maximum of $10
million if either of the following circumstances occurs:
- Mitchell terminates the merger agreement after Devon's board of directors
has withdrawn, modified or changed, in a manner adverse to Mitchell, its
approval or recommendation of the merger, or resolves to do so; or
- Devon or Mitchell terminates the merger agreement after a person publicly
makes, or publicly announces an intention to make, an acquisition
proposal for Devon prior to or at the time of the Devon meeting and, at
the time of such termination, (1) the Mitchell stockholders have approved
the merger agreement and (2) the Devon stockholders have not approved the
issuance of Devon common stock in the merger.
If either company fails to promptly pay any termination fee due and, in
order to obtain payment, the other party commences a suit that results in a
judgment against the party owing the termination fee, the party owing the
termination fee must pay to the other party its costs and expenses in connection
with the suit, together with interest on the termination fee from the date
payment was required until the date such payment is made at the annual prime
lending rate of The Chase Manhattan Bank in effect on the date the payment was
required to be made, plus 1%.
Other Expenses. All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the
merger agreement and related transactions will be paid by the party incurring
them, except that termination fees and expenses will be paid as described above.
AMENDMENT; EXTENSION AND WAIVER
Amendment. Subject to the next sentence, the merger agreement may be
amended at any time with the consent of Devon's board of directors and
Mitchell's board of directors. If the merger agreement has been approved by the
Devon stockholders and the Mitchell stockholders, then no amendment can be made
that by law requires the further approval of stockholders without obtaining such
further stockholder approval.
Extension and Waiver. At any time prior to the effective time of the
merger, each of Devon and Mitchell may, to the extent permitted by law, (1)
grant the other party additional time to perform its obligations under the
merger agreement, (2) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and
warranties of the other party and (3) waive compliance with any agreements or
conditions for the benefit of that party.
THE ALTERNATE STRUCTURE
If the tax opinions that are required to complete the transaction are not
available under the original structure -- that is, the merger of Mitchell into a
wholly owned subsidiary of Devon -- then an alternate structure will be used to
complete the transaction. The parties have included this feature in the merger
agreement to ensure that the transaction can be completed even if tax opinions
are unavailable under the original structure and that the transaction will be
taxable only to the extent that Mitchell stockholders receive cash, and will
otherwise be tax-free.
The alternate structure would not affect the economics of the transaction.
The merger agreement contains a number of provisions designed to change the
mechanics of the transaction to ensure that the only material difference between
the original structure and the alternate structure would be the corporate
structure of the combined company. A summary of these provisions follows.
The Alternate Mergers. Under the alternate structure, two wholly owned
subsidiaries of Devon Holdco Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Devon,
will be merged with and into Mitchell and Devon. The surviving corporations of
those alternate mergers will be wholly owned subsidiaries of Devon Holdco, which
will change its name to Devon Energy Corporation. Prior to those alternate
mergers, Devon
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will (1) cause Devon Holdco to amend its certificate of incorporation and bylaws
to be substantially identical in form and substance to the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of Devon at that time (except that Devon Holdco will
not have a series of preferred stock designated as 6.49% cumulative preferred
stock, Series A, because that series of preferred stock will be converted into
preferred stock of the surviving corporation of the merger involving Devon under
the alternate structure) and (2) cause Devon Holdco's board of directors to
adopt a stockholder rights plan substantially identical in form and substance to
Devon's stockholder rights plan as it existed on October 1, 2001. In addition,
immediately prior to those alternate mergers, J. Todd Mitchell, or a substitute
designee of Mitchell, will be appointed to Devon Holdco's board of directors.
See "The Merger -- Interests of Mitchell's Executive Officers and Directors in
the Transaction -- Appointment of Mitchell's Designee to the Combined Company's
Board of Directors."
At the effective time of the alternate merger involving Mitchell, Mitchell
Merger Corporation, a newly formed, nominally capitalized Texas corporation that
is wholly owned by Devon Holdco, will merge with and into Mitchell. Mitchell
will be the surviving corporation in that merger. The articles of incorporation
and bylaws of Mitchell immediately before the effective time of that merger will
be the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the surviving corporation until
duly amended, except that the authorized capital stock of the surviving
corporation will be reduced to a nominal level. The directors of Mitchell Merger
Corporation at the effective time of that merger, all of whom are Devon
employees, will be the directors of the surviving corporation.
At the effective time of the alternate merger involving Devon, Devon Merger
Corporation, a newly formed, nominally capitalized Delaware corporation that is
wholly owned by Devon Holdco, will merge with and into Devon. Devon will be the
surviving corporation in that merger. Subject to the next sentence, the
certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Devon immediately before the
effective time of that merger will be the certificate of incorporation and
bylaws of the surviving corporation until duly amended. The certificate of
incorporation of the surviving corporation of the alternate merger involving
Devon will be amended to (1) authorize only a nominal number of shares of common
stock, (2) change the name of the surviving corporation to Devon Intermediate
Holding Corporation, and (3) eliminate a number of provisions regarding the
election of directors, meetings of stockholders, the prohibition against
stockholder action by written consent and amendments to the corporation's
certificate of incorporation and bylaws. The directors of Devon Merger
Corporation at the effective time of that merger, all of whom are Devon
employees, will be the directors of the surviving corporation.
Conversion of Mitchell Stock, Stock Options and Other Awards. At the
effective time of the alternate merger involving Mitchell:
- each outstanding share of Mitchell common stock, other than (1) shares
owned or held by Devon, Mitchell or their respective subsidiaries,
including treasury stock, and (2) shares held by Mitchell stockholders
who validly exercise their dissenters' rights under Texas law, will be
converted into the right to receive $31.00 in cash and 0.585 of a share
of Devon Holdco common stock;
- shares of Mitchell common stock held by Mitchell stockholders who
exercise their dissenters' rights under Texas law will be treated as
described under "The Merger -- Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal," assuming
that those stockholders validly exercise their dissenters' rights; and
- shares of Mitchell common owned or held by Devon, Mitchell or their
respective subsidiaries and not held on behalf of third parties,
including treasury stock, will be canceled.
Each outstanding option to purchase Mitchell common stock granted under
Mitchell's stock plans that is unexercised as of the effective time of the
alternate merger involving Mitchell will vest and will be converted
automatically at the effective time of that merger into, and will become, a
fully vested option to purchase 1.20 shares of Devon Holdco common stock for
each share of Mitchell common stock covered by the option before that merger.
After conversion, the exercise price per share of Devon Holdco common stock
subject to each option will equal the pre-conversion exercise price per share of
Mitchell common
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stock subject to each option, divided by 1.20. Bonus units issued by Mitchell
will be similarly converted into Devon Holdco bonus units.
Conversion of Devon Stock and Stock Options. At the effective time of the
alternate merger involving Devon:
- each outstanding share of Devon common stock, other than shares owned or
held by Devon, Mitchell or their respective subsidiaries, including
treasury stock, will be converted into one share of Devon Holdco common
stock;
- each outstanding share of Devon's 6.49% cumulative preferred stock,
Series A, other than (1) shares owned or held by Devon, Mitchell or their
respective subsidiaries, including treasury stock, and (2) shares held by
holders of 6.49% cumulative preferred stock who validly exercise their
dissenters' rights under Delaware law, will remain outstanding as one
share of preferred stock of the surviving corporation of the alternate
merger involving Devon having the same preferences and rights with
respect to the surviving corporation as those that the 6.49% cumulative
preferred stock had with respect to Devon;
- the one share of Devon's special voting stock will be converted into one
share of Devon Holdco's special voting stock having the same preferences
and rights with respect to Devon Holdco as those that Devon's special
voting stock had with respect to Devon; and
- shares of Devon common stock and 6.49% cumulative preferred stock owned
or held by Devon, Mitchell or their respective subsidiaries and not held
on behalf of third parties, including treasury stock, will be canceled.
Each outstanding option to purchase Devon common stock granted under
Devon's stock plans that is unexercised as of the effective time of the
alternate merger involving Devon will be converted automatically at the
effective time of that merger into, and will become, an option to purchase one
share of Devon Holdco common stock for each share of Devon common stock covered
by the option before that merger. After conversion, the exercise price per share
of Devon Holdco common stock subject to each option will be the same as the
exercise price per share of Devon common stock subject to each option, and the
other terms of each option, including the vesting schedule of each option, will
remain unchanged.
The merger agreement also requires Devon to take all necessary actions to
provide for:
- the succession of Devon Holdco for Devon under the support agreement and
voting agreement related to Northstar Energy Corporation's exchangeable
shares that vote as a single class with Devon common stock and are
convertible at any time, on a one-for-one basis, into shares of Devon
common stock;
- the making of changes to or in the rights of holders of Northstar
exchangeable shares as are economically equivalent to the changes to or
in the rights of holders of Devon common stock, that are a result of the
exchange of Devon Holdco common stock for Devon common stock in the
alternate merger involving Devon; and
- the convertibility of Devon's Zero Coupon Convertible Senior Debentures
due 2020, which currently are convertible into shares of Devon common
stock, into shares of Devon Holdco common stock, subject to the terms of
the indenture governing the Zero Coupon Convertible Senior Debentures.
Exchange of Shares; Fractional Shares. The exchange procedures that
Mitchell stockholders will be required to follow in order to receive their
shares of Devon Holdco common stock will be substantially the same as those
described under "-- Exchange of Shares; Fractional Shares." Holders of Devon
common stock will also need to follow those exchange procedures in order to
exchange their shares of Devon common stock for shares of Devon Holdco common
stock. Mitchell stockholders otherwise entitled to receive a fractional share of
Devon Holdco common stock will receive an amount, in cash and without interest,
representing the fractional share, rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of a
share, multiplied by
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the average closing price of Devon common stock as reported in The Wall Street
Journal, Southwestern edition, on the five trading days immediately prior to the
last business day before the effective time of the alternate merger involving
Mitchell.
Conditions to the Alternate Mergers. Except as described in this section,
the obligations of Devon and Mitchell to complete the transaction under the
alternate structure are identical to the conditions described under
"-- Conditions to the Merger." An additional condition to complete the
transaction under the alternate structure is that the shares of Devon Holdco
common stock to be issued in the alternate mergers be approved for listing on
the American Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance. In
addition, the required vote of Devon stockholders needed to complete the
transaction under the alternate structure is higher than the required vote to
complete the transaction under the original structure.
The tax opinions required as a condition to completing the transaction
under the original structure are not required to complete the transaction under
the alternate structure. Instead, Devon's and Mitchell's obligations to complete
the transaction under the alternate structure are subject to the receipt of a
written opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., in the case of Mitchell, and Mayer,
Brown & Platt, in the case of Devon, to the effect that the alternate structure
will qualify for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a nonrecognition
transaction described in section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, except to the
extent that Mitchell stockholders receive cash in exchange for their shares of
Mitchell common stock in the alternative merger involving Mitchell.
Other Terms Remain Substantially the Same. The merger agreement provides
that all other agreements and obligations under the merger agreement will remain
unaffected in the event that the transaction must be completed under the
alternate structure, except that Devon Holdco will assume Devon's obligations to
be performed or complied with after the transaction is complete. For example,
Devon Holdco will be required to comply with obligations substantially identical
to those described under "-- Covenants and Other Agreements -- Employee
Benefits" and "-- Indemnification and Insurance."
Additional Actions and Adjustments. The parties to the merger agreement
have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to take any actions that may be
required to ensure that, if the alternate structure must be used to complete the
transaction, the transaction could nevertheless be completed under the alternate
structure at the same time as the transaction could have been completed under
the original structure. Devon and Mitchell have also agreed to take any further
actions and to make any further adjustments to the terms of the merger agreement
as may be necessary to ensure that Mitchell, Devon and their respective
stockholders are placed in a position that is as close as possible to the
position that they would have been in but for the need to complete the
transaction under the alternate structure.
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AGREEMENTS AMONG DEVON, GEORGE P. MITCHELL AND CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL
The following is a summary of the material terms of the agreements that
Devon entered into with George P. Mitchell and Cynthia Woods Mitchell in
connection with the merger agreement. This summary is qualified in its entirety
by reference to those agreements, copies of which are attached as Annexes B and
C. You should read those agreements because they, and not this document, are the
legal documents that govern the matters described in this section. As of
December 10, 2001, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell collectively beneficially owned
approximately 45% of the outstanding shares of Mitchell common stock, including
shares covered by outstanding options.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT CONTAINING A VOTING AGREEMENT AND AN
IRREVOCABLE PROXY
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have agreed, among other things, to vote, and have
granted Devon an irrevocable proxy to vote, the shares of Mitchell common stock
beneficially owned by them in favor of the approval of the merger agreement and
against any action that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation
or warranty or any other obligation of Mitchell in the merger agreement or of
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell in the principal shareholders agreement. Mr. and Mrs.
Mitchell have also agreed, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by Devon, to
vote, and have granted Devon an irrevocable proxy to vote, against:
- any extraordinary corporate transactions involving Mitchell, including
any merger, consolidation or other business combination;
- any sale, lease or transfer of a significant part of Mitchell's assets,
or any reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution or liquidation of
Mitchell;
- any change in the persons that comprise Mitchell's board of directors,
unless approved in advance by at least a majority of Mitchell's directors
who were directors on August 13, 2001;
- any change in Mitchell's capitalization or any amendment to Mitchell's
articles of incorporation or bylaws;
- any other material change in Mitchell's corporate structure or business;
and
- any other action or proposal involving Mitchell that is intended or
expected to prevent, impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely
affect the merger.
The voting agreement applies to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell solely as
stockholders and it does not restrict Mr. Mitchell in his capacity as an officer
and director of Mitchell. The voting agreement also applies to 600,000 shares of
Mitchell common stock that were recently contributed by Mr. Mitchell to a family
limited partnership. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell own no interest in the general
partner of this limited partnership and, accordingly, disclaim beneficial
ownership of the contributed shares.
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have also agreed that, except for pledges in
existence on August 13, 2001 and transfers to any trust, estate, family
partnership, foundation or charitable organization that agrees to be bound by
the terms of the principal shareholders agreement, not to sell, transfer,
tender, pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of the shares of Mitchell
common stock beneficially owned by them.
The voting agreement and irrevocable proxy granted to Devon by Mr. and Mrs.
Mitchell will terminate on the earliest to occur of: (1) August 13, 2003; (2)
the termination of the agreement with the mutual consent of Devon and Mr. and
Mrs. Mitchell; (3) the effective time of the merger; and (4) the termination of
the merger agreement (A) by Devon for any reason or (B) by Mitchell because any
of the conditions to Mitchell's obligation to complete the merger is not and
cannot be satisfied, other than the condition that the merger agreement be
approved by the required vote of Mitchell stockholders.
The principal shareholders agreement was entered into as an inducement to
Devon to enter into the merger agreement and as a condition to Devon's
willingness to do so. Together with the termination fees provided for in the
merger agreement, the principal shareholders agreement may have the effect of
92
discouraging a third party from proposing a competing transaction, including one
that might be more favorable than the merger to Mitchell stockholders.
INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT
The investor rights agreement contains restrictions on the ability of Mr.
and Mrs. Mitchell and certain transferees to sell or otherwise dispose of the
Devon common stock that they will receive in the merger or the Devon Holdco
common stock they will receive if the alternate structure is used to complete
the transaction. Specifically, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have agreed not to dispose,
other than pursuant to an underwritten registered offering or to certain
permitted transferees, of the Devon common stock that they will receive in the
merger or the Devon Holdco common stock they will receive if the alternate
structure is used to complete the transaction for nine months after the
effective time of the transaction except that Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell may dispose
of up to 2,000,000 shares to foundations or other charitable organizations.
After that date, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have agreed to not dispose, other than
pursuant to a registered offering or to certain permitted transferees, of more
than 1,000,000 shares of Devon common stock or Devon Holdco common stock, as the
case may be, in any calendar quarter. In addition, beginning in the first
calendar quarter of 2002, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell may dispose of up to 500,000
shares per calendar quarter to foundations or other charitable organizations.
In the investor rights agreement, Devon has granted Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell
the right to demand registration on two separate occasions of the shares of
Devon common stock that they will receive in the merger or the Devon Holdco
common stock they will receive if the alternate structure must be used to
complete the transaction and the right to "piggyback" registration of those
shares in the event that Devon or Devon Holdco, as the case may be, effects a
registration for other reasons. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell's registration rights are
subject to customary restrictions such as blackout periods and limitations on
the number of shares to be included in any underwritten offering imposed by the
managing underwriter. All registration expenses, other than underwriting
discounts, selling commissions, stock transfer taxes and Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell's
legal fees, will be paid by Devon or Devon Holdco, as the case may be.
93
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMBINED COMPANY
DIRECTORS
Devon's charter divides Devon's board of directors into three classes. At
each annual meeting, Devon stockholders elect the members of one of the three
classes to three-year terms. Immediately following the transaction, Devon
expects that the board of directors of the combined company will consist of the
following 10 members:
<Table>
<Caption>
CURRENT BOARD EXPIRATION
NAME AGE MEMBERSHIP OF TERM
- ---- --- ------------- ----------
John A. Hill............................................ 59 Devon 2002
William J. Johnson...................................... 67 Devon 2002
Michael M. Kanovsky..................................... 53 Devon 2002
Robert A. Mosbacher, Jr. ............................... 50 Devon 2002
J. Larry Nichols(1)..................................... 59 Devon 2003
Robert B. Weaver........................................ 62 Devon 2003
Thomas F. Ferguson(2)................................... 65 Devon 2004
David M. Gavrin(3)...................................... 67 Devon 2004
Michael E. Gellert(4)................................... 70 Devon 2004
J. Todd Mitchell........................................ 42 Mitchell 2004
</Table>
- ---------------
(1) Chairman of the Board.
(2) Chairman of the Audit Committee.
(3) Chairman of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee.
(4) Chairman of the Nominating Committee.
Thomas F. Ferguson, 65, has been a Director of Devon since 1982 and is the
Chairman of the Audit Committee. He has been the Managing Director of United
Gulf Management Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuwait Investment Projects
Company KSC, since 1974. Mr. Ferguson represents Kuwait Investment Projects
Company on the boards of various companies in which it invests, including Baltic
Transit Bank in Latvia and Tunis International Bank in Tunisia. Mr. Ferguson is
a Canadian qualified Certified General Accountant and was formerly employed by
the Economist Intelligence Unit of London as a financial consultant.
David M. Gavrin, 67, has been a Director of Devon since 1979, and serves as
the Chairman of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee. He has been a
Director of United American Energy Corp., an independent power producer, since
1992, and MetBank Holding Corporation since 1998. From 1978 to 1988, he was a
General Partner of Windcrest Partners and for 14 years prior to that he was an
officer of Drexel Burnham Lambert Incorporated.
Michael E. Gellert, 70, has been a Director of Devon since 1971 and is a
member of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee. Mr. Gellert is a General
Partner of Windcrest Partners, a private investment partnership in New York
City, having held that position since 1967. From January 1958 until his
retirement in October 1989, Mr. Gellert served in executive capacities with
Drexel Burnham Lambert Incorporated and its predecessors in New York City. In
addition to serving as a Director of Devon, Mr. Gellert also serves on the
boards of High Speed Access Corporation, Humana Inc., Seacor Smit Inc., Six
Flags Inc. and Smith Barney World Funds. Mr. Gellert is also a member of the
Putnam Trust Company Advisory Board to The Bank of New York.
John A. Hill, 59, was elected to the Board of Directors in 2000. Prior to
that, he served as a Director of Santa Fe Snyder Corporation. Mr. Hill has been
with First Reserve Corporation, an oil and gas investment management company
since 1983 and currently serves as the Vice Chairman and Managing
94
Director. Prior to joining First Reserve, Mr. Hill was President, Chief
Executive Officer and Director of Marsh & McLennan Asset Management Company and
served as the Deputy Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration during
the Ford administration. Mr. Hill is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the
Putnam Funds in Boston, a Trustee of Sarah Lawrence College, a Director of
TransMontaigne Inc., and various companies controlled by First Reserve
Corporation and Continuum Health Partners.
William J. Johnson, 67, was elected to the Board of Directors in 1999. Mr.
Johnson has been a private consultant for the oil and gas industry for more than
the past five years. He is President and a Director of JonLoc Inc., an oil and
gas company of which he and his family are sole shareholders. Mr. Johnson has
served as a Director of Tesoro Petroleum Corp. since 1996. From 1991 to 1994,
Mr. Johnson was President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Apache
Corporation.
Michael M. Kanovsky, 53, was elected to the Board of Directors in 1998. Mr.
Kanovsky has been on the Board of Directors of Northstar Energy Corporation,
Devon's Canadian subsidiary, since 1982. Mr. Kanovsky is President of Sky Energy
Corporation, a privately held energy corporation. He is a Director of ARC
Resources Ltd. and Bonavista Petroleum Corporation. Mr. Kanovsky was Chairman of
Taro Industries Ltd., Vice Chairman of Precision Drilling Inc. and a past
Director of the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors.
Robert A. Mosbacher, Jr., 50, was elected to the Board of Directors in
1999. Since 1986, Mr. Mosbacher has served as President and Vice Chairman of
Mosbacher Energy Company and Vice Chairman of Mosbacher Power Group. Mr.
Mosbacher was previously a Director of PennzEnergy Company and served on the
Executive Committee. He currently serves as a Director of JPMorgan Chase and
Company and is on the Executive Committee of the U.S. Oil & Gas Association.
J. Larry Nichols, 59, is a co-founder of Devon. He was named Chairman of
the Board of Directors in 2000. He has been a Director since 1971, President
since 1976 and Chief Executive Officer since 1980. Mr. Nichols is a Director of
the Domestic Petroleum Council, the National Association of Manufacturers, the
Independent Petroleum Association of America, the Natural Gas Supply
Association, the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico, the Oklahoma
Independent Petroleum Association and the National Petroleum Council. Mr.
Nichols serves on the Board of Governors of the American Stock Exchange. He
serves as a Director of BOK Financial Corporation which is listed on the NASDAQ,
and also serves as a Director of New York Stock Exchange listed companies
Smedvig asa and Baker Hughes Incorporated.
Robert B. Weaver, 62, was elected to the Board of Directors in 1999. He
served as an energy finance specialist of the Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., where
he was in charge of its worldwide energy group from 1981 until his retirement in
1994. Mr. Weaver was previously a Director of PennzEnergy Company beginning in
1998, was Chairman of the Audit Committee and served on the Compensation
Committee.
J. Todd Mitchell, 42, has been a member of Mitchell's board of directors
since 1993. Mr. Mitchell has served as president of GPM, Inc., a family-owned
investment company, since 1998. He has also served as President of and geologist
to Dolomite Resources, Inc., a privately owned mineral exploration and
investments company, since 1987 and as Chairman of Rock Solid Images, a
privately owned seismic data analysis software company, since 1998. J. Todd
Mitchell is the son of George P. Mitchell, the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Mitchell.
95
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following executive officers of Devon will continue to serve in their
respective capacities as executive officers of the combined company until their
successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or
removal:
<Table>
<Caption>
CURRENT COMPANY
NAME AGE POSITION IN THE COMBINED COMPANY AFFILIATION
- ---- --- -------------------------------- ---------------
J. Larry Nichols............... 59 Chairman, President and Chief Devon
Executive Officer
Brian J. Jennings.............. 41 Senior Vice President -- Devon
Corporate Development
J. Michael Lacey............... 56 Senior Vice President -- Devon
Exploration and Production
Duke R. Ligon.................. 60 Senior Vice President -- General Devon
Counsel
Marian J. Moon................. 51 Senior Vice President -- Devon
Administration
John Richels................... 50 Senior Vice President -- Devon
Canadian Division
Darryl G. Smette............... 54 Senior Vice Devon
President -- Marketing
William T. Vaughn.............. 54 Senior Vice President -- Finance Devon
</Table>
Brian J. Jennings, 41, was elected to the position of Senior Vice
President -- Corporate Development in July 2001. Mr. Jennings joined Devon in
March 2000 as Vice President -- Corporate Finance. Prior to joining Devon, Mr.
Jennings was, since 1997, a Managing Director in the Energy Investment Banking
Group of PaineWebber, Inc. He began his banking career at Kidder, Peabody in
1989 before moving to Lehman Brothers in 1992 and later to PaineWebber in 1995.
Mr. Jennings specialized in providing strategic advisory and corporate finance
services to public and private companies in the E&P and oilfield service
sectors. He began his energy career with ARCO International Oil Gas, a
subsidiary of Atlantic Richfield Company. Mr. Jennings received his Bachelor of
Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and his
Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago's Graduate
School of Business.
J. Michael Lacey, 56, was elected to the position of Senior Vice
President -- Exploration and Production in 1999. Mr. Lacey had previously joined
Devon as Vice President of Operations and Exploration in 1989. Prior to his
employment with Devon Mr. Lacey served as General Manager in Tenneco Oil
Company's Mid-Continent and Rocky Mountain Divisions. He is a registered
professional engineer, and a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and
the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Mr. Lacey holds both
undergraduate and graduate degrees in petroleum engineering from the Colorado
School of Mines.
Duke R. Ligon, 60, was elected to the position of Senior Vice
President -- General Counsel in 1999. Mr. Ligon had previously joined Devon as
Vice President -- General Counsel in 1997. In addition to Mr. Ligon's primary
role of managing Devon's corporate legal matters (including litigation), he has
direct involvement with Devon's governmental affairs, purchasing and its merger
and acquisition activities. Prior to joining Devon, Mr. Ligon practiced energy
law for 12 years, most recently as a partner at the law firm of Mayer, Brown &
Platt in New York City. In addition, he was a Senior Vice President and Managing
Director for investment banking at Bankers Trust Company in New York City for 10
years. Mr. Ligon also served for three years in various positions with the U. S.
Departments of the Interior and Treasury, as well as the Department of Energy.
Mr. Ligon holds an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Westminister College
and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.
96
Marian J. Moon, 51, was elected to the position of Senior Vice
President -- Administration in 1999. Ms. Moon is responsible for Human
Resources, Office Administration, Information Technology and Corporate
Governance. Ms. Moon has been with Devon for 17 years, serving in various
capacities, including Manager of Corporate Finance. Prior to joining Devon, Ms.
Moon was employed for 11 years by Amarex, Inc., an Oklahoma City based oil and
natural gas production and exploration firm, where she served most recently as
Treasurer. Ms. Moon is a member of the American Society of Corporate
Secretaries. She is a graduate of Valparaiso University.
John Richels, 50, was elected to the position of Senior Vice
President -- Canadian Division in 2001. Prior to his election to Senior Vice
President, Mr. Richels was appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer
of Northstar Energy Corporation, Devon's Canadian subsidiary in 1999. Mr.
Richels served as Northstar's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer from 1996 to 1998 and was on its Board of Directors from 1993 to 1996.
Prior to joining Northstar, Mr. Richels was Managing Partner, Chief Operating
Partner and a member of the Executive Committee of the Canadian based national
law firm, Bennett Jones. Mr. Richels also served, on a secondment from Bennett
Jones, as General Counsel of the XV Olympic Winter Games Organizing Committee in
Calgary, Alberta. Mr. Richels has previously served as a Director of a number of
publicly traded companies and is a member of the Broad of Governors of the
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. He holds a bachelor's degree in
economics from York University and law degree from the University of Windsor.
Darryl G. Smette, 54, was elected to the position of Senior Vice
President -- Marketing in 1999. Mr. Smette previously held the position of Vice
President -- Marketing and Administrative Planning since 1989. He joined Devon
in 1986 as Manager of Gas Marketing. His marketing background includes 15 years
with Energy Reserves Group, Inc./BHP Petroleum (Americas), Inc., most recently
as Director of Marketing. He is also an oil and gas industry instructor,
approved by the University of Texas Department of Continuing Education. Mr.
Smette is a member of the Oklahoma Independent Producers Association, Natural
Gas Association of Oklahoma and the American Gas Association. He holds an
undergraduate degree from Minot State College and a master's degree from Wichita
State University.
William T. Vaughn, 54, was elected to the position of Senior Vice
President -- Finance in 1999. Mr. Vaughn previously served as Devon's Vice
President of Finance in charge of commercial banking functions, accounting, tax
and information services since 1987. Prior to that, he was Controller of Devon
from 1983 to 1987. Mr. Vaughn's previous experience includes serving as
Controller of Marion Corporation for two years and employment with Arthur Young
& Co. for seven years most recently as Audit Manager. He is a Certified Public
Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor's of
Science degree.
97
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
This section discusses the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of
the merger and the alternate structure mergers. The legal conclusions stated in
the discussion constitute the opinions of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., with respect
to Mitchell and its stockholders, and Mayer, Brown & Platt, with respect to
Devon and its stockholders. An opinion of counsel is not binding on either the
Internal Revenue Service or the courts, and there can be no assurance that the
Internal Revenue Service will not contest the conclusions expressed in the tax
opinions. Neither Mitchell nor Devon intends to obtain an advance ruling from
the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the tax consequences of the merger
or the alternate structure mergers.
The opinions of counsel are based on the current provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), its legislative history,
administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and Treasury regulations, all
of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The opinions
of counsel assume that (1) the statements and facts concerning the merger and
the alternate structure mergers set forth in the merger agreement and described
in this document (other than in this section) are true, correct and complete and
(2) the merger or the alternate structure mergers, as the case may be, will be
consummated in the manner contemplated by, and in accordance with the terms set
forth in, the merger agreement and described in this document.
This discussion does not purport to be a complete discussion of all U.S.
federal income tax considerations relating to the merger or the alternate
structure mergers and does not address the tax consequences of the merger or the
alternate structure mergers under state, local or non-U.S. tax laws. In
addition, this discussion may not apply, in whole or in part, to particular
categories of holders of Mitchell common stock or Devon common stock, such as
financial institutions, dealers in securities, insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, investment companies, foreign taxpayers, domestic stockholders
whose "functional currency" is not the U.S. dollar, holders holding Mitchell
common stock or Devon common stock as a part of a hedging, conversion or
straddle transaction, individuals who acquired Mitchell common stock or Devon
common stock pursuant to employee stock options and other special status
taxpayers. Moreover, Mitchell stockholders and Devon stockholders should be
aware that the Code contains limitations on the extent to which a holder may
deduct capital losses from ordinary income, and the federal income tax rate for
individual holders on long-term capital gains may be significantly lower than
the rate imposed on ordinary income or short-term capital gains. ALL HOLDERS OF
MITCHELL COMMON STOCK AND DEVON COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX
ADVISORS TO DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER OR THE
ALTERNATE STRUCTURE MERGERS, AS APPLICABLE, INCLUDING ANY ESTATE, GIFT, STATE,
LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES.
In general, the merger or the alternate structure mergers, as applicable,
have been structured to qualify as a tax-free transaction (except to the extent
cash is received) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. It is a condition to
closing of the merger or the alternate structure mergers, as applicable, that
each of Devon and Mitchell receive an opinion from their respective counsel
(Mayer, Brown & Platt in the case of Devon and Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. in the
case of Mitchell) to that effect as of the closing. The tax opinions will be
based in part on factual representations made by Devon and Mitchell. If the tax
opinions to be delivered as of the closing are materially different from the
opinions respecting the federal income tax considerations expressed in this
"Material Federal Income Tax Considerations" section, Devon and Mitchell would
not effect the merger or the alternate structure mergers without recirculating
this document after revising this discussion appropriately and resoliciting the
approvals of their stockholders. In general, Mitchell stockholders and Devon
stockholders will recognize gain to the extent of cash received in the merger or
alternate structure mergers, as applicable; Mitchell stockholders, Devon
stockholders and a corporate participant will not otherwise recognize gain or
loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes under sections 368(a), 356(a) and 361
of the Code (in the case of the merger) or under sections 351 and 1032(a) of the
Code (in the case of the alternate structure mergers).
98
TAX TREATMENT OF THE COMPANIES, MITCHELL STOCKHOLDERS AND DEVON STOCKHOLDERS
No gain or loss will be recognized by Devon, Devon Holdco or Mitchell as a
result of the merger or the alternate structure mergers, as applicable. Holders
of Mitchell common stock who receive a combination of either Devon common stock
or Devon Holdco common stock, and cash, in exchange for Mitchell common stock in
the merger or the alternate structure mergers, as applicable, will recognize
gain, if any, pursuant to section 356(a) of the Code if the merger is
consummated or pursuant to section 351(b) of the Code if the alternate structure
mergers are consummated, in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the amount of
cash received or (2) the amount of gain "realized" in the transaction. The
amount of gain a holder of Mitchell common stock "realizes" will equal the
amount by which (1) the cash plus the fair market value at the effective time of
the merger or the alternate structure mergers, as applicable, of the common
stock received exceeds (2) the holders' basis in the Mitchell common stock to be
surrendered in exchange therefor. The tax treatment of recognized gain is
described under the next heading below. If the alternate structure mergers are
consummated, Devon stockholders, who will receive solely Devon Holdco common
stock, will not recognize any gain.
The Mitchell stockholders (whether the merger or the alternate structure
mergers are consummated) and the Devon stockholders (if the alternate structure
mergers are consummated) will not recognize any loss for U.S. federal income tax
purposes.
A Mitchell stockholder's U.S. federal income tax consequences on the
exchange will also depend on whether his or her shares of Mitchell common stock
were purchased at different times at different prices. If they were, the holder
of Mitchell common stock could realize gain with respect to some of the shares
of Mitchell common stock and loss with respect to other shares. Such Mitchell
stockholder would have to recognize gain to the extent that the Mitchell
stockholder receives cash with respect to those shares in which the Mitchell
stockholder's adjusted tax basis is less than the amount of cash plus the fair
market value at the effective time of the merger or the alternate structure
merger, as applicable, of the common stock received, but could not recognize
loss with respect to those shares in which the Mitchell stockholder's adjusted
tax basis is greater than the amount of cash plus the fair market value at the
effective time of the merger or the alternate structure mergers, as applicable,
of the common stock received. Any disallowed loss would be included in the
adjusted basis of the common stock received. Such a Mitchell stockholder is
urged to consult his or her own tax advisor respecting the tax consequences of
the merger or the alternate structure mergers, as applicable, to that Mitchell
stockholder.
In either the merger or the alternate structure mergers, the tax basis of
the shares of Devon common stock or Devon Holdco common stock, as the case may
be, received by a Mitchell stockholder will be the same as the basis of the
shares of Mitchell common stock surrendered in exchange therefor, increased by
the amount of gain recognized in the merger or alternate structure mergers, as
applicable, and decreased by the amount of cash received in the merger or
alternate structure mergers, as applicable. If the alternate structure mergers
are consummated, the tax basis of the shares of Devon Holdco common stock
received by a Devon stockholder will be the same as the basis of the Devon
common stock surrendered in exchange therefor. The holding period for shares of
Devon common stock or Devon Holdco common stock received by the holder will
include the holder's holding period for the Mitchell common stock or Devon
common stock, as applicable, surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that
such shares were held as capital assets of the holder at the effective time of
the merger or alternate structure mergers, as applicable.
TREATMENT OF CASH RECEIVED BY MITCHELL STOCKHOLDERS IF THE MERGER IS CONSUMMATED
The character of income of a holder of Mitchell common stock attributable
to cash received if the merger is consummated is determined by reference to the
rules of sections 356(a)(2) and 302 of the Code and, except in atypical
circumstances, it is expected under these rules that Mitchell stockholders would
recognize capital gain rather than dividend income. Under section 356(a)(2) of
the Code, each holder of Mitchell common stock will be treated for tax purposes
as if such holder had received only Devon common stock in the merger and,
immediately thereafter, Devon had redeemed an appropriate portion of Devon
common stock in exchange for the cash actually distributed to the Mitchell
stockholder in the
99
merger. Under section 302 of the Code, all of the cash representing gain
recognized by a Mitchell stockholder on the exchange will be taxed as capital
gain if the deemed redemption from the Mitchell stockholder (1) is a
"substantially disproportionate redemption" of stock with respect to the
Mitchell stockholder or (2) is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" taking
into account, in either case, certain constructive ownership rules described
below and all other deemed redemptions. Under section 318 of the Code, a
Mitchell stockholder may be considered to constructively own, after the merger,
Devon common stock owned (and in some cases constructively owned) by certain
members of the Mitchell stockholder's family or certain entities in which the
Mitchell stockholder has an ownership or beneficial interest and Devon common
stock that the Mitchell stockholder (or such individuals or entities) has the
right to acquire upon the exercise of options. This gain or loss will be a
long-term capital gain or loss if the Mitchell stockholder's holding period is
more than twelve months at the effective time of the merger. Under current law,
the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains realized by an individual is
20%.
The deemed redemption of a Mitchell stockholder's Devon common stock will
be a "substantially disproportionate redemption" if, as a result of the deemed
redemption, there is a greater than 20% reduction in (1) the percentage of all
then-outstanding shares of Devon common stock then owned by the Mitchell
stockholder and (2) the percentage of the voting power of all then-outstanding
shares of Devon common stock represented by all Devon common stock then owned by
the Mitchell stockholder.
The deemed redemption of a Mitchell stockholder's Devon common stock will
be "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" if the Mitchell stockholder
experiences a "meaningful reduction" in his or her proportionate equity interest
in Devon by reason of the deemed redemption. In general, there are no fixed
rules for determining when a "meaningful reduction" has occurred. However, based
on a published ruling of the Internal Revenue Service, the receipt of cash in
the merger would not be characterized as a dividend if the Mitchell
stockholder's percentage stock ownership interest in Devon and Mitchell prior to
the merger is minimal, the Mitchell stockholder exercises no control over the
affairs of Devon or Mitchell, and the Mitchell stockholder's percentage equity
interest in Devon is reduced in the deemed redemption to any extent.
If neither of the redemption tests described above is satisfied, a Mitchell
stockholder will be treated as having received a dividend equal to the amount of
the Mitchell stockholder's recognized gain (as described in the preceding
heading), assuming that the Mitchell stockholder's ratable share of the
accumulated earnings and profits of Mitchell (or possibly the total earnings and
profits of Mitchell and Devon) equals or exceeds such recognized gain.
TREATMENT OF CASH RECEIVED BY MITCHELL STOCKHOLDERS IF THE ALTERNATE STRUCTURE
MERGERS ARE CONSUMMATED
The character of income of a Mitchell stockholder attributable to cash
received if the alternate structure mergers are consummated is expected to be
capital gain. The gain will be long-term capital gain if the Mitchell
stockholder's holding period is more than twelve months at the effective time of
the alternate structure mergers. Under current law, the maximum tax rate on
long-term capital gains realized by an individual is 20%.
EXERCISE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL BY MITCHELL STOCKHOLDERS
The transaction will be a taxable event for a Mitchell stockholder who
perfects his or her dissenters' rights of appraisal under Texas law, and
receives solely cash in exchange for his or her shares. Such a holder should
generally recognize capital gain or loss, provided that the holder's shares were
held by the holder as capital assets at the effective time of the merger or
alternate structure mergers, as applicable, equal to the difference between the
amount of cash received and the holder's tax basis in the shares surrendered.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING; INFORMATION REPORTING
The cash payments due to a holder on the exchange of Mitchell common stock
or Devon common stock, as applicable, in the merger or alternate structure
mergers, other than certain exempt persons or
100
entities, will be subject to "backup withholding" for U.S. federal income tax
purposes unless certain requirements are met. Devon or Devon Holdco or a
third-party paying agent, as the case may be, must withhold approximately 30% of
the cash payments to a holder, unless the holder (1) is a corporation or comes
within certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this
fact, or (2) provides Devon, Devon Holdco or a third-party paying agent, as the
case may be, with his or her taxpayer identification number and completes a form
in which he or she certifies that he or she has not been notified by the IRS
that he or she is subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to
report interest and dividends. The taxpayer identification number of an
individual is his or her Social Security number. Any amount paid as backup
withholding will be credited against the holder's U.S. federal income tax
liability. In the case of the merger, holders must also comply with the
information reporting requirements of the Treasury regulations under the
tax-free reorganization provisions of the Code. Appropriate documentation for
the foregoing purposes will be provided to holders by the exchange agent.
OWNERSHIP OF MITCHELL COMMON STOCK
To Mitchell's knowledge, George P. Mitchell is the only person who owns
more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Mitchell common stock. The following
table sets forth the number of shares of Mitchell common stock owned
beneficially by each of Mitchell's directors, by its five most highly
compensated executive officers during 2000 and by all its directors and
executive officers as a group, in each case as of December 10, 2001. There were
50,239,586 shares of Mitchell common stock outstanding on such date.
<Table>
<Caption>
TOTAL AMOUNT
OF COMMON STOCK PERCENTAGE
NAME OFFICE BENEFICIALLY OWNED(A) OF CLASS
- ---- ------ --------------------- ----------
Robert Baldwin................. Director 500 *
Thomas P. Battle............... Senior Vice President, General 4,010 *
Counsel and Secretary
Bernard F. Clark............... Vice Chairman 34,547(b) *
Charles J. DiBona.............. Director -- --
William D. Eberle.............. Director 1,198 *
Shaker A. Khayatt.............. Director 532(c) *
George P. Mitchell............. Chairman and Chief Executive 22,780,711(d)(e) 45.0%
Officer
J. Todd Mitchell............... Director 600,000(f) 1.2%
M. Kent Mitchell............... Director 42,696(g) *
Philip S. Smith................ Senior Vice President and Chief -- --
Financial Officer
W. D. Stevens.................. Director, President and Chief 249,230(e) *
Operating Officer
Allen J. Tarbutton, Jr. ....... Senior Vice President 81,435(e) *
All directors and executive 23,794,859(b-f) 46.7%
officers as a group (12
persons).....................
</Table>
- ---------------
* Less than 1%.
(a) Unless otherwise indicated, beneficial owners have sole rather than shared
voting and investment power respecting their shares, other than shared
rights created under joint tenancy or marital property laws as between
Mitchell's directors and officers and their respective spouses, if any.
(b) Includes 16,194 shares held by Mr. Clark's wife, as to which Mr. Clark
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(c) Includes 532 shares held by Mr. Khayatt's wife, as to which Mr. Khayatt
disclaims beneficial ownership.
101
(d) Includes 1,022,506 shares held by George P. Mitchell's wife, as to which
Mr. Mitchell disclaims beneficial ownership. Excludes all shares referred
to in note (f) of this table as to which Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell disclaim
beneficial ownership.
(e) Includes shares which certain executive officers have a right to acquire
within 60 days following December 10, 2001 by exercising stock options.
The following shares underlying such unexercised options were added to the
holdings of each of the following executive officers: Mr. George
Mitchell -- 404,666 shares; Mr. Stevens -- 235,400 shares; and Mr.
Tarbutton -- 53,317 shares.
(f) Represents 600,000 shares of Mitchell common stock held by a family
limited partnership, the general partner of which is a limited liability
company that is owned in equal shares by the ten adult children of Mr. and
Mrs. Mitchell and for which J. Todd Mitchell acts as the sole manager. The
limited liability company owns a 0.1% general partnership interest in the
partnership, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell own a 5% limited partnership interest
in the partnership, and the trusts for the ten adult children of Mr. and
Mrs. Mitchell (including J. Todd Mitchell and M. Kent Mitchell) each owns
a 9.49% limited partnership interest in the partnership. Thus, each of the
ten adult children of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell (including J. Todd Mitchell
and M. Kent Mitchell) has an indirect pecuniary interest in 9.5% of these
shares. Without the prior approval of limited partners holding at least
51% of the partnership interests, the general partner may not authorize
certain significant actions outside the ordinary course of the limited
partnership's business, including the sale in any one calendar year of
more than 25% of the Mitchell common stock contributed to the limited
partnership by Mr. Mitchell or the distribution in kind of partnership
assets other than cash. J. Todd Mitchell disclaims beneficial ownership of
the shares of Mitchell common stock referred to in this note (f), except
to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(g) Excludes all shares referred to in note (f) of this table, of which M.
Kent Mitchell disclaims beneficial ownership.
COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF MITCHELL AND DEVON STOCKHOLDERS
The rights of Mitchell stockholders are currently governed by Texas law,
Mitchell's restated articles of incorporation, as amended, and Mitchell's
bylaws. Upon completion of the merger, Mitchell stockholders will become Devon
stockholders and their rights as Devon stockholders will be governed by Delaware
law, Devon's restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, Devon's amended
and restated bylaws and Devon's rights plan, dated as of August 17, 1999, as
amended, between Devon and Fleet National Bank (f/k/a BankBoston, N.A.) relating
to the rights to purchase shares of Devon common stock.
If the alternate structure is used to complete the transaction, the rights
of a stockholder of Devon Holdco will be substantially identical to the rights
of a Devon stockholder as described in this section. Devon Holdco is currently a
nominally capitalized Delaware corporation and is wholly owned by Devon. Devon
Holdco's certificate of incorporation and bylaws will be amended prior to
completing the transaction under the alternate structure to be substantially
identical in form and substance to the certificate of incorporation and bylaws
of Devon, except that Devon Holdco would not have a series of preferred stock
designated as 6.49% cumulative preferred stock, Series A, because that series of
preferred stock would be converted into preferred stock of the surviving
corporation of the merger involving Devon under the alternate structure. In
addition, Devon Holdco's board of directors will adopt a stockholder rights plan
prior to completing the transaction under the alternate structure that will be
substantially identical in form and substance to Devon's shareholder rights plan
as it existed on October 1, 2001.
The following describes the material differences between the rights of
Mitchell stockholders and the rights of Devon stockholders. It is not a complete
summary of the provisions affecting, and the differences between, the rights of
Mitchell stockholders and Devon stockholders. The summary is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the Texas Business Corporation Act; the Delaware
General Corporation Law; Mitchell's restated articles of incorporation, as
amended; Mitchell's bylaws; Devon's restated certificate of incorporation, as
amended; Devon's amended and restated bylaws; and Devon's rights plan. We refer
to
102
Devon's restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, as "Devon's charter,"
and to Mitchell's restated articles of incorporation, as amended, as "Mitchell's
charter" in the summary.
<Table>
<Caption>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
The authorized capital stock of Mitchell The authorized capital stock of Devon
consists of 200,000,000 shares of class A consists of 400,000,000 shares of common
common stock, par value $0.10 per share, and stock, par value $0.10 per share, 4,500,000
10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00
value $0.10 per share. per share, and one share of special voting
stock, par value $0.10 per share.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIZE OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Mitchell's board of directors has nine Devon's board of directors has nine members.
members. Mitchell's bylaws provide that the Devon's charter and bylaws provide that the
minimum number of directors is three, and number of directors will not be less than
that the actual number of directors may be three nor more than 20, and that the actual
fixed by the board of directors. number of directors may be fixed by a
majority of the board of directors.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUMULATIVE VOTING
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Mitchell's charter expressly prohibits Under Delaware law, stockholders of a
cumulative voting by Mitchell stockholders. Delaware corporation do not have the right to
cumulate their votes in the election of
directors, unless that right is granted in
the certificate of incorporation of the
corporation. Devon's charter expressly
prohibits cumulative voting by Devon
stockholders.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASSES OF DIRECTORS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Mitchell's charter and bylaws do not provide Devon's charter provides that its board of
for the classification of its board of directors is divided into three classes of
directors. directors, of as equal size as practicable,
with each class being elected to a staggered
three-year term.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Mitchell's bylaws provide that any director Under Delaware law, unless the certificate of
may be removed, with or without cause, by incorporation provides otherwise, a director
the affirmative vote of a majority of the of a Delaware corporation with a classified
votes of the issued and outstanding stock board may be removed only for cause and only
entitled to vote for the election of by the holders of a majority of the shares
directors given at a special meeting of the entitled to vote. Devon's charter is silent
stockholders called and held for that on this point and, accordingly, Devon's
purpose, or by the affirmative vote of a directors may be removed only in the manner
majority of its board of directors given at provided by Delaware law.
a special meeting of the board of directors
called and held for that purpose.
</Table>
<Table>
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</Table>
103
<Table>
<Caption>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Mitchell's bylaws provide that a vacancy Under Delaware law, unless the certificate of
occurring in the board of directors may be incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise,
filled by a majority of the directors, the board of directors of a corporation may
though less than a quorum, or by a sole fill any vacancy on the board, including
remaining director. A directorship to be vacancies resulting from an increase in the
filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors. Devon's charter provides
number of directors may be filled either by that newly created directorships resulting
election at an annual or special meeting of from any increase in the authorized number of
stockholders called for that purpose or by directors, or resulting from death,
the board of directors for a term of office resignation, disqualification, removal or
continuing only until the next election of other cause, may be filled only by the
one or more directors by the stockholders, affirmative vote of a majority of the
provided that the board of directors may not remaining directors.
fill more than two directorships during the
period between any two successive annual
meetings of stockholders.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
As permitted by Texas law, Mitchell's bylaws As permitted by Delaware law, Devon's charter
provide that any action required to be taken provides that any action required or
at an annual or special meeting of permitted to be taken by stockholders must be
stockholders may be taken without a meeting effected at a duly called annual or special
only if all stockholders entitled to vote meeting of stockholders. Devon's charter
with respect to the action consent in specifically prohibits stockholders from
writing to that action. taking action by written consent.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMENDMENTS TO CHARTER
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Under Texas law, an amendment to Mitchell's As permitted by Delaware law, Devon's charter
charter generally would require the approval provides that any alteration, amendment,
of the holders of at least two-thirds of the repeal or rescission of Devon's charter must
shares entitled to vote or, if any class is be approved by a majority of the authorized
entitled to vote separately, the approval of number of directors and by a majority of the
the holders of at least two-thirds of the combined voting power of the outstanding
shares of the class entitled to vote and at shares of voting stock, voting together as a
least two-thirds of the total shares single class, provided that any amendment
entitled to vote. related to the election of directors,
meetings of the stockholders, stockholder
consent, director liability, indemnification
or the required vote to amend Devon's charter
or bylaws requires the approval of 66 2/3% of
the combined voting power of the outstanding
shares of voting stock, voting together as a
single class.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
104
<Table>
<Caption>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Mitchell's bylaws may be amended or As permitted by Delaware law, Devon's charter
repealed, or new bylaws may be adopted, at provides that any alteration, amendment,
any annual or special meeting of the repeal or rescission of Devon's bylaws may be
stockholders by a majority of the total adopted either by the affirmative vote of at
votes of the stockholders or when least a majority of its board of directors or
stockholders are required to vote by class by the stockholders by the affirmative vote
by a majority of the appropriate class. of at least 66 2/3% of the combined voting
Mitchell's bylaws may also be amended or power of the outstanding shares of voting
repealed, or new bylaws may be adopted, by stock, voting together as a single class.
its board of directors at any meeting. In addition, Devon's charter authorizes
Devon's board of directors, without
additional authorization of the stockholders,
to adopt, amend or repeal Devon's bylaws,
including bylaws relating to (1) regulation
of the procedure for submission by the
stockholders of the nomination of directors,
(2) regulation of the attendance at annual or
special meetings of stockholders by persons
other than holders of record or their proxies
and (3) regulation of the business that may
properly be brought by a stockholder before
an annual or special meeting of stockholders.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Mitchell's bylaws provide that special Devon's charter and bylaws provide that
meetings of the stockholders may be called special meetings of the stockholders may be
by the holders of at least 10% of the called by a resolution adopted by a majority
outstanding stock entitled to vote at of Devon's board of directors or by its
meeting or by Mitchell's board of directors, Chairman of the Board or President, in either
Chairman of the Board or President. case with the concurrence of a majority of
its directors. Devon stockholders do not have
the ability to call a special meeting of the
stockholders.
</Table>
<Table>
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</Table>
105
<Table>
<Caption>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VOTE ON EXTRAORDINARY CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Unless the board of directors requires a Under Delaware law, a sale or other
greater vote, Texas law, with limited disposition of all or substantially all of a
exceptions, requires the affirmative vote of corporation's assets, a merger or
the holders of at least two-thirds of the consolidation of a corporation with another
outstanding shares entitled to vote to corporation or a dissolution of a corporation
approve a merger agreement, in addition to requires the affirmative vote of the
any required class vote. Similar voting corporation's board of directors (except in
requirements apply for statutory share limited circumstances) plus, with limited
exchanges or conversions. exceptions, the affirmative vote of a
Texas law generally requires the affirmative majority of the outstanding stock entitled to
vote of the holders of at least two-thirds vote on the transaction. Delaware law does
of the shares entitled to vote to approve not provide for statutory share exchanges.
the sale, lease, exchange or other Also, unlike the Texas corporate statute, the
disposition of all or substantially all a Delaware corporate statute does not define
corporation's assets if other than in the what constitutes a sale of substantially all
usual and regular course of business and, if of a corporation's assets.
any class of shares is entitled to vote as a
class on a transaction, the affirmative vote
of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of that class. Texas law
does not require stockholder approval of a
sale of assets in the usual and regular
course of business unless otherwise
specified in the articles of incorporation.
Under Texas law, a sale of assets is deemed
to be in the usual and regular course of
business if the corporation continues to
engage in one or more businesses or applies
a portion of the proceeds to the conduct of
a business in which it engages following the
transaction.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Under Texas law, any person who has been a Delaware law allows any stockholder the right
stockholder of a corporation for at least to inspect for any proper purpose the
six months immediately preceding the corporation's stock ledger, a list of its
stockholder's demand, or is the holder of at stockholders and its other books and records,
least 5% of the outstanding shares of a and to make copies or extracts from those
corporation, has the right to examine the documents. A proper purpose means a purpose
corporation's relevant books and records of reasonably related to the person's interest
account, minutes and share transfer records as a stockholder.
for any proper purpose.
</Table>
<Table>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
106
<Table>
<Caption>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Stockholders of a Texas corporation Delaware law provides for dissenters' rights
generally have the right to dissent from of appraisal with respect to mergers or
significant business transactions requiring consolidations. However, stockholders of a
stockholder approval, including mergers. Delaware corporation generally have no
However, a stockholder of a Texas appraisal rights in the event of a merger or
corporation has no right to dissent from any consolidation of a corporation if the stock
plan of merger pursuant to which there is a of the Delaware corporation is listed on a
single surviving or new domestic or foreign national securities exchange or the NASDAQ
corporation or with respect to any plan of National Market; is held of record by more
exchange if: than 2,000 stockholders; or in the case of a
- the shares held by the stockholder are merger for which stockholder approval is not
part of a class of shares listed on a required by statute, in each such case,
national securities exchange, listed on unless stockholders of the Delaware
the NASDAQ National Market or held of corporation are required to accept for their
record by not less than 2,000 holders; stock anything other than:
- the stockholder is not required to accept - shares of stock of the surviving
for his or her shares any consideration corporation or depositary receipts in respect
that is different than the consideration thereof, or shares of stock or depositary
to be received by other holders of the receipts of any other corporation whose
same class or series of shares held by share or depositary receipts will satisfy
such stockholder other than cash in lieu the listing or ownership requirements
of fractional shares; and described above; and
- the stockholder is not required to accept - cash in lieu of fractional shares.
any consideration other than shares of a Delaware law does not provide dissenters'
corporation that satisfy the requirements rights of appraisal in connection with the
of the first bullet point above and cash sale of substantially all the assets of a
in lieu of fractional shares. corporation, reclassification of stock or
The dissenters' rights of appraisal of other amendments to the certificate of
Mitchell stockholders in the merger are incorporation that adversely affect a class
summarized under "The Merger -- Dissenters' of stock.
Rights of Appraisal."
</Table>
<Table>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
107
<Table>
<Caption>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATE ANTI-TAKEOVER STATUTES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Texas law generally prohibits public Delaware law generally prohibits public
corporations from engaging in significant corporations from engaging in significant
business transactions, including mergers, business transactions, including mergers,
with a beneficial owner of 20% or more of with a holder of 15% or more of the
the corporation's stock for a period of corporation's stock for a period of three
three years after the holder exceeds that years after the holder exceeds that ownership
ownership level, unless: level, unless:
- the board approves either the transaction - the board approves either the transaction
in question or the acquisition of shares in question or the acquisition of shares by
by the affiliated stockholder prior to the the interested stockholder prior to the
interested stockholder's share acquisition time the stockholder becomes an interested
date; or stockholder based on its direct or indirect
- the transaction is approved by the holders ownership of 15% of the corporation's
of at least two-thirds of the stock; or
corporation's outstanding voting shares - when the interested stockholder exceeds the
not beneficially owned by the affiliated 15% threshold, it acquires at least 85% of
stockholder or its affiliates or the outstanding shares not held by certain
associates, at a meeting of stockholders affiliates, such as pursuant to a tender
not less than six months after the offer; or
affiliated stockholder's share acquisition - the transaction is approved by the board of
date. directors and the holders of at least
two-thirds of the corporation's shares
entitled to vote thereon, excluding the
shares held by the interested stockholder,
at a meeting of stockholders.
Delaware law does not require that this vote
occur at least six months after the
interested stockholder's share acquisition
date.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSTITUENCY STATUTE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Texas law expressly provides that, in Delaware law does not have such a provision
discharging a director's fiduciary duties, a in its corporate statute.
director, in considering the best interests
of the corporation, may consider the
long-term as well as the short-term
interests of the corporation and its
stockholders, including the possibility that
those interests may be best served by the
continued independence of the corporation.
</Table>
<Table>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
108
<Table>
<Caption>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Mitchell does not have a rights plan. Under Devon's rights plan, holders of Devon
common stock have one right with respect to
each share of Devon common stock held. The
certificates representing outstanding shares
of Devon common stock also evidence one right
for each share. Currently, the rights trade
with the shares of Devon common stock. Upon
the occurrence of events generally associated
with an unsolicited takeover attempt of Devon
or transactions involving a change of
control, the rights will be distributed, will
become exercisable and will be tradeable
separately from Devon common stock.
If a person or group becomes the beneficial
owner of, or commences a tender or exchange
offer for, 15% or more of the voting shares
of Devon, then each right would entitle the
holders other than the acquiring person or
group to purchase Devon common stock having a
market value equal to twice the applicable
purchase price.
The rights do not become exercisable as a
result of a stock acquisition by a tender or
exchange offer for all outstanding shares of
Devon common stock that is determined by the
independent directors of Devon to be fair,
not inadequate and otherwise in the best
interest of Devon and its stockholders.
The rights have some anti-takeover effects.
They will cause substantial dilution to a
person or group that attempts to acquire
Devon in a manner that causes the rights to
become exercisable. The rights may be
redeemed by Devon's board of directors for
$0.01 per right. The terms of the rights plan
may be amended by Devon's board of directors
without the consent of the holders of the
Devon common stock or the rights.
Devon's board of directors amended the rights
plan on October 4, 2001 to exempt the merger
agreement and the transactions that it
contemplates from the application of the
rights plan.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL VOTING STOCK
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
Mitchell does not have special voting stock. Devon's charter provides for one share of
special voting stock that is entitled to the
number of votes equal to the number of
exchangeable shares of Devon's subsidiary,
Northstar Energy Corporation, outstanding
from time to time that are held by persons
other than Devon or its subsidiaries.
</Table>
<Table>
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</Table>
109
<Table>
<Caption>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell Devon
A Mitchell stockholder must give notice, in A Devon stockholder must give notice, in
proper form, of director nominations and proper form, of director nominations or
proposed business to be conducted at an proposals for each annual meeting to the
annual meeting of stockholders to the secretary between 90 and 120 days before the
secretary between 20 and 60 days prior to one-year anniversary of the last annual
the meeting. If less than 30 days' prior meeting. If the date of the annual meeting is
notice or prior public disclosure of the moved more than 30 days before or after the
date of the meeting is given or made to anniversary date, a stockholder notice must
stockholders, the stockholder notice must be be given to the secretary between 70 and 90
received within 10 days after the date the days prior to the date of the meeting, or
notice of the meeting was mailed or the within 10 days after the public announcement
public disclosure was made. of the date of the meeting, if later. For a
special meeting called to elect directors, a
stockholder must give notice, in proper form,
of director nominations to the secretary
within 10 days after the public announcement
of the date of the meeting.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
110
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DEADLINE FOR FUTURE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Whether or not the transaction is completed as expected, Devon or Devon
Holdco, as the case may be, will hold an annual stockholders' meeting in 2002.
If the transaction is not completed, Mitchell will hold an annual stockholders'
meeting in 2002.
Devon 2002 Annual Meeting
Any Devon stockholder desiring to present a proposal for inclusion in
Devon's proxy statement for the Devon 2002 annual meeting of stockholders must
have presented the proposal to the Corporate Secretary of Devon by December 10,
2001. Only those proposals that comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 will be included in
Devon's proxy statement for Devon's 2002 annual meeting. Written notice of
stockholder proposals submitted outside the process of Rule 14a-8 for
consideration at Devon's 2002 annual meeting, but not included in Devon's proxy
statement, must be received by the Corporate Secretary of Devon between January
17, 2002 and February 16, 2002 in order to be considered timely, subject to any
provisions of Devon's bylaws. The chairman of the meeting may determine that any
proposal for which Devon did not receive timely notice shall not be considered
at the meeting. If, in the discretion of the chairman, any such proposal is to
be considered at the meeting, the persons designated in Devon's proxy statement
shall be granted discretionary authority with respect to the untimely
stockholder proposal.
Mitchell 2002 Annual Meeting
In order to be included in the proxy materials for Mitchell's 2002 annual
meeting of stockholders, stockholder proposals must have been received by
Mitchell by December 6, 2001.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities to be issued in the transaction will be
passed upon for Devon and Devon Holdco by Mayer, Brown & Platt. We expect that
the opinions referred to in the discussion set forth under "Material Federal
Income Tax Considerations" will be provided to Devon or Devon Holdco by Mayer,
Brown & Platt and to Mitchell by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
represents Devon from time to time in matters unrelated to the merger.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Mitchell and its subsidiaries as
of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2000 included in Mitchell's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2000, incorporated by reference into this document,
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are incorporated by
reference herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing in giving said reports.
The consolidated financial statements of Devon and its subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2000, 1999, and 1998 and for each of the years then ended have been
incorporated by reference into this document in reliance on the report of KPMG
LLP, independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference into
this document, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing. The report of KPMG LLP expresses reliance on other auditors for 1999
and 1998.
The consolidated financial statements of Northstar Energy Corporation as of
and for the year ended December 31, 1998, not separately presented in this
Registration Statement on Form S-4 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
Chartered Accountants, whose report thereon appears in Devon's 2000 Annual
Report on Form 10-K, incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated
financial statements, to the extent they have been included in the consolidated
financial statements of Devon, have been so
111
included in reliance on the report of such independent accountants given on the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The audited consolidated financial statements of Santa Fe Snyder
Corporation as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and for the years then ended, not
separately presented in this Devon Energy Corporation and Devon Holdco
Corporation Registration Statement on Form S-4, have been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, whose report thereon
appears in Devon Energy Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2000, incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated
financial statements, to the extent they have been included in the consolidated
financial statements of Devon Energy Corporation, have been so included in
reliance on the report of such independent accountants given on the authority of
said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The consolidated balance sheet of Devon Holdco Corporation and its
subsidiaries as of October 18, 2001 has been included in this document and in
the registration statement of which this document is a part in reliance on the
report of KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants, appearing
elsewhere in this document and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Anderson Exploration Ltd. as of
September 30, 2000 and 2001, and for each of the years in the three-year period
ended September 30, 2001 have been included in this document and in the
registration statement of which this document is a part in reliance on the
report of KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants, appearing elsewhere in this document
and on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Certain information with respect to Devon's oil and gas reserves derived
from the reports of LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd., Ryder Scott Company,
L.P., AMH Group, Ltd. and Paddock Lindstrom & Associates, Ltd., independent
consulting petroleum engineers, has been included and incorporated by reference
into this document on the authority of said firms as experts with respect to
matters covered by such reports and in giving such reports.
Certain information relating to Anderson's oil and gas reserves derived
from the reports of Gilbert Laustsen Jung Associates Ltd., independent
consulting petroleum engineers, has been included in this document on the
authority of said firm as experts with respect to such reports and in giving
such reports.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Devon and Devon Holdco have filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933 that
register the distribution of the shares of Devon common stock to be issued to
Mitchell stockholders in connection with the merger and the distribution of the
shares of Devon Holdco common stock to be issued to Devon and Mitchell
stockholders if the alternate structure is used to complete the transaction.
Those registration statements, including the attached exhibits and schedules,
contain additional relevant information about Devon, Devon common stock, Devon
Holdco and Devon Holdco common stock. The rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission allow us to omit some of the information
included in the registration statements from this document.
In addition, Devon and Mitchell file reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. You may read and copy that information at the Securities
and Exchange Commission's public reference room at the following location:
Public Reference Room
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Room 1024
Washington, D.C. 20549
1-800-732-0330
112
You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public
Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.
The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains an Internet world
wide website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about
issuers, including Devon and Mitchell, that file electronically with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The address of that site is
http://www.sec.gov.
The Securities and Exchange Commission allows Devon and Mitchell to
"incorporate by reference" information into this document. This means that Devon
and Mitchell can disclose important information by referring you to another
document filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this document,
except for any information that is superseded by information that is included
directly in this document.
This document incorporates by reference the documents listed below that
Devon and Mitchell have previously filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The documents contain important information about Devon and Mitchell
and their respective financial conditions.
<Table>
<Caption>
MITCHELL'S FILINGS (FILE NO. 1-6959) PERIOD
- ------------------------------------ ------
Annual Report on Form 10-K............................. Year ended December 31, 2000
Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A................... Year ended December 31, 2000
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q......................... Quarters ended:
- March 31, 2001
- June 30, 2001
- September 30, 2001
Current Report on Form 8-K............................. Filed on August 14, 2001
The description of Mitchell capital stock set forth in the registration statement on
Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-58180) filed by Mitchell with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 3, 2001, including any amendment or report filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of updating that description.
</Table>
113
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON'S FILINGS (FILE NO. 0-30176) PERIOD
- ---------------------------------- ------
Annual Report on Form 10-K............................. Year ended December 31, 2000
Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A................... Year ended December 31, 2000
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q......................... Quarters ended:
- March 31, 2001
- June 30, 2001
- September 30, 2001
Amended Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q/A............... Quarters ended:
- March 31, 2001
- June 30, 2001
Current Reports on Form 8-K............................ Filed on:
- January 30, 2001
- September 20, 2001
- September 26, 2001
- September 27, 2001
- October 3, 2001
- October 11, 2001
- October 12, 2001
- October 26, 2001
- October 31, 2001
- November 1, 2001 (two
filings)
- November 28, 2001
- December 3, 2001
- December 12, 2001
The description of Devon capital stock set forth in the registration statement on
Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-50034) filed by Devon with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 15, 2000, including any amendment or report filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of updating that description.
</Table>
Devon and Mitchell also incorporate by reference additional documents that
either company may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 between
the date of this document and the date of the Mitchell and Devon stockholders'
meetings. Those documents include periodic reports such as Annual Reports on
Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as
well as proxy statements.
You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference into this
document through Devon or Mitchell, as the case may be, or from the Securities
and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Documents incorporated
by reference are available from Devon and Mitchell without charge, excluding any
exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by
reference into this document. You may obtain documents incorporated by reference
into this document by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the
appropriate company as follows:
<Table>
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. Devon Energy Corporation
2001 Timberloch Place -- P.O. Box 4000 20 North Broadway, Suite 1500
Attention: Investor Relations Attention: Investor Relations
The Woodlands, Texas 77387-4000 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102-8260
Telephone: (713) 377-6625 Telephone: (405) 552-4570
</Table>
If you would like to request documents incorporated by reference, please do
so by January 16, 2002, to receive them before the meeting. Please be sure to
include your complete name and address in your request. If you request any
documents, we will mail them to you by first class mail, or another equally
prompt means, within one business day after we receive your request.
Neither Devon nor Mitchell has authorized anyone to give any information or
make any representation about the transaction, Devon or Mitchell, that is
different from, or in addition to, the
114
information contained in this document or in any of the materials that we have
incorporated into this document by reference. Therefore, if anyone does give you
information of this sort, you should not rely on it. If you are in a
jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell, or solicitations of offers to
exchange or purchase, the securities offered by this document or the
solicitation of proxies is unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is
unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this
document does not extend to you. The information contained in this document
speaks only as of the date of this document unless the information specifically
indicates that another date applies.
TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRARS
EquiServe Trust Company is the transfer agent and registrar for Devon
common stock and would be expected to be the transfer agent and registrar for
Devon Holdco common stock. CIBC Mellon Trust Company is the Canadian
co-registrar for Devon common stock and the transfer agent and registrar for
Northstar exchangeable shares. In addition, CIBC Mellon Trust Company is the
trustee under the voting and exchange trust agreement. The transfer agent for
Mitchell common stock is Mellon Investor Services LLC. You may write to or
telephone the appropriate company as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON COMMON STOCK AND NORTHSTAR EXCHANGEABLE SHARES MITCHELL COMMON STOCK
---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. CIBC Mellon Trust Company Mellon Investor Services LLC
Client Administration P.O. Box 1036 85 Challenger Road
P.O. Box 8029 Adelaide Street Postal Station Overpeck Centre
Boston, MA 02266-8029 Toronto, Ontario M5C 2K4 Ridgefield Park, New Jersey
(800) 733-5001 (800) 387-0825 07660-2104
http://www.equiserve.com http://www.cibcmellon.ca (800) 522-6645
http://www.mellon-investor.com
</Table>
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Devon and Mitchell have made forward-looking statements in this document
and in the documents incorporated by reference into this document, which are
subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on the beliefs
and assumptions of our managements and on the information currently available to
them.
Statements and calculations concerning oil, natural gas and NGL reserves
and their present value also are forward-looking statements in that they reflect
the determination, based on estimates and assumptions, that oil, natural gas and
NGL reserves may be profitably exploited in the future. When used or referred to
in this document or the documents incorporated by reference into this document,
these forward-looking statements may be preceded by, followed by or otherwise
include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans,"
"estimates," "projects" or similar expressions, or statements that certain
events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. Forward-looking statements in this
document also include:
- statements regarding Devon's expectation that the merger will be
accretive to its reserves per share, production per share, cash margin
per share and earnings per share;
- statements relating to the cost savings that Devon anticipates from the
merger and Devon's acquisition of Anderson;
- statements regarding the number and location of undrilled well locations
and planned wells;
- statements relating to future reserve replacement;
- statements with respect to various actions to be taken or requirements to
be met in connection with completing the transaction and Devon's
acquisition of Anderson or integrating Devon, Mitchell and Anderson; and
- statements relating to revenue, income and operations of the combined
company after the transaction is completed and Devon's acquisition of
Anderson.
These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
described in the forward-looking statements. The
115
following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially
from those described in the forward-looking statements:
- expected cost savings from the merger or Devon's acquisition of Anderson
may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame;
- revenue of the combined company following the transaction and Devon's
acquisition of Anderson may be lower than expected;
- assumptions about energy markets, production levels, reserve levels,
operating results, competitive conditions, technology, the availability
of capital resources and capital expenditure obligations may prove to be
incorrect;
- changes may occur in the supply and demand for oil, natural gas, NGLs and
the other products or services provided or consumed by our three
companies;
- changes may occur in the price of oil, natural gas, NGLs and the other
products or services provided or consumed by our three companies;
- costs or difficulties related to obtaining regulatory approvals for
completing the transaction and, following the transaction, to the
integration of the businesses of Devon, Mitchell and Anderson, may be
greater than expected;
- general economic conditions, either internationally or nationally or in
the jurisdictions in which Devon, Mitchell or Anderson is doing business,
may be less favorable than expected;
- legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in environmental
regulation, may adversely affect the businesses in which Devon, Mitchell
and Anderson are engaged;
- there may be environmental risks and liability under federal, state and
foreign environmental laws and regulations; and
- changes may occur in the securities or capital markets.
Except for its ongoing obligations to disclose material information as
required by the federal securities laws, neither Devon nor Mitchell has any
intention or obligation to update these forward-looking statements after it
distributes this document.
COMMONLY USED OIL AND GAS TERMS
The following are abbreviations and definitions of terms commonly used in
the oil and gas industry and in this document:
"Bbl" means one stock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume of oil
or NGLs.
"Bcf" means one billion cubic feet.
"Boe" means barrel of oil equivalent, determined by using the ratio of one
Bbl of oil or NGLs to six Mcf of natural gas.
"BTUs" means British thermal units, a measure of heating value.
"gross acres" or "gross wells" means the total acres or number of wells in
which a working interest is owned.
"MBbls" means one thousand Bbls.
"MBoe" means one thousand Boe.
"Mcf" means thousand cubic feet.
"Mcfe" means one thousand cubic feet equivalent of natural gas, determined
using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of oil or NGLs.
"MMBbls" means one million Bbls.
116
"MMBoe" means one million Boe.
"MMcf" means one million cubic feet.
"MTBE" means methyl tertiary butyl ether.
"net acres" or "net wells" means the sum of the fractional working
interests owned in gross acres or gross wells.
"NGL" or "NGLs" means natural gas liquids.
"oil" includes crude oil and condensate.
"proved reserves" are the estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas
and NGLs that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable
certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing
economic and operating conditions (i.e., prices and costs as of the date the
estimate is made). Prices include consideration of changes in existing prices
provided only by contractual arrangements, but not on escalations based on
future conditions.
(1) Reservoirs are considered proved if economic producibility is
supported by either actual production or conclusive formation test. The
area of a reservoir considered proved includes:
(A) that portion delineated by drilling and defined by gas-oil
and/or oil-water contacts, if any; and
(B) the immediately adjoining portions not yet drilled, but which
can be reasonably judged as economically productive on the basis of
available geological and engineering data. In the absence of information
on fluid contacts, the lowest known structural occurrence of
hydrocarbons controls the lower proved limit of the reservoir.
(2) Reserves that can be produced economically through application of
improved recovery techniques (such as fluid injection) are included in the
"proved" classification when successful testing by a pilot project, or the
operation of an installed program in the reservoir, provides support for
the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based.
(3) Estimates of proved reserves do not include the following:
(A) oil that may become available from known reservoirs but is
classified separately as "indicated additional reserves;"
(B) crude oil, natural gas and NGLs, the recovery of which is
subject to reasonable doubt because of uncertainty as to geology,
reservoir characteristics or economic factors;
(C) crude oil, natural gas and NGLs, that may occur in undrilled
prospects; and
(D) crude oil, natural and NGLs, that may be recovered from oil
shales, coal, gilsonite and other such sources.
"Tcfe" means one trillion cubic feet equivalent of natural gas, determined
by using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of oil or NGLs.
117
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information relates to
the merger between Devon and Mitchell, whereby Devon will acquire all of
Mitchell's outstanding common shares with 0.585 shares of Devon common stock
plus $31 per Mitchell common share in cash. The unaudited pro forma combined
financial information also includes the effects of Devon's October 17, 2001
acquisition of Anderson for approximately $3.5 billion. The unaudited pro forma
combined financial information includes a balance sheet as of September 30,
2001, which assumes the acquisitions of Mitchell and Anderson occurred on that
date. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information also includes
statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the nine
months ended September 30, 2001, which assume the acquisitions occurred on
January 1, 2000.
The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information has been
prepared to assist in your analysis of the financial effects of the merger. This
pro forma information is based on the historical financial statements of Devon
and Mitchell and should be read in conjunction with those historical financial
statements and related notes, which are incorporated by reference into this
document. The pro forma information also includes the effect on Devon of its
acquisition of Anderson. You should read the historical consolidated financial
statements and related notes of Anderson that are included elsewhere in this
document.
If the alternate structure is used to complete the transaction, the
combined company's pro forma data would be substantially identical to the pro
forma information presented in this section.
The pro forma information is based on the estimates and assumptions set
forth in the notes to such information. The pro forma information is preliminary
and is being furnished solely for information purposes and, therefore, is not
necessarily indicative of the results of operations or financial position that
might have been achieved for the dates or periods indicated, nor is it
necessarily indicative of the results of operations or financial position that
may occur in the future.
Anderson's historical financial information is prepared in accordance with
accounting standards generally accepted in Canada, and is presented in Canadian
dollars. Anderson's historical volumetric production data is prepared in
accordance with the Canadian convention whereby such production data is shown
before applicable royalty deductions. Also, Anderson's fiscal year ends on
September 30, as opposed to Devon's year-end of December 31. For purposes of
providing the pro forma effect of the Anderson acquisition on Devon's financial
condition and results of operations, the following adjustments were made to
Anderson's historical financial data:
- Anderson's historical results for the year ended September 30, 2000 were
converted to results for the year ended December 31, 2000. This
conversion was done by subtracting Anderson's historical interim results
for the three months ended December 31, 1999 and adding its historical
interim results for the three months ended December 31, 2000. Anderson's
historical results for the year ended September 30, 2001 were converted
to results for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. This conversion
was done by subtracting Anderson's historical interim results for the
three months ended December 31, 2000.
- Anderson's balance sheet data as of September 30, 2001, and its results
of operations for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the nine months
ended September 30, 2001, were converted to accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States, including the full cost method
of accounting for oil and gas properties. Such information was also
converted to U.S. dollars using the appropriate exchange rates.
- Anderson's historical volumetric production data was converted to the
U.S. convention whereby such production data is shown after applicable
royalty deductions.
118
The information was prepared based on the following:
- Devon uses the full cost method of accounting for its oil and gas
activities, while Mitchell uses the successful efforts method. Pro forma
adjustments have been made to estimate the effect of converting
Mitchell's successful efforts method to Devon's full cost method.
- Devon will account for the merger and the Anderson acquisition using the
purchase method of accounting.
- The unaudited pro forma balance sheet has been prepared as if the merger
and the Anderson acquisition occurred on September 30, 2001. The
unaudited pro forma statements of operations have been prepared as if the
merger and the Anderson acquisition occurred on January 1, 2000.
- In the nine-month period ended September 30, 2001, Devon recognized a
$49.5 million after-tax gain from the cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle. This related to Devon's adoption, as of January 1,
2001, of a new accounting principle related to accounting for derivative
financial instruments. The $49.5 million gain is not included in the
unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the nine months
ended September 30, 2001.
- We have not reflected as an adjustment to the historical data annual cost
savings of approximately $20 million and $25 million that Devon expects
to result from the elimination of duplicate expenses after the merger and
the Anderson acquisition, respectively.
- In June 2000, Anderson sold its 50% interest in a pipeline transportation
company. For the year ended December 31, 2000, Anderson recognized
earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $44.2 million. This
gain is not included in the summary unaudited pro forma combined
statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2000.
No pro forma adjustments have been made with respect to the following
unusual items. These items are reflected in the historical results of Devon,
Anderson or Mitchell, as applicable, and should be considered when making
period-to-period comparisons:
- In 2000, Devon recognized $60.4 million of expenses related to its merger
with Santa Fe Snyder Corporation. Devon accounted for the Santa Fe Snyder
merger using the pooling-of-interests method of accounting and,
therefore, the expenses incurred related to the merger were expensed. The
after-tax effect of these expenses in 2000 was $37.2 million.
- In 2000, Mitchell realized income tax savings of $12.8 million related to
prior years' Section 29 tax credits and $6.3 million related to the
reversal of prior years' deferred income taxes.
- In 2000, Mitchell recognized a $4.9 million gain from the exchange of
certain gas services assets. Also in 2000, Mitchell recognized a $10.8
million impairment expense related to other gas services assets. Net of
tax, these two events reduced Mitchell's 2000 net earnings by $3.8
million.
- On May 17, 2000, Anderson acquired all the outstanding shares of Ulster
Petroleums Ltd. The summary unaudited pro forma combined statements of
operations do not include any results from Ulster's operations prior to
May 17, 2000.
- On February 12, 2001, Anderson acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Numac Energy Inc. The summary unaudited pro forma combined statements of
operations do not include any results from Numac's operations prior to
February 12, 2001.
- During the first nine months of 2001, Devon elected to discontinue
operations in Malaysia, Qatar, Thailand and on certain properties in
Brazil. Accordingly, during the first nine months of 2001, Devon recorded
an $87.9 million charge associated with the impairment of those
properties. The after-tax effect of this reduction was $68.8 million.
- Anderson had a compensation plan pursuant to which it periodically issued
awards referred to as "share appreciation rights" under which employees
could earn compensation based on increases in the market price of
Anderson's stock. Anderson awarded these rights in lieu of stock option
grants.
119
Pro forma general and administrative expenses reported in the
accompanying unaudited pro forma statements of operations for the year
ended December 31, 2000 and the nine months ended September 30, 2001
include $4.6 million and $5.6 million, respectively, of expenses related
to these plans. After taxes, these plans had the effect of decreasing
unaudited pro forma net earnings in the 2000 and 2001 periods by $2.6
million and $3.2 million, respectively. Devon acquired all outstanding
rights as part of the Anderson acquisition. Accordingly, these rights
will not affect the combined company's net earnings subsequent to the
closing of the Anderson acquisition.
- Mitchell has incentive compensation plans pursuant to which it has
periodically issued awards referred to as "bonus units" under which
employees can earn compensation based on increases in the market price of
Mitchell common stock. Mitchell generally awards these bonus units in
lieu of stock option grants. Pro forma general and administrative
expenses reported in the accompanying unaudited pro forma statements of
operations for the year 2000 and the nine months ended September 30,
2001, include $21.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of expense
related to these plans. After taxes, these plans had the effect of
decreasing unaudited pro forma net earnings in the 2000 and 2001 periods
by $13.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Devon will not issue
such bonus units after the merger.
- Devon's historical results of operations for the year 2000 and the first
nine months of 2001 include $41.3 million and $25.4 million,
respectively, of amortization expense for goodwill related to previous
mergers. As of January 1, 2002, in accordance with new accounting
pronouncements recently issued, such goodwill will cease to be amortized
and, instead, will be tested for impairment at least annually. No
goodwill amortization expense has been recognized in the pro forma
statements of operations for the goodwill related to the merger and the
Anderson acquisition.
120
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON
PRO FORMA MITCHELL
AFTER ANDERSON PRO FORMA COMBINED
ACQUISITION MITCHELL ADJUSTMENTS COMPANY
(NOTES 1 AND 8) HISTORICAL (NOTE 3) PRO FORMA
--------------- ---------- ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS:
Current assets......................... $ 965,299 $ 187,424 $ -- $ 1,152,723
Property and equipment, net............ 9,716,235 1,547,171 1,447,504(a) 12,710,910
Investment in common stock of
ChevronTexaco Corporation............ 601,083 -- -- 601,083
Goodwill, net.......................... 2,242,062 -- 1,419,015(a) 3,661,077
Fair value of derivative instruments... 151,415 -- -- 151,415
Other assets........................... 274,639 47,111 (479)(a) 332,975
11,704(c)
----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total assets................. $13,950,733 $1,781,706 $2,877,744 $18,610,183
=========== ========== ========== ===========
LIABILITIES:
Current liabilities.................... $ 885,110 $ 327,576 $ 87,184(a) $ 1,299,870
Debentures exchangeable into shares of
ChevronTexaco Corporation common
stock................................ 645,461 -- -- 645,461
Other long-term debt................... 5,780,298 270,855 1,555,828(c) 7,618,685
11,704(c)
Other long-term liabilities............ 234,723 95,514 (21,614)(a) 308,623
Fair value of derivative instruments... 108,548 -- -- 108,548
Deferred income taxes.................. 2,527,588 263,037 540,262(a) 3,330,887
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock........................ 1,500 -- -- 1,500
Common stock........................... 12,977 5,386 2,936(a) 15,913
(5,386)(b)
Additional paid-in capital............. 3,594,814 152,479 1,526,168(a) 5,120,982
(152,479)(b)
Retained earnings...................... 380,049 756,704 (756,704)(b) 380,049
Accumulated other comprehensive loss... (29,542) (8,896) 8,896(b) (29,542)
Treasury stock......................... (190,387) (80,949) 80,949(b) (190,387)
Other.................................. (406) -- -- (406)
----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity... 3,769,005 824,724 704,380 5,298,109
----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity....... $13,950,733 $1,781,706 $2,877,744 $18,610,183
=========== ========== ========== ===========
</Table>
121
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON
PRO FORMA MITCHELL MITCHELL
AFTER ANDERSON HISTORICAL PRO FORMA COMBINED
ACQUISITION RECLASSIFIED ADJUSTMENTS COMPANY
(NOTES 1 AND 8) (NOTE 6) (NOTE 3) PRO FORMA
--------------- ------------ ----------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
REVENUE:
Oil sales................................ $1,326,725 $ 57,516 $ -- $1,384,241
Gas sales................................ 2,140,726 380,981 -- 2,521,707
NGL sales................................ 250,344 91,588 -- 341,932
Gas services revenue..................... 60,960 1,140,906 -- 1,201,866
Other revenue............................ 43,357 4,094 -- 47,451
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total revenue.................. 3,822,112 1,675,085 -- 5,497,197
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Lease operating expenses................. 594,853 45,101 -- 639,954
Transportation costs..................... 93,018 25,817 -- 118,835
Production taxes......................... 106,433 21,987 -- 128,420
Exploration expenses..................... -- 12,028 (12,028)(f) --
Gas services costs and expenses.......... 32,646 951,446 -- 984,092
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
of property and equipment.............. 996,574 155,376 39,503(d) 1,191,453
Amortization of goodwill................. 41,332 -- -- 41,332
General and administrative expenses...... 133,408 79,556 (7,673)(f) 205,291
Expenses related to previous mergers..... 60,373 -- -- 60,373
Interest expense......................... 423,624 25,817 51,661(e) 501,102
Deferred effect of changes in foreign
currency exchange rate on subsidiary's
long-term debt......................... 3,168 -- -- 3,168
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total costs and expenses....... 2,485,429 1,317,128 71,463 3,874,020
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Earnings before income tax expense....... 1,336,683 357,957 (71,463) 1,623,177
INCOME TAX EXPENSE:
Current.................................. 144,534 46,766 (20,148)(g) 171,152
Deferred................................. 365,007 54,045 (6,931)(g) 412,121
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total income tax expense....... 509,541 100,811 (27,079) 583,273
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net earnings............................. 827,142 257,146 (44,384) 1,039,904
Preferred stock dividends................ 9,735 -- -- 9,735
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net earnings applicable to common
stockholders........................... $ 817,407 $ 257,146 $ (44,384) $1,030,169
========== ========== ========= ==========
Net earnings per average common share
outstanding:
Basic.................................. $ 6.42 $ 5.22 $ 6.59
Diluted................................ 6.24 5.13 6.42
Weighted average common shares
outstanding:
Basic.................................. 127,421 49,291 156,256
Diluted................................ 131,730 50,084 161,029
</Table>
122
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
DEVON
PRO FORMA
AFTER MITCHELL MITCHELL
ANDERSON HISTORICAL PRO FORMA COMBINED
ACQUISITION RECLASSIFIED ADJUSTMENTS COMPANY
(NOTES 1 AND 8) (NOTE 6) (NOTE 3) PRO FORMA
--------------- ------------ ----------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
REVENUE:
Oil sales.................................... $ 941,405 $ 38,938 $ -- $ 980,343
Gas sales.................................... 2,195,227 438,991 -- 2,634,218
NGL sales.................................... 177,500 70,012 -- 247,512
Gas services revenue......................... 52,101 948,517 -- 1,000,618
Other revenue................................ 26,242 (2,488) -- 23,754
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Total revenue...................... 3,392,475 1,493,970 -- 4,886,445
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Lease operating expenses..................... 532,075 44,240 -- 576,315
Transportation costs......................... 89,380 23,761 -- 113,141
Production taxes............................. 99,484 22,597 -- 122,081
Exploration expenses......................... -- 13,214 (13,214)(f) --
Gas services costs and expenses.............. 33,918 846,377 -- 880,295
Depreciation, depletion and amortization of
property and equipment..................... 845,660 169,290 (4,151)(d) 1,010,799
Amortization of goodwill..................... 25,384 -- -- 25,384
General and administrative expenses.......... 110,217 46,846 (6,300)(f) 150,763
Interest expense............................. 319,493 10,697 38,746(e) 368,936
Deferred effect of changes in foreign
currency exchange rate on subsidiary's
long-term debt............................. 14,719 -- -- 14,719
Change in fair value of derivative
instruments................................ 17,496 -- -- 17,496
Reduction of carrying value of oil and gas
properties................................. 87,853 -- -- 87,853
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Total costs and expenses........... 2,175,679 1,177,022 15,081 3,367,782
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Earnings before income tax expense........... 1,216,796 316,948 (15,081) 1,518,663
INCOME TAX EXPENSE:
Current...................................... 128,965 41,447 (14,723)(g) 155,689
Deferred..................................... 358,951 64,070 8,993(g) 432,014
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Total income tax expense........... 487,916 105,517 (5,730) 587,703
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Net earnings before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle............. 728,880 211,431 (9,351) 930,960
Preferred stock dividends.................... 7,301 -- -- 7,301
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Net earnings applicable to common
stockholders............................... $ 721,579 $ 211,431 $ (9,351) $ 923,659
========== ========== ======== ==========
Net earnings per average common share
outstanding:
Basic...................................... $ 5.63 $ 4.24 $ 5.87
Diluted.................................... 5.43 4.15 5.68
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic...................................... 128,274 49,904 157,468
Diluted.................................... 133,982 50,893 163,754
</Table>
123
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited pro forma balance sheet and statements of
operations present the pro forma effects of Devon's proposed merger with
Mitchell. On October 17, 2001, Devon completed its acquisition of Anderson
Exploration Ltd. Devon paid approximately $3.5 billion to acquire all of
Anderson's outstanding common shares and to pay for the intrinsic value of
Anderson's outstanding options and appreciation rights. The accompanying
unaudited pro forma financial statements present the effect of the Mitchell
merger on Devon's financial position and results of operations, assuming that
the Anderson acquisition had already occurred. See Note 8 for the unaudited pro
forma statements that combine, on a pro forma basis, the financial positions and
results of operations of Devon and Anderson.
2. METHOD OF ACCOUNTING FOR THE MERGER
Devon will account for the merger using the purchase method of accounting
for business combinations. Accordingly, Mitchell's assets acquired and
liabilities assumed by Devon will be revalued and recorded at their estimated
"fair values." In the merger, Devon will pay $31.00 in cash and issue 0.585 of a
share of Devon common stock for each outstanding share of Mitchell common stock.
On a pro forma basis, assuming that the merger had occurred on September 30,
2001, this would have resulted in Devon paying approximately $1.6 billion in
cash and issuing approximately 29.4 million shares of its common stock to
Mitchell stockholders.
The purchase price of Mitchell's net assets acquired will be based on the
total value of the cash paid and the Devon common stock issued to the Mitchell
stockholders. The value of the Devon common stock issued is based on the average
closing price of Devon's common stock for a period of three days before and
after the public announcement of the merger. This average closing price equaled
$50.95 per share.
124
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
3. PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS RELATED TO THE MERGER
The unaudited pro forma balance sheet includes the following adjustments:
(a) This entry adjusts the historical book values of Mitchell's assets
and liabilities to their estimated fair values as of September 30, 2001.
The calculation of the total purchase price and the preliminary allocation
to assets and liabilities are shown below.
<Table>
<Caption>
(IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT FOR SHARE
PRICE)
Calculation and preliminary allocation of purchase price:
Shares of Devon common stock to be issued to Mitchell
stockholders........................................... 29,360
Average Devon stock price................................. $ 50.95
----------
Fair value of common stock to be issued................... 1,495,892
Cash to be paid to Mitchell stockholders, calculated at
$31 per outstanding common share of Mitchell........... 1,555,828
----------
Fair value of Devon common stock and cash to be issued to
Mitchell stockholders.................................. 3,051,720
Plus estimated merger costs to be incurred................ 90,000
Plus fair value of Mitchell employee stock options to be
assumed by Devon....................................... 33,212
----------
Total purchase price.............................. 3,174,932
Plus fair value of liabilities to be assumed by Devon:
Current liabilities....................................... 324,760
Long-term debt............................................ 270,855
Other long-term liabilities............................... 73,900
Deferred income taxes..................................... 803,299
----------
Total purchase price plus liabilities assumed..... $4,647,746
==========
Fair value of assets to be acquired by Devon:
Current assets............................................ $ 187,424
Proved oil and gas properties............................. 1,455,996
Unproved oil and gas properties........................... 695,679
Gas services facilities and equipment..................... 840,000
Other property and equipment.............................. 3,000
Other assets.............................................. 46,632
Goodwill.................................................. 1,419,015
----------
Total fair value of assets to be acquired......... $4,647,746
==========
</Table>
The total purchase price includes the value of the cash and Devon common
stock to be issued to Mitchell stockholders. The total purchase price also
includes:
- $90.0 million of estimated merger costs. These costs include investment
banking expenses, severance, legal and accounting fees, printing expenses
and other merger-related costs. These costs have been added to current
liabilities in the unaudited pro forma balance sheet.
- $33.2 million of Devon employee stock options to be issued in exchange
for existing vested Mitchell employee stock options. The value of these
options is added to additional paid-in capital in the unaudited pro forma
balance sheet.
The purchase price allocation is preliminary and is subject to change due
to several factors, including: (1) changes in the fair values of Mitchell's
assets and liabilities as of the effective time of the merger; (2) the actual
merger costs incurred; (3) the number of Mitchell shares and stock options
outstanding as of the effective time of the merger; and (4) changes in Devon's
valuation estimates that may be made
125
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
between now and the effective time of the merger. These changes will not be
known until after the effective time of the merger. However, Devon does not
believe that the final purchase price allocation will differ materially from the
estimated allocation presented herein.
(b) This adjustment includes a $5.4 million reduction of common stock,
a $152.5 million reduction of additional paid-in capital, a $756.7 million
reduction of retained earnings, an $8.9 million reduction of accumulated
other comprehensive loss and an $80.9 million reduction of treasury stock.
These adjustments eliminate the historical book value of Mitchell's
stockholders' equity.
(c) This adjustment increases long-term debt by $1.6 billion to
include the long-term debt that Devon will incur to fund the cash portion
of the merger consideration. The debt will be borrowed under Devon's $3
billion, variable interest rate, five year credit facility entered into on
October 12, 2001. Debt under this facility matures between 2003 and 2005.
The adjustment also includes $11.7 million of costs estimated to be
incurred in connection with issuing this debt.
The unaudited pro forma statements of operations include the following
adjustments:
(d) This adjustment revises historical depreciation, depletion and
amortization to reflect the adjustment of Mitchell's assets from historical
book value to fair value and a change to the full cost accounting method
from the successful efforts method. For Mitchell's midstream assets
acquired, pro forma depreciation expense was calculated using estimated
useful lives of approximately 15 years. For Mitchell's oil and gas
producing properties acquired, pro forma depreciation, depletion and
amortization expense was calculated using the equivalent
units-of-production method. Mitchell's proved oil and gas reserves, divided
by its annualized production for the first nine months of 2001, yields an
estimated reserve life of 14 years. The reduction of $4.2 million in the
nine months ended September 30, 2001, includes the reversal of an
impairment charge of $26.0 million recognized by Mitchell under the
successful efforts method. Under the full cost method followed by Devon, no
related impairment would have been recognized.
(e) This adjustment increases interest expense due to the $1.6 billion
of long-term debt that Devon will incur to fund the cash portion of the
merger consideration. This adjustment has been calculated using an
estimated interest rate of 3.17%, plus the amortization of estimated
financing costs to be incurred, on the variable rate debt. This assumed
interest rate is based on the terms of Devon's $3 billion credit facility.
The actual rate will vary with changes in market rates. A change in the
interest rate of 0.125% would change the combined company pro forma
interest expense by $2.7 million. This change includes the amount related
to the debt borrowed under the $3 billion credit facility to fund a portion
of the Anderson acquisition as described in Note 8.
(f) This adjustment eliminates historical amounts recognized by
Mitchell under the successful efforts accounting method that are not
recognized as expenses under the full cost accounting method. Included in
this adjustment are costs incurred by Mitchell related to its property
exploration activities such as exploratory dry holes and geological and
geophysical costs that are expensed as incurred under the successful
efforts method followed by Mitchell, but are capitalized under the full
cost method followed by Devon. Also included in this adjustment are general
and administrative expenses incurred by Mitchell which were directly
identified with its acquisition, exploration and development activities
undertaken for its own account. These costs are expensed as incurred under
the successful efforts method, but are capitalized under the full cost
method.
(g) This adjustment records the income tax impact of all pro forma
adjustments at an effective tax rate of approximately 38%.
126
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
4. COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Net earnings per average share outstanding have been calculated based on
the pro forma weighted average number of shares outstanding as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2000 SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
----------------- ------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Basic:
Devon's weighted average common shares
outstanding.................................... 127,421 128,274
New Devon shares to be issued to Mitchell
stockholders................................... 28,835 29,194
------- -------
Pro forma weighted average Devon shares
outstanding.................................... 156,256 157,468
======= =======
Diluted:
Devon's weighted average common shares
outstanding.................................... 131,730 133,982
New Devon shares to be issued to Mitchell
stockholders................................... 29,299 29,772
------- -------
Pro forma weighted average Devon shares
outstanding.................................... 161,029 163,754
======= =======
</Table>
Pro forma shares of Devon common stock outstanding at September 30, 2001,
assuming the merger occurred on that date, are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
(IN THOUSANDS)
Devon's common shares outstanding...................... 126,014
New Devon shares to be issued to Mitchell
stockholders......................................... 29,360
-------
Pro forma Devon common shares outstanding.............. 155,374
=======
</Table>
5. GOODWILL
The preliminary allocation of the purchase price includes approximately
$1.4 billion of goodwill. In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
issued Statement No. 141, "Business Combinations," and Statement No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." As a result of these two recent
pronouncements, goodwill recorded in connection with business combinations
completed after June 30, 2001 (including the merger) will not be amortized but,
instead, will be tested for impairment at least annually. Accordingly, the
accompanying unaudited pro forma statements of operations include no
amortization of the goodwill to be recorded in the merger.
Statement No. 142 will be adopted by Devon as of January 1, 2002. Until
that date, goodwill recognized from business combinations completed prior to
June 30, 2001 must continue to be amortized. Therefore, Devon's historical
goodwill amortization related to previous mergers has not been reversed in the
accompanying unaudited pro forma statements of operations. As of January 1,
2002, goodwill related to these previous mergers will no longer be amortized
but, instead, will be tested for impairment at least annually. The accompanying
unaudited pro forma statements of operations for the year ended December 31,
2000 and the nine months ended September 30, 2001 include amortization of
goodwill related to previous mergers of $41.3 million and $25.4 million,
respectively.
As indicated in Note 3, the allocation of the purchase price presented is
preliminary. At the effective time of the merger, or shortly thereafter, Devon
will finalize the purchase price allocation. Prior to that time, Devon may
determine that there are intangible assets acquired in the merger separate and
apart from goodwill. To the extent that such intangible assets, if any, have
definite useful lives, the value assigned to those intangible assets would be
amortized over such lives. Although the amount allocated to such intangible
assets, if any, will not be known until the effective time of the merger, Devon
does not believe that any such value, or the related amortization, would have a
material effect on the unaudited pro forma financial information presented
herein.
127
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
6. DEVON AND MITCHELL HISTORICAL AND RECLASSIFIED BALANCES
Devon and Mitchell record certain revenue and expenses differently in their
respective consolidated financial statements. To make the unaudited pro forma
financial information consistent, we have reclassified certain of Devon's and
Mitchell's balances to conform presentation.
Devon's historical balances for other revenue have been reclassified to
include separate line items for gas services revenue and gas services costs and
expenses to conform to Mitchell's presentation and Devon's expected presentation
subsequent to the merger.
The following tables present Mitchell's balances as presented in its
historical financial statements and the reclassified balances that are included
in the accompanying unaudited pro forma statements of operations.
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
MITCHELL MITCHELL
MITCHELL RECLASSI- HISTORICAL MITCHELL RECLASSI- HISTORICAL
HISTORICAL FICATIONS RECLASSIFIED HISTORICAL FICATIONS RECLASSIFIED
---------- --------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
REVENUE:
Exploration and production...... $ 531,228 $(531,228) $ -- $ 548,960 $(548,960) $ --
Oil sales....................... -- 57,516 57,516 -- 38,938 38,938
Gas sales....................... -- 380,981 380,981 -- 438,991 438,991
NGL sales....................... -- 91,588 91,588 -- 70,012 70,012
Gas services revenue............ 1,140,906 -- 1,140,906 948,517 -- 948,517
Other revenue................... -- 4,094 4,094 -- (2,488) (2,488)
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total revenue......... 1,672,134 2,951 1,675,085 1,497,477 (3,507) 1,493,970
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Exploration and production...... 239,628 (239,628) -- 256,680 (256,680) --
Lease operating expenses........ -- 45,101 45,101 -- 44,240 44,240
Transportation costs............ -- 25,817 25,817 -- 23,761 23,761
Production taxes................ -- 21,987 21,987 -- 22,597 22,597
Exploration expenses............ -- 12,028 12,028 -- 13,214 13,214
Gas services.................... 1,007,944 (56,498) 951,446 884,856 (38,479) 846,377
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization of property and
equipment..................... -- 155,376 155,376 -- 169,290 169,290
General and administrative
expenses...................... 43,739 35,817 79,556 24,789 22,057 46,846
Interest expense................ 28,765 (2,948) 25,817 16,544 (5,847) 10,697
Other (income) expense,
net........................... (5,899) 5,899 -- (2,340) 2,340 --
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total costs and
expenses............ 1,314,177 2,951 1,317,128 1,180,529 (3,507) 1,177,022
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Earnings before income
taxes......................... 357,957 -- 357,957 316,948 -- 316,948
Income tax expense.............. 100,811 -- 100,811 105,517 -- 105,517
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net earnings.......... $ 257,146 $ -- $ 257,146 $ 211,431 $ -- $ 211,431
========== ========= ========== ========== ========= ==========
</Table>
128
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
7. GAS SERVICES INFORMATION
The following table provides certain information relating to the unaudited
pro forma gas services revenues and costs and expenses for the year ended
December 31, 2000 and the nine months ended September 30, 2001.
<Table>
<Caption>
NINE MONTHS
YEAR ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
2000 2001
------------ -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
GAS SERVICES REVENUE:
Gas processing operations:
Percentage of proceeds NGL volumes (MBbls)............. 6,391 4,755
Keep whole NGL volumes (MBbls)......................... 8,074 6,238
---------- ----------
Total NGL volumes................................. 14,465 10,993
Average NGL price per barrel........................... $ 22.36 $ 20.04
---------- ----------
NGL revenue............................................ 323,462 220,347
NGL marketing and other revenue........................ 388,469 311,891
---------- ----------
Total gas processing revenue...................... 711,931 532,238
Natural gas gathering and marketing revenue............... 468,850 463,022
Other gas services revenue................................ 21,085 5,358
---------- ----------
Total gas services revenue........................ $1,201,866 $1,000,618
========== ==========
GAS SERVICES COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Gas processing operations:
Percentage of proceeds payments........................ $ 49,494 $ 48,532
Keep whole gas purchased............................... 146,764 107,499
Other NGL costs........................................ 31,908 29,554
---------- ----------
Total NGL costs................................... 228,166 185,585
NGL marketing and other costs and expenses............. 366,317 290,487
---------- ----------
Total gas processing costs and expenses........... 594,483 476,072
Natural gas gathering and marketing costs and expenses.... 388,965 403,776
Other gas services costs and expenses..................... 644 447
---------- ----------
Total gas services costs and expenses............. $ 984,092 $ 880,295
========== ==========
</Table>
Natural gas gathering and marketing margins (natural gas gathering and
marketing revenue less natural gas gathering and marketing costs and expenses)
were unusually high in the periods presented in the above table. After the
merger, Devon expects the combined company's natural gas gathering and marketing
margin to approximate between $30 million and $40 million per year.
The above table contains the terms "percentage of proceeds" and "keep
whole." These terms refer to two different types of contracts involving
processing natural gas. Under a percentage of proceeds contract, the buyer and
seller share in the net proceeds from the sale of all NGLs and residue gas
allocated to the seller after reductions for fuel use, line loss and processing
shrink. Residue gas refers to that portion of the seller's natural gas that
remains after processing.
A keep whole contract allows the seller to sell 100% of the BTUs it
delivers at the wellhead even though the natural gas is being processed to
extract NGLs. To do this, the buyer must deliver to the seller an equivalent
amount of BTUs as were extracted from the gas at the processing plant or
reimburse the seller the value of the gas extracted. This is referred to as
"keep whole gas" in the above table. The seller receives its allocation of
residue gas plus the keep whole gas from the buyer, so that the seller's total
wellhead BTUs are "kept whole". In this type of agreement, the buyer bears the
processing risk, in that
129
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
the total revenues received from the NGLs sold must exceed the cost of the keep
whole gas for the buyer to have a positive margin.
8. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA EFFECT OF ANDERSON ACQUISITION
The following presents the pro forma effect of the Anderson acquisition on
Devon's historical balance sheet as of September 30, 2001 and Devon's historical
statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the nine
months ended September 30, 2001.
Anderson's historical amounts presented in the following statements have
been converted to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
and to U.S. dollars. For information on such conversions, see Note 9.
Devon will account for the Anderson acquisition using the purchase method
of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, Anderson's assets acquired
and liabilities assumed by Devon will be revalued and recorded at their
estimated "fair values." In the Anderson acquisition, Devon paid C$40 per share
for each outstanding common share, including associated rights, of Anderson. On
a pro forma basis, assuming that the Anderson acquisition had occurred on
September 30, 2001, this would have resulted in Devon paying approximately $3.3
billion in cash to Anderson stockholders, as well as an additional $0.1 billion
of cash which would have been paid to Anderson employees for the intrinsic value
of outstanding stock options and appreciation rights. These U.S. dollar amounts
are based on the September 30, 2001 exchange rate of C$1.00 to U.S.$0.6333.
130
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
DEVON-ANDERSON
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
ANDERSON DEVON
DEVON HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL RECLASSIFIED AFTER
RECLASSIFIED U.S. GAAP PRO FORMA ANDERSON
(NOTE 6) (NOTE 9) ADJUSTMENTS ACQUISITION
------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS:
Current assets......................... $ 819,902 $ 145,397 $ -- $ 965,299
Property and equipment, net............ 5,743,523 3,288,683 684,029(a) 9,716,235
Investment in common stock of
ChevronTexaco Corporation........... 601,083 -- -- 601,083
Goodwill, net.......................... 269,305 -- 1,972,757(a) 2,242,062
Fair value of derivative instruments... 151,415 -- -- 151,415
Other assets........................... 147,262 6,572 89,543(a) 274,639
31,262(c)
------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Total assets................... $ 7,732,490 $3,440,652 $ 2,777,591 $13,950,733
============ ========== =========== ===========
LIABILITIES:
Current liabilities.................... $ 561,798 $ 323,312 $ -- $ 885,110
Debentures exchangeable into shares of
ChevronTexaco Corporation common
stock............................... 645,461 -- -- 645,461
Other long-term debt................... 1,339,316 855,021 6,729(a) 5,780,298
3,547,970(c)
31,262(c)
Other long-term liabilities............ 227,648 38,936 (31,861)(a) 234,723
Fair value of derivative instruments... 76,440 32,108 -- 108,548
Deferred income taxes.................. 1,112,822 1,063,482 351,284(a) 2,527,588
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock........................ 1,500 -- -- 1,500
Common stock........................... 12,977 594,380 (594,380)(b) 12,977
Additional paid-in capital............. 3,594,814 65,878 (65,878)(b) 3,594,814
Retained earnings...................... 380,049 619,189 (619,189)(b) 380,049
Accumulated other comprehensive loss... (29,542) (151,654) 151,654(b) (29,542)
Treasury stock......................... (190,387) -- -- (190,387)
Other.................................. (406) -- -- (406)
------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity..... 3,769,005 1,127,793 (1,127,793) 3,769,005
------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity......... $ 7,732,490 $3,440,652 $ 2,777,591 $13,950,733
============ ========== =========== ===========
</Table>
131
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
DEVON-ANDERSON
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
<Table>
<Caption>
ANDERSON DEVON
DEVON HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL RECLASSIFIED AFTER
RECLASSIFIED U.S. GAAP PRO FORMA ANDERSON
(NOTE 6) (NOTE 9) ADJUSTMENTS ACQUISITION
------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
REVENUE:
Oil sales................................ $1,078,759 $ 247,966 $ -- $1,326,725
Gas sales................................ 1,485,221 655,505 -- 2,140,726
NGL sales................................ 154,465 95,879 -- 250,344
Gas services revenue..................... 53,186 7,774 -- 60,960
Other.................................... 41,078 2,665 (386)(g) 43,357
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total revenues................... 2,812,709 1,009,789 (386) 3,822,112
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Lease operating expenses................. 440,780 154,073 -- 594,853
Transportation costs..................... 53,309 39,709 -- 93,018
Production taxes......................... 103,244 3,189 -- 106,433
Gas services costs and expenses.......... 28,606 4,040 -- 32,646
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
of property and equipment............. 693,340 216,225 87,009(d) 996,574
Amortization of goodwill................. 41,332 -- -- 41,332
General and administrative expenses...... 93,008 40,400 -- 133,408
Expenses related to previous mergers..... 60,373 -- -- 60,373
Interest expense......................... 154,329 46,830 242,519(e) 423,624
(20,054)(f)
Deferred effect of changes in foreign
currency exchange rate on subsidiary's
long-term
debt.................................. 2,408 760 -- 3,168
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total costs and expenses......... 1,670,729 505,226 309,474 2,485,429
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Earnings before income tax expense......... 1,141,980 504,563 (309,860) 1,336,683
INCOME TAX EXPENSE:
Current.................................. 130,793 14,439 (698)(h) 144,534
Deferred................................. 280,845 215,481 (131,319)(h) 365,007
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total income tax expense......... 411,638 229,920 (132,017) 509,541
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net earnings............................... 730,342 274,643 (177,843) 827,142
Preferred stock dividends.................. 9,735 -- -- 9,735
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net earnings applicable to common
stockholders............................. $ 720,607 $ 274,643 $(177,843) $ 817,407
========== ========== ========= ==========
Net earnings per average common share
outstanding:
Basic.................................... $ 5.66 $ 6.42
Diluted.................................. 5.50 6.24
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic.................................... 127,421 127,421
Diluted.................................. 131,730 131,730
</Table>
132
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
DEVON-ANDERSON
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
ANDERSON DEVON
DEVON HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL RECLASSIFIED AFTER
RECLASSIFIED U.S. GAAP PRO FORMA ANDERSON
(NOTE 6) (NOTE 9) ADJUSTMENTS ACQUISITION
------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
REVENUE:
Oil sales.................................. $ 722,672 $218,733 $ -- $ 941,405
Gas sales.................................. 1,474,986 720,241 -- 2,195,227
NGL sales.................................. 94,746 82,754 -- 177,500
Gas services revenue....................... 46,151 5,950 -- 52,101
Other...................................... 27,733 (1,248) (243)(g) 26,242
---------- -------- --------- ----------
Total revenues..................... 2,366,288 1,026,430 (243) 3,392,475
---------- -------- --------- ----------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Lease operating expenses................... 362,884 169,191 -- 532,075
Transportation costs....................... 51,936 37,444 -- 89,380
Production taxes........................... 95,025 4,459 -- 99,484
Gas services costs and expenses............ 30,824 3,094 -- 33,918
Depreciation, depletion and amortization of
property and equipment.................. 572,939 257,482 15,239(d) 845,660
Amortization of goodwill................... 25,384 -- -- 25,384
General and administrative expenses........ 73,867 36,350 -- 110,217
Interest expense........................... 104,825 49,780 181,909(e) 319,493
(17,021)(f)
Deferred effect of changes in foreign
currency exchange rate on subsidiary's
long-term debt.......................... -- 14,719 -- 14,719
Change in fair value of derivative
instruments............................. 3,844 13,652 -- 17,496
Reduction of carrying value of oil and gas
properties.............................. 87,853 -- -- 87,853
---------- -------- --------- ----------
Total costs and expenses........... 1,409,381 586,171 180,127 2,175,679
---------- -------- --------- ----------
Earnings before income tax expense........... 956,907 440,259 (180,370) 1,216,796
INCOME TAX EXPENSE:
Current.................................... 117,213 13,201 (1,449)(h) 128,965
Deferred................................... 267,757 155,932 (64,738)(h) 358,951
---------- -------- --------- ----------
Total income tax expense........... 384,970 169,133 (66,187) 487,916
---------- -------- --------- ----------
Net earnings before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle............. 571,937 271,126 (114,183) 728,880
Preferred stock dividends.................... 7,301 -- -- 7,301
---------- -------- --------- ----------
Net earnings applicable to common
stockholders............................... $ 564,636 $271,126 $(114,183) $ 721,579
========== ======== ========= ==========
Net earnings per average common share
outstanding:
Basic...................................... $ 4.40 $ 5.63
Diluted.................................... 4.26 5.43
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic...................................... 128,274 128,274
Diluted.................................... 133,982 133,982
</Table>
133
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS RELATED TO THE ANDERSON ACQUISITION
The Devon-Anderson unaudited pro forma balance sheet presented in this note
includes the following adjustments:
(a) This entry adjusts the historical book values of Anderson's assets
and liabilities to their estimated fair values as of September 30, 2001.
The calculation of the total purchase price and the preliminary allocation
to assets and liabilities are shown below.
<Table>
<Caption>
(IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT FOR
SHARE PRICE)
--------------
Calculation and preliminary allocation of purchase price:
Number of Anderson common shares outstanding.............. 131,693
Acquisition price per share............................... $ 25.33
----------
Cash to be paid to Anderson stockholders.................. 3,336,049
Cash to be paid to settle Anderson employees' stock
options and appreciation rights........................ 86,921
----------
3,422,970
Plus estimated acquisition costs to be incurred........... 125,000
----------
Total purchase price.............................. 3,547,970
Plus fair value of liabilities to be assumed by Devon:
Current liabilities....................................... 323,312
Long-term debt............................................ 861,750
Other long-term liabilities............................... 7,075
Fair value of financial instruments....................... 32,108
Deferred income taxes..................................... 1,414,766
----------
Total purchase price plus liabilities assumed..... $6,186,981
==========
Fair value of assets to be acquired by Devon:
Current assets............................................ $ 145,397
Proved oil and gas properties............................. 2,636,077
Unproved oil and gas properties........................... 1,317,412
Other property and equipment.............................. 19,223
Other assets.............................................. 96,115
Goodwill.................................................. 1,972,757
----------
Total fair value of assets to be acquired......... $6,186,981
==========
</Table>
The total purchase price includes $125 million of estimated
acquisition costs. These costs include investment banking expenses,
severance, legal and accounting fees, printing expenses and other
merger-related costs. These costs have been added to long-term debt in the
Devon-Anderson unaudited pro forma balance sheet.
The purchase price allocation is preliminary and is subject to change
due to several factors, including: (1) changes in the fair values of
Anderson's assets and liabilities as of the effective time of the Anderson
acquisition; (2) the actual acquisition costs incurred; (3) the number of
Anderson shares and stock options and appreciation rights outstanding as of
the effective time of the Anderson acquisition; and (4) changes in Devon's
valuation estimates that may be made between now and the effective time of
the Anderson acquisition. These changes will not be known until after the
effective time of the Anderson acquisition. However, Devon does not believe
that the final purchase price allocation will differ materially from the
estimated allocation presented herein.
134
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
(b) This adjustment includes a $594.4 million reduction of common
stock, a $65.9 million reduction of additional paid-in capital, a $619.2
million reduction of retained earnings and a $151.7 million reduction in
accumulated other comprehensive loss. These adjustments eliminate the
historical book value of Anderson's stockholders' equity.
(c) This adjustment increases long-term debt by $3.5 billion to
include the long-term debt that Devon would have incurred at September 30,
2001, to fund the Anderson acquisition. Of this increase in debt, $3.0
billion represents borrowings of long-term debt issued on October 3, 2001,
with a weighted average fixed rate of 7.4%, including amortization of
discounts and related costs. Of this $3.0 billion, $1.75 billion is due in
2011 and $1.25 billion is due in 2031. The remaining $0.5 billion increase
in debt represents borrowings under Devon's $3 billion, variable interest
rate, five-year credit facility entered into on October 12, 2001. Debt
under this facility matures between 2003 and 2005.
This adjustment also includes $31.3 million of costs estimated to be
incurred in connection with issuing this debt.
The Devon-Anderson unaudited pro forma statements of operations included in
this note include the following adjustments:
(d) This adjustment increases historical depreciation, depletion and
amortization expense to reflect the adjustment of Anderson's assets from
historical book value to fair value. For Anderson's oil and gas producing
properties acquired, pro forma depreciation, depletion and amortization
expense was calculated using the equivalent units-of-production method.
Anderson's proved oil and gas reserves, divided by its annualized
production for the first nine months of 2001, yields an estimated reserve
life of ten years.
(e) This adjustment increases interest expense due to the $3.5 billion
of long-term debt that Devon would have incurred at September 30, 2001, to
fund the Anderson acquisition. This adjustment has been calculated using an
average interest rate of 7.4% on the $3.0 billion of fixed rate debt, and
an estimated rate of 3.17%, plus the amortization of estimated financing
costs to be incurred, on the $0.5 billion of variable rate debt. The
assumed interest rate on the variable rate debt is based on the terms of
Devon's $3 billion credit facility. The actual rates on this variable rate
debt will vary with changes in market rates. A change in the interest rate
of 0.125% would change the pro forma interest expense by $0.8 million.
(f) This adjustment reduces interest expense to reflect the repayment
of Anderson's bank debt with debt borrowed under Devon's $3 billion credit
facility that bears a lower interest rate, plus a decrease in interest
expense related to the effect of valuing Anderson's fixed-rate debt at the
estimated fair value of such debt. The adjustment relating to the repayment
of Anderson's bank debt reduced interest expense for the year 2000 and the
first nine months of 2001 by $17.6 million and $15.2 million, respectively.
The adjustment relating to recording Anderson's fixed-rate debt at fair
value decreased interest expense for the year 2000 and the first nine
months of 2001 by $2.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
(g) This adjustment reduces the Alberta Royalty Tax Credit as a result
of the acquisition of Anderson.
(h) This adjustment records the income tax impact of all pro forma
adjustments at an effective tax rate of approximately 43% for the year 2000
and 37% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The rate for the
first nine months of 2001 includes the effect of a change in Canadian tax
rates enacted during the second quarter of 2001. Excluding the retroactive
effect of this rate change, the rate applied to the 2001 pro forma
adjustments would have been 40%.
135
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
GOODWILL
The preliminary allocation of the purchase price for the Anderson
acquisition includes approximately $2.0 billion of goodwill. In July 2001, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 141, "Business
Combinations," and Statement No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." As
a result of these two recent pronouncements, goodwill recorded in connection
with business combinations completed after June 30, 2001 (including the Anderson
acquisition) will not be amortized but, instead, will be tested for impairment
at least annually. Accordingly, the Devon-Anderson unaudited pro forma
statements of operations included in this note include no amortization of the
goodwill to be recorded in the Anderson acquisition.
Statement No. 142 will be adopted by Devon as of January 1, 2002. Until
that date, goodwill recognized from business combinations completed prior to
June 30, 2001 must continue to be amortized. Therefore, Devon's historical
goodwill related to previous mergers has not been reversed in the Devon-
Anderson unaudited pro forma statements of operations included in this note. As
of January 1, 2002, goodwill related to these previous mergers will no longer be
amortized but, instead, will be tested for impairment at least annually. The
Devon-Anderson unaudited pro forma statements of operations included in this
note for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the nine months ended September
30, 2001 include amortization of goodwill related to previous mergers of $41.3
million and $25.4 million, respectively.
As indicated previously in this note, the allocation of the Anderson
acquisition purchase price is preliminary. Devon is in the process of finalizing
the purchase price allocation. During this process, Devon may determine that
there are intangible assets acquired in the Anderson acquisition separate and
apart from goodwill. To the extent that such intangible assets, if any, have
definite useful lives, the value assigned to those intangible assets would be
amortized over such lives. Although the amount allocated to such intangible
assets, if any, will not be known until Devon finalizes the purchase price
allocation, Devon does not believe that any such value, or the related
amortization, would have a material effect on the Devon-Anderson unaudited pro
forma financial information presented in this note.
9. CONVERSION OF ANDERSON'S HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Anderson prepares its historical financial statements based on a fiscal
year of September 30. To conform to Devon's year-end of December 31, Anderson's
historical results for the year ended September 30, 2000 were converted to
results for the year ended December 31, 2000. This conversion was done by
subtracting Anderson's historical interim results for the three months ended
December 31, 1999 and adding its historical interim results for the three months
ended December 31, 2000. Anderson's historical results for the year ended
September 30, 2001 were converted to results for the nine months ended September
30, 2001. This conversion was done by subtracting Anderson's historical interim
results for the three months ended December 31, 2000.
Anderson prepares its historical financial statements using accounting
principles generally accepted in Canada ("Canadian GAAP") and Canadian dollars.
The following tables provide information relating to the conversion of
Anderson's historical financial statements to those prepared using accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") and U.S.
dollars.
136
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
ANDERSON UNAUDITED U.S. GAAP BALANCE SHEET
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
U.S. GAAP
ANDERSON AND OTHER ANDERSON
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS U.S. GAAP CONVERTED TO
C$ C$ C$ U.S.$
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS:
Current assets..................... C$ 229,586 C$ -- C$ 229,586 $ 145,397
Property and equipment, net........ 5,574,842 (514,400)(a) 5,192,930 3,288,683
212,200(c)
(79,712)(e)
Other assets....................... 29,377 (19,000)(b) 10,377 6,572
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Total assets............... C$5,833,805 C$(400,912) C$5,432,893 $3,440,652
=========== ========== =========== ==========
LIABILITIES:
Current liabilities................ C$ 510,520 C$ -- C$ 510,520 $ 323,312
Long-term debt..................... 1,350,104 -- 1,350,104 855,021
Other long-term liabilities........ 141,193 (79,712)(e) 61,481 38,936
Fair value of derivative
instruments..................... -- 50,700(d) 50,700 32,108
Deferred income taxes.............. 1,823,851 (225,100)(a) 1,679,271 1,063,482
(4,780)(b)
108,000(c)
(22,700)(d)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock....................... 800,989 -- 800,989 594,380
Additional paid-in capital......... 88,778 -- 88,778 65,878
Retained earnings.................. 1,118,370 (289,300)(a) 905,450 619,189
(14,220)(b)
104,200(c)
(13,600)(d)
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss............................ -- (14,400)(d) (14,400) (151,654)
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Total stockholders'
equity................... 2,008,137 (227,320) 1,780,817 1,127,793
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity..... C$5,833,805 C$(400,912) C$5,432,893 $3,440,652
=========== ========== =========== ==========
</Table>
137
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
ANDERSON UNAUDITED U.S. GAAP STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
<Table>
<Caption>
U.S. GAAP
ANDERSON AND OTHER ANDERSON
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS U.S. GAAP CONVERTED TO
C$ C$ C$ U.S.$
---------- ----------- ---------- ------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
REVENUE:
Oil sales............................... C$ 444,045 C$(75,760)(f) C$ 368,285 $ 247,966
Gas sales............................... 1,210,216 (236,646)(f) 973,570 655,505
NGL sales............................... 149,637 (7,235)(f) 142,402 95,879
Less royalties.......................... (393,104) 393,104(f) -- --
Gas services revenue.................... -- 11,546(f) 11,546 7,774
Other................................... 13,708 (9,750)(f) 3,958 2,665
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues.................. 1,424,502 75,259 1,499,761 1,009,789
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Lease operating expenses................ 223,286 5,546(f) 228,832 154,073
Transportation costs.................... -- 58,977(f) 58,977 39,709
Production taxes........................ -- 4,736(f) 4,736 3,189
Gas services costs and expenses......... -- 6,000(f) 6,000 4,040
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
of property and equipment............ 364,642 (63,000)(g) 321,142 216,225
19,500(i)
General and administrative expenses..... 60,003 -- 60,003 40,400
Interest expense........................ 69,782 (229)(h) 69,553 46,830
Deferred effect of changes in foreign
currency exchange rate on long-term
debt................................. -- 1,129(h) 1,129 760
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total costs and expenses........ 717,713 32,659 750,372 505,226
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Earnings before income tax expense........ 706,789 42,600 749,389 504,563
INCOME TAX EXPENSE:
Current................................. 21,445 -- 21,445 14,439
Deferred................................ 307,137 12,900(k) 320,037 215,481
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total income tax expense........ 328,582 12,900 341,482 229,920
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings before discontinued
operations.............................. C$ 378,207 C$ 29,700 C$ 407,907 $ 274,643
========== ========= ========== ==========
Net earnings per average common share
outstanding:
Basic................................... C$ 2.94 C$ 3.17 $ 2.13
Diluted................................. 2.87 3.09 2.08
Weighted average common shares
outstanding:
Basic................................... 128,806 128,806 128,806
Diluted................................. 131,857 131,857 131,857
</Table>
138
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
ANDERSON UNAUDITED U.S. GAAP STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
U.S. GAAP
ANDERSON AND OTHER ANDERSON CONVERTED
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS U.S. GAAP TO
C$ C$ C$ U.S.$
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
REVENUE:
Oil sales............................. C$ 397,832 C$ (61,371)(f) C$ 336,461 $218,733
Gas sales............................. 1,396,195 (288,302)(f) 1,107,893 720,241
NGL sales............................. 155,668 (28,373)(f) 127,295 82,754
Less royalties........................ (448,920) 448,920(f) -- --
Gas services revenue.................. -- 9,152(f) 9,152 5,950
Other................................. 4,499 (6,418)(f) (1,919) (1,248)
----------- ---------- ----------- --------
Total revenues................ 1,505,274 73,608 1,578,882 1,026,430
----------- ---------- ----------- --------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Lease operating expenses.............. 255,861 4,393(f) 260,254 169,191
Transportation costs.................. -- 57,597(f) 57,597 37,444
Production taxes...................... -- 6,859(f) 6,859 4,459
Gas services costs and expenses....... -- 4,759(f) 4,759 3,094
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization of property and
equipment.......................... 421,165 (44,200)(g) 396,065 257,482
19,100(i)
General and administrative expenses... 55,915 -- 55,915 36,350
Interest expense...................... 81,114 (4,541)(h) 76,573 49,780
Deferred effect of changes in foreign
currency exchange rate on long-term
debt............................... -- 22,641(h) 22,641 14,719
Change in fair value of derivative
instruments........................ -- 21,000(j) 21,000 13,652
----------- ---------- ----------- --------
Total costs and expenses...... 814,055 87,608 901,663 586,171
----------- ---------- ----------- --------
Earnings before income tax expense...... 691,219 (14,000) 677,219 440,259
INCOME TAX EXPENSE:
Current............................... 20,306 -- 20,306 13,201
Deferred.............................. 242,609 (2,750)(k) 239,859 155,932
----------- ---------- ----------- --------
Total income tax expense...... 262,915 (2,750) 260,165 169,133
----------- ---------- ----------- --------
Net earnings............................ C$ 428,304 C$ (11,250) C$ 417,054 $271,126
=========== ========== =========== ========
Net earnings per average common share
outstanding:
Basic................................. C$ 3.26 C$ 3.18 $ 2.07
Diluted............................... 3.19 3.11 2.02
Weighted average common shares
outstanding:
Basic................................. 131,241 131,241 131,241
Diluted............................... 134,187 134,187 134,187
</Table>
139
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
The following adjustments convert Anderson's Canadian GAAP balance sheet to
a U.S. GAAP balance sheet:
(a) This adjustment reflects the cumulative effect of reductions to
the carrying value of Anderson's oil and gas properties using the full cost
ceiling limitations set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission for
the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas operations.
(b) This adjustment reverses foreign exchange losses deferred under
Canadian GAAP but required to be included in the determination of earnings
under U.S. GAAP.
(c) This adjustment reflects the impact of the adoption of the
liability method of accounting for income taxes under U.S. GAAP.
(d) This adjustment records the fair value of derivative financial
instruments under U.S. GAAP.
(e) This adjustment reclassifies accrued site restoration costs from
other liabilities to accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
to conform to Devon's presentation.
The following adjustments convert Anderson's Canadian GAAP statements of
operating results to U.S. GAAP statements of operating results:
(f) This adjustment (1) allocates oil, gas and NGL royalty payments to
oil, gas and NGL revenues in accordance with U.S. GAAP; (2) reclassifies
third party processing revenues from lease operating expenses to gas
services revenues and expenses, and freehold mineral taxes from royalties
to production taxes, to conform to Devon's presentation; and (3)
reclassifies transportation costs which are netted against oil, gas and NGL
sales in Anderson's historical results as expenses in accordance with U.S.
GAAP.
(g) This adjustment records the impact of a lower depreciation,
depletion and amortization rate for U.S. GAAP as a result of a reduction in
carrying value of oil and gas properties which Anderson would have
recognized in 1998 due to a U.S. full cost ceiling limitation.
(h) This adjustment recognizes foreign exchange losses on long-term
debt in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
(i) This adjustment reflects additional depreciation, depletion and
amortization resulting from the accounting for the initial adoption of the
liability method of accounting for income taxes as an adjustment to
property and equipment.
(j) This adjustment records the impact of changes in the fair value of
derivative instruments that do not qualify as hedges under U.S. GAAP.
(k) This adjustment records the income tax impact of all the U.S. GAAP
adjustments described above.
For the September 30, 2001 U.S. GAAP balance sheet, the historical Canadian
dollar amounts were converted to U.S. dollars using the September 30, 2001
exchange rate of C$1.00 to U.S.$0.6333. For the U.S. GAAP statements of
operations for the year ended December 31, 2000 and nine months ended September
30, 2001, Canadian dollars were converted to U.S. dollars using the exchange
rates of $0.6733 and $0.6501, respectively. Such rates are the averages of the
month end exchange rates for the year and nine-month periods.
10. REDUCTION OF CARRYING VALUE OF OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
Under the full cost method of accounting, the net book value of oil and gas
properties less related deferred income taxes (the "cost to be recovered"), may
not exceed a calculated "full cost ceiling." The ceiling limitation is the
discounted estimated after-tax future net revenues from oil and gas properties.
The ceiling is imposed separately by country. In calculating future net
revenues, current prices and costs are
140
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
generally held constant indefinitely. The costs to be recovered are compared to
the ceiling on a quarterly basis. If the costs to be recovered exceed the
ceiling, the excess is written off as an expense, except as discussed in the
following paragraph.
If, subsequent to the end of the quarter but prior to the applicable
financial statements being published, prices increase to levels such that the
ceiling would exceed the costs to be recovered, a write down otherwise indicated
at the end of the quarter is not required to be recorded. A write down indicated
at the end of a quarter is also not required if the value of additional reserves
proved up on properties after the end of the quarter but prior to the publishing
of the financial statements would result in the ceiling exceeding the costs to
be recovered, as long as the properties were owned at the end of the quarter.
An expense recorded in one period may not be reversed in a subsequent
period even though higher oil and gas prices may have increased the ceiling
applicable to the subsequent period.
Based on oil and natural gas cash market prices as of September 30, 2001,
the combined company's pro forma domestic and Canadian costs to be recovered
exceeded the related ceiling values by $861.9 million, and $659.9 million,
respectively. These after-tax amounts would have resulted in pro forma pre-tax
reductions of the carrying values of the combined company's domestic and
Canadian oil and gas properties of $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively,
in the third quarter of 2001. However, the cash market prices of natural gas
increased significantly during the month of October 2001. Based on cash market
prices of oil and natural gas as of October 31, 2001, when Devon's consolidated
financial statements were published, the combined company's pro forma domestic
and Canadian ceilings as of September 30, 2001 exceeded the related costs to be
recovered by $661.6 million and $370.5 million, respectively. Accordingly, the
combined company's pro forma results for the nine months ended September 30,
2001, do not include a related reduction of the carrying value of oil and gas
properties. Due to volatility in oil and gas prices and the effect of the
Anderson and Mitchell acquisitions, there is a possibility that the combined
company would have to record a reduction in the carrying value of its oil and
gas properties as of December 31, 2001 or subsequent periods.
The combined company pro forma results for the nine months ended September
30, 2001, do include a reduction of the carrying value of oil and gas properties
related to Devon's decision to discontinue its operations in Malaysia, Qatar,
Thailand and on certain properties in Brazil. After meeting the drilling and
capital commitments on these properties, Devon determined that the properties
did not meet Devon's internal criteria to justify further investment.
Accordingly, during the first nine months of 2001, Devon recorded a pre-tax
charge on $87.9 million ($68.8 million after-tax) associated with the impairment
of these international properties.
141
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
12. SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA INFORMATION ON OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS
The following pro forma supplemental information regarding oil and gas
operations is presented pursuant to the disclosure requirements of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 69, "Disclosures About Oil and Gas Producing
Activities."
Pro Forma Costs Incurred
The following tables reflect the costs incurred in oil and gas property
acquisition, exploration and development activities of Devon, Anderson, Mitchell
and the combined company on a pro forma basis, for the year ended December 31,
2000.
<Table>
<Caption>
COMBINED COMBINED
DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMPANY DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMPANY
-------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
TOTAL DOMESTIC
------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Property acquisition costs:
Proved................... $291,355 $664,705 $ 1,565 $ 957,625 $177,072 $ -- $ 1,565 $178,637
Unproved................. 55,344 111,568 16,916 183,828 34,805 -- 16,916 51,721
Exploration costs.......... 212,719 198,292 15,309 426,320 117,119 -- 15,309 132,428
Development costs.......... 636,379 230,345 208,510 1,075,234 466,090 -- 208,510 674,600
CANADA INTERNATIONAL
------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Property acquisition costs:
Proved................... $ 69,736 $664,705 $ -- $ 734,441 $ 44,547 $ -- $ -- $ 44,547
Unproved................. 16,977 111,568 -- 128,545 3,562 -- -- 3,562
Exploration costs.......... 54,769 198,292 -- 253,061 40,831 -- -- 40,831
Development costs.......... 56,654 230,345 -- 286,999 113,635 -- -- 113,635
</Table>
Pro Forma Quantities of Oil and Gas Reserves
The following tables set forth the changes in the net quantities of oil,
natural gas and NGL reserves of Devon, Anderson, Mitchell and the combined
company on a pro forma basis, for the year ended December 31, 2000.
<Table>
<Caption>
COMBINED COMBINED
DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMPANY DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMPANY
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- -------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL OIL -- MBBLS DOMESTIC OIL -- MBBLS
--------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 1999....... 496,717 -- -- 496,717 249,424 -- -- 249,424
Acquisition of
Anderson.............. -- 87,064 -- 87,064 -- -- -- --
Acquisition of
Mitchell.............. -- -- 14,032 14,032 -- -- 14,032 14,032
Revisions of
estimates............. (4,135) (8,934) (1,085) (14,154) (3,196) -- (1,085) (4,281)
Extensions and
discoveries........... 33,939 9,910 1,367 45,216 20,430 -- 1,367 21,797
Purchase of reserves.... 24,145 21,882 -- 46,027 20,418 -- -- 20,418
Production.............. (42,561) (9,333) (2,013) (53,907) (28,562) -- (2,013) (30,575)
Sale of reserves........ (48,861) -- (272) (49,133) (32,977) -- (272) (33,249)
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---- ---------- ----------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 2000....... 459,244 100,589 12,029 571,862 225,537 -- 12,029 237,566
========== ========== ========== ============ ========== ==== ========== ==========
Proved developed reserves
as of:
December 31, 1999....... 301,149 -- -- 301,149 214,267 -- -- 214,267
December 31, 2000....... 261,432 71,625 11,424 344,481 192,190 -- 11,424 203,614
</Table>
142
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
<Table>
<Caption>
COMBINED COMBINED
DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMPANY DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMPANY
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- -------- ---------- ----------
CANADA OIL -- MBBLS INTERNATIONAL OIL -- MBBLS
--------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 1999....... 32,132 -- -- 32,132 215,161 -- -- 215,161
Acquisition of
Anderson.............. -- 87,064 -- 87,064 -- -- -- --
Acquisition of
Mitchell.............. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Revisions of
estimates............. 2,872 (8,934) -- (6,062) (3,811) -- -- (3,811)
Extensions and
discoveries........... 2,787 9,910 -- 12,697 10,722 -- -- 10,722
Purchase of reserves.... 3,597 21,882 -- 25,479 130 -- -- 130
Production.............. (4,760) (9,333) -- (14,093) (9,239) -- -- (9,239)
Sale of reserves........ (136) -- -- (136) (15,748) -- -- (15,748)
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---- ---------- ----------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 2000....... 36,492 100,589 -- 137,081 197,215 -- -- 197,215
========== ========== ========== ============ ========== ==== ========== ==========
Proved developed reserves
as of:
December 31, 1999....... 29,268 -- -- 29,268 57,614 -- -- 57,614
December 31, 2000....... 29,721 71,625 -- 101,346 39,521 -- -- 39,521
TOTAL GAS -- MMCF DOMESTIC GAS -- MMCF
--------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 1999....... 2,949,627 -- -- 2,949,627 2,274,386 -- -- 2,274,386
Acquisition of
Anderson.............. -- 1,481,200 -- 1,481,200 -- -- -- --
Acquisition of
Mitchell.............. -- -- 909,498 909,498 -- -- 909,498 909,498
Revisions of
estimates............. 99,223 (121,100) (30,610) (52,487) 100,844 -- (30,610) 70,234
Extensions and
discoveries........... 601,317 222,000 482,795 1,306,112 504,977 -- 482,795 987,772
Purchase of reserves.... 301,144 388,800 4,306 694,250 52,929 -- 4,306 57,235
Production.............. (426,146) (181,100) (100,866) (708,112) (355,087) -- (100,866) (455,953)
Sale of reserves........ (66,981) -- (2,059) (69,040) (56,742) -- (2,059) (58,801)
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---- ---------- ----------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 2000....... 3,458,184 1,789,800 1,263,064 6,511,048 2,521,307 -- 1,263,064 3,784,371
========== ========== ========== ============ ========== ==== ========== ==========
Proved developed reserves
as of:
December 31, 1999....... 2,500,985 -- -- 2,500,985 1,959,531 -- -- 1,959,531
December 31, 2000....... 2,631,267 1,213,800 658,935 4,504,002 2,087,287 -- 658,935 2,746,222
CANADA GAS -- MMCF INTERNATIONAL GAS -- MMCF
--------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 1999....... 506,218 -- -- 506,218 169,023 -- -- 169,023
Acquisition of
Anderson.............. -- 1,481,200 -- 1,481,200 -- -- -- --
Acquisition of
Mitchell.............. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Revisions of
estimates............. (5,854) (121,100) -- (126,954) 4,233 -- -- 4,233
Extensions and
discoveries........... 64,566 222,000 -- 286,566 31,774 -- -- 31,774
Purchase of reserves.... 27,224 388,800 -- 416,024 220,991 -- -- 220,991
Production.............. (62,284) (181,100) -- (243,384) (8,775) -- -- (8,775)
Sale of reserves........ (6,361) -- -- (6,361) (3,878) -- -- (3,878)
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---- ---------- ----------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 2000....... 523,509 1,789,800 -- 2,313,309 413,368 -- -- 413,368
========== ========== ========== ============ ========== ==== ========== ==========
Proved developed reserves
as of:
December 31, 1999....... 501,376 -- -- 501,376 40,078 -- -- 40,078
December 31, 2000....... 507,703 1,213,800 -- 1,721,503 36,277 -- -- 36,277
</Table>
143
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
<Table>
<Caption>
COMBINED COMBINED
DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMPANY DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMPANY
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- -------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL NGLS -- MBBLS DOMESTIC NGLS -- MBBLS
--------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 1999....... 67,817 -- -- 67,817 50,804 -- -- 50,804
Acquisition of
Anderson.............. -- 31,868 -- 31,868 -- -- -- --
Acquisition of
Mitchell.............. -- -- 40,544 40,544 -- -- 40,544 40,544
Revisions of
estimates............. 3,312 1,398 3,663 8,373 4,296 -- 3,663 7,959
Extensions and
discoveries........... 6,041 3,889 19,199 29,129 5,092 -- 19,199 24,291
Purchase of reserves.... 33 14,085 -- 14,118 9 -- -- 9
Production.............. (7,400) (4,316) (4,452) (16,168) (6,702) -- (4,452) (11,154)
Sale of reserves........ (8,046) -- -- (8,046) (7,981) -- -- (7,981)
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---- ---------- ----------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 2000....... 61,757 46,924 58,954 167,635 45,518 -- 58,954 104,472
========== ========== ========== ============ ========== ==== ========== ==========
Proved developed reserves
as of:
December 31, 1999....... 52,102 -- -- 52,102 48,237 -- -- 48,237
December 31, 2000....... 46,256 34,146 26,612 107,014 42,155 -- 26,612 68,767
CANADA NGLS -- MBBLS INTERNATIONAL NGLS -- MBBLS
--------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 1999....... 4,013 -- -- 4,013 13,000 -- -- 13,000
Acquisition of
Anderson.............. -- 31,868 -- 31,868 -- -- -- --
Acquisition of
Mitchell.............. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Revisions of
estimates............. 343 1,398 -- 1,741 (1,327) -- -- (1,327)
Extensions and
discoveries........... 571 3,889 -- 4,460 378 -- -- 378
Purchase of reserves.... 24 14,085 -- 14,109 -- -- -- --
Production.............. (682) (4,316) -- (4,998) (16) -- -- (16)
Sale of reserves........ (65) -- -- (65) -- -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---- ---------- ----------
Proved reserves as of
December 31, 2000....... 4,204 46,924 -- 51,128 12,035 -- -- 12,035
========== ========== ========== ============ ========== ==== ========== ==========
Proved developed reserves
as of:
December 31, 1999....... 3,865 -- -- 3,865 -- -- -- --
December 31, 2000....... 4,072 34,146 -- 38,218 29 -- -- 29
</Table>
Subsequent to December 31, 2000, two events have occurred that together
increased proved reserves by approximately 10%, as compared to the proved
reserve quantities of the combined company as of December 31, 2000 that are
disclosed in the previous tables. In February 2001, Anderson acquired all of the
shares of Numac Energy Inc. This acquisition added 40 MMBbls of proved oil
reserves, 190 Bcf of proved natural gas reserves and 6 MMBbls of proved NGL
reserves. Also, in June 2001, Mitchell announced additions to its proved reserve
quantities. Calculated using the "dry" method followed by Devon, those additions
totaled 1.1 MMBbls of proved oil reserves, 496 Bcf of proved natural gas
reserves and 27.7 MMBbls of proved NGL reserves.
The effects of the acquisition of Numac Energy Inc. and the Mitchell
additions are included in the proved reserve quantities disclosed in the
"Properties of the Combined Company" section of this document.
144
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
Pro Forma Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
The following tables set forth the standardized measure of discounted
future net cash flows relating to proved oil, natural gas and NGL reserves for
Devon, Anderson, Mitchell and the combined company on a pro forma basis, as of
December 31, 2000.
<Table>
<Caption>
COMBINED COMBINED
DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMPANY DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMPANY
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
TOTAL DOMESTIC
----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Future cash inflows... $40,594,130 $15,649,818 $12,945,000 $69,188,948 $29,143,762 $-- $12,945,000 $42,088,762
Future costs:
Development.......... (1,634,888) (394,769) (564,000) (2,593,657) (915,969) -- (564,000) (1,479,969)
Production........... (8,198,640) (1,875,977) (1,993,000) (12,067,617) (5,660,966) -- (1,993,000) (7,653,966)
Future income tax
expense.............. (9,087,923) (5,447,062) (3,547,000) (18,081,985) (6,345,941) -- (3,547,000) (9,892,941)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -- ----------- -----------
Future net cash
flows................ 21,672,679 7,932,010 6,841,000 36,445,689 16,220,886 -- 6,841,000 23,061,886
10% discount to
reflect timing of
cash flows........... (9,200,492) (3,289,638) (2,885,000) (15,375,130) (6,591,538) -- (2,885,000) (9,476,538)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -- ----------- -----------
Standardized measure
of discounted future
net cash flows....... $12,472,187 $ 4,642,372 $ 3,956,000 $21,070,559 $ 9,629,348 $-- $ 3,956,000 $13,585,348
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== == =========== ===========
<Caption>
CANADA INTERNATIONAL
----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Future cash inflows... $ 5,686,629 $15,649,818 $ -- $21,336,447 $ 5,763,739 $-- $ -- $ 5,763,739
Future costs:
Development.......... (84,492) (394,769) -- (479,261) (634,427) -- -- (634,427)
Production........... (616,605) (1,875,977) -- (2,492,582) (1,921,069) -- -- (1,921,069)
Future income tax
expense.............. (1,967,441) (5,447,062) -- (7,414,503) (774,541) -- -- (774,541)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -- ----------- -----------
Future net cash
flows................ 3,018,091 7,932,010 -- 10,950,101 2,433,702 -- -- 2,433,702
10% discount to
reflect timing of
cash flows........... (1,240,934) (3,289,638) -- (4,530,572) (1,368,020) -- -- (1,368,020)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -- ----------- -----------
Standardized measure
of discounted future
net cash flows....... $ 1,777,157 $ 4,642,372 $ -- $ 6,419,529 $ 1,065,682 $-- $ -- $ 1,065,682
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== == =========== ===========
</Table>
Future cash inflows are computed by applying year-end prices to the
year-end quantities of proved reserves, except in those instances where fixed
and determinable price changes are provided by contractual arrangements in
existence at year-end. These year-end prices are adjusted for transportation and
other charges, and for geographic differentials. The December 31, 2000 NYMEX oil
price and Henry Hub gas price, upon which the combined company's actual net
prices were based before relevant adjustments, were $26.80 per barrel and $9.23
per Mcf, respectively. Recent prices for oil and gas are substantially less than
these December 31, 2000 prices. As of December 10, 2001, the NYMEX oil price was
$18.37 per barrel, and the Henry Hub gas price was $2.32 per Mcf. This recent
drop in prices would not have a significant effect on the combined company pro
forma quantities of proved reserves reported as of December 31, 2000. Devon
estimates that less than 2% of the combined company proved oil, natural gas and
NGL reserves as of December 31, 2000, would be removed from the proved reserves
total using the December 10, 2001 NYMEX oil price and Henry Hub gas price.
145
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
Pro Forma Changes Relating to the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future
Net Cash Flows
The following table includes the components of the changes in the
standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows of Devon, Anderson,
Mitchell and the combined company on a pro forma basis, for the year ended
December 31, 2000.
<Table>
<Caption>
COMBINED
DEVON ANDERSON MITCHELL COMPANY
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Beginning balance........................ $ 4,768,434 $ -- $ -- $ 4,768,434
Acquisition of Anderson.................. -- 1,282,335 -- 1,282,335
Acquisition of Mitchell.................. -- -- 578,000 578,000
Sales of oil, gas and NGLs, net of
production costs....................... (2,121,112) (802,379) (437,180) (3,360,671)
Net changes in prices and production
costs.................................. 9,753,295 4,948,285 3,584,000 18,285,580
Extensions, discoveries, and improved
recovery, net of future development
costs.................................. 2,742,182 964,721 2,105,000 5,811,903
Purchase of reserves, net of future
development costs...................... 618,134 627,581 20,000 1,265,715
Development costs incurred during the
period which reduced future development
costs.................................. 182,533 230,345 54,000 466,878
Revisions of quantity estimates.......... 420,250 (234,267) (68,000) 117,983
Sales of reserves in place............... (818,602) -- (12,000) (830,602)
Accretion of discount.................... 581,172 207,205 74,000 862,377
Net change in income taxes............... (4,221,575) (2,398,295) (1,887,000) (8,506,870)
Other, primarily changes in timing....... 567,476 (183,159) (54,820) 329,497
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Ending balance........................... $12,472,187 $ 4,642,372 $ 3,956,000 $21,070,559
=========== =========== =========== ===========
</Table>
146
INDEX TO HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
<Table>
<Caption>
PAGE
-----
AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999, 2000
AND 2001:
Report of KPMG LLP to the Directors of Anderson Exploration
Ltd....................................................... FS-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2000 and
2001...................................................... FS-3
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 1999, 2000
and 2001.................................................. FS-4
Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings for the fiscal
years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001............. FS-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001................... FS-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal
years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001............. FS-7
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION
Independent Auditors' Report................................ FS-27
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 18, 2001........... FS-28
Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheet......................... FS-29
</Table>
FS-1
AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE DIRECTORS
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Anderson Exploration
Ltd. as at September 30, 2000 and 2001 and the consolidated statements of
earnings, retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended September 30, 2001. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to
obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the company as at September 30,
2000 and 2001 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of
the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2001 in accordance with
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the
Company changed its policy for accounting for income taxes and, in accordance
with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, this change has been
applied retroactively without restatement of prior years.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Canada vary in certain
significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States. Application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States would have affected results of operations for each of the years in the
three-year period ended September 30, 2001, and shareholder's equity as at
September 30, 2000 and 2001, to the extent summarized in Note 13 to the
consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
Calgary, Canada
November 9, 2001
FS-2
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<Table>
<Caption>
SEPTEMBER 30
---------------------
2000 2001
--------- ---------
(STATED IN MILLIONS
OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
ASSETS
Current assets
Accounts receivable....................................... $ 227.7 $ 218.3
Inventories............................................... 17.8 11.3
-------- --------
245.5 229.6
Property, plant and equipment based on the full cost method
of accounting for oil and gas properties ($375.0 million
and $693.9 million excluded from amortization in 2000 and
2001, respectively) (note 3).............................. 3,725.4 5,574.8
Other assets................................................ 2.7 29.4
-------- --------
$3,973.6 $5,833.8
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities
Bank indebtedness......................................... $ 32.4 $ 7.2
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................. 272.9 459.8
Taxes payable............................................. 3.2 22.5
Dividend payable.......................................... -- 21.0
-------- --------
308.5 510.5
Long term debt (note 4)..................................... 1,126.9 1,350.1
Other credits (note 5)...................................... 133.6 141.2
Future income taxes (note 6)................................ 841.1 1,823.8
-------- --------
2,410.1 3,825.6
-------- --------
Shareholder's equity
Share capital (note 7).................................... 905.3 889.8
Retained earnings......................................... 658.2 1,118.4
-------- --------
1,563.5 2,008.2
-------- --------
$3,973.6 $5,833.8
======== ========
Subsequent events (note 14)
</Table>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
FS-3
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
<Table>
<Caption>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
-----------------------------------
1999 2000 2001
--------- ---------- ----------
(STATED IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN
DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Revenues
Oil and gas............................................... $ 770.9 $1,417.1 $2,620.8
Royalties, net of ARTC (1999 -- $1.5 million; 2000 -- $0.7
million; 2001 -- $0.5 million)......................... (125.9) (291.8) (601.0)
------- -------- --------
645.0 1,125.3 2,019.8
------- -------- --------
Expenses
Operating................................................. 153.6 209.4 312.8
Depletion and depreciation................................ 260.7 312.0 503.5
General and administrative................................ 40.7 52.9 73.9
Interest (interest on long term debt; 1999 -- $41.9
million; 2000 -- $58.3 million; 2001 -- $101.5
million)............................................... 42.5 58.3 101.5
Future site restoration................................... 18.5 18.6 22.6
------- -------- --------
516.0 651.2 1,014.3
------- -------- --------
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes............ 129.0 474.1 1,005.5
------- -------- --------
Taxes (note 6)
Current................................................... 20.5 7.8 38.2
Future.................................................... 42.1 218.1 365.0
------- -------- --------
62.6 225.9 403.2
------- -------- --------
Earnings from continuing operations......................... 66.4 248.2 602.3
Earnings from discontinued operations (note 2).............. 4.0 65.3 --
------- -------- --------
Earnings.................................................... $ 70.4 $ 313.5 $ 602.3
======= ======== ========
Basic earnings per common share
From continuing operations................................ $ 0.54 $ 1.95 $ 4.59
From discontinued operations.............................. 0.03 0.51 --
------- -------- --------
$ 0.57 $ 2.46 $ 4.59
======= ======== ========
Diluted earnings per common share (note 8)
From continuing operations................................ $ 0.54 $ 1.92 $ 4.49
From discontinued operations.............................. 0.03 0.51 --
------- -------- --------
$ 0.57 $ 2.43 $ 4.49
======= ======== ========
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
(millions)
Basic..................................................... 124.1 127.4 131.2
Diluted................................................... 124.5 129.3 134.2
</Table>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
FS-4
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
<Table>
<Caption>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
--------------------------
1999 2000 2001
------ ------ --------
(STATED IN MILLIONS OF
CANADIAN DOLLARS)
Retained earnings, beginning of year........................ $274.3 $344.7 $ 658.2
Retroactive adjustment to opening retained earnings (notes 6
and 10)................................................... -- -- (121.1)
Earnings.................................................... 70.4 313.5 602.3
Dividends................................................... -- -- (21.0)
------ ------ --------
Retained earnings, end of year.............................. $344.7 $658.2 $1,118.4
====== ====== ========
</Table>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
FS-5
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<Table>
<Caption>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
----------------------------------------
1999 2000 2001
---------- ------------ ------------
(STATED IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
Cash provided by (used in):
Operations
Earnings from continuing operations....................... $ 66.4 $ 248.2 $ 602.3
Add (deduct) non-cash items:
Depletion and depreciation............................. 260.7 312.0 503.5
Future site restoration................................ 18.5 18.6 22.6
Future taxes........................................... 42.1 218.1 365.0
Other.................................................. (0.1) -- 7.6
Cash flow from discontinued operations (note 2)........... 8.0 4.4 --
Change in deferred revenue................................ (10.6) (10.4) (9.3)
Change in non-cash working capital related to:
-- continuing operations (note 9)...................... 21.1 (17.6) 149.3
-- discontinued operations (notes 2 and 9)............. 1.0 0.9 --
------- --------- ---------
407.1 774.2 1,641.0
------- --------- ---------
Investments
Additions to property, plant and equipment................ (293.4) (679.8) (1,078.7)
Proceeds on disposition of property, plant and
equipment.............................................. 9.6 10.4 156.3
Acquisitions (note 2)..................................... -- (550.1) (782.3)
Proceeds on disposition of Federated Pipe Lines Ltd. (note
2)..................................................... -- 102.5 --
Site restoration expenditures............................. (6.3) (10.1) (11.3)
Change in non-cash working capital related to investments
(note 9)............................................... 4.8 (2.0) 61.9
Discontinued operations (notes 2 and 9)................... (8.0) (0.2) --
------- --------- ---------
(293.3) (1,129.3) (1,654.1)
------- --------- ---------
Financing
Increase (decrease) in long term debt..................... (150.3) 331.7 55.3
Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness.................. (6.2) 18.5 (26.7)
Issue of common shares.................................... 42.7 49.4 32.4
Repurchase of common shares............................... -- (38.7) (47.9)
Dividends................................................. -- -- (21.0)
Change in non-cash working capital related to financing
(note 9)............................................... -- -- 21.0
Discontinued operations (note 2).......................... -- (5.8) --
------- --------- ---------
(113.8) 355.1 13.1
------- --------- ---------
Increase in cash............................................ -- -- --
Cash position, beginning of year............................ -- -- --
------- --------- ---------
Cash position, end of year.................................. $ -- $ -- $ --
======= ========= =========
</Table>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Current bank indebtedness includes outstanding cheques.
FS-6
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999, 2000 AND 2001
(TABULAR AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)
ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THE ACCOMPANYING CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD. AND IN THESE NOTES ARE EXPRESSED IN CANADIAN DOLLARS,
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.
Anderson Exploration Ltd. ("Anderson Exploration" or "the Company") is
engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and
gas resources in western and northern Canada. The consolidated financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in Canada.
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Anderson
Exploration Ltd. and subsidiary companies and partnerships, all of which are
wholly-owned. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated.
A significant portion of the Company's oil and gas exploration, development
and production activities are conducted with others. Accordingly, the accounts
reflect only the Company's proportionate interest in such activities.
(b) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost
is determined using the specific item or average cost method.
(c) Property, plant and equipment
The Company follows the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas
properties. Under this method, all costs relative to the exploration for and
development of oil and gas reserves are capitalized into cost centres on a
country by country basis. Capitalized costs include lease acquisitions,
geological and geophysical costs, lease rentals on non-producing properties,
costs of drilling productive and non-productive wells and plant and production
equipment costs. General and administrative costs are not capitalized, except to
the extent of the Company's working interest in operated capital expenditure
programs to which overhead fees have been charged under standard industry
operating agreements. Proceeds received from disposals of oil and gas properties
and equipment are credited against capitalized costs unless the disposal would
alter the rate of depletion and depreciation by more than 20 percent, in which
case a gain or loss on disposal is recorded.
Depletion of oil and gas properties and depreciation of plant and
production equipment, including estimated future costs to develop proved
reserves, are provided on the unit of production method based on total proven
reserves before royalties as estimated by Company engineers. Natural gas sales
and reserves are converted to equivalent units of crude oil using their relative
energy content. Buildings and other equipment are depreciated over their useful
lives using the declining balance and straight line methods at rates varying
from five percent to 40 percent per annum.
The Company applies a ceiling test to capitalized oil and gas property
costs to ensure that such costs do not exceed the estimated future net revenues
from production of proven reserves, at prices and operating costs in effect at
the balance sheet date, plus the cost of unevaluated properties less
management's estimate of impairment. The test also provides for estimated future
administrative overhead, financing costs and taxes.
FS-7
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(d) Future site restoration costs
Provisions for future site restoration costs are made using the unit of
production method based on established reserves. Costs are based on engineering
estimates considering current regulations, costs and industry standards. Actual
expenditures incurred are applied against deferred future site restoration
costs.
(e) Stock based compensation plans
Consideration received from employees or directors on the exercise of stock
options under the employee stock option plan and the purchase of stock under the
employee stock savings plan is recorded as share capital. The Company matches
employee contributions to the stock savings plan and these cash payments are
recorded as compensation expense.
Obligations for cash payments under the share appreciation rights plan are
accrued as compensation expense over the vesting period of the rights. Changes
in the share price, up or down, will change the compensation expense and are
recognized prospectively when they occur.
(f) Taxes
Effective October 1, 2000, the Company adopted the liability method of
accounting for income taxes (see note 6). Under this method, income tax assets
and income tax liabilities are recognized, at current rates, for differences
between amounts reported for financial statement purposes and their respective
tax bases. The effect of a change in income tax rates on future income tax
assets and future income tax liabilities is recognized in income in the period
that the change occurs.
(g) Revenue recognition
Oil and natural gas revenues are recognized when title passes to the
purchaser. Settlement payments received for restructuring or terminating long
term natural gas sales contracts are deferred and recognized as revenue over the
remaining period of the contracts, or over the life of the reserves associated
with the contracts.
(h) Foreign currency translation
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are
translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date while
non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical rates of
exchange. Revenues and expenses are translated at monthly average rates of
exchange. Translation gains and losses are included in earnings except for
unrealized gains and losses on long term monetary items which are deferred and
amortized to earnings over their remaining term.
(i) Hedging
The Company utilizes derivative instruments in its management of exposures
to fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency
exchange rates. Hedge accounting is used when there is a high degree of
correlation between price movements in the derivative instrument and the item
designated as being hedged. Gains and losses on derivative instruments used for
hedging purposes are recognized in the same period as the hedged item and are
recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings in the same manner as the
hedged item. The fair values of derivative instruments are not recorded in the
balance sheet. If correlation ceases, hedge accounting is terminated and future
changes in the market value of the derivative instruments are recognized as
gains or losses in the period of change.
FS-8
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(j) Per share amounts
Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing earnings from
operations by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the
period. Diluted per share amounts reflect the potential dilution that could
occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or
converted to common shares. The treasury stock method is used to determine the
dilutive effect of stock options and other dilutive instruments.
(k) Use of estimates
Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ
from these estimates.
2. CORPORATE ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITION
(a) Acquisition of Numac Energy Inc.
Effective February 12, 2001, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
shares of Numac Energy Inc. ("Numac"), an oil and gas production company, for
cash consideration of $8.00 per share. The transaction has been accounted for
using the purchase method with the results of operations included in these
financial statements from the date of acquisition. Details of the acquisition
are as follows:
<Table>
Net assets acquired, at assigned values:
Property, plant and equipment............................. $ 933.5
Deferred financing costs.................................. 3.5
Working capital deficiency (including bank indebtedness
assumed of $1.5 million)............................... (12.4)
Long term debt assumed.................................... (135.7)
Pension and lease obligations assumed..................... (6.6)
Future income tax adjustment to property, plant and
equipment.............................................. 419.8
Future income tax liability............................... (419.8)
-------
$ 782.3
=======
Purchase price:
Cash...................................................... $ 773.3
Transaction costs......................................... 9.0
-------
$ 782.3
=======
</Table>
(b) Acquisition of Ulster Petroleums Ltd.
On May 17, 2000, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of Ulster
Petroleums Ltd. ("Ulster"), an oil and gas production company. The consideration
given for each Ulster share was $13.10, made up of $11.00 cash and 0.09655 of an
Anderson Exploration common share based on Anderson Exploration's closing price
of $21.75 per share on the offer date. The transaction has been accounted for
FS-9
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
using the purchase method with the results of operations included in these
financial statements from the date of acquisition. Details of the acquisition
are as follows:
<Table>
Net assets acquired, at assigned values:
Property, plant and equipment............................. $1,000.7
Working capital deficiency (including a cash balance of
$2.8 million).......................................... (32.1)
Long term debt assumed.................................... (312.2)
--------
$ 656.4
========
Purchase price:
Cash...................................................... $ 542.2
Common shares (4,758,727 shares).......................... 103.5
Transaction costs......................................... 10.7
--------
$ 656.4
========
</Table>
(c) Disposition of Federated Pipe Lines Ltd.
On June 28, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 50
percent interest in Federated Pipe Lines Ltd. ("Federated"), a pipeline
transportation company. The Company received net proceeds on the sale of $102.5
million and disposed of $0.8 million of bank indebtedness. Net proceeds from
this transaction were used to reduce debt related to the acquisition of Ulster.
The Company's proportionate interest in the results of operations of
Federated are shown as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of
earnings and cash flows.
For the six months ended March 31, 2000, revenues from discontinued
operations were $16.7 million, earnings were $1.8 million (net of taxes of $1.5
million) and net capital expenditures were $0.1 million. Results of discontinued
operations subsequent to this date were included in the gain on sale of $63.5
million (net of taxes of $1.6 million), as a plan of arrangement to dispose of
the assets existed at March 31, 2000.
3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
<Table>
<Caption>
2000 2001
------------------------ ------------------------
ACCUMULATED ACCUMULATED
DEPLETION AND DEPLETION AND
COST DEPRECIATION COST DEPRECIATION
-------- ------------- -------- -------------
Oil and gas properties,
Subject to depletion and depreciation......... $6,065.0 $(2,743.1) $8,088.0 $(3,240.0)
Not subject to depletion and depreciation..... 375.0 -- 693.9 --
Buildings, land and other....................... 81.2 (52.7) 91.8 (58.9)
-------- --------- -------- ---------
$6,521.2 $(2,795.8) $8,873.7 $(3,298.9)
======== ========= ======== =========
Net book value.................................. $ 3,725.4 $ 5,574.8
========= =========
</Table>
FS-10
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Oil and gas property costs not subject to depletion and depreciation at
September 30, 2001 are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
LAND GEOLOGICAL AND
ACQUISITION GEOPHYSICAL FRONTIER DRILLING AND
COSTS COSTS COMPLETION COSTS TOTAL
----------- --------------- --------------------- ------
Acquired in 2001................... $203.1 $125.7 $29.2 $358.0
Acquired in 2000................... 172.5 32.9 -- 205.4
Acquired in 1999................... 28.8 -- -- 28.8
Acquired prior to 1999............. 101.7 -- -- 101.7
------ ------ ----- ------
$506.1 $158.6 $29.2 $693.9
====== ====== ===== ======
</Table>
Future development costs of proven undeveloped reserves of $340.3 million
and $858.7 million are included in depletion and depreciation calculations at
September 30, 2000 and 2001, respectively.
Depletion and depreciation per equivalent barrel of production for the
years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001 was $5.57, $5.89 and $7.32,
respectively.
At the balance sheet dates, the Company had surpluses in its ceiling tests
using balance sheet date prices.
4. LONG TERM DEBT
<Table>
<Caption>
2000 2001
---------------------- ----------------------
BALANCE INTEREST BALANCE INTEREST
OUTSTANDING RATE* OUTSTANDING RATE*
----------- -------- ----------- --------
Bank loans............................................ $ 385.9 6.68% $ 4.8 5.26%
Bank loans subject to swaps........................... 253.0 6.94% 244.0 7.01%
Senior unsecured U.S. notes, maturing March 2011
(U.S $400.0 million)................................ -- 631.6 6.75%
Medium term notes, maturing August 2006............... -- 200.0 6.55%
Medium term notes, maturing July 2005................. 175.0 7.25% 175.0 7.25%
Senior U.S. dollar notes, maturing October 2005 to
October 2006 (U.S.$60.0 million).................... 113.0 7.44% 94.7 7.50%
Oil indexed debentures, maturing October 2000......... 200.0 8.26% --
-------- --------
$1,126.9 $1,350.1
======== ========
</Table>
- ---------------
* As at September 30.
The Company had a $500 million syndicated revolving credit facility with an
extendible 364 day revolving period and a six year term period. Advances under
the facility could be drawn in either Canadian or U.S. funds. The facility bears
interest at the banks' prime lending rate, bankers' acceptance rates plus
applicable margins or U.S. LIBOR rates plus applicable margins. On October 15,
2001, all amounts outstanding under this facility were repaid following the
acquisition of the Company by Devon Energy Corporation ("Devon") (note 14). The
facility was cancelled on October 19, 2001.
The Company had a syndicated revolving credit facility that was arranged in
May 2000 to finance the acquisition of Ulster (note 2). The facility was made up
of three separate components. Tranche A was a committed 364 day $100 million
bridge facility available by way of a single draw. Tranche B was a committed 18
month $300 million bridge facility available by way of a single draw. Tranche C
is a committed $500 million 364 day revolving credit facility, followed by a
committed two year term period. In July 2000, the full amount of Tranche A and
$75 million of Tranche B were repaid with proceeds from
FS-11
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
the issue of medium term notes. In February 2001, the remaining $225 million
under Tranche B was transferred to Tranche C. Tranche A and Tranche B are no
longer available. Advances under the facility can be drawn in either Canadian or
U.S. funds. The facility bears interest at the banks' prime lending rate,
bankers' acceptance rates plus applicable margins or U.S. Libor rates plus
applicable margins. All amounts outstanding under Tranche C were repaid during
2001 and the facility was cancelled on October 19, 2001.
The Company has fixed the rate of interest on $244.0 million of its bank
loans through swap agreements at an average rate of 7.01 percent. The swap
agreements mature at various dates as shown below:
<Table>
<Caption>
AMOUNT INTEREST RATE* MATURITY DATE
- ------ -------------- -------------
$ 32.5 6.66% October 2001
7.5 6.80% October 2002
79.0 6.76% May 2003
40.0 7.32% February 2007
30.0 7.53% March 2007
30.0 7.32% June 2007
25.0 6.85% July 2007
- ------ -----
$244.0 7.01%
====== =====
</Table>
- ---------------
* Includes margin.
The Company arranged a new $1 billion non-revolving bridge credit facility
through a group of Canadian chartered banks to finance the acquisition of Numac
(note 2). The unsecured facility had a maturity date of October 1, 2002. On
March 14, 2001, Anderson Exploration sold U.S. $400 million principal amount of
6.75 percent senior unsecured notes due 2011 to purchasers in the United States.
Net proceeds from the issue were used to repay a portion of the bridge facility.
In March 2001, existing credit facilities were used to repay the remainder of
the outstanding amount under the bridge facility, and the facility was
cancelled. At September 30, 2001, the senior unsecured notes were rated "Baaa"
by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and "BBB+" by Standard & Poor's Rating
Services.
On June 29, 2000, the Company filed a short form shelf prospectus in
connection with a two year medium term note program in an aggregate principal
amount of up to $500 million that are offered at prices and contain such other
terms as may be determined at the time of issue. On July 18, 2000, the Company
issued $175 million of 7.25 percent unsecured, non-redeemable notes maturing
July 2005 pursuant to the program. On August 2, 2001, the Company issued $200
million of 6.55 percent unsecured, non-redeemable notes maturing August 2006
pursuant to the program. At September 30, 2001, the medium term notes were rated
"BBB+" by Standard & Poor's Rating Services and "BBB (high)" by Dominion Bond
Rating Service Limited. Subsequent to September 30, 2001, Dominion Bond Rating
Service Limited lowered its rating of the medium term notes to "BBB (low)".
The senior U.S. dollar notes were assumed on the acquisition of Ulster
(note 2). The senior notes are denominated in U.S. dollars and were issued in
October 1995 in three series as follows:
<Table>
Series A 7.23%, repaid in October 2000............................... U.S.$15.0
Series B 7.42%, due in October 2005; annual principal repayments of
U.S.$5.8 million begin in October 2001...................... U.S.$29.0
Series C 7.57%, due in October 2006; annual principal repayments of
U.S.$10.3 million begin in October 2004..................... U.S.$31.0
</Table>
FS-12
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
During October 2000, the Series A notes totalling U.S. $15.0 million were
repaid. At September 30, 2001, U.S. $60.0 million, representing Series B and
Series C of the notes, was outstanding. The Company drew upon existing long-term
credit facilities to finance the principal payment made in October 2001.
Accordingly, the amount has not been included in current liabilities at
September 30, 2001.
The bank loans, medium term notes and senior U.S. dollar notes are
unsecured and rank equally with one another and are subject to the maintenance
of certain financial ratios.
The oil indexed debentures had a fixed interest rate of 5.0 percent per
annum plus a variable interest rate of up to 16.8 percent per annum based upon
the average price of crude oil. The effective rate of interest on the debentures
was fixed to maturity at 8.26 percent by an unsecured interest rate swap
agreement. These debentures were repaid in October 2000.
The Company has a $125 million operating line of credit, of which $35.9
million was unused at September 30, 2001. The operating line is being used to
support outstanding letters of credit associated with the Company's work
proposals in northern Canada (note 12).
The Company's revolving credit facilities of $248.8 million were repaid and
cancelled in October 2001. The aggregate amount of payments estimated to be
required in each of the next five years on the Company's other debt facilities
are $9.2 million in 2002, $9.2 million in 2003, $9.2 million in 2004, $200.5
million in 2005 and $225.5 million in 2006.
5. OTHER CREDITS
<Table>
<Caption>
2000 2001
------ ------
Deferred future site restoration costs...................... $ 68.4 $ 79.7
Deferred revenue............................................ 59.7 50.3
Pension obligation (note 10)................................ 5.5 7.9
Deferred lease obligations.................................. -- 3.3
------ ------
$133.6 $141.2
====== ======
</Table>
Site restoration involves the surface clean-up and reclamation of well
sites and field production facilities to ensure they can be safely returned to
appropriate land uses. In addition, certain plant facilities will require
decommissioning, which involves dismantlement of facilities as well as the
decontamination and reclamation of these lands. Total estimated future costs,
given the current inventory of wells and facilities, are approximately $369.6
million, of which $79.7 million has been accrued to date.
6. TAXES
Effective October 1, 2000, the Company adopted the Canadian Institute of
Chartered Accountants accounting recommendations with respect to income taxes.
The new recommendations were applied retroactively without restatement of prior
year financial statements. The change in policy resulted in an increase in
property, plant and equipment of $77.2 million, an increase in future income tax
liabilities of $198.0 million and a charge to retained earnings of $120.8
million. The adjustment to retained earnings was primarily a result of the
future income tax cost of the Ulster acquisition in which the tax basis acquired
was less than the purchase price.
FS-13
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The temporary differences that gave rise to the Company's future income tax
assets and liabilities are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
OCTOBER 1, SEPTEMBER 30,
2000 2001
---------- -------------
Future income tax assets
Alberta royalty tax rebate................................ $ 44.7 $ 25.4
Deferred future site restoration costs.................... 29.9 28.1
Deferred revenue.......................................... 26.0 21.2
-------- --------
100.6 74.7
-------- --------
Future income tax liabilities
Property, plant & equipment in excess of tax basis........ 1,136.8 1,894.3
Other..................................................... 2.9 4.2
-------- --------
1,139.7 1,898.5
-------- --------
Net future income tax liability............................. $1,039.1 $1,823.8
======== ========
</Table>
The provision for taxes differs from the result which would have been
obtained by applying the combined federal and provincial tax rate to earnings
before taxes. The difference results from the following items:
<Table>
<Caption>
1999 2000 2001
------ ------ --------
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes.......... $129.0 $474.1 $1,005.5
====== ====== ========
Combined federal and provincial tax rate.................. 44.8% 44.8% 44.0%
------ ------ --------
Computed "expected" tax................................... 57.8 $212.4 $ 442.4
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
Royalties and other payments to provincial
governments........................................ 49.5 116.4 237.6
Non-deductible depletion............................. 1.2 6.4 --
Resource allowance................................... (49.7) (111.9) (221.8)
Income tax rebates and credits....................... (2.1) (7.6) (17.6)
Capital taxes........................................ 7.0 10.3 16.2
Reduction in provincial tax rate..................... -- -- (55.8)
Other................................................ (1.1) (0.1) 2.2
------ ------ --------
Provision for taxes....................................... $ 62.6 $225.9 $ 403.2
====== ====== ========
</Table>
FS-14
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
7. SHARE CAPITAL
Authorized:
Common shares: unlimited
Preferred shares: unlimited
Junior preferred shares, redeemable, participating: unlimited
Issued:
<Table>
<Caption>
1999 2000 2001
------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------
NUMBER OF AMOUNT NUMBER OF AMOUNT NUMBER OF AMOUNT
SHARES (MILLIONS) SHARES (MILLIONS) SHARES (MILLIONS)
----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Common shares
Balance, beginning of
year................... 123,260,352 $594.9 126,030,334 $637.6 131,526,926 $778.8
Issued for cash on
exercise of stock
options................ 2,553,155 39.2 2,857,210 45.3 1,741,105 28.1
Issued for cash under
employee stock savings
plan................... 216,827 3.5 183,793 4.1 141,856 4.3
Issued on acquisition of
Ulster................. -- -- 4,758,727 103.5 -- --
Repurchase of shares under
Normal Course Issuer
Bid.................... -- -- (2,303,138) (11.7) (1,716,800) (10.2)
----------- ------ ----------- ------ ----------- ------
Balance, end of year...... 126,030,334 637.6 131,526,926 778.8 131,693,087 801.0
----------- ------ ----------- ------ ----------- ------
Contributed surplus
Balance, beginning of
year................... 153.5 153.5 126.5
Repurchase of shares under
Normal Course Issuer
Bid.................... -- (27.0) (37.7)
----------- ------ ----------- ------ ----------- ------
Balance, end of year...... 153.5 126.5 88.8
----------- ------ ----------- ------ ----------- ------
126,030,334 $791.1 131,526,926 $905.3 131,693,087 $889.8
=========== ====== =========== ====== =========== ======
</Table>
The Company has an employee stock option plan under which both employees
and directors are eligible to receive grants. At September 30, 2001, 11,328,215
common shares were reserved for issuance under the plan. Options granted under
the plan generally have a term of five years to expiry and vest equally over a
three year period starting on the first anniversary date of the grant. The
exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company's common
shares on the date of the grant. At
FS-15
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2001, 7,062,365 options with exercise prices between $13.15 and
$34.05 were outstanding and exercisable at various dates to the year 2006.
<Table>
<Caption>
1999 2000 2001
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
NUMBER OF AVERAGE NUMBER OF AVERAGE NUMBER OF AVERAGE
OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE
---------- -------------- ---------- -------------- ---------- --------------
Stock options
outstanding,
beginning of
year............... 7,647,502 $15.95 7,423,564 $15.71 6,466,771 $16.81
Granted.............. 2,595,800 14.68 2,109,600 19.35 2,563,300 32.44
Exercised............ (2,553,155) 15.35 (2,857,210) 15.87 (1,741,105) 16.13
Cancelled............ (266,583) 15.93 (209,183) 16.16 (226,601) 22.11
---------- ------ ---------- ------ ---------- ------
Stock options
outstanding, end of
year............... 7,423,564 $15.71 6,466,771 $16.81 7,062,365 $22.48
========== ====== ========== ====== ========== ======
Exercisable at year
end................ 2,560,734 $15.95 2,000,936 $16.05 2,489,232 $16.59
========== ====== ========== ====== ========== ======
</Table>
The range of exercise prices of the Company's outstanding stock options at
September 30, 2001 is as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
----------------------------------- ------------------------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
RANGE OF OPTIONS REMAINING WEIGHTED AVERAGE OPTIONS WEIGHTED AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING TERM (YEARS) EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISABLE EXERCISE PRICE
- --------------- ----------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------- ----------------
Under $15.00.............. 1,443,665 2.5 $14.44 751,665 $14.44
$15.00 to 18.99........... 1,270,500 1.4 $16.57 1,182,500 $16.54
$19.00 to 26.99........... 1,850,600 2.6 $19.36 545,067 $19.38
Over $27.00............... 2,497,600 4.5 $32.43 10,000 $32.72
--------- --- ------ --------- ------
7,062,365 3.3 $22.48 2,489,232 $16.59
========= === ====== ========= ======
</Table>
In 1999, the employee stock option plan was amended to give the Board of
Directors the discretion to attach share appreciation rights to stock options
granted after February 10, 1999. Share appreciation rights give the holder of
the options the right to surrender his or her options for cancellation and
receive a cash payment from the Company equal to the excess of the then current
market price of the common shares over the exercise price of the options. To
date, share appreciation rights have not been attached to stock options granted.
A separate share appreciation rights plan, where employees are granted the
right to receive cash payments from the Company, but not common shares, was
established in 2000. Under this plan, employees
FS-16
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
are entitled to cash payments equal to the excess of the then current market
price of the common shares over the exercise price of the right. Other terms of
the plan are similar to the employee stock option plan.
<Table>
<Caption>
2000 2001
-------------------------- --------------------------
WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
NUMBER OF AVERAGE NUMBER OF AVERAGE
RIGHTS EXERCISE PRICE RIGHTS EXERCISE PRICE
--------- -------------- --------- --------------
Share appreciation rights outstanding,
beginning of year........................... -- $ -- 1,643,061 $21.95
Granted....................................... 1,738,101 22.09 133,200 33.36
Exercised..................................... -- -- (259,830) 19.85
Cancelled..................................... (95,040) 24.55 (152,221) 28.22
--------- ------ --------- ------
Share appreciation rights outstanding, end of
year........................................ 1,643,061 $21.95 1,364,210 $22.76
========= ====== ========= ======
Exercisable at year end....................... -- $ -- 261,830 $23.38
========= ====== ========= ======
</Table>
At September 30, 2000 and 2001, the weighted average remaining contractual
life of the rights was 4.5 years and 3.6 years, respectively. Compensation
expense of $ nil, $4.1 million and $11.4 million has been recorded in respect of
this plan for the years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively.
On October 17, 2001, Devon completed its acquisition of the issued and
outstanding shares of the Company. Immediately prior to the acquisition, all
stock options and share appreciation rights outstanding vested and were
subsequently exercised or paid out by the Company (note 14).
Under the employee stock savings plan, the Company is authorized to issue
shares of common stock to all of its permanent employees. Under the terms of the
plan, qualifying employees may contribute from four percent to eight percent of
basic annual earnings. Employee contributions are invested in the Company's
common shares purchased from treasury at market prices. The Company matches the
employees' contributions, investing in qualified money market instruments or
additional common shares of the Company purchased on the open market. The
Company's share of contributions is recorded as compensation expense and
amounted to $3.5 million, $4.1 million and $4.3 million in 1999, 2000 and 2001,
respectively. At September 30, 2001, 717,709 common shares were reserved for
issuance under the plan. As a result of the acquisition of the Company by Devon,
the issuance of shares under this plan ceased September 30, 2001.
On November 14, 2000, the Board of Directors approved a new Notice of
Intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid, under which the Company could
acquire up to five percent of its outstanding common shares through the
facilities of The Toronto Stock Exchange. During the year, the Company
repurchased 0.7 million shares at an average price of $29.03 per share. Under
the program that expired on November 30, 2000, the Company repurchased 1.0
million shares at an average price of $27.16. The repurchased shares under both
programs were cancelled and returned to treasury.
On August 18, 1999, the Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Rights
Plan to replace the Company's previous plan which expired in 1999. The Plan was
approved by shareholders on February 16, 2000. If a bid to acquire control of
the Company is made, the Plan is designed to give the Board of Directors of the
Company time to consider alternatives to allow shareholders to receive full and
fair value for their shares. In the event that a bid, other than a permitted
bid, is made, shareholders become entitled to exercise rights to acquire common
shares of the Company at 50 percent of market value. This would significantly
dilute the value of the bidder's holdings. This Plan was not utilized in
connection with Devon's acquisition of the Company.
FS-17
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
8. PER SHARE AMOUNTS
In computing diluted earnings per share, 0.4 million, 1.9 million and 3.0
million shares were added to the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001,
respectively, for the dilutive effect of employee stock options. No adjustments
were required to reported earnings in computing diluted per share amounts.
9. CHANGE IN NON-CASH WORKING CAPITAL
<Table>
<Caption>
1999 2000 2001
------ ------- ------
Accounts receivable....................................... $(23.6) $(102.7) $ 9.4
Inventories............................................... (1.4) (6.7) 6.5
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................. 35.9 136.7 186.9
Taxes payable............................................. 13.4 (11.1) 19.3
Dividend payable.......................................... -- -- 21.0
Acquisition of non-cash working capital deficiency........ -- (34.9) (10.9)
Disposition of non-cash working capital deficiency........ -- (0.2) --
------ ------- ------
$ 24.3 $ (18.9) $232.2
====== ======= ======
</Table>
The following cash receipts (payments) have been included in the
determination of earnings from continuing operations:
<Table>
<Caption>
1999 2000 2001
------ ------ -------
Dividends received........................................ $ 1.1 $ 1.0 $ --
Interest paid............................................. (42.2) (54.1) (103.4)
Taxes paid................................................ (7.3) (19.0) (19.0)
</Table>
10. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Effective October 1, 2000, the Company adopted the Canadian Institute of
Chartered Accountants accounting recommendations with respect to pension plans
and other post-retirement benefits. Upon adoption of these recommendations, a
charge of $0.3 million was recorded against retained earnings, with a
corresponding increase in the pension accrual.
The Company maintains two pension plans, which were acquired in the
business combination with Home Oil and in the Numac acquisition, respectively.
Home Oil Plan
The Home Oil Plan is a non-contributory registered defined benefit pension
plan. In June 1995, the plan was amended to give active employees an opportunity
to opt out of the plan in favour of a defined contribution alternative. Most
employees opted out of the plan. These employees and all new employees accrue
future benefits based on defined contributions. Employees remaining in the plan
continue to accrue benefits under the defined benefit plan. The plan is funded
based on independent actuarial valuations. Plan assets are invested primarily in
treasury bills and/or publicly traded equity and fixed income securities.
Retirement benefits are based on the employees' years of credited service and
salaries during the last years of employment.
The retirement benefit under the Home Oil Plan is subject to a maximum
pension as determined under the Income Tax Act (Canada). To the extent this
limitation applied, supplemental retirement allowances were provided to
qualifying employees at the time so that the total retirement benefits were
sufficient to provide the annuity that those employees would have been entitled
to without the limitation.
FS-18
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
To support the Company's obligations under the supplemental plan, the Company
has issued a letter of credit to the custodian of the supplemental plan.
In August 1997, the Company purchased annuity contracts in respect of all
the then retired and deferred vested members of the Home Oil Plan. Pension
assets were used to purchase the annuities. Projected benefit obligations were
reduced to reflect this purchase of annuities. On October 6, 2000, a benefit
enhancement of approximately $8.3 million was granted to those retired and
deferred vested members of the registered plan as of December 31, 2000 for whom
annuities were purchased in 1997. Pension plan assets were reduced by this
amount.
The Numac Plan
The Numac Plan is a registered defined contribution pension plan. Prior to
January 1, 1994, the plan existed as a registered defined benefit plan. On that
date, employees of Numac were given the option to convert to the defined
contribution plan or remain in the defined benefit plan. Most employees opted
out of the plan. These employees and all new employees accrue future benefits
based on defined contributions. Pension plan assets under the Numac Plan are in
excess of future plan obligations. As a result, funding of ongoing contributions
to the defined contribution plan are being made from plan assets.
The retirement benefit under the Numac Plan is subject to a maximum pension
as determined under the Income Tax Act (Canada). To the extent this limitation
applied, supplemental retirement allowances were provided to qualifying
employees at the time so that the total retirement benefits were sufficient to
provide the annuity that those employees would have been entitled to without the
limitation.
FS-19
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The following table sets forth, for the registered defined benefit pension
plans, reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit
obligation, the fair value of the plan assets, the funded status, and the
assumptions used in the determination of the projected benefit obligation and
net pension expense:
<Table>
<Caption>
AS AT SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------
2000 2001
------- ------
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation -- beginning of year................... $ 2.8 $ 3.0
Obligation assumed on Numac acquisition................... -- 11.9
Interest cost............................................. 0.2 0.7
Actuarial gain............................................ -- (1.0)
Benefits paid............................................. -- (0.8)
------ -----
Benefit obligation -- end of year......................... $ 3.0 $13.8
====== =====
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets -- beginning of year............ $ 20.3 $21.0
Assets acquired in Numac acquisition...................... -- 16.7
Benefit enhancement....................................... -- (8.3)
Actual return on plan assets.............................. 1.1 (0.9)
Benefits paid............................................. (0.1) (0.8)
Other disbursements....................................... (0.3) (0.3)
------ -----
Fair value plan assets -- end of year..................... $ 21.0 $27.4
====== =====
Reconciliation of funded status
Funded status............................................. $ 18.0 $13.6
Unamortized net actuarial gain............................ (18.0) (8.6)
------ -----
Pension asset recognized on balance sheet................. $ -- $ 5.0
====== =====
Assumptions
Discount rate............................................. 6.5% 7.0%
Long-term rate of employee compensation increase.......... 2.5% 3.5%
Long-term annual rate of return on plan assets............ 6.5% 7.0%
</Table>
The following table sets forth, for the supplemental plans, reconciliations
of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation, and the funded
status of the plans:
<Table>
<Caption>
AS AT SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------
2000 2001
------ -------
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation -- beginning of year................... $ 6.0 $ 6.0
Obligation assumed on Numac acquisition................... -- 7.2
Interest cost............................................. 0.5 0.6
Benefits paid............................................. (0.5) (0.9)
----- ------
Benefit obligation -- end of year......................... $ 6.0 $ 12.9
===== ======
Reconciliation of funded status
Funded status............................................. $(6.0) $(12.9)
Unamortized net actuarial (gain) loss..................... 0.5 --
----- ------
Pension obligation recognized on balance sheet............ $(5.5) $(12.9)
===== ======
</Table>
The Company recorded pension expense of $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.7
million in 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively, in regard to these plans.
FS-20
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
11. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(a) Commodity price risk
The Company generally sells its crude oil and natural gas under short-term
market-based contracts. As a result of the acquisition of Numac (note 2), the
Company acquired crude oil and natural gas sales contracts. The crude oil
contracts fixed the price on 12,700 barrels per day of production. After
December 31, 2001, 5,700 barrels per day of production will continue to be
hedged under these contracts. The natural gas sales contracts were entered into
for two purposes. The first series of contracts effectively swapped floating
prices for fixed prices. The second series of contracts fixed the basis
differential on natural gas sales.
The Company has also entered into electricity purchase contracts in order
to fix the cost of electricity used in operations. The contracts fix the price
on up to 42 mega-watt hours per day at various prices through 2005.
(b) Interest rate risk
The Company has entered into fixed rate debt agreements and interest rate
swap agreements in order to manage its interest rate exposure on debt
instruments. These agreements are described in note 4.
(c) Foreign currency exchange risk
The Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations as crude oil and
natural gas prices received are referenced to U.S. dollar denominated prices. As
a result of the Numac acquisition, the Company acquired foreign exchange swap
contracts which fix the exchange rate on up to U.S. $4.0 million of currency
each month. In addition, the Company has borrowed United States dollars on a
long-term basis.
(d) Credit risk
A substantial portion of the Company's accounts receivable are with
customers and joint venture partners in the oil and gas industry and are subject
to normal industry credit risks. Purchasers of the Company's natural gas, crude
oil and natural gas liquids are subject to an internal credit review to minimize
the risk of non-payment.
The Company is also exposed to credit risk associated with possible
non-performance by financial instrument counterparties. In an effort to minimize
credit risk, it is the Company's practice to only enter into financial
arrangements with established counterparties who have an investment grade credit
rating as determined by recognized credit rating agencies.
(e) Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying amounts of financial instruments included in the consolidated
balance sheet, other than long term debt, approximate their fair value due to
their short term maturity.
The estimated fair values of long term debt and derivative instruments have
been determined based on discounted cash flow analysis using current market
interest rates for financial instruments with similar maturities.
FS-21
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The carrying values and estimated fair values of long term debt and
derivative instruments are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
2000 2001
--------------------- ---------------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Long-term debt........................... $(1,126.9) $(1,128.7) $(1,350.1) $(1,360.7)
Interest rate swaps on bank loans........ $ -- $ (2.2) $ (1.2) $ (13.9)
Foreign currency swap.................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (5.6)
Oil and gas sales contracts.............. $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (6.7)
Electricity purchase contracts........... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (25.7)
</Table>
12. COMMITMENTS
The Company has acquired interests in northern Canada for total work
expenditure proposals of $379.6 million. Work expenditures commenced in fiscal
2000, with an estimated $99.4 million of eligible expenditures incurred to
September 30, 2001. Expenditures will continue over the next four years and
include obligations to drill at least one well on each licence or permit. The
proposals are supported by deposits of $85.8 million in letters of credit. The
letters of credit will be reduced proportionately after approval of eligible
expenditures incurred.
13. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLES
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in Canada ("Canadian GAAP") that, in
most respects, conform to accounting
FS-22
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Canadian GAAP
differs from U.S. GAAP in the following respects:
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
------------------------
NOTE 1999 2000 2001
---- ------ ------ ------
Earnings from continuing operations, as reported
Impact of U.S. GAAP.................................. $ 66.4 $248.2 $602.3
Full cost accounting............................... A 72.2 64.9 59.5
Related income taxes............................ (31.5) (28.2) (25.7)
Foreign exchange on long term debt................. B -- (1.6) (17.4)
Related income taxes............................ -- 0.4 3.8
Accounting for income taxes -- impact on depletion
and depreciation expense........................ C (2.6) (13.9) (25.3)
Related income taxes............................ 2.3 12.0 10.7
Derivative financial instruments................... D -- -- (25.0)
Related income taxes............................ -- -- 11.4
------ ------ ------
Earnings from continuing operations, as adjusted..... 106.8 281.8 594.3
Discontinued operations.............................. 4.0 65.3 --
------ ------ ------
Earnings, as adjusted................................ $110.8 $347.1 $594.3
====== ====== ======
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
------------------------
1999 2000 2001
------ ------ ------
Basic earnings per common share
From continuing operations, as adjusted................... $0.86 $2.21 $4.53
From discontinued operations.............................. 0.03 0.51 --
----- ----- -----
$0.89 $2.72 $4.53
===== ===== =====
Diluted earnings per common share
From continuing operations, as adjusted................... $0.86 $2.17 $4.43
From discontinued operations.............................. 0.03 0.51 --
----- ----- -----
$0.89 $2.68 $4.43
===== ===== =====
</Table>
Under U.S. GAAP, classification of certain revenue and expense items
differs from Canadian GAAP. These classification differences do not have an
impact on reported earnings.
Balance sheet items in accordance with U.S. GAAP are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
2000 2001
------------------- -------------------
CANADIAN U.S. CANADIAN U.S.
NOTE GAAP GAAP GAAP GAAP
---- -------- -------- -------- --------
Current assets, net of current
liabilities......................... $ (63.0) $ (63.0) $ (280.9) $ (280.9)
Property, plant and equipment......... A,C 3,725.4 3,466.2 5,574.8 5,272.6
Other assets.......................... B 2.7 1.1 29.4 10.4
Long term debt........................ 1,126.9 1,126.9 1,350.1 1,350.1
Other credits......................... 133.6 133.6 141.2 191.9
Deferred taxes........................ A,C 841.1 906.3 1,823.8 1,679.2
Capital stock......................... 905.3 905.3 889.8 889.8
Retained earnings..................... A-D 658.2 332.2 1,118.4 905.5
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss................................ D -- -- -- (14.4)
</Table>
FS-23
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Cash flows by activity on the consolidated statement of cash flows in
accordance with U.S. GAAP would be as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
-------------------------------
1999 2000 2001
------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from operating activities................. $ 400.8 $ 764.1 $ 1,629.7
Cash flows from investing activities................. $(287.0) $(1,119.2) $(1,642.8)
Cash flows from financing activities................. $(113.8) $ 355.1 $ 13.1
</Table>
On the consolidated statements of cash flows, site restoration expenditures
of $6.3 million, $10.1 million and $11.3 million, which are disclosed as
investing activities under Canadian GAAP in 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively,
would be disclosed as operating activities under U.S. GAAP.
Under U.S. GAAP, presentation of certain cash flow items differs from
Canadian GAAP. These presentation differences do not have an impact on reported
cash flows.
(a) Full cost accounting
Under the full cost method of accounting in the United States, a ceiling
test is applied to ensure that capitalized oil and gas property costs do not
exceed the present value, discounted at 10%, of the unescalated estimated future
net revenues from the production of proven reserves, plus the cost of
unevaluated properties less management's estimate of impairment, less applicable
taxes. The Company applied the U.S. GAAP ceiling test on an annual basis until
September 30, 2000 and on a quarterly basis thereafter. Under Canadian GAAP,
future net revenues are not discounted but interest and general and
administrative expenses are deducted.
As a result of applying the U.S. GAAP ceiling test rules in prior years,
the Company recorded additional depletion of $711.0 million ($400.0 million
after tax) that reduced the carrying amount of its property, plant and
equipment. This additional depletion was not recorded for Canadian GAAP
purposes. As a result, depletion and depreciation expense is lower under U.S.
GAAP.
Based on September 30, 2001 market prices for oil and natural gas, the
Company's costs to be recovered exceeded discounted future net revenues by $1.1
billion after-tax. This after-tax amount would have resulted in a pre-tax
reduction in the carrying value of property, plant and equipment of $1.9 billion
at September 30, 2001. However, market prices for oil and natural gas changed
significantly subsequent to the balance sheet date. Based on market prices for
oil and natural gas at the date of the auditors' report on the Company's
consolidated financial statements, the Company's discounted future net revenues
were in excess of related costs to be recovered. Accordingly, the Company did
not record a reduction in the carrying value of its property, plant and
equipment at September 30, 2001.
(b) Foreign exchange on long term debt
U.S. GAAP requires long term debt denominated in foreign currencies be
translated at the rates of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date, with
inclusion of the resulting gain or loss in earnings for the period. Canadian
GAAP requires these gains and losses be amortized over the life of the long term
debt.
(c) Accounting for income taxes -- impact on depletion and depreciation
expense
U.S. GAAP required the adoption of the liability method of accounting for
income taxes in 1993, while under Canadian GAAP the Company followed the
deferral method until September 30, 2000.
On October 1, 2001, the Company adopted the liability method for Canadian
GAAP purposes. While this eliminated a conceptual difference between Canadian
and U.S. GAAP, adoption under Canadian
FS-24
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
GAAP resulted in a charge of $120.8 million to retained earnings, whereas, under
U.S. GAAP, this adjustment would be reflected in property, plant and equipment.
As a result of the different implementation methods, differences in depletion
and depreciation expense will continue to exist in future years.
(d) Derivative financial instruments
The Company has designated, for Canadian GAAP purposes, its derivative
financial instruments as hedges of anticipated revenue and expenses. In
accordance with Canadian GAAP, payments or receipts on these contracts are
recognized in earnings concurrently with the hedged transaction. The fair value
of contracts deemed to be hedges are not reflected in the financial statements.
Effective October 1, 2000, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the Company adopted the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" (as amended by
SFAS No. 137 and 138). The statement, as amended, establishes accounting and
reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded in
the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value,
and that changes in the fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless
specific hedge accounting criteria are met, including formal documentation
requirements. The standard has been applied prospectively.
(e) Recent developments in U.S. accounting standards
The Financial Accounting Standards Board recently issued Statement No. 143,
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. This Statement addresses financial
accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of
tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. Statement
No. 143 requires an enterprise to record the fair value of an asset retirement
obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation
associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset. Since the
requirement is to recognize the obligation when incurred, approaches that have
been used in the past to accrue the asset retirement obligation over the life of
the asset are no longer acceptable. Statement No. 143 also requires the
enterprise to record an increase to the carrying amount of the related
long-lived asset (i.e., the associated asset retirement costs) and to depreciate
that cost over the remaining useful life of the asset. The liability is changed
at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time (i.e., accretion
expense) and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the initial
fair value measurement. Enterprises are required to adopt Statement No. 143 for
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. Anderson Exploration is currently
assessing the impact that adoption of this standard would have on the
consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Company.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board also recently issued Statement No.
144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. Statement
No. 144 will replace previous United States generally accepted accounting
principles regarding accounting for impairment of long-lived assets and
accounting and reporting for discontinued operations. Enterprises utilizing
generally accepted accounting principles of the United States will be required
to adopt Statement No. 144 for financial statements issued for periods beginning
after December 15, 2001. Anderson Exploration is currently assessing the impact
that adoption of this standard would have on the consolidated financial position
and results of operations of the Company.
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On September 6, 2001, Devon Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Devon, submitted an offer to the Company's shareholders to acquire
all of the issued and outstanding shares for cash at a price of $40.00 per
share. Upon expiry of the offer on October 12, 2001, 97 percent of the shares of
the Company were tendered to the offer. Devon Acquisition Corporation took up
and paid for the shares
FS-25
ANDERSON EXPLORATION LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
tendered to the offer on October 15, 2001. The remaining three percent of the
shares outstanding were acquired on October 17, 2001 and Anderson Exploration
became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Devon Acquisition Corporation. The cost of
acquiring the shares, including payments made for vested stock options and share
appreciation rights, and repayment of Anderson Exploration's bank credit
facilities was financed by a loan of $5.9 billion from a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Devon.
On October 18, 2001, Anderson Exploration and Devon Acquisition Corporation
were amalgamated and, on October 25, 2001, the amalgamated company was continued
under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) and its name was changed to Devon
Canada Corporation.
FS-26
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder
Devon Holdco Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Devon Holdco
Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of October 18, 2001. This
consolidated balance sheet is the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this consolidated balance sheet
based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet
is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the balance sheet. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall balance sheet
presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheet referred to above presents
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Devon Holdco
Corporation and subsidiaries as of October 18, 2001, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
KPMG LLP
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
October 24, 2001
FS-27
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
OCTOBER 18, 2001
<Table>
ASSETS
Cash -- total assets........................................ $1,000
======
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock of $0.01 par value:
Authorized 1,000 shares; issued and outstanding 100
shares................................................. $ 1
Additional paid-in capital.................................. 999
------
Total stockholder's equity........................ $1,000
======
</Table>
See accompanying notes to the consolidated balance sheet.
FS-28
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
1. THE COMPANY
Devon Holdco Corporation (the Company) was incorporated under the Delaware
General Corporation Law on October 4, 2001. The Company was formed for the
purpose of effecting the proposed combination of Devon Energy Corporation and
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. pursuant to an amended and restated
agreement and plan of merger, dated as of August 13, 2001. The Company is wholly
owned by Devon Energy Corporation and has not engaged in any activity since its
formation other than activities related to the proposed combination.
2. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The accompanying consolidated balance sheet includes all of the assets
attributable to the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Devon Merger
Corporation and Mitchell Merger Corporation. All intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.
FS-29
ANNEX A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
BY AND AMONG
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION,
DEVON NEWCO CORPORATION,
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION,
DEVON MERGER CORPORATION,
MITCHELL MERGER CORPORATION
AND
MITCHELL ENERGY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
DATED AS OF AUGUST 13, 2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<Table>
<Caption>
PAGE
----
ARTICLE 1 THE MERGER.................................................. A-4
Section 1.1 The Merger.................................................. A-4
Section 1.2 The Closing................................................. A-4
Section 1.3 Effective Time.............................................. A-4
Section 1.4 Certificate of Incorporation................................ A-4
Section 1.5 Bylaws...................................................... A-4
Section 1.6 Board of Directors.......................................... A-4
Section 1.7 Alternate Structure Event................................... A-4
ARTICLE 2 DIRECTORS OF PARENT......................................... A-5
Section 2.1 Directors of Parent......................................... A-5
ARTICLE 3 CONVERSION OF COMPANY SHARES................................ A-5
Section 3.1 Effect on Capital Stock..................................... A-5
Section 3.2 Exchange of Certificates for Shares......................... A-6
Section 3.3 Dissenters' Rights.......................................... A-8
Section 3.4 Adjustments to Prevent Dilution............................. A-8
ARTICLE 4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY............... A-8
Section 4.1 Existence; Good Standing; Corporate Authority............... A-8
Section 4.2 Authorization, Validity and Effect of Agreements............ A-8
Section 4.3 Capitalization.............................................. A-9
Section 4.4 Significant Subsidiaries.................................... A-9
Section 4.5 No Violation................................................ A-9
Section 4.6 No Conflict................................................. A-10
Section 4.7 SEC Documents............................................... A-10
Section 4.8 Litigation and Liabilities.................................. A-11
Section 4.9 Absence of Certain Changes.................................. A-11
Section 4.10 Taxes....................................................... A-11
Section 4.11 Employee Benefit Plans...................................... A-12
Section 4.12 Labor Matters............................................... A-13
Section 4.13 Environmental Matters....................................... A-13
Section 4.14 Intellectual Property....................................... A-14
Section 4.15 Title to Properties......................................... A-14
Section 4.16 Insurance................................................... A-14
Section 4.17 No Brokers.................................................. A-15
Section 4.18 Opinions of Financial Advisors.............................. A-15
Section 4.19 Contracts; Debt Instruments................................. A-15
Section 4.20 Vote Required............................................... A-15
Section 4.21 Certain Approvals........................................... A-15
Section 4.22 Certain Contracts........................................... A-16
ARTICLE 5 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB..... A-16
Section 5.1 Existence; Good Standing; Corporate Authority............... A-16
Section 5.2 Authorization, Validity and Effect of Agreements............ A-16
Section 5.3 Capitalization.............................................. A-16
Section 5.4 Significant Subsidiaries.................................... A-17
Section 5.5 No Violation................................................ A-17
Section 5.6 No Conflict................................................. A-18
Section 5.7 SEC Documents............................................... A-18
Section 5.8 Absence of Certain Changes.................................. A-19
</Table>
A-1
<Table>
<Caption>
PAGE
----
Section 5.9 No Brokers.................................................. A-19
Section 5.10 Opinion of Financial Advisor................................ A-19
Section 5.11 Vote Required............................................... A-19
Section 5.12 Financing................................................... A-20
Section 5.13 Litigation and Liabilities.................................. A-20
Section 5.14 Title to Properties......................................... A-20
ARTICLE 6 COVENANTS................................................... A-20
Section 6.1 Conduct of Business......................................... A-20
Section 6.2 No Solicitation by the Company.............................. A-22
Section 6.3 Meetings of Stockholders.................................... A-23
Section 6.4 Filings; Reasonable Best Efforts............................ A-23
Section 6.5 Inspection.................................................. A-25
Section 6.6 Publicity................................................... A-25
Section 6.7 Registration Statement...................................... A-25
Section 6.8 Listing Applications........................................ A-26
Section 6.9 Letters of Accountants...................................... A-26
Section 6.10 Agreements of Affiliates.................................... A-26
Section 6.11 Expenses.................................................... A-27
Section 6.12 Indemnification and Insurance............................... A-27
Section 6.13 Employee Benefits........................................... A-28
Section 6.14 Reorganization.............................................. A-30
Section 6.15 Dividends................................................... A-30
ARTICLE 7 CONDITIONS.................................................. A-30
Section 7.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the
Merger...................................................... A-30
Section 7.2 Conditions to Obligation of the Company to Effect the
Merger...................................................... A-31
Section 7.3 Conditions to Obligation of Parent to Effect the Merger..... A-31
ARTICLE 8 TERMINATION................................................. A-32
Section 8.1 Termination by Mutual Consent............................... A-32
Section 8.2 Termination by Parent or the Company........................ A-32
Section 8.3 Termination by the Company.................................. A-32
Section 8.4 Termination by Parent....................................... A-33
Section 8.5 Effect of Termination....................................... A-33
Section 8.6 Extension; Waiver........................................... A-34
ARTICLE 9 GENERAL PROVISIONS.......................................... A-34
Section 9.1 Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements... A-34
Section 9.2 Notices..................................................... A-34
Section 9.3 Assignment; Binding Effect; Benefit......................... A-35
Section 9.4 Entire Agreement............................................ A-35
Section 9.5 Amendments.................................................. A-35
Section 9.6 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial........... A-36
Section 9.7 Counterparts................................................ A-36
Section 9.8 Headings.................................................... A-36
Section 9.9 Interpretation.............................................. A-36
Section 9.10 Waivers..................................................... A-37
Section 9.11 Incorporation of Exhibits................................... A-37
Section 9.12 Severability................................................ A-37
Section 9.13 Enforcement of Agreement.................................... A-37
Section 9.14 Obligation of Merger Sub, Alternate Holdco, Devon Merger Sub
and Mitchell Merger Sub..................................... A-37
</Table>
A-2
AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement"),
dated as of August 13, 2001, is among Devon Energy Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("Parent"); Devon NewCo Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a
direct and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"); Devon Holdco
Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct and wholly owned subsidiary of
Parent ("Alternate Holdco"); Devon Merger Corporation, a Delaware corporation
and a direct and wholly owned subsidiary of Alternate Holdco ("Devon Merger
Sub"); Mitchell Merger Corporation, a Texas corporation and a direct and wholly
owned subsidiary of Alternate Holdco ("Mitchell Merger Sub"); and Mitchell
Energy & Development Corp., a Texas corporation (the "Company").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, this Agreement (entered into as of October 5, 2001) amends and
restates in its entirety the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August
13, 2001 (which shall be deemed to be the date of this Agreement and the date on
which all representations and warranties herein shall be deemed to be made), by
and among Parent, Merger Sub and the Company;
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of each of Parent, Merger Sub
and the Company have determined that the merger of the Company with and into
Merger Sub (the "Merger"), in the manner contemplated herein, is advisable and
in the best interests of their respective corporations and stockholders and, by
resolutions duly adopted, have approved and adopted this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of each of Parent, Alternate
Holdco, Devon Merger Sub, Mitchell Merger Sub and the Company have determined
that, if an Alternate Structure Event (as defined in Section 1.7 (a)) occurs,
the Alternate Mergers (as defined in Section 1.7 (b)) are advisable and in the
best interests of their respective corporations and stockholders and, by
resolutions duly adopted, have approved and adopted this Agreement;
WHEREAS, for federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger
qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder (the "Code") or, alternatively, if an Alternate Structure Event
occurs, it is intended that the Alternate Mergers qualify as nonrecognition
transactions under section 351 of the Code; and
WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to the willingness of Parent to
enter into this Agreement, certain principal stockholders of the Company have
entered into a shareholders agreement with Parent pursuant to which such
stockholders have (i) agreed, among other things, to vote their shares of
Company common stock in favor of the approval of this Agreement and (ii) granted
to Parent an irrevocable proxy to vote their shares of Company common stock upon
the terms and conditions set forth therein (the "Principal Shareholders
Agreement").
A-3
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and of the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
THE MERGER
SECTION 1.1 The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, at the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3), the Company shall
be merged with and into Merger Sub in accordance with this Agreement, and the
separate corporate existence of the Company shall thereupon cease. Merger Sub
shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger and shall be a wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Surviving
Corporation"). The Merger shall have the effects specified in the Delaware
General Corporation Law ("DGCL") and the Texas Business Corporation Act (the
"TBCA"). At the election of Parent, any direct wholly owned subsidiary of Parent
may be substituted for Merger Sub as a constituent corporation in the Merger. In
such event, the parties hereto agree to execute an appropriate amendment to this
Agreement in order to reflect such substitution.
SECTION 1.2 The Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, the closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall take place (a) at the
offices of Mayer, Brown & Platt, 700 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, at
9:00 a.m., local time, on the first business day immediately following the day
on which the last to be fulfilled or waived of the conditions set forth in
Article 7 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied
at the Closing, but subject to fulfillment or waiver of those conditions) shall
be fulfilled or waived in accordance herewith or (b) at such other time, date or
place as Parent and the Company may agree in writing. The date on which the
Closing occurs is hereinafter referred to as the "Closing Date."
SECTION 1.3 Effective Time. If all the conditions to the Merger set forth
in Article 7 shall have been fulfilled or waived in accordance herewith and this
Agreement shall not have been terminated as provided in Article 8, on the
Closing Date, a certificate of merger (the "Certificate of Merger") meeting the
requirements of Section 252 of the DGCL shall be properly executed and filed
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and articles of merger (the
"Articles of Merger") meeting the requirements of Article 5.04 of the TBCA will
be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas. The Merger shall
become effective upon the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the DGCL and the issuance
of a certificate of merger by the Secretary of State of the State of Texas in
accordance with the TBCA, or at such later time that the parties hereto shall
have agreed upon and designated in such filing as the effective time of the
Merger (the "Effective Time").
SECTION 1.4 Certificate of Incorporation. The certificate of
incorporation of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation, until
duly amended in accordance with applicable law.
SECTION 1.5 Bylaws. The bylaws of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, until
duly amended in accordance with applicable law.
SECTION 1.6 Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of the Surviving
Corporation shall consist of the Board of Directors of Merger Sub, as it existed
immediately prior to the Effective Time.
SECTION 1.7 Alternate Structure Event.
(a) Alternate Structure Event. An "Alternate Structure Event" shall have
occurred if, at any time prior to the Effective Time:
(i) all conditions to the Closing set forth in Article 7 have been
fulfilled or waived other than the conditions set forth in Section 7.2(b)or
7.3(b) and other than those conditions that by their nature are to be
satisfied at the Closing; and
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(ii) (A) in the case of the Company, the Company has used its
reasonable best efforts to obtain the opinion contemplated by Section
7.2(b) based on the assumption that the Closing Date would be the first
business day following the satisfaction of the conditions described in
Section 1.7(a)(i), but Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. has nonetheless advised the
Company that it is unable to deliver such an opinion or (B) in the case of
Parent, Parent has used its reasonable best efforts to obtain the opinion
contemplated by Section 7.3(b) based on the assumption that the Closing
Date would be the first business day following the satisfaction of the
conditions described in Section 1.7(a)(i), but Mayer, Brown & Platt has
nonetheless advised Parent that it is unable to deliver such an opinion.
(b) Effect of Alternate Structure Event. Upon the occurrence of an
Alternate Structure Event, without any further action on the part of any party
to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be deemed to be amended as follows: (1)
all references to the term "Merger" in this Agreement shall be deemed to be
references to the Alternate Mergers, (2) all references to the term "Parent
Common Stock" when used in the context of Parent Common Stock to be issued in
the Merger shall be deemed to be references to common stock to be issued by
Alternate Holdco in the Mitchell Merger (as defined in Exhibit B), and (3) this
Agreement shall be otherwise amended as set forth in Exhibit B. The Company and
Parent further agree that, in such event, any other appropriate adjustments
shall be made to the other terms and conditions of this Agreement to reflect the
transactions contemplated by this Section 1.7 with a view to ensuring that the
Company and Parent, and their respective stockholders, are placed in a position
that is as close as possible to the position that they would have been in but
for such restructuring. The mergers contemplated in this Section 1.7 and in
Exhibit B are sometimes referred to as the "Alternate Mergers."
(c) Other Actions Related to Consummation of Alternate
Mergers. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement,
each of the Company and Parent shall cooperate in good faith with one another,
and use its reasonable best efforts, to take or cause to be taken all actions,
and to do or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to
ensure that, if an Alternate Structure Event were to occur, the Alternate
Mergers could be consummated at the same time as the Merger would have been
consummated but for the Alternate Structure Event. For the avoidance of doubt,
such actions shall include, without limitation, compliance with the obligations
set forth in Sections 6.7(a) and 6.8.
ARTICLE 2
DIRECTORS OF PARENT
SECTION 2.1 Directors of Parent. At the Effective Time, the Board of
Directors of Parent shall consist of a number of persons as determined by
Parent. One member of the Board of Directors of Parent shall be J. Todd Mitchell
(the "Company Designee"). The Company Designee shall be appointed to fill a
vacancy on the Board of Directors existing immediately prior to the Effective
Time. If, prior to the Effective Time, the Company Designee becomes unavailable
or unwilling to serve, the Company shall designate a substitute designee
acceptable to Parent. If necessary to comply with this Section 2.1, Parent shall
cause to be presented to the meeting of its stockholders contemplated by Section
6.3 of this Agreement a proposal to amend Parent's certificate of incorporation
to increase the number of directors that constitutes the entire Board of
Directors.
ARTICLE 3
CONVERSION OF COMPANY SHARES
SECTION 3.1 Effect on Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, the Merger
shall have the following effects on the capital stock of the Company and Merger
Sub, without any action on the part of the holder of any capital stock of the
Company or Merger Sub:
(a) Conversion of the Company Common Stock. Subject to the provisions
of this Section 3.1 and Section 3.3, each share of Class A common stock,
$0.10 par value per share, of the Company (each a "Company Share" and
collectively the "Company Shares") issued and outstanding
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immediately prior to the Effective Time (but not including any Dissenting
Shares (as defined below) and any Company Shares that are (i) owned (A) by
Parent, Merger Sub or any other direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent or
(B) by the Company or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company and
(ii) are not held on behalf of third parties (collectively, the "Excluded
Company Shares")) shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on
the part of the holder thereof, be converted into (i) the right to receive
$31.00 in cash (the "Cash Consideration") and (ii) 0.585 of a share (the
"Exchange Ratio") of Parent Common Stock (the "Stock Consideration" and,
together with the Cash Consideration, the "Merger Consideration"). "Parent
Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of
Parent.
(b) Cancellation of Excluded Company Shares. Each Excluded Company
Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall,
by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder
thereof, no longer be outstanding, shall be canceled and retired without
payment of any consideration therefor and shall cease to exist.
(c) Merger Sub. At the Effective Time, each share of common stock,
par value $0.01 per share, of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into one share of common
stock of the Surviving Corporation, and the Surviving Corporation shall
thereby become a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent.
SECTION 3.2 Exchange of Certificates for Shares.
(a) Exchange Procedures. At or prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall
deposit with the Exchange Agent, in trust for the benefit of the holders of
Company Shares, an amount in cash and certificates representing shares of Parent
Common Stock required to effect the conversion of the Company Shares into the
Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 3.1(a). Parent shall make sufficient
funds available to an exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent"), selected by Parent
with the Company's prior approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld,
from time to time as needed to pay cash in respect of dividends or other
distributions in accordance with Section 3.2(b). Promptly after the Effective
Time, but in no event later than three business days following the Closing Date,
the Surviving Corporation shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder
of record as of the Effective Time of a certificate representing Company Shares
(each a "Certificate") (other than holders of a Certificate in respect of
Excluded Company Shares) (i) a letter of transmittal specifying that delivery of
the Certificates shall be effected, and that risk of loss and title to the
Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates (or, in lieu of
such Certificates, affidavits of loss together with either a reasonable
undertaking to indemnify Parent or the Company, if Parent believes that the
person providing the indemnity is sufficiently creditworthy, or, if Parent does
not so believe, indemnity bonds) to the Exchange Agent, such letter of
transmittal to be in such form and have such other provisions as Parent and the
Company may reasonably agree, and (ii) instructions for exchanging the
Certificates and receiving the Merger Consideration to which such holder shall
be entitled therefore pursuant to Section 3.1(a). Subject to Section 3.2(g),
upon surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange Agent together
with such letter of transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such Certificate
shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor (i) a certificate representing
that number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock that such holder is entitled
to receive pursuant to Section 3.1(a) and (ii) a check in the aggregate amount
(after giving effect to any required tax withholdings) of (A) the cash that such
holder is entitled to receive pursuant to Section 3.1(a) plus (B) any cash in
lieu of fractional shares determined in accordance with Section 3.2(d) plus (C)
any cash dividends and any other dividends or other distributions that such
holder has the right to receive pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.2.
The Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. No interest will be
paid or accrued on any amount payable upon due surrender of any Certificate. In
the event of a transfer of ownership of Company Shares that occurred prior to
the Effective Time, but is not registered in the transfer records of the
Company, the Merger Consideration may be issued and/or paid to such a transferee
if the Certificate formerly representing such Company Shares is presented to the
Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect
such transfer and to evidence that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been
paid. If any certificate for shares of Parent Common Stock is to be issued in a
name other than that in which the Certificate
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surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it shall be a condition of such
exchange that the Person requesting such exchange shall pay any transfer or
other taxes required by reason of the issuance of certificates for shares of
Parent Common Stock in a name other than that of the registered holder of the
Certificate surrendered, or shall establish to the satisfaction of Parent or the
Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not applicable.
(b) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares. Whenever a dividend
or other distribution is declared by Parent in respect of Parent Common Stock,
the record date for which is at or after the Effective Time, that declaration
shall include dividends or other distributions in respect of all shares of
Parent Common Stock issuable pursuant to this Agreement. No dividends or other
distributions so declared in respect of such Parent Common Stock shall be paid
to any holder of any unsurrendered Certificate until such Certificate is
surrendered for exchange in accordance with this Section 3.2. Subject to the
effect of applicable laws, following surrender of any such Certificate, there
shall be issued or paid, less the amount of any withholding taxes that may be
required thereon, to the holder of the certificates representing whole shares of
Parent Common Stock issued in exchange for such Certificate, without interest,
(i) at the time of such surrender, the dividends or other distributions with a
record date that is at or after the Effective Time and a payment date on or
prior to the date of surrender of such whole shares of Parent Common Stock and
not previously paid and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the dividends or
other distributions payable with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common
Stock with a record date at or after the Effective Time but with a payment date
subsequent to surrender. For purposes of dividends or other distributions in
respect of shares of Parent Common Stock, all shares of Parent Common Stock to
be issued pursuant to the Merger shall be deemed issued and outstanding as of
the Effective Time.
(c) Transfers. After the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on
the stock transfer books of the Company of the Company Shares that were
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(d) Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, no fractional shares of Parent Common Stock will be issued and any
holder of Company Shares entitled to receive a fractional share of Parent Common
Stock (after taking into account the aggregate number of shares of Parent Common
Stock to be received in exchange for all shares held by such holder) but for
this Section 3.2(d) shall be entitled to receive in lieu thereof an amount in
cash (without interest) determined by multiplying such fraction (rounded to the
nearest one-hundredth of a share) by the average closing price of a share of
Parent Common Stock, as reported in The Wall Street Journal, Southwestern
edition, on the five trading days immediately prior to the last business day
before the Effective Time.
(e) Termination of Exchange Period; Unclaimed Merger Consideration. Any
shares of Parent Common Stock and any portion of the cash, dividends or other
distributions with respect to the Parent Common Stock deposited by Parent with
the Exchange Agent (including the proceeds of any investments thereof) that
remain unclaimed by the stockholders of the Company 180 days after the Effective
Time shall be paid to Parent. Any stockholders of the Company who have not
theretofore complied with this Article 3 shall thereafter be entitled to look
only to Parent for payment of their Merger Consideration and any cash, dividends
and other distributions in respect thereof issuable and/or payable pursuant to
Section 3.1, Section 3.2(b) and Section 3.2(d) upon due surrender of their
Certificates (or, in lieu of such Certificates, affidavits of loss together with
either a reasonable undertaking to indemnify Parent or the Company, if Parent
believes that the Person providing the indemnity is sufficiently creditworthy,
or, if Parent does not so believe, indemnity bonds), in each case, without any
interest thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of Parent, the Surviving
Corporation, the Exchange Agent or any other Person shall be liable to any
former holder of Company Shares for any amount properly delivered to a public
official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws.
(f) Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event any Certificate
shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of
that fact by the Person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or
destroyed, and if Parent believes that the Person providing the indemnity is
sufficiently creditworthy, the making of a reasonable undertaking to indemnify
Parent or the Company, or, if Parent
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does not so believe, the posting by such Person of a bond in the form
customarily required by Parent to indemnify against any claim that may be made
against it with respect to such Certificate, Parent will issue the shares of
Parent Common Stock and the Exchange Agent will distribute such Merger
Consideration, dividends and other distributions in respect thereof issuable or
payable in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate pursuant to
Section 3.1, Section 3.2(b) and Section 3.2(d), in each case, without interest.
(g) Affiliates. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, Certificates surrendered for exchange by any Rule 145 Affiliate (as
determined pursuant to Section 6.10) of the Company shall not be exchanged until
Parent has received a written agreement from such Person as provided in Section
6.10.
SECTION 3.3 Dissenters' Rights. Company Shares that are outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time and that are held by stockholders who
shall have not voted in favor of the Merger and who shall have made written
demand for payment of the fair value for such shares in accordance with Section
5.12 of the TBCA (collectively, the "Dissenting Shares") shall not be converted
into or represent the right to receive the Merger Consideration. Such
stockholders shall be entitled to receive payment of the fair value of the
Company Shares held by them in accordance with the TBCA, except that all
Dissenting Shares held by stockholders who shall have failed to perfect or who
effectively shall have withdrawn or lost their rights to appraisal of such
Company Shares under the TBCA shall thereupon be deemed to have been converted
into and to be exchangeable, as of the Effective Time, for Merger Consideration
in the manner provided in Section 3.1(a).
SECTION 3.4 Adjustments to Prevent Dilution. In the event that prior to
the Effective Time, there shall have been declared or effected a
reclassification, stock split (including a reverse split), stock dividend, stock
distribution or similar event made with respect to the Company Shares or the
Parent Common Stock, the Merger Consideration shall be equitably adjusted to
reflect such event.
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except as set forth in the disclosure letter delivered to Parent
concurrently with the execution hereof (the "Company Disclosure Letter") or as
disclosed with reasonable specificity in the Company Reports (as defined in
Section 4.7), the Company represents and warrants to Parent that:
SECTION 4.1 Existence; Good Standing; Corporate Authority. The Company is
a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Texas. The Company is duly qualified to do business as a
foreign corporation and is in good standing under the laws of any jurisdiction
in which the character of the properties owned or leased by it therein or in
which the transaction of its business makes such qualification necessary, except
where the failure to be so qualified would not have or reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect (as
defined in Section 9.9). The Company has all requisite corporate power and
authority to own, operate and lease its properties and to carry on its business
as now conducted. The copies of the Company's articles of incorporation and
bylaws previously made available to Parent are true and correct and contain all
amendments as of the date hereof.
SECTION 4.2 Authorization, Validity and Effect of Agreements. The Company
has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and all other agreements and documents contemplated hereby, to which
it is a party. The consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated
hereby has been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action, other than,
with respect to the Merger or the Mitchell Merger, as the case may be, the
approval and adoption of this Agreement by the Company's stockholders. This
Agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of the Company to
the extent it is a party, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms,
subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws
relating to creditors' rights and general principles of equity.
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SECTION 4.3 Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of the Company
consists of 200,000,000 Company Shares, and 10,000,000 shares of the Company
preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share ("Company Preferred Stock"). As of
August 10, 2001, there were (a) 49,911,612 Company Shares issued and
outstanding, (b) no shares of Company Preferred Stock issued and outstanding,
(c) 2,136,588 Company Shares subject to outstanding employee stock options, of
which the weighted average exercise price was approximately $27.67 per share and
(d) 1,056,257 Company bonus units outstanding, of which the weighted average
Designation Date Price (as defined in the Bonus Unit Plan) was approximately
$31.85 per unit. All issued and outstanding Company Shares (i) are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive
rights, (ii) were not issued in violation of the terms of any agreement or other
understanding binding upon the Company and (iii) were issued in compliance with
all applicable charter documents of the Company and all applicable federal and
state securities laws, rules and regulations. Except as set forth in this
Section 4.3 and except for any Company Shares issued pursuant to the plans
described in the Company Disclosure Letter, there are no outstanding shares of
capital stock and there are no options, warrants, calls, subscriptions,
shareholder rights plan or similar instruments, convertible securities, or other
rights, agreements or commitments which obligate the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries to issue, transfer or sell any shares of capital stock or other
voting securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Company has no
outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the holders of which
have the right to vote (or which are convertible into or exercisable for
securities having the right to vote) with the stockholders of the Company on any
matter.
SECTION 4.4 Significant Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Significant Subsidiary" shall mean significant subsidiary as defined in Rule
1-02 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act (the "Exchange Act"). Each
of the Company's Significant Subsidiaries is a corporation, limited liability
company or partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
(where applicable) under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization, has the corporate or partnership power and authority to own,
operate and lease its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing (where
applicable) in each jurisdiction in which the ownership, operation or lease of
its property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except
for jurisdictions in which such failure to be so qualified or to be in good
standing would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. All of the outstanding shares
of capital stock of, or other ownership interests in, each of the Company's
Significant Subsidiaries is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, and is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company free and
clear of all liens, pledges, security interests, claims, preferential purchase
rights or other rights, interests or encumbrances ("Liens"). Schedule 4.4 to the
Company Disclosure Letter sets forth for each Significant Subsidiary of the
Company, its name and jurisdiction of incorporation or organization.
SECTION 4.5 No Violation. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
is, or has received notice that it would be with the passage of time, in
violation of any term, condition or provision of (a) its charter documents or
bylaws, (b) any loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
contract, agreement, lease, license or other instrument or (c) any order of any
court, governmental authority or arbitration board or tribunal, or any law,
ordinance, governmental rule or regulation to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets is subject, or is
delinquent with respect to any report required to be filed with any governmental
entity, except, in the case of matters described in clause (b) or (c), as would
not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Company Material Adverse Effect. Except where it would not have a Company
Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries hold all permits,
licenses, variances, exemptions, orders, franchises and approvals of all
governmental authorities necessary for the lawful conduct of their respective
businesses (the "Company Permits") and the Company and its Subsidiaries are in
compliance with the terms of the Company Permits. No investigation by any
governmental authority with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, other than those that
would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
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SECTION 4.6 No Conflict.
(a) Neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement nor
the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby in
accordance with the terms hereof will: (i) conflict with or result in a breach
of any provisions of the charter documents or bylaws of the Company; (ii)
violate, or conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of, or
constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both,
would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination or in a right of
termination or cancellation of, or give rise to a right of purchase under, or
accelerate the performance required by, or result in the creation of any Lien
upon any of the properties of the Company or its Subsidiaries under, or result
in being declared void, voidable, or without further binding effect, or
otherwise result in a detriment to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under
any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, deed of trust, Company Permit, lease, contract, agreement, joint
venture or other instrument or obligation to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party, or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
any of their properties is bound or affected; or (iii) contravene or conflict
with or constitute a violation of any provision of any law, rule, regulation,
judgment, order or decree binding upon or applicable to the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries, except, in the case of matters described in clause (ii) or
(iii), as would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement nor
the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby in
accordance with the terms hereof or thereof will require any consent, approval
or authorization of, or filing or registration with, any governmental or
regulatory authority, other than (i) the filings provided for in Article l and
(ii) filings required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), the Exchange Act, the Securities Act or
applicable state securities and "Blue Sky" laws and applicable foreign
competition or antitrust laws ((i) and (ii) collectively, the "Regulatory
Filings"), except for any consent, approval or authorization the failure of
which to obtain and for any filing or registration the failure of which to make
would not prevent the consummation of the Merger or the Mitchell Merger, as the
case may be, or otherwise prevent the Company from performing its obligations
under this Agreement and would not have or reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Other than as contemplated by Section 4.6(b), no consents, assignments,
waivers, authorizations or other certificates are necessary in connection with
the transactions contemplated hereby to provide for the continuation in full
force and effect of all of the Company's material contracts or leases or for the
Company to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, except when the
failure to receive such consents or other certificates would not have or
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.6(d) to the Company Disclosure
Letter, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will: (i) result in any
payment from the Company or its Subsidiaries (including severance, unemployment
compensation, parachute payment, bonus or otherwise) becoming due to any
director, employee or independent contractor of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries under any Company Plan (as defined in Section 4.11) or otherwise;
(ii) increase any benefits otherwise payable under any Company Plan or
otherwise; or (iii) result in the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting
of any such benefits.
SECTION 4.7 SEC Documents. The Company has made available to Parent each
registration statement, report, proxy statement or information statement (other
than preliminary materials) filed by the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") since January 1, 2000, each in the form (including
exhibits and any amendments thereto) filed with the SEC prior to the date hereof
(collectively, the "Company Reports"), and the Company has filed all forms,
reports and documents required to be filed by it with the SEC pursuant to
relevant securities statutes, regulations, policies and rules since such time.
As of their respective dates, the Company Reports (i) were prepared in
accordance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933
("Securities Act"), the Exchange Act, and
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the rules and regulations thereunder and complied with the then applicable
accounting requirements and (ii) did not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading except for such statements, if any,
as have been modified by subsequent filings with the SEC prior to the date
hereof. Each of the consolidated balance sheets included in or incorporated by
reference into the Company Reports (including the related notes and schedules)
fairly presents the consolidated financial position of the Company and its
Subsidiaries as of its date and each of the consolidated statements of earnings,
cash flows and stockholders' equity included in or incorporated by reference
into the Company Reports (including any related notes and schedules) fairly
presents the results of operations, cash flows or changes in stockholders'
equity, as the case may be, of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the periods
set forth therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to such
exceptions as may be permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC), in each case in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied
during the periods involved, except as may be noted therein.
SECTION 4.8 Litigation and Liabilities. There are no actions, suits or
proceedings pending against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the
Company's knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
at law or in equity, or before or by any federal, state or foreign commission,
board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, other than those that would not have
or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company
Material Adverse Effect. There are no outstanding judgments, decrees,
injunctions, awards or orders against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
other than those that would not have or reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. There are
no obligations or liabilities of any nature, whether or not accrued, contingent
or otherwise and whether or not required to be disclosed, including those
relating to environmental and occupational safety and health matters, or any
other facts or circumstances that could result in any claims against, or
obligations or liabilities of, the Company or any of its affiliates, except for
those that would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.9 Absence of Certain Changes. Since December 31, 2000, the
Company has conducted its business only in the ordinary and usual course of
business, and during such period there have not been (i) events, conditions,
actions, occurrences or omissions that would have or would reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse
Effect; (ii) any change by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in any of its
accounting methods, principles or practices or any of its tax methods, practices
or elections, except for changes required by generally accepted accounting
principles; (iii) any material damage, destruction, or loss to the business or
properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries (whether or not covered by
insurance) taken as a whole; (iv) any declaration, setting aside or payment of
any dividend (other than ordinary quarterly dividends of $0.1325 per share) or
other distribution in respect of the capital stock of the Company, or any direct
or indirect redemption, purchase or any other acquisition by the Company of any
such stock; (v) any change in the capital stock or in the number of shares or
classes of the Company's authorized or outstanding capital stock (other than as
a result of issuances under the Company Plans or exercises of options to
purchase the Company Shares outstanding or issued as permitted hereunder); (vi)
any increase in or establishment of any bonus, insurance, severance, deferred
compensation, pension, retirement, profit sharing, stock option, stock purchase
or other employee benefit plan, except in the ordinary course of business; or
(vii) any event, condition, action, occurrence or omission that is prohibited on
or after the date of this Agreement under Section 6.1 of this Agreement.
SECTION 4.10 Taxes.
(a) Each of the Company, its Subsidiaries and each affiliated,
consolidated, combined, unitary or similar group of which any such corporation
is or, since January 1, 1991, was a member has (i) duly filed (or there has been
filed on its behalf) on a timely basis (taking into account any extensions of
time to file before the date hereof) with appropriate governmental authorities
all tax returns, statements, reports, declarations, estimates and forms
("Returns") required to be filed by or with respect to it, except to the
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extent that any failure to file would not have or reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, and
(ii) duly paid or deposited in full on a timely basis or made adequate
provisions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (or there
has been paid or deposited or adequate provision has been made on its behalf)
for the payment of all taxes required to be paid by it other than those being
contested in good faith by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company and except
to the extent that any failure to pay or deposit or make adequate provision for
the payment of such taxes would not have or reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) (i) The federal income tax returns of the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries have been examined by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") (or
the applicable statutes of limitation for the assessment of federal income taxes
for such periods have expired) for all periods; (ii) except to the extent being
contested in good faith, all material deficiencies asserted as a result of such
examinations and any other examinations of the Company and its Subsidiaries by
any taxing authority have been paid fully, settled or adequately provided for in
the financial statements contained in the Company Reports; (iii) as of the date
hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has granted any
requests, agreements, consents or waivers to extend the statutory period of
limitations applicable to the assessment of any taxes with respect to any
Returns of the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries that will be
outstanding as of the Effective Time; (iv) neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to, is bound by or has any obligation under any tax
sharing, allocation or indemnity agreement or any similar agreement or
arrangement that would have or would reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect; (v) there
are no tax liens on any assets of the Company or its Subsidiaries except for
taxes not yet currently due, with respect to matters being contested by the
Company in good faith for which adequate reserves are reflected in the financial
statements and those which could not reasonably be expected,individually or in
the aggregate, to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect; and (vi) neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to an agreement that provides
for the payment of any amount that would constitute a "parachute payment" within
the meaning of section 280G of the Code.
For purposes of this Agreement, "tax" or "taxes" means all federal, state,
county, local, foreign or other net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales,
use, ad valorem, transfer, accumulated earnings, personal holding, excess
profits, franchise, profits, license, withholding, payroll, employment, excise,
severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, disability, capital stock, or
windfall profits taxes, customs duties or other taxes, fees, assessments or
governmental charges of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest and any
penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts imposed by any taxing
authority (domestic or foreign).
SECTION 4.11 Employee Benefit Plans. For purposes of this Section 4.11,
the Company Subsidiaries shall include any enterprise which, with the Company,
forms or formed a controlled group of corporations, a group of trades or
business under common control or an affiliated service group, within the meaning
of section 414(b), (c) or (m) of the Code. All employee benefit plans, programs,
arrangements and agreements covering active, former or retired employees of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries which provide material benefits to such
employees are listed in the Company Disclosure Letter (the "Company Plans"). The
Company has made available to Parent true, complete and correct copies of each
Company Plan, any related trust agreement, annuity or insurance contract or
other funding vehicle, and, except as would not have or reasonably be expected
to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect:
(a) each Company Plan has been maintained and administered in compliance with
its terms and is, to the extent required by applicable law or contract, fully
funded without having any deficit or unfunded actuarial liability or adequate
provision has been made therefor; (b) all required employer contributions under
any such plans have been made and the applicable funds have been funded in
accordance with the terms thereof, (c) each Company Plan that is required or
intended to be qualified under applicable law or registered or approved by a
governmental agency or authority has been so qualified, registered or approved
by the appropriate governmental agency or authority, and nothing has occurred
since the date of the last qualification, registration or approval to adversely
affect, or cause, the
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appropriate governmental agency or authority to revoke such qualification,
registration or approval; (d) to the extent applicable, the Company Plans
comply, in all respects, with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), the Code and any other applicable
tax act and other laws, and any Company Plan intended to be qualified under
section 401(a) of the Code has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service
to be so qualified and nothing has occurred to cause the loss of such qualified
status; (e) no Company Plan is covered by Title IV of ERISA or section 412 of
the Code; (f) there are no pending or anticipated claims against or otherwise
involving any of the Company Plans and no suit, action or other litigation
(excluding claims for benefits incurred in the ordinary course of the Company
Plan activities) has been brought against or with respect to any Company Plan;
(g) all contributions, reserves or premium payments required to be made as of
the date hereof to the Company Plans have been made or provided for; (h) neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has incurred or reasonably expects to
incur any liability under subtitle C or D of Title IV of ERISA with respect to
any "single-employer plan," within the meaning of section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA,
currently or formerly maintained by the Company, any Company Subsidiary or any
entity which is considered one employer with the Company under section 4001 of
ERISA; (i) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has incurred or
reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability under subtitle E of Title
IV of ERISA with respect to any "multi-employer plan," within the meaning of
section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA; and (j) neither the Company nor any Company
Subsidiary has any obligations for retiree health and life benefits under any
Company Plan.
SECTION 4.12 Labor Matters.
(a) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, or bound
by, any collective bargaining agreement, contract or other agreement or
understanding with a labor union or labor organization.
(b) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to a
dispute, strike or work stoppage with respect to any collective bargaining
agreement, contract or other agreement or understanding with a labor union or
labor organization to which it is a party or by which it is bound that would
have or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate,
a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) To the Company's knowledge, there are no organizational efforts with
respect to the formation of a collective bargaining unit presently being made or
threatened involving employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 4.13 Environmental Matters.
(a) Except as would not have or reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, there are
not any present or, to the knowledge of the Company, past conditions or
circumstances that interfere with the conduct of the business of the Company and
each of its Subsidiaries in the manner now conducted or which interfere with
compliance with any order of any court, governmental authority or arbitration
board or tribunal, or any law, ordinance, governmental rule or regulation
related to human health or the environment ("Environmental Law");
(b) Except as would not have or reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, there are
not any present or, to the knowledge of the Company, past conditions or
circumstances at, or arising out of, any current or, to the knowledge of the
Company, former businesses, assets or properties of the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company, including but not limited to, on-site or off-site
disposal or release of any chemical substance, product or waste, which
constitute a violation under any Environmental Law or could reasonably be
expected to give rise to: (i) liabilities or obligations for any cleanup,
remediation, disposal or corrective action under any Environmental Law or (ii)
claims arising for personal injury, property damage, or damage to natural
resources;
(c) Except as would not have or reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i) received any notice of noncompliance
with, violation of, or liability or potential liability under any Environmental
Law,
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(ii) received any notice regarding any existing, pending or threatened
investigation or inquiry related to alleged violations under any Environmental
Laws or regarding any claims for remedial obligations or contribution under any
Environmental Laws or (iii) entered into any consent decree or order or is
subject to any order of any court or governmental authority or tribunal under
any Environmental Law or relating to the cleanup of any hazardous materials
contamination;
(d) Except as would not have or reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company
and its Subsidiaries have in full force and effect all material environmental
permits, licenses, approvals and other authorizations required to conduct their
operations and are operating in material compliance thereunder; and
(e) Except as would not have or reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company
does not know of any reason that would preclude it from renewing or obtaining a
reissuance of the material permits, licenses or other authorizations required
pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws to operate and use any of the
Company's or its Subsidiaries' assets for their current purposes and uses.
SECTION 4.14 Intellectual Property. The Company and its Subsidiaries own
or possess all necessary licenses or other valid rights to use all patents,
patent rights, trademarks, trademark rights and proprietary information used or
held for use in connection with their respective businesses as currently being
conducted, free and clear of Liens, except where the failure to own or possess
such licenses and other rights would not have or would not be reasonably
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse
Effect, and there are no assertions or claims challenging the validity of any of
the foregoing which would have or would reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except in
the ordinary course of business, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
has granted to any other person any license to use any of the foregoing. The
conduct of the Company's and its Subsidiaries' respective businesses as
currently conducted does not conflict with any patents, patent rights, licenses,
trademarks, trademark rights, trade names, trade name rights or copyrights of
others in a way which would have, or would be reasonably expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. There is no
infringement of any proprietary right owned by or licensed by or to the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries in a way which would have, or would be reasonably
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
SECTION 4.15 Title to Properties. Except for goods and other property
sold, used or otherwise disposed of since December 31, 2000 in the ordinary
course of business for fair value, the Company has defensible title for oil and
gas purposes to all its properties, interests in properties and assets, real and
personal, reflected in its December 31, 2000 financial statements, free and
clear of any Lien, except: (a) Liens reflected in the balance sheet of the
Company as of December 31, 2000; (b) Liens for current taxes not yet due and
payable; and (c) such imperfections of title, easements and Liens that would not
have or be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Company Material Adverse Effect. All leases and other agreements pursuant to
which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries leases or otherwise acquires or
obtains operating rights affecting any real or personal property are in good
standing, valid, and effective; and there is not, under any such leases, any
existing or prospective default or event of default or event which with notice
or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default by the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries that would not have or be reasonably expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. All
operating equipment of the Company and its Subsidiaries is in good operating
condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. The Company has not received any
material advance, take-or-pay or other similar payments that entitle purchasers
of production to receive deliveries of hydrocarbons without paying therefor,
and, on a net, company-wide basis, the Company is neither underproduced nor
overproduced under gas balancing or similar arrangements.
SECTION 4.16 Insurance. The Company and its Subsidiaries maintain
insurance coverage adequate and customary in the industry for the operation of
their respective businesses.
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SECTION 4.17 No Brokers. The company has not entered into any contract,
arrangement or understanding with any person or firm which may result in the
obligation of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company pay any finder's fees, brokerage
or agent's commissions or other like payments in connection with the
negotiations leading to this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, except that the Company has retained Goldman, Sachs & Co.
and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. to act as its financial advisors in connection
with the Merger and render the opinions referred to in Section 4.18, the terms
of which have been disclosed in writing to Parent prior to the date hereof.
SECTION 4.18 Opinions of Financial Advisors. The Board of Directors of
the Company has received the opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. to the effect that, as of the date of this Agreement, the Merger
Consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of the
Company Shares (other than Parent); it being understood and acknowledged by
Parent that each such opinion has been rendered for the benefit of the Board of
Directors of the Company, and is not intended to, and may not, be relied upon by
Parent, its affiliates or their respective Subsidiaries.
SECTION 4.19 Contracts; Debt Instruments.
(a) Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.19 of the Company Disclosure Letter,
there are no contracts that are material to the business, properties, assets,
financial condition or results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole ("Material Contracts"). Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is in violation of or in default under (nor does there exist any
condition which with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would
cause such a violation of or default under) any Material Contract to which it is
a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets is bound, except for
violations or defaults that have not and could not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse
Effect. Each Material Contract is in full force and effect, and is a legal,
valid and binding obligation of the Company or a Company Subsidiary and, to the
knowledge of the Company, each of the other parties thereto, enforceable in
accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to creditors'
rights and general principles of equity. No condition exists or event has
occurred which (whether with or without notice or lapse of time or both) would
constitute a default by the Company or a Company Subsidiary or, to the knowledge
of the Company, any other party thereto under any Material Contract or result in
a right of termination of any Material Contract.
(b) Set forth in Schedule 4.19(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter is (i) a
list of all loan or credit agreements, notes, bonds, mortgages, indentures and
other agreements and instruments pursuant to which any indebtedness of the
Company or its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount in excess of
$5,000,000 is outstanding or may be incurred, and (ii) the respective principal
amounts currently outstanding thereunder.
(c) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any
contract and there is no commitment, judgment, injunction, order or decree to
which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or subject to that has
or could reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or impairing
the conduct of business by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any
contract that may be terminable as a result of Parent's status as a competitor
of any party to such contract or arrangement.
SECTION 4.20 Vote Required. The affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds
of the outstanding Company Shares is the only vote necessary to approve this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Company Requisite
Vote").
SECTION 4.21 Certain Approvals. The Company's Board of Directors has
taken any and all necessary and appropriate action to render inapplicable to the
Merger, the Alternate Mergers and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Principal Shareholders Agreement the provisions of Section
13.03 of the TBCA and any other "fair price," "moratorium," control share
acquisition, interested shareholder or other similar antitakeover provision or
regulation and any restrictive provision of any antitakeover provision in the
articles of incorporation or bylaws of the Company.
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SECTION 4.22 Certain Contracts. Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by (i) any non-competition agreement or any
other agreement or obligation which purports to limit the manner in which, or
the localities in which, the current business of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, is conducted or (ii) any executory agreement or obligation which pertains
to the acquisition or disposition of any asset, or which provides any third
party any lien, claim or preferential right with regard thereto, except, in the
case of this clause (ii), for such agreements or obligations that would not have
or be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
ARTICLE 5
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
Except as set forth in the disclosure letter delivered to the Company
concurrently with the execution hereof (the "Parent Disclosure Letter") or as
disclosed with reasonable specificity in the Parent Reports (as defined in
Section 5.7), Parent and Merger Sub, jointly and severally, represent and
warrant to the Company that:
SECTION 5.1 Existence; Good Standing; Corporate Authority. Each of Parent
and Merger Sub is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of Parent and Merger Sub
is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good
standing under the laws of any jurisdiction in which the character of the
properties owned or leased by it therein or in which the transaction of its
business makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so
qualified would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect (as defined in Section 9.9).
Each of Parent and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to
own, operate and lease its properties and to carry on its business as now
conducted. As of the date hereof, the copies of each of Parent's and Merger
Sub's certificate of incorporation and bylaws previously made available to the
Company are true and correct and contain all amendments.
SECTION 5.2 Authorization, Validity and Effect of Agreements. Each of
Parent and Merger Sub has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement and all other agreements and documents contemplated
hereby, to which it is a party. The consummation by each of Parent and Merger
Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the issuance and delivery
by Parent of shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to the Merger, has been duly
authorized by all requisite corporate action, other than, with respect to the
Merger or the Devon Merger, as the case may be, the approval and adoption of
this Agreement by Parent's stockholders. This Agreement constitutes the valid
and legally binding obligation of each of Parent and Merger Sub to the extent it
is a party, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, subject to
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to
creditors' rights and general principles of equity.
SECTION 5.3 Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of Parent
consists of 400,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock, one share of Parent
Special Voting Stock, par value $0.10 per share, and 4,500,000 shares of
Parent's preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share "Parent Preferred Stock").
As of August 10, 2001, there were (a) 125,983,553 shares of Parent Common Stock
issued and outstanding, (b) one share of Parent Special Voting Stock issued and
outstanding, (c) 5,842,587 shares of Parent Common Stock reserved for issuance
under the stock options plans of Parent described in the Parent Disclosure
Letter, (d) 125,444 shares of Parent Common Stock reserved for issuance under
the Parent Restricted Stock Award Plan, (e) 40,646 shares of Parent Common Stock
reserved for issuance under certain conditional stock awards granted to former
employees of PennzEnergy Company, (f) 2,128,248 shares reserved for issuance
upon exchange of outstanding exchangeable shares ("Northstar Exchangeable
Shares") issued by Northstar Energy Corporation, an Alberta corporation
("Northstar"), (g) 1,500,000 shares of Parent Preferred Stock designated as
6.49% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, issued and outstanding and (h)
1,000,000 unissued shares of Parent Preferred Stock designated as Series A
Junior Participating Preferred Stock. All issued and outstanding shares of
Parent Common Stock (i) are duly
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authorized, validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and, except as set forth
in the Parent Disclosure Letter, free of preemptive rights, (ii) were not issued
in violation of the terms of any agreement or other understanding binding upon
Parent and (iii) were issued in compliance with all applicable charter documents
of Parent and all applicable federal and state securities laws, rules and
regulations. One right to purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock
of Parent (each, a "Parent Right") issued pursuant to a Rights Agreement, dated
as of August 17, 1999 (the "Parent Rights Agreement"), between Parent and
BankBoston, N.A., is associated with and attached to each outstanding share of
Parent Common Stock. The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in
connection with the Merger, when issued in accordance with this Agreement, will
be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. As of the date of this
Agreement, except as set forth in this Section 5.3 and except for any shares of
Parent Common Stock issued pursuant to the plans described in the Parent
Disclosure Letter or otherwise issuable as described in the Parent Disclosure
Letter, there are no outstanding shares of capital stock and there are no
options, warrants, calls, subscriptions, convertible securities, or other
rights, agreements or commitments which obligate Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries to issue, transfer or sell any shares of capital stock or other
voting securities of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries. As of the date of this
Agreement, Parent has no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other
obligations the holders of which have the right to vote (or which are
convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with
the stockholders of Parent on any matter.
SECTION 5.4 Significant Subsidiaries.
(a) Each of Parent's Significant Subsidiaries is a corporation, limited
liability company or partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing (where applicable) under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization, has the corporate, limited liability company or partnership
power and authority to own, operate and lease its properties and to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted, and is duly qualified to do business and
is in good standing (where applicable) in each jurisdiction in which the
ownership, operation or lease of its property or the conduct of its business
requires such qualification, except for jurisdictions in which such failure to
be so qualified or to be in good standing would not have or reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse
Effect. All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of, or other ownership
interests in, each of Parent's Significant Subsidiaries is duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and is owned, directly or
indirectly, by Parent free and clear of all Liens. Schedule 5.4 to the Parent
Disclosure Letter sets forth for each Significant Subsidiary of Parent its name
and jurisdiction of incorporation or organization.
(b) Devon Energy Production Company, L.P. ("Devon Production"), a
Significant Subsidiary, is a limited partnership (except for tax purposes) duly
organized and validly existing under Oklahoma law, the general partner of which
is Devon Energy Management Company, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability
company which is wholly owned by Devon Energy Corporation (Oklahoma), an
Oklahoma corporation, and has elected to be treated as a sole proprietorship for
federal income tax purposes. Devon Production has one limited partner. All of
the outstanding partnership interests of Devon Production are owned directly or
indirectly by Parent.
(c) All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Merger Sub are owned
directly by Parent. Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in
the transactions contemplated hereby and has not engaged in any activities other
than in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 5.5 No Violation. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is,
or has received notice that it would be with the passage of time, in violation
of any term, condition or provision of (a) its charter documents or bylaws, (b)
any loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract,
agreement, lease, license or other instrument or (c) any order of any court,
governmental authority or arbitration board or tribunal, or any law, ordinance,
governmental rule or regulation to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or
any of their respective properties or assets is subject, or is delinquent with
respect to any report required to be filed with any governmental entity, except,
in the case of matters described in
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clause (b) or (c), as would not have or reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect. Except as
would not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect, Parent and its Subsidiaries
hold all permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, orders, franchises and
approvals of all governmental authorities necessary for the lawful conduct of
their respective businesses (the "Parent Permits") and Parent and its
Subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms of the Parent Permits. No
investigation by any governmental authority with respect to Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries is pending or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened, other than
those that would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.6 No Conflict.
(a) Neither the execution and delivery by Parent and Merger Sub of this
Agreement nor the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions
contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms hereof will: (i) conflict with
or result in a breach of any provisions of the charter documents or bylaws of
Parent or Merger Sub; (ii) violate, or conflict with, or result in a breach of
any provision of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or
lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the
termination or in a right of termination or cancellation of, or give rise to a
right of purchase under, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in
the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties of Parent or its
Subsidiaries under, or result in being declared void, voidable, or without
further binding effect, or otherwise result in a detriment to Parent or any of
its Subsidiaries under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any note,
bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, franchise, permit, lease,
contract, agreement, joint venture or other instrument or obligation to which
Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or by which Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their properties is bound or affected; or (iii)
contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of any provision of any
law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree binding upon or applicable to
Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, except, in the case of matters described in
clause(ii) or (iii), as would not have or reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Neither the execution and delivery by Parent or Merger Sub of this
Agreement nor the consummation by Parent or Merger Sub of the transactions
contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms hereof will require any
consent, approval or authorization of, or filing or registration with, any
governmental or regulatory authority, other than Regulatory Filings, and (i) in
the case of the Merger, listing on the AMEX of the Parent Common Stock to be
issued in the Merger and issuable pursuant to the Assumed Options and (ii) in
the case of the Alternate Mergers, listing on the AMEX of the Alternate Holdco
common stock to be issued in the Alternate Mergers and issuable pursuant to
exercise of the Assumed Options and Devon Assumed Options (as defined in Exhibit
B) and exchange of the Northstar Exchange Shares and Zero Coupon Convertible
Debentures (as defined in Exhibit B), except, in each case, for any consent,
approval or authorization the failure of which to obtain and for any filing or
registration the failure of which to make would not prevent the consummation of
the Merger or the Alternate Mergers, as the case may be, or otherwise prevent
Parent from performing its obligations under this Agreement and would not have
or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent
Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Other than as contemplated by Section 5.6(b), no consents, assignments,
waivers, authorizations or other certificates are necessary in connection with
the transactions contemplated hereby to provide for the continuation in full
force and effect of all of Parent's material contracts or leases or for Parent
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, except when the failure to
receive such consents or other certificates would not have or reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse
Effect.
SECTION 5.7 SEC Documents. Parent has made available to the Company each
registration statement, report, proxy statement or information statement (other
than preliminary materials) filed by Parent with the SEC since January 1, 2000,
each in the form (including exhibits and any amendments thereto) filed with the
SEC prior to the date hereof (collectively, the "Parent Reports"), and Parent
has filed all forms, reports and documents required to be filed by it with the
SEC pursuant to relevant
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securities statutes, regulations, policies and rules since such time. As of
their respective dates, the Parent Reports (i) were prepared in accordance with
the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and the
rules and regulations thereunder and complied with the then applicable
accounting requirements and (ii) did not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading except for such statements, if any,
as have been modified by subsequent filings with the SEC prior to the date
hereof. Each of the consolidated balance sheets included in or incorporated by
reference into the Parent Reports (including the related notes and schedules)
fairly presents the consolidated financial position of Parent and its
Subsidiaries as of its date and each of the consolidated statements of
operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity included in or incorporated by
reference into the Parent Reports (including any related notes and schedules)
fairly presents the results of operations, cash flows or changes in
stockholders' equity, as the case may be, of Parent and its Subsidiaries for the
periods set forth therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to such
exceptions as may be permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC), in each case in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied
during the periods involved, except as may be noted therein.
SECTION 5.8 Absence of Certain Changes. Since December 31, 2000, Parent
has conducted its business only in the ordinary and usual course of business,
and during such period there have not been (i) events, conditions, actions,
occurrences or omissions that would have or would reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect; (ii)
any change by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries in any of its accounting
methods, principles or practices or any of its tax methods, practices or
elections, except for changes required by generally accepted accounting
principles; or (iii) any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend
or other distribution in respect of the capital stock of Parent (except for, and
provided that, Parent may continue to pay or cause to be paid, dividends upon
the shares of Parent Common Stock and the Northstar Exchangeable Shares at a
rate not greater than $.05 per share in any quarter and dividends upon its 6.49%
cumulative preferred stock).
SECTION 5.9 No Brokers. Other than UBS Warburg LLC, Parent has not
entered into any contract, arrangement or understanding with any person or firm
which may result in the obligation of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company to pay
any finder's fees, brokerage or agent's commissions or other like payments in
connection with the negotiations leading to this Agreement or the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 5.10 Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Board of Directors of
Parent has received the opinion of UBS Warburg LLC to the effect that, as of the
date of this Agreement, the Merger Consideration is fair, from a financial point
of view, to Parent; it being understood and acknowledged by Parent that such
opinion has been rendered for the benefit of the Board of Directors of Parent,
and is not intended to, and may not, be relied upon by the Company, its
affiliates or their respective Subsidiaries.
SECTION 5.11 Vote Required. The affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy by holders of Parent Common
Stock and the outstanding Northstar Exchangeable Shares, voting as a single
class with the Parent Special Voting Share voting for the Northstar Exchangeable
Shares as provided in Parent's charter, represented in person or by proxy at a
meeting at which a quorum is present, approving the issuance of shares of Parent
Common Stock required to be issued pursuant to Article 3, is the only vote of
the holders of any class or series of Parent capital stock necessary to approve
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Parent Requisite
Vote"); provided, however, (a) if a proposal to amend Parent's certificate of
incorporation is presented at the meeting for approval pursuant to Section 2.1
hereof or (b) if the Devon Merger (as defined in Exhibit B) is presented for
shareholder approval, then, in either case, the Parent Requisite Vote will be
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Parent Common Stock and the outstanding Northstar Exchangeable Shares, voting as
a single class with the Parent Special Voting Share voting for the Northstar
Exchangeable Shares as provided in Parent's charter.
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SECTION 5.12 Financing. Parent has available to it sources of financing
sufficient to satisfy its obligation to make the payment of the aggregate cash
consideration when such payment is required pursuant to this Agreement.
SECTION 5.13 Litigation and Liabilities. There are no actions, suits or
proceedings pending against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or, to Parent's
knowledge, threatened against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, at law or in
equity, or before or by any federal, state or foreign commission, board, bureau,
agency or instrumentality, other than those that would not have or be reasonably
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse
Effect. There are no outstanding judgments, decrees, injunctions, awards or
orders against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, other than those that would
not have or be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Parent Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.14 Title to Properties. Except for goods and other property
sold, used or otherwise disposed of since December 31, 2000 in the ordinary
course of business for fair value, Parent has defensible title for oil and gas
purposes to all its properties, interests in properties and assets, real and
personal, reflected in its December 31, 2000 financial statements, free and
clear of any Lien, except: (a) Liens reflected in the balance sheet of Parent as
of December 31, 2000; (b) Liens for current taxes not yet due and payable and
(c) such imperfections of title, easements and Liens that would not have or be
reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material
Adverse Effect.
ARTICLE 6
COVENANTS
SECTION 6.1 Conduct of Business. Prior to the Effective Time, except as
set forth in the Company Disclosure Letter or as expressly contemplated by any
other provision of this Agreement, including Schedule 6.13, unless Parent has
consented in writing thereto, the Company:
(a) shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, conduct its
operations according to their usual, regular and ordinary course in
substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted;
(b) shall use its reasonable best efforts, and shall cause each of its
Subsidiaries to use its reasonable best efforts, to preserve intact their
business organizations and goodwill, keep available the services of their
respective officers and employees and maintain satisfactory relationships
with those persons having business relationships with them;
(c) shall not amend its articles of incorporation or bylaws;
(d) shall promptly notify Parent of any material change in its
financial condition or business or any material litigation or material
governmental complaints, investigations or hearings (or communications in
writing indicating that such litigation, complaints, investigations or
hearings may be contemplated), or the breach in any material respect of any
representation or warranty contained herein;
(e) shall promptly deliver or otherwise make available to the other
true and correct copies of any report, statement or schedule filed with the
SEC subsequent to the date of this Agreement;
(f) shall not (i) except pursuant to the exercise of options,
warrants, conversion rights and other contractual rights existing on the
date hereof and disclosed in the Company Disclosure Letter, issue any
shares of its capital stock, effect any stock split or otherwise change its
capitalization as it existed on the date hereof; (ii) grant, confer or
award any option, warrant, conversion right or other right not existing on
the date hereof to acquire any shares of its capital stock except the grant
of options to new employees consistent with past practice in an amount not
to exceed 100,000 Company Shares or pursuant to contractual commitments
existing on the date of this Agreement and disclosed in the Company
Disclosure Letter; (iii) increase any compensation or benefits, except in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or enter
into or amend any employment agreement with any
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of its present or future officers or directors, except with new employees
consistent with past practice, or (iv) adopt any new employee benefit plan
(including any stock option, stock benefit or stock purchase plan) or amend
(except as required by law) any existing employee benefit plan in any
material respect, except for changes which are less favorable to
participants in such plans;
(g) shall not, and, in the case of clause (ii) below, shall not permit
any of its Subsidiaries to (i) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or
make any other distribution or payment with respect to any shares of its
capital stock (other than the Company's ordinary quarterly dividends
payable with respect to the Company Common Stock of $0.1325 per share) or
(ii) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock
or capital stock of any of its Subsidiaries or any option, warrant,
conversion right or other right to acquire such shares, or make any
commitment for any such action;
(h) shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, sell,
lease or otherwise dispose of any of its assets (including capital stock of
Subsidiaries) which are material to the Company, individually or in the
aggregate, except in the ordinary course of business;
(i) shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, except
pursuant to contractual commitments in effect on the date hereof and
disclosed in the Company Disclosure Letter and except for amounts that in
the aggregate do not exceed $3,000,000, authorize, propose, agree to, enter
into or consummate any merger, consolidation or business combination
transaction (other than the Merger or the Mitchell Merger) or acquire or
agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing a
substantial equity interest in or a substantial portion of the assets of,
or by any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership,
association or other business organization or division thereof;
(j) except as may be required as a result of a change in law or in
generally accepted accounting principles, change any of the accounting
principles or practices used by it;
(k) shall, and shall cause any of its Subsidiaries to, use reasonable
best efforts to maintain with financially responsible insurance companies
insurance in such amounts and against such risks and losses as are
customary for such party;
(l) shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, except
where it would not have and would not be reasonably expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i)
make or rescind any express or deemed election relating to taxes, including
elections for any and all joint ventures, partnerships, limited liability
companies, working interests or other investments where it has the capacity
to make such binding election, (ii) settle or compromise any claim, action,
suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit or
controversy relating to taxes, or (iii) change in any respect any of its
methods of reporting any item for federal income tax purposes from those
employed in the preparation of its federal income tax return for the most
recent taxable year for which a return has been filed, except as may be
required by applicable law;
(m) shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (i)
incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (except under credit lines in
existence as of the date of this Agreement) or guarantee any such
indebtedness or issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or rights to
acquire any debt securities of such party or any of its Subsidiaries or
guarantee any debt securities of others, (ii) except in the ordinary course
of business, enter into any material lease (whether such lease is an
operating or capital lease) or create any material mortgages, liens,
security interests or other encumbrances on the property of Parent or the
Company or any of their Subsidiaries in connection with any indebtedness
thereof, or (iii) make or commit to make aggregate capital expenditures in
excess of $50 million over the fiscal 2001 capital expenditures budget
disclosed in reasonable detail on the Company Disclosure Letter;
(n) subject to Section 6.4, shall not take any action that is likely
to delay materially or adversely affect the ability of any of the parties
hereto to obtain any consent, authorization, order or approval of any
governmental commission, board or other regulatory body or the expiration
of any applicable waiting period required to consummate the Merger;
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(o) shall not terminate, amend, modify or waive any provision of any
confidentiality or standstill agreement to which it or any of its
respective Subsidiaries is a party; and during such period shall enforce,
to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, the provisions of
such agreement, including by obtaining injunctions to prevent any breaches
of such agreements and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions
thereof in any court of the United States of America or any state having
jurisdiction;
(p) shall not enter into or amend any agreement with any holder of
Company Shares with respect to holding, voting or disposing of shares;
(q) shall not by resolution of its Board of Directors cause the
acceleration of rights, benefits or payments under any Company Plans;
(r) shall not enter into any additional forward sales contracts, fixed
price purchase or sale contracts, fixed price financial swaps, collars,
options or other hedging arrangements with respect to its oil production
and more than 10% of its budgeted gas production for the year 2001, and, in
any event, for a term longer than 12 months; or
(s) shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, agree
in writing or otherwise to take any of the foregoing actions.
SECTION 6.2 No Solicitation by the Company.
(a) The Company agrees that it and its Subsidiaries (i) will not (and it
will not permit their officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives,
including any investment banker, attorney or accountant retained by it or any of
its Subsidiaries to) solicit, initiate or encourage (including by way of
furnishing material non-public information) any inquiry, proposal or offer
(including any proposal or offer to its stockholders) with respect to a third
party tender offer, merger, consolidation, business combination or similar
transaction involving any assets or class of capital stock of the Company, or
any acquisition of 10% or more of the capital stock (other than upon exercise of
the options to purchase Company Common Stock that are outstanding as of the date
hereof) or 10% or more of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, or any
combination of the foregoing (any such proposal, offer or transaction being
hereinafter referred to as a "Company Acquisition Proposal") or participate or
engage in any discussions or negotiations concerning a Company Acquisition
Proposal; and (ii) will immediately cease and cause to be terminated any
existing negotiations with any third parties conducted heretofore with respect
to any of the foregoing; provided that, subject to Section 6.3(b), nothing
contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Company or its Board of Directors
from (A) complying with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with
regard to a Company Acquisition Proposal or (B) prior to the Cutoff Date (as
defined below), providing information (pursuant to a confidentiality agreement
containing terms identical in all material respects to the terms of the
confidentiality agreement, dated June 21, 2001, entered into between the Company
and Parent (the "Company/Parent Confidentiality Agreement")) to or engaging in
any negotiations or discussions with any person or entity who has made an
unsolicited bona fide Company Acquisition Proposal if (x) in the good faith
judgment of the Company's Board of Directors, taking into account the likelihood
of consummation and after consultation with its financial advisors, such Company
Acquisition Proposal is reasonably likely to result in a transaction more
favorable to the holders of the Company Shares from a financial point of view
than the Merger and (y) the Board of Directors of the Company, after
consultation with its outside legal counsel, determines in good faith that the
failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary obligations under
applicable law.
(b) The Company will promptly (but in any event within 24 hours) notify
Parent of any requests referred to in Section 6.2(a) for information or the
receipt of any Company Acquisition Proposal, including the identity of the
person or group engaging in such discussions or negotiations, requesting such
information or making such Company Acquisition Proposal, and the material terms
and conditions of any Company Acquisition Proposal, and shall keep Parent
informed on a timely basis (but in any event within 24 hours) of any material
changes with respect thereto. Prior to taking any action referred to in the
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proviso of Section 6.2(a), if the Company intends to participate in any such
discussions or negotiations or provide any such information to any such third
party, the Company shall give prompt prior notice to Parent of each such action.
(c) Nothing in this Section 6.2 shall permit the Company to enter into any
agreement with respect to a Company Acquisition Proposal during the term of this
Agreement, it being agreed that, during the term of this Agreement, the Company
shall not enter into any agreement with any person that provides for, or in any
way facilitates, a Company Acquisition Proposal, other than a confidentiality
agreement containing terms identical in all material respects to the terms of
the Company/Parent Confidentiality Agreement.
(d) For purposes hereof, the "Cutoff Date" means the date the Company
Requisite Vote has been obtained.
SECTION 6.3 Meetings of Stockholders.
(a) The Company will take all action necessary in accordance with
applicable law and its articles of incorporation and bylaws to convene as
promptly as practicable a meeting of its stockholders for purposes of obtaining
the Company Requisite Vote to approve those matters under this Agreement
(whether or not they are contingent on the occurrence of an Alternate Structure
Event) that could require such a vote. Parent will take all action necessary in
accordance with applicable law and its certificate of incorporation and bylaws
to convene as promptly as practicable a meeting of its stockholders for purposes
of obtaining the Parent Requisite Vote to approve those matters under this
Agreement (whether or not they are contingent on the occurrence of an Alternate
Structure Event) that could require such a vote.
(b) The Company and Parent, through their respective Boards of Directors,
shall recommend approval of such matters; provided that the Board of Directors
of the Company or Parent may at any time prior to the Effective Time withdraw,
modify, or change any recommendation regarding this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby, or recommend and declare advisable any other
offer or proposal, if its Board of Directors determines in good faith after
consultation with its outside counsel that the failure to so withdraw, modify,
or change its recommendation would be inconsistent with its fiduciary
obligations under applicable law. Each of the Company and Parent shall be
required to comply with its obligations under Section 6.3(a) whether or not its
Board of Directors withdraws, modifies, or changes its recommendation regarding
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or recommends any other
offer or proposal.
(c) In the event that stockholders of the Company or Parent fail to approve
this Agreement at a meeting (or any adjournment or postponement thereof) at
which such stockholders considered and voted on this Agreement, the parties
shall negotiate in good faith for at least 20 days to attempt to revise the
structure and terms of the Merger to allow the combination of the respective
businesses of Parent and the Company on terms they regard as likely to be
approved by such stockholders.
SECTION 6.4 Filings; Reasonable Best Efforts.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, the Company and
Parent shall:
(i) promptly (but in not more than 20 business days from the date
hereof) make their respective filings under the HSR Act with respect to the
Merger (including any submissions required for the Alternate Mergers) and
thereafter shall promptly make any other required submissions under the HSR
Act;
(ii) use their reasonable best efforts to satisfy the conditions to
closing in Article 7 (including, in the case of the Company, obtaining the
opinion described in Section 7.2(b) and, in the case of Parent, obtaining
the opinion described in Section 7.3(b)) and to cooperate with one another
in (a) determining which filings are required to be made prior to the
Effective Time with, and which consents, approvals, permits or
authorizations are required to be obtained prior to the Effective Time from
governmental or regulatory authorities of the United States, the several
states, and foreign jurisdictions in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation
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of the Merger or the Alternate Mergers and the transactions contemplated
hereby; and (b) timely making all such filings and timely seeking all such
consents, approvals, permits or authorizations;
(iii) promptly notify each other of any communication concerning this
Agreement or the Merger or the Alternate Mergers to that party from any
governmental authority and permit the other party to review in advance any
proposed communication concerning this Agreement or the Merger or the
Alternate Mergers to any governmental entity;
(iv) not agree to participate in any meeting or discussion with any
governmental authority in respect of any filings, investigation or other
inquiry concerning this Agreement or the Merger or the Alternate Mergers
unless it consults with the other party in advance and, to the extent
permitted by such governmental authority, gives the other party the
opportunity to attend and participate thereat;
(v) furnish the other party with copies of all correspondence, filings
and communications (and memoranda setting forth the substance thereof)
between them and their affiliates and their respective representatives on
the one hand, and any government or regulatory authority or members or
their respective staffs on the other hand, with respect to this Agreement
and the Merger or the Alternate Mergers; and
(vi) furnish the other party with such necessary information and
reasonable assistance as such other parties and their respective affiliates
may reasonably request in connection with their preparation of necessary
filings, registrations or submissions of information to any governmental or
regulatory authorities, including without limitation, any filings necessary
or appropriate under the provisions of the HSR Act.
(b) Without limiting Section 6.4(a), Parent and the Company shall:
(i) each use its reasonable best efforts to avoid the entry of, or to
have vacated or terminated, any decree, order or judgment that would
restrain, prevent or delay the Closing, including without limitation
defending through litigation on the merits any claim asserted in any court
by any party; and
(ii) each use reasonable best efforts to avoid or eliminate each and
every impediment under any antitrust, competition or trade regulation law
that may be asserted by any governmental entity with respect to the Merger
or the Alternate Mergers so as to enable the Closing to occur as soon as
reasonably possible (and in any event no later than 60 days following the
termination of all applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act, unless the
parties are in litigation with the government, in which case at the
conclusion of such litigation).
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) the
Company shall not, without Parent's prior written consent, commit to any
divestitures, licenses, hold separate arrangements or similar matters, including
covenants affecting business operating practices (or allow its Subsidiaries to
commit to any divestitures, licenses, hold separate arrangements or similar
matters), and the Company shall commit to, and shall use reasonable best efforts
to effect (and shall cause its Subsidiaries to commit to and use reasonable best
efforts to effect), any such divestitures, licenses, hold separate arrangements
or similar matters as Parent shall request, but solely if such divestitures,
licenses, hold separate arrangements or similar matters are contingent on
consummation of the Merger or the Alternate Mergers and (ii) neither Parent nor
any of its Subsidiaries shall be required (pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(ii) or
otherwise) to agree (with respect to (x) Parent or its Subsidiaries or (y) the
Company or its Subsidiaries) to any divestitures, licenses, hold separate
arrangements or similar matters, including covenants affecting business
operating practices, if such divestitures, licenses, arrangements or similar
matters, individually or in the aggregate, would have or reasonably be expected
to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect or a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Except as provided below, nothing in this Section 6.4 or any other part
of this Agreement shall require Parent to refrain from entering into any
agreement with respect to, or issuing Parent Common Stock or other consideration
in connection with, a business combination with, or an acquisition of, a third
party after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time (a
"Subsequent Transaction");
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provided, however, that Parent has a good faith belief at the time it enters
into the definitive agreement calling for any such Subsequent Transaction that
such Subsequent Transaction is not reasonably likely to prevent or delay
satisfaction of any of the conditions set forth in Article 7. In the event of a
Subsequent Transaction which would be permissible under the preceding sentence,
Parent shall agree to any divestitures, licenses, hold separate arrangements or
similar matters (including covenants affecting business operating practices)
necessary in order to obtain prompt approval of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement under applicable competition laws that would not otherwise have
been required in order to obtain such approval but for the Subsequent
Transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that it was not a
breach of this Agreement for Parent to enter into the Pre-Acquisition Agreement,
dated as of August 31, 2001, between Parent and Anderson Exploration Ltd.
SECTION 6.5 Inspection. From the date hereof to the Effective Time, the
Company and Parent shall allow all designated officers, attorneys, accountants
and other representatives of the other party access at all reasonable times upon
reasonable notice to the records and files, correspondence, audits and
properties, as well as to all information relating to commitments, contracts,
titles and financial position, or otherwise pertaining to the business and
affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Parent and its Subsidiaries,
including inspection of such properties; provided that no investigation pursuant
to this Section 6.5 shall affect any representation or warranty given by any
party hereunder, and provided further that notwithstanding the provision of
information or investigation by any party, no party shall be deemed to make any
representation or warranty except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither party shall be required to provide any
information which it reasonably believes it may not provide to the other party
by reason of applicable law, rules or regulations, which that party reasonably
believes constitutes information protected by attorney/client privilege, or
which it is required to keep confidential by reason of contract or agreement
with third parties. The parties hereto will make reasonable and appropriate
substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in which the restrictions
of the preceding sentence apply. The Company and Parent agree that they will
not, and will cause their representatives not to, use any information obtained
pursuant to this Section 6.5 for any purpose unrelated to the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 6.6 Publicity. The parties will consult with each other and will
mutually agree upon any press releases or public announcements pertaining to
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not issue any
such press releases or make any such public announcements prior to such
consultation and agreement, except as may be required by applicable law or by
obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities
exchange, in which case the party proposing to issue such press release or make
such public announcement shall use its reasonable best efforts to consult in
good faith with the other party before issuing any such press releases or making
any such public announcements.
SECTION 6.7 Registration Statement.
(a) Each of Parent, Alternate Holdco and the Company shall cooperate and
promptly prepare and Parent and Alternate Holdco shall file with the SEC as soon
as practicable a Registration Statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act
(the "Registration Statement") and any amendments required thereto with respect
to the Parent Common Stock issuable in the Merger or the Alternate Holdco common
stock issuable in the Alternate Mergers if an Alternate Structure Event occurs.
A portion of the Registration Statement shall also serve as the joint proxy
statement with respect to the meetings of the stockholders of Parent and of the
Company in connection with the Merger or the Alternate Mergers (the "Proxy
Statement/Prospectus"). The respective parties will cause the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement to comply as to form in all
material respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act, the
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. Parent and Alternate
Holdco shall use their reasonable best efforts, and the Company will cooperate
with Parent and Alternate Holdco, to have the Registration Statement declared
effective by the SEC as promptly as practicable. Parent and Alternate Holdco
shall use their reasonable best efforts to obtain, prior to the effective date
of the Registration Statement, all necessary state securities law or "Blue Sky"
permits or approvals required to carry out the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and will pay all expenses incident thereto.
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Parent will advise the Company, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of
the time when the Registration Statement has become effective or any supplement
or amendment has been filed, the issuance of any stop order, the suspension of
the qualification of the Parent Common Stock issuable in connection with the
Merger or the Alternate Holdco common stock issuable in connection with the
Alternate Mergers for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or any request by
the SEC for amendment of the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus or the Registration
Statement or comments thereon and responses thereto or requests by the SEC for
additional information.
(b) Each of Parent and the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to
cause the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be mailed to its stockholders as
promptly as practicable after the date hereof.
(c) Each of Parent and the Company agrees that the information provided by
it for inclusion in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and each amendment or
supplement thereto, at the time of mailing thereof and at the time of the
respective meetings of stockholders of Parent and of the Company, or, in the
case of information provided by it for inclusion in the Registration Statement
or any amendment or supplement thereto, at the time it is filed or becomes
effective, will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading.
SECTION 6.8 Listing Applications. Parent shall use its reasonable best
efforts to cause the Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger to be
approved for listing on the AMEX prior to the Effective Time, subject to
official notice of issuance. Parent shall promptly prepare and submit to the
AMEX a supplemental listing application covering the shares of Parent Common
Stock issuable in the Merger and shares issuable pursuant to Assumed Options (as
defined below). Parent and Alternate Holdco shall use their reasonable best
efforts to cause the Alternate Holdco common stock to be issued pursuant to the
Alternate Mergers and upon exercise of the Assumed Options (if an Alternate
Structure Event occurs) to be approved for listing on the AMEX prior to the
Effective Time (as defined in Exhibit B), subject to official notice of
issuance.
SECTION 6.9 Letters of Accountants.
(a) If requested to do so by Parent, the Company shall use its reasonable
best efforts to cause to be delivered to Parent and Alternate Holdco "comfort"
letters of Arthur Andersen LLP, the Company's independent public accountants,
dated the effective date of the Registration Statement and the Closing Date,
respectively, and addressed to Parent and Alternate Holdco with regard to
certain financial information regarding the Company included in the Registration
Statement, in form reasonably satisfactory to Parent and customary in scope and
substance for "comfort" letters delivered by independent public accountants in
connection with registration statements similar to the Registration Statement.
(b) If requested to do so by the Company, Parent shall use its reasonable
best efforts to cause to be delivered to the Company "comfort" letters of KPMG
LLP, Parent's independent public accountants, dated the effective date of the
Registration Statement and the Closing Date,respectively, and addressed to the
Company, with regard to certain financial information regarding Parent included
in the Registration Statement, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company
and customary in scope and substance for "comfort" letters delivered by
independent public accountants in connection with registration statements
similar to the Registration Statement.
SECTION 6.10 Agreements of Affiliates. Prior to the Effective Time, the
Company shall cause to be prepared and delivered to Parent a list identifying
all persons who, at the time of the meeting or the meeting of the Company's
stockholders pursuant to Section 6.3, the Company believes may be deemed to be
"affiliates" of the Company, as that term is used in paragraphs (c) and (d) of
Rule 145 under the Securities Act (the "Rule 145 Affiliates"). Parent or
Alternate Holdco, as the case may be, shall be entitled to place restrictive
legends on any shares of Parent Common Stock or Alternate Holdco common stock
received by such Rule 145 Affiliates. The Company shall use its reasonable best
efforts to cause each person who is identified as a Rule 145 Affiliate in such
list to deliver to Parent and Alternate Holdco, at or prior to the Effective
Time, a written agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
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SECTION 6.11 Expenses. Whether or not the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement are consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by
the party incurring such expenses, except as expressly provided in Section 8.5.
SECTION 6.12 Indemnification and Insurance.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Surviving
Corporation to indemnify, defend and hold harmless to the fullest extent
permitted under applicable law each person who is, or has been at any time prior
to the Effective Time, an officer or director of the Company (or any Subsidiary
or division thereof) and each person who served at the request of the Company as
a director, officer, trustee or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust, pension or other employee benefit plan or enterprise
(individually, an "Indemnified Party" and, collectively, the "Indemnified
Parties") against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in
settlement in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation arising out of or pertaining to acts or omissions, or alleged acts
or omissions, by them in their capacities as such, whether commenced, asserted
or claimed before or after the Effective Time. In the event of any such claim,
action, suit, proceeding or investigation (an"Action"), (i) Parent shall cause
the Surviving Corporation to pay, as incurred, the fees and expenses of counsel
selected by the Indemnified Party, which counsel shall be reasonably acceptable
to Parent, in advance of the final disposition of any such Action to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, and, if required, upon receipt of any
undertaking required by applicable law, and (ii) Parent will, and will cause the
Surviving Corporation to, cooperate in the defense of any such matter; provided,
however, neither Parent nor the Surviving Corporation shall be liable for any
settlement effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed), and provided further that neither Parent nor
the Surviving Corporation shall be obligated pursuant to this Section 6.12(a) to
pay the fees and disbursements of more than one counsel for all Indemnified
Parties in any single Action, unless, in the good faith judgment of any of the
Indemnified Parties, there is or may be a conflict of interests between two or
more of such Indemnified Parties, in which case there may be separate counsel
for each similarly situated group.
(b) The parties agree that the rights to indemnification, including
provisions relating to advances of expenses incurred in defense of any action or
suit, in the articles of incorporation, bylaws and any indemnification agreement
of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to matters occurring through
the Effective Time, shall survive the Merger and shall continue in full force
and effect for a period of six years from the Effective Time; provided, however,
that all rights to indemnification in respect of any Action pending or asserted
or claim made within such period shall continue until the disposition of such
Action or resolution of such claim.
(c) For a period of six years after the Effective Time, the Surviving
Corporation shall maintain officers' and directors' liability insurance covering
the Indemnified Parties who are or at any time prior to the Effective Time were
covered by the Company's existing officers' and directors' liability insurance
("D&O Insurance") policies on terms substantially no less advantageous to the
Indemnified Parties than such existing insurance with respect to acts or
omissions, or alleged acts or omissions, prior to the Effective Time (whether
claims, actions or other proceedings relating thereto are commenced, asserted or
claimed before or after the Effective Time); provided, that after the Effective
Time, the Surviving Corporation shall not be required to pay annual premiums in
excess of 250% of the last annual premium paid by the Company prior to the date
hereof (the amount of which premiums are set forth in the Company Disclosure
Letter) (the "Maximum Premium"), but in such case shall purchase as much
coverage as reasonably practicable for such amount. Parent shall have the right
to cause coverage to be extended under the Company's D&O Insurance by obtaining
a six-year "tail" policy on terms and conditions no less advantageous than the
Company's existing D&O Insurance, and such "tail" policy shall satisfy the
provisions of this Section 6.12(c).
(d) The rights of each Indemnified Party hereunder shall be in addition to
any other rights such Indemnified Party may have under the articles of
incorporation or bylaws of the Company or any of its
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Subsidiaries, under the TBCA, or otherwise. The provisions of this Section 6.12
shall survive the consummation of the Merger and expressly are intended to
benefit each of the Indemnified Parties.
(e) In the event Parent or any of its successors or assigns (i)
consolidates with or merges into any other person and shall not be the
continuing or surviving corporation or entity in such consolidation or merger or
(ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any
person, then and in either such case, proper provision shall be made so that the
successors and assigns of Parent, as the case may be, shall assume the
obligations set forth in this Section 6.12.
SECTION 6.13 Employee Benefits
(a) Parent hereby agrees to honor, and agrees to cause its Subsidiaries to
honor, all employee benefit plans, contracts, agreements and commitments of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries maintained or entered into by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries prior to the date hereof that apply to any current or
former employee or current or former director of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the executive change-in-control
severance agreements between the Company and certain of its key employees
(copies of which executive change-in-control severance agreements have been
furnished to Parent); provided, however, that except as provided in Section
6.13(c), Parent reserves the right to modify any such contract, agreement or
commitment in accordance with its terms.
(b) If, within two years after the Effective Time, the benefits applicable
to Continuing Employees are materially modified then, for the remainder of the
two-year period after the Effective Time, Parent hereby agrees to, and agrees to
cause its Subsidiaries to, provide to officers and employees of the Company and
its Subsidiaries who become or remain regular (full-time) employees of Parent or
any of its Subsidiaries ("Continuing Employees") employee benefits, other than
stock options and stock appreciation rights, no less favorable than those
provided by Parent and its Subsidiaries to their similarly situated officers and
employees. Any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries who becomes a
participant in any employee benefit plan, program, policy, or arrangement of
Parent or any of its Subsidiaries after the Effective Time shall be given credit
under such plan, program, policy, or arrangement for all service with the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and, if applicable, with Parent or any of
its Subsidiaries, prior to becoming such a participant for purposes of
eligibility and vesting and benefit determination (other than for determining
accrual services under any defined benefit pension plan as defined in Section
3(35) of ERISA).
(c) Parent hereby agrees to, and agrees to cause its Subsidiaries to,
provide the following benefits to Continuing Employees or to former employees of
the Company and its Subsidiaries, as described below:
(i) Parent shall continue retiree medical benefits for each former
employee of the Company and its Subsidiaries who was receiving retiree
medical benefits at the Effective Time in accordance with the terms of the
retiree medical benefit arrangements applicable to that employee.
(ii) Parent shall provide retiree medical benefits for Continuing
Employees who have attained age 55 and have 10 years of service with the
Company and its Subsidiaries at the Effective Time, with such retiree
medical benefits to be provided when such Continuing Employee terminates
employment with Parent or its Subsidiaries and with benefits substantially
equivalent to the retiree medical benefits being provided to former
employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries at the Effective Time and at
the same percentage of contribution rate as in effect at the Effective Time
in accordance with the terms of the retiree medical benefit arrangements in
effect on the date hereof.
(iii) Parent shall provide coverage for severance benefits for
Continuing Employees for a period of at least one year after the Effective
Time, and the eligibility and coverage for, and the amount of, such
severance benefits shall be at least as favorable as is provided by the
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. Severance Benefit Plan.
(iv) For a period of at least one year after the Effective Time,
Parent shall continue defined benefit pension benefits for Continuing
Employees by continuing the Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. Retirement
Plan (the "Company Retirement Plan") and each of the Company's supplemental
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retirement plans (the "Company's Supplemental Retirement Plans") for such
Continuing Employees or by providing benefits under another defined benefit
pension plan sponsored by Parent or its Subsidiaries, and for a period of
at least 13 months after the Effective Time, Parent shall not permit the
form of payment provisions in the Company's Supplemental Retirement Plans
to be amended.
(v) At such time as Parent causes a Continuing Employee to be covered
under a group health plan maintained by Parent or one of its Subsidiaries
(other than the group health plan maintained by the Company at the
Effective Time), Parent shall cause (1) such Continuing Employee and his or
her eligible dependents (including, without limitation, all such Continuing
Employee's dependents covered immediately prior to such time under the
Company's group health plan) to be credited under such Parent group health
plan, for the year during which such coverage under such group health plan
begins, with any deductibles and copayments already incurred during such
year under the Company's group health plan, and (ii) such Parent group
health plan to waive any preexisting condition restrictions to the extent
necessary to provide immediate coverage. Parent shall cause each other
employee welfare benefit plan or program sponsored by Parent or one of its
Subsidiaries that is of a similar type to a plan or program Continuing
Employees participated in prior to the Effective Time to waive any
preexisting condition exclusion with respect to Continuing Employees.
(d) Parent and the Company shall take such actions, including (with respect
to the Company) the amendment of the options ("Stock Options") to purchase
Company Shares, and the plans pursuant to which such options have been issued
("Option Plans"), to permit Parent to assume, and Parent shall assume, effective
at the Effective Time, each Option Plan and each Stock Option that remains
unexercised in whole or in part as of the Effective Time and substitute shares
of Parent Common Stock for the Company Shares purchasable under each such
assumed option ("Assumed Option"), which assumption and substitution shall be
effected as follows:
(i) the number of shares of Parent Common Stock purchasable under the
Assumed Option shall be equal to 1.20 times the number of shares of Company
Common Stock underlying the Assumed Option (without regard to any vesting
schedule and with any fractional amount rounded to the next lowest share);
(ii) the per share exercise price of such Assumed Option shall be an
amount (with fractional amounts rounded to the next highest cent) equal to
the per share exercise price of the Stock Option being assumed divided by
1.20;
(iii) Parent will provide each holder of each Stock Option being
assumed with a statement showing the converted number of shares, the
exercise price, and the expiration date for each Assumed Option; and
(iv) any other provisions of each Assumed Option shall remain in
effect, and Parent shall not permit the acceleration of the exercisability
or require the mandatory surrender of the Assumed Options in connection
with the Merger pursuant to applicable provisions of the Option Plans.
(e) Parent shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for
issuance a sufficient number of shares of Parent Common Stock for delivery upon
exercise of the Assumed Options, and, as soon as practicable after the Effective
Time, Parent shall file a registration statement on Form S-8 (or other
appropriate form) with respect to the shares of Parent Common Stock subject to
the Assumed Options, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the
effectiveness of such registration statement for so long as any of the Assumed
Options remain outstanding.
(f) Parent and the Company shall take such actions to permit Parent to
assume, and Parent shall assume, effective at the Effective Time, each bonus
unit ("Bonus Unit") issued under the Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. 1997
Bonus Unit Plan ("Bonus Unit Plan") that remains unredeemed in whole or in part
as of the Effective Time and substitute the value of shares of Parent Common
Stock for the value of the shares of Company Common Stock that is used to
determine the amount payable to an employee
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upon redemption of the Bonus Unit ("Assumed Bonus Unit"), which assumption and
substitution shall be effected as follows:
(i) the number of Bonus Units redeemable under the Assumed Bonus Unit
shall be equal to 1.20 times the number of Bonus Units being assumed
(without regard to any vesting schedule and with any fractional amount
rounded to the next lowest share);
(ii) the value of each Assumed Bonus Unit as of the Redemption Date
(as defined in the Bonus Unit Plan) shall be equal to the amount, if any,
by which (A) the closing price of a share of Parent Common Stock on such
date exceeds (B) the "exercise price" of the Assumed Bonus Unit, which
shall be the closing price of Company Common Stock on the Designation Date
(as defined in the Bonus Unit Plan) divided by 1.20 (with fractional
amounts rounded to the next highest cent);
(iii) Parent will provide each holder of Bonus Units being assumed
with a statement showing the converted number of units, the exercise price
of the Assumed Bonus Units, and the expiration date for each Assumed Bonus
Unit; and
(iv) any other provisions of each Assumed Bonus Unit shall remain in
effect, and Parent shall not permit the acceleration of the exercisability
of the Assumed Bonus Units in connection with the Merger pursuant to
Section VII of the Bonus Unit Plan.
(g) Parent agrees that its Board of Directors (or the Compensation
Committee thereof) shall, at or prior to the Effective Time, adopt resolutions
specifically approving, for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the receipt, pursuant to this Section 6.13, of Assumed Options and
Assumed Bonus Units.
SECTION 6.14 Reorganization. From and after the date hereof and until the
Effective Time, none of Parent, the Company or any of their respective
Subsidiaries shall knowingly (i) take any action, or fail to take any reasonable
action, as a result of which the Merger would fail to qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Code or (ii) enter
into any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to take or fail to take
any such action. Following the Effective Time, Parent shall not knowingly take
any action or knowingly cause any action to be taken which would cause the
Merger to fail to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of section
368(a) of the Code (and any comparable provisions of applicable state or local
law). This Section 6.14 shall become inapplicable if an Alternate Structure
Event occurs.
SECTION 6.15 Dividends. The Company shall coordinate with Parent the
declaration, setting of record dates and payment dates of dividends on Company
Shares so that holders of Company Shares do not receive dividends on both
Company Shares and Parent Common Stock received in the Merger in respect of any
calendar quarter or fail to receive a dividend on Company Shares or Parent
Common Stock received in the Merger in respect of any calendar quarter.
ARTICLE 7
CONDITIONS
SECTION 7.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the
Merger. The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be
subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the following
conditions:
(a) (i) The Company Requisite Vote shall have been obtained and (ii)
the Parent Requisite Vote shall have been obtained.
(b) (i) The waiting period applicable to the consummation of the
Merger shall have expired or been terminated under the HSR Act and (ii) any
mandatory waiting period or required consent under any applicable foreign
competition or antitrust law or regulation shall have expired or been
obtained except where the failure to observe such waiting period or obtain
a consent referred to in this clause (ii) would not reasonably be expected
to delay or prevent the consummation of the Merger or have a
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material adverse effect on the expected benefits of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement to Parent.
(c) None of the parties hereto shall be subject to any decree, order
or injunction of a court of competent jurisdiction, U.S. or foreign, which
prohibits the consummation of the Merger; and no statute, rule or
regulation shall have been enacted by any governmental authority which
prohibits or makes unlawful the consummation of the Merger.
(d) The Registration Statement shall have become effective and no stop
order with respect thereto shall be in effect and no proceedings for that
purpose shall have been commenced or threatened by the SEC.
(e) The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the
Merger and shares issuable pursuant to Assumed Options shall have been
authorized for listing on the AMEX, subject to official notice of issuance.
SECTION 7.2 Conditions to Obligation of the Company to Effect the
Merger. The obligation of the Company to effect the Merger shall be subject to
the fulfillment or waiver by the Company at or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions:
(a) Parent shall have performed in all material respects its covenants
and agreements contained in this Agreement required to be performed on or
prior to the Closing Date and the representations and warranties of Parent
and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement and in any document delivered in
connection herewith (i) to the extent qualified by Parent Material Adverse
Effect or any other materiality qualification shall be true and correct and
(ii) to the extent not qualified by Parent Material Adverse Effect or any
other materiality qualification shall be true and correct in all material
respects, in each case as of the date of this Agreement and as of the
Closing Date (except for representations and warranties made as of a
specified date, which need be true and correct only as of the specified
date), and the Company shall have received a certificate of Parent,
executed on its behalf by its President or a Senior Vice President of
Parent, dated the Closing Date, certifying to such effect.
(b) The Company shall have received the opinion of Vinson & Elkins
L.L.P., counsel to the Company, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Company, on the basis of certain facts, representations
and assumptions set forth in such opinion, dated the Closing Date, a copy
of which shall be furnished to Parent, to the effect that (i) the Merger
will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within
the meaning of section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) no gain or loss will be
recognized by the Company or the stockholders of the Company to the extent
they receive Parent Common Stock in exchange for Company Shares pursuant to
the Merger. In rendering such opinion, such counsel shall be entitled to
receive and rely upon representations of officers of the Company, Merger
Sub and Parent as to such matters as such counsel may reasonably request.
SECTION 7.3 Conditions to Obligation of Parent to Effect the Merger. The
obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger shall be subject to
the fulfillment or waiver by Parent at or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions:
(a) The Company shall have performed in all material respects its
covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement required to be
performed on or prior to the Closing Date and the representations and
warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement and in any document
delivered in connection herewith (i) to the extent qualified by Company
Material Adverse Effect or any other materiality qualification shall be
true and correct and (ii) to the extent not qualified by Company Material
Adverse Effect or any other materiality qualification shall be true and
correct in all material respects, in each case as of the date of this
Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except for representations and
warranties made as of a specified date, which need be true and correct only
as of the specified date), and Parent shall have received a certificate of
the Company, executed on its behalf by its President or a Vice President of
the Company, dated the Closing Date, certifying to such effect.
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(b) Parent shall have received the opinion of Mayer, Brown & Platt,
counsel to Parent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent,
on the basis of certain facts, representations and assumptions set forth in
such opinion, dated the Closing Date, a copy of which will be furnished to
the Company, to the effect that (i) the Merger will be treated for federal
income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of section
368(a) of the Code and (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by any
corporation which is a party to the reorganization. In rendering such
opinion, such counsel shall be entitled to receive and rely upon
representations of officers of the Company, Merger Sub and Parent as to
such matters as such counsel may reasonably request.
ARTICLE 8
TERMINATION
SECTION 8.1 Termination by Mutual Consent. This Agreement may be
terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time by the mutual written consent
of the Company and Parent.
SECTION 8.2 Termination by Parent or the Company. This Agreement may be
terminated by action of the Board of Directors of the Company or by action of
the Board of Directors of Parent (in either case upon payment of the Termination
Amount (as defined below) if payable), if:
(a) the Merger shall not have been consummated by the date that is
seven months after the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that the
right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this clause (a) shall not be
available to any party whose failure to perform or observe in any material
respect any of its obligations under this Agreement in any manner shall
have been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Merger to occur
on or before such date; or
(b) after the twentieth day following the date of the meeting
(including adjournments and postponements) of the Company's stockholders
for the purpose of obtaining the Company Requisite Vote, if such Company
Requisite Vote shall not have been obtained; or
(c) after the twentieth day following the date of the meeting
(including adjournments and postponements) of Parent's stockholders for the
purpose of obtaining the Parent Requisite Vote, if such Parent Requisite
Vote shall not have been obtained; or
(d) a United States federal or state court of competent jurisdiction
or United States federal or state governmental, regulatory or
administrative agency or commission shall have issued an order, decree or
ruling or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting the Merger and such order, decree, ruling or other
action shall have become final and non-appealable; provided, however, that
the party seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this clause (d)
shall have complied with Section 6.4 and with respect to other matters not
covered by Section 6.4 shall have used its reasonable best efforts to
remove such injunction, order or decree.
SECTION 8.3 Termination by the Company. This Agreement may be terminated
prior to the Effective Time, by action of the Board of Directors of the Company
after consultation with its legal advisors, if:
(a) (i) there has been a breach by Parent or Merger Sub of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement
or if any representation or warranty of Parent or Merger Sub shall have
become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section
7.2(a) would not be satisfied and (ii) such breach is not curable, or, if
curable, is not cured within 30 days after written notice of such breach is
given to Parent by the Company; provided, however, that the right to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.3(a) shall not be
available to the Company if it, at such time, is in material breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement
such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.3(a) shall not be
satisfied; or
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(b) the Board of Directors of Parent shall have withdrawn, modified or
changed, in a manner adverse to the Company, the Board's approval or
recommendation of the Merger, or resolved to do so.
SECTION 8.4 Termination by Parent. This Agreement may be terminated at
any time prior to the Effective Time, by action of the Board of Directors of
Parent after consultation with its legal advisors, if:
(a) there has been a breach by the Company of any representation,
warranty covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement or if any
representation or warranty of the Company shall have become untrue, in
either case such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.3(a) would not
be satisfied and (ii) such breach is not curable, or, if curable, is not
cured within 30 days after written notice of such breach is given by Parent
to the Company; provided, however, that the right to terminate this
Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.4(a) shall not be available to Parent
if it, at such time, is in material breach of any representation, warranty,
covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement such that the conditions
set forth in Section 7.2(a) shall not be satisfied; or
(b) the Board of Directors of the Company shall have withdrawn,
modified or changed, in a manner adverse to Parent, the Board's approval or
recommendation of the Merger or recommended approval of a Company
Acquisition Proposal, or resolved to do so.
SECTION 8.5 Effect of Termination.
(a) If this Agreement is terminated (i) by the Company or Parent pursuant
to Section 8.2(a) or 8.2(b) (and in either such case (x) prior to, or at the
time of the meeting for the purpose of obtaining the approval required by
Section 7.1(a)(i) (including adjournments or postponements), any person shall
have made a Company Acquisition Proposal that has become public or shall have
publicly announced an intention (whether or not conditional) to make a Company
Acquisition Proposal, (y) the condition set forth in Section 7.1(a)(i) was not
satisfied at the time of such termination and (z) the condition set forth in
Section 7.1(a)(ii) was satisfied at the time of such termination) or (ii) by
Parent pursuant to Section 8.4(b); then, the Company shall immediately pay
Parent the Termination Amount (as defined below) and, in addition, reimburse
Parent for all expenses incurred by Parent in connection with this Agreement up
to the Reimbursement Maximum Amount (as defined below) upon termination of this
Agreement. All payments shall be made in cash by wire transfer to an account
designated by Parent. The term "Termination Amount" shall mean $100 million and
the term "Reimbursement Maximum Amount" shall mean $10 million. The Company
acknowledges that the agreements contained in this Section 8.5(a) are an
integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that,
without these agreements, Parent would not enter into this Agreement;
accordingly, if the Company fails promptly to pay any amount due pursuant to
this Section 8.5(a), and, in order to obtain such payment, Parent commences a
suit which results in a judgment against the Company for the payment set forth
in this Section 8.5(a), the Company shall pay to Parent its costs and expenses
(including attorneys' fees) in connection with such suit, together with interest
on such amount from the date payment was required to be made until the date such
payment is actually made at the annual prime lending rate of The Chase Manhattan
Bank in effect on the date such payment was required to be made plus one percent
(1%) (the "Adjusted Prime Rate").
(b) If this Agreement is terminated (i) by the Company or Parent pursuant
to Section 8.2(a) or 8.2(c) (and in either such case (x) prior to, or at the
time of the meeting for the purpose of obtaining the approval required by
Section 7.1(a)(ii), (including adjournments or postponements), any person shall
have made a Parent Acquisition Proposal (as defined below) that has become
public or shall have publicly announced an intention (whether or not
conditional) to make a Parent Acquisition Proposal, (y) the condition set forth
in Section 7.1(a)(ii) was not satisfied at the time of such termination and (z)
the condition set forth in Section 7.1(a)(i) was satisfied at the time of such
termination) to make a Parent Acquisition Proposal) or (ii) by the Company
pursuant to Section 8.3(b); then Parent shall immediately pay the Company the
Termination Amount and, in addition, reimburse the Company for all expenses
incurred by the Company in connection with this Agreement up to the
Reimbursement Maximum Amount upon termination of this Agreement. All payments
shall be made in cash by wire transfer to an account designated by the Company.
The term "Parent Acquisition Proposal" shall mean any inquiry, proposal or offer
(including any proposal or offer to its stockholders) with respect to a third
party tender
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offer, merger, consolidation, business combination or similar transaction
involving any assets or class of capital stock of Parent, or any acquisition of
10% or more of the capital stock (other than upon exercise of Parent employee
stock options that are outstanding as of the date hereof) or 10% or more of the
assets of Parent and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a single transaction
or a series of related transactions, or any combination of the foregoing. Parent
acknowledges that the agreements contained in this Section 8.5(b) are an
integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that,
without these agreements, the Company would not enter into this Agreement;
accordingly, if Parent fails promptly to pay any amount due pursuant to this
Section 8.5(b) and, in order to obtain such payment, the Company commences a
suit which results in a judgment against Parent for the payment set forth in
this Section 8.5(b), Parent shall pay to the Company its costs and expenses
(including attorneys' fees) in connection with such suit, together with interest
on such amount from the date payment was required to be made until the date such
payment is actually made at the Adjusted Prime Rate.
(c) In the event of termination of this Agreement and the abandonment of
the Merger pursuant to this Article 8, all obligations of the parties hereto
shall terminate, except the obligations of the parties pursuant to this Section
8.5 and Section 6.11 and except for the provisions of Sections 9.3, 9.4, 9.6,
9.8, 9.9, 9.12, 9.13 and 9.14, provided that nothing herein shall relieve any
party from any liability for any breach by such party of any of its covenants or
agreements set forth in this Agreement and all rights and remedies of such
nonbreaching party under this Agreement in the case of such a breach, at law or
in equity, shall be preserved.
SECTION 8.6 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time,
each party may by action taken by its Board of Directors, to the extent legally
allowed, (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts of the other parties hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the
representations and warranties made to such party contained herein or in any
document delivered pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance with any of the
agreements or conditions for the benefit of such party contained herein. Any
agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be
valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such
party.
ARTICLE 9
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 9.1 Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and
Agreements. None of the representations, warranties and agreements in this
Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall
survive the Merger; provided, however, that the agreements contained in Article
2, Article 3 and in Sections 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and this Article 9
(including, if an Alternate Structure Event occurs, the amendments to certain of
such provisions contemplated by Exhibit B) and the agreements delivered pursuant
to this Agreement shall survive the Merger, unless otherwise provided herein.
SECTION 9.2 Notices. Any notice required to be given hereunder shall be
sufficient if in writing, and sent by facsimile transmission or by courier
service (with proof of service), hand delivery or certified or registered mail
(return receipt requested and first-class postage prepaid), addressed as
follows:
(a) if to Parent, Merger Sub, Alternate Holdco, Devon Merger Sub or
Mitchell Merger Sub:
Devon Energy Corporation
20 N. Broadway, Suite 1500
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
Attn: J. Larry Nichols
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Telecopy No.: (405) 552-8171
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and
Devon Energy Corporation
20 N. Broadway, Suite 1500
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
Attn: Duke R. Ligon
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Telecopy No.: (405) 552-4550
with a copy to:
Mayer, Brown & Platt
190 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Facsimile: (312) 701-7711
Attn: Scott J. Davis
James T. Lidbury
(b) if to the Company:
2002 Timberloch Place
P.O. Box 4000
The Woodlands, Texas 77387-4000
Facsimile: (713) 377-7000
Attn: General Counsel
with a copy to:
Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
2300 First City Tower
1001 Fannin
Houston, Texas 77002
Facsimile: (713) 615-5306
Attn: C. Michael Harrington
or to such other address as any party shall specify by written notice so given,
and such notice shall be deemed to have been delivered as of the date so
telecommunicated, personally delivered or mailed.
SECTION 9.3 Assignment; Binding Effect; Benefit. Except as provided in
Section 1.1 hereof, neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or
obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by
operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other
parties. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon
and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns. Except as provided in Section 6.12 and Section 6.13,
notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in
this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer on any person other
than the parties hereto any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under
or by reason of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.4 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Parent/Company
Confidentiality Agreement (other than the sixth and seventh paragraphs thereof,
which are hereby terminated and of no further force or effect), the exhibits to
this Agreement, the Company Disclosure Letter, the Parent Disclosure Letter and
any documents delivered by the parties in connection herewith constitute the
entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersede all prior agreements and understandings among the parties with respect
thereto. No addition to or modification of any provision of this Agreement shall
be binding upon any party hereto unless made in writing and signed by all
parties hereto.
SECTION 9.5 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended by the parties
hereto, by action taken or authorized by their Boards of Directors, at any time
before or after approval of matters presented in connection with the Merger by
the stockholders of the Company or Parent, but after any such
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stockholder approval, no amendment shall be made which by law requires the
further approval of stockholders without obtaining such further approval. This
Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf
of each of the parties hereto.
SECTION 9.6 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF TEXAS. EACH OF THE COMPANY, MERGER SUB AND PARENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
AND UNCONDITIONALLY CONSENTS TO SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE
COMPETENT COURTS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN
EITHER CASE LOCATED IN DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS (THE "TEXAS COURTS") FOR ANY
LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (AND AGREES NOT TO COMMENCE ANY LITIGATION RELATING THERETO
EXCEPT IN SUCH COURTS), WAIVES ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH
LITIGATION IN THE TEXAS COURTS AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY TEXAS
COURT THAT SUCH LITIGATION BROUGHT THEREIN HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT
FORUM. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE
UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND
THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY
RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT.
SECTION 9.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument.
SECTION 9.8 Headings. Headings of the Articles and Sections of this
Agreement are for the convenience of the parties only, and shall be given no
substantive or interpretative effect whatsoever.
SECTION 9.9 Interpretation. In this Agreement:
(a) Unless the context otherwise requires, words describing the
singular number shall include the plural and vice versa, and words denoting
any gender shall include all genders and words denoting natural persons
shall include corporations and partnerships and vice versa.
(b) The words "include", "includes" and "including" are not limiting.
(c) The phrase "to the knowledge of" and similar phrases relating to
knowledge of the Company or Parent, as the case may be, shall mean the
actual knowledge of its executive officers.
(d) "Material Adverse Effect" with respect to the Company or Parent
shall mean a material adverse effect on or change in (a) the business,
assets and liabilities (taken together) or financial condition of a party
and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or (b) the ability of the
party to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
fulfill the conditions to closing set forth in Article 7; provided,
however, that the inability to satisfy the condition in Section 7.2(b)
shall not constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect and the inability to
satisfy the condition in Section 7.3(b) shall not constitute a Parent
Material Adverse Effect. "Company Material Adverse Effect" and "Parent
Material Adverse Effect" mean a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the
Company and Parent, respectively.
(e) "Person" or "person" means an individual, a corporation, a limited
liability company, a partnership, an association, a trust or other entity
or organization.
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(f) "Subsidiary" when used with respect to any party means any
corporation or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated,
of which such party directly or indirectly owns or controls at least a
majority of the securities or other interests having by their terms
ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or
others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or
other organization, or any organization of which such party is a general
partner.
SECTION 9.10 Waivers. Except as provided in this Agreement, no action
taken pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, any
investigation by or on behalf of any party, shall be deemed to constitute a
waiver by the party taking such action of compliance with any representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement. The waiver by
any party hereto of a breach of any provision hereunder shall not operate or be
construed as a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach of the same or any other
provision hereunder.
SECTION 9.11 Incorporation of Exhibits. The Company Disclosure Letter,
the Parent Disclosure Letter and all exhibits attached hereto and referred to
herein are hereby incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all purposes as
if fully set forth herein.
SECTION 9.12 Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement which
is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this
Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted
to be only so broad as is enforceable.
SECTION 9.13 Enforcement of Agreement. The parties hereto agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this
Agreement were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or was
otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled
to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to
enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any Texas Court, this
being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in
equity.
SECTION 9.14 Obligation of Merger Sub, Alternate Holdco, Devon Merger Sub
and Mitchell Merger Sub. Whenever this Agreement requires Merger Sub, Alternate
Holdco, Devon Merger Sub or Mitchell Merger Sub (or any of their respective
successors) to take any action prior to the Effective Time, such requirement
shall be deemed to include an undertaking on the part of Parent to cause Merger
Sub, Alternate Holdco, Devon Merger Sub or Mitchell Merger Sub, as the case may
be, to take such action and a guarantee of the performance thereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement and caused the
same to be duly delivered on their behalf as of the day and year first written
above.
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
By: /s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS
----------------------------------
Name: J. Larry Nichols
Title: Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
DEVON NEWCO CORPORATION
By: /s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS
----------------------------------
Name: J. Larry Nichols
Title: President
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION
By: /s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS
----------------------------------
Name: J. Larry Nichols
Title: President
DEVON MERGER CORPORATION
By: /s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS
----------------------------------
Name: J. Larry Nichols
Title: President
MITCHELL MERGER CORPORATION
By: /s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS
----------------------------------
Name: J. Larry Nichols
Title: President
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MITCHELL ENERGY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
By: /s/ GEORGE P. MITCHELL
--------------------------------
Name: George P. Mitchell
Title: Chairman of the Board and
Chief
Executive Officer
A-39
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF COMPANY AFFILIATE'S LETTER
This SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT, dated as of , 2001 (this "Agreement")
is among Devon Energy Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), Devon
Holdco Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Alternate Holdco"), and the
undersigned shareholder ("Shareholder") of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.,
a Texas corporation (the "Company"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in
this Agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement.
RECITALS
A. Parent, Devon NewCo Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly
owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), Alternate Holdco, Devon Merger
Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Alternate
Holdco, Mitchell Merger Corporation, a Texas corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Alternate Holdco, and the Company have entered into an Amended and
Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 13, 2001 (the "Merger
Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company will merge (the "Merger") with and
into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub surviving the Merger (or, if an Alternate
Structure Event occurs, the parties will consummate the Alternate Mergers);
B. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, outstanding
Company Shares will be converted into (i) the right to receive cash and (ii)
shares of Parent Common Stock (or, if an Alternate Structure Event occurs, at
the Mitchell Merger Effective Time, outstanding Company Shares will be converted
into (i) the right to receive cash and (ii) shares of Alternate Holdco common
stock);
C. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Shareholder is a
material inducement to Parent and Alternate Holdco to enter into the Merger
Agreement; and
D. Shareholder has been advised that Shareholder may be deemed to be an
"affiliate" of the Company, as such term is used (i) for purposes of paragraphs
(c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").
NOW, THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the parties agree as follows:
1. Acknowledgments by Shareholder. Shareholder acknowledges and
understands that the representations, warranties and covenants made by
Shareholder set forth in this Agreement will be relied upon by Parent, Alternate
Holdco, the Company, and their respective affiliates and counsel, and that
substantial losses and damages may be incurred by such persons if Shareholder's
representations, warranties or covenants are breached. Shareholder has carefully
read this Agreement and the Merger Agreement and has consulted with such legal
counsel and financial advisers as Shareholder has deemed appropriate in
connection with the execution of this Agreement.
2. Compliance with Rule 145 and the Act.
(a) Shareholder has been advised that (i) the issuance of shares of Parent
Common Stock in connection with the Merger (or, if an Alternate Structure Event
occurs, the issuance of shares of Alternate Holdco common stock in connection
with the Mitchell Merger) is expected to be effected pursuant to a Registration
Statement filed by Parent and Alternate Holdco on Form S-4, and the resale of
such shares will be subject to the restrictions set forth in Rule 145 under the
Act unless such shares are otherwise transferred pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Act or an appropriate exemption from
registration, and (ii) Shareholder may be deemed to be an affiliate of the
Company. Shareholder accordingly agrees not to sell, pledge, transfer or
otherwise dispose of any shares of Parent Common Stock issued to Shareholder in
the Merger or shares of Alternate Holdco common stock issued to Shareholder in
the Mitchell Merger, as the case may be, unless (i) such sale, pledge, transfer
or other disposition is made in conformity with the requirements of Rule 145
under the Act, (ii) such sale, pledge,
A-40
transfer or other disposition is made pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Act, or (iii) Shareholder delivers to Parent or Alternate
Holdco, as the case may be, a written opinion of counsel, in form and substance
reasonably acceptable to Parent or Alternate Holdco, as the case may be, to the
effect that such sale, pledge, transfer or other disposition is otherwise exempt
from registration under the Act.
(b) Parent or Alternate Holdco, as the case may be, will give stop transfer
instructions to its transfer agent with respect to any Parent Common Stock
received by Shareholder pursuant to the Merger or Alternate Holdco common stock
received by Shareholder pursuant to the Mitchell Merger, and there will be
placed on the certificates representing such Parent Common Stock or Alternate
Holdco common stock, or any substitutions therefor, legends stating in
substance:
"THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED PURSUANT TO A
TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933 APPLIES, AND MAY ONLY BE TRANSFERRED IN CONFORMITY WITH RULE 145,
PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, OR IN ACCORDANCE WITH A
WRITTEN OPINION OF COUNSEL, REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE ISSUER, IN FORM
AND SUBSTANCE TO THE EFFECT THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS EXEMPT FROM
REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933."
The legend set forth above shall be removed (by delivery of a substitute
certificate without such legend), and Parent or Alternate Holdco, as the case
may be, shall so instruct its transfer agent, if a registration statement
respecting the sale of the shares has been declared effective under the Act or
if Shareholder delivers to Parent or Alternate Holdco, as the case may be, (i)
satisfactory written evidence that the shares have been sold in compliance with
Rule 145 (in which case, the substitute certificate will be issued in the name
of the transferee), or (ii) an opinion of counsel, in form and substance
reasonably acceptable to Parent or Alternate Holdco, as the case may be, to the
effect that sale of the shares by the holder thereof is no longer subject to
Rule 145.
3. Miscellaneous.
(a) This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same document. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement
by facsimile shall be effective to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law.
(b) This Agreement shall be enforceable by, and shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding upon, the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
As used in this Agreement, the term "successors and assigns" means, where the
context to permits, heirs, executors, administrators, trustees and successor
trustees, and personal and other representatives.
(c) This Agreement shall be deemed to be made in and in all respects shall
be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with the laws of the
State of Texas. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally consent to submit to
the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Texas and of the United
States of America, in either case located in Dallas County, Texas (the "Texas
Courts") for any litigation arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and agree not to commence any
litigation relating thereto except in such Texas Courts), waive any objection to
the laying of venue of any such litigation in the Texas Courts and agree not to
plead or claim in any Texas Court that such litigation brought therein has been
brought in an inconvenient forum.
(d) If any term, provision, covenant, or restriction contained in this
Agreement is held by a court or a federal or state regulatory agency of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remainder of
the terms, provisions, covenants, and restrictions contained in this Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect, and shall in no way be affected,
impaired, or invalidated.
A-41
(e) Counsel to the parties to the Merger Agreement shall be entitled to
rely upon this Agreement as needed.
(f) This Agreement shall not be modified or amended, or any right waived or
any obligations excused, except by a written agreement signed by both parties.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, this
Agreement and all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate upon the
termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms.
(h) From and after the Effective Time of the Merger or, if the Alternate
Mergers are consummated, the Mitchell Merger Effective Time and as long as is
necessary in order to permit Shareholder to sell Parent Common Stock or
Alternate Holdco common stock, as the case may be, held by Shareholder pursuant
to Rule 145 and, to the extent applicable, Rule 144 under the Act, Parent or
Alternate Holdco, as the case may be, will file on a timely basis all reports
required to be filed by it pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as the same shall be in
effect at the time, and shall otherwise make available adequate public
information regarding Parent or Alternate Holdco, as the case may be, in such
manner as may be required to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (c) of Rule
144 under the Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed as of the date first stated
above.
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION,
a Delaware corporation
By:
----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION,
a Delaware corporation
By:
----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
SHAREHOLDER
------------------------------------
Name:
Number of Shares Owned:
Number of Shares Issuable upon
Exercise of Stock Options:
A-42
EXHIBIT B
AMENDMENTS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE
UPON ALTERNATE STRUCTURE EVENT
1. Article 1 (other than Section 1.7, which shall remain in full force and
effect) shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
ARTICLE 1
THE ALTERNATE STRUCTURE
SECTION 1.1 The Alternate Mergers.
(a) Alternate Mergers Corporations. As promptly as practicable after
occurrence of an Alternate Structure Event, Parent shall cause (1) Alternate
Holdco to amend its certificate of incorporation and bylaws to be substantially
identical in form and substance to the certificate of incorporation and bylaws
of Parent at that time; and (2) Alternate Holdco's board of directors to adopt a
shareholder rights plan substantially identical in form and substance to the
Parent Rights Agreement, as it existed on October 1, 2001. Prior to the
Effective Time (as defined below), Parent shall ensure that Alternate Holdco,
Mitchell Merger Sub and Devon Merger Sub take no actions and undertake no
operations except as may be necessary in connection with the consummation of the
Alternate Mergers. Parent shall cause Alternate Holdco's corporate name, as of
the Effective Time, to be changed to "Devon Energy Corporation" or such other
name as shall be selected by Parent.
(b) The Mitchell Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, at the Mitchell Merger Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3),
Mitchell Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company (the "Mitchell
Merger") in accordance with this Agreement, and the separate corporate existence
of Mitchell Merger Sub shall thereupon cease. The Company shall be the surviving
corporation in the Mitchell Merger and shall be a wholly owned subsidiary of
Alternate Holdco. The Mitchell Merger shall have the effects specified in the
Texas Business Corporation Act (the "TBCA").
(c) The Devon Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, at the Devon Merger Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3), Devon
Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Parent (the "Devon Merger") in
accordance with this Agreement, and the separate existence of Devon Merger Sub
shall thereupon cease. Parent shall be the surviving corporation in the Devon
Merger and shall be a wholly owned subsidiary of Alternate Holdco. The Devon
Merger shall have the effects specified in the Delaware General Corporation Law
(the "DGCL").
SECTION 1.2 The Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, the closing of the Alternate Mergers (the "Closing") shall take place
(a) at the offices of Mayer, Brown & Platt, 700 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas
77002, at 9:00 a.m., local time, on the first business day immediately following
the day on which the last to be fulfilled or waived of the conditions set forth
in Article 7 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be
satisfied at the Closing, but subject to fulfillment or waiver of those
conditions) shall be fulfilled or waived in accordance herewith or (b) at such
other time, date or place as Parent and the Company may agree in writing. The
date on which the Closing occurs is hereinafter referred to as the "Closing
Date." The parties shall cause the Mitchell Merger Effective Time and the Devon
Merger Effective Time to occur concurrently or, if not concurrently, as close in
time as possible. In any event, the parties shall cause both the Mitchell Merger
Effective Time and the Devon Merger Effective Time to occur during the Closing.
SECTION 1.3 Effective Times. If all the conditions to the Alternate
Mergers set forth in Article 7 shall have been fulfilled or waived in accordance
herewith and this Agreement shall not have been terminated as provided in
Article 8, on the Closing Date, articles of merger (the "Articles of Merger")
meeting the requirements of Article 5.04 of the TBCA (with respect to the
Mitchell Merger) shall be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Texas and a certificate of merger (the "Certificate of Merger") meeting the
requirements of Section 251 of the DGCL (with respect to the Devon Merger)
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shall be properly executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware. The Mitchell Merger shall become effective upon the issuance of a
certificate of merger by the Secretary of State of the State of Texas in
accordance with the TBCA, or at such later time that the parties hereto shall
have agreed upon and designated in such filing as the effective time of the
Mitchell Merger (the "Mitchell Merger Effective Time"). The Devon Merger shall
become effective upon the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware, or at such later time that the parties hereto
shall have agreed upon and designated in such filing as the effective time of
the Devon Merger (the "Devon Merger Effective Time"). Except as otherwise
provided in the amendments to this Agreement contemplated by Exhibit B,
references to the "Effective Time" in this Agreement shall be deemed to be
references to the earlier to occur of the Mitchell Merger Effective Time and the
Devon Merger Effective Time.
SECTION 1.4 Charters.
(a) At the Mitchell Merger Effective Time, the articles of incorporation of
the Company in effect immediately prior to the Mitchell Merger Effective Time
shall be amended as set forth in Annex A and, as so amended, shall be the
articles of incorporation of the surviving corporation of the Mitchell Merger,
until duly amended in accordance with applicable law.
(b) At the Devon Merger Effective Time, the certificate of incorporation of
Parent in effect immediately prior to the Devon Merger Effective Time shall be
amended as set forth in Annex B and, as so amended, shall be the certificate of
incorporation of the surviving corporation of the Devon Merger, until duly
amended in accordance with applicable law.
SECTION 1.5 Bylaws.
(a) The bylaws of the Company in effect immediately prior to the Mitchell
Merger Effective Time shall be the bylaws of the surviving corporation of the
Mitchell Merger, until duly amended in accordance with applicable law.
(b) The bylaws of Parent in effect immediately prior to the Devon Merger
Effective Time shall be the bylaws of the surviving corporation of the Devon
Merger, until duly amended in accordance with applicable law.
SECTION 1.6 Boards of Directors.
(a) The Board of Directors of the surviving corporation of the Mitchell
Merger shall consist of the Board of Directors of Mitchell Merger Sub, as it
existed immediately prior to the Mitchell Merger Effective Time.
(b) The Board of Directors of the surviving corporation of the Devon Merger
shall consist of the Board of Directors of Devon Merger Sub, as it existed
immediately prior to the Devon Merger Effective Time.
2. Articles 2 and 3 shall be deleted in their entirety and replaced with
the following:
ARTICLE 2
DIRECTORS OF ALTERNATE HOLDCO
SECTION 2.1 Directors of Alternate Holdco. Immediately prior to the
Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Board of Directors of Alternate Holdco to
be identical to the Board of Directors of Parent at that time, except that J.
Todd Mitchell (the "Company Designee") shall also be appointed to the Board of
Directors of Alternate Holdco. If, prior to the Effective Time, the Company
Designee becomes unavailable or unwilling to serve, the Company shall designate
a substitute designee acceptable to Parent.
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ARTICLE 3
CONVERSION OF COMPANY SHARES
SECTION 3.1 Effect on Capital Stock.
(a) The Mitchell Merger. At the Mitchell Merger Effective Time, the
Mitchell Merger shall have the following effects on the capital stock of the
Company and Mitchell Merger Sub, without any action on the part of the holder of
any capital stock of the Company or Mitchell Merger Sub:
(i) Conversion of the Company Common Stock. Subject to the provisions
of this Section 3.1 and Section 3.3, each share of Class A common stock,
$0.10 par value per share, of the Company (each a "Company Share" and
collectively the "Company Shares" issued and outstanding immediately prior
to the Mitchell Merger Effective Time (but not including any Dissenting
Shares (as defined below) and any Company Shares that are (A) owned (1) by
Alternate Holdco, Parent, Mitchell Merger Sub or any other direct or
indirect Subsidiary of Alternate Holdco or Parent or (2) by the Company or
any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company and (B) are not held on
behalf of third parties (collectively, the "Excluded Company Shares"))
shall, by virtue of the Mitchell Merger and without any action on the part
of the holder thereof, be converted into (A) the right to receive $31.00 in
cash (the "Cash Consideration") and (B) 0.585 of a share (the "Exchange
Ratio") of the common stock of Alternate Holdco (the "Stock Consideration"
and, together with the Cash Consideration, the "Merger Consideration").
(ii) Cancellation of Excluded Company Shares. Each Excluded Company
Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Mitchell Merger
Effective Time shall, by virtue of the Mitchell Merger and without any
action on the part of the holder thereof, no longer be outstanding, shall
be canceled and retired without payment of any consideration therefor and
shall cease to exist.
(iii) Mitchell Merger Sub. At the Mitchell Merger Effective Time,
each share of common stock of Mitchell Merger Sub issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Mitchell Merger Effective Time shall be converted
into one share of common stock of the surviving corporation of the Mitchell
Merger, and the surviving corporation of the Mitchell Merger shall thereby
become a wholly owned subsidiary of Alternate Holdco.
(b) The Devon Merger.
(i) Conversion of the Capital Stock of Parent. At the Devon Merger
Effective Time, the Devon Merger shall have the following effects on the capital
stock of Parent and Devon Merger Sub, without any action on the part of the
holder of any capital stock of Parent or Devon Merger Sub:
(A) Each share of common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of Parent
(each a "Parent Share" and collectively the "Parent Common Stock") issued
and outstanding immediately prior to the Devon Merger Effective Time (other
than Excluded Parent Shares (as defined below)) shall be converted into one
share of Alternate Holdco common stock.
(B) Each share of 6.49% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, par
value $1.00 per share, of Parent (the "Parent 6.49% Preferred Stock")
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Devon Merger Effective Time
(other than Excluded Parent Shares and Dissenting Parent Preferred Shares
(as defined below)) shall remain outstanding as one share of preferred
stock of the surviving corporation of the Devon Merger having the same
preferences and rights with respect to the surviving corporation of the
Devon Merger as those that the Parent 6.49% Preferred Stock had with
respect to Parent.
(C) The one share of Parent Special Voting Stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Devon Merger Effective Time shall be
converted into one share of special voting stock of Alternate Holdco having
the same preferences and rights with respect to Alternate Holdco as those
that the Parent Special Voting Stock had with respect to Parent.
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(ii) Cancellation of Excluded Parent Shares. Shares of Parent Common Stock
or Parent 6.49% Preferred Stock that are (A) owned (1) by Alternate Holdco,
Parent, Devon Merger Sub or any other direct or indirect Subsidiary of Alternate
Holdco or Parent or (2) by the Company or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of
the Company and (B) are not held on behalf of third parties (collectively, the
"Excluded Parent Shares"), immediately prior to the Devon Merger Effective Time
shall, by virtue of the Devon Merger and without any action on the part of the
holder thereof, no longer be outstanding, shall be cancelled and retired without
payment of consideration therefor and shall cease to exist.
(iii) Devon Merger Sub. At the Devon Merger Effective Time, each share of
common stock of Devon Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Devon Merger Effective Time shall be converted into one share of common stock of
the surviving corporation of the Devon Merger, and the surviving corporation of
the Devon Merger shall thereby become a wholly owned subsidiary of Alternate
Holdco.
(iv) Devon Options. Alternate Holdco and Parent shall take such actions,
including (with respect to Parent) the amendment of the options ("Devon Stock
Options") to purchase Parent Shares issued pursuant to Parent's stock option
plans ("Devon Option Plans"), and the Devon Option Plans, to permit Alternate
Holdco to assume, and Alternate Holdco shall assume, effective at the Devon
Merger Effective Time, each Devon Option Plan and each Devon Stock Option that
remains unexercised in whole or in part as of the Devon Merger Effective Time
and substitute shares of Alternate Holdco common stock for the Parent Shares
purchasable under each such assumed option ("Devon Assumed Option"), which
assumption and substitution shall be effected as follows:
(A) the number of shares of Alternate Holdco common stock purchasable
under the Devon Assumed Option shall be equal to the number of shares of
Parent Common Stock underlying the Devon Assumed Option (without regard to
any vesting schedule);
(B) the per share exercise price of such Devon Assumed Option shall be
equal to the per share exercise price of the Devon Stock Option being
assumed; and
(C) any other provisions of each Devon Assumed Option shall remain in
effect.
(v) Other Actions. Alternate Holdco shall take such action as may be
necessary to provide for (A) succession of Alternate Holdco for Parent under the
Support Agreement dated as of December 10, 1998 between Parent and Northstar, as
amended, and the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement dated as of December 10,
1998 between Parent and CIBC Mellon Trust Company, as amended; (B) the making of
changes to, or in the rights of holders of, the Northstar Exchangeable Shares as
are economically equivalent to the changes to, or in the rights of holders of
Parent Common Stock, that are a result of the exchange of Alternate Holdco
common stock for Parent Common Stock in the Devon Merger and (C) the
convertibility of the Zero Coupon Convertible Debentures (as defined below) into
Alternate Holdco common stock, subject to the terms of the Indenture (as defined
below). "Indenture" means the Indenture, dated as of June 27,2000, between
Parent and The Bank of New York, as trustee. "Zero Coupon Convertible
Debentures" means Parent's Zero Coupon Convertible Senior Debentures due 2020
issued pursuant to the Indenture.
(vi) Post-Devon Merger Sale of Alternate Holdco Common Stock to Alternate
Holdco. Immediately after the Devon Merger Effective Time, the surviving
corporation of the Devon Merger shall sell to Alternate Holdco, and Alternate
Holdco shall purchase from such surviving corporation, all of the shares of
Alternate Holdco common stock then held by such surviving corporation for an
amount in cash equal to the aggregate par value of all such shares of Alternate
Holdco common stock.
SECTION 3.2 Exchange of Certificates for Shares.
(a) Exchange Procedures. At or prior to the Effective Time, Alternate
Holdco shall deposit with an exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent"), selected by
Parent with the Company's prior approval, which shall not be unreasonably
withheld, in trust for the benefit of the holders of Company Shares and Parent
Shares, an amount in cash and certificates representing shares of Alternate
Holdco common stock required
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to effect (i) the conversion of the Company Shares into the Merger Consideration
pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(i) and (ii) the conversion of the Parent Shares into
shares of Alternate Holdco common stock pursuant to Section 3.1(b)(i)(A).
Alternate Holdco shall make sufficient funds available to the Exchange Agent
from time to time as needed to pay cash in respect of dividends or other
distributions in accordance with Section 3.2(b). To the extent that Alternate
Holdco lacks funds sufficient to pay the full amount of the Cash Consideration,
Parent shall advance Alternate Holdco such funds. Promptly after the Effective
Time, but in no event later than three business days following the Closing Date,
Alternate Holdco shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record
as of the Mitchell Merger Effective Time of a certificate representing Company
Shares and to each holder of record as of the Devon Merger Effective Time of a
certificate representing Parent Shares (each a "Certificate") (other than
holders of a Certificate in respect of Excluded Company Shares or Excluded
Parent Shares) (i) a letter of transmittal specifying that delivery of the
Certificates shall be effected, and that risk of loss and title to the
Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates (or, in lieu of
such Certificates, affidavits of loss together with either a reasonable
undertaking to indemnify Alternate Holdco, Parent or the Company, if Alternate
Holdco believes that the person providing the indemnity is sufficiently
creditworthy, or, if Alternate Holdco does not so believe, indemnity bonds) to
the Exchange Agent, such letter of transmittal to be in such form and have such
other provisions as Parent and the Company may reasonably agree, and (ii)
instructions for exchanging the Certificates and receiving the Merger
Consideration to which such holder shall be entitled therefore pursuant to
Section 3.1(a)(i) or the shares of Alternate Holdco common stock to which such
holder shall be entitled therefore pursuant to Section 3.1(b)(i)(A), as the case
may be. Subject to Section 3.2(g), upon surrender of a Certificate formerly
representing Company Shares for cancellation to the Exchange Agent together with
such letter of transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such Certificate shall
be entitled to receive in exchange therefor (i) a certificate representing that
number of whole shares of Alternate Holdco common stock that such holder is
entitled to receive pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(i) and (ii) a check in the
aggregate amount (after giving effect to any required tax withholdings) of (A)
the cash that such holder is entitled to receive pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(i)
plus (B) any cash in lieu of fractional shares determined in accordance with
Section 3.2(d) plus (C) any cash dividends and any other dividends or other
distributions that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to the
provisions of this Section 3.2. Upon surrender of a Certificate formerly
representing Parent Shares for cancellation to the Exchange Agent together with
such letter of transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such Certificate shall
be entitled to receive in exchange therefor (i) a certificate representing that
number of whole shares of Alternate Holdco common stock that such holder is
entitled to receive pursuant to Section 3.1(b)(i)(A) and (ii) a check in the
aggregate amount (after giving effect to any required tax withholdings) of any
cash dividends and any other dividends or other distributions that such holder
has the right to receive pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.2. Each
Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. No interest will be paid
or accrued on any amount payable upon due surrender of any Certificate. In the
event of a transfer of ownership of Company Shares or Parent Shares that
occurred prior to the Mitchell Merger Effective Time or the Devon Merger
Effective Time, as the case may be, but is not registered in the transfer
records of the Company or Parent, the Merger Consideration may be issued and/or
paid or the shares of Alternate Holdco common stock may be issued, as the case
may be, to such a transferee if the Certificate formerly representing such
Company Shares or Parent Shares is presented to the Exchange Agent, accompanied
by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and to evidence
that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid. If any certificate for
shares of Alternate Holdco common stock is to be issued in a name other than
that in which the Certificate surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it
shall be a condition of such exchange that the Person requesting such exchange
shall pay any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of
certificates for shares of Alternate Holdco common stock in a name other than
that of the registered holder of the Certificate surrendered, or shall establish
to the satisfaction of Alternate Holdco or the Exchange Agent that such tax has
been paid or is not applicable.
(b) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares. Whenever a dividend
or other distribution is declared by Alternate Holdco in respect of Alternate
Holdco common stock, the record date for which is at or after the Mitchell
Merger Effective Time (with respect to Certificates formerly representing
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Company Shares) or after the Devon Merger Effective Time (with respect to
Certificates formerly representing Parent Shares), that declaration shall
include dividends or other distributions in respect of all shares of Alternate
Holdco common stock issuable pursuant to this Agreement. No dividends or other
distributions so declared in respect of such Alternate Holdco common stock shall
be paid to any holder of any unsurrendered Certificate until such Certificate is
surrendered for exchange in accordance with this Section 3.2. Subject to the
effect of applicable laws, following surrender of any such Certificate, there
shall be issued or paid, less the amount of any withholding taxes that may be
required thereon, to the holder of the certificates representing whole shares of
Alternate Holdco common stock issued in exchange for such Certificate, without
interest, (i) at the time of such surrender, the dividends or other
distributions with a record date that is at or after the Mitchell Merger
Effective Time or the Devon Merger Effective Time, as the case may be, and a
payment date on or prior to the date of surrender of such whole shares of
Alternate Holdco common stock and not previously paid and (ii) at the
appropriate payment date, the dividends or other distributions payable with
respect to such whole shares of Alternate Holdco common stock with a record date
at or after the Mitchell Merger Effective Time or the Devon Merger Effective
Time, as the case may be, but with a payment date subsequent to surrender. For
purposes of dividends or other distributions in respect of shares of Alternate
Holdco common stock, (i) all shares of Alternate Holdco common stock to be
issued pursuant to the Mitchell Merger shall be deemed issued and outstanding as
of the Mitchell Merger Effective Time and (ii) all shares of Alternate Holdco
common stock to be issued pursuant to the Devon Merger shall be deemed issued
and outstanding as of the Devon Merger Effective Time.
(c) Transfers. After the Mitchell Merger Effective Time, there shall be no
transfers on the stock transfer books of the Company of the Company Shares that
were outstanding immediately prior to the Mitchell Merger Effective Time. After
the Devon Merger Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock
transfer books of Parent of the Parent Shares that were outstanding immediately
prior to the Devon Merger Effective Time.
(d) Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, no fractional shares of Alternate Holdco common stock will be issued
and any holder of Company Shares entitled to receive a fractional share of
Alternate Holdco common stock (after taking into account the aggregate number of
shares of Alternate Holdco common stock to be received in exchange for all
shares held by such holder) but for this Section 3.2(d) shall be entitled to
receive in lieu thereof an amount in cash (without interest) determined by
multiplying such fraction (rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of a share) by
the average closing price of a share of Parent Common Stock, as reported in The
Wall Street Journal, Southwestern edition, on the five trading days immediately
prior to the last business day before the Mitchell Merger Effective Time.
(e) Termination of Exchange Period; Unclaimed Merger Consideration or
Alternate Holdco Common Stock. Any shares of Alternate Holdco common stock and
any portion of the cash, dividends or other distributions with respect to the
Alternate Holdco common stock deposited by Alternate Holdco with the Exchange
Agent (including the proceeds of any investments thereof) that remain unclaimed
by the stockholders of the Company or Parent 180 days after the Effective Time
shall be paid to Alternate Holdco. Any stockholders of the Company or Parent who
have not theretofore complied with this Article 3 shall thereafter be entitled
to look only to Alternate Holdco for payment of their Merger Consideration,
issuance of the shares of Alternate Holdco common stock to which they are
entitled and any cash, dividends and other distributions in respect thereof
issuable and/or payable pursuant to Section 3.1, Section 3.2(b) and Section
3.2(d) upon due surrender of their Certificates (or, in lieu of such
Certificates, affidavits of loss together with either a reasonable undertaking
to indemnify Alternate Holdco , Parent or the Company, if Alternate Holdco
believes that the Person providing the indemnity is sufficiently creditworthy,
or, if Alternate Holdco does not so believe, indemnity bonds), in each case,
without any interest thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of Alternate
Holdco, Parent, the surviving corporations of the Mitchell Merger or the Devon
Merger, the Exchange Agent or any other Person shall be liable to any former
holder of Company Shares or Parent Shares for any amount properly delivered to a
public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar
laws.
A-48
(f) Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event any Certificate
shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of
that fact by the Person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or
destroyed, and if Alternate Holdco believes that the Person providing the
indemnity is sufficiently creditworthy, the making of a reasonable undertaking
to indemnify Alternate Holdco, Parent or the Company, or, if Alternate Holdco
does not so believe, the posting by such Person of a bond in the form
customarily required by Alternate Holdco to indemnify against any claim that may
be made against it with respect to such Certificate, Alternate Holdco will issue
the shares of Alternate Holdco common stock and the Exchange Agent will
distribute such Merger Consideration, shares of Alternate Holdco common stock,
dividends and other distributions in respect thereof issuable or payable in
exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate pursuant to Section 3.1,
Section 3.2(b) and Section 3.2(d), in each case, without interest.
(g) Affiliates. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, Certificates formerly representing Company Shares surrendered for
exchange by any Rule 145 Affiliate (as determined pursuant to Section 6.10) of
the Company shall not be exchanged until Alternate Holdco has received a written
agreement from such Person as provided in Section 6.10. Notwithstanding anything
in this Agreement to the contrary, Certificates formerly representing Parent
Shares surrendered for exchange by any Person who, at the time of the meeting or
meetings of the Parent's stockholders pursuant to Section 6.3, Parent believes
may be deemed to be an "affiliate" (as that term is used in paragraphs (c) and
(d) of Rule 145 of the Securities Act) of Parent shall not be exchanged until
Alternate Holdco has received a written agreement from such Person, in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit C.
SECTION 3.3 Dissenters' Rights.
(a) Dissenting Company Shares. Company Shares that are outstanding
immediately prior to the Mitchell Merger Effective Time and that are held by
stockholders who shall have not voted in favor of the approval of the Merger
Agreement and who shall have made written demand for payment of the fair value
for such shares in accordance with Section 5.12 of the TBCA (collectively, the
"Dissenting Shares") shall not be converted into or represent the right to
receive the Merger Consideration. Such stockholders shall be entitled to receive
payment of the fair value of the Company Shares held by them in accordance with
the TBCA, except that all Dissenting Shares held by stockholders who shall have
failed to perfect or who effectively shall have withdrawn or lost their rights
to appraisal of such Company Shares under the TBCA shall thereupon be deemed to
have been converted into and to be exchangeable, as of the Mitchell Merger
Effective Time, for Merger Consideration in the manner provided in Section
3.1(a)(i).
(b) Dissenting Parent Preferred Shares. In accordance with Section 262 of
the DGCL, no appraisal rights shall be available to holders of Parent Common
Stock in connection with the Devon Merger. Holders of shares of Parent 6.49%
Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Devon Merger
Effective Time who shall have delivered a written demand for appraisal of those
shares in accordance with the DGCL and who, as of the Devon Merger Effective
Time, shall not have effectively withdrawn or lost this right to appraisal (such
shares, "Dissenting Parent Preferred Shares") shall be entitled to those rights
(but only those rights) as are granted by Section 262 of the DGCL. Each holder
of Dissenting Parent Preferred Shares who becomes entitled to payment for those
Dissenting Parent Preferred Shares pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL shall
receive payment from the surviving corporation of the Devon Merger in accordance
with the DGCL; provided, however, that (A) if any holder of Dissenting Parent
Preferred Shares shall have failed to establish the holder's entitlement to
appraisal rights as provided in Section 262 of the DGCL, (B) if any holder of
Dissenting Parent Preferred Shares shall have effectively withdrawn the holder's
demand for appraisal of the holder's shares or lost the holder's right to
appraisal and payment for the holder's shares under Section 262 of the DGCL or
(C) if neither any holder of Dissenting Parent Preferred Shares nor the
surviving corporation of the Devon Merger shall have filed a petition demanding
a determination of the value of all Dissenting Parent Preferred Shares within
the time provided in Section 262 of the DGCL, the holder shall forfeit the right
to appraisal of those Dissenting Parent Preferred Shares and each Dissenting
Parent Preferred Share shall remain outstanding in accordance with Section
3.1(b)(i)(B).
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SECTION 3.4 Adjustments to Prevent Dilution. In the event that, prior to
the Mitchell Merger Effective Time or the Devon Merger Effective Time, there
shall have been declared or effected a reclassification, stock split (including
a reverse split), stock dividend, stock distribution or similar event made with
respect to the Company Shares, the Parent Common Stock or the Alternate Holdco
common stock, the Merger Consideration shall be equitably adjusted to reflect
such event.
3. All references to "Parent" in Section 6.12 shall be deemed to be
references to Alternate Holdco, all references to the "Surviving Corporation" in
Section 6.12 shall be deemed to be references to the surviving corporation of
the Mitchell Merger, all references to the "Merger" in Section 6.12 shall be
deemed to be references to the Mitchell Merger and all references to the
"Effective Time" in Section 6.12 shall be deemed to be references to the
Mitchell Merger Effective Time.
4. All references to "Parent" in Section 6.13 shall be deemed to be
references to Alternate Holdco (and, for the avoidance of doubt, all references
to "Continuing Employees" in Section 6.13 shall be deemed to be references to
officers and employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who become and remain
regular (full-time) employees of Alternate Holdco or any of its Subsidiaries).
5. Sections 6.13(d), (e), (f) and (g) shall be deleted in their entirety
and replaced with the following:
(d) Alternate Holdco and the Company shall take such actions, including
(with respect to the Company) the amendment of the options ("Stock Options") to
purchase Company Shares, and the plans pursuant to which such options have been
issued ("Option Plans"), to permit Alternate Holdco to assume, and Alternate
Holdco shall assume, effective at the Mitchell Merger Effective Time, each
Option Plan and each Stock Option that remains unexercised in whole or in part
as of the Mitchell Merger Effective Time and substitute shares of Alternate
Holdco common stock for the Company Shares purchasable under each such assumed
option ("Assumed Option"), which assumption and substitution shall be effected
as follows:
(i) the number of shares of Alternate Holdco common stock purchasable
under the Assumed Option shall be equal to 1.20 times the number of shares
of Company Common Stock underlying the Assumed Option (without regard to
any vesting schedule and with any fractional amount rounded to the next
lowest share);
(ii) the per share exercise price of such Assumed Option shall be an
amount (with fractional amounts rounded to the next highest cent) equal to
the per share exercise price of the Stock Option being assumed divided by
1.20;
(iii) Alternate Holdco will provide each holder of each Stock Option
being assumed with a statement showing the converted number of shares, the
exercise price, and the expiration date for each Assumed Option; and
(iv) any other provisions of each Assumed Option shall remain in
effect, and Alternate Holdco shall not permit the acceleration of the
exercisability or require the mandatory surrender of the Assumed Options in
connection with the Mitchell Merger pursuant to applicable provisions of
the Option Plans.
(e) Alternate Holdco shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve
for issuance a sufficient number of shares of Alternate Holdco common stock for
delivery upon exercise of the Assumed Options and, as soon as practicable after
the Effective Time, Alternate Holdco shall file a registration statement on Form
S-8 (or other appropriate form) with respect to the shares of Alternate Holdco
common stock subject to the Assumed Options, and shall use its reasonable best
efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement for so long
as any of the Assumed Options remain outstanding.
(f) Alternate Holdco and the Company shall take such actions to permit
Alternate Holdco to assume, and Alternate Holdco shall assume, effective at the
Mitchell Merger Effective Time, each bonus unit ("Bonus Unit") issued under the
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. 1997 Bonus Unit Plan ("Bonus Unit Plan")that
remains unredeemed in whole or in part as of the Mitchell Merger Effective Time
and substitute the value of shares of Alternate Holdco common stock for the
value of the shares of
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Company Common Stock that is used to determine the amount payable to an employee
upon redemption of the Bonus Unit ("Assumed Bonus Unit"), which assumption and
substitution shall be effected as follows:
(i) the number of Bonus Units redeemable under the Assumed Bonus Unit
shall be equal to 1.20 times the number of Bonus Units being assumed
(without regard to any vesting schedule and with any fractional amount
rounded to the next lowest share);
(ii) the value of each Assumed Bonus Unit as of the Redemption Date
(as defined in the Bonus Unit Plan) shall be equal to the amount, if any,
by which (A) the closing price of a share of Alternate Holdco common stock
on such date exceeds (B) the "exercise price" of the Assumed Bonus Unit,
which shall be the closing price of Company Common Stock on the Designation
Date (as defined in the Bonus Unit Plan) divided by 1.20 (with fractional
amounts rounded to the next highest cent);
(iii) Alternate Holdco will provide each holder of Bonus Units being
assumed with a statement showing the converted number of units, the
exercise price of the Assumed Bonus Units, and the expiration date for each
Assumed Bonus Unit; and
(iv) any other provisions of each Assumed Bonus Unit shall remain in
effect, and Alternate Holdco shall not permit the acceleration of the
exercisability of the Assumed Bonus Units in connection with the Mitchell
Merger pursuant to Section VII of the Bonus Unit Plan.
(g) Alternate Holdco agrees that its Board of Directors (or the
Compensation Committee thereof) shall, at or prior to the Mitchell Merger
Effective Time, adopt resolutions specifically approving, for purposes of Rule
16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the receipt, pursuant to this
Section 6.13, of Assumed Options and Assumed Bonus Units.
6. Section 7.1(e) shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following:
(e) The shares of Alternate Holdco common stock to be issued pursuant to
the Alternate Mergers and shares issuable pursuant to Assumed Options shall have
been authorized for listing on the AMEX, subject to official notice of issuance.
7. Section 7.2(b) shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following:
(b) The Company shall have received the opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.,
counsel to the Company, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Company, on the basis of certain facts, representations and assumptions set
forth in such opinion, dated the Closing Date, a copy of which shall be
furnished to Parent, to the effect that the receipt by the stockholders of the
Company of Alternate Holdco common stock and cash in exchange for Company Shares
pursuant to the Mitchell Merger will qualify for federal income tax purposes as
a nonrecognition transaction described in section 351 of the Code, except to the
extent that the stockholders of the Company receive cash in exchange for their
Company Shares in the Mitchell Merger. In rendering such opinion, such counsel
shall be entitled to receive and rely upon representations of officers of
Alternate Holdco, the Company, Mitchell Merger Sub and Parent as to such matters
as such counsel may reasonably request.
8. Section 7.3(b) shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following:
(b) Parent shall have received the opinion of Mayer, Brown & Platt, counsel
to Parent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, on the basis
of certain facts, representations and assumptions set forth in such opinion,
dated the Closing Date, a copy of which will be furnished to the Company, to the
effect that the receipt by Parent stockholders of Alternate Holdco common stock
in exchange for Parent Shares pursuant to the Devon Merger will qualify for
federal income tax purposes as a nonrecognition transaction described in section
351 of the Code. In rendering such opinion, such counsel shall be entitled to
receive and rely upon representations of officers of Alternate Holdco, the
Company, Devon Merger Sub and Parent as to such matters as such counsel may
reasonably request.
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EXHIBIT C
FORM OF PARENT AFFILIATE'S LETTER
This SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT, dated as of , 2001 (this "Agreement")
is between Devon Holdco Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Alternate
Holdco"), and the undersigned shareholder ("Shareholder") of Devon Energy
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Parent"). Capitalized terms not otherwise
defined in this Agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Merger
Agreement.
RECITALS
A. Parent, Devon NewCo Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly
owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), Alternate Holdco, Devon Merger
Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Alternate
Holdco, Mitchell Merger Corporation, a Texas corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Alternate Holdco, and Mitchell Energy & Development Corp., a Texas
corporation (the "Company"), have entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 13, 2001 (the "Merger Agreement"),
pursuant to which the Company will merge (the "Merger") with and into Merger
Sub, with Merger Sub surviving the Merger (or, if an Alternate Structure Event
occurs, the parties will consummate the Alternate Mergers);
B. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, if an Alternate Structure Event
occurs, at the Devon Merger Effective Time, outstanding Parent Shares will be
converted into shares of Alternate Holdco common stock;
C. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Shareholder is a
material inducement to Parent and Alternate Holdco to enter into the Merger
Agreement; and
D. Shareholder has been advised that Shareholder may be deemed to be an
"affiliate" of Parent, as such term is used (i) for purposes of paragraphs (c)
and (d) of Rule 145 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").
NOW, THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the parties agree as follows:
1. Acknowledgments by Shareholder. Shareholder acknowledges and
understands that the representations, warranties and covenants made by
Shareholder set forth in this Agreement will be relied upon by Parent, Alternate
Holdco, the Company, and their respective affiliates and counsel, and that
substantial losses and damages may be incurred by such persons if Shareholder's
representations, warranties or covenants are breached. Shareholder has carefully
read this Agreement and the Merger Agreement and has consulted with such legal
counsel and financial advisers as Shareholder has deemed appropriate in
connection with the execution of this Agreement.
2. Compliance with Rule 145 and the Act.
(a) Shareholder has been advised that (i) the issuance of shares of
Alternate Holdco common stock in connection with the Devon Merger is expected to
be effected pursuant to a Registration Statement filed by Parent and Alternate
Holdco on Form S-4, and the resale of such shares will be subject to the
restrictions set forth in Rule 145 under the Act unless such shares are
otherwise transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Act or an appropriate exemption from registration, and (ii) Shareholder may be
deemed to be an affiliate of Parent. Shareholder accordingly agrees not to sell,
pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of Alternate Holdco common
stock issued to Shareholder in the Merger, unless (i) such sale, pledge,
transfer or other disposition is made in conformity with the requirements of
Rule 145 under the Act, (ii) such sale, pledge, transfer or other disposition is
made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act, or (iii)
Shareholder delivers to Alternate Holdco a written opinion of counsel, in form
and substance reasonably acceptable to Alternate Holdco to the effect that such
sale, pledge, transfer or other disposition is otherwise exempt from
registration under the Act.
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(b) Alternate Holdco will give stop transfer instructions to its transfer
agent with respect to any Alternate Holdco common stock received by Shareholder
pursuant to the Devon Merger, and there will be placed on the certificates
representing such Alternate Holdco common stock, or any substitutions therefor,
legends stating in substance:
"THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED PURSUANT TO A
TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933 APPLIES, AND MAY ONLY BE TRANSFERRED IN CONFORMITY WITH RULE 145,
PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, OR IN ACCORDANCE WITH A
WRITTEN OPINION OF COUNSEL, REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE ISSUER, IN FORM
AND SUBSTANCE TO THE EFFECT THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS EXEMPT FROM
REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933."
The legend set forth above shall be removed (by delivery of a substitute
certificate without such legend), and Alternate Holdco shall so instruct its
transfer agent, if a registration statement respecting the sale of the shares
has been declared effective under the Act or if Shareholder delivers to
Alternate Holdco (i) satisfactory written evidence that the shares have been
sold in compliance with Rule 145 (in which case, the substitute certificate will
be issued in the name of the transferee), or (ii) an opinion of counsel, in form
and substance reasonably acceptable to Alternate Holdco to the effect that sale
of the shares by the holder thereof is no longer subject to Rule 145.
3. Miscellaneous.
(a) This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same document. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement
by facsimile shall be effective to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law.
(b) This Agreement shall be enforceable by, and shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding upon, the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
As used in this Agreement, the term "successors and assigns" means, where the
context to permits, heirs, executors, administrators, trustees and successor
trustees, and personal and other representatives.
(c) This Agreement shall be deemed to be made in and in all respects shall
be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with the laws of the
State of Delaware. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally consent to submit
to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the
United States of America, in either case located in Wilmington, Delaware (the
"Delaware Courts") for any litigation arising out of or relating to this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and agree not to
commence any litigation relating thereto except in such Delaware Courts), waive
any objection to the laying of venue of any such litigation in the Delaware
Courts and agree not to plead or claim in any Delaware Court that such
litigation brought therein has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
(d) If any term, provision, covenant, or restriction contained in this
Agreement is held by a court or a federal or state regulatory agency of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remainder of
the terms, provisions, covenants, and restrictions contained in this Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect, and shall in no way be affected,
impaired, or invalidated.
(e) Counsel to the parties to the Merger Agreement shall be entitled to
rely upon this Agreement as needed.
(f) This Agreement shall not be modified or amended, or any right waived or
any obligations excused, except by a written agreement signed by both parties.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, this
Agreement and all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate upon the
termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms.
A-53
(h) From and after the Devon Merger Effective Time and as long as is
necessary in order to permit Shareholder to sell Alternate Holdco common stock
held by Shareholder pursuant to Rule 145 and, to the extent applicable, Rule 144
under the Act, Alternate Holdco will file on a timely basis all reports required
to be filed by it pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the rules and regulations thereunder, as the same shall be in effect at the
time, and shall otherwise make available adequate public information regarding
Alternate Holdco in such manner as may be required to satisfy the requirements
of paragraph (c) of Rule 144 under the Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed as of the date first stated
above.
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION,
a Delaware corporation
By:
----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
SHAREHOLDER
------------------------------------
Name:
Number of Shares Owned:
Number of Shares Issuable upon
Exercise of Stock Options:
A-54
ANNEX A
AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Article Four shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following:
"The total authorized capital stock of the corporation shall consist of
1,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $0.10 per share."
A-55
ANNEX B
AMENDMENTS TO PARENT'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
1. Article I shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following:
"The name of this corporation (the "Corporation") is Devon
Intermediate Holding Corporation."
2. Section A of Article IV shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced
with the following:
"A. The Corporation shall be authorized to issue a total of 4,501,001
shares of capital stock divided into classes as follows:
(1) 1,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share
("Common Stock"),
(2) 4,500,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share
("Preferred Stock"), and
(3) 1 share of Special Voting Stock, par value $0.10 per share."
3. All provisions of Section A of Article VI shall be deleted in their
entirety, except for the first sentence thereof, which shall remain unchanged.
4. Article V (Election of Directors), Article VII (Stockholder Consent) and
Article XI (Amendment of Corporate Documents) shall be deleted in their entirety
and the remaining Articles shall be renumbered to be in sequential order.
A-56
ANNEX B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT
CONTAINING A VOTING AGREEMENT AND
AN IRREVOCABLE PROXY
(AS AMENDED AND RESTATED)
BY AND AMONG
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
GEORGE P. MITCHELL
AND
CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL
DATED AS OF AUGUST 13, 2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<Table>
<Caption>
PAGE
----
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS...................................................... B-2
Section 1.1 Definitions................................................. B-2
ARTICLE II VOTING AGREEMENT AND IRREVOCABLE PROXY.......................... B-2
Section 2.1 Agreement to Vote the Subject Shares........................ B-2
Section 2.2 Grant of Irrevocable Proxy.................................. B-3
Section 2.3 Nature of Irrevocable Proxy................................. B-3
Section 2.4 Legend...................................................... B-4
ARTICLE III COVENANTS...................................................... B-4
Section 3.1 Generally................................................... B-4
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SHAREHOLDERS.................. B-4
Section 4.1 Due Authority............................................... B-4
Section 4.2 Ownership of Shares......................................... B-4
Section 4.3 No Conflicts................................................ B-4
Section 4.4 Title to Purchased Shares................................... B-5
Section 4.5 Reliance by Parent.......................................... B-5
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT......................... B-5
Section 5.1 Due Organization, etc. ..................................... B-5
Section 5.2 Conflicts................................................... B-5
Section 5.3 Reliance by Shareholder..................................... B-5
ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS................................................... B-5
Section 6.1 Shareholder Capacity........................................ B-5
Section 6.2 Publication................................................. B-5
Section 6.3 Further Actions............................................. B-6
Section 6.4 Entire Agreement............................................ B-6
Section 6.5 Binding Effect; Benefit; Assignment......................... B-6
Section 6.6 Amendments, Waivers, etc. .................................. B-6
Section 6.7 Notices..................................................... B-6
Section 6.8 Specific Enforcement........................................ B-7
Section 6.9 Remedies Cumulative......................................... B-7
Section 6.10 No Waiver................................................... B-7
Section 6.11 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial........... B-7
Section 6.12 Headings.................................................... B-7
Section 6.13 Counterparts; Facsimiles.................................... B-7
Section 6.14 Termination................................................. B-7
</Table>
B-1
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT
(AS AMENDED AND RESTATED)
This PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT, as amended and restated (this
"Agreement"), dated as of August 13, 2001, by and among Devon Energy
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), George P. Mitchell and Cynthia
Woods Mitchell each being shareholders (each, a "Shareholder") of Mitchell
Energy & Development Corp., a Texas corporation (the "Company").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, this Agreement (entered into as of October 5, 2001) amends and
restates in its entirety the Principal Shareholders Agreement, dated as of
August 13, 2001 (which shall be deemed to be the date of this Agreement), by and
among Parent and the Shareholders;
WHEREAS, Parent, Devon NewCo Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a
wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, and the Company are parties to an Agreement
and Plan of Merger dated as of the date hereof and, together with certain other
parties, propose to enter into an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
Merger, to be dated as of the date hereof (as so amended and restated, the
"Merger Agreement");
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, each Shareholder "beneficially owns" (as
such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) and each
Shareholder is entitled to dispose of (or to direct the disposition of) and to
vote (or to direct the voting of) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock,
par value $0.10 per share of the Company (the "Common Stock") set forth opposite
the Shareholder's name on Annex A hereto, as such shares may be adjusted by
stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, combination, merger,
consolidation, reorganization or other change in the capital structure of the
Company affecting the Common Stock (such shares of Common Stock, together with
any other shares of Common Stock the voting power over which is acquired by the
Shareholders during the period from and including the date hereof through and
including the date on which this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its
terms, are collectively referred to herein as the Shareholder's "Subject
Shares");
WHEREAS, prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement by any party
hereto, Parent has purchased from George P. Mitchell 100 shares of Common Stock
(the "Purchased Shares"); and
WHEREAS, as a condition to the willingness of Parent to enter into the
Merger Agreement, and as an inducement and in consideration therefor, Parent has
required that each Shareholder agrees, and each Shareholder has agreed, to enter
into this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, capitalized
terms used and not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to
them in the Merger Agreement.
ARTICLE II
VOTING AGREEMENT AND IRREVOCABLE PROXY
SECTION 2.1 Agreement to Vote the Subject Shares. Each Shareholder, in
its capacity as such, hereby agrees that during the period commencing on the
date hereof and continuing until the termination of this Agreement (such period,
the "Voting Period"), at any meeting (or any adjournment or
B-2
postponement thereof) of the holders of any class or classes of the capital
stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with any written consent
of the holders of any class or classes of the capital stock of the Company, the
Shareholders shall vote (or cause to be voted) their Subject Shares (x) in favor
of the approval of the terms of the Merger Agreement and each of the other
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (and any actions required in
furtherance thereof) at every meeting of the shareholders of the Company (or in
connection with any written consent) at which such matters are considered and at
every adjournment thereof, (y) against any action, proposal, transaction or
agreement that would result in a breach in any respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries under the Merger Agreement or of the Shareholders
under this Agreement, and (z) except as otherwise agreed to in writing in
advance by Parent, against the following actions or proposals (other than the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement): (i) any extraordinary
corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business
combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries and any Company
Acquisition Proposal; (ii) a sale, lease or transfer of a significant part of
the assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or a reorganization,
recapitalization, dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries (each of the actions in clauses (i) or (ii), a "Business
Combination"); and (iii)(A) any change in the persons who constitute the board
of directors of the Company that is not approved in advance by at least a
majority of the persons who were directors of the Company as of the date of this
Agreement (or their successors who were so approved); (B) any change in the
present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the Company's articles
of incorporation or bylaws; (C) any other material change in the Company's
corporate structure or business; or (D) any other action or proposal involving
the Company or any of its subsidiaries that is intended, or could reasonably be
expected, to prevent, impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or adversely
affect the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Any such vote
shall be cast or consent shall be given in accordance with such procedures
relating thereto as shall ensure that it is duly counted for purposes of
determining that a quorum is present and for purposes of recording the results
of such vote or consent. Each of the Shareholders agrees not to enter into any
agreement, letter of intent, agreement in principle or understanding with any
person that violates or conflicts with or could reasonably be expected to
violate or conflict with the provisions and agreements contained in this
Agreement or the Merger Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement is
intended to constitute a voting agreement entered into under Section B, Article
2.30 of the TBCA for the duration of the Voting Period.
SECTION 2.2 Grant of Irrevocable Proxy. Each Shareholder hereby appoints
Parent and any designee of Parent, and each of them individually, such
Shareholder's proxy and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, to vote or act by written consent during the Voting Period with
respect to each of the Shareholders' Subject Shares in accordance with Section
2.1. This proxy is given to secure the performance of the duties of each of the
Shareholders under this Agreement. The Shareholders shall promptly cause a copy
of this Agreement to be deposited with the Company at its principal place of
business. Each Shareholder shall take such further action or execute such other
instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this proxy.
SECTION 2.3 Nature of Irrevocable Proxy. The proxy and power of attorney
granted pursuant to Section 2.2 by each Shareholder shall be irrevocable during
the term of this Agreement, shall be deemed to be coupled with an interest
sufficient in law to support an irrevocable proxy and shall revoke all prior
proxies granted by the Shareholders. The power of attorney granted herein is a
durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death
or incapacity of each Shareholder. For the avoidance of doubt, the proxy and
power of attorney is granted pursuant to Section C, Article 2.29 of the TBCA, is
coupled with an interest and is granted to Parent as a shareholder of the
Company and a party to this voting agreement which is created under Section B,
Article 2.30 of the TBCA and is intended to be valid during the Voting Period,
which the parties understand and agree may be more than eleven months from the
date hereof.
B-3
SECTION 2.4 Legend. Each Shareholder shall promptly cause the following
legend to be conspicuously noted on each certificate representing its Subject
Shares:
"THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A PRINCIPAL
SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 13, 2001. THE PRINCIPAL
SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT RESTRICTS THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THE SHARES
REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND INCLUDES A VOTING AGREEMENT AND AN
IRREVOCABLE PROXY TO VOTE THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE."
ARTICLE III
COVENANTS
SECTION 3.1 Generally. Except for pledges in existence as of the date
hereof, each Shareholder agrees that, except as contemplated by the terms of
this Agreement, it shall not (i) sell, transfer, tender, pledge, encumber,
assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract, option or other
agreement with respect to, or consent to, the sale, transfer, tender, pledge,
encumbrance, assignment or other disposition of, any or all of its Subject
Shares; (ii) grant any proxies or powers of attorney in respect of the Subject
Shares, deposit any of its Subject Shares into a voting trust or enter into a
voting agreement with respect to any of its Subject Shares; and (iii) take any
action that would have the effect of preventing, impeding, interfering with or
adversely affecting its ability to perform its respective obligations under this
Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the
Shareholders from assigning or transferring any Subject Shares beneficially
owned by either of them to any trust, estate, family partnership, foundation
(whether family, private or public) or other charitable organization (a
"Permitted Transferee") if such Permitted Transferee agrees in writing to be
bound by all of the provisions of this Agreement as a Shareholder hereunder.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SHAREHOLDERS
Each of the Shareholders hereby represents and warrants to Parent as
follows:
SECTION 4.1 Due Authority. Each Shareholder has the capacity to execute
and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby.
SECTION 4.2 Ownership of Shares. Each Shareholder legally or beneficially
owns the number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite their name on Annex
A hereto. The number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite their name on
Annex A hereto are all of the shares of Common Stock legally or beneficially
owned by them. Each Shareholder has sole voting power and sole power of
disposition, in each case with respect to all of shares of Common Stock set
forth opposite his or her name on Annex A hereto, with no limitations,
qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject only to applicable
securities laws and the terms of this Agreement and as otherwise noted on Annex
A.
SECTION 4.3 No Conflicts. (i) No filing with any governmental authority,
and no authorization, consent or approval of any other person is necessary for
the execution of this Agreement by the Shareholders and the consummation by the
Shareholders of the transactions contemplated hereby and (ii) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Shareholders, the consummation
by the Shareholders of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Shareholders with any of the provisions hereof shall (A) result in, or give rise
to, a violation or breach of or a default under any of the terms of any material
contract, understanding, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which
either Shareholder is a party or by which either Shareholder or any of his or
her Subject Shares or assets may be bound, or (B) violate any applicable order,
writ, injunction, decree, judgment, statute, rule or regulation which could
reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Shareholder's ability to perform
its obligations under this Agreement.
B-4
SECTION 4.4 Title to Purchased Shares. The transfer by George P. Mitchell
of the Purchased Shares to Parent has passed to and unconditionally vested in
Parent good and valid title to all of the Purchased Shares, free and clear of
all claims, Liens, restrictions, limitations and encumbrances whatsoever, other
than any such encumbrances created by Parent.
SECTION 4.5 Reliance by Parent. Each Shareholder understands and
acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Shareholder.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT
Parent hereby represents and warrants to each Shareholder as follows:
SECTION 5.1 Due Organization, etc. Parent is a company duly organized and
validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation. Parent
has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby by Parent has been duly authorized by all necessary action
on the part of Parent and, assuming its due authorization, execution and
delivery by each Shareholder constitutes a valid and binding obligation of
Parent, enforceable against Parent in accordance with its terms, except to the
extent that its enforceability may be subject to applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles.
SECTION 5.2 Conflicts. (i) No filing with any governmental authority, and
no authorization, consent or approval of any other person is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by Parent and the consummation by Parent of the
transactions contemplated hereby and (ii) none of the execution and delivery of
this Agreement by Parent, the consummation by Parent of the transactions
contemplated hereby shall (A) conflict with or result in any breach of the
organizational documents of Parent, (B) result in a violation or breach of or a
default under any of the terms of any material contract, understanding,
agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Parent is a party or by
which Parent or any of its assets may be bound, or (C) violate any applicable
order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, statute, rule or regulation which
could reasonably be expected to adversely affect Parent's ability to perform its
obligations under this Agreement.
SECTION 5.3 Reliance by Shareholder. Parent understands and acknowledges
that each Shareholder is entering into this Agreement in reliance upon the
execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement by Parent.
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 6.1 Shareholder Capacity. No Shareholder executing this Agreement
who is or becomes during the term hereof a director or officer of the Company
makes any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity as such
director or officer. Each Shareholder executes this Agreement solely in his or
her capacity as the record holder or beneficial owner of his or her Subject
Shares and nothing herein shall limit or affect any actions taken by a
Shareholder in his or her capacity as an officer or director of the Company.
SECTION 6.2 Publication. Each Shareholder hereby permits Parent to
publish and disclose in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (including all documents
and schedules filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) its identity
and ownership of shares of Common Stock and the nature of its commitments,
arrangements, and understandings pursuant to this Agreement.
B-5
SECTION 6.3 Further Actions. Each of the parties hereto agrees that it
will use its best efforts to do all things necessary to effectuate this
Agreement.
SECTION 6.4 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire
understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained
herein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral and written,
with respect thereto.
SECTION 6.5 Binding Effect; Benefit; Assignment. This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their
Permitted Transferees, heirs, estates and successors. Neither this Agreement nor
any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any
of the parties hereto, except by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution, without the prior written consent of each of the other parties,
except that Parent may assign and transfer its rights and obligations hereunder
to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. Nothing in this
Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer on any person, other than
the parties hereto, any rights or remedies.
SECTION 6.6 Amendments, Waivers, etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by all of the
relevant parties hereto.
SECTION 6.7 Notices. All notices, requests, demands, waivers and other
communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be
in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered in person or
mailed, certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile
(upon confirmation of receipt), as follows:
(i) If to any Shareholder, to such Shareholder at the address set forth
immediately beneath such Shareholder's name on Annex A:
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Bracewell & Patterson L.L.P.
711 Louisiana Street, Suite 2900
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Edgar J. Marston III
Fax: (713) 221-1188
(ii) If to Parent, to it at:
Devon Energy Corporation
20 North Broadway, Suite 1500
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
Attention: J. Larry Nichols
Fax: (405) 552-7602
and
Duke R. Ligon
Fax: (405) 552-4648
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Mayer, Brown & Platt
190 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Attention: Scott J. Davis
James T. Lidbury
Fax: (312) 701-7711
or to such other person or address as any party shall specify by notice in
writing to each of the other parties. All such notices, requests, demands,
waivers and communications shall be deemed to have been
B-6
received on the date of delivery, except for a notice of a change of address,
which shall be effective only upon receipt thereof.
SECTION 6.8 Specific Enforcement. The parties agree that irreparable
damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement
were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise
breached. Accordingly, the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions of this Agreement, this being in addition to any other
remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
SECTION 6.9 Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
SECTION 6.10 No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
SECTION 6.11 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF TEXAS. EACH OF THE SHAREHOLDERS AND PARENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND
UNCONDITIONALLY CONSENTS TO SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE
COMPETENT COURTS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN
EITHER CASE LOCATED IN DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS (THE "TEXAS COURTS") FOR ANY
LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (AND AGREES NOT TO COMMENCE ANY LITIGATION RELATING THERETO
EXCEPT IN SUCH COURTS), WAIVES ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH
LITIGATION IN THE TEXAS COURTS AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY TEXAS
COURT THAT SUCH LITIGATION BROUGHT THEREIN HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT
FORUM. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE
UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND
THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY
RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT.
SECTION 6.12 Headings. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are
inserted for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and
shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION 6.13 Counterparts; Facsimiles. This Agreement may be executed in
several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all
of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. A signature
transmitted by facsimile shall be treated for all purposes by the parties hereto
as an original, shall be binding upon the party transmitting such signature
without limitation.
SECTION 6.14 Termination. This Agreement shall terminate, and none of
Parent or any Shareholder shall have any rights or obligations hereunder and
this Agreement shall become null and void and have no effect upon the earliest
to occur of (a) the mutual consent of Parent and the Shareholders, (b) the
second anniversary of the date of this Agreement, (c) the Effective Time or (d)
the termination of the Merger Agreement (i) by Parent for any reason or (ii) by
the Company because of the failure of the conditions contained in Sections
7.1(a)(ii), 7.1(b), 7.1(c), 7.1(d), 7.1(e) or 7.2 to have been satisfied;
provided, further, that termination of this Agreement shall not prevent any
party hereunder from
B-7
seeking any remedies (at law or in equity) against any other party hereto for
such party's breach of any of the terms of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Sections 6.4, 6.5, 6.7, 6.9 and 6.11 shall survive the termination of
this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent and each Shareholder have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
By: /s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS
----------------------------------
Name: J. Larry Nichols
Title: Chairman, President and
Chief
Executive Officer
THE SHAREHOLDERS
/s/ GEORGE P. MITCHELL
----------------------------------
George P. Mitchell
/s/ CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL
----------------------------------
Cynthia Woods Mitchell
B-8
ANNEX A
LIST OF SHAREHOLDERS AND OWNERSHIP
OF COMMON STOCK
<Table>
<Caption>
NUMBER OF SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK
SHAREHOLDER ADDRESS AS OF AUGUST 10, 2001
- ----------- ------- ---------------------
George P. Mitchell.......................... c/o J. Todd Mitchell 23,380,811(1)(2)(3)(4)
600 Travis Street
Suite 3600
Houston, Texas 77002
Cynthia Woods Mitchell...................... c/o J. Todd Mitchell 1,022,506(1)
600 Travis Street
Suite 3600
Houston, Texas 77002
</Table>
- ---------------
(1) Subject to shared power of spouse under applicable Texas marital property
laws.
(2) Includes 404,666 shares of Common Stock which George P. Mitchell has the
right to acquire within 60 days on the exercise of stock options.
(3) Includes 1,022,506 shares of Common Stock owned of record by Cynthia Woods
Mitchell. George P. Mitchell disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
(4) Includes 5,888,998 shares of Common Stock which George P. Mitchell has
pledged with lenders to secure existing credit facilities. The certificates
representing these shares will not be stamped with the legend referred to in
Section 2.4.
B-9
ANNEX C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMENDED AND RESTATED
INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION,
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION
AND
GEORGE P. MITCHELL
AND
CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL
DATED AS OF AUGUST 13, 2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement (this "Agreement") is
made as of August 13, 2001 by and between Devon Energy Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("Parent"), Devon Holdco Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a
wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Alternate Holdco"), George P. Mitchell and
Cynthia Woods Mitchell ("Investors").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, this Agreement (entered into as of October 5, 2001) amends and
restates in its entirety the Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of August 13,
2001 (which shall be deemed to be the date of this Agreement), by and among
Parent and Investors;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the merger contemplated by the Amended and Restated
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 13, 2001 (the "Merger
Agreement"), by and among Parent, Devon NewCo Corporation, Alternate Holdco,
Devon Merger Corporation, Mitchell Merger Corporation and Mitchell Energy &
Development Corp. (the "Company"), Investors may acquire shares (the "Shares")
of Parent's common stock, par value $0.10 per share ("Parent Common Stock"), or,
if an Alternate Structure Event (as defined in the Merger Agreement) occurs, of
Alternate Holdco common stock, in exchange for their shares of common stock, par
value $0.10 per share, of the Company; and
WHEREAS, Investors are receiving certain demand and piggyback registration
rights in connection with Investors' receipt of such shares pursuant to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Certain Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following
terms shall have the following respective meanings:
"Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any person, each of such
person's officers, directors, employees and agents, and each other
person controlling such person within the meaning of the Securities Act.
"Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or
any other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act.
"Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or any similar federal statute and the rules and regulations of
the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the
time.
"Register", "registered" and "registration" refer to a registration
effected by preparing and filing a registration statement in compliance
with the Securities Act, and the declaration or ordering of the
effectiveness of such registration statement.
"Registrable Securities" shall mean the Shares and any shares of
Parent Common Stock issued or issuable in respect of the Shares upon any
stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, or similar event and held
by Investors until such time as (i) a registration statement covering
such securities has been declared effective by the Commission and such
securities have been disposed of pursuant to such effective registration
statement, or (ii) such securities cease to be Eligible (as defined
below), or (iii) such securities have been transferred and may be sold
by the transferee without registration under the Securities Act, after
which such securities shall no longer be Registrable Securities. Such
securities shall be "Eligible" unless (A) at any time prior to the
second anniversary of the Closing Date (as defined in the Merger
Agreement) the Investors cease to be the beneficial owners of at least 1
million Shares or (B) at any time on or after the second anniversary of
the Closing Date such securities may be sold pursuant to Rule 145 or
Rule 144 (or any successor or similar rule) under the Securities Act
without regard to the volume of sale restrictions referred to therein
and Parent has notified the Investors in
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writing that it has irrevocably waived the applicability of Section 11
of this Agreement with respect to such securities.
"Registration Expenses" shall mean all expenses incurred by Parent
in complying with Sections 2 and 3 hereof, including all registration,
qualification and filing fees, printing expenses, escrow fees, fees and
disbursements of counsel and of the accountants for Parent, blue sky
fees and expenses and the expense of any special audits incident to or
required by any such compliance.
"Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or any similar federal statute and the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.
"Selling Expenses" shall mean all underwriting discounts, selling
commissions and stock transfer taxes applicable to the Registrable
Securities registered by Investors and all fees and disbursements of
counsel for Investors.
Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the respective
meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement.
2. Requested Registration.
a. Request for Registration. In case Parent shall receive from
Investors a written request that Parent effect any registration with
respect to any of the Registrable Securities, Parent shall, as soon as
practicable, use reasonable best efforts to effect such registration
(including appropriate qualification under applicable blue sky or other
state securities laws and appropriate compliance with applicable
regulations issued under the Securities Act and any other governmental
requirements or regulations) on Form S-3 or, if Form S-3 is not
available, then on Form S-1 (or any successor forms of registration
statements to such Forms S-3 or S-1 or other available registration
statements) and as would permit or facilitate the sale and distribution
of the Registrable Securities for which registration is requested. The
registration statement filed pursuant to the request of Investors under
this Section 2(a) may include securities of Parent held by other
securityholders of Parent who, by virtue of agreements with Parent, are
entitled to include their securities in any such registration, but
Parent shall have no absolute right to include securities for its own
account in any such registration.
b. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent shall not be obligated to
file a registration statement to effect any such registration pursuant
to this Section 2:
i. unless the amount of Registrable Securities for which
registration is requested is at least 5,000,000 shares (as adjusted
for any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or similar
event); provided, however, that if the total number of Registrable
Securities held by Investors (but not a transferee of Investors) is
less than 5,000,000 shares (as adjusted to give effect to any stock
split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or any
similar event or transaction), then Investors (but not a transferee
of Investors) may request registration under this Section 2 as to all
but not less than all of such Registrable Securities as may then be
held by Investors; and
ii. after Parent has initiated two such registrations pursuant
to this Section 2 (counting for these purposes only registrations
that have been declared effective).
c. Underwriting. Any offering of securities made under this
Section 2 shall be pursuant to a "firm commitment" underwriting. Parent
(together with Investors) shall enter into an underwriting agreement in
customary form with the managing underwriter selected for such
underwriting by Investors with the consent of Parent, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding any other provision
of this Section 2, if the managing underwriter determines that marketing
factors require a limitation of the number of shares to be underwritten,
the managing underwriter may limit the number of Registrable Securities
to be
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included in such registration to the extent required by such limitation.
If the managing underwriter has not limited the number of Registrable
Securities to be included in such registration, Parent may include
securities for its own account or for the account of others in such
registration if the number of Registrable Securities to be included in
such registration will not thereby be limited.
3. Parent Registration.
a. Notice of Registration. If Parent shall determine to register
any of its securities, either for its own account or the account of a
security holder or holders exercising their respective registration
rights, other than (i) a registration relating solely to employee
benefit plans on Form S-8 (or similar successor form), or (ii) a
registration on Form S-4 (or similar successor form) relating solely to
a Commission Rule 145 transaction, Parent will:
i. promptly give Investors written notice thereof; and
ii. use its reasonable best efforts to include in such
registration (and any related qualification under blue sky laws or
other compliance), and in any underwriting involved therein, all
Registrable Securities specified in a written request to Parent made
within 15 business days after receipt of such written notice by
Investors.
b. Underwriting. If the registration of securities pursuant to
this Section 3 is underwritten, Parent shall so advise Investors as a
part of the written notice given under Section 3(a). In such event,
Investors' right to registration pursuant to this Section 3 shall be
conditioned upon Investors' participation in such underwriting and the
inclusion of Registrable Securities in the underwriting shall be subject
to the limitations provided herein. Parent (together with Investors)
shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the
managing underwriter selected for such underwriting by Parent.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3, if the managing
underwriter determines that marketing factors require a limitation of
the number of shares to be underwritten, Parent shall so advise the
holders of securities who have requested to include their securities in
such registration, and the number of shares to be included in such
registration shall be reduced by such minimum number of shares as is
necessary to comply with such limitation, as follows:
i. if the registration was initiated for the account of any
security holder or holders other than Investors (the "Initiating
Holders"), the number of shares reduced shall be (A) first, any
shares sought to be registered by Parent for its own account, (B)
second, if further reductions are required, any shares sought to be
registered by holders of securities other than the Initiating Holders
who have requested to include their securities in such registration,
pro rata based on the number of shares requested to be included in
such registration, and (C) third, if still further reductions are
required, any securities sought to be registered by the Initiating
Holders.
ii. if the registration was initiated by Parent for its own
account, the number of shares reduced shall be (A) first, any shares
sought to be registered by holders of securities who have requested
to include their securities in such registration, pro rata based on
the number of shares requested to be included in such registration
and (B) second, if further reductions are required, shares sought to
be registered by Parent for its own account.
4. Black Out. In the event Parent determines, after a request for
registration has been received from an Investor and prior to the completion
of such registered offering, that it may be in possession of material
undisclosed information with respect to Parent or its securities, (i)
Parent shall notify Investors and request that Investors refrain from
selling any Registrable Securities, and Investors shall refrain from
selling any Registrable Securities, and (ii) Parent shall not be obligated
to file a registration statement or effect any registration, qualification
or compliance of Registrable Securities under Section 2 for a period of not
more than 120 days from the date of such notice (the "Black Out Period"). A
Black Out Period shall end upon the earlier to occur of (i) the full public
disclosure of
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the material information giving rise to such Black Out Period, (ii) Parent
notifying Investors in writing that the Black Out Period is terminated and
(iii) the 120th day after the date of Parent's notice of the commencement
of the Black Out Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent shall not be
entitled to declare a Black Out Period prior to twelve months from the end
of a previous Black Out Period if more than 180 days of the immediately
preceding 365 days have been subject to a Black Out Period, and Parent
shall only exercise its rights under this Section 4 in good faith and shall
not exercise such rights in an effort to frustrate Investors' ability to
offer to sell and sell their Registrable Securities.
5. Expenses of Registration. All Registration Expenses incurred in
connection with a registration pursuant to Sections 2 and 3 shall be borne
by Parent. All Selling Expenses relating to the Registrable Securities
which are registered shall be borne by Investors.
6. Registration Procedures. In the case of each registration effected
by Parent pursuant to this Agreement, Parent will keep Investors advised in
writing, if Investors are participating in such registration, as to the
initiation of each registration and as to the completion thereof. At its
expense, Parent will:
a. prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement
with respect to such securities and use reasonable best efforts to cause
such registration statement to become and remain effective for at least
60 days (not including Black Out Periods) or until the distribution
described in the registration statement has been completed, whichever
first occurs;
b. furnish to Investors, if Investors are participating in such
registration, such reasonable number of copies of the registration
statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus and such other
documents as Investors may reasonably request, including correspondence
with the Commission and any exchanges on which Registrable Securities
are listed; and
c. notify Investors, if Investors are participating in such
registration, of any updates or amendments to the prospectus and furnish
to Investors any such updated and/or amended prospectuses.
7. Indemnification.
a. Parent will indemnify Investors with respect to any
registration, qualification or compliance which has been effected
pursuant to this Agreement, and each underwriter, if any, and each
person who controls any underwriter within the meaning of the Securities
Act (the "Underwriters"), against all expenses, claims, losses, damages
or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), including any of the
foregoing incurred in settlement of any litigation commenced or
threatened arising out of or based on any untrue statement (or alleged
untrue statement) of a material fact contained in any registration
statement, prospectus, offering circular or other document, or any
amendment or supplement thereto, incident to any such registration, or
based on any omission (or alleged omission) to state therein a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not
misleading, or any violation by Parent of the Securities Act or any
state securities law, or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder,
applicable to Parent in connection with any such registration, and
Parent will reimburse Investors and the Underwriters for any legal and
any other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating,
preparing or defending any such claim, loss, damage, liability or
action; provided, however, that Parent will not be liable in any such
case to the extent that any such expense, claim, loss, damage or
liability arises out of or is based on any untrue statement or omission,
or alleged untrue statement or omission, made in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished to Parent by Investors
specifically for use therein.
b. Investors will, if Registrable Securities are included in a
registration being effected, indemnify Parent and each of its Affiliates
and the Underwriters, if any, of Parent's securities covered by such a
registration against all expenses, claims, losses, damages and
liabilities (or
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actions in respect thereof), including any of the foregoing incurred in
settlement of any litigation commenced or threatened arising out of or
based on any untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) of a
material fact contained in any registration statement, prospectus,
offering circular or other document, or any amendment or supplement
thereto, incident to any such registration, or based on any omission (or
alleged omission) to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, or any violation
by Investors of the Securities Act or any state securities law, or any
rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, applicable in connection with
any such registration, and Investors will reimburse Parent, such
Affiliates and the Underwriters for any legal and any other expenses
reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending any
such claim, loss, damage, liability or action, in each case to the
extent that such untrue statement or omission, or alleged untrue
statement or omission, is made in such registration statement,
prospectus, offering circular or other document incident to any such
registration in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished to Parent by Investors specifically for use therein.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the liability of Investors under this
subsection (b) or subsection (d) shall be limited in an amount equal to
the public offering price of the Shares sold by Investors, unless such
liability arises out of or is based on willful misconduct by Investors.
c. Each party entitled to indemnification under this Section 7
(the"Indemnified Party") shall give notice to the party required to
provide indemnification (the "Indemnifying Party") promptly after such
Indemnified Party has actual knowledge of any claim as to which
indemnity may be sought, and the Indemnifying Party shall have the
option to assume the defense of any such claim or any litigation
resulting therefrom; provided, however, that counsel for the
Indemnifying Party, who shall conduct the defense of such claim or
litigation, shall be approved by the Indemnified Party (whose approval
shall not unreasonably be withheld); and provided, further, that the
Indemnified Party may participate in such defense at such party's own
expense. The failure of an Indemnified Party to give notice as provided
herein shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under
this Agreement unless the failure to give such notice is materially
prejudicial to an Indemnifying Party's ability to defend such action.
The Indemnifying Party shall not assume such defense for matters as to
which there is a conflict of interest or separate and different
defenses. In the event of a conflict of interest or separate or
different defenses, as determined in the reasonable opinion of counsel
to the Indemnified Party, the Indemnifying Party will pay the reasonable
legal fees and expenses of one counsel to the Indemnified Party. No
claim may be settled without the consent of the Indemnifying Party
(which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). No Indemnifying
Party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation, shall, except
with the consent of each Indemnified Party, consent to entry of any
judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as an
unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to
such Indemnified Party of a release from all liability in respect to
such claim or litigation.
d. If the indemnification provided for in Section 7.a. or 7.b. is
unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party
under Section 7.a. or 7.b. in respect of any expenses, claims, losses,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), then each
indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by
such indemnified party as a result of such expenses, claims, losses,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the
indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the
other hand in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted
in such expenses, claims, losses, damages or liabilities (or actions in
respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable
considerations.
8. Information from Investors. Investors shall furnish to Parent such
information regarding Registrable Securities being included in any
registration and the distribution proposed by Investors as
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Parent may request in writing and as shall be required in connection with
any registration referred to in this Agreement.
9. Rule 144 Reporting. With a view to making available the benefits
of certain rules and regulations of the Commission which may at any time
permit the sale of Registrable Securities to the public without
registration, Parent agrees to use its best efforts to:
a. make and keep public information available, as those terms are
understood and defined in Rule 144 (or any successor or similar rule)
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act;
b. file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and
other documents required of Parent under the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act; and
c. so long as Investors own any Registrable Securities, promptly
furnish to Investors upon request (i) a statement by Parent as to its
compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 (or any successor
or similar rule), the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, (ii) a copy
of the most recent annual or quarterly report of Parent, and such other
publicly filed reports and documents of Parent, and (iii) such other
information in the possession of Parent as Investors may reasonably
request in availing themselves of any rule or regulation of the
Commission allowing Investors to sell any Shares without registration.
10. Amendment. Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or the
observance thereof may be waived (either generally or in particular
instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written
consent of each of the parties hereto.
11. Lockup. Investors agree that they will not, prior to the date
which is nine months from the Closing Date (as defined in the Merger
Agreement) (the "Lockup Date"), directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell,
grant any option for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of any Shares other
than pursuant to an underwritten registered offering made pursuant hereto
or to a Permitted Transferee (as defined in the Principal Shareholders
Agreement of even date among the Company and Investors) if such Permitted
Transferee agrees in writing to be bound by all of the provisions of this
Agreement as an Investor hereunder (in which case such Permitted Transferee
shall be entitled to all of the rights and benefits of an Investor
hereunder); provided, however, that following the Merger (or, if
applicable, the Mitchell Merger) Investors may give or dispose of up to 2
million Shares to foundations (whether family, private or public) or other
charitable organizations even if those foundations or other charitable
organizations do not agree to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement,
and thereafter such Shares shall not be subject to this Agreement. From and
after the Lockup Date, Investors shall not dispose of Shares in amounts
exceeding 1,000,000 Shares per calendar quarter, except pursuant to a
registration statement or to a Permitted Transferee. In addition to all
dispositions permitted above, beginning in the first calendar quarter of
2002, Investors may dispose of up to 500,000 Shares per calendar quarter to
foundations (whether family, private or public) or other charitable
organizations even if those foundations or other charitable organizations
do not agree to be bound by this Agreement, and thereafter such Shares
shall not be subject to this Agreement.
12. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate (i) prior to the
second anniversary of the Closing Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
at such time as Investors are the beneficial owners of less than one
million Shares and (ii) on or after the second anniversary of the Closing
Date at such time as Investors are the beneficial owners of Registrable
Securities aggregating less than the greater of (A) one percent of the
Parent Common Stock outstanding as shown by the most recent report or
statement published by Parent, and (B) the average weekly reported volume
of trading in Parent Common Stock on all national securities exchanges
and/or reported through the automated quotation system of a registered
securities association during the four immediately preceding calendar
weeks.
13. Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. PARENT
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AND INVESTORS EACH HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY CONSENTS TO
SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS
AND OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN EITHER CASE LOCATED IN DALLAS
COUNTY, TEXAS (THE "TEXAS COURTS") FOR ANY LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (AND
AGREES NOT TO COMMENCE ANY LITIGATION RELATING THERETO EXCEPT IN SUCH
COURTS), WAIVES ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION
IN THE TEXAS COURTS AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY TEXAS COURT
THAT SUCH LITIGATION BROUGHT THEREIN HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT
FORUM. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT
SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING
OR COUNTERCLAIM DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS
AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the full and entire
understanding and agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter
hereof. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof
shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon the successors and assigns of
the parties hereto.
15. Notices and Dates. Any notice required to be given hereunder shall be
sufficient if in writing, and sent by facsimile transmission or by courier
service (with proof of service), hand delivery or certified or registered mail
(return receipt requested and first-class postage prepaid), addressed as
follows:
if to Parent or Alternate Holdco, to:
Devon Energy Corporation
20 North Broadway
Suite 1500
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Attention: J. Larry Nichols
Facsimile: (405) 552-8171
and
Duke R. Ligon
Facsimile: (405) 552-4550
with a copy to:
Mayer, Brown & Platt
190 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603
Attention: Scott J. Davis
if to Investors, to:
George P. Mitchell
Cynthia Woods Mitchell
c/o J. Todd Mitchell
600 Travis Street
Suite 3600
Houston, TX 77002
Facsimile: (713) 221-3406
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with a copy to:
Bracewell & Patterson LLP
711 Louisiana, 27th Floor
South Tower Pennzoil Place
Houston, TX 77002
Attention: Edgar J. Marston III
Facsimile: (713) 221-1188
Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this
Agreement be treated as effective or having been given when delivered, if
delivered personally, by messenger or by courier, or upon confirmation of
receipt if sent by facsimile.
16. Counterparts; Facsimiles. This Agreement may be executed in
several counterparts (by facsimile or original signature), each of which
shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall be
deemed to be one and the same instrument. A signature transmitted by
facsimile shall be treated for all purposes by the parties hereto as an
original and shall be binding upon the party transmitting such signature
without limitation.
17. Further Assurances. The parties hereto shall do and perform or
cause to be done and performed all such further acts and things and shall
execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments or
documents as any other party may reasonably request from time to time in
order to carry out the intent and purposes of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby. Neither Parent nor
Investors shall voluntarily undertake any course of action inconsistent
with satisfaction of the requirements applicable to them set forth in this
Agreement, and each shall promptly do all such acts and take all such
measures as may be appropriate to enable them to perform as early as
practicable the obligations herein and therein required to be performed by
them.
18. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or
unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining
terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or
enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any
other jurisdiction. If any provision of this Agreement is so broad as to be
unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is
enforceable.
19. Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to
Sections, such references shall be to a Section to this Agreement unless
otherwise indicated. The words "include," "includes" and "including" when
used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words
"without limitation." Use of any gender herein to refer to any person shall
be deemed to comprehend masculine, feminine, and neuter unless the context
clearly requires otherwise.
20. Mutual Drafting. This Agreement is the joint product of Investors
and Parent, and each provision hereof has been subject to the mutual
consultation, negotiation and agreement of Investors and Parent and their
respective legal counsel and advisers and any rule of construction that a
document shall be interpreted or construed against the drafting party shall
not be applicable.
21. Alternate Structure Event. If an Alternate Structure Event
occurs, (a) all references to the term "Parent" in Sections 1 through 20 of
this Agreement shall be deemed references to Alternate Holdco, (b) all
references to the term "Parent Common Stock" in Sections 1 through 20 of
this Agreement shall be deemed references to shares of common stock of
Alternate Holdco, and (c) all references to the term "Shares" in Sections 1
through 20 of this Agreement shall be deemed references to shares of
Alternate Holdco common stock received in the Mitchell Merger (as defined
in the Merger Agreement).
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Investor Rights
Agreement as of the date set forth above.
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
By:
/s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS
----------------------------------
J. Larry Nichols
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
By:
/s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS
----------------------------------
J. Larry Nichols
President
/s/ GEORGE P. MITCHELL
------------------------------------
George P. Mitchell
/s/ CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL
------------------------------------
Cynthia Woods Mitchell
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ANNEX D
[GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.]
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
August 13, 2001
Board of Directors
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.
2001 Timberloch Place
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of
view to the holders of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, par value
$0.10 per share (the "Shares"), of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp., a Texas
corporation (the "Company"), of the Merger Consideration (as defined below) to
be received for the Shares pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
as of August 13, 2001 ("the Agreement"), by and among Devon Energy Corporation,
a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), Devon NewCo Corporation, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), and the Company. Pursuant to the Agreement,
Merger Sub will be merged with the Company ("Merger") and each Share (other than
Excluded Company Shares, as defined in the Agreement) will be converted into the
right to receive $31.00 in cash (the "Cash Consideration") and 0.585 of a share
of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share ("Parent Common Stock"), of Parent
(the "Common Stock Consideration"; together with the Cash Consideration, the
"Merger Consideration").
Goldman, Sachs & Co., as part of its investment banking business, is
continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive
biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private
placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. We are
familiar with the Company having provided certain investment banking services to
the Company from time to time, including having acted as a co-managing
underwriter with respect to a public offering of 5,175,000 Shares in May 2001
and having acted as its financial advisor in connection with, and having
participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the Agreement. We also
have provided from time to time (and may provide in the future) investment
banking services to Parent. Goldman, Sachs & Co. provides a full range of
financial advisory and securities services and, in the normal course of its
trading activities, may from time to time effect transactions and hold
securities, including derivative securities, of the Company or Parent for its
own account and for the accounts of customers.
In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, the
Agreement; Annual Reports to Stockholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of the
Company for the year ended December 31, 2000 and for the four fiscal years ended
January 31, 2000 and of Parent for the five years ended December 31, 2000;
certain interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of
the Company and Parent, including a draft Report on Form 10-Q of Parent for the
six-month period
D-1
ended June 30, 2001; certain other communications from the Company and Parent to
their respective stockholders; certain reports of the Company with respect to
the estimated oil and gas reserves of the Company (the "Company Appraisals");
certain reports of Parent with respect to the estimated oil and gas reserves of
Parent (the "Parent Appraisals"; together with the Company Appraisals, the
"Appraisals"); and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for the
Company and Parent prepared by their respective managements, including certain
cost savings and operating synergies projected by the managements of the Company
and Parent to result from the transaction contemplated by the Agreement. We also
have held discussions with members of the senior management of the Company and
Parent regarding their assessment of the strategic rationale for, and the
potential benefits of, the transaction contemplated by the Agreement and the
past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects
of their respective companies. In addition, we have reviewed the reported price
and trading activity for the Shares and the Parent Common Stock, compared
certain financial and stock market information for the Company and Parent with
similar information for certain other companies the securities of which are
publicly traded, reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business
combinations in the oil and gas industry specifically and other industries
generally and performed such other studies and analyses as we considered
appropriate.
We have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial,
accounting and other information discussed with or reviewed by us and have
assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of rendering this opinion.
In that regard, we have assumed with your consent that the internal financial
forecasts prepared by management of the Company and Parent have been reasonably
prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and
judgments of the Company and Parent. In addition, we have not made an
independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities of the Company
or Parent or any of their subsidiaries and, except for the Appraisals referred
to in the third paragraph of this opinion, we have not been furnished with any
such evaluation or appraisal. Our advisory services and the opinion expressed
herein are provided for the information and assistance of the Board of Directors
of the Company in connection with its consideration of the transaction
contemplated by the Agreement and such opinion does not constitute a
recommendation as to how any holder of Shares should vote with respect to such
transaction.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and based upon such other matters
as we consider relevant, it is our opinion that as of the date hereof the Merger
Consideration to be received by the holders of Shares pursuant to the Agreement
is fair from a financial point of view to such holders.
Very truly yours,
/s/ GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
------------------------------------
D-2
ANNEX E
[J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES, INC. LETTERHEAD]
September 7, 2001
The Board of Directors
Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.
2001 Timberloch Place
The Woodlands, Texas 77387-4000
Members of the Board of Directors:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of
view, to the holders of Class A common stock, par value $0.10 per share (the
"Company Common Stock"), of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. (the "Company")
of the consideration to be received by such holders in the proposed merger (the
"Merger") of the Company with a wholly-owned subsidiary ("Merger Subsidiary") of
Devon Energy Corporation (the "Merger Partner"). Pursuant to the Agreement and
Plan of Merger dated August 13, 2001 (the "Agreement") among the Company, the
Merger Partner and Merger Subsidiary, the Company will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Merger Partner, and each outstanding share of Company Common
Stock, other than shares of Company Common Stock owned by the Company, the
Merger Partner or any of their respective direct or indirect subsidiaries, and
other than dissenting shares, will be converted into the right to receive
consideration equal to $31.00 per share in cash and 0.585 shares of the Merger
Partner's common stock, par value $0.10 per share (the "Merger Partner Common
Stock").
In arriving at our opinion, we have (i) reviewed the Agreement, the Principal
Shareholders Agreement Containing a Voting Agreement and an Irrevocable Proxy by
and among the Merger Partner, George P. Mitchell and Cynthia Woods Mitchell
dated August 13, 2001 (the "Principal Shareholders Agreement"), (ii) reviewed
the Pre-Acquisition Agreement between the Merger Partner and Anderson
Exploration Ltd. ("Anderson") dated as of August 31, 2001 (the "Acquisition
Agreement"); (iii) reviewed certain publicly available business and financial
information concerning the Company, the Merger Partner, and Anderson and the
industries in which they operate; (iv) compared the proposed financial terms of
the Merger and Devon's acquisition of Anderson (the "Acquisition") with the
publicly available financial terms of certain transactions involving companies
we deemed relevant and the consideration received for such companies; (v)
compared the financial and operating performance of the Company, the Merger
Partner, and Anderson with publicly available information concerning certain
other companies we deemed relevant and reviewed the current and historical
market prices of the Company Common Stock, the Merger Partner Common Stock, and
Anderson's common stock and certain publicly traded securities of such other
companies; (vi) reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts
prepared by the managements of the Company and the Merger Partner relating to
their respective businesses, and certain financial analyses and forecasts
prepared and provided by the management of the Merger Partner relating to
Anderson's business; (vii) reviewed certain internal financial analyses and
forecasts prepared by each of LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ryder Scott Company
Petroleum Consultants and Paddock Lindstrom & Associates (collectively, the
"Engineering Consultants") relating to the oil, gas and natural gas liquids
reserves of the Merger Partner as of December 31, 2000 (the "Reserve Reports")
and (viii) performed such other financial studies and analyses and considered
such other information as we deemed appropriate for the purposes of this
opinion.
E-1
[J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES, INC. LETTERHEAD]
In addition, we have held discussions with certain members of the management of
the Company and the Merger Partner with respect to certain aspects of the
Merger, and the past and current business operations of the Company and the
Merger Partner, the financial condition and future prospects and operations of
the Company and the Merger Partner, the effects of the Merger on the financial
condition and future prospects of the Company and the Merger Partner, and
certain other matters we believed necessary or appropriate to our inquiry. We
also held discussions with certain members of the management of the Merger
Partner with respect to certain aspects of the Acquisition, and the past and
current business operations of Anderson, the financial condition and future
prospects and operations of Anderson, the effects of the Acquisition on the
financial condition and future prospects of the Merger Partner, and certain
other matters we believed necessary or appropriate to our inquiry. As you know,
we have relied solely upon these discussions and other materials, including
financial forecasts, furnished to us by the Merger Partner in connection with
our review of Anderson, and we did not receive any financial forecasts or other
non-public information from Anderson.
In giving our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed, without independent
verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly
available or was furnished to us by the Company, the Engineering Consultants and
the Merger Partner or otherwise reviewed by us, and we have not assumed any
responsibility or liability therefor. We have not conducted any valuation or
appraisal of any assets or liabilities, nor have any such valuations or
appraisals (other than the Reserve Reports) been provided to us. In relying on
financial analyses and forecasts provided to us, we have assumed that they have
been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently
available estimates and judgments by management as to the expected future
results of operations and financial condition of the Company, the Merger
Partner, and Anderson to which such analyses or forecasts relate. We have also
assumed that the Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for United
States federal income tax purposes, and that the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by the Agreement will be consummated as described in
the Agreement and the parties to the Principal Shareholders Agreement shall
perform their obligations thereunder necessary for the Merger to be so effected.
We have also assumed that the Acquisition and the other transactions
contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement will be consummated as described in
the Acquisition Agreement. We have further assumed that all material
governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the
consummation of the Merger and the Acquisition will be obtained without any
adverse effect on the Company, the Merger Partner, or Anderson or on the
contemplated benefits of the Merger or the Acquisition.
Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in
effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. It
should be understood that subsequent developments may affect this opinion and
that we do not have any obligation to update, revise, or reaffirm this opinion.
Our opinion is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the
consideration to be received by the holders of the Company Common Stock in the
proposed Merger and we express no opinion as to the underlying decision by the
Company to engage in the Merger. We are expressing no opinion herein as to the
price at which the Merger Partner Common Stock will trade at any future time.
We note that although we worked for the Company from August 1999 through April
2000, that engagement did not result in the consummation of a transaction. Since
that time, we were not authorized to and did not solicit any expressions of
interest from any other parties with respect to the sale of all or any part of
the Company or any other alternative transaction. Consequently, we have assumed
that such terms are the most beneficial terms from the Company's perspective
that could under the circumstances be negotiated among the parties to such
transactions, and no opinion is expressed whether any alternative transaction
might produce consideration for the Company's shareholders in an amount in
excess of that contemplated in the Merger.
E-2
[J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES, INC. LETTERHEAD]
We have acted as financial advisor to the Company with respect to the proposed
Merger and will receive a fee from the Company for our services. We will also
receive an additional fee if the proposed Merger is consummated. Please be
advised that we and our affiliates have, from time to time, provided various
investment banking and commercial banking services to each of the Company,
George P. Mitchell and the Merger Partner, for which we have received customary
compensation. In May 2001, we acted as lead manager for a secondary offering of
shares of Company Common Stock of George P. Mitchell. In addition, one of our
affiliates has a commitment under the Company's revolving credit facility, and a
commitment under the Merger Partner's revolving credit facility that currently
has not been drawn upon; that affiliate is also the documentation agent with
regard to this facility and was selected to be one of the Merger Partner's
commercial paper dealers. In the ordinary course of our businesses, we and our
affiliates may actively trade the debt and equity securities of the Company, the
Merger Partner or Anderson for our own account or for the accounts of customers
and, accordingly, we may at any time hold long or short positions in such
securities.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as of the date
hereof that the consideration to be received by the holders of the Company
Common Stock in the proposed Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to
such holders.
This letter is provided to the Board of Directors of the Company in connection
with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the Merger. This opinion does not
constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of the Company as to how such
shareholder should vote with respect to the Merger or any other matter. This
opinion may not be disclosed, referred to, or communicated (in whole or in part)
to any third party for any purpose whatsoever except with our prior written
approval. This opinion may be reproduced in full in any proxy or information
statement mailed to shareholders of the Company but may not otherwise be
disclosed publicly in any manner without our prior written approval.
Very truly yours,
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
E-3
ANNEX F
<Table>
UBS WARBURG LOGO UBS WARBURG LETTERHEAD
</Table>
August 13, 2001
The Board of Directors
Devon Energy Corporation
20 North Broadway, Suite 1500
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102-8260
Dear Members of the Board:
We understand that Devon Energy Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Devon" or the "Company"), is considering a transaction whereby a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company will merge (the "Transaction") with Mitchell Energy &
Development Corp., a Texas corporation ("Mitchell" or the "Target"). Pursuant to
the terms of a draft Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), each
issued and outstanding share of Class A Common Stock ("Mitchell Common Stock"),
par value $.10 per share, of Mitchell, other than Excluded Company Shares (as
defined in the Merger Agreement), will be converted through a merger into the
right to receive $31.00 in cash and 0.585 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01
per share, of Devon ("Devon Common Stock") (the "Merger Consideration"). The
terms and conditions of the Transaction are more fully set forth in the Merger
Agreement.
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness to the Company from a
financial point of view of the Merger Consideration to be paid by the Company in
the Transaction.
UBS Warburg LLC ("UBS Warburg") will receive fees upon the issuance of this
opinion. UBS Warburg and its predecessors have provided, and may in the future
provide, investment banking services to the Company, and received, and may in
the future receive, compensation for the rendering of such services. In the
ordinary course of business, UBS Warburg, its successors and affiliates may
trade securities of the Company or Mitchell for their own accounts and,
accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.
Our opinion does not address the Company's underlying business decision to
effect the Transaction or constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of the
Company as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the Transaction.
At your direction, we have not been asked to, nor do we, offer any opinion as to
the material terms of the Merger Agreement or the form of the Transaction. We
express no opinion as to what the value of Mitchell Common Stock or Devon Common
Stock will be at the time of the merger or the prices at which either will trade
at any time in the future. In rendering this opinion, we have assumed, with your
consent, that the final form of the Merger Agreement will not differ in any
material respect from the draft that we have examined, and that the Company and
the Target will comply with all the material terms of the Merger Agreement.
In arriving at our opinion, we have, among other things (i) reviewed the
August 13, 2001 draft of the Merger Agreement, (ii) reviewed certain publicly
available business and historical financial information relating to Devon and
Mitchell, (iii) reviewed certain information and other data provided to us by
Devon that is not publicly available relating to the business and prospects of
Devon that was prepared by the management of the Company, including operating
estimates and financial forecasts, (iv) reviewed certain information and other
data provided to us by Devon and Mitchell that is not publicly available
relating to the business and prospects of Mitchell that was prepared by the
management of Devon and Mitchell,
UBS WARBURG LETTERHEAD
F-1
including operating estimates and financial forecasts, (v) considered estimates,
prepared by the management of the Company and not publicly available, of the
amounts and timing of the synergies expected to result from the Transaction,
(vi) considered the pro forma financial effects of the Transaction on the
Company, (vii) reviewed publicly available financial and stock market data with
respect to certain other companies in lines of business we believe to be
generally comparable to those of Devon and Mitchell, (viii) compared the
financial terms of the Transaction with the financial terms of certain other
selected transactions that we deemed to be relevant, (ix) reviewed the
historical market prices and trading volumes of both Devon and Mitchell Common
Stock, (x) conducted discussions regarding Devon and Mitchell with selected
members of the senior management of the Company, (xi) conducted discussions
regarding Mitchell with selected members of the senior management of Mitchell,
and (xii) conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations,
and considered such other information, as we deemed necessary or appropriate.
In connection with our review, and at your direction, we have not assumed
any responsibility for independent verification for any of the information
reviewed by us for the purpose of this opinion and have, at your direction,
relied on its being complete and accurate in all material respects. In addition,
at your direction, we have not made any independent evaluation or appraisal of
any of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Mitchell, nor have
we been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. With respect to the
projected operating and financial information, estimates, pro forma effects and
calculations of synergies referred to above, we have assumed, at your direction,
that they have been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently
available estimates and judgments of the management of each company as to the
future performance of their respective companies. Moreover, we have assumed that
all governmental, regulatory and other consents and approvals necessary for the
consummation of the Transaction will be obtained without any adverse effect on
the Company or Target. Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, monetary,
market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available
to us as of, the date hereof.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as the
date hereof, the Merger Consideration to be paid by the Company in the
Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Company.
Very truly yours,
/s/ UBS WARBURG LLC
F-2
ANNEX G
ARTICLES 5.11, 5.12 AND 5.13
OF THE
TEXAS BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
(DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL)
ARTICLE 5.11. Rights of Dissenting Shareholders in the Event of Certain
Corporate Actions
A. Any shareholder of a domestic corporation shall have the right to
dissent from any of the following corporate actions:
(1) Any plan of merger to which the corporation is a party if
shareholder approval is required by Article 5.03 or 5.16 of this Act and
the shareholder holds shares of a class or series that was entitled to vote
thereon as a class or otherwise;
(2) Any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition (not including any
pledge, mortgage, deed of trust or trust indenture unless otherwise
provided in the articles of incorporation) of all, or substantially all,
the property and assets, with or without good will, of a corporation if
special authorization of the shareholders is required by this Act and the
shareholders hold shares of a class or series that was entitled to vote
thereon as a class or otherwise;
(3) Any plan of exchange pursuant to Article 5.02 of this Act in which
the shares of the corporation of the class or series held by the
shareholder are to be acquired.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section A of this Article, a
shareholder shall not have the right to dissent from any plan of merger in which
there is a single surviving or new domestic or foreign corporation, or from any
plan of exchange, if:
(1) the shares held by the shareholder are part of a class or series,
shares of which are on the record date fixed to determine the shareholders
entitled to vote on the plan of merger or plan of exchange:
(a) listed on a national securities exchange;
(b) listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (or successor quotation
system) or designated as a national market security on an interdealer
quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., or successor entity; or
(c) held of record by not less than 2,000 holders;
(2) the shareholder is not required by the terms of the plan of merger
or plan of exchange to accept for the shareholder's shares any
consideration that is different than the consideration (other than cash in
lieu of fractional shares that the shareholder would otherwise be entitled
to receive) to be provided to any other holder of shares of the same class
or series of shares held by such shareholder; and
(3) the shareholder is not required by the terms of the plan of merger
or the plan of exchange to accept for the shareholder's shares any
consideration other than:
(a) shares of a domestic or foreign corporation that, immediately
after the effective time of the merger or exchange, will be part of a
class or series, shares of which are:
(i) listed, or authorized for listing upon official notice of
issuance, on a national securities exchange;
(ii) approved for quotation as a national market security on an
interdealer quotation system by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., or successor entity; or
(iii) held of record by not less than 2,000 holders;
G-1
(b) cash in lieu of fractional shares otherwise entitled to be
received; or
(c) any combination of the securities and cash described in
Subdivisions (a) and (b) of this subsection.
ARTICLE 5.12. Procedure for Dissent by Shareholders as to Said Corporate
Actions
A. Any shareholder of any domestic corporation who has the right to dissent
from any of the corporate actions referred to in Article 5.11 of this Act may
exercise that right to dissent only by complying with the following procedures:
(1) (a) With respect to proposed corporate action that is submitted to
a vote of shareholders at a meeting, the shareholder shall file with the
corporation, prior to the meeting, a written objection to the action,
setting out that the shareholder's right to dissent will be exercised if
the action is effective and giving the shareholder's address, to which
notice thereof shall be delivered or mailed in that event. If the action is
effected and the shareholder shall not have voted in favor of the action,
the corporation, in the case of action other than a merger, or the
surviving or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity that is
liable to discharge the shareholder's right of dissent, in the case of a
merger, shall, within ten (10) days after the action is effected, deliver
or mail to the shareholder written notice that the action has been
effected, and the shareholder may, within ten (10) days from the delivery
or mailing of the notice, make written demand on the existing, surviving,
or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case may
be, for payment of the fair value of the shareholder's shares. The fair
value of the shares shall be the value thereof as of the day immediately
preceding the meeting, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
anticipation of the proposed action. The demand shall state the number and
class of the shares owned by the shareholder and the fair value of the
shares as estimated by the shareholder. Any shareholder failing to make
demand within the ten (10) day period shall be bound by the action.
(b) With respect to proposed corporate action that is approved
pursuant to Section A of Article 9.10 of this Act, the corporation, in the
case of action other than a merger, and the surviving or new corporation
(foreign or domestic) or other entity that is liable to discharge the
shareholder's right of dissent, in the case of a merger, shall, within ten
(10) days after the date the action is effected, mail to each shareholder
of record as of the effective date of the action notice of the fact and
date of the action and that the shareholder may exercise the shareholder's
right to dissent from the action. The notice shall be accompanied by a copy
of this Article and any articles or documents filed by the corporation with
the Secretary of State to effect the action. If the shareholder shall not
have consented to the taking of the action, the shareholder may, within
twenty (20) days after the mailing of the notice, make written demand on
the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity, as the case may be, for payment of the fair value of the
shareholder's shares. The fair value of the shares shall be the value
thereof as of the date the written consent authorizing the action was
delivered to the corporation pursuant to Section A of Article 9.10 of this
Act, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the
action. The demand shall state the number and class of shares owned by the
dissenting shareholder and the fair value of the shares as estimated by the
shareholder. Any shareholder failing to make demand within the twenty (20)
day period shall be bound by the action.
(2) Within twenty (20) days after receipt by the existing, surviving,
or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case may
be, of a demand for payment made by a dissenting shareholder in accordance
with Subsection (1) of this Section, the corporation (foreign or domestic)
or other entity shall deliver or mail to the shareholder a written notice
that shall either set out that the corporation (foreign or domestic) or
other entity accepts the amount claimed in the demand and agrees to pay
that amount within ninety (90) days after the date on which the action was
effected, and, in the case of shares represented by certificates, upon the
surrender of the certificates duly endorsed, or shall contain an estimate
by the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity of the fair value
of the shares, together with an offer to pay the amount of that estimate
within ninety (90) days after the date on which the action was effected,
upon receipt of notice within sixty
G-2
(60) days after that date from the shareholder that the shareholder agrees
to accept that amount and, in the case of shares represented by
certificates, upon the surrender of the certificates duly endorsed.
(3) If, within sixty (60) days after the date on which the corporate
action was effected, the value of the shares is agreed upon between the
shareholder and the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or
domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, payment for the shares shall
be made within ninety (90) days after the date on which the action was
effected and, in the case of shares represented by certificates, upon
surrender of the certificates duly endorsed. Upon payment of the agreed
value, the shareholder shall cease to have any interest in the shares or in
the corporation.
B. If, within the period of sixty (60) days after the date on which the
corporation action was effected, the shareholder and the existing, surviving, or
new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, do
not so agree, then the shareholder or the corporation (foreign or domestic) or
other entity may, within sixty (60) days after the expiration of the sixty (60)
day period, file a petition in any court of competent jurisdiction in the county
in which the principal office of the domestic corporation is located, asking for
a finding and determination of the fair value of the shareholder's shares. Upon
the filing of any such petition by the shareholder, service of a copy thereof
shall be made upon the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, which
shall, within ten (10) days after service, file in the office of the clerk of
the court in which the petition was filed a list containing the names and
addresses of all shareholders of the domestic corporation who have demanded
payment for their shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their
shares have not been reached by the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity. If the petition shall be filed by the corporation (foreign or domestic)
or other entity, the petition shall be accompanied by such a list. The clerk of
the court shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the hearing of the
petition by registered mail to the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity and to the shareholders named on the list at the addresses therein
stated. The forms of the notices by mail shall be approved by the court. All
shareholders thus notified and the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity shall thereafter be bound by the final judgment of the court.
C. After the hearing of the petition, the court shall determine the
shareholders who have complied with the provisions of this Article and have
become entitled to the valuation of and payment for their shares, and shall
appoint one or more qualified appraisers to determine that value. The appraisers
shall have power to examine any of the books and records of the corporation the
shares of which they are charged with the duty of valuing, and they shall make a
determination of the fair value of shares upon such investigation as to them may
seem proper. The appraisers shall also afford a reasonable opportunity to the
parties interested to submit to them pertinent evidence as to the value of the
shares. The appraisers shall also have such power and authority as may be
conferred on Masters in Chancery by the Rules of Civil Procedure or by the order
of their appointment.
D. The appraisers shall determine the fair value of the shares of the
shareholders adjudged by the court to be entitled to payment for their shares
and shall file their report of that value in the office of the clerk of the
court. Notice of the filing of the report shall be given by the clerk to the
parties in interest. The report shall be subject to exceptions to be heard
before the court both upon the law and the facts. The court shall by its
judgment determine the fair value of the shares of the shareholders entitled to
payment for their shares and shall direct the payment of that value by the
existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity,
together with interest thereon, beginning 91 days after the date on which the
applicable corporate action from which the shareholder elected to dissent was
effected to the date such judgment, to the shareholders entitled to payment. The
judgment shall be payable to the holders of uncertificated shares immediately
but to the holders of shares represented by certificates only upon, and
simultaneously with, the surrender to the existing, surviving, or new
corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, of duly
endorsed certificates for those shares. Upon payment of the judgment, the
dissenting shareholders shall cease to have any interest in those shares or in
the corporation. The court shall allow the appraisers a reasonable fee as court
costs, and all court costs shall be allotted between the parties in the manner
that the court determines to be fair and equitable.
G-3
E. Shares acquired by the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign
or domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, pursuant to the payment of the
agreed value of the shares or pursuant to payment of the judgment entered for
the value of the shares, as in this Article provided, shall, in the case of a
merger, be treated as provided in the plan of merger and, in all other cases,
may be held and disposed of by the corporation as in the case of other treasury
shares.
F. The provisions of this Article shall not apply to a merger if, on the
date of the filing of the articles of merger, the surviving corporation is the
owner of all the outstanding shares of the other corporations, domestic or
foreign, that are parties to the merger.
G. In the absence of fraud in the transaction, the remedy provided by this
Article to a shareholder objecting to any corporate action referred to in
Article 5.11 of this Act is the exclusive remedy for the recovery of the value
of his shares or money damages to the shareholder with respect to the action. If
the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity, as the case may be, complies with the requirements of this Article, any
shareholder who fails to comply with the requirements of this Article shall not
be entitled to bring suit for the recovery of the value of his shares or money
damages to the shareholder with respect to the action.
ARTICLE 5.13. Provisions Affecting Remedies of Dissenting Shareholders
A. Any shareholder who has demanded payment for his shares in accordance
with either Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act shall not thereafter be entitled to
vote or exercise any other rights of a shareholder except the right to receive
payment for his shares pursuant to the provisions of those articles and the
right to maintain an appropriate action to obtain relief on the ground that the
corporate action would be or was fraudulent, and the respective shares for which
payment has been demanded shall not thereafter be considered outstanding for the
purposes of any subsequent vote of shareholders.
B. Upon receiving a demand for payment from any dissenting shareholder, the
corporation shall make an appropriate notation thereof in its shareholder
records. Within twenty (20) days after demanding payment for his shares in
accordance with either Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act, each holder of
certificates representing shares so demanding payment shall submit such
certificates to the corporation for notation thereon that such demand has been
made. The failure of holders of certificated shares to do so shall, at the
option of the corporation, terminate such shareholder's rights under Articles
5.12 and 5.16 of this Act unless a court of competent jurisdiction for good and
sufficient cause shown shall otherwise direct. If uncertificated shares for
which payment has been demanded or shares represented by a certificate on which
notation has been so made shall be transferred, any new certificate issued
therefore shall bear similar notation together with the name of the original
dissenting holder of such shares and a transferee of such shares shall acquire
by such transfer no rights in the corporation other than those which the
original dissenting shareholder had after making demand for payment of the fair
value thereof.
C. Any shareholder who has demanded payment for his shares in accordance
with either Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act may withdraw such demand at any
time before payment for his shares or before any petition has been filed
pursuant to Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act asking for a finding and
determination of the fair value of such shares, but no such demand may be
withdrawn after such payment has been made or, unless the corporation shall
consent thereto, after any such petition has been filed. If, however, such
demand shall be withdrawn as hereinbefore provided, or if pursuant to Section B
of this Article the corporation shall terminate the shareholder's rights under
Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act, as the case may be, or if no petition asking
for a finding and determination of fair value of such shares by a court shall
have been filed within the time provided in Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act, as
the case may be, or if after the hearing of a petition filed pursuant to Article
5.12 or 5.16, the court shall determine that such shareholder is not entitled to
the relief provided by those articles, then, in any such case, such shareholder
and all persons claiming under him shall be conclusively presumed to have
approved and ratified the corporate action from which he dissented and shall be
bound thereby, the right of such shareholder to be paid the fair value of his
shares shall cease, and his status as a shareholder shall be restored without
prejudice to any corporate proceedings which may have been taken during the
interim, and such shareholder shall be entitled to receive any dividends or
other distributions made to shareholders in the interim.
G-4
[DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION LOGO]
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Except to the extent indicated below, there is no charter provision, bylaw,
contract, arrangement or statute under which any director or officer of Devon or
Devon Holdco is insured or indemnified in any manner against any liability that
he or she may incur in his or her capacity as such.
Devon Energy Corporation
Article VIII of Devon's restated certificate of incorporation, as amended,
contains a provision, permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, limiting the personal monetary liability of directors for
breach of fiduciary duty as a director. This provision and Delaware law provide
that the provision does not eliminate or limit liability:
- for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Devon or its
stockholders;
- for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
- for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or
redemptions, as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law; or
- for any transaction from which the director derived an improper benefit.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits indemnification
against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with actions, suits
or proceedings in which a director, officer, employee or agent is a party by
reason of the fact that he or she is or was such a director, officer, employee
or agent, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and
with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
believe his or her conduct was unlawful. However, in connection with actions by
or in the right of the corporation, such indemnification is not permitted if
such person has been adjudged liable to the corporation unless the court
determines that, under all of the circumstances, such person is nonetheless
fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems
proper. Article X of Devon's restated certificate of incorporation, as amended,
provides for such indemnification.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law also permits a
corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of its directors and
officers against any liability that may be asserted against, or incurred by,
such persons in their capacities as directors or officers of the corporation
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such persons
against such liabilities under the provisions of such sections. Devon has
purchased such insurance.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law further provides that
the statutory provision is not exclusive of any other right to which those
seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any
bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or independent directors, or otherwise,
both as to action in such person's official capacity and as to action in another
capacity while holding such office.
Article XIII of Devon's bylaws contains provisions regarding
indemnification that parallel those described above.
The amended and restated merger agreement, dated as of May 19, 1999,
between Devon and PennzEnergy Company provides that for seven years after the
effective time of the merger contemplated by that agreement, Devon will
indemnify and hold harmless each person who was a director or officer of Devon
or PennzEnergy prior to the effective time of that merger from their acts or
omissions in those capacities occurring prior to the effective time of that
merger to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
II-1
The merger agreement, dated as of May 25, 2000, as amended, between Devon
and Santa Fe Snyder Corporation provides that for six years after the effective
time of the merger contemplated by that agreement, Devon will indemnify and hold
harmless each person who was a director or officer of Santa Fe Snyder prior to
the effective time of that merger from their acts or omissions in those
capacities occurring prior to the effective time of that merger to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law.
The amended and restated agreement and plan of merger, dated as of August
13, 2001, by and among Devon, Devon NewCo Corporation, Devon Holdco, Devon
Merger Corporation, Mitchell Merger Corporation and Mitchell Energy &
Development Corp. provides that for six years after the effective time of the
merger contemplated by that agreement, Devon will cause the surviving
corporation of the merger to indemnify and hold harmless to the fullest extent
permitted under applicable law each person who was a director or officer of
Mitchell prior to the effective time of that merger.
Devon Holdco Corporation
If the alternate structure described in this registration statement must be
used to complete the transaction, Devon Holdco's certificate of incorporation
and bylaws will be amended to be substantially identical in form and substance
to the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Devon, except that Devon
Holdco would not have a series of preferred stock designated as 6.49% cumulative
preferred stock, Series A, because that series of preferred stock would be
converted into preferred stock of the surviving corporation of the merger
involving Devon under the alternate structure. Accordingly, Devon Holdco's
certificate of incorporation and bylaws will include the same provisions
regarding indemnification as those contained in Devon's restated certificate of
incorporation, as amended, and bylaws.
As a Delaware corporation, Devon Holdco is subject to the Delaware General
Corporation Law, including the same provisions regarding indemnification as
those discussed above with respect to Devon.
The amended and restated agreement and plan of merger, dated as of August
13, 2001, by and among Devon, Devon NewCo Corporation, Devon Holdco, Devon
Merger Corporation, Mitchell Merger Corporation and Mitchell Energy &
Development Corp. provides that, for six years after the effective time of the
merger involving Mitchell under the alternate structure, if effected, Devon
Holdco will cause the surviving corporation of that merger to indemnify and hold
harmless to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law each person who
was a director or officer of Mitchell prior to the effective time of that
merger.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Exhibits
See Index to Exhibits, which is incorporated by reference in this item.
(b) Financial Statement Schedule
Not applicable.
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
II-2
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement
or any material change to such information in the registration
statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if
the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by
those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by Devon
pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration
statement;
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each filing of Devon's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where
applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report
pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
(5) That, prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered
hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration
statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within
the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering
prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable
registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed
underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items
of the applicable form.
(6) That every prospectus: (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (5)
immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of
Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 and is used in connection
with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part
of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until
such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(7) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by
reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this
form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the
incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means.
This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the
effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding
to the request.
(8) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information
concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein,
that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when
it became effective.
II-3
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 20, or otherwise,
each registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by a registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of such registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, each registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
II-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Oklahoma City, state of
Oklahoma, on December 19, 2001.
DEVON ENERGY CORPORATION
By: /s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS
----------------------------------
J. Larry Nichols
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<Table>
<Caption>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
/s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS Chairman, President and December 19, 2001
- ----------------------------------------------------- Chief Executive
J. Larry Nichols Officer
* Senior Vice President -- December 19, 2001
- ----------------------------------------------------- Finance
William T. Vaughn
/s/ DANNY J. HEATLY Vice President -- December 19, 2001
- ----------------------------------------------------- Accounting
Danny J. Heatly
* Director December 19, 2001
- -----------------------------------------------------
Thomas F. Ferguson
* Director December 19, 2001
- -----------------------------------------------------
David M. Gavrin
* Director December 19, 2001
- -----------------------------------------------------
Michael E. Gellert
* Director December 19, 2001
- -----------------------------------------------------
John A. Hill
* Director December 19, 2001
- -----------------------------------------------------
William J. Johnson
* Director December 19, 2001
- -----------------------------------------------------
Michael M. Kanovsky
</Table>
II-5
<Table>
<Caption>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
* Director December 19, 2001
- -----------------------------------------------------
Robert A. Mosbacher, Jr.
* Director December 19, 2001
- -----------------------------------------------------
Robert B. Weaver
</Table>
- ---------------
* An asterisk denotes execution by J. Larry Nichols or Danny J. Heatly, as
attorney-in-fact.
II-6
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Oklahoma City, state of
Oklahoma, on December 19, 2001.
DEVON HOLDCO CORPORATION
By: /s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS
------------------------------------
J. Larry Nichols
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<Table>
<Caption>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
/s/ J. LARRY NICHOLS President (Principal December 19, 2001
- ----------------------------------------------------- Executive Officer)
J. Larry Nichols
* Director and Senior Vice December 19, 2001
- ----------------------------------------------------- President (Principal
William T. Vaughn Financial Officer)
/s/ DANNY J. HEATLY Vice President (Principal December 19, 2001
- ----------------------------------------------------- Accounting Officer)
Danny J. Heatly
* Director December 19, 2001
- -----------------------------------------------------
J. M. Lacey
* Director December 19, 2001
- -----------------------------------------------------
Darryl G. Smette
</Table>
- ---------------
* An asterisk denotes execution by J. Larry Nichols or Danny J. Heatly, as
attorney-in-fact.
II-7
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<Table>
<Caption>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
2.1 -- Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
as of August 13, 2001, by and among Devon Energy
Corporation, Devon NewCo Corporation, Devon Holdco
Corporation, Devon Merger Corporation, Mitchell Merger
Corporation and Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.
(attached as Annex A to the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus contained in this Registration
Statement)
**2.2 -- Pre-Acquisition Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2001,
between Devon Energy Corporation and Anderson Exploration
Ltd.
3.1 -- Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Devon Energy
Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to
Devon Energy Corporation's Form 8-K filed on August 18,
1999)
3.2 -- Amended and Restated By-laws of Devon Energy Corporation
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Devon Energy
Corporation's definitive proxy statement for a special
meeting of shareholders filed on July 21, 2000)
***3.3 -- Certificate of Incorporation of Devon Holdco Corporation
***3.4 -- Bylaws of Devon Holdco Corporation
4.1 -- Form of Common Stock certificate of Devon Energy
Corporation (incorporated by reference to the description
of Devon Energy Corporation capital stock set forth in
the registration statement on Form S-3 filed on December
15, 2000)
***4.2 -- Form of Common Stock certificate of Devon Holdco
Corporation
4.3 -- Rights Agreement, dated as of August 17, 1999, by and
between Devon Energy Corporation and BankBoston, N.A.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Devon Energy
Corporation's Form 8-K filed on August 18, 1999)
4.4 -- Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of May 25, 2000,
by and between Devon Energy Corporation and Fleet
National Bank (f/k/a BankBoston, N.A.) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Devon Energy Corporation's
definitive proxy statement for a special meeting of
shareholders filed on July 21, 2000)
4.5 -- Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of October 4,
2001, by and between Devon Energy Corporation and Fleet
National Bank (f/k/a Bank Boston, N.A.) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Devon Energy Corporation's
Form 8-K filed on October 11, 2001)
4.6 -- Description of Capital Stock of Devon Energy Corporation
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to Devon Energy
Corporation's Form 8-K filed on August 18, 1999)
***4.7 -- Indenture, dated as of October 3, 2001, by and among
Devon Financing Corporation, U.L.C. (as issuer), Devon
Energy Corporation (as guarantor) and The Chase Manhattan
Bank (as trustee)
***4.8 -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 3,
2001, by and among Devon Financing Corporation, U.L.C.,
as Issuer, Devon Energy Corporation, as Guarantor, and
UBS Warburg LLC, Banc of America Securities LLC, ABN AMRO
Incorporated, BMO Nesbitt Burns Corp., Credit Suisse
First Boston Corporation, Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc.,
First Union Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Corporation, Salomon Smith
Barney Inc., as Initial Purchasers (6.875% Notes due
2011, 7.875% Debentures due 2031)
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
***5.1 -- Opinion of Mayer, Brown & Platt regarding the legality of
the shares of Devon Energy Corporation common stock and
Devon Holdco Corporation common stock to be registered
under this Registration Statement
***8.1 -- Opinion of Mayer, Brown & Platt regarding the United
States federal income tax consequences of the merger and
the alternate mergers to Devon stockholders
***8.2 -- Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. regarding the United
States federal income tax consequences of the merger and
the alternate mergers to Mitchell stockholders
10.1 -- Amended and Restated Principal Shareholders Agreement
Containing a Voting Agreement and an Irrevocable Proxy,
dated as of August 13, 2001, by and among Devon Energy
Corporation, George P. Mitchell and Cynthia Woods
Mitchell (attached as Annex B to the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus contained in this Registration
Statement)
10.2 -- Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement, dated as
of August 13, 2001, by and among Devon Energy
Corporation, Devon Holdco Corporation, George P. Mitchell
and Cynthia Woods Mitchell (attached as Annex C to the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained in this
Registration Statement)
***10.3 -- Credit Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2001, by and
among Devon Energy Corporation, Devon Financing
Corporation, U.L.C., UBS AG, Stamford Branch (as
Administrative Agent), and the lenders signatory thereto
***10.4 -- Third Amendment to U.S. Credit Agreement dated as of July
31, 2001, among Registrant, Bank of America, N.A.,
individually and as administrative agent, and the U.S.
Lenders party to the Original Agreement
***10.5 -- Fourth Amendment to U.S. Credit Agreement dated as of
August 13, 2001, among Registrant, Bank of America, N.A.,
individually and as administrative agent, and the U.S.
Lenders party to the Original Agreement
***10.6 -- Fifth Amendment to U.S. Credit Agreement dated as of
September 21, 2001, among Registrant, Bank of America,
N.A., individually and as administrative agent, and the
U.S. Lenders party to the Original Agreement
***10.7 -- Sixth Amendment to U.S. Credit Agreement dated as of
October 5, 2001, among Registrant, Bank of America, N.A.,
individually and as administrative agent, and the U.S.
Lenders party to the Original Agreement
***10.8 -- Third Amendment to Canadian Credit Agreement dated as of
July 31, 2001, among Northstar Energy Corporation, Bank
of America Canada, individually and as administrative
agent, and the Canadian Lenders party to the Original
Agreement
***10.9 -- Fourth Amendment to Canadian Credit Agreement dated as of
August 13, 2001, among Northstar Energy Corporation, Bank
of America Canada, individually and as administrative
agent, and the Canadian Lenders party to the Original
Agreement
***10.10 -- Fifth Amendment to Canadian Credit Agreement dated as of
September 21, 2001, among Northstar Energy Corporation,
Bank of America Canada, individually and as
administrative agent, and the Canadian Lenders party to
the Original Agreement
***10.11 -- Sixth Amendment to Canadian Credit Agreement dated as of
October 5, 2001, among Northstar Energy Corporation, Bank
of America Canada, individually and as administrative
agent, and the Canadian Lenders party to the Original
Agreement
***21.1 -- List of Significant Subsidiaries of Devon Energy
Corporation
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
23.1 -- Consent of Mayer, Brown & Platt (contained in its
opinions in Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1)
23.2 -- Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (contained in its
opinion in Exhibit 8.2)
*****23.3 -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
*****23.4 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
*****23.5 -- Consent of KPMG LLP (as to its report on the consolidated
financial statements of Devon Holdco Corporation)
*****23.6 -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
*****23.7 -- Consent of KPMG LLP (as to its report on the consolidated
financial statements of Anderson Exploration Ltd.)
****23.8 -- Consent of AMH Group, Ltd.
****23.9 -- Consent of LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd.
****23.10 -- Consent of Paddock Lindstrom & Associates, Ltd.
****23.11 -- Consent of Ryder Scott Company, L.P.
****23.12 -- Consent of Gilbert Laustsen Jung Associates Ltd.
****23.13 -- Consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
****23.14 -- Consent of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
****23.15 -- Consent of UBS Warburg LLC
*****23.16 -- Consent of KPMG LLP (as to its report on the consolidated
financial statements of Devon Energy Corporation)
23.17 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.18 -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.19 -- Consent of KPMG LLP (as to its report on the consolidated
financial statements of Devon Energy Corporation)
*24.1 -- Powers of Attorney of Devon Energy Corporation's
directors
***24.2 -- Powers of Attorney of Devon Holdco Corporation's
directors
****99.1 -- Form of Proxy Card for holders of Devon Energy
Corporation's common stock
****99.2 -- Form of Proxy Card for holders of Northstar Energy
Corporation's exchangeable shares
****99.3 -- Form of Proxy Card for holders of Mitchell Energy &
Development Corp.'s common stock
***99.4 -- Consent of Nominee (J. Todd Mitchell)
</Table>
- ---------------
* Included with the original filing of Devon Energy Corporation's
registration statement (Registration No. 333-68694) on August 30, 2001.
** Included with the filing of Amendment No. 1 to Devon Energy Corporation's
registration statement (Registration No. 333-68694) on September 14, 2001.
*** Included with the filing of Amendment No. 2 to Devon Energy Corporation's
registration statement (Registration No. 333-68694) and the original
filing of Devon Holdco Corporation's registration statement (Registration
No. 333-68694-01), each filed on October 31, 2001.
**** Included with the filing of Amendment No. 3 to Devon Energy Corporation's
registration statement (Registration No. 333-68694) and Amendment No. 1 to
Devon Holdco Corporation's registration statement (Registration No.
333-68694-01), each filed on November 28, 2001.
*****Included with the filing of Amendment No. 4 to Devon Energy Corporation's
registration statement (Registration No. 333-68694) and Amendment No. 2 to
Devon Holdco Corporation's registration statement (Registration No.
333-68694-01), each filed on December 17, 2001.