GEOPARK LTD filed this 20-F on Mar 31, 2022
GEOPARK LTD - 20-F - 20220331 - ADDITIONAL_INFORMATION

D.    Selling shareholders

Not applicable.

E.    Dilution

Not applicable.

F.    Expenses of the issue

Not applicable.

ITEM 10.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A.    Share capital

Not applicable.

B.    Memorandum of association and bye-laws

The following description of our memorandum of association and bye-laws does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified by reference to, all of the provisions of our memorandum of association and bye-laws.

General

We are an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. We are registered with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda under registration number 33273. The rights of our shareholders will be governed by Bermuda law and by our memorandum of association and bye-laws. Bermuda company law differs in some material respects from the laws generally applicable to Delaware corporations. Below is a summary of some of those material differences.

Because the following statements are summaries, they do not discuss all aspects of Bermuda law that may be relevant to us and to our shareholders.

Share capital and bye-laws

Our share capital consists of common shares only. Our authorized share capital consists of 5,171,949,000 common shares of par value US$0.001 per share. As of March 12, 2022, there are 60,046,190 common shares outstanding. All of our issued and outstanding common shares are fully paid and non-assessable. We also have an employee incentive program, pursuant to which we have granted share awards to our senior management and employees. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.”

According to our bye-laws, if our share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) may, whether or not the Company is being wound-up, be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of at least two-thirds of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution passed by a majority of the votes cast at a separate general meeting of the holders of the shares of the class at which meeting the necessary quorum shall be two persons at least, in person or by proxy, holding or representing one-third of the issued shares of the class. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued with preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu therewith.

Our bye-laws give our board of directors the power to issue any unissued shares of the company on such terms and conditions as it may determine, subject to the terms of the bye-laws and any resolution of the shareholders to the contrary.

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Common shares

Holders of our common shares are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of holders of common shares. Under our bye-laws, each common share is entitled to dividends, if, as and when dividends area declared by our board of directors, subject to any preferred dividend right of the holders of any preference shares, if any. Holders of common shares have no pre-emptive, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up the holders of common shares are entitled to share equally and ratably in our assets, if any, remaining after the payment of all of our debts and liabilities, subject to any liquidation preference on any outstanding preference shares.

Board composition

Our bye-laws provide that the minimum number of directors shall be three or such other number as shall be determined from time to time by our board of directors.  In addition our bye-laws provide that our board of directors shall determine the maximum size of the board. The maximum number of directors currently allowed is six directors and our board of directors currently consists of six directors.

Election and removal of directors

Our bye-laws provide that our directors shall hold office for such term as the shareholders shall determine or, in the absence of such determination, until the next annual general meeting or until their successors are elected or appointed or their office is otherwise vacated. Directors whose term has expired may offer themselves for re-election at each election of the directors.

A director may be removed by the shareholders at any special general meeting by a resolution adopted by 65% or more of the votes cast at the meeting, provided notice of the shareholders meeting convened to remove the director is given to the director.  The notice must contain a statement of the intention to remove the director and must be served on the director not less than fourteen days before the meeting.  The director is entitled to attend the meeting and be heard on the motion for his removal.

In addition, our bye-laws provide that our board of directors may remove a director only for cause by the affirmative vote of at least three-quarters of the board of directors, provided that notice of any such meeting convened for the purpose of removing a director shall contain a statement of the intention to remove the director and must be served on the director not less than fourteen days before the meeting. The director is entitled to attend the meeting and be heard on the motion for his removal.

Any vacancy created by the removal of a director at a special general meeting may be filled at that meeting by the election of another director in his or her place or, in the absence of any such election, by the board of directors. Any other vacancy, including a newly created directorship due to an increase in the maximum number of directors in our board, may be filled by our board of directors.

Proceedings of board of directors

Our bye-laws provide that our business is to be managed and conducted by our board of directors. Our board of directors may act by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The quorum necessary for the transaction of business at meetings of the board of directors shall be the presence of a majority of the board of directors from time to time. Our bye-laws also provide that resolutions unanimously signed by all directors are valid as if they had been passed at a meeting of the board duly called and constituted.

Duties of directors

The Companies Act authorizes the directors of a company, subject to its bye-laws, to exercise all powers of the company except those that are required by the Companies Act or the company’s bye-laws to be exercised by the shareholders of the company.  Our bye-laws provide that our business is to be managed and conducted by our board of

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directors. Under Bermuda common law, members of a board of directors owe a fiduciary duty to the Company to act in good faith in their dealings with or on behalf of the company, and to exercise their powers and fulfill the duties of their office honestly. This duty has the following essential elements: (1) a duty to act in good faith in the best interests of the company; (2) a duty not to make a personal profit from opportunities that arise from the office of director; (3) a duty to avoid conflicts of interest; and (4) a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended. The Bermuda Companies Act also imposes a duty on directors (and officers) of a Bermuda company, to act honestly and in good faith, with a view to the best interests of the company, and to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In addition, the Companies Act imposes various duties on directors (and officers) of a company with respect to certain matters of management and administration of the company. Under Bermuda law, directors (and officers) generally owe fiduciary duties to the company itself, not to the company’s individual shareholders, creditors or any class thereof.

The Companies Act provides that in any proceedings for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust against any director, if it appears to a court that such officer is or may be liable in respect of the negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, but that he has acted honestly and reasonably, and that, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, including those connected with his appointment, he ought fairly to be excused for the negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, that court may relieve him, either wholly or partly, from any liability on such terms as the court may think fit.

By comparison, under Delaware law, the business and affairs of a corporation are managed by or under the direction of its board of directors. In exercising their powers, directors are charged with a duty of care and a duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires that directors act in an informed and deliberate manner and to inform themselves, prior to making a business decision, of all relevant material information reasonably available to them. The duty of care also requires that directors exercise care in overseeing the conduct of corporate employees. The duty of loyalty is the duty to act in good faith, not out of self-interest, and in a manner which the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the shareholders. A party challenging the propriety of a decision of a board of directors bears the burden of rebutting the presumptions afforded to directors by the “business judgment rule.” If the presumption is not rebutted, the business judgment rule attaches to protect the directors and their decisions. Where, however, the presumption is rebutted, the directors bear the burden of demonstrating the fairness of the relevant transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Delaware courts subject directors’ conduct to enhanced scrutiny in respect of defensive actions taken in response to a threat to corporate control and approval of a transaction resulting in a sale of control of the corporation.

Interested directors

Pursuant to our bye-laws, a director shall declare the nature of his interest in any contract or arrangement with the company as required by the Companies Act. A director so interested shall not, except in particular circumstances set out in our bye-laws, be entitled to vote or be counted in the quorum at a meeting in relation to any resolution in which he has an interest, which is to his knowledge, a material interest (otherwise than by virtue of his interest in shares or debentures or other securities of the company). A director will be liable to us for any secret profit realized from the transaction. In contrast, under Delaware law, such a contract or arrangement is voidable unless it is approved by a majority of disinterested directors or by a vote of shareholders, in each case if the material facts as to the interested director’s relationship or interests are disclosed or are known to the disinterested directors or shareholders, or such contract or arrangement is fair to the corporation as of the time it is approved or ratified. Additionally, such interested director could be held liable for a transaction in which such director derived an improper personal benefit.

Indemnification of directors and officers

Section 98 of the Companies Act provides generally that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers and auditors against any liability which by virtue of any rule of law would otherwise be imposed on them in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, except in cases where such liability arises from fraud or dishonesty of which such director, officer or auditor may be guilty in relation to the company.  Section 98 further provides that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers and auditors against any liability incurred by them in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is awarded in their favour or in which they are acquitted or granted relief by the Supreme Court of Bermuda pursuant to section 281 of the Companies Act.

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We have adopted provisions in our bye-laws that provide that we shall indemnify our officers and directors in respect of their actions and omissions, except in respect of their fraud or dishonesty, or to recover any gain, personal profit or advantage to which such director is not legally entitled. Our bye-laws provide that the shareholders waive all claims or rights of action that they might have, individually or in right of the company, against any of the company’s directors for any act or failure to act in the performance of such director’s duties, except in respect of any fraud or dishonesty of such director. Section 98A of the Companies Act permits us to purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any officer or director in respect of any loss or liability attaching to him in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, whether or not we may otherwise indemnify such officer or director.  We have purchased and maintain a directors’ and officers’ liability policy for such a purpose.

Meetings of shareholders

Under Bermuda law, the company is required to convene at least one general meeting of shareholders each calendar year (the “annual general meeting”). However, the members may by resolution waive this requirement, either for a specific year or period of time, or indefinitely.  When the requirement has been so waived, any member may, on notice to the company, terminate the waiver, in which case an annual general meeting must be called.

Bermuda law provides that a special general meeting of shareholders may be called by the board of directors of a company and must be called upon the request of shareholders holding not less than 10% of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right to vote at general meetings. Bermuda law also requires that shareholders be given at least five days' advance notice of a general meeting, but the accidental omission to give notice to any person does not invalidate the proceedings at a meeting.  

Our bye-laws provide that our board of directors may convene an annual general meeting or a special general meeting.  Under our bye-laws, not less than fifteen nor more than sixty days' notice of an annual general meeting or a special general meeting must be given to each shareholder entitled to vote at such meeting.  This notice requirement is subject to the ability to hold such meetings on shorter notice if such notice is agreed: (i) in the case of an annual general meeting by all of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at such meeting; or (ii) in the case of a special general meeting by a majority in number of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting holding not less than 95% in nominal value of the shares entitled to vote at such meeting.  The quorum required for a general meeting of shareholders is two or more persons present in person and representing in person or by proxy in excess of 50% of the total issued voting shares in the Company throughout the meeting, provided that if the Company shall at any time have only one shareholder, one shareholder present in person or by proxy shall form the quorum. Unless otherwise required by law or by our bye-laws, shareholder action requires a resolution adopted by the affirmative votes of a majority of votes cast by shareholders at a general meeting at which a quorum is present.

Shareholder proposals

Under Bermuda law, shareholders holding at least 5% of the total voting rights of all the shareholders having at the date of the requisition a right to vote at the meeting to which the requisition relates or any group composed of at least 100 shareholders may require a proposal to be submitted to an annual general meeting of shareholders by giving a requisition in writing to the company. Under our bye-laws, any shareholders wishing to nominate a person for election as a director or propose business to be transacted at a meeting of shareholders must provide (among other things) advance notice, as set out in our bye-laws. Shareholders may only propose a person for election as a director at an annual general meeting.

Shareholder action by written consent

Our bye-laws provide that, except for the removal of auditors and directors, any actions which shareholders may take at a general meeting of shareholders may be taken by the shareholders through the unanimous written consent of all the shareholders who would be entitled to vote on the matter at the general meeting.

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Amendment of memorandum of association and bye-laws

Our memorandum of association and bye-laws may be amended with the approval of a majority of our board of directors and by a resolution by a majority of the votes cast by shareholders who (being entitled to do so) vote in person or by proxy at any general meeting of the shareholders in accordance with the provisions of the bye-laws.

Under Bermuda law, the holders of an aggregate of not less than 20% in par value of the company's issued share capital or any class thereof have the right to apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda for an annulment of any amendment of the memorandum of association adopted by shareholders at any general meeting, other than an amendment which alters or reduces a company's share capital as provided in the Companies Act.  Where such an application is made, the amendment becomes effective only to the extent that it is confirmed by the Bermuda court.  An application for an annulment of an amendment of the memorandum of association must be made within twenty-one days after the date on which the resolution altering the company's memorandum of association is passed and may be made on behalf of persons entitled to make the application by one or more of their number as they may appoint in writing for the purpose.  No application may be made by shareholders voting in favour of the amendment.

Business combinations

The amalgamation or merger of a Bermuda company with another company or corporation (other than certain affiliated companies) requires the amalgamation or merger agreement to be approved by the company’s board of directors and by its shareholders. Under the Companies Act, unless the company’s bye-laws provide otherwise, the approval of 75% of the shareholders voting at a meeting is required to pass a resolution to approve the amalgamation or merger agreement, and the quorum for such meeting must be two persons holding or representing more than one-third of the issued shares of the company. Our bye-laws provide that an amalgamation or merger will require the approval of our board of directors and of our shareholders by a resolution adopted by 65% or more of the votes cast by shareholders who (being entitled to do so) vote in person or by proxy at any general meeting of the shareholders in accordance with the provisions of the bye-laws. Under Bermuda law, in the event of an amalgamation or merger of a Bermuda company with another company or corporation, a shareholder who did not vote in favor of the amalgamation or merger and who is not satisfied that fair value has been offered for such shareholder’s shares may, within one month of the notice of the shareholders meeting, apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda to appraise the value of those shares.

Our bye-laws provide that the directors shall manage the business of the Company and may exercise all such powers as are not, by the Companies Act or by the bye-laws, required to be exercised by the Company in general meeting and may pay all expenses incurred in promoting and incorporating the company and may exercise all the powers of the Company including, but not by way of limitation, the power to borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or any part of the undertaking property and assets (present and future) and uncalled capital of the Company and to issue debentures and other securities, whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or any third party.

Compulsory Acquisition of Shares Held by Minority Holders

An acquiring party is generally able to acquire compulsorily the common shares of minority holders in the following ways:

(1)By a procedure under the Companies Act 1981 known as a “scheme of arrangement”.  A scheme of arrangement could be effected by obtaining the agreement of the company and of holders of common shares, representing in the aggregate a majority in number and at least 75% in value of the common shareholders present and voting at a court ordered meeting held to consider the scheme of arrangement.  The scheme of arrangement must then be sanctioned by the Bermuda Supreme Court.  If a scheme of arrangement receives all necessary agreements and sanctions, upon the filing of the court order with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda, all holders of common shares could be compelled to sell their shares under the terms of the scheme of arrangement.

(2)If the acquiring party is a company it may compulsorily acquire all the shares of the target company, by acquiring pursuant to a tender offer 90% of the shares or class of shares not already owned by, or by a nominee for, the acquiring party (the offeror), or any of its subsidiaries.  If an offeror has, within four months after the making of an offer for all the

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shares or class of shares not owned by, or by a nominee for, the offeror, or any of its subsidiaries, obtained the approval of the holders of 90% or more of all the shares to which the offer relates, the offeror may, at any time within two months beginning with the date on which the approval was obtained, require by notice any nontendering shareholder to transfer its shares on the same terms as the original offer. In those circumstances, nontendering shareholders will be compelled to sell their shares unless the Supreme Court of Bermuda (on application made within a one-month period from the date of the offeror's notice of its intention to acquire such shares) orders otherwise.

(3) Where one or more parties holds not less than 95% of the shares or a class of shares of a company, such holder(s) may, pursuant to a notice given to the remaining shareholders or class of shareholders, acquire the shares of such remaining shareholders or class of shareholders.  When this notice is given, the acquiring party is entitled and bound to acquire the shares of the remaining shareholders on the terms set out in the notice, unless a remaining shareholder, within one month of receiving such notice, applies to the Supreme Court of Bermuda for an appraisal of the value of their shares. This provision only applies where the acquiring party offers the same terms to all holders of shares whose shares are being acquired.

Dividends and repurchase of shares

Pursuant to our bye-laws, our board of directors has the authority to declare dividends and authorize the repurchase of shares subject to applicable law. Under Bermuda law, a company may not declare or pay a dividend if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or the realizable value of its assets would thereby be less than its liabilities. Under Bermuda law, a company cannot purchase its own shares if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company is, or after the repurchase would be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due.

Shareholder suits

Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to shareholders under Bermuda law. The Bermuda courts, however, would ordinarily be expected to permit a shareholder to commence an action in the name of a company to remedy a wrong to the company where the act complained of is alleged to be beyond the corporate power of the company or illegal, or would result in the violation of the company’s memorandum of association or bye-laws. Furthermore, consideration would be given by a Bermuda court to acts that are alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority shareholders or, for instance, where an act requires the approval of a greater percentage of the company’s shareholders than that which actually approved it.

When the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner which is oppressive or prejudicial to the interests of some part of the shareholders, one or more shareholders may apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda, which may make such order as it sees fit, including an order regulating the conduct of the company’s affairs in the future or ordering the purchase of the shares of any shareholders by other shareholders or by the company.

Our bye-laws contain a provision by virtue of which our shareholders waive any claim or right of action that they may have, both individually and on our behalf, against any director in relation to any action or failure to take action by such director, including the breach of any fiduciary duty by a director, except in respect of any fraud or dishonesty of such director or to recover any gain, personal profit or advantage to which such director is not legally entitled.

Comparison of Bermuda law to Delaware corporate law

Bermuda law differs from the laws in effect in the United States and might afford less protection to shareholders.

Our shareholders could have more difficulty protecting their interests than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction of the United States. As a Bermuda company, we are governed by our memorandum of association and bye-laws and Bermuda company law. The provisions of the Companies Act, which applies to us, differs in some material respects from laws generally applicable to U.S. corporations and shareholders, including the provisions relating to interested directors, mergers and acquisitions, takeovers, shareholder lawsuits and indemnification of directors. Set forth below is a summary of these provisions, as well as modifications adopted pursuant to our bye-laws, which differ

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in certain respects from provisions of Delaware corporate law. Our shareholders approved the adoption of our bye-laws with effect on February 19, 2014, and amended with effect on July 15, 2021.  Because the following statements are summaries, they do not discuss all aspects of Bermuda law that may be relevant to us and our shareholders.

Interested Directors. Under our bye-laws and the Companies Act, a director shall declare the nature of his interest in any contract or arrangement with the company. Our bye-laws further provide that a director so interested shall not, except in particular circumstances, be entitled to vote or be counted in the quorum at a meeting in relation to any resolution in which he has an interest, which is to his knowledge, a material interest (otherwise than by virtue of his interest in shares or debentures or other securities of the company). A director will be liable to us for any secret profit realized from the transaction. See “Item 10—B. Memorandum of association and bye-laws—Interested directors.”

Amalgamations, Mergers and Similar Arrangements. Pursuant to the Companies Act, the amalgamation or merger of a Bermuda company with another company or corporation (other than certain affiliates) requires the amalgamation or merger agreement to be approved by the company’s board of directors and by its shareholders. Under our bye-laws, an amalgamation or merger will require the approval of our board of directors and our shareholders by Special Resolution, which is a resolution adopted by 65% of more of the votes cast by shareholders who (being entitled to do so) vote in person or by proxy at any general meeting of the shareholders in accordance with the provisions of the bye-laws. The quorum for any such general meeting must be two or more persons, in person or by proxy, representing more than one-third of the issued shares of the company. Under Bermuda law, in the event of an amalgamation or merger of a Bermuda company with another company or corporation, a shareholder who did not vote in favor of the amalgamation or merger and who is not satisfied that fair value has been offered for such shareholders shares may, within one month of notice of the shareholders meeting, apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda to appraise the fair value of those shares.

Under Delaware law, with certain exceptions, a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all the assets of a corporation must be approved by the board of directors and a majority of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon. Under Delaware law, a shareholder of a corporation participating in certain major corporate transactions may, under certain circumstances, be entitled to appraisal rights pursuant to which such shareholder may receive cash in the amount of the fair value of the shares held by such shareholder (as determined by a court) in lieu of the consideration such shareholder would otherwise receive in the transaction.

Shareholders’ Suit. Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to shareholders under Bermuda law. The Bermuda courts, however, would ordinarily be expected to permit a shareholder to commence an action in the name of a company to remedy a wrong to the company where the act complained of is alleged to be beyond the corporate power of the company or illegal, or would result in the violation of the company’s memorandum of association or bye-laws. When the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner which is oppressive or prejudicial to the interests of some part of the shareholders, one or more shareholders may apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda, which may make such order as it sees fit, including an order regulating the conduct of the company’s affairs in the future or ordering the purchase of the shares of any shareholders by other shareholders or by the company. See “Item 10—B. Memorandum of association and bye-laws—Shareholder suits.”

Our bye-laws contain a provision by virtue of which our shareholders waive any claim or right of action that they might have, individually or in the right of the company, against any director for any act or failure to act in performance of such director’s duties, including the breach of any fiduciary duty, except in respect of any fraud or dishonesty of such director or to recover any gain, personal profit or advantage to which such director is not legally entitled. Class actions and derivative actions generally are available to shareholders under Delaware law for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste and actions not taken in accordance with applicable law. In such actions, the court has discretion to permit the winning party to recover attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such action.

Indemnification of Directors. We may indemnify our directors and officers in their capacity as directors or officers for any loss arising or liability attaching to them by virtue of any rule of law in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which a director or officer may be guilty in relation to the company other than in respect of his own fraud or dishonesty. See “Item 10—B. Memorandum of association and bye-laws—Enforcement of Judgments.” Our bye-laws provide that we shall indemnify our officers and directors in respect of their acts and omissions, except in respect of their fraud or dishonesty, or to recover any gain, personal profit or advantage to which such Director is not

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legally entitled, and (by incorporation of the provisions of the Companies Act) that we may advance money to our officers and directors for the costs, charges and expenses incurred by our officers and directors in defending any civil or criminal proceedings against them on condition that the directors and officers repay the money if any allegations of fraud or dishonesty is proved against them provided, however, that, if the Companies Act requires, an advancement of expenses shall be made only upon delivery to the Company of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under our bye-laws or otherwise. Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify a director or officer of the corporation against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in defense of an action, suit or proceeding by reason of such position if such director or officer 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, such director or officer had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In addition, we have entered into customary indemnification agreements with our directors.

As a result of these differences, investors could have more difficulty protecting their interests than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in the United States.

Tax matters. Under current Bermuda law, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains in Bermuda. We have obtained an assurance from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 that, in the event that any legislation is enacted in Bermuda imposing any tax computed on profits, income, any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance, such tax shall not be applicable to us or to any of our operations or shares, debentures or other obligations, until March 31, 2035, except insofar as such tax applies to persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda or is payable by us in respect of real property owned or leased by us in Bermuda. We could be subject to taxes in Bermuda after that date. We are incorporated in Bermuda as an exempted company and pay annual Bermuda government fees. In addition, all entities employing individuals in Bermuda are required to pay a payroll tax and there are other sundry taxes payable, directly or indirectly, to the Bermuda government. Neither we nor our Bermuda subsidiaries employ individuals in Bermuda as at the date of this annual report.

Access to books and records and dissemination of information

Members of the general public have a right to inspect the public documents of a company available at the office of the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda. These documents include the company’s memorandum of association, including its objects and powers, and certain alterations to the memorandum of association. The shareholders have the additional right to inspect the bye-laws of the company, minutes of general meetings and the company’s audited financial statements, which must be presented to the annual general meeting. The register of members of a company is also open to inspection by shareholders and by members of the general public without charge. The register of members is required to be open for inspection for not less than two hours in any business day (subject to the ability of a company to close the register of members for not more than thirty days in a year).  A company is required to maintain its share register in Bermuda but may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, establish a branch register outside of Bermuda. A company is required to keep at its registered office a register of directors and officers that is open for inspection for not less than two hours in any business day by members of the public without charge.  A company is also required to file with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda a list of its directors to be maintained on a register, which register will be available for public inspection subject to such conditions as the Registrar may impose and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed. Bermuda law does not, however, provide a general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records.

Registrar or transfer agent

A register of holders of the common shares is maintained by Conyers Corporate Services (Bermuda) Limited in Bermuda, and a branch register is maintained in the United States by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., who serves as branch registrar and transfer agent.

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Enforcement of Judgments

We are incorporated as an exempted company limited by shares under the laws of Bermuda, and substantially all of our assets are located in Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Argentina and Ecuador. In addition, most of our directors and executive officers reside outside the United States, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of such persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process on those persons in the United States or to enforce in the United States judgments obtained in U.S. courts against us or those persons based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws.

There is no treaty in force between the United States and Bermuda providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. However, the courts of Bermuda would recognize any final and conclusive monetary in personam judgement obtained in a U.S. court (other than a sum of money payable in respect of multiple damages, taxes or other charges of a like nature or in respect of a fine or other penalty) and would give a judgement based thereon provided that (i) the U.S. court that entered the judgment is recognized by the Bermuda court as having jurisdiction over us or our directors and officers, as determined by reference to Bermuda conflict of law rules, (ii) such court did not contravene the rules of natural justice of Bermuda, such judgment was not obtained by fraud, the enforcement of the judgment would not be contrary to the public policy of Bermuda, (iii) no new admissible evidence relevant to the action is submitted prior to the rendering of the judgment by the courts of Bermuda, and (iv) there is due compliance with the correct procedures under the laws of Bermuda.

An action brought pursuant to a public or penal law, the purpose of which is the enforcement of a sanction, power or right at the instance of the state in its sovereign capacity, may not be entertained by a Bermuda court. Certain remedies available under the laws of U.S. jurisdictions, including certain remedies under U.S. federal securities laws, may not be available under Bermuda law or enforceable in a Bermuda court, as they may be contrary to Bermuda public policy. Further, no claim may be brought in Bermuda against us or our directors and officers in the first instance for violations of U.S. federal securities laws because these laws have no extraterritorial jurisdiction under Bermuda law and do not have force of law in Bermuda. A Bermuda court may, however, impose civil liability on us or our directors and officers if the facts alleged in a complaint constitute or give rise to a cause of action under Bermuda law. However, section 281 of the Companies Act allows a Bermuda court, in certain circumstances, to relieve officers and directors of Bermuda companies of liability for acts of negligence, breach of duty or trust or other defaults.

No treaty exists between the United States and Chile for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. Chilean courts, however, have enforced valid and conclusive judgments for the payment of money rendered by competent U.S. courts by virtue of the legal principles of reciprocity and comity, subject to review in Chile of the U.S. judgment in order to ascertain whether certain basic principles of due process and public policy have been respected, without retrial or review of the merits of the subject matter. If a U.S. court grants a final judgment, enforceability of this judgment in Chile will be subject to obtaining the relevant exequatur (i.e., recognition and enforcement of the foreign judgment) according to Chilean civil procedure law in effect at that time, and depending on certain factors (the satisfaction or non-satisfaction of which would be determined by the Supreme Court of Chile). Currently, the most important of such factors are: the existence of reciprocity (if it can be proved that there is no reciprocity in the recognition and enforcement of the foreign judgment between the United States and Chile, that judgment would not be enforced in Chile); the absence of any conflict between the foreign judgment and Chilean laws (excluding for this purpose the laws of civil procedure) and Chilean public policy; the absence of a conflicting judgment by a Chilean court relating to the same parties and arising from the same facts and circumstances; the Chilean court’s determination that the U.S. courts had jurisdiction, that process was appropriately served on the defendant and that the defendant was afforded a real opportunity to appear before the court and defend its case; and the judgment being final under the laws of the country in which it was rendered. Nonetheless, we have been advised by our Chilean counsel that there is doubt as to the enforceability in original actions in Chilean courts of liabilities predicated solely upon U.S. federal or state securities laws.

C.    Material contracts

See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Significant Agreements.”

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D.    Exchange controls

Not applicable.

E.    Taxation

The following summary contains a description of certain Bermudian, U.S. federal income, Colombian and Chilean tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares. The summary is based upon the tax laws of Bermuda, the United States, Colombia and Chile, and regulations thereunder as of the date hereof, which are subject to change.

Bermuda tax consideration

At the date of this annual report, there is no Bermuda income or profits tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, capital transfer tax, estate duty or inheritance tax payable by us or by our shareholders in respect of our common shares. We have obtained an assurance from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 that, in the event that any legislation is enacted in Bermuda imposing any tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax shall not, until March 31, 2035, be applicable to us or to any of our operations or to our common shares, debentures or other obligations except insofar as such tax applies to persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda or is payable by us in respect of real property owned or leased by us in Bermuda.

Material U.S. federal income tax considerations

The following is a description of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders (as defined below) of owning and disposing of our common shares. This discussion is not a comprehensive description of all tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular person’s decision to hold our common shares. This discussion applies only to a U.S. Holder that holds our common shares as capital assets for tax purposes. In addition, it does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant in light of the U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances, including alternative minimum tax and Medicare contribution tax consequences and differing tax consequences applicable to a U.S. Holder subject to special rules, such as:

certain financial institutions;
a dealer or trader in securities who uses a mark-to-market method of tax accounting;
a person holding common shares as part of a straddle, wash sale or conversion transaction or entering into a constructive sale with respect to the common shares;
a person whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the US$;
a partnership or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
a tax-exempt entity, including an “individual retirement account” or “Roth IRA;”
a person that owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of our shares by vote or value;
a person who acquired our shares pursuant to the exercise of an employee stock option or otherwise as compensation; or
a person holding common shares in connection with a trade or business conducted outside of the United States.

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If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds common shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding common shares and partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of their investment in our common shares.

This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions, and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof, any of which is subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of owning and disposing of our common shares in their particular circumstances.

A “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our common shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is:

·

a citizen or individual resident of the United States;

·

a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state therein or the District of Columbia; or

·

an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

This discussion assumes that we are not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company, as described below.

Taxation of distributions

Distributions paid on our common shares, other than certain pro rata distributions of common shares, will generally be treated as dividends to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Because we do not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributions will generally be reported to U.S. Holders as dividends. Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules described below, dividends paid by qualified foreign corporations to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders may be taxable at favorable rates. A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid on stock that is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, such as the NYSE where our common shares are traded. Non-corporate U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers to determine whether the favorable rate will apply to dividends they receive and whether they are subject to any special rules that limit their ability to be taxed at this favorable rate.

A dividend generally will be included in a U.S. Holder’s income when received, will be treated as foreign-source income to U.S. Holders and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally available to U.S. corporations under the Code with respect to dividends paid by domestic corporations.

Sale or other taxable disposition of common shares

Gain or loss realized on the sale or other taxable disposition of our common shares will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder held our common shares for more than one year. Long-term capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. Holder is generally taxed at preferential rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. The amount of the gain or loss will equal the difference between the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common shares disposed of and the amount realized on the disposition. If a non-U.S. tax is withheld on the sale or disposition of common shares, a U.S. Holder’s amount realized will include the gross amount of the proceeds of the sale or disposition before deduction of the non-U.S. tax. Gain or loss will generally be U.S.-source gain or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers as to whether the non-U.S. tax on gains may be creditable against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax on foreign-source income from other sources.

Recently issued Treasury regulations, which apply to foreign taxes paid or accrued in taxable years beginning on or after December 28, 2021, generally will preclude U.S. taxpayers from claiming a foreign tax credit with respect to any

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non-U.S. tax imposed on gains from disposition of our common shares, unless the tax is creditable under an applicable income tax treaty. With regards to the possible application of the Chilean or Colombian tax on transfers of shares, described under "—Chilean tax on transfers of shares" and "—Colombian tax on transfers of shares" below, respectively, the U.S. does not currently have an applicable income tax treaty with Chile or Colombia. Therefore, you generally will not be entitled to claim a foreign tax credit for any Chilean or Colombian taxes imposed on gains from taxable dispositions of our common shares (although it is possible that such taxes may reduce the amount realized on the disposition). The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex and, therefore, you should consult your own tax adviser regarding the creditability or deductibility of any Chilean or Colombian tax on disposition gains (including any applicable limitations) and the determination of the amount realized in your particular circumstances.

Passive foreign investment company rules

We believe that we were not a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for 2021, and we do not expect to be a PFIC in the foreseeable future. However, because the composition of our income and assets will vary over time, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for any taxable year. The determination of whether we are a PFIC is made annually and is based upon the composition of our income and assets (including the income and assets of, among others, entities in which we hold at least a 25% interest), and the nature of our activities.

If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held our common shares, gain recognized by a U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition (including certain pledges) of our common shares would generally be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the common shares. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and to any year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations for that year, as appropriate, and an interest charge would be imposed on the tax on such amount. Further, to the extent that any distribution received by a U.S. Holder on its common shares exceeds 125% of the average of the annual distributions on the shares received during the preceding three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter, that distribution would be subject to taxation in the same manner as gain, as described immediately above. Certain elections may be available that would result in alternative treatments (such as mark-to-market treatment) of our common shares. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers to determine whether any of these elections would be available and, if so, what the consequences of the alternative treatments would be in their particular circumstances.

Furthermore, if we were a PFIC or, with respect to a particular U.S. Holder, were treated as a PFIC for the taxable year in which we paid a dividend or the prior taxable year, the preferential dividend rates discussed above with respect to dividends paid to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders would not apply.

Information reporting and backup withholding

Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting, and may be subject to backup withholding, unless (1) the U.S. Holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (2) in the case of backup withholding, the U.S. Holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle it to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

Chilean tax on transfers of shares

As provided in Decree Law No. 824 of 1974, income tax is triggered on the indirect transfer of shares, equity rights, interests or other rights in the equity, control or profits of a Chilean entity as well as transfers of other assets and property of permanent establishments or other businesses in Chile. Reforms introduced in 2014 imposed a measure which obliges the company from which shares are transferred to pay taxes if the entity which undertakes the transfer of shares fails to do so.

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The indirect transfer rules apply to sales of shares of an entity:

If such entity is an offshore holding company located in a black-listed tax haven jurisdiction as determined by Chilean tax law, or a black-listed jurisdiction, (such as Bermuda) that holds Chilean Assets; and either a Chilean resident holds 5% or more of such entity, or such entity’s rights to equity, control or profits, or 50% or more of such entity’s rights to equity or profits are held by residents in black-listed jurisdictions; or
the shares or rights transferred represent 10% or more of the offshore holding company (considering dispositions by related persons and over the preceding 12-month period) and the underlying Chilean Assets indirectly transferred, in the proportion indirectly owned by the seller, (a) are valued in an amount equal to or higher than UTA 210,000 (approximately US$200 million) (adjusted by the Chilean inflation unit of reference) or (b) represent 20% or more of the market value of the interest held by such seller in such offshore holding company.

Based on information available to us, (i) no Chilean resident holds 5% or more of our rights to equity, control or profits; (ii) residents in black-listed jurisdictions do not hold 50% or more of our rights to equity, control or profits; (iii) the Chilean Assets are not valued at more than UTA 210,000; and (iv) the Chilean Assets do not represent 20% or more of the market value of the offshore holding companies. Therefore, we do not believe the indirect transfer rules will apply to transfers of our common shares, unless the shares or rights transferred represent 10% or more of the company and the other conditions described above are met (considering dispositions by related persons and over the preceding 12-month period).

However, there can be no assurance that, at any time in the future, a Chilean resident will not hold 5% or more of our rights to equity, control or profits or that residents in black-listed jurisdictions will not hold 50% or more of our rights to equity, control or profits. If this were to occur, all sales of our common shares would be subject to the indirect transfer tax referred to above.

Our expectations regarding the indirect transfer rules are based on our understandings, analysis and interpretation of these enacted indirect transfer rules, which are subject to additional interpretation and rule-making by the Chilean authorities. As such, there is uncertainty relating to the application by Chilean authorities of the indirect transfer rules on us.

Colombian tax on transfers of shares

In August 2020, the Colombian government enacted Decree 1103 that regulates the indirect transfer tax set in article 90-3 of the Colombian Tax Code. Through this regulation, the transfer of shares and assets of entities located abroad are taxed in Colombia when such transaction represents a transfer of underlying assets located in Colombia. The latter applies unless (i) shares transferred are listed on a stock exchange recognized by the Colombian Government and no more than 20% of such shares are owned by a single beneficiary; or (ii) the value of assets indirectly transferred represents less than 20% of book and/or fair market value of all assets owned by the non-resident entity transferor.

For income tax purposes, indirect transfer shall be assessed at fair market value of the Colombian underlying assets and the relevant tax basis is the one held in the underlying Colombian asset, which should be calculated based on the Colombian Tax Code rules. When the underlying assets are held by a Colombian branch, any taxable base determined shall be allocated first to amortization/depreciation recapture taxed as ordinary income.

When a subsequent indirect transfer is made, the tax basis of the underlying Colombian assets corresponds to the purchase price paid and allocated to the underlying Colombian assets. However, Decree 1103 clarifies that the tax basis of the entity owning the underlying asset in Colombia is not stepped up. 

See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks related to our common shares—The transfer of our common shares may be subject to capital gains taxes pursuant to indirect transfer rules in Colombia.”

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F.    Dividends and paying agents

Not applicable.

G.    Statement by experts

Not applicable.

H.    Documents on display

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, we are required to file reports and other information with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 20-F and reports on Form 6-K. The SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is www.sec.gov.

I.    Subsidiary information

Not applicable.

ITEM 11.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including commodity price risk, interest rate risk, currency risk and credit (counterparty and customer) risk. The term “market risk” refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates, oil and natural gas prices and foreign currency exchange rates.

For further information on our market risks, please see Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

A.    Debt securities

Not applicable.

B.    Warrants and rights

Not applicable.

C.    Other securities

Not applicable.

D.    American Depositary Shares

Not applicable.

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