As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 5, 2018

Registration No. 333-               

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

 

GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 98-0479924
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

 

 

900, 520 - 3 Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0R3
(403) 265-3221
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

 

Gary S. Guidry
President and Chief Executive Officer
Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
900, 520 - 3 Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0R3
(403) 265-3221
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

 

Copies to:

 

Hillary H. Holmes

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
811 Main Street, Suite 3000
Houston, TX 77002

(346) 718-6602

 

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

 

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box:   ¨

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: x

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please 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(c) 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 registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. x

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer  ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)       Smaller reporting company   ¨
    Emerging growth company   ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. ¨

 

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
  Amount to
be
Registered
  Proposed
Maximum
Offering
Price Per
Share
  Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price
  Amount of
Registration
Fee
 
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   (1)   (1)   (1)   (2)  
Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share   (1)   (1)   (1)   (2)  
Debt Securities   (1)   (1)   (1)   (2)  
Warrants   (1)   (1)   (1)   (2)  
Subscription Receipts   (1)   (1)   (1)   (2)  

 

 

  (1) Omitted pursuant to General Instructions II.E of Form S-3. An indeterminate number or amount, as the case may be, of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and subscription receipts or any combination thereof are being registered hereunder as may from time to time be issued at indeterminate prices. The securities being registered hereunder may be convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for other securities of any identified class, and may be sold separately or in combination. In addition to the securities that may be issued directly under this registration statement, there is being registered hereunder such indeterminate aggregate number or amount, as the case may be, of the securities of each identified class as may from time to time be issued upon the conversion, exchange, settlement or exercise of other securities offered hereby. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable upon the conversion or exercise of, or in exchange for, other securities offered hereby or that are offered in combination. Securities registered hereby may be offered for U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies.
     
  (2) Pursuant to Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Registrant is deferring payment of all registration fees in respect of securities which are being registered in an indeterminate amount.

 

 

 

  

 

 

Prospectus

 

 

Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Warrants
Subscription Receipts

 

 

 

This prospectus covers Gran Tierra’s offer and sale of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and subscription receipts. From time to time, we may offer and sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, either individually or in combination. We may also offer common stock or preferred stock upon conversion of debt securities, common stock upon conversion of preferred stock, common stock, preferred stock or debt securities upon the exercise of warrants or any combination of these securities upon the exercise or exchange of subscription receipts.

 

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American and the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the trading symbol “GTE”. On August 31, 2018, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NYSE American was $3.45 per share. Any applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to other listings, if any, on the NYSE American, the TSX or other securities exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement.

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4 of this prospectus and in any applicable prospectus supplement and in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, and in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

Securities to be offered and sold by us may be sold directly by us to investors, through agents designated from time to time or to or through underwriters or dealers, on a continuous or delayed basis. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds that we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement. Any supplements to this prospectus may provide the specific terms of the plan of distribution. If any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered, the names of such agents or underwriters and any applicable fees, commissions, discounts and over-allotment options will be set forth in a prospectus supplement.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

The date of this prospectus is September 5, 2018.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS 1
ABOUT GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC. 3
RISK FACTORS 4
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 4
USE OF PROCEEDS 5
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES 6
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK 7
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES 11
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS 18
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RECEIPTS 20
LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES 23
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 26
LEGAL MATTERS 28
EXPERTS 28
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 28
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE 28

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer and sell, either individually or in combination, in one or more offerings, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer.

 

In connection with certain offerings of securities under this prospectus, we may provide a prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. Any prospectus supplement or related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change any of the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. We urge you to read carefully this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, together with the information incorporated herein by reference as described under the heading “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference,” before buying any of the securities being offered.

 

We have not authorized any person to provide you with any information or represent anything about us other than what is contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus authorized by us. We do not take any responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any information that others may provide to you. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on its front cover. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since the date indicated on the front cover of such documents. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities other than the securities offered hereunder, nor does this prospectus constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

 

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This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been or will be filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus may contain or incorporate by reference market data and industry statistics and forecasts that are based on independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe these sources are reliable, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information and we have not independently verified this information. Although we are not aware of any misstatements regarding the market and industry data presented in this prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference, these estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on this information.

 

This prospectus and the information incorporated herein by reference include trademarks, service marks and trade names owned by us or other companies. All trademarks, service marks and trade names included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus are the property of their respective owners.

 

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ABOUT GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC.

 

We are a publicly traded company focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Colombia.

 

We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive offices are located at 900, 520 - 3 Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0R3. The telephone number at our principal executive offices is (403) 265-3221. Our website address is www.grantierra.com. Information found on, or accessible through, our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus, and you should not consider it part of this prospectus or part of any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. Our website address is included in this document as an inactive textual reference only.

 

References in this prospectus to “Gran Tierra,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Gran Tierra Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our securities, you should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and any subsequently filed Current Report on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments to the disclosure therein reflected in subsequent filings with the SEC, which are incorporated herein by reference, and those risk factors that may be included in any applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus that we may authorize. The risks described in these documents are not the only ones we face. There may be other unknown or unpredictable economic, business, competitive, regulatory or other factors that could have material adverse effects on our future results. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow could be seriously harmed. You could lose all or part of your investment. Please also read carefully the section below entitled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this prospectus and the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated herein by reference regarding non-historical matters, including our financial position, estimated quantities and net present values of reserves, business strategy, plans and objectives of our management for future operations, covenant compliance, capital spending plans and those statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “project”, “target”, “goal”, “plan”, “budget”, “objective”, “could”, “should”, or similar expressions or variations on these expressions, are forward-looking statements. We can give no assurances that the assumptions upon which the forward-looking statements are based will prove to be correct or that, even if correct, intervening circumstances will not occur to cause actual results to be different than expected. Because forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, sustained or future declines in commodity prices; potential future impairments and reductions in proved reserve quantities and value; our operations are located in South America, and unexpected problems can arise due to guerilla activity; technical difficulties and operational difficulties may arise which impact the production, transport or sale of our products; geographic, political and weather conditions can impact the production, transport or sale of our products; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact oil prices and oil consumption more than we currently predict; our ability to execute business plans; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the timely receipt of regulatory or other required approvals for our operating activities; the failure of exploratory drilling to result in commercial wells; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; the risk that current global economic and credit market conditions may impact oil prices and oil consumption more than we currently predict, which could cause us to further modify our strategy and capital spending program; and those factors set out under the heading “Risk Factors” and in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other filings with the SEC. The information included herein is given as of the filing date of this prospectus or the documents incorporated herein by reference and, except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained in this prospectus or the documents incorporated herein by reference to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Except as described in any applicable prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by us hereunder for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, working capital, exploration and the development of our oil and natural gas resources, repayment of indebtedness that is currently or may in the future be outstanding and acquisitions.

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 

The following table sets forth, for each of the periods presented, our ratio of earnings to fixed charges or our deficiency of earnings available to cover fixed charges. Our earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Fixed charges                              
Contractual interest and financing expenses  $11,357   $11,467   $8,454   $   $   $ 
Amortization of debt issuance costs   1,513    2,415    5,691             
Interest portion of rental expense   25    57    44    31    18    21 
Total fixed charges  $12,895   $13,939   $14,189   $31   $18   $21 
                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax  $91,928   $37,330   $(650,234)  $(368,088)  $(17,134)  $309,284 
Fixed charges per above   12,895    13,939    14,189    31    18    21 
   $104,823   $51,269   $(636,045)  $(368,057)  $(17,116)  $309,305 
                               
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges   8    4                   14,729 
Deficiency of earnings available to cover fixed charges            $(636,045)  $(368,057)  $(17,116)     

 

We had no preferred stock outstanding for any period presented, and accordingly, the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends is the same as the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

 

Authorized Capital Stock

 

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of 595,000,000 shares of our capital stock, of which 570,000,000 are designated as common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 25,000,000 are designated as preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.

 

The following description of our capital stock is derived from various provisions of our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws.

 

Common Stock

 

We are authorized to issue 570,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. Holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a stockholder vote. Holders of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. Therefore, holders of a majority of the shares of common stock voting for the election of directors can elect all of the directors. Holders of the common stock representing a majority of the voting power of the capital stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, are necessary to constitute a quorum at any meeting of stockholders. A vote by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock is required to effectuate certain fundamental corporate changes such as liquidation, merger or an amendment to the certificate of incorporation.

 

Holders of common stock are entitled to share in all dividends that the board of directors, in its discretion, declares from legally available funds. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each outstanding share entitles its holder to participate pro rata in all assets that remain after payment of liabilities and after providing for each class of stock, if any, having preference over the common stock. Holders of the common stock have no pre-emptive rights, no conversion rights and there are no redemption provisions applicable to the common stock.

 

Preferred Stock

 

We are authorized to issue 25,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. The board of directors is vested with authority to divide the shares of preferred stock into series and to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of the shares of any such series. Once authorized, the dividend or interest rates, conversion rates, voting rights, redemption prices, maturity dates and similar characteristics of the preferred stock will be determined by the board of directors, without the necessity of obtaining approval of the stockholders. Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with financings, possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring, discouraging or preventing a change in control of our company, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock, and may reduce the likelihood that common stockholders will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation.

 

We will fix the designations, voting powers, preferences and rights of the preferred stock of each series we issue under this prospectus, as well as the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, in the certificate of designation relating to that series. We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from reports that we file with the SEC, the amendment or any certificate of designation that contains the terms of the series of preferred stock we are offering. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of preferred stock being offered, including, to the extent applicable:

 

  · the title and stated value;

 

  · the number of shares we are offering;

 

  · the liquidation preference per share;

 

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  · the purchase price;

 

  · the dividend rate, period and payment date and method of calculation for dividends;

 

  · whether dividends will be cumulative or non-cumulative and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends will accumulate;

 

  · the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if applicable;

 

  · the provisions for a sinking fund, if applicable;

 

  · the provisions for redemption or repurchase, if applicable, and any restrictions on our ability to exercise those redemption and repurchase rights;

 

  · any listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange or market;

 

  · whether the preferred stock will be convertible into our common stock, and, if applicable, the conversion terms;

 

  · whether the preferred stock will be exchangeable into debt securities, and, if applicable, the exchange terms;

 

  · voting rights of the preferred stock;

 

  · preemptive rights, if any;

 

  · restrictions on transfer, sale or other assignment;

 

  · whether interests in the preferred stock will be represented by depositary shares;

 

  · a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock;

 

  · the relative ranking and preferences of the preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights if we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs;

 

  · any limitations on the issuance of any class or series of preferred stock ranking senior to or on a parity with the series of preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights if we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs; and

 

  · other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the preferred stock.

 

Options

 

As of June 30, 2018, options representing the right to purchase 9,974,427 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $3.33. The outstanding options were granted to certain of our employees, officers and directors pursuant to our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan and our 2016 equity compensation program.

 

Warrants

 

As of June 30, 2018, we did not have any warrants outstanding.

 

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Indemnification; Limitation of Liability

 

Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) Section 145 provides us with the power to indemnify any of our directors and officers. The director or officer must have acted in good faith and in a manner the director or officer reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests. In a criminal action, the director or officer must not have had reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

 

Under DGCL Section 145(e), advances for expenses may be made by us if we receive an undertaking by or on behalf of a director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified by us.

 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include an indemnification provision under which we have the power to indemnify our directors, officers, employees, agents and former directors, officers, employees and agents (including legal representatives) to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.

 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide a limitation of liability in that no director or officer shall be personally liable to Gran Tierra or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer involving any act or omission of any such director or officer, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation of liability is not permitted under the DGCL.

 

We have also entered into an indemnity agreement with certain officers and directors. The agreement provides, among other things, that we will indemnify each officer and director, under the circumstances and to the extent provided for therein, for expenses, damages, judgments, fines and settlements he or she may be required to pay in actions or proceedings which he is or may be made a party by reason of his or her position as a director, officer or other agent of Gran Tierra, and otherwise to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law and our bylaws. The agreement also provides that we will provide an advancement for expenses incurred by the officers or directors.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted for our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

 

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Delaware Law

 

We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which regulates, subject to some exceptions, acquisitions of publicly-held Delaware corporations. In general, Section 203 prohibits us from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years following the date the person becomes an interested stockholder, unless (i) our board of directors approved the business combination or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder prior to the date the person attained this status, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the person becoming an interested stockholder, the person owned at least 85 percent of our voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and issued under employee stock plans under which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer, or (iii) on or subsequent to the date the person became an interested stockholder, our board of directors approved the business combination and the stockholders other than the interested stockholder authorized the transaction at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3 percent of the outstanding stock not owned by the interested stockholder. Section 203 defines a “business combination to include (1) any merger or consolidation involving us and the interested stockholder, (2) any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition involving the interested stockholder of 10 percent or more of our assets, (3) in general, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by us of any of our stock to the interested stockholder, (4) any transaction involving us that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of our stock owned by the interested stockholders, and (5) the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial benefits provided by or through us. In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as any person who, together with the person’s affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years prior to the time of determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15 percent or more of a corporation’s voting stock.

 

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The effect of Section 203 is to potentially discourage parties interested in taking control of Gran Tierra from doing so if it cannot obtain the approval of our board of directors.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

We have appointed Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (including its affiliates in Canada) as the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

 

Listing on the NYSE American and the TSX

 

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American and the TSX under the trading symbol “GTE.” Any applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing on any securities market or other exchange of the securities stock covered by such prospectus supplement.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

We may issue debt securities from time to time, in one or more series, as either senior or subordinated debt or as senior or subordinated convertible debt. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any debt securities offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. Unless the context requires otherwise, whenever we refer to the indenture, we also are referring to any supplemental indentures that specify the terms of a particular series of debt securities. In this section, “we” refers to Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

 

We will issue the debt securities under the indenture that we will enter into with the trustee named in the indenture. The indenture will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”). We have filed the form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and supplemental indentures and forms of debt securities containing the terms of the debt securities being offered will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or will be incorporated by reference from reports that we file with the SEC.

 

The following summary of material provisions of the debt securities and the indenture is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indenture applicable to a particular series of debt securities. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements and any related free writing prospectuses related to the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, as well as the complete indenture that contains the terms of the debt securities.

 

General

 

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue. It provides that we may issue debt securities up to the principal amount that we may authorize and may be in any currency or currency unit that we may designate. Except for the limitations on consolidation, merger and sale of all or substantially all of our assets contained in the indenture, the terms of the indenture do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to give holders of any debt securities protection against changes in our operations, financial condition or transactions involving us.

 

We may issue the debt securities issued under the indenture as “discount securities,” which means they may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. These debt securities, as well as other debt securities that are not issued at a discount, may be issued with “original issue discount,” or OID, for U.S. federal income tax purposes because of interest payment and other characteristics or terms of the debt securities. Material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued with OID will be described in more detail in any applicable prospectus supplement.

 

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of debt securities being offered, including:

 

  · the title of the series of debt securities;

 

  · any limit upon the aggregate principal amount that may be issued;

 

  · the maturity date or dates;

 

  · the form of the debt securities of the series;

 

  · the applicability of any guarantees;

 

  · whether or not the debt securities will be secured or unsecured, and the terms of any secured debt;

 

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  · whether the debt securities rank as senior debt, senior subordinated debt, subordinated debt or any combination thereof, and the terms of any subordination;

 

  · if the price (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount thereof) at which such debt securities will be issued is a price other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount thereof payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, or if applicable, the portion of the principal amount of such debt securities that is convertible into another security or the method by which any such portion shall be determined;

 

  · the interest rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, or the method for determining the rate and the date interest will begin to accrue, the dates interest will be payable and the regular record dates for interest payment dates or the method for determining such dates;

 

  · our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of any such deferral period;

 

  · if applicable, the date or dates after which, or the period or periods during which, and the price or prices at which, we may, at our option, redeem the series of debt securities pursuant to any optional or provisional redemption provisions and the terms of those redemption provisions;

 

  · the date or dates, if any, on which, and the price or prices at which we are obligated, pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund or analogous fund provisions or otherwise, to redeem, or at the holder’s option to purchase, the series of debt securities and the currency or currency unit in which the debt securities are payable;

 

  · the denominations in which we will issue the series of debt securities, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;

 

  · any and all terms, if applicable, relating to any auction or remarketing of the debt securities of that series and any security for our obligations with respect to such debt securities and any other terms which may be advisable in connection with the marketing of debt securities of that series;

 

  · whether the debt securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a global security or securities; the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such global security or securities may be exchanged in whole or in part for other individual securities; and the depositary for such global security or securities;

 

  · if applicable, the provisions relating to conversion or exchange of any debt securities of the series and the terms and conditions upon which such debt securities will be so convertible or exchangeable, including the conversion or exchange price, as applicable, or how it will be calculated and may be adjusted, any mandatory or optional (at our option or the holders’ option) conversion or exchange features, the applicable conversion or exchange period and the manner of settlement for any conversion or exchange;

 

  · if other than the full principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of debt securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof;

 

  · additions to or changes in the covenants applicable to the particular debt securities being issued, including, among others, the consolidation, merger or sale covenant;

 

  · additions to or changes in the events of default with respect to the securities and any change in the right of the trustee or the holders to declare the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, with respect to such securities to be due and payable;

 

  · additions to or changes in or deletions of the provisions relating to covenant defeasance and legal defeasance;

 

  · additions to or changes in the provisions relating to satisfaction and discharge of the indenture;

 

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  · additions to or changes in the provisions relating to the modification of the indenture both with and without the consent of holders of debt securities issued under the indenture;

 

  · the currency of payment of debt securities if other than U.S. dollars and the manner of determining the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars;

 

  · whether interest will be payable in cash or additional debt securities at our or the holders’ option and the terms and conditions upon which the election may be made;

 

  · the terms and conditions, if any, upon which we will pay amounts in addition to the stated interest, premium, if any, and principal amounts of the debt securities of the series to any holder that is not a “United States person” for federal tax purposes;

 

  · any restrictions on transfer, sale or assignment of the debt securities of the series; and

 

  · any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the debt securities and any other additions or changes in the provisions of the indenture.

 

Conversion or Exchange Rights

 

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or our other securities. We will include provisions as to settlement upon conversion or exchange and whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of our common stock or our other securities that the holders of the series of debt securities receive would be subject to adjustment.

 

Consolidation, Merger or Sale

 

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement whether the debt securities contain any covenant that restricts our ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of our assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety.

 

Events of Default under the Indenture

 

Unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, the following are events of default under the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:

 

  · if we fail to pay any installment of interest on any series of debt securities, as and when the same shall become due and payable, and such default continues for a period of 90 days; provided, however, that a valid extension of an interest payment period by us in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental thereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of interest for this purpose;

 

  · if we fail to pay the principal of, or premium, if any, on any series of debt securities as and when the same shall become due and payable whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise, or in any payment required by any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to such series; provided, however, that a valid extension of the maturity of such debt securities in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental thereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any;

 

  · if we fail to observe or perform any other covenant or agreement contained in the debt securities or the indenture, other than a covenant specifically relating to another series of debt securities, and our failure continues for 90 days after we receive written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied and stating that such is a notice of default thereunder, from the trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series; and

 

  · if specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur.

 

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If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, other than an event of default specified in the last bullet point above, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, by notice to us in writing, and to the trustee if notice is given by such holders, may declare the unpaid principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, due and payable immediately. If an event of default specified in the last bullet point above occurs with respect to us, the principal amount of and accrued interest, if any, of each issue of debt securities then outstanding shall be due and payable without any notice or other action on the part of the trustee or any holder.

 

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of an affected series may waive any default or event of default with respect to the series and its consequences, except defaults or events of default regarding payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, unless we have cured the default or event of default in accordance with the indenture. Any waiver shall cure the default or event of default.

 

Subject to the terms of the indenture, if an event of default under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities, unless such holders have offered the trustee reasonable indemnity. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series, provided that:

 

  · the direction so given by the holder is not in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture; and

 

  · subject to its duties under the Trust Indenture Act, the trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or might be unduly prejudicial to the holders not involved in the proceeding.

 

A holder of the debt securities of any series will have the right to institute a proceeding under the indenture or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies only if:

 

  · the holder has given written notice to the trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to that series;

 

  · the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request;

 

  · such holders have offered to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred by the trustee in compliance with the request; and

 

  · the trustee does not institute the proceeding, and does not receive from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series other conflicting directions within 90 days after the notice, request and offer.

 

These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities.

 

We will periodically file statements with the trustee regarding our compliance with specified covenants in the indenture.

 

Modification of Indenture; Waiver

 

We and the trustee may change an indenture without the consent of any holders with respect to specific matters:

 

  · to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture or in the debt securities of any series;

 

  · to comply with the provisions described above under “Description of Debt Securities—Consolidation, Merger or Sale;”

 

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  · to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities;

 

  · to add to our covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities, to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and the continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us in the indenture;

 

  · to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations, and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of debt securities, as set forth in the indenture;

 

  · to make any change that does not adversely affect the interests of any holder of debt securities of any series in any material respect;

 

  · to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the debt securities of any series as provided above under “Description of Debt Securities—General” to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of the indenture or any series of debt securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of debt securities;

 

  · to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under any indenture by a successor trustee; or

 

  · to comply with any requirements of the SEC in connection with the qualification of any indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

 

In addition, under the indenture, the rights of holders of a series of debt securities may be changed by us and the trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series that is affected. However, unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, we and the trustee may make the following changes only with the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:

 

  · extending the fixed maturity of any debt securities of any series;

 

  · reducing the principal amount, reducing the rate of or extending the time of payment of interest, or reducing any premium payable upon the redemption of any series of any debt securities; or

 

  · reducing the percentage of debt securities, the holders of which are required to consent to any amendment, supplement, modification or waiver.

 

Discharge

 

Each indenture provides that we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for specified obligations, including obligations to:

 

  · provide for payment;

 

  · register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of the series;

 

  · replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities of the series;

 

  · pay principal of and premium and interest on any debt securities of the series;

 

  · maintain paying agencies;

 

  · hold monies for payment in trust;

 

  · recover excess money held by the trustee;

 

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  · compensate and indemnify the trustee; and

 

  · appoint any successor trustee.

 

In order to exercise our rights to be discharged, we must deposit with the trustee money or government obligations sufficient to pay all the principal of, any premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.

 

Form, Exchange and Transfer

 

We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indenture provides that we may issue debt securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or another depositary named by us and identified in the applicable prospectus supplement with respect to that series. To the extent the debt securities of a series are issued in global form and as book-entry, a description of terms relating to any book-entry securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indenture and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

 

Subject to the terms of the indenture and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so required by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in the debt securities that the holder presents for transfer or exchange, we will impose no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges.

 

We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement the security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.

 

If we elect to redeem the debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:

 

  · issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any debt securities of that series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any debt securities that may be selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing; or

 

  · register the transfer of or exchange any debt securities so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt securities we are redeeming in part.

 

Information Concerning the Trustee

 

The trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under an indenture, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an indenture, the trustee must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given by the indenture at the request of any holder of debt securities unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.

 

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Payment and Paying Agents

 

Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make payment of the interest on any debt securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.

 

We will pay principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make interest payments by check that we will mail to the holder or by wire transfer to certain holders. Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will designate the corporate trust office of the trustee as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series. We will maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

 

All money we pay to a paying agent or the trustee for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the debt security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.

 

Governing Law

 

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 

The following description, together with the additional information that we include in any applicable prospectus supplement and in any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be distributed to you, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, which may be issued in one or more series. Warrants may be offered independently or in combination with other securities offered by any prospectus supplement. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following description of warrants will apply to the warrants offered by this prospectus unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement for a particular series of warrants may specify different or additional terms.

 

We have filed forms of the warrant agreements and forms of warrant certificates containing the terms of the warrants that may be offered as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from reports that we file with the SEC, the form of warrant or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, that contain the terms of the particular series of warrants we are offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of such warrants. The following summaries of material terms and provisions of the warrants are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of warrants that we may offer under this prospectus. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement related to the particular series of warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, as well as any related free writing prospectuses, and the complete form of warrant or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, and any supplemental agreements, that contain the terms of the warrants.

 

General

 

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of warrants being offered, including:

 

  · the offering price and aggregate number of warrants offered;

 

  · the currency for which the warrants may be purchased;

 

  · if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security or each principal amount of such security;

 

  · in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of one warrant and the price at, and currency in which, this principal amount of debt securities may be purchased upon such exercise;

 

  · in the case of warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, purchasable upon the exercise of one warrant and the price at which these shares may be purchased upon such exercise;

 

  · the effect of any merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of our business on the warrant agreements and the warrants;

 

  · the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;

 

  · any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price or number of securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants;

 

  · the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire;

 

  · the manner in which the warrant agreements and warrants may be modified;

 

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  · a discussion of any material or special U.S. federal income tax considerations of holding or exercising the warrants;

 

  · the terms of the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants; and

 

  · any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of or restrictions on the warrants.

 

Before exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including:

 

  · in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the right to receive payments of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture; or

 

  · in the case of warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, the right to receive dividends, if any, or, payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise voting rights, if any.

 

Exercise of Warrants

 

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the securities that we specify in the applicable prospectus supplement at the exercise price that we describe in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrants may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

 

Upon receipt of payment and the warrant or warrant certificate, as applicable, properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent, if any, or any other office, including ours, indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants (or the warrants represented by such warrant certificate) are exercised, a new warrant or a new warrant certificate, as applicable, will be issued for the remaining warrants.

 

Governing Law

 

Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, the warrants and any warrant agreements will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Warrants

 

Each warrant agent, if any, will act solely as our agent under the applicable warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any warrant. A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a warrant may, without the consent of the related warrant agent or the holder of any other warrant, enforce by appropriate legal action its right to exercise, and receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of, its warrants.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RECEIPTS

 

We may issue subscription receipts, which will entitle holders to receive upon satisfaction of certain release conditions and for no additional consideration, common stock, preferred stock, warrants or any combination thereof. Subscription receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more subscription receipt agreements (each, a “Subscription Receipt Agreement”), each to be entered into between us and an escrow agent (the “Escrow Agent”), which will establish the terms and conditions of the subscription receipts. Each Escrow Agent will be a financial institution organized under the laws of the United States or a state thereof or Canada or a province thereof and authorized to carry on business as a trustee. We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference, any Subscription Receipt Agreement describing the terms and conditions of subscription receipts we are offering before the issuance of such subscription receipts.

 

The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of subscription receipts and is not intended to be complete. The statements made in this prospectus relating to any Subscription Receipt Agreement and subscription receipts to be issued thereunder are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Subscription Receipt Agreement and the prospectus supplement describing such Subscription Receipt Agreement.

 

The prospectus supplement relating to any subscription receipts we offer will describe the subscription receipts and include specific terms relating to their offering. If underwriters or agents are used in the sale of subscription receipts, one or more of such underwriters or agents may also be parties to the Subscription Receipt Agreement governing the subscription receipts sold to or through such underwriters or agents.

 

General

 

The prospectus supplement and the Subscription Receipt Agreement for any subscription receipts we offer will describe the specific terms of the subscription receipts and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

 

  · the designation and aggregate number of subscription receipts offered;

 

  · the price at which the subscription receipts will be offered;

 

  · the currency or currencies in which the subscription receipts will be offered;

 

  · the designation, number and terms of the common stock, preferred stock, warrants or combination thereof to be received by holders of subscription receipts upon satisfaction of the release conditions, and the procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers;

 

  · the conditions (the “Release Conditions”) that must be met in order for holders of subscription receipts to receive for no additional consideration common stock, preferred stock, warrants or combination thereof;

 

  · the procedures for the issuance and delivery of common stock, preferred stock, warrants or combination thereof to holders of subscription receipts upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions;

 

  · whether any payments will be made to holders of subscription receipts upon delivery of the common stock, preferred stock, warrants or combination thereof upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions (e.g., an amount equal to dividends declared on common stock by us to holders of record during the period from the date of issuance of the subscription receipts to the date of issuance of any common stock pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement);

 

  · the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will hold all or a portion of the gross proceeds from the sale of subscription receipts, together with interest and income earned thereon (collectively, the “Escrowed Funds”), pending satisfaction of the Release Conditions;

 

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  · the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Escrow Agent will hold common stock, preferred stock, warrants or combination thereof pending satisfaction of the Release Conditions;

 

  · the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will release all or a portion of the Escrowed Funds to us upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions;

 

  · if the subscription receipts are sold to or through underwriters or agents, the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will release a portion of the Escrowed Funds to such underwriters or agents in payment of all or a portion of their fees or commission in connection with the sale of the subscription receipts;

 

  · procedures for the refund by the Escrow Agent to holders of subscription receipts of all or a portion of the subscription price for their subscription receipts, plus any pro rata entitlement to interest earned or income generated on such amount, if the Release Conditions are not satisfied;

 

  · any entitlement that we may have to purchase the subscription receipts in the open market by private agreement or otherwise;

 

  · whether we will issue the subscription receipts as global securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary for the global securities;

 

  · whether we will issue the subscription receipts as bearer securities, registered securities or both;

 

  · provisions as to modification, amendment or variation of the Subscription Receipt Agreement or any rights or terms attaching to the subscription receipts;

 

  · the identity of the Escrow Agent;

 

  · whether the subscription receipts will be listed on any exchange;

 

  · material United States and Canadian federal tax consequences of owning the subscription receipts; and

 

  · any other terms of the subscription receipts.

 

In addition, the prospectus supplement and the Subscription Receipt Agreement for any subscription receipts we offer will describe all contractual rights of rescission that will be granted to initial purchasers of subscription receipts in the event this prospectus, the prospectus supplement under which the subscription receipts are issued or any amendment hereto or thereto contains a misrepresentation, as discussed further under the sub-paragraph entitled “Rescission” below.

 

The holders of subscription receipts will not be shareholders. Holders of subscription receipts are entitled only to receive common stock, preferred stock, warrants or a combination thereof on exchange of their subscription receipts, plus any cash payments provided for under the Subscription Receipt Agreement, if the Release Conditions are satisfied. If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, the holders of subscription receipts shall be entitled to a refund of all or a portion of the subscription price therefor and all or a portion of the pro rata share of interest earned or income generated thereon, as provided in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.

 

Escrow

 

The Escrowed Funds will be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, and such Escrowed Funds will be released to us (and, if the subscription receipts are sold to or through underwriters or agents, a portion of the Escrowed Funds may be released to such underwriters or agents in payment of all or a portion of their fees in connection with the sale of the subscription receipts) at the time and under the terms specified by the Subscription Receipt Agreement. If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, holders of subscription receipts will receive a refund of all or a portion of the subscription price for their subscription receipts plus their pro rata entitlement to interest earned or income generated on such amount, in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement. Common stock, preferred stock or warrants may be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, and will be released to the holders of subscription receipts following satisfaction of the Release Conditions at the time and under the terms specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.

 

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Anti-Dilution

 

The Subscription Receipt Agreement will specify that upon the subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other material change of the common stock, preferred stock or warrants or any other reorganization, amalgamation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, the subscription receipts will thereafter evidence the right of the holder to receive the securities, property or cash deliverable in exchange for or on the conversion of or in respect of the common stock, preferred stock or warrants to which the holder of common stock, preferred stock or warrants would have been entitled immediately after such event. Similarly, any distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of common stock or preferred stock of rights, options, warrants, evidences of indebtedness or assets will result in an adjustment in the number of common shares or preferred shares, respectively, to be issued to holders of subscription receipts whose subscription receipts entitle the holders thereof to receive common stock or preferred stock. Alternatively, such securities, evidences of indebtedness or assets may, at our option, be issued to the Escrow Agent and delivered to holders of subscription receipts on exercise thereof. The Subscription Receipt Agreement will also provide that if other corporate actions affect the common stock, preferred stock or warrants, which, in the reasonable opinion of our directors, would materially affect the rights of the holders of subscription receipts and/or the rights attached to the subscription receipts, the number of common stock, preferred stock or warrants which are to be received pursuant to the subscription receipts shall be adjusted in such manner, if any, and at such time as our directors may in their discretion reasonably determine to be equitable to the holders of subscription receipts in such circumstances.

 

Rescission

 

The Subscription Receipt Agreement will also provide that any misrepresentation in this prospectus, the prospectus supplement under which the subscription receipts are offered, or any amendment thereto, will entitle each initial purchaser of subscription receipts to a contractual right of rescission following the issuance of the common stock, preferred stock or warrants to such purchaser entitling such purchaser to receive the amount paid for the subscription receipts upon surrender of the common stock, preferred stock or warrants, provided that such remedy for rescission is exercised in the time stipulated in the Subscription Receipt Agreement. This right of rescission does not extend to holders of subscription receipts who acquire such subscription receipts from an initial purchaser, on the open market or otherwise, or to initial purchasers who acquire subscription receipts in the United States.

 

Global Securities

 

We may issue subscription receipts in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities, which will be registered in the name of and be deposited with a depositary, or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The global securities may be in temporary or permanent form. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global security. The applicable prospectus supplement also will describe the exchange, registration and transfer rights relating to any global security.

 

Modifications

 

The Subscription Receipt Agreement will provide for modifications and alterations to the subscription receipts issued thereunder by way of a resolution of holders of subscription receipts at a meeting of such holders or a consent in writing from such holders. The number of holders of subscriptions receipts required to pass such a resolution or execute such a written consent will be specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.

 

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LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES

 

We can issue securities in registered form or in the form of one or more global securities. We describe global securities in greater detail below. We refer to those persons who have securities registered in their own names on the books that we or any applicable trustee, depositary or warrant agent maintain for this purpose as the “holders” of those securities. These persons are the legal holders of the securities. We refer to those persons who, indirectly through others, own beneficial interests in securities that are not registered in their own names, as “indirect holders” of those securities. As we discuss below, indirect holders are not legal holders, and investors in securities issued in book-entry form or in street name will be indirect holders.

 

Book-Entry Holders

 

We may issue securities in book-entry form only, as we will specify in the applicable prospectus supplement. This means securities may be represented by one or more global securities registered in the name of a financial institution that holds them as depositary on behalf of other financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system. These participating institutions, which are referred to as participants, in turn, hold beneficial interests in the securities on behalf of themselves or their customers.

 

Only the person in whose name a security is registered is recognized as the holder of that security. Securities issued in global form will be registered in the name of the depositary or its participants. Consequently, for securities issued in global form, we will recognize only the depositary as the holder of the securities, and we will make all payments on the securities to the depositary. The depositary passes along the payments it receives to its participants, which in turn pass the payments along to their customers who are the beneficial owners. The depositary and its participants do so under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers; they are not obligated to do so under the terms of the securities.

 

As a result, investors in a book-entry security will not own securities directly. Instead, they will own beneficial interests in a global security, through a bank, broker or other financial institution that participates in the depositary’s book-entry system or holds an interest through a participant. As long as the securities are issued in global form, investors will be indirect holders, and not holders, of the securities.

 

Street Name Holders

 

We may terminate a global security or issue securities in non-global form. In these cases, investors may choose to hold their securities in their own names or in “street name.” Securities held by an investor in street name would be registered in the name of a bank, broker or other financial institution that the investor chooses, and the investor would hold only a beneficial interest in those securities through an account he or she maintains at that institution.

 

For securities held in street name, we will recognize only the intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions in whose names the securities are registered as the holders of those securities, and we will make all payments on those securities to them. These institutions pass along the payments they receive to their customers who are the beneficial owners, but only because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to do so. Investors who hold securities in street name will be indirect holders, not holders, of those securities.

 

Legal Holders

 

Our obligations, as well as the obligations of any applicable trustee and of any third parties employed by us or a trustee, run only to the legal holders of the securities. We do not have obligations to investors who hold beneficial interests in global securities, in street name or by any other indirect means. This will be the case whether an investor chooses to be an indirect holder of a security or has no choice because we are issuing the securities only in global form.

 

For example, once we make a payment or give a notice to the holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment or notice even if that holder is required, under agreements with depositary participants or customers or by law, to pass it along to the indirect holders but does not do so. Similarly, we may want to obtain the approval of the holders to amend an indenture, to relieve us of the consequences of a default or of our obligation to comply with a particular provision of the indenture or for other purposes. In such an event, we would seek approval only from the holders, and not the indirect holders, of the securities. Whether and how the holders contact the indirect holders is up to the holders.

 

 23 

 

 

Special Considerations For Indirect Holders

 

If you hold securities through a bank, broker or other financial institution, either in book-entry form or in street name, you should check with your own institution to find out:

 

  · the performance of third party service providers;

 

  · how it handles securities payments and notices;

 

  · whether it imposes fees or charges;

 

  · how it would handle a request for the holders’ consent, if ever required;

 

  · whether and how you can instruct it to send you securities registered in your own name so you can be a holder, if that is permitted in the future;

 

  · how it would exercise rights under the securities if there were a default or other event triggering the need for holders to act to protect their interests; and

 

  · if the securities are in book-entry form, how the depositary’s rules and procedures will affect these matters.

 

Global Securities

 

A global security is a security that represents one or any other number of individual securities held by a depositary. Generally, all securities represented by the same global securities will have the same terms.

 

Each security issued in book-entry form will be represented by a global security that we deposit with and register in the name of a financial institution or its nominee that we select. The financial institution that we select for this purpose is called the depositary. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, DTC will be the depositary for all securities issued in book-entry form.

 

A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the name of anyone other than the depositary, its nominee or a successor depositary, unless special termination situations arise. We describe those situations below under the section entitled “Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Terminated” in this prospectus. As a result of these arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole registered owner and holder of all securities represented by a global security, and investors will be permitted to own only beneficial interests in a global security. Beneficial interests must be held by means of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary or with another institution that does. Thus, an investor whose security is represented by a global security will not be a holder of the security, but only an indirect holder of a beneficial interest in the global security.

 

If the prospectus supplement for a particular security indicates that the security will be issued in global form only, then the security will be represented by a global security at all times unless and until the global security is terminated. If termination occurs, we may issue the securities through another book-entry clearing system or decide that the securities may no longer be held through any book-entry clearing system.

 

Special Considerations For Global Securities

 

The rights of an indirect holder relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. We do not recognize an indirect holder as a holder of securities and instead deal only with the depositary that holds the global security.

 

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If securities are issued only in the form of a global security, an investor should be aware of the following:

 

  · an investor cannot cause the securities to be registered in his or her name, and cannot obtain non-global certificates for his or her interest in the securities, except in the special situations we describe below;

 

  · an investor will be an indirect holder and must look to his or her own bank or broker for payments on the securities and protection of his or her legal rights relating to the securities, as we describe above;

 

  · an investor may not be able to sell interests in the securities to some insurance companies and to other institutions that are required by law to own their securities in non-book-entry form;

 

  · an investor may not be able to pledge his or her interest in a global security in circumstances where certificates representing the securities must be delivered to the lender or other beneficiary of the pledge in order for the pledge to be effective;

 

  · the depositary’s policies, which may change from time to time, will govern payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to an investor’s interest in a global security;

 

  · we and any applicable trustee have no responsibility for any aspect of the depositary’s actions or for its records of ownership interests in a global security, nor do we or any applicable trustee supervise the depositary in any way;

 

  · the depositary may, and we understand that DTC will, require that those who purchase and sell interests in a global security within its book-entry system use immediately available funds, and your broker or bank may require you to do so as well; and

 

  · financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system, and through which an investor holds its interest in a global security, may also have their own policies affecting payments, notices and other matters relating to the securities.

 

There may be more than one financial intermediary in the chain of ownership for an investor. We do not monitor and are not responsible for the actions of any of those intermediaries.

 

Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Terminated

 

In a few special situations described below, the global security will terminate and interests in it will be exchanged for physical certificates representing those interests. After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold securities directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own banks or brokers to find out how to have their interests in securities transferred to their own name, so that they will be direct holders. We have described the rights of holders and street name investors above.

 

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the global security will terminate when the following special situations occur:

 

  · if the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling, unable or no longer qualified to continue as depositary for that global security and we do not appoint another institution to act as depositary within 90 days;

 

  · if we notify any applicable trustee that we wish to terminate that global security; or

 

  · if an event of default has occurred with regard to securities represented by that global security and has not been cured or waived.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement may also list additional situations for terminating a global security that would apply only to the particular series of securities covered by the applicable prospectus supplement. When a global security terminates, the depositary, and not we or any applicable trustee, is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions that will be the initial direct holders.

 

 25 

 

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

The Securities We May Offer

 

We may sell the securities from time to time pursuant to underwritten public offerings, direct sales, at-the-market transactions, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of these methods. We may sell the securities to or through underwriters or dealers, through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers. We may distribute securities from time to time in one or more transactions:

 

  · at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

 

  · at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

  · at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

 

  · at negotiated prices.

 

A prospectus supplement or supplements (and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize) will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including, to the extent applicable:

 

  · the name or names of the underwriters, if any;

 

  · the purchase price of the securities or other consideration therefor, and the proceeds, if any, we will receive from the sale;

 

  · any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us;

 

  · any agency fees or underwriting discounts and other items constituting agents’ or underwriters’ compensation;

 

  · any public offering price;

 

  · any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

 

  · any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed.

 

Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

 

If underwriters are used in the sale, they will acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. We may offer the securities to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. Subject to certain conditions, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement, other than securities covered by any over-allotment option. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may change from time to time. We may use underwriters with whom we or they have a material relationship. We will describe in the prospectus supplement, naming the underwriter, the nature of certain such relationships.

 

We may sell securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of securities and we will describe any commissions we will pay the agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, our agent will act on a best-efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

 

 26 

 

 

We may authorize agents or underwriters to solicit offers by certain types of institutional investors to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. We will describe the conditions to these contracts and the commissions we must pay for solicitation of these contracts in the prospectus supplement.

 

We may provide agents and underwriters with indemnification against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act or applicable Canadian securities laws, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may make with respect to these liabilities. Agents and underwriters may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.

 

All securities we may offer, other than common stock, will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters may make a market in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot guarantee the liquidity of the trading markets for any securities.

 

Any underwriter may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum price. Syndicate-covering or other short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the over-allotment option or in the open market after the distribution is completed, to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a stabilizing or covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.

 

Any underwriters or agents that are qualified market makers on the NYSE American may engage in passive market making transactions in the common stock on the NYSE American in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of the common stock. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

 

In compliance with guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the maximum consideration or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8% of the aggregate amount of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.

 

 27 

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Houston, Texas, will pass upon the validity of the securities offered by this prospectus and any supplement thereto. Counsel for any underwriters or agent will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the effectiveness of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

Certain estimates of our oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2017, and related information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been derived from evaluations prepared by McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. All such information has been so included or incorporated by reference on the authority of such firm as experts regarding the matters contained therein.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

This prospectus is part of the registration statement on Form S-3 we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act and does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the reference may not be complete and you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement or the exhibits to the reports or other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus for a copy of such contract, agreement or other document. Because we are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room.

 

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information from other documents that we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Information in this prospectus supersedes information incorporated by reference that we filed with the SEC prior to the date of this prospectus, while information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus and the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part the information or documents listed below that we have filed with the SEC (other than information furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items unless we expressly provide to the contrary):

 

  · our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017;

 

  · our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018;
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  · our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2016, January 31, 2018, February 1, 2018, February 9, 2018, February 16, 2018, February 27, 2018, March 14, 2018, May 2, 2018, May 3, 2018, July 9, 2018, July 23, 2018 and August 2, 2018;

 

  · the information specifically incorporated by reference into our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 from our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 21, 2018; and

 

  · the description of our common stock in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on April 7, 2008, including any amendments thereto or reports filed for the purposes of updating this description.

 

We also incorporate by reference any future filings (other than information furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items unless such we expressly provide to the contrary) made with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, until we file a post-effective amendment that indicates the termination of all offerings of the securities made by this prospectus and will become a part of this prospectus from the date that such documents are filed with the SEC. Information in such future filings updates and supplements the information provided in this prospectus. Any statements in any such future filings will automatically be deemed to modify and supersede any information in any document we previously filed with the SEC that is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by reference to the extent that statements in the later filed document modify or replace such earlier statements.

 

You can request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

 

Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
900, 520 - 3 Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0R3
(403) 265-3221
Attn: Secretary

 

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PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

 

  Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

The following table sets forth an estimate of the fees and expenses, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by us in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered. All the amounts shown are estimates, except for the SEC registration fee.

 

    Amount  
SEC registration fee     *  
The NYSE American and TSX listing fees     **  
FINRA filing fee (if applicable)     **  
Accounting fees and expenses     **  
Legal fees and expenses     **  
Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses     **  
Printing and miscellaneous fees and expenses     **  
Total     **  

 

 

  * In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r), we are deferring payment of registration fees for certain securities offered under this registration statement.
  ** These fees are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time. The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the estimated amount of expenses of any offering of securities.

 

  Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person 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 conduct was unlawful. Section 145 further provides that a corporation similarly may indemnify any such person serving in any such capacity who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

 

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Delaware law provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except for liability:

 

  for any breach of their duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders;

 

  for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

 

  under Section 174 of the DGCL relating to unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions; or

 

  for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include an indemnification provision under which we have the power to indemnify our directors, officers, employees, agents and former officers, directors, employees and agents (including legal representatives) to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.

 

We have also entered into an indemnity agreement with certain officers and directors. The agreement provides, among other things, that we will indemnify each officer and director, under the circumstances and to the extent provided for therein, for expenses, damages, judgments, fines and settlements he or she may be required to pay in actions or proceedings which he is or may be made a party by reason of his or her position as a director, officer or other agent of Gran Tierra, and otherwise to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law and our bylaws. The agreement also provides that we will provide an advancement for expenses incurred by the officers or directors.

 

  Item 16. Exhibits

 

        Incorporation by Reference    
Exhibit
Number
  Exhibit Description   Form   File Number   Exhibit/
Appendix
Reference
  Filing
Date
  Filed
Herewith
1.1*   Form of Underwriting Agreement.                    
2.2   Plan of Conversion, dated October 31, 2016   8-K   001-34018   2.1   11/4/2016    
3.1   Certificate of Incorporation   8-K   001-34018   3.3   11/4/2016    
3.2   Certificate of Retirement of Special A Voting Stock and Special B Voting Stock of Gran Tierra Energy Inc.   8-K   001-34018   3.1   7/9/2018    
3.3   Bylaws of Gran Tierra Energy Inc.   8-K   001-34018   3.4   11/4/2016    
4.1   Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2.                    
4.2*   Specimen Preferred Stock Certificate and Form of Certificate of Designation of Preferred Stock                    
4.3*   Form of Debt Indenture                    
4.4*   Form of Debt Securities                    
4.5*   Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate                    
4.6*   Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate                    
4.7*   Form of Debt Securities Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate                    
4.8*   Form of Subscription Receipt Agreement                    
5.1   Opinion of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP                   X
12.1   Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges                   X
23.1   Consent of Deloitte LLP                   X
23.2   Consent of McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd.,                   X
23.3   Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)                    
24.1   Power of Attorney (included in signature page)                    
25.1**   Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Debt Indenture                    
99.1   Third Party Report on Reserves   10-K    001-34018    99.1    2/27/18     

 

*Gran Tierra Energy, Inc. will file as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K (i) any underwriting, remarketing or agency agreement relating to the securities offered hereby, (ii) the instruments setting forth the terms of any securities, (iii) any additional required opinions of counsel with respect to legality of the securities offered hereby and (iv) any required opinion of counsel to Gran Tierra Energy, Inc. as to certain tax matters relating to the securities offered hereby.

 

**To be filed in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Rule 5b-3 thereunder.

 

 

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  Item 17. Undertakings

 

The undersigned registrant 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 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), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of 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 liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

 

(i)          Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

(ii)         Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

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(5)   That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

(i)          Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

(ii)         Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

(iii)        The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

(iv)        Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

(6)   That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 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.

 

(7)   To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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 foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the 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 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the 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, the 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.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Calgary, Province of Alberta, Canada, on September 5, 2018.

 

  Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
     
  By:   /s/ Gary S. Guidry  
    Gary S. Guidry
    President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Know all persons by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Gary S. Guidry, Ryan Ellson and Kristine Robidoux, and each of them, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for them and in their name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, and generally to do all such things in their names and behalf in their capacities as officers and directors to enable Gran Tierra Energy Inc. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and all requirements of the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signatures   Title   Date
         
/s/ Gary S. Guidry   Director, President and Chief Executive Officer   September 5, 2018
Gary S. Guidry   (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ Ryan Ellson   Chief Financial Officer   September 5, 2018
Ryan Ellson   (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)    
         
/s/ Robert B. Hodgins   Chairman of the Board of Directors   September 5, 2018
Robert B. Hodgins        
         
/s/ Peter Dey   Director   September 5, 2018
Peter Dey        
         
/s/ Evan Hazell   Director   September 5, 2018
Evan Hazell        
         
/s/ Ronald W. Royal   Director   September 5, 2018
Ronald W. Royal        
         
/s/ Sondra Scott   Director   September 5, 2018
Sondra Scott        
         
/s/ David P. Smith   Director   September 5, 2018
David P. Smith        
         
/s/ Brooke Wade   Director   September 5, 2018
Brooke Wade        

 

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